Religion of Circumstances.
THERE was a period, while the Reformation was being established, during which the English nation changed their religion to accommodate the preferences of the reigning monarch. Under Edward, priests, bishops, and people, were Protestants; under Mary, papists; under Elizabeth, Protestants; and under Henry VIII., papists, with the king for a pope. Such was the facility with which they adapted their religion to their circumstances, that a careful observer remarked “that the English would turn Turks if the king told them to.” The same accommodating spirit still prevails largely among professing Christians. They are reflectors, and not lights. They shine only as they are shone upon. They echo the sounds that fall upon them. They are the creatures of circumstances. It was with reference to this class that the Saviour said, Have salt in yourselves. Saving grace comes from God alone. It is always the same in its nature, and in its effects. It gives victory under temptation. Many are strong in virtue until they are thoroughly tested. They condemn others who do better than they themselves would in a similar position. But he who has the real grace of God in his heart, maintains his integrity when everything is favorable to his yielding to the solicitations of the enemy of his soul. Many, who at home have maintained a character of strict honesty, have, in Congress or in the Legislature, yielded to the tempting bribe, and sold their votes for filthy lucre. The true child of God is honest, whether honesty is the best policy or not. He is governed by principle, and not by self-interest. Many were plain when they were poor. They professed that it was because the word of God required it. But it is evident that they made a virtue of necessity. In reality, pride was at the bottom of their plainness. Just as soon as their circumstances warranted it, they went into pride and fashion as deeply as their neighbors. Their apparel is now as costly as that of sensible people in their own condition of life, who make no profession of religion. They believed in plain churches and free seats, in their low estate; but as soon as they are able to vie with other denominations in splendor, they build as magnificent houses of worship as their means will allow. Some twenty years ago, in Western New York, one of the leading preachers—a presiding elder—made an issue in his Conference against secret societies. He professed to believe that they were infidel in their character and pernicious in their influence. He opened the controversy which resulted in the expulsion of several preachers, and of many church members, who had stood by him. When the crisis came, he was transferred to the Pacific coast. Becoming a candidate for an office in the gift of the General Conference, he joined the Masons! As water conforms to the shape of the vessel which contains it, so the principles of many who profess to be Christians, are controlled by their surroundings. Beloved, is this the case with you? Are you floating along as the current carries you? Are you controlled in your religious associations and principles by the influences to which you are subject? If so, you have no more right to expect to go to Heaven than has a Mohammedan or a heathen! In Christ is life; and if we belong to him, he makes us partakers of his life. We control circumstances, instead of being controlled by them. The elements that make a dead tree decay, cause a live one to grow. So, if we are true Christians, with our lives hid with Christ in God, the temptations and the trials which result in the complete overthrow of false professors, will only establish us more firmly in our faith. LET EVERY MAN PROVE HIS OWN WORK; THEN SHALL HE HAVE REJOICING IN HIMSELF ALONE, AND NOT IN ANOTHER.