amply testify, as the Epistles do also, that the followers of Christ have been treated as " the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things ;" and experience proves that they are so regarded even to this day. The increase of civilization, and the protection afforded by human laws, prevent the same cruel- ties from being exercised towards them as in days of old : but it is as true at this day as at any period of the world, that " he who departeth from evil maketh himself a prey;" and that " all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." True, we are not dragged to the stake as formerly: but is it nothing to be hated, and despised of all men, and to be made a butt for impiety and profaneness to expend their arrows upon ? Is it nothing, too, to have one's " greatest foes amongst one's own household ? " Yet so shall every man, who will be faithful to his God, find it in his own experience : he shall surely have some cross to bear ; and be himself a witness, that the Lord's servants are " a poor and afflicted people."]
Nevertheless they need not be discouraged, if only they will improve,
II. Their exalted privilege —
" The name of the Lord is to them a strong tower, to which they may run and be safe." It is their pri- vilege to trust in,
1. His mercy to pardon their offences — [Whatever their former sins may have been, their Lord
and Saviour is ready to forgive them, and to blot them all out as a morning cloud. Even though they may have been " red like crimson, they, through the virtue of his blood, shall be made white as snow." Know then your privilege in this respect : let no sense of guilt keep you from him : limit not his tender mercies : look at those whom he received in the days of his flesh : and be assured, that he is still as gracious as ever ; and that " those who come to him he will in no wise cast out." " Though your sins may have abounded, his grace shall much more abound ;" and he will say to you, as he did to a notorious sinner of old, " Thy sins, which are many, are forgiven thee."]
2. His power to uphold them in their difficulties —
[Great may be your conflicts with sin and Satan ; but great shall be the succour which you shall derive from your living Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. He will " strengthen you with might by his Spirit in your inner man :" and " as your day is, so shall also your strength be." In you shall that sweet promise be verified, " The foot shall tread down its adversaries, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy g." However
s Isai. xxvi. 6.