CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

First, That it's possible for those who acknowledge Christ to be hated and persecuted in the world, not for their Christianity, but for their other gross impieties, ¹and if so, then they cannot take that joy, or expect that protection which God doth promise to his; Therefore the Apostle Peter speaks excellently to this, 1 Pet. 4.14, 15, 16. where having showed how happy, yea, and how glorious a thing it is to be reproached for Christs Name, because the Spirit of Glory resteth upon them, The world scorneth and despiseth them in their low estate, but the Spirit of Glory resteth on them, he addeth a Caution, Let none of you suffer as a Murderer, as an evil doer, as a busy body in other mens matters, but as a Christian, that is, Let him look that he do not for any wickedness of his justly procure civil punishments, but only let him keep to his Christian profession, and if that be all his fault, then let him not be ashamed; Therefore he addeth, Let such an one commit himself to God as to a faithful Creator: Why Creator? But because God looketh upon such Sufferers as his Creatures, it's because of my Image shining in them, I cannot be a faithful Creator and not take care of them, saith God; To this purpose our Saviour often, because it's not the mere sufferings but the cause and motive that is all in all; If ye be persecuted for my Names sake, and for Righteousness sake; This must be the ground else we cannot plead the promise of assistance.

First, That it's possible for those who acknowledge Christ to be hated and persecuted in the world, not for their Christianity, but for their other grosse impieties, ¹and if so, then they cannot take that joy, or expect that protection which God doth promise to his; Therefore the Apostle Peter speaks excellently to this, 1 Pet. 4.14, 15, 16. where having shewed how happy, yea, and how g•orious a thing it is to be reproached for Christs Name, because the Spirit of Glory resteth upon them, The world scorneth and despiseth them in their low estate, but the Spirit of Glory resteth on them, he addeth a Caution, Let none of you suffer as a Murderer, as an evil doer, as a busie body in other mens matters, but as a Christian, that is, Let him look that he do not for any wickednesse of his justly procure civil punishments, but only let him keep to his Christian profession, and if that be all his fault, then let him not be ashamed; Therefore he addeth, Let such an one commit himself to God as to a faithful Creator: Why Creator? But because God looketh upon such Sufferers as his Creatures, it's because of my Image shining in them, I cannot be a faithfull Creator and not take care of them, saith God; To this purpose our Saviour often, because it's not the meer sufferings but the cause and motive that is all in all; If ye be persecuted for my Names sake, and for Righteousnosse sake; This must be the ground else we cannot pleade the promise of assistance.