The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1862-10-16
4 Poor Religion.

An eminent English clergyman OF the last
century, in recounting the history of his
early life, describes time when he became,
as he in his ignorance supposed, very rel-
giouS His words are "Of this period l
may say with the Apostle, after the strict
est sect of our religion, lived Pharisee
l did every thing that might be expected
from person entirely ignorant of Gods
righteousness, and desirous TO establish his
own. spent the greatest part of every
day in reading the Scriptures, meditation
and prayer. tasted often; | even alb
stained from all animal food for three
months. I would hardly answer question,
for fear of speaking an idle word. l seemed
to bemoan my former miscarriages very
earnestly, sometimes with tears. In short,
became an ascetic, and endeavored, so far
as my situation would permit, to renounce
society, that | might avoid temptation. /
continued in this serious mood Il cannot
give it higher title) for more than two
years, without any considerable breaking
off; but it was poor religion"
o. course, it was poor religion. How
could it be otherwise Z 1t was religion
deai; g;5 Cs icge There was extreme, pain
ful, morbid cOnscientiousness, shrinking
from even the appearance of evil, the denial
not Of gross Gppeties, bat alse Of such
as arr n themselves indi@aser3; cr9 ~ 81
Q1n 406 fora considerable period Of time.
Yet tle whole was a constrained Offering, a
bond-service destitute of single free, gene
rous cordial impulse. 1t therefore lacked
the vital principle of all true religion.
But it was poor from its destitutOn of
Janh. The possessor of it doubtless believ-
ed the Scriptures to be the word of God,
for he seems to have read or studied them
with great care; but He whom it is the es-
pecial object of the Scripture to reveal, es-
capped his notice almost wholly. He believ-
ed just enough to destroy all worldly peace,
but not enough to give him that which is
heavenly. Faith, as the instrument of JUS
tifcation, dropped ont of his mind entirely;
and bis attention was engrossed with works,
as if they were not only the evidence, but
the ground of salvation. The title by
which Christians are commonly known in
Scripture, is JeIieUers; but this man would
Justly be described as ,oOrker.
+ Moreover, it was a religion without joy.
True religion in itself is always joyful
Situation, temperament, the state of health,
or other circumstances, may, at certain
times or in certain persons, occasion sor-
row; but the genuine influence of the gos-
pei ia to sustain and cheer. So positive is
this feature, that often saints rejoice. even
in tribulation. Outward trials do but
cause their inward peace to flow like river.
Nor does the sorrow for sin which beliey-
er cherishes, prove any real obstacle to joy.
ParadOxical as it seems, evangelical peni-
tence, springing from right apprehension
of the Gross, is sweet and precious to the
soul in proportion to its intensity. 1t is
the Saviour'S love which gives the believer
the deepest sense of the evil of his sin; it is
the same love which enkindles his hope Of
pardon. Therefore, the Apostle eDjoin8 no
iupOssibility when he says, "Rejoice in the
Lord always" That is and must be poor
religion which gives no joy. 1t fails of one
of its chief ends. 1t increases instead of
essening the burden of life. 1t dshonors
Tao saviour. 1t brings reproach upon his
cause. 1t weakens the moral forces of the
soul. 1t invites temptation, and gives de-
plorable advantage to the evil one.
A poor religion is doubtless better than
none. But, blessed be God, no one in this
land is shut up to that alternative. The
Lord sets before every man an open door.
Let him enter in, and he will find religion
which is rich itself, and will make him rich
beyond expression.