William Everett, a Congressman from Massachusetts in the late 1800s, told the story of a congregation in England that needed new hymn books but lacked the money to pay for them. The churchgoers learned that a large company, a maker of patent medicines, would furnish hymn books at a penny each if the books could carry some advertising.

The congregation saw no harm in making that concession, and so they ordered the books. The new hymnals arrived at the church on the day before Christmas. On Christmas morning, the pastor announced, "Hymn number 138." The good people turned to the hymn, and in a few seconds were aghast to find themselves singing: Hark! the herald angels sing Beecham's pills are just the thing; Peace on earth and mercy mild, Two for man and one for child. (1)

I guess the fear…