Address —
1. Those who are afraid of the cross —
[Hope not ever to alter the condition which God has imposed: that is absolutely irreversible0." Consider the time when our Lord imposed the condition ; and blush for your timidity d. Consider how little it is in the power of man to do against you, and what a sad alternative you prefere; and let your cowardice humble you in the dust. Think what a worm it is that you are afraid of, and what an omnipotent Being you displease f: and lastly, consider whether the inhe- ritance will not abundantly repay all that you can endure in the way to it. Let such reflections as these occupy your minds. Count the cost at once, and learn to " sell all for this invaluable pearl g."]
2. The suffering children of God —
[Think it not strange that ye meet with fiery trials*11: you have often been forewarned respecting it1: and they are all working for your goodk. If you were to suffer for evil-doing, there would be reason for shame : but to suffer for well-doing is honourable, and acceptable with God1. While the heir feels the restraints of his minority, he comforts himself with the prospect that he shall ere long be of age, and launch into the complete fruition of all his wishes. Your trials are, as it were, a needful discipline, to which you must submit for a little time : but soon they will for ever end, and all the felicity of heaven be yours. " Be patient therefore till the coming of you Lord™;" consoling yourselves with that delightful promise, " He that overcometh, shall inherit all things"."]
« 2 Tim. ii. 12, 13. d Matt. xvi. 21, 24. " Then."
e Luke xii. 4, 5. Matt. xvi. 25. f Isai. Ii. 7, 8, 12, 13.
s Matt. xiii. 44 — 46. h 1 Pet. iv. 12. '1 Thess. hi. 4.
k 1 Pet. i. 7. "1 Pet. ii. 19, 20. & iv. 15, 16.
m Jam. v. 7, 10, 11. n Rev. xxi. 7.