Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy. Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. Yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience so that when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good if that should be God's will than for doing evil. For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit. 1 Peter 3:17-18.

Comfort. To be comforted now must come from heaven. All is mockery except it can tell of God reconciled, sin pardoned, the soul safe. He can guide the trembler to his cross. He can reveal to him there a heavenly Father arrayed in glories of eternal love. He can point to his own dying as the death of wrath. He can show the sword of justice sheathed in his own heart. The flames of vengeance quenched in his own blood. The hand that was uplifted to strike, now extended to bless. All hell piled upon the guiltless and heaven freely given to the guilty. Is not this consolation? It is. And Jesus pours it from his wounded hands and pierced side. Henry Law.