A67922:86
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol.…Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol.…
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 1] with an universal history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitive age to these latter times of ours, with the bloody times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions against the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperors, as now lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realm of England and Scotland. Newly revised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time again published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the help of Christ our Lord) John Fox, which desireth thee good reader to help him with thy prayer.Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.
London: printed by John Daye, 1583London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1583
Preface: The utility of this Story.Preface: The vtilitie of this Story.
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.
And whereas by reading of profane stories we are made perhaps more skilful in warlike affairs: so by reading of this we are made better in our livings, and besides are better prepared unto like conflicts, if by Gods permission they shall happen hereafter more wiser by their doctrine, and more steadfast by their example.
And whereas by reading of prophane storyes we are made perhaps more skilfull in warlike affayres: so by reading of this we are made better in our liuinges, and besides are better prepared vnto like conflictes, if by Gods permission they shall happen hereafter more wiser by theyr doctrine, and more steadfast by theyr example.
To be short, they declare to the world what true Christian fortitude is, and what is the right way to conquer which standeth not in the power of man, but in hope of the resurrection to come, and is now I trust at hand. In consideration whereof, me thinks I have good cause to wish, that like as other subjects: even so also Kings and Princes, which commonly delight in heroical stories, would diligently peruse such Monuments of martyrs, and lay them always in sight, not alonely to read, but to follow, and would paint them upon their walls, cups, rings and gates. For doubtless such as these: are more worthy of honour than an hundred Alexanders, Hectors, Scipions and warlike Julies. And though the world judgeth prosperously of things, yet with God the true judge, certes such are to be reputed in deed, not that kill one an other with a weapon, but they which being rather killed in Gods cause, do retain an invincible constancy against the threats of tyrants and violence of tormentors. Such as these, are the true Conquerors of the world, by whom we learn true manhood, so many as fight under Christ, and not under the world. With this valiantness did that most mild Lamb and invincible Lyon of of the tribe of Judah first of all go before us, of whose unspeakable fortitude we hear this prophetical admiration: who is this (saith he) which walketh so in the multitude of his strength?1 Forsooth the high son of the high God, once conquered of the world, and yet conquering the world after the same manner he was conquered.