it patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we being dead to sins, should live un to righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd, and Bishop of your souls. But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled: but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man, that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, 1 Pet. ii. 20-25. M with meekness and fear.-If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God, commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.-Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. -Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou 1 Pet. iii. 14, 15. 1 Pet. iv. 14-19. 1 John, iii. 13, 14. faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.-To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it.— I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation: him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. Rev. ii. 10. Rev. ii. 17. Rev. iii. 8-12. CHAP. VII. EXHORTATIONS, TO CHRISTIAN CHARITY, OBEDIENCE, AND BROTHERLY LOVE. HIM that is weak in the faith, receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eatheth not judge him that eateth : for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord: and whether we die, we die unto the Lord. Then why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more but judge |