How often do we hear the remark about religious books and papers, that “they are dry as a stick; give me a story, no matter what, if it is only interesting.” 0 friend, if your mind were not perverted, your whole being would tremble at the fact that you are on the road to destruction. Most of the stories that you love so well, are mere fiction or make-believe at the best. They do not follow their heroes and heroines down to the grave. The curtain drops on a pleasant scene. But life and death are stern realities. And you will have to meet reality, whether you will or not. It is all that will interest you soon. It is because you are a poor, wretched, miserable creature, that you take fiction to drown reality. And it will “drown you in perdition,” unless you repent. It is this unnatural stimulus that makes you think religion so dull and dry. Be it as it may with the books and papers, if you will read the Bible, you will find the word of God “quick and powerful, and ‘sharper’ than a two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace.” Then you will find interest enough, all that is noble, tender, and good, in the realities of the past, present, and future. Heroes laying down their lives for the truth, love stronger than death, grappling with the “king of terrors,” and disarming him in his own dominions, and he that “was dead,” living forevermore, and having the keys of hell and of death, warriors overcoming the world, the flesh, and Satan, “by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of their testimony,” men, women, and children, by patient continuance in well-doing, seeking for glory, honor, and immortality, waiting for eternal life and a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge will give to all them that love His righteous appearing. “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come… And whosoever will, let him take of the waters of life freely.” Rev 22:17
The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald Jan. 31, 1871