p. 230 | Appearances of Piety by Blair

S. D. A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 26, 1881

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 7, No. 20

Appearances of Piety.

By Blair

In every age the practice has prevailed of substituting certain appearances of piety in the place of the great duties of humanity and mercy. Too many there have always been who flatter themselves with the hope of obtaining the friendship of their Creator, though they neglect to do justice to their fellow creatures. But such persons may be assured that their supposed piety is altogether of a spurious kind. It is an invention of their own, unknown to reason, unknown in the word of God. In Scripture we are ever directed to try our faith by our works, our love of God by our love of men. We are directed to consider piety as a principle which regenerates the heart, and forms it to goodness.

We are taught that in vain we address any acts of homage to Christ unless we do things which be of faith; and that love, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, and temperance are not only the injunctions of his law, but the native fruits of his spirit. If, therefore, while piety seems ardent, morality shall decline, you have reason to believe that into that piety some corrupting ingredients have entered. And if ever your regard to morality shall totally fail; if, while you make prayers, you give no alms; if, while you appear to be zealous for God, you are false or unjust to men; if you are narrow or contracted in heart, severe in your censures, and oppressive in your conduct; then conclude with certainty, that what you have termed piety was no more than an empty name. For as soon, according to the Scripture similitude, will bitter water flow from a sweet fountain, as such effects be produced by genuine piety.—Blair.