Chapter XV: Part 15

2. Next to the praying for all men, we should, according to St. _Paul_’s rule, pray for _Kings_; particularly for our present sovereign King _George_, and all that are put in authority under him: that we may lead quiet lives, in all godliness and honesty. For, if we consider how heavy the burden of government is, and how much the welfare of any people depends on the zeal and godly conversation of those that have the rule over them: if we set before us the many dangers and difficulties, to which governors by their station are exposed, and the continual temptations they lie under to luxury and self-indulgence; we shall not only pity, but pray for them: that he who preserved _Esther_, _David_, and _Josiah_, “unspotted from the world,” amidst the grandeur of a court, and gave success to their designs, would also preserve them holy and unblameable, and prosper all the works of their hands upon them. But

3. _Thirdly_, you ought, in a more especial manner, to pray for those, whom “the Holy Ghost hath made _Overseers_ over you.” This is what St. _Paul_ begs, again and again, of the churches to whom he writes: Says he in the text, “Brethren, pray for us;” and again, in his epistle to the _Ephesians_, “praying always, with all manner of supplication; and for me also, that I may open my mouth boldly, to declare the mystery of the gospel.” And in another place, to express his earnestness in this request, and the great importance of their prayers for him, he bids the church “strive, (or, as the original word signifies, be in an agony) together with him in their prayers.” And surely, if the great St. _Paul_, that chosen vessel, that favourite of heaven, needed the most importunate prayers of his christian converts; much more do the ordinary ministers of the gospel stand in need of the intercession of their respective flocks.

And I cannot but in a more especial manner insist upon this branch of your duty, because it is a matter of such importance: for, no doubt, much good is frequently withheld from many, by reason of their neglecting to pray for their ministers, and which they would have received, had they prayed for them as they ought. Not to mention, that people often complain of the want of diligent and faithful pastors. But how do they deserve good pastors, who will not earnestly pray to GOD for such? If we will not pray to the LORD of the harvest, can it be expected he will send forth labourers into his harvest?

Besides, what ingratitude is it, not to pray for your ministers! For shall they watch and labour in the word and doctrine for you, and your salvation, and shall not you pray for them in return? If any bestow favours on your bodies, you think it right, meet, and your bounden duty, to pray for them; and shall not they be remembered in your prayers, who daily feed and nourish your souls? Add to all this, that praying for your ministers, will be a manifest proof of your believing, that though _Paul_ plant, and _Apollos_ water, yet it is GOD alone who giveth the increase. And you will also find it the best means you can use, to promote your own welfare; because GOD, in answer to your prayers, may impart a double portion of his holy spirit to them, whereby they will be qualified to deal out to you larger measures of knowledge in spiritual things, and be enabled more skilfully to divide the word of truth.

Would men but constantly observe this direction, and when their ministers are praying in their name to GOD, humbly beseech him to perform all their petitions: or, when they are speaking in GOD’s name to them, pray that the Holy Ghost may fall on all them that hear the word; we should find a more visible good effect of their doctrine, and a greater mutual love between ministers and their people. For ministers hands would then be held up by the people’s intercessions, and the people will never dare to villify or traduce those who are the constant subjects of their prayers.

4. Next to our ministers, _our friends_ claim a place in our intercessions; but then we should not content ourselves with praying in general terms for them, but suit our prayers to their particular circumstances. When _Miriam_ was afflicted with a leprosy from GOD, _Moses_ cried and said, “LORD, heal her.” And when the nobleman came to apply to JESUS CHRIST, in behalf of his child, he said, “LORD, my little daughter lieth at the point of death, I pray thee to come and heal her.” In like manner, when our friends are under any afflicting circumstances, we should endeavour to pray for them, with a particular regard to those circumstances. For instance, is a friend sick? we should pray, that if it be GOD’s good pleasure, it may not be unto death; but if otherwise, that he would give him grace so to take his visitation, that, after this painful life ended, he may dwell with him in life everlasting. Is a friend in doubt in an important matter? we should lay his case before GOD, as _Moses_ did that of the daughters of _Zelophehad_, and pray, that GOD’s Holy Spirit may lead him into all truth, and give all seasonable direction. Is he in want? we should pray, that his faith may never fail, and that in GOD’s due time he may be relieved. And in all other cases, we should not pray for our friends only in generals, but suit our petitions to their particular sufferings and afflictions; for otherwise, we may never ask perhaps for the things our friends most want.

It must be confessed, that such a procedure will oblige some often to break from the forms they use; but if we accustom ourselves to it, and have a deep sense of what we ask for, the most illiterate christian will not want proper words to express themselves.

