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Often appears with: religious persecution and toleration · justice as a virtue · sin, guilt, and repentance · the fear of death · prayer and worship · judgment, heaven, and hell · crime and punishment · miracles and divine intervention · funeral rites and burial · conversion and faith · the problem of evil and theodicy · equity, mercy, and pardon
Usually: narrative (24) · confronting death (24) · reverence (22) · argument (21) · exhortation (16) · detachment (15) · wonder (14) · the test or trial (13) · lament (10) · sacrifice for others (9)
“I mean not to exhibit horror for the purpose of provoking revenge, but to awaken us from fatal and unmanly slumbers, that we may pursue determinately some fixed object.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · precept
“Reconciliation is now a fallacious dream. Nature hath deserted the connexion, and Art cannot supply her place.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · insight
“O patron of Socrates’ high abodes, Phoebus, the ruling pow’r among the gods,” Virgil, The Aeneid · precept
“Thetord also they burned, and Cambridge; and afterwards went back southward into the Thames; and the horsemen rode towards the ships.” (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle; translator/editor) James Ingram, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle · vivid
“With these, and other discussions of the same sort, they passed that night and the following day, without anything worth mention happening to them” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · observation
“For a Martyr is, (to give the true definition of the word) a Witnesse of the Resurrection of Jesus the Messiah; which none can be but those that conversed with him on earth, and saw him after he was risen: For a Witnesse must have seen what he testifieth, or else his testimony is not good.” Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan · insight
“it is by exorcising it, not by propitiating it; and they overcome all the temptations of the adversary by praying, not to him, but to their own God against him.” Augustine (Aurelius Augustine), Saint of Hippo, The City of God, Volume I · precept
“This is the religion which possesses the universal way for delivering the soul; for, except by this way, none can be delivered. This is a kind of royal way, which alone leads to a kingdom which does not totter like all temporal dignities, but stands firm on eternal foundations.” Augustine (Aurelius Augustine), Saint of Hippo, The City of God, Volume I · insight
“Specially was this conspicuous in the holy martyrs, who could have had no victory, no glory, to whom there could not even have been any conflict, if, after the laver of regeneration, saints could not suffer bodily death.” Augustine (Aurelius Augustine), Saint of Hippo, The City of God, Volume I · observation
“For no sooner do we begin to live in this dying body, than we begin to move ceaselessly towards death.” Augustine (Aurelius Augustine), Saint of Hippo, The City of God, Volume I · vivid
“This initiation is a long series of ceremonies with the object of introducing the young man into the religious life: for the first time, he leaves the purely profane world where he passed his first infancy, and enters into the world of sacred things.” Émile Durkheim, The Elementary Forms of the Religious Life · vivid
“Where he was executed, and his blood ran upon the ground, sprang up a fountain, and another under the hill where his body lay all night.” Snorri Sturluson, Heimskringla; Or, The Chronicle of the Kings of Norw · vivid
It teaches believers to seek God’s pardon, endure wounds like those at earlier battles, warns against abandoning the faith, and affirms that death and reward are under God’s permission.
And vie in haste for pardon from your Lord, and a Paradise, vast as the Heavens and the Earth, prepared for the God-fearing. Who give alms, alike in prosperity and in success, and who master their anger, and forgive others! God loveth the doers of good. They who, after they have done a base deed or committed a wrong against their own selves, remember God and implore forgiveness of their sins-and who will forgive si…
After the apostles’ return, Jesus feeds about five thousand near Bethsaida, identifies himself through Peter’s confession as the Christ, predicts suffering and resurrection, teaches daily cross-bearing, and is transfigured with Moses and Elijah on a mountain.
one of the old prophets was risen again. And Herod said: Ihon have I beheaded: who is this of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him. And the Apostles returned, and told him all that they had done. And he took them and went aside into a solitary place, nigh to a city called Bethsaida. The people knew of it, and followed him. And he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God. And healed them…
Aruns attempts to assassinate Camilla through an ambush after seeking Apollo’s help, but a javelin lands in her body, and Camilla dies instructing Acca to tell Turnus to repel the Trojans.
the temple might his trophies hold, Or else to shine herself in Trojan gold. Blind in her haste, she chases him alone. And seeks his life, regardless of her own. This lucky moment the sly traitor chose: Then, starting from his ambush, up he rose, And threw, but first to Heav’n address’d his vows: “O patron of Socrates’ high abodes, Phoebus, the ruling pow’r among the gods, Whom first we…
Paine argues that reconciliation with Britain is psychologically and morally impossible after violence, urges determined separation, and warns delay will bring ruin to America and its future generations.
