CHEAP IDEAS OF SACRIFICING.
By William Nelson Glenn
A RELIGIOUS journal refers its readers to the contrast between France and the United States in the year 1789. In that year France declared that God did not exist, and the worship of Reason was to be substituted instead of the worship of God; while in this country, on the 30th day of April, after the inauguration of Washington, “the new President and those around him repaired to the house of God to offer the sacrifices of prayer and praise.” There was nothing inappropriate in offering prayer and praise on that occasion, but the idea of referring to prayer as “sacrifice” is rather anomalous. To give one credit for making a sacrifice when he asks for something, appears very much like sacrificing at somebody else’s cost; but it is in keeping with the spirit of the age, when a large amount of credit is expected for a very small amount of religion. David refused to take credit for sacrificing if the offering cost him nothing; how much less sacrificial credit would have been due for craving a favor? There is so much inclination in these days to appreciate cheap glory that many people deem it a sacrifice to accept eternal life; and many would fain count it a sacrifice to enjoy the pleasures and benefits of gospel instruction without any return whatever. To part with that which is not only injurious in this life but certain to entail future loss, in exchange for something that is both comforting here and of inestimable gain hereafter, is not sacrifice. That, even from a worldly standpoint, is a wise exchange, a profitable investment. When the King of glory comes to collect his jewels, he will reckon as such those who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice on the principle of his sacrifice. He gave all, not for any377benefit to himself, but solely for the good of others. Let us be careful lest we assume credit for sacrificing when our own benefit is the real object in view; lest by habitually relying upon cheap sacrifice, we find it in the end too flimsy to stand the crucial test.