Brachy-martyrologia, or, A breviary of all the greatest persecutions which have befallen the saints and people of God from the creation to our present times paraphras'd by Nicholas Billingsly ...

THE Persecution of the Church Under the Heathen ROMAN Emperours.

SECT. V.

The first Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi, 67.

DOmitius Nero, while in sheets of fire The Roman City caper'd, sang t'his Lire The incendiums of Troy, and from a Tow'r Feasted his eyes, to see the flames devour Those goodly structures, and high Tow'rs of state, Which startled the beholders eyes of late: The Circus fell, the pondrous beams and stones, Crushing to pieces many thousand ones; The fire burns others, and the flame and smoak Nine dayes continu'd, a great number choak. Thus Nero on himself an Odium brought; And to excuse himself, transfer'd the fault Upon the harmless Christians: it was they Had done it out of malice; no delay Detards his hasty feet from shedding bloud: VVhere e're he comes, he makes a crimson floud

Flow down the streets: in wild-beasts skins he wraps Christians, and throws them to dogs worr'ing chaps. In paper stiffened with molten wax, He packs up some; and puts on others backs A searcloth-coat, and bolt upright them bound To axle-trees, first pitched in the ground, Then at the botom fir'd: these constant flames Afforded light to Nero's nightly games Kept in his garden: other some he takes, And goars in length upon erected stakes. This persecution through th'whole Empire spred; So that the Cities were replenished With slaught'red carkases; the old, the young, And naked women, altogether flung. Such was his rage, a Christians loathed name He strove t'extirpate wheresoe're he came. At four years end, this direful blast expires In Paul and Peter, two bright-shining fires. Peter (as he desir'd) was crucifi'd With his head downward; so a Martyr dy'd. And Paul, his faith's confession having spoke, Yielded his neck unto the fatal stroke.

SECT. VI.

The second Primitive Persecution, which began Anno 96.

DOmitian his brother Titus slaies, And doth the second persecution raise: (For whilst Vespasian and his son remain'd, The Church with golden links of Peace was chain'd) He flew the Roman Nobles; and decreed The extirpation of David's seed, John, the belov'd Disciple, boyl'd in oyl, Unhurt,* 1.1 was banish'd into Patmos lfle. One Simcon Bishop of Jerus'lem, dy'd Upon the cross: a number more beside Of Christians he impoverish'd, and sent Them out, to lead their lives in banishment. The Roman Senate passed this decree, That Christians should not have their libertie VVhen brought before the Judgment-seat, unless They deviate from their Religiousness. The Heathenish Idolaters devise Against the Saints abomniabile lies, And envious slanders; That they were seditious, Incestuous, rebellious, and pernicious Unto the Empire; none could them importune, By any means, to swear by Casars fortune. If famine, plague, or war amongst them came, The Christians were the Authors of the same. And look what accusations they related, Domitian was the more exasperated;

And us'd what e're mans wicked wit invents; Stripes, Rackings, Scourgings, and Imprisonments, Deep dungtons, Stoning, Strangling, the Gridiron, Cibbet, and Gallows, red-hot plates t'environ The tendrest parts; the teeth of salvage bears; The horns of Buls, and sticking up on spears, &c. Thus kill'd, a lawful burial was deny'd them: Pil'd up and tear-throat dogs were left beside them. Though Christians sufferings were very sore, Yet still the Church encreased more and more, In the Apostles doctrine deeply grounded, And with the blood of Martyr'd Saints surrounded. Good Timothy, Religious from his youth, Was stoned, as a witness to the truth, By those that worshipped Diana bright: One Dionysius th' Arcopagite VVas slain at Paris by a treach'rous villan. Protasius and Gervasius fell at Millain.

SECT. VII.

The third Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 108.

DOmitian being by his servants slain, Nerva succeeded; in whose gracious reign (VVhich was but thirteen months) the Saints enjoy'd A peaceful season, and were not destroy'd. Trajan, next him, the Roman crown put on; He 'twas rais'd the third Persecution,

VVorse then the former were; which did incite An* 1.2 heathenish Philosopher to write I'th' Christians behalf, to Trajan shewing, That whereas many thousands in his viewing VVere killed; yet, contraite the Roman Laws None did, which might such Persecution cause; Saving that every morn by break of day, They to a God call'd Christ did sing and pray: In other things they were to be commended. Trajan returns this answer: he intended To search them out no more; but if they were Brought and convicted, them he would not spare. Sentence confus'd!* 1.3 he them as harmless tenders, And yet would have them punish'd as offenders. The rage was by this act a little curb'd: Yet ill-disposed men the Peace disturb'd; Especially, if new commotions flam'd Amongst them, then the Christians must be blam'd. Trajan commands the lineage of David, Which could be found, should by no means be saved He Phocas, Pontus Bishop, cast in's wrath, First int'a lime-kiln, next a sealding bath. Ignatius, and many thousands more Exposed to the wild beasts to devour: Nor did in Adrian's reign this fury slake, Ten thousand sufferd for the Lord Christ's sake. In Ararath thousands were crucifi'd, Crowned with thorns, and thrust into the side VVith needle-pointed darts, in imitation Of Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviours passion. Faustiu us, Zenon, and Eustachius, Dy'd for the truth.* 1.4 VVhen Calocerius Saw how the Saints did bear afflictions rod, He cry'd out, Truly, great's the Christians God:

For which he apprehended, did become Partaker likewise of their Martyrdom. Symphorissa, a fair and vertuous dame, Hang'd up by th'hair, was scourged for Christs name, And then made fast unto a pondrous stone, Into the bosom of a river thrown: Seven sons she had, all stak'd, rack'd, and at last Thrust thorough, were into a deep pit cast. Adrian b'ing come to Athens, sacrific'd After the Greekish manner; authoriz'd Any that would, to persecute, abuse VVhoever in contempt should it refuse. Quadratus, an Athenian Bishop, hence Did out of zeal i'th' Christians defence Write learned Tractares: Serenus did do The like; and famous Aristides too; Declaring that'twas neither right nor reason In harmless persons; and no other fault Should bring their lives in danger, at th'assault Of th'hair-brain'd rabble; th' Emperour hereat Grew milde, and pity'd their afflicted state. After him Antonius Pius swaid And he this persecuting storm allaid. Gods word's fulfill'd, the wicked's rod shall not Alwayes remain upon the righteous lot.* 1.5

SECT. VIII.

The fourth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 162.

