I had some doubts about the heading of this chapter: Religion ought not
to be a separate thing from daily life, and, therefore, all remarks on
the subject ought to come under one or other of the chapters which treat
of the different duties of life. There are, however, certain definite
religious duties which may perhaps be spoken of more clearly in a
separate chapter. I would ask you always to bear in mind that no
religious duties are of much value that are not a regular part of our
daily life, and that there is no line to be drawn between natural and
religious duties. "Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye
do, do all to the Glory of God."
_Prayer_, private and public. What I have said in a former paper holds
good now. No boy can safely neglect his morning and evening prayers and
his public worship on Sundays. Prayer should include daily
self-examination: no one can get on in the world unless he looks after
his own affairs, and reckons from time to time how he stands. So with
our daily life--we should try it day by day, and see if we are keeping
straight. Each night we should look back over the day, see what has been
wrong, what imperfect--seek pardon for the wrong, and determine, by God's
help, to amend it.
_Public Worship_ once a Sunday, _i.e._ in the morning, is the duty of
every Christian: whether we go oftener is a matter of choice, but less we
cannot do without failing in our duty. Attendance at the full morning
service, _i.e._ the celebration of the Holy Communion, is the prayer-book
rule, whether we observe it or not.
_Regular Communion_ is absolutely necessary. How frequently it is
advisable to come must depend upon circumstances, but speaking generally
I should say, in the words of one whose opinion carries great weight,
that "monthly Communions are the very fewest which anyone seeking to
serve God devoutly can make."
I have taken it for granted that you have been confirmed, which will
probably have taken place about the time of leaving school. Confirmation
ought to make a marked change in your life. Firstly, because you are
more directly responsible for yourself, and, secondly, because it brings
you into closer relation, for a time at least, with your clergyman.
Before your first communion the prayer book speaks to you very distinctly
about personal advice and intercourse with your parish priest. Neither
your first or any subsequent communions are to be made unless you are
satisfied as to your own fitness to come to it. If you are in doubt you
are advised to go to God's minister, lay before him those sins that make
you afraid or doubtful of coming, and seek his advice. This is not
pleasant, but it is useful. Many people speak against it, but it is
Christ's appointed way. If you feel that this will help you, go as often
as you need, and do not be stopped by any foolish remarks of people who
do not understand it, or by any thought of its being a weak and unmanly
thing to do. It requires courage, perseverance, and a true estimate of
oneself to do it, and these are not generally considered unmanly
qualities. Some of the best men, some of the bravest soldiers, have not
been ashamed of using this means of grace. Knights of old were
accustomed to confess before they went into battle. Read the life of
Henry V. of England. He was no milksop, or, as people would say now-a-
days, priest-ridden king, but he did not look upon it as an unmanly
thing. You are free to choose, or free to refuse it; only pray to be
guided aright by God's Holy Spirit to do that which shall be most to His
glory and your soul's good.
_Almsgiving_. Whatever money you have of your own some portion--a tenth,
if possible,--should be given to God in some way or other.
_Bringing others to God_. We must not be selfish in our religion--if God
has made known the truth to us we must do our best that others may share
it also. You can do much in a quiet way, not only by example: you can
get a word in where others have not a chance. Many a youngster would
gladly keep from wrong, and go on steadily, if he had only someone to
stand by him. It is not enough to be good, we must do good, and never
laugh at another for his religion. Many years ago a thorough change was
worked in a school by the courage of one little boy. He came fresh from
home, where he had been accustomed to say his prayers. He knelt down in
a school dormitory, as he had been used to do at home, by his bedside.
There was a sudden silence, the boys were astonished. Then some began to
bully and try and stop him; others stood up for him. But the battle was
won. The better minded boys saw what cowards they had been to give up
what they knew was right for fear of chaff--one by one they gradually
followed his example, and before that lad left school it was the rule and
not the exception for the boys to say their prayers.
_Fasting_. People understand feasts and are ready enough to keep them,
but fasting is quite another matter. Feasts should be kept, and the more
the great festivals are recognized the better. Fasting, however, is
quite as necessary. Appointed times in which to remember more
particularly Christ's suffering for us, to deny ourselves lawful
pleasures, and to make us think more of our sins and how to conquer them.
They keep us from getting careless, and letting our religion become a
sort of Sunday clothes, to be put on at certain times, but to have no
real effect upon our daily life.
One thing more. God has given you brains and the power to use them. You
are bound then to try and learn about God, and the duty you owe to Him.
Every year you ought to advance in knowledge, and not be content with the
little you were taught as a child. Read your Bible--think it out for
yourself--pray for understanding, and study such books as will help you
to a better knowledge of it.