Jonah 1:3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish… The sacrifices required by religion are infinitely more reasonable and light than those which sinful courses demand. I. THE SACRIFICES REQUIRED OF THE SINNER. The boasted pleasure of the sinner is obtained at a very disproportioned expense of time — of labeler — and of substance: and moreover to it is freely sacrificed not only health, reason, conscience, but also the precious soul. II. THE SACRIFICES REQUIRED OF THOSE WHO ARE THE FRIENDS OF RELIGION. 1. Religion does not require the renunciation of any lawful enjoyment. 2. Religion does require of its followers certain worldly sacrifices. Such as a seventh portion of time. Jehovah demands of all His worshippers — 3. The total surrender of their persons. Your talents, with all their energies; your will, with all its propensities; your affections, with all their fervour, are exclusively and supremely His. The members of the body too are become instruments of righteousness unto righteousness. 4. When sinners come to the Saviour they present Him with their most cheerful services. 5. The severest sacrifice that religion requires is that of our unholy desires. The service is severe, but the command is absolute. III. COMPARE THESE SYSTEMS. Each has something to enjoy. The Christian needs not fear to grant to the sensualist his luxuries; or to acknowledge the general depression of the faithful. To ascertain the several claims of these systems observe — 1. That, while all the demands of religion are just, those of iniquity are the vexatious claims of a tryant. 2. The demands of religion are most gracious, whereas those of a tyrant are insatiable. 3. The services of religion are beneficial; those of the world destructive. 4. The sacrifices of religion shall be richly repaid. Sin also has its wages, and to the uttermost farthing they shall be paid. Choose then what master you will serve.Listen not — 1. To the seductions of pleasure. 2. Be not afraid of the reproaches cast upon religion. 3. Be truly wise. Listen to the cautions of Divine wisdom. (James Simpson.) Parallel Verses KJV: But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. |
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