NOw Antoninus Verus, Pius son, (Who dead) rais'd the third persecution. Germanious, Pionius, Metrodore, Polycarp, Carpus, and a number more In Asia burn'd. Felicit as at Rome, With her seven children suffered Martyrdome. Scourg'd was her eldest Son; and after, prest To death with leaden weights, attain'd true rest. The two next had their brains knockt out with mauls: The 4th thrown headlong down a prec'pice, sprawls With his broke neck: The three that do remain, Must lose their heads. In fine, the Mother's slain. Concordus suffered; who in disgrace, Did spirt out spittle in the Idols face. In France the Christians under went all wrongs; As Scourgings, stonings, and the spatt'ring tongues Of railing Rabshakeh's: at home, abroad, Their backs must tolerate afflictions load: Yet well they knew, that griefs were transitory, If but compared to eternal glory. Sanchis the Bishop of Vienna, stood Unmov'd, under such pains, as flesh and blood Could not endure to bear:no torments could Prevail to make him to let go his hold. When he was ask'd, where he was born and bred; He, I'm a Christian, onely answered:

And when another did demand his name, Urging it much, his answer was the same: A third enquir'd, whether he were a man, Or bond, or free; I am a Christian, He still reply'd: no torments could divorce His constant lips from using that discourse. When there were plates of candent Brass apply'd I'his tendrest parts: O how did he abide That scorching heat! nor was he seen to shrink, As did his body: while his tort'rers think, With new supplies to force his recantation, He quite contrary to their expectation, VVas so restor'd, that what he did endure These latter times, did prove his Sov'raign cure. At last plac'd in a red-hot iron chair, His spir'e (with others) vanish'd into Air. Thus were the holy Saints, from morn to night, A spectacle unto the people's sight. Biblides in the midst of pains spake thus, Ah! how should we (as you report of us) VVe Christians, think you, of our babes make food? VVhen we not taint our lips with bestial blood. Attalus frying, thus Your selves do eat Mans flesh: and as for us, we loath such meat. B'ing asked what he call'd their God by name; He answer'd, Man's and his was not the same. Then let your God, if that a God he be So powerfull (said they) come set you free. Pont'cus a youth of fourteen years of age, Perpass'd the utmost of the fo-mens rage. VVilde beasts are put to Blandina, but they; More merciful then men, would go their way. VVhipped she is, then broyl'd and thrown on ground For Buls to tear: from every gaping wound

Blood gushes forth, and runneth out afresh From th'u••stopp'd chinks of her bemangled flesh. She felt no paine, by reason she was fill'd VVith spir'tual joy: she at the last was kill'd. The bodies of the Saints were made a mock, A scorn, a by-word, and a laughing-stock I'th' open streets, till thrice two Suns were down, Then burn'd their ashes in the river thrown. Th' Apostatized Christians, which came Unto their tryals, did confess their shame By down-cast looks, and sorrow-boding faces; The Gentiles pulveriz'd them with disgraces, As persons too degenerous, addicted To vice, deserving what should be inflicted: But they which constant to the last remain'd, VVent with a cheerful brow, and entertain'd An obvious death; and, as it were combin'd Their glorious rayes, and like to Phoebus shin'd. So have I seen a fair and comly Bride, Richly attir'd, with what a decent pride She quits her conclave, or interior room, Who drawing neer, about her neck doth fall, And seals his favours on her lips withall. Faith as an ornament the soul endows; Christ is the Bridegroom, and the Church the Spouse Prepares to meet him, and direct her paces, They he may hug her with entwin'd embraces. They meet; Christ & his following Spouse do clamber Up by steep staires; heaven is the Bridal Chamber: Where, with Unknown delights, they are possest Of sweet reposes, and eternal rest. Marcus Aurelius, and Antonius go To war against the Quades the Vandals too:

Their Army by innum'rous foes beset, Were so put to't, the souldiers could not get The least of water, their thirst to allay: VVith that, a Christian Legion fell to pray, (VVithdrawing from the rest) the heav'n disburst Abundant show'rs; the Romans quench'd their thirst: Against their enemies, such lightnings flash'd, As made them fly discomfited and dash'd. The Emp'rour pleas'd hereat, commands that none Kill Christians more, whose God such things had done: And his (which was not long in force) decree Burn'd the accusers, set th'accused free.

SECT. IX.

The fifth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 205.

WHen Peace-maintaining Pertinax was dead, Servere Severus reigned in his stead; By envious rumors, and through false suggestion, The Christians lives were dayly brought in question. The King commands; his willing Subjects strive To bring't about, that none be left a live. In Sun-burnt Affrick, Cappadocia, In Carthage and in Alexandria. So that the aumber slain was numberless; Origen's father, with whom Origen His son had dy'd, had not his mother bin An hinderance, in that she did convey, The night before, his shirt and cloaths away;

Hereat, he not for fear of Martyrdome, But shaming to be seen, remain'd at home. Tertullian, Irenaus, Andoclus, Urbanus, Satyrus, Secundulus, Perpetua, Felicit as, and Rhais, Did by untimely deaths conclude their dayes. Caspodius, a Divine, drag'd up and down The streets; at last was into Tyber thrown. Cecilia Idolatry contemn'd, And therefore by the Judge must be condemn'd; The Sergeants minding how she did behave her, How fair she was; sollicite her, to favour Her self, and not to cast her self away; She was but young, and many a merry day Might live to see: but she discreetly sent Such gracious words, as caus'd them to relent, And unto that religion yield their hearts 'Gainst which they threw their persecuting darts. Which, when perceiv'd, leav gain'd, she runs her home and for Ʋrbanus sends: Ʋrbanus come, He grounds them in the faith so highly priz'd. Four hundred do believe and are baptiz'd. This holy Martyr afterwards was shut Twice twelve hours in a Bath; at last they cut Her head off from her shoulders: thus she ended Her dayes, and up into the clouds ascended. Agapetus, of fifteen years of age, VVas scourg'd, then hang'd up by the feet: in rage He scalded was; unto the wild beasts rost; But they not hurting him, his head he lost. Pamachius, a Roman Senator, VVith's wife, his children, and neer fourty more, All in one day beheaded were; their pates Fixed on high, over the City gates,

As Bug-bears to affright and scare the rest From Christianity, which it profest. Potamiena, (boyling Pitch being pour'd Upon her naked flesh) the flames devour'd. And Zepherinus; after him Ʋrbanus, Both Roman Bishops; good Valerianus, Tybartius too, two Noble men of Rome, For their Religion suffer'd Martyrdome. Gainst Narciss, three false witnesses suborn'd; Th'one lost his eyes, the fire a second burn'd; The third lay languishing: thus we may see Th'accusers suffer, the accus'd go free. Antiochus fell down, and having cry'd, His bowels burn'd within him, sadly dy'd.

