We may improve this subject,
1. For our humiliation —
[How should we be ashamed of our readiness to shrink from the cross, and to complain when it is laid upon us ! What if we should be called to lay down our lives for Christ, as
^ ver. 4.
thousands have been before us ? How should we endure that trial ? " If we have run with the footmen and they wearied us, how shall we contend with horses ? if we be wearied in a land of peace, how shall we do in the swelling of Jordan ' ? " Let us remember, that " he who hateth not his own life, (when it stands in competition with his duty) cannot be Christ's disciple." Let us then never fear the face of man^; but whenever we are tempted to betray the cause of Christ, let us reflect on the example he has set us, and '* arm our- selves likewise with the same mind ^"]
2. For our encouragement —
[Some variation in our frames we must expect : but we must never suffer a desponding thought to lodge within us. Be it so ; our sufferings are very great : then we are the more conformed to the example of our blessed Lord. And shall not this thought console us ? And if we walk in his steps shall we not soon be with him where he is ? Let us then be content to " fill up the measure of his sufferings," and to follow him in his appointed way. Thus shall we, like him, " be made perfect through sufferings ; and, having suffered with him for a little while, " be also glorified with him" to all eternity™.]
i Jer. xii. 5. ^ Isai. li. 7, 8, 12, 13.
1 1 Pet. iv. 1. »« Rom. viii. 17.