it denounced utter, eternal ruin against those who did not forsake them and acknowledge Jehovah.  Those peculiarities, apart from the nature of this religion, which is opposed to the lusts of men which rule in their members, would, of course, unite the world against it.  Those of every other religion would make a common interest in opposing this, which had fellow-ship with none of them, but tended to their entire subversion and utter ruin.  And it is a fact, that the world did unite against the religion of Jesus, and against those whom he had appointed to inculcate it.  Christianity then appeared devoid of support—­the opposition to have everything on its side.  Christ’s followers were a little flock, destitute of power or learning, and in the world’s view utterly contemptible.  Rome, the mistress of the world, had reached the summit of her greatness; and she soon turned all her power against the feeble band, who were laboring to diffuse the knowledge of Christ. and calling men from dumb idols, to serve the living God.

To the eye of man how unequal the conflict?  Had not those followers of the Lamb been assured that their redeemer lived—­that he was divine —­that he was with them, and would be with them, they would have declined a contest with those before whom the world trembled.  But they entered, un-dismayed on the work assigned them, went through With and completed it!  They prospered in that to which they were sent.  This had never been done had not God been with them; for none of the advantages possessed by their enemies were neglected.  The first effects of enmity to Christianity were directed against Christ’s person.  He had been some time teaching and doing miracles in Judea, and numbers had attached themselves to him.  They considered him as a prophet mighty in “word and deed.”  Some who witnessed his mighty works, exclaimed, “When Christ cometh will he do more miracles than this man hath done?” Others, “Is this not the Christ?”

These movements among the Jews drew the attention of their rulers, and raised them to opposition.  A humble, suffering Savior, did not suit their pride and lust of power.  They looked for a temporal deliverer, who would lead them to victory, and subdue under them, the powers which held them in subjection.  No other would they receive as the Messiah.  As soon, therefore, as the fame of Jesus began to spread abroad, and numbers treated him with respect, they resolved to destroy him.  At the feast of the passover, which called all the males of Israel to Jerusalem, they caused him to be apprehended—­tried him their great council—­condemned him to death, and importuned the Roman governor to sentence him to the cross, as a rebel against Caesar.  The charge was not supported—­Christ did not aspire to temporal dominion—­“his kingdom was not of this world.”  The governor declared him not guilty.  Had Christ, like the Arabian deceiver, which afterwards arose, assumed the sword, marked his way with blood and carnage, the Jews would have bid him welcome, and flocked to his standard.  Then he might have been denominated a rebel against Caesar.  But nothing of this nature was found upon him.  Therefore were the Jews his enemies; but the imperial magistrate “found no fault in him;” though persuaded to consent to his death.