December 12

Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.—Romans 12:11.

I. No man is fervent and zealous as he ought, but he that prefers religion before business, charity before his own ease, the relief of his brother before money, heaven before secular regards, and God before his friend and interest. Which rule is not to be understood absolutely, and in particular instances, but always generally; and when it descends to particulars, it must be in proportion to circumstances, and by their proper measures: for,

1. In the whole course of life it is necessary, that we prefer religion before any state that is either contrary to it, or a lessening of its duties. He that hath a state of life, in which he can not at all, in fair proportions, tend to religion, must quit great proportions of that, that he may enjoy more of this; this is that which our blessed Saviour calls, "pulling out the right eye, if it offend thee."

2. In particular actions, when the necessity is equal, he that does not prefer religion, is not at all zealous;—for although all natural necessities are to be served before the circumstances and orders of religion, yet food and bodily array, our liberty and our life, our health and a friend, are to be neglected rather than a duty, when it stands in its proper place, and is required.

II. To that fervor and zeal which are necessary and a duty, it is required that we be constant and persevering. "Be faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life," said the Spirit of God to the angel of the church of Smyrns. For he that is warm to-day and cold to-morrow, zealous in his resolution and weary in his practices, fierce in the beginning and slack and easy in his progress, hath not yet well chosen what side he will be of; he sees not reason enough for religion, and he hath not confidence enough for its contrary; and therefore he is as St. James calls him, "a double-minded man." For religion is worth as much to-day as it was yesterday, and that can not change though we do; and if we do, we have left God, and whither he can go that goes from God, his own sorrows will soon enough instruct him. This fire must never go out, but it must be like the fire of heaven, it must shine like the stars, though sometimes covered with a cloud, or obscured by a greater light; yet they dwell for ever in their orbs, and walk in their circles, and observe their circumstances, but go not out by day nor night, and set not when kings die, nor are extinguished when nations change their government: so must the zeal of a Christian be, a constant incentive to his duty; and though sometimes his hand is drawn back by violence or need, and his prayers shortened by the importunity of business, and some parts omitted by necessities and just compliances, yet still the fire is kept alive; it burns within when the light breaks not forth, and is eternal as the orb of fire, or the embers of the altar of incense.