In their present condition they are prisoners without the hope of redemption, and in a general attack for their relief, they would be exposed to the fury of both armies. Men of passive tempers look somewhat lightly over the offences of Britain, and, still hoping for the best, are apt to call out, "Come, come, we shall be friends again, for all this." But examine the passions and feelings of mankind, Bring the doctri…
A captive is pleased when a gentleman recites two sonnets as epitaphs for the fallen defenders of the Goletta and the fort, describing Heaven’s reward for brave soldiers who died defending the walls.
IN WHICH THE STORY OF THE CAPTIVE IS CONTINUED. c40a.jpg (131K) Full Size SONNET “Blest souls, that, from this mortal husk set free, In guerdon of brave deeds beatified, Above this lowly orb of ours abide Made heirs of heaven and immortality, With noble rage and ardour glowing ye Your strength, while strength was yours, in battle plied, And with your own blood and the foeman’s dyed The sandy soil and the encircli…
Sancho proposes becoming saints instead of knights, arguing recent canonizations show the practical value of friars; Don Quixote answers that chivalry is itself a religion, and they reach El Toboso at night.
“What wouldst thou have me infer from all thou hast said, Sancho?” asked Don Quixote. “My meaning is,” said Sancho, “let us set about becoming saints, and we shall obtain more quickly the fair fame we are striving after; for you know, señor, yesterday or the day before yesterday (for it is so lately one may say so) they canonised and beatified two little barefoot friars, and it is now reckoned the greatest good luck…
Durkheim argues that initiation rites enact a literal metamorphosis from the profane world to the sacred, implying a break of continuity and often antagonism between the two realms, producing monasticism and asceticism.
world, while the material world is left in full possession of the others. But howsoever much the forms of the contrast may vary,[69] the fact of the contrast is universal. This is not equivalent to saying that a being can never pass from one of these worlds into the other: but the manner in which this passage is effected, when it does take place, puts into relief the essential duality of the two kingdoms. In fact, i…
The chronicle narrates the fall of Edwin in 633 and the succession of Northumbrian and West-Saxon rulers, then records Birinus’s baptism mission among West Saxons and later Cynegils’s successor being baptized.
A.D. 654. This year King Anna was slain, and Botolph began to build that minster at Icanhoe. This year also died Archbishop Honorius, on the thirtieth of September. A.D. 655. This year Penda was slain at Wingfield, and thirty royal personages with him, some of whom were kings. One of them was Ethelhere, brother of Anna, king of the East-Angles. The Mercians after this became Christians. From the beginning of the…
In 1012, Archbishop Elfeah’s captors demanded a fee, grew drunken, and then shamefully killed him at their hustings; his body was received in London and buried at St. Paul’s.
Then submitted to the king five and forty of the ships of the enemy; and promised him, that they would defend this land, and he should feed and clothe them. A.D. 1013. The year after that Archbishop Elfeah was martyred, the king appointed Lifing to the archiepiscopal see of Canterbury. And in the same year, before the month August, came King Sweyne with his fleet to Sandwich; and very soon went about East-Anglia i…
In Numidia and Africa, many bishops and clergy were present; Gibbon continues by distinguishing authentic martyr counts and emphasizes that Origen and Dionysius present Christianity as producing relatively few martyrs in their contexts.
of Numidia contained nine bishops, with a proportionable number of their clergy and people, to whom Cyprian addressed a pious epistle of praise and comfort. See Cyprian. Epistol. 76, 77.] 70 (return) [ Though we cannot receive with entire confidence either the epistles, or the acts, of Ignatius, (they may be found in the 2d volume of the Apostolic Fathers,) yet we may quote that bishop of Antioch a…
Gibbon notes that Cyprian’s zeal and caution did not match later, more imaginative martyr legends, then treats Origen, martyr relics, and legendary excesses as sources of distortion.
only of martyrdom, but in general of a joyful resurrection. See the epistle of P. Mabillon, on the worship of unknown saints, and Muratori sopra le Antichita Italiane, Dissertat. lviii.] 74 (return) [ As a specimen of these legends, we may be satisfied with 10,000 Christian soldiers crucified in one day, either by Trajan or Hadrian on Mount Ararat. See Baronius ad Martyrologium Romanum; Tille mont,…
Cyprian, while facing Decius’s edicts and popular demands for his execution, temporarily retreats into solitude near Carthage, maintaining correspondence with clergy and enduring later criticism.
