Doct. 1 First, the saints condition in the world is a suffering condition; the sufferings of the saints and people of God arise from the Devil, and from the wicked world. The dragon was wroth with the woman, Rev. 12. v. last. and went to make war with the remnant of her seed. The dragon is the Devil, the woman the church. By his instruments he maks war with her, the seed of the serpent, makes war with the seed of the woman, because they keep the commandments of God, and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ: It was a right speech of Austin, when those ten persecuting emperors were dead, and those ten persecutions over, and the people began to comfort themselves, that persecution would now cease, O but saith he, the Devil is not dead, and soe long as he hath instruments to stir up, persecution will be raised. So long as the wicked lust to envy, the people of God must expect to suffer. 1. Reason of our suffer­ing. They that cannot sin, must expect to suffer, because we have sined, wee suffer justly from God, because wee will not sin, wee suffer unjustly from men. Never a soul that ever set it's face towards heaven, but the world turned their backs upon it: The Church of Christ, is as the Lylie among thorns, such as are in­terested in the Love of God, must expect to feel the wrath and anger of men; John. 16.33. in the world (it was Christs own prediction) ye shall have tribulation; in the upper [Page 11]Region above is peace, but in this under the moon is nothing but trouble. Daniel, Dan. 6.16. a man greatly beloved of God, but as greatly persecuted by men. The Apostle Paul, a person eminent in grace and in favour with God, yet notwithstanding, as the raither extreamly perse­cuted; he was in bonds for the word sake. 2 Tim. 2.9. Wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds. They that receive much mercy from God, 2 Tim. 2.9. and performe much duty to God; must expect to meet with little mercy from the world. They shall put you out of the Synagogue, yea, out of the world too, kill you and yet think they doe God good service; this ariseth from the words wickedness, they wound Christ through the Saints sides; ungodly men conceive and contrive enmity against the people of God, and when it is conceive, it bringeth forth reproach, and persecution of them. Lord, Isa. 26.11. when thy hand is lifted up, they will not see: but they shall see, and be ashamed for their envy at the people, yea, the fire of thine enemies shall devour them. The whole world lyeth in wickedness, that is, the two seeds are put in enmity, the seed of the serpent against the seed of the woman.

Secondly, from Gods will and pleasure, 2. Rea. of suf­fering. God hath will'd sufferings to his people, as his Livery, its a Legacy to his people, to you it is given on the behalf of Christ: not onely to beleive, but also to suffer: not onely to beleive, but to blood also: They that are called to grace, [Page 12]are call'd to sufferings. The tyme of grace at first is a­tyme of love, the continuance of it, a tyme of affliction. For whom he did foreknow, Rom. 8.29. he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his son; that is his suf­fering Image, in order to our conformity to his glorious Image. God had one Son without sin, but he hath none without a scourge. It is the will of God wee should be­like Christ; not onely in the end, and forme, but in the means. Sin resembles a man to the Devil, but sufferings resembles a man to Christ. From hence.

Con∣sidera∣tion. 1 First, consider, ye had need look you be right in the way of your profession, least while ye suffer for God, ye also suffer from God. It will be a sad thing to be cast out of earth for making a profession; and to be cast out of heaven for making no more then a profession: to suffer for Christ here on earth, and to suffer from Christ hereafter in Hell to eternity. Look that ye be right in your profession, and ye will finde comfort in your af­fliction.

Con∣sid. 2 Secondly, if the saints must suffer from the world, then let them not suffer from one another; if the beasts of the forrest, Psal. 22.12. the bulls of Bashan push at them, let not the Lambs push one at another. Doe they suffer from the world? That is no great matter, but to suffer from familiar friends, is too much. If it had been mine enemy (saith David) I could have born it: Psal. 55.12, 13. and 41.9. v. but it was thou my familiar friend, who took sweet councel together, &c. [Page 13]It is said in a prophesie of Christ. Zech. 13.6. v. He was wounded in the house of his friends; that augment­ed the grief.

Con∣sid. 3 Thirdly, let every man then enter the lists of profes­sion, but with an expectation of sufferings and affli­ctions.

Object. The bullet may miss you, it's an ill Battel were none 'scapes.

Ans. But it may hit you as well, it's strange; if a man will live godly in Christ Jesus, if he don't suffer per­secution, either by the tongues or by the hands of wic­ked men. It was an excellent speech of the Lord Brook, that he that undertakes in the way of Christianity, it is a vain thing for him to think of saving any thing but his soul; ye may be call'd out to resist unto Blood striveing against sin, and as Gods mercy towards the end of the Churches troubles, will be sweetest: so the Devil's rage will be greatest: and though ye have had halcyon dayes of peace, and have but the prick of a pin insteed of the point of a sword, yee may yet, meet with the tail of the storme, the worst may be behinde.

Second proposition is this. That reproach and shame, is part of Gods peoples sufferings here in the world.

