Sketches from the Life of Paul (1883) — PDF Scan 177
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170 LIFE OF PAUL . speciallyadaptedtothe wants of our day. By idolatryhe did not alonemean the worshipof idols,but alsoselfishness,loveofease,thegratificationof appetiteand passion. All thesecome under thehead of idolatry. A mere profession offaithin Christ,and a boastfulknowledge of the truth, does not constitutea Christian. A religionwhichseeksonlyto gratifytheeye,the ear,and thetaste,or which permitsany hurtful self-indulgence,is not thereligionof Christ. It isinharmony with the spiritof theworld,and isopposedtotheteachingsoftheHoly Scriptures. Festivalsand scenesof amusement,inwhichprofessed members of the Christian church imitate thecustomsand enjoythepleasuresoftheworld, constitute a virtual union with the enemies of God . The Corinthianswere departingwidelyfrom thesimplicityof the faithand the harmony of the church. They continued to assemble for worship,but with heartsthat were estranged from oneanother. They had pervertedthetrue meaning of the Lord'ssupper, patterningina greatdegreeafteridolatrousfeasts. They came togethertocelebratethe sufferingsand death of Christ,but turnedthe occasionintoa periodof feastingand selfishenjoyment. Ithad become customary,beforepartakingof the communion ,tounitein a socialmeal. Familiesprofessingthefaithbrought theirown food to the placeof meeting,and ate itwithout courteouslywaitingfortheotherstobe ready. The holyinstitutionoftheLord'ssupperwas,forthe wealthy,turnedintoa gluttonousfeast;whilethe poorwere made toblushwhen theirmeager fare was broughtin contrastwith thecostlyviands of their rich brethren .