Page:True religion a source of happiness.pdf/14

14 2. But "it is a way which requires, which is rather painful than pleasant.” I answer, the pain of self-denial is only felt by-sinful self. Were we free of unlawful desires, and propensities, we should not feel this pain. To deny ourselves pleasures is only to thwart our corruptions, the source of all our unhappiness. To deny ourselves in  things for Christ's sake, is only to exchange a less for a greater good, which every wise merchant will do with pleasure

3. But "the cross is part of wisdom's ways, and is far from being pleasant!". I answer, Though the cross attends the way of wisdom in this world, yet it is not properly her ways, but the effect of the hatred and opposition of the world to them. The cross is not unpleasant to them who love Christ. They rejoice in tribulation, and is being counted worthy to suffer shame for his name; Acts, v. 41. Rom v. 3 And surely, those must be pleasant paths which make men joyful and happy even in tribulations, which in themselves are not joyous but grievous.

4. "Sorrow and for sins do not appear pleasant." It should be noticed, however, that the sorrow and