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lus the Christian." And the people being exceedingly enraged against him, the Governor, having understood that he was a Roman, ordered him to be taken back among the rest that were in the prison; concerning whom he sent to Cæsar, and waited for his decision. But the meantime was not idle nor fruitless to them, but through their patience the infinite mercy of Christ appeared. For the dead members were enlivened through the living; and the Martyrs shewed favour to those who were not martyrs, and there was great joy to the Virgin Mother, the Church, in receiving those again living, whom she had cast away as dead and abortive. For by those good men, the greater number of those, who had denied Christ were renewed, and reconceived, and rekindled; and learned to confess; and now, living and full of nerve, were brought before the tribunal;—God, who desireth not the death of a sinner, but sheweth goodness to repentance, granting them of His kindness to be again questioned by the Governor. For, (Cæsar having ordered that these should be executed, but that if any denied, they should be released,) when the public festival here began, which is numerously attended by persons, who come together to it from all nations, he brought the blessed Martyrs to the tribunal for a spectacle, and to make a show of them to the multitudes. Wherefore also he examined them again; and as many as appeared to have had Roman citizenship, he beheaded; but the rest he sent to the beasts. But Christ was greatly glorified in those who had denied before, but then confessed, contrary to the expectation of the heathen. For these were even separately examined, as on the idea that they were to be dismissed; but confessing, were added to the number of the Martyrs. But those remained without, who never had any trace of faith, nor a feeling of the bridal garment, nor a sense of the fear of God; but by their very manner of life brought scandal on the true way, that is, the sons of perdition. But all the others were united to the Church. And while they were under examination, one Alexander, a Phrygian by birth, and a physician by profession, who had lived many years in the provinces of Gaul, and was known almost by all, for his love to God, and boldness in declaring the word, (for he was not without a share of the Apostolic gift,) standing by the tribunal, and encouraging them by signs in their confession, was observed by those who stood round the tribunal, to
