STIGMATA LAUDIS

On 30 June 1637, as the records of Church history reveal, William Prynne, a Puritan, and a man known for his outspokenness and courageous stand for Bible and Christ, in the UK, is tortured and made to suffer pain, in company with Henry Burton and John Bastwick. Prynne’s ears are cropped, and he is branded, or stamped with hot iron, with the letters, “S L” standing for “Seditious Libeler.” 

On his way back to the prison, he writes in Latin, some verses, claiming that the S.L. stands for ‘stigmata laudis” – meaning, “sign of praise,” also “sign of Laud” – because Archbishop William Laud was his main persecutor.

William and his friends suffered pain and torture, because they thought it is worth it, to suffer for Christ, who gave Himself for our redemption, than be anything else. William thought, every mark of torture on his body, was a mark of praise and honour. How wonderful it is to look at our suffering, because of our faith in the LORD Jesus, in this way! It is not easy to suffer, but when taken in relation to being tortured because of Christ, then it turns out to be a “STIMATA LAUDIS.”

“12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” – 1 Peter 4:12-16