Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 1.djvu/498

 For a little time we reposed in sleep, and, on our doing so, some of us presently saw him, leaning over and embracing us; others saw our blessed Ignatius praying over us, as he had previously been doing; while to others he appeared with the marks of recent struggles and exertions upon him, but now come up, and standing before his, his labours over, and rejoicing with exceeding gladness. After comparing the visions which thus presented themselves in our dreams, we sang an hymn to, the Giver of all good, and uttered the language of benediction over the departed Saint.

And now we make known to you the day and time at which this event occurred; that at the season of his Martyrdom we may gather together, and collect a portion of the spirit, which animated this courageous Champion and Martyr of, who trod down Satan beneath his feet, and finished according to his hope his career of love and zeal, through our ; to whom, with the  and the , be glory and power throughout all ages! Amen.

From this narrative, we learn to make the most of our time, wherever we are and however circumstanced. We are always on our trial, always have duties, always can be promoting glory. Ignatius wrote his letters when he was a prisoner, travelling a weary way across a whole continent to his death. And of all his labours through forty years, these letters alone have been preserved to us. When then we are in pain, or trouble, and begin to despond, and think our labour has no fruit, let us think of this Blessed Martyr, praise, and take courage.