+III. As to those who suffer persecution for the cross,+ it is the greatest possible honour to be laughed at, mocked, and insulted for the sake of the Saviour. If the spirit of the martyrs influenced us, there would be no shunning of persecution on account of the cross, but suffering would be welcomed with joy.--_The Pulpit._ _Christianity and Persecution._ +I. We should suspect ourselves+ that our hearts are not sound, nor our practice sincere, +when all men speak well of us.+ II. We must not be discouraged +though there be never so many that make opposition, or so mighty+ that raise persecution against us. III. That we think it not strange +when we find affliction or meet with persecution.+ The Gospel and persecution go hand in hand, or follow one another inseparably.--_Perkins._ Ver. 13. _Empty Boasting_-- +I. When professed teachers do not practise the virtues they enforce on others.+ +II. When zeal for the observance of outward rites disguises the lack of personal godliness.+ +III. When success is sought simply to be able to boast of success.+ _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 14, 15. _Glorying in the Cross_-- +I. Because of the great truths it reveals.+--"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (ver. 14). "The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" is a comprehensive phrase signifying the whole redeeming work of Christ--the salvation effected for the race by His crucifixion and death upon the cross. The problem how God can forgive sin without any breach in His moral government, or dimming the lustre of His perfections, is solved in the cross. God is great in Sinai. The thunders precede Him, the lightnings attend Him, the earth trembles, the mountains fall in fragments. But there is a greater God than this. On Calvary, nailed to a cross, wounded, thirsting, dying, He cries, "Father, forgive them; they know not what they do!" Great is the religion of power, but greater is the religion of love. Great is the religion of implacable justice, but greater is the religion of pardoning mercy. The cross was the master-theme of the apostle's preaching and the chief and exclusive subject of his glorying.