no doubt but that a proportionably augmented weight of glory would be awarded to him at the tribunal of his God1.
Under these circumstances, death had no terrors for him : on the contrary, however his blood should be shed, he called on them to rejoice, both with him and for him; since the event, properly viewed, would be no other than a ground of mutual congratulation.]
Let us next consider, II. What the welcoming of such an event should teach us —
The Apostle's spirit and conduct differ widely from that patriotic ardour which has wrought up many to the contempt of death. Pride has been in them the chief incentive, and the hope of immortalizing their own memory. As for the love of immortal souls, it has never once entered into their minds ; nor have they shewn any desire that God should be glorified in them. But, in the Apostle, piety to God, and love to man, were the great principles in operation ; and self was as much forgotten, as if he had known that the record which he had given of his views would perish with him. His exalted feelings on this occa- sion shew us,
1. The value of the soul —
[Of what incalculable value must their souls have been in the Apostle's eyes, when, for the advancement of their welfare, he was ready to welcome even martyrdom itself ! Yet were his views perfectly correct : for the soul of any individual whatever is of more value than the whole world. Beloved brethren, if another person could do and suffer so much for you, what ought not you to do or suffer for the welfare of your own souls ? Should it be any difficulty to you to devote your- selves to God? or should you regard, for one moment, the contempt or obloquy which you may incur for His sake 1 Methinks, you are blushing for your lukewarmness and cowardice : you are ashamed, that the things of time and sense can retain such influence over your minds. And, in truth, well may the most diligent amongst us be ashamed, when we think how near we are on the borders of eternity ; and what a sacrifice they must become to the justice of God hereafter, who have not surrendered themselves as living sacrifices to his honour in the present world.]
5 2 Cor. iv. 17, 18. Matt. v. 11, 12. Heb. xi. 26.