We have many noble instances in holy scripture of the success of this kind of particular intercession; but none more remarkable than that of _Abraham_’s servant, in the book of _Genesis_, who being sent to seek a wife for his son _Isaac_, prayed in a most particular manner in his behalf. And the sequel of the story informs us, how remarkably his prayer was answered. And did christians now pray for their friends in the same particular manner, and with the same faith as _Abraham_’s servant did for his master; they would, no doubt, in many instances, receive as visible answers, and have as much reason to bless GOD for them, as he had. But

5. As we ought thus to intercede for our friends, so in like manner must we also pray for _our enemies_. “Bless them that curse you, (says JESUS CHRIST) and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Which commands he enforced in the strongest manner by his own example: in the very agonies and pangs of death, he prayed even for his murderers, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!” This, it must needs be confessed, is a difficult duty, yet not impracticable, to those who have renounced the things of this present life, (from an inordinate love of which all enmities arise) and who knowing the terrible woes denounced against those who offend CHRIST’s little ones, can, out of real pity, and a sense of their danger, pray for those by whom such offences come.

6. Lastly, and to conclude this head, we should intercede for all that are any ways _afflicted_ in mind, body, or estate; for all who desire, and stand in need of our prayers, and for all who do not pray for themselves.

And Oh! that all who hear me, would set apart some time every day for the due performance of this most necessary duty! In order to which,

I shall now proceed,

III. To shew the advantages, and offer some considerations to excite you to the practice of daily intercession. And

1. _First_, It will fill your hearts with love one to another. He that every day heartily intercedes at the throne of grace for all mankind, cannot but in a short time be filled with love and charity to all: and the frequent exercise of his love in this manner, will insensibly enlarge his heart, and make him partaker of that exceeding abundance of it which is in CHRIST JESUS our LORD! Envy, malice, revenge, and such like hellish tempers, can never long harbour in a gracious intercessor’s breast; but he will be filled with joy, peace, meekness, long-suffering, and all other graces of the Holy Spirit. By frequently laying his neighbour’s wants before GOD, he will be touched with a fellow-feeling of them; he will rejoice with those that do rejoice, and weep with those that weep. Every blessing bestowed on others, instead of exciting envy in him, will be looked on as an answer to his particular intercession, and fill his soul with joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Abound therefore in acts of general and particular intercessions; and when you hear of your neighbour’s faults, instead of relating them to, and exposing them before others, lay them in secret before GOD, and beg of him to correct and amend them. When you hear of a notorious sinner, instead of thinking you do well to be angry, beg of JESUS CHRIST to convert, and make him a monument of his free grace; you cannot imagine what a blessed alteration this practice will make in your heart, and how much you will increase day by day in the spirit of love and meekness towards all mankind!

But farther, to excite you to the constant practice of this duty of intercession, consider the many instances in holy scripture, of the power and efficacy of it. Great and excellent things are there recorded as the effects of this divine employ. It has stopped plagues, it has opened and shut heaven; and has frequently turned away GOD’s fury from his people. How was _Abimelech_’s house freed from the disease GOD sent amongst them, at the intercession of _Abraham_! When “_Phineas_ stood up and prayed,” how soon did the plague cease! When _Daniel_ humbled and afflicted his soul, and interceded for the LORD’s inheritance, how quickly was an angel dispatched to tell him, “his prayer was heard!” And, to mention but one instance more, how does GOD own himself as it were overcome with the importunity of _Moses_, when he was interceding for his idolatrous people, “Let me alone,” says GOD!

This sufficiently shews, I could almost say, the omnipotency of intercession, and how we may, like _Jacob_, wrestle with GOD, and by an holy violence prevail both for ourselves and others. And no doubt it is owing to the secret and prevailing intercessions of the few righteous souls who still remain among us, that GOD has yet spared this miserably sinful nation: for were there not some such faithful ones, like _Moses_, left to stand in the gap, we should soon be destroyed, even as was _Sodom_, and reduced to ashes like unto _Gomorrah_.

But, to stir you up yet farther to this exercise of intercession, consider, that in all probability, it is the frequent employment even of the glorified saints: for though they are delivered from the burden of the flesh, and restored to the glorious liberty of the sons of GOD, yet as their happiness cannot be perfectly consummated ’till the resurrection of the last day, when all their brethren will be glorified with them, we cannot but think they are often importunate in beseeching our heavenly Father, shortly to accomplish the number of his elect, and to hasten his kingdom. And shall not we, who are on earth, be often exercised in this divine employ with the glorious company of the spirits of just men made perfect? Since our happiness is so much to consist in the communion of saints in the church triumphant above, shall we not frequently intercede for the church militant here below; and earnestly beg, that we may all be one, even as the Holy JESUS and his Father are one, that we may also be made perfect in one?

To provoke you to this great work and labour of love, remember, that it is the never ceasing employment of the holy and highly exalted JESUS himself, who sits at the right hand of GOD, to hear all our prayers, and to make continual intercession for us! So that he who is constantly employed in interceding for others, is doing that on earth, which the eternal Son of GOD is always doing in heaven.

