that by that means they should make my ministry to be abandoned.
307. It began therefore to be rumoured up and down among the people that I was a witch, a Jesuit, a highwayman, and the like.
308. To all which I shall only say, God knows that I am innocent. But as for mine accusers, let them provide themselves to meet me before the tribunal of the Son of God, there to answer for all these things, with all the rest of their iniquities, unless God shall give them repentance for them, for the which I pray with all my heart.
309. But that which was reported with the boldest confidence was that I had my misses, my whores, my bastard—yea, two wives at once, and the like. Now these slanders, with the others, I glory in, because but slanders, foolish or knavish lies, and falsehoods cast upon me by the devil and his seed; and should I not be dealt with thus wickedly by the world, I should want one sign of a saint and a child of God. "Blessed are ye," said the Lord Jesus, "when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matt. v. 11, 12).
310. These things, therefore, upon mine own account trouble me not—no, though they were twenty times more than they are. I have a good conscience; and whereas they speak evil of me, as an evil-doer, they shall be ashamed that falsely accuse my good conversation in Christ.
311. So, then, what shall I say to those who have thus bespattered me, Shall I threaten them? Shall I chide them? Shall I flatter them? Shall I entreat them to hold their tongues? No, not I. Were it not for that these things made them ripe:for damnation that are the authors and abettors, I would say unto them, Report it, because it will increase. my glory.
