fnvour nnd 11ssist1mce of which the world tnkes little account, and thus of good success. 4. Stendy, persevering toil. All the more vigorous because of the opposi- tion. Thus Christinn workers will Jive down contempt, even if, as in this case, it give pince to violent hostility. It may, however, be fonowed by applause when the work has proved itself good by results which even the world can appreciate. Ver. 4.-Deapising the godly. "Hear, 0 our God; for we are despised." The contempt of many for sincere nnd earnest Christians has respect not only to their undertakings, 11s here, but their whole religious life. Taking this more general subject, notice- I. THE TREATMENT LAMENTED. " We are despised." How is it that Christians are ever despised? Sometimes, doubtless, they have themselves to blame (see, on the whole paragraph, II. 1). Thoroughly consistent Christians often obtain high respect from men of the world. But the feeling of others is that of contempt. 1. What they despise. (1) Religion itself. Rejecting and disliking it, men persuade themselves th11t it is not worthy of serious regard ; it cannot be, or persons so enlightened as they would be sure to recognise its worth. Hence they affect to think serious Christians credulous and foolish; believing what is unworthy of faith, spending thought, feeling, energy, money for that which is nought, and giving up real advantages and pleasures for phantoms; solid tre8.lllll'es for an estate in the clouds. Graduany they come to believe seriously what first they affected to believe, until an earnest Christians are regarded as ignorant fanatics. (2) The contempt is sometimes increased by the circumstances with which religion is associated. Some Christians have so much which the world esteems as respectable, that their religion is overlooked or condoned. It may excite a smile, but does not awaken contempt. But when such things are wanting, and the one thing most prominent is piety, it is more apt to awaken feelings of hostility, and these to become contemptuous. These poor and ignorant folk, what right have they to deem themselves wiser and better than "their betters"? (see John vii. 48, 49). (3) In some cases it is the form which religion e.ssUI11es that awakens or intensifies contempt. A. large part of the world, in a Christian country, deems it quite right to have a religion, but it must be that of the wealthy, respectable, and fashionable classes : all other it denounces, or with proud superciliousness ignores as unworthy of serious notice. 2. The real causes of their contempt. (1) Unbelief. This the main cause. They do not really believe the truths of Christianity, faith in which is the mainspring of the Christian life. The Divine estimate of the relative worth of men and things is not accepted. (2) Ignor- ance. Men highly intelligent in other departments-men of science, whose judgment is worthy of an respect in their own sphere-are often profoundly ignorant of the Christian religion, and the actual principles and motives which animate the Christian; yet " speak evil of the things which they understand not." (3) Worldliness. Esti- mating all things by the worldly standard, "the things of the Spirit of God " are "foolishness unto them." (4) Conceit of superiority. Pride of intellect, rank, &c., blinds them, and produces disdain of those whom they deem inferior to them. Hence they become "despisers of those that are good." It does not, however, require actual superiority to produce this effect; the conceit of it is enough. II. THE FEELING WHICH SUCH TREATMENT AWAKENS. The feeling expressed in the text is evidently that of pain. It is singular that to be despised is harder to bear than any other kind of ill-treatment. It wounds self-respect more, perhaps pride. It is felt most keenly by those whose knowledge, or refinement, or position enables them best to appreciate the feelings which prompt it. St. Paul found it harder to bear the scorn of educated men than St. Peter. To be deeply affected by it, is in all -cases a sign of too grent regard for the good opinion of men. Habitual supreme regard for "the praise of God " would raise us above it. III. THE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH WILL SUPPORT us UNDER IT. Let good men bear in mind-1. Who it is that despise them. Those whose judgment, for the reasons given above, is of little 11ccount. 2. For what they are despised. For that which they know to·be wise, noble, subst11ntial, worthy of 1111 honour. 3. With whom they are despised. God (1 Sum. ii. 30; Ps. x. 13). Our Lord Jesus (Isa. liii. 3). Apostles, mnrtyrs, saints in general," the excellent of the earth." 4. The estimati0n iu 40 TltE BOOK OF NElIEMIAH. [OR. IV. 1-6,
which th~y are held by the wisest and best beings. God esteems and treats them ns especially his "sons and daughters." Christ "is not ashamed to call them h_rethren." An~els ar~ "ministering ~pirits " to them, and _rej?ice. when even "one ~mner repents and 1s ndded to their number. 5. The vmd1cabon of themselves, and !he confusion of their despisers, which will take place at the last day. n-_. To WHAT WE SHOULD RESORT WHEN SUFFERING FROM IT. Prayer for those who ri,esp1~e us. "Pray for them which despitefully use you." "Being reviled, we bless." 1 rayer for ourselves ; for needful strength to bear contempt meekly yet manfully, " Strengthened ";th might by God's Spirit in the inner man," we shall not heed it. Ver. 6.-A mind to work. "The people had a mind to work." In our age the calls and opportunitie..~ for Christian work are numerous and urgent. The prevalence of " n mind to work " is therefore of great importance ; its existence throughout any Christian community is matter for thankfulness, when at least it springs from Christian principle, and is directed wisely to valuable ends. I. V.7 HENCE A TRULY CHRISTIAN "MIND TO WORK II SPRINGS. 1. Sense of necessity. Perception of evils needing to be removed ; of good requiring to be done. 2. Sense of duty. 3. Gratitude and love to God and the Redeemer. 4. Benevolence. 5. Hope. Of accomplishing good; of obtaining good. 6. All these may be excited and guided by good leaders. Such as Nehemiah. II. How IT WILL SHOW ITSELF. In actual work. 1. Prompt. 2. Hearty. 3, Happy. 4. Abundant. 5. Steady and persevering. Notwithstanding scoffers, difficulties, &c. III. WHAT IT WILL SECURE. 1. Freedom from fruitless speculation and unhealthy controversy. 2. Growth in true Christian life. 3. Success in doing good.