way of Christ, and for the sake of Christ—they do but add pearls to
with, compared to the great things that others have suffered for
Christ's sake.
Ah, young men! you should be like the Scythian that went naked in
the snow; and when Alexander wondered how he could endure it,
answered, I am all forehead.
So should you in the cause and way of Christ; you should not be
ashamed, you should be all forehead, you should be stout and bold.
Colonus, the Dutch martyr, under all his reproaches, called to the
judge that had sentenced him to death, and desired him to lay his
hand upon his heart, and then asked him, Whose heart did beat
fastest—his or the judge's? All the reproaches in the world should not
so much as make a Christian's heart race; they should not in the least
trouble him nor disturb him. But,
2. Secondly, I answer, That all the reproaches you meet with in the
way of Christ, and for the sake of Christ—they do but add pearls to
your crown; they are all additions to your happiness and
blessedness. "If you are ridiculed for the name of Christ, you are
blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter
4:14. The more you are reproached for Christ's sake on earth, the
greater shall be your reward in heaven; those who are most loaded
with reproaches here, shall be most laden with glory hereafter, Mat.
5:11-12. Christ has written their names in golden letters in his book
of life—who are written in black letters of reproach for his sake on
earth. It was a good saying of Chrysostom: A reproacher, says he, is