2. Because that joy which we have in afflictions, is the first fruits of our eternall joy and glory.
Vse. This may serve to admonish us to learne to suffer joyfully for the name of Christ, Iames 1.2. Acts 5.41.
Doctrine 5. The reproaches which the faithfull suffer for godlinesse sake, are to be reckoned amongst those persecutions, which they suffer for the name of Christ.
This is gathered from verse 14.
Reason 1. Because they tend to the dishonouring and disgracing of us.
2. Because they shew that the mindes of the authors of them are as ready to bring greater evils upon us, if occasion should serve.
3. Because reproaches doe worke more upon some mens minds then reall injuries.
Vse. This may serve to admonish, 1. all men, to take heed that they have no communion with the wicked world in scoffing at any part of true piety. 2. The godly, to have a speciall care, that they be not moved at such reproaches, but to beare them with the same patience, that they ought to beare other persecutions.
Doctrine 6. In these reproaches which the godly suffer for the name of Christ, the Spirit of God is in a speciall manner blasphemed on the one side, and glorified on the other.
This is gathered from verse 14.