Doct. 2 It is their portion, a peculiarity of the saints, to suffer shame for Christs sake. They that are highly esteemed [Page 14]with God, are commonly cast out with men. They lie here oft-tymes among the pots, whom God intends for the fairest Cup-board of heavenly glory in the world to come. They manifested open indignity to the Apostles, two severall wayes; by words and by blows reproach before Magistrats, is a shame in the worlds Calender. Those whom God doe honour; one way or another the wicked will dishonour: The wickeds spight is against god, but, Panther-like, if they can't reach the per­son, they'l tear the picture; though the consciences of Gods people compurgats them, yet the world maks no conscience of condemning. Psal. 44.13. Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us. A reproach to men on every side hed­ged in, and compassed about with reproaches, scandals, and slanders, Psal. 79.4. so Psal. 79. v. 4. wee are become a re­proach to our neighbours, ascorn and a derision to them that are round about us. You see the church of God, where-ever, at one tyme or other, were under reproa­ches. Isaac the Son of the promise, was scoffed at, by Ishmael, Gal. 4.29. this is called persecution. But as then he that was born after the flesh, persecuted him that was born after the spirit; so it is now. Thus it was with holy Job when he was made an out cast by his friends; Job. 16.8, 9. that made of him no more then a Hypocrite: He teareth me in his wrath, who hateth me: he gnasheth upon me with his teeth; mine enemy sharpneth his eyes upon me. They [Page 15]gaped upon me with their mouth, they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully, they have gathered themselves together againse me. And will ye step a little farther and see David. In my adversity they rejoyced &c. this was the measure this holy man of God met with in his tyme; and the Prophet Isa: saith, Isa. 8.18. that the profes­sers of his tyme were signs and wonders in Israel [...] Zion is an out cast, whom no man seeks after an out cast that no man seeks after. Jer. 30.17. Lam. 1.7, 21. So Jerusalem what she came to be in her distresses. They have heard that I sight, there is none to comfort me: all mine enemies have heard of my trouble, they are glad that thou hast done it: And this Is common with all the saints, for such as are guilty of oppression, Lam. 2: 15, 16. are guilty likewise of Columnies so chap. 2. is this the city of solemnities? All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, is this the city that men call, the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth? All thine enemies have opened their mouth a­gainst thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth; they say, wee have swallow'd her up; certainly this is the day that wee looked for; wee have found, wee have seen it: Thus they please themselves, with scoffing at the poor Church and people of God. Psal. 69.20. Lam. 3.30. Reproaches have broken my heart; saith the Psalmist in the person of Christ: so Lam: The church there saith, she gave her cheeks to him that smot her, she was filled full ith reproaches. [Page 16]Thus both the worship and worshippers of God, have been made a reproach in the world. The word of the Lord in the prophesie of Jer. 6.10. was a reproach unto that wicked generation; Jer. 6.10. to whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear; behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach: they have no delight in it: Jer. 20. v. 18. and so chap. 20.18. he speaks again of the reproaches he met withall, there he saith, he came forth out of the womb to see labour and sorrow, that his dayes should be consumed with shame: The spirit of God tells the Prophet Ezekiel, Ezek. 33.30. concerning the children of the peo­ple, not enemies onely, but the children of the people are taking against thee, by the wall's, and in the doors of the houses, they snarld at the word of the Lord. Thus all the Prophets under the old, and Christ and his A­postles under the New Testament, have been accounted vilely off. Paull call'd a seditious fellow, Christ called the Carpenters Son, no better title could they afford him: And they thought they had hit the bird on the eye, when they said have any of the Rulers beleived on him! Isa. 66. v. 5. Esa. 66.5. Your brethren that hated you, that cast yow out for my name sake said, let the Lord be glorified. Therefore the Apotle exhorts. Peter. 2.12. Having your conversation honest among the gen­tiles, that whereas they speak against you as evill doers, they may by your good works, 1 Pet. 2.12. which thy shall behold, glorify God in the day of your visitation. The saints [Page 17]had need doe well, while they hear it. The work of God, as well as the servants of God, hath met with reproaches. Neh. 2.19. Nehem. 2.19. But when Sanballat the Ho­norite, and Tobiah the servant the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, what is this thing that ye doe? will ye rebell against the King? there was a charge for them. So chap. 4.2, 8. Neh 4.2, 8. And he spake before his breth­ren, and the Army of Samaria, and said, what doe these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish, which are burnt? And v. 8. v. 8. And conspired all of them to­gether, to come and to feight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. In so much, as they even broke the good mans heart, and made him cry out v. 4. Hear, O our God, for wee are despised: and turne their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of Captivity. The Apostles, when they were preaching the Ghospel; with greatest earnestness and vehemencie, nay, when as the holie Ghost, descended in such an extraordinary manner upon them, they said, these men are fill'd with new wine, therefore the A­postle saith, they were defamed, and blasphemed, 1 Cor. 4.13. wee are made as the filth of the world, and are the off-scou­ring of all things. This is the Sect, every where spoken against. Heb. 10.33. Acts 28.22. You may read, concerning those [Page 18]admirable worthies, what a heap of reproaches were thrown upon them. Partly whilest ye were made a gazing stock, both by reproaches and afflictions. And Heb. 11.36. Heb. 11.36. And others had tryal of cruel mockings, and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprison­ments. And indeed reproaches are cruel, the wounds of the tongue, goe deeper, then those of the hand; and in the primitive tymes, how many calumnies were the precious servants of the most high God, loaden with; when they rose early in the morning to sing their morn­ing Hymne, they charged them with uncleanness, and incest: thus they call'd Athenasius the eldest Son of the Devil, And Luther (the Papists say) was the cause of all the troubles, that befell Germany. With vili­fying names and expressions, have Gods eminent and worthy Champions suffered. So for usage too, what whippings, scourgings, imprisonning? thus it was with Christ; and thus it was with all his followers. The designe of the adversary, hath been, partly the terrour, and partly, the shame of Christians. They were tortured, Heb. 11.35. not accepting deliverance, that they might obtaine a better resurrection. This was the por­tion (my beloved) of the eminent Saints, and people of God of old; and the reason of this is plain.

Reason 1 First, because the excellency of the people of God, is an hidden excellency, it is no wonder, that the world reproach that they doe not understand. Many men in­deed [Page 19]out of malice will reproach that they doe under­stand, but it's no wonder the world reproach that they doe not understand; our life is hid, with Christ in God: Religion is a melancholly thing, sayes the men of the world, and therefore: it's no wonder they despise it: as it was said of Christ: Jes. 53.3. He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows, and acquain­ted with grief: And so it is with all the people of God; men look upon their outsides, and see that vil'd, but they see not their insides. Psal. 45.13. The Kings Daughter is all glorious within.

Reason 2 Secondly, sometymes from their envy at the Saints excellency, there is a Contrastation, and opposition, between the Children of God, and the men of the world, in poynt of excellency. Men will endeavour to darken and obscure the glory of Gods people, and by obscuring their graces, they think their own lesser lights will appear the more glorious; The Saints stand in their light: therefore they cannot endure them. They are like a house, standing in the light of another, and they will endeavour, to take it down, and this is a cunning way, to persecute the people of God: and hereby; they exceedingly hinder many souls from embraceing Religion; and damp the spirits of such as would profess it. I have read of one, that comming to be baptized, and seeing none, but a company of poor Christians together, asked what they were, to [Page 20]whom the Emperour answered, they were the servants of God, at which he went away, saying, if God kept his servants so poor, he would not be one of them. This is the trick of Apostates, to reproach zealous Pro­fessors, to take of the shame of their Apostacy, as Ju­lian did. Jer. 6.28. They are all grievious revolters, that walk with slanders, they are Brass and Iron, they are all cor­rupters. Wel, hence Gods people may learn.

Lesson. 1 First, what to expect in the world, shame and re­proach, and they shall doe wel, to examine themselves, whether they can own a persecuted Christ: can'st thou own a crucified, a reproached Christ, a comdemned Christ? can'st thou own the way of holiness when jeered at? truly it is a great temptation; when Reli­gion is become a byword, men are affraid, of publick ignominies. Many can't endure the term of precisian, puritan, phannatik, for the enemy to shake his hand, as he passes by, saying, there is a puritan; it is a hard thing to some men. 2 Sam. 6.14 & 22. Can you say as David, when he danced before the Lord, when scoff't at by Michal. If this be to be vile, I will yet be more vile then thus, Consider Christ, Christians, that endured the Crosz, despised the shame, and is now set down, at the right hand of the Majesty on high, far above all principali­ties and powers, you must deny your selves, your own lusts, pleasures, honours; if ye will be Christs Disci­ples you must be willing to be accounted base, vile [Page 21]by every evill foot of pride, even by them, that in the flourish of Religion, ye would not set with the dogs of your flock, as Job speaks.

Less. 2 Secondly, let this teach you, 2. Tim. 1.8. to animate your selves against reproaches; be not thou asham'd of the afflictions of the Ghospel. Nothing carry's with it a true ground of shame, but sin; be not ye ashamed of your afflictions. Moses, chose the reproaches of Christ, before the pleasures, and treasures of Egypt: wee must goe forth to Christ, without the Camp, to mount Cal­vary, as well as mount Olivet; bearing his reproach. And that you may be armed against reproaches.

Consid. 1 First; Remember, you are blessed and honoured of Christ, while reproached, jeered and mocked by the world: and no matter though the dogs barke, so the Master gives good entertainment: Blessed are ye when men shal revile you, and speak all manner of evil of you, falsly, for my sake; yea, blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake, for their's is the Kingdome of God. It is a cursed thing to reproach a­nother, but a blessed thing, to be reproached by another.

