Numbered With the Martyrs - The Fate of the Apostles (Part 4)

We continue our look at the martyrdom of the apostles by ending with the apostle Peter; as always I am thankful to the faithful John Foxe for recording these for the benefit of history. I intend to write one more final post after this that will be the conclusion of this series on Christian martyrs (at least for the time being).

"[...] ten persecutions [were] stirred up by Nero about the year of our Lord threescore and four. The tyrannous rage of which emperor was very fierce against the Christians, 'insomuch that (as Eusubius records) a man might then see cities full of men's bodies, the old there lying together with the young, and the dead bodies of women cast out naked, without all reverence of that sex, in the open streets...'

In this persecution, among many other saints, the blessed apostle Peter was condemned to death, and crucified, as some do write, at Rome... Nero sought matter against Peter to put him to death; which, when the people perceived, they entreated Peter with much ado that he would fly the city. Peter, through their importunity at length persuaded, prepared himself to avoid. But, coming to the gate, he saw the Lord Christ come to meet him, to whom he, worshipping said, 'Lord, whither dost thou go?' To whom He answered and said, 'I am come again to be crucified.' By this, Peter, perceiving his suffering to be understood, returned back into the city. Jerome saith that he was crucified, his head being down and his feet upward, himself so requiring, because he was (he said) unworthy to be crucified in the same form and manner as the Lord was."

What beautiful reverence and devotion for our Lord! Not only was he willing to heed the call to martyrdom for the sake of his Lord but he was so humble in spirit that he would not even allow himself to be martyred in the same manner as the Lord. Peter, a man who refused to be called a disciple of Christ when the Jews seized his Lord, a man that denied his Lord three times only to have Christ look him in the eye so that he was cut to the heart and ran off in sorrow and shame; this Peter now ran to the cross and refused to be crucified in a manner that could even be perceived as placing him on equal footing with the Lord. It is truly amazing the work the Spirit performed in this man's heart! In the end, Peter was the picture of a faithful servant and he ended his life as an immensely godly man that will forever stand as an example to us all.

I pray, that if we are to face persecutions that we would all be so faithful when it is our turn at the knife. To our dying breath may we all learn to glorify our holy God so that our piety may stand as a witness to the rest of the world that the Lord has breathed life into our lifelss hearts and is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise. Soli Deo Gloria!

Numbered With the Martyrs - The Fate of the Apostles (Part 3)

We now continue with the martyrdom of the apostles by looking at the apostles Paul and Andrew.

"Paul, the apostle..., after his great travail and unspeakable labors in promoting the Gospel of Christ, suffered also [under the persecution of] Nero. Abdias, declares that unto his execution Nero sent two of his esquires, Ferega and Parthemius, to bring him word of his death. They, coming to Paul instructing the people, desired him to pray for them, that they might believe; who told them that shortly after they should believe and be baptized at his [tomb]. This done, the soldiers came and led him out of the city to the place of execution, where he, after his prayers made, gave his neck to the sword."

"When Andrew, through his diligent preaching, had brought many to the faith of Christ, Ǽgeas the governor, knowing this, resorted to Patrae, to the intent he might constrain as many as did believe Christ to be God, by the whole consent of the senate, to do sacrifice unto idols, and so give divine honors unto them. Andrew, thinking good at the beginning to resist the wicked counsel and doings of Ǽgeas, went unto him, saying this effect to him: 'that it behoved him who was judge of men, first to know his judge which dwells in heaven, and then to worship Him being known; and so, in worshipping the true God, to revoke his mind from false gods and blind idols...'

But Ǽgeas, greatly therewith discontented, demanded of him, whether he was the same Andrew that did overthrow the temple of the gods, and persuade men to be of that superstitious sect which the Romans of late had commanded to be abolished and rejected. Andrew did plainly affirm that the princes of the Romans did not understand the truth and that the Son of God, coming from heaven into the world for man's sake, has taught and declared how those idols, whom they so honored as gods, were not only not gods, but also most cruel devils; enemies to mankind, teaching the people nothing else but that wherewith God is offended, and, being offended, turns away and regards them not; and so by the wicked service of the devil, they do fall headlong into all wickedness, and, after their departing, nothing remains unto them, but their evil deeds.

But the proconsul charged and commanded Andrew not to teach and preach such things anymore; or, if he did, he should be fastened to the cross with all speed.

Andrew, abiding in his former mind very constant, answered thus concerning the punishment which he threatened: 'he would not have preached the honor and glory of the cross, if he had feared the death of the cross.' Whereupon sentence of condemnation was pronounced; that Andrew, teaching and enterprising a new sect, and taking away the religion of their gods, ought to be crucified.

Andrew, going towards the place, and seeing afar off the cross prepared, did change neither countenance nor color, neither did his blood shrink, neither did he fail in his speech, his body fainted not, neither was his mind molested, nor did his understanding fail him, as it is the manner of men to do, but out of the abundance of his heart his mouth did speak, and fervent charity did appear in his words as kindled sparks; he said, 'O cross, most welcome and long looked for! with a willing mind, joyfully and desirously, I come to thee: because I have always been thy lover, and have coveted to embrace thee.'"

As always, the witness of the martyrs is especially convicting. What examples they leave for us in their death! These two godly men are no different.

Paul, the great evangelist, in the moments just preceding death, still shares the Gospel and still leads souls to Christ. It was not enough that when required to give an account for the talents he had been left that he would return a million fold what he had been given; no, these two men were just as important to him as the first two men; the work for Paul was not done until he was home with our Lord. Love for God, love for his fellow man, such a beautiful display of love from man who was a persecutor of Christians! Paul was a man who loved nothing more than pleasing his Lord and winning souls and he lived that as the reality of his life until the very last breath he took.

Andrew did the same and I will not recap that. This is not to diminish what that great man of God did but because I want us to focus on a different aspect of Andrew's martyrdom. You see, we have an account of what Andrew's dying words were; what the state of his pious mind was before the Lord called him home. Herein we see that Andrew recognized that he was but a sojourner, passing through the land for the sake of Christ, but eager to be home with his Lord. He did not cling to life in desperation, he was not dragged kicking and screaming, he did not hurl profanities in the direction of those wicked men; no, he displayed the heart of Christ even in that most perilous situation he found himself in, for our dear brother Andrew found honor in being crucified for Christ's sake and welcomed the chance to be with his God in heaven.

