But since precepts are made so liable to distinctions; and, when capable of several expositions, each may be maintained; let us read the exposition of them in the ⟨p. 22⟩practise of them, that gave and received them. Did our Saviour or his Apostles ever withstand the rage of the persecuting Jews? Do we read of any one uproar, or resistance made by the Primitive Christians in those barbarous outrages, practised on them by Heathen, Idolatrous Tyrants? No, but in stead of alarums for defence, they rejoiced, when apprehended, and triumphed in their torments; having yet their hearts always as ready to wish and pray for the happy state of their Emperors, as their bodies ready to suffer their violence. I might prove it from age to age, for many hundreds of years after Christ: but that I can but touch, not discuss this question, and leave it to your own reading, and further scanning. The force of this argument is confessed by our opposites, who think to relieve themselves by imputing their not resisting to their weakness, not unwillingness to resist. Rash uncharitable Judges of such holy Saints. Did they proclaim one thing to ⟨p. 23⟩the world, and belie the thoughts of their hearts? Hear their unanimous consent in Tertullian; Apud nostram disciplinam occidi magis licet, quam occidere; It is our profession, rather to die then kill. Such precepts, and the rules of obedience kept out all thoughts of rebellion against their Prince; and hence in their name Tertullian contends with his heathen Persecutors for a greater share in Caesar, in whose name they were executed; Noster est magis Caesar; 1He is rather ours, then your Emperor, being appointed by our God. And where as they pretend want of force in Christians, 2they observe not, that at Julians death, his whole army cried out to Jovianus, We are all Christians. In Dioclesians time, Omnes ferè mortales, The whole world almost, leaving their Idolatrous Sacrifices, joined themselves with the Christian Congregations. Tertullian pleads against the same objection; would we deal with you as enemies, 3Deesset nobis vis numerorum, & copiarum? could we want forces? We Christians have filled all places of your Empire, your Cities, ⟨p. 24⟩Islands, Castles, all but your Temples.
But since precepts are made so liable to distinctions; and, when capable of seuerall expositions, each may be maintained; let vs read the exposition of them in the ⟨p. 22⟩practise of them, that gaue and receiued them. Did our Sauiour or his Apostles euer withstand the rage of the persecuting Iewes? Doe wee reade of any one vproare, or resistance made by the Primitiue Christians in those barbarous outrages, practised on them by Heathen, Idolatrous Tyrants? No, but in stead of alarums for defence, they reioyced, when apprehended, and triumph'd in their torments; hauing yet their hearts alwayes as ready to wish and pray for the happie state of their Emperours, as their bodies readie to suffer their violence. I might prooue it from age to age, for many hundreds of yeeres after Christ: but that I can but touch, not discusse this question, and leaue it to your owne reading, and further scanning. The force of this argument is confessed by our opposites, who thinke to relieue themselues by imputing their not resisting to their weakenes, not vnwillingnes to resist. Rash vncharitable Iudges of such holy Saints. Did they proclaime one thing to ⟨p. 23⟩the world, and belie the thoughts of their hearts? Heare their vnanimous consent in Tertullian; Apud nostram disciplinam occidi magis licet, quam occidere; It is our profession, rather to die then kill. Such precepts, and the rules of obedience kept out al thoughts of rebellion against their Prince; and hence in their name Tertullian contends with his heathen Persecutors for a greater share in Caesar, in whose name they were executed; Noster est magis Caesar; 1He is rather ours, then your Emperour, being appointed by our God. And where as they pretend want of force in Christians, 2they obserue not, that at Iulians death, his whole armie cryed out to Iouianus, We are all Christians. In Dioclesians time, Omnes ferè mortales, The whole world almost, leauing their Idolatrous Sacrifices, ioyned themselues with the Christian Congregations. Tertullian pleads against the same obiection; would wee deale with you as enemies, 3Deesset nobis vis numerorum, & copiarum? could we want forces? We Christians haue filled all places of your Empire, your Cities, ⟨p. 24⟩Ilands, Castles, all but your Temples.
- 1Apol. c. 33.
- 2Soc. hist. lib. 3.9.
- 3Apol. 37.
