To suffer any thing for the Cause of Christ. [ 1862]
IT is said of Hormisda, a Nobleman of great eminency in the King of Persia his Court, that because he would nor deny Christ, he was degraded of all his ho∣nours, stript out of his Lordly habit, cloathed with sordid rags, and so turn'a out to keep the Camels; After a long time, the King seeing him in that base, slavish condition, and remembring his former estate, took pity on him, caused him to be brought into his Pallace,* 1.1 suited him like himself in rich attire, and then perswadeth him to deny Christ; at which he rent his silken cloaths, and said; If for these silly things you think to have me to deny my Faith in Christ, take them again, Ile none of them; And so with great scorn and reproach he was the second time cast out. Thus it is, that all of us should be ready to suffer any thing for the cause of Christ, be contented to be made a by-word and laughing-stock for Christ, and to bear with willing shoulders the most disgraceful things that can by the malice of Men and Devils be put upon us for Christ:* 1.2 nay, to bear up our spirits, though all the World should frown upon us, cast us off, scorn us,* 1.3 and accompt us as a disgrace unto them.