Consid. 2 Secondly, Christs name is a greater glory, then all your reproaches, can be dishonourable, to you that beleive Christ is an honour; you carry the Cross of Christ, as a Banner displayed, and there is greater honour in that, then the world can reflect dishonour upon your for so doing.

Consid. 3 Thirdly, 1 Pet. 4.14. consider, the spirit of glory rests upon you, not the spirit of grace onely, but of glory also, not for a little tyme, but to rest, yea, and that for ever.

Consid. 4 Fourthly, consider, you have assurance of a name in heaven, and therefore may willingly goe through dis­honour on earth. Your reproaches, are Christs reproa­ches. Remember your names are written in heaven; and Christs raggs, are better then the worlds Robes, and seeing you have a name in the court, what matter though you have none in the country.

Consid. 5 Fifthly, 1 Pet. 1.7. your Tryalls will be found for praise, and honour, and glory, at the appearance of Jesus Christ: The wicked shall leave their names for a curse unto my chosen: for the Lord God shal slay thee, and call his servants by another name. Isa. 65.15. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royall Diadem, in the hand of the God. Isa. 62.3. The Lord hath pro­mised to wipe away the rebuke of his people, and there shall be never a blott, to blurr their faces. The day is shortly comming, in which wicked men shall answer, for all their hard usages of, and speeches to the people of God. Dan. 12. [...].3. Math. 2.34. The wicked that are in the highest state, in the world, shall rise at the last day to everlasting shame, and you to everlasting honour. Ye shall shine as the Sun, in the Kingdome of your father. The shouldier is not ashamed of his marks, and scarrs he receives in the wars, but looks upon them, as so many badges of honour: [Page 23]so the reproaches you meet with, are but as so many badges of honour, all the scarrs yee meet with in the way of holyness, are as so many marks of honour put upon you, and if you confess Christ before men, he will confess you, before his father, and before the holy Angels. And O Christians! here is a good target against reproaches, do but maintaine your innocency, and then you can never be made miserable, by the Judgments of others.

Third proposition is this. That the name of Christ, is the cause, and great occasion, of all the sufferings that befall the Children of God.

Doct. 3 The name of Christ: they rejoyced that they were counted worthy, to suffer shame for his name. You shall (saith our Saviour) be hated for my name sake. Math. 24.9. All these things will they doe unto you for my names sake. John 15.21. There's the ground of wicked mens malice against the saints; the profession of Christ is the butt of persecution: for that is thee imply'd, some suffer the loss of Father and Mother, Brethren and Sisters, houses and lands, for my names sake, (saith Christ.) It's not for their sin, that Gods people suffer from the world, but for their grace: could they conforme to the world, could they drink and be drunk, swear and blaspheme, live riotously and loosly, the world would hug them in their Armes, and embrace them with their dearest affection. They [Page 24]think it a strange thing, 1 Pet. 4.3. you run not with them to the same excess of ryot: This expression (for his name sake) may have a double reference.

Refer. 1 First; As it is the reason of the tolerableness of the Saints sufferings, Christs name being in their suffe­rings, that bears them up under them; their love to Christs name, puts them upon accepting of sufferings so joyfully. 2 Cor. 12.10. Therefore I take pleasure in reproaches, in necessities, in infirmities, in distresses for Christs That is that which ingages a Christian in, and encou­rages him under sufferings; and as sufferings for righte­ousness distinguish a Saint from the wicked, so will respect to Christs Name distiguish a Saint from a Hy­pocrite; for although I should give all my goods to the poor (a universall almes) and my body to be burned, yet if I had not charity, al were nothing; therefore for thy sake (saith the Church) we are killed all the day long, wee are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. But,

Refer. 2 Secondly, I will understand it as the reason of the worlds infliction of reproaches, and persecutions, upon the people of God: what ever the world pretend, it is for Christs sake; for some thing of Christ with in them, that they hold forth, that they hate them for. Therefore the afflictions that befall them, are called the afflictions of the Ghospel: Tim. 2.1. It is a great ground of comfort to the saints, that it is for Christ's, and his Gospel's sake, that [Page 25]they suffer. Doe not they blaspheme, James 2.7. that worthy name, by the which ye are called? It was the name of Christ, that worthy name, they delt with them for. It was upon that account, they measured out this measure unto them. The world can't come up to the pitch of holyness the Saints doe, and they going beyond the common pace of Civility, Morality, and Hypocrisie, the Dogs barke at them. Noah condemned the old world, by his righteousness: the world praise and canno­nize the dead saints, but can't endure to see them that are living, but hunt after their precious lives. If one child in the Family have the Fathers indulgence, all the rest will hate him. So Josephs brethren hated him. Gen 49.27. He that is the object of Gods love, (commonly) is the but of the worlds envy, therefore the wicked take all the occasions they can, against the saints, and watch for their haltings; they dayly blaspheme the name of God, because of his peoples failings. Isa. 52. v. 5, 6. And the most of them are like Tyggers, that cannot endure a fragrant scent, but will fall upon them that carry it, and kill them. And if it be so.

Use 1 First, then learn wee a good warrant, and just ground, of our sufferings; Christs name. Many are not satisfyed to suffer, because they think their suffe­rings are not for Christs sake: be sure your sufferings by for Christs sake, else you cannot suffer conforta­bly.

Use 2 Secondly, hence learn, the bitter hatred the world have, against Christ and his people: Religion hath alwayes brought forth the greatest quarrels, though it least deserves it: I ame not to send peace, but a sword; the strictness of the "Ghospel causes persecution, Satan hath so blinded the minds of men, and hardned their hearts, that this is mostly the condition of the Saints here in the world.

Use 3 Thirdly, this condemnes the pretences of the wick­ed, that say, they persecute the Saints, because they are seditious, aud rebellious persons, whereas it is, because they won't be wicked, but religious: not because they are traiterous to men, but because they will not be trai­terous to heaven.

Use 4 Fourthly, here is great encouragement to Christians under sufferings, Christs name is in their sufferings, if it were upon the account of your own name, that you suffer, you should doe well to lay them down in a mo­ment: but it is for thy sake; Rom. 8.36. 1 Cor. 4.10. here is comfort, when the soul can say, Lord it is for thy sake. The Apostle triumphs in this. That they were fooles for Christs sake. O! blessed be God, that ever wee had a name to offer up for Christ, Bernard saying. and sacrifice for Christ: As Bernard was wont to say, Lord make me a shield, to fence of the injuries, that fall upon thy name. Paul complain'd of his persecuting the Saints, it is a killing the Prince of life, the Lord of glory; it is a great peece of Inju­stice. [Page 27]It is not our preaching, but your not receiving the Gospel saith Luther, that is the worst ingredient in suffering.

The fourth Proposition is this: It is a great Dignation of God towards his people, to call them out, and count them worthy to suffer for Christs sake.

Doct. 4 (They rejoyced that they were counted worthy) such honour have not all men, no, nor all the Saints: doing work is honourable, but suffering worke is more honourable. The Apostle counts this a great gift, Gal. 6.14. next to beleiving; to declare Christs sacrifice to others in the world. It is an honour to doe much, but greater honour to suffer much for Christ. God forbid I should glory in any thing, save in the Cross of Christ. The Apostle well understood what he did, and said too. I glory (saith he) in nothing but the Cross of Christ. To suffer for Christ, is an honour beyond that granted to the Angels, for they have no body, M ^r. Philpot would say of sufferings, no such preferment on Earth, as for Gods Childen to be called out to suffer. I have read of a Knight in Venice, that being carried to suffer with his other brethren, they being bound, and he being a noble person, was carried, without chains and fetters, why saith he, may not I be bound likewise, and so commence, Knight of the ho­nourable order of the Garter? Reasons. 4 now sufferings for Christ, they are honourable.

