p. 6 | Faithful to the Bible

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jun 28, 1910

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 37, No. 25.

Faithful to the Bible

Euplius was arrested as a Christian in Sicily in 304. He appeared before the governor with the book of the Gospels in his hand. He was told that he ought not to keep such writings contrary to the edicts of the emperors, and was asked where he kept them. He answered that he had the book about him. He was asked to read something out of it, and opening it read, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven;" and again, "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."

"What does that mean?"

"It is the law of my Lord, which hath been delivered to me."

"By whom?"

"By Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God."

Then the judge, Calvisianus, said, "Since his confession makes his disobedience manifest, let him be delivered to the executioners, and examined upon the rack."

In the midst of painful tortures he was again questioned. He answered, "I declare again that I am a Christian, and read the Holy Scriptures." His tortures were increased, and he was repeatedly urged to apostatize. At last the judge said, "Sacrifice now if you would be delivered." He answered, "I sacrifice myself to Jesus Christ my God." He endured great agony, praying and thanking God till his strength failed. Then the sentence of death by the sword was pronounced against him, for "despising the edicts of the emperors, blaspheming the gods, and not repenting." The Gospel was hung about his neck, and a herald cried before him as he was led to execution, "Euplius, a Christian, the foe of the gods and of the emperors." The martyr, most joyful, cried continually, "Thanks be to Christ my God," till his head was cut off.