"" him that was crucified, should begin to worship Polycarp. He was greatly esteemed throughout all Asia, and was called the prince and the ruler of Asia, and his influence extended even to Rome. Though both Ignatius and Polycarp foresaw that the latter should also suffer martyrdom, yet he continued many years after Ignatius' death at the head of his church, till, according to the most probable accounts, he also obtained the martyr's crown in the year of our Lord 147, under the reign of Antonius Pius, when persecution raged, and many Christians were thrown to the wild beasts. But when the beasts would not seize and devour Gemnicus, though he provoked them to it, the multitude cried out, "Take away those wicked wretches; let Polycarp be looked out." When Polycarp heard that he was called for, he resolved to stay in the city; but being persecuted, he at length departed to a village not far off, where he stayed some time in prayer. Hearing that his pursuers were near at hand, he withdrew to another village, where he was found, being betrayed: he might have escaped but would not, saying, "The will of the Lord be done." His conduct had such an effect, that some of the soldiers began to repent. The guards, setting him on an ass, brought him into the city, being Sabbath. Herod, the chief officer, met him, and taking him into his chariot, persuaded him, saying, "What harm is there in saying, Lord Cesar, and sacrifice, and so be safe." But he not being to be moved, they threw him violently out of the chariot, and hurt his thigh; however, he went on briskly, as though not hurt, and was brought to the lists. The proconsul took much pains to persuade him to reproach Christ: But Polycarp answered, "Eighty and six years have I now served Christ, and he has never done me the least wrong: how then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?" Much more was said and replied. At length he was committed to the flames, and received the crown of his martyrdom on the 26th of March, being Sabbath, in the year 147, and nearly forty years after the death of Ignatius. THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. IGNATIUS. ANTIOCH.-An open place before Ignatius' door. PHILO, AGATHOPUS. PHILO. THOU knowest, Agathopus, what threats of late Trajan has breath'd against the Christian name: Death is their doom, who shall refuse the worship And rites appointed of the Gentile gods. Thus he pronounced when warm with Scythian conquests. Impetuous still from that campaign, he's now |