9.19.2016 Finney on INSTUCTIONS TO CONVERTS

FEED MY LAMBS  john 21.15

272one of the first things young converts should be taught is to distinguish between emotion and principle in christianity. fix these words in your mind;
DISTINGUISH BETWEEN EMOTION AND PRINCIPLE.

emotion is the state of mind of which we are conscious and that we call feeling. it is an involuntary state of mind that arise under certain circumstances or certain influences. there may be intense feelings or tranquility,  or feelings may disappear entirely. principle is the voluntary decision of the mid, the firm determination to fulfill duty  and to obey the will of God, by which a christian should always be governed.
when a man decides to obey god because it is right, that is PRINCIPLE. whether he feels any lively religious emotions at the time or not, he will do his duty cheerfully, readily and heartily. this is acting out of principle and not emotion.
many young converts have mistaken views on this subject. they let their feelings completely determine whether or not hey will become involved in a christian activity. some will not lead a prayer meeting unless they feel they can pray an eloquent prayer.

many are influenced almost entirely by their emotions. they give way to their feelings as if
THEY FEEL they were UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO DUTY (note - obedience to the Bible) UNLESS URGED ON BY SOME STRONG EMOTION.  they will be VERY ZEALOUS IN THEIR BELIEFS WHEN THEIR EMOTIONS ARE WARM AND LIVELY,  but they WILL NOT ACT OUT THEIR FAITH, CONSISTENTLY CARRYING IT INTO EVERY CONCERN OF LIFE.  they are religious only when they are impelled by a gush of feeling.
THIS IS NOT TRUE RELIGION.

young convert shoudl be carefully taught that when a task needs to be done, they are to do it. however dull your feelings may be, if duty calls, do it!  do not wait for feeling, just do it!  most likely the very emotions you are waiting for will surface when you begin to do your duty.

if the duty is prayer, for instance, anyou do not have the right feelings, do not wait for emotions before you pray. pray and 'open