city taken by storm. [This refers to plunder and ill usage, not to actual slaughter.—M.] Finally it should be observed that Origen wrote before the persecution of the emperor Decius.—G.] During the same period of persecution, the zealous, the eloquent, the ambitious Cyprian governed the church, not only of Carthage, but even of Africa. He possessed every quality which could engage the reverence of …
After Cyprian’s death sentence is announced, Christians vow to die with him; he is executed near Carthage, his blood is collected by clerics, and his body is transported for Christian burial.
87 (return) [ See the original sentence in the Acts, c. 4; and in Pontius, c. 17 The latter expresses it in a more rhetorical manner.] As soon as the sentence was proclaimed, a general cry of “We will die with him,” arose at once among the listening multitude of Christians who waited before the palace gates. The generous effusions of their zeal and their affection were neither serviceable to …
Gibbon argues that Cyprian’s choice between martyrdom and apostasy shaped his honor or infamy, and describes how early Christians expected fire of martyrdom to expiate sins and earn lasting glory.
exclusion of any former martyr of the episcopal rank. * Note: M. de. Tillemont, as an honest writer, explains the difficulties which he felt about the text of Pontius, and concludes by distinctly stating, that without doubt there is some mistake, and that Pontius must have meant only Africa Minor or Carthage; for St. Cyprian, in his 58th (69th) letter addressed to Pupianus, speaks …
He explains that Ignatius and others encouraged martyrdom, recounting accounts of believers provoking execution, disturbing pagan worship, and being treated by philosophers and officials as desperate or fanatical.
xii. xiii.,) and the ingenuity of Middleton, (Free Inquiry, p. 162, &c.,) have left scarcely any thing to add concerning the merit, the honors, and the motives of the martyrs.] 91 (return) [ Cyprian. Epistol. 5, 6, 7, 22, 24; and de Unitat. Ecclesiæ. The number of pretended martyrs has been very much multiplied, by the custom which was introduced of bestowing that honorable name on confessors. Note…
At Alexandria, Theophilus’ attacks on Serapis spark violence between pagans and Christians; after Theodosius’ rescript, Christians demolish the temple, pillage the library, and a soldier topples Serapis’ idol publicly.
religious institution, (Diodor. Sicul. tom. i. l. i. p. 31, edit. Wesseling,) and the same order is observed in Plutarch’s Treatise of Isis and Osiris; whom he identifies with Serapis.] 40 (return) [ Ammianus, (xxii. 16.) The Expositio totius Mundi, (p. 8, in Hudson’s Geograph. Minor. tom. iii.,) and Rufinus, (l. ii. c. 22,) celebrate the Serapeum, as one of the wonders of the world.] 41 (return) …
Gibbon contrasts coenobites with anachorets, describing hermits’ extreme asceticism—chains, iron restraints, deprivation of food and sleep, silence for years—and the use of secluded Laura-like cell circles.
and the hermit, whose midnight prayer was oppressed by involuntary slumber, might easily confound the phantoms of horror or delight, which had occupied his sleeping and his waking dreams. 64 60 (return) [ The diurnal and nocturnal prayers of the monks are copiously discussed by Cassian, in the third and fourth books of his Institutions; and he constantly prefers the liturgy, which an angel had dict…
In extensive notes, the editor compares Polo’s institutions to sati-like or vow-bound self-sacrifice in South and Southeast Asia and elsewhere, discussing terms like Amuki and related analogues, and cites classical and travel sources.
Tod, “that even men devoted themselves on his pyre” (I. 744). The same thing occurred at the death of the Sikh Gúrú Hargovind in 1645. (_H. of Sikhs_, p. 62.) Barbosa briefly notices an institution like that described by Polo, in reference to the King of Narsinga, *i.e.* Vijayanagar. (*Ram.* I. f. 302.) Another form of the same bond seems to be that mentioned by other travellers as prevalent in Malabar, where …
The editor adds a note on condemned criminals and ritual self-sacrifice instruments in India, citing accounts from Friar Jordanus, Ibn Batuta, and others, and briefly mentions similar European or legendary stories.
