To be near unto God - pagina 525

The

ringing of bells, the stations of the and so much more, all tended to quicken the thought of Christ. And in the age of the Reformation our fathers tried to reach the same end by putting prayer in between everything, by multiplying church services, and by the Not effort to sanctify every event of life in God. only testaments, but also contracts of rents were begun in the name of God. On coins the words appeared, "God with us," or, as in the United States of America, "In God we trust," and wherever it was possible God's holy name was brought to remembrance. An atmosphere prevailed in this which was pregnant with something of the holy, ages.

cross, crucifixes,

sometimes even too much so. To this was added that in the days of Asaph and of our fathers the religious undulation was far stronger, and religion occupied a far broader place in life. But we have everything against us. In society life the name of God is scarcely ever mentioned. No bells are rung. An entirely different world of

He who tries thoughts fills minds and hearts. to keep up sacred usages is criticized as being old-fashioned, if he is not scorned. A life divested of

God and

his

name

is

most

desired.

And

as

regards religious undulation, it still continues in small circles, but the tidal wave of life goes, purely materially, for money and sensual pleasure. In such a time "to be near unto God" requires a double effort, and nothing should be neglected, neither positively nor negatively, that here may have effect. Positively every means should be persistently applied to engage the soul with God each day for a longer period of time and with greater intimacy; and negatively by opposing and

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