“And from the eleventh mountain, where were trees full of fruits, adorned with fruits of various kinds, they who believed were the following: they who suffered for the name of the Son of God, and who also suffered cheerfully with their whole heart, and laid down their lives.” “Why, then, sir,” I said, “do all these trees bear fruit, and some of them fairer than the rest?” “Listen,” he said: “all who once suffered for the name of the Lord are honourable before God; and of all these the sins were remitted, because they suffered for the name of the Son of God. And why their fruits are of various kinds, and some of them superior, listen.
All,” he continued, “who were brought before the authorities and were examined, and did not deny, but suffered cheerfully— these are held in greater honour with God, and of these the fruit is superior; but all who were cowards, and in doubt, and who reasoned in their hearts whether they would deny or confess, and yet suffered, of these the fruit is less, because that suggestion came into their hearts; for that suggestion— that a servant should deny his Lord— is evil. Have a care, therefore, you who are planning such things, lest that suggestion remain in your hearts, and you perish unto God.
And you who suffer for His name ought to glorify God, because He deemed you worthy to bear His name, that all your sins might be healed. [Therefore, rather deem yourselves happy], and think that you have done a great thing, if any of you suffer on account of God. The Lord bestows upon you life, and you do not understand, for your sins were heavy; but if you had not suffered for the name of the Lord, you would have died to God on account of your sins. These things I say to you who are hesitating about denying or confessing: acknowledge that you have the Lord, lest, denying Him, you be delivered up to prison.
If the heathen chastise their slaves, when one of them denies his master, what, do you think, will your Lord do, who has authority over all men? Put away these counsels out of your hearts, that you may live continually unto God.”
Source: The Pastor (or "The Shepherd") (New Advent)