How perfectly had all worldly considerations dwindled into nothingness when the apostle counted all things but loss, that he might win Christ, and when he estimated the intolerable affliction imposed upon him, _light_, compared with the eternal _weight of glory_ in prospect! Such heavenly mindedness is the direct tendency of persecution, and only calculated to make the glories of christianity shine with greater luster, and, consequently, serves not the designs of those by whom it is inflicted. It, nevertheless, has been tried in thousands of instances, since the first three centuries, in various parts of the world, even down to quite a modern date, but has never been able to extinguish the light emanating from the lofty fountain of all light and all knowledge. From modern developments, it would seem, that it is now being ascertained by the great opposer of all good, that methods more effectual may be employed, to impede the progress of the gospel, of which we can not now speak in detail. _Indifference_, however, or a general lack of _conscientiousness_, is now the order of the day. Anciently, when a doctrine was preached which the people did not believe, they were greatly excited by it. On the other hand, when they did believe it, they moved forward most warmly and energetically. It was the character of the Jewish people to follow their impressions with great tenacity. To the people of our times, it would seem strange that the preaching of the apostles should have so excited the people. This generation can listen to doctrine entirely adverse to their views, with comparatively little excitement. They will frequently seem scarcely to have heard it. This is because they do not hold themselves responsible for what is taught, nor feel any very deep concern and interest in forming the public mind. They are indifferent to what is taught. This is one of the most dangerous features of our times. It grows to a considerable extent out of reading light trash, of a novel and imaginary character, which throws away every thing sentimental, with all concern about the impression it may make upon the human heart. It destroys concern for one of the most important items in the world, and seems to suppose that our children may, with perfect safety, hear whatever may chance to fall in their path.