How, my fellow saints, do we compare to a witness such as this? Are we leading souls to Christ? Are we clinging to this life in desperation? Are we being faithful to the race the Lord has set before us? If we cannot answer positively to these things then the accounts we have just read stand as a damning indictment against us. We may not all be called to bring nations to Christ, but it is sure that we are all called to at least attempt to bring whomever the Lord has placed in our paths knowing that He will apply salvation to the hearts of every single man that has been numbered with the elect. If the love of this world and the things therein are claiming your heart then you have taken your eyes off of heaven. it is undoubtedly true that these two thngs can be lumped into one singular consideration: we do not seek to lead souls to Christ because we ourselves have a low view of the prize we're after. In far too many cases we are more in love with this world than with our Lord and we simply live for self along with anything that will gratify that end.

I leave you with this singular question, one which only you and our Lord can truly answer: What would be your witness to the world if the Lord saw fit to put you in the position of Andrew and Paul?

Numbered With the Martyrs - Prayer Request

Today news came out that Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani has exhausted his legal options in the Islamic state of Iran and has been sentenced to death, which could come at any time, for having left Islam. Please be in prayer for this man, for his family, for his lawyer, and for his church; all of whom are being persecuted for their practice of the Christian faith. May the Lord be a shield about them (Ps. 3:3).

Pastor Nadarkhani Sentenced to Death

Numbered With the Martyrs - The Fate of the Apostles (Part 2)

We now continue our look at the Apostles and the martydom thereof.

"James, took in hand to govern the Church with the apostles, being counted of all men, from the time of our Lord, to be a just and perfect man. He drank no wine nor any strong drink, neither did he eat any animal food; the razor never came upon his head. To him only was it lawful to enter into the holy place...; and he used to enter into the temple alone, and there, falling upon his knees, by oft kneeling (for worshipping God, and craving forgiveness for the people), lost the sense of feeling, being benumbed and hardened like the knees of a camel. He was, for the excellency of his just life, called 'the Just,' and, 'the safeguard for the people.'

When many therefore of their chief men did believe, there was a tumult made of the Jews, Scribes and Pharisees, saying; There is danger, lest all the people should look for this Jesus, as the Christ. Therefore they gathered themselves together, and said to James, 'We beseech thee restrain the people, for they believe in Jesus, as though He were Christ; we pray thee persuade all them which come unto the feast of passover to think rightly of Jesus; for we all give heed to thee, and all the people do testify of thee that thou art just, and that thou dost not accept the person of any man. Therefore persuade the people that they be not deceived about Jesus, for all the people and we ourselves are ready to obey thee. Therefore stand upon the pinnacle of the temple, that thou mayest be seen above, and that thy words might be heard of all the people; for all the tribes with many Gentiles are come together for the passover.'

And thus the forenamed Scribes and Pharisees did set James upon the battlements of the temple, and they cried unto him, and said, 'Thou just man, whom we all ought to obey, this people is going astray after Jesus which is crucified.'

And he answered with a loud voice, 'Why do you ask me of Jesus the Son of Man? He sitteth on the right hand of the Most High, and shall come in the clouds of heaven.'

Whereupon they were persuaded and glorified God, upon this witness of James, and said, 'Hosannah to the Son of David.'

Then the Scribes and Pharisees said among themselves, 'We have done evil, that we have caused such a testimony of Jesus; let us go up, and throw him down, that others, being moved with fear, may deny that faith.' And they cried out, saying, 'Oh, oh, this just man also is seduced.' Therefore they went up to throw down the just man. Yet he was not killed by the fall, but, turning, fell upon his knees, saying, 'O Lord God, Father, I beseech thee to forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they said among themselves, 'Let us stone the just man, James;' and they took him to smite him with stones. But while they were smiting him with stones, a priest, said to them, 'Leave off, what do ye? The just man prayeth for you.' And one of those who were present, a fuller, took an instrument, wherewith they did use to beat and purge cloth, and smote the just man on his head; and so he finished his testimony. And they buried him in the same place. He was a true witness for Christ to the Jews and the Gentiles."

These men had imagined in their wicked hearts that they could separate this man from the love of Christ. They had imagnied that through the practice of false religion they had a special claim on heaven and God's favor and that through intimidation they would be able to stifle the pious uprising of belief that was infecting the elect. They were so arrogant and self-righteous that they took the most pious man avaliable and believed they had persuaded him to speak ill of Jesus Christ. What they found instead was a man of character, a man that would not be silenced or intimidated and would not flee from the truth, not even for the sake of his own life. He died a righteous death and is now resting in the warmth of God's eternal favor.

What prevents us from making the same stand? What prevents us from standing for truth in the face of adversity? Death as a punishment for Christian belief is no longer commonplace in most of the world. So that can't be it, though that would be no excuse even if that was the case. Have we become so beholden to others, are we such men-pleasers that the mere possibility of falling into disfavor will silence us and lead our hearts to practice apathetic dead religion? Has being an outcast become so meaningful to us that we are willing to sit idly by and watch the Church be assaulted both from within and from without? This righteous man saw no such conflict, he knew the prize he was after and to forsake his conscience was tantamount to forsaking the very soul he had committed to Christ. The plot of the Scribes and Pharisees was ludicrous, it was impossible for a heart so in love with the Lord to play the role of Judas; may we all be as committed and confident as our dear brother James.

Numbered With the Martyrs - The Fate of the Apostles (Part 1)

As usual we reference that great work by John Foxe which details the martyrdom of the saints. Today we look at the fate of the apostles and how these men gave all they had to serve their Lord. Their piety and witness even, and especially, in death is a testament to the work of the Spirit upon their hearts. May we all be so bold and steadfast in our walks.

I am splitting this up to allow it to be more readable. We will still cover Andrew, Peter, Paul, and James in other parts soon to be published. For now let us consider the following.

The Apostle James:
After the martyrdom of Stephen, suffered next James the holy apostle of Christ, and brother of John. "When this James," saith Clement, "was brought to the tribunal seat, he that brought him and was the cause of his trouble, seeing him to be condemned and that he should suffer death, was in such sort moved therewith in heart and conscience that as he went to the execution he confessed himself also, of his own accord, to be a Christian. And so were they led forth together, where in the way he desired of James to forgive him what he had done. After that James had a little paused with himself upon the matter, turning to him he saith, "Peace be to thee, brother;" and kissed him. And both were beheaded together, A.D. 36.



The Apostle Thomas:
Thomas preached to the Parthians, Medes and Persians, also to the Carmanians, Hyrcanians, Bactrians, and Magians. He suffered in Calamina, a city of India, being slain with a dart (or spear).






The Apostle Simon:
Simon who was brother to Jude, and to James the younger..., was Bishop of Jerusalem after James, and was crucified in a city of Egypt in the time of Trajan the emperor. Simon the apostle, called [the Zealot], preached in Mauritania, and in the country of Africa, and in Britain: he was... crucified.




