Reproaches and Sufferings for the Name of Christ, marks of Salvation. [ 1265]
THere is mention made of one Eschylus,* 1.1 who being condemned to be stoned to death, and all the People being ready to do Execution upon him, his bro∣ther ran in unto him, and shewed them that he had but one hand, and that he lost the other in defence of his Countrey; whereupon there was none that would throw a stone at him: And thus it is that Reproaches and Sufferings in the cause of Christ, are notable marks to safe-guard us in the time of trouble; It was Ie∣remiah's plea, O Lord, thou knowest, remember me and visit me, know, that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke:* 1.2 This is the evidence that a gracious heart hath to its self, that God will spare him, when others shall suffer from his wrath: For the more any Man is called to suffer in the cause of God, and when he finds his heart ready and willing to yield to God in suffering, the more evidence he may have to his Soul, that when others be called to suffer from wrath, he shall be spared; this being the bottom of the Psalmists prayer, Remember, Lord, the Reproaches of thy servants,* 1.3 how I do bear in my bosome the Reproach of thy mighty People.