Page:Suppressed Gospels and Epistles.djvu/99

 persecuted even by Saul the king of Israel.

10 But not to insist upon ancient examples, let us come to those worthies that have been nearest to us; and take the brave examples of our own age.

11 Through zeal and envy, the most faithful and righteous pillars of the church have been persecuted even to the most grevious deaths.

12 Let us set before our eyes, the holy Apostles; Peter by unjust envy underwent not one or two, but many sufferings; till at last being martyred, he went to the place of glory that was due unto him.

13 For the same cause did Paul in like manner receive the reward of his patience. Seven times he was in bonds; he was whipped, was stoned; he preached both in the East and in the West; leaving behind him the glorious report of his faith:

14 And so having taught the whole world righteousness, and for that end travelled even to the utmost bounds of the West; he at last suffered martyrdom by the command of the governors,

15 And departed out of the world, and went unto his holy place; having become a most eminent pattern of patience unto all ages.

16 To these Holy Apostles were joined a very great number of others, who having through envy undergone in like manner many pains and torments, have left a glorious example to us.

17 For this, not only men but women have been persecuted; and having suffered very grievous and cruel punishments, have finished the course of their faith with firmness; and though weak in body, yet received a glorious reward.

18 This has alienated the minds even of women from their husbands; and changed what was once said by our father Adam; This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh.

19 In a word, envy and strife, have overturned whole cities, and rooted out great nations from off the earth.

4  He exhorts them to live by holy rules, and repent of their divisions, and they shall be forgiven.

THESE things, beloved, we write unto you, not only for your instruction, but also for our own remembrance.

2 For we are all in the same lists, and the same combat is prepared for us all.

3 Wherefore let us lay aside all vain and empty cares; and let us come up to the glorious and venerable rule of our holy calling.

4 Let us consider what is good, and acceptable and well-pleasing in the sight of him that made us.

5 Let us look steadfastly to the blood of Christ, and see how precious his blood is in the sight of God: which being shed for our salvation, has obtained the grace of repentance for all the world.

6 Let us search into all the ages that have gone before us; and learn that our Lord has in every one of them still given place