A Christian Directory
June 10, 2014
Look not for too great matters in the world: take it but for that wilderness which is the way to the promised land of rest. And then you will not count it strange to meet with hard usage and sufferings from almost all. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as if some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice in that ye are partakers of the sufferings of Christ,” 1 Peter iv. 12, 13. Are you content with God and Heaven for your portion? If not, how are you Christians? If you are, then you have small temptation to rebel or use unlawful means for earthly privileges. Paul saith, he “took pleasure in persecutions,” 2 Corinthians xii. 10. Learn you to do so, and you will easily bear them.
Richard Baxter, A Christian Directory (1665)