Is it then, indeed, thus we must think of God? Is he, indeed, as Dr. Luther says, ready to listen to our feeblest cry, ready to forgive us, and to help us?
And if he is indeed like this, and cares what we think of him, how I must have grieved him all these years!
Not a moment longer! I will not distrust Thee a moment longer. See, heavenly Father, I have come back!
Can it, indeed, be possible that God is pleased when we trust him,—pleased when we pray, simply because he loves us?
Can it indeed be true, as Dr. Luther says, that love is our greatest virtue; and that we please God best by being kind to each other, just because that is what is most like him?
I am sure it is true. It is so good, it must be true.
Then it is possible for me, even for me, to love God. How is it possible for me not to love him? And it is possible for me, even for me, to be religious, if to be religious is to love God, and to do whatever we can to make those around us happy.
But if this is indeed religion, it is happiness, it is freedom,—it is life!
Why, then, are so many of the religious people I know of a sad countenance, as if they were bond-servants toiling for a hard master?
I must ask Dr. Luther.