O my dear lambs and sisters, depart therefore from evil, for God shall hold judgment without mercy upon all unbelieving and disobedient men who have not obeyed the word of the Lord, but rejected and contemned it, yea, have persecuted and killed them that would fear the Lord. For, my beloved, God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, nor Sodom and Gomorrah, but turning them into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that commit ungodliness. 2 Pet. 2:4–6.
Therefore, my beloved sisters, let us not be weary in well doing, though we must suffer a little for the name of the Lord. Blessed are ye, and rejoice, says Christ, if you suffer for righteousness’ sake: for great is your reward in heaven. Matt. 5:10,12. For, my beloved sisters, thus did they to the prophets that were before us. Suffering and affliction in the flesh are promised to all the godfearing, as the apostle Paul says: “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12.
Mark, my beloved, how Christ was treated, who never had sinned, neither was guile found in his mouth; how he suffered, and all this for our sakes, who was the Lord of lords, and the King of kings. 1 Peter 2:22; Rev. 19:16. O dear sisters, consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, who, when he was smitten, did not threaten, but committed vengeance to God, who judgeth righteously. Heb. 12:3; John 18:22; 1 Peter 2:23. And he that was rich, for our sakes became poor; yea, he left his divine habitation, took upon him the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, and was more like a worm, than like a man. 2 Corinthians 8:9; Philip. 2:7,8; Ps. 22:6. Therefore, God hath given him a name which is above every name, that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of them that are in heaven and on earth. Philip. 2:9,10. The apostle Peter says: “Beloved brethren, forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us, arm yourselves with the same mind; for hereunto we are called, that we should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 4:1; 2:21. As also Christ says: If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. Matt. 10:25; John 15:20. Mark, my dear sisters, whether more comes upon us, than has been promised us. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, says Christ. Matt. 10:22; John 15:21. And further: The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. John 16:2,3. The Lord also says: But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. v. 4. See, my dear sisters, thus nothing comes upon us, than what has been promised us, and what Christ himself had. Hence we must put off all that is a hindrance to the salvation of our souls, namely, all the lusts of the flesh, all the works of darkness (1 John 2:16; Rom. 13:12; Col. 3:8), and follow the crucified Jesus Christ, our Savior, and obey him; for he that saith that he knoweth God, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; and he that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as Christ walked. 1 John 2:4,6. Mark, my sisters, fear the Lord, take courage in the word of the Lord, search diligently the Scriptures, and entreat God the Lord, yea, importune him day and night with prayer and supplication, and he will grant you to understand and to do what is necessary for your salvation. As Christ said, that his Spirit shall teach us, and we shall be taught of the Lord; for of ourselves we have nothing but all manner of weakness.