as sheep appointed to the slaughter; why the early Christians were mowed down by the sword; and why to this day they that will live godly suffer persecution. They will recall ten thousand cases, (for eternity has neither limits nor weariness,) in which some of the best of men have lain under pangs, or in languishing from sore diseases; or journeyed through a valley of gloom and depression; or been marks for arrows from the bow of wicked fellow-creatures, and more malignant demons; and why others, with hearts sickened by hope deferred, waited years and almost lifetimes without seeing the accomplishment of their strongest desires. When these several circles are complete, and every covering removed, and God's light thrown on dark places of the spiritual temple, it will appear, that this very divine product, to wit, _holy patience_, has been as dear to the great Architect of the Church, as is the costliest sculpture to the most devoted enthusiast in art. And therefore we are exhorted not merely to have patience, but to let patience have her _perfect work_. II. The _perfect work_ of patience is plainly nothing less than the full and thorough carrying out of patience, with unfaltering strength of soul, in every kind and measure of trial, unto the very end. Death closes all trials of the believer; but until death he is to have his armour on. There may be some reality of true Christian patience, and yet it may be very weak. We must learn to bear up bravely, and with the putting forth of a complete manful energy. Small encounters are useful to the raw recruit; they exercise him in the virtues which in process of time make him a soldier. He that bearded the lion and bear, afterwards accepted the challenge of Goliath, though still a ruddy youth. Could we look on daily troubles, as exercises set us by the Master, to fit us for the higher efforts of patience, we should be saved much repining and many groans. The great duty is always the duty of the day, of the hour, of this moment. If our equanimity is destroyed by the trifles of a life generally prosperous--what can we expect of ourselves, in the water-floods of tribulation which may yet roll in? Jer. xii. 5. Let us learn to bear with a hard hand on the helm, before the tempest arises. Under the sense of God's supreme governance and paternal love, and in expectation of reward and rest hereafter, let us bow ourselves to the sovereign disposal; bearing all that God sends, and Christ our Mediator concurs in, with a yielding, filial, believing soul.