dinars of red gold, seems very inconsistent with this, but is not so materially, for it would appear that the *dinar of red gold* (so called) was worth *two dinars*.[5] I noted an early use of the term *Arab chargers* in the famous Bodleian copy of the Alexander Romance (1338): “Alexand’ descent du destrier Arrabis.” NOTE 8.—I have not found other mention of a condemned criminal being allowed thus to sacrifice…
Polo describes an even stricter ascetic religious order devoted to idols who worship an Ox, wear ox-symbols, burn dung as devotion, avoid killing animals, and test novices for continence; he then turns to the city of Cail.
remains indifferent they retain him, but if he shows any emotion they expel him from their society. For they say they will have no man of loose desires among them. They are such cruel and perfidious Idolaters that it is very devilry! They say that they burn the bodies of the dead, because if they were not burnt worms would be bred which would eat the body; and when no more food remained for them these worms would di…
On 18 June 1775, Abigail Adams writes that Dr. Warren has died fighting, describes the battle’s ongoing roar at Bunker Hill/Charlestown, and prays for the combatants while preparing to retreat if needed.
any regular and particular intelligence, since I left it. Kent, Swift, Tudor, Dr. Cooper, Dr. Winthrop, and others wrote me often last fall; not a line from them this time. I have found this Congress like the last. When we first came together, I found a strong jealousy of us from New England, and the Massachusetts in particular; suspicions entertained of designs of independency; an American republic; Presbyterian pr…
Augustine responds to claims that persecuted saints avoided rape by drowning themselves, allowing that Samson may have been divinely ordered, but insisting most people are forbidden voluntary self-killing unless they are sure God commanded it.
26. _That in certain peculiar cases the examples of the saints are not to be followed._ But, they say, in the time of persecution some holy women escaped those who menaced them with outrage, by casting themselves into rivers which they knew would drown them; and having died in this manner, they are venerated in the church catholic as martyrs. Of such persons I do not presume to speak rashly. I cannot tell whether th…
Augustine explains that demons are permitted to persecute the “city of God” to produce martyrs, who are honoured as citizens because they conquer sin rather than by appeasing spiritual powers.
22. _Whence the saints derive power against demons and true purification of heart._ It is by true piety that men of God cast out the hostile power of the air which opposes godliness; it is by exorcising it, not by propitiating it; and they overcome all the temptations of the adversary by praying, not to him, but to their own God against him. For the devil cannot conquer or subdue any but those who are in league with…
Augustine presents Christianity as the universal way of delivering souls, claiming Porphyry admitted ignorance of such a way, and he supports it with biblical prophecy, Abraham’s faith, and the mission to all nations.
_Of the universal way of the soul's deliverance, which Porphyry did not find because he did not rightly seek it, and which the grace of Christ has alone thrown open._ This is the religion which possesses the universal way for delivering the soul; for, except by this way, none can be delivered. This is a kind of royal way, which alone leads to a kingdom which does not totter like all temporal dignities, but stands fi…
Augustine addresses why regenerated Christians still die: even though sin’s guilt is removed, bodily separation remains to sustain faith in hope, and martyrs treat death as a chosen path to righteousness.
4. _Why death, the punishment of sin, is not withheld from those who by the grace of regeneration are absolved from sin._ If, moreover, any one is solicitous about this point, how, if death be the very punishment of sin, they whose guilt is cancelled by grace do yet suffer death, this difficulty has already been handled and solved in our other work which we have written on the baptism of infants.[577] There it was s…
Augustine claims that saints who die for truth avoid the second and eternal death by accepting the first death, while just and wicked souls go to rest or punishment until resurrection.
10. _Of the life of mortals, which is rather to be called death than life._ For no sooner do we begin to live in this dying body, than we begin to move ceaselessly towards death.[585] For in the whole course of this life (if life we must call it) its mutability tends towards death. Certainly there is no one who is not nearer it this year than last year, and to-morrow than to-day, and to-day than yesterday, and a sho…
The saga narrates King Eystein’s secret escape, capture, execution, burial at Fors, and the saintly miracles said to occur there, including attempts to discredit him with dog-flesh soup.
32. KING EYSTEIN'S DEATH. In the night many of King Eystein's ships rowed secretly away, some of them joining King Inge, some going to Bergen, or up into the fjords; so that when it was daylight in the morning the king was lying behind with only ten ships. Then he left the Great Dragon, which was heavy to row, and several other vessels behind; and cut and destroyed the Dragon, started out the ale, and destroyed all …
Hobbes argues that genuine Christian martyrs are those executed for witnessing Jesus’s resurrection, which properly requires having seen and known Christ, and that death for other clerical tenets is not martyrdom.
