peace and joy the souls of the weary and heavy-laden. And, whilst the Gospel itself continues unchanged, what is now the state of those who once suffered reproach for the Gospel's sake? Are they the less happy on account of what they once endured? or do they now regret that they exposed themselves to igno- miny and contempt for the sake of Christ ? No : their felicity has been inconceivably enhanced by every persecution they endured? and throughout all eternity will they rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for their Redeemer's sakeg.
What reason then have we to fear enemies who are so inca- pable of inflicting on us any serious injury, and over whom our triumph will be so speedy, so complete, so certain, so glorious? The smallest reflection on the eternal states of the oppressors and oppressed will surely reconcile us to any thing that we may be called to suffer in our way to heaven.]
Let us now add a word,
1 . Of caution —
[Whilst we exhort all to despise reproach, we must en- treat you so to walk, as not to merit it. If persons professing godliness act in any respect unworthy of their profession, they bring contempt, not on themselves only, but on religion itself; and the very " truth of God will be evil spoken of through their means." It is possible too to bring just reproach on our- selves, by indulging in needless singularities. Religion is a wise and sober thing ; and is calculated to " make us perfect in every good good work." We would entreat you therefore to " cut off occasion from those who seek occasion against you," and to " walk wisely before God in a perfect way." If you profess to " know righteousness," let your whole conduct prove that the " law of God is in your heart." This is of such infi- nite importance, that we cannot forbear urging it upon you after the example of God himself; " Hearken to me, hearken to me, hearken to me, O my people ! "]
2. Of encouragement —
[Though we are to expect nothing but revilings and re- proach for our fidelity to God, it is possible that we may in reality be honoured for that very conduct, which, in appear- ance, has exposed us to shame : for there is something in a holy and consistent life which carries a secret conviction to the minds of our accusers, and tends not only to silence*1, but to win, them'. And, though we can never hope that an uncon- verted man shall love us, we may hope that he shall "be at
g See these different states described, Isai. lxvi. 5. and Ixv. 13, 14. h 1 Pet. ii. 12, 15. ! 1 Pet. iii. 1.