FATHERS.
The veneration of which I here speak, was first, in the early ages, exhibited to the remains or Relics of the Martyrs ; and afterwards to those of other holy and eminent men, whose sanctity was solemnly acknowledged by the Church.
CENT. II.
THE CHURCH OF SMYRNA.—In the history of Eusebius, is a letter from this Church, in which, after giving an account of the martyrdom of St. Polycarp, their Bishop, they say: “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. Foolish men ! who know 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 shew deserved respect to the Martyrs, as his disciples and followers. The centurion, therefore, caused the body to be burnt. 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 birth-day of his Martyr, as well in memory of those who have been crowned before, as, by his example, to prepare and strengthen others for the combat.” Hist. Eccl. L. iv. c. xv. p. 170, 171.
THE CHURCH OF JERUSALEM.—Eusebius speaks, in other places, of the honours that were shewn to the Relics of Martyrs, and also relates, that the Chair in which St. James, the first Bishop of Jerusalem, sat, had been preserved with great reverence down to his own time, that is to the
