The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1891-07-29
A POOR RELIGION.
1t Does Not Reach the Depths OF Being
or Control the Springs Of Life.

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or Control the Springs of Life.
The element of feeling has legiti-
mately large place in religious expert
ence. But the religion which begins
and ends with feeling is, to say the
least, perilously inadequate. 1t fails
just at the critical point. There is lack
of patient continuance; it is not stead
fast, even. trustworthy. If comes in
fits and starts; it takes the form of
spasms, rather than of habits.
The great trouble and danger about
this spasmodic religion is that it does
not go to the depths of being, it does
not direct the springs Of life and control
it's shaping forces 1t may be ''all
heart" but it isn't all the heart. 1t
does not possess and imperatively sway
the affections which rule conduct. Thus
we meet men who are subject to out
bursts of tremendous religious fervor,
but can not be depended on to tell the
truth or to pay their debts. This sort
of emotional righteousness finds no suf-
ficient nourishment or stimulus in ordi-
nary Christian worship and work. The
opportunities Of everyday life do not
rouse it to action 1t Graves always
some external excitement. Some great
occasion is necessary for its display.
The people who are religious now and
then, when something makes them feel
like it, keep the army of church cranks
recruited. They are attracted by any
extravagant vagary or any novel irreg-
ular scheme They are impatient aof
the sober restraints and 'homely teach
ings OF Scripture. They find ways to
modify or twist Gods plainest COM
mands. Saul was a man of this type.
One day, in q sudden access of fcrvor,
he takes his place among the prophets
and ,amazes everybody by his raptures.
Another day, he excuses himself for
disobcying the explicit direction not to
keep the spoils by pretending that be
only designed TO offer specially
sumptuous sacrifice of thanksgiving.
Behold" says Samuel, in his ever
memorable rebuke, ito obey is better
than sacrifice, and to hearken than the
fat of rams"
We remember a prayer-meeting in
which two strangers with extraordinary
huency and righteousness described one
after the other the exceptional Divine
favor they enjoyed, claiming for them
selves an inspiration as direct as that Of
the apostles, and proceeding to point
ont the mistakes commonly made by
Christians. When they had finished
the wise pastor without attempting by
any discussion to counterfeit the effect
of their extravagant and perverse talk
simply quoted: ave have also more
sure word of prophecy; whereunto "
do well that We take heed, as unto ;
light that shineth in dark place, unit
the day dawn, and the day-star arise il
your hearts"
But the fatal thing about spasmodit
religion is that it doesn't wear. f
won't stand the strain of monotony. L
breaks down in the course of common
place tests and familiar, humdrum con
ditions. 1t makes a gaudy blaze for ;
while, but it does not keep the fire
burning steadily on the altar. 1t be
gets no sustained enthusiasm. Its in
termittent ardors bring damage tt
churches and bitter encouragement tt
pastors. There is no need to say thai
such religion fails to command respect
or have influence in the world. We may
perhaps, charitably hope that ''goot
spells" are of some avail to- the mar
who has them. Whether dying in one
of them does anything to assure hi.
prospects in another sphere is open
however, to the gravest doubt. But
there is no question of their impotence
to impress spectators. There must be
prevailing, recognized harmony OF
character to give any lasting effect to
manifestations of piety.-N. Y. Exam.