THESE eminent Christians, Priscus, Malchus, and Alexander, led a retired
holy life in the country near Caesarea, in Palestine. During the fury of
the persecution under Valerian, they often called to mind the triumphs
of the martyrs, and secretly reproached themselves with cowardice, as
living like soldiers who passed their time in softness and ease, while
their brethren and fellow-warriors bore all the heat of the battle. They
could not long smother these warm sentiments in their breast; but
expressed them to one another. "What," said they, "while the secure gate
of heaven is open, shall we shut it against ourselves? Shall we be so
faint-hearted as not to suffer for the name of Christ, who died for us?
Our brethren invite us by their example: their blood is a loud voice,
which presses us to tread in their steps. Shall we be deaf to a cry
calling us to the combat, and to a glorious victory?" Full of this holy
ardor, they all, with one mind, repaired to Caesarea, and of their own
accord, by a particular instinct of grace, presented themselves before
the governor, declaring themselves Christians. While all others were
struck with admiration at the sight of their generous courage, the
barbarous judge appeared not able to contain his rage. After having
tried on them all the tortures which he employed on other martyrs, he
condemned them to be exposed to wild beasts. They are honored on this
day in the Roman Martyrology.
* * * * *
In consecrating ourselves to the service of God, and to his pure love,
the first and most essential condition is that we do it without reserve,
with an earnest desire of attaining to the perfection of our state, and
a firm resolution of sparing nothing, and being deterred by no
difficulties from pursuing this end with our whole strength; and it must
be our chief care constantly to maintain, and always increase this
desire in our souls. Upon this condition {670} depends all out spiritual
progress. This is more essential in a religious state than the vows
themselves; and it is this which makes the difference betwixt the
fervent and the lukewarm Christian. Many deceive themselves in this
particular, and flatter themselves their resolution of aspiring after
perfection, with all their strength, is sincere, whereas it is very
imperfect. Of this we can best judge by their earnestness to advance in
a spirit of prayer, and in becoming truly spiritual; in crucifying
self-love, overcoming their failings, and cutting off all occasions of
dissipation, and all impediments of their spiritual advancement.
Mortification and prayer, which are the principal means, present usually
the greatest difficulties: but these, as St. Terasa observes, are better
than half vanquished and removed by a firm resolution of not being
discouraged by any obstacles, but of gathering from them fresh vigor and
strength. Patience and fortitude crown in the saints what this fervent
resolution began.