ETERNAL LIFE'S YOUR PRIZE

"Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God." —Daniel 6:5 [KJV]

Happy Daniel, to have such a testimony of thy conduct from the mouth of thine implacable enemies. These men could allege nothing against this servant of God, in regard to his outward life and conversation; for he was a good subject, a quiet neighbour, just and honest in his dealings. Though in an eminent station, yet with what contempt and scorn do they seem to speak of him! This Daniel, this over-righteous fellow, who pretends to be more religious than all the rest of his neighbours. As it was in the beginning, so it is now, and ever will be, "He that is born after the flesh, will persecute him that is born after the Spirit."—Galatians 4:29. What then? our enemies no sooner assault us, with their tongues, but our God takes our part. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye. For the Spirit of glory, and of God resteth upon you."—I Peter 4:14.

But, let every disciple see to it, that he suffers as a Christian. Take heed, that thy life and conduct be, as becometh the gospel. It is a great blessing so to behave, that carnal men can find no just occasion, against our moral conduct. This they are judges of. Their eyes are upon us. They watch over us for evil. This ought to make us very circumspect. Our religion they abhor. For this every follower of the Lamb is sure to be hated, for his Master's sake. "Woe be unto us, when all men speak well of us," saith our Master,—Luke 6:26. They seek enough against us; as to our faith, hope, and life. And some would as surely cast us into a den of lions, as they did Daniel, were it practicable, and permitted. Yet, they could not deprive him of the love, presence and protection of the Son of God. These make every place a heaven of delight and joy. And when hated of all men for His sake, He pronounces us blessed, bids us rejoice, and hath left us an example, patiently to follow His steps. Christ's dying prayer, for His very murderers, was; "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Ignorance of the truth, is the cause of hatred and malice against His servants. Hast not thou a heart to pity, and a tongue to pray for thy enemies? Here we may indulge sweet revenge. These weapons we may always use. And how knowest thou, but the most furious persecutor, like Paul, may be a chosen vessel, of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus—and ere to-morrow's sun, the grace of the Holy Spirit may make him an humble penitent? "who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou, that thou didst not receive?"—I Corinthians 4:7.

O happy souls who love your God, 

And whom the world despise, 

Go on rejoicing ev'ry day, 

Eternal life's your prize.

 

-preacher William Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)