Sad blots!

(Octavius Winslow, "None Like Christ" 1866)

How much is true religion shorn of its strength
by the lack of more spiritual-mindedness in its
professors! The worldly amusements to which
many addict themselves . . .
  the opera,
  the card-playing,
  the ball,
  the gay party,
  the novel-reading,
  the luxurious living,
  the extravagant customs,
in which multitudes of religious professors indulge,
are sad blots upon their avowed Christianity, and
great hindrances to the advancement of religion in
their own souls and in the world.

Oh! that with us vital religion—the pure, simple,
self-denying, unearthly religion of Christ—might
be paramount; its holy influence permeating our
whole being, and giving form and tint and direction
to all our engagements and conduct.