VOICES FROM THE PAST

 [This article originally published here:  Wild Boar Issue #1 - January 1996 ]

Spurgeon on the Downgrade

[Solomon once wrote that there is nothing new under the sun. We believe that this is equally true when it comes to theological error. Every heresy and unbiblical practice that can be found in the church today is merely a repeat or modification of a problem that plagued the church in earlier times. This being so, it can often prove fruitful to look to great Christians of the past for insight in dealing with some comtemporary manifestation of an old error. We must never forget the old adage: he who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it. In this issue we turn to the writings of Charles Spurgeon, the Prince of Preachers, whose struggles with what was called The Downgrade Controversy can shed much light on the modern trend toward "user-friendly" churches.- - Editor]
 
Everywhere there is apathy. Nobody cares whether that which is preached is true of false. A sermon is a sermon whatever the subject; only, the shorter it is the better....(note 1) 
 
The fact is, that many would like to unite church and stage, cards and prayer, dancing and sacraments. If we are powerless to stem this torrent, we can at least worn men of its existence, and entreat them to keep out of it. When the old faith is gone, and enthusiasm for the gospel is extinct, it is no wonder that people seek something else in the way of delight. Lacking bread, they feed on ashes; rejecting the way of the Lord, they run greedily in the path of folly...(note 2)
 
The extent to which sheer frivolity and utterly inane amusement have been carried in connection with some places of worship would almost exceed belief. . . . There can be not doubt that all sorts of entertainments, as nearly as possible approximating to stage-plays, have been carried on on connection with places of worship, and are, at this present time in high favor. Can these things promote holiness, or help in communion with God? Can men come away from such things and plead with God for the salvation of sinners and the sanctification of believers? We loathe to touch the unhallowed subject; it seems so far removed from the walk of faith and the way of heavenly fellowship. In some cases the follies complained of are even beneath the dignity of manhood, and fitter for the region of the imbecile than for thoughful men. (note 3)
 
I trust I am not given to finding fault where fault there is not; but I cannot open my eyes without seeing things done in our churches which, thirty years ago, were not so much as dreamed of. In the matter of amusements, professors have gone far in the way of laxity. What is worse, the churches have now conceived the idea that it is their duty to amuse the people. . . . What folly has been left untried? What absurdity has been to great for the consciences of those who profess to be the children of God, who are not of the world, but called to walk with God in a separated life? (note 4)

1. "Preface," The Sword and the Trowel (1888 complete volume) iii.
2. "Another Word Concerning the Downgrade," The Sword and the Trowel (August 1887) 398.
3. "Restoration of Truth and Revival," The Sword and the Trowel (December 1887) 606.
4. "A Dirge for the Downgrade, and a Song for Faith," The Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, vol. 35 (London: Passmore and Alabaster, 1889) 267-68.