Introduction to Foxe's Acts and Monuments [5]

Opening Prayer.
Intro.
Lesson 29.
The necessity of understanding the historical and religious atmosphere in which we live. Part 10. An introduction to Foxe's Acts and Monuments. [5]
Intro. Review.
(Foxe's Utility)
1. The superfluous degree of books, not a reason to dissuade him from writing.
(though impudence and pride was the cause for most)
2. His own perception of lack of skill on his part was not a reason to dissuade him from writing.
(though his knowledge and skill is certainly not lacking)
3. The heroic deeds of the martyrs inspired him to write of these acts of heroism.
4. Inaction on his part might have resulted in the burying of these deeds in darkness.
5. Their lives were testaments of the grace of God, and inspire us also, two chief reasons why they should be recorded.
6. Christian history is the history of suffering affliction without seeing present victory, than political uprisings and wars and great conquests.
(the doctrine of providence)
7. The history of the church shows us the necessity of faith, seeing the wicked so often flourish, and the righteous are driven to suffering.
8. The true character of the Christian is exercised, tested and manifested in suffering.
9. Good doctrine that promotes peace towards God naturally produces peace towards man even amidst their rage.
10. The true spiritual conquest consists in that which is often most successful under affliction. Mortification and hope for resurrection. Heb. 11.
11. It is incumbent upon us to study the lives of those who by the Spirit of God gave up their lives unto death for the gospel. Yes to be intimately acquainted with their names and deeds. As the scripture is a history of these worthies, so this work is following that pattern, as Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Nathan, Gad, Ezra, Jeremiah, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John...
12. Wisdom makes us to reign like kings, where even the most powerful cannot bend our conscience or disturb our peace. But we have an invincible fortitude by grace.
13. Christ is the true example of Christian manhood and did suffer grievous affliction at the hands of man.
14. We follow the path of the godly ancient fathers when we honor and follow the example of the faithful martyrs.
i. The identity of the church.
ii. Large churches and denominations, or a small flock unheard of by the world? Isa. 1:7-9
15. Reading the courageous acts of the Martyrs encourages us to be bold in the faith in the face of the opposition of heretics.
i. The martyrs believed sound doctrine unto death. See Dan. 3, Isa. 43:1-7
ii. The martyrs defended sound doctrine unto death.
iii. Compromise is the path to perdition.
iv. The true church does not sell doctrine for comfort or influence.
16. It is incumbent upon us to diligently study the martyrs as we are of their stripe, if we ever hope to be called Christian.
i. By forgiving injury.
ii. By mortifying the flesh.
iii. By holding true to the gospel.
iv. These are necessary qualifications. Martyrdom is circumstantial.
17. The publishing the acts of the Martyrs would much promote the public good. (not necessarily and absolutely, but relatively and consequently)
i. The negative influence of media.
ii. The necessity of godly books to be promoted.
iii. A true record of Christianity.
iv. The glory of God.
Conclusion.
Closing Prayer.