A Course of Six Lectures, Preached at Christ Church Chelsea, During Lent, 1844, by Clergymen of the Church of England (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1844 Excerpt: ... THE RELIGIOUS LIFE, ITS DIFFICULTIES AND DISCOURAGEMENTS. 1 Peter, iv. 18. "If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" There is one truth connected with the religious life which it is important for the Christian perpetually to bear in mind, not merely that it may lead him to suspect his own state, if he has never realized it; but that the present experience of it may encourage him to persevere; and that is, that the religious life is not one of indulgence or repose. A cursory glance at many of the Saviour's expressions concerning the religion He came to teach, and at the views which the Apostles were compelled practically to entertain of it, will shew us the nature of the condition to which it subjects every sincere believer. Heaven is therein represented as a rest: Earth as a scene of trial and conflict; so that the ordinary terms used in illustrating the subject, describe this feature very strongly. Sometimes it is called a cross, sometimes a thorny road, a battle, a warfare, a race. At all times it presents to us the notion of struggling, difficulty, and discouragement. A thoughtful mind would at once apprehend the truth and consistency of such a statement, from the comparison of human corruption with the laws of holiness and love. For sin in us is not the mere absence of good. It is not that we are only without virtue, but ready to receive its impressions. It is that we hate the good and choose the evil. Our sin within us is a state of enmity to God. Our ignorance consists not in the absence of knowledge so much, as in a dislike to the light. We have something to overcome before we can choose, much less fulfil the least of God's commandments. Hence, the difficulty. The first view which the awakened mind is apt to...