Religion and Business

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 21, 1856

Religion and Business.

An individual, upon being reproached for some dishonorable transaction in business, as inconsistent with religion, replied, "What has religion to do with business?" The answer demonstrated either his ignorance, or wickedness, or both. But, if we may judge from their conduct, this is the sentiment of many professors, although, perhaps, they would not avow it. Are they not acting as if religion had nothing to do either with business, with temper, or with our domestic and social relations?—as if it were a matter of opinion, devotion, or ceremony—a thing of the cloister, or closet, or sanctuary, which is to be confined to its retreats, and never to be allowed to approach the scenes of worldly business and secular pursuits—a rule to direct us how we are to conduct ourselves in the house of God, and to regulate our worship; and which, having done this, has accomplished its object?

Is not this, I say, the view which, if we may judge by their behavior, many take of religion? But can there be anything more inaccurate? Religion is a permanent, all-prevading, unchanging principle, possessing a kind of universality of nature. It must go with us, not only into the sanctuary of God, or into the closet of private devotion, but into all places; it must regulate our conduct not only toward the church, but to the world; it must operate upon us, and influence us, not only on Sabbath, sacramental, and fast days, but at all times; and must dictate, not only how we pray and read the Bible, and keep holy the Lord's day, but how we buy and sell, and get gain. Religion has no exclusive time, or place, or sphere of its own, but is matter of all times, places and scenes.

My friend, religion has to do with business, whether you admit it or not, and if your religion does not go with you to your business or daily labor, you may conclude that it is not a proper kind of religion. Your religion may have nothing to do with business, but be assured God's religion has, and it is only that religion that sees you do justly now, that will see you presented before the throne of God at last, "without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing."