A striking peculiarity!

(Alexander, "Thoughts on Religious Experience" 1844)

It is incongruous for Christians to be enjoying ease
and prosperity in this world, when their Lord was "a
man of sorrows and acquainted with grief". (Isa 53:3)

For the Christian to seek great things for himself here
in this world, does not befit the character of a disciple
of the meek and lowly Jesus.

It is a striking peculiarity in the religion of Christ,
that in the conditions of discipleship--"taking up the
cross" is the first thing (Matt 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke
9:23). He never enticed any to follow Him with the
promise of earthly prosperity, or exemption from
suffering. On the contrary, He assures them that in
the world they shall have tribulation. (John 16:33)

Whoever will not take Christ with His cross shall never
sit with Him on His throne. "No cross--no crown",
holds out an important truth in few words.