2. In what way they must attain to his kingdom — [That which is the highest privilege of the saints may be made the strongest article of accusation against them. In the primitive times, to be a Christian was to expose oneself to all manner of calumny and danger. And thus at this time, to be numbered with the saints is to be classed with enthusiasts, fools, and hypocrites. A man need have no other inscription over his head than, " This is one of the saints," and he shall never want for contempt or hatred. Let him call himself " a King," and men will be ready to cry out, " Crucify him ! crucify him!" But this should not discourage us: it is the way the Saviour trod before us. We, like him, are kings h ; we have a crown and "a kingdom given to us1:" and in due time shall be " seated with Christ on his throne, even as he now sitteth on his Father's throneV But we must " suffer with him, if we would reign with him1." Even he, " though a Son, was made perfect through sufferings ;" and we also must "go through much tribulation, before we can enter into the kingdom of heaven"1." Let us then consider what he endured for us ; and " let us arm ourselves with the same mindn :" and let us rest assured, that, " if we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified together0."]
h Rev. i. 6. i Luke xxii. 29. * Rev. iii. 21.
1 2 Tim. ii. 12. ™ Acts xiv. 22. " 1 Pet. iv. 1.
0 Rom. viii. 17.