p. 315 | Current Religion

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Sep 21, 1876

Current Religion.

Much of the religion of the present day contrasts unfavorably with the religion recommended in the book of Heaven. In ancient times, religion radically separated its possessors from the world, both in spirit and practice, made them pre-eminently "a peculiar people, zealous of good works," and ardent lovers of the Lord. But now we behold an extensive assimilation to the world on the part of professors, being lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; for this fact is proclaimed by actions which speak louder than words. How averse to the apostle Paul's admonition: "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."

The will of God obeyed, weans men from the world, and fills the heart with the spirit of fervent devotion; and when the love of the world, and a relish for worldly pleasure predominates, the proof is conclusive of a sickly religion in the heart, if, indeed, it is not already extinct. Where is the proof of victory over the world, over self, sin and Satan, enjoyed by the saints in ancient times? How unlike the early practice of being kept "unspotted from the world." Surely God's plan has not changed, but men have swerved therefrom, and hewn out to themselves broken cisterns that hold no water. Let us not accept a counterfeit religion.