The Pleasantness of a Religious Life by Matthew Henry Chapter 2 The pleasure of being religious proved from the nature of true religion and many particular instances of it. The doctrine needs no further explanation, nor can it have any explanation better than our own experience of it. Rather, the chief part of our undertaking will be to prove the truth of it, and oh, that God would set it before us in a true light, so that we may all be convinced of it and embrace it as both a faithful saying and well worthy of being accepted. that a godly life is a pleasant life, and that we may be wrought upon to live such a life. Pleasure is a tempting thing. What yields delight cannot help but attract desire. Surely, if we were fully persuaded that religion has pleasure on its side, only a little bit of it would produce in us a strong desire to be religious. And this is certainly the case. Let us not be in doubt of it. Here is a bait that has no hook under it, a pleasure courting you which has no pain accompanying it, no bitterness at the latter end of it. It is a pleasure which God himself invites you to and which will make you truly and eternally happy. And shall this not work upon you? Now, to make way for the proof of it, I would only desire two things. Number one, first, that you would lay aside prejudice and give a fair and impartial hearing to this cause and not prejudge it. He that answers any matter before he hears it out Well, it is folly and shame to him, Proverbs 18 verse 13, especially if it is a matter of great importance and concern to himself, a matter of life and death. Therefore, be willing to believe that it is possible there may be And then, I doubt not but to make out that it is certain there is true pleasure in true religion. Perhaps you have a notion, and are confirmed in it by the common cry of the multitude, that religion is a sour, melancholy thing. that it is to bid farewell to all pleasure and delight, and to spend your days in grief, and your years in sighing. And if we offer anything to the contrary, and tell you that it is a pleasant thing, and the best entertainment that can be to the mind, well, most are ready to say, as Ezekiel's hearers did of him, quote, Does he not speak parables? Close quote. Ezekiel chapter 20 verse 49. Does he not speak paradoxes? Well, you startle at it and start, excuse me, and start from it as a hard saying as Nathanael did. Quote, can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Close quote. John chapter 1 verse 46. So you are ready to say. Can there be any pleasure in religion? Believe it. There can be. There cannot help but be pleasure in it. Do not measure religion by the follies of some who profess it, but do not live up to their profession, nor adorn it. Let them bear their own burden, or clear themselves if they can. But you are to judge of things. not persons, and therefore ought not to be prejudiced against religion for their sakes. Nor should you measure it by the ill opinions which its adversaries have of it, or the ill name which they endeavor to put upon it, or they neither know it nor love it. and therefore care not what unjust things they say to justify themselves in the contempt of it and to hinder others from embracing it. But think freely of this matter. Number two. Secondly, I desire that you would admit this as a principle and abide by it, that the soul is the man. This is the premise that I would lay down in order to proceed to the proof of the doctrine, and I hope it will be readily granted that man is principally to be considered as an intellectual, immortal being, endued with spiritual powers and capacities, allied to the world of spirits, and accountable to the father of spirits. that there is a spirit in man which has sensations and dispositions of its own, active and receptive faculties distinct from those of the body, and that this is the part of us which we ought to be most concerned about, because as it is well or ill with our souls, and so it is well or ill with us. In man's present state, The soul and body have separate and competing interests. The body thinks it is in its interest to have its appetites gratified and to be indulged in its pleasures, while the soul knows it is in its interest to have the appetites of the body subdued and mortified. so that spiritual pleasures may be better relished. Amen. Now, the essence of our trial is to find out which of the two we will side with. Therefore, be wise and resolute, showing yourselves to be men who are actuated and governed by reason, and are influenced by things only as reason represents them to you. not reason as it is in the mere natural man, clouded, plunged, and lost in sense, but reason elevated and guided by divine revelation and grace in us. Walk by faith and not by sense. 