A26796:804
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.
If it be said that some have died for a false Religion, so that the extraordinary assistance of Heaven was not necessary to encourage the Christian Martyrs. The Answer is clear. There is a vast difference between the number of the Sufferers, and manner of their Sufferings.
1. Some few moved by Vanity and Melancholy, or compelled, have suffered for a false Religion, that was authorised by the Custom of their Country for many Ages. But innumerable Christians animated by the example of their Crucified King, freely sacrificed themselves for the testimony of the Gospel upon the first Revelation of it, before any humane respects gave colour to it.
1. Some few moved by Vanity and Melancholy, or compell'd, have suffered for a false Religion, that was authorised by the Custom of their Country for many Ages. But innumerable Christians animated by the example of their Crucified King, freely sacrificed themselves for the testimony of the Gospel upon the first Revelation of it, before any humane respects gave colour to it.
2. In those who suffered for a false Religion were visible either Fear or Vain-glory, Stubbornness or Rage; But the Christians in their greatest Sufferings expressed Magnanimity without Pride, Constancy without Fierceness, Patience without Stupidity, and such an admirable Compassion to their Enemies, as ⟨p. 455⟩persuaded some of their Tormentors to be companions with them in Martyrdom.
2. In those who suffer'd for a false Religion were visible either Fear or Vain-glory, Stubbornness or Rage; But the Christians in their greatest Sufferings exprest Magnanimity without Pride, Constancy without Fierceness, Patience without Stupidity, and such an admirable Compassion to their Enemies, as