SECOND EXAMINATION OF THE THREE AFOREMENTIONED CHRISTIANS.
SECOND EXAMINATION OF THARACUS.
When Maximus held court the second time over these faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ, and sat upon his judgment-seat, he said: “Call in the ungodly Christians.” Demetrius, the captain, answered: “Here I am, my lord!” Then said the Proconsul to Tharacus: “Knowest thou not, that age is honored in many respects? Hast thou, then, not considered it, whether thou wilt still persist in thy first intention? Yea, advise with thyself, and sacrifice to the gods, for the prosperity of the princes; that thou mayest attain to honor.”
Tharacus answered: “If the princes and others who are of the same opinion with you, knew what there is in this honor, they themselves would turn away from the blindness of their vain conversation.”
Tharacus put on the rack the second time.—The Proconsul said to his beadles: “Strike him on the mouth with stones, and say to him: Desist from thy folly.” Tharacus answered: “If I did not exercise more care for my salvation than you people do, I would be as foolish as you are.”
The President said to him: “See, they have knocked thy teeth out; do have compassion upon thyself.”
Tharacus replied: “Do not imagine this; for though thou shouldst cause everyone of my members to be crushed, I could still remain strong and steadfast in him who strengthens me.”
The President said: “Believe me, it is better for thee, that thou sacrifice.”
Tharacus answered: “If I knew that it were better for me, I would not wait for this advice from thee.”