1860

February 1, 1860

Pure Religion

EGW 

Pure religion, and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27. GS February 1, 1860, Art. A, par. 1

We too often neglect the afflicted, the sorrowing, and choose to visit those who need not our sympathy and assistance. Do we live out our religion? Do we carry out our profession in our acts, in our works? Is there not a lack with some of bearing burdens? Is the duty all done when we hand of our abundance to relieve the pressing wants of others? The afflicted need words of comfort and tenderness. Then let your voice be often heard in prayer for the Lord to give strength and courage to the sick and afflicted, and that his light may cheer them in their suffering loneliness. Let every one of us think that we can do something to make the burden a little lighter for our brother or sister, who has more to bear and suffer than ourselves. Young and old, let your life be made up of good deeds and of kind acts. GS February 1, 1860, Art. A, par. 2

When we visit the afflicted we are not in so much danger of talking to no profit. But many of the young choose to be where there is no sorrow, no affliction, that with a light and trifling spirit they may indulge in speaking unrestrained, without care or forethought. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” I would say to our young friends, You must have an experience in these things. You must bear burdens; encourage and cherish tender, pitiful feelings towards the suffering; study how you may be of use to others—do them good and make them happy. Do not be wrapt up in self and think merely of your own enjoyment. If there are poor, sick, and afflicted among you, do not wait to be invited to see them and have a care for them. Go to them at once. If there is an afternoon visit anticipated, deny yourself the pleasure of joining your young friends in a social visit or chit chat, and go to the house of affliction. Set your young friends an example. They may be persuaded to follow you; and hours spent with the poor, the afflicted and distressed, are precious. Angels keep a faithful record of it all, and your own conscience will commend you. Right doing will not go unrewarded. Think of the self-denying, self-sacrificing life of Jesus our pattern, who went about doing good. Who imitates his example? It is time we were awake to our duty, and that we realized that it takes more than a name to make a Christian. It is to be Christ-like. We are to be judged according to the deeds done in the body. Reader, What kind of an account will be opened of your case? If you have cared only for yourself, God notices it if others pass it by. That which you sow, you will also reap. Embrace every opportunity that presents itself for doing good. Have your life dotted all through with bright spots where self has been denied, and others benefitted. Let your experience be interwoven with acts of benevolence, and you cannot fail to be happy while you are making others happy; and you will finally receive the reward to be given to those who have “well done.” GS February 1, 1860, Art. A, par. 3

E. G. W.