BRO. SMITH: I have not time at present to write an article on pride, as I threatened to do in my private letter from which you published an extract. But I can truly say, I have the greatest liberty when laboring in new places. Nothing can move out the honest to take a decided position in favor of the truth, till they see the fallen state of Babylon. And no argument is more tangible to prove her fallen state, than her merchandise and costly attire. This I feel free to talk where I know that no one can stop my mouth. But when I meet with a company of brethren, to present the truth to the world, my mouth is stopped. For I know that if I attempt to show the corruptions of popular christianity, it may with propriety, be retorted, “Physician, heal thyself.” When brought into such straight places, my pride is greatly mortified. This will do me good, but I do not want to receive good at the expense of my brethren. If all that profess the truth would do just right in this particular, I know not how proud and exalted I might become. But since it is for the best interest of the cause of truth, and of the household of faith, for all to lay aside their Babylonish garments and superfluities, perhaps the Lord would give me some other “thorn in the flesh” to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. But should I be lost through the salvation of so many, God would certainly be glorified; therefore I say to my brethren, do right, let the consequences be what they may. I will try to do right too, and hope that I also may be saved.173
Who believes that all the proud shall be stubble? And also, that the outward appearance is a true index of the heart? When the rumseller determines to discontinue his ruinous business, he takes down his sign. Would it not be well for those who would discontinue their pride, to take down the sign; and not pray God to strip them of the last and least remains of pride, while they will not so much as strip themselves of their ornaments. But these are small things to mention, perhaps not in reality worth a farthing; only a little net-work, or laces, insertions or fringes, that can ward off neither heat nor cold, nor answer the purpose of a covering. They cost but little of the Lord’s money, and a little more of the precious time which should be spent in his service. It only causes a breach of those apostolic precepts which require that whatever we do must be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “to the glory of God.” Hold! this is quite an expense, I should think. But if they cost but little, it can be but a little sacrifice to throw them away. Do not talk about great sacrifices till you are willing to make little ones.
But some have taken down the sign. Thank the Lord! I hope they will keep it down, though their very appearance may serve as a reproof to others. Persevere till the idols are utterly abolished. No one will regret in the end, that they have stood firm for the truth. When the loud cry is raised for the saints to come out of Babylon lest they partake of her sins, there must be some place besides Babylon to which they may flee. “If any wish to have their influence tell in favor of truth, let them live it out, and imitate the humble Pattern.”