The First Step in Religion.
A GREAT king has told us his religious experience. He has told us several steps of the intelligible process by which he became possessed of that one thing which, above all others, is needful. He began by soberly reflecting upon his course of life—its object, its aim, its governing principle, its everlasting destiny; 'I thought upon my ways.' This was not enough. He felt the necessity of an entire change. As he had been pursuing the world in its various forms, in all things seeking mainly his own gratification, he felt the necessity of now setting his face and desires toward Heaven—toward God—toward a Divine Saviour, as made known in the Sacred Scriptures; 'I turned my feet unto thy testimonies.' Nor was this done languidly. Those who were but half resolved never accomplished anything. Only 'the hands of the diligent make rich.' Those who are always putting off things, never thrive. Their resolution is like a note without date—it never becomes due. Those who never feel religion is the most important of all their interests and pursuits, and has a claim before all others—those who, at no specific time, feel that it must now be attended to—can never become truly pious. 'I felt' said one, respecting the great crisis, the turning point of her destiny, 'I felt that the great decision must be made to-day.' It was made, and she found peace. So the Lord says, 'Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness'—first in point of time as well as importance. In like manner, the primitive disciples at once forsook all to follow Christ. Mat. iv, 13, 22. On the spot they began to regard him in preference to every thing else—their property, their business, and their nearest earthly relations, and without a moment's delay. They pressed their way into the kingdom. They 'took it by force.' In the same spirit, the king referred to says of himself, 'I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.' The first and most important of these commandments is, to 'join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant'—to receive Christ Jesus the Lord, and to walk in him; to obey and trust him in all things. Begin at once, reader, to hear his voice, and follow him. At once set your heart upon him with supreme affection. Delight yourself in him for all the beauty and excellence of his character, as portrayed in your precious Bible. Direct your thoughts and desires toward him and that gracious Spirit whom he gives. The first step in religion is, on many accounts, the most difficult, as well as important. How many alas, never take this first step! How many, just by this one neglect, render their salvation impossible.—Intelligencer.