A26796:802
The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption…
The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ, or, Discourses wherein is showed how the wisdom, mercy, justice, holiness, power, and truth of God are glorified in that great and blessed work / by William Bates.The harmony of the divine attributes in the contrivance and accomplishment of man's redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ, or, Discourses wherein is shewed how the wisdom, mercy, justice, holiness, power, and truth of God are glorified in that great and blessed work / by William Bates.
London: printed by J. Darby for Nathaniel Ranew and Jonathan Robinson and Brabazon Aylmer, 1674
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The barbarous Enemy might tear their Hearts from their Breasts, but never Christ from their Hearts, to whom they were inseparably united by Love, stronger than the most cruel Death.
Now what less then the Divine Power could support them under those Torments, which 'tis almost incredible a Body made of flesh could endure? I will not Dispute whether it exceeds all Natural force to suffer such, from a vicious Affection of Pride, or obstinacy: but the frequency of it exceeds all Natural Possibility. 'Twas not impossible for one of the Romans to hold his Right Hand unmoved over a burning Torch, to extinguish in the King their Enemy, all hopes […] drawing […] him the Secrets of his Country by the force of Torments; but it was not Possible that many thousands such should have been in ⟨p. 454⟩Rome. For then that single Example had not been so wonderful in all Antiquity. But the Noble Army of Martyrs who overcame in the most bloody battles, was numerous beyond account; and composed of all sorts of Persons, of the aged and infirm, of tender Youths, of delicate Women, of the Honourable and obscure; Yet in that difference of Ages, and Sexes, and States, there appeared such an equality of Virtue,1 that it was Visible, the same Heavenly Spirit inspired them all with Courage, and by assuring them of Eternal Life, made them despise present Death. Such Heroical and frequent Constancy must be ascribed to the Breast-plate of Faith, and Love, of a Celestial temper, wherewith the Almighty had Armed them.
Now what less then the Divine Power could support them under those Torments, which 'tis almost incredible a Body made of flesh could endure? I wil not Dispute whether it exceeds all Natural force to suffer such, from a vitious Affection of Pride, or obstinacy: but the frequency of it exceeds all Natural Possibility. 'Twas not impossible for one of the Romans to hold his Right Hand unmoved over a burning Torch, to extinguish in the King their Enemy, all hopes 〈…〉 drawing him the Secrets of his Country by the force of Torments; but it was not Possible that many thousands such should have been in