But I will not continue this subject. You perceive, my dear children,
what a wretched religion that must be which encourages its followers to
perform such acts. And how vain are all these acts--how utterly
destitute are they of any merit. Those who practise them are not made
better by them, and they are just as far from the kingdom of heaven
after having performed them, as they were before. The Christian religion
encourages no such things. It tells us to perform no pilgrimages to holy
places, to inflict no self-tortures. But it has its requirements, and
these are very simple, and may easily be performed by all who are
willing to do their duty. These requirements are, repentance, forsaking
sin, faith in Christ, and a supreme devotedness to his service. Have
you, my dear children, attended to these requirements? If not, you are
in a much worse condition than these poor heathen of whom you have been
reading. They are not as guilty before God as you are. They know not
their Master's will. Still, they must perish, unless the Gospel is sent
to them. But though they perish, their punishment will be lighter than
the punishment of those who refuse to love and obey the Saviour.
Pages:
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116