This is the true apostolical mind, which few apprehend: but those who do apprehend and obtain it, tread in the same steps, and declare themselves servants of the living God in true chearfulness of faith. They are not afraid _of the terror of men, but sanctify the Lord God in their hearts_: having determined _to know_ and regard _nothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified_.
5. Add to this, the consideration of those faithful champions of Christ, mentioned in the scriptures, as well as other histories. This was the way St. _Paul_ took to encourage them that were weak in faith, in the 11th chapter of his epistle to the _Hebrews_; which being an excellent abstract of the whole Old Testament, ought to be more especially pondered by us, and applied for the support of our faith, in all outward and inward temptations. The histories likewise of the primitive, as well as later martyrs, were they more attentively considered, would contribute much toward our attaining a true boldness of faith, so necessary for our Christian warfare.
But chiefly (I repeat it again) _Look ye unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith_. Consider him, (or as the Greek word properly signifies) make a comparison, between what Christ hath suffered, and what ye suffer. Consider what proportion there is between the two: for sure it is, if you will be his followers, you must be ever determined and prepared _to resist even unto blood, striving against sin_.
This it was that so powerfully inspired St. _Paul_ to expose himself to all manner of sufferings, For the mark he always had in his eye was, _To know Christ, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death_. And St. _Peter_, from the same ground, saith, _If when you do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called; because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps._ Christ himself also giveth us the same instructions: _Remember the word which I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you._ Wherefore, if any man would in good earnest be rid of the fear of man, let him eye continually the example and image of Christ; and know assuredly, he cannot be happier than when he cometh up to the nearest conformity with his suffering, crucified Lord. If his love be sincere, it will kindle in his heart an ardent desire to be like unto him: and this desire will dispel all the fear of man; because it makes the cross, which is so bitter to the flesh, delightful to the spirit; so that it can no more hinder his drinking gladly _the cup which his father hath given him_.
Nay, St. _Paul_ assures us, that a man not only overcomes thereby, but that he is _more than conqueror_; intimating, that by this victory he gains an inconceivable advantage over all the sufferings that can befal him for the gospel’s sake. _Who shall separate us from the love of God? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword: nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors._ Nor does he stop here, but expresses the undaunted chearfulness of his heart yet more emphatically; _I am persuaded that neither life, nor death, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor heighth, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God_. Let us, dear brethren, in like manner, press on in spirit into the living and powerful fellowship of Jesus Christ: so that we may _live no more, but he may live in us; and the life which we now live in the flesh, we may live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave himself for us_. Thus all fear will soon vanish out of our heart, and the joyful Spirit of Christ will fill up the room it had there, and make us grow in strength, comfort and encourage us in all our combats, and afford us a continual train of victories.
6. Let us then apply ourselves to God in earnest prayer, that he would be pleased to vouchsafe us this spirit, even _the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind_. This is not of us, but the free gift of God; which gift he is most ready to impart to those who heartily pray for it. Let us then ask, that we may receive: and more especially at such times, when we are called to act any thing that requires some exerting of the power of faith, let us have a care to do nothing according to our own fancy, but, in the first place, lay it open before God in prayer, and then set upon it, armed with the whole armour of God.