When Jesus had finished these instructions to his twelve Apostles, they immediately went forth by two and two (Mark vi. 7) in different directions through the country, to do as He had commanded them. In every place they came to they preached the Gospel, and warned people to turn from their evil ways; and they exercised the power, which their master had given them, by casting out devils from the unhappy sinners who were possessed, and by curing people who were sick; which they frequently did by pouring out oil upon them. Jesus himself took a journey upon the same errand, and went about the cities in that neighbourhood preaching the Gospel.

V. THE REPETITION.

Now read again the Scriptures, See No. II.

VI. THE APPLICATION.

1. The instructions, given by our Lord in this portion, are addressed in the first place to his ministers. but they also contain much that is applicable to all christians. The trials, which are here spoken of, come upon them on account of the religion they profess; and though the ministers of that religion must expect to be marked out in an especial manner, yet the same kind of treatment, in a less degree, must be looked for by private christians also. What treatment is to be expected, we may learn from our Lord's comparison, that christians are like sheep in the midst of wolves; but he tells us this to prepare us for it. It should lead us to be more watchful over ourselves, and be more careful to do nothing which may give just cause of offence; so that if any one should treat us ill, we may have a clear conscience that we do not deserve the ill-treat

ment. It should also lead us to be prudent in our way of shewing that we are religious: having a consideration for the infirmities, and mistakes, and even the wickedness, of others; and trying all we can, not only to keep a clear conscience ourselves, but also (if possible) to act in such a manner, as not to rouse up evil in other people's hearts. It requires great prudence to judge exactly, when it becomes a duty to say or do something for religion's sake, which is likely to stir up anger in others. And when we do believe such conduct to be necessary, it ought to be joined with a tender compassion for those who are likely to be offended, so that we may do our duty in the least offensive way. (Rom. xiv. 16. 1 Cor. ix. 19-23.)

QUESTIONS.

If any body finds fault with me on account of religion, does it make me examine myself, to see whether I deserve to be found fault with?

When I am satisfied that my conduct is what God requires it to be, do I strive to make it as little offensive to others as possible? Or do I feel, that so long as I am right, I do not care who else is wrong?

2. The persecution, of which our Lord spoke to his Apostles, was much more dreadful and difficult to bear, than any which we are likely to suffer in the present day. Christians have suffered the most cruel torments, merely on account of their professing Christ, and thousands have been put to death for the same reason. (John xvi. 2. Acts vii. 56-60; viii. 1-3; xii. 1-3. 1 Cor. iv. 9.) We have great reason to be thankful that, through God's mercy, we live in different times. Yet for all this, the natural opposition to spiritual religion is still the same in the hearts

of unconverted men, and the devil is equally ready to stir them up to injure true christians, though his power of doing so is restrained. It remains therefore true, that "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" 2 Tim. iii. 12.); and really spiritual christians constantly find themselves opposed and thwarted, treated unkindly and vexed, hindered in their business, slighted by their acquaintances, misrepresented in their conduct, neglected or despised, ridiculed and called bad names by people who, though prevented from doing them any outward violence, are often able by those means to give more pain to the feelings, than would be caused by the burning of the body Whenever any of us are placed in such circumstances, on account of our religion, we may freely apply to ourselves the arguments and the comforts, which our Lord put before his disciples in this discourse. Jesus himself was treated worse than all this; and we must not be surprised if those who profess to follow him should get some share of the ill-treatment so abundantly poured upon their master. He was called the chief of the devils, what wonder that bad names are found for His people? But the worst treatment that we can possibly receive, ought not to make us in the least afraid of continuing in that course, which will secure us the favour and protection of God. No one can touch a hair of our heads to hurt us, unless He permit: how foolish then it is, to let the fear of any evil consequences on earth hinder us from continuing in the service of Him, who rules and governs every thing in earth and in heaven! This should be more strongly impressed upon us

by considering, that a plain and open profession of true religion here is absolutely necessary, if we would be acknowledged by Christ as his disciples hereafter; and also that, if we are ashamed of him, and deny him in our conduct for fear of any trouble that may come upon us on earth, He will refuse to receive us upon the great day of account, and leave us to the dreadful and eternal trouble of the souls which are in hell.

QUESTIONS.

Have I ever had occasion to be distressed at any unkindness towards me on account of my religion? if so, has it made me angry?

Has such distress made me think of changing my conduct, so as to avoid the unkindness? Or, has it made me seek help from God to continue in the right way, without hindrance from the fear of man?

Have I made up my mind that, whatever may be the consequences with respect to my worldly concerns and comfort, I will not give up a true profession of spiritual religion, but will look forward to the time, when that will be the one great thing which will decide my happiness in eternity?

3. One of the most common objections made to spiritual religion, is that it produces differences in families, and sets relations one against another. It must be plain from our Lord's words in this portion, that so far from this being an objection, it is one of the effects which might reasonably be expected, and which he himself declared should take place. When a family have been going on in a worldly way, forgetful of God, and seeking only the pleasures and advantages of this life; if one of the members (a son or a daughter, or standing in any other relationship) begins, by God's grace, to see things in a different light, then however little may be said upon the subject, the conduct of such a person will be changed.

He cannot follow the same worldly course as he did before, and as his relations continue to do. He can no longer neglect the means of grace, nor put religion aside, and consider it only in a light way. Such a change as this is a continued contrast to the manner in which the rest of the family live; and though the changed person may perhaps be the meanest member of the household, he becomes what our Lord calls, a light shining before men (Matt. v. 16), which puts to shame the darkness of their own way. Such a person becomes therefore a continued, though silent, reproof to all the rest of the family. The consequence must be, either that they follow his example, and turn to Christ, or that they grow very angry under this reproof; which might be passed over if it were at a distance in some neighbour's house, but cannot be borne when it is at home always at hand. If we ourselves happen to be placed in such trying circumstances, must remember, that the love of Christ must be the very first feeling in every true christian's heart; and that He will not stand second even to a father or mother, a son or daughter, a husband or wife. And though it may cost what is commonly called a broken heart, or be like carrying the cross for our own execution, yet we must steadily bear it; that we may be like Christ, who steadily bore his cross for the love which he had to us sinners. If we ourselves have been preserved from so great a trial, but hear of such divisions in the family of any of our friends, we should first examine carefully as to the real cause of the difference; and if we find it to be only on account of spiritual religion, we ought to do our

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