instantly, and of necessity, to be deprived of all they possess, we should still bid them to " rejoice that they were made low :" for earthly riches, however great, are only dung and dross in coniparKon of the Christian's portion. Let those who in this life " took joyfully the spoiling of their goods," say, Whether they found any reason to alter their minds, when once they reached the mansions of bliss ? How small do their sacrifices now appear, how unworthy of a single thought ! Blessed then indeed are ye who are enabled to " forsake all and follow Christ :" even " in this world" he promises you " an hundred- fold ;" but what ye shall possess in the world to come, " no eye hath seen, or ear heard, or heart conceived."]
Address —
[But what shall we say, either to the poor or rich, who are destitute of an interest in Christ ? Shall we bid them rejoice ? What cause of joy have the poor, who, after all their trials and privations here, shall have no part or lot with the saints above? or what gTound of glorying have the rich, who will so soon be "lifting up their eyes in torments, seeking in vain a drop of water to cool their tongues ?" Should we attempt to console any from a consideration of their present attainments or posses- sions, the Prophet would rebuke our folly, and dash the cup out of their hands -~; Be it known then to you all, that the poor must be exalted here, if ever they would be exalted in a better world ; and the rich must be humbled here, if ever they would attain the true riches. The poor must be made par- takers of a Divine nature, before they can " inherit a throne of glory ;" and the rich must be emptied of self', before they can be " filled with all the fidness of God."]
» Jer. ix. 23, 24.