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to a very high degree. The Christians of his time speak of him with the greatest respect; declaring, that he was adorned with all kind of piety, a teacher truly apostolical and prophetical; that every word that went out of his mouth either had or would be fulfilled; and that, of all the martyrs of that place, he alone was had in memory of all men, being spoken of by the very Gentiles themselves in every place, as having been not only an eminent teacher, but also a glorious martyr; and so very distinguished was his reputation among the enemies of Christianity, that they not only called him the Doctor of Asia, the Father of the Christians, and the Overthrower of their gods; but after his death expressed their fears, lest the Christians should make him the object of their worship, instead of Christ.

His care of the Church was not confined to the place immediately committed to his inspection; but extended itself even unto Rome; whither he went, on account of the controversy concerning the time of keeping Easter; and though he did not so far prevail on those who were of a different opinion from himself, as to bring them over to his sentiments, yet he was tertained with all possible respect and esteem.

While he was there he emploved his time in confirming t faithful, and convincing gainsayers, whereby he reclaime many, who had been infected with the pernicious heresies o Marcian and Valentinus: and so very fervent was his affection for the truth, that whenever he heard any of the mischievous opinions of his time mentioned, he used to stop his ears, and cry out, "Good God! to what times hast thou reserved me, that I should hear such things." And one day meeting Marcian, who called to him, saying, "Polycarp, own us," he replied, "I own thee to be the first-born of Satan."

A life of such peculiar excellence, and continued to the length of a hundred years, must needs have afforded us a variety of edifying circumstances, had the memory of them been preserved; but, besides the above, there is nothing material that can be depended upon, the following particulars only excepted, which relate to the close of his life; and which are most remarkably affecting, as well as a considerable help towards forming a just idea of this truly great and venerable man.

In the reign of Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Verus began a severe persecution against the Christians; which growing hot at Smyrna, the general cry was, "Let Polycarp be sought for:" who was so far from being disturbed at the news, that he resolved to tarry in the city; but by the importunity of his friends, was prevailed on to retire to a village not far distant, where he spent his time in praying for all men, and for all the churches, according to his usual custom. Three days before he was ta

ken, he dreamed that the pillow on which he lay was on fire, and burned to ashes; whereupon he told those about him, that he should be burned alive.

Being very narrowly sought for, on the approach of his enemies he removed to another village, whither they also pursued him, and seizing on a couple of youths, one of them, on being tortured, confessed where he was; on which they came to his lodging, from whence he could easily have escaped, but would not, saying, "The will of the Lord be done." When he heard that they were come, he went down to them, and ordered that something should be provided for their repast, desiring them to give him one hour to pray without disturbance; which being complied with, he stood praying near two, to the admiration of all that heard him, insomuch that many of the soldiers began to repent that they were come to take so godly a man.

The time of his departure being come, they set him on an ass, and brought him to the city. Herod, the chief officer, with his father Nicetas, met him in a chariot, and having taken him up with them, they began to persuade him to say "Lord Cæsar," and to sacrifice; with other things, that are usually said on such Occasions. At first he did not answer them; but they continuing to urge him, he said, “ I shall not do what you would have me." On which they threw him out of the chariot, with all the inhumanity of brutish violence.

As he was entering the lists, there came a voice to him from heaven, (as was testified by several present,) "Polycarp, be strong, and quit thyself like a man." When he came before the Proconsul, he asked him, whether he was Polycarp? he answered, he was. On which the other persuaded him to deny the faith, saying, "Reverence thy age," with many other things of the like nature; such as "Swear by Cæsar's fortune, Take away the wicked," &c. On which, Polycarp, looking with at stern countenance on the multitude of Gentiles there gathered together, shook his hand, and looking up to heaven, said, “Take away the wicked." The Proconsul then urged him to swear, and to reproach Christ; he answered, "Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me any evil; how then can I blaspheme my King and my Saviour?"

The Proconsul replied, "I have wild beasts to cast thee to, unless thou repent." Polycarp answered, "Call for them then, for we Christians are not disposed to turn from good to evil." The other added, "Seeing thou despisest the wild beasts, I will cause thee to be devoured by fire, if thou do not repent." He replied, "Thou threatenest me with a fire which burns for an hour, and is then at an end; but art ignorant of that eternal fire

which is prepared for the wicked. But why tarriest thou? bring forth what thou wilt."

