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Testimonies for the Church Volume 3
tastes for, and enjoyment of, that which is beautiful, and instead must
accept of humiliation and degradation. Satan never fastens a greater
deception upon minds than this. The pure religion of Jesus requires of
its followers the simplicity of natural beauty and the polish of natural
refinement and elevated purity, rather than the artificial and false.
While pure religion is looked upon as exacting in its demands and,
with the young especially, is unfavorably contrasted with the false
glitter and tinsel of the world, the Bible requirements are regarded as
humiliating, self-denying tests, which take from them all the enjoyment
of life. But the religion of the Bible ever has a tendency to elevate
and refine. And had the professed followers of Christ carried out the
principles of pure religion in their lives, the religion of Christ would
be acceptable to more refined minds. The religion of the Bible has
nothing in it which would jar upon the finest feelings. It is, in all
its precepts and requirements, as pure as the character of God and as
elevated as His throne.
The Redeemer of the world has warned us against the pride of
life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He pointed to all the
glowing beauty of the flowers of the field and to the lily reposing in
its spotless purity upon the bosom of the lake and said: “Consider
the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they
spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was
not arrayed like one of these.” Here He shows that notwithstanding
persons may have great care, and may toil with weariness to make
themselves objects of admiration by their outward decorations, all
their artificial adornments, which they value so highly, will not bear
comparison with the simple flowers of the field for natural loveliness.
Even these simple flowers, with God’s adornment, would outvie in
loveliness the gorgeous apparel of Solomon. “Even Solomon in all his
glory was not arrayed like one of these.”
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Here is an important lesson for every follower of Christ. The
Redeemer of the world speaks to the youth. Will you listen to His
words of heavenly instruction? He presents before you themes for
thought that will ennoble, elevate, refine, and purify, but which will
never degrade or dwarf the intellect. His voice is speaking to you:
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be
hid.” “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good