The Uses and Abuses of Gifts, and Their Relation to Dress.
By W. H. Littlejohn
BY ELD. W. H. LITTLEJOHN. There are few avenues to the human heart more direct than that which is opened to one who is seeking to give expression to his affection for a fellow-mortal, by some substantial token of his regard. If there has previously been a question as to whether the professions of friendship of the individual under consideration were genuine, these generally give way before testimony which is presumably satisfactory, since it finds expression in the presentation of that which is supposed to have cost the donor more or less sacrifice of time or means. He is immediately received into the most unlimited confidence, and not only so, but, having made good his claims to sincerity, obtains over the recipient of his favors, almost unbounded control. As he has proved his heart to be right, it is at once determined that the decisions of his intellect must also be reliable, and, as a consequence, the determinations of his judgment become matters of law. The first impulse is to surrender to him the control of all affairs in which he is personally interested, and from that time forward, it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to decide impartially in those things, the decision of which, it is supposed will in any way affect his interests. Hence, we have the language of inspired wisdom: “A gift blindeth the eyes.” And human prudence, endorsing the equity of the maxim thus established, and realizing that the most sagacious men are more or less subject to the weakness which it portrays, has inserted in the laws of our country the provision that our chief magistrate shall not, while in office, receive a gift at the hands of foreign powers; evidently fearing the effect which it might produce upon his decisions. Here, then, is a moral which we shall do well to pause and ponder. It is this: Gifts are among the most powerful influences either for good or ill. Is there a man whose well-being you earnestly desire, and yet whom you find difficult of approach? It is barely possible that you may reach that man in the manner under consideration, and, by some outward token of esteem, to win his confidence to that extent, that you may be able to do him the good you so earnestly desire. In this way thousands have been successfully approached, and judiciously led to Christ, who would otherwise have been reached with great difficulty, if at all. Happy would it be if this were all the truth. Unfortunately, however, there is a dark side to this question. We speak not of those who have systematically employed this principle under consideration in the political and judicial world, by resorting to bribes, subsidies, &c. &c.; but we have more especial reference to the mischief which has been wrought by this means to the cause of God. It is one of the misfortunes of the system of supporting the ministry, generally followed at present, that preachers are largely dependent for their maintenance upon the contributions of the very men whose sins they are, by their office, called upon to condemn in the most unsparing terms. This being the case, it would not unfrequently occur—if these men were faithful to their sacred trust—that those who, by virtue of their wealth, have, in many instances, control of the church in such matters, would cause the fearless servant of God, who should use the plain language of scripture, “Go to, now, ye rich men, weep and howl, for your miseries, which shall come upon you,” as it was employed anciently, to feel that they are their masters, by withholding from them the very bread which is necessary to their existence. Alas! for religion, therefore, that testimony, which should ever come from the Christian pulpit in the spirit of an uncompromising warfare upon sin, wherever found, is tempered to suit the ears of men, who, ignorant of the principles of the gospel of that kingdom which is promised to “the poor of this world, rich in faith,” have practically said to this class, “Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool;” while to him who wears the gold ring and the costly apparel, are addressed the more welcome words, “Sit thou here in a good place.” Turning now, for a moment, from the popular churches of the present time, let us consider the relation which our denomination sustains to this subject. So far as our ministers are concerned, they are happily preserved, by the operations of our tithing system, and by the fact that they are generally itinerants, from the necessity of catering to the tastes of any, in order to guard against the loss of salaries sufficient for their maintenance. As matters are at present administered among us, it would be impossible for any evil-disposed person to deprive them of just compensation for their services until they had first corrupted the whole conference to which they belong. If, therefore, any one of them shall prove recreant to the sacred trust which has been committed to him, by failing to denounce wrong, wherever and in whoever found, he can never plead in justification of his course, that he was compelled to it in order to secure his livelihood; but will be forced to admit that his fault originated in that which is even a lower and baser motive, namely, that moral cowardice which induces men to exert themselves to please, simply for the sake of pleasing. Are we, then, an exception to the rule? Have we at last found a system so complete that we are entirely protected from the danger of an abuse of gifts? We fear not. This matter is not one which is confined altogether to the pulpit; the pew is also interested in it. Have you read the noble protest of Eld. Butler against the daily increasing conformity to the world in matters of dress, which is manifested among us? Is it true that we are steadily drifting away from that simplicity in those matters, which characterized our people in former days? These are questions which are worth the pondering. The wearing of gold and costly apparel, which is so clearly spoken against in the New Testament, cannot be indulged in, without grieving and driving from the heart the Spirit of God. So true is this, that you may