[2.] They do not esteem him always, nor at all times. It appeareth plainly that Christ is set at nought by them in times of outward or inward opposition. Our esteem is shown when it cometh to these cases,
(1st,) In time of outward opposition ; when the profession of Christ is oppugned, they lay it down, they do not think him worthy the suffering for. ]\Iost men esteem Christ because of the common countenance that is given to his ways in a state or kingdom, and therefore do they so often vary. The same men that were Protestants in King Edward's days were Papists in Queen Mary's, and Protest- ants again in Queen Elizabeth's. England hath been often used to these clianges. ]\Ien look to the public favour that is given to the ways of Christ, and so join with them ; but in times of disgrace and opposition they hide their faces from him, they will not own him.
(2d]y.) In time of inward opposition ; they assent to the goodness of Chiist in the general, till it comes to a particular trial between him and their lusts. When Christ cometh in competition with their sensual pleasure, and honour, and estimation, then is he set at nought by them. They did not esteem him upon these terms, to part with their lusts for him. So much for the doctrinal part.
Use is for information, to give us the difference between carnal men and the people of God. Christ is an abject to the one, and a jewel to the other. It is good to observe this difference of esteem and valuation, and therefore I shall discover it on both sides.
1. I shall show you how the wicked show themselves to disesteem Christ.
2. How the godly manifest their esteem to him.
1. How the wicked show themselves to disesteem Christ.
[1.] They prefer every base lust, the satisfaction of every sinful motion, before him. What care they for obeying Christ, so tliey may satisfy their present corrupt desires ? It is said, Heb. xii. 16, that 'Esau' {ihixi profane jicr son, as the >Spirit of God brandeth him) 'for one morsel of meat sold his biithright.' The birthright among the patriarchs was a pawn of the blessing of being heir of the promise. Now he esteemed the satisfaction of his sensual desires more than his spiritual prerogative ; like another profane person that said he would not lose his portion in Paris for his portion in paradise. The Jews would rather have Parabbas delivered to them than Christ. They chose the vile pleasures of sin, or the vain things of the world, rather than the sure mercies of David. Tliese the apostle describes lo be, 2 Tim. iii. 4, ' Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God,' They
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prefer a little contemptible pleasure before Christ. They venture their souls for a minute's pleasure, for one dram or taste of it.
[2.] They prefer the pleasing of carnal men before him. They can rather deny the motions of Christ's Spirit than the importunate solici- tations of a wicked friend. Many that are not allured into the tents of Shera are easily drawn into sin. The most easy facile natures and dispositions are hard enough to be wrought upon to any good, but they are easily drawn to sin, and to continue wilful and stubborn to Christ. It is said, Prov. vii. 22, ' He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks.' Whereas a godly man saith as Joseph, ' How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God ? ' They cannot so readily comply ;• others, — they will rather lose their souls than leave tlieir wicked company ; they cannot say nay to a solicitation that pleasetli the lust.
[3.] They are so far from esteeming Christ, that they think he will be a disgrace to them, and therefore they are ashamed to be joined to him in a more strict and holy way, especially if they be great in the ■world. They think to be religious is beneath them. Nicodemus, being a rabbi, was ashamed to come to Christ before he was converted ; but afterwards this Nicodemus spake boldly for him : John vii. .51, ' Nico- demus, that came to Jesus by night, spake boldly, Doth our law judge any man before it hear him ?' There is a base disposition in men ; "they think religion a disgrace, and that it is an abasement to them to stand publicly for the ways of God, to vary from the customs of the world, to begin holy conference, to do something beyond the general tenor and frame of profession in the world.
2. For the godly ; they manifest their esteem of Christ divers ways.
[1.] By labouring after communion with him with all care and diligence, and earnestness of desire. Oh, how they prize communion with him ! ' Thy loves are better than wine,' Cant. i. 2 ; ' Thy loving- kindness is better than life,' Ps. Ixiii. 3. They would rather have some intimations from God of his love, than life, and comfort, and honour.
[2.] By rejoicing in him when they have at^any time found him : Cant. i. 4, 'The king hath brought me into his chambers; we will be glad and rejoice in thee ;' that the king should give them any closet- mercies, and the sweet solaces of his chamber : Isa. Ixi. 10, ' My soul shall be joyful in God, for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation.'