therefore he, to arm his disciples against it, shows them the happiness they should have by suffering reproaches and revilings, for his sake, and the Gospel, Mat. 5. 11, 12. and the wo••• issue of declining it, Mar. 8. 28. Christ added, as a motive, to encourage his ⟨p. 197⟩Disciples in suffering reproaches, that so persecuted they the Prophets, Mat. 5. 12. which of the Prophets escaped sharp trials, this way? yea, David himself, though a King, was despised by Michal for his zeal in bringing home the Ark, and dancing before it, with his head uncovered, as one of the vain persons, said she: but David was so far from being discouraged thereby, that his zeal was more inflamed, and his resolution increased; it was before the Lord, said he, which chose me before thy Father, &c. And I will be yet more vile then thus, and will be base, in mine own sight, &c. 2 Sam. 6. 21, 22. I have spoken the more largely unto this, because the present temptation of this time, in the other afflictions of the Churches, is the reproachful titles put upon the people of God, whom profane men call Fanatics. But, if he is a fool that will be laughed out of his coat; much more is he a fool, and a mad man, that will suffer himself to be laughed out of heaven, that will hazard the loss of his soul, and salvation ⟨p. 198⟩to free himself from the mocks and scoffs of a profane and sinful World. If Christ had not, for our sakes endured the cross, despising the shame, we could never have been redeemed and saved; let us go forth therefore unto him, without the Camp, bearing his reproach, Heb. 13. 13. In the same Epistle, the Christian Hebrews are exhorted to call to remembrance the former days, in which, after they were illuminated, they endured a great fight of afflictions, partly, whilst they were made a gazing stock, both by reproaches, and afflictions; and partly, whilst they became companions of them that were so used, Heb. 10. 32, 33. Let us do likewise, and own the reproached and persecuted people and cause of Christ in suffering times. With-hold not countenance, entertainment, protection, from such, if they come to us, from other Countries, as from France or England, or any other place. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained Angels unawares.
therefore he, to arme his disciples against it, shews them the happinesse they should have by suffering reproaches and revilings, for his sake, and the Gospel, Mat. 5. 11, 12. and the wo••• issue of declining it, Mar. 8. 28. Christ added, as a motive, to incourage his ⟨p. 197⟩Disciples in suffering reproaches, that so persecuted they the Prophets, Mat. 5. 12. which of the Prophets escaped sharp tryals, this way? yea, David himself, though a King, was despised by Michal for his zeal in bringing home the Ark, and dancing before it, with his head uncovered, as one of the vain persons, said she: but David was so far from being discouraged thereby, that his zeal was more inflamed, and his resolution increased; it was before the Lord, said he, which chose me before thy Father, &c. And I will be yet more vile then thus, and will be base, in mine own sight, &c. 2 Sam. 6. 21, 22. I have spoken the more largely unto this, because the present temptation of this time, in the other afflictions of the Churches, is the reproachful titles put upon the people of God, whom prophane men call Phanaticks. But, if he is a fool that will be laughed out of his coat; much mure is he a fool, and a mad man, that will suffer himself to be laughed out of heaven, that will hazard the losse of his soul, and salvation ⟨p. 198⟩to free himself from the mocks and scoffs of a prophane and sinful World. If Christ had not, for our sakes endured the crosse, despising the shame, we could never have been redeemed and saved; let us go forth therefore unto him, without the Camp, bearing his reproach, Heb. 13. 13. In the same Epistle, the Christian Hebrews are exhorted to call to remembrance the former dayes, in which, after they were illuminated, they endured a great fight of afflictions, partly, whilest they were made a gazing stock, both by reproaches, and afflictions; and partly, whilest they became companions of them that were so used, Heb. 10. 32, 33. Let us do likewise, and own the reproached and persecuted people and cause of Christ in suffering times. With-hold not countenance, entertainment, protection, from such, if they come to us, from other Countreys, as from France or England, or any other place. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained Angels unawares.