Imagine therefore, when you are lifting up holy hands in prayer for one another, that you see the heavens opened, and the Son of GOD in all his glory, as the great high-priest of your salvation, pleading for you the all-sufficient merit of his sacrifice before the throne of his heavenly Father! Join then your intercessions with his, and beseech him, that they may, through him, come up as incense, and be received as a sweet-smelling savour, acceptable in the light of GOD! This imagination will strengthen your faith, excite a holy earnestness in your prayers, and make you wrestle with GOD, as _Jacob_ did, when he saw him face to face, and his life was preserved; as _Abraham_, when he pleaded for _Sodom_; and as JESUS CHRIST himself, when he prayed, being in an agony, so much the more earnestly the night before his bitter passion.

And now, brethren, what shall I say more, since you are taught of JESUS CHRIST himself, to abound in love, and in this good work of praying one for another. Though ever so mean, though as poor as _Lazarus_, you will then become benefactors to all mankind; thousands, and twenty times ten thousands, will then be blessed for your sakes! and after you have employed a few years in this divine exercise here, you will be translated to that happy place, where you have so often wished others might be advanced; and be exalted to sit at the right hand of our All-powerful, All-prevailing Intercessor, in the kingdom of his heavenly Father hereafter.

However, I cannot but in an especial manner press this upon you now, because all ye, amongst whom I have now been preaching, in all probability will see me no more: for I am now going (I trust under the conduct of GOD’s most Holy Spirit) from you, knowing not what shall befal me: I need therefore your most importunate intercessions, that nothing may move me from my duty, and that I may not “count even my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received of the LORD JESUS, to testify the gospel of the grace of GOD!”

Whilst I have been here, to the best of my knowledge, I have not failed to declare unto you the whole will of GOD: and though my preaching may have been a savour of death unto death to some; yet I trust it has been also a savour of life unto life to others; and therefore I earnestly hope that those will not fail to remember me in their prayers. As for my own part, the many unmerited kindnesses I have received from you, will not suffer me to forget you: out of the deep, therefore, I trust shall my cry come unto GOD; and whilst the winds and storms are blowing over me, unto the LORD will I make my supplication for you. For it is but a little while, and “we must all appear before the judgment seat of CHRIST;” where I must give a strict account of the doctrine I have preached, and you of your improvement under it. And O that I may never be called out as a swift witness, against any of those, for whose salvation I have sincerely, though too faintly, longed and laboured!

It is true, I have been censured by some as acting out of sinister and selfish views; “but it is a small matter with me to be judged by man’s judgment;” I hope my eye is single; but I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of GOD in CHRIST JESUS, pray that it may be more so! and that I may increase with the increase of grace in the knowledge and love of GOD through JESUS CHRIST our LORD.

And now, brethren, what shall I say more? I could wish to continue my discourse much longer; for I can never fully express the desire of my soul towards you! Finally, therefore, brethren, “whatsoever things are holy, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any consolation in CHRIST, if any fellowship of the spirit,” if any hopes of our appearing to the comfort of each other at the awful tribunal of JESUS CHRIST, “think of the things that you have heard,” and of those which your pastors have declared, and will yet declare unto you; and continue under their ministry to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling:” so that whether I should never see you any more, or whether it shall please GOD to bring me back again at any time, I may always have the satisfaction of knowing that your conversation is such “as becometh the gospel of CHRIST.”

I almost persuade myself, that I could willingly suffer all things, so that it might any ways promote the salvation of your precious and immortal souls; and I beseech you, as my last request, “obey them that have the rule over you in the LORD;” and be always ready to attend on their ministry, as it is your bounden duty. Think not that I desire to have myself exalted at the expence of another’s character; but rather think this, not to have any man’s person too much in admiration; but esteem all your ministers highly in love, as they justly deserve for their work’s sake.

And now, “brethren, I commend you to GOD, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and give you an inheritance amongst all them that are sanctified.” May GOD reward you for all your works of faith, and labours of love, and make you to abound more and more in every good word and work towards all men. May he truly convert all that have been convinced, and awaken all that are dead in trespasses and sins! May he confirm all that are wavering! And may you all go on from one degree of grace unto another, till you arrive unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of CHRIST; and thereby be made meet to stand before that GOD, “in whose presence is the fulness of joy, and at whose right-hand there are pleasures for evermore!” Amen! Amen!

SERMON LV.

Persecution every Christian’s Lot.

2 TIMOTHY iii. 12.

_Yea, and all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer
Persecution_.