Reas. 1 First, because they are a part of our conformity to Christ, not to fill up the personal sufferings of Christ; that were blasphemy to affirm, nor yet his sufferings in order to the satisfaction of divine justice, but the mysti­call sufferings of Christ for edification; this is a drink­ing of Christs cup, and a fullfilling after him: it is a greater honour to be like a crucify'd, then 'tis to be like a glorifyed Christ; because most of our happiness con­sists in our conformity to Christ: which is in suffering for him, and in order to being glorifyed with him.

Refer. 2 Secondly, it is a bearing wittness to Christ, and Gods taking your Testimony, and this is a great honour. Yee are my wittnesses, Isa. 43.12. saith the Lord, that I am God: here­by the Saints obtaine victory over their accusers, by the blood of the Lamb, Rev. 12.11. and the word of their Testimony. Paull was Gods wittness, and God made him a chosen vessel to bear his name.

Reas. 3 Thirdly, because it admits a man into special fel­lowship with Christ. Paul prest after the fellowship with Christs sufferings. Phil. 3.12. By the spirit of life and holi­ness, implanted in beleivers, they have a fellowship with Christ, and still (a nearer) by sufferings, which the Apostle presseth after, those afflictions, wee bear for Christ, and the Gospel's sake, make us expresly par­takers of Christ. For wee are made partakers of Christ, if wee hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end. Heb 3.14. Therefore John tells us in Rev. 1.9. that [Page 29]he was a brother and companion in tribulation, and in the Kingdome and patience of Christ: not in the me­rits, Rev. 1. v. 9. nor effects thereof as personal, but as it was mysti­call, in the efficacy thereof: wee bear about in our bo­dies the marks of the Lord Jesus, 2 Cor. 4.10. Gal. 6.5. that the life also of Christ may be made manifest in our mortall bodies. These are scripture expressions for every man shall bear his own burthen; to sin is a great dishonour, but to suf­fer is not so. The Saints are more glorious in being Mar­tyrs, then in being victors.

Reas. 4 Fourthly, because this gives us assurance of being glo­rifyed with Christ herafter. These are they which come out of great tribulation; there is an Asterisme set upon them; such as continue with Christ in his tempta­tions, shal not onely have a seat, but a Throne in Hea­ven. 1 Thef. 3.3. That no man should be moved by these afflicti­ons; for you your selves know, that wee are appoyn­ted thereunto. And through Gods free grace accepting us in and through Jesus Christ; and wee suffering, the head and body being united, wee are counted worthy of the Kingdome of God. Then

Use 1 First, from hence let us learn, the esteem we should have of sufferings, not onely as they are our duty, but priviledge and honour, he is honourable that gives them to us: now seeing wee suffer upon Christs account, and for his name, that name reflects a great honour upon us; it is a great reproach for a Christian to suffer upon his [Page 30]own account: for Christ to suffer by us, is a great dis­honour, but to suffer in us is honourable. They rejoy­ced that they were counted worthy, to be unworthy; and grac'd to be disgrac'd. Hebr. 11.38. They that suffer for Christ are such of whom the world is not worthy. God esteems heaven a fitter place for them. Consider what an ho­nourable thing it is to suffer, 'tis more honourable to give then receive. In all the benedictions of grace con­ferred upon us, wee receive from God; in our sufferings wee give to God. In our services wee doe that which God of us hath commanded; in our sufferings wee give glory to the cause of God to us commended.

Secondly, bless God for any opportunity he hath gi­ven us to suffer. Giving thanks to the Father who hath made us meet, to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light: Col. 1.12. it seems a hard lesson, but 't is to be learn'd, giving thanks to the Father, who by af­flictions, have made you meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints in light: for they were made fitt, as by grace, so by afflictions. It is a great question, whether wee are most to bless God for making Heaven fitt for us, or us fitt for Heaven by affliction.

The fifth Proposition is this: That an opportunity to suffer for Christs name, is to be esteemed a great privilege and mercy; 't is to be judged the highest Felicity.

Doct. 5 They rejoyced, (the Text saith) that they were counted worthy to suffer shame, for his name. This will be evidenced.

First, fromthe express command of God to his peo­ple, to suffer with joyfullness; 't is the general Cha­racter given of the people of God, Phil. 3.3. they are such as re­joyce in Christ Jesus. Wee are of the Circumsion, that worship God in the spirit, and rejoyce in Christ Jesus. Rom. 5.1, 2, 3. And wee rejoyce in Christ Jesus, having receiv'd the attonment: And so it is the duty and hath been the practise of the Saints, to rejoyce in him. Sufferings for Christ have been alwayes matter of great joy. James 1.2. My brethren, count it all joy (saith the Apostle) when ye fall into divers temptations. Rejoyce and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in Heaven. Math. 5.12. Rejoyce ye in that day, when men hath you, and separate you from their company, rejoyce ye in that day, and leap for joy: Luke 6.22. & 23. for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the Prophets. It is the will of God, his people should rejoyce alwayes; rejoyce ever more. 1 Thess. 5.16. Especially upon the matters of affliction; that's the will of God towards his people. The Cross should [Page 32]not onely be taken up with patience, Coll. 1.11. but born with joyfullness. Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience, and long suffe­ring with joyfullness: joyfullness is a help to patience and long suffering under the Cross. For example, see how the Apostle rejoyceth under all his afflictions. I rejoyce that I help to fill up that which is behinde of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, Col. 1.24. for his bodies sake which is the Church. But rejoyce in as much as you are partakers of Christs sufferings; 1 Pet. 4.13. that when his glory shall be reveal'd, ye may be glad wih exceeding joy. In whom beleiving (though under manifold temptations) wee rejoyce with joy unspeakable and full of glory. 1 Pet. 1.8. In a tyme of great affliction it was the great commenda­tion of the Thessalonians, 1 Thess. 1, 6. that they received the Gospel with great joy. The Church rejoyced when the hand of Gods providence was out against her. Hab. 3.17, 18. Although the fig-tree should not blossom, neither should fruit be in the Vines: Hab. 3.17, 18. the labour of the Olive should fail, and the fields shall yeild no meat: yet will I rejoyce in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my sal­vation. And so doe the people of God, rejoyce like­wise under the stroak of mans violence; this hath been their practise, nay, not onely to joy, but to glory in af­flictions. Wee glory in tribulation also. Rom. 5.3. 2 Cor. 2.14. Now thanks be unto God, which alwayes causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his know­ledge [Page 33]by us in every place. A Saint is bound to rejoyce in the Lord in good dayes, and in evil dayes; but espe­cially in tymes of great opposition. Neh. 8.10. 2 Cor. 6.10. The joy of the Lord is your strength. As sorrowfull, yet alway rejoy­cing. They tooke joyfully the spoyling of their goods Hebr. 10.34. not only patiently, but joyfully. Acts 16.25. Phil. 1.20. Paul and Silas did not repine, but sung in the prison. Paul rejoy­ced that Christ should be magnified in him whether by life or death. The Martyrs endured exquisite torments with admirable patience: Divine joy abated outward anguish; their souls were wrapped up in joy, as if they were in a separated state. Paul counted it his honour to suffer reproach and afflictions. 1 Tim. 4.10. For this cause wee both labour, and suffer reproach, because wee trust in the living God. The Apostles were not found (in the Text) blaspheming, nor repining, nor onely submit­ting but blessing God, yea, joying in God: They were not (men) altogether unsensible of injuries, yet, they that through infirmities foresooke their Master, in the strength of his grace and spirit rejoyced to suffer for him: remembring Christ told them, they were blessed that suffer. Now there are sufficient grounds of the Saints thus rejoycing in all their sufferings.

