Outside Religion | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 2, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 26.

Outside Religion.

SOME persons pretend to a high degree of inward illumination. They claim a degree of internal spiritual light far beyond what is usually enjoyed by Christian believers. Internal illumination is very well, provided it is accompanied by a corresponding external illumination. Without this it amounts to very little. In ordinary life, persons do not light a candle or a lamp and put it in a place of concealment, but where it will shed its rays abroad, and give light to those around. A light-house that retains all the light within, is of no service to guide the poor tempest-tossed mariner in his course. Its light must be shed out on the troubled waves to do him any good. So God enlightens the minds of men by his Spirit, not that they may indulge in rhapsodies, but that they may let their light shine, and by their lives, conformed to the requirements of his word, glorify him, and bless humanity. Internal light and grace are necessary, but where they are really possessed, they will work to the surface, and demonstrate their presence by their effects on the life. Inside religion is a very necessary and enjoyable thing, but outside religion is no less important. Where the one really exists, the other is sure to be found. All true heart-religion is accompanied by real life-religion. The good tree brings forth good fruit, and “by their fruits ye shall know them.”—Methodist Recorder.