part, arc increased, in proportion as other comforts are with- drawn "i.
Let Christians then shew by their contempt of this world, that the}' are born from above ; and prove in the midst of all their tribulations, that they possess indeed the magnanimity imputed to them.]
2. How pitiable is the state of unconverted men !
[If they be poor and afflicted in a temporal view, they have nothing to sustain their drooping spirits. If, on the contrary, they be rich and gay, still their happiness is but empty, transient, delusive. In a little time they will be poor, and miserable beyond conception. In their very best estate therefore they are objects of pity and compassion : they may possess much, but yet are destitute of all things ; they may be often rejoicing, but have continued occasion for grief and sorrow.
O that they were wise, and would consider this! O that they would begin to seek an interest in Christ, that through him their state might be reversed, and that they might par- ticipate the Christian's lot !]
3. What a blessed work is that of the ministry !
[The Apostle gloried in this, that " though poor, he made many rich." And is not this the one intent of our ministry ? Is it not that for which we were consecrated to the service of the sanctuary ? Has the Christian preacher no better end in view than to display his talents, and obtain applause? Surely, if v^^e have been anointed with an heavenly unction, and ever learned the true nature of our office, our only desire is to " win souls :" and, as that is the scope of our labours, so, when we behold one and another coming to the possession of the true riches, we consider our success as the most glorious of all rewards ^
O that every minister might view his office in this light ; and every faithful preacher be thus recompensed for his labours !]
<i 2 Cor. i. 5. "• 1 Thess. ii. 19, 20.