ciple I have here endeavoured to establish from the
sacred volume, demands of no man the relinquishment of a present
sphere of usefulness, till he is himself conscientiously convinced
that he is called to another, where he may accomplish more for the
great cause for which he lives--the exaltation of Jesus, and the
gathering his sheep. But though it does not require a relinquishment
of present occupations, it is most uncompromising as to the end to
which they must be directed.[19]

That the hearty reception of this principle may be connected, by
natural consequence, with many and great difficulties in this
life--no one, who knows any thing of human nature, as opposed to the
nature of Christ's kingdom, or the Gospel History, can doubt. In this
world's history, great things are not accomplished but by great
sacrifices. A life free from sufferings and sacrifices our Lord has
not promised, and the Apostles did not enjoy. Such a portion they did
not even expect, but were always prepared to live on the remembrance
of the "faithful saying--If we suffer with Him, we shall also reign
with Him". It should therefore be no question of ours whether, in
literally fulfilling our Saviour's command, we shall be subjected to
many sufferings and privations, or not. The question is--Is it the
command of Him, who loved us too well to enjoin any thing but for our
good; and whether in his sovereign arrangement, the embracing of it
may not be connected with the advancement of His Kingdom, and
promotion of His glory? It would at least elevate the church from the
disgraceful position in which she now stands, striking hands with
Geshem and Sanballat, to raise up the walls of Jerusalem. She would
then rejoice to say: "We will do the Lord's work ourselves." Another
question is, whether the gathering in the sheep of Christ out of a
lost world, or even of a single one, be not worthy of all the
sacrifices we are called upon to make; and whether the means we have
pointed out have not, in the appointment of the Lord, a tendency to
the accomplishment of this end? If, from the word of truth, we can
answer--"Indisputably"; troubles, dangers, and difficulties, should
be as nothing. "Not my will but thine be done."

If the world esteem this madness, we must say with the
Apostle,--"Whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God; or whether
we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ
constraineth us: because we thus judge, that if one died for all