heavenly glory to be freed from the cross, and to enjoy a share in the goods of the world? Even that I should not expect any one to do who considers how short and momentary is the joy of the present life, how lasting that of the future. Have you then a great desire for heaven? Then do not complain; be satisfied with what the well-meaning Lord decrees for you; rejoice although sometimes your e t yes shed tears on account of your sorrow; rejoice with an undisturbed mind, and with a joy founded on faith and Christian hope, and say with me: now do I thank Thee, O God, for that which formerly gave me occasion for impatience and murmuring because I did not then understand the fundamental rules of our faith and hope; now I resign myself willingly to the cross which Thou wilt lay on my shoulders, and I acknowledge that it is most useful to my soul; I do not desire my reward on earth, but according to Thy will, I wish to have all my sorrow here and all my joy hereafter. Amen.
TWENTY-FIRST SERMON.
ON THE JUSTICE AND SHORT DURATION OF THE TRIALS OF THE JUST AND THE PROSPERITY OF THE WICKED.
Subject.
1. That the just should live in afflictions here below and the wicked in prosperity is according to God’s decree: therefore no just man should complain and no sinner should continue in his evil ways. 2. The afflictions of the just and the prosperity of the wicked last only a short time: therefore no just man should envy sinners their luck and no sinner should boast of it.—Preached on the Third Sunday after Easter.
Text.
Plorabitis, et flebitis vos, mundus autem gaudebit.—John xvi. 20.
“You shall lament and weep, but the world shall rejoice.”
Introduction.
And is that right? “You shall lament and weep.” Who are they to whom Our Saviour says that? His apostles and disciples, and with them all pious, just, and chosen servants of God.