SECT. X.

The sixth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 237.

MAximinus (Severus dead and gon) Stirr'd up the twice-third Persecution: Disliv'd the Teachers, Leaders, and the best; By this means thinking to seduce the rest. Thousands were Martyred, whose names are lost With Or'gen's* 1.6 book, in which they were engrost. About this time Natalius, a Priest, (Who much had suffer'd for the cause of Christ,) Seduced was by Asclepiodot And Theodore, who promis'd to allot

A hundered and fifty silver Crowns To him each month, if he would but renownce The Christian God, and give to theirs respect: He did, and was a bishop of their sect: But God (whose mercy would not have him lost, Who had so much endur'd, so oft been cross'd) Admonished him by a vision plain, T'ad joyn himself to the true Church again: Which the good man, b'ing for the present blinded With gain and honour (as he ought) not minded. He the night after b'ing by Angels scourg'd, Did put on sackcloth in the morn, and purg'd His soul with tears: with doleful lamentation, He runs in hast to th'Christian congregation: Of all loves, and for Jesus Christ his sake, Humbly entreating them, once more to take Him into their society, and quire, Accordingly they granted his desire. Horse-torn Hippol'tus dy'd: the Martyred By sixties in a pit were buried.

SECT. XI.

The seventh Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 250.

DEcius, that cruel Emperour, begun The seventh bloody persecution: Of which Niceph'rus thus; Can any tell The sands? they may the Martyr'd saints as well. Fabian, that kept a Bishoprick at Rome, And the Kings treasures, suffred Martyrdom.

Babilas dy'd in prison; and a train Of forty Virgins were in Antioch slain. The Alexandrian Christians are bereft Of all their goods; yea, they have nothing left: Yet they rejoyce, and are therewith content, Knowing their substance is more permanent. When Apollinea's teeth had dash'd out bin, A fire was made; they threat to throw her in: She paus'd a while, (refusing to be turn'd) And gave a leap into the fire and burn'd. Julian, Epimachus, and Alexander, The flame consum'd: many (poor souls) did wander In the deserted deserts; others lives Lay open, to the raging cut-throat's knives. A certain Minister with pains opprest, And fearing death, desir'd to be releas'd: A young man,* 1.7 then, too glorious to behold For mortal eyes, appearing, did unfold His angry lips: What would you have me do? You dare not bear, and out you will not go. Because chast Theodora a did refuse To sacrifice, they sent her to the stews; Where lust-enflam'd young men for entrance press'd: But Didymus slip'd in before the rest, Having the habit of a souldier on, He chang'd for hers; and she in his is gon. Didymus stayes behind: b'ing found a man, Confessing th'whole state of the matter; so He was condemn'd, and must to torment go: Which Theodora a having understood; To save the shedding of innocuous blood, Comes to the Judge, and said, I bear the guilt; And lo I'm here, condemn me if thon wilt:

As for that man, I pray let him go free, Let not your fury light on him, but me. She was not heard; both for their lives were try'd, Condemned both, Beheaded both, both dy'd. No torments that the Praetor could devise, Could force Nicetas t'offer sacrifice: He therefore him into a garden brought, With all variety of pleasures fraught: There laid him down upon a bed of Down, (A silken net softly upon him strown,) Among the Lillies, and the fragrant Roses, Neer murm'ring streams inviting sweet reposes; To the sweet whistling of the leaves mov'd by A gentle gale, he left him: presently In comes a Strumpet garishly, attir'd, And in a wanton dialect, desir'd The non-denial of her earnest sute, To use her body lowly prostitute. Nicetas, (fearing he should be by folly Conqu'red, and led to do what was unholy,) Bites off his tongue, and with a certain grace, He spits it out into her whorish face; So by this smarting wound he did prevent Sins sting, and consequently punishment. Nichomacus most sensible of pain, I am no Christian, cry'd; so was not slain: He had no sooner put his hand to evil, But was possessed with an unclean devil, And thrown with violence upon the ground, Bit off his tongue, and died of the wound. Many A postates were possess'd, and some Suddenly struck, (were ever after) dumb. Though some thus fell away, others stood fast, Remaining glorious Martyrs to the last.

But Decius not long securely slept: For conquer'd by the Goths, with's horse he leapt Into a whirlpool, and therein was drown'd; Nor was his body ever after found. Yea, God throughout the Roman Empire spred A ten-years plague, t'avenge the blood was shed. Brotherly love the Christians shew'd t'each other, By visiting, relieving one another: But the Idolaters fled from, neglected, Cast out, not succour'd, those that were infected: Shift onely for themselves, go where they will, This spreading punisment pursu'd them still. Gallus succeeding (Decius being dead) This persecution continued: The weight of his displeasure fell most heavy Upon the shoulders of the Tribe of Levi. He banish'd Cyprian, and more Divines, Condemned others to the Metal-Mines: T'whom Cyprian wrote letters cons'latory Shewing, affliction is the Saints true glory; Deep wounds and scars are to a Christian brest As Ornaments to bring them in request With God himself; to multiply their fame, And not as markes of stigmatized shame. And though the naked Mines afford no beds, Can they want ease that lay in Christ their heads? What if their aking bones lie o'th' cold floor? Is't pain to lie with Christ? say they are poor, Yet are they rich in faith: suppose their hands Be manacled, put ease coacted bands Hold their worn seet: Can he be said to be Fetter'd with chains, whom the Lord Christ doth free? He lies ty'd in the stocks, thereby whose feet To run a heav'nly race become more fleet.

Nor can a Christian be bound so fast, But his life's crown, adds wings unto his hast. They have no clothes, cold weather to resist: Can he be naked who hath put on Christ? Do they want bread? Christ is the bread of life, That commeth down from heaven, in him is rise: Man by the word which doth from God proceed, Is said to live, and not alone by bread. What matter is't though you deformed seem? You shall be honour'd, and of great esteem: Your God will turn your miserable dayes To peace; your mournings into songs of praise: You sail through troublous Seas, to be possest Of heaven, the haven of eternal rest, And do not grieve, because you are forbid To serve the Lord, (as formerly you did) In your Parochial places, God's enclin'd T'accept th' endeavours of a willing minde: The dayly sacrifices you impart, God loves; a broken and a contrite heart His soul takes pleasure in: he doth regard, His servants tears, and will at last reward Fidelious brests, which do confess his name: Promis'd he hath, and will perform the same.

SECT. XII.

The eighth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 259.

