who were before them, nay, even to Christ himself and to his holy apostles; for through much tribulation must we enter into the kingdom of God. And as the Father hath allotted to Christ his kingdom under the cross, even so hath Christ allotted it unto us: for if we were of the world, the world would love its own; but because Christ hath chosen us out of the world, therefore the world hateth us (John 15: 19); because one cannot, like the false prophets, prophesy good concerning idolatrous christendom, saying, Go and prosper, for this reason are they wroth against us. 1 Kings 22. But all this must not retard our progress; we must keep our eye constantly on the footsteps of our forerunner, who hath taken possession of heaven, till all things be brought to pass which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets from the beginning of the world, (Acts 13: 21,) from whence he shall come the second time to judge the quick and the dead; and then every man shall be rewarded according to his works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. Matt, 16: 27. 2 Cor. 5: 10.

Wherefore let no faithful soldier become dejected, but let him run with patience the race that is set before him. Heb. 12. Take unto you the whole armor of God, that may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand, having your loins

ye

girt about with truth; and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints. Eph. 6.

Here thou hast the whole panoply of God, weapons well tried, which never fail in the hand capable of wielding them. Therefore, observe and learn from thy field officer, Christ Jesus, who will himself instruct thee; for he hath overcome and liveth, wherefore thou also shouldst and wilt overcome and live. John 14: 19. Rev. 3: 21. In the world thou shalt have tribulation: but be of good cheer, he hath overcome the world. John 16: 33. He hath given thee his word, therefore the world hateth thee, because thou art not of the world, even as he is not of the world; therefore he hath sanctified himself for thee, that thou mightest be sanctified through his truth. John 17. He will not leave thee comfortless, but will come unto thee. John 14: 18. He will comfort thee as a mother comforteth her child; and though a mother may forget her child, yet he will not forget thee; for he hath graven thee upon

the palms of his hands. Isaiah 49: 15, 16.

Therefore, fear not, for he hath redeemed thee; and when thou passest through the water (of temptation,) the rivers shall not. overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire (of tribulation,) thou shalt not be burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Is. 43. For who is he that will harm thee, if thou be a follower of that which is good? But and if thou sufferest for righteousness sake, happy art thou; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; but sanctify the Lord God in thy heart. 3: 13, 14.

1 Pet.

Oh, beloved pilgrim and fellow traveller to the regions of life! Should not the sweet and precious promises of God in Christ Jesus animate and encourage us to pursue our journey with assiduity, and to fight with alacrity the fight of faith? When the corrupt and anti-christian world is enraged at and calumniates us, pointing the finger of scorn and treating us with ignominy, let us ever reflect upon the words of Christ: Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake; rejoice and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Matt. 5: 11, 12.

Now, what do we desire more than that our reward should be great in heaven? Are

we then willing to seek our reward here on earth in the enjoyment of a dissolute, sumptuous and magnificent life?

O, should we not gladly leave this licentious, carnal, honorable and sensual life to those who shall be tormented in another world, (Luke 16,) and patiently submit ourselves to reproach, as knowing that our reward is great in heaven.

All those, who have come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and I made them white in the blood of the Lamb, are there before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev. 7.

Now, faithful soul, who livest under the cross, is not this sufficient to render the yoke of Christ easy and his burden light? Or art thou desirous of hearing more of the heavenly life of the triumphant soldiers of Christ, that thou mayest be encouraged and animated in thy journey? Well then, hear what the Spirit saith to the churches:

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Rev. 2: 7.

Fear not of these things which thou shalt suffer; behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Verses 10: 11.

To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. Verse 17.

And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations; and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers; even as I received of my Father; and I will give him the morning star. Verses 26, 27, 28.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Chap. 3: 5.

Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out; and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is the new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God; and I will write upon him my new name. Verse 12.