What, then, is conformity to the world, and what is the practical development of it in common life? Its general principles we have already ascertained. It is living according to the mind of the world, instead of the mind of God; and, as far as general principle is concerned, there will probably be but little difference amongst Christian persons. The real difficulty lies in the application of this principle to daily life, and in ascertaining where to draw the line between that which is desirable and that which is undesirable, for those whose desire it is to be conformed to the will of God. In many happy cases there is no difficulty at all, for it disappears before the power of a new affection. The new affection which God has planted in the heart is so strong, and so warm, that it settles all questions without discussion. The new taste finds no relish in the old habits, and the result is that they drop off of themselves, like the leaves in autumn. But there is not always this strength in the new affection; and there are those who are thoroughly sincere in their desire to follow Christ; and who, we hope, have really begun to follow Him; who still want help in making up their mind as to the line they ought to take. They have to decide on their course of conduct, and sometimes without any counsel from their friends. They wish to be faithful to their blessed Saviour, but they are anxious not to give needless offence. They are afraid of paining those whom they respect and love, and there is a delicate feeling of modesty, which makes it extremely painful for them to make a higher profession than those around them. For such cases, a few practical suggestions may be an assistance. RECOGNITION OF THE DISTINCTION. There is conformity to the world _when we ignore the distinction between the people of God and the world_; and this, I believe, lies at the very root of the subject. There is nothing more unpopular to the world than this distinction. The prevailing theory of worldly persons is, that all are very much alike, provided only that they are virtuous and amiable; and there is nothing which they dislike more than the idea of a peculiar people, separated unto God in Christ Jesus. They would wish to be considered right in their opinion, as their more religious friends are right in theirs; and if the servants of God will only concede this one principle, the men of the world will bear almost anything at their hand.