Lucian, an Elder of the Church of Christ at Antioch, in the Year 310

Among the many pious witnesses of Jesus Christ who laid down their lives for the truth, Lucian, who was an elder of the church at Antioch, was not one of the least; for it is stated of him that he was a very godly, wise, and eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures, but above all, that he boldly sealed all this with his blood and death, to the honor of God.

The judge asked him, as he stood before his judgment seat, saying: "O Lucian, how does it come that you, who are such a wise man, follow this sect, for which you can give no reason at all? Or, if you have any, let us hear it."

Having obtained permission to speak, he made a very excellent and glorious profession of his faith, which would well deserve a place here, if we were not compelled, in order to avoid undue length, to leave it out. As soon as he had ended his confession, and the people had in some measure been drawn over to his views, the judge commanded that they lock him up in prison again, and put him to death there; which, as the ancient writers relate, was accordingly done. But God will reveal it all on the last day, and reward everyone according to his works. Compare with A. M., folio 135, columns 1 to 4, from Eusebius and Ruffinus, in Hist., Eccles. Hier. Catal. in Luciano. [n279-1]

NOTE. Some place this Lucian in the tenth year of the persecution, namely, in the year 311.