3. Even those who have gone only upon moral principles,1 have ⟨p. 95⟩shown much constancy and contentment in their sufferings. Curtius being bravely mounted, and in armour, threw himself into a great gulf, that the City of Rome might according to the Oracle be delivered from the Pestilence; and we having a Divine Oracle, that they who kill the body cannot hurt the soul; shall we not with much constancy and patience devote our selves to injuries for Religion? and rather suffer for the truth, then the truth suffer by us? The De•ii among the Romans vowed themselves to death, that their legions and soldiers might be crowned with the honour of the victory. O what should we be content to suffer to make the truth victorious? Regulus *having sworn that he would return to Carthage (though he knew there was a furnace heating for him there) yet not daring to infringe his oath, he did adventure to go; we then who are Christians, having made ⟨p. 96⟩a vow to Christ in Baptism, and so oft renewed it in the blessed Sacrament, should with much contentation rather choose to suffer then violate our sacred oath. Thus the blessed Martyrs, with what courage and cheerfulness did they yield up their souls to God? and when the fire was set to their bodies, yet their spirits were not at all fired with passion or discontent. Though others hurt the body, let them not the mind through discontent; show by your heroic courage that you are above those troubles which you cannot be without.
3. Even those who have gone onely upon morall principles,1 have ⟨p. 95⟩shewn much constancy and contentment in their sufferings. Curtius being bravely mounted, and in armour, threw himselfe into a great gulfe, that the City of Rome might according to the Oracle be delivered from the Pestilence; and we having a Divine Oracle, that they who kill the body cannot hurt the soul; shall we not with much constancy and patience devote our selves to injuries for Religion? and rather suffer for the truth, then the truth suffer by us? The De•ii among the Romans vowed themselves to death, that their legions and souldiers might be crowned with the honour of the victory. O what should we be content to suffer to make the truth victorious? Regulus *having sworne that he would returne to Carthage (though he knew there was a furnace heating for him there) yet not daring to infringe his oath, he did adventure to goe; we then who are Christians, having made ⟨p. 96⟩a vow to Christ in Baptism, and so oft renewed it in the blessed Sacrament, should with much contentation rather choose to suffer then violate our sacred oath. Thus the blessed Martyrs, with what courage and chearfulnesse did they yeeld up their souls to God? and when the fire was set to their bodies, yet their spirits were not at all fired with passion or discontent. Though others hurt the body, let them not the minde through discontent; shew by your heroick courage that you are above those troubles which you cannot be without.
- 13. Reply.
- *Pet. Mart.
