We
^ Phil. i. 20 2Cor.i\-. 10,11.
1164.] PERSECUTION Fon Christ's SAKE. 145
We must not bring trials on ourselves by any mis- conduct of our own —
[It is possible enough, that a wild enthusiast may fancy himself at liberty to disregard all human laws, and, whilst suffering for the violation of them, may conceive himself to be bearing the cross of Christ. Even war itself has been waged, under the idea of its being a service acceptable to God: and even within our own memory has a spirit of in- subordination and rebellion been too lightly cherished under the cloak of religion. But when persons reap the just re- ward of such conduct, so far are they from honouring God, that they greatly dishonour him, and expose religion itself to hatred and contempt. The being " a busy-body in other men's matters," is no uncommon character amongst those who profess religion ; and who indulge an assuming, prying, officious spirit, under the idea of rendering a service to God and man. We may also yet more commonly see amongst professors a neglect of their own proper calling ; an intrusion into the callings of others; a substitution of services which do not belong to them, in the place of others which are proper to their situation; an impatience of reproof; an unbecoming pertness towards their superiors ; and a self-will, that knows no bounds. Ah, Brethren! if ye suffer for such conduct as this, think not that ye are to expect any recompence at the hands of God : the cross which you are called to bear is not Christ's, but your own : and what is inflicted on you by man is only a prelude of a yet sorer punishment that shall be in- flicted on you by God, even by that God whom you profess to serve, but whose name you dishonour, and whose displea- sure you incur.]
But, if we suffer really as Christians, we may re- joice in all that we endure —
[Our enemies may think that they load us with disgrace : but shame in such a cause is no shame : it is honour : and we may take it up, and bind it on us as a diadem. The Apostles, when imprisoned and scourged for the truth's sake, " went out from their persecutors, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ." And thus may we do, turning the very indignities that are cast upon us into an occasion of praise to God. Thus "out of the eater we shall bring forth meat, and out of the strong we shall bring forth sweetness."]
Two HINTS, as rising from this subject, I would beg leave to suggest, 1. In embracing religion, be deliberate — VOL. XI. L [Religion