I believe that I
should please God more by staying to suffer, and even to die, than to
run away. I doubt even the expediency of running away, as a general
rule. It implies a want of faith. He is the Christian hero who stays
where God has manifestly placed him.
"'I know,' continued he, 'how easy it is to make this appear ridiculous;
and also how often cases occur in which flight, and even the taking of
life, are proper, under extreme hardships. It is frequently the case
that a servant sees and feels his mental superiority to the man who owns
him. Now one may be so disgusted, and be so constantly vexed and chafed
at this, as to make out a strong case for escaping; another, in the same
circumstances, will feel that God has placed him in charge of his
master's soul, to please him well in all things though he be "froward."
Whether is better, to run off or to "abide"? There can be no doubt how
the Apostle would answer the question. Exceptional cases of extreme
distress do not make a rule; the rule is for each one to "abide" in the
calling in which he is called of God. See what perfect insubordination
would everywhere follow if every one who is oppressed, or believes
himself to be oppressed, should flee: children would desert their
parents; husbands and wives would flee from each other, at any supposed
or real grievance.
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