freedom.

How are we to overcome in time of persecution? Hear the words of
Christ: "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer:
I have overcome the world." Paul could testify that though persecuted,
he was never forsaken; that the Lord stood by him, and strengthened
him, and delivered him out of all his persecutions and afflictions.

A great many shrink from the Christian life because they will be
_sneered at_. And then, sometimes when persecution won't bring a man
down, _flattery_ will. Foolish persons often come up to a man after he
has preached and flatter him. Sometimes ladies do that. Perhaps they
will say to some worker in the church: "You talk a great deal better
than so-and-so"; and he becomes proud, and begins to strut around as
if he was the most important person in the town. I tell you, we have a
wily devil to contend with. If he can't overcome you with opposition,
he will try flattery or ambition; and if that doesn't serve his
purpose, perhaps there will come some affliction or disappointment,
and he will overcome in way. But remember that anyone that has got
Christ to help him can overcome every foe, and overcome them singly or
collectively. Let them come. If we have got Christ within us, we will
overthrow them all. Remember what Christ is able to do. In all the
ages men have stood in greater temptations than you and I will ever
have to meet.

Now, there is one more thing on this line: I have either got to
overcome the world, or the world is going to overcome me. I have
either got to conquer sin in me--or sin about me--and get it under my
feet, or it is going to conquer me. A good many people are satisfied
with one or two victories, and think that is all. I tell you, my dear
friends, we have got to do something more than that. It is a battle
all the time. We have this to encourage us: we are assured of victory
at the end. We are promised a glorious triumph.

Eight "Overcomes."

Let me give you the eight "overcomes" of Revelation.

The first is: "_To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree
of life_." He shall have a right to the tree of life. When Adam fell,
he lost that right. God turned him out of Eden lest he should eat of
the tree of life and live as he was forever. Perhaps He just took that
tree and transplanted it to the Garden above; and through the second
Adam we are to have the right to eat of it.

Second: "_He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second dea