HAPPY ARE YE --- 1 Peter 4:14, 19.
"If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you." --- 1 Peter 4:14, 19.
"Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy; for, behold, your reward is great in heaven." --- Luke 6:23.
Whosoever shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven; but whosoever shall deny me, etc. . . ." --- Matthew 10:32, 33.
Every real Christian must expect persecution from the world; and though he should take heed of giving needless offence by selfwill or rash conduct of any kind, yet should he not seek to shun the cross by what some men call prudence, or a sneaking compliance with the world, but be willing to suffer everything rather than to hurt the cause of God in the least.
We should openly confess Christ our Lord, and not mind being called fools by the wicked, as we know that at last they will call themselves by that name: therefore care not for the approbation and praise of the world; but count it a great honour to bear the reproach of Christ.
Bless'd are the sufferers who partake
Of pain and shame for Jesus' sake;
Their souls shall triumph in the Lord,
Glory and joy are their reward.
The Lamb shall lead his heavenly flock
Where livng fountains rise;
And love Divine shall wipe away
The sorrows of their eyes.