The Apostle Mark:
Mark, the evangelist and first Bishop of Alexandria, preached the Gospel in Egypt, and there, drawn with ropes unto the fire, was burnt and afterwards buried in a pace called there "Bucolos," under the reign of Trajan the emperor.




The Apostle Bartholomew:
Bartholomew is said to have preached to the Indians, and to have translated the Gospel of Matthew into their tongue. At last in Albinopolis, a city of greater Armenia, after divers persecutions, he was beaten down with staves, then crucified; and after, being [stripped of his skin], he was beheaded.



The Apostle Matthew:
Matthew, otherwise named Levi, first of a publican made an apostle, wrote his Gospel to the Jews in the Hebrew tongue. After he had converted to the faith Ethiopia and all Egypt, Hircanus, their king, sent one to run him through with a spear.




The Apostle Philip:
Philip, the holy apostle, after he had much labored among the barbarous nations in preaching the word of salvation to them, at length suffered, in Hierapolis, a city of Phrygia, being there crucified and stoned to death; where also he was buried, and his daughters also with him.


Let us consider the great witness these men have left us. Willing to give all to serve their Lord they paid with their lives. In detesting displays of hate and sin, cruel and malicious murder was committed against them; yet, they were faithful to the end. How remarkable it is that we read of James, the brother of John, that he converted the very man who had brought him before the tribunal. How remarkable it is that he then forgave him for what he had done so that the two could die together as brothers, both having the peace of a clear conscience. And then there is "Doubting" Thomas who didn't seem to doubt much of anything at all as he evangleized the nations and laid down his life to serve his Lord.

Beatings did not disuade them, imprisonment did not disuade them, nothing could stop them from proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. Their faith in Him and their committment to fulfill the Great Commission stands as an example to the rest of us that we must be willing to follow and support. Their piety must be our piety too, it must be the mark of our character that we too are willing to die as martyrs if it will but glorify the Lord in doing so. Onward Christian Soldiers!

Numbered With the Martyrs - Henry Forest

This is taken from "Foxe's Book of Martyrs" and intended to impress upon those of us that take our freedom of religion for granted that there have been, and continues to be, men and women who pay with their lives in order to worship God. Let us be grateful for what the Lord has provided us and lament and pray for those who do not have what we have. Doctrine is important, vitally important, but where saints are shedding their blood to worship God I pray that we will be forgiving of their errors for those societies do not foster a great understanding of deep theology. Yet if they have placed their faith in Christ they are still our brothers and sisters with whom we will share eternity.

Today we look at Henry Forest, a Scotsman who was moved by the pious witness of Patrick Hamilton and paid for it with his life.

Within a few years of the martyrdom of Master Patrick Hamilton, one Henry Forest, a young man born in Linlithgow..., affirmed that Master Patrick Hamilton died a martyr. For this he was apprehended, and put in prison by James Beaton, Archbishop of St. Andrews, who, shortly after, caused a certian friar, named Walter Laing, to hear his confession. When Henry Forest had declared his conscience, how he thought Master Patrick to be a good man and not heretical, and wrongfully to be put to death, the friar came and uttered to the bishop the confession that he had heard, which before was not throroughly known. Hereupon it followed that, his confession being brought as sufficient probation against him, Henry Forest was concluded to be a heretic, equal in iniquity with Master Patrick Hamilton, and given to the secular judges, to suffer death.

When the day came for his death, and that he should first be degraded, he was brought before the clergy... As soon as he entered in at the door, and saw the faces of the clergy, perceiving whereunto they tended, he cried with a loud voice, saying, "[Shame] on falsehood! [Shame] on false friars, revealers of confession! After this day let no man ever trust any false friars, contemners of God's word, and deceivers of men!" After his degradation, he suffered death for his faithful testimony of the truth of Christ and of His Gospel, at the north church-stile of the abbey church of St. Andrew, to the intent that all the people of Forfar might see the fire, and so might be the more feared from falling into the doctrine which they term heresy.

This faithful saint stood firm to defend the truth knwoing it would more than likely cost him his life. Even when they brought him in to be ridiculed before death he did not lose courage and plead for his life, he spoke truth and stood by the side of Christ his Lord. I have long seen an ever increasing dearth of Christians in this country of ours that will not do the same though it costs them nothing. Let the faithful witness of Henry Forest, and others like him, move you to be vessels for truth to the glory of our precious father in heaven.

Numbered With the Martyrs - John Wycliffe

We now turn our attention to John Wycliffe or "The Morning Star of the Reformation." Here we have a man that was so godly and knowledgable that even his persecutors marveled at him. Here we have a man that greatly influenced others and was used by the Lord to spur them on to reforming the faith. In fact, it was this man's books that kindled the fire under the feet of that great man John Hus; I suppose he could be called a Lollard through and through. His influence stands throughout all of time and we enjoy today Bibles and books translated in our own language as a result of what this man started. Let us now hear what John Foxe relates to this man's life and ministry.

It appeareth that [John] Wickcliff flourished about 1371, Edward III reigning in England. This is out of all doubt, that at what time all the world was in most desperate and vile estate, and the lamentable ignorance and darkness of God's truth had overshadowed the whole earth, this man stepped forth like a valiant champion, unto whom that may justly be applied which is spoken of one Simon, the son of Onias: "Even as the morning star being in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon being full in her course, and as the bright beams of the sun; so doth he shine and glister in the temple and Church of God."

In these days the whole state of religion was depraved and corrupted: the name only of Christ remained amongst the Christians, but His true and lively doctrine was as far unknown to the most part as His name was common to all men. As touching faith, consolation, the end and use of the law, the office of Christ, our impotency and weakness, the Holy Spirit, the greatness and strength of sin, true works, grace and free justification by faith, the liberty of a Christian man, there was almost no mention.

The world, forsaking the lively power of God's spiritual Word, was altogether led and blinded with outward ceremonies and human traditions; in these was all the hope of obtaining salvation fully fixed; insomuch that scarcely any other thing was seen in the temples or churches, taught or spoken of in sermons, or finally intended or gone about in their whole life, but only heaping of certain shadowy ceremonies upon ceremonies; neither was there any end of this their heaping.

[John] Wickcliff, perceiving the true doctrine of Christ's Gospel to be adulterated and defiled with so many filthy inventions and dark errors of bishops and monks, after long debating aand deliberating with himself (with many secret sighs, and bewailing in his mind the general ignorance of the whole world), could no longer abide the same, and at the last determined with himself to help and to remedy such things as he saw to be wide, and out of the way.

[...] through the favor and supportation of the Duke of Lancaster and Lord Henry Percy, he persisted against [the monk's and priest's] wolfish violence and cruelty: till at last, about 1377, the bishops, still urging and inciting their archbishop Simon Sudbury, who before had deprived him, and afterward prohibited him not to stir any more in those sorts of matters, had obtained, by process and order of citation, to have him brought before them. [Which under the protection of these men and after vicious debate and threatenings, said meeting was disbanded and not resumed.]

