A generall martyrologie containing a collection of all the greatest persecutions which have befallen the church of Christ from the creation to our present times, both in England and other nations : whereunto are added two and twenty lives of English modern divines ... : as also the life of the heroical Admiral of France slain in the partisan massacre and of Joane Queen of Navar poisoned a little before / by Sa. Clarke.

THE PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH UNDER THE Heathen Roman Emperors.

CHAP. VII. The First Primitive Persecution which began An. Christi, 67.

THis first Persecution was begun by Domitius Nero, the sixt Emperour, Anno 67. or thereabouts: the occasion whereof was this;* 1.1 Nero having passed over the first five years of his reign somewhat plausibly, he then began to fall to all manner of prodigious impieties: and amongst other wicked designs, he had a great desire to consume the stately im∣perial City of Rome with fire; pronouncing King Priamus an happy man, because he beheld the end of his Kingdom and Countrey toge∣ther; yea, said he, let not all be ruined when I am dead, but whilst I am yet a∣live:* 1.2 and for the effecting of this villany, he sent divers to kindle the fire in sundry places; yea, some of his own bed-chamber were seen to carry Flax, Toe, Torches, &c. to further it: and when any attempted to quench it, they were threatned for it; others openly hurled fire∣brands, crying, They knew what they did, there was one would bear them out. This fire first began amongst the Oyl-men and Drugsters; The night-watch and Praetorian guards did openly cherish it; and when it was throughly kindled, Nero went up to the top of Maecenas Tow∣er, which over-looked the whole City, where he fed himself with the sight of infinite burnings, and sang to his harp, the burning of Troy.

* 1.3Amongst other stately buildings that were burned down, the Circus, or race-yard was one, being about half a mile in length, of an oval

form, with rows of seats one above another, capable to receive at least a hundred and fifty thousand Spectators without uncivil shouldrings: but the particulars were innumerable, the damage inestimable; be∣sides which, many thousands of people perished; the flame and smoak smothered some, the weight of ruins crusht others, the fire consumed others; others threw themselves into the fire out of sorrow and de∣spair, and villains slew many.

But Nero finding that this fire, which continued burning nine dayes, brought a great Odium upon him; to excuse himself, he transferred the fault upon the Christians, as if out of malice they had done it,* 1.4 and thereupon he raised this first persecution against them. For there was at this present a flourishing Church of Christians in Rome, even before St. Paul's arrival there,* 1.5 and Nero's own Court was secretly gar∣nished and enriched with some of those Diamons, whose salutations the Apostle remembers in his Epistle to the Philippians. But whilst Nero with their blood, sought to quench and cover his own infamy, he pro∣cured to himself new envy; whilst many that abhorred Christians for their Religion, commiserated their sufferings as undeserved. Some he caused to be sewed up in the skins of wild beasts, and then worried them to death with dogs: some he crucified, others he burnt in publick,* 1.6 to furnish his evening sports with Bonefires. Many he caused to be packed up in paper stiffened in molten wax, with a coat of sear-cloth about their bodies, bound upright to Axletrees, many of which were pitcht in the ground, and so set on fire at the bottom, to maintain light for Nero's night-sports in his gardens. Some of them were gored in length upon stakes, the one end fastened in the earth, the other thrust into their fundaments, and coming out at their mouths.

Nor did this Persecution rage in Rome alone, but it was extended generally over the whole Empire,* 1.7 insomuch that a man might then have seen Cities lie full of mens bodies, the old lying there together with the young, and the dead bodies of women cast out naked in the open streets, without all reverence of their sex. Yea his rage and malice was so great, that he endeavoured to have rooted out the very name of Christians in all places. Whereupon Tertullian said, That it could be no ordinary goodness which Nero condemned; and, saith he, We glory on the behalf of our sufferings, that they had such a dedicator as he:* 1.8 but this great Persecution, like a blast, did spread the Religion that it blew, and ha∣ving continued four years from the first rising, is expired in two most shining blazes, viz. in the Martyrdom of the two great Apostles Peter and Paul: Peter was crucified with his head down-wards, which manner of death himself made choice of, and whilst he thus hung up∣on the Cross, he saw his wife going to her Martyrdom, whereupon he much rejoyced; and calling her by her name, he bad her remember the Lord Jesus Christ. At the same time, also Paul, before Nero, made a confession of his faith, and of the Doctrine which he taught;* 1.9 where∣upon he was condemned to be beheaded, and the Emperor sent two of his Esquires, Ferega and Parthemius, to bring him word of his death:

they coming to Paul, heard him instruct the people, and thereupon desired him to pray for them that they might believe; who told them, that shortly after they should believe and be baptized: then the soul∣diers led him out of the City to the place of execution, where he prayed, and then gave his neck to the sword, and so was beheaded. This was done in the fourteenth, which was the last year of Nero.

Collected out of the life of Nero Caesar, Eusebius, and the Book of Martyrs.

CHAP. VIII. The second Primitive Persecution, which began Anno 96.

AFter the death of Nero, there succeeded, first Vespasian, and then his son Titus in the Empire, under both whom the Church had rest, but Titus associating to himself his brother Flavius Domitian in the Government of the Empire; This wicked Monster, first slew his brother, and then raised the second persecution against the Church of Christ.* 1.10 His pride was so great, that he commanded himself to be worshiped as God; and that Ima••es of gold and silver should be set up for his honour in the Capitoll. His cruelty was unmeasurable. The chiefest Nobles of the Roman Senators, either upon envy, or for their goods,* 1.11 he caused to be put to death. Having also heard some rumors of Christs Kingdom, he was afraid, as Herod had been before him; and thereupon commanded all of the linage of David to be sought out and slain; At last two poor Christians that came of Judas, the brother of Christ according to the flesh, were brought before Domitian, and accused to be of the Tribe of Juda, and of the line of David: Then did the Emperour demand of them what stock of money and possessi∣ons they had; To whom they answered, that they two had not above thirty nine Acres of land, out of which they payed Tribute, and re∣lieved themselves by their labour and industry, withal shewing him their hard and brawny hands, by reason of their labour. Then did he ask them of Christ, and of his Kingdom; to whom they answered, that Christs Kingdom was not of this world, but spiritual and celestial; and that he would come at the last day to judge the quick and the dead. Hereupon he despised them as simple and contemptible persons, and so dismissed them. He punished an infinite company of Christians that were famous in the Church, with exile, and loss of their sub∣stance. Under this persecution it was that St. John, the beloved Disci∣ple,* 1.12 was first put into a vessel of boiling oyl, and coming safe without hurt, out of the same, he was then banished into the Isle of Patmos, Anno 97. where he continued till after the death of Domitian, but was

