youm. And I confidently put the question to you, Has any one of you been ever disappointed of his hope ? Have you ever been a loser by serving the Lord ? Has he not made up to you in spiritual things, what you have sacrificed for him in worldly things ? In the pursuit of earthly gratifications you have often paid too dearly for your enjoyments ; but have you ever had reason to regret the price you have paid for the maintenance of a good conscience, and for the benefits of the Gospel ? After having counted the cost yourself, have you a friend in the world whom you would dissuade from treading in your steps ? You still experience "persecutions;" for they are a 'part of the Promise, if I may so speak : but do you find them so great a drawback upon your happiness, as you once ex- pected ? Is an opprobrious name, or the loss of worldly interests, so great a matter as you once imagined ? Shew then by your steadfastness, that, " in God's favour is life ;" and that though " you have nothing else, you really possess all things." To those who are preparing for the ministry, these thoughts are peculiarly important : for this discipline is often sent, in order to prepare you for the service of the sanctuary. You are to stand in the front of the battle : you are to be examples to the flock : and it is by such exercises that you are to be fitted for your work, and to bring down a blessing on your future labours". Still it is not of you only that these sacrifices are required ; nor are you alone to receive the rich compensation that will be awarded for them. This duty is the duty of all ; this happiness is the happiness of all : to all therefore, without exception, I would say, " Be faithful unto death, and God will give you a crown of life."]
m Matt. v. 10—12. 1 Pet. iv. 12—14. Jam. i. 2—4, 12. n Deut. xxxiii. 9 — 11.