After King Edward III succeeded his son's son, Richard II, who was no great disfavorer of the way and doctrine of Wickcliff. But the bishops now seeing the aged king to be taken away, during the time of whose old age all the government of the realm depended upon the Duke of Lancaster, and seeing the said duke, with the Lord Percy, the Lord Marshall, give over their offices, and remain in their private houses without intermeddling, thought now the time to serve them to have some advantage against John Wickcliff; who hitherto, under the protection of the aforesaid duke and Lord Marshall, had some rest and quiet. Notwithstanding being by the bishops forbid to deal in doctrine anymore, he continued yet with his fellows going barefoot and in long frieze gowns, preaching diligently to the people.

Wickcliff, albeit he was commanded by the bishops and prelates to keep silence, yet could not so be supressed, but that through the vehemency of the truth he burst out afterwards much more fiercely. For he, having obtained the goodwill and favor of certain noblemen, attempted again to stir up his doctrine amongst the common people. Then began the Pharisees to swarm together striving against the light of the Gospel, which began to shine abroad; neither was the Pope himself behind with his part, for he never ceased with his bulls and letters to stir up them who otherwise, of their own accord, were but furious and mad.

The letters being received from the Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury and other bishops took no little heart; for, being encouraged by them, and pricked forward by their own fierceness and cruelty, it is to be marvelled at, with what boldness and stomach they did openly profess before their provincial council, that all fear or favor set apart, no person, neither high nor low, should let them, neither would they be seduced by the entreaty of any man, neither by any threatenings or rewards, but that they would follow straight and upright justice and equity, yea, albeit that danger of life should follow thereupon. But these so fierce brags and stout promise, with the subtle practices of these bishops, who thought themselves so sure before, the Lord, against Whom no determination of man's counsel can prevail, by a small occasion did lightly confound and overthrow. For the day of the examination being come, a certain personage of the prince's court, and yet of no great noble birth, named Lewis Clifford, entering in among the bishops, commanded them that they should not proceed with any definite sentence against John Wickcliff. With which words all they were so amazed, and their combs so cut, that they became mute and speechless. And thus, by the wondrous work of God's providence, John Wickcliff escaped the second time out of the bishop's hands.

John Wickcliff returning again within short space, either from his banishment, or from some other palce where he was secretly kept, repaired to his parish of Lutterworth, where he was parson; and there, quietly departing this mortal life, slept in peace with the Lord, in the end of the year 1384... It appeareth that he was well aged before he departed, "and that the same thing pleased him in his old age, which did please him being young."

John Wickcliff, albeit in his lifetime he had many grievous enemies, yet was there none so cruel to him, as the clergy itself... And for the residue, we will declare what cruelty they used not only against the books and articles of John Wickcliff, but also in burning his body and bones, commanding them to be taken up many years after he was buried; as appeareth by the decree of the synod of Constance in 1415... But these and others must know that, as there is no counsel against the Lord, so there is no keeping down of verity, but it will spring up and come out of dust and ashes, as appeared right well in this man; for though they digged up his body, burnt his bones, and drowned his ashes, yet the word of God and the truth of his doctrine, with the fruit and success thereof, they could not burn. 

I know this breaks from the norm of what we do here. This man was not ultimately martyred and dies in peace. Yet this man fought for the truth and was persecuted and doggedly pursued throughout his life. For the sake of time I did not include all of the times he was called before these wicked men that had every intent of declaring him a heretic and burning him only to have the Lord intervene in numerous ways to save this man and preserve and propogate the truth of God's word. Well beyond the intervention of nobles there was an earthquake that sent him home unharmed and one time a lightening strike hit the front door of the church to set him free!

We focus here as a special break from the norm for a reason. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a day that was institutued for and should still be used to thank the Lord for all He has done for us in our lives. John Wycliffe was sought with murderous intent by his persecutors. Let no doubt exist in thinking it is so for below is proof enough that those evil men would seek his life based on the major tenets of what he preached to the people.

Articles Collected out of Wycliffe's Sermons

• The holy eucharist, after the consecration, is not the very body of Christ.
• The Church of Rome is not the head of all churches more than any other church is; nor that Peter had anymore power given of Christ than any other Apostle had.
• The Pope of Rome hath no more in the keys of the Church than hath any other within the order of priesthood.
• The Gospel is a rule sufficient of itself to rule the life of every Christian man here, without any other rule.
• All other rules, under whose observances divers religious persons be governed, do add no more perfection to the Gospel, than doth the white color to the wall.
• Neither the Pope, nor any other prelate of the church, ought to have prisons wherein to punish transgressors.

Many a man was brutally tortured and murdered for much less than this. But the Lord preserved this man through it all. John Wycliffe never lost faith though danger lurked at every corner. As experience taught him to be bold for Christ we see a progression wherein he not only refused to back down but he actually became louder; with an ever increasing strength of voice he shouted to the world the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord! He was thankful to the Lord and indebted to Him for the preserving of his life for it is sure there was no other good cause for him to have remained alive.

Perhaps one of the great lessons we should take from this story of Wycliffe is the description Foxe gives of the Church at that time. I think it would take no great effort to remove the dates provided and use the words verbatim to describe our own time. We should be thankful that the Lord has not entirely abandoned us and we should be striving to reform the Church once again. We need men today like Wycliffe that can "no longer abide the same, and at the last [will be] determined... to help and to remedy such things as [they see] to be wide, and out of the way." Give thanks the Lord has given us the opportunity for true religion in a world that hates His very name and then endeavor to serve the Lord through the exercise of that religion with zeal and in truth.

In closing, I think an honest evaluation of our own lives proves how the Lord sustains us even if the circumstances aren't as dire as were Wycliffe's. I can say that I am in the midst of two of the hardest years of my life. I can testify well to the certainity of defeat and ruin only to see the Lord deliver me and my family time after time. I don't foolishly presume that things can't get worse, for even then the Lord is in control and I am willing to abide according to His will even when it is painful to do so. But, I have a new confidence in Him that I have never had before and I have never treasured a roof over the heads of my family and food on our table like I do right now. I feel a little like the Pilgrims after their first year; and I, like them, am immensely grateful that my God has preserved me and my family and will gave thanks to Him knowing that I am owed nothing and yet He blesses me so abundantly. Please pray for the persecuted church, give thanks for those that gave their lives that we may enjoy the spiritual blessings we have today, and more than anything, give thanks to the Lord that He has made it to be so and has preserved us all for yet another year in the richness of His grace. Laus Deo!

