Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

the growing grain, the barren soil, the setting sun gilding the skies
with golden beams--all illustrated His lessons. He connected the
visible works of the Creator with the words of life that He spoke.
Religion Promotes Health and Happiness
The things of nature speak to us of the Creator's love. This
world is not all sorrow and misery. "God is love" is written on every
opening bud, on the petals of every flower, and on every blade of
grass. There are flowers on the thistles, and thorns are hidden by
roses. Everything in nature testifies to God's desire to make His
children happy. When He forbids something, it is not just to display
His authority--He has the well-being of His children in view. He
does not require them to give up anything that they would be better
off keeping.
The opinion that religion does not promote health or happiness
is one of the most harmful errors. Scripture says: "The fear of the
Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction."
(Proverbs 19:23). The words of wisdom "are life to those who find
them, and health to all their flesh." (Proverbs 4:22).
True religion brings us into harmony with the laws of God,
physical, mental, and moral. It teaches self-control, serenity,
temperance. Religion enhances the mind, refines the taste, and
sanctifies the judgment. Faith in God's love and overruling guidance
lightens the burdens of anxiety and care. It fills the heart with joy
and contentment, whether one's lot in life is high or low. Religion
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