have seldom done miicli for tlie advancement of true religion. They have far more frequently been the ene- mies of the truth. '' Put not your trust in princes.'' Those who are like Herod are many. Those who are like Josiah and Edward the Sixth of England are few.
Observe how the Lord Jesus ivas " a mari of sorroivs" even from His infancy. Trouble awaits Him as soon as He enters into the world. His life is in danger from Herod's hatred. His mother and Joseph are obliged to take Him away by night, and " flee into Egypt." It was only a type and figure of all His experience upon earth. The waves of humiliation began to beat over Him, even w^hen He was a sucking child.
The Lord Jesus is just the Saviour that the suffering and sorrowful need. He knows well what we mean, when we tell Him in prayer of our troubles. He can sympathize with us, when we cry to Him under cruel persecution. Let us keep nothing back from Him. Let us make Him our bosom friend. Let us pour out our hearts before Him. He has had great experience of affliction.
Observe how deatJi can remove the Icings of this world like other men. The rulers of millions have no power to retain life, w^hen the hour of their departure comes. The murderer of helpless infants must himself die. Joseph and Mary hear the tidings that " Herod is dead ;" and at once they return in safety to their own land.
True Christians should never be greatly moved by the persecution of man. Their enemies may be strong, and they may be weak ; but still they ought not to be afraid. They should remember that ^' the triumphing of the wicked