Nor will this separation be thought painful, if only we bear in mind —
III. The honour which God will confer on all who steadfastly maintain it — The people of the world, in order to retain the believer in a state of bondage, hold out to him the benefits of which a separation from them will de- prive him —
[They tell him of his reputation, which will suffer ; and of his interests, which will be impaired by what they call his needless singularity Perhaps, and indeed not uncom- monly, his own parents will be the most forward to discourage him in his heavenly course, and " his greatest foes will be those of his own household "]
But the encouragement here afforded him is suffi- cient to outweigh it all —
[What astonishing words are these ! "I will receive you, and be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." What need we care about being cast out by men, if we are received by God? yea, if even disowned and disinherited by earthly parents, what loss do we sustain, if God himself acknowledge us as his sons and daughters, and provide an inheritance for us worthy of that high relation ? Think of the sweet access which a child has to his parent, the delightful confidence he has in his love, and the full assurance he enjoys of all suitable provision in the time of need. This, and infinitely more than this, does the believer enjoy in the presence of his God : and beyond all this he looks forward to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Say, believer, how small are thy privations, when such are thine enjoyments ! how contemptible
are thy losses, when such are thy gains ! ]
Address —
1. Those who are just entering on the divine life —
[" Let every one who sets himself to seek his God, pre- pare his soul for temptation." Yes, beloved, if you will be followers of Christ, you must have some cross to bear. The servant cannot be above his lord : if they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, much more will they those of his household. Be content then to have it so. Do not imagine that you can ever reconcile the ungodly to the ways of God. If you will maintain friendship with them you must renounce your friendship with him. " You cannot serve God and Mannnon :" and even a wish to do so is in God's estimation constructive treason \ You think perhaps to do them good:
'' Jam. iv, 4. See the Greek, and mark well the import of every word.