take the history of any denomination and you will invariably find, that the days of their purity and power were those in which its members, while seeking for neatness and taste, studiously guarded against everything like ornamentation or extravagance in their wearing apparel. As an illustration of this, instance the followers of John Wesley. Within the memory of very many who may read this article, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, for one to cross the threshold leading to the chamber of a Methodist love-feast, with a gold ring glittering upon the finger or a breast-pin upon the bosom. How very different now. And yet the change in practice is not more decided than that in condition. The denomination in question, so far as its influence for good is concerned, is, when contrasted with the past, like that of decrepit old age, when set over against the vigor and strength of early manhood. I will not stop here to inquire whether this was the cause, or is the consequence of their fall. It is immaterial to the issue. If it were the former, then certainly it should be avoided. If the latter, then it is the fruit of a corrupt heart, and must necessarily be pernicious. What we wish to determine is this: how have these results been brought about? Having done this we can apply the remedy. So far as other sects are concerned, we cannot speak so confidently. But as it regards our own denomination, we have given the matter considerable attention, and as the result of our observation have decided in our own mind, that the difficulty with us is generally attributable to one of four things. The first among them is, inherent pride of heart, and consequent love of display. The second, is the fact that many, instead of taking the Bible for their rule, while thinking and acting for themselves, do, on the contrary, allow themselves to be led by the example of others. Thirdly, the use of imitations, such as jewelry manufactured from oroide, which bears so near a resemblance to the genuine, that in nine cases out of ten, it is mistaken for it, thus inducing the beholder to believe that the owner is favorable to the wearing of gold. Fourthly, many who would not resort to these things, as a matter of personal choice, are led to do so by an injudicious presentation to them of articles of wearing apparel, and ornaments, which are contraband in the gospel. That the first three of the above propositions are correct, will not be disputed. That the last is equally sound, we are well satisfied as the result of close attention. So often have we seen this demonstrated, that we do not hesitate in stating our conviction that it is the settled purpose of our great enemy, if it be possible, to strand us upon this rock. Again and again have we watched his maneuvering—while operating through unconsecrated persons, who had an itching to indulge in forbidden articles, and yet had not the courage to do so, unless they could first see them put on by some one of influence and standing—until finally they have been persuaded through his wiles to compass their object, by donating to the individual in question, the very things which themselves had coveted, even though for this purpose it were necessary to start a subscription paper, thereby calling to their help those who, in the honest liberality of their souls, never dreamed of the corrupt end to which they were invited to contribute. Another method by which the same end is reached, is as follows: A young gentleman or young lady is the object of esteem and love, on the part of some one who wishes to give outward expression to that regard. The first question which naturally presents itself is, how shall this be done? So far as money is concerned, its use, under such circumstances, would, with our present notions of propriety, be looked upon as vulgar. A happy thought presents itself. The person has in his possession a gold watch, or chain, or ring, or pin. It is true that they have been laid aside, because of an undefined notion that perhaps the wearing of them was not altogether right. But he is not quite sure that he may not be mistaken in this after all? At any rate, why should he act as conscience for another? The one who is to receive them is not compelled to put them on. Should he see fit to do so, he can deposit them safely in the bureau-drawer, and every time his eye rests upon them, they will present a fitting memento of the affectionate and enduring regard of the donor. With such logic, the voice of conscience is stilled, and the articles are presented, and accepted. Now follows the counterpart of this matter. The person receiving them, is touched by these tokens of friendly esteem. What disposition ought he to make of them? Nothing was said, at the time of their presentation, respecting the misgivings of the donor. Such an allusion would have been very ungraceful. The conclusion is therefore necessary, that they were given in perfectly good faith, and the recipient, as a consequence, reasoning that the individual who donated them designed that they should be put to their customary use, and fearing lest he might be regarded as ungrateful, should he fail to do so, at last decides that, as a matter of courtesy, he will wear them for a short time, at least. They are therefore put on, with a certain degree of uneasiness. This, however, is measurably relieved, by the practice of announcing to each one of the brethren, as he meets them in order, that he never would have thought of expending money for such things, but these had been received as a gift from so and so. Time passes. Familiarity with the articles, removes all compunction; and now, wearied with endless explanations, they are worn as a matter of course. Others observe his practice, and unacquainted with the history of the matter, or, if not, feeling that it affords no justification for the course pursued, legitimately conclude, that he is, after all, in favor of indulging in such extravagances. As the result of this conclusion, he being a man of standing and intelligence, he casts the whole of his moral influence in favor of a practice clearly denounced in the word of God, and the young and the weak stumble over him