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SERMON VIII.

CHRIST'S BURDEN A LIGHT BURDEN.

For my Yoke is

ST. MATTHEW, XI. 30.

easy, and my Burden is light. IN a former discourse on these words, I adduced them as containing a correct and faithful delineation of the nature of true religion. In this respect they are highly important. They neither allure, by a specious exhibition of the pleasures which accompany Christianity, nor discourage by exaggerated representations of its attendant difficulties. They paint the service of Christ in its native colours, as it really is; a service not exempt, on the one. hand, from trial and restraint, nor destitute, on the other, of consolations and delights peculiarly its own. Though it be a Yoke, it is an easy Yoke. Though it be a Burden, it is a light Burden. In this view we have already considered the former clause of the text. I now proceed, in a similar view, to propose the latter to your consideration.

My Burden is light.

The servants of Christ have not only a yoke which they must carry, they have a Burden also which they must bear. What does this expression mean? What is the Burden which Christ imposes on his people?

Generally we may understand the term to imply, all those peculiar sufferings, labours, and afflictions, to which his service exposes those who follow it. It cannot be denied, it need not be dissembled, that the servants of Christ are called to encounter many heavy trials, from which other persons are free. The very images, under which Christianity is pourtrayed in Scripture, strikingly convey this truth. It is described as a narrow way. It is characterised as a race, a wrestling, à warfare; doubtless in allusion to the difficulties and hardships with which the serious profession of it is accompanied. St. Peter, when speaking to Christians of their sufferings, expressly tells them, that hereunto they were called*. St. Paul asserts, that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God + Christ himself affirms, Whosoever does not bear my cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple ‡.

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*1 Peter, ii. 21. · + Acts, xiv. 22.

Luke, xiv. 27.

But it may be asked, in what particulars the Burden of Christ more especially consists? I reply.

1st. In the daily conflict which the Christian maintains with the sin that dwelleth in him. The power of sin in his heart, though broken, is not utterly destroyed. The body of death, though condemned and crucified, still continues to defile, to impede, to harass him. Too often does he find reason to lament that he cannot do the things which he would; that when he would do good, evil is present with him. Too often has he occasion to complain, that though he delights in the law of God after the inward man ; yet he sees another law in his members warring against the law of his mind and bringing him into captivity to the law of sin, which is in his members. Corrupt propensities, which have long since seemed to be weakened, or even utterly subdued, at times resume their wonted force, and cost him many a painful struggle: while deadness of heart to the things of God, coldness of spiritual affections, wandering thoughts in prayer, and numerous unallowed transgressions, which escape all human observation, fill him

* Rom. vii. 21, 22, 23.

with unaffected shame, and oppress his bosom with real sorrow.

2. In the hostile treatment which the Christian experiences from the world. It is the declaration of unerring truth, that all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution*. Let this declaration however be understood in a qualified sense. It is not intended that every true disciple of Christ is necessarily called to seal his faith with his blood, to be made with the apostles a spectacle to men and angels. And it must be admitted that some of that opposition and obloquy which Christians encounter, is often provoked by their own injudicious zeal, indiscreet singularities, and needlessly offensive conduct. At the same time they are not of the world, therefore the world hateth them : Their views, their maxims, their principles, are so directly opposite to those, by which the men of the world are actuated, that notwithstanding every lawful endeavour to obviate prejudice and to conciliate esteem, that enmity, which was originally put between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent, will secretly continue to operate. A variety of circumstances may concur to modify, to direct, or to restrain its

2 Tim. iii. 12.

↑ John, xv. 19.

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operations; but still it will occasionally break forth, and betray the lurking venom. In beneficial designs perversely thwarted; in motives misrepresented; in conduct harshly judged, and uncharitably censured; in vilifying appellations, wantonly and reproachfully applied; the Christian will experience the hatred and opposition of the world. Even if resort be not had to weapons more open and violent, the malicious sarcasm, or the insulting sneer, will at times exercise his patience, and expose his fortitude to trial.

3. In the chastening which the Christian receives from his heavenly Master. Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. The Christian is a scholar, whom Christ is training up for future glory. Already he is a partaker of the divine nature the seed is sown in his heart; but much care and management are requisite to bring it to maturity. Already, he is born again of the Spirit; but much painful discipline must be endured, before the new-born babe shall come unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Hence severe rebukes, hence afflicting dispensations become necessary instruments in the hand of

Hebrews, xii. 6.

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