Numbered With the Martyrs - Patrick Hamilton

Patrick Hamilton has the distinction of being the first Scottish martyr of the Reformation. In the following account John Foxe shares with us this man's faith and bravery in the fight for faith.

[...] Patrick Hamilton [was] a Scotsman born of high and noble stock, and of the king's blood, of excellent towardness, twenty-three years of age, called abbot of Ferne. Coming out of his country with three companions to seek godly learning, he went to the University of Marburg in Germany, which University was the newly erected by Philip, Landgrave of Hesse. Using conference with learned men, especially with Frances Lambert, he so profited in knowledge and judgment that, through the incitation of the said Lambert, he was the first in all that University who publicly did set up conclusions there to be disputed of, concerning faith and works. Which young man, if he had chosen to lead his life after the manner of other courtiers, in all kind of licentious riotousness, should peradventure have found praise without peril or punishment; but, forsomuch as he joined godliness with his stock, and virtue with his age, he could by no means escape the hands of the wicked. For there is nothing safe or sure in this world but wickedness and sin.

Whoever saw the cardinals or bishops rage with their cruel inquisitions against riot, ambition, unlawful gaming, drunkenness, and rapines? But if any man were truly addict to the desire and study of godliness, confessing Christ to be his only patron and advocate, excluding the merits of the saints, acknowledging free justification by faith in Christ, denying purgatory (for these articles Hamilton was burned), they spare neither age nor kindred, neither is there any so great power in the world, that may withstand their majesty or authority.

This learned Patrick, increasing daily more and more in knowledge, and inflamed with godliness, at length began to revolve with himself touching his return into his country, being desirous to impart unto his countrymen some fruit of understanding which he had received abroad. Whereupon, persisting in his godly purpose, he took one of the three whom he brought out of Scotland, and so returned home without any longer delay. Not sustaining the miserable ignorance and blindness of that people, he valiantly taught and preached the truth, was accused of heresy, and, stoutly sustaining the quarrel of God's Gospel against the high priest and Archbishop of St. Andrews, named James Beaton, was cited to appear before him and his college of priests on the 1st of March, 1527. Being not only forward in knowledge, but also ardent in spirit, not tarrying for the hour appointed, he came very early in the morning before he was looked for; and there mightily disputing against them, when he could not by the Scriptures be convicted, by force he was oppressed. And so the sentence of condemnation being given against him, the same day after dinner, in all hot haste, he was had away to the fire, and there burned.

And thus was this noble Hamilton, the blessed servant of God, without all just cause, made away by cruel adversaries, yet not without great fruit to the Church of Christ; for the grave testimony of his blood left the truth of God more fixed and confirmed in the hearts of many than ever could after be plucked away: insomuch that divers afterwards, standing in his quarrel, sustained the like martyrdom.

How amazing it is that as we work our way through this series we see how powerfully the Lord used these men to advance the Gospel. We may marvel at the strength and fortitude He imparted to them, which we should. But it seems to me that the greater thing to be admired is how their blood stood as a timeless witness that not only failed to deter the elect from coming to the cross but beckoned them in! It defies logic unless we stop and realize that our sovereign Lord does not operate based on the logic of men and quite often stands opposed to it. We must be willing to lay down our lives, for the thing to be accomplished may have little or nothing to do with that instant our spirit ascends to heaven; the Lord may be using the spilling of our blood to draw others to Himself and no more noble a death could possibly exist than such as that.

(Pictured above is the memorial with Hamilton's initials at the spot where he was martyred.)

Numbered With the Martyrs - Alban

We now turn our attention to Alban who has the distinction of being the first English martyr recorded. The exact time frame of his martyrdom is a little vague but it seems appropriate that it occurred either in the third century or very early fourth century. If John Foxe is right and it happened under the Emperor Dioclesian then we can date it in the late third century, though that is a debated fact. Just the same, that he was the first martyred Englishman does not seem to be up for debate and so we will assume it to be so.

Alban was the first martyr that ever in England suffered death for the name of Christ. At what time Dioclesian and Maximian the emporers had directed out their letters with all severity for the persecution of Christians, Alban, being then an infidel, received into his house a certain clerk, flying from the persecutors' hands, whom when Alban beheld continually, both day and night, to persevere in watching and prayer, suddenly by the great mercy of God he began to imitate the example of his faith and virtuous life; whereupon, by little and little, he being instructed by his wholesome exhortation, and leaving the blindness of his idolatry, became at length a... Christian.

And when the aforementioned clerk had lodged with him a certain time, it was informed the wicked prince, that this good man and confessor of Christ (not yet condemned to death) was harbored in Alban's house, or very near unto him. Whereupon immediately he gave in charge to the soldiers to make more diligent inquisition of the matter. As soon as they came to the house of Alban he, putting on the apparel wherewith his guest and master was apparelled, offered himself in the stead of the other to the soldiers; who, binding him, brought him forthwith to the judge.

It fortuned that at that instant when blessed Alban was brought unto the judge, they found the same judge at the altars offering sacrifice unto devils, who, as soon as he saw Alban, was straight ways in a great rage, for that he would presume of his voluntary will to offer himself to peril, and give himself a prisoner to the soldiers, for safeguard of his guest whom he harbored; wherefore he commanded him to be brought before the images of the devils whom he worshipped, saying: "For that thou hadst rather hide and convey away a rebel, than deliver him to the officers, that (as a contemner of our gods) he might suffer punishment of his blasphemy; what punishment he should have had, thou for him shalt suffer the same, if I perceive thee any whit to revolt from our manner of worshipping." But blessed Alban, who of his own accord had betrayed to the persecutors that he was a Christian, feared not at all the menaces of the prince; but being armed with the spiritual armor, openly pronounced that he would not obey his commandment.

Then said the judge, "Of what stock or kindred art thou come?" Alban answered, "What is it to you, of what stock I come? If you desire to hear the verity of my religion, I do you to wit, that I am a Christian, and apply myself altogether to that calling." Then said the judge, "I would know thy name, and see thou tell me the same without delay." Then said he, "My parents named me Alban, and I worship the true and living God, who created all the world." Then said the judge, fraught with fury, "If thou wilt enjoy the felicity of prolonged life, do sacrifice (and that out of hand) to the mighty gods." Alban replieth, "These sacrifices which you offer unto devils, neither yet can they accomplish the desires and prayers of their suppliants." The judge, when he heard these words, was passing angry, and commanded the tormentors to whip this holy confessor of God, endeavoring to overcome with stripes the constancy of his heart against which he had prevailed nothing with words. And he was cruelly beaten, yet suffered he the same patiently, nay rather joyfully, for the Lord's sake. Then when the judge saw that he would not with torments be overcome, nor be seduced from the Christian religion, he commanded him to be beheaded. - John Foxe

It is no doubt true that Alban knew little about the Christian religion. It is no doubt true that he could not expound the finer points of theology. It is no doubt true that there were probably things that he believed as a new convert that were wrong, even dramatically wrong. But he believed truly in Christ and confessed him with his mouth to the world so that it is also true that this brother now lies blissfully in Christ's holy bosom thankful he was called to die for His sake. May we all have such conviction and fortitude.

