disappeared , and insensibly , as the 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 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
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