When we see our brethren before us fall to the earth by death,
through the violence of the enemies of God, for their holy and
Christian profession, we should covet to make good their ground
against them, though our turn should be next. We should valiantly do
in this matter as is the custom of soldiers in war; take great care
that the ground be maintained, and the front kept full and complete.
There are but few when they come to the cross, cry, Welcome, cross!
as some of the martyrs did to the stake they were burned at.
Therefore, if you meet with the cross in thy journey, in what manner
soever it be, be not daunted and say, Alas, what shall I do now? but
rather take courage, knowing that by the cross is the way to the
kingdom. Can a man believe in Christ, and not be hated by the devil?
Can he make a profession of Christ, and that sweetly and
convincingly, and the children of Satan hold their tongue? Can
darkness agree with light?