MAXIMS OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. AFFLICTION. FEAR none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Apoc. ii. 10. For that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. Acts xiv. 22. But we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience trial; and trial hope. Rom. v. 3, 4. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us; so also by Christ doth our comfort abound. Knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so shall you be also of the consolation. 2 Cor. i. 5, 7. But whilst we are judged, we are chastised by the Lord: that we may not be condemned with this world. 1 Cor. xi. 32. For I reckon, that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us. Rom. viii. 18. B The sorrow which is according to God, worketh penance unto salvation. 2 Cor. vii. 10. For our present tribulation, which is momentary and light, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory. 2 Cor. iv. 17. Gladly, therefore, will I glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am powerful. 2 Cor. xii. 9, 10. I exceedingly abound with joy in all our tribulation. 2 Cor. vii. 4. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings; being made conformable to his death. Phil. iii. 10. That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know, that we are appointed thereunto. 1 Thess. iii. 3. In all things we suffer tribulation; but are not distressed we are straitened; but are not destitute. 2 Cor. iv. 8. And you became followers of us, and of the Lord; receiving the word in much tribulation, with joy of the Holy Ghost. 1 Thess. i. 6. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. 2 Tim. ii. 12. (Moses) Choosing rather to suffer persecution with the people of God, than to have the pleasure of sin for a time, Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of the Egyptians: for he looked unto the reward. Heb. xi. 25, 26. Therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over us, laying aside every weight and the sin that surroundeth us, by patience let us run to the fight proposed unto us : Looking on Jesus the author and finisher of faith, who having joy proposed unto him, underwent the cross, despising the shame; and sitteth on the right hand of the throne of God. For think diligently upon him who endureth such opposition from sinners against himself; that you be not wearied, fainting in your minds. For you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin : And you have forgotten the consolation which speaketh to you as to children, saying: My son, neglect not the discipline of the Lord: neither be thou wearied whilst thou art rebuked by him. For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth; and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. Persevere under chastisement. God offereth himself to you as to sons; for what son is he, whom the father doth not correct? But if you be without chastisement, whereof all are made partakers, then are you bastards, and not sons. Moreover, we have had, indeed, for our instructors, the fathers of our flesh; and we reverenced them: shall we not much more obey the Father of spirits, and live? For they, indeed, for a few days, chastised us according to their own pleasure; but he, for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastisement for the present seemeth to bring with it joy, but sorrow: but afterwards it will |