The doctrine now laid down, as it is general, ought to be carried into practise by all Christians, each applying it to his own use according as may be necessary.  This I say, in order that those who do not see themselves in apparent danger may not think it superfluous as regards them.  They are not at this hour in the hands of tyrants, but how do they know what God means to do with them hereafter?  We ought therefore to be so forearmed that if some persecution which we did not expect arrives, we may not be taken unawares.  But I much fear that there are many deaf ears in regard to this subject.  So far are those who are sheltered and at their ease from preparing to suffer death when need shall be that they do not even trouble themselves about serving God in their lives.  It nevertheless continues true that this preparation for persecution ought to be our ordinary study, and especially in the times in which we live.

Those, again, whom God calls to suffer for the testimony of His name ought to show by deeds that they have been thoroughly trained to patient endurance.  Then ought they to recall to mind all the exhortations which were given them in times past, and bestir themselves just as the soldier rushes to arms when the tempest sounds.  But how different is the result.  The only question is how to find out subterfuges for escaping.  I say this in regard to the greater part; for persecution is a true touchstone by which God ascertains who are His.  And few are so faithful as to be prepared to meet death boldly.

It is a kind of monstrous thing, that persons who make a boast of having a little of the gospel, can venture to open their lips to give utterance to such quibbling.  Some will say, What do we gain by confessing our faith to obstinate people who have deliberately resolved to fight against God?  Is not this to cast pearls before swine?  As if Jesus Christ had not distinctly declared (Matt viii., 38) that He wishes to be confest among the perverse and malignant.  If they are not instructed thereby, they will at all events remain confounded; and hence confession is an odor of a sweet smell before God, even tho it be deadly to the reprobate.  There are some who say, What will our death profit?  Will it not rather prove an offense?  As if God hath left them the choice of dying when they should see it good and find the occasion opportune.  On the contrary, we approve our obedience by leaving in His hand the profit which is to accrue from our death.

In the first place, then, the Christian man, wherever he may be, must resolve, notwithstanding dangers or threatings, to walk in simplicity as God has commanded.  Let him guard as much as he can against the ravening of the wolves, but let it not be with carnal craftiness.  Above all, let him place his life in the hands of God.  Has he done so?

Then if he happens to fall into the hands of the enemy, let him think that God, having so arranged, is pleased to have him for one of the witnesses of His Son, and therefore that he has no means of drawing back without breaking faith with Him to whom we have promised all duty in life and in death—­Him whose we are and to whom we belong, even though we should have made no promise.