The Church Fathers did not enjoy their religion. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs shows what their religion cost them. They did not expect an easy time of it. It was Charles Wesley (1707–1788) in his marvelous hymn “Soldiers of Christ, Arise” that set the tone for his generation: Soldiers of Christ, arise And put your armor on, Strong in the strength which God supplies, Through His eternal Son. Strong in the Lord of Hosts, And in That mighty power, Who in the strength of Jesus trusts Is more than a conqueror.
