§. Sect. 4 Of the neces∣sity of Chri∣stian Apology and profession of the truth.
Secondly, let vs consider, that this Christian apology in the profession of the truth, and practice of all holy and Christian duties, is a matter of * 1.1 vrgent necessity, which as neerly concerneth vs, as the euerlasting salua∣tion of our soules. For they that will be Christs Disciples, must take vp their crosse daily, and follow him; and bee contented, for his sake and the Gospels, to forsake kindred and friends, houses, lands, and life it selfe, if they be called thereunto. Now how shall we with patience and constancy indure for Christs sake, wounds and stabs, if wee shrinke for words and scoffes? How shall wee euer hope to suffer rackes and gibbets, fire and sword, for the profession of the truth, and the practice of Christian duties; if we be daunted with euery small disgrace, and discouraged in them with reprochfull names, and scornefull taunts? Let vs thinke with our selues, that if we cannot indure causelesse shame before men, which is ac∣companyed with true glory, how shall we be able to beare that euerlast∣ing shame and confusion of face, when as Christ shall be ashamed to ac∣knowledge * 1.2 vs for his, before his Father, his holy Saints, and blessed An∣gels, because we haue been ashamed of him and his truth? Now that wee may performe this duty, which is so necessary, with cheerfulnesse and de∣light, and contemne the derisions and scornings of gracelesse men, when they scoffe at vs for the performance of Christian duties, blushing for shame that we should be thus ashamed; let vs consider, that when wee are most derided of the wicked world, for the conscionable performance of any Christian duties, we are then most approued of God; and there∣fore when they seeke to daunt vs with their scoffes, and to driue vs from our Christian hold with gibes and reproches; let vs oppose this as a shield of strength against them, saying vnto our soules, My defence is * 1.3 of God, who saueth the vpright in heart. Let vs comfort and cheere our selues with the peaceable testimony of a good conscience, and our in∣ward ioy in well-doing; and with the applause of the holy Angels who looke vpon vs, and the approbation and praise of all that feare God. Let vs remember, that they are pronounced blessed by our Sauiour, who are * 1.4 thus abused for righteousnesse sake, and that they shall raigne with him in his glory, who haue suffered with him in these disgraces: that then, for * 1.5 their shame, they shall receiue double honour, and for confusion, they shall reioyce in their portion, and euerlasting ioy shall be vnto them. In which respect, the Apostle Peter exhorteth vs to reioyce, in as much as we are partakers of Christs * 1.6 sufferings, that when his glory shall be reuealed, we may be glad also with excee∣ding