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The Great Controversy
of the apostles the church remained comparatively pure. But “toward
the latter end of the second century most of the churches assumed
a new form; the first simplicity disappeared, and insensibly, as the
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old disciples retired to their graves, their children, along with new
converts, ... came forward and new-modeled the cause.”—Robert
Robinson, Ecclesiastical Researches, ch. 6, par. 17, p. 51. To secure
converts, the exalted standard of the Christian faith was lowered, and
as the result “a pagan flood, flowing into the church, carried with it its
customs, practices, and idols.”—Gavazzi, Lectures, page 278. As the
Christian religion secured the favor and support of secular rulers, it was
nominally accepted by multitudes; but while in appearance Christians,
many “remained in substance pagans, especially worshiping in secret
their idols.”—Ibid., page 278.
Has not the same process been repeated in nearly every church
calling itself Protestant? As the founders, those who possessed the
true spirit of reform, pass away, their descendants come forward and
“new-model the cause.” While blindly clinging to the creed of their
fathers and refusing to accept any truth in advance of what they saw, the
children of the reformers depart widely from their example of humility,
self-denial, and renunciation of the world. Thus “the first simplicity
disappears.” A worldly flood, flowing into the church, carries “with it
its customs, practices, and idols.”
Alas, to what a fearful extent is that friendship of the world which
is “enmity with God,” now cherished among the professed follow-
ers of Christ! How widely have the popular churches throughout
Christendom departed from the Bible standard of humility, self-denial,
simplicity, and godliness! Said John Wesley, in speaking of the right
use of money: “Do not waste any part of so precious a talent, merely
in gratifying the desire of the eye, by superfluous or expensive apparel,
or by needless ornaments. Waste no part of it in curiously adorning
your houses; in superfluous or expensive furniture; in costly pictures,
painting, gilding.... Lay out nothing to gratify the pride of life, to gain
the admiration or praise of men.... ‘So long as thou doest well unto
thyself, men will speak good of thee.’ So long as thou art ‘clothed in
purple and fine linen,’ and farest ‘sumptuously every day,’ no doubt
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many will applaud thy elegance of taste, thy generosity and hospital-
ity. But do not buy their applause so dear. Rather be content with
the honor that cometh from God.”—Wesley, Works, Sermon 50, “The