What was the strength of those who in the past have suffered persecution for Christ's sake? It was union with God, union with the Holy Spirit, union with Christ. Reproach and persecution have separated many from earthly friends, but never from the love of Christ. Never is the tempest-tried soul more dearly loved by His Saviour than when he is suffering reproach for the truth's sake. "I will love him," Christ said, "and will manifest Myself to him." John 14:21. When for the truth's sake the believer stands at the bar of earthly tribunals, Christ stands by his side. When he is confined within prison walls, Christ manifests Himself to him and cheers his heart with His love. When he suffers death for Christ's sake, the Saviour says to him, They may kill the body, but they cannot hurt the soul. "Be of good cheer; I 86 have overcome the world." "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." John 16:33; Isaiah 41:10.

Hvori bestod da styrken hos dem, som i fortiden led forfølgelse for Kristi skyld? Den bestod i samfund med Gud, samfund med Helligånden, samfund med Kristus! Vanære og forfølgelser har adskilt mange fra deres jordiske venner, men aldrig fra Kristi kærlighed. Aldrig elskes den hjemsøgte sjæl højere af sin Frelser, end når den lider vanære for sandhedens skyld. "Jeg skal elske ham," sagde Kristus, "og åbenbare mig for ham." Joh. 14,21. Når den troende for sandhedens skyld står for verdens domstole, står Kristus ved hans side. Når han bliver indespærret indenfor fængselsmure, åbenbarer Kristus sig for ham og opmuntrer hans hjerte med sin kærlighed. Når han lider døden for Kristi skyld, siger Frelseren til ham: Legemet kan de dræbe, men de kan ikke skade sjælen! "Vær frimodige, jeg har overvundet verden." Joh. 16,33. "Frygt ikke, thi jeg er med dig, vær ej rådvild, thi jeg er din Gud! med min retfærds højre styrker, ja hjælper, ja støtter jeg dig." Es. 41,10.