2nd Corinthians chapter 5 verse 7. Let the God that made you knows you and wishes you well, and from whom your judgment must proceed, let him determine your sentiments in this matter, and the work is done. Now, in the first place, I shall endeavor to prove this doctrine by showing you what religion is. wherein it consists, and what the things are which constitute serious godliness. Then you shall judge for yourself whether or not it is pleasant in its own nature. If you understand religion properly, you will find that it has an innate sweetness in it which is inseparable from it. Let it speak for itself, and it will recommend itself. The mere exhibition of its own beauty and harmony is enough to bring us all to love it. And you may see the pleasures of religion in 12 instances of it. Number one, to be religious is, quote, to know the only true God and the Lord Jesus Christ whom he has sent, close quote, John chapter 17 verse 3. And is this not pleasant? To get our understandings rightly informed concerning both the object and medium of our religious regards is the first thing we have to do. Seeking and to receiving this light from heaven and having it diffused through our souls as the morning light in the air being turned to the impression of it, quote, as the clay to the seal, close quote. Job chapter 38 verse 14. And this is a pleasure to the soul that understands itself and its own true interest. Quote, truly the light is sweet. and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun." Ecclesiastes 11.7 It rejoiceth the heart. Proverbs 15.30 Hence, light is often put for joy and comfort. But no light is comparable to that of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 verse 6 This is finding the knowledge we had lost and must forever have despaired of finding if God had not made it known to us by the Spirit. It is finding the knowledge that we are undone without and happy forever within. For what is heaven but this knowledge in perfection? It is finding the knowledge which the soul would covet and rest in if it had but recovered itself from the delirium which it is thrown into by the fall. When they begin to be religious, Those that sat in darkness begin to see a great light. Matthew chapter 4 verse 16. It is a pleasing surprise to them. It is coming into a new world, such as a pleasure as none could know so well as he that had his sight given to him, though he was born blind. John chapter 9 verse 1. Blessed are your eyes says the Lord Jesus Christ to those whom he had brought into an acquaintance with himself for they see Matthew chapter 13 verse 16 Apply thy heart to my knowledge Says Solomon for it is a pleasant thing if thou keep it within thee Proverbs 22 verses 17 and 18 You will eat honey because it is good and the honeycomb, which is sweet to the taste. Well, so shall the knowledge of wisdom be to thy soul. Proverbs 24 verses 13 and 14. If a learned man that has solved a mathematical riddle can cry out in a transport of joy, I have found it! I have found it! Well then, should not those who have found the knowledge of the Most High boast of their discovery all the more? There is no pleasure in any learning like that of learning Christ and the things that belong to our everlasting peace. For these things are not small and trivial, nor doubtful and uncertain. They are not foreign to us, or things which we are not concerned about. But these are great and sure things, being of greatest importance to us. for the knowledge of these things gives us great satisfaction. Here we may rest our souls to know the perfections of the divine nature, the unsearchable riches of divine grace, to be led into the mystery of our redemption and reconciliation by the Lord Jesus Christ. This is food, and such knowledge as this is a feast to the soul. Indeed, it is meat and drink. It is the knowledge of that which the angels desire to look into. 1 Peter chapter 1 verse 12. If the knowledge of the law of God was so sweet to David that it was sweeter than honey to his taste, Psalm 119 verse 103, then how much the more should the knowledge of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ be so to us. Number two, to be religious is to return to God and repose in Him as the rest of our souls. And is this not pleasant? Is it not only for our understandings to embrace the knowledge of Him, but also our affections to fasten upon the enjoyment of Him? It is to love God as our chief good. and to rest in that love. To love him with all our heart and soul and mind and strength. Luke chapter 10 verse 27. For he is well worthy of all our love and infinitely more. He is amiable in himself and gracious to us. He who has promised to love those that love him. Nehemiah chapter 1 verse 5. will accept our love and return it. The love of God reigning in the soul, and that is true religion, is as much a satisfaction to the soul as the love of the world is a vexation to it when it is found to be so ill-bestowed and comes to be reflected upon. How pleasant must it be to recover ourselves so far as to quit looking to the world as our portion and happiness, and to depend upon Him alone to be so. He has enough in Him to answer our utmost expectations. When we have in vain sought satisfaction where it is not to be found, how pleasant it is to seek it, and to find it where it is, to come from doting upon lying vanities, Jonah chapter 2 verse 8, and spending our money for that which is not bread, Isaiah 