Edmund was an English prince who became king when he was only fourteen. Yet his high position did not make him proud or conceited. Instead, he took as his model the holy King David and tried to serve God as well as David did. In fact, Edmund even learned all David’s Psalms by heart. The Psalms are beautiful hymns of praise to God contained in the Holy Bible.
King Edmund governed wisely, showing kindness to all his subjects. When the Danish barbarians invaded his land, he fought them bravely, even though their army was much larger than his. At last, he was captured.
The barbarian leader offered to spare Edmund’s life if he would agree to certain terms. But since these terms were opposed to his country and his religion, the king refused. He declared he would never purchase his life by offending God and his people. In anger, the pagan chief condemned this Christian hero to death.
St. Edmund was tied to a tree and then cruelly whipped. The holy king took it all patiently, invoking the Name of Jesus. Next, his torturers shot arrows into every part of his body. They were careful not to hit any vital organ, so that the poor martyr would suffer longer before dying. At last, he was dragged down from the tree and beheaded.
Devotion to St. Edmund the martyr became very popular in England, and many churches were dedicated in his honor.
From this saint let us learn loyalty to God and to our country, and be good Christians and good citizens.
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