[ 1268] The Martyrs Wellcome to Heaven.
WHen a Father sends his Sonne abroad about some earnest businesse,* 1.1 and he meet with much difficulty in the way, and come home in rainy, tem∣pestuous weather, How gladly doth he entertain him? the whole Family are ready to tend upon him, one makes a fire, another gets him dry cloaths; a third is busie in preparing somewhat to comfort his wear••ed spirits: And thus the People of God, when they meet with hardship in the Pilgrimage of this World, and suffer even unto death for Righteousnesse sake,* 1.2 whether they be Martyrs in will, and in deed, as S. Stephen; In will and not in deed, as S. Iohn; In deed, but not in wil, as the Innocents, When they come and meet with Christ, for whom and in whose cause they have suffered, How shall they be received? With what wellcome shall they be entertained? What Riches of glory shall they enjoy in the highest Heavens for evermore? They shall have Crowns upon their heads, palms in their hands, long white robes upon their backs, and shall sit at the right hand of God, when all their Persecutors shall stand like so many base unworthy Creatures before them.