Moses his choice with his eye fixed upon Heaven, discovering the happy condition of…

Seventhly, if so be that Gods people account ¹themselves so enriched by sufferings and reproaches, let us take heed we do not despise any that do suffer ²for Christ, that we have not low esteem of them, because of their sufferings: God hath high esteem of them when they suffer, and they themselves see cause to glory in their condition; and are you that are standers by ashamed of them? and do you disesteem of them for their sufferings? while the Saints of God flourish in the world, they are esteemed of ⟨p. 471⟩by many carnal hearts; but let them suffer any thing and be disgraced, and they withdraw themselves from them, they are despised as a lamp in the snuff, but who do despise those that are ready to fall into trouble? those that are in ease: When a lamp is bright and shining, every one esteems it; but when it comes to be in the snuff, men despise it: and so in outward prosperity, many do esteem of them, but when they come into trouble, then they slight them: O let not those that are like to fall into trouble be despised by you: I pray what service do you for God, that you should despise them? such a one as suffers in the cause of God, does more service for God, then you have done in all your lives, and God hath more honour by him; and will you despise him, and look with an evil eye upon such a one? behold him, look upon him, see whether the presence of God be not more with him then ever; see whether the glory of God does not appear more upon him then ever? and will you despise him? It is said, God will not withdraw himself from the righteous, however others do withdraw themselves; (that is) let the righteous be in any condition, though in the poorest meanest condition, God withdraws not himself from him, and shall you withdraw your hearts from him? you should embrace them, and the more they suffer for God, the more you should delight in them, and be in their company the more, and not be shy of their company, and ashamed to own them.

Seventhly, if so be that Gods people account ¹themselves so enriched by sufferings and reproaches, let us take heed we do not despise any that do suffer