RELIGION by E. C. T.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1879

RELIGION

By E. C. T.

Is something that is calculated to fill our minds with joy unspeakable. It is no fancy of the brain, no imagination of the heart; but it is something real. Religion is more desirable than any other enjoyments on earth, or all earthly pomp and grandeur combined. Without it, man is miserable. He may possess all the luxuries of this life, yet he finds no true happiness. But he who is in possession of pure and undefiled religion, enjoys that peace which passeth all understanding. It consoles him in the hour of adversity and distress. Although the hand of affliction may be laid heavy upon him, yet he can rejoice, knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God. When night throws its dark mantle around him, and the light of the sun is hid from his vision, he still has the light of the Sun of righteousness. When he is about to retire to rest, he lifts up his heart to Heaven in thankfulness for protection during the day; he lies down in peace and quiet, and submits himself into the hands of Him who never sleepeth. In the morning he arises with a thankful heart, and offers his devotions to Him who has kept him through the night. He gathers his family around the altar of prayer, and invokes the blessing of God upon them. Peace and harmony dwell in that household where pure religion reigns. Strife and contention are alike unknown. Happy indeed is that family whose God is the Lord.

On the other hand, behold the man destitute of religion. He is a stranger to true joy. Though in his splendid mansion, surrounded by earthly comforts, yet he is unhappy. When the toils of the day are ended, he retires to rest with a troubled conscience; no prayer is offered to Heaven, but the mind is perplexed with the cares of life. In the morning, prayer is neglected; and he goes forth to meet the perplexing cares of the day, without that peace and assurance which come only from close communion with God. His mind is fixed upon the fading, transitory things of earth, and he never catches glimpses of the bright glory beyond. His treasure is on the earth; therefore his heart is there.

If in the enjoyment of religion, only, true happiness can be found, let us practice its precepts, and it will guide us to that city whose builder and maker is God. E. C. T.