But, as this subject may be misapplied, let me shew you,
III. What we should especially guard against, in relation to it —
We must not bring trials on ourselves by any mis- conduct of our own —
[It is possible enough, that a wild enthusiast may fancy himself at liberty to disregard all human laws, and, whilst suffering for the violation of them, may conceive himself to be bearing the cross of Christ. Even war itself has been waged, under the idea of its being a service acceptable to God : and within our own memory has a spirit of insubordination and rebellion been too lightly cherished under the cloak of religion. But when persons reap the just reward of such conduct, so far are they from honouring God, that they greatly dishonour him, and expose religion itself to hatred and con- tempt. The being " a busy-body in other men's matters," is no uncommon character amongst those who profess religion ; and who indulge an assuming, prying, officious spirit, under the idea of rendering a service to God and man. We may also yet more commonly see amongst professors a neglect of their own proper calling ; an intrusion into the callings of others ; a sub- stitution of services which do not belong to them, in the place of others which are proper to their situation ; an impatience of repi'oof; an unbecoming pertness towards their superiors ; and a self-will, that knows no bounds. Ah, brethren ! if ye suffer for such conduct as this, think not that ye are to expect any recom pence at the hands of God : the cross which you are called to bear is not Christ's, but your own : and what is inflicted on you by man is only a prelude of a yet sorer punish- ment that shall be inflicted on you by God, even by that God whom you profess to serve, but whose name you dishonour, and whose displeasure you incur.]
But, if we suffer really as Christians, we may re- joice in all that we endure —
[Our enemies may think that they load us with disgrace :
but shame in such a cause is no shame : it is honour : and we
may take it up, and bind it on us as a diadem. The Apostles,
when imprisoned and scourged for the truth's sake, " went
out from their persecutors, rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ." And thus
may we do, turning the very indignities that are cast upon us
into an occasion of praise to God. Thus " out of the eater we
shall bring forth meat, and out of the strong we shall bring
forth sweetness."]
s 9.