[We are responsible for what we hear : and, if we hear of Christ, and receive him not into our hearts by faith, " it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha, in the day of judgment, than for us." Are there any of that character here present ? How would the Apostle weep over you ! He tells us, that " he had great heaviness and continual sorrow in his heart, on account of his unbelieving brethren :" and that is the feeling which I would cultivate in your behalf, and which I would recommend you to cherish in your own bosoms ]
3. How happy are they, who, whilst they have the Gospel faithfully ministered to them, experience in their souls its saving power !
[Verily, you are the blessed of the Lord. You have that in your souls which will turn every sorrow into joy. The Apostle quite forgot his own bonds, and the malignity of those who sought to add affliction to them. The honour of Christ, and the welfare of immortal souls, swallowed up all personal considerations, and filled him with ineffable delight. Let the Gospel operate in this very way on your minds. Live not below your privileges in this respect. Shew, that if men can bind the body, they cannot fetter the soul. Shew that your joys are altogether independent of them, and out of their reach. This is the way to prove what the preaching of Christ will effect ; and will encourage all who behold you to live for Christ, and to suffer for his sake.]