Considerations of the existence of God and of the immortality of the soul, with…

To render this Argument ⟨p. 218⟩more sensible, let us consider the vast multitude of the Martyrs in the first times of Christianity, more easy to be admired than numbered. It would be a History, to describe the instruments of their cruel sufferings, invented by the fierce wit of their persecutors, the various tortures to destroy Life with a slow death, such as were never before inflicted on the guiltiest Malefactors. All which they willingly endured, with an invariable serenity of countenance, the sign and effect of their inward peace, Nay with triumphant expressions of Joy. Now to what original shall we attribute this fortitude of Spirit? were such numbers of all conditions, ages, sects, induced by rash counsel, by frenzy of passion, by a desire of vainglory, or any like cause, to part ⟨p. 219⟩with all that is precious and amiable in the World, for Swords, and Fire, and Crosses, and Wheels, and Racks, to torment and destroy their Bodies? No humane Reasons, neither the Virtue nor Vice of Nature, Generosity nor Obstinacy could possibly give such strength under such Torments. This was so evident, that many Heathen Spectators were convinced of the Divine Power miraculously supporting them, and became Proselytes of Christianity, and with admirable cheerfulness offered themselves to the same punishments. Now this is an extrinsic testimony incomparably more weighty than from a bare affirmation in words, or a mere consent of judgment, that there is an unseen state, infinitely better, and more durable than what is present, the hopes of ⟨p. 220⟩which made them esteem the parting with all sensible things, measured by time, not to have the shadow of a loss. And this was not a mere naked view of a future blessedness but joined with an impression of that sweetness and strength, that consolation and force of Spirit, that it was manifest, Heaven descended to them, before they ascended to Heaven. From hence they were fearless of those who could only kill the Body, but not touch the Soul. As the breaking a Crystal in pieces cannot injure the light that penetrated and filled it, but releases it from that confinement. So the most violent Death was in their esteem not hurtful to the Soul, but the means to give it entrance into a happy immortality.