Religion of Christ by W. L.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 30, 1862

Religion of Christ.

By W. L.

It is indeed a sad mistake to suppose that the religion of Christ is suited only for the sick, the aged, the feeble—that it is only needed by us when sorrows, afflictions, and storms of disaster, and the monster death, threaten us. Strong as are its comforts and consolations in these hours of sadness, speaking hope, joy, and peace, to the anxious soul, it is not here alone that we need the Christian religion; it is not here alone that its hallowing and purifying influence is most demanded. Poor indeed is that conception of the Christian life, that takes it from the busy scenes and stirring activities of the health and vigor of manhood. God intended that we should live the Christian life, if we hope to die his death. He intended that if we would enjoy the consolations of the gospel in hours when we feel the worthlessness of all things earthly, that we labor in his service while in health and full of energy.

How few professed Christians let the gospel have any thing whatever to do with their daily lives. Go to their homes, their stores, their shops, their farms, witness their daily life, and see whether there are stamped upon all that they say and do, broad, deep, and undeceiving marks of holiness and purity. Can we tell the very moment we enter the house of Christians? Are there no sure signs which say unerringly, Here dwell peace, harmony, contentment, and love; that here prayer, thanksgiving, and praise, daily shed their blessed influence on our homes, our lives, our conduct, just such as belong to the world? Is there nothing to distinguish us the disciples of Christ, save a sort of lifeless, unfeeling attendance with the church on the Lord's day? Is this the best evidence we can give of the Christian life—of the power of the good Spirit of God in our hearts? Surely such is a poor, shameful return for the love that has been manifested for us. 'Tis but a vain mockery of real Christian life.

There is no condition of life where the Christian religion does not come fitly and powerfully with its peaceful and purifying influence. We may be wealthy, and surrounded by all that the most cultivated taste could desire, but what a mellowing and refining grace does the gospel throw over the scene. Instead of being a castle of hoarded treasures of the miser, such a home becomes the center of the warmest Christian benevolence, whither want, and misfortune, and suffering will often go for relief, and never leave without a lighter heart and more cheerful countenance. We may be poor, Christianity has power to make humble homes the abode of purest joys. Be we learned, honored, refined, Christianity adds to and adorns the highest condition of life, and gives a surety of honor which nothing can destroy. Wherever we are, whatever our condition, the Christian religion is worth everything to us. Life and health fail, wealth passes from us, honors, and ranks, and titles, are as uncertain as the breath of the throng, but the Christian religion stands sure, permanent, and unchanging, unfailing amidst all calamities and disasters. Shall we not then, brethren and sisters, honor it more highly, appreciate more fully the priceless riches of its blessings, and so walk as to feel that we are entitled through the mercy of our Father to claim some of his enjoyments?—W. L.—[Gospel Advocate.