Hence, my most beloved, do not forsake the Lord; for we are nothing but dust and ashes, yea, nothing but mortal flesh, which must die in dishonor, but is raised in glory. Gen. 18:27; 1 Corinthians 15:43. Be patient, therefore, in tribulation; for it is the true way, which leads to life eternal, which all the saints of God, the prophets and apostles, yea, Christ himself went, all having to drink of this cup. Therefore look not to death, but through death, lest another come before you, and take your crown. Hence, my most beloved, be long-suffering in your tribulation, and patient in suffering, and wait for your deliverance, even as the husbandman waits for his fruits; for blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12. For Christ says: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 5:10. Behold, we count them happy which endure, says James. Jas. 5:11. Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps: forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered, arm yourself likewise with the same mind. 1 Peter 2:21; 4:1. With this agree the words of John, who says that Christ laid down his life for us, and that we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John 3:16.
Hence, be not discouraged, chosen and beloved, at their threatening; but praise and glorify the Lord in this matter; for Christ says: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, for my name’s sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward from my Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 5:11,12. My dear, this is not said that we should be sad, but that we should rejoice that we are worthy to suffer for his name. Paul says: Ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together; for the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us; for eye hath not seen, nor heart known, neither mouth confessed, but God alone, what shall be revealed to those that love him, and keep his word. Rom. 8:15–18; 1 Cor. 2:9. And Paul says that it is not enough for you to believe in him, but also to suffer for his name. Philip. 1:29.
Hence, my most beloved, be a willing bride, and prepare for the conflict; for he will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way for you to escape. 1 Cor. 10:13. For though a mother forget her child, yet will I not forget thee, says the Lord. Is. 49:15. He will preserve you as the apple of his eye. Zech. 2:8. Therefore, fear not men, who perish like grass (Is. 51:12); but valiantly journey with Joshua and Caleb to the promised land; wait with Noah for the day of the Lord; for Christ says: My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me; but the voice of strangers they hear not; and no man shall pluck them out of his hand, since it is impossible, that the elect of God should be deceived; as Paul says: Who shall separate us from the love of God? Nay, no torments of this world; “for we know that all things work together for good to them that love God; for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding weight of glory.” John 10:27; Rom. 8:35,28; 2 Cor. 4:17. Since it is the will of the Lord, I hope that this your trial will also be for your good; for the Lord has appointed your time, which we cannot pass. Hence, fear not, for God is your captain; he is your strength; he is your guide (2 Esdr. 16:76); forsake him not; he will not forsake you; trust in him, and you shall not be ashamed (Ps. 31:1), be faithful unto death, the crown of life is prepared for you. Rev. 2:10. I desire willingly to offer up my body to the praise of God, yea, not only my body, but if every member, yea, every hair were a body, I would, through the power of God, offer them all up to the praise of the Lord, in order to obtain his promises; for what manner of love the father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him.” John 3:1,2. Yea, Peter says that we shall be partakers of his divine nature; yea, we shall be where Christ himself will be, and shall with him judge all nations; yea, we shall follow the lamb whithersoever he goeth; yea, we shall sing the new song on mount Sion, and we know assuredly that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, eternal in the heavens. 2 Peter 1:4; John 12:26; Matt. 19:28; Rev. 14:4; 2 Esdr. 2:42; 2 Cor. 5:1. Who would exalt this corrupt, decaying flesh, which is nothing but a heap of earth, over these beautiful promises! O see, what beautiful promises Christ has given his own, who remain steadfast unto the end; for there is no other way to eternal life, than this way; for all righteous souls, from the beginning, have had to suffer, and thus gain possession of the Kingdom of God. Gen. 4:8. Hence, my most beloved wife, since there is no other way, be a willing bride, prepared to receive your bridegroom; and you shall then be crowned with praise and honor.