[March 19th, 1854.]
I. The general nature of joy.
Joy is either a transient emotion, or a permanent, cheerful, and happy frame of mind. It enters into the nature of hope, insomuch as hope is always attended with joy; but it differs from hope inasmuch as the object of the one is future, and of the other present. Worldly joy is that which arises from the possession and expectation of worldly good. Religious joy is that which comes from the expectation or possession of spiritual good. Sorrow and despondency bear the same relation to each other that joy and hope do. The one arises from the experience of present evil, the other from the expectation of future evil. Sorrow enters into the nature of despondency, as joy does into the nature of hope.
II. Sources or causes of joy and despondency.
- Natural temperament.
(a.) The fact is undeniable that there is a constitutional difference among men in this respect. Some dispositions are cheerful; others are sad or desponding. Some are inclined to be hopeful; others are always anticipating evil. So some men are contemplative; others active. Some amiable; others morose.
(b.) The natural temperament is not changed by regeneration. The same disposition, when natural, which characterized the man before conversion, or as a natural man, more or less characterizes his religious exercises. This is the case unless the measure of divine grace be so great as to infuse, as it were, a new nature as well as a new heart into the soul of the convert.
- Another source is the state of the body.
(a.) The fact is undeniable that the state of the soul, as to its emotions, is intimately connected with that of the body. Exhilarating drinks, gas, atmosphere, the depressing influence of disease.
(b.) Besides this general fact, experience teaches that in reference to religious joy and despondency, the connection between the soul and body is not less intimate. This is proved by the fact that physical remedies often produce religious joy or remove despondency; by the fact that men pass from the one state to the other without any rational, as distinguished from physical, cause; and from the periodical nature of these changes.
- Another source of these emotional frames is that which is suited to their nature; i.e., the possession of good or the experience or dread of evil.
With regard to joy, (a.) It is the fruit of the Spirit. (b.) It is the effect of faith. (c.) It has the blessings of providence and redemption for its sources and objects. (d.) The assurance of God’s favor, presence and protection. (e.) The person and glory of Christ. (f.) The glories and blessedness of heaven.
With regard to sorrow and despondency. Sorrow is natural and proper under a sense of our sins. But despondency is a form of unbelief, and is always sinful, so far as it is not the effect of natural temperament or physical condition.
Observe 1. That joy is one of the essential conditions of spiritual health. Happiness is necessary to mental and bodily development. That joy is thus necessary, is proved (a.) Because it results from holiness, and is perfect in the perfect. (b.) Because it is commanded. (c.) Because it characterizes all the exercises of the pious. (d.) Because it is the atmosphere of heaven.
- Hence joy should be cultivated and despondency striven against. The method of action is determined by the causes. The natural and physical causes must be dealt with according to their nature, the spiritual causes according to their nature.
← 138. Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 1 Pet. 1:8 · Contents · 140. Singleness of heart. Acts 2:46 →