Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp...

Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp is burned.

The centurion then, seeing the strife excited by the Jews, placed the body ⁴⁶⁸ in the midst of the fire, and consumed it. Accordingly, we afterwards took up his bones, as being more precious than the most exquisite jewels, and more purified ⁴⁶⁹ than gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, whither, being gathered together, as opportunity is allowed us, with joy and rejoicing, the Lord shall grant us to celebrate the anniversary ⁴⁷⁰ of his martyrdom, both in memory of those who have already finished their course, ⁴⁷¹ and for the exercising and preparation of those yet to walk in their steps.

Footnotes

43:468

Or, “him.”

43:469

Or, “more tried.”

43:470

Literally, “the birth-day.”

43:471

Literally, “been athletes.”