1 First, in respect of the manifold consolation whereby they are enabled to suffer: for as our afflictions abound, so our consolations abound much more by Christ Jesus. 2 Cor. 1.5. Not onely weight for weight; but a preponderating [Page 34]weight of consolation they enjoy: while the people of God drink deep draughts of the water of affliction, they also draw water out of the wels of Consolation. Gods consolations ought not to be smal to his people. 2 Cor. 7.4, 6.2 Cor. 7.4. compared with the v. 6. Great is my bold­ness of speech towards you, great is my glorying of you, I am fill'd with comfort, I am exceeding joyfull in all our tribulation, nevertheless, God that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Ti­tus; though troubled on every side: whence arose this joy? why, God that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us also. Though a storme of Haile fell upon their heads, yet the sun shine of his favour shone upon their hearts. Psal 94.19. In the mid'st of my sad thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul. Al­tho wee meet with stormes without, no matter, so wee have but peace within. In the world ye shall have tri­bulation (alwayes tribulation) but in me ye shall have peace, John. 16.33. therefore be of good comfort.

2 Secondly, sufferings for Christ's name administers cause of rejoycing, because of the sufficiency of grace administred under them. My grace is sufficient for thee, was Christ's answer to Paul. I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, say's he to Peter. Under the shaddow of thy wings will I rejoyce, saith the Psalmist. Under the shaddow of Divine protection and refreshment.

Thirdly, there's ground of rejoycing in sufferings for [Page 35]Christ's name, in respect of the presence of God, and Christ under afflictions communicated and enjoy'd. Fear not (saith God) I am with thee, when thou passest through the waters I will be with thee: Isa. 43.2. and through the rivers they shall not overflow thee: when thou passest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, nei­ther shall the flame, kindle upon thee. God was with the three Children, when in the fiery-Furnace; with Daniel in the Lyons Den; with Joseph in the prison; Jeremiah in the Dungeon. The Lords presence is with his, to the end of the wold. The presence of God sup­ports under all burdens, and sweetens the bitterest cups of affliction; you hast made me more glad, with the light of thy countenance; then they with the encrease of their Corn, Wine, and Oyl: Ther's a spring in di­vine joy; if Gods people want the Stars, they shall have the light of the Sun: and the enjoyment of God, can make up for the want of the creature.

4 Fourthly, another ground of joy, is in respect of the assurance of deliverance from the greatest affliction they are under. Who hath delivered us from so great a death, 2 Cor. 1.10. and doth deliver: in whom wee trust, that he will yet deliver us: Christ's deliverance, is an assurance to Gods people, of deliverance out of their tribulations: for he that raised up our Lord Jesus from the dead; 1 Cor. 6.14. by his own power, will also raise up us. And God hath rais'd up the Lord' Christ: and will also raise up us by his [Page 36]own power. And therefore ye may finde that God en­couraged his people under all their persecutions; that when their brethren cast them out for his name sake, he would take them up, and make their enemies asha­med, when his hand should be known to his servants.

5 Thirdly, the exceeding great reward of glory pro­pounded may administer ground of joy, and rejoycing under all sufferings and afflictions. Christ for the joy, that was set before him, endured the Cross, and despi­sed the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Heb. 12.2. Heb. 11.27. Moses haveing a veiw of God, and of glory by the spectacles of faith, is said to endure as seeing him that is invisible: for this cause wee faint not, but suffer reproach, because wee judge that these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, worke for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. O Soul! who ever thou art, that sufferest for Christ's name though hell be behinde thee, Heaven is still before Hell; this was that, Heb. 10.34. those primitive Christians comforted themselves with. Knowing with in themselves (they had experience in their own hearts, assurance in their bosoms) that in Heaven they had a better and more en­during substance. 40 Mart. This comforted those fourty Mar­tyrs, when (before they were to suffer) they were cast in to water in cold weather; now (say they) we shake for cold, but by and by we shall be in Abrahams bosom: men may kill the Saints, but it is impossible that they [Page 37]should ever hurt them: so that an opportunity to suf­fer for Christ is to be esteemed as a meecy. By way of inference from hence.

Use 1 First, take notice of the strength and power of divine grace, that is able to make a man suffer contentedly and joyfully; 't will make a Christian go through good re­port and evill report.

Use 2 Secondly, from hence I may observe (likewise) the great abatement, degeneracy, and timerousness of spi­rit, that is in Professors of Religion in these latter dayes; the Saints in former tymes accounted it an honour to suffer Christ; wee account it a burden, wee are back­ward; wee are ready to cry out undone, if it comes to a little of our Estate, liberty or name: if ever God call us out to suffering, surely he will grant us more grace, else were shall shamefully dishonour him. O thou spirit of Christianity! where art thou become? O thou holy joy (in sufferings!) where art thou? It is for a la­mentation, and shall be for a lamentation to think On these things.

Use 3 Thirdly, hence observe, the vast difference there is between Saints and sinners; the Saints can rejoyced in sufferings, so can't the wicked. The heart knweth its own bitterness, and a stranger doth not intermedle with his joy. This is a joy no sgranger intermedles with: Prov. 14.10. the world wonders how the Saints go so courageously through sufferings. But the Martyrs answer may serve [Page 38]to answer this; yee see the fewel that burns me, but did yee feel the joy that I feel, ye would not wonder. The wayes, of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternall life, through Jesus Christ our Lord: eternall life is sweet, the assured expectation whereof makes men thus to suf­fer. There is a great deal of difference between Saints and sinners upon this account.

2ly. Secondly, from hence I might speak matter of just reproofe to the Saints and people of God, that are so far from this frame and temper, to rejoyce in suffering for Christs name. You ought to be joyfull in tribulation; but I fear many of you are not patient under the afflicti­ons of the Gospel. Were they joyfull under the burn­ing coals of Juniper, and shall not wee be patient, (at least) under lesser sufferings? Dispondency is a sin as well as murmuring and repineing. What an dishonour is it to God to murmur under affliction?

1 First, what an dishonour is this to Jesus Christ, to be dedolent under sufferings? when services and sufferings come of heavyly, itmust needs be a dishonour to Christ: It is a dishonour to a Chaptaine, if his Souldiers march on heavyly. 2 Sam. 19:2, 4. I may allude to that 2 Sam. 19:2, 4. where the King wept for his son, and the victory that day was turned into mourning, and the King covered his face and cryed with a loud voice, O my son Absalom, O Ab­solom, my son, NUm. 14.2. my son: wat an ugly sight was that of the Isralites digging their graves. And all the Children [Page 39]of Israel murmured against Moses, and against Aaron: and against the whole congregation, and said unto them, would, God that wee had died in the Land of E­gypt, or would God wee had died in this wilderness. It is a great shame for Christians, and it is a great disho­nour to Christ, for Christians to be so dastardly spiri­ted.

