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The Stamina of Pure Religion, November 23
And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.
Psalm 119:45
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There are some who talk in a regretful way concerning the restraints
that the religion of the Bible imposes upon those who would follow
its teachings. They seem to think that restraint is a great disadvantage,
but we have reason to thank God with all our heart that He has raised
a heavenly barrier between us and the ground of the enemy. There are
certain tendencies of the natural heart that many think must be followed
in order that the best development of the individual may result, but that
which man thinks essential God sees would not be the blessing to humanity
which men imagine; for the development of these very traits of character
would unfit them for the mansions above. The Lord places men under test
and trial that the dross may be separated from the gold; but He forces none.
He does not bind with fetters and cords and barriers; for they increase
disaffection rather than decrease it.... Genuine religion does not have a
narrowing influence; it is a lack of religion that cramps the faculties and
narrows the mind.
Religion is an active, working principle, and furnishes a stamina
sufficient for the stern realities of life.... Religion ever imparts power to
its possessor to restrain, control, and balance the character and intellect
and emotions. It has a power to persuade, entreat, and command with
divine authority all the ability and affections. Religion—oh, I wish we all
understood its workings! It lays us under the weightiest obligations. As
we connect ourselves with Christ we solemnly pledge ourselves to walk
as Christ walked.
It is our privilege to show forth the praises of Him who hath called us
out of darkness into His marvelous light.... The Lord’s way must be kept,
and His way is exalted in righteousness. Christians, in their manner and
words and character, are to reveal their heavenly extraction. We are never
to apologize to the world for being Christians and daring to be right.
Pure religion brings peace, happiness, contentment; godliness is prof-
itable to this life and the life to come.
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