165. PRO 3:17. THE PLEASANTNESS OF RELIGION

Pro_3:17. The Pleasantness of Religion

"Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."’97Pro_3:17.

A very common error greatly prevails as to the influence which religion produces on the minds of its possessors. It is generally considered to tend to gloom and melancholy. Nothing more incorrect. Religion is the only source of light, and joy and peace. "Her ways," &c. Let us endeavor, 1. To establish and illustrate the Truth of the Text. And, 2. Show the distinguishing Characteristics of that Pleasure which Religion affords. Let us,

I. Establish and illustrate the Truth of he Text.

It may be necessary to premise that it is not the name or profession of religion, but the true personal enjoyment of it, which yields the pleasures referred to in the text.

1. The intellectual part of religion is a way of pleasantness.

Knowledge is happiness as well as power. Religious knowledge the most blessed, glorious, and sublime. To know the true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. To know his will’97his heavenly doctrines’97the truths which relate to the soul and to eternal life. "Yea, doubtless," &c. Soul to be without knowledge is not good. Ignorance, source of fear and wretchedness.

2. The experimental part of religion is a way of pleasantness.

This is very fully described by the apostle as consisting of "righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." Rom_14:17. To be righteous in state, and without charge of guilt, must yield true pleasure. To have internal peace with God, and towards man, and also peace of conscience. Internal serenity and composure. As religion consists of righteousness and peace, so it includes also joy in the Holy Ghost. Exultation of feeling. Ecstatic delight. The Christian is called to be joyful, has every reason to be so. Source of joy, the blessed God dwells within him. When he contrasts his present with his former state. Then poor, wretched, diseased, lost. Now rich, happy, whole, and saved. Then observe,

3. The graces of religion are pleasant.

Make a selection of a few of them. Faith; to have implicit confidence in God, and firm reliance and trust in Jesus Christ. Hope; to be desiring and expecting, on good grounds, the possession of eternal glory Love; to love the greatest and best of beings, and to have his love shed abroad in our hearts.

4. The ordinances of religion are pleasant.

To hold communion with God in private, in the closet’97to surround the family altar with our children’97to meet in the sanctuary’97to read the precious word of life’97to tell all our mind to God’97to celebrate his praises’97to enjoy his presence, and to behold his glory. "How amiable," &c.

"Lord, how delightful ’tis to see," &c.

Heaven on earth.

5. The duties of religion are pleasant.

Services are unpleasant when they are degrading in themselves’97when they are performed to a worthless master’97or when they do not yield a sufficient recompense. But the Christian services are truly ennobling, they are performed to him whom angels delight to worship, and they are rewarded with the present riches of grace, and the eternal riches of glory. "In keeping his commandments there is great reward." "His commandments are not grievous." Let us notice,

II. The distinguishing Characteristics of that Pleasure which Religion affords.

1. It is real, and not imaginary.

Pleasures of sin are deceitful, visionary. As painted fire to the man starving with cold. As a picture of a banquet to the hungry perishing. A dream, &c. Religious pleasures are solid. They are what they appear to be.

2. It is constant and abiding.

Not a momentary gleam. Not a glaring meteor. But the light of day. Settled and abiding. Other pleasures go, when riches fail, when health fails, when friends die. when death arrives. This makes happy at all times, and under all circumstances.

3. It is progressive and increasing.

Path shines more and more. Other pleasures cloy, and require perpetual change; these are ever fresh and delicious, and impart increasing joy and delight to the mind 4. It is adapted to every human being.

Suited to the capacities of every soul, and the desires and feelings of every heart. Religion yields true enjoyment to the learned and the ignorant, rich and poor, old and young, &c. Religious pleasure 5. Will end in the fulness of bliss at God’s right hand forever.

Psa_16:11; Rev_21:22-27; Rev_22:1-5. Then let us urge these ways upon the attention of every description of character Let them be tested, that men may know for themselves that "her ways," &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS