middle of the second century, to which it has been commonly ascribed. We cannot tell how
much it may owe to the writers (chap, xxii.) who successively transcribed it. Great part of it
has been engrossed by Eusebius in his Ecclesiastical History (iv. 15) ; and it is instructive to
observe, that some of the most startling miraculous phenomena recorded in the text as it now
stands, have no place in the narrative as given by that early historian of the Church. Much
discussion has arisen respecting several particulars contained in this Martyrium ; but into these
disputes we do not enter, having it for our aim simply to present the reader with as faithful a
translation as possible of this very interesting monument of Christian antiquity.