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The Great Controversy 1888
of iniquity doth already work.” [
2 Thessalonians 2:7
.] During the lives
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 old
disciples retired to their graves, their children, along with new converts
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... came forward and new-modeled the cause.” [
Robinson, in History
of Baptism.
] 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’s
Lectures, p. 290.
] 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.” [
Gavazzi’s Lectures, p.
290.
]
Has not the same process been repeated in nearly every church
calling itself Protestant? As its 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 and 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
many will applaud thine elegance of taste, thy generosity and hospital-
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ity. But do not buy their applause so dear. Rather be content with the