of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark viii. 38. John ix. 21, 22. These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended, -John xvi. 1. Gal. v. 11. vi. 12.

When the apostles had been commanded not to speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus, they said, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.-Acts iv. 18-20.

Again: when they were charged with preaching, contrary to command, the apostles said, We ought to obey God rather than men. And they preached Christ before the council, who caused them to be beaten, and gave them a new charge not to preach: yet they daily, in the temple, and in every house, ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.-Acts vi. 27-42. None of these things move me, &c. so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord.-Acts xx. 24.

I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.-Acts xxi. 13.

Paul, before Felix, said, After the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers.-Acts xxiv. 14.

If I preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased. - Gal. v. 11. vi. 12.

Many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear, &c. That ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel; and in nothing terrified by your ad versaries. Phil. i. 14. 27, 28,

Be thou not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel, &c. I suffer these things; nevertheless, I

If we suffer, &c. If we deny him, he will also deny us.-2 Tim. ii. 12. Nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.-Heb. xii. 5.

If any many suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God.-1 Pet. iv. 16.

Earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.-Jude 3. Thou shalt suffer, &c. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.-Rev. ii. 10. xii. 11.

V. To be cheerful under Affliction

and to rejoice for our being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.-Ps. xxxi. 24.

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines, &c. yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my sal vation.-Hab. iii. 17, 18.

When they shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, rejoice, and be exceeding glad. -Matt. v. 11, 12.

He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.-Matt. x. 38. xvi. 24, 25.

In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.-John xvi. 33.

When the apostles had been put in the common prison, brought before the council, and beaten there, they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.-Acts v. 18. 27. 40, 41.

Paul and Silas being thrust into the inner prison, and their feet made fast in the stocks, sang praises unto God; and the prisoners heard them. Acts. xvi. 24, 25.

Bonds and afflictions abide me; but none of these things move me.-Acts xx. 23, 24.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake.-2 Cor. xii. 10.

1, Paul, am made a minister, who now rejoice in my sufferings for you. -Col. i. 23, 24.

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.1 Thess. iii. 3.

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. ii. 3. Heb. xii. 5.

For ye, &c. took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven, &c.Heb. x. 34.

Moses choosing rather to suffer, &c. esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.-Heb. xi. 25, 26.

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.Heb. xii. 12.

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience, &c. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.-James i. 2, 3. 12.

If ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye; and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.1 Pet. iii. 14.

that judgment must begin, &c.-1 Pet. iv. 12, 13. 16, 17.

Let us go forth therefore unto him, without the camp, bearing his reproach.-Heb. xiii. 13.

VI. To call upon the Lord for Help, Support, and Salvation.

Jacob, in his distress, when Esau pursued him, prayed earnestly, &c.— Gen. xxxii. 8, &c.

Jacob in his great distress, when Joseph had kept Simeon, and required Benjamin also, said, God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin: if I be bereaved, &c. Gen. xliii. 14.

The children of Israel lift up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them, and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord.-Exod. xiv. 10.

When all the waters were bitter, that the people could not drink, Moses cried unto the Lord.-Exod. xv. 23-25.

Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me, &c. So when Amalek fought with Israel, Moses held up his hand, and then Israel prevailed, &c. Exod. xvii. 4. 11, 12.

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If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry.-Exod. xxii. 23.

The Lord shall scatter you among the nations, &c. But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him; if thou seek him with all thine heart, and with all thy soul.-Deut. iv. 27. 29.

When Israel were delivered into the hand of their enemies, they cried unto the Lord; and the Lord raised up a deliverer. Judges iii. 8, 9. x. 13, 14. 2 Chron. xv. 3, 4. 1 Sam. vi. 16.

Hannah was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.-1 Sam. i. 9-13.

Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel, when the Philistines drew up against them.-1 Sam. vii. 9.

David, in his distress, prayed the Lord to turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.-2 Sam. xv.31. xii. 22. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried to my God; and he did hear my voice out of his temple. -2 Sam. xxii. 7. Ps. xviii. 6. iii. 4. When Jerusalem was in distress, by reason of the Assyrians and Rabshakeh's railing and threatening, Hezekiah spread the letter before the Lord, and prayed before the Lord, and said, O Lord God, &c.-2 Kings xix. 14, &c. Isa. xxxvii. 14, &c.

Hezekiah was sick unto death, &c. he turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord, saying, I beseech thee, O Lord, &c. and he wept sore.-2 Kings xx. 1-3. Isa. xxxviii. 1-3.

When there came an host of one thousand thousand against Judah, Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said, Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, &c.-2 Chron. xiv. 9. 12.

There came a multitude against Jehoshaphat, &c. He feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation, and said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God? &c.2 Chron. xx. 2, &c.

When Manasseh was in affliction, he besought the Lord his God, &c. and prayed unto him; and he was intreated of him.-2 Chron. xxxiii. 11 -13. Job xxxvi. 8, 9.

despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him': but when he cried unto him, he heard.-Ps. xxii. 4, 5. 24. cvii. 6. 13.

I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.-Ps. xxxiv. 4. 6. 17. xxxv.

The Psalmist prays for help and salvation in such a time.-Ps. xxxviii. 20-22. xxxix. 10. 13. lxix. 14, 15. lxxxviii. cxliii. 7-9.

