A vindication of the truth of Christian religion against the objections of all modern opposers written in French by James Abbadie ... ; render'd into English by H.L.

Chap. I. 29.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. The Stoicks, who had so much distinguished and raised themselves above all other Men by their sublime Morality, had ever imagined that the Wise man might very well preserve a tranquil and sedate Mind in the midst of his Afflictions; and they were so much intoxicated with Pride, that they were alto∣gether insensible of any Pain or Torment. But the Disciples of Christ went yet higher. They looked

upon the most cruel Sufferings as upon so many Bene∣fits, and so many causes of Joy, and Peace, and Ineffa∣ble Consolation and Comfort. They cried out, I re∣joyce in my sufferings, &c. I delight in Stripes, in Afflicti∣ons, &c. Nay more than this, they returned Thanks to God for having been thought worthy to suffer for his Name's sake. Their Afflictions gave rise to their Gratitude. And all this, because they were support∣ed by a Divine hand, and were most certain to ob∣tain an everlasting Reward. A strange thing indeed, that this Certainty only should be absolutely requi∣site to demonstrate the truth of Religion! The Apostles could never have entertained any false hopes of reward, because their hopes were grounded on what they had seen, and on the miraculous Gifts of God they had both received and often imparted to others. We can't then doubt, but that they had the hopes of a future Reward in prospect, unless we will be wilfully Blind and Ignorant. So blind must the Incredulous be, who wilfully shut their Eyes, and refuse to be convinced of so evident a Truth.