D1sÇOURSÉ we with shame and reproaches now, but I shall look them inthe face in that day with courage; and they shall tretible and be confounded with everlasting shame: Theymay deprive me ofa mortal life, and all that belongs to it ; but they cannot rob me of a blessed immortality ; for the Lord of life hath taken charge of that important concern ; and I am assured he is able to keep it. None canpluck me oat of his hand: I-le will present me safe before his Father in that day, and make it appear with divine evidence, that the light afflictions which Istilër now, are not wor- thy to be compared witli theglory that it then to be revealed: He puts me into the same promise with himself; if Isuer with him, I shall also reign with him: And his promises ate an eternal security: I knotè whont I have believes." Thus you see whata- glorious ëndouragement maybe assumed from such au acquaint- ance with Christ, to endure the cross, and despise the shame for the sake of Christ and his gospel: I grant there havebeen Weak christians of lower degrees of knowledge, that have borne sufferings and martyrdom with a couragebeyond all expectation. 'There have been some babes in Christ, that could,not dispute for the truth, yet they could die for it: But let it be noted,- that suchpersons have had generally 'but small advantage for improvement inknowledge ; either they were young converts, or had but mean natural parts; or a poor education ; yet a sincere zeal for their Lerd : And perhaps also they had a bright and strong experimental knowledge of the, gospel, by its sweet and sanctifying influences. Now when such as these have been called out by providence to bear á, testimony to the truth, they have had a month and wisdom given them immediately from heaven, which all their adversaries, . have not been able to gainsay, nor resist: And this, according to the promise made to the apostles, in their infancy of under- standing ; Luke xxi. 15. They have -been upheld under their torments by the arms of Christ, and by his sensible presence : Their divine fortitude bath been all inspiratiòn. But you that have fair and daily opportunities for a large acquaintance with the gospel, have no reason to expect such miracles for your as- sistance in our day, if ye refuse the appointed means of hearing, reading and meditation. 'Take this further advice also along with you : While you are treasuring up truth, seek after holiness, and every grace. See to it, that all the knowledge you gain by these methods be_ wrought into your very souls, and that you experience the sanc- tifying and comforting power of thesetruths on your consciences, your passions, and your lives. Divine truth, thus turned into spiritual nourishment, gives a vital strength for service and suffering. When you have the word ofGod in your mouths, as the sword of the Spirit; Eph. vi. 14, &e. the breast -plat; of
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