tllE EFFECTS OF llEXIGION ON THE DIFFERENT ORDERS OF SOCIETV.
Jam. i. 9, 10. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he
is
1139.] EFFECTS OF RELIGION ON SOCIETlf. 1/
is exalted ; hut the richy in that lie is made low : lecause as the flower of the grass he shall pass aw ay.
RELIGION certainly appears in some respects adverse to the happiness of men, inasmuch as it in- culcates the daily practice of humiliation and contri- tion, mortification and self-denial. The injunction to cut off a right hand and pluck out a right eye, cannot, it might be thought, conduce to our comfort in this world, whatever it might do with respect to the world to come. But, if Christianity deprive us of some carnal joys, (I should rather say, limit and refine them,) it affords abundant ground for joy of a more exalted kind. It does not merely concede as a privilege, but prescribes as a duty, that we should *^ rejoice evermore." To persons of every description, is this direction addressed in the words before us ; and the reasons upon which it is founded are de- clared. In conformity with the Apostle's views, we shall shew,
I. The effects of religion upon the different orders of. society —
We shall notice them,
I. Upon the poor —
[These are represented as " exalted" by Christianity* Not that they are raised out of their proper sphere, or have any right to assume consequence to themselves on account of their acquaintance with religion '^ : but they are exalted in their state and condition, their dispositions and habits ftheiv hopes and prospects.
The poor are for the most part regarded in so low and mean a light, that a rich man would be ashamed to acknow- ledge them a$ related to him : yea, they themselves feel a very humiliating disparity between themselves and their opulent neighbours. But, when once they embrace the Gospel, and are made " rich in faith," " God himself is not ashamed to be called their God :" he calls them " his friends," " his sons,'* " his peculiar treasure :" " he gives them a name better than of sons and of daughters." They instantly become " kings and priests unto God;" and the very angels in heaven account it an honour to wait upon them, as their ministering servants.
In
* Ignorant persons are sometimes faulty in this respect ; but St. Paul strongly cautions all, and especially servants, upon this head. iTim.vi. 1,2.