Numbered With the Martyrs - Blandina of Lyon

We continue our series on Christian martyrs by looking now at Blandina of Lyon, France who was martyred by the Romans in the early days of Christianity. Her endurance and bravery is a lasting testament to the strength we have in Christ. May this blessed martyr stand, as John Foxe has said, "[...] as a glorious testimony, and to all Christian men as a spectacle or example of singular fortitude in Christ our Savior."

The whole fury of the multitude, the governor, and the soldiers, was spent... on Blandina, through whom Christ showed that those things that appear unsightly and contemptible among men are most honorable in the presence of God, on account of love to His name exhibited in real energy, and not in boasting and pompous pretences. For - while we all feared, and among the rest while her mistress according to the flesh, who herself was one of the noble army of martyrs, dreaded that she would not be able to witness a good confession, because of the weakness of her body; - Blandina was endued with so much fortitude, that those who successively tortured her from morning to night were quite worn out with fatigue, owned themselves conquered and exhausted of their whole apparatus of tortures, and were amazed to see her still breathing whilst her body was torn and laid open. The blessed woman recovered fresh vigor in the act of confession; and it was an evident annihilation of all her pains, to say, "I am a Christian, and no evil is committed among us."

Blandina [along with some fellow Christians] were led to the wild beasts into the amphitheater to be the common spectacle of the Gentile inhumanity. They were exposed to all the barbarities which the mad populace with shouts demanded, and above all to the hot iron chair, in which their bodies were roasted and emitted a disgusting smell. These after remaining alive a long time, expired at length.

Blandina, suspended from a stake, was exposed as food to the wild beasts; she was seen suspended in the form of a cross and employed in vehement supplication. The sight inspired her fellow combatants with much alacrity, while they beheld with their bodily eyes, in the person of their sister, the figure of Him Who was crucified for them. None of the beasts at that time touched her: she was taken down from the stake and thrown again into prison. Weak and contemptible as she might be deemed, yet when clothed with Christ, the mighty and invincible champion, she became victorious over the enemy in a variety of encounters, and was crowned with immortality.

The blessed Blandina... as a generous mother having exhorted her children, and sent them before her victorious to the king, reviewing the whole series of their sufferings, hastened to undergo the same herself, rejoicing and triumphing in her exit, as if invited to a marriage supper, not as one going to be exposed to the wild beasts. After she had endured stripes, the tearing of the beasts, and the iron chair, she was enclosed in a net, and thrown to a bull; and having been tossed some time by the animal, and proving quite superior to her pains, through the influence of hope, and the realizing view of the objects of her faith and her fellowship with Christ, she at length breathed out her soul.

I was reminded on reading this account and the hope that this great woman had in enduring great pain at the hands of our enemies, of the character in "The Pilgrim's Progress" named Standfast who like Blandina did not cower at the thought of death but approached it with joy as if, as Foxe said earlier, "invited to a marriage supper." Standfast, as he was ready to cross the river into the heavenly kingdom says,

This river has been a terror to many, yea, the thoughts of it also have often frightened me; but now methinks I stand easy, my foot is fixed upon that upon which the feet of the Priests that bare the Ark of the Covenant stood, while Israel went over this Jordan. The waters indeed are to the palate bitter, and to the stomach cold; yet the thoughts of what I am going to, and of the conduct that waits for me on the other side, doth lie as a glowing coal at my heart.

I see myself now at the end of my Journey; my toilsome days are ended. I am going now to see that Head that was crowned with thorns, and that Face that was spit upon for me.

I have formerly lived by hearsay and Faith; but now I go where I shall live by Sight, and shall be with Him in whose company I delight myself.

I have loved to hear my Lord spoken of; and wherever I have seen the print of His shoe in the earth there I have coveted to set my foot too.

His name has been to me as a civet-box; yea, sweeter than all perfumes. His Voice to me has been most sweet; and His Countenance I have more desired than they that have most desired the light of the Sun. His Word I did use to gather for my food, and for antidotes against my faintings. He has held me, and I have kept me from mine iniquities; yea, my steps hath He strengthened in His way.

Now, while he was thus in discourse, his countenance changed, his strong man bowed under him; and after he had said, "Take me, for I come unto thee," he ceased to be seen of them.

Such a picture is the one we receive when hearing of the faithful battle of blessed Blandina. May we all know and be assured that the battles of this life cannot be compared with the glory in the next and that regardless of how death arrives it only ushers in the life we as Christians have been striving for. With great peace and courage may we until our dying breath glorify our God.

Christian Martyrs (a poem)

Christian martyrs:
You press heavy on my mind;
For you have died for our Lord…
A price that few afford.

Christian martyrs:
I wonder if my strength would be as yours,
If wicked men came to my door
To take my life for our dear Lord.

Christian martyrs:
I pray that God will free me from such times;
But if the devil should come and call,
I pray like you I’ll stand strong and tall.

Christian martyrs:
You have traveled a blessed path,
Where to be counted with Jesus Christ
You happily laid down your life.

Christian martyrs:
I know you rest in Jesus’ bosom today;
And would not trade one moment there
To be back with us down here.

Christian martyrs:
Many will be added to your number;
And may they all remember what you know now,
That their reward is a glorious crown.

Christian martyrs:
We will worship our God together;
Never afraid of the hands of men
And never to be threatened by them again.

Christian martyrs:
Thank for your sacrifice;
For like the waves of a crashing flood
Is the enduring witness of your blood.

Christian martyrs:
Rest easy as you should;
Safe, secure, blessed forevermore,
In the hands of our dear Lord.

Numbered With the Martyrs - John Hus

Continuing in our weekly series on martyred saints we now turn our attention to that godly man John Hus. May his story invigorate your resolve to stand boldly both individually and collectively with those being martyred for Christ even in our own day and regardless of what persecution we may face in this life.