Of Martyrs But what then shall we say of all those Martyrs we read of in the History of the Church, that they have needlessely cast away their lives? For answer hereunto, we are to distinguish the persons that have been for that cause put to death; whereof some have received a Calling to preach, and professe the Kingdome of Christ openly; others have had no such Calling, nor more has been required of them than their…
The aftermath lingers: Calydon lies prostrate under mourning, Althaea is executed by her own sword, Meleager’s sisters grieve over his body and ashes, and Diana transforms them into birds except one.
{as well}; the fire and his torments increase; and {then} again do they diminish. Both of them are extinguished together, and by degrees his spirit vanishes into the light air. Lofty Calydon {now} lies prostrate. Young and old mourn, both people and nobles lament; and the Calydonian matrons of Evenus,[74] tearing their hair, bewail him. Lying along upon the ground, his father pollutes his white hair and his aged fea…
The Prioress calls upon the Virgin Mary and then tells how a Jewish household in Asia trains a seven-year-old boy to sing Ave Maria; his singing is condemned, and the Jews hire a man to seize, cut his throat, and cast him into a pit.
also, whereso he saw th’ image Of Christe’s mother, had he in usage, As him was taught, to kneel adown, and say Ave Maria as he went by the way. Thus had this widow her little son y-taught Our blissful Lady, Christe’s mother dear, To worship aye, and he forgot it not; For sely* child will always soone lear.** *innocent **learn But aye when I remember on this mattere, Saint Nicholas <6> stands ever in my…
At the abbey the abbot asks the child why he sings after his throat was cut; the child answers that Mary commanded him to sing until a “grain” is taken from his tongue, after which he dies softly and is entombed.
bade me for to sing This anthem verily in my dying, As ye have heard; and, when that I had sung, Me thought she laid a grain upon my tongue. “Wherefore I sing, and sing I must certain, In honour of that blissful maiden free, Till from my tongue off taken is the grain. And after that thus saide she to me; ‘My little child, then will I fetche thee, When that the grain is from thy tongue take: Be not aghast,* I will th…
After preaching against idols, Cecile convinces Tiburce to renounce pagan worship, and both are led onward to Christian witness; the story then turns to the Roman authorities’ demand for sacrifice.
But now *at erst* in truth our dwelling is.” *for the first time* How know’st thou this,” quoth Tiburce; “in what wise?” Quoth Valerian, “That shall I thee devise* *describe “The angel of God hath me the truth y-taught, Which thou shalt see, if that thou wilt reny* *renounce The idols, and be clean, and elles nought.” [And of the miracle of these crownes tway Saint Ambrose in his preface list to say…
Cecilia survives fire in a bath without suffering, then is finally killed by axe blows meant to end her life; her followers survive briefly, preach, bury her at night, and establish a church named for Saint Cecilia.
spake to me, That I knew not therewith thy nicety,* *folly And that thou wert in *every manner wise* *every sort of way* A lewed* officer, a vain justice. *ignorant “There lacketh nothing to thine outward eyen That thou art blind; for thing that we see all That it is stone, that men may well espyen, That ilke* stone a god thou wilt it call. *very, selfsame I rede* thee let thine hand upon it fall, …
Cellini endures prison by praying, composing, and writing a Capitolo praising his prison, detailing physical torment from broken nails and decaying teeth while awaiting further insertion of the poem.
I took no further thought for all the anguish I had suffered, but rather spent the day in singing psalms and divers other compositions on the theme of His divinity. I was greatly troubled, however, by one particular annoyance: my nails had grown so long that I could not touch my body without wounding it; I could not dress myself but what they turned inside or out, to my great torment. Moreover, my teeth began to per…
Nebuchadnezzar worships Daniel-like God, elevates him, then forces worship of a gold image; Daniel’s kinsmen refuse, are thrown into a fiery furnace, survive, and the king later receives another vision.
understanding the uncertainties of futurity, and whether they will happen or not, let him be diligent in reading the book of Daniel, which he will find among the sacred writings. 5. When Nebuchadnezzar heard this, and recollected his dream, he was astonished at the nature of Daniel, and fell upon his knee; and saluted Daniel in the manner that men worship God, and gave command that he should be sacrificed to as a go…
Josephus describes Jesus as a teacher who attracted Jews and Gentiles and was crucified under Pilate, claiming his followers said he rose on the third day and that Christians persisted, then shifts to the Rome temple scandal involving Paulina and Isis.
