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Christian glories. Our Lord expressly de clared to all his followers, "That in the world they should have tribulation;" but adds, "Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" and we know that he ever liveth to succour and to save. In Revelations we read of those who came out of great tribulation, who had washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; therefore were they before the throne of God. Thus, though it is through much tribulation we must pass to heaven, it is only through the purifying efficacy of the blood of Christ, that any one can enter there. Again, tribulation has, it must be admitted, a most extensive meaning; and includes all the afflictions and calamities incident to man, and which are as various as the vicissitudes of life can render them. But that tribulation, which the real disciple of his Lord has to endure, is that which he has been taught to expect, in consequence of the warfare in which he is called to engage, and knows that he must maintain. He is more especially exposed to the arrows of the persecutor, as it was foretold, "that all who would live godly in Christ Jesus should suffer persecution." He has also internal struggles and conflicts with in-dwelling sin, and the devices of his.

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spiritual adversary, which only those who are Christians ever experience: he deplores and mourns over his sins, his weakness, and ingratitude; and fears, that were he tried in the balance of the sanctuary, he would be found wanting. Again: Christians in all ages have had to endure tribulation, and even sundry kinds of death; and the history of the Christian church abounds with numerous instances. In the sacred volume, we have an enumeration of some of the conflicts of the saints of old; of these there have been an innumerable company, whom no man can number: and it is through the example of their faith and patience, and having overcome, that we derive comfort and hope, who have fled for refuge to the only anchor, sure and steadfast. The Christian well knows that he must endure hardness, difficulty, and danger, before he can be a tried servant; that he must go through evil report and good report, and that he must make full proof of his profession: therefore does he rejoice in every new trial, which brings his real character to the test. And these will be the means of his moral and spiritual improvement; which leads to our second head for consideration, viz. the benefits resulting from tribulation. · The text saith,―tribulation worketh patience,

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and patience experience, and experience hope. In a moral point of view, it is allowed that "highly beneficial are the uses of adversity," and that this world could not be a state of probation were no trials allotted to us. It is here then, unquestionably, that the moral and religious character must be completed and perfected-it is here that all Christian graces and virtues, if we have any, must be exercised-it is here that faith must be strengthened and proved, hope enlarged, charity increased, and evil subdued; that we may run with patience the race that is set before us-enduring the cross-despising the shame, as a well-grounded hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy. Ghost; and we are filled with confidence and joy, having a firm reliance on the promises made to him that overcometh; and also, from our own frequent experience of the divine favour in various instances, hope is increased, and our love more ardent and confirmed.

So evident is it, then, that through the actuating power alone of that love which is the work of the Holy Spirit, can the Christian go forth boldly, conquering and to conquer confiding in that strength which is promised to be made perfect in.

his weakness, and feeling assured that she shall be victorious through that Saviour who will be his shield and defender, and in whom is his glory. navsed ni bi5w91

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This brings us to inquire, thirdly, What it is to glory in tribulation? St. Paul saith to the Galatians," God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world," and in another place enforces the prophet's injunction, to "glory only in the Lord. And from all which the Scriptures inculcate, it is plainly to be understood, that we are to glory solely in the Captain of our salvation, and what appertains to the gospel, and those trials which by our profession we are called to

encounter.

And here, let it be observed, it is not intended to mean that we are to make any proud boasting the whole tenor of the gos pel excludes this; but glorying, is to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, that we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake, and to participate in the same afflictions which are accomplished in our brethren that are in the world,-waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God, that we may be conformed to the images of his Son, and rejoicing in hope acf the bless

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ings promised to all who suffer for righteousness' sake.sif Rejoice ye," said our Lord, "and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven." St. Paul saith, " I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulations;" and again, neither count I my life dear unto me, so that I may finish my course with joy." We read in the Acts, "that when they had called the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. But when they had departed from the council, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name, and daily in the temple, in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." Thus do all the faithful glory and rejoice in reproaches-in persecutions. St. Peter saith, "Beloved, think it not strange concerning that fiery trial which is to try you; but re joice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed ye may be glad with exceeding joy.

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ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you."

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St. James saith," Count it all joy, when ye fall into divers temptations;" and again, "We count them happy which endure:" as, they shall be strengthened with all might,

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