what He was before He came on earth, what He was even while on earth in presence,--to have had a smile, an encouraging word, from Him, was it not a privilege to treasure in memory beyond any thing else, a remembrance so bright that every thing else looked discoloured and dim? and would it not have amounted to a loss of reason in them to have even had the thought of seeking the praise of weak, ignorant, sinful mortals? Let us seek this praise which cometh of God, though we shall not have that sensible experience of it which the Apostles were vouchsafed. Let us seek it, for it is to be obtained; it is given to those worthy of it. The poorest, the oldest, and most infirm among us, those who are living not merely in obscurity, but are despised and forgotten, who seem to answer no good purpose by living on, and whose death will not be felt even by their neighbours as a loss, these even may obtain our Saviour's approving look, and receive the future greeting, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Go on, then, contentedly in the path of duty, seeking Christ in His house and in His ordinances, and He will be your glory at His coming. He will own you before His Father. Let the world record in history the names of heroes, statesmen, and conquerors, and reward courage, and ability, and skill, and perseverance, with its proud titles of honour. Verily, these have their reward. Your names will be written in Heaven, with those of St. Simon and St. Jude, and the other Apostles. You will have the favour of Him whose favour is life. "The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant[10]." [1] Preached on the Festival of St. Simon and St. Jude. [2] Eccles. xliv. 7, 9. [3] Rev. ii. 2, 3. [4] Rev. xiv. 18. [5] 2 Cor. i. 4 [6] Rom. i. 8. [7] Luke i. 48. [8] Matt. v. 11. [9] Luke xxii. 28-30. [10] Ps. xxv. 14. SERMON XIII. Truth hidden when not sought after. "_They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables._"--2 Tim. iv. 4.