Page:True religion a source of happiness.pdf/15

15 business of repentance is not the native fruit duty and obedience, but of sin—nor is peculiar to Wisdom's, ways; for natural en have often deep remorse— The pleasure of true repentance far surpasseth its in; for true repentance is the exercise of ve to God and hatred of sin; and is alyways attended with, hope in his mercy,and more or less of a sense of perdon. It is our storation to a state of happiness, from which impenitence necessarily excludes us e the parable of the Prodigal Sons Luke xv.

5. But "the fact seems to contradict all this. many who seem very religious do not appear very happy." Answer, All who appear religious are not really so; for many e very serious, who have never yet known e truth that makes free; and so they are bouring to establish their own righteousness, and are neither delivered from the guilt of sin in their consciences; nor from the dominion of sin in their hearts; consequently cannot have this peace and happiness, for they are not in Wisdom's ways gain, there are many who take up a profession of religion, while it never had the chief place in their hearts. Such cannot have peace and happiness in it. Conscience may prompt them to comply with