It is said that this godly man insisted on facing his accusers in spite of the fact he had been given ample opportunity to escape. Though Hus was betrayed by many (not the least of which was the Emperor Sigismund himself who had guaranteed him safe passage and return), brought before a kangaroo court, treated poorly and imprisoned in such pitiful conditions that he had become gravely ill while awaiting trial; yet Hus never wavered and with a clear conscience and the word of God on his side he stood strong. After the Cardinal of Cambray demanded that he recant and repent for all he had said Hus replied, "I most humbly desire you all, even for His sake Who is the God of us all, that I be not compelled to do the thing which my conscience doth strive against, or which I cannot do without danger of eternal damnation: that is, that I should make revocation, by oath, to all the articles which are alleged against me. But if there be any man who can teach me contrariwise unto them, I will willingly perform that which you desire."

One of the remarkable things throughout was that there was a genuine sense of humility and a teachable spirit within this pious man. On more than one occasion he openly invited his accusers to teach him by the word of God where he was wrong that he may learn and repent should they be successful in so doing. On one such occasion, as an example, after being exhorted to examine himself and repent if he should find himself in error rather than face punishment it is said that with lamentable tears he said, "Verily, I do take the Most High God for my witness, that I am ready with my heart and mind, if the Council can teach me any better by the holy Scripture, to alter my purpose." With said council unable to oblige his request they turned humility into fault and marked him as an obstinate heretic condemned for death.

After the council had repeatedly refused to allow him to speak or plead his case and forcibly silenced him Hus dropped to his knees and gave a cry that should be ready on the lips of every saint alive should they fall into similar circumstances. He said, "O Lord Jesus Christ! Whose word is openly condemned herein this Council, unto thee again I do appeal, Who when Thou wast evil entreated of Thine enemies, didst appeal unto God Thy Father, committing Thy cause unto a most just judge; that by Thy example, we also being oppressed with manifest wrongs and injuries, should flee unto thee."

Even after these wicked men had sentenced him to death Hus showed a remarkable love for his enemies and a faithfulness to his God saying, "Lord Jesus Christ! forgive mine enemies, by whom Thou knowest that I am falsely accused, and that they have used false witness and slanders against me; forgive them, I say, for Thy great mercy's sake." Yet not even such a pious plea could sway the hearts of the evil men that surrounded him and he was answered with derision and mockery.

After this they began to assault him. First one of the bishops took his chalice away from him proclaiming, "O cursed Judas... We take away from thee this chalice of thy salvation." To which Hus replied, "I trust unto God, the Father omnipotent, and my Lord Jesus Christ, for Whose sake I do suffer these things, that He will not take away the chalice of His redemption, but have a steadfast and firm hope that this day I shall drink thereof in His kingdom."

Next the bishops collectively came and took away his vestments while each of them placed their curse upon him. Still, Hus faithfully replied, "[I do] willingly embrace and bear those blasphemies for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

After much contention over the tool with which they would scalp him with it was finally decided that a pair of shears would be best and they "cut off the skin of the crown of his head..." and placed a "crown of paper, almost a cubit deep, on which were painted three devils of wonderfully ugly shape, and this title set over their heads, 'Heresiarcha' (which is to say "The Chief of Heretics")." Still that godly man John Hus did not give in and give them cause to revile him but only replied, "My Lord Jesus Christ, for my sake, did wear a crown of thorns; why should not I then, for His sake, again wear this light crown, be it ever so ignominious? Truly I will do it, and that willingly." Then as if to twist the dagger just one last time these wicked men pronounced, "Now we commit thy soul unto the devil." "But I," said John Hus, lifting his eyes up towards the heavens, "do commend into Thy hands, O Lord Jesus Christ! my spirit which thou hast redeemed."

Stripped naked, tied and chained to a pillar with wood stacked around him from his feet to his chin some gentlemen approached him and asked him to repent in order to save his life. He simply replied, "What error should I renounce, when I know myself guilty of none? For this was the principal end and purpose of my doctrine, that I might teach all men repentance and remission of sins, according to the verity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: wherefore, with a cheerful mind and courage, I am here ready to suffer death."

Having burned John Hus' books outside of the church wherein he was tried they now used the books of the venerable John Wycliffe and upon this the fire was kindled as John Hus could be heard singing with a loud voice, "Jesu Christ! the Son of the living God! have mercy upon me." Herein John Hus expired and was no more on this earth having happily crossed over to be with our Lord.

John Hus was martyred on July 6, 1415. One of his last comments recorded was, "You are now going to burn a goose, but in a century you will have a swan whom you can neither roast nor boil,” Hus meaning goose in his native language. One hundred two years later on October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Thesis to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg which sparked the Reformation and transformed history from that point on. Later when Martin Luther was brought before the Diet of Worms he was accused of "being just like that heretic John Hus." Shortly thereafter they took a break and Martin Luther rushed to the library to find out who this John Hus was. Upon coming back from the break Luther was asked about the charge presented therein to which Martin Luther stood up and proudly proclaimed, "Ja, ich bin ein Hussiten!" That is to say, "Yes, I am a Hussite!"

May the Lord enliven our faith and embolden us to do battle with the wicked in this world. May we do so with grace and honor and always to the glory of our most holy God.

If you are interested in reading more on John Hus or Martin Luther I would recommend the following books which are linked to places you may buy them (I am not getting anything for linking them, I am only helping others find these valuable resources).

Hus the Heretic by Pogius the Papist; The Book of Martyrs by John Foxe; The History of the Reformation of the 16th Century by J.H. Merle d'Aubigne

Numbered With the Martyrs - Polycarp

Last week I made an initial post concerning the martyrdom of Ignatius. It is my intent to begin a weekly series sharing the story of a martyred Christian for an indefinite period of time. I do so for this reason: In the vast majority of the world martyrdom is a very real possibility and people lay down their lives for God every day. Historically the road to religious freedom, such as the vast majority of the western world enjoys, has been bathed in the blood of the saints. It is wise for us to be reminded of the faithful zeal of these great men and women in order to spur us beyond the apathetic trend of modern Christianity.

As we read from the comfort of our home computers with no challenge to our faith I ask you this simple question: Should God remove the religious liberty we currently enjoy, what price are you willing to pay to serve Him? Would you joyfully give up your life to be openly acknowledged as a Christian? I hope with eyes firmly fixed on heaven the answer is always and easily yes. I pray this series helps to confirm that reality in each of our lives.

Today's martyred saint is Polycarp and is also taken from John Foxe, as many will be, and is dealing with the persecution of the saints under the rule of the Roman Empire. This specific account was taken from the faithful recording of the ordeal by his own church.

In the time of... Marcus [Aurelius] a great number of them which truly professed Christ suffered most cruel torments and punishments, among whom was Polycarp, the worthy Bishop of Smyrna.

Three days before he was apprehended, as he was praying at night, he fell asleep, and saw in a dream the pillow take fire under his head, and presently consumed. Waking thereupon, he forthwith related the vision to those about him, and prophesied that he should be burnt alive for Christ's sake... When the persons who were in search of him... arrived late in the day, [they] found him gone to bed in the top room of the house, whence he might have escaped into another house, if he would; but this he refused to do saying, "The will of the Lord be done."

