DISC. x.] FAITH BUILT ON KNOWLEDGE. 267 And I chuse to make this remark a distinct head of dis- course, because it is the very occasion onwhich the apos- tle introduces the words of my text. Christ has abolished death, ver. 10. Ilehas brought life and immortality to light by the gospel : This I am well acquainted with, saith the apostle ; for this very person, even Christ, my Lord, has appointed me a preacher of this doctrine : For which cause I also .sufer.Nevertheless I am not ashamed : For 1 know whom I have believed ; and Iam persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com- mittedunto him against that day. It is a point of folly for a man to expose himself to reproach, and pain, and death, without any solid reason; or just hope of recompence. But St. Paul was no fool, when he was ready to be bound and die for the name of Christ; for he looked forward to the last great day, he saw his immortal interest safe under the care of Christ, whom he had well known and trusted ; and therefore he had good reason to venture all on earth for the sake of such a Friend in heaven. He saw the recompence se- cure in the hands of Christ; and therefore, says he, " I am not ashamed of my sufferings, nor of my faith. Let my persecutors destroy this flesh, but they cannot touch my soul ; for it is in safe hands : I knowwhere I have trusted it. Let the Jews or the Romans kill this body, but it shall be raised up again at the great day, by his power, to whom I have committed my all for here and for hereafter, for he is able to expel death from his posses- sions, and make the grave restore all its prisoners. I know his power to subdue all things to himself. Let them'load me with shame and reproaches now, but I shall look them in the face in that day with courage ; and they shall tremble, and be confounded with everlasting shame: They may . deprive me of a mortal life, and all that belongs to it ; but they cannot rob me of a blessed immor- tality; for the Lord of life hath taken charge of that im- portant concern ; and I am assured he is able to keep it. None can pluck me out of his hand : He will present me safe before his Father in that day, and make it appear with divine evidence, that the light afflictions . which I suffer noware not worthy to be compared with the glory that is then to be revealed. He puts me into the same
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=