First, that Christ hath set up a Church, needeth no declaration.
Which prophecy of Christ we see wonderfully to be verified, insomuch that the whole course of the Church to this day may seem nothing else but a verifying of the said prophecy. And, thirdly, that the same Church, notwithstanding the uttermost of the devil and all his malice, should continue. Secondly, that the same Church should mightily be impugned, not only by the world, but also by the uttermost strength and powers of all hell. In which words three things are to be noted: First, that Christ will have a Church in this world. Matthew, hearing the confession of Simon Peter, who, first of all other, openly acknowledged Him to be the Son of God, and perceiving the secret hand of His Father therein, called him (alluding to his name) a rock, upon which rock He would build His Church so strong that the gates of hell should not prevail against it. We desire not to be released, but to be blessed with fortitude, we ask not liberty, but the power of perseverance and wish for no change in our condition, but that which places a crown of martyrdom upon our heads.Foxe's Book of Martyrs, by John Foxe,, at įOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS CHAPTER I History of Christian Martyrs to the First General Persecutions Under NeroĬhrist our Savior, in the Gospel of St.
Be not under apprehensions for us, we are happy in confinement through the promises of God, glory in our bonds, and exult in being thought worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ. We are not comfortless to confinement, for we have faith we fear not affliction, for we have hope and we forgive our enemies, for we have charity. “Since it is the will of the Almighty that we should suffer for his name, and be persecuted for the sake of his gospel, we patiently submit, and are joyful upon the occasion though the flesh may rebel against the spirit, and hearken to the council of the old serpent, yet the truths of the gospel shall prevent such advice from being taken, and Christ shall bruise the serpent's head.
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