THE SAÍSTT'S HEST. 55 inferiors? how prone to grudge at others' pre - eminence, and bring their actions to the bar of our judgment ! Are we rich, and not too much exalted ? Are we poor, and not discontented ? Are we not lazy in one duties, or make a Christ of them ? Not that God hath made all these things our snares ; but through our own corruption they become so to us. Ourselves are the greatest snare to ourselves. This is our comfort, our rest will free us from all these. As Satan hath no entrance there, so neither anv thing to serve his ma- lice ; but 'all things there shall join with us in the high praises of our great Deliverer. As we rest from the temptations, we shall likewise from the abuses and persecutions of the world. The prayers of the souls under the altar will then be answered, and God will avenge their blood on them that dwell on the earth.(r) This is the time for crowning with thorns : that for crowning with glory. Now, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution :(s) then, they that suffered with him shall be glorified with him.(t) Now, we must be hated of all men for Christ's name's sake :(u) then, Christ will be admired in his saints that were thus hated.(w) We are here made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men ; as the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things.(x) Men separate us from their company, and reproach us, and cast out our names as evil :(y) but we shall then be as much gazed at for our glory ; and they will be shut out of the church of the saints, and separated fròm us, whether they will or not. We can scarce pray in our families, or sing praises to God, but our 'voice is a vexation to them : how must it torment them then, to see us praising and rejoicing, while they are howl- ing and lamenting ! You, brethren, who can now attempt no work of God without losing the love of the world, consider you shall bave none in heaven but will further your work, and join heart and voice with you in your everlasting joy and praise. Till then " possess (r) Rev. vi. 9, 10. (8) 2 Tim. iii. 1Z (t) Rom. viii. 17. (u) Matt. iv. 22. (w) 2 Thes. i. 10. (x) 1 Cor. iv. 9, 13. (j). Luke vi. 22.
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