Christ, And What Befell Paulina And The Jews At Rome. 1. But now Pilate, the procurator of Judea, removed the army from Cæsarea to Jerusalem, to take their winter quarters there, in order to abolish the Jewish laws. So he introduced Cæsar's effigies, which were upon the ensigns, and brought them into the city; whereas our law forbids us the very making of images; on which account the former procurators were wont to …
Aquinas describes the tabernacle’s coverings in literal terms of adornment and protection, and figuratively interprets colors and coverings as virtues, heavenly prelates/doctors, martyrdom, and patient endurance.
divine worship by this consecration. The figurative reason is that this sanctification signified the sanctification of the living tabernacle, i.e. the faithful of whom the Church of Christ is composed. Reply Obj. 10: Under the Old Law there were seven temporal solemnities, and one continual solemnity, as may be gathered from Num. 28, 29. There was a continual feast, since the lamb was sacrificed every day, morning a…
Paulinus’s mission includes the plot by Eumer/Cuichelm to kill Edwin with a poisoned dagger at Easter by the river Derwent; Edwin’s near-death leads to vows, baptism of his daughter Eanfled, and a renewed military campaign.
long in the Word, “The god of this world blinded the minds of them that believed not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ should shine unto them.”(212) The next year there came into the province one called Eumer, sent by the king of the West-Saxons, whose name was Cuichelm,(213) to lie in wait for King Edwin, in hopes at once to deprive him of his kingdom and his life. He had a two-edged dagger, dipped i…
The passage emphasizes remembrance of God, steadfastness and prayer, living martyrdom for those slain in God’s way, and trials with fear and hunger before praising those who respond with patience.
(of Allah) or visiteth it, to go around them (as the pagan custom is). And he who doeth good of his own accord, (for him) lo! Allah is Responsive, Aware. S: Surely the Safa and the Marwa are among the signs appointed by Allah; so whoever makes a pilgrimage to the House or pays a visit (to it), there is no blame on him if he goes round them both; and whoever does good spontaneously, then surely Allah is Grateful, Kno…
The text answers a questioner about a penalty, describing a Day when skies melt like molten brass, mountains like wool, people flee punishment, and the guilty seek escape at the cost of children.
AL-MAARIJ (THE ASCENDING STAIRWAYS) Total Verses: 44 Revealed At: MAKKA --------------------------------------------------------------------- In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. 070.001 Y: A questioner asked about a Penalty to befall- P: A questioner questioned concerning the doom about to fall S: One demanding, demanded the chastisement which must befall 070.002 Y: The Unbelievers th…
In conclusion, Abélard addresses a “dear brother” to take consolation, urges steadfast endurance of persecution citing Christ, Paul, and Jerome, and ends with a farewell as persecution serves God’s purposes.
dignity of an abbot, that my wretchedness increased with my wealth; and I would that the ambition of those who voluntarily seek such power might be curbed by my example. And now, most dear brother in Christ and comrade closest to me in the intimacy of speech, it should suffice for your sorrows and the hardships you have endured that I have written this story of my own misfortunes, amid which I have toiled almost fro…
Pascal reflects on Jesus’ agony in Gethsemane: disciples fall asleep, Jesus prays, warns them against their own danger, submits to God’s will, and urges believers to stay awake and pray longer.
not of delight as the first Adam, where he lost himself and the whole human race, but in one of agony, where He saved Himself and the whole human race. He suffers this affliction and this desertion in the horror of night. I believe that Jesus never complained but on this single occasion; but then He complained as if he could no longer bear His extreme suffering. "My soul is sorrowful, even unto death."[203] Jesus …
Pliny praises Arria’s and her family’s hidden heroism—especially her mother’s grief-concealing conduct and her later self-determined suicide—arguing that some greatness is greater even if less celebrated.
