[Our blessed Lord, in reference to those who are perse- cuted for righteousness' sake, says, " Blessed are ye ;" and he calls upon them to " rejoice, and be exceeding glad." To the same effect also his Apostles speak ; congratulating every per- secuted saint, and encouraging him to " glory in all his tribu- lations^." Doubtless, "afflictions are not joyous in themselves, but grievous :" but, when regarded in the preceding views, they become real sources and grounds of joy. St. Paul was certainly a very competent judge : and he, after a careful computation founded on actual experience, says, " I reckon that the suffer- ings of this present world are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us^." However painful there- fore they maybe, if only they conduce to our everlasting felicity, they must, and will, to every believdng soul, be an occasion of joy. He will " take joyfully the spoiling of his goods^ ;" and, if his blood be poured out as a drink-offering upon the sacrifice and service of the Church's faith, he will congratulate himself on it as a happy event, for which he has reason to bless and glorify his God'\]
Let me however subjoin a word of caution —
[Take care that your cross is indeed the cross of Christ. If it be brought upon you by your own fault or imprudence, it is your own cross, and not the cross of Christ. See that you do not, from a pretended zeal for God, neglect or violate your duties to man. If you suffer, take care that it is for well- doing, and not for evil doing'.]
Let me add also a zmrd of encouragement —
[God does not " send you on a warfare at your own charges." He bids you to " commit your soul to him in well- doing," with an assured hope that he wall keep it^. Your mer- ciful Saviour, who has trod the way before you, will sympathize with you under your trials', and overrule them all for good™, and in due time put you safely, and for ever, beyond the reach of all".]
e Jam. i. 2, 12. 1 Pet. iii. 14. and iv. 12—16. f Rom. viii. 18. g Heb. x. 34. h pyi. ii. 17.
i 1 Pet. iii. 17. ^ I Pet. iv. 19. > Heb. iv. 15.
m Rom. viii. 28. " Rev. vii, 16, 17.