Brown The Devil’s Mission of Amusement, 7 page article from 1889. Hollywood in the church and her ministries.
Archibald Brown was a student and a contemporary of C.H. Spurgeon. Under Brown’s ministry, many were saved and instructed.
The Devil’s Mission of Amusement
The Church’s Task – Entertainment or Evangelization?
By Archibald Brown
1889
Excerpts
Different days demand their own special testimony. The watchman who would be faithful to his Lord and to the city of his God needs to carefully note the signs of the times and to emphasize his witness accordingly. Concerning the testimony needed now, there can be little if any doubt. An evil is in the professed camp of the Lord, that is so gross, so brazen in its impudence, that the most shortsighted of spiritual men can hardly fail to notice it…. Amusement for the people is the leading article advertised by each… until the hideous fact has been proved up to the hilt, that “amusement” is ousting “the preaching of the Gospel” as the great attraction… The Concert is fast becoming as much a recognized part of church life as the Prayer Meeting; and it is already, in most places, far better attended.
“Providing recreation for the people” will soon be looked upon as a necessary part of Christian work, and as binding upon the Church of God, as though it were a Divine command, unless some strong voices are raised which will make themselves heard.
Brown The Devil’s Mission of Amusement