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Editorial
May 1, 1937
Atlanta Daily World
Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia
What is this article about?
Rev. James Marion Boston criticizes church members for participating in 'number writing' gambling, calling them unconverted and hypocritical, urging them to stop and redirect funds to help the needy for true Christian influence.
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"The Numbers" And Church People
By REV. JAMES MARION BOSTON
Minister, Macedonia Baptist Church, of Powder Springs, Ga.
Number Writing Christians
It is very distasteful to me and I believe it is to every true Christian, when we see how so many of our so-called Christians go hand-in-hand with the people of the world, who do not profess to know Jesus and His goodness. I do not know what you think about it as "Christian" but here is what I think about this number writing business by people who claim to be Christians. I do not believe that these people are converted. They are members of the church and they have been baptized, but they do not have the grace of God in their hearts. If they did they could not continue to live as they do. Persons who profess to be Christians make mistakes, but they will not keep on making that same mistake and knowing too that it is bringing disgrace on themselves, their homes and the church where Jesus promised to meet His people. There is something in every Christian that will check his evil activities in the world.
Two-Faced Christians
I am of the opinion that if all church people would come out of the racket it would have to close down. But the church people are the best customers that the racket man has. Then, when revival seasons come, these same people get up in some choir and sing and try at some prayer meeting to influence these same sinners with whom they have been playing numbers. That is the reason many of you church people do not have any influence with sinners. If you go around to these different revival meetings you will see a large number of these racketeers there, singing, praying and shouting, just as though they are happy.
But they are not fooling anybody but themselves, because the world is not bothered about them and God knows their hearts. Let the church people come out from among the sinners and be a separate people, says the Lord, that we might have power in the world.
Why not take the money spent in rackets and give it to a worthy cause. If you will do this, the Lord will bless you without a doubt. Just try God if you do not believe me. He will add a blessing to you. When you are spending your money on gambling, think of the many little children that are suffering that you can help.
By REV. JAMES MARION BOSTON
Minister, Macedonia Baptist Church, of Powder Springs, Ga.
Number Writing Christians
It is very distasteful to me and I believe it is to every true Christian, when we see how so many of our so-called Christians go hand-in-hand with the people of the world, who do not profess to know Jesus and His goodness. I do not know what you think about it as "Christian" but here is what I think about this number writing business by people who claim to be Christians. I do not believe that these people are converted. They are members of the church and they have been baptized, but they do not have the grace of God in their hearts. If they did they could not continue to live as they do. Persons who profess to be Christians make mistakes, but they will not keep on making that same mistake and knowing too that it is bringing disgrace on themselves, their homes and the church where Jesus promised to meet His people. There is something in every Christian that will check his evil activities in the world.
Two-Faced Christians
I am of the opinion that if all church people would come out of the racket it would have to close down. But the church people are the best customers that the racket man has. Then, when revival seasons come, these same people get up in some choir and sing and try at some prayer meeting to influence these same sinners with whom they have been playing numbers. That is the reason many of you church people do not have any influence with sinners. If you go around to these different revival meetings you will see a large number of these racketeers there, singing, praying and shouting, just as though they are happy.
But they are not fooling anybody but themselves, because the world is not bothered about them and God knows their hearts. Let the church people come out from among the sinners and be a separate people, says the Lord, that we might have power in the world.
Why not take the money spent in rackets and give it to a worthy cause. If you will do this, the Lord will bless you without a doubt. Just try God if you do not believe me. He will add a blessing to you. When you are spending your money on gambling, think of the many little children that are suffering that you can help.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Social Reform
What keywords are associated?
Number Writing
Christian Hypocrisy
Gambling Racket
Moral Reform
Church Influence
What entities or persons were involved?
Rev. James Marion Boston
Macedonia Baptist Church
Church People
Racketeers
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Criticism Of Christians Participating In Number Writing Gambling
Stance / Tone
Strong Moral Condemnation And Exhortation
Key Figures
Rev. James Marion Boston
Macedonia Baptist Church
Church People
Racketeers
Key Arguments
Christians Who Engage In Number Writing Are Not Truly Converted And Lack God's Grace
Church Members Are The Best Customers For Gambling Rackets
Hypocritical Church People Singing And Praying With Sinners Undermine Their Influence
Church People Should Separate From Sinners To Gain Power And Use Gambling Money For Worthy Causes