WHEN our LORD was pleased to take upon himself the form of a servant, and to go about preaching the kingdom of GOD; he took all opportunities in public, and more especially in private, to caution his disciples against seeking great things for themselves, and also to forewarn them of the many distresses, afflictions and persecutions, which they must expect to endure for his name’s sake. The great apostle _Paul_ therefore, the author of this epistle, in this, as in all other things, following the steps of his blessed Master, takes particular care, among other apostolical admonitions, to warn young _Timothy_ of the difficulties he must expect to meet with in the course of his ministry: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their ownselves, covetous, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of GOD; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now, as _Jannes_ and _Jambres_ (two of the _Egyptian_ magicians) withstood _Moses_ (by working sham miracles) so do they also resist the truth; and (notwithstanding they keep up the form of religion) are men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.” But, in order to keep him from sinking under their opposition, he tells him, that though GOD, for wise ends, permitted these false teachers, as he did the magicians, to oppose for some time, yet they should now proceed no farther: “For their folly (says he) shall be made manifest unto all men, as theirs (the Magicians) also was,” when they could not stand before _Moses_ because of the boil; for the boil was upon the _Magicians_, as well as upon all the _Egyptians_. And then, to encourage _Timothy_ yet the more, he propounds to him his own example; “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at _Antioch_, at _Iconium_, at _Lystra_; what persecutions I endured; but out of them all the LORD delivered me.” And then, lest _Timothy_ might think that this was only the particular case of _Paul_, says he, in the words of the text, “Yea, and all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecution.”

The words, without considering them as they stand in relation to the context, contain an important truth, that persecution is the common lot of every godly man. This is a hard saying, How few can bear it? I trust GOD, in the following discourse, will enable me to make it good, by shewing,

I. What it is to live godly in CHRIST JESUS.

II. The different kinds of persecution to which they, who live
godly, are exposed.

III. Why it is, that godly men must expect to suffer persecution.

_Lastly_, We shall apply the whole.

1. _First_, Let us consider what it is to live godly in CHRIST JESUS. This supposes, that we are made the righteousness of GOD in CHRIST, that we are born again, and are one with CHRIST by a living faith, and a vital union, even as JESUS CHRIST and the Father are One. Unless we are thus converted, and transformed by the renewing of our minds, we cannot properly be said to be in CHRIST, much less to live godly in him. To be in CHRIST merely by baptism, and an outward profession, is not to be in Him in the strict sense of the word: no; “They that are in CHRIST, are new creatures; old things are passed away, and all things are become new” in their hearts. Their life is hid with CHRIST in GOD; their souls daily feed on the invisible realities of another world. To “live godly in CHRIST,” is to make the divine will, and not our own, the sole principle of all our thoughts, words, and actions; so that, “whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, we do all to the glory of GOD.” Those who live godly in CHRIST, may not so much be said to live, as CHRIST to live in them: He is their Alpha and Omega, their first and last, their beginning and end. They are led by his Spirit, as a child is led by the hand of its father; and are willing to follow the Lamb whithersoever he leads them. They hear, know, and obey his voice. Their affections are set on things above; their hopes are full of immortality; their citizenship is in heaven. Being born again of GOD, they habitually live to, and daily walk with, GOD. They are pure in heart; and, from a principle of faith in CHRIST, are holy in all manner of conversation and godliness.

This is to “live godly in CHRIST JESUS:” and hence we may easily learn, why so few suffer persecution? Because, so few live godly in CHRIST JESUS. You may live formally in CHRIST, you may attend on outward duties; you may live morally in CHRIST, you may (as they term it) do no one any harm, and avoid persecution: but they “that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecution.”

2. _Secondly_, What is the meaning of the word Persecution, and how many kinds there are of it, I come now to consider.

The word Persecution, is derived from a _Greek_ word signifying _to pursue_, and generally implies pursuing a person for the sake of his goodness, or GOD’s good-will to him. The

_First_ kind of it, is that of the _Heart_. We ♦have an early example of this in that wicked one _Cain_, who, because the LORD had respect to _Abel_ and his offering, and not to him and his offering, was very wroth, his countenance fell, and at length he cruelly slew his envied brother. Thus the _Pharisees_ hated and persecuted our LORD long before they laid hold on him: and our LORD mentions being inwardly hated of men, as one kind of Persecution his disciples were to undergo. This heart-enmity (if I may so term it) is the root of all other kinds of Persecution, and is, in some degree or other, to be found in the soul of every unregenerated man; and numbers are guilty of this persecution, who never have it in their power to persecute any other way. Nay, numbers would actually put in practice all other degrees of persecution, was not the name of Persecution become odious amongst mankind, and did they not hereby run the hazard of losing their reputation. Alas! how many at the great day, whom we know not now, will be convicted and condemned, that all their life harboured a secret evil-will against _Zion_! They may now screen it before men; but GOD seeth the enmity of their hearts, and will judge them as Persecutors at the great and terrible day of judgment. A

♦ duplicate word “have” removed

_Second_ degree of Persecution is that of the tongue; “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” Many, I suppose, think it no harm to shoot out arrows, even bitter words, against the disciples of the LORD: they scatter their firebrands, arrows and death, saying, “Are we not in sport?” But, however they may esteem it, in GOD’s account evil-speaking is a high degree of Persecution. Thus _Ishmael_’s mocking _Isaac_, is termed persecuting him. “Blessed are ye (says our LORD) when men shall revile you and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name’s sake.” From whence we may gather, that reviling, and speaking all manner of evil for CHRIST’s sake, is a high degree of persecution. For “a good name, (says the wise man) is better than precious ointment,” and, to many, is dearer than life itself. It is a great breach of the sixth commandment, to slander any one; but to speak evil of and slander the disciples of CHRIST, merely because they are his disciples, must be highly provoking in the sight of GOD; and such who are guilty of it (without repentance) will find that JESUS CHRIST will call them to an account, and punish them for all their ungodly and hard speeches in a lake of fire and brimstone. This shall be their portion to drink. The

