Formalism | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 14, 1886

Formalism.

As in all armies soldiers are found who enjoy military exercises on the peaceful parade ground, but shrink from the perils of the battle-field, so in the church there are too many who cheerfully participate in the forms of worship, but dislike to contend earnestly against their inward as well as their outward sins. They are disposed to be a little pious, but not to be wholly the Lord's. Such disciples justify this sharp observation by Adam Clarke: "The measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ is seldom seen; the measure of the stature of littleness, dwarfishness, and emptiness is often exhibited." Alas, that men with our rich gospel in their hands should turn from the abundant banqueting table of their Lord's love to feed on the husks of formalism! Surely, it is sweeter living in intimate fellowship with Christ than to "follow him afar off" at the risk of falling into temptation and parting company with him forever.—Zion's Herald.