Questions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the adversaries of the sameQuestions of religion cast abroad in Helvetia by the aduersaries of the same

and that the poor men which believe in Christ and embrace his word, and despise the Romish church, do suffer persecutions, imprisonment, banishment, yea and many times death, & that there appeareth no help many times from God, but that it seemeth he doth rather favour the other, yet was all this foretold by the Prophets, Apostles, yea, and by our saviour Christ him self, who suffered for us, leaving us an example to follow his steps. And therefore we ought not to take any thought for our goods, friends, body, or life. For we have great promises of grace, help, and reward from God, if we abide steadfast unto the end. On the other part our adversaries are dreadfully threatened, and shall in time feel the same, & that without doubt. Again, touching the things of this world, we know they are unconstant, brittle, and corrupt, and therefore we can not long enjoy them, neither can the power or riches of our friends any thing profit us. For we shall all die, and stand before the judgement seat of Christ, ⟨image 150⟩unto whonte all our sins and secrete thoughts shall be made most manifest. Therefore, let no man be grieved, though he suffer affliction in this life for the gospels sake. For at that general day, both the innocency and offences of all men shall appear. And hearken I beseech you, how lovingly Christ speaketh unto us, and comforteth us: Blessed (saith he) are those which suffer persecution, for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they shall speak evil of you, and persecute you, and speak all manner of evil saying, making lies upon you for my sake: Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven: for even so did they persecute the Prophets which were before you. The scholar is not above his master, nor the servant greater than his Lord. If they have called the good man of the house Bel•cbub, how much more vvill they call his servants so? you shall not therefore be a fraide of them: for there is nothing so hidden, but it shall be known. Neither be you afraid of those which can but kill the ⟨image 150⟩body, but fear you him rather, that is able to destroy both body and soul in hell fire. Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing, and yet one of them falleth not unto the ground without the vvill of your heavenly father: yea all the hairs of your head are numbered.