Besides; affliction constitutes a distinguishing _mark_ in the character of the righteous. “Many are the troubles of the righteous,” says David. “In the world you shall have _tribulation_,” said David’s LORD to his disciples. And, as a proof that neither persecution, nor any other species of affliction, was confined to the days of the apostles, St. Paul assures Timothy, that “ALL who _will_ live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim, iii. 12. The world and the “god of the world” will ever unite in opposition to those, who have deserted the maxims of the one, and have solemnly renounced the service of the other; and because the righteous are engaged in a cause diametrically opposite to the interests of both, therefore the world and Satan hate them with a perfect hatred, and pursue them with intentions of the most infernal nature. And is this to be wondered at, when it is considered, that the most spotless character that ever appeared upon earth, was loaded with the heaviest reproaches? If, therefore, affliction be the path, which the blessed Jesus himself trod; and if they called the Master of the house _Beelzebub_; can they of the household hope for an exemption from similar calumnies? As long as the righteous are in a state of nature, so long the world loves them. But, the moment a saved sinner enters into the peace of the gospel, in that very moment the world and the devil enter the lists against him. As long as the strong man armed is permitted to keep his palace undisturbed, all is peace; but when a stronger than he comes to dispossess him, then Satan begins to rage. While a sinner fights under his banner he gives him no disturbance; but as soon as he is delivered from the captivity under this infernal tyrant, instantly Apollyon draws the sword, and never puts it up during the Christian soldier’s abode in the wilderness. Then he prepares all his snares; sets all his engines to work, and has recourse to every stratagem; in order, if possible, to recover him, whom he looks upon as a deserter from his camp. He brings forth his loaded quiver; puts his most envenomed arrows upon the string; and shoots many a _fiery dart_, at least to distress, where he cannot destroy. But the believer having put on the whole armour of God, receives coolly all the accusations, terrors, blasphemous suggestions, and discouraging fears, of the enemy of his salvation, and snaps them to pieces on his adamantine shield of faith. And yet renewed assaults and renewed disappointments of the enemy never discourage him from repeating the attack; in a renewal of which, the world heartily joins him. While he lived according to the course of this world, blind, careless, and at enmity with God, so long no encomium was too high for him; and not only the most fulsome panegyrics were poured upon his virtues, but blind partiality threw a veil over his very _vices_, and would not allow that