his example we learn, that this testimony must be borne,
1. With undaunted firmness —
[Never was there a faithful servant of God who was not persecuted for righteousness' sake. If bonds and imprison- ments do not await the pious minister at this day, it is not because he is less an object of hatred now than formerly, but because he is better protected by the laws of the land. The men who build the sepulchres of departed saints are as ready as ever to persecute the living ones, if only the restraints imposed upon them were withdrawn. The continuance of the inquisition amongst Catholics sufficiently shews what ungodly hypocrites would yet do, if they had it in their power. But the servant of God must be ready to encounter every danger : he must die daily, in the habit of his mind ; and be ready to lay down his life, at any time, and in any manner, for his Master's sake. " He must make no account d " either of labours or of sufferings, if only he may approve himself to God, and be serviceable to the souls of his fellow-creatures ]
2. With inflexible perseverance —
[Never must he cease from his labours, as long as he has strength to follow them. He has begun a course, which must never end but with life itself. He has received a commission from his Lord ; and to the Lord he must give account of the manner in which it has been executed. Never must he be " weary in well-doing." St. Paul, when stoned and left for dead, was no sooner, as by miracle, restored to life, than he resumed his work, and prosecuted his labours with all his former intrepidity. He had respect to the account which he must speedily give at the judgment-seat of Christ; and he determined, through grace, that he would give it with joy, and not with grief. So must every minister have the blood of his people required at his hands : and he must so acquit himself in his labours for them, that, if he save not them, he may at least deliver his own soul.] For an improvement of this subject, let us follow
it up, 1. In a way of inquiry —
[If we are to bear our testimony with fidelity, you are to receive it with the simplicity of little children. But have we not reason to complain with the prophet, " Lord, who hath believed our report ? " I know, indeed, that many receive it with outward approbation : but who amongst you accounts it
d See the Greek.