not add, that the firmness of holy men in its support is a fur- ther testimony in its behalf? I know, indeed, that many have died in the defence of error : but where, in the annals of the world, will be found such a frame of mind as that of Stephen, except under the influence of the Holy Spirit, and in attesta- tion to the truth of God? Let not then that Gospel, which has been so esteemed by others, be any longer slighted by you. Be careful, indeed, that you receive the true Gospel : guard against all perversions of the doctrine of Christ : see to it, that, in your view of it, the sinner is laid low, even in the dust, and that the Lord Jesus Christ alone is exalted : and, having once embraced that, let it " be all your salvation, and all your desire."]
2. Those who, knowing the Gospel, are yet afraid to confess it —
[No sin is more severely reprobated in the Gospel, than
the being ashamed of Christ e And as none is more
fatal, so none is more foolish : for the very persons who hate us for the sake of Christ will honour us more, in their minds, for adhering to our principles, than for renouncing them, or acting unworthy of them. But, supposing it were not so, what is man's displeasure, in comparison of God's ; or his favour, when compared with God's ? To all, then, I say, " Fear not man, who, when he has killed the body, hath no more that he can do : but fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell ; yea, I say unto you, Fear Him."]
3. The sincere followers of our Lord —
[If you suffer even unto bonds, care not for it : let your only fear be, lest by any means you should dishonour the Gospel of Christ. Instead of being intimidated by opposition, let it be to you rather an occasion for manifesting your fidelity to Him, whose servant you are : and in proportion as persecu- tion rages, let your courage rise, and your efforts be increased : and, if called to lay down life itself for him, rejoice that you are counted worthy so to do ; and have no concern whatever, but that " Christ may be magnified in your body, whether by life or death."]
s Mark viii. 38.