A PECULIAR PEOPLE by E. H. Gates

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1879

A PECULIAR PEOPLE.

By E. H. Gates

God’s remnant church should be a peculiar people; not peculiar as the word sometimes signifies, that is, not noted for oddities and eccentricities, but a “peculiar people zealous of good works.” If God’s people live out the truth to the best of their ability, they will be peculiar enough without indulging in notions that are disgusting to the world, and that have their root in selfishness. They should be distinguished from the world by an upright life, by honest deal with those without, by holy conversation, by unassuming dress, and by much prayer. The constant tendency of the church is to a conformity to the world. Paul says, “Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2.

Some Sabbath-keepers think to gain influence with worldlings by aping the fashions of the world, and indulging in its frivolities. But says James, “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” Chap. 4:4. As a person is called an adulterer who proves unfaithful to a chosen companion, so those who have espoused Christ by their solemn church vows are called adulterers if they have unlawful connection with the world, and thus prove unfaithful to their chosen Lord. This is spiritual adultery.

The apostle James also tells us that pure religion and undefiled is to keep ourselves unspotted from the world. Of course we are only to refrain from conformity to the world where the world is in opposition to the Scriptures. Vain and frivolous conversation is not in accordance with Christ’s teachings; therefore it should not be indulged in. Dressing like the devotees of fashion is also condemned by the Scriptures. “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel.” 1 Pet. 3:3. By indulging in these things we show that we have more desire for the esteem of the world than for the favor of God.

We must be a peculiar people if we would be members of the “church of the First-born which are written in Heaven.” Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it; . . . that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:25, 27.

E. H. GATES.

Leesburg, Ohio.