VAlerian next adds fuel to the fire, And blows the flames of persecution higher; By an Egyptian Sorcerer beguil'd, He now is cruel, who before was milde. The Christians are banished his Court, Where lately he allow'd them to resort; Nor was this all; young men, maids, husbands, wives, All sorts, and ranks, must lose (dear hearts!) their lives. Three hundred souls, then by the President Of Carthage were into a lime-kiln sent. Three Virgins first had Vinegar and gall Forc'd down their throats; then scourg'd, then rack'd and all Besmeared were with lime: then broil'd, then cast To wild beasts, and beheaded at the last. When Cyprian long had born afflictions yoke, His neck submitted to the fatal stroke. Sixtus a Bishop of the City Rome, And his six Deacons, suffer'd Martyrdome. Laurence the seventh, as along he went With Sixtus going to his punishment, Complain'd he might not (seeing he had rather Suffer then live) die with his Rev'rend father. Sixtus reply'd, before three dayes were out He should come after: go and give about I'th' interim thy treasures to the poor: Th' observing Judge supposing he had store

Of wealth crock'd up, commanded him to bring All that he had: For to effect which thing, Laurence crav'd three dayes respit; in which stock Of time, he gath'red a poor Christian flock Into a ring; the fourth day doth afford New light, and he must now make good his word. Being enforc'd by a severer charge, Couragious Laurence doth his arms enlarge Over the needy throng, and said, These be The precious Jewels of the Church: see, see, Here treasure is indeed; here Christ doth dwell. But Oh! what tongue sufficiently can tell The raving fury which the Tyrant acted; How he did stamp, did stare like one distracted? His eyes did sparkle, his gnash'd teeth struck fire, And's mouth all in a foam, thus wreak'd his ire: Kindle the fire; Faggots on Faggots fling: What, doth the villain thus delude the King? Away, away with him; whip beat him sore; Jesteth the Traitor with the Emperour? Pinch him with red-hot tongs; let candent plates Engird the Raskals loyns; heat, heat the grates; And when y'have bound the Rebell hand and foot; On with him, rost him, broil him: look you do't, On pain of our displeasure; toss him, turn him; I charge you, do not leave him till you burn him, And that to cindars too: each man fulfill His office quick, and execute my will. Revenge findes nimble hands; the tort'ters lay Him on a soft Down-bed; I will not say, A fi'ry iron one: God made it so, That it afforded Lanrence ease, not woe. Valerians heart burns, Laurence flesh doth roft; 'Tis doubtful whether was tormented most.

Then Laurence thus: Tyrant, this side's enough: turn up the rest; Or rost or raw, try which thou likest best.

SECT. XIII.

The ninth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 278.

CLaudius, and after him Quintilian, (reign) (Both which but one and thrice three years did Maintain'd the Churches Peace: while they endur'd, The Saints were happy, and their lives secur'd. Aurelian, nat'rally severe and cruel, Succeeds; his rage fomented by the fuel Of mis-informing sinister suggestions, Prov'd Tyrannous; his Nephew's life he questions; And questioning, abrepts: then he begun To stir up the ninth persecution. But thus it happ'ned: while he went about To seal the Edict that was issuing out, There did a Thunder-bolt so neer him fall, That he was kill'd, 'twas the consent of all. The Emp'rour strake with such astonishment, Gave over his Tyrannical intent. He after six years reign was murthered: And the Church forty four years flourished Under a various Emp'rour. O what peace Doth crown the Christians brows! what large in∣crease Of honour doth betide them! they resort Unto the Court, who lately were a sport

T'insulting foes: and they that were a prey, Are prais'd and priz'd: who now more great then they? While thus the Christians bath'd themselves in quiet, Their natures drew them to excessive riot, T'indulge to idleness, to scold, and brawl For very trifles, or nothing at all; With railing words bespatt'ring one another, Moving sedition against each other: Bishops with Bishops; and the vulgar train Do with the vulgar altricate for gain: Thus, thus their sins encreased ev'ry day, Till Gods wrath came, where sin chalk'd out the way: And now the Christians enemies abound, Laying their Churches level with the ground; Burn sacred Writs. I'th'open market-places; Pursue their Priests, and load them with disgraces: Slanders and contumelious opprobries, Abhor'd their Doctrine, and their words despise.

SECT. XIV.

The tenth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi 308.

TVVo Tyrants, Dioclesian in the VVest And Maximinian in the East, distress'd The Saints of God: the foe-men overcome, They instituted solemn games at Rome, As glad memorials of their b'ing victorious: Nay Dioclesian was so vain-glorious, He needs would be a god, and be ador'd By ev'ry bended-knee, as supream Lord:

Nor did he stick to say, that he was brother Unto the Sun and Moon, as was no other. His shoes adorn'd with gold and Precious stones, The people kneeling on their marrow-bones He bid to kiss his seet, (O height of pride!) He persecution rais'd; at Easter tide Places of Divine worship he or'eturn'd; And in contempt the Sacred Scripture burn'd, Some Elders of the Church were torn in sunder; The rest variety of deaths went under. Sylvanus Bishop, with him thirty nine, Ended their sorrowes in a Mettle-Mine. The Tyrian Christians (none this fury spares) VVere cast to Lyons, Leopards, and Bears Kept hungry for that purpose: male-content, The beasts not touched them; their claws were bent At other preyes; they vehemently rage 'Gainst those which brought the Christians on the stage, And seiz'd on them; who though they thought they stood Out of harms way, became the wild beasts food. And afterwards, these holy Martyrs slain, VVere soon committed to the foaming main. The Syrian Pastors lay in prison chain'd; Zenobius a Physician, Brick-bats brain'd. Yea good Serena Dioclesians wife, Was for religions sake depriv'd of life. The Martyrs blood ran like a flowing tide, Such an innumerable number dy'd. Upon a Christmas-day Maximinus fir'd A Church whereto the Christians retir'd, To celebrate that joyful day, wherein Jesus was born to save them from their sin. He also did a Phrygian City burn, And all th' inhabitants which would not turn.

