present in existence. The following are the traditions
concerning him which have been handed down to us by the Greek
historians, and which are celebrated in verse by that illustrious saint
and poet of the eighth century, St. John Damascene.

St. George is said to have been born in Cappadocia of noble Christian
parents. After the death of his father, he traveled with his mother into
Palestine, of which she was a native. There she possessed a considerable
estate, which fell to him upon her death. Being strong and robust in
body, he embraced the profession of a soldier, and was made a tribune,
or colonel, in the army. His courage and fidelity attracted the
attention of Emperor Diocletian, who bestowed upon him marks of special
favor. When that prince declared war against the Christian religion, St.
George laid aside the signs of his rank, threw up his commission, and
rebuked the emperor for the severity of his bloody edicts. He was
immediately cast into prison, and alternate threats and promises were
employed to induce him to apostatize. As he continued firm, he was put
to the torture and tormented with great cruelty. "I despise your
promises," he said to the judge, "and do not fear your threats. The
emperor's power is of short duration, and his reign will soon end. It
were better for you, to acknowledge the true God and to seek His
kingdom." Thereupon a great block of stone was placed on the breast of
the brave young officer, and thus he was left in prison.

Next day he was bound upon a wheel set with sharp knives, and it was put
in motion to cut him to pieces. Whilst suffering this cruel torture, he
saw a heavenly vision, which consoled and encouraged him, saying,
"George, fear not; I am with thee." His patience and fortitude under the
torments inflicted on him so affected the numerous pagan spectators that
many of them were converted to the Faith and suffered martyrdom for it.
On the next day, April 23, 303, St. George was led through the city and
beheaded. This took place at Lydda, the city in which, as we read in the
Acts of the Apostles (ix.), St. Peter healed a man sick with the palsy.

St. George is usually represented as a knight tilting against a dragon;
but this is only emblematical of the glorious combat in which he
encountered and overthrew the devil, winning for himself thereby a
martyr's crown.

LESSON

WE TOO, like St. George, often have opportunity to confess our faith in
Christ. We confess it by pat