Ornaments | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1866

Ornaments.

THERE has been no time during the existence of this generation, when so many and so costly ornaments were worn as at the present time. In this respect, one might think the people were returning back to the habits of the heathen nations; and that the tastes of children were gratified, instead of the noble manhood and womanhood that should characterize civilized and Christian nations. The disposition to make a show in the world seems to have become almost universal; as well among the majority of church members, as those who make no profession of religion. This is a sure sign that the church is becoming conformed to the world, and floating away from the true standard of Christianity. But few have courage to come out from the world, and be separate. They do more than Lot's wife,—look back; they go back to the world, and then claim the world has advanced to a higher position. The returning current is so strong, that but few young people who profess religion, have courage to stand against such an overwhelming influence, and dare to be singular, if they lose every earthly friend.

We find here and there a few who see and feel the importance of doing all to the glory of the Lord; who live as though they believed their actions were known to their Creator, and that Christianity requires more from those who profess it than most believe. There are some who think, when the Scripture says "that women" should "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array," that this requirement should be observed as carefully as any other, if they would please the Lord, and hear him say at last, "Well done." Would that more felt the force of this Scripture, and other kindred passages. We have come to an age when men and women trample under their feet the laws of God and man which they do not like, provided it is only fashionable to do so. Fashion rules the conduct of a large portion of society not only of the world, but the church. Instead of being "separate," as commanded, she follows after the fashions, with Satan for a leader, in the person of some of the lewd women of Paris.

'Tis true there are some noble exceptions in all evangelical denominations, who shine like diamonds among the dirt. We have recently met several young ladies in different places, who have sacrificed their jewelry, and adorned themselves in "modest apparel," and with "a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." If others only know how much better they would feel in their minds, we think they would be willing to make the sacrifice. They would not only feel better, but certainly look better. Beauty needs no ornaments; and deformity only attracts more attention when ornamented, because there is no similarity or fitness between the two. Pure gold needs no galvanizing to make it valuable, or to cause it to shine; so pure religion needs no ornaments to make it lovely and beautiful. Ornaments on a Christian are unbecoming, as rum blossoms on the nose, or as grease spots on fine linen. We hope those who profess to believe in the coming of Christ will lay them aside forever. Make the sacrifice at once, and give the results to the poor, and you will feel richer.

World's Crisis.