Forty young Gentlemen of good repute, Confess'd their faith, and boldly did refute False wayes: their names up to the Marshal gave, Who seeing them so gallantly behave Themselves, admit'd, and stood in a quandary, What course to take; his anxious thoughts did vary: Resolved, he try'd what fair words would do; Proff'ring them money, and preferment too: They answer'd thus; We nothing do desire, But Christ alone; the wheel, the cross, the fire, Are easie pains. His eyes the Marshal casts Upon a pond expos'd to northern blasts; Bids them be stripp'd unto their naked skin; 'Twas winter weather, yet they must go in, There stay all night. We put not off our cloaths, Say they, but our old man, which God so loaths. The pond receiv'd them, and the nipping frost Stiffened their members; breath not fully lost When day appear'd unto the wakened world, They were took out, and burn'd; their ashes hurl'd Into the gliding streams.—

In France, in Colen Italy, and Spain, Were many millions of Christians slain, As witnessed unto the truth: in Trevers The brookes of blood discolour'd ample Rivers. This persecution run along, and came Into our Britain, where the Christians flame. Besides the kindes of deaths, the torments were So great, that they unutterable are; As whippings, scourgings, rackings, hackings, mang∣lings, Hangings, bangings, prickings, kickings, stranglings, Smoakings, choakings, rostings, scorchings, spoylings, Cuttings, guttings, flayings, fryings, broylings:

Some manded to the mines, others were quarter'd; In brief, there were seventeen thousand Martyr'd In one months space; yet still the Christians joy'd, And still encreas'd, the more they were destroy d. Galerius invading Antiech, Romanus runs, and tells the Christian flock, That wolves, which would devour them up, were neer: But therewithal, exhorts them not to fear The greatest perils, but that young and old Would be couragious, resolute and bold, To hazard life and limb, for to maintain God's cause and theirs. With that, an armed train Pour'd in upon them; but the Christian throng Arm'd with the staffe of faith, were too too strong For them to grapple with then: speedy word Was sent their Captain, that no power of sword Could e're prevail; it was in vain to strive Against the stream Romanus yet alive. The ireful Captain, in a sume, commands Romanus be deliver'd to his hands. Romanus comes; thus did the Captain say, And art thou then the Author of this fray? Art thou the cause why thus so many fall? By Iove I swear that answer for them all Thou shalt; and that e're thee and I do part, I'll make thee undergo the self-same smart Thou do'st encourage others to abide. Galerius ceas'd: Romanus thus reply'd; Tyrant, I hug, and willingly embrace Thy sentence; know, I count it no disgrace To be for my dear breth'ren sacrific'd, By worst of torments that can be devis'd. Galerius raging at this answer stout, Commands his men to truss him and draw out

His bowels. Th' executioners defer Such horrid deeds, and say, Not so good Sir, He is of noble Parents, and his breath May not be stop'd by an ignoble death. Scourge him then soundly, let your yerking lashes, Weighty with leaden knobs, cut wounds, and gashes. To whom Romanus used this expression; Not my descent, but Christian-like profession Nobilitateth me; be not therefore More favourable, but inflict the more: Your Idol worship I detest, despise, And all your superstitious fooleries. With that his sides, his naked sides, were lanc'd This bones; yet still this blessed Saint advanc'd The living God, and Christ, whom he hath sent: Then were his teeth struck out, for this intent He might not speak so audibly: his face Was buffeted, his cheeks were slic'd; nor was This all; nails tear his eyelids: from his chin They pluck'd his beard, and with his beard the skin: Yet this meek Martyr said, I give to thee O Captain, thanks, for opening wide to me So many mouths, whereby to shew the power Of God, and Jesus Christ my Saviour: Look Tyrant look, upon my various wound; So many mouths have I, Gods praise to sound The Captain wond'ring at his constancy, Ceased to exercise more cruelty: Yet menaced to burn him, and did say Thy cru'fi'd Christ is but of yesterday, The Gentiles gods of longer standing are. Romanus takes occasion to declare Th' eternity of Christ: of seven year old Give me a childe (said he) what he'll unfold

Listen unto: From out the gazing throng A pretty boy is pick'd: Romanus tongue Bespeaks him thus; My Lamb, ought we not rather To worship Christ, and in this Christ one Father, Then a plurality of Deities? Speak, 'tis a good boy, speak: the Child replies, There needs must be but one God we conceive; That there are more, we children can't believe. Th'amazed Captain said, Young villain, where, And of whom learn'dst thou this? my mother dear, He answer'd, taught it me; this from her breast I suck'd in with my milk, that I must rest My faith in Christ alone, and in no other. In comes rejoycingly the sent-for mother; The child's hors'd up and scourg'd, the standers by, With wat'ry eyes behold this cruelty; While the glad mother, a tear-less Spectator Chides her sweet babe, for asking for cold water: After that cup she chargeth him to thirst The babes drank of, which were in Bethlem nurs'd: Upon my blessing, I saac record, Proff'ring his neck unto his father's sword. Then did the barbarous tormentor pull The hair, the skin, and all, from the childs scull. The mother cryes, This pain will soon be gon; Suffer, my child, my sweet-sac'd child, anon Thou'lt pass to him, who will adorn thy head With an eternal crown, a crown indeed! Thus doth the mother chear the child: the child Takes heart to grass, and in his pains he smil'd. The Tyrant seeing how the Child stood fast, Himself subdu'd, commands him to be cast Into a stinking Dungeon, whilst that pain Unto Romanus was renew'd again.

Romanus is drag'd forth, to have a fresh Supply of stripes, on his bemangled flesh. Discovering the bare bones, a second smart Augmenteth each already-wounded part. Nor was this yet enough; cut, prick'd, and pounc'd He suddenly must be; then was denounc'd A final sentence 'gainst him, and the child; Both must be burn'd, their torments were too milde; The tort'rers did too favourably deal. Romanus boldly said, I do appeal From this ungodly sentence of thine own, To Christ his righteous Tribunal Throne, Who is an upright Judge; not that I fear Thy merc'less handling; no, I more can bear Then thou canst lay upon me; but that I May shew thy judgments to be cruelty, The childe's demanded of his mother; she, Embracing it, deliver'd it to be Bereav'd of life; and when the fatal stroke Was given, Farewel, sweet child, Farewel, she spoke:

All praise O Lord, with heart and word, Ʋnto thy name we render: The Saints that dye, are in thine eye Most precious, dear, and tender.