released under Pertinax: At which time he returned to Ephesus, where he lived till he was a hundred and twenty years old. During his abode there, he was requested to repaire to some place not farre off, to order their Ecclesiasticall affairs; and being in a certain City, he beheld in the Congregation a young man, mighty of body,* 1.13 of a beautifull coun∣tenance, and fervent minde; whereupon calling the chief Bishop unto him, he said, I commend this man unto thee with great diligence, in the witness here of Christ and of the Church. The Bishop having received this charge, and promised his faithfull diligence therein, John spake the like words to him the second time also, after which he returned unto Ephesus. The Bishop having received this young man thus com∣mitted to his charge, brought him home, kept, nourished, instructed and Baptized him; and the young man so profited under him, that at last he was made the Pastor of a Congregation. But having by this means more liberty then before, some of his old companions began to resort unto him; who first drew him forth to sumptuous and riotous banquets; then inticed him to go abroad with them in the nights to rob and steal, and to much other wickedness. And he being of a good wit, and stout courage, ran like an unbridled horse to all manner of disorders and outrage: And associating to himself many loose and dissolute companions, he became their Head and Captain, in com∣mitting all kindes of murther and felonies. Not long after, upon some urgent occasions, St John was again sent for into those parts, where having decided those controversies, and dispatched those busi∣nesses for which he came, meeting with the afore-mentioned Bishop, he required of him the pledge, which before Christ and the Congre∣gation he had committed to his custody. The Bishop herewith ama∣zed, supposing that he meant it of some money committed to him, which yet he had not received, not daring to contradict the Apostle, he thereupon stood mute: Then John perceiving that he was not un∣derstood, said, The young man, and the soul of our brother committed to your custody, I do require. Whereupon the Bishop with many tears said, He is dead: To whom John replyed, How, and by what death? The Bishop answered, He is dead to God, for he is become a wicked and vicious man, and a thief, and now he doth frequent these mountains, with a company of thieves and villains like himself, &c. The Apostle, rending his garments with a great lamentation, said, I left a good keeper of my brothers soul; get me an horse and guide presently; which being done, he went strait to the mountains, and was no sooner come thither, but he was taken by the thieves that watched for their prey, to whom he said, I came hither for this cause, Lead me to your Captain: and so being brought before him, the Captain all armed, looked fiercely upon him, and soon coming to the knowledge of him, he was striken with such shame and confusion, that he began to flie, but the old man followed him as fast as he could, crying, My son why dost thou flie from thy fa∣ther? an armed man from one naked? a young man from an old man? Have pity upon me my son: and feare not, there is yet hope of salvation, I will an∣swer

for thee to Christ, I will die for thee if need be, as Christ died for us, I will give my life for thee; Believe me, Christ hath sent me. He hearing these things, first as in a maze, stood still, lost his courage, cast down his weapons, then trembled, and vvept bitterly, and coming to the old man, he embraced him with many tears, only his right hand he kept hid and covered. Then the Apostle, after he had promised and assured him that he should obtain pardon of our Saviour, falling upon his knees, he prayed for him, kissing his murthering right hand, vvhich for shame he durst not shevv before, and then brought him back to the Congregation, where he fasted and prayed continually for him, comforted and confirmed him with many Scripture-promises, and left him not, till he had restored him to his former Office, and made him a great example of Gods Mercy to repentant sinners.

* 1.14In this Persecution Simeon Bishop of Jerusalem, after many torments, was crucified to death: and an innumerable company of Mar∣tyrs suffered for the like testimony of the Lord Jesus, amongst whom vvas Flavia,* 1.15 the daughter of Flavius Clemens, a Roman Senator and Consul, vvho amongst many others vvas banished into the Isle of Pontia.

* 1.16This Lavv also vvas made by the Roman Senate, Non debere demitti Christianos, qui semel ad tribunal venissent, nisi propositum mutent, that Christians should not be let go, that vvere once brought before the Tribunal seat, except they renounced their Religion. Yea, that vvhich stirred up the Emperor more to persecute the Christians, vvere those abominable lies, and malicious slanders raised against them by the Heathen Idolaters, as that they were a people that lived in incest, that in their nightly meetings,* 1.17 putting out the Candles, they ran together in all filthy manner; that they killed their ovvn Children, and used to eat mans flesh: that they vvere seditious and rebellious, and refused to svvear by the fortune of Caesar;* 1.18 and vvould not adore his Image in the Market place, and in brief, that they were pernicious to the Roman Empire: yea, whensoever any thing happened amiss to the City of Rome, or to her Provinces, either by famine, pestilence, Earth-quakes, Wars, unseasonable Weather, &c. it vvas presently imputed to the Christians. Besides, also there vvere a number of vvicked Promoters and Accusers, that for lucre's sake, to have the possessions of the Chri∣stians, accused and persecuted them to the death. Also vvhen the Christians vvere brought before the Magistrates, they gave them an Oath,* 1.19 requiring them to declare the truth, vvhether they vvere Christi∣ans or no, and if they confessed; then by the Lavv, sentence of death vvas passed against them. Yet vvere not these Tyrants content by death to destroy their bodies, but the kinds of death vvere divers and horrible; vvhatsoever the cruelty of mans vvitty and vvicked invention could de∣vise for the punishment of mans body, vvas practised against the poor Saints of God;* 1.20 Imprisonments, Stripes, Scourgings, Rackings, Tear∣ings, Stoning▪ plates of iron burning hot, laid to the tenderest parts of their bodies, deep Dungeons, strangling in Prisons, the teeth of

wild Beasts, Gridirons, Gibbits and Gallows, Tossings upon the Horns of Bulls, &c. And when they were thus killed, their bodies were laid on heaps, and dogs left to keep them, that none might come to bury them;* 1.21 neither could any prayer or entreaty obtain leave that they might be interred. Notwithstanding all which horrible punish∣ments, the Church of Christ daily increased, being deeply rooted in the Doctrine of the Apostles and Apostolical men, and watered plen∣teously with the blood of the Saints.

