12
that not a fragment of them might appear still on the earth. And this they did, as if they could overcome God, and deprive them of their resurrection; in order, as they said, that "these Christians may not have even that hope, of rising again, which persuades them to bring in upon us some strange and new worship, and to despise all terrors, coming readily and with joy to their death. Now let us see, if they will rise again; and if their God can help them, and take them out of our hands."
Such were the sufferings of the Blessed Saints in early times for Christ their Saviour.
Hence we learn how Christ supports all who trust in Him; and how far we are below the Saints of early times in courage, patience, and love. We learn that our greatest troubles are very slight, compared with those which Christians then underwent, and underwent for their very virtue's sake; whereas now we often suffer only for our sins. And we learn beside, how blessed it is to suffer boldly in a good cause, for we encourage others to do the same; and we are reminded what a short time the fiercest sufferings last; for these cruel trials of the Christians of France took place so long ago, that it is as if they had never been; whereas ever since, and now, and so on for ever, these Martyrs have been rejoicing in heaven in the presence of God.
Moreover we learn how we ought to think of, love, and imitate good Christians, however far off. We are not so far from France, as France is from Asia. Now this letter was written to the Churches of Asia; which shows, how anxious the Christians in those parts were, to know about the trials of their brethren of France.
These Tracts may he had at Turrill's No. 250, Regent Street, London.
KING, PRINTER, ST. CLEMENT'S, OXFORD.
