To compare a deep longing for righteousness to hunger and thirst is, to our mind, a proof of the keen intelligence and the rare spiritual insight of the great souls of the world. To us, notwithstanding our weak sight and feeble faith, this noble precept interprets itself thus: —
First, religion is not a fashion or a pastime but is a matter of supreme importance, of vital value, to our existence. Some there be who accept religion as a characteristic becoming a well-read man ; to some others, of a more emotional nature, religion denotes exciting rites and engaging ceremonies; and to some others, again, of a politic turn of mind, religion is a desirable provision for social order. To all these patrons of religion the truly pious read a profound lesson in this instructive precept—namely, to the sincerely pious religion is imperative and essential, even as hunger and thirst. Religion — sound, regenerating, uplifting faith in God— is no fashion, is not a point of good manners, does not consist in rites and ceremonies,
