Suffering for Christ's Sake Sublime

        Some passages that bear this out:


        PAUL

        "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time
                       are not worthy to be compared
                       with the glory which shall be
                               revealed in us."

                               (Romans 8:18)


        "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him."
                            (I Timothy 2:12)


        "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall
                     suffer persecution."

                            (II Timothy 3:12)




        PETER

        "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example
                         that ye should follow his steps:

                         (I Peter 2:3)


         "Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings;
               that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye
                   may be glad also with exceeding joy."

                        (I Peter 4:13)





        MARY BAKER EDDY

                "It is a great thing to be found worthy to
                           suffer for Christ, Truth"

                           (Miscellaneous Writings, page 157)



               
            "Admiral Coligny, in the time of the French Hugenots, was converted to Protestanism through a stay copy of the Scriptures that fell into his hands.  He replied to his wife who urged  him to come out and confess his faith, 'It is wise to count the cost of becoming a true Christian.'  She answered him, 'It is wiser to count the cost of not becoming a true Christian.'  So, whatever we meet that is hard in the Christian warfare we must count as nothing, and must think instead, of our poverty and helplessness without this understanding, and count ourselves always as debtors to Christ, Truth."

                         (Miscellaneous Writings, page 281)



        "In metaphysics we learn that the strength of peace and of suffering is sublime, a true, tried mental conviction that is neither tremulous nor relapsing.  This strength is like the ocean, able to carry navies, yet yielding to the touch of a finger. This peace is spiritual, never selfish, stony, nor stormy, but generous, reliable, helpful, and always at hand."

                     (The First Church of Christ, Scientist - page 121)