he was reviled, he reviled not again ; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed himself unto him that judgeth righteously :" yes, here was precisely the valour which we are called to exercise. We must " possess our souls in patience," and " let patience have its perfect work." If once we recede from this ground, we are vanquished. If we would " not be overcome of evil, we must overcome evil with good."]
2. In firm and steady perseverance — [Obedience to God is the great point : to that we must adhere at all events. We must resemble Daniel and the He- brew youths, and determine to surfer the most cruel death, rather than violate the dictates of our conscience g, or neglect any known duty whatsoever11. Next to our blessed Lord, St. Paul perhaps endured more for the truth's sake than any of the children of men : in every place, bonds and afflictions awaited him : but " none of those things could move him, neither counted he his life dear unto him, so that he might but fulfil the ministry " committed to him : he was " willing not only to be bound, but also to die," at any place, at any time, and in any manner, for his Master's sake : when he had been stoned, and left for dead, at Lystra, he returned again speedily to that very city, regardless of his own life, and intent only on executing the commission which he had received of the Lord Jesus i ? Thus must we go on, " steadfast, immoveable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord:" and in such a course we shall approve ourselves " good soldiers of Jesus Christ."]
We would add to what has been said, a word,
1 . Of caution —
[Let not any imagine that Christian fortitude at all mili- tates against the duties which we owe to our parents, or to any that are placed in authority over us. Many are apt to mistake pertness and forwardness as marks of valour : but " they know not what spirit they are of;" they are, in fact, displeasing God as much as man, while they indulge a petulant, froward dis- position. We need look well to ourselves in this particular, and see that we are not gratifying our own self-will, under a pretended regard for the commands of God. We should never forget the respect due to our superiors : and when we are forced to act contrary to their commands, we should strive as much as possible to conciliate them in our manner of doing it; and shew them, that our opposition to their will is not a matter of choice, but of necessity.]
2. Of encouragement —
[None need to fear, as though they should not be able to act valiantly in the hour of trial : for God has promised, that
s Dan. iii. 16—18. h Dan. vi. 10. ! Acts xiv. 8, 19, 21.