For thy sake are we killed all the day long, &c. Awake; why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever! Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction ? &c. -Ps. xliv. 22-26. lxxiv. 9-11.

Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.-Ps. 1. 15.

David prays earnestly in his low condition, for joy and comfort.-Ps. li. 7, &c.

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night. -Ps. lxxvii. 2.

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee; for thou wilt answer me.-Ps. lxxxvi. 7.

I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place.-Ps. cxviii. 5. cxxx. 1. cxlii. 1, &c.

The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water; he turneth it whithersoever he will.Prov. xxi. 1.

The Church, in her low condition, prays earnestly; Look down, &c.Isa. lxiii. 15-19. Ps. lxxiv. 9-11. Isa. lxiv. 8, 9.

Lord, correct me, but with judgment: not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.-Jer. x. 24.

I called upon thy name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon, &c.-Lam. iii. 55. 59, &c.

Daniel, and his fellows, in his great strait and danger about the

king's dream, pray to God.-Dan. ii. 13, 14. 18.

I will go, and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.-Hosea v. 15.

Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be delivered.Joel ii. 32.

When the mariners were in the tempest, they called every man unto his God; and roused up Jonah to call upon his God if so be God will think upon us, that we perish not.Jonah i. 4-6.

Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God, out of the fish's belly, and said, I cried, by reason of mine affliction, unto the Lord.—Jonah ii. 1, &c.

The Ninevites prayed, &c. Who can tell if God will turn and repent? &c.-Jonah iii. 8, 9. 2 Sam. xii. 22. When Peter saw the wind boister ous, he was afraid and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me! And immediately Jesus, &c. caught him.-Matt. xiv. 30, 31.

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Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? Yea, he will avenge them.Luke xviii. 7, 8.

When the apostles had been imprisoned, and convened before the council, they lift up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, &c. behold their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants that with all boldness, &c.Acts iv. 24. 29, 30.

Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.Acts xii. 5. 12.

Paul, when he was under the buffeting of Satan, saith, For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.-2 Cor. xii. 7, 8.

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray, &c. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, &c. and the prayer of

The children of Israel said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? &c. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not; stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you this day, &c. The Lord shall fight for you.-Exod. xiv. 10-14.

Because of Israel's unbelief, and impatience in waiting for God, they were not suffered to enter Canaan ; only their children, of whom they had said, They should be a prey, they did possess the land.-Deut. i. 32-39.

As an encouragement, we should remember what God hath done formerly.-Deut. vii. 17-19.

And David was greatly distressed, &c. but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.-1 Sam. xxx. 6. xvii. 34-37.

It may be that the Lord will look upon my affliction; and that the Lord will requite me good for his cursing this day.-2 Sam. xvi. 12.

Elisha said, when the city was environed with enemies, Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them, &c. But when there was a famine in Samaria, the king (because deliver ance hastened not) said, Behold, this evil is of the Lord: what should I

In the great famine of Samaria, the great lord, who would not believe the plenty the prophet had foretold, was told by the prophet, that he should see it, but not eat thereof: and so it fell out unto him.-2 Kings vii. 1, 2. 17—20.

Though Judah were beset by Israel, yet Judah prevailed, because they relied upon the Lord God of their fathers.-2 Chron. xiii. 14. 18. Ezra viii. 21-23.

God was angry with Asa, for relying on the king of Syria, and not on the Lord his God.-2 Chron. xvi. 7.

Be not afraid, nor dismayed; for the battle is not yours, but God's, &c. Stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you.-2 Chron. xx. 15-17.

To God I would commit my cause. -Job v. 8. Ps. ix. 10. x. 14. xi. 1. I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined to me, and heard my cry: he brought me out of an horrible pit.-Ps. xl. 1, 2. lxii. 1, 2.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.-Ps. xlii. 5. 11. xxxi. 24. xliii. 5.

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee.-Ps. lv. 22. The Lord is merciful, &c. he will not always chide, &c.-Ps. ciii. 8, 9. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me; thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. Ps. cxxxviii. 7.

Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, &c. But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord. Ps. exli. 7, 8. Job xiii. 15.

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Despise not the chastening of the Lord neither be weary of his correction. Prov. iii. 11, 12. Heb. xii. 5, 6.

If thou faint in the day of adver

xxiv. 10.

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord, shall be safe.-Prov. xxix. 25.

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, &c. marvel not at the matter; for he that is higher than the highest regardeth, &c.-Eccles. v. 8.

Take heed, and be quiet: fear not, neither be fainthearted, &c. because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah, have taken evil counsel against thee, &c. It shall not stand.-Isa. vii. 3-7.

And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob; and I will look for him.Isa. viii. 17.

It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.-Isa. xxv. 9. xxvi. 8.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, &c. Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself, &c. until the indignation be over.-Isa, xxvi. 3. 20.

The Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I cried concerning this: their strength is to sit still, &c. Thus saith the Lord, In returning and rest shall ye be saved: in quietness, and in confidence, shall be your strength, and ye would not.-Isa. xxx. 7. 15.

Fear not, for I am with thee: be not dismayed, for I am thy God, &c. Isa. xli. 10. 13, 14. Gen. xv. 1. xxvi. 24.

Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, &c.-Isa. 1. 10, 11.

Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings, &c. I, even I, am he that comforteth you. Who art thou, that thou shouldest