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| Of those who are Ignorant of this Mystery; and that their Ignorance is Voluntary. The Blessings which await those who know it, especially such as die in the Confession of the Faith.
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Chapter
XII.—Of those who are Ignorant of this
Mystery; and that their Ignorance is Voluntary. The Blessings which
await those who know it, especially such as die in the Confession of
the Faith.3433
| 3433 Literally and better, “through the confession.” It
refers to those who are technically known as confessors. Although in
general the distinction prevails by which those who have suffered, but
not unto death, are called “confessors,” while those who
lost their lives are called “martyrs” (cf. Pseud-Cypr.
de dupl. Mart. c. 31), yet its use for martyrs is not uncommon
(cf. Ambrose, ad Gratian, c. 2). Later the term was used of all,
especially faithful professors of Christ. |
But it
will be said by some, who love to blaspheme, that it was in the power
of God to ameliorate and soften the natural will of man. What better
way, I ask, what better method could be devised, what more effectual
effort put forth for reclaiming evil man, than converse with God
himself? Was not he visibly present to teach them the principles of
virtuous conduct? And if the personal instructions of God were without
effect, how much more, had he continued absent and unheard? What, then,
had power to hinder this most blessed doctrine? The perverse folly of
man. For the clearness of our perceptions is at once obscured, as often
as we receive with angry impatience those precepts which are given for
our blessing and advantage. In truth, it was the very choice of men to
disregard these precepts, and to turn a deaf ear to the commandments so
distasteful to them; though had they listened, they would have gained a
reward well worthy such attention, and that not for the present only,
but the future life, which is indeed the only true life. For the reward
of obedience to God is imperishable and everlasting life, to which they
may aspire who know him,3434
and frame
their course of life so as to afford a pattern to others, and as it
were a perpetual standard for the imitation of those who desire to
excel in virtue. Therefore was the doctrine committed to men of
understanding, that the truths which they communicated might be kept
with care and a pure conscience by the members of their households, and
that thus a truthful and steadfast observance of God’s commands
might be secured, the fruit of which is that boldness in the prospect
of death which springs from pure faith and genuine holiness before God.
He who is thus armed can withstand the tempest of the world, and is
sustained even to martyrdom by the invincible power of God, whereby he
boldly overcomes the greatest terrors, and is accounted worthy of a
crown of glory by him to whom he has thus nobly testified.3435
| 3435 This translation “to whom” accords with the reading of
Valesius, followed by 1611, Molz.,
“Zimmermann,” Cous. (“whose cause he
has sustained”), but Hein. adopts the reading
“who,” preceded by Chr., who translates “who
himself bravely endured martyrdom.” | Nor does he himself assume the praise,
knowing full well that it is God who gives the power both to endure,
and to fulfill with ready zeal the Divine commands. And well may such a
course as this receive the meed of never-failing remembrance and
everlasting honor. For as the martyr’s life is one of sobriety
and obedience to the will of God, so is his death an example of true
greatness and generous fortitude of soul. Hence it is followed by hymns
and psalms, words and songs of praise to the all-seeing God: and a
sacrifice of thanksgiving is offered in memory of such men, a
bloodless, a harmless sacrifice, wherein is no need of the fragrant
frankincense, no need of fire; but only enough of pure light3436
| 3436 [Alluding to the tapers, &c., lighted at the tombs of martyrs
on the anniversary of their death.—Bag.] Compare
Scudamore, Lights, The Ceremonial Use of, in Smith and Cheetham,
Dict. 1 (1880), 993 sq. | to suffice the assembled worshipers.
Many, too, there are whose charitable spirit leads them to prepare a
temperate banquet for the comfort of the needy, and the relief of those
who had been driven from their homes: a custom which can only be deemed
burdensome3437
by those whose thoughts are not
accordant with the divine and sacred doctrine.E.C.F. INDEX & SEARCH
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