The saints everlasting rest

3. And as we rest from temptations, so also from all abuses and persecutions which we suffer at the hands of wicked men. We shall be scorned, derided, imprisoned, banished by them no more; the prayers of the souls under the altar will then be answered, and GOD will avenge their blood on those that dwell on the earth. This is the time for crowning with thorns, buffeting, spitting on: that is the time for crowning with glory. Now the law is decreed on, That whosoever will live godly in CHRIST JESUS, shall suffer persecutions: then they that suffered with him, shall be glorified with him. Now we must be hated of all men for CHRIST's name sake: then will CHRIST be admired in his saints that were thus hated. We are here as the scorn and off-scouring of all things; as men set up for a gazing-stock to angels and men, even for signs and wonders amongst professing christians; they put us out of their synagogues, and cast out our name as evil, and separate us from their company: but we shall then be as much gazed at for our glory, and they will be shut out of the church of the saints, and separated from us, whether they will or no. They now thi••• strange that we run not with them to all excess of riot: they will then think more strange that they ⟨p. 64⟩ran not with us in the despised ways of GOD. We can now scarce pray in our families, or sing praises to GOD, but our voice is a vexation to them: how must it torment them then, to see us praising and rejoicing, while they are howling and lamenting?

Brethren, you that now can attempt no work of GOD without resistance, and find you must either lose the love of the world, and your outward comforts, or else the love of GOD, and your eternal salvation; consider you shall in heaven have no discouraging company, nor any but who will further your work, and gladly join heart and voice with you in your everlasting joy and praises. Till then, possess your souls in patience: bind all reproaches as a crown to your heads: esteem them greater riches than the world's treasure: account it matter of joy when ye fall into tribulation. You have seen that our GOD is able to deliver us; but this is nothing to our final deliverance: he will recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you that are troubled rest with CHRIST.