A Christian Library, Part 1 · Chapter 27
CHAP. XXVII. Because our enemies may learn, and be won by our example.
4. IN the fourth place, one Reason why we bear injuries so patiently, is, That our enemies and others may learn and be won by our example, which oft prevailes more than precept: As, how many Infidels were won to the Christian Faith, by seeing Christians endure the flames so patiently? when their enemies were forc't to confesse, flain they are, but not conquered. Those whom precepts do not so effectually move, we see them sometimes induced by examples. Sozomen reports, that the devout life of a poor captive Christian woman, made a King and all his family, imbrace the Faith of Iesus Christ. Eusebius from Clement reports, that when a wicked accuser had brought St Iames to condemnation; seeing his Christian fortitude, he was touched in Conscience, confessed himself a Christian, and so was taken to execution with him: where, after confession and forgivenesse, they kissed, and prayed for each other, and so were both beheaded together. In the Duell of Essendon, between Canutus and Edmond Ironfide, for the prize of the Kingdom of England; after long and equall combate, finding each others worth and valour, they cast away their weapons, embraced and concluded a Peace, putting on each others apparell and arms; as a ceremony to expresse the atonement of their mindes, as if they made transaction of their persons one to the other; Canutus being Edmond; and Edmond Canutus. Wherefore in all things (saith Paul to Titus) shew thy self an example of good works, Tit. 2.7. Under the generall of good works is included Patience as one main speciall. The servant of the Lord must not strive (saith Paul to Timothy) but must be gentle towards all men, suffering the evill men patiently, instructing them with meeknesse that are contrary minded, proving if God at any time will give them repentance, that they may know the truth, 2 Tim. 2.24, 25.
And it stands to good reason, for first every Christian is, or ought to be a crucified man.
Secondly, Love is Christs badge, the nature whereof is to cover offences with the mantle of peace.
And thirdly, Religion bindes us to do good unto all, even our enemies; so resembling the Sunne, which is not scornfull, but looks with the same face upon every plot of earth; not only the stately Palaces, and pleasant Gardens are visited by his beams; but mean Cottages, neglected Boggs and Moates. And indeed, sincerity loves to be universall, like a light in the window, which not only gives light to them that are in the house, but also to passengers in the street; well knowing that the whole earth, and every condition is equidistant from Heaven, if God but vouchsafe to shew mercy, in which case who would not do his utmost. Aristippus being demanded why he took so patiently Dionysius spitting in his face, answered, The fishermen to take a little Gudgeon, do abide to be imbrued with slime and salt water; and should not I, a Philosopher, suffer my self to be sprinkled with a little spittle, for the taking of a great Whale?
The House of God, is not built up with blowes. A word seasonably given, after we have received an injury, like a Rudd…r, sometimes steers a man quite into another course. The nature of many men is forward to accept of peace, if it be offered them; and negligent to sue for it otherwise. They can spend secret wishes upon that which shall cost them no endeavour: unlesse their enemy yeelds first, they are resolved to stand out: but if once their desire and expectation be answered, the least reflection of this warmth makes them yeelding and pliable: and that endeavour is spent to purpose, which either makes a friend, or unmakes an enemy. We need not a more pregnant example then the Levites father in Law, I do not see him make any means for reconciliation: but when remission came home to his door, no man could entertain it more thankfully, seeing such a singular example of patience and good condition in his Sonne. Aristippus and Aeschines two famous Philosophers, being fallen at variance, Aristippus came to Aeschines, and saies, Shall we be friends again? Yes, with all my heart, saies Aeschines; Remember then saith Aristippus, that though I be your elder, yet I sought for peace: true saith Aeschines, and for this, I will ever acknowledge you the more worthy man; for I began the strife and you the peace. When Iron meets with Iron, there is a harsh and stubborn jarre; but let wool meet that rougher mettle, this yeelding turns resistance into embracing: Yea, a man shall be in more estimation with his enemy (if ingenuous) having vanquisht him this way; then if he had never been his enemy at all. Thy greatest enemy shall if he have any spark of grace, yea, if he have either bowels or brains, confesse ingenuously to thee (as Saul once to David) Thou art more righteous then I, for thou hast rendred me good, and I have rendred thee evil; as what heart of stone could have acknowledged lesse: Saul would have killed David, and could not, David could have killed Saul and would not: Besides the approbation of an enemy (as one saith) is more then the testimony of a whole Parish of friends or neuters. And such a conquest is like that which Evagrius recordeth of the Romans, namely, That they got such a victory over Cosroes, one of the Persian Kings, that this Cosroes made a Law, That never after, any Kings of Persia should move warre against the Romans. Actions salved up with a free forgivenesse, are as not done: yea, as a bone once broken is stronger after well setting, so is love after such a reconcilement.
Whereas by returning a bitter answer he makes his enemies case his own, even as a mad dog biting another dog, maketh him that is bitten become mad too.
But this is not all, for happily it may (and not a little) further Gods glory, and make Satan a loser; as thus let us shake off their slanders, as Paul did the Vip…r; and these Barbarians, which now conceive so basely of Gods people, will change their mindes, and say we are petty gods; Yea, will they say, surely theirs is a good and holy, and operative Religion, that thus changes and transforms them into new Creatures. The hope whereof should make us think no endeavour too much. For if Zopyrus the Persian was content (and that voluntarily) to sustain the cutting off his nose, ears, and lips, to further the enterprise of his Lord Darius against proud Babylon; what should a Christian be willing to suffer, what the Lord of Heaven and Earths Cause may be furthered against proud Lucifer, and all the powers of darknesse? But suppose thy patient yeelding produceth no such effect, as may answer these or the like hopes, yet have patience still, and that for three Reasons.
1. Seem you to forget him, and he will the sooner remember himself.
2. It oft fals out, that the end of passion is the beginning of repentance. Therefore if not for his sake, yet at least for thy own sake be silent; and then in case thou hearest further of it from another, if ill, beware of him, but condemn him not, until thou hearest his own Apology, for,
Who judgement gives, and will but one side hear;
Though he judge right, is no good Iusticer.
Or lastly, if not for his sake nor thine own, then for Gods sake have patience, and bear with him because his maker bears with thee.