and firm condemnation of evil is not inconsistent with perfect meekness. In the Collect for St. John Baptist's day we pray, that we may "after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake." The same lessons are forcibly impressed by the example of St. Stephen.

Men in general are more bold in any thing than in rebuking sin. What religious man has not felt this in the midst of ungodly companions? He hears words uttered, which he reprobates, principles avowed, which he abhors. He does not join in the words, or sanction the principles. But he is too often silent, when he ought to speak. His heart His heart is hot within him long before he speaks with his tongue. What is this but want of courage, whether to brave the anger, or to face the ridicule of those among whom we are placed? There is no charge, which we shun so much as that of timidity, and this very circumstance often makes us timid. The fear of man causes us to shrink from avowing our fear of God. Beware, lest a timid silence lead as the next step to a timid compliance, and you be betrayed into the culpable weakness of casting in your lot with those of whom you in your conscience disapprove. But here weakness is a term, which, in its common acceptation, scarcely expresses the true character of the act. Men who thus yield may be called weak, as Solomon calls them simple and foolish. But this weakness, simplicity, or folly is that which goeth to destruction, as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it is for his life." Therefore, "Be of good courage," "Lift up the hands which hang

1 Prov. vii. 23.

down, and the feeble knees," that you, too, like the martyrs of old, may "out of weakness be made strong."

But he, who was thus bold in testifying to the truth, was also gentle and patient in suffering. Doubtless he remembered his Saviour's words, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do," and thought of his Master's example, while he uttered similar words, "Lay not this sin to their charge." Such, too, was the lesson, which Christ had taught from the Mount, "I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." It has been said by foolish or designing men, that the morality of the Gospel did not essentially differ from that which had been taught by wise men before its promulgation. We need but appeal to this precept, and ask, whether, under any scheme of morals, not revealed, such a lesson was delivered, insisted upon, and brought prominently forward, as the very basis of the system? We may point to the Founder of our religion enforcing by act what He had delivered by word, and to this, the first martyr, imitating in word and deed the Master, whom he served. This is the new commandment of Christian love, and thus was it exemplified, "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour."

III. We learn from St. Stephen's history the support which is accorded to the Christian in suffering. When our Lord was in the midst of His own sufferings, He said, "Hereafter shall ye see the Son of 3 Eph. v. 1, 2.

2 Matt. v. 44.

man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." The words of the original show that this is not simply a prediction of what will take place at the last day, but a promise of intercourse with Heaven to be vouchsafed at all ages of the Church. In the narrative of St. Stephen's martyrdom, we have a recorded instance of the fulfilment of this promise, "He, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God." This vision was, we cannot doubt, miraculous; but a similar manifestation has been accorded to the eye of faith at other times, and to other martyrs. And in all our sufferings upon earth we may ever look "to Thee, O blessed Jesus, who," as our Collect so beautifully reminds us, "standest at the right hand of God to succour all those that suffer for Thee." Even so, Lord Jesus, Thou succourest, and wilt ever succour, all who suffer for the testimony of the truth. Thou hast been light to the eyes and refreshment to the soul of every one who has followed in that train, of which Stephen was the first. Through Thee has the sufferer been able to smile calmly in the midst of tortures, and men have seen his face " as it were the face of an angel."

There is a beautiful story in early Church history, which, if not literally true, illustrates well the sweetness of the consolation, which Jesus will afford in the midst of pain. A person once saw a martyr stretched upon the rack, whose countenance was expressive only of delight. The spectator wondered at the sight. But his eyes were opened, and he beheld a

4 Matt. xxvi. 64.

heavenly messenger standing over the sufferer with a vase in his hands, from which he from time to time poured cool water upon the racked and burning joints, so as to supply a sense of exquisite enjoyment in the relief thus afforded from pain. Such is the relief which Christ ever vouchsafes to His servants in the midst of the dangers, to which they are exposed. The storms may rage around, but One is with them, at whose bidding the waves are hushed. The fiery furnace may close its jaws upon them, but One is walking with them, whose form is that of the Son of God. And so, if Christ has foretold suffering to His disciples, He has also promised relief; and every true follower of Christ may appropriate to himself the Psalmist's words, "He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me "."

But as it is not only at the martyr's stake, or in times of extraordinary tribulation, that the Christian is to recognize his "fiery trial," so it is not there only that he may look for support.

We read stories of saints of old telling us how amidst the most excruciating tortures they were tranquil, nay, exulting, in the consciousness of their Saviour's presence. We admire their exemplary patience, and heroic constancy. But these days, we say, are over. We are too conscious of our weakness not to thank God for it. We might not have borne the trial. Still we trust that He, who would have suffered us to be tempted, would have made a way for us to escape;

5 Ps. xxiii. 2. 4.

and we feel how precious, how indispensable, in that case would have been the succour of our Lord.

But we need His succour now, and He who supplies all our need will accord it to those who believe.

I have mentioned some very simple and ordinary instances of a Christian's daily trial. The consciousness of purity and integrity, of a simple desire to do God's will, must of course in such cases be a sensible source of strength. Not through his own might, but "through Him who strengtheneth" him, will the believer hope to stand. Yet beyond this general reliance upon Christ and upon His Holy Spirit, such persons should seek present comfort in communing with their Saviour and their God. It is not only when Paul is suffering shipwreck, is being beaten with rods at Philippi, or being stoned at Lystra, that Christ is at hand. When perplexed with "the care of the churches," when harassed by "the thorn in his flesh," he leans upon the same arm for support. Our Saviour sympathizes with us in our lesser, as well as in our greater troubles. Fear not, then, to spread before the mercy-seat the record of those petty acts of persecution, of ridicule, and of scorn, of which His tender spirit knows by experience all the bitterness. He, too, was among enemies who mocked, among brethren who believed not, countrymen who despised, and disciples who misunderstood Him. Realize, then, His presence, who has said, "I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Are you toiling in vain to reach the haven where you would be at rest? He is standing near, and witnesses your efforts. Look up. It is He, be not afraid. Are you "feeble and sore smitten," like the