[1] Self-denial. A man must deny his righteousness. Phil 3:9. He will
yet to the wicked his laws are a yoke; and they love not to come under restraint, therefore they hate Christ. Though they pretend to love him as a Savior, they hate him as he is the Holy One.
2. They are prejudiced at Christ's TRUTHS.
[1] Self-denial. A man must deny his righteousness. Phil 3:9. He will graft the hope of salvation upon the stock of his own righteousness.
[2] He must deny his unrighteousness. The Scripture seals no patents to sin; it teaches us to deny all "ungodliness and worldly lusts." Titus 2:12. We must divorce those sins which bring in pleasures and profit.
[3] Forgiveness of injuries. Mark 11:25. These truths men are prejudiced at; they can rather lack forgiveness from God, than they can forgive others.
3. They are prejudiced at Christ's FOLLOWERS.
[1] Their paucity. There are but few, in comparison, who embrace Christ; but why should this offend? Men are not offended at pearls and precious stones, because they are few.
[2] Their poverty. Many who wear Christ's livery are low in the world; but why should this give offence? Christ has better things than these to bestow upon his followers; such as the holy anointing, the white stone, the hidden manna, and the crown of glory. All Christ's followers are not humbled with poverty. Abraham was rich with gold and silver, as well as rich in faith. Though not many noble are called —yet some noble are. "Many of them believed, including a number of the prominent Greek women as well as men." Acts 17:12. Constantine