Part 47 HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness
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Part 48 HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness
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1. It must be granted that afflictions and persecutions has been the common lot and portion of the people of God in this world. Abel was persecuted by Cain, (1 John 3:12), and Isaac by Ishmael, (Gal 4:29). That seems to be a standing law, "All who will live godly in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution," (2 Tim 3:12). A man may have many faint wishes and cold desires after godliness, and yet escape persecution; yes, he may make some initial endeavors and attempts as if he would be godly, and yet escape persecution. But when a man is thoroughly resolved to be godly, and sets himself in good earnest upon pursuing after holiness and living a life of godliness, then he must expect to meet with afflictions and persecutions. It is neither a Christian's gifts nor his graces, it is neither his duties nor his services which can secure him from persecution. Whoever escapes, the godly man shall not escape persecution in one kind or another, in one degree or another. He who will live up to holy rules, and live out holy principles, must prepare for sufferings. All the roses of holinessare surrounded with pricking briers.
The history of the ten persecutions, and Foxe's book of martyrs, the 11th of the Hebrews, with many other treatises which are existent, do abundantly evidence that from age to age, and from one generation to another, those who have been born after the flesh have persecuted those who have been born after the Spirit, (Gal 4:20), and that the seed of the serpent have been still a-multiplying of troubles upon the seed of the woman.
Would any man take the church's picture, says Luther, then let him paint a poor helpless maid sitting in a wilderness, compassed about with hungry lions, wolves, boars, and bears, and with all kinds of other cruel, hurtful beasts, and in the midst of a great many furious men assaulting her every moment and minute—for this is her condition in the world. As certain as the night follows the day, so certain will that black angel, persecution, follow holiness wherever it goes. In the last of the ten persecutions, seventeen thousand holy martyrs were slain in the space of one month. And in Queen Mary's days, or, if you will, in the Marian days, not of blessed—but of most abhorred memory, the Popish prelates in less than four years sacrificed the lives of eight hundred innocent Christians to their idols! And oh that that precious innocent blood did not still cry to heaven for vengeance against this nation! But,
2. Christ and his apostles has long since foretold us that afflictions and persecutions will attend us in this world. The Lord has long since forewarned us, that we may be forearmed, and not surprised on a sudden when they come. Christ has shot off many a warning piece in his word, and sent many a warning and harbinger, that so we may stand upon our guard, and not be surprised nor astonished when afflictions and persecutions overtake us: Matthew 10:22, "And you shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved." Matthew 16:24, "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Luke 21:12, "But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake." John 15:20, "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than the Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."
Ah Christians, since they have crowned Christ's head with thorns, there is no reason why you should expect to be crowned with rosebuds! John 16:33, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Acts 14:21, 22, "And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." As there was no way to paradise but by the flaming sword, nor any way to Canaan but through a wilderness; so there is no way to heaven but by the gates of hell, there is no way to a glorious exaltation but through a sea of tribulation. They do but dream and deceive their own souls who think to go to heaven upon beds of down, or in a soft and delicate way, or that think to be attended to glory with mirth and music, or with singing or dancing. The way to eternal happiness is not strewed with roses—but full of thorns and briers, as those of whom this world was not worthy have experienced.
Back to Part 4 HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness
Part 4 HOLINESS, the Only Way to Happiness
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