2 Secondly, consider what an unworthy returne is this to the Lord Jesus Christ, that suffered so much, and so willingly for us. I am straitned with in me till this bap­tisme be accomplished (saith Chrit.) It was no trou­ble to Christ that he was to die, but raither that he died no sooner. And shall wee thus returne evill to him for his good to us? Shall wee think much to bear the prick of a pin for him, that was peirced with a spear for us?

2 Thirdly, what a discouragement does this offer to profession and Religion in the world; it lay's a stumb­ling-block before many that would fall in with Reli­gion, but that they think there is but little in it, else the Professors of it, would suffer more for it: If a stan­dard-bearer in an Army his heart fail, it offers a great discouragement to the common Souldier: goe on there­fore courageously in the profession of holyness. The contrary God threatens to his Enemies, to Assiria the rod of his anger when he breaks them in peice. Isa. 10.18. And they shall be as when a standard-bearer fain­teth. Isa. 10.18, 19. And then the rest of the trees of his forrest shall be [Page 40]few, that a Child may write them. When the hearts of the principall of God flock faile, they offer discoura­gement to all the rest.

4 Fourthly, it spoiles the acceptance of all your other services; it spoiles Gods acceptance of all your duties and services: God will not accept a doer, if he be not (at least) willing, to be a sufferer, and that rejoyceing­ly; God can't endure a man suffering (so to speak) with a blur'd face, hanging down his head like a bull-rush. Christs active obedience could not doe alone in point of satisfaction, nor can ours in point of duty.

Secondly, 2ly for reproof. this justly reproves those, that, insteed of rejoyceing to suffer for Christ, entertaines them with regrate, that come to affliction as a bear to the stake, or a theef to the Gallous. Such as shrinke, especially that dog it in Religion when they should appear courage­ously, such sufferings are very unacceptable unto God, when (wee are compell'd to that, in which wee should be most free and voluntary. Isa. 58.5. Is it such a Fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head like a bull-rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a Fast, and an acceptable day unto the Lord? It is a sad signe of a perverse and hypocriticall heart, not to suffer joyfully upon Christs account. The Romans, if the beast that was to be made a sacrifice would not goe willingly, they would never offer that beast up in sacrifice; so if [Page 41]wee doe not offer our selves willingly, soul and body, which is but our reasonable sacrifice, we shall not be accounted holy, nor acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. It was the excellencie of former tymes, 4 Cau­tions anent suffe­rings. that they were carefull to suffer for Christ, that so Christ might not suffer by them. Alwayes remember.

First, that it is far better to suffer for Christ, then to suffer by Christ.

Caut. 2 Secondly, remember how much Christ suffered for you. The just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God. I remember the Souldier told Augustus, 1 Pet. 3.10. if I had served you, as you serve me, at the battel of Actium, where had you been? so may Christ say to us, where had you been, if I had served you upon the Cross, as ye serve me? if I had deserted your cause, what had be­come of you? ye had been lost to eternity.

Caut. 3 Thirdly, consider, wee partake of Christs sufferings proportionably, as he partakes of ours. If we suffer for him, his sufferings are made manifest in us.

Caut. 4 Fourthly, he that by directly unlawfull means will endeavour to avoid sufferings, commonly runs upon a double suffering; is exposed to sufferings both in body and soul, in time, and it may be to eternity.

Thirdly, by way of exhortation, 3 For Ex­horta­tion. let me perswade all of you, to learn this Leslen (though hard, and will goe much against the hair, of holy joyfullness in sufferings; it is good for you to be provided, and not to goe naked [Page 42]into a storme and battel; hard tymes put me upon call­ing you to it. Since Christ hath suffered for us, arme your selves likewise with the same minde: resolve to suffer with chearfullness: 't is your priviledge as well as duty: why will yee neglect one thing that is matter of privilege unto you?

Motives 8. Motives to press you hereunto.

Mot. 1 First; It is an Evidence of Saint-ship, of truth of grace, and of strength of grace; and the want of it is an evidence of Hypocrisie. For where in will yee diffe­rence your selves from sinners and ungodly? They are confounded under their temptations and sorrowfull un­der their afflictions; and if you can't rejoyce under af­flictions, what singular thing doe you.

Mot. 2 Secondly, consider your afflictions and sufferings have no real evil in them, and all the happiness of the world is no more, then what your Fancies put upon them. They are but imaginary excellencies, it is onely an ima­ginary happiness that is in the world, and all these things.

Mot. 3 Thirdly, all your afflictions (though inflicted by men) are ordered by God, and his wise providence; they are appointed by your heavenly Father, and shall I not drink the Cup, that my Father hath given me to drink, saith Christ?

Mot. 4 Fourthly, they are all consistant with Gods fatherly [Page 43]love; yea, while he suffers wicked men to chastise and correct you, his fatherly love is towards you: Gods peo­ple have had powerfull experience, and familiar ac­quaintance of and with God upon this account: God as a Father chastiseth every Son whom he receiveth; nay, as the fyre burns hottest, when the wether is coldest, so Gods affections to his people is highest; when their afflictions are greatest.

Mat. 5 Fiftly, consider all your tryalls tend to the advance of grace, and the purging out of your corruptions, for the refineing of your grace. 2 Cor. 4.16. For this cause wee faint not; (saith the Apostle) for though our outward man perish, our inward man is renewed day by day, as the Sea, what it looseth in one shiere, it gets in another: grace grows by an Antiperistasis, affliction is sanctified and grace is exercised and proved thereby. Wee had fathers of our flesh, that corrected us; and wee gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in sub­jection unto the father of spirits, and live? Heb. 12.9. and 10. They cor­rected us for their pleasure, but he for our profit, that wee might be partakers of his holyness. The tryal of your faith is for honour, praise and glory: fiery tryals make golden Christians, your suffering (like the sun) scorcheth the Hypocrite, but ripens the sincere Chri­stian. The North-winde of affliction, blowing upon the garden of the saints graces, cause the spices thereof to flow forth.

Mot. 6 Sixthly, Math. 5.11, 12 Blessedness is the entail; Math. 5.11, 12. blessed are yee, when men shall revile yow, and perse­cute you; rejoyce and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven. Luke 6.22, 23. Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach yow, and cast out your name as evil, for the son of mans sake. Rejoyce yee in that day, Luke 6.23. and leap for joy: for behold your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the Prophets. Happy are they that endure.

Seventhly, James 5.11. Mot. 7. all your sufferings serve to work you up to a further likeness to Christ and the saints. Soe they dealt with them before you. Take, my brethren, the Prophets, James 5.10. who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.

Eightly, Heb. 11.35. they greaten and agravate your glory and happiness in the next world. They would not accept of deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrec­tion. They had a good resurrection, though they had not suffered, but hereby they had a better one. O that all might prevail with you to this rejoyceing! if yee may be counted worthy to suffer shame for Christs name. Now your joy under sufferings must be.

1. What kind of joy yee must leave.First, spiritual, not carnal, in spiritual objects, in things spiritual; it must be a pure and refined joy. Je­sus rejoyced in spirit. Luke 10.21. The joy of the Lord must be your strength: your joy must be pure and spirituall.

