that we would apply it, but to Christians in general, whose situation in the world so far accords with that of the Apostles, that they universally need the same warning to be given them, and the same path of duty to be pointed out.
We shall proceed to notice then,
I. The situation of Christians in the world —
It may seem harsh to represent them as " sheep in the midst of wolves:" and we will grant that the general establishment of Christianity, and the laws enacted for the support of it, afford a protection to us which the first Christians did not enjoy ; but the enmity of the human heart against God is the same as ever ; and the light of Divine truth is as offensive to the carnal eye as ever; and the hostility which exists against true Christians at this day, is the same as existed in the heart of Cain, and of all ungodly men in every age ; it is the same in its nature, and, when unrestrained by law, is the same also in its degree ; it only differs in the particular acts by which it is evinced. The distinction of wolves and sheep still exists, though the power of the wolves is re- strained : but what St. Paul says in reference to Ishmael is still as true as ever, " As then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now"
In confirmation of this, we appeal to the manner in which the godly are universally treated :
1. An universal prejudice exists against them —
[Names of reproach are given them now, as much as in any age of the world. These names vary from time to time ; but they are constantly understood to designate persons that are weak and contemptible ; and men universally affix a stigma to the character that is branded with them. Let any person, however respectable in himself, and however excellent in his deportment, be spoken of as a Methodist, (or any other name of like import,) and every one will conceive him to be either a weak enthusiast or a designing hypocrite : every thing that can be spoken to his disadvantage will be boldly asserted, eagerly listened to, and readily believed ; nor will one single person in ever so large a company be found bold enough to vindicate his injured character. If a fault can be found in him, it will be