Hence some have thought more implied in that expression then ordinarily is conceived, 1 Cor. 4. 13. where the Apostle saith, We are made as the filth and off-scouring of the world; they say, the words are not to be understood only of dishonour and reproach; but because they were applied to such Sacrifices, and devoted things, in the offering whereof common judgements were removed, piacula; therefore they infer, That the Apostles sufferings did conduce to the whole Church of God. Others come to obtain mercy by following them for an example. I shall not plead for this interpretation; only this is a truth in the general, That many have been converted, and so saved by beholding the courage and patience of godly Confessors and Martyrs. It's then a duty we owe to the Church of God, to suffer when Christ requireth. And if we read of Heathens, the Curtii and Decii, who have devoted themselves to present death, to remove some public calamity, what shame will this be to Christians, if they shall not in a regular way show such zeal for the Church of God? We have a notable passage, 1 John 3. 16. We ought to ⟨p. 240⟩lay down our lives for the brethren; What Christ did for us, we are to do for the Church. So that from this Text it is plain, there are cases and instances wherein a man is bound to lose not only wealth and estate, but even life it self for others. Hence there is a distinction of Martyrium charitatis, and Martyrium fidei. A Jesuite (Raynardus de Martyrio.) doth industriously endeavour to maintain, That if a man, having a call from God, doth venture his life by visiting some infected with the plague, doing this out of love to God, and peoples souls, such a man is as truly and properly a Martyr, and that in a strict sense, as one who dieth for witnessing the faith. I shall not here examine this point; only in the general we may conclude, That he who layeth down his life for the brethren, for the spiritual good of others, having a call thereunto, he he is a Martyr, and may encourage himself with all those promises, that those who died for the faith have done: Yea such a suffering and Martyrdom may be called Martyrium fidei, as well as charitatis, or misericordiae; Faith having imperate acts, as well as elicit. Hence the Apostle, Heb. 11. attributeth divers worthy actions and achievements unto Faith.
Hence some have thought more implied in that expression then ordinarily is conceived, 1 Cor. 4. 13. where the Apostle saith, We are made as the filth and off-scouring of the world; they say, the words are not to be understood only of dishonour and reproach; but because they were applied to such Sacrifices, and devoted things, in the offering whereof common judgements were removed, piacula; therefore they inferre, That the Apostles sufferings did conduce to the whole Church of God. Others come to obtain mercy by following them for an example. I shall not plead for this interpretation; onely this is a truth in the general, That many have been converted, and so saved by beholding the courage and patience of godly Confessors and Martyrs. It's then a duty we owe to the Church of God, to suffer when Christ requireth. And if we read of Heathens, the Curtii and Decii, who have devoted themselves to present death, to remove some publick calamity, what shame will this be to Christians, if they shall not in a regular way shew such zeal for the Church of God? We have a notable passage, 1 John 3. 16. We ought to ⟨p. 240⟩lay down our lives for the brethren; What Christ did for us, we are to do for the Church. So that from this Text it is plain, there are cases and instances wherein a man is bound to lose not only wealth and estate, but even life it self for others. Hence there is a distinction of Martyrium charitatis, and Martyrium fidei. A Jesuite (Raynardus de Martyrio.) doth industriously endeavour to maintain, That if a man, having a call from God, doth venture his life by visiting some infected with the plague, doing this out of love to God, and peoples souls, such a man is as truly and properly a Martyr, and that in a strict sense, as one who dieth for witnessing the faith. I shall not here examine this point; only in the general we may conclude, That he who layeth down his life for the brethren, for the spiritual good of others, having a call thereunto, he he is a Martyr, and may encourage himself with all those promises, that those who died for the faith have done: Yea such a suffering and Martyrdome may be called Martyrium fidei, as well as charitatis, or misericordiae; Faith having imperate acts, as well as elicite. Hence the Apostle, Heb. 11. attributeth divers worthy actions and atchievements unto Faith.
