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choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy
the pleasures of sin for a season, esteeming the reproach of Christ
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greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he had respect unto the
recompense of reward. He showed that this is one of many instances
where the reproach of Christ was esteemed above worldly riches and
honor, high-sounding titles, a prospective crown, and the glory of a
kingdom. The eye of faith was fixed upon the glorious future, and the
recompense of the reward was regarded of such value as to cause the
richest things which earth can offer to appear valueless. The children
of God endured mockings, scourgings, bonds, and imprisonments; they
were stoned, sawn asunder, tempted, wandering about in sheepskins
and goatskins, destitute, afflicted, tormented, and, sustained by hope
and faith, they could call these light afflictions; the future, the eternal
life, appeared of so great value that they accounted their sufferings
small in comparison with the recompense of the reward.
“Brother Andrews related an instance of a faithful Christian about
to suffer martyrdom for his faith. A brother Christian had been con-
versing with him in regard to the power of the Christian hope—if
it would be strong enough to sustain him while his flesh should be
consuming with fire. He asked this Christian, about to suffer, to give
him a signal if the Christian faith and hope were stronger than the
raging, consuming fire. He expected his turn to come next, and this
would fortify him for the fire. The former promised that the signal
should be given. He was brought to the stake amid the taunts and
jeers of the idle and curious crowd assembled to witness the burning
of this Christian. The fagots were brought and the fire kindled, and
the brother Christian fixed his eyes upon the suffering, dying martyr,
feeling that much depended upon the signal. The fire burned, and
burned. The flesh was blackened; but the signal came not. His eye was
not taken for a moment from the painful sight. The arms were already
crisped. There was no appearance of life. All thought that the fire had
done its work, and that no life remained; when, lo! amid the flames,
up went both arms toward heaven. The brother Christian, whose heart
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was becoming faint, caught sight of the joyful signal; it sent a thrill
through his whole being, and renewed his faith, his hope, his courage.
He wept tears of joy.
“As Brother Andrews spoke of the blackened, burned arms raised
aloft amid the flames, he, too, wept like a child. Nearly the whole con-