To thousands of hearts it came like a voice from heaven, they knew not how. The nations came to its light, and kings to the brightness of its rising. The inquiring men of that age, though not borrowing from each other, betook themselves to this truth and text. Our fathers saw that this truth was the basis of all real spiritual life. The just shall live by faith.
Religion is fashionable in our age.
There is at this moment many an aching spirit, bitterly conscious of this hollowness. The doctrine, the profession, the good report of others, the bustle of work, will not fill the soul. His cleansing blood, His quickening Spirit. Joy in God, which is the soul and essence of worship, is unknown. Sacraments, prayer-meetings, religious services, labours of charity, will not make up for the living God.