_Third_ and _last_ kind of Persecution, is that which expresses itself in _actions_: as when wicked men separate the children of GOD from their company; “Blessed are ye, (says our LORD) when they shall separate you from their company:” or expose them to church-censures. “They shall put you out of their synagogues;” threatening and prohibiting them from making an open profession of his religion or worship; or interdicting ministers for preaching his word, as the high-priests threatened the apostles, and “forbad them any more to speak in the name of JESUS;” and _Paul_ breathed out threatenings and slaughters against the disciples of the LORD: or when they call them into courts; “You shall be called before governors,” says our LORD: or when they fine, imprison, or punish them, by confiscation of goods, cruel scourging, and, lastly, death itself.

It would be impossible to enumerate in what various shapes persecution has appeared. It is a many-headed monster, cruel as the grave, insatiable as hell; and, what is worse, it ♦generally appears under the cloak of religion. But, cruel, insatiable, and horrid as it is, they that live godly in CHRIST JESUS, must expect to suffer and encounter with it in all its forms.

♦ “generallly” replaced with “generally”

This is what we are to make good under our next general head.

3. _Thirdly_, Why is it that godly men must expert to suffer persecution? And,

_First_, This appears from the whole tenor of our LORD’s doctrine. We will begin with his divine sermon on the mount. “Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” So that, if our LORD spoke truth, we are not so blessed as to have an interest in the kingdom of heaven, unless we are or have been persecuted for righteousness sake. Nay, our LORD (it is remarkable) employs three verses in this beatitude, and only one in each of the others; not only to shew that it was a thing which men (as men) are unwilling to believe, but also the necessary consequence of it upon our being christians. This is likewise evident from all those passages, wherein our LORD informs us, that he came upon the earth, “not to send peace, but a sword;” and that the father-in-law should be against the mother-in-law, and a man’s foes should be those of his own houshold. Passages, which though confined by false prophets to the first, I am persuaded will be verified by the experience of all true christians in this, and every age of the church. It would be endless to recount all the places, wherein our LORD forewarns his disciples, that they should be called before rulers, and thrust out of synagogues, nay, that the time would come, wherein men should think they did GOD service to kill them. For this reason he so frequently declared, that “unless a man forsake all that he had, and even hated life itself, he could not be his disciple.” And therefore it is worthy our observation, that in the remarkable passage, wherein our LORD makes such an extensive promise to those who left all for him, he cautiously inserts persecution. “And JESUS answered and said, Verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundred-fold now in this time; houses and brethren, and sisters and mothers, and children and lands, with persecutions; (the word is in the plural number, including all kinds of persecution) and in the world to come eternal life.” He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what CHRIST says in all these passages, and then confess, that all who will live godly in CHRIST JESUS shall suffer persecution.

As this is proved from our LORD’s doctrine, so it is no less evident from his life. Follow him from the manger to the cross, and see whether any persecution was like that which the Son of GOD, the LORD of glory, underwent whilst here on earth. How was he hated by wicked men? How often would that hatred have excited them to lay hold of him, had it not been for fear of the people? How was he reviled, counted and called a Blasphemer, a Wine-bibber, a Samaritan, nay, a Devil, and, in one word, had all manner of evil spoken against him falsely? What contradiction of sinners did he endure against himself? How did men separate from his company, and were ashamed to walk with him openly? insomuch that he once said to his own disciples, “Will you also go away?” Again, How was he stoned, thrust out of the synagogues, arraigned as a deceiver of the people, a seditious and pestilent fellow, an enemy to _Cæsar_, and as such scourged, blind-folded, spit upon, and at length condemned, and nailed to an accursed tree? Thus was the Master persecuted, thus did the LORD suffer; and the servant is not above his Master, nor the disciple above his Lord: “If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you,” says the blessed JESUS. And again, “Every man that is perfect (a true christian) must be as his Master,” or suffer as he did. For in all these things our LORD has set us an example, that we should follow his steps: and therefore, far be it that any, who live godly in CHRIST JESUS, should henceforward expect to escape suffering persecution.

But farther: not only our LORD’s example, but the example of all the saints that ever lived, evidently demonstrates the truth of the apostle’s assertion in the text. How soon was _Abel_ made a martyr for his religion? How was _Isaac_ mocked by the son of the bond-woman? And what a large catalogue of suffering Old Testament saints, have we recorded in the xith chapter of the _Hebrews_! Read the _Acts_ of the Apostles, and see how the first christians were threatened, stoned, imprisoned, scourged, and persecuted even unto death. Examine Church History in after-ages, and you will find the murder of the innocents by _Herod_, was but an earnest of the innocent blood which should be shed for the sake of JESUS. Examine the experience of saints now living on earth; and, if it were possible to consult the spirits of just men made perfect, I am persuaded each would concur with the apostle in asserting, that “all who will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecution.”

