Pure and undefiled religion

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"Pure and undefiled religion before God our Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world!" James 1:27

Pure and undefiled religion is devotedness to God, and supposes . . .
reconciliation to God,
fellowship with God,
coming under the yoke of God, and
being of one mind and purpose with God. 

Many profess religion—who do not . . .
understand its nature, 
possess its principles, or
practice its precepts!
They are not enlightened. 
They are not sincere. 
They are not devout. 

Pure religion . . .
flows from pure principles,
runs in a pure channel,
and aims at pure ends. 

Pure religion is . . .
humble,
laborious,
self-denying. 

The truly religious man not only embraces the doctrines of the gospel—but practices its precepts! 

He not only worships God—but benefits his fellow men!

He is not only devout before God—but devoted to others. He . . .
pities the fatherless,
sympathizes with the widow, and
keeps himself unspotted from the world. 

If he can dry an orphan's tears, 
if he can minister to a widow's needs, 
if he can bring a soul to God, or 
in any way promote the holiness and happiness of his fellow man—he is happy. 

Is this the nature of your religion? 

If not, it must be spurious! 

Let us examine ourselves by this test: "Pure and undefiled religion before God our Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world!"

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