10. Why has the devil been permitted to cast some of God's people into prison?
“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried.... Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Rev. 2:10. See Dan. 11:33-35.
Note.—Dr. William Dodd (1729-77), an unfortunate English divine, who, under stress of circumstances, became a heavy forger, was imprisoned at Newgate for a time, and finally executed. Upon visiting him, John Wesley found “a penitent and hopeful malefactor,” and in his “Journal” says: “A real, deep work of God seemed to be already begun in his soul. Perhaps by driving him too fast, Satan has driven him to God, to that repentance which shall never be repented of.” Visiting him shortly before his execution, Mr. Wesley is reported to have replied to Mr. Dodd's apologies for receiving him in the condemned cell, “Courage, brother; perhaps God saw that nothing else would do.” See “Life of John Wesley,” by Richard Watson, page 207.
11. How would God have us sympathize with those in bonds and adversity?
“Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.” Heb. 13:3.
12. What blessed invitation will Christ finally extend to those who have ministered to the wants of the needy, and visited the sick and those in prison?
“Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Matt 25:34.