How can it be otherwise in the very nature of things? Ever since the fall, there has been an irreconcileable enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent. Wicked men hate GOD, and therefore cannot but hate those who are like him: they hate to be reformed, and therefore must hate and persecute those, who, by a contrary behaviour, testify of them, that their deeds are evil. Besides, pride of heart leads men to persecute the servants of JESUS CHRIST. If they commend them, they are afraid of being asked, Why do not you follow them? And therefore because they dare not imitate, though they may sometimes be even forced to approve their way, yet pride and envy make them turn persecutors. Hence it is, that as it was formerly, so it is now, and so will it be to the end of time; “He that is born after the flesh, (the natural man, does and) will persecute him that is born after the Spirit,” the regenerate man. Because christians are not of the world, but CHRIST hath chosen them out of the world, therefore the world will hate them. If it be objected against this doctrine, that we now live in a christian world, and therefore must not expect such persecution as formerly; I answer, All are not christians that are called so; and, till the heart is changed, the enmity against GOD (which is the root of all persecution) remains: and consequently christians, falsely so called, will persecute as well as others. I observed therefore, in the beginning of this discourse, that _Paul_ mentions those that had a form of religion, as persons of whom _Timothy_ had need be chiefly aware: for, as our LORD and his apostles were mostly persecuted by their countrymen the _Jews_, so we must expect the like usage from the Formalists of our own nation, the _Pharisees_, who seem to be religious. The most horrid and barbarous persecutions have been carried on by those who have called themselves Christians; witness the days of queen _Mary_; and the fines, banishments and imprisonments of the children of GOD in the last century, and the bitter, irreconcileable hatred that appears in thousands who call themselves Christians, even in the present days wherein we live.

Persons, who argue against persecution, are not sufficiently sensible of the bitter enmity of the heart of every unregenerate man against GOD. For my own part, I am so far from wondering that christians are persecuted, that I wonder our streets do not run with the blood of the saints: was mens power equal to their wills, such a horrid spectacle would soon appear. But,

Persecution is necessary in respect to the godly themselves. If we have not all manner of evil spoken of us, how can we know whether we seek only that honour which cometh from above? If we have no persecutors, how can our passive graces be kept in exercise? How can many christian precepts be put into practice? How can we love, pray for, and do good to, those who despitefully use us? How can we overcome evil with good? In short, how can we know we love GOD better than life itself? _Paul_ was sensible of all this, and therefore so positively and peremptorily asserts, that “all who will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecution.”

Not that I affirm, all are persecuted in a like degree. No: this would be contrary both to scripture and experience. But though all christians are not really called to suffer every kind of persecution, yet all christians are liable thereto: and notwithstanding some may live in more peaceful times of the church than others, yet all christians, in all ages, will find by their own experience, that, whether they act in a private or public capacity, they must, in some degree or other, suffer persecution.

Here then I would pause, and, _lastly_, by way of application, exhort all persons,

_First_, To stand a while and examine themselves. For, by what has been said, you may gather one mark, whereby you may judge whether you are christians or not. Were you ever persecuted for righteousness sake? If not, you never yet lived godly in CHRIST our LORD. Whatever you may say to the contrary, the inspired apostle, in the words of the text (the truth of which, I think, I have sufficiently proved) positively asserts, that all who will live godly in Him, shall suffer persecution. Not that all who are persecuted are real christians; for many sometimes suffer, and are persecuted, on other accounts than for righteousness sake. The great question therefore is, Whether you were ever persecuted for living godly? You may boast of your great prudence and sagacity (and indeed these are excellent things) and glory because you have not run such lengths, and made yourselves so singular, and liable to such contempt, as some others have. But, alas! this is not a mark of your being of a Christian, but of a _Laodicean_ spirit, neither hot nor cold, and fit only to be spewed out of the mouth of GOD. That which you call prudence, is often, only cowardice, dreadful hypocrisy, pride of heart, which makes you dread contempt, and afraid to give up your reputation for GOD. You are ashamed of CHRIST and his gospel; and in all probability, was he to appear a second time upon earth, in words, as well as works, you would deny him. Awake therefore, all ye that live only formally in CHRIST JESUS, and no longer seek that honour which cometh of man. I do not desire to court you, but I intreat you to live godly, and fear not contempt for the sake of JESUS CHRIST. Beg of GOD to give you his Holy Spirit, that you may see through, and discover the latent hypocrisy of your hearts, and no longer deceive your own souls. Remember you cannot reconcile two irreconcileable differences, GOD and Mammon, the friendship of this world with the favour of GOD. Know you not who hath told you, that “the friendship of this world is enmity with GOD?” If therefore you are in friendship with the world, notwithstanding all your specious pretences to piety, you are at enmity with GOD: you are only heart-hypocrites; and, “What is the hope of the hypocrite, when GOD shall take away his soul?” Let the words of the text sound an alarm in your ears; O let them sink deep into your hearts; “Yea, and all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecution.”