55 verse 2, to live and live plentifully upon a God that is enough, a God that is all-sufficient, and in Him alone to enjoy our own mercies. Has anything ever been spoken of a mind more at ease and better pleased than that which David has said? Return unto thy rest, O my soul. Psalm 116 verse 7 that is, to God as thy rest? For in him I am what I would be, I am where I would be, I have what I would have. Or consider this, O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord, the portion of my inheritance and of my cup. The lions are fallen to me in pleasant places, and I have a goodly heritage." Psalm 16 verses 2 and 5. Or this, Whom have I in heaven but thee? There is none upon the earth that I desire in comparison of thee. For when flesh and heart fail, thou art the strength and joy of my heart in my portion forever." Psalm 73 verses 25 and 26. Religion does not consist of raptures and transports. Yet, without doubt, holy souls that are at home in God that have made the most high their habitation. Psalm 91 verse 9. Whose desires are towards him, whose delights are in him, who are in him as their center and element, dwelling at ease. Psalm 25 verse 13. None can imagine the pleasure that a believer has in his covenant relation to God. his interest in him and in the assurance of his love. Have I taken thy testimonies to be my heritage forever? Psalm 119 verse 111a. Surely they are the rejoicing of my heart. That's verse 111b. I cannot be better provided for. When King Asia brought his people to renew their covenant with God. It is said they swear unto the Lord with a loud voice and with shoutings and with trumpets. 2nd Chronicles 15 verse 14. And all Judah rejoiced at the oath for they had sworn with all their heart. That's verse 15. When we come to make our own act and deed, to join ourselves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant, and are upright with Him in it, we cannot help but be pleased with what we have done. It is a marriage covenant. It is made with joy. Quote, My beloved is mine and I am his. Close quote. canticles, I'm sorry, Song of Solomon chapter 2 verse 16. Number three, to be religious is to come to God as a father in and by the Lord Jesus Christ as a mediator. And is this not pleasant? We not only have the pleasure of knowing and loving God, but the pleasure of drawing near to him and having by faith a humble freedom and intimacy with him. Blessed are they that dwell in his courts. They shall be satisfied with the goodness of his house, even of his holy temple. That's Psalm 84 verse 4 and Psalm 65 verse 4. Religion is described as coming to God and What can be more agreeable to a soul than that which comes from him? It is to come to God as a child to his father to his father's house to his father's arms and to cry Abba Father Galatians chapter 4 verse 6 to come as a petitioner to his prince is a privilege and but to come as a child to his father is a pleasure. And all the saints who have received the spirit of adoption, Romans chapter 8 verse 15, have this pleasure. They can look up to the God that made them as one that loves them and has a tender compassion for them that a father has for his children, delighting to do them good and taking pleasure in their prosperity. Though they have offended him, yet he is reconciled to them, owns them as his children, and encourages them to call him father. When he afflicts them, they know it is in love and for their benefit. that still it is their father's good pleasure to give them the kingdom. Luke chapter 12 verse 32. But that isn't all. It is not only to come to God as a father who himself loves us, but it is to come to him in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who is our advocate with the Father. 1st John chapter 2 verse 1. That by these two immutable things, we might have strong consolation. Hebrews chapter 6 verse 18, that we have not only a God to go to, but an advocate to introduce us to Him and speak for us. Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ is sometimes expressed as rejoicing in Him. for it is a contented self-satisfaction of the soul in the method which infinite wisdom has taken of bringing God and man together by a mediator." We are the circumcision that rejoice in Christ Jesus. Philippians chapter 3 verse 3. Not only relying upon Him, but triumphing in Him. The Apostle Paul is not only not ashamed of the cross of Christ, but he glories in it. Galatians chapter 6 verse 14. And when the eunuch is brought to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, he goes on his way rejoicing, highly pleased with what he has done. Acts chapter 8 verse 39. What a pleasure What a satisfaction it is to lodge the great concerns of our souls and eternity in such a skillful, faithful hand as that of our Lord Jesus, to cast our burdens upon Him who is, quote, able to save to the uttermost, close quote, Hebrews chapter 7 verse 25, and is as willing as He is able and thus to put us at ease. Consider how blessed the Apostle Paul is, elevated at the thought of this, quote, Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea, rather, that