Many, instead of being pleased, are only irritated and offended at it —
[Nothing under heaven has ever given more offence than this. Men may utter lewdness and blasphemy, and create but little disgust : but let them bear their testimony against sin, or proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ, and instantly an indignation is excited in every bosom. In the house of God indeed a certain licence is allowed, provided the preacher be not too faithful : but in a private company the mention of such things is considered as a death-blow to social comfort, and is reprobated as an insufferable nuisance. Even in the public ministry those who " labour with fidelity in the word and doc- trine" are not unfrequently treated with every species of indig- nity. No name is too odious for them to bear, no opposition too violent to be raised against them.
It is supposed indeed by some, that the offence excited by ministers arises from the erroneousness of their statements, or the injudiciousness of their manner. But what then shall we say to the treatment which Christ and his Apostles met with ? Did our blessed Lord want any qualification that could recom- mend his doctrine ? Did he not exhibit " the meekness of wisdom," and "speak as never man spake?" And was not Paul guided and instructed by God himself in his ministrations? Yet were both he and his Divine Master represented as babblers and deceivers; and one cry was raised against them both, " Away with them ; it is not fit that they should live."
Nor is it more against the doctrines of Christianity that this prejudice exists, than it does against its practice. The doc- trine of " Christ crucified is still to some a stumbling-block, and to others foolishness :" and the same anger that rankled in the bosoms of Herod and Herodias against John, who con- demned their incestuous connexion, is called forth at this time against any one who shall condemn the customs of the world''. Our Lord's words may still be used by all his faithful followers, " The world hateth me, because I testify of it that the works thereof are evil*^." Doubtless the inveteracy of wicked men will shew itself in different ways and different degrees, accord- ing to the different circumstances under which it is called forth : but no times or circumstances have ever superseded the neces- sity of attending to the caution in the text : there ever have been multitudes who would take offence at the kindest efforts for their welfare*^, and, like ferocious " dogs, would turn again and rend you." Reprove iniquity, and you will still be deemed
^ It is said of Herodias, tvtiyev avrw, which we translate " She had a quarrel against him ;" but the idea seems to be, " She fastened on him, like a dog," that would tear him to pieces. Mark vi. 19.
= Johnvii. 7. ^ Prov, ix. 7, 8.