expect if they
would live godly in Christ Jesus.

Then again. As the Master was used, so the servant must expect to be
treated. Jesus Christ had not only to endure the cruelty of wicked
men, but their ridicule as well, "They laughed Him to scorn."

CONCLUSION.--Pluck up a little courage, my brethren, and do not be such
cowards. If you lack courage, ask of God, and He will give it you.
The Spirit of Fortitude is one of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. He gave
it to the martyrs to strengthen them under torment, and they were able
to endure and not forsake their Lord. Then surely He will give to you
that measure of fortitude which will enable you to stand up against
Ridicule.

LXII.

_WHAT LASTS, AND WHAT PASSES AWAY._

25th Sunday after Trinity.

S. Matthew xxiv., 35.

"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My word shall not pass away."

INTRODUCTION.--Yes! all will pass away! This beautiful world and all
that is on it. Our houses, our churches, our cities, will crumble
away; the very earth with its mountains and rivers, and plains, and
seas, will pass away. The stars will fall from heaven, the sun will
have exhausted its fires, the moon will sink into night. But the words
of Christ will last.

SUBJECT.--Incessant is the change. Ever are things present passing
away, but there is still something that remains. Things pass in their
present fashion, but in substance remain.

I. S. Paul, in his 1st Epistle to the Corinthians, says (vii. 31):
"The fashion of this world passeth away." It is as though this world
were a theatre, on which pass many scenes. The curtain rises, and we
see first Eden, all beautiful; there is no sin, no death; how lovely is
the world in its maiden freshness and innocence, the flowers are
blooming, and the birds are singing, and Adam and Eve stand surrounded
by the beasts, which fawn on them, and fear them not. O that this
lovely scene might remain! But no! "The fashion of this world passeth
away."

Another scene. The Angel armed with the flaming sword drives our
parents forth, the earth brings forth thorns and briars. Man slays the
beasts to provide him with food and clothing. The earth is full of
violence, Cain raises his hand against Abel. All flesh is corrupt
before God. "The fashion of this world passeth away."

The flood has purified earth, but now men are scattered through the
confusion of tongues, and go over all the world colonising, cutting
down trees,