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 the holy  martyrs  and  prophets. Enjoy now  the fruit of  thy  labor. By thee  I  was  honored  in heaven  and  on  earth."  Erasmus,  looking  toward heaven,  saw  a  splendid  crown,  and  the  apostles and  prophets  welcoming  him.  He  bowed  his head,  saying:  "Receive,  O  Lord,  the  soul  of  thy servant!" and  peacefully  breathed  forth  his  spirit on  June  2,  308.

HE tortures  which  St.  Erasmus  suffered  for the Faith  seem  almost  incredible,  and  the events related  of  him  are  truly  wonderful. Martyrdom and miracles  illustrated  the  doctrine  he preached;  he  converted  multitudes  and  gained  the crown of  heaven.

Perhaps you  say  that  in  our  times  there  are  no longer  any  martyrs,  at  least  not  in  civilized  countries. Are you  quite  sure  of  it? St. Augustine writes: "Peace  also  has  its  martyrs." It is  certainly not  easy  to  suffer  torments  like  the  martyrs and to  receive  finally  the  death-dealing  blow  of the  sword. But is  it  not  also  a  martyrdom  to  suffer for  years  the  pains  of  a  lingering  illness? Again, how  difficult  the  combat  with  the  world, the flesh,  and  the  powers  of  hell! How carefully must we  watch  and  pray  to  gain  the  victory! This is  our  martyrdom. Let us  imitate  the  example of  the  holy  martyrs  in  bearing  the  trials  and