"Thus today many who at the beginning were aflame with boundless zeal for the Gospel now most bitterly hate its doctrine and those who teach it. Therefore our life will have to be set up in such a way that we prepare ourselves for this outcome and these fruits of our labors; and if anything happens contrary to our hope, let us reckon it all as gain. You will not change the world. But this is the way you must speak: “I must keep at it, because I have taken up this office for God’s sake, not for the sake of the ungrateful world.” Just as the vine provides wine in great supply and pleasantness to the worst of men, so also, since we are the sons of God, let us imitate the clemency and kindness of our Father, and also the examples of other creatures. And let us not bear this ingratitude with impatience, since we have been born and placed into this life and station by God to serve the world and to gather the elect for eternal salvation. If there are any good men who acknowledge our services, there is reason for self-congratulation on our part. But if the greater part curses, condemns, and slays us, we should know that this is our reward. And in this we should become like the Son of God and all the saints, who, in return for the greatest services, experienced the utmost ingratitude of men."
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