The Pleasures of Religion
MANY persons imagine that to become religious would be to give up all pleasure in life, and become a sad and dejected creature, without enjoyment. Nothing can be more untrue than this. The service of God is a pleasant and delightful service. Christ says, "My yoke is easy and my burden is light." Everyone who has willingly borne his yoke will testify to the truth of this declaration. His ways, indeed, are pleasant ways, and all his paths are paths of peace. The pleasures of the world are not to be compared with the pleasures of religion. They are empty and fleeting, and leave a sting behind. But the peace of God that possesses the Christian's heart is unspeakable and full of glory. God requires nothing of us but what is calculated to promote our true happiness; and he prohibits nothing but what is calculated, in its own nature, to injure us, and to make us miserable. If you would be truly happy, give your heart to God and devote your life to his service.