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Soter, bishop of the church of Rome, died after an episcopate of
eight years, and was succeeded by Eleutherus, the twelfth from the
apostles. In the seventeenth year of the Emperor Antoninus Verus,
the persecution of our people was rekindled more fiercely in certain
districts on account of an insurrection of the masses in the cities;
and judging by the number in a single nation, myriads suffered
martyrdom throughout the world. A record of this was written for
posterity, and in truth it is worthy of perpetual remembrance. A full
account, containing the most reliable information on the subject, is
given in our Collection of Martyrdoms, which constitutes a narrative
instructive as well as historical. I will repeat here such portions of
this account as may be needful for the present purpose. Other writers
of history record the victories of war and trophies won from enemies,
the skill of generals, and the manly bravery of soldiers, defiled with
blood and with innumerable slaughters for the sake of children and
country and other possessions. But our narrative of the government of
God will record in ineffaceable letters the most peaceful wars waged in
behalf of the peace of the soul, and will tell of men doing brave deeds
for truth rather than country, and for piety rather than dearest
friends. It will hand down to imperishable remembrance the discipline
and the much-tried fortitude of the athletes of religion, the trophies
won from demons, the victories over invisible enemies, and the crowns
placed upon all their heads.
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