is risen again, close quote. Romans chapter 8 verse 34. And with what pleasure does he reflect upon the confidence he had put in Jesus Christ? He says, I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against that day. 2 Timothy 1. Those that know what it is to be in pain or sin and are anxious to obtain the favor of God cannot help but know what a pleasure it is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as the propitiation for our sins and our intercessor with God. How can we live a more pleasant life than to live by the faith of the Son of God? Galatians chapter 2 verse 20. To be continually dependent upon Him, deriving and referring all to Him. And as we have received Him, so walk in Him. Colossians chapter 2 verse 6. It is in believing that we are filled with joy and peace. Romans chapter 15 verse 13. Number four. To be religious is to enjoy God in all our creature comforts. And is that not pleasant? It is to take the common supports and conveniences of life. Though they may be of the richest or lowliest kind, the products of his providential care concerning us and the gifts of his bounty to us and in them to taste and to see that the Lord is good. Psalm 34 verse 8. Good to all, good to us. It is to look above second causes to the first cause through the creature to the Creator. and to say concerning everything which is agreeable and serviceable to us, this I asked, and this I have from the hand of my Heavenly Father. What a noble taste and relish this puts into all the blessings with which we are daily loaded! Our health and ease, our rest and sleep, our food and clothing, all the satisfaction we have in our relationships, peace in our dwelling places, and success in our callings. The sweetness of these is more than doubled. It is highly raised when by our religion we are enabled to see them all coming to us from the goodness of God as our great benefactor and thus to enjoy them richly. while those who look no further than the creature enjoy them very poorly, and only as the inferior creatures do. Carnal, irreligious people, though they take a greater liberty in the use of the delights of sense than good people dare take, and therein think they have the advantage of them, yet they have not half the true delight in them that good people have. not only because all excesses are a force upon nature, and surfeits are as painful as hunger and thirst, but because they deprive themselves of the comfort of receiving them from their father's hand, and are not inclined to him as obedient children. They make use of the creature But they have not looked unto the maker thereof, quote, nor had respect to him that fashioned it long ago, close quote. Isaiah chapter 22 verse 11, as good people do. And so they come short of the pleasure which good people have. It is not pleasant to taste covenant love in common mercies. Or is it not pleasant to taste covenant love and common mercies? And very pleasant to see the hand of our Heavenly Father spreading our table, filling our cup, making our houses safe and our rest easy? This they do, who, by faith, have their eyes always towards the Lord. who by prayer fetch in his blessing upon all their enjoyments, and by praise give the glory of them to that mercy of his which endureth forever." Psalm 136 verse 1. And when a continual regard is thus had to that mercy, an abundant sweetness is infused into all the comforts of this life. For as the wrath and curse of God is wormwood and gall, Jeremiah chapter 9 verse 15, in all the afflictions and miseries, and so his love and kindness is the honey and the oil in all the comforts and enjoyments of this life. It is that which is better than life, Psalm 63 verse 3, and which is abundantly satisfying that which puts gladness into the heart beyond the joy of harvest. Isaiah chapter 9 verse 3. Then the nations are glad and sing for joy when not only the earth yields her increase but with it God even their own God gives them his blessing. Psalm 67 verses 4 through 6 and when the church is brought to such a sense of God's grace as to cry out, quote, how great is his goodness and how great is his beauty, close quote, it follows that then corn shall make the young men cheerful, Zechariah chapter 9 verse 17, intimating that we have no joy in our enjoyments, that is no true enjoyment of them, until we are led by these streams to the fountain. Number five. To be religious is to cast all our cares upon God and to commit all our ways and works to him with an assurance that he will care for us. Isaiah 33 verse 22. And is this not pleasant? It is a very sensible pleasure to be eased of some pressing burden which we are ready to sink under. And care is such a burden. It is a heaviness in the heart of man which makes it to stoop. Now, true religion enables us to acknowledge God in all our ways. Proverbs 3 verse 6. then to depend upon him to direct our steps and to follow his directions. Not leaning to our own understanding. That's verse 5. It is easy or it is to refer ourselves and the disposition of everything that concerns us in this world to God in his will and