I. St. James may be regarded as affording an example and encouragement to those who follow Christ, in two sorts of trials, more particularly those which arise from a thriving condition in the world, and those which attend, sometimes, on a quiet and comfortable home. To obey our Lord's call, he left both "the ship and his father:" both the business to which he had been brought up, and on which he might depend, if not for wealth, at least for a comfortable maintenance; and the consolation of being with his parents, and living peaceably at home with them.
II. It might seem almost presumption for such as we are to take to ourselves, as if intended for our pattern, the example of so great and holy a saint, one brought so very near the person of our Divine Saviour Himself. But we know that it is not presumptuous, since even Christ's own example, and that of the Eternal Father, are set before us for our study and imitation. Does any man ask how he can imitate St. James, he, a private Christian, not called to be an apostle, not summoned by the providence of God to any one great sacrifice, which might gather, as it were, into one the self-denials of a whole life? Let such a one think this within himself, that there may be, there probably are, occasions in which his worldly business, whatever it be, is apt to interfere, more or less, with his duty to our Saviour. The memory and fancy of his shop, his plough, his garden, or his loom mingles unseasonably with his prayers and holy readings, and tries to hinder him from attending to his Saviour's voice, inwardly whispering, "Follow Me." Well, on all such occasions, let us manfully put aside the intruding thought, saying as Felix did, but with a better meaning, "Go thy way now, and come again when I shall have a convenient season."
III. Persons who, in sincerity and truth, make sacrifices of this kind, who really prefer not their own fancy, but Christ's will, even to family comfort, may find great encouragement in the favour which our Lord showed to His holy Apostle St. James. Their prayers for light and strength, they have every reason to hope, will be bountifully answered. "Christ will make Himself present to them, in all His works, both of mercy, of wonder, and of judgment." Whether He raise the dead, or show Himself in agony or in glory, or come to judge Jerusalem, those who have made great sacrifices for Him will be favoured and honoured witnesses.
Plain Sermons by Contributors to "Tracts for the Times,"vol. vi., p. 142.
References: Matthew 4:21; Matthew 4:22. Clergyman's Magazine,vol. i., p. 24; J. Keble, Sermons for Saints' Days,p. 305.