The childs head's off, the mother tender-hearted Enwrap'd it in her lap, and so departed. Romanus then into the fire is flung: A storm extinguish'd it; and now his tongue Must take a farewel of his head; his neck Becomes the subject of a halters check. One Gordius having liv'd a certain time In deserts, counted it at last a crime

Not to endure; he therefore when a game Was celebrated unto Mars, forth came, And up in a conspicuous place b'ing got, He said, I'm found of those that sought me not: Then apprehended, he his faith confesses; And in the midst of torment this expresses: God's my adjutor, Ah! why should I than Fear in the least the Tyranny of man? Nothing shall me dismay, that can fall out; Thou Lord art with me, fencing me about With Bullwarks of thy love; thy favour still Surrounds me: Ah! how can I then fear ill? These torments are but light, which I endure; Let heavier come. Tormentors, pray procure Substantialler then these; these are too small: Gibbits? and racks? as good have none at all. VVhen foul means could not shake his faith in Christ, He was by specious promises entic'd: But Gordius said, I do expect in heaven Greater preferments, then on earth are given. Now for this good man going to be burn'd, How many tender-hearted persons mourn'd! To whom he thus; Let not your brimfill'd-eyes Weep showres for me, but for God's enemies; VVho make a fire for us, But in conclusion, Purchase a greater to their own confusion: O weep for them, or none; good people curb Those gliding streams, and do not thus disturb My calmed minde: for truely I could bear A thousand deaths for Christ, and never fear. Some pity'd him, while others, standing by, Perswade him to deny Christ verbally, And to himself reserve his conscience. My tongue, said he, will under no pretence

Deny its donor: unto righteousness Our hearts believe, but 'tis our tongues confess Unto salvation; O let me excite You all to suffer for a cause so right: Good folks, fulfill a dying mans desire. So said, he ceas'd, and leap'd into the fire. One Menas, an Egyptian born and bred, Leaving his temporal subsistence, led A solitary life, in desert places; Where he might wholly exercise his graces, In fasting, prayer, meditation, fit And dil' gent reading of the sacred Writ. At last return'd to Cot is, when the croud Were at their pastimes, he proclaim'd aloud Himself to be a Christian: then surpriz'd, His faith in God more boldly he agniz'd. Torments ensu'd; no torments could revoke His minde, but thus he confidently spoke: In my minde, nothing comparable is To the enjoyment of eternal bliss: Nay, all the world, if put into one scale, Is lighter then one soul: VVho can prevail, To disunite us from the love of Christ? Can tribulation? anguish? he's the high'st; To him will I look up; he bids me fear not Those that can kill me bodily, but are not Able to hurt the soul: but fear him who Hath pow'r to slay the soul and body too, And fling them into hell. Having receiv'd The final sentence, up to heaven he heav'd His eyes, hands, heart, and said: O Lord my maker, Thanks be to thee, in that I am partaker Of Christ his precious blood: thou hast not let My foes devour me, but hast beset

My heav'n-fix'd soul with such true constancy, That in the faith I liv'd, for that I die. The lift up axe, upon his neck falls down, And so he lost his head, but found a Crown. In Portugal a Noble Virgin nam'd Eulalia, of twelve years old, enflam'd With holy zeal, most earnestly desir'd To suffer death, and heartily requir'd The blest assistance of Gods willing arm, And faith all her corruptions to charm: Her godly Parents, fearing she should come T'antimely death, did keep her close at home; But she (not brooking long delay) by night Stole out of doors, by that time it was light She came into the City, and appearing Before the Judge, spake boldly in his hearing: What, no Shame in you? will you still be bent To shoot your arrowes at the innocent? Never have done (because no power controuls) To break their bodies, and afflict their souls? Are you desirous what I am to know? I am a Christian, and an open foe Unto your diabolick sacrifices: As for your Idols, them my soul despises: I do aknowledge, with my voice and hert, Th'all-powerfull God: Hangman, in ev'ry part Come cut and mangle me, dishead me, burn me; What ever thou canst do, shall never turn me. Alas! alas! my flesh is too too weak, And may be conquer'd; thou maist eas'ly break This brittle Casket: but my inward minde A jewel is which thou shalt never finde. Then thus the angry Judge; Here Hangman, take her, Drag her out by the hair, to torments; make her

Be sensible of what our Gods can do, And we: But yet before thou undergo A miserable end, O sturdy girle, I'de fain have thee recant; life is a pearl Too precious to lose: call but to minde Thy Noble Birth, and be not so unkinde To thine own self as to neglect thy fortune; Methinks the glist'ring Bride-bed should importune Thee to preserve thy life: bar not thine ears, But be entreated by thy Parents tears, Not to contemn th' Aurora of thy time; The flower of thy youth is in its prime, And wilt thou slight it now? well, if thou wilt, Know, that to make thee answer for thy guilt, Engines are ready; if thoul't not be turn'd, Thou shalt beheaded be, or rack'd, or burn'd: What a small matter is't, not worth this strife, To strew incense? yet that shall save thy life. Eulalia not reply'd, but spurn'd abroad The incense heaps, and did with spittle load The tyrants face: the Hangmaa having retch'd her; With wilde-beasts talons to the hard bones scratch'd But she ceas'd not to praise the Lord, and prize (her. Th' attainment of these sublime dignities. VVith th' iron grate her mangled body's gor'd; Her brests, with flaming torches are devour'd; Her long hair set on fire: she opened wide Her mouth, and sucked in the flame, and di'd. The Judge told Agues, if she did refuse To sacrifice, there was a common stews, And in she should: the chast religious maid Unto the flock'd-lascivious youngsters said, Christ will not suffer this (I tell you true) This spotless soul to be defil'd by you

By you base slaves to lust: then was she plac'd Naked i'ch'street, and publickly disgrac'd: Amongst the rest, one scoffing at her shame, A flame like to a flash of lightning came And struck out both his eyes; he falling down, Did wallow in the dirt, while she did crown Her soul in praising God: the Judge sends word To th'executioner to sheath his sword In her warm bowels; Agnes maketh hast To meet with him; she cannot run so fast. O this (said she) this, this is he whom I Am taken with: I long, I long to die: My brest stands fair; thrust souldier, if thou wilt, Thy glitt'ring rapier up unto the hilt. Dear Father open wide the gates of heaven To entertain my soul: her life's bereaven.

SECT. XV.

The Persecution of the Christians in Perfia, un∣der Sapores, about the same time.