Also in this persecution, Protasius and Gervasius were martyred at Millaine. Timothy was stoned to death at Ephesus,* 1.22 by the Worship∣pers of Diana. Dionysius Areopagita was slain with the sword at Paris, &c.

CHAP. IX. The third Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi, 108.

DOmitian being slain by some of his own servants, Nerva succeeded him, who was a good and mercifull man, stayed the persecution against the Christians, called them home from banishment, so that the Church enjoyed peace in his time, but he reigning only thirteen moneths, Trajan a Spaniard succeeded him,* 1.23 who in the tenth year of his reign, raised the third persecution against the Church, which was far more cruel then either of the former; inasmuch as Plinius Secun∣dus, an heathen Philosopher,* 1.24 seeing the lamentabte slaughter of the Christians, moved with pity, he wrote to Trajan concerning the same; that whereas there were many thousands of them daily put to death, there were none of them which did any thing contrary to the Roman Laws worthy of persecution, saving that they used to gather together in the morning before day, and sing Hymns to a certain God that they vvorshipped, called Christ; in other things they were godly and honest; and for proof hereof, saith he, I caused two Maidens to be laid on the rack, and with torments to be examined about the same; but finding nothing in them but only lewd and immoderate superstition, I resolved to surcease further en∣quiry, till I received further instructions from you about this matter.* 1.25 &c. Trajan having read this Epistle; returned answer, that it was his mind, that the Christians should not be sought after, but if they were brought and convicted, that then they should suffer execution:* 1.26 whereof Ter∣tullian, speaking, saith, O confused sentence! He would not have them sought for as men innocent, and yet would have them punished as men guilty: Now though upon this act, the rage of the persecution was somewhat aba∣ted, yet many evil disposed men, and cruel Officers there were, vvhich ceased not to afflict the Christians in divers Provinces: especially if any

commotion was raised in any of them, then presently were the Chri∣stians blamed for it. Trajan sent a command to Jerusalem, that who∣soever could be found out of the stock of David, should be enquired for,* 1.27 and put to death; hereupon some Sectaries of the Jewish nation, accused Simeon the son of Cleophas, to come of Davids line, and that he was a Christian: of which Accusers it happened, that some of them were taken to be of the stock of David, and so most righteously were executed themselves who sought the destruction of others. In this Persecution suffered Phocas Bishop of Pontus,* 1.28 whom Trajan, because he would not sacrifice to Neptune,* 1.29 caused to be cast into a hot lime-kilne, and afterwards to be put into a scalding bath, where he ended his life in the cause of Christ: As also Sulpitius Servilianus, and Nereus, and Achilleus suffered Martyrdom in Rome,* 1.30 Sagaris in Asia; Then also Ignatius Bishop of Antioch was apprehended and sent to Rome, where he was devoured of wild beasts, and besides these, many thousand others.

* 1.31After the death of Trajan, succeeded Hadrian, who continued this third persecution against the Chrstians; at which time, Alexander Bishop of Rome, with his two Deacons, as also Hermes and Quirinus with their families suffered Martyrdom. Also about this time, Zenon a noble man of Rome, with above ten thousand more were slain for Christs sake.* 1.32 Also in mount Ararath were ten thousand Christians crucified, crowned with thorns, and thrust into the side with sharp darts, after the example of the Lords passion. Eustachius, a noble Cap∣tain,* 1.33 who Trajan had sent out to war against the Barbarians; after (through Gods Mercy) he had valiantly subdued his enemies, was re∣turning home with victory: Hadrian for joy, went to meet him, and to bring him home with triumph: but by the way, he would needs sacri∣fice to Apollo, for the victory obtained, willing Eustachius to do the same with him; but when by no means he could be perswaded thereto, com∣ing to Rome, he with his wife and Children suffered Martyrdom; by the command of the ingratefull Emperour.* 1.34 Also Faustinus and Jobita, Citizen of Brixia, were martyred with many torments; which caused one Calocerius, beholding their admirable patience in the midst of their cruel torments, to cry out, Vere magnus est Deus Christianorum, Verily great is the God of the Christians; whereupon being apprehend∣ed,* 1.35 he was made Partaker of their Martyrdom. Also Eleutherius Bi∣shop in Apulia,* 1.36 was beheaded, together with his mother Anthea. Also Symphorissa, a godly Matron, was often cruelly scourged, afterwards hanged up by the hairs of her head: at last had a huge stone fastened to her, and so thrown into the river; after which her seven Children in like manner,* 1.37 with sundry and divers kinds of torments were all of them martyred by the Tyrant. These seven Children of Symphorissa, were fastened to seven stakes, then racked up with a pully, & afterwards thrust thorow; Crescens in the neck, Julianus in the breast, Nemesius in the heart, Primitivus in the navil, Justinus was cut in every joint of his body, Statteus run thorow with spears, and Eugenius

cut asunder from the breast to the lower parts, and then all of them were cast into a deep pit; Adrian being at Athens, sacrificed to the Idols after the manner of the Grecians, and gave free leave to whomsoever vvould, to persecute the Christians, which should refuse it: whereupon Quadratus bishop of Athens, a man of admirable zeal, and famous for learning,* 1.38 exhibited to the Emperour a learned and excellent Apolo∣gy in defence of the Christian Religion: The like also did Aristides, an excellent Philosopher in Athens. There was also one Serenus Granius, a man of great nobility, who writ pithy and grave Letters to Hadrian; shewing that it was neither agreeable to right nor reason, that the blood of innocents should be given up to the rage and fury of the people, and be condemned for no other fault but for their opinions; Here∣upon the Emperour became more favourable to them, writing also in their behalf to Minutius Fundanus, Proconsul of Asia, that if they had no other crime objected against them, but their Religion, they should not be put to death. Yet notwithstanding all this, the rage of the heathen multitude did not disquiet and persecute the people of God; imputing to them whatsoever mischief and judgements befell them; yea, they invented against them all manner of Contumelies,* 1.39 and false crimes to accuse them of, whereby many in sundry places vvere mo∣lested and put death.

