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John A. Broadus
Her ways are ways of
pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:17
Some have thought it
wrong that Christianity should appeal so much to the desire of happiness-most men, on the
contrary, dislike its requirement of self-denial. As objections, a French preacher has
well said, we might leave them to refute each other. But then both statements are true-and
religion herein corresponds with human nature as we find it. Men in general have a
conflict between feeling of interest and of duty-desiring gratification, yet feeling that
they ought to deny themselves. Religion proposes to reunite and harmonize these so that
the desire for happiness may be satisfied with holiness; that not only interest in fact,
but men's feeling of interest, may coincide with duty-and while denying themselves
all unlawful gratification, they may have new desires, whose gratification shall afford
real happiness. Religion should make us happy, for love is the fulfilling of the law, and
love is happiness. Religion may properly appeal to our desire for happiness, because we
cannot exercise love to others without self-love. Selfishness, the perversion, the
caricature of this, is wrong, but self-love is a necessary part of our nature,
indispensable to our loving others, and thus indispensable to religion.
Condescending to our infirmities, and seeing that men have lost the relish for holiness,
God appeals to their relish for happiness. If attracted by this, they may then be less
averse to holiness. But observe, there is no compromise-it is not by the offer of sensual
pleasures, here or hereafter, that we would attract men to religion. We do not say that
you can be religious, and still enjoy the pleasures of sin. We do insist that you can be
religious, and still have pleasure. It would not do if happiness were the sole object in
seeking religion-but it may attract, and other elements enter in afterward.
Take this, then, as the subject of the sermon, "Religion affords Happiness," or,
"The Pleasures of Piety."
I. The influence of piety upon those objects and relations which are commonly thought
to contribute most to happiness.
1. Influence upon length of days. How religion contributes to this. Even conscientious
care, even strong religious principle, fails to save many persons from neglect of health;
but what would become of them without such principles?
2. Influence upon reputation. Consistent piety secures respect and confidence. Those who
are religious should refuse to compromise with others. They may be annoyed, even vexed, at
your refusal, yet in their hearts they will honor you. A firm, decided stand is easiest to
maintain, and at the same time most reputable.
3. Influence on riches. I cannot speak of this, any more than the former topics, at
length. Riches do not of themselves make a man pious-they often, though not always, have a
contrary effect. Piety does not necessarily promote wealth-but it must always have that
tendency. It deters from vices, and vice is commonly expensive. It enjoins and encourages
those virtues, which are promotive of wealth, as frugality.
4. Influence upon our social relations. Affection for kindred and friends is enhanced by
piety and mutual duties are performed better where there is piety. Piety gives a greater
disposition to forgiveness and to self-sacrifice. It sheds a new luster over the brightest
home, bestows an added joy upon the most loving hearts.
With reference to all these, observe the disposition religion produces, as regards both
prosperity and adversity. Piety gives contentment, the disposition to make the best of
everything. How great the value of this to happiness!
II. The new sources of happiness which piety opens up within us.
Piety opens up many new sources of happiness.
1. Trust in providence. Rather than "trusting to luck," or trusting merely to
the uniformity of the laws of nature, we place our trust in a personal God who governs all
things by his powerful Word. How immense the importance to our happiness of regarding the
doings of providence as the work of our Father.
2. Peace of spirit. This grows out of reconcillation with God. How often the happiness of
the impenitent is marred by thoughts of his danger as the enemy of God. But reconciliation
with God, what a ground for peace of spirit-appropriating all the gracious promises,
resting upon them, delighting in them. Then we may be able, by God's grace helping, to
attain peace of conscience.
3.The enjoyment of religious exercises. Piety makes our worship, both public and private,
pleasant. In seasons of private prayer and in Scripture reading, truth comes with unwonted
clearness and preciousness.
4. Self-sacrifice for the good of others.
5. The hope of eternal blessedness.
Let it not be objected then to religion, that it would destroy happiness. It confers the
highest happiness in life, the only happiness in death and in eternity.
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