The Lives of the Saints, Volume 01 (of 16): January

The Lives of the Saints, Volume 01 (of 16): January

martyrology means, properly, a list of witnesses. The martyrologies are catalogues in which are to be found the names of the Saints, with the days and places of their deaths, and generally with the distinctive character of their sanctity, and with an historic summary of their lives. The name is incorrect if we use the word "martyr" in its restricted sense as a witness unto death. "Hagiology" would be more suitable, as a martyrology includes the names of many Saints who were not martyrs. But the term "Martyrology" was given to this catalogue at an early age, when it was customary to commemorate only those who were properly martyrs, having suffered death in testimony to their faith; but it is not unsuitable if we regard as martyrs all those who by their lives have testified to the truth, as indeed we are justified in doing. In the primitive Church it was customary for the [Pg xii] Holy Eucharist to be celebrated on the anniversary of the death of a martyrif possible, on his tomb. Where in one diocese there were several martyrs, as, for instance, in that of Csarea, there were many days in the year on which these commemorations were made, and the Churchsay that of Csareadrew up a calendar with the days marked on which these festivals occurred. In his "Church History," Eusebius quotes a letter from the Church of Smyrna, in which, after giving an account of the martyrdom of their bishop, S. Polycarp, the disciple of S. John the Divine, the Smyrnians observe: "Our subtle enemy, the devil, did his utmost that we should not take away the body, as many of us anxiously wished. It was suggested that we should desert our crucified Master, and begin to worship Polycarp. Fools! who knew not that we can never desert Christ, who died for the salvation of all men, nor worship any other. Him we adore as the Son of God; but we show respect to the martyrs, as His disciples and followers. The centurion, therefore, caused the body to be burned; we then gathered his bones, more precious than pearls, and more tried than gold, and buried them. In this place, God willing, we will meet, and celebrate with joy and gladness the birthday of this martyr, as well in memory of those who have been crowned before, as by his example to prepare and strengthen others for the combat."[2] ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 46947
Author: Baring-Gould, S. (Sabine)
Release Date: Sep 24, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English