Chapter 130—Joy in Religion
The future abode of the righteous, and their everlasting reward,
are high and ennobling themes for the young to contemplate. Dwell
upon the marvelous plan of salvation, the great sacrifice made by the
King of glory that you might be elevated through the merits of His
blood, and by obedience finally be exalted to the throne of Christ. This
subject should engage the noblest contemplation of the mind. To be
brought into favor with God,—what a privilege! ...
Young friends, I saw that with such employment and diversion as
this, you might be happy. But the reason why you are restless is, you
do not seek to the only true source for happiness. You are ever trying
to find out of Christ the enjoyment which is found only in Him. In Him
are no disappointed hopes. Prayer,—oh, how is this precious privilege
neglected! The reading of the word of God prepares the mind for
prayer. One of the greatest reasons why you have so little disposition
to draw nearer to God by prayer is, you have unfitted yourselves for
this sacred work by reading fascinating stories, which have excited the
imagination and aroused unholy passions. The word of God becomes
distasteful, the hour of prayer is forgotten. Prayer is the strength of the
Christian. When alone, he is not alone; he feels the presence of One
who has said, “Lo, I am with you alway.”
The young want just what they have not; namely, religion. Nothing
can take the place of this. Profession alone is nothing. Names are
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registered upon the church-books upon earth, but not in the book of
life. I saw that there is not one in twenty of the youth who knows
what experimental religion is. They serve themselves, and yet profess
to be servants of Christ; but unless the spell which is upon them be
broken, they will soon realize that the portion of the transgressor is
theirs. As for self-denial or sacrifice for the truth’s sake, they have
found an easier way above it all. As for the earnest pleading with tears
and strong cries to God for His pardoning grace, and for strength from
Him to resist the temptations of Satan, they have found it unnecessary
to be so earnest and zealous; they can get along well without it. Christ,
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