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The words of our text apply specially to Christ and His redeemed Church. But I take the words in a large general sense, as applicable to all who would be interested in the Redeemer. And the force of them in that sense is this, that no earthly relation, however near and however beloved — no earthly interest, however valuable and however important — must come between you and God. A strange method this (it may not unnaturally occur to your minds) of recommending religion! to tell you that it may perhaps expose you to the sorest crucifixion of natural feelings and to the most painful sacrifices. And —

I. THERE EVER HAS BEEN, AND THERE EVER WILL BE, AN INCONSIDERABLE OPPOSITION BETWEEN THE WORLD AND THE GODLY. True, you may escape this opposition by dispensing with the seriousness of mind which religion produces. Keep only to the form of religion and the world will not complain. But its subjects are so momentous, so overwhelming, and its joy so tempered with solemnity, that they who know the power of religion will have the least relish for the frivolous pleasures of this world. Religion hangs so loosely on many that it gives no offence. It stands in no one's way. They can be all things to all men. Such persons are safe from the world. But if you will not be such as these, there is no alternative but to reckon on the opposition of the world and its friends.

II. SOME OF THE SITUATIONS IN WHICH CHRISTIAN SINCERITY WILL BE TRIED.

1. In the first place, they may be deserted by friends and relatives. Even those on whom they depend for support may turn against them and cast them off.

2. They may be tempted to sin. They may be sorely plagued by the ungodly. "Righteous Lot" of old "was vexed with the filthy conversation" of the wicked in Sodom; and there are innumerable ways in which the men of the world may tempt and injure the godly.

3. They may be despised. To be religious is thought mean and low. Now, some particular duty which shall mark them out as Christians may have to be performed. It is performed, and so draws the gaze and the contempt of all around. This is hard to bear. But it must be borne. Have you repented of your choice?

(John Young, M. A.)

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KJV: Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

WEB: Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your father's house.