THESE two glorious martyrs came from Rome to preach the Faith in Gaul toward the middle of the third century. Fixing their residence at Soissons, they instructed many in the Faith of Christ, which they preached publicly in the day. At night they worked at making shoes, though they are said to have been nobly born, and brothers.
The infidels listened to their instructions, and were astonished at the example of their lives, especially of their charity, disinterestedness, heavenly piety, and contempt of glory and all earthly things. The effect was the conversion of many to the Christian faith.
The brothers had continued their employment several years when a complaint was lodged against them. The emperor, to gratify their accusers and give way to his savage cruelty, gave orders that they should be convened before Biotin’s Varus, an implacable enemy of the Christians. The martyrs were patient and constant under cruel torments, and finished their course by the sword about the year 287.
Reflection.—Of how many may it be said that “they labor in vain,” since God is not the end and purpose that inspires the labor?
Martyrdom of Crispin & Crispinian, Bossche
