Newton responded to a young man concerning conformity to the world. It is a very wise letter where he counsels against “renouncing the society of the world” as well as those that try to “serve both God and Mammon”. Concerning renouncing society Newton says:
But unless we could flee from ourselves likewise, this would afford us no advantage; so long as we carry our own wicked hearts with us, we shall be exposed to temptation go where we will…A man may almost starve his body to feed his pride: but to those who fear and serve the Lord, every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving, for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
And to those that make their home in this world, Newton opines:
By their conduct, as far as in them lies, they declare, that they do not find the religion of the Gospel answer their expectations; that it does not afford them the satisfaction they once hoped for from it; and that therefore they are forced to seek relief from the world.
The entire letter is worth reading. You can do so here.
