Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book IV Our holy Saviour applied poverty and riches, and the like, both to spiritual things and objects of sense. For when He said, "Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness' sake,"[23] "Blessed are they," says He, "who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for they shall be called the sons of God; "[56] Tertullian On the Resurrection of the Flesh He remembered the award (which the Lord assigns) in the Gospel: "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."[270] Tertullian Scorpiace ! He will have commanded either no martyrdoms at all, or those which must be understood in a sense different from the ordinary, being such a person as to urge no one to a risk of this kind as to promise no reward to them who suffer for Him, because He does not wish them to suffer; and therefore does He say, when setting forth His chief commands, "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."[57] Cyprian Epistle XXV Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for so did their fathers persecute the prophets which were before you."[5] Cyprian Treatise XI Exhortation to Martyrdom Addressed to Fortunatus Moreover, the Lord in the Gospel, Himself the avenger of our persecution and the rewarder of our suffering, says: "Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."[112] Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews Of this same matter, according to Matthew: "Blessed are they which shall suffer persecution for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."[482] Dionysius Extant Fragments Part II And another individual, who was by birth a Libyan, and who at once in name ' and in real blessedness was also a true Macar[28] The Second Epistle of Zephyrinus Yet even persecutions are to be endured patiently, that ye may be known to be His disciples, for whom also ye suffer. Whence, too, he says Himself, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake."[4]