Matthew Poole and continuators on Matthew 5:11

11 Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute ye, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake.

Revising, and speaking Evil of Personss falsly, because of their Profession of Christ, and because they dare not sin against God, is a species of Persecution. Gen. 21.9. Gal. 4.29. tho the lowest Degree of it. It hath been the constant lot of Gods Servants, David said, Psal. 35.11. that false Witnesses did rise up, and laid to his Charge things that he knew not. Thus Iohn and Christ were served, Matth. 11.19. Luk. 7.34. nor is it to be wondred, that those whose Consciences are so [illegible: 1 letter]eared, that they cannot feel the Guilt of Persecuting others for Righteousness sake, should not feel the Guilt of Lying and fa[illegible: 1 letter]se Swearing. But saith our Saviour, you are B[illegible: 1 letter]essed when these things happen unto you, 1 Pet. 4.13.

Marginal references: Or, lying for my names sake.