is a strong presumptive proof of a future resurrec- tion—
[A few enthusiasts may be supposed to be carried forward to strange excesses of zeal, even in a bad cause. But to act and suffer as the Apostles did, could not be general amongst pious Christians, if they were not animated by a hope beyond the grave : and their conduct in this world, if it prove not the certainty of a future resurrection, proves, beyond a doubt, the full persuasion of their minds respecting it. In truth, nothing but this expectation could carry persons on to such high at- tainments : and, on the other hand, there is nothing which those who are persuaded of it will not gladly do and suffer in the prospect of such happiness and glory.
Certify then yourselves, brethren, that there is indeed a future state ; and labour, by the conformity of your lives to that of the holy Apostle, to shew that you are borne up, by the hope of it, far above all that the world can give, and above all that the most inveterate enemy can inflict.]
Tell me now, whether the Christian be not,
1 . A happy man ? —
[As " rejoicing in Christ," he must of necessity be happy. Nor is he less so in his superiority to all the things of time and sense. In truth, the only way to live happily is to "die daily." Be it so : he is an object of hatred and persecution amongst men : but he is beloved of God, and enjoys God ; and is even led to anticipate more the blessedness of heaven by the very sufferings which he endures on earth. " When God therefore gives him such quietness, who can make trouble?" Verily '* none can hai'm him, seeing that he is thus a follower of that which is good."]
2. A man worthy to be imitated by all around him? —
[The poor, wretched, ignorant woi'ld run from vanity to vanity in pursuit of pleasure ; and never find it. The Chris- tian follows after righteousness ; and happiness waits on him, even as the shadow of his body. To him every thing is a source of good : adversity itself comes to him as a blessing in disguise ; and in his afflictions he tastes nothing but love. Seek then, my brethren, to rejoice in Christ ; and then shall all the Chris- tian's blessedness be yours.]
1994.] SHAMEFULNESS OF BEING IGNORANT OF GOD. ti"! 5