ANd now the Persian Magicians bring In accusations, to Sapores King, Against the Christians, for their adhering To Constantine the Great, (a crime past cleering.) The King incens'd herewith, with taxes, fines, Oppress'd them sore, and killed their Divines: Simeon their Priest was into prison sent, For slighting Idol-gods; and as he went, Ʋsthazares (a Christian of late, Since sall'n away) who at the Court-gate sate,

Espying him led by, obeysance did him: But Simeon for Apostatizing chid him. The conscious Eunuch suddenly let fall A briny showre; his costly garments all Laid by, he mourn'd, and with dejected face, Deplored thus his lamentable case: Ah me! with what a brazen brow shall I Look upon God, see'ng Simeon doth deny His kinde salute? He to the King must go, Who gently ask'd him why he mourned so? If in my Palace thou want'st any thing Speak man, and by the honour of a King It shall be thine: that tolerable were; But Ah! who can a wounded spirit bear? 'Tis this (said he) that acerbates my woe; I live, who should have dyed long agoe; This Sun I see, to which I seem'd to bow Thereby denying Christ, to pleasure you; I'll take a solemn vow, for to adore The great Creator, not the Creature more. The King adjudged him to lose his head; And at his death at his request 'twas spread, Here's one that suffers not for any treason, But for religion, and no other reason. The Christians which disheartened had bin By his Apostacy he sought to win By his profession and example too, To take new courage, and to undergo The like if need requir'd. Good Simeon Rejoyc'd, and prais'd the Lord for what was don. When the next Sun had rais'd them from their beds, He and a hundred more all lost their heads. The King decreed, no mercy should be us'd To them which to adore the Sun refus'd.

The sword rang'd over all the Persian bounds; Devour'd whole Cities, and unpeopled towns. In brief, in all, during Sapore's reign Were more then sixteen thousand Christians slain,

SECT. XVI.

The Churches Persecution under Julian the Apostata, Anno Christi 365.

NO sooner was Constantius deceas'd, Julian his nephew, of the West and East Is made sole Emperour: he from his youth Was well instructed in religion's truth: His good behaviour and ingenious parts, Made him a Load-stone to attract all hearts. In brief, he had (what's difficult to finde) The rare endowments of a vertuous minde. But he Apostatiz'd: Satan his tutor, Learn'd him to be the Churches persecutor: He op'd the Idol-Fanes, lock'd up before; And when the Christian faith grew more and more By torments, he was pityful and mild, And by his gifts and flatteries beguil'd The weaker sort, who avarous of gaia, VVere drawn aside: he also did ordain, That none professing Christianitie, Master of any Art should dare to be, Or any Officer: he did suborn Jesters, to load them with contempt and scorn:

Himself put none to death; yet did the crew Of Heathenish Idolaters imbrew Their hands in Christian gore, brain'd them with stones, And tore the flesh from off their naked bones; Drench'd some in scalding water; some were stipp'd Stark naked; others had their bellies rip'd And stuff'd with barly, for the greedy swine To champ upon; while some with famine pine, Some smear'd with honey up against the Sun, In baskets hung, for VVasps to feed upon. The children neither spar'd father nor mother, Nor parents chil'ren; no nor brother brother. The flesh-deprived bones of some were mix'd VVith asses bones: here hangs on crucifix'd, And there's one drag'd about the streets; a third Is taken captive like a twiglim'd bird. VVhen Julian sacrific'd to Fortune, one Maris, Bishop of blind-ey'd Chaleedon, Sharply rebuk'd him, call'd him impious man, Apostate, Atheist: to whom Julian Retorts, Blind fool, thy God of Galiles VVill not restore thy fight, and make thee see. Maris reply'd, I am not so unkinde, As not to thank my God which made me bliade, Lest that mine eyes, (turn'd from a better fight,) Upon thy so ungracious face should light. Cyrillus, Deacon in Hier apolis, Demolished the Gentiles Images; He's took, his belly's rip'd, his liver drawn Out of his body, with their teeth is gnawn. A little tract of time b'ing wheel'd about, Their tongues were rocted, and their teeth fell out Of their loose sockecs; their blind eyes no more Beheld the objects they beheld before.

While of Apollo's Delphick Oracle Julian enquir'd, a flash of lightning fell From the collided clouds, which overturn'd The Temple, and Apollo's Image burn'd. The fines were more then they were sessed at: He scoff'd them thus; You ought to undergo All wrongs: does not your God command you so? Ath'nafius said, This persecution Is but a little cloud,* 1.8 'twill soon be gon,

SECT. XVII.

The Churches Persecution under the Arrian Hereticks, which began An. Christi 339.

GReat Constantine, a while before he dy'd, Amongst his sons did equally divide His Empire; to the rule he did assigne Constantius, Constans, and Constantine: Constantius, that governed the East, Was soon seduced by an Arrian priest; Who him inform'd, that Athanasius Return from exile was pernicious Unto the publick good: incensed then, The Emp'rour sent five thousand armed men To cut him short: the Church was round beset, Yet he from them mirac'loufly did get; Though many Arrians cast their eyes about For this intent,t'indigitate him out; Not much unlike a sheep ordain'd for slaughter: Nor could this good man live in quiet after,

In banishment till he was forc'd to hide In a deep pit, where he no light espide For twice three years; and at last by a maid That us'd to bring him food, he was betraid: But God's directing spirit did befriend him; He scap'd, before they came to apprehend him. Thirty Egyptian Bishops slain; twice seven Were banished; some in their way took heaven. In Alexandria (the Arrians urg'd) Twice twenty Orthodox Divines were scourg'd. The Emperour, at his approaching death, Griev'd for his changing of the Nicene faith. Valens held on these damnable designs 'Gainst Christians; fourscore eminent Divines He ship'd, and fir'd; so they resign'd their breath, By patient suffering of a double death. Many he caused to be crush'd to shivers; Some to be drown'd i'ch' Sea, others in rivers; Some in the desarts wandred up and down, Cloathed in sheeps-skins, pityed by none: While other-some, (so put unto their shifts,) Lurked in dens and hollow rocky clifts. At last this Tyrant from the Goths did fly, Who fir'd a village o're his head, whereby He miserably dy'd: unto his name Leaving behind a monument of shame.

SECT. XVIII.

The Persecution by the Donatists, Anno Christi 410.

THe Donatists, and Circumcellions, In Sun-burnt Affrick, rais'd rebellions: The Orthodox, innumerable wrongs Lay under; Bishops lost their hands and tongues: And others, that remain'd sincere and sound, This barbrous outrage either hang'd or drown'd; Their goods are plunder'd, and their houses turn'd To heaps of eindars, and their Fanes are burn'd. The sacred Scriptures are by flames devour'd; Wives are defil'd, and Virgins are deflour'd. Where ever these profane Schisma ticks came, They holy things profan'd; nor was't a shame Counted amongst them, but a grace, to feed Their mungrell currs with Sacramental bread. But God's just judgements did not long forbear: The Dogs run mad, and their own Masters tear. These furious persons, cast into the stocks The godly Christians, and the Orthodox: All Affrick o're, they empty out their gall, Destroying many, and affrighting all.

SECT. XIX

The Persecution of the Church in Affrick, by the Arrian Vandales, Anno Christi 427.