wisdom with an entire acquiescence in his award and arbitration and Quote, here I am Let the Lord do with me as seemeth good in his sight close quote 1st Samuel chapter 3 verses 16 and 18 To be truly godly is to have our wills Melted into the will of God in everything and to say amen to it Not only as a prayer, but as a covenant between It is to be fully reconciled to all the disposals of divine providence and methods of divine grace, both concerning others and ourselves. To be satisfied that all is well that God does and that it will appear so at last when the mystery of God shall be finished. And how does the mind that has come to this enjoy itself? How at ease it is! It is not only freed from racking anxieties, but filled with pleasing prospects. Fears are silenced and hopes are kept up and elevated. Nothing can come amiss to those who have been taught by the principles of their religion to make the best of their outward circumstances, because it is the will of God. and this is making a virtue of necessity. What uncomfortable lives do they live who are continually fretting at that which cannot be helped, quarreling with the disposals of providence when they cannot alter them, and by this contracting guilt as well as indulging grief and so doubling every burden. But how pleasantly do they travel through the wilderness of this world, who constantly follow the pillar of cloud and fire, and accommodate themselves to their lot, whatever it is. They are like Paul, having learned to be content in every state by the strengthening of the Lord Jesus Christ within them, knowing how to want and how to abound. Philippians chapter 4 verses 12 through 13. Number six, to be religious is to rejoice in the Lord always. Philippians chapter 4 verse 4. And is this not pleasant? Is it not only one of the privileges of our religion that we may rejoice, but it is made one of the duties of it as well. We are defective in our religion if we do not live a life of contentment in God, in his being, his attributes, and his relationship to us. It should be a constant pleasure to us to think that there is a God, that he is such as the scripture has revealed him to be, a being infinitely wise and powerful, who is holy just and good. That this God governs the world and gives law to all its creatures. That he is our owner and ruler. That our breath, times, hearts, and all our ways are in his hand. And this is certainly so, and thus it must be. and happy are those who are pleased with these thoughts. Those who could wish it otherwise must of necessity be a constant terror to themselves. Those who delight in God always have something to delight in, a fountain of joy which can never be exhausted or stopped up, and to which they may always have access. How few are there that live many days, and rejoice in them all." Ecclesiastes 11 verse 8. Well, such a thing is supposed indeed, but it is never found true in any, except in those that make God their joy. The gladness of their joy, as the psalmist expresses it, their exceeding joy, Psalm 43 verse 4, And in him it is intended that this joy should terminate when we are bid to rejoice evermore. 1 Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 16. Number seven. To be religious is to endeavor to praise God. And is that not pleasant? It is very unpleasant and contrary to our inclination to be continually obliged to praise one that is not worthy of praise. But what can be more pleasant than to praise Him to whom all praise is due, and ours particularly, to whom we and all the creatures lie under all possible obligations? who is worthy of, and yet exalted far above, all blessings and praise, from whom all things are, and therefore to whom all things ought to be. There is little pleasure in praising one whom none that are wise and good praise, but only the fools in Israel. But in praising God we concur with the blessed angels in heaven, and all the saints, and do it in concert with those who, the more they know him, well, the more they praise him. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, and all his hosts. Psalm 103 verse 20. And therefore, with what pleasure can I cast my might into such a treasury? Bless the Lord, O my soul. And that's verse 22. There is little pleasure in praising one who will not regard our praises, nor take notice of our expressions of esteem and affection. But when we, quote, offer to God the sacrifice of praise continually, close quote, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name, Hebrews chapter 13 verse 15, we offer it to one that takes notice of it, accepts it, and is well pleased with it, smelling a savor of rest from it, and will not fail to meet with his mercies those who follow him with their praises. For he has said that those who offer praise glorify him. Psalm 50 verse 23. He puts this favorable construction upon it, a high stamp upon excuse me, upon coarse metal. Yeah, guys, I'm not doing well. So, anyway, continuing. Now, what is it that we have to do in religion but to praise God? We are taken into a covenant with God that we should be to Him, quote, for a name and for