not willingly, he shall be exalted against our will ; for " he will reign, till he has put every enemy under his feet." If we will not bow to the sceptre of his grace, we shall be broken in pieces with the rod of his indignation.
2. Encouragement to the humble —
They who are humbly endeavouring to serve God, may, on the other hand, derive from this subject much comfort and encouragement. As Christ was, so are all his followers, servants of the most high God. Like him too, in spite of men and devils, they prosper in their work. And is there no reward prepared for them ? Shall they not, like him, be exalted to thrones of glory ? Shall they not be extolled by men, as the excellent of the earth ; and by God, as good and faithful servants ? Shall they not be very high, even "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ ?" Yes; God is not ashamed to be called their God : and, as soon as they have overcome, they shall be carried by angels into Abraham's bosom, and inherit the glory prepared for them. Let the believer then look forward to the recompence of reward. Let him rest assured that the felicity which awaits him will abundantly compensate his labours and sufferings in the pursuit of it : let him " be faithful unto death, and God will give him a crown of life." In the meantime, however, they who expect the wages, must be careful to execute the work assigned them. They must " deal prudently," that they may prosper ; and " pro- sper," that they may obtain the crown of righteous- ness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give them. But it is not in their own strength that they are to proceed, but in the strength of their exalted Saviour; of him, who, having endured the same trials, can sympathize with them ; and, having all power in heaven and in earth committed to him, can succour them. To him then let every eye be directed ; to him, in whom all fulness is deposited, and our life itself is hid : and "when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory."