October 15

"The world hath hated them."—John 17:14.

WHILE this passage records an affecting truth,

IT EXPOSES AN AWFUL CRIME. Let us notice four marks belonging to this hatred manifested by the world to believers.

It is an unreasonable hatred. There are no just grounds to call it forth. When Christians act up to the high character they sustain, they are just in their dealings, faithful to their promises, kind in their disposition, patient under sufferings and injuries, the excellent of the earth, and the lights of the world; and yet the world hath hated them!

It is an universal hatred. There are some distinctions, but no exceptions. Some pious individuals, moving in the higher walks of life, are not equally exposed to the effects of the hatred of the ungodly with those who are found in the lower stations in society; yet their hearts are no less filled with enmity against them. A lion retains his ferocious and savage nature, even when he is bound in chains; so the wicked feel hatred in their hearts against Christ's followers, though it is not in the power of their hand to hurt them.

It is a cruel hatred. This is very evident from its effects, when it has been suffered to break out. We should rejoice that in our days outward persecutions are unknown: but little, mean, and petty cruelties are still practised by many who would gladly show it more openly with the scourge, the stake, or the sword, if the laws of our country did not spread their wings to protect us.

It is an implacable hatred. A wicked world continuing such, can no more cease to hate the saints, than a ravening wolf can be reconciled to the innocent lamb, or the rapacious raven to the harmless dove. Naturalists inform us, that the panther has such an antipathy to man, that it will tear the very picture of a man. So wicked men show their hatred and contempt of God, by persecuting the saints, who are images and representations of Him. Let us admire the watchful care God exercises over his people, in the midst of the fury and hatred of their enemies. If there is hatred from the world, let there be love in the Church.

"And can such rebels be restored?

Such natures made divine?"