Sickness and discomfort of any sort, incurred by our energy in the service of the Truth, are permitted by our Father as evidences of our fidelity and love; because if not liable to such tribulations, or if relieved of them instantly by a miracle, the Lord's service would cost us no sacrifice and the test of our willingness to endure for the Truth's sake would be wanting. As it is, however, every ache or pain or wound of person or of feelings, and beheading socially or literally for the Truth's sake, becomes a witness of the Spirit, testifying to our faithfulness. And in all such tribulations we should rejoice greatly—as say our Lord and the Apostle Peter.
To suffer as a Christian means to suffer from the same causes, in the same forms, in the same spirit, for the same purposes, and with similar results as Jesus. Whoever is so highly favored, far from being ashamed, should count it the greatest privilege and cause for rejoicing and thanksgiving possible for a human being to have. It gives him fellowship with the Father, the Son and the saints, appreciation of their characters, great peace and joy in this life, preparation for the Kingdom, and eventually the prize of our calling
REPRINTS
Matt. 5:10-12; Rom. 8:35, 36; 1 Cor. 15:31, 32; 2 Cor. 1:5, 9; 12:10; Gal. 2:20; 6:17; Phil. 1:29; 3:10; Heb. 10:32-34; Jas. 1:2, 12; 1 Pet. 1:6, 7; 2:19-24; 4:12-14; 5:1, 10.
HYMNS
134, 47, 114, 208, 302, 325, 326.
POEMS OF DAWN
287 : "AND SITTING DOWN, THEY WATCHED HIM THERE"