XXXIV -- To NEPOS I HAVE constantly observed that amongst the deeds and sayings of illustrious persons of either sex, some have made more noise in the world, whilst others have been really greater, although less talked about; and I am confirmed in this opinion by a conversation I had yesterday with Fannia. This lady is a grand-daughter to that celebrated Arria, who animated her husband to meet death, by her own glor…
Continuing the Arria story, Pliny narrates Arria following Scribonianus to the ship by fishing boat, confronting the wife who testified against conspirators, and insisting on her chosen death when her family tries to stop her.
how far greater, without the support of any such animating motives, to hide her tears, to conceal her grief, and cheerfully to act the mother, when a mother no more! Scribonianus had taken up arms in Illyria against Clatidius, where he lost his life, and Paetus, who was of his party, was brought a prisoner to Rome. When they were going to put him on board ship, Arria besought the soldiers that she might be permitted…
Teresa recalls wanting martyrdom as a child with her brother, planning to travel to the land of the Moors to be beheaded, building hermitages, and praying to the Virgin after her mother’s death.
desires with which our Lord inspired me, and what a wretched use I made of them. Besides, my brothers never in any way hindered me in the service of God. 4. One of my brothers was nearly of my own age; [3] and he it was whom I most loved, though I was very fond of them all, and they of me. He and I used to read Lives of Saints together. When I read of martyrdom undergone by the Saints for the love of God, it struc…
Teresa argues that people who struggle to pray should use St. Joseph as a model, claims her own service often fell short, and interprets her health and healing experiences as lessons in spiritual imitation.
well done! In truth, the evil I did was not the result of deliberation, as this would have been, if I had done it, although it was too much so. 5. Therefore, I think that it did me much harm to be in a monastery not enclosed. The liberty which those who were good might have with advantage--they not being obliged to do more than they do, because they had not bound themselves to enclosure--would certainly have led me…
Teresa praises those who gave themselves late but fully for Christ, reflects on how the world calls saints mad, criticizes worldly standards for religious appearance, and highlights Peter of Alcantara’s holiness as a model of courage and penance.
witness of all I did; and never at any time, if I was but slightly recollected, or not too much distracted, could I be ignorant of His near presence. [4] 4. I went at once to my confessor, [5] in great distress, to tell him of it. He asked in what form I saw our Lord. I told him I saw no form. He then said: "How did you know that it was Christ?" I replied, that I did not know how I knew it; but I could not help …
Teresa describes how she intercedes for the Church and imagines an Order’s future services, martyrs, and defenders of the faith, including a vision of a fallen order flourishing again.
means our Lord would so bless his own Order that it may serve Him in the present grave necessities of His Church. Blessed are they whose lives are so spent. 21. I was once asked by a person to pray God to let him know whether his acceptance of a bishopric would be for the service of God. After Communion our Lord said to me: "When he shall have clearly and really understood that true dominion consists in possessing …
The third kind of tribulation—sent not for one’s sins but for patience and merit—is defended, with comfort for cases like martyrdom, persecution for justice, and refusing to abandon faith.
every man hath cause enough to fear and think that his sin already past hath deserved it, and that it is not without peril for a man to think otherwise. ANTHONY: This that you say, cousin, hath place of truth in far the most part of men. And therefore must they not envy nor disdain, since they may take in their tribulation sufficient consolation for their part, that some other who is more worthy may take yet a grea…
The dialogue concludes that even the least comforting tribulations have more reasons for joy than said earlier, since patience accepted as merit can bring heavenly reward and relief from purgatory pains.
thy coat, leave him thy gown too." The defence therefore of our own right asketh no reward. Say you speed well, if you get leave; look hardly for no thanks! But on the other hand, if you do as St. Paul biddeth, "Seek not for your own profit but for other folk's" and defend therefore of pity a poor widow or a poor fatherless child, and rather suffer sorrow by some strong extortioner than suffer them to take wrong; or…
The speaker argues that Abraham’s life, though appearing prosperous, included continual tribulations, so Abraham ultimately surpasses Lazarus by patiently accepting suffering for God’s sake.
double that he lost, little toucheth my matter, which denieth not prosperity to be God's gift, and given to some good men, too; namely, to such as have tribulation too. But in Abraham, cousin, I suppose is all your chief hold, because you not only show riches and prosperity perpetual in him through the course of all his whole life in this world, but after his death also. Lazarus, that poor man, who lived in tribulat…
The speaker cites Christ’s agony and argues that among Christ’s prayers, the fiercest pain produced the strongest effect; therefore prayers made in tribulation surpass casual prayers.
