Correspondence

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
29. Walsall. It seems scarcely possible to think that any one could quote the words of Paul, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” (1 Cor. 9:2222To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22)), as a reason for joining the various games which rage at the present time. Where is the person that can honestly say he has joined such clubs for the sake of seeking the salvation of souls? “That I might by all means save some.” There are “lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” This is a scriptural mark the apostle gives of the last days, the perilous times. Does he say, Join them, become like them? No, he says—nay, God says—“From such turn away.” Games came from our heathen forefathers, and have always marked absence of spirituality in the professing church, if not a real power in Romanism. It is remarkable that every feature of Romanism is rapidly reviving in this country, and there seems to be a vast secret army, seeking to influence every outpost, with one single object—to banish true spirituality, which is separation from this evil world. Let us remember, “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” (1 John 2:15, 1615Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. (1 John 2:15‑16).) “The friendship of the world is enmity with God: whosoever, therefore, will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.” (Jas. 4:44Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:4).)