A67922:912
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
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.
But it shall be very requisite that I allege somewhat thereof to the declaration of this matter.1 He wrote therefore as the words lye in this sort. From Syria (saith he) even till I came to Rome had I a battle with beasts, as well by sea, as land, both day & night, being bound in the midst of ten cruel Leopards (that is, the company or band of the soldiers) which, the more benefits that they received at my hands, became so much the worse unto me. But I being exercised and now well acquainted with their injuries, am taught every day more and more: but hereby am I not yet justified. And would to God I were once come to the beasts, which are prepared for me. Which also I wish with gaping mouths were ready to come upon me, whom also I will provoke that they without delay may devour me, and forbear me nothing at all, as those whom before they have not touched or hurt for fear. And if they will not unless they be provoked, I will then enforce them against my self. Pardon me I pray you. How much beneficial it is to me, I know. Now begin I to be a scholar I force or esteem no visible things,2 nor yet invisible things, so that I may get or obtain Christ Jesus. Let the fire, the gallows, the devouring of wild beasts, the breaking of bones, the pulling a sunder of my members, the bruising or pressing of my whole body, and the torments of the devil or hell it self come upon me, so that I may win Christ Jesus.
But it shalbe very requisite that I aledge somewhat thereof to the declaration of this matter.1 He wrote therfore as the wordes lye in this sort. From Syria (saith he) euen till I came to Rome had I a battell with beastes, as well by sea, as land, both day & night, being bound in the midst of ten cruell Libardes (that is, the company or band of the souldiers) which, the more benefites that they receaued at my hands, became so much the woorse vnto me. But I being exercised and now wel acquainted with their iniuries, am taught euery day more and more: but hereby am I not yet iustified. And would to God I were once come to ye beasts, which are prepared for me. Which also I wish with gaping mouthes were ready to come vpon me, whō also I will prouoke that they without delay may deuoure me, and forbeare me nothing at all, as those whome before they haue not touched or hurt for feare. And if they wyll not vnlesse they be prouoked, I will then inforce them agaynst my selfe. Pardon me I pray you. How much beneficiall it is to me, I knowe. Now begin I to be a scholer I force or esteeme no visible thinges,