IV. Justin Martyr, a philosopher who received Christianity five-and-twenty years after the death of Ignatius, plainly tells us, in his relation of his conversion to the Christian faith, that the power of godliness in a plain, simple Christian, had that influence and operation on his soul, that he could not but betake himself to a serious and strict life; and yet, before, he was a Cynic, a strict sect: and this gave him joy at his martyrdom, having spent his days as a serious teacher, and a good example. And Eusebius relates, that, though he was also a follower of Plato's doctrine,[77] yet when he saw the Christians' piety and courage, he concluded, no people so temperate, less voluptuous, and more set on divine things: which first induced him to be a Christian.
V. Chrysostom, another father, so called, lays this down for necessary doctrine, "To sacrifice the whole soul and body to the Lord, is the highest service we can pay unto Him. God promiseth mercy unto penitent sinners; but He doth not promise them they shall have so much time as to-morrow for their repentance."
VI. Charles V. Emperor of Germany, King of Spain, and Lord of the Netherlands, after three-and-twenty pitched fields, six triumphs, four kingdoms conquered, and eight principalities added to his dominions, a greater instance than whom can scarce be given, resigned up all his pomp to other hands, and betook himself to his retirement; leaving this testimony behind him, concerning the life he spent in the honours and pleasures of the world, and in that little time of his retreat from them all: that the sincere study, profession, and practice of the Christian religion, had in it such joys and sweetness as courts were strangers to.
VII. Cardinal Wolsey, the most absolute and wealthy minister of state this kingdom ever had, that in his time seemed to govern Europe as well as England, when come to the period of his life, left the world with this close reflection upon himself: "Had I been as diligent to serve my God, as I was to please my king, He would not have left me now in my grey hairs." A dismal reflection for all worldly-minded men; but those more especially, who have the power and means of doing more good than ordinary in the world, and do it not; which seems to have been the case and reflection of this great man.