2 Secondly, a serious, not a light frothy joy, Hebr. 12.5. we must glory, not sport it under afflictions and tribulations. Wee must not dispond, nor yet make light of afflictions; if we make light of afflictions, God will make them heavy, true joy should be a serious thing.

3 Thirdly, it must be a practicall joy, Luke 6.23. puting the soul on to duty, engageing the soul under all afflictions to manifest our joy by outward signes; a leaping of heart and body, it comes from, and is an allusion to the dan­ceing of the Galyard, or leaping of young cattel that are wanton, or (as some carry it) to the joy that a Bride­groom takes in his Bride, upon their marriage day.

4 Fourthly, it must not be a passionate and transient, but a permanent and lasting joy; they rejoyced in Christs light for a tyme, but when persecution came, they were offended. Moses was faithfull over all his house as a ser­vant; but Christ as a son, whose house wee are, if wee hold fast the beginning of our confidence, and the rejoy­ceing of hope, firme to the end. Heb. 3.6. Strengthened with all might to endure with patience, and long suffering with joyfullness. Our joy must be such as the Apostles was here, they were constant; that accompanied their joy. A saint indeed may have some mixtures of sadness; but though heavyness endure for a night, joy comes in the morning. A beleivers joy is not like that of a hypocrite that lasts but for a moment: but constant: like the con­flict of winde and fire, that encreaseth it the more; so [Page 46]must afflictions. That Apostle that failed before in his speeches and doctrine, could now rejoyce in his stripes; he that before trembled at the look of a silly damsel, now could look upon the face of a great and learned Councel. But you will say, 10. Di­rect. and Helps. what shall wee doe, to attaine such a blessed frame of spirit? I will propound you some dire­ctions to help you herein.

Direct. 1 First, 1 Pet. 4.12. if yee would be joyfull under your sufferings for Christs sake, Enure your selves to them; count not the fiery tryall a strange thing wee entertaine strangers with dissatisfaction, but friends with joy and delight: receive not sufferings as strangers, but friends, and then yee will bid them welcome; wee are like Ephraim unac­customed to the yoak, and that maks us to entertaine afflictions so unwillingly. A suit at first puting on, pin­ches but afterward becomes easie; a Bird at first puting into the Cage is dampish, but afterwards being satisfied sings sweetly; Fox: vol. 2. pag. 277. M ^r. Bilney in prison divers times proved the fire, by putting his finger near to the candle; at the first touch of the candle his flesh resisting, and he with drawing his finger, did after chide his flesh in these words; Quid unius membri inustionem ferre non potes, & quo pacto cras totius corporis conflagrationem tolerabis? What (said he) canst thou not bear the burning of one mem­ber, and how wilt thou endure to morrow the burning of the whole body? I feel, and have known it long by philosophy, that fire is hot; yet I know some (recorded [Page 47]in Gods word) even in the flame felt no heat; and I believe that though my body will be wasted by it, my soul shall be purged thereby.

Direct. 2 Secondly, be sure ye suffer upon good grounds, suffer warrantably, and innocently; warrantably, when you must either sin or suffer, or when the Truth must suffer for want of your Testimony; Innocently, sanctifie the Lord God in your hearts, and make him your fear and your dread; and be ready to give an answer to every one, of the hope that is in you; be sure ye suffer with a good conscience; 't is the winde in the bowels of the earth, that causeth the Earth-quake: Innocency is an excellent Target under sufferings. A Roman Lady being carried to prison, when great with child, when the tyme of her travail came, cried out much; sayes the Jaylor to her, what ails you, how will you burn, or bear it to be prick­ed upon the point of a sword? O! quoth she now I suf­fer as a malefactor, then I shall suffer as a Martyr. Look you have no sin in your sufferings, if ye would have joy, I have read of many, that have for fear, or love of the world, turn'd back and apostatized, yet their persecu­tors would make them suffer, and they did it with great trouble; Labour to be able to say, Lord 't is not so much for mine as thy sake that I suffer.

Direct. 3 Tirdly, if so be ye would suffer for the name of Christ, get a right understanding of the cross; look on both sides of suffering, observe the sharpness on the one, [Page 48]and yet the sweetness on the other hand. I have read of a picture, that had the deformed shape of a Monster on the one side, and the face of a beautifull virgin on the other: so are sufferings, black on one side and beauti­full on the other; when wee judge of the Bee by her sting wee can't bear with her, but consider honey with it, and she is acceptable. Remember the joyfullness of affli­ctions, as well as the grieviousness of them, and you will be taken off all prejudices against it. Tribulation works patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the holy Ghost: God gives all out of love in proportion, and in infinite wisdome, which he will shew in due tyme. The ran­somed of the Lord shall come to Zion, and everlasting joy shall be upon their hands, though now they have sorrow in their hearts.

Direct. 4 Fourthly, Rev. 2.2. comp. with 3. if you would suffer joyfully for Christ, then labour for joy in doing work, this will make way for joy in suffering Rev. 2.2, & 3. compared. I know thy works and thy labour, and thy patience, and for my name sake hast laboured and hast not fainted; the soul that comes once to worke and labour, will come to patience, and will not faint: if ye would bear Christs Cross joyfully, 1 Tim. 4.8. & 9. labour to bear his yoak joyfully; for bodily exercise profiteth little, but godlyness is pro­fitable unto all things; having the promise of the life [Page 49]that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithfull saying and worthy of all acceptation. I count not my life dear unto my self, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the Ministry which I have recived of the Lord Jesus, Acts 20.24. to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God; what follows! but I am willing to die at Jerusa­lem for the name of Jesus. Ps. 119.114. Thou art my hiding place and my shield I hope in thy word. He made the word the man of his Counsels; and so it was the man of his comforts.

Fifthly, labour to get a right esteem of sufferings, esteem them as a priviledge, an honour as well as a du­ty, that will make you suffer joyfully, ye must not one­ly look to your innocency, to take heed that you suffer not from God, while you suffer for God: but turne your afflictions into a right stream and channell, to us it is given (saith the Apostle) not onely to beleive, but al­so to suffer for his sake, he looked upon it as a Largess. Chrysost. saith of Paul, that he boasts most of this, I Paul the prisoner of the Lord: he does not boast of his high offices, knowledge of arts and sciences, great and glorious Revelations, no, but the glories in his suffer­ings, as in his own narrative it appeares. 2 Cor. 11.23. ad finem capitis. 2 Cor. 11:23. in labours more aboundant: in stripes above measure: in prisons more frequent: in death oft, &c.

Sixthly, take heed of consulting with flesh and blood; the flesh is a jade that will kick at sufferings; when [Page 50]Peter grew carnal and fleshly, his voice was no better then this, Master save thy self: which motion Christ rejected, with a get thee behinde me Satan. Looke not at the making of your own Interest; but advance the Interest of Christ and the Gospel; your endeavours to save your own selves, will but make you stumble at the Cross of Christ.

Direct. 7 Seaventhly, labour for a double portion of the Spirit of grace, of love and of a sound minde. This is our victory whereby wee overcome the world, even our faith; love is as strong as death, as powerfull as the grave, the waters of affliction cannot quench, but will enflame it; 't will make you chose (as Moses did) rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, then to en­joy the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season.