After Hadrian, succeeded Antoninus Pius,* 1.40 vvho being informed of the cruel sufferings of the Christians, vvrote this Letter to his Com∣mons of Asia, forbidding them to persecute the Christians any fur∣ther, which Epistle he thus concludes, If any hereafter shall offer any vexation and trouble to Christians, having no other cause, but because they are such, let him that is appeached, be released, and freely discharged,* 1.41 and let his Accuser sustain the punishment, &c.

By this means then the tempest of persecution began in those days to be appeased, through the mercifull providence of God; who would not have his Church to be utterly overthrown and rooted up thereby: The rod of the wicked shall not always rest upon the lot of the righteous, Psalm 125.3.

Here place the second Figure.

CHAP. X. The fourth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi, 162.

AFter the death of that quiet and mild Prince Antoninus Pius, his son M. Antoninus Verus succeeded in the Empire, a stern and severe man by nature, who raised the fourth persecution against the Chri∣stians; wherein a great number of them, who truly professed Christ, suffered most cruel punishments and torments especially in A∣sia and France, amongst whom was Polycarp Bishop of Smyrna, who was burnt at a stake at Smyrna, together with twelve others that came from Philadelphia. Also Germanicus a young man,* 1.42 did most constantly per∣severe in the Doctrine of Christ, whom when the Proconsul of Asia desired to remember his age, and to favour himself,* 1.43 he would by no flatteries be with-drawn from his stedfastness, but remaining constant, was thrown to the wild beasts, whom he allured and provoked to come upon him, and devour him, that he might be the more spee∣dily delivered out of this wretched life. Also in this persecution suf∣fered Metrodorus, a Minister, who was consumned by fire;* 1.44 and Pionius who after much boldness of speech, with his Apologies exhibited, and his Sermons made to the people in defence of the Christian faith, and after much relieving and comforting such as were in prisons and distress, at last was put to cruel torments, and then burned in the fire, Also at Pargamopolis in Asia, suffered Carpus, Papilus, and Agathonica, a woman, who after their most constant and worthy confessions,* 1.45 were put to death.

At Rome, Felicitas with her seven Children were martyred, whereof her eldest son, after he vvas whipt and grievously scourged with rods,* 1.46 vvas prest to death with leaden weights: the two next had their brains beaten out with mawls: the fourth was thrown down head-long from an high place, and brake his neck: the three youngest were beheaded; and lastly, the mother was slain with the svvord.

Also Justin Martyr, a man that excelled in learning and Philosophy, and a great Defender of the Christian Religion, who had deliver∣ed to the Emperor and Senate,* 1.47 an Apology in defence of the Chri∣stians, suffered Martyrdom in this persecution.

There was in Egypt a certain woman married to a husband that was given much unto laciviousness, whereunto she her self also had been formerly addicted; but being instructed in the Christian Reli∣gion, she became a chast and godly Matron, and endeavoured to per∣swade her husband also thereunto: But he continuing in his filthy life, she resolved to be divorced from him; yet at the request of her friends: she forbore, to try if by any means he would be reclaimed: But he going to Alexandria, and living more licenciously then before, she

sued out a bill of Divorce, and so was separated from him; then did this malicious wretch accuse her to be a Christian,* 1.48 which was no lesse then death, whereupon she being in great perill, delivered up a suppli∣cation to the Emperour, craving but so much favour, that she might go and set her family in order, and then she would be ready to answer to all such crimes as should be objected against her: This petition the Emperour granted; Her husband perceiving that he was frustrated of his expectation, went and accused Ptolemaeus (who was her instructer in the faith of Christ) that he was a Christian.* 1.49 Ptolemaeus loving the truth, and not thinking it good to hide his profession, confessed it: Therefore being brought before Vrbicius the Judge, he was by him condemned to die;* 1.50 Whereupon one Lucius a Christian, standing by, said to the Judge, What reason, I pray you, or equity is this, that this man, who is neither Adulterer, Fornicator, Murtherer, nor Felon, nor guilty of any other crime, should he condemned for his name, and profession of Christianity? These manner of Judgements (O Urbicius) are neither ho∣nourable for the Emperor, nor for the estate of the Senate of Rome: Then said Vrbicius,* 1.51 Methinks thou also art a Christian, which Lucius con∣fessing, the Judge without any further delay, commanded him also to be had away to the place of Execution; to whom he answered, I thank you with all my heart, that hereby you release me from most wicked governors, and send me to my good and loving Father, who is God of gods, and King of Kings. Also a third man coming to the Judge, and using the like liberty of speech, had the like sentence of death, and was crown∣ed with the same crown of Martyrdom.

* 1.52Also one Concordus, a Minister of the City of Spoleto, because he re∣fused to sacrifice to Jupiter, and did spit in the face of the Idol, after divers cruel torments sustained, was beheaded with the sword.

Many others also suffered Martyrdom at the same time, because they sharply reprehended Idolatry, and refused at the Emperors com∣mand, to offer sacrifice to Idols, for which they were beheaded.

