2 Samuel 12:14 However,, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme… A man said to me in a railway train, "What is religion? Judging from the character of many professors of religion, I do not admire religion." I said: "Now, suppose we went to an artist in the city of Rome, and while in his gallery asked him, 'What is the art of painting?' would he take us out to a low alley, and show us the mere daub of a pretender at painting? or would he take us into the corridors, and show us the Rubens and the Raphaels and the Michael Angelos? When we asked him 'What is the art of painting?' he would point to the works of these great masters, and say, 'This is painting!' Now, you propose to find the mere caricatures of religion, to seek that which is the mere pretension of a holy life, and you call that religion. I point you to the magnificent men and women whom this Gospel has blessed and lifted and crowned. Look at the masterpieces of Divine grace if you want to know what religion is." (T. De Witt Talmage.) Parallel Verses KJV: Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die. |
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