VII. 1 DISC. " will fatisfy or oblige him, because he hath "been obliged in all things. Betimes " therefore accustom your defires, like chil"dren, to disappointments. Deny them "every thing they ask for, that is improper "for them to obtain; nay, every thing " (be it what it may) which they ask for in “ an improper manner. This will be so far " from souring the temper (as some have "weakly suggested in the cafe of chil"dren) that it will give you, as well as "them, a confirmed habit of acquiescing " in what is right; of cheerfully submit"ting, when your wills are over-ruled; of " receiving every thing with pleasure and "gratitude, in which you are indulged ; "above all, of controuling every sudden paf"sion that may arife; of commanding and " moderating every defire; of resigning to "the appointments of Providence, through "every situation and period of life." And if this be not happiness, say, where is it to be found, and where is the place thereof? -It is the happiness of a hero, the joy and the glory of a conqueror, returning from 1 The Duty of Self-denial. 153 om the field of battle triumphant through DISC. ace, and dragging the enemies of his VII. vation fast bound to his chariot-wheels. hen self-denial has thus wrought it's erfect work within you, the kingdom of eaven is there - and that kingdom is ghteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. : But felf-denial will not only thus bring own heaven to you for a time-it will carry you up to heaven for ever. Letrus revert to the fifth chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel, and confider well the promises there made to those holy and happy tempers, peculiar to Christianity, the essence of all which is felf-denial; and let us observe the manner in which the reward is adapted and appropriated to each several temper. 01 "Blessed are the poor in spirit; for "theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed "are they that mourn; for they shall " be comforted. Blessed are the meek; for "they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are " they 154 VII. The Duty of Self-denial. DISC. "they which do hunger and thirf "righteousness; for they shall be " Blessed are the merciful; for the " obtain mercy. Blessed are the p "heart; for they shall see God. I " are the peace-makers; for they fl "called the children of God. Bleff " they which are perfecuted for righ "ness sake; for theirs is the kingdo "heaven. Blessed are ye, when mer " revile you, and perfecute you, and " say all manner of evil against you fa " for my fake. Rejoice, and be exce "glad; for great is your reward in hea The Saviour's promise is sufficientwould you hear the teftimony of one viewed it's accomplishment ? You hear it " I beheld, and lo, a great multit "which no man could number, of "nations, and kindreds, and people, "tongues, stood before the throne, "before the Lamb, clothed with w "ro The Duty of Self-denial. 155 robes, and palms in their hands, and DISC. cried with a loud voice, Salvation to our VII. God which sitteth upon the throne, and = unto the Lamb; bleffing, and glory, and = wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, - and power, and might, be unto our God, - for ever and ever. And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these " which are arrayed in white robes, and "whence came they? And I faid unto "him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said " unto me, These are they which came out " of great tribulation, and have washed " their robes, and made them white, in the "blood of the Lamb" - These are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, "the merciful, the pure in heart, the "peace-makers, the afflicted, and the per" secuted"-These are they, who, in the days of their flesh, " denied themselves, "took up their cross daily, and followed " Jesus," in the way that leadeth unto life; that way, on which " the Lord hath " promised his blessing, even life for ever"more." |