A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

Fifthly, let us consider the great and rich rewards which are given graciously unto all those who suffer for the truth and righteousness sake. For ¹first, in it self it is an high and holy privilege, to suffer any thing for the name of Christ, which the Apostle maketh a higher degree of dignity then simply to believe in him to justification, which is common to ordinary Christians; For unto you (saith he) it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; which is a prerogative peculiar to the holy Martyrs. In which regard, the Apostle James would have us to account it not an ordinary matter of common rejoicing, but of exceeding joy, when we are thus tempted and tried. But how ²much more have we cause of unspeakable joy in our greatest afflictions and persecutions, if we consider the present comfort which we feel in conscience of well-doing, and the inward peace and joy in the holy Ghost, which always accompany our sufferings, for the profession of the truth, and practice of holy duties; and the future rewards which God hath promised to all that endure them with constancy and patience? For if we lose this life which is mortal and momentany, we shall in lieu thereof find such an one as is immortal and everlasting; If we suffer with Christ, we shall ³