759.]
that the self-denial which religion calls for, is a soui'ce of real pleasure to the soul.
The bearing of the cross is another duty inculcated on all the followers of Christ''. And can this be pleasant? Yes, we must affirm that this also is a source of pleasure to the true Christian. Doubtless the contempt and hatred which we must expect from an ungodly world are not pleasant in themselves : to be shut up in prison, and scourged, and put to a cruel and lingering death, are not pleasant iii themselves : but, as endured for the sake of Christ, they are pleasant. To ascertain this, inquire of those " who took joyfully the spoiling of their goods ^;" or those who, with their feet in the stocks and their backs torn with scourges, " sang praises to God at midnight^;" or those who, after their imprisonment, " rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the sake of Christ s." Ask what our Lord meant, when he taught his followers to " rejoice and be exceeding glad," whenever they should be called to suffer'^ ? and inquire of all the primitive saints who had learned, through grace, to " glory in tribulation^" Inquire of him, w^ho suffered more than any other of the Apostles, and who, speaking of his expected martyrdom, exults in it as a matter of the warmest congratulation*^. The experience of all true Christians is the same at this day : they " count themselves happy when they are called to endure* ;" and look upon it as a special honour conferred upon them, when " it is given them to suffer any thing for their Redeemer's sake"\" In a word, religion raises us so much above earthly pains and pleasures, as to render us altogether independent on them for our happiness".
Seeing then that even the most painful duties of religion are sources of pleasure, we may confidently affirm the same respecting " alV her ways.]
To this blessed account of wisdom's ways, we may add, that they are,
II. Peaceful in their issue —
Mark the influences of religion on all who walk in her ways : mark them,
1. In life—
[None know any thing of " peace," except the true Christian. As God has said, so experience proves, that " there is no peace to the wicked"." The cisterns to which they go for refreshment, are polluted ; or rather, they are
d Luke ix. 23. 2 Tim. iii. 12. e Heb. x. 34.
f Acts xvi. 23 — 25. e Acts v. 41. »' Matt. v. 11, 12.
i Rom. v. 3. k Phil. ii. 17^ 18. 1 .Tam.i. 2.andv, 11.
*" Phil. i. 29. n Hab. iii. 17, KS. " Isai. Ivii. 21.