II. The advice here given in reference to it — Here let us notice,
1. The advice itself —
[The human mind naturally shrinks back from revilings and reproach : and well it may, when any thing really dis- graceful is imputed to us. Such a regard to the opinions of men, so far from being wrong, is truly amiable and praise- worthy ; and a want of it would argue extreme degeneracy, and inveterate corruption. None but those who are hardened with pride, and insensible to shame, will ever presume to set public opinion at defiance. But where " the revilings and reproach" are wholly unmerited, and we have the testimony of our own consciences that we are " persecuted only for righteousness sake," we may then discard all fear, and all con- cern about the ignominy to which we are exposed e. In such a case we do well to " set our face as a flint against the whole world," and even to glory in the reproaches that are cast upon us. Under such circumstances we do not hesitate to repeat the advice which God himself gives us in the text, " Fear not the reproach of men, neither be afraid of their revilings." We would not so entirely exclude all prudential considerations as to prescribe exactly the same line of conduct to all persons; because we can conceive many situations in which reserve and caution are expedient, with a view to greater ultimate good : but in all cases, and under all circumstances, the fear of man must be put away ; and we must follow what we believe to be the true line of our duty, even though the whole world should combine to censure and condemn us.l
2. The considerations with which it is enforced —
[What is man, or what is his reproach, that we should be afraid of any thing that he can say ? Let him carry his enmity to the uttermost, he can do no more than kill the body : our spiritual and eternal interests are wholly out of his reach f: and, in a little time, the proudest persecutor will be as impo- tent as the worm he treads on : " the very moth shall eat him up like a garment." What is become of those who, in dif- ferent and distant ages, have set themselves against the Lord and his Christ ? they are swept away, and " gone to their own place." But the Gospel which they opposed, still survives and nourishes, and proves at this day as effectual for the salvation of men as ever. The doctrine of a crucified Saviour is still as precious as at any period of the world : it still avails to heal the wounds which sin has inflicted, and to fill with light and
e This distinction is made by St. Peter. 1 Pet. iv. 14 — 16. f Luke xii. 4, 5.