Having said this, and some other things, he was filled with confidence and joy, insomuch that his very countenance was full of grace; and the Proconsul was struck with astonishment, and sent the Crier to proclaim three several times, that Polycarp had confessed himself a Christian. On which, the multitude of Jews and Gentiles cried out, "This is the Doctor of Asia, the Father of the Christians, and the Overthrower of our gods; he that has taught so many not to sacrifice, nor pay any worship to the gods. After which they desired that a lion might be let loose against him. But being answered that it could not be done, they unanimously desired that he might be burned alive; which being agreed to, they instantly began to prepare the fuel, gathering faggots out of the baths and shops; and when all was ready, they brought him to the stake, to which they would have nailed him; but he desired them to let that alone, saying, "He that has given me strength to endure the fire, will enable me to stand without nailing." However, they tied him to it; and when he was fixed, he lift up his eyes to heaven, and said, "O Lord God Almighty, the Father of thy well beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of thee, the God of angels and powers, and of every creature, and especially, of the whole race of just men, who live in thy presence! I give thee hearty thanks, that thou hast vouchsafed to bring me to this day, that I should have a part in the number of thy martyrs, in the cup of thy Christ, to the resurrection of eternal life, both of soul and body, in the incorruption of the Holy Ghost. Among which may I be accepted this day before thee, as an acceptable sacrifice; as thou, the true God, with whom is no falsehood, hast both before ordained and manifested unto me, and also hast now fulfilled it. For this, and for all things else, I praise thee, I bless thee, I glorify thee, by the eternal and heavenly High-priest, Jesus Christ, thy beloved Son; with whom, to thee, and the Holy Ghost, be glory, both now and to all succeeding ages. Amen."

He had no sooner pronounced Amen, but they lighted the fire; and when the flame began to blaze very high, behold a wonderful miracle appeared to us, (say the writers of the history of his martyrdom,) who had the happiness to see it, and who were reserved by heaven to report it to others; for the flame making a kind of arch, like the sail of a ship filled with wind, encompassed, as in a circle, the body of the martyr; who stood in the midst of it, not as if his flesh was burnt, but like gold or silver purified in a furnace.

When his adversaries saw that his body could not be consumed, they commanded one of the spearmen, who used to despatch the wild beasts when they were unruly,to run him through with his dagger; which being done, so great a quantity of blood issued from him, as even extinguished the fire. When he was dead, his enemies suggested to the governour, that if he let the Christians take away his body, they might possibly forsake their crucified Master, and worship Polycarp; on which it was thrown into the fire, and consumed to ashes, except the bones, which were by his friends decently buried.

Thus, on the 26th of March as some, or on the 23d of February as others assert, Anno Domini 167, in about the hundredth year of his life, after having been fourscore and six years a shining ornament of Christianity, was found faithful unto death, and triumphantly entered into the joy of his Lord, the blessed martyr St. Polycarp; a man, perhaps, not to be equalled by any other since his time. Oh! that the Christian clergy might learn, from such an example of fidelity and diligence, to make it their meat and drink to do their Master's will; the advantage of such a conduct, both to themselves and those committed to their care, needs not be mentioned here: may the Lord of the harvest send forth such labourers into his harvest! There are two observations which naturally arise from the foregoing account. One concerning the Christian religion in general, and the other respecting the Divinity of Christ in particular; of the truth of both which, the conduct of this great man is a most convincing proof; for, with regard to the former, it can never be imagined, that a person of his abilities, who lived at the very same time with some of the first teachers thereof, could be ignorant whether those facts, on which Christianity is founded, had really a being or not; and as to his integrity, after what has been observed above, that cannot, with the least shadow of reason, be called in question; so that the truth of the foregoing relation being supposed, the consequence, that Christianity is what it professes itself to be, is undeniable: and as to the latter, (the Divinity of Christ,) it is evident, that it was firmly believed by him, as appears from his making him the proper object of divine worship; for that he did this, is manifest, as almost the last words that ever he spoke were a solemn doxology to him together with the Father; and that this was the practice of the rest of his brethren as well as his, is evident from the plain testimony of the enemies of the Christian faith, who expressed their apprehensions, lest the worship of Christ should be transferred to Polycarp; and therefore, as our Saviour's divinity was an article of Christianity at that time, the conclusion is apparent; as a general persuasion of this kind was

impossible, on any other supposition than that of its having been set on foot by the apostles.

There is one Epistle of St. Polycarp remaining, which, on account of its excellency, we shall here subjoin.

THE EPISTLE OF ST. POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS.

Polycarp, and the Presbyters that are with him, to the church of God, which is at Philippi; mercy unto you and peace, from God Almighty, and the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, be multipled.

"I rejoiced greatly with you in our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye received the images of a true love, and accompanied, as it behooved you, those who were in bonds, becoming saints, which are the crowns of such as are truly chosen by God our Lord; as also, that the root of the faith, which was preached from ancient times, remains firm in you to this day, and brings forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered himself to be brought even to the death for our sins; whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death; whom, having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Into which many desire to enter; knowing that by grace ye are saved; not by works, but by the will of God, through Jesus Christ.

Wherefore, girding up the loins of your mind, serve the Lord with fear and truth, laying aside all empty and vain speech, and the errour of many; believing in him that raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, and hath given him glory, and a throne at his right hand; to whom all things are made subject, both that are in heaven and in earth, whom every living creature shall worship; who shall come to be the Judge both of quick and dead; whose blood God shall require of them that believe not in him. But he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also raise up us in like manner, if we do his will, and walk according to his commandments, and love those things which he loved, abstaining from all unrighteousness, inordinate affection, and love of money; from evil speaking, false witness; not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, or striking for striking, or cursing for cursing: but remembering what the Lord has taught us, saying, Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven; be ye merciful, and ye shall obtain mercy; for with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again. And again, that blessed are

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