us bright luminaries of holy Martyrs, whose places of burial, and of martyrdom, had they not for our manifold crimes been interfered with, and destroyed by the barbarians, would have still kindled in the minds of beholders, no small fire of divine charity." Such were Aaron and Julius of Caerleon, and Alban, an officer in the Roman troops, who resided at the town of Verulam.

There are some interesting details handed down, giving us an account of this first Christian Martyr in Britain. Verulam was a Roman colony, in that part of the island now called Hertfordshire; many Romans, who had settled in the island with their families, resided there. Among others, was a youth of some rank, a Briton by parentage, but a Roman by privilege. His name was Alban, and he is thought to have recently returned from foreign studies, or military service. To this place the command of the Emperor Diocletian came, ordering all who turned from the religion of their fathers, to be put to death. It is not very clear what first directed Alban's attention to the faith of Christ, but the account given by Bede is, that, through motives of compassion, he sheltered in his house a clergyman, who by later històrians is called Amphibalus, and who was the object of search to the persecu

tors.

While this person was in his house, having

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observed that his guest spent much time in prayer, he was thereby induced to seek the guidance and instruction of one whose character he was thus led The promise may be applied to him, "He that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward."

to revere.

Under the instruction thus obtained, he was led to see the errors of idolatry, and with all his heart to turn to Christ, as the one only Saviour. It was not long, however, before the persecutors discovered the place of refuge, afforded to Amphibalus, they repaired therefore to the house of Alban, demanding that he should be surrendered to their fury. But Alban having secured the safe retreat of his instructor, presented himself to his pursuers, disguised in his hair cassock. He was dragged before the governor, who was enraged to find that the victim, whom he sought, had escaped. Alban was therefore ordered immediately to sacrifice to the god's of Rome, on pain of immediate death: his refusal was punished by severe scourging in hope of subduing his firmness, but all in vain he bore the stripes not only patiently, but joyfully when his resolution could not be moved, the judge ordered him to be beheaded: which sentence was immediately carried into effect, in a

beautiful meadow, on a little rising ground, out of the walls of the town.

In the account of this event given by Bede, there are some circumstances mentioned which scarcely have sufficient evidence to command our assent, the things themselves being extremely improbable. And in the pages of some other writers there has been a degree of interest, thrown round it, by the addition of fictitious circumstances, so contrived as to make it a striking narrative.

But the simple tale of this early martyrdom, taking only what can be relied upon as truth, is both more adapted to this work, and is more really interesting than any fabulous additions could make it. The place of Alban's execution is described as a pleasant rising ground, profusely adorned with wild flowers, "a fit place," says Fuller, "for a Martyr's triumph." He was attended there by a large concourse of the inhabitants of Verulam, and of the adjoining country. His firmness, and holy conduct had such an influence on the person appointed to be executioner, that on the spot he refused to perform the office; and for his refusal, suffered at the same time, professing his faith in Christ. We have omitted all fabulous and improbable circumstances, but how full of interest is the truth which remains: We have on the one

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hand the proud Roman colony, and on the other hand the Martyr's grave, on the green hill, disregarded probably by all but a few, who loved the same Gospel, and served the same Master, and for His sake revered the Martyr's memory. The next generation, when happier times dawned on our land, and the enemies of the Cross of Christ were restrained, saw a noble church erected over the place where Alban fell. grassy mounds shew the Verulam once stood, while the Martyr's name and memory are preserved to us in the city and abbey of St. Alban. Even as far as this present world is concerned, the faith and fame of the servant of Christ have been more enduring than those of the persecutors: but if we enquire what they shall be hereafter, the Martyr's crown will then be infinitely glorious.

And to the present day, place where the Roman

Monkish writers have disfigured this story with many fictions in their wonted manner: but there is no reason to question that the main facts are historical truths. Others of our countrymen, whose names alone are preserved, and more of whom all memory has perished, laid down their lives in the same persecution. Concerning them, Fuller has. beautifully said, "It was superstition in the Athenians to build an altar to the unknown God,

but it would be piety in us to erect a monument in memorial of these unknown Martyrs, whose names are lost. The best is, God's calendar is more complete than man's best martyrology; and their names are written in the book of life, who on earth are wholly forgotten."

It has often been said, that the blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the Church: so it was in this case: not intimidated, but encouraged by Alban's course, and that of other Martyrs, so many professed their faith in Christ, that the persecution was ordered to cease.

This was the last persecution of the followers of Christ, under the authority of the Roman Emperors.