Hearing that they were come, he came down, and spoke to them with a cheerful and pleasant countenance: so that they were wonder-struck, who, having never known the man before, now beheld his venerable age and the gravity and composure of his manner, and wondered why they should be so earnest for the apprehension of so old a man. He immediately ordered a table to be laid for them, and exhorted them to eat heartily, and begged them to allow him one hour to pray without molestation; which being granted, he rose and began to pray, and was so full of the grace of God, that they who were present and heard his prayers were astonished, and many now felt sorry that so venerable and godly a man should be put to death.

When he had finished his prayers, wherein he made mention of all whom he had ever been connected with, small and great, noble and vulgar, and of the whole catholic Church throughout the world... they... brought him to the city. There met him the irenarch Herod, and his father Nicetes, who taking him up into their chariot, began to exhort him, saying, "What harm is it to say 'Lord Caesar,' and to sacrifice, and save yourself?" At first he was silent: but being pressed to speak he said, "I will not do as you advise me." When they saw that he was not to be persuaded, they gave him rough language, and pushed him hastily down, so that in descending from the chariot he grazed his shin. But he, unmoved as if he had suffered nothing, went on cheerfully, under the conduct of his guards, to the Stadium. There, the noise being so great that few could hear anything, a voice from heaven said to Polycarp as he entered the Stadium, "Be strong, Polycarp, and play the man." No one saw him that spake, but many people heard the voice. When he was brought to the tribunal, there was a great tumult as soon as it was generally understood that Polycarp was apprehended. The proconsul... counselled him to deny Christ, saying, "Consider thyself, and have pity on they own great age"; and many other such like speeches which they are wont to make: - "Swear by the fortune of Caesar" - "Repent" - "Say, 'Away with the Atheists.'"

The proconsul then urged him, saying, "Swear, and I will release thee; - reproach Christ."

Polycarp answered, "Eighty and six years have I served Him, and He never once wronged me; how then shall I blaspheme my King, who hath saved me?"

The proconsul again urged him, "Swear by the fortune of Caesar."

Polycarp replied, "Since you still vainly strive to make me swear by the fortune of Caesar, as you express it, affecting ignorance of my real character, hear me frankly declaring what I am - I am a Christian - and if you desire to learn the Christian doctrine, assign me a day, and you shall hear."

Hereupon the proconsul said, "I have wild beasts; and I will expose you to them, unless you repent."

"Call for them," replied Polycarp; "for repentance for us is a wicked thing, if it is to be a change from the better to the worse, but a good thing if it is to be a change from evil to good."

"I will tame thee with fire," said the proconsul, "since you despise the wild beasts, unless you repent."

Then said Polycarp, "You threaten me with fire, which burns for an hour, and is soon extinguished; but the fire of the future judgment, and of eternal punishment reserved for the ungodly, you are ignorant of. But why do you delay? Do whatever you please."

The proconsul sent the herald to proclaim thrice in the middle of the Stadium, "Polycarp has professed himself a Christian." [After failing to release a lion on Polycarp] they then unanimously shouted, that he should be burnt alive... The people immediately gathered wood and other dry matter from the workshops and baths...

When they would have fastened him to the stake, he said, "Leave me as I am; for He who giveth me strength to sustain the fire, will enable me also, without your securing me with nails, to remain without flinching in the pile." Upon which they bound him without nailing him. So he said thus: - "O Father, I bless thee that thou hast counted me worthy to receive my portion among the number of martyrs."

As soon as he uttered the word "Amen," the officers lighted the fire. The flame, forming the appearance of an arch, as the sail of a vessel filled with wind, surrounded as with a wall, the body of the martyr; which was in the midst, not as burning flesh, but as gold and silver refining in the furnace. We received also in our nostrils such a fragrance as proceeds from frankincense or some other precious perfume. At length the wicked people, observing that his body could not be consumed with the fire, ordered the confector to approach, and to plunge his sword into his body. Upon this such a quantity of blood gushed out, that the fire was extinguished.

Therein Polycarp expired with no regret and eagerly met his Lord that day. Notice, he never lost his ability to be both gracious and pious. He was willing to fulfill the Great Commission up to his dying breath and yet was bluntly insistent on defending the Gospel and serving his God with all sincerity of heart. May we never be faced with such a persecution; yet, if the Lord wills it to be so may He grant us the grace of Polycarp and the innumerable number of martyrs that are with Him in heaven today. Laus Deo!

Numbered With the Martyrs - Ignatius

John Foxe in recounting the atrocities of the Romans against the early Christians shares with us the case of Ignatius. He says,

In this persecution, suffered the blessed martyr, Ignatius, who is had in famous reverence by very many. This Ignatius was appointed to the bishopric of Antioch next after Peter in succession. Some do say, that he, being sent from Syria to Rome, because he professed Christ, was given to the wild beasts to be devoured. It is also said of him, that when he passed through Asia, being under the most strict custody of his keepers, he strengthened and confirmed the churches through all the cities as he went, both with his exhortations and his preaching of the Word of God. Accordingly, having come to Smyrna, he wrote to the church at Rome, exhorting them not to use means for his deliverance, from martyrdom, lest they should deprive him of that which he most longed and hoped for. "Now I begin to be a disciple. I care for nothing, of visible or invisible things, so that I may but win Christ. Let fire and the cross, let the companies of wild beasts, let breaking of bones and tearing of limbs, let the grinding of the whole body, and all the malice of the devil, come upon me; be it so, may I only win Christ Jesus!" And even when he was sentenced to be thrown to the beasts, such was the burning desire that he had to suffer, that he spake, what time he heard the lions roaring, saying, "I am the wheat of Christ: I am going to be ground with the teeth of wild beasts, that I may be found pure bread."

If death stood on your doorstep and spurred on by that wicked foe the devil insisted that you recant your faith or die, which would you choose? What price are you willing to pay to be counted among the people of God?  Surely it is true that this saint rests in heaven and has never for even one second regretted being killed for his faith. No, I think he is very happy to have been, for Christ's sake, killed all the day long and accounted as a sheep for the slaughter. God grant us all to have the blessed hope that Ignatius had when faced with such a predicament and may God be forever glorified in all that we do.

Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani

There is not a lot that needs to be said here as Iranian Muslims are about to execute a Christian pastor for sharing the Gospel in their land; or perhaps there is, but the words are not necessary to reveal the wickedness that is being perpetrated against this man. Please be praying for this brother that the Lord might see fit to spare his life and protect him from the hands of evil.

John 7:7, "The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil."

Ps. 2:1-4, "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision."