Anf-03 iv.iii.xxx Pg 3
Heb. x. 22. [See cap. xlii. infra. p. 49.]
despatched from the chaste body, an unstained soul, a sanctified spirit, not the few grains of incense a farthing buys118 118 [Once more this reflection on the use of material incense, which is common to early Christians, as in former volumes noted.]
—tears of an Arabian tree,—not a few drops of wine,—not the blood of some worthless ox to which death is a relief, and, in addition to other offensive things, a polluted conscience, so that one wonders, when your victims are examined by these vile priests, why the examination is not rather of the sacrificers than the sacrifices. With our hands thus stretched out and up to God, rend us with your iron claws, hang us up on crosses, wrap us in flames, take our heads from us with the sword, let loose the wild beasts on us,—the very attitude of a Christian praying is one of preparation for all punishment.119 119 [A reference to kneeling, which see the de Corona cap. 3, infra. Christians are represented as standing at prayer, in the delineations of the Catacombs. But, see Nicene Canon, xx.]
Let this, good rulers, be your work: wring from us the soul, beseeching God on the emperor’s behalf. Upon the truth of God, and devotion to His name, put the brand of crime.
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge, Chapter 10
VERSE (22) - Heb 4:16; 7:19 Ps 73:28 Isa 29:13 Jer 30:21 Jas 4:8
