Indeed, there are few, if any, real Christians, who are not on some occasions made to endure the fiery trial, and to approve themselves as pure gold, by sustaining, without loss, the action of the fire. At all events we must in the habit of our minds be " ready, not only to be bound, but even to die at any time, and in any manner, for the name of the Lord Jesus ^."]
If, when called to suffer thus, we are found faithful, we shall be unspeakable gainers —
[We are assured, not only in the text, but in many other places, that, " if we suffer with Christ we shall also be glorified together with him;" and, that " our light and momentary afflictions shall work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Now what do we lose, when this poor frail life is taken from us? Nothing, but a few days or years of uncertain, and, at the best, painful existence upon earth. But what is our gain, the very instant our spirit has taken its flight? Who can conceive the rapture with which the disembodied soul will enter into the presence of its God? Who can form any idea of its joy, when it shall hear this plaudit from the Saviour's lips, " Well done, good and faithful servant ! " Will any one then think he has endured too much for his Divine Master ? Will any one then regret that he had not continued longer in this wretched world, and purchased a temporary ease at the price of eternal glory?]
If on the contrary we decline suffering, our loss will be inconceivably dreadful —
[We are plainly warned that " if we deny Christ, he will deny us ;" and that " if we draw back, his soul shall have no pleasure in us." What then will a man gain by sacrificing his principles to his fears ? he will protract the little space allotted for his natural life, and save himself from a few minutes of pain and torture : but he will foi'feit all hope of eternal glory, and subject himself to the wrath of an incensed God. It is but a few days at most, before he must resign the life, which he is now so averse to part with : and what will his feelings be when the Saviour of the world shall say, ' Depart from me, I never knew thee ; thou hadst no regard for me ; I told thee long since that, if thou wouldst save thy life by denying me, thou shouldst have no part with my faithful followers : these on my right hand " loved not their lives unto death ;" but thou wast of " the fearful and unbelieving, and shalt therefore take thy portion in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone^."'
Do not these considerations evince the importance of our duty ? and should they not stimulate us to perform it in its utmost extent ?]
e Acts xxi. 13. *■ Rev. xxi. 8.