mankind sowing between them the seeds of
discord, this their friendship was succeeded by the most implacable
hatred, and they declined meeting each other in the streets. Thus it
continued a considerable time. At length, Nicephorus, entering into
himself, and reflecting on the grievousness of the sin of hatred,
resolved on seeking a reconciliation. He accordingly deputed some
friends to go to Sapricius to beg his pardon, promising him all
reasonable satisfaction for the injury done him. But the priest refused
to forgive him. Nicephorus sent other friends to him on the same errand,
but though they pressed and entreated him to be reconciled, Sapricius
was inflexible. Nicephorus sent a third time, but to no purpose;
Sapricius having shut his ears not to men only, but to Christ himself,
who commands us to forgive as we ourselves hope to be forgiven.
Nicephorus, finding him deaf to the remonstrances of their common
friends, went in person to his house, and casting himself at his feet,
owned his fault, and begged pardon for Christ's sake; but all in vain.

The persecution suddenly began to rage under Valerian and Gallien in the
year 260. Sapricius was apprehended and brought before the governor, who
asked him his name. "It is Sapricius," answered he. Governor. "Of what
profession are you?" Sapricius. "I am a Christian." Governor. "Are you
of the clergy?" Sapricius. "I have the honor to be a priest." He added:
"We Christians acknowledge one Lord and Master Jesus Christ, who is God;
the only and true God, who created heaven and earth. The gods of nations
are devils." The president, exasperated at his answer, gave orders for
him to be put into an engine, like a screw-press, which the tyrants had
invented to torment the faithful. The excessive pain of this torture did
not shake Sapricius's constancy, and he said to the judges: "My body is
in your power; but my soul you cannot touch. Only my Saviour Jesus
Christ is master of this." The president seeing him so resolute,
pronounced this sentence: "Sapricius, priest of the Christians, who is
ridiculously persuaded that he shall rise again, shall be delivered over
to the executioner of public justice to have his head severed from his
body, because he has contemned the edict of the emperors."

Sapricius seemed to receive the sentence with great cheerfulness, and
was to haste to arrive at the place of execution in hopes of his crown.
Nicephorus ran out to meet him, and casting himself at