fourth century. “Thus," he observes, “the Christians of ancient and of the present times sufficiently evinced, the servants of God should be honoured."(K) Ibid. L. vii. c. xix. p. 344.
The Church of ANTIOCH, &c.-Early in the same second Century, by the command of the Emperor Trajan, St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, suffered martyrdom at Rome; when his bones, as “an inestimable treasure,” were carried back into the East.—Similar honours, we read, were, at this time, paid to the remains of other Martyrs. Acta sincera Martyrum apud Ruinart passim.
CENT. IV.
St. HILARY, L. C.-“The holy blood of the Martyrs is every where received, and their venerable bones) daily bear witness; while before them the devils tremble; maladies are expelled; and wonders wrought.” L. contra Constant. p. 1243.
St. Basil, G.C.-“ Affection to our departed brethren is referred to the Lord, whom they served; and he who honours them, that died for the Faith, shews, that he is inspired by the same ardour; so that one and the same action is a proof of many virtues.”—He is writing to St. Ambrose of Milan, who had requested from him the body of St. Denys. He then relates, that, much against the will of those who possessed them, the Relics had been taken up and sent; and that of their being genuine there was not the smallest doubt. Ad Ambros. Mediol. Ep. cxcvii. T. iii. p. 288.—“If any one suffer for the name of Christ, his remains are deemed precious. And if any one touch the bones of a Martyr, he
