had in view, was the dread of persecution6: and certain it is, that the fear, not only of death, but even of an opprobrious name, causes many to draw back from their holy profession. But we must "take up our cross daily, and follow Christ;" yea, we must " follow him boldly without the camp, bearing his reproach." In this holy fortitude we should all unite: for the defection of one has a tendency to weaken all the rest. " With one mind therefore we should strive together for the faith of the Gospel." We should endeavour to preserve in our own souls a love of the truth, and in every possible way. to recommend it to those around us. We should bear in mind the benefits which we hope to receive from the Gospel, and the obligations we have to hold fast our profession of it : and we should determine, through grace, to seal it (if need be) even with our blood.
We must be careful, however, not to spend our zeal about the circumstantials of religion, or to cloke a bigoted attach- ment to a party under a pretence of love to Christ : it is the Gospel itself, and the blessed truth which it unfolds, that we are to contend for ; and for that we are to be ready to lay down our lives.
To hear of these two things, an orderly and affectionate agreement among themselves (like that of a well-disciplined army), and a steadfastness in the faith of Christ, is the greatest joy of a minister, when, by the providence of God, he is for a time removed from themf: in reference to both of them, there- fore, we would address you in the language of the Apostle, " Brethren, dearly beloved and longed-for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloveds"]
e ver. 28. f Col. ii. 5. s Phil. iv. 1.