Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1830-05-26
RELIGION.

II is easy to deceive ourselves and
others on the momentous subject Of re-
ligion. We may fatter ourselves that it
is confined to this or that favor; to this
or that opinion; to this or that dcnomina-
ton; that it is particular feeling-a
mysterious ecstacy-or an indescribable
rapture; that it consists in austerty of
manners,-an unusual sOlemnity ofcoun-
tenancc, or an unnatural gravity of de-
pertinent, and still we may be mistaken
as to its true nature and operation. 1t is
thought by some to be something out
ward, foreign from themselves, some
magical dream, which is to change them
into holy, happy beings, without their
own cooperation or wishes. That it is
an irresistible impulse forcing them
along the path of holiness to everlasting
life. With these views many rest salts
fed with themselves, while they are sem
sible Of a want of conformity to the will
of God. They feel no sense of guilt
in not performing what they have been
taught was entirely beyond their a.
bility to do. They are ready to reply
TO the admonitions Of those who are anx-
ious for their welfare, that if they "can
do nothing, they have nothing to do" and
hence they continue in course of stu
pidity and irreligion.
If religion is dark, mysterious, unin-
telligible subject, some undefnable good
which only few can obtain,-a prize so
high that only few can reach it, it is
not strange that the majority are content
to live without it. The constitution Of our
nature impels us to acquiesce in the want
Of that, which we have no ability to OBJ
tain. No man feels condemned for not
performing impossibilities, or for not pos
sessing qualities unattainable. 1t is ev-
ident, therefore, that no greater disser-
vice can be done to religion, than by
surrounding it with obscurity and mysti-
eism. Let it be understood to be plain,
practical thing-an attainable good; that
every individual has the means of pos
sessing it. That halfthe exertions and
pains which are requisite to obtamthe per-
ishable possessions of earth-wealth, ed
ucaion, pleasure, or fame, would secure
the imperishable treasures Of religion,
and we think that the number of its vota-
ries would be greatly increased.-Let it
be understood that it is not only attainable
by all, but equally attainable by all; that
the means of its acquisition are placed
within the reach Of every son and daugh-
ter of Adam, and it is reasonable to be-
lieve that many more would be engaged
to secure it for themselves.
From its very nature it is plain that it
is thus free and open to all who will seek
for it. In the understanding, it is light;
in the heart, it is love and gratitude to
God; in the soul, it is elevation, expan-
sion, and enlargement, produced by the
action of the truth, disclosures, and prom
ises of revelation. In the life, it is puri-
ty, honesty, integrity and benefcence;
humility, afiability, and charity; obedi-
ence to the laws Of God, and sincere
endeavor to promote the happiness of
man. 1t is practical, unsophisticated,
unaffected goodness, built on the love of
God and the love of man, the broad foun-
dation on which rests all the law and the
prophets. Love religion as much as you
love wealth, vanity, freedom, pleasure,
even your fancy, and you will find it.
Be as curious to know him who made
you; and to whom you owe every thing,
as the lowest minded men are to satisfy
their earthly desires, and you will find
an eternal life.-FeneLon.
WEEPING Willow. The first weep-