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The Soon Coming Judgment Of God Upon America and How To Escape It 436
Since it is the will of the Almighty that we should suffer for His name, and
be persecuted for the sake of His Gospel, we patiently submit, and are joyful upon
the occasion; though the flesh may febel against the spirit, and hearken to the
council of the old serpent, yet the truths of the Gospel shall prevent such advice
from being taken, and Christ shall bruise the serpent's head. We are not comfort
less in confinement, for we have faith; we fear not affliction, for we have hope;
and we forgive our enemies, for we have charity. Be not under apprehensions for
us, we are happy in confinement through the promises of God, glory in our bonds,
and exult in being thought worthy to suffer for the sake of Christ. We desire not to
be released, but to be blessed with fortitude; we ask not liberty, but the power of
perseverance; and wish for no change in our condition, but that which places a
crown of martyrdom upon our heads.
1400
In Martyrs Mirror, Telemann J. van Bright gives the account of two sisters, Maria and
Ursala, who were sentenced to death for their faith. He writes:
Now as Maria and Ursula regarded all the institutions of the pope as
heresy, they were brought into open court at Del den, on the thirteenth of
November, before the children of Pilate and Caiaphas, where they were sentenced
to death, in which they rejoiced, praising God. When they were led to the stake,
many of the people, seeing their steadfastness, wept. But they sang for joy, and
said: “Weep not, on account of what is inflicted upon us.” “We do not suffer,”
said Maria, “as witches or other criminals, but because we adhere to Christ, and
will not be separated from God; hence be converted, and it shall be well with you
forever.”
When the time of suffering drew nigh, Maria said: “Dear sister; heaven is
opened for us; for what we now suffer for a little while, we shall forever be happy
with our bridegroom.” They then gave each other the kiss of peace. Thereupon
they prayed together to God; that He would forgive the judges, their sins, since
they knew not what they were doing; and that as the world was sunk in blindness,
God would have compassion on them, and receive their souls into, His eternal
kingdom: They first took Maria; who entreated the authorities not to shed any
more innocent blood. Then she fervently prayed to God, and also prayed for those
who put her to death; whereupon she joyfully arose, and went with such great
gladness to the stake, that it cannot be told, saying: “To Thee, O Christ, I have
given myself; I know that I shall live with Thee forever. Therefore, O God of
heaven, into Thy hands do I commend my spirit.”
1401
These are just two accounts of the millions who died at the hands of the Papacy. For
example, Fox records: in August of 1572 ten thousand Protestants were martyred in Paris; “At
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