there are multitudes who " loved not their lives unto the death," so amongst us, I trust, there are some who would willingly die for the name of the Lord Jesus. Happy, happy they who feel this readiness of mind to do and suffer whatever they may be called to ; for great is their reward in heaven. Go on, beloved, steadfast in the faith, and never giving way to terror on account of any adversaries. Are you advised to shrink from trials? reply with Nehemiah, " Shall such a man as I flee ?" But remember, that your sufficiency for this pro- ceeds from God alone : if not upheld by him, you will, " as soon as tribulation and persecution arise because of the word," be turned aside, and make shipwreck of your faith. Live nigh to the Saviour then, and maintain sweet fellowship with him : then you will find his service a delight ; and whatever suffer- ings you are called to endure for him, you will easily sustain. But, if once you decline from Christ in your heart, his com- mandments will become grievous to you, and every cross a burthen. The true way to meet even the most formidable death with joy, is to " die daily," and to be continually " looking for, and hasting unto the coming of the day of Christ."]
Acts xxi. 20 — 23. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe ; and they are all zealous of the law : and they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their chil- dren, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together : for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee.
FEW subjects require so much caution in the preacher, or candour in the hearers, as that which we are now called to contemplate. To lay down general rules is easy : but to apply them to all states and circumstances is a matter of extreme difficulty : just as the drawing a rough outline of the human body may be done by a novice in the art of painting; but to fill up all the parts in the perfect order of nature, re- quires the hand of a master. Yet it is not uncommon for persons to sit in judgment on their fellow-crea- tures with as much confidence as if it was impossible