THe Vandales, under Genserick's command Remov'd their Quarters from th' Iberian land, And march'd to Affrick: as along they went, Cut down the shrubs, which yeilded aliment To the dispersed Saints; what e're they found Unruin'd, they laid level with the ground. The Min'sters sinking underneath their loads, Are pricked forward with sharp-pointed goads. Some had (until they crack'd again) their legs Wrested with bow-strings: grease and oily dregs, Salt-water, stinking mire, and Vinegar, Into the mouths of others forced are. The Reverend gray hairs, from them obtain'd No mercy: as for infants, they were brain'd, Or torn in pieces from the fundament. The Carthaginian Senators were sent To wander in exile; without respect To sex, or age, the Roman City's sack'd. Upon A sceation-day, a Christian train Meeting at Church, were by these her'ticks slain. There was a Noble man, nam'd Saturus, The Tyrant seeing him, bespake him thus: Y' had best to execute my just commands, Or you shall forfeit else, your house and lands; Your wife shall marry one that drives the plow; Your children shall be sold: nor did this bow

The good mans faith; his wife hearing her doom Was to be marry'd to a scurvy groom, Runs to her husband doth her fine clothes tear, And rends from off her head her curious hair; Her brood of children hanging at her heels, A suckling in her arms, then down she kneels, And said (my deatest) Oh some pity take On thy poor wife: O for the Lord Chrift's sake Let not thy bantlings under slav'ry tire, Nor me be linked to a filthy Squire. Be rul'd, sweet heart, if by constraint th'art brought To act amiss, thine will not be the fault. He thus; Thou speakest like a foolish wife, Acting the Devils part; thy husbands life If thou didst dearly tender, as thou shouldst, Entice him so to fin, thou never wouldst; Which will procure a second death to me, Worse then the first; I am resolv'd to be Obedient therefore to my Gods commands, And quite forsake wife, children, house, and lands, To b'his Disciple. Scarce these words were out, He was despoil'd of all, and sent about The Country begging. Genserick being dead: Hunrick succeeded in his fathers stead. Well night five thousand that did Christ profess, He banished into the wilderness: He made his Courtiers dig the earth for corn, And brought the women into publick scorn. Mothers their little children followed, Right glad that Martyrs they had born and bred. One leading by the hand her little Son, Hasting t'oretake them, said, Run Sirrah, run; Seest how the Saints do trudge along? how fast They make unto their crown? hast, sirrah, haft.

She's thus rebuk'd: How now? why do you go So speedy? woman, whither haste you so? She thus reply'd; Good folks pray pray for me, I go to exile with this child you see, For fear the enemies corrupt his youth, And so mislead him from the wayes of truth. As the Saints went along to banishment, Multitudes follow'd, and with one consent Flinging their children down, did this express; And must we then be wedded to distress? While you haste to your crown, what will become Of us (poor wretches as we are) at home? VVhat Ministers have we (you gon) to feed Our hungry souls with sacramental bread? VVho shall baptize our infants? tell us who Instruct us? w'have a greater minde to go Then stay behinde: but Ah! our feeble strength VVill not hold out so great a journeys length. Now they that went, and could not mend their paces, Were dragged by the Moors, through rugged places; Their flesh all rent and torn; they that were stronger Came to the wilderness, to kill their hunger, And barely are allow'd; the Scorpions crawll About them, but do them not hurt at all VVith their lethif'rous sting: thus God did please After affliction to send them ease. Hunrick sends Mandates throughout Affrica, That all the Bishops should by such a day At Carthage meet, on purpose by dispute To prop their faith; and if they could confute The Arrian Bishops: now the time drew near, And they according to command appear. Dispute began; The Orthodox thought best To cull out some, to answer for the rest.

The Arrians plac'd themselves on sublime thrones; These stood o'th' ground, and said, Inequall ones Are too unfit to hold an argument, No, no, it is by general consent, That Disputants the controversie rear On equal termes, until the truth be clear. An hundred strokes, on ev'ry one were laid For this bold speech; whereat Eugeuius said, The Lord in mercy look upon our woes, And mark our sufferings under raging foes. The Arrian Bishops moved to propound What they intended, at the first, gave ground, Declining the dispute: the Orth'dox then A Declaration of their faith, did pen, And did it with this protestation show: What our belief is, if you long to know, Here 'tis: the Arrians stormed at this thing, Gave them foul words, accus'd them to the King; He all of them out of the City turn'd; Who them reliev'd, must by his Law be burn'd. The Bishops which i'th' open fields did ly, Bespake the Tyrant as he passed by: What evil have we done? we fain would know The reason why we are afflicted so; If we be called to dispute, we crave Why are we thus despoil'd of all we have? Why must we live on dunghils, in distress, Afflicted, housless, cold, and comfortless? He bids, and over them his horsmen ride; Many are bruised sore, then they deny'd, B'ing urg'd, unto an oath to put their hands; And said, Our God contrarily commands: Nor are we mad-men, or such fools, as that We should subscribe, before we know to what.

This was the tenour of the oath then read: You all shall swear, that when the King is dead Hildrick shall reign, and that no man shall send Letters beyond the seas. The King your friend, Upon your taking it, will you restore Unto the Churches you were at before. They that did not, and also they that did Were all enslaved, and to preach forbid. What doleful outeries! what heart-rending grones Were throughout Affrick caus'd by bloody ones! With cudgels, either sex and age was bang'd: Here, some they burned; there they others hang'd. Women, and naked gentlewomen were Openly tortur'd, all their bodies bare. Fair Dionysia bolder the rest, Thus the conceptions of her mind exprest: Afflict your fill, God's favour I have got; Onely my woman-hood disclose you not. These words scarce out, they more enraged strip'd her, Expos'd her to all eyes, and soundly whip'd her, Untill the blood flow'd down: that which you broach, Satanick slaves (said she) for my reproach, Is my best garland. Then she wisely chear'd Her young and onely son, who persever'd Patient in all his pains, till he disburst His spirit unto him that gave it first. Hunrick b'ing dead, succeeding Gundabund Twice six years tyranniz'd: mild Thrasamund And Ild'rick ruled well. But in conclusion, Bell'zarius brought the Vandals to confusion, After they ninety years had been a rod To scourge the Saints and Israel of God.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Anno 97
• * 1.2

  Plinius secundus.
• * 1.3

  Tertullian.
• * 1.4

  Vere Ma∣gnus Deus Christans∣rum.
• * 1.5

  Psa. 125. 3.
• * 1.6

  De Mar∣tyrio.
• * 1.7

  Quid faci∣am vobis? pati timetis, exire nolitis
• * 1.8

  Beati Pau∣peres.