The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1879-08-13
THE COST.

THE COST.
The mail one day last week brought
letter from an estimable and industrious
pastor, who is anxious that the people of
his charge should be Cup to the times,
by which he means, as most truly good
men do, that they should keep up as near
| ly as possible with the present rapid and
majestic march of the providence and
grace of God. He wrote, somewhat de-
spondingly, that his people were holding
back, indeed, refusing instruction even,
lest they might be convinced against their
will, and especially annoyed because urged
to give. His words were: &C think they
are mad because our benevolence was
largely increased last year. They think
that religion costs too much
Such words start great many thoughts.
There is some truth in what that people
think. Religion is expensive in one light.
Really, it is great gain; but the gain Is
preceded by a large outlay. 1t does not
tcost too much, but costs great deal.
Religion, true religion, the religion
which gives to man peace with God,
purifes him, strengthens him, comforts
and cheers him in his sorrow and adver-
sitv, carries him on from one spiritual at
tainment to another and that a loftier
one, prepares him for eternal righteous
ness and peace, and joy and glory, makes
dao+b the MORTAL to the highest knowl-
edge, the greatest honor pure and per
feet happiness-this religion was pur-
chased by the humiliation, the sorrow and
grief, the bitter and shameful death on
the cross of the Son of God and Son of
Man. 1t cost agony that forced blood
into the sweat of the sufferer 1t cost the
unspeakable distress of Calvary which
forced from uncoplplaining lips the pite-
Gus wall, my God, my God, why hast
thou forsaken me?" 1t broke the great
est heart that ever beat in human breast.
1t cost blood. al hlong the way of life
are the marks of the blood Of King I'm
manuel. We know the way by the blood
marks. This religion cost the greatest
possible price.
1t has come to these last days at great
expense. What tongue can tell the prl-
vations which have been endured, the
agonies which have been borne, the per
secutions which have been brayed that
this religion might be preserved. This
Holy Bible is soaked through and through
with tears and is red with the blood OF
those of whom the world was not worthy,
No book in the world has cost so much.
Tender and delicate women, men IN the
pride of their strength, venerable and
sanity men and women, an august, SPLEEN
did, Christ-like, God-like company have
sacrificed all other possessions, all their
honors, and surrendered their lives on the
battlefield, the scaffold, in the dungeon, at
the stake. that this religion might be kept
alive upon the earth. What scorn, what
contumely, what disgrace they suffered be-
fore death came to transport them to the
better and heavenly country where the
wicked cease from troubling and the weary
are at rest! Has anything cost more?
Freedom, does any one say, has cost as
much? But freedom is bound up in The
Book; it is the charter Of human rights.
We have this religion at great price
Has it cost too much? Is it not worth
the cost
1t costs the individual much. Only by
much prayer and meditation, many self
denials. long continued, many struggles,
patient and persistent effort does a soul
win the crown that never fades. No
cross. no crown. Fight the good fight
run the race, mortify the flesh, cruelty
the body, are the conditions of the title
to a mansion in the heavenly Father
house. Endure hardships as good sol
diers of the Cross, says one captain under
the Great Leader. Are not Christians
forgetting these marching orders? Has
there not been so much said about priv
leges, and Joys, and consultations that be-
levers have forgotten the tug and strain
of the wrestle with the principahtles and
powers of darkness, the exertion and sweat
and painting of the race for the prize? Is
not the Church still the Church militant:
| Is not Satan still beseighing the soul Of
man. Is the victory over ourselves, over
our foes, already won? Does not God
still scourge every son he receives? We
fear that a religion which costs nothing
will be worth nothing, that one which
costs little will be worth little. The Joys
of salvation are the joys Of victory, after
the furnace, the fight, the race.
1t costs much to be faithful member