aloud, but one inch of such a prayer, so prayed in that pain, was worth a whole ell or more, even of their own prayers, prayed at some other time. Great learned men say that Christ, albeit that he was true God, and as God was in eternal equal bliss with his Father, yet as man merited not only for us but for himself too. For proof of this they lay in these words the authority of St. Paul: "Christ hath humbled himself…
Vincent warns that thinking about what one would do under forced renunciation could lead to two perils, but Anthony argues meditation is necessary, comparing it to medicine that prevents harm; he insists Christians must practice conditional resolve.
so, since he shall peradventure never come in the peril to be put thereto. And therefore it would be most wisdom never to think upon any such manner of question. ANTHONY: I believe well, cousin, that you have heard some men who would so say. For I can show almost as much as that left in writing by a very good man and a great solemn doctor. But yet, cousin, although I should happen to find one or two more, as good m…
Anthony argues that losing worldly goods during the Turk’s persecution can be consolation, because those who keep faith either gain by losing or suffer no grief when they intended the goods for God.
any good purpose to the pleasure of God indeed, then shall they, in this persecution, for the pleasure of God in keeping his faith, be glad to depart from them. And therefore, as for all these things--the loss, I mean, of all these outward things that men call the gifts of fortune--this is, methinketh, in this Turk's persecution for the faith, consolation great and sufficient: Every man who hath them either setteth …
In reply to Vincent’s comfort about losing worldly goods, Anthony insists lukewarm faith must be re-ignited and says one further comfort is recalling Christ’s chosen poverty for believers.
almost to key-cold, that men must now be fain to lay many dry sticks to it, as to a fire that is almost out, and use much blowing at it. But else I think, by my troth, that unto a warm faithful man one thing alone, of which we have spoken yet no word, would be comfort enough in this kind of persecution, against the loss of all his goods. VINCENT: What thing may that be, uncle? ANTHONY: In good faith, cousin, eve…
Vincent fears betrayal of faith under a Turk’s coercion, invoking St. Peter’s collapse, but Anthony teaches that fear need not mean spiritual failure and can be overcome for martyrdom.
XVII VINCENT: Forsooth, uncle, as for these outward goods, you have said enough. No man can be sure what strength he shall have or how faint and feeble he may find himself when he shall come to the point, and therefore I can make no warranty of myself, seeing that St. Peter so suddenly fainted at a woman's word and so cowardly forsook his master, for whom he had so boldly fought within so few hours before, and by t…
Anthony warns that those who feel fear of death are not necessarily falling away, then explains God’s varied providence for would-be martyrs through scripture examples and church stories.
as he did, and take your cross of pain and suffering upon your back and die for the truth with him, and thereby reign with him crowned in eternal glory. And this I say to give you warning of the truth, to the intent that when a man feeleth such a horror of death in his heart, he should not thereby stand in outrageous fear that he were falling. For many such a man standeth, for all that fear, full fast, and finally b…
Anthony adds that Christ promises special rewards to martyrs and “overcomers”—a tree of life, confession of his name, a crown of life, secret manna, a white suffrage, a new name, and being a pillar in God’s temple.
hearts uncogitable, so far excel they all that ever men have heard of, all that ever men can speak of, and all that men can by natural possibility think on. And yet, whereas such be the joys of heaven that are prepared for every saved soul, our Lord saith yet, by the mouth of St. John, that he will give his holy martyrs who suffer for his sake many a special kind of joy. For he saith, "To him that overcometh, I shal…
The speaker argues that Christ and St. Paul frame worldly tribulation as brief and light compared with eternal glory, so Christians must endure suffering and follow Christ’s path into heaven.
the Apocalypse, then would it appear how far those heavenly joys shall surmount above all the comfort that ever came in the mind of any man living here upon earth. The blessed apostle St. Paul, who suffered so many perils and so many passions, saith of himself that he hath been "in many labours, in prisons oftener than others, in stripes above measure, at point of death often times; of the Jews had I five times fort…
The dialogue urges readers to remember Christ’s Passion in vivid detail, arguing that gratitude and love for Christ’s painful death should make believers gladly desire death for his sake.
example of our Saviour himself, it would be sufficient of itself alone to encourage every true Christian man and woman to refuse none of all those calamities for his sake. So say I now for painful death also: If we could and would with due compassion conceive in our minds a right imagination and remembrance of Christ's bitter painful passion--of the many sore bloody strokes that the cruel tormentors gave him with ro…