into perdition. Thus much for the occasion, to a large extent, of our difficulties and dangers. Now for the remedy. What shall be done to avoid the threatened calamity? The first impulse would be that of resorting to a system of discipline, which, by rigid execution, would compass the end desired. There are, however, difficulties attending this process, which are by no means insignificant. We now recollect of but one denomination which, for many years together, has succeeded in checking this universal tendency to conform in dress to the usages of men of the world. We speak of the Friends. If we are rightly informed, they make these things matters of test; or at least, have done so until recently. But while their system has been a success in one direction, it has been measurably a failure in another. Their adoption of a uniform to be worn by all ages, sizes, complexions, &c., &c., has its disadvantages. With it, there is no opportunity for the exercise of judicious taste, in the selection of appropriate colors. Nor does it afford opportunity for slight variations which will enable them to avail themselves of the10various real improvements, which are occasionally introduced. In fine, their present dress has not the advantage of superiority in any considerable respect; and is, on the whole, in many particulars, outlandish and offensive. A nearer approach to the usages of the age would bring with it many advantages. Before following their example, excellent as it may be, in some particulars, it seems to us that we should do well in making an extraordinary effort to attain our object in some other way. While we are not prepared to say that a willful disregard of New-Testament teaching upon this subject might not afford good cause for church labor under some circumstances, we incline to the opinion that a little more latitude, in some directions, than is allowed by the Quakers, might with safety be granted. At all events, we hope to see a united effort, on the part of preachers and people, for the attainment of the desired reform. Let a sentiment be created among us, and fostered at all times, which shall be so strong in its opposition to these innovations that there can be no mistaking its tone and temper. And while we avoid that other extreme, which confounds simplicity with neglect, and plainness of dress with untidy and slovenly appearance, let us struggle manfully for the maintenance of a true position upon this subject. As we have seen that the real source of our troubles lies in pride of heart, let us all seek for a new and thorough conversion to God, and learn of “Him who was meek, and lowly in spirit.” Again, as the second cause of our troubles was found to lie in a disposition to follow the examples of those who were unworthy to be thus honored, “let us not compare ourselves among ourselves,” but let us conform in all respects, to the great pattern which is presented to us in the Son of God. We have so much confidence in the religious instincts of our people, that we believe there is hardly one among them who is not capable of reaching a correct solution, in his or her individual case, in everything which relates to this subject, in the application of the plainest and easiest gospel principles. Let every one, in deciding what may and what may not be worn, propound to himself this simple inquiry: Were the Lord Jesus Christ now on earth, should I expect to see him arrayed in this manner? This done, we believe that we shall, in the majority of cases, reach conclusions which will at once be uniform and correct. Let us test it for a moment. Who among us are so ignorant of the character of the humble man of Nazareth, as presented in the Scriptures, that they would, for a moment, think it compatible with their idea of consistency between his teachings and practice, to picture him, in their mind’s eye, as walking among men, if now living, while sporting a gold watch suspended by a massive gold chain? Who would expect to see his fingers adorned with numerous and glittering gold rings? Who would look upon the sacred vestments in the anticipation of seeing them studded with ornaments? Who that has read those touching remarks of his respecting the Baptist, and his allusion to the fact “that soft raiment is found in kings’ houses,” would ever expect to see him arrayed in an extravagant manner? And, on the other hand, whose mind does not revolt at the thought of associating his sacred presence with uncleanness, untidiness, or slovenliness in dress? When we come to examine the matter, we shall reach the conclusion, as we have remarked above, that there is, after all, but little difference among us, as to how the reputed son of Joseph and Mary regarded these things. We are united in the conviction that he must have been a person occupying a position in this matter, between the two extremes. He was neither neglectful of his personal appearance, nor was he characterized by that vanity which takes especial delight in display. He was well but plainly dressed. What has been said of him might, also, with equal propriety, be stated of his followers. Who would for a moment suppose, that either Peter or Paul—the one charged with the gospel to Israel, and the other with it to the Gentiles—could ever have yielded to a vain love of ostentatious show, after having penned such words as the following: “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3: 3, 4. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness), with good works.” 1 Tim. 2: 9, 10. Finally, adopting the verdict which has been pronounced by men of sense everywhere, against the wearing of bogus resemblances of a pure article, as being too grossly vulgar to be indulged in under any circumstances, and as we have seen that much of our backsliding has been occasioned by an injudicious distribution of improper tokens of friendship and regard, let us, while guarding our own practice in the matter under consideration, see to it that we do not become guilty of corrupting others, by our presents. These things done, though we may not be in the full possession of, we shall, at least, have entered upon the highroad, which, in these matters, leads to, the favor of God.