Of course, in the bad old slavery days, a Christianity that had not a
word to say about the sin of slave-holding ran no risk of being
tarred and feathered. Of course a Christianity in Manchester that
winks hard at commercial immoralities is very welcome on the
Exchange. Of course a Christianity that lets beer barrels alone may
reckon upon having publicans for its adherents. Of course a
Christianity that blesses flags and sings _Te Deums_ over victories
will get its share of the spoil. Why should the world hate, or
persecute, or do anything but despise a Christianity like that, any
more than a man need to care for a tame tiger that has had its claws
pared? If the world can put a hook in the nostrils of leviathan, and
make him play with its maidens, it will substitute good-nature, half
contemptuous, for the hostility which our Master here predicts. It
was out-and-out Christians that He said the world would hate; the
world likes Christians that are like itself. Christian men and women!
be you sure that you deserve the hostility which my text predicts.

IV. And now, lastly, note how to meet this antagonism.

Reckon it as a sign and test of true union with Jesus Christ. And so,
if ever, by reason of our passing at the call of duty or benevolence
outside the circle of those who sympathise with our faith and
fundamental ideas, we encounter it more manifestly than when we
'dwell among our own people,' let us count the 'reproach of Christ'
as a treasure to be proud of, and to be guarded.

Be sure that it is your goodness and not your evils or your weakness,
that men dislike. The world has a very keen eye for the
inconsistencies and the faults of professing Christians, and it is a
good thing that it has. The loftier your profession the sharper the