“BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD.”
By Frank Starr
We believe that “Babylon is fallen;” and that her fall was, to a great extent, caused by her sinful connection with the world and conformity to its customs. The churches are often spoken of as taking the lead in fashionable dress; but God has commissioned his servants to denounce this vice, and he will certainly demand of them a faithful execution of the commission. How necessary it is that we act consistently with our belief! As we see conformity to the world pressing in upon us, have we not reason to be alarmed? It may be said that none of us are taking the lead in fashion. Very true; instead of leading, some are being led by the votaries of fashion; and our Saviour says, “If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” What difference does it make, then, whether we lead or are led? “But,” says one astonished that such an application should be made of this text, “we are not blind; we are living in the light of present truth, and are rejoicing in it.” Very true, again; and this is what makes the case the more remarkable. For any one having the many warnings of God’s word and the Testimonies to submit to be led by fashion, is as unreasonable as for a person who has good eyes to submit to be led by some presumptuous blind man.