to them that love him." If they injure his body, and benefit his soul, what harm do they inflict ? If they deprive him of earthly comforts, but occasion him to receive a richer reward in heaven, what loss does he sustain? Verily the efforts of the most malignant amongst them shall only operate as a furnace to purge him from his dross, or as a cross-wind to fill all his sails, and waft him with more rapidity to his desired haven.]
But as flesh and blood must feel, and are too apt to faint, our Lord adds,
III. An encouraging direction —
[Self-possession is the privilege of all who trust in God ; " They that believe shall not make haste." The unreason- ableness of wicked men is apt to discompose us ; and their virulence, to grieve us: but by patience we are enabled to bear up against every species of oppression, and to retain the same tranquillity of mind as if we were in a state of perfect ease : " I will keep him in perfect peace," saith God, " whose mind is stayed on me." This then is the direction given us by our Lord, " In your patience possess ye your souls ;" " let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking nothing5."
Yield not to irritation. The instant that anger arises in your bosoms, you are " overcome of evil :" whereas your duty is, " not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good."
Yield not to dejection. Your trials may be long and heavy, but they are all appointed in number, weight, and duration. See the experience of the Apostle Paulh : that experience shall be yours ; and " your strength shall be according to your day."
Yield not to fear. " Who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, or of the son of man, that shall be as grass?" However formidable your enemies may appear, the advice of Peter to you is, " Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled ; but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts'." " Be careful for nothing;" but " cast all your care on him who careth for you."]
For the conclusion of this subject, we shall,
1. Correct some mistakes in relation to it —
[Religious people are apt to imagine, that every cross which they are called to bear, is the cross of Christ ; and that they should use no means to avoid it: but it is no uncommon thing for them to bring trials upon themselves by their own imprudence, or perhaps even by very reprehensible misconduct.
« Jam. i. 4. h2 Cor. iv. 8—10. ! 1 Pet. iii. 14, 15.