2. Their services should be rewarded —
[It might appear hard to them to be called to surrender up their lives for him, and to submit to a cruel death. But he promises that, whatever pain they might suffer in their first death, they " should never be hurt by the second death," or take their portion in *' that lake of fire, where all i\\e fearful and unbelieving" must have their everlasting abode ^.
But, as though this were not sufficient encouragement, he tells them, that the life they sacrifice sliall be recompensed with " a crown of life," a state of inconceivable dignity, and ever- lasting bliss. He himself, as the Sovereign Arbiter and Judge of all, engages to bestow it on them as the reward of victory ; a reward indeed of grace, and not of debt ; but yet " a sure re- ward," and an abundant recompence for all their toil. Even in
the
' 1 Cor. X. 13. ^ Rev. xxi. 8.
1201.] THE EPISTLE TO SMYRNA. 32l
the transition from a general address to a particular applica- tion of the subject to each individual, we may notice an em- phasis well calculated to impress the mind with the certainty and importance of these precious truths : " Ye shall have tri- bulation," says he ; but then he adds, " Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."]
Address,
1 . Those who despise and persecute religion — [Many there are, at this day, so immersed in the pur- suit of riches and honour, that they overlook religion, or con- sider it as the bane of society. Were Dives and Lazarus before their eyes, they would think there was no room to doubt which was the richer of the two. But be it remembered, that he who feareth God is rich, whatever he may want ; and he who feareth not God is poor, whatever he may possess. And though it may appear a light thing to oppress or ridicule the despised followers of Christ, there is Che who will espouse their cause, and assign to their enemies a portion with that wicked fiend, whose agents they are, and whose will they exe- cute. O that worldlings and scoffers would lay these things to heart !]
2. Those who make a profession of religion —
[It is not every one who calls himself a Christian, that will be considered as a Christian in the day of judgment: nor is the truth of men's professions to be estimated by the confidence with which they are made. Many who, from a sense of their remaining infirmities, dare not number them- selves among the saints, will be found amongst them in the last day, while many self-confident professors will be excluded from their society, and be numbered with Unbelievers. It is " he who humbleth himself that will be exalted ; whereas he who exalteth himself shall surely be abased." Let us then examine whether we have real poverty of spirit : that is the primary characteristic of true riches ; and the want of it is an infallible mark of our subjection to Satan.]
3. Those who serve God in simplicity and godly sincerity —
[Are you tried already? Prepare for new trials : perhaps for fines, imprisonments, and death. As long as Satan has a vassal in the world, so long will he use him as an instrument to harass, and, if possible, to destroy the Church of God. But your enemies are all in God's hands. If they were left at liberty, they would devour you in a moment: but they are chained ; and, however wrathful they be, they can no more injure you, than Laban or Esau could wreak their vengeance on the defenceless Jacob. Moreover, your conflicts will be VOL. XI. Y but