Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1875-01-01
(Frum The T0Icd, Rsview.)
And, In Gods Name, Has it Come 10
ThiS2


Several weeks ago we wrote an article on
gambling. and tried our best to show up
the evil that is in it. We cautioned faith
ers of families against letting their SONS
take part in such, even though the shadow
of the church shaded the scene. The sensi-
bic and fair-mindcd we're pleased at what
we said, but few got restless and attribu-
ted to us motives other than those we were
actuated bv. 1t now comes that the Grand
Jury of Lucas county, Ohio, having care
fully looked at what is done in the name
and for the benefit of churches, and regret
ting that some have turned themselves into
ecclesiastical Barnums and the spare
rooms about their churches into gambling
rooms, theatres-COmique or otherwise-at
its present session, unanimously adopted
the following as expressive OF its convlc-
tions:
Re.olred-That we, the grand jurors for Lu
cas- county, Ohio at the present term, do lament
the increase of crimes in our land, and more
especially, the crime Of gambling, whereby
many Of the finest men in cur land are ruined
morally and financially; we look with regret
on the practice Of some nf the churches, as set
ting forth examples OF said crime; we would
most respectfully ask the churches Of our land
to discontinue such practices.
TOLEDO, U. Dec. H. lot 4.
| And, in Gods name, has it come to this
| 4 grand jury cautioning the churches
against their immoral practices, and teach
ing the people over the heads of those who
claim to teach and preach the word-nay,
pronOuncing as a crime, and az moral and
| financial ruin, that at which some teach
ers connive, and which they sanction for
ambitions sake, for sway, for money
The Grand Jury of Lucas county does
not go to New York for the subject of its
| expressive resolution. 1t would have no
business to go outside its own sphere
What transpires in Lucas county alone is
| it called upon to lament, correct or con-
dcmn And of this kind, in Toledo, il
finds enough All the people see it, they
regret it and are panied, as is the Grand
jury, to see men of years and much labor
! going astray, and instead of doing good
unwittingly-for indeed they can not mean
! it-doing evil. A church that has 10 have
recourse TO gambling for the raising OF
money is in bad way, and pastor who
does, or, through circumstances, has to
sanction such, must be without much intlu-
ence, if not completely broken down. The
worst feature OF the affair is that religion
is compromised BY such conduct, and the
Money may build churches and cOmmodi,
ous quarters, but it can never make n peo
pie religious. 1t is very bad to do any.
thing that would scandalize even the little
ones of the flock. To those who do il
Christ has said, Woe to thcm-J J9 homiH
III per quem scdndtltm remit.
Since want of money is the only excuse
that can be given in extenuation Of church
. | bl;,,o, tpirrbt old uyorl or ftyo n.
to poverty-stricken church communities. A
people who are not able to pay for tinC
church ought not to have it. 1t should no
be forced upon them. When people are
asked to give money and refuse, then they
should not be driven or compelled to give
They know their own circumstances better
than others know them. Fine churches
are fine things, but they are generally toe
fine to suit poor man who has from six tC
eight children to support and clothe on wa
ges of 81 80 per day. Moderation in dis
play would suit his taste and circumstance
better 1t is because big things are under
taken and poor people Oyertaxed to accom-
plish them that we have poor church com
munities. To make up for the deficit il
this respect, and to satisfy the ambitious
views of the projectors, are the reasons why
there is room for our Grand Jury to charg,
the churches with immoral practices such
as gambling. Churches are generally be
lieved to be erected for the glory of God
We will say that the work is begun and pros
ecuted with the best possible intentions
These intentions will have their reward
But when influence is brought to bear OF
the poor, or things are gotten up to attrae
their attention or to touch their ambition
or vanity, solely with view to make then
pay, we are OF opinion that church bull
with money gotten in this way can not b.
as pleasing to God as one built by donation
honorably asked for and freely given. Blu
when the matter is pushed farther, and it i
remarked that means have been resorted I,
for the raising of money for church purpos
es, that tend TO demOralize the people, thel
the idea Of pleasing God by building church
es with money acquired in this way, is sim
ply scandalous, ii not blosphemous.
The largest church edifce in hiscity ha
been built and nearly paid for by none
raised from the people, and no man ca
point TO an instance in the raising OF al
: these thousands as deserving of the cOndem
nation OF any grand jury.