* 1.53Many Christians also suffered in France, the History of whom was written, and set forth by their own Churches, and directed to the bre∣thren of Asia and Phrygia; wherein they write, that Satans Instru∣ments were so maliciously active against them, that they could not be safe any where, neither in the Markets, Shops, nor their own Houses. Yea, they were forbidden to come into any publick places: But God in Mercy took out of the Tyrants hands,* 1.54 such as were weak amongst the Christians, and sets up others, as Pillars, who are able to abide all sufferings, and valiantly to withstand the enemy, notwithstanding all the opprobrious punishments they could devise;* 1.55 yea, by their admira∣ble patience they shewed that all the sufferings of this present time were not to be compared with the glory which they expected to be re∣vealed in them. First they suffered whatsoever the frantick multitude could inflict upon them,* 1.56 by railings, scourgings, drawings and halings, flinging of stones, imprisonment, &c. Then were they led to the Mar∣ket-place, vvhere the Captain and other City-Officers, commanded

them to prison, after they had made confessions of their faith pub∣lickly, till the return of the chief Governor: Who being come back, he used all extremity that possibly he could against them. At which time a noble young man, called Vetius Epagathus,* 1.57 being replenished with fervent zeal and love, both to God and the brethren, could not suf∣fer the wicked Judgement which vvas given against the brethren: Whereupon he desired the Governor to hear vvhat he had to say in their behalf, in whom vvas no impiety found: But the people cryed out against him, and the Justice denied his lawfull request, withal, asking him vvhether he himself vvere not a Christian? unto which, vvith a loud and bold voice he answered, I am a Christian; And thus was he received into the fellowship of the Martyrs▪ By this worthy ex∣ample the rest of the brethren were more animated to suffer Martyr∣dom: Yet some there were as yet weak, and not so well prepared for sufferings, of vvhom there vvere ten that fainted, vvhich filled the rest vvith great heaviness.* 1.58 Their example also caused such as vvere not yet apprehended to be less forward in adventuring themselves; yet every day were some apprehended, which were worthy to fill up the number of them which vvere fallen.

Against the Christians vvere their heathen servants examined, and being threatned vvith extream torments, they vvere enforced to con∣fess against their Masters,* 1.59 that at their meetings they kept the feasts of Thiestes, and incest of Oedipus, and many other such like crimes, not fit to be named, which things being bruted abroad, every one began to exercise their cruelty against the people of God; yea, their fami∣liar friends disdained and vvaxed mad against them.

Then vvas all manner of cruelty used against them, especially against Sanctus, Deacon of the Church of Viena, and Maturus, but a little before baptized, but yet a worthy souldier of Christ.* 1.60 Also against Attalus and Blandina, concerning whom vve vvere all afraid, especi∣ally her Mistress, lest through vveakness she should not stand to her profession; but, through Gods Grace, she vvas so admirably replenished vvith strength and boldness,* 1.61 that they vvhich had the tormenting of her by course from morning till night, for very vveariness gave over, and fell dovvn, confessing that they could do no more against her, mar∣velling that she yet lived, having her body so torn and rent as it vvas:* 1.62 professing that any one of those torments alone had been sufficient to bereave her of life. But this blessed Virgin became stronger and stronger in her sufferings, and as often as she spake these vvords, I am a Christian, and have not committed any evil, she was vvonderfully comforted.* 1.63

Sanctus also, who in his torments had endured more pains then the nature of man vvas able to stand under, when the wicked▪ thought to have heard him utter some blasphemous vvords, through the intolle∣rableness of his pains, abode notwithstanding so constant in mind, that they could neither extort out of him▪ vvhat Countryman he vvas, where brought up, what his name was, vvhether a bond-man, or a free,

but to every question he answered,* 1.64 I am a Christian: When therefore they had used all other kinds of torments, they clapped plates of brass red hot to the tenderest parts of his body, wherewith, though he was grievouslly scorched, yet shrunk he not for the matter; yea though his body was all drawn together with the scorching fire, so that he re∣tained not the proper shape of a man, yet did he draw comfort from Christ, so as to rejoyce in these tribulations. After a while they brought him again to new torments, hoping thereby to enforce him to a recan∣tation; at which time his body was so sore and swoln, that he could not suffer a man to touch him: but contrary to their expectation, his body in these latter torments was so suppled and restored, that he re∣covered the former shape and use of his members,* 1.65 so that these second torments, through the Grace of Christ, proved a soveraign medi∣cine to him.

Satan also now thinking that he was sure of Biblides, who was one of those that had denied Christ, and hoping to prevail with her, a weak and feeble woman in the faith,* 1.66 to damn her soul by blasphe∣ming God, brought her to the place of Execution; but she in the midst of her torments returning to her self, and by those pains remem∣bring the torments of hell, said to her tormentors, How should we Chri∣stians eat our own Children (as you report of us) when we eat not the blood of any beast? and so confessing her self to be a Christian, she was mar∣tyred with the rest.

Yet here did not the rage of the enemies cease; for when the Chri∣stians were cast into prison, they were shut up in dark and ugly dun∣geons, and drawn by the feet in a rack, even unto the fifth hole: some of them were strangled and killed in the prisons; others remaining in pri∣son, destitute of all humane help, were so strengthned by the Lord, both in body and mind, that they were a great comfort to the rest: The younger sort, whose bodies had not yet felt the lash of the whip, were not able to endure the sharpness of their imprisonment, but died under the same.

Photinus, Deacon to the Bishop of Lyons, about eighty nine years old,* 1.67 weak and feeble, by reason of age and sickness, yet of a lively spirit and courage, by reason of the great desire which he had of mar∣tyrdom, being brought to the Judgement seat, and being there de∣manded of the chief Ruler, What was the Christian-mans God? he an∣swered, If thou beest worthy to know, thou shalt know: the Ruler being en∣raged herewith, caused him to be extreamly beaten: also such as stood next him, did him all the despight they could, beating and kick∣ing him without any regard to his reverend gray hairs; others that were further off, threw at him vvhatsoever came next hand; and thus whilst he vvas gasping after life, they threw him into prison, where af∣ter tvvo days he died.

