ACCOUNT OF THE MARTYRDOM OF ST. LAURENCE, ARCHDEACON OF ROME. A.D. 258.
(From a Sermon of St. Augustine's.)
Laurence was a deacon, ministering to the Apostles, though after their age. When then persecution, as prophesied in the Gospels against the Christians, furiously raged at Rome as elsewhere, and the property of the Church was demanded of Laurence as Archdeacon, he is said to have made answer, "Send with me carriages, in which to convey to you the treasures of the Church. The appetite of avarice was forthwith roused; but wisdom the while knew what he was about. The order was given; as many carriages as he had asked were sent. He asked for many; so much the more was the hope of booty excited. He filled them with the poor of Christ, and so returned with them. When asked the meaning of all this, he answered, "These are the Church's riches." The baffled persecutor gave command to kindle the fire; he was not so cold as to be afraid of it. So a fierce punishment consumed his body, while love of the brethren burnt more keenly in his soul.
In a word, the iron hurdle (or gridiron) was brought, and he was broiled upon it; one side at length caught fire, yet he is said so serenely to have borne his torments, as to fulfil the Gospel precept, "In your patience possess ye your souls."—Consumed in the fiame, yet serene in his patience, he said; "The meal is now dressed; turn me, and eat." "Such was his Martyrdom; such his glorious crown. Such his service to Rome, beyond price. Of him Christ spoke, "He who shall lose his life for My sake, the same shall find it." He found it by means of faith, contempt of the world, Martyrdom. What must his glory be with God, when even among men he had such excellent praise!
Let us follow his steps in faith, in contempt of the world. Not Martyrdom only, but faith inviolate and perfect charity will secure all heavenly blessings, for the followers of Christ * * * What is more glorious than for a man to sell his possessions and buy
