The Beauty of Holiness
Bp. E. Hopkins. Proverbs 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. He who would effectually plead the cause of piety and religion must not only recommend the principles of it to the understanding, as most true and certain, but the practice of it to the will and affections, as desirable and delightful. Nothing would tend more to the advancement of true godliness than if we could clearly demonstrate that it hath not only the advantage above sin and vice in respect of future and eternal joys, but in respect of present pleasure and satisfaction. What is this wisdom which is thus profitable, thus pleasant? Is it a subtle management of our own concerns? Nay, it is nothing else but true religion, solid piety and holiness. I. ALL PLEASURE ARISETH FROM AN ATTEMPERED SUITABLENESS AND HARMONY THERE IS BETWEEN THE FACULTY AND THE OBJECT. Where there is any disagreement, either in contrariety or in excess, the result is not pleasure but torment. 1. The pleasures which religion brings are not such as do immediately affect the body, the drossy and earthy part of man. 2. Religion, as it doth allow, so it adds a sweetness and relish to the lawful comforts of this present life. Experience proves that sobriety and temperance bring more true pleasure than excess and riot. A constant fear of God, and a conscientious obedience to Him, give a seasoning to all our earthly enjoyments. A good conscience is a continual feast. 3. The chief joys which religion gives are internal and mental. And these are incomparably beyond the delights of sense. II. THIS PURE AND SPIRITUAL PLEASURE ARISETH IN THE MIND FROM THREE THINGS. 1. A congruity and suitableness in holy and religious actions to the rules and principles of right reason. There are three general principles of natural religion. (1) That God is loved and feared above all, and the revelations of His will to be credited and obeyed. (2) That we ought to govern ourselves with all temperance and sobriety, in the use of the comforts of this life. (3) That we ought to demean ourselves towards others with the exactest justice and equity. Where our actions do correspond with these principles of reason, there must arise an intellectual joy and complacency. 2. The comfortable reflections of our own consciences upon holy and religious actions. Self-reflection is sweet and comfortable to a true Christian. 3. The hope and expectation of the eternal reward of our obedience. 4. That must be most pleasant which calms all our perturbations and disturbances, and fits us to enjoy both God and ourselves in a sedate composure. III. COMMON OBSERVATION AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE CITED TO DISPROVE ALL THESE SPECULATIONS CONCERNING THE PLEASURE OF RELIGION. It is pleaded that, in actual fact, many of the votaries of religion are miserable and melancholy. In answer we say — 1. The joys of religion are not loud and tumultuous, but grave, solid, and serious. "True joy is a severe thing." It lies deep and recondite, in the centre of the soul, and fills it with calm thoughts, sedate affections, and uniform peace and tranquillity. 2. If, at any time, the religious man be really sad and dejected, this is not to be imputed to religion, but to the want of it, either in himself or others. 3. Even the tears and sorrows of a true, pious Christian have a more solid joy in them than all the noise and extravagant jollity of wicked men. There is a sweetness even in mourning, when it is filial and ingenuous. Tears are a solace, and grief itself an entertainment. IV. WHAT THEN IS TO BE SAID OF THE MORTIFICATIONS AND SELF-DENIALS WHICH RELIGION REQUIRES? — ARE NOT THESE UNPLEASANT? Is there nothing in these things that is difficult to be done, and grievous to be borne? 1. It is true that there are many things in religion which are difficult and laborious, but this does not argue them to be unpleasant and grievous. The whole Christian life is warfare; in it there must be strain and discipline. 2. We must keep in mind that there is a twofold nature in every Christian — his corrupt and his Divine nature. Two contrary parties are struggling within him. The rigorous duties of religion are only so to the corrupt and sinful inclinations; they are a joy and pleasure to the renewed and sanctified nature. 3. The severities of religion are far more difficult and distasteful at our first entrance upon a holy life than they will be when we are confirmed and habituated in it. 4. The severities of religion are no more nor greater than what we are content to undergo in things of another nature. The sinner meets with far more trouble in the ways of sin than the most strict and holy Christian can do in the ways of obedience. The complaints against the rigours of religion proceed only from mistakes and prejudices. (Bp. E. Hopkins.) Parallel Verses KJV: Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. WEB: Her ways are ways of pleasantness. All her paths are peace.