"Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for
theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven."
Let us think of the long Roll of Martyrs who have given their lives
for Christ's sake! This blessedness can only be known, and the Prize
obtained, by firm faith in God!
Those who have esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the
treasures of the world have already entered into the recompense of the
reward.
[Illustration: CHRIST ADDRESSING THE MULTITUDES.]
They had seen the promises of God afar off, and were persuaded of them,
and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims
on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they
seek a country.
And this country is a heavenly one, and God is not ashamed to be called
their God, and He has prepared for them a city. Theirs is the Kingdom
of Heaven!