Martyrdom of Polycarp 18

1But the jealous and envious Evil One, the adversary of the family of the righteous, had seen the greatness of his martyrdom, his blameless life from the beginning, how he was crowned with the crown of immortality, and how he had won a reward that no one could deny. So he arranged that not even his poor body would be taken away by us, although many desired to do this and to touch his holy flesh. So he put forward Nicetes, the father of Herod and brother of Alce, to plead with the magistrate not to release his body, “lest,” as it was said, “they abandon the crucified one and begin to worship this man.” This was done at the instigation and urgent entreaty of the Jews, who also kept watch when we were about to take it from the fire. They did not know that it will be impossible for us either ever to forsake the Christ who suffered for the salvation of the whole world of those who are saved—though faultless, he suffered for sinners—or to worship anyone else. For we adore him because he is the Son of God, but we cherish the martyrs, as disciples and imitators of the Lord, as they deserve because of their matchless affection for their own King and Teacher. May it also be our lot to be found partakers and fellow disciples with them.