The story of our Christianity; an account of the struggles, persecutions, wars, and victories of Christians of all times . st barbarian enemies—comes not from yourself, we pray you the more earnestly not to leave usexposed to such rapacity. The decree referred to may possibly be one bearing (perhaps by mistake forAurelius) the name of Aurelian, who reigned a hundred years later. This docu-ment directs officials throughout the empire to mingle justice with severity, andto let the punishment stop when its object is attained. The aim of Marcus, asof other well-meaning rulers, was to wean the Chri
The story of our Christianity; an account of the struggles, persecutions, wars, and victories of Christians of all times . st barbarian enemies—comes not from yourself, we pray you the more earnestly not to leave usexposed to such rapacity. The decree referred to may possibly be one bearing (perhaps by mistake forAurelius) the name of Aurelian, who reigned a hundred years later. This docu-ment directs officials throughout the empire to mingle justice with severity, andto let the punishment stop when its object is attained. The aim of Marcus, asof other well-meaning rulers, was to wean the Christians from their supposederror and induce them to recant. But these directions were abused, by thebrutality of ancient customs and the cruelty of many governors and inferiorofficers, to the infliction of torments which sicken us in the bare recital, andwould have sickened Marcus had he beheld them. fled1 antag? reus, whothe side of Jeat read!e obstine misundersta] 1 . h In their degree hind Hi titerpret it, thetin and id it raged with a seveMelito, bis orshipjin :i :. ;qu .s good- so just a r rora their s? and. AND BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH THEY WERE THROWN INTO THE ARENA WHERE THE LIONS WERE LET LOOSE UPON THEM. (97) 98 THE STORY OF OUR CHRISTIANITY. POLYCARP S GOOD FIGHT. The venerable Polycarp had long been bishop of the Church at Smyrna. Tohim in that capacity Ignatius, on his way to the lions of the Roman amphitheatre,had addressed one of his memorable letters ; and in childhood he was said to havebeen a pupil of St. John. Through that apostle his flock had been honored witha prophetic message (Revelation ii., 8-10): Fear none of those things whichthou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shalt cast some of you into prison, that yemay be tried ; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful untodeath, and I will give thee a crown of life. What may be regarded as a fulfilment of this prediction was described in adocument which has fortunately come down to us. The lett
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