They also vvhich in the first pesecution had denied Christ, vvere apprehended, cast into prison, and made partakers of the others affli∣ctions; yea, they had twice so much punishment as the other had: and

whereas they which had been constant,* 1.68 were refreshed with the joy of Martyrdom, with the hope of Gods Promises, and with the love of Christ, and his holy Spirit; the other Apostates being full of guilt, went out to death, with dejected and ill-favoured countenances, and were filled with shame, so that the very Gentiles reviled them as de∣generous persons, and worthy to suffer as evil-doers: whereas in the mean time, they which had remained constant, went to their Martyr∣dom with cheerfull countenances, adorned with glory and grace: yea, their very bonds wherewith they were tyed, set them out as brides when they are decked in gorgious aray: and withal they had such a re∣dolent smell, as if they had been anointed with some sweet balm: by which sights the rest were confirmed, and being apprehended, confes∣sed Christ without any staggering.

The Martyrdom of the Saints was of divers kinds, as the offering to God a Garland decked with sundry kinds of colours and flowers.

Maturus, Attalus, and Blandina, were again brought forth to the publick Scaffold, where Maturus and Sanctus suffered again all manner of torments, as if they had suffered nothing before: They were scour∣ged, torn of wild beasts, set in red hot iron chairs, in which their bo∣dies were dried as on a grid-iron, and their tormentors raged more and more against them, labouring to overcome the patience of the Saints: yet could they get nothing out of Sanctus's mouth, but that he was a Christian: These holy men having been thus made a spectacle all the day to the people, were at last slain. Then Blandina being fastened to a stake, was cast to the wild beasts, but they, as being more mercifull then men, would not come near her: then they cast her again into pri∣son, where she, though a weak woman, yet armed with invincible courage by Christ, mightily encouraged her brethren. Then was Attalus brought forth with this inscription, This is Attalus the Christi∣an, against whom the people were much enraged, but the Gover∣nour understanding that he was a Roman, remanded him to prison till ••he understood the Emperors pleasure: Many that had before denied Christ, through Gods Grace, recovered themselves again,* 1.69 and tasted the sweetness of him that desired not the death of a sinner, &c. and of their own accord came to the Judgement seat to be examined; then did the Judge, when a great concourse of people was met together, s••nd for all the Christian prisoners, and as many as were Free-men of Rome he beheaded, the Residue he gave to be devoured of wild beasts, amongst whom also they which had before denied Christ, joyfully suffered Martyrdom. Whilst the Christians were examining at the Bar, one Alexander, a Physitian, by signs, and becks,* 1.70 perswaded those which were examined, boldly to confess Christ, which the people tak∣ing notice of, accused him to the Judge: who asking him what Religi∣on he was of, he answered, I am a Christian: whereupon he was imme∣diatly adjudged to be devoured of the beasts.

The next day was Attalus and this Alexander brought forth to the Sca••fold, where they had all manner of torments inflicted upon them,

and having endured the greatest agony that possibly they could be put to, they were at the last slain: Alexander never so much as sighed, but prayed to, and praised God all the while he was tormented: Attalus, when he was set in the iron chair, and the frying savour of his burning body began to smell,* 1.71 said to the people, Behold! this which you do is to eat mans flesh: for we neither eat men, nor commit any other wickedness: And being demanded what was the name of their God, he said, Our God hath no such name as men have;* 1.72 then said they, Let us see whether your God can help you, and take you out of our hands. Then was Blandina again brought forth,* 1.73 and with her one Ponticus, a youth of fifteen years old, who defying their Idols, and constantly cleaving to Christ, were put to all the torments their enraged enemies could devise: the youth ha∣ving suffered all kinds of torments, at last gave up the ghost: Blandina was first pitifully whipped, then thrown to the wild beasts, then tor∣mented upon the grid-iron, then put into a net, and thrown to the wild Bull, and when she was tossed, gored, and wounded with his horns, she was at last slain, but was so filled with ravishing joyes of the H. Ghost, that she felt no pain during all her torments.* 1.74 Such as were strangled in prisons, were afterwards thrown to dogs, and had keepers both day and night set to watch them, lest their bones and members should be buried. In the mean time the Gentiles extolled their Idols, mocking and flouting the Christians, saying, Where is your God that you so much boast of?* 1.75 and what helpeth this your religion for which you give your lives? The bodies of the Martyrs were thus made a gazing-stock for six days in the open streets, and then were burned, and their Ashes thrown into the River.

* 1.76Also in this persecution Justin Martyr, through the malice of Cre∣scens the Philosopher, suffered Martyrdom. Also one Alcibiades a man of a strict life, eating only bread and water, was cast into the prison where Attalus, and other Christians lay; and Alcibiades con∣tinued the same strict diet in prison: but it was from God revealed to Attalus, that he did not well in refusing the other good Creatures of God, and that it was scandalous to his brethren: whereupon he re∣formed, and ate of all things boldly with thanksgiving.

About this time Clandius Apolinaris, Bishop of Hieropolis, and Melito Bishop of Sardis,* 1.77 eloquent and learned men, delivered to the Empe∣rour excellent Apologies written by them in defence of the Christian Religion, whereby they prevailed with him somewhat to stay the rage of his Persecution: which also was furthered upon this occasion: Marcus Aurelius, and Marcus Antonius the Emperors, going to War against the Quades, Vandals, Sarmates and Germans; their Army, by the mul∣titude of their enemies, was coopt up in some strait, dry and hot pla∣ces, where the souldiers having been destitute of water for five days together, were all like to perish. Hereupon a Legion of Christian souldiers being in the Army,* 1.78 with-drew apart from the rest, and falling prostrate upon the earth, by ardent prayer, obtained of God a double relief: for the Lord sent the Romans such showers, as satisfied their

necessities, and flashed such lightnings against their enemies, that thereby they were discomfited and put to flight. This Miracle so plea∣sed the Emperor, that ever after he used the Christians gentler, wri∣ting also to divers Rulers, commanding them to give thanks to the Christians, as for their victory, so for the preservation of himself, and his Army. His letters was to this purpose, That whereas himself and Army, were invironed with nine hundred seventy five thousand fighting men, and were like to perish for want of water, the Christi∣ans praying to a God, that he knew not, obtained relief for him, and by hail and lightning, Destruction to his enemies; whereby he per∣ceived their God to be a mighty God. Hereupon he decreed that none should be punished for the Christian Profession, being guilty of no other crime,* 1.79 and that the Accusers of the Christians should be burned alive: Which degree he commanded to be recorded in the Senate-house, proclaimed publickly in the Court of Trajan, and sent diligent∣ly into all his Provinces, that all might take notice of the same.

