106 II. CORINTHIANS 5.

the things which pertain to that state which is to us now in- visible. The reason why the latter, and not the former class of objects do thus engross the believer, is that the things seen are temporal^ or rather, temporary^ lasting only for a time ; whereas the things unseen are eternal. Few passages in Paul's writings exhibit so clearly his inward exercises in the midst of sufferings and under the near prospect of death. He was, when he wrote what is here written, in great affliction. He felt that his life was in constant and imminent danger, and that even if delivered from the violence of his enemies, his strength was gradually wearing away under the uninterrupted trials to which he was subjected. IJnder these circumstances we see him exhibiting great sensibiUty to suffering and sor- row; a keen susceptibility in reference to the conduct and feelings of others towards him; a just appreciation of his dan- ger, and yet unshaken confidence in his ultimate triumph ; a firm determination not to yield either to opposition or to suf- fering, but to persevere in the faithful and energetic discharge of the duty which had brought on him all his trials, and a he- roic exultation in those very afflictions by which he was so sorely tried. He was sustained by the assurance that the life of Christ secured his life ; that if Jesus rose, he should rise also ; and by the firm conviction that the more he suffered for the sake of Christ, or in such a way as to honour his divine master, the more glorious he would be through all eternity. Suffering, therefore, became to him not merely endurable, but a ground of exceeding joy.