_Secondly_, From the words of the text, I would take occasion to speak to those, who are about to lift themselves under the banner of CHRIST’s cross. What say you? Are you resolved to live godly in CHRIST JESUS, notwithstanding the consequence will be, that you must suffer persecution? You are beginning to build; but have you taken our LORD’s advice, to “sit down first and count the cost?” Have you well weighed with yourselves that weighty declaration, “He that loveth father or mother more than Me, is not worthy of Me;” and again, “Unless a man forsake all that he hath he cannot be my disciple?” Perhaps some of you have great possessions; will not you go away sorrowful, if CHRIST should require you to sell all that you have! Others of you again may be kinsmen, or some way related, or under obligations, to the high-priests, or other great personages, who may be persecuting the church of CHRIST: What say you? Will you, with _Moses_, “rather chuse to suffer affliction with the people of GOD, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season?” Perhaps you may say, my friends will not oppose me. That is more than you know: in all probability your chief enemies will be those of your own household. If therefore they should oppose you, are you willing naked to follow a naked CHRIST? and to wander about in sheep-skins and goats-skins, in dens and caves of the earth, being afflicted, destitute, tormented, rather than not be CHRIST’s disciples? You are now all following with zeal, as _Ruth_ and _Orpah_ did _Naomi_, and may weep under the word; but are not your tears crocodiles tears? And, when difficulties come, will you not go back from following your LORD, as _Orpah_ departed from following _Naomi_? Have you really the root of grace in your hearts? or, are you only stony-ground hearers? You receive the word with joy; but, when persecution arises because of the word, will you not be immediately offended? Be not angry with me for putting these questions to you. I am jealous over you, but it is with a godly jealousy: for, alas! how many have put their hands to the plough, and afterwards have shamefully looked back? I only deal with you, as our LORD did with the person that said, “LORD, I will follow thee whithersoever thou wilt.” “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of man, (says he) hath not where to lay his head.” What say you? Are you willing to endure hardness, and thereby approve yourselves good soldiers of JESUS CHRIST? You now come on foot out of the towns and villages to hear the word, and receive me as a messenger of GOD: but will you not by and by cry out, Away with him, away with him; it is not fit such a fellow should live upon the earth? Perhaps some of you, like _Hazael_, may say, “Are we dogs, that we should do this?” But, alas! I have met with many unhappy souls, who have drawn back unto perdition, and have afterwards accounted me their enemy, for dealing faithfully with them; though once, if it were possible, they would have plucked out their own eyes, and have given them unto me. Sit down therefore, I beseech you, and seriously count the cost, and ask yourselves again and again, whether you count all things but dung and dross, and are willing to suffer the loss of all things, so that you may win CHRIST, and be found in him: for you may assure yourselves, the apostle hath not spoken in vain, “All that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecution.”

_Thirdly_, The text speaks to you that are patiently suffering for the truth’s sake: “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; great shall be your reward in heaven.” For to you it is given, not only to believe, but also to suffer, and perhaps remarkably too, for the sake of JESUS! This is a mark of your discipleship, an evidence that you do live godly in CHRIST JESUS. Fear not, therefore, neither be dismayed. O be not weary and faint in your minds! JESUS, your LORD, your life, cometh, and his reward is with him. Though all men forsake you, yet will not he: no; the Spirit of CHRIST and of glory shall rest upon you. In patience therefore possess your souls. Sanctify the LORD GOD in your hearts. Be in nothing terrified by your adversaries: on their part CHRIST is evil spoken of; on your part he is glorified. Be not ashamed of your glory, since others can glory in their shame. Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, wherewith you are or may be tried. The Devil rages, knowing that he hath but a short time to reign. He or his emissaries have no more power than what is given them from above: GOD sets them their bounds, which they cannot pass; and the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; no one shall set upon you to hurt you, without your heavenly Father’s knowledge. Do your earthly friends and parents forsake you? Are you cast out of the synagogues? The LORD shall reveal himself to you, as to the man that was born blind? JESUS CHRIST shall take you up. If they carry you to prison, and load you with chains, so that the iron enter into your souls, even there shall CHRIST send an angel from heaven to strengthen you, and enable you, with _Paul_ and _Silas_, to “sing praises at midnight.” Are you threatened to be thrown into a den of lions, or cast into a burning fiery furnace, because you will not bow down and worship the beast? Fear not; the GOD, whom you serve, is able to deliver you: or, if he should suffer the flames to devour your bodies, they would only serve, as so many fiery chariots, to carry your souls to GOD. Thus it was with the martyrs of old; so that one, when he was burning, cried out, “Come, you Papists, if you want a miracle, here, behold one! This bed of flames is to me a bed of down.” Thus it was with almost all that suffered in former times: for JESUS, notwithstanding he withdrew his own divinity from himself, yet has always lifted up the light of his countenance upon the souls of suffering saints. “Fear not therefore those that can kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do; but fear Him only, who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell.” Dare, dare to live godly in CHRIST JESUS, though you suffer all manner of persecution. But,

