48 THE EXCELLENCIES OF [Chap. 3. to us. Ourselves are the greatest snare to ourselves. This is our comfort, our rest will free us from all these. As Satan hath no entrance there, so neither any thing to serve his malice ; but all things there shall join with us in the high praises of our great Deliverer. As we rest from the temptations, we shall likewise from the abuses and persecutions of the world. The prayers of the souls under the altar will then be answered, and God will avenge their blood on them that dwell on the earth. This is the time for crowning with thorns; that, for crowning with glory. Now, " all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution ;" then, they that suffered with him shall be glorified with him. Now, we must be hated of all men for Christ's name's sake; then, Christ will be admired in his saints that were thus hated. We are here made a spec- tacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men : as the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things, men separate us from their company, and reproach us, and cast out our names as evil; 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 not. We can scarce now 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 rejoic- ing, while they are howling and lamenting! You, brethren, who can now attempt no work of God without losing the love of theworld, consider, you shall have none in heaven but will further your work, and join heart and voice with you in your everlasting joy and praise. Till then, possess ye your souls in patience. Bind all reproaches as a crown to your heads.. Esteem them greater riches than the world's treasures. " It is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; and to you, who are troubled, rest with Christ." We shall then rest from all our sad divisions, and unchristian quarrels with one ano- ther. Tow lovingly do thousands live together in heaven, who lived at variance upon earth ! There is no contention, because none of this pride, ignorance, or other corruption. There is no plotting to strengthen our party, nor deep de- signing against our brethren. If there be sorrow or shame in heaven, we shall then be both sorry and ashamed to re- member all this conduct on earth ; as Joseph's brethren
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