"I am would be at once understood by a Roman or Grecian convert, but which may very easily be overlooked by a cursory reader now, however deeply interested in the gospel verities. Yet do they materially heighten the beauty of the passage, while they increase its interest and instruction. First, in declaring his readiness to glorify God by his death as well as life, he says, ready to be offered," using a term by which he directly refers to the libations poured out on the altar by the heathen in sacrifice to their gods. Then, in prospect of that perfect liberty of God's children above, to which he was about to go, he adds, "The time of my departure is at hand;" where the word he employs shows that more than mere locomotion, or change of one situation for another, was intended; for it includes the idea of release from some present thraldom, and obviously glanced either at the striking off the captive's chains in war through the medium of some approaching deliverer, or at the near acquisition of personal freedom by a helot or slave in domestic service. Afterwards, with the rapidity of transition not uncommon in his animated style, he passes to an illustration drawn from the well-known national games,-and the subsequent crowning with chaplets such as were successful competitors in them: "I have fought a good fight, affirms the christian agonist or wrestler, "I have finished my course," says he who ran so well the christian career," I have kept the faith," adds the soldier, in retrospect of the warfare he had now accomplished under the banners and in obedience to the commands of his conquering and risen Leader. "Henceforth," he then goes on to say, in further reference to the gladiator's triumph and reward, "henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing." Now, my brethren, in beholding this blessed man, this willing martyr of Christ, even while in chains, and in the near view of a violent end, far more truly majestic and happy than Cæsar on his imperial throne, doubtless none of us will, in application of our subject, attempt to draw any parallel between his services and reward, and any we can lay claim to! But though this is out of the question, there are two or three considerations which may be, and perhaps ought to be, deduced from the subject before we close, in special relation to ourselves; for the apostle states, that the crown of righteousness which will at last reward faithful, persevering service in the cause of Jesus, is "laid up not for him only, but for all them also that love his appearing." How then is this primary, this vital fact influencing our hearts and hopes? We see that the courage and comfort of dying saints and martyrs especially are a strong confirmation of the truth of our holy religion, and great encouragement to living saints and ministers. But do we see in it nothing more? You that, in human estimation, are verging toward the end of your days, let me first affectionately address you for a moment. Are you able, in taking the retrospect of your past life, to speak with any thing of the apostle's sweet and holy repose of soul?—can you say that you have fought a good fight," as well as that you have nearly "finished your course?"-can you aver that you have kept the faith" with any earnestness approaching to that with which the apostle spoke the words before God and men? In the different toils of your present warfare, is it a source of refreshing encouragement to you, that for every believer there is reserved that crown of life, with its abundant joys, which will more than recompense all your cares and trials? There is indeed "one glory of the sun," as this same heavenly man has recorded elsewhere, "and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory ;" and there may be a galaxy of seraphic spirits and of sainted martyrs, into which none but a Paul may find admittance with those who, like him, hazarding their lives unto the death, proved that they "counted not those lives dear to themselves, so that they might win Christ." But the blood which was shed for sinners has bought an entrance into heaven for every follower of the Lamb: all who "love his appearing" shall find their station among his redeemed throngs at last, though their testimony has not the crimson seal of martyrdom upon it. Hence you, my aged fellow Christians, during your remaining hours on earth, if Jesus is your only hope and stay and joy,-may, after the mind of the apostle, though with a spiritual stature less vigorous than his, in declaring that the time of your departure is at hand, rejoice in the thought that, through the triumphs of redeeming love, there is the crown ready for you too, when you shall have burst through the prison-bars of this your mortal existence. And not only for you, but for others here of whom it would not be supposed, according to ordinary calculation, that the time of departure is at hand;-you, the sun of whose days has not yet passed the meridian; and you, too, whose existence cannot be said even to have drawn near that meridian,-all of you that indeed receive the Lord Jesus Christ as your only Saviour, may look upon that crown as yours by inheritance. At present you have it not, for you are but heirs, but it is sure, for he has said, "It is laid up for you." Yes, to the youngest as to the oldest here, to the poorest as to the richest, to the lowest as to the most -- exalted, for every one now here before God who loves, prepares, and longs for his appearing, the "treasure incorruptible, undefiled and that fadeth not away," is secured upon a promise as durable as eternity itself! Though no present warning of infirmity or age requires you to say, "I have finished my course, and the time of my departure is at hand," and still more, though your sense of abiding sinfulness will not allow you yet to preface these words with "I have fought a good fight,"-though this is not the case with you, yet all-transforming grace, in the renewed soul, prepares it more and more for the single and sincere declaration at any and every period of life, "I am ready to be offered." Amidst poverty, or pain, or sickness, or the agonies of death itself, the believer may rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, but of the mere child of this world, on whom the saving change has not past, this cannot be looked for, nay, this is impossible; his evidence of interest in Christ will be obscured at best, while uncertainty and distress may be expected to cloud and harass his closing hours. Oh! look well then to this, beloved brethren: all of you seek this comforting, cheering interest in your Saviour,seek it by fervent, persevering prayer,-he waits to be endeared to you, and to receive you for ever to himself: he will welcome you, if you love his appearing with an earnest devotedness |