_Fourthly_, Are there any true ministers of JESUS CHRIST here? You will not be offended if I tell you, that the words of the text are, in an especial manner, applicable to you. _Paul_ wrote them to _Timothy_; and we, of all men, that live godly in CHRIST JESUS, must expect to suffer the severest persecution. _Satan_ will endeavour to bruise our heels, let who will escape: and it has been the general way of GOD’s providence, in times of persecution, to permit the shepherds first to be smitten, before the sheep are scattered. Let us not therefore shew that we are only hirelings, who care not for the sheep; but, like the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, let us readily lay down our lives for the sheep. Whilst others are boasting of their great preferments, let us rather glory in our great afflictions and persecutions for the sake of CHRIST. _Paul_ rejoiced that he suffered afflictions and persecutions at _Iconium_ and _Lystra_: out of all, the LORD delivered him; out of all, the LORD will deliver us, and cause us hereafter to sit down with him on thrones, when he comes to judge the twelve tribes of _Israel_.

I could proceed; but I am conscious, in this part of my discourse, I ought more particularly to speak to myself, knowing that _Satan_ has desired to have me, that he may sift me as wheat. Without a spirit of prophecy, we may easily discern the signs of the times. Persecution is even at the doors: the tabernacle of the LORD is already driven into the wilderness: the ark of the LORD is fallen into the unhallowed hands of uncircumcised _Philistines_. They have long since put us out of their synagogues, and high-priests have been calling on civil magistrates to exert their authority against the disciples of the LORD. Men in power have been breathing out threatenings: we may easily guess what will follow, imprisonment and slaughter. The storm has been gathering some time; it must break shortly. Perhaps it may fall on me first.

Brethren therefore, whether in the ministry or not, I beseech you, “pray for me,” that I may never suffer justly, as an evil-doer, but only for righteousness sake. O pray that I may not deny my LORD in any wise, but that I may joyfully follow him, both to prison and to death, if he is pleased to call me to seal his truths with my blood. Be not ashamed of CHRIST, or of his gospel, though I should become a prisoner of the LORD. Though I am bound, the word of GOD will not be bound: no; an open, an effectual door is opened for preaching the everlasting gospel, and men or devils shall never be able to prevail against it. Only pray, that, whether it be in life or death, CHRIST may be glorified in me: then I shall rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

And now, to whom shall I address myself next?

_Fifthly_, To those, who persecute their neighbours for living godly in CHRIST JESUS. But, what shall I say to you? Howl and weep for the miseries that shall come upon you: for a little while the LORD permits you to ride over the heads of his people; but, by and by, death will arrest you, judgment will find you, and JESUS CHRIST shall put a question to you, which will strike you dumb, _Why persecuted you Me_? You may plead your laws and your canons, and pretend what you do is out of zeal for GOD; but GOD shall discover the cursed hypocrisy and serpentine enmity of your hearts, and give you over to the tormentors. It is well, if in this life GOD does not send some mark upon you. He pleaded the cause of _Naboth_, when innocently condemned for blaspheming GOD and the king; and our LORD sent forth his armies, and destroyed the city of those who killed the prophets, and stoned them that were sent unto them. If you have a mind therefore to fill up the measure of your iniquities, go on, persecute and despise the disciples of the LORD: but know, “that for all these things, GOD shall bring you into judgment.” Nay, those you now persecute, shall be in part your judges, and sit on the right-hand of the Majesty on high, whilst you are dragged by infernal spirits into a lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, and the smoke of your torment shall be ascending up for ever and ever. Lay down therefore, ye rebels, your arms against the most high GOD, and no longer persecute those who live godly in CHRIST JESUS. The LORD will plead, the LORD will avenge, their cause. You may be permitted to bruise their heels, yet in the end they shall bruise your accursed heads. I speak not this, as though I were afraid of you; for I know in whom I have believed: only out of pure love I warn you, and because I know not but JESUS CHRIST may make some of you vessels of mercy, and snatch you, even you persecutors, as fire-brands out of the fire. JESUS CHRIST came into the world to save sinners, even persecutors, the worst of sinners: his righteousness is sufficient for them; his Spirit is able to purify and change their hearts. He once converted _Saul_: may the same GOD magnify his power, in converting all those who are causing the godly in CHRIST JESUS, as much as in them lies, to suffer persecution! The LORD be with you all. Amen.

SERMON LVI.

An Exhortation to the People of GOD
not to be discouraged in their Way,
by the Scoffs and Contempt of wicked Men.

HEBREWS iv. 9.

_There remaineth therefore a Rest to the People of GOD._