CHAPTER VI

.… During the time Ï have been permitted to labor among you, I have thought you a Christian, a believing people...

To say nothing of the great author and finisher of our faith, and of his torments in the body, the first disciples ofour crucified master (2) were exposed to every privation and indignity that it is possible to conceive of. They were persecuted, afflicted, and tormented, etc... Did they weep and sob, and pray to be excused from their trials ? Ah ! no, my dear, dear brethren they did not. They took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing thai in heaven they had a more enduring substance. They counted themselves happy that they were thought worthy to endure persecution for his sake. And now [ beseech you, brethren, to imitate their example...

The pastor prayed long and fervently with his afflicted flock (3), and arose with a look so lofty, and yet resigned, so elevated above this world, that it seemed to his enwrapt hearers as though they could almost see the shining of his face.