Yet not long after, Apollonius a noble Senator of Rome, was accused by his own servant before the Judge, for being a Christian;* 1.80 The Ac∣cuser, according to the the Decree, had his legs broken, and was put to death.* 1.81 But Apollonius having rendred an accocnt of his faith before the Senate, was condemned to be beheaded, notwithstanding the De∣cree, because there was an old Law, that any that was arraigned for professing Christ, without a recantation, could not be released.

Commodus the Emperor upon his birth-day, calling the people of Rome together, in a great royalty, clothed in his Lions skin, sacrificed to Hercules causing it to be proclaimed, that Hercules was the Patron of the City: whereupon Vincentius, Eusebius, Peregrinus and Pontentianus, learn∣ed men, and Pastors of the Congregations, being stirred up with zeal,* 1.82 went about from place to place, converting the Gentiles to the faith of Christ, and hearing of the madness of the Emperor and people, they reproved that Idolatrous blindness, exhorting them to believe in the true and living God, and that forsaking the worshipping of devils, they should honour God alone. The Emperor hearing thereof, caused them to be apprehended, and required them to sacrifice to Hercules, which they refusing to do, he caused them to be grievously tormented, and at last to be pressed to death with weights of lead.

Julius a Roman Senator,* 1.83 having been converted by the preaching of these men, afterwards sent for Ruffinus a Minister, by whom him∣self and all his family were baptized, and burning with holy zeal,* 1.84 he made an open profession of the faith of Christ, praying that he might not only believe, but that he might have the honour to suffer for his Name. The Emperor hearing that he was become a Christian, sent for him, to whom he said, O Julius, What madness possesseth thee thus to forsake the Religion of thy Fore-fathers, to embrace a new and fond kind of Religion of the Christians? Hereupon Julius made before him a free and open profession of his faith, affirming that the Roman gods were false gods, and that they that worshipped them, should be punished

with everlasting damnation. The Emperor hearing that he despised his gods, was much enraged, and committed him to Vitellius, a cruel and fierce man, to compell him, either to sacrifice to Hercules, or to slay him: But Julius nothing discouraged, and perswading Vitellius to ac∣knowledge, and serve the true God, was at his command with Cud∣gels beaten to death.

CHAP. XI. The Fifth Primitive Persecution which began An. Christi, 205.

COmmodus being dead, Pertinax succeeded in the Empire, under whom the Church enjoyed peace, and flourished exceedingly, so that many of the Nobles of Rome embraced the true faith, together with their whole housholds.

Pertinax being dead, Severus succeeded, and in the first ten years of his reign he was very mild and gentle to the Christians:* 1.85 But after∣wards, through sinister suggestions, and malicious accusations; he was so incensed, that by his proclamations he commanded that no Christians should any more be suffered to live. Hereby great pe••∣secution was stirred up on every side, and an infinite number of Mar∣tyrs were slain. The crimes objected against the Christians were sedi∣tion,* 1.86 rebellion against the Emperor, Sacriledge, Murthering of Infants, incestuous pollutions, eating raw flesh, worshipping the head of an Asse, &c. but especially that they would not worship their Idols. The Places where this persecution most raged, were Africa, Capadocia, Alexandria and Carthage. The number of them that suffered, was innumerable, amongst whom was Leonides the father of Origen; with whom Origen his son,* 1.87 being but seventeen years old, would have suf∣fered, (such a fervent desire he had of Martyrdom) had not his mo∣ther privily in the night conveyed away his shirt and cloths, where∣upon,* 1.88 more for shame to be seen, then for fear to die, he was constrain∣ed to remain at home.

Origen was afterwards a Professor of Divinity at Alexandria, and out of his school,* 1.89 one Plutarch suffered Martyrdom, as also Serenus his brother, who was burned, and another Serenus who was beheaded. Potamiena also, who was tormented with boiling pitch poured upon her, and afterwards with her mother Marcella, and Rhais burned in the fire. This Potamiena being a beautifull Virgin, was committed to Captain Basilides to see execution done upon her, and as he led her to the place of Execution, he repressed the rage of the multitude, who followed her with many railings and revilings, whereupon, to requite his kindness, she prayed to the Lord for his Conversion to the true faith, and so with admirable patience she suffered Martyrdom.

Shortly after Basilides being required to give an oath in the behalf of his fellow-souldiers, he denied the same,* 1.90 plainly affirming that he vvas a Christian, and therefore he could not swear by the Idols, &c. They vvhich heard him, thought that he jested at first, but when he had constantly affirmed it, they had him before the Judge, vvho commit∣ted him to vvard: the Christians vvondring at it, vvent to him, and en∣quiring the cause of his Conversion, he told them that Potamiena had prayed for him, and so he savv a Crovvn put upon his head, adding that it should not be long before he received it, and accordingly the next day he was beheaded.

