Perseverance Amid Trials
It was in this place that Eld. Rosqvist was forbidden to preach, by
the church council, and because he continued preaching, was arrested
at the instigation of the priest, fined, and finally brought to prison.
On Sunday afternoon I spoke of the time of trial and persecution
awaiting God’s people, and their duty to hold fast the truth. God has
presented in his word sacred truths, and he expects us to accept them
without regard to our own convenience, or good name, or worldly
profit. Whenever a doctrine or duty is brought before us, the all-
important question to be decided is, Is it enforced by the word of God?
Does the Lord require this of us? If so, whatever may be the cross
involved, we should unhesitatingly accept it.
If we love God and keep his commandments, we need not expect
the world to be in sympathy with us, any more than it was with Christ.
Says John, “The world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”
And in all ages the defenders of the faith have realized the truth of
the words of Paul, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suf-
fer persecution.” Because the truth contradicts the doctrines of men,
and condemns their unrighteous practices, it excites the most bitter
opposition. The majority, even of those who bear Christ’s name, are
unwilling to follow his example of self-denial and cross-bearing; and
as they become more and more alienated from him, they cannot distin-
guish between the heavenly and the earthly; their peace is disturbed
[196]
by the fact that there is a people that serve God and renounce every
sinful practice. Men who are trampling upon God’s requirements feel
a constant rebuke from the course of those who render obedience to
him; and this is why such enmity is manifested against all who are true
to God. For this reason the Pharisees rejected Christ, and the same
spirit still exists, and will continue to exist until the close of time.
Said Christ to his apostles: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in
the midst of wolves; be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as
doves. But beware of men; for they will deliver you up to the councils,
and they will scourge you in their synagogues; and ye shall be brought
123