2. The necessity of it. They mistahe religion that carry it on in such a way that it puts them to no cost. Wherever it is in vigour and power, it will put us to some expense. If it be otherwise, either men neglect many necessary duties, as self-examination, meditation, secret and earnest prayer, constant waiting upon God, mortifying their lusts and passions, which are all contrary to the ease of the flesh, or honour- ing Grod with their substance, Prov. iii. 4, seasonable reproof, owning his truth and stricter ways, notwithstanding trou])les, persecutions, and disgraces, which are contrary to the interests and profits of the flesh ; or else, secondly, they do what they do in a slight and overly fashion ; and painted fire needeth no fuel There is no trouble in a careless profession ; there needs not much ado to keep it up. Where men leave the soul to the stream, and do, as Solomon saith of himself, Eccles. ii. 10, ' Whatsoever mine eyes desired, I kept not from them ; I withheld not myself from any joy ; ' they leave their senses without guard, their affec- tions without a bridle, and are carried on as they are impelled by their own lusts ; and then varnish over all with a little profession, and talk of God, and Christ, or hearing. They may give religion a slight glance, and suffer it to have a turn among other things. Indeed such a reli- gion puts them to no self-denial. But this is a false c.hristianity of our own making. Here is no striving to enter in at the strait gate, no walking in the narrow way, no working out our salvation with fear and trembling. All this may be, and no denying ourselves and hazarding the displeasure of the world.
2. It informeth us that we have no reason to be displeased or over- troubled with oppositions, reproaches, and troubles for godliness' sake. God often in his providence sendeth troubles to heighten the price of profession, that it may not be taken up in a carnal design, and that every hypocrite may not take it up to hide or feed his lusts. Now when it is our lot to live in such times, they that are sincere should not be troubled at it ; for then they have an happy advantage and op- portunity to make their love to God more sensible and evident, when they do not serve him without cost. It is a finer and nicer debate at other times, to discern which is greatest in our hearts, our love to Christ or to the world, our esteem of things earthly or heavenly. A tried faith is sooner discerned, and God's suffering servants have a larger allowance of comfort. It is an happy occasion of discovering our sincerity ; for you are now upon your trial, and more ample communion with God, and tasting the joys of the life to come. Surely these are truths which our Lord hath commended to our consideration : Mat. v. 11, 12, ' Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and say all manner of evil for my name's sake ; rejoice, and be exceed- ing glad, for great is your reward in heaven.' When we suffer for a
90 SERMON UPON 2 SAMUEL XXIV. 24,
good conscience, we are to carry this cross, not only patiently, but joy- fully.
Use 2. It reproveth those that put off God with anything. A sickly lamb for a sacrifice ; yea, and grudge at their sorry services : Mai. i.
13, ' What a weariness is it ! ' Surely they are far from religion that can deny themselves nothing, that will perform a duty when they have nothing else to do, and deal reservedly, superficially, and unfaithfully in all their work, and still complain of tediousness and weariness in God's service ; that think the time long, the pains too much, the cost too burthensome ; can be content with a little labour perhaps, but it must not be tired too much : ' When will the sabbath be over ? ' Amos iii. When will the duty be done ? Or it may be they will sacri- fice some of their weaker lusts, or their smaller and petty sins, which yield them no pleasure or profit, but retain their great sins, wherein their souls delight ; as Saul destroyed the rascal multitude and carrion cattle of Amalek, but spared Agag and the fattest of the oxen and sheep, 1 Sam. XV. 7-9 ; or as John destroyed the idolatry of Baal, which his interest led him to, but not the calves at Dan and Bethel, which reason of state was against, 1 Kings x. 29, 30 ; or as Herod did many things, but if John will touch his Herodias, he shall smart for it, Mark vi. 17, 20. Thus do they desire and hope to gain heaven at a more easy rate than an entire resignation of all to God. They may sustain some re- proach, make some small losses, but to be undone by their religion, to venture reputation, estate, and life, and all, for Christ and his gospel, this they cannot endure to hear of. They can be contented to be distasted. and despised by their open enemies, but so as to make them- selves whole again by their own party, yield to many corruptions, and humour them, please them, as the young prophet, 1 Kings xiii.