ANY of the Lord’s people who may dwell in the large English cities will have been greatly saddened on account of the huge number of “Sunday” concerts, cinema shows and theatrical entertainments which are being organised in order to raise funds for the Cancer Research Campaign and similar well-deserving causes. Judging from the Press reports these gatherings often draw enormous crowds—including, we have reason to fear, some who regard themselves as Christians and who salve their consciences with the thought that it is “for a good cause.” As in the Apostles’ day, they argue that the end justifies the means, but God is not mocked and no blessing—but rather the reverse—may be expected to rest upon money raised by flouting His commands. Those who may be tempted to attend such impious and daring profanities would do well to remember that though hand join in hand yet will not iniquity go unpunished; whilst the Divine blessing is promised for those who walk not in the counsel of the ungodly nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of the scornful. A sad aspect of the case is the whole-heartedness with which many doctors, medical students and nurses help in organising everything of this nature. We have reason to believe that some of them were brought up in godly homes, and if these lines should catch the eye of any such, we would warn them that unless they are brought to timely repentance the family worship and catechising of their father’s house will be advanced in their condemnation on the Day of Judgment. “Loving darkness because their deeds are evil” some of them will go into the dark dens of Popery and Unitarianism—anywhere away from the light of the Gospel—whilst others are frankly infidels. As the late Dr. McOwen, Liverpool, once wrote—”Medical men often impose on themselves. Except in seasons of epidemic disease, and on some other extraordinary occasions, they might generally, by diligence and foresight, secure time for attending public worship. The scepticism which too much prevails in the medical profession, is no doubt nursed, if it be not occasioned, by habitual absence from the means of grace; and young practitioners, who yet believe there is a God, that man has an immortal soul, and that Christianity is Divine, will do well to ‘remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,’ lest they also be given up to strong delusions.” It is not surprising that the Man of Sin in Rome finds doctors willing to be his tools in his desperate attempt to conquer England and destroy with axes and hammers the carved work of the First and Second Reforms. The well-known St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, has just placed on the market sixteen of what are described as “Bring-me-luck mascots,” and which include inkpots, motor radiator fittings and ladies’ “vanity cases.” Each of these “mascots” bears a figure of St. Bartholomew and the inscription “Saint Bartholomew, Guard, Prosper and Bring Happiness.” According to circulars which have been posted to traders all over the country, we need protection from accidents; and the claims of St. Bartholomew are very strong, as he is “pre-occupied with our health, safety and happiness!” As a nation we once entered into solemn covenant relationship with the Most High, and from the King down we undertook to extirpate from these islands every form of religion except Scriptural Presbyterianism. Instead of that we afterwards passed an Act Rescissory, since when we have gone from bad to worse so that to-day our laws are framed for us by men who not only are not Presbyterians but in every sense of the word are open rebels against the King of kings and Lord of lords. Every kind of religious weed from Plymouth Brethrenism to Prelacy and Popery is allowed to flourish like a green bay-tree, whilst God’s Word is set aside and His commandments flouted by King and people alike; but even before time took its rise He has decreed that:—
“His large and great dominion shall
From sea to sea extend;
It from the river shall reach forth
Unto earth’s utmost end.”
Faith is satisfied with this, whilst unbelief still cries “Where is the promise of His coming?”—F. B.