a praise, close quote. Zephaniah chapter 3, verse 20. We are called into his marvelous light that we should show forth the praises of him that called us 1st Peter chapter 2 verse 9 And how can we be more comfortably employed? They are therefore blessed that dwell in God's house For they will still be praising him Psalm 84 verse 4 And it is a good thing good in itself and good for us for it is very pleasant to give thanks unto the Lord Psalm 92 verse 1 and to show forth his praises Psalm 106 verse 2 for we cannot do ourselves a greater honor or fetch in a greater satisfaction than by giving unto the Lord the glory due unto his name Psalm 96 verse 8 It is not only a heaven upon earth, but it is a pledge and earnest of a heaven in heaven too. For if we are here every day, blessing God, we shall be praising him forever and ever. Psalm 145 verse 2. And in this manner, all who will hereafter go to heaven begin their heaven now. Compare the hellish pleasure which some take in profaning the name of God, and the heavenly pleasure which others take in glorifying it, and tell me which is more preferable. Pardon me. Number eight. To be religious is to have all our inordinate appetites corrected and regulated. And is this not also pleasant? To be eased from pain is a sensible pleasure, and to be eased from that which is the disease and disorder of the mind is a mental pleasure. Those certainly live a most unpleasant, uncomfortable life, who are slaves to their appetites and indulge themselves in the gratifications of sense, though ever so criminal. who set their hearts upon the pursuit of their lusts, and do not withhold their hearts from any joy. Drunkards and unclean persons, though they are said to give themselves up to their pleasures, yet in reality estrange themselves from that which is true pleasure, and subject themselves to continual pain and uneasiness. Sorry for snooking in, guys. The carnal appetite is often overcharged, and this is a burden to the body and its distemper. When enough is as good as a feast, I wonder what pleasure there can be in taking more than enough. And the appetite, the more it is indulged, the more impulsive and troublesome it grows. It is overindulged but not satisfied. It grows more impetuous and imperious. What Solomon says of a servant is true of the body. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become his son, nay his master, at the length. Proverbs 29 verse 21. If we permit the body to get dominion over the soul, so that the interests of the soul must be damaged to gratify the inclinations of the body, it, that is the flesh, will be a tyrant, as a usurper generally is, and will rule with rigor. And as God said to the people, when by Samuel he had shown them the manner of the king that they had chosen, You will cry out in that day because of your king which ye have chosen you and the Lord will not hear." 1st Samuel chapter 8 verse 18. And so it is with those that bring themselves into disorders, diseases, and terrors by the indulgence of their lusts. Who can pity them? They're well enough served for setting such a king over themselves. Who hath sorrow? Well none so much as they that tarry long at the wine. Proverbs 23 verses 29 through 30. Though they think they have the monopoly of pleasure. Now the truth is those who live in these pleasures are quote dead. while they live." 1st Timothy chapter 5 verse 6. And though they fancy themselves to have the greatest liberty, in reality they find themselves in the greatest slavery. For they are led captive by Satan at his will. 2nd Timothy chapter 2 verse 26. And of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. 2nd Peter chapter 2 verse 19. And if the carnal appetite has not gained such complete possession as to quite extinguish all the remains of reason and conscience, those noble powers, though not permitted to give law, they will at least make a disturbance. And there are few who have so full an enjoyment of the forbidden pleasures of sense, who do not sometimes also feel the checks of reason and the terrors of conscience, which mar their mirth, even as the handwriting on the wall did Belshazzar's, and make their lives uncomfortable to them, and justly so. To be religious is to have the exorbitant power of these lusts and appetites broken. And since they will not be satisfied, they will instead be mortified and brought into a quiet submission to the commanding faculties of the soul according to the direction of the divine law. And in this way, peace is preserved by supporting good order and government in the soul. Those who are most sober, temperate, and chaste certainly live the most easy, healthful, and pleasant lives, for they do not allow themselves to eat of any forbidden tree. Though it may be pleasant to the eye, they live well-ordered lives and are not the servants but the masters of their own bellies. They keep under their bodies and bring them into subjection. 