On being Ill Used

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 10, 1858

On being Ill Used.

SURELY I forget myself, and the place of my abode, else I should not take it in bad part to be ill used in such a world as this. Would I have at once the smiles of heaven and the caresses of the earth? It is very fair that I get through the enemy's country with life, though now and then I suffer loss. I must not be surprised that I suffer, though innocent, for none were ever so innocent as our blessed Lord, yet none suffered more than did the Prince of Innocence. "It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household." Why am I astonished at any usage which my Lord not only met with himself, but assured all his disciples that they should experience. How is it that I have fallen into this fond delusion, dreaming that nothing should hurt me, while I was endeavouring to walk uprightly with him before whom are all my ways, and forgetting that often the saints have suffered for following after that which is good?—Solitude Sweetened.