Page:MaryHelpOfChristians.djvu/191

 Emperor Diocletian,  who  bestowed  upon  him marks of  special  favor. When that  prince  declared war  against  the  Christian  religion,  St. George  laid  aside  the  signs  of  his  rank,  threw  up his  commission,  and  rebuked  the  emperor  for  the severity of  his  bloody  edicts. He was  immediately cast  into  prison,  and  alternate  threats  and promises were  employed  to  induce  him  to  apostatize. As he  continued  firm,  he  was  put  to  the torture and  tormented  with  great  cruelty. "I despise your  promises,"  he  said  to  the  judge,  "and do  not  fear  your  threats.  The  emperor's  power is  of  short  duration,  and  his  reign  will  soon  end. It  were  better  for  you,  to  acknowledge  the  true God  and  to  seek  His  kingdom." Thereupon a great  block  of  stone  was  placed  on  the  breast  of the  brave  young  officer,  and  thus  he  was  left  in prison.

Next day  he  was  bound  upon  a  wheel  set  with sharp knives,  and  it  was  put  in  motion  to  cut  him to pieces. Whilst suffering  this  cruel  torture,  he saw  a  heavenly  vision,  which  consoled  and  encouraged him,  saying,  "George,  fear  not;  I  am with  thee." His patience  and  fortitude  under  the torments inflicted  on  him  so  affected  the  numerous pagan  spectators  that  many  of  them  were converted to  the  Faith  and  suffered  martyrdom for it. On the  next  day,  April  23,  303,  St.  George was led  through  the  city  and  beheaded. This took