1 Corinthians chapter 9 verse 27. To religion and right reason. And by laying the axe to the root and breaking through vicious habits, dispositions, and desires in the strength of divine grace, they have made refraining from vicious acts very easy and pleasant. Quote, If through the Spirit we mortify the deeds of the body, Romans 8, verse 13, we live, and live most pleasantly. 9. To be religious is to have all our unruly passions likewise governed and subdued, and is that not pleasant? Much of our torment arises from our intemperate hearts, which are not content with the providence of God, fretful at every contrary circumstance, fearful of every imaginary evil, envious of those who are in a better state than ourselves, malicious against those who have injured us, and angrily resentful of every least provocation. Well, these are thorns and briars in the soul. They spoil all the enjoyment of ourselves, our friends, and of our God, too. They make men's lives unpleasant and make them a terror to themselves and to all those around them. But when, by the grace of God, these roots of bitterness, Hebrews chapter 12 verse 15, which bear so much gall and wormwood, Deuteronomy 29 verse 18, are plucked up, and we have learned from our master to be meek and lowly in heart, we find rest to our souls, Matthew chapter 11 verse 29. We enter into the pleasant land, Psalm 16 verse 6. There is scarcely any grace of a Christian that has more present tranquility and satisfaction, both inherent in it and annexed to it, than this grace of meekness." Sorry for shnooking in again, guys. I'm starting to come down with something. "...the meek shall eat and be satisfied." Psalm 22 verse 26. "...they shall inherit the earth." Matthew chapter 5 verse 5. "...they shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 37 verse 11. They shall increase their joy in the Lord. Isaiah 29 verse 19. And nothing diminishes meekness more than ungoverned passion. For it grieves the spirit of grace, the comforter, and provokes him to withdraw. Number 10. To be religious is to dwell in love toward all our brethren and to do all the good we can in this world. And is this not pleasant? Love is the fulfilling of the law. Romans chapter 13 verse 10. It is the second great commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves. Matthew chapter 22 verse 39. All our duty is summed up in one word, which, as it is a short word, so it is a sweet word, love. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is to live in holy love. It is not only pleasing to God and amiable in the eyes of all good men, but it will be very comfortable to ourselves. For they that dwell in love dwell in God, and God in them. 1 John chapter 4 verse 16. Religion teaches us to be kind to our relations, that is our relatives and friends, and to please them well in all things, neither to give nor resent provocations, to bear with their infirmities, to be courteous and obliging to all with whom we converse, to keep our temper and the possession and enjoyment of our own souls, regardless of what affronts are given to us. And can anything contribute more to our living pleasantly? By love we enjoy our friends and have communion with them in all their comforts, and so add to our own, rejoicing with them that do rejoice. Romans chapter 12 verse 15. By love we recommend ourselves to their love. And what can be more delightful than to love and be loved? Love is the very element of a pure and sanctified mind, the sweet air it breathes in, the cement of that society which contributes so much to the pleasure of human life. The sheep of Christ, united in flocks by the bond of holy love, lie down together in the green pastures by the still waters. Psalm 23 verse 2. where there is not only plenty, but pleasure. The Apostle, exhorting his friends to be of good comfort and to go on cheerfully in their Christian course, exhorts them in order to that, to be of one mind and to live in peace. And then he says, the God of love and peace will be with them. 2 Corinthians 13 verse 11. And what pleasure can be comparable to that of doing good? For it is participation in the pleasure of the eternal mind, who delights to show mercy and to do good. Nay, besides the divinity of this pleasure, there is a humanity in it, the nature of man. If it is not debauched, invitiated, Cannot help but take pleasure in making another safe and at ease It was a pleasure to Job to think that he had caused the widow's heart to sing for joy Job 29 verse 13 That he had been eyes to the blind feet to the lame and a father to the poor Those are verses 15 and 16 that they had been warmed with the fleece of his sheep." Job 31 verse 20. The pleasure that a good man has in doing good confirms what our Savior has said, that quote, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Close quote. Acts chapter 20 verse 35. Number 11. to be religious is to live a life of communion with God. And is this not pleasant? Good Christians, being taken into friendship, have fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ, 1 John 1, verse 3, making it their business to keep up this holy conversation and correspondence. And herein consists the life of religion, to converse with God, to receive his communications of mercy and grace to us, and to return