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Such is the story of the blessed Polycarp, who, being, (with them of Philadelphia,) the twelfth who has given his testimony in Smyrna, is made alone the especial subject of all men, so that even by the Gentiles is he spoken of in every place, having been not only a notable teacher, but also a chief witness; whose confession, rendered as it was according to the Gospel of Christ, all men desire to imitate. For by his patient endurance he triumphed over the unjust ruler, and thus having won the garland of immortality, and rejoicing with the Apostles, and all Saints, he glorifieth God and the Father and blesseth our Lord, who is both the Governor of our bodies, and the Shepherd of the Catholic Church throughout the world.
Ye requested, therefore, that these circumstances should be detailed to you at length, and we have now briefly signified them through our brother Marcus. Therefore after ye have understood these things, send our letter about to our brethren also in the regions beyond you, that they too may glorify the Lord, who maketh choice out of His own servants, who is able by His grace and free gift to bring all of you unto His eternal kingdom, through His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, honour, dominion and greatness, for ever. Amen. Salute ye all the Saints. They that are with us salute you; and Evarestus, who hath written this, with all his house.
The blessed Polycarp gave his testimony on the 2nd of the month Xanthicus, on the 26th of March, on the Great Sabbath[1], at the eighth hour. He was apprehended by Herod, in the High Priesthood of Philip of Tralles, in the proconsulship of Stratius Quadratus, in the everlasting reign of Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, honour, greatness, and a throne eternal, from generation to generation. Amen.
We pray you brethren to be strong, walking by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, (with whom be glory to God, both Father and Holy Spirit, for the salvation of the elect Saints,) even as the blessed Polycarp suffered, in whose steps may we be found in the kingdom of Jesus Christ.
- ↑ There is some doubt what this great sabbath was; but it seems most probable that it was that which came between the days of our Lord's passion and resurrection, a fitting time for His followers to enter into His rest.
