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Of this nature was that extravagant desire of martyrdom in many of the Primitive Church, when even novices in Christianity, and those of the weaker sex, must needs be thrusting themselves into the hands of the persecutors, when they might easily, and without sin, have escaped them; and thereby exposed themselves to such cruel torments as they were not able to endure, and then did very ill things to be free from them again, to the great dishonour of their holy religion, the deep wounding of their consciences, and their lasting shame and reproach, which they could not wipe off but by a long and very severe repentance. And, indeed, 'tis no better than knight-errantry in religion thus to seek out hazardous adventures, and lead ourselves into temptations, and then expect that God should support us, and bring us safely off. 'Tis not faith, but presumption, that engages men so far.

(Francis Bragge.)

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KJV: And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.

WEB: Peter answered him and said, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters."