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of another and a better state; and to cast a radiance on the aspect of futurity, which to our minds it cannot, speaking generally, be expected to exhibit, So much must be allowed and pointed out to inform the conscience of the Christian; and, it might be added, to rebut the imputation, not unfrequently put upon the preachers of the Gospel, that we give the reins to our imagination, and indulge in mere declamation. Accordingly, it is no reason of surprise or reproach, and infers no disparagement to the power of our religion, that the most pure-hearted of Christians, the most rich in faith and charity, should feel an affection to this life and its enjoyments, and at thought of parting with them "should drop some natural tears, but wipe them soon;" should be rather engaged in disciplining and preparing themselves for their departure, at whatever period, from this world, in a resigned and hopeful spirit towards God, than borne up and elated with the prospect of immortality, and the increasing nearness of their salvation :-" God knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." But if, while we are naturally careful to preserve our life, or improve our earthly condition, we demur to relinquish, at the bidding of our

Maker, that happiness which he has heretofore bestowed upon us; if we repine and murmur at, and muse discontentedly on the ills befalling us, and the lot appointed to us here; if we seek to evade the conviction of our mortality, and cannot look on death but with terror and dejection; if, as the sources of our happiness on the earth are wasting and drying up, from whatever causes -calamitous reverses, or wrongs inflicted on us by our fellow-creatures, or their hard, unkindly usage, or a morbid frame, or the weight of years, and the approaching term of life-we do not realize a substantial and growing consolation in the belief of those "exceeding great and precious promises" which are given us in "the word of life," "the Gospel of our salvation ;"--then, indeed, we are not, properly speaking, exemplifying the operation of circumstances different from those of the first Christians-we are not yielding to a necessity of our complicated frame-but, so far as we are thus clinging to things sensible and present, we are betraying a deficiency of the principle by which they were mainly actuated-we lack the spirit" they were " of."

In truth, the main consideration for us all, suggested by the example of the first Christians,

is, that when we look at their comparative indifference to the business and pleasures of this world, we are looking at an attribute of mind, which was the fruit and recompense of a great and sustained act of obedience to the will of God, and devotion to his service: obedience which involved a degree of self-renunciation never surpassed, if equalled. Consequently, we are forced to reflect, that if, at the bidding of their divine Master, and "for his name's sake," they "forsook houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands;"* and if it be, as it undeniably is, the essential duty and exalted privilege of all Christians to imbibe their spirit, and attain an affinity to their character; then must we ourselves be prepared at the same command, and for the same end, to consent to the sacrifice of property, friends, health, and life, in a satisfying persuasion of the divine goodness, enabling us to say "Not my will, but thine be done." It is no reproach, we repeat, that we are subject to a mental conflict in thus submitting to the Divine commandment. Who shall tell the inward struggle which such a sacrifice as Christ demanded must have cost his faithful followers at the first publication of

* Matt. xix. 29.

the Gospel? Their distinction was, that they were led into that conflict at once, at the outset of their career; and afterwards pursued their course, as though they had but to secure and complete their victory. But, sooner or later, we must expect a trial, we know not how severe, of our fortitude and devotion to the will of God; and be it then our timely and constant endeavour, with earnest prayer, to be imbued with that life and energy of faith, which, in "a great fight of afflictions," "made them more than conquerors, through Him that loved them."* With a view to this great end, it remains to suggest an important admonition, relative to the conduct of our thoughts, which may be derived from the experience of the first Christians: an admonition which it is a manifest object of the sacred writings in general to impress upon our minds.

A prevailing sense of danger, and exposure to the severest trials of their fortitude, rendered them peculiarly susceptible of the attractions of a future state, and urged them, we may well conclude, to a more earnest preparation for their heavenly inheritance. The fact suggests that mood, or habit of reflection, with regard to our future destiny in this world, which wẹ

*Rom. viii. 37.

should more especially cherish as the servants of Christ, and candidates for that "life and immortality which he hath brought to light through the Gospel." We are not indeed required to maintain the profession of our faith at the hazard of our earthly possessions, and in imminent danger to our persons and lives; nor, surely, as we trust, is it a necessary or common effect of a conscientious obedience to the precepts of our Saviour, to provoke the frowns or contempt of our fellow-creatures. But, should we indulge ourselves in anticipations of prosperity in this world? Should we deliver up our imagination to the visions of pleasure, or the prospect of power or distinction? Should we expect a series of successes, or auspicious conjunctures of events, to distinguish our career? Should we look for nothing but justice and generosity from our fellowmen ?-In a word, should we assure ourselves of a course of happiness in the world that now is, and nourish the energy of hope in the pursuits of this life? By such a conduct, or rather misguidance of our thoughts, we should, of necessity, incur the peril of regarding this life as our only or sufficient portion, and of despising" a better and an enduring substance." For we are

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