p. 4 | PERSECUTION

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 6, 1856

PERSECUTION.

WHEN we are persecuted we have this to encourage us; that we are not the only ones who have received such treatment at the hands of the world. Read Paul's brief summary of the lives of the ancient worthies in Heb. xi. They confessed that they were pilgrims and strangers on the earth. They were tortured, not accepting deliverance that they might obtain a better resurrection. And others had trials of cruel mockings, and scourging, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonments. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented: (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

Now while we endeavor to make our lives correspond to these ancient examples, we must expect to receive the same treatment at the hands of the world. We say we may expect this; for since this world has fallen under the power of the Prince of darkness, those who desert his ranks, and serve the living God, may not expect to fare better in one age of the world than another. And the rule that Inspiration has laid down is, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. iii, 12.

Beware then of that mode of living which does not stir up the enmity of the wicked, which goes along smoothly with all classes; for then all is not right, the standard of godliness is lowered: not that we should do any thing for the mere sake of rendering ourselves singular and obnoxious to the world, but only keep our eye on the truth, and live in obedience to that, looking to Jesus for our pattern, and the spirit that dwelleth in the sons of disobedience will not be long in manifesting itself.

Looking at the subject in this scriptural light what a picture does professed christendom present at the present day. Where is the persecution of the churches? And we may therefore inquire inversely, Where is their godly living? Is this an evidence that the world has grown better? Nay; but rather, that the church has grown worse.

Especially may we expect that in these last days the fires of persecution will burn fiercely against the people of God; for Satan has come down in great wrath knowing that he has but a short time. But we can look forward with hope to the glorious day now soon to dawn upon us, when we with all those who have in time past obtained a good report through faith but received not the promise, shall all be made perfect together. Heb. xi, 39, 40.

Let us not murmur then at one of the brightest evidences we have that we belong to that great company which from the beginning the Lord has owned as his people.