How violent were the blessed martyrs
Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm
How violent were the blessed martyrs! They wore their fetters as ornaments; they snatched up torments as crowns, and embraced the flames as cheerfully as Elijah did the fiery chariot that came to fetch him to Heaven.
Thomas Watson, Heaven Taken by Storm (1669)
Thomas Watson (c. 1620–1686) was an English Puritan preacher. Heaven Taken by Storm was first published in 1669. Spelling here is modernised; the words are his.
"Holy violence" is Watson's phrase for all-out, wholehearted effort toward God (Matthew 11:12).
More words from the saints who fought before us are in the Library.