Christians Must Endure Persecution
All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 2 Tim. iii, 12. The world hath hated them, because they are not of the world. John xvii, 14. The children of God do not love and please the world, and are oftentimes greatly afflicted on account of abounding wickedness, and particularly the profanation of the Lord’s name. Now, when you can like the world, and the world can like you, there must be much worldliness in you; for the world loves its own. Many pretend to be Christians, but they will not endure persecution. Instead of this, they blame others for too much rashness, and not acting prudently enough to avoid the mockings and hatred of the world. Therefore, they propose to take wiser measures; and, in order to do more good, take great care not to be despised and rejected; but under this pretense of wisdom and prudence, very often lie concealed a dangerous love of the world and fear of man. Be thou nobler minded, live as a Christian indeed, and be not ashamed to bear the cross of Christ. “The disciple is not above his master.” Has eternal love, wisdom, and power endured the20contradiction and reproach of sinners? Thou wouldst be wiser than he indeed, if thou couldst escape the reproach and hatred of the world.