pious and devout affections to him. And can any life be more comfortable? Is there any way of living that can possibly be as pleasant as this to a soul that knows itself? and its own powers and interests. In reading and meditating upon the Word of God, we hear God stooping to speak to us and show his concern for us. He speaks freely to us about our own business, as a man does to his friend. He compassionately speaks words of comfort to us in our distressful circumstances. And what can be more pleasant to those who value the favor of God and care about the interests of their own souls? When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words, for they are sweet. Psalm 141 verse 6. the words of God will be very sweet to those who see themselves as overthrown by sin. And so they are to all that love God. With what an air of pleasure does this spouse say, It is the voice of my beloved, and he speaks to me. Song of Solomon chapter 2 verses 8 and 10 In prayer and praise, we speak to God, and we have liberty of speech, having leave to utter all our words before the Lord, even as Jephthah did in Mizpah. Judges chapter 11 verse 11. We speak to one whose ear is open, is bowed down to our prayers, nay, to whom the prayer of the upright is a delight. Proverbs 15 verse 8. It is not only an ease to a burdened spirit to unbosom itself to such a friend as God is, but a pleasure to a soul that knows its own extraction, to have such a boldness as all believers have, to enter into the Holy of Holies. Hebrews 10. We may, as truly have communion with God in providences, as in ordinances, and in the duties of our everyday lives, as in religious exercises, and thus, that pleasure may become a continual feast to our souls. What could be more pleasant than to have a God to go to whom we may acknowledge in all our ways? Proverbs 3 verse 6. And whom our eyes are always towards. Psalm 25 verse 15. To see all our comforts coming to us from his hand and all our crosses too. to refer ourselves and all the events that concern us to His disposal with an assurance that He will order all for the best. What a pleasure it is to behold the beauty of the Lord in all His works and to taste the goodness of the Lord in all His gifts. In all our expectations to see every man's judgment proceeding from Him, to make God our hope, and God our fear, and God our joy, and God our life, and God our all. This is to live a life of communion with God. to be religious is to keep up a constant expectation of the glory to be revealed. Romans chapter 8 verse 18. It is to set eternal life before us as the mark we aim at and the prize we run for and to seek the things that are above. And is this not pleasant? It is our duty to think much of heaven to place our happiness in its joys, and to direct our aims and pursuits toward it. And what subject, what object can be more pleasing? Well, sometimes we need to frighten ourselves from sin with the terrors of eternal death. but it is much more a part of our religion to encourage ourselves in our duty with the hopes of that eternal life which God has given us, the life which is in His Son. 1 John 5, verse 11. What is Christianity but, quote, having our conversation in heaven, close quote. Philippians 3, verse 20. trading with the new Jerusalem and keeping up a constant correspondence with that better country, that is, the heavenly, as the country we belong to and are in expectation of, to which we remit our best efforts and affection. For this is where our head and home is, and where we hope and long to be. When our minds are in a heavenly frame and temper, we are as we should be, or we do as we should do when we are employed in heavenly work, as much as we are capable of doing it in this lower world. And does this not therefore make our religion a heaven upon earth? If there will be a fullness of joy and pleasure in the glory and happiness which grace and holiness will one day make perfect, then there cannot help but be an abundance of joy and pleasure in the grace and holiness which glory and happiness have begun. If there will be such a complete satisfaction in vision and fruition There cannot help but also be a great deal of it in faith and hope That are so well founded as that which the saints enjoy and hence When we are believing we are said to rejoice with joy unspeakable 1st Peter chapter 1 verse 8 and to be filled with joy and peace in believing Romans chapter 15 verse 13 It is the character of all God's people that they are born from heaven, bound for heaven, and have laid up their treasure in heaven. And those who know how great, how rich, how glorious, and how well secured that happiness is to all believers must confess that if that is their character, it cannot be anything but their unspeakable comfort and delight. Now sum up the whole and tell me whether or not religion is a pleasant thing indeed. when even the duties of it are so much the delights of it, and whether or not we serve a good master, who has thus made our work its own wages, and has graciously provided two heavens for those that never deserved one. That's the end of chapter 2.