Words of advice to young men delivered in two sermons at two conventions of young men, the one Decemb. 25, 1666, the other Decemb. 25, 1667 / by Thomas Vincent ...

(4.) The wicked one doth represent the way of the Gospel which Professors walk in as a reproachfull way; he would discourage young ones from this way by the scorns and divisions they are like to meet with, that they shall be scoffed at, and reproached by their companions.

To overcome this prejudice of the wicked one, know,

1. That they are the most vile and contemptible persons in the World that reproach and deride Gods people, and it is as ridiculous a thing for them to do it, as to laugh at the shining of the Sun: It is as if black, deformed, crooked persons should laugh

and deride at those who are most fair and beautifull, and therefore their reproaches and derisions are not in the least to be valued.

2. That such as are reproached for Religion by men, are most highly honoured by God and Christ, he esteems them as the most excellent persons here, and he will own and crown them in the face of the world at the last day.