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The Passion of the Holy Martyrs Perpetua and Felicity: I

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 August 2024

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SS Perpetua and Felicity and their companions were martyred about A.D. 202, probably at Carthage. Their Ada include a kind of diary kept by Perpetua, and an account of a vision by Saturus, also one of the group, both written in a very direct and unliterary way, in considerable contrast with the rather fulsome style of the narrator, usually thought to be Tertullian.

Historic examples of steadfast faith are collected and put in writing, because they bear witness to the power of God's grace, and help to inspire men; when read they come before us again, as it were, so that God shall be honoured and men given strength. Surely similar accounts from our own times ought to be circulated, as being just as useful for both these purposes? At some future date these contemporary examples will themselves be respectably historic, and thus of use to coming generations; even though at present they carry less weight, because what is past is considered more hallowed than what is new.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1960 Provincial Council of the English Province of the Order of Preachers