Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-09-12
&eadiua for the $abbath,
CONDUCTED BY
REV. ROBERT LATHAM.
RIGHT USE OF THE WORLD.


Fanaticism and Christianity differ vastly in
regard to this world Fanaticism fances the
earthly and the heavenly as in necessary an
tagonism. In dark, morose feeling, or in
gloomy, anxious shyness, it turns away from
the rich world as if it were not Gods crea-
ton, but the devils work-as if all its charm,
all its beauty were only hellish enticement
True religion, on the contrary, does not pro-
pose to abolish worldly pursuits, but to regu-
late them 1t requires US, not to 60 out Of
our lot and condition ia life, but to live above
it. We are to "use this world as not abusing
it," When is this done? .... .....
We make right use of this world when
we contemplate the wisdom and goodness Of
God displayed in it. 1t is everywhere visibly
impressed with the finger of Deity; it is full
OF design, beauty and excellence. 1t presents
endless matter for philosophical and scientific
investigation. Its size, its diurnal and an
nual revolutions, its place and position in the
solar system, its variety and verdant surface
its continents and islands, oceans and rivers,
mountains and valleys, its mineral produc.
tions, wonders and curiosties, its atmosphere,
splendid and star bestudded canopy, bounties
and blessings in the form Of food, and its en-
oyment for its millions of inhabtants-all
these are subjects for varied and profitable in
vestigation and reflection.
We use the world as not abusing it when
we thankfully enjoy the blessings of Divine
providence in it. 1t is not only the region of
existence, but of enjoyment; not only of life,
but of pleasure. God has given it as rich
domain to man for him he sends the sun
shine and the shower; for him all the variety
of the seasons, filling his heart with joy and
gadness Now, it is the will Of God that
His goodness should be received and enjoyed
in connection with the exaltation of His
blessed name. Every creature Of God
is good, and nothing to be refused if it
be received with Thanksgiving, for it is sane
tilted by the word of God and prayer" The
great point is, not to use the world to excess
by placing our hearts unduly upon it as our
favorite portion and principal happiness, and
by suffering it to draw off our thoughts and
affections from the superior blessedness of the
world to come. We must not permit it to
tempt US to excess in eating, drinking, dress,
equipage, or in any article of the parade of
riches. Religion by no means enjoins a sor.
Uu, uISSdFuly, CuuIllSH IuduueT VI liVluS
1t allows US to enjoy the blessings of life;
but then it forbids all excess, and requires US
to keep within the bounds of moderation in
our epjoyments.
We use the world Alright when we make it
the place of passage to better. 1t is not our
rest, nor portion, nor continuing city. The
mariner abuses the ocean if he is always at
anchor. The pilgrim abuses the way to the
holy festivities if he rear dwelling and adj
vances not in his course The creature
abuses Gods gift if he worships it instead of
the Creator; so with the world, we are to
sail over it to the better land. Travelling
through it, we are to direct our steps toward
the celestial Canaan, we are to enjoy its bless
ngs, hut adore the Giver, and to allow the
gift to allure US to the residence of the great
and blessed Donor.
We use the world, as not abusing it, when
we try to improve it by our residence in it,
exating it, renewing it. This is to be done
by the influence and talents of Gods people in
it. He blesses them, and makes them
blessing. The word is dark, and they are
to shine; polluted, and they are to be its
preserving salt; condemned and they are
to be its intercessors. By their spirit they
are to condemn its sin by their lives to al
lure others to the way of godliness; by their
influence to convert the inhabitants, and by
these to bring showers of blessing on it.