Eightly, Direct. 8. 1 Cor. 15.31. Heb. 13.13. 1 Cor. 7.30. take heed of being overcome with love to the world. I protest by your rejoyceing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die dayly. Wee must goe forth unto Christ without the Camp, bearing his reproach. If wee would rejoyce in the world, it must be as if wee rejoyced not, and if wee buy, as if wee possessed not. Our rejoyceing should be in God, not in the world for the fashion thereof passeth away; in a day of prosperity wee are too apt to be fil'd with carnall joy; Gal. 6.14. and oft tymes wee have the more heavenly joy in God in a day of Adversity. God forbid I should glory in any thing save in the Cross of Christ, whereby the [Page 51]world is crucified unto me, and I am crucified unto the world. A holy contempt of the world, will best lead you to a holy joy in God.

Direct. 9 Ninthly, be much in the consideration of Heaven, that will make amends fot all your sufferings on earth; thou shalt make me glad, with the light of thy counte­nance, thou wilt shew me the path of life; in thy pre­sence is fullness of joy, at they right hand there are plea­sures for ever more. And in the Acts 2.25, 26. it is said of David in the person of Christ; Psal. 16. ult. that he foresaw the Lord alwayes before his face, therefore did my heart re­joyce, and my tongue was glad, moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope. O the blessed enjoyment of God re­served for the next world! the glorious vision and frui­tion of God, that is to be enjoy'd in heaven; the commu­nion that is to be enjoyed with the glorious Angels and Saints in Heaven, will sweeten all. Rejoyce that your names are written in Heaven. Luke 10.20. Luke 10.20. in the Lambs book of life; if your names are written in blood or in water in the worlds Calander, yet they are written in gold in the Lambs book of life; with in a few dayes, you shall enter into your Masters joy. I reckon not the sufferings of this present tyme worthy to be compared to the glory that is to be revealed in us: Look upon sin and hell, and then sufferings and heaven will appear the highest good. I read of one that spent his tyme in read­ing of three leaves; the black leafe of his own sins; [Page 52]the red leafe of Christs blood, and the white leafe of Heaven and Eternity. Three leafes worth the reading of. For this cause wee faint not, while wee looke not at the things which are seen and temporall; but at those things which are not seen, but eternall. Labour to make a right comparison between the horrour of hell, and the happiness of Heaven: get a greater assurance of Heaven, 1 Pet. 1.3. that ye may rejoyce in the hope that is laid up for you in Heaven. This was that, those scattered Sants blessed God for. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ: which according to his a­boundant mercy, hath begotten us againe unto a lively hope, by the resurrecton of Jesus Christ from the dead. To an inheritance incorruptable and undefiled that fa­deth not away, reserved in heaven for you. This made them breake out into a triumphant doxology; this made the Martyrs hearts leap for joy under their suffe­rings for Christ, even the thoughts of Heaven and that blessed eternity to which they were going; holy Igna­tius triumphed going to suffer at Rome; yea, gloried and triumphed to think that the Lord would come to reckon for blood.

Tenthtly, and lastly, labour to get your hearts dis­charged of carnall and slavish fear, perfect love casteth out fear; be not affraid to die, and you will not be af­fraid to suffer. Yee may thresh the body of a poor man, but yee cannot hurt the jewel of his soul. Threa­ten [Page 53]saith the Emperour what yee will, I fear nothing but sin; fear not them that can kill the body, and after that have no more that they can doe; but I will fore­warn you whom yee should fear: fear him that when he hath kill'd, hath power to destroy both body and soul in hell fire. Why shoul'st thou fear a mortall man, that hath his breath in his Nostrils, or his bigg words, or staring face? doe men threaten imprisonment? God threatens hell. Doe they promise great rewards, if ye will but comply with them? Aske them (as the Father did) whether they can give that to you they would take from you.

The sixt Proposition is this. That the Consideration of Christs name, that is concern'd in the sufferings of the Saints, is sufficient, to encourage them under them.

Doct. 6 They rejoyced, they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name sake; not for their own name. The great ground of joy under sufferings is Christs name. 2 Cor. 4.11. For wee which live are alwayes delivered unto death for Je­sus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made mani­fest in our mortall flesh. Christs blood is the meritorious cause, and his spirit and grace the assisting cause, and when sufferings come from his name sake as the procur­ing cause there is alwayes joy in them. Therefore [Page 54]when wee suffer for bearing witness to the Truth, this is suffering for Christs name; when wee thus hold forth the profession of Christs name, it tends to the glory of Christ. When wee suffer out of Love to Christs honour to his person, love to his offices and administrations, chooseing to suffer rather then to abate any duty, or ne­glect any communion, when wee suffer upon a Gospel account, as Christ suffered for the introduction, so wee for the confirmation, as he for the satisfaction, so wee for the edification of the Church, that is the valuable account of our sufferings: Phil. 2.17. this the Apostle triumphed in Phil. 2.17. there he tells them If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your Faith, I ioy and rejoyce with you all. There is great reason why this should encou­rage the hearts of Gods people under all their sufferings, because it is but a just returne to him of his sufferings for us: it entails us to great honour with him; and he is able to recompence us for them all. 2 Thess. 1.7. 2 Thess. 1.7. And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels. To close all hence.

Use 1 First, Learn the different excellency there is between the suffering of the Gospel, and all other sufferings. Suf­ferings for sin are a cause of sorrow rather then joy, some corrections are for sin, some for the tryall and probation of grace; some for bearing witness to the Truth. In cor­rections for sin, wee may have comfort; if born patiently, [Page 55]and submissively, justifying of God and condemning of our self, and humbling our selves for the sin, that was the provoking cause of them: there is comfort in those suf­ferings, that are for the tryall and probation of grace, 't will be found for honour and praise at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Luke 21.13. But under sufferings for Christ's name much more; This will turne to you for a testimony. If wee suffer as evill doers, our sufferings are not thank­worthie, but if wee suffer wrongfully happy are wee.

Use 2 Secondly, by way of encouragement, let us not be affraid, nor ashamed of the afflictions of the Gospel, as the Apostle speaks, because they are upon the account of the precious name of Christ: no matter though we be disgraced, so Christ may be honoured, if our names be cutt out, so Christ may be exalted. The Church and people of God may encourage themselves, that they have the name of Christ to bear it out with, even that name by which the whole family in heaven and earth is named. Saith Calvin, let Luther call me Devil, so Christ may be magnified by me I care not: many will be fore­ward to suffer upon the account of a temporall Prince and Agent: and account themselves honoured thereby, how much more honourable is it to suffer for the Prince of life, and glory?

Thirdly how precious ought Christs name to be to the saints; if it will make sufferings so sweet; what will it not make sweet? how precious must that name needs [Page 56]be, that wee are concern'd to lay down our names and lives for, if call'd for? O how sweet is the name of Christ? it will like a bunch of Camphire sweeten all to us. Let us esteem of that blessed name, and count all loss and dross, yea, and dung for the excellency of the knowledge of it. Cant. 1.3. Cant. 1.3. Because of the savour of thy good oyntments thy name is as an oyntment poured forth, therefore doe the Virgins love thee. To such as beleive Christs name is precious. He is admired of his saints, and of all them that beleive. Nothing shall sepa­rate me (saith the Apostle) from the love of God; which is in Christ Jesus. If wee love that name, wee shall not onely be ready to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem, for the name of Jesus; rather choosing the communion of Gods people, and the afflicted state thereof, then all the pleasures of sin, which are but for a season.