2 lines
1.3 KiB
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2 lines
1.3 KiB
HTML
<p>If we compare not only the end, but the way, we shall find that religion has the advantage; for, 1. The way of saints is pleasant and agreeable: <i>Good understanding</i> gains <i>favour</i> with God and man; our Saviour grew in that favour when he <i>increased in wisdom</i>. Those that conduct themselves prudently, and order their conversation aright in every thing, that <i>serve Christ in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost</i>, are <i>accepted of God and approved of men</i>, <a class="bibleref" title="Rom.14.17,Rom.14.18" href="/passage/?search=Rom.14.17,Rom.14.18"><span class="bibleref" title="Rom.14.17">Rom. 14:17</span>, <span class="bibleref" title="Rom.14.18">18</span></a>. And how comfortably will that man pass through the world who is well understood and is therefore well accepted! 2. The way of sinners is rough and uneasy, and, for <i>this</i> reason, unpleasant to themselves, because unacceptable to others. It is <i>hard</i>, hard upon others, who complain of it, hard to the sinner himself, who can have little enjoyment of himself while he is doing that which is disobliging to all mankind. The service of sin is perfect slavery, and the road to hell is strewed with the thorns and thistles that are the products of the curse. Sinners labour in the very fire.</p>
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