This is the test whereby you are to try the state of your
souls before God ; for according to your experience of these things will be your sentence in the day of judgment ]
2. Wliat measure have ye of resemblance to him ?
[God has ordained that all his people should " be conformed
to
' Gen. iii. 15.
to the image of his SonV' J" sufferings, in holiness, and in glory. Like him, they must " drink of the brook in the way, and afterwards lift up the head." " The Captain of our Salva- tion was made perfect through sufferings ;" and " all the sons who shall be brought to glory" must be made perfect in the same way" : " through much tribulation they must enter into the kingdom of heaven." The " mortifying of our members upon earth," with "the cutting off a right hand, and plucking out a right eye," are strong and significant expressions, shewing clearly, that a life of godliness requires much painful labour and self-denial. Besides, there is much persecution also to be endured from an ungodly world ; for " all that will live godly in Christ .lesus shall suffer persecution." Nor are the conflicts that are to be sus- tained with all the powc^ii of darkness of small consideration in the Christian's warfare. Let me ask then, Are ye following Christ in this way? Are ye " crucifying the flesh with the affec- tions and lusts?" Are ye "following him boldly without the camp, bearing his reproach?" Are ye fighting manfully the good fight of faith," and " wrestling, not only with flesh and blood, but with all the principalities and powers of hell ?" Be assured that "the kingdom of heaven cannot be taken without violence : the violent must take it by force." The work and offices of Christ will be of no avail in our behalf, if we do not " take up our cross daily and follow him." Awake then, all of you, to the duties that are assigned you ; and be content to " suffer with him, that ye may be also glorified together."]
* Rom, viii. 2g. " Heb. il, 10.