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 followers 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 many will applaud thy elegance of taste , thy generosity and hospitality . But do not buy their applause so dear . Rather be content with the honor that cometh from God ." --Wesley, Works , Sermon 50 , " The Use of Money ." But in many churches of our time such teaching is disregarded .
A profession of religion has become popular with the world . Rulers , politicians , lawyers , doctors , merchants , join the church as a means of securing the respect and confidence of society , and advancing their own worldly interests . Thus they seek to cover all their unrighteous transactions under a profession of Christianity . The various religious bodies , reenforced by the wealth and influence of these baptized worldlings , make a still higher bid for popularity and patronage . Splendid churches , embellished in the most extravagant manner , are erected on popular avenues . The worshipers array themselves in costly and fashionable attire . A high salary is paid for a talented minister to entertain and attract the people . His sermons must not touch popular sins , but be made smooth and pleasing for fashionable ears . Thus fashionable sinners are enrolled on the church records , and fashionable sins are concealed under a pretense of godliness .
Commenting on the present attitude of professed Christians toward the world , a leading secular journal says : " Insensibly the church has yielded to the spirit of the age , and adapted its forms of worship to modern wants ." " All things , indeed , that help to make religion attractive ,
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