As many suffered death in this persecution, so others there were, who through Gods providence, suffered great torments; and yet esca∣ped vvith life, of whom there vvas one Alexander, vvho for his constant confession, and torments suffered, vvas afterwards made Bishop of Je∣rusalem. Also Narcissus,* 1.91 against vvhom three vvicked persons conspired to accuse him, binding their accusations vvith oaths and curses, one vvishing to be destroyed vvith fire, if it vvere not true; another to be consumed vvith a grievous disease; the other to lose both his eyes; Narcissus being unable to vvith-stand so vvicked an accusation, retired himself into a desert: In the mean time Gods vengeance follovved these perjured Wretches: for the first, by a small spark of fire, vvas himself vvith all his family, and goods burned: the second vvas taken vvith a grievous sickness vvhich tormented him from the top to the toe, where∣of he died: the third, being vvarned by these Judgements, confessed his fault, but by reason of his abundant sorrovv and vveeping, he lost both his eyes: Narcissus being hereby cleared from their false accusation, returned home, and vvas received into his Congregation again. Also one Andoclus vvas sent by Polycarp into France, vvho because he spread there the Doctrine of Christ,* 1.92 vvas apprehended by the command of Severus, and first beaten vvith staves and bats, and aftervvards behead∣ed. Asclepiades also, aftervvards Bishop of Antioch,* 1.93 suffered much in this Persecution. Then did Irenaeus, and many others vvith him suffer Martyrdom; and shortly after Tertullian also. Perpetua and Felicitas,* 1.94 tvvo godly vvomen, vvith Revocatus their brother, and Satyrus, vvere throvvn to the vvild beasts, and devoured by them. Saturninus vvas beheaded: Secundulus cast into prison, where he died: all these suffered Martyr∣dom at Carthage.

Also Zepherinus, and after him Urbanus, both Bishops of Rome, vvere martyred in this Persecution:* 1.95 This Urbanus by preaching and holiness of life, converted many heathens unto Christ; amongst vvhom vvere Tiburtius and Valerianus, tvvo noble men of Rome, vvho both suf∣fered Martyrdom: Also Cecilia a Virgin, vvho vvas espoused to Valerian▪ vvas apprehended & carried to the Idols to offer sacrifice,* 1.96 vvhich she refusing to do, should have been carried to the Judge to receive the sentence of condemnation; but the Serjeants and Officers beholding her excellent beauty and prudent behaviour, began vvith many per∣svvasions to solicit her to favour her self, &c. but she so replied vvith

wisedom and godly exhortations,* 1.97 that by the grace of Almighty God, their hearts began to relent, and at length to yield to that Religion which before they persecuted; which she perceiving, desired leave to go home; and sending for Urbanus the Bishop to her house, he so grounded and established them in the faith of Christ, that about four hundred persons believed, and were baptized; amongst whom was Gor∣dianus a noble man. Afterwards this blessed Martyr was brought before the Judge, by whom she was condemned; then she was enclosed in an hot bath for twenty four hours, yet remaining alive, she was there be∣headed.

* 1.98At Preneste in Italy was one Agapetus of fifteen years old apprehen∣ded, and because he refused to sacrifice to Idols, he was first scourged with whips, then hanged up by the feet, and had scalding water pou∣red on him, then he was cast to the wild beasts; but because they would not hurt him,* 1.99 he was lastly beheaded. Antiochus that executed these torments on him, suddenly fell down from his judicial seat, crying out that all his bowels burned within him, and so he died mise∣rably.

Calepodius, a Minister of Christ in Rome, was first dragged thorow the streets,* 1.100 and after cast into Tyber.

Pamachius, a Senator of Rome, with his wife and Children, and other men and women,* 1.101 to the number of forty two, vvere all beheaded in one day, together with another noble man, all whose heads vvere hung up over the gates of the City▪ to deter others from the professi∣on of Christianity.* 1.102 Also Martina, a Christian Virgin, having suffered many other bitter torments, vvas at last slain vvith the sword.

CHAP. XII. The sixth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi, 237.

THe Emperor Maximinus raised the sixth persecution against the Christians,* 1.103 especially against the Teachers and Leaders of the Church, thinking that if these Captains were removed out of the way, he should the easilier prevail against the rest. In the time of this Persecution, Origen vvrote his book De Martyrio, vvhich being lost, the names of most that suffered Martyrdom in those times, are buried in oblivion, yet were they very many: Amongst whom Urbanus Bi∣shop of Rome,* 1.104 and Philippus, one of his Ministers were banished in∣to Sardinia, where they both died.

About this time one Natalius that had formerly suffered great per∣secution for the cause of Christ, was seduced by Asclepiodotus and Theodorus,* 1.105 two Sectaries, to be the Bishop of their Sect, promising to

pay him a hundred and fifty crowns of silver every moneth, and so he joined himself to them;* 1.106 but the Lord in mercy not intending to lose him that had suffered so much for his sake, admonished him by a vision to adjoin himself to the true Church again, which the good man for the present, blinded with lucre and honour, did not regard as he ought to have done: The night after he was scourged by Angels, whereup∣on in the morning, purting on Sack-cloth,* 1.107 with much weeping and lamentation, he went to the Christian Congregation, praying them for the tender mercies of Christ, that he might be received into their Communion again; which request was accordingly granted unto him.

Hippolitus was drawn thorow the fields with wild horses till he died; Many others were martyred and buried by sixty in a pit.

CHAP. XIII. The seventh Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi, 250.

DEcius the Emperor raised this seventh terrible persecution against the Christians,* 1.108 which was first occasioned by reason of the trea∣sures of the Emperor, which were committed to Fabian the Bishop of Rome, who thereupon, by the command of Decius, was put to death,* 1.109 and moreover his Proclamations were sent into all quarters, that all which professed the name of Christ, should be slain.* 1.110 In the time of this Persecution Origen suffered many and great torments for the cause of Christ, by Rackings, Dungeons, &c.

Nicephorus, who writeth of this persecution under Decius, decla∣reth the horribleness of it to be so great, and that so many Martyrs suffered, That, saith, he, it is as easie to number the sands of the sea, as to set down the names of all those whom this persecution did devour.

Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem, who was very aged, having go∣verned the Church forty years, was from thence carried to Caesarea,* 1.111 where after a bold and constant confession of his faith, made before the Judge, he was cast into prison, and there died. Babilas Bishop of Antioch also died in prison,* 1.112 and forty Virgins were martyred there about that time. And one Peter in the Country of Phrygia, being ap∣prehended by the Proconsul,* 1.113 suffered most bitter torments for the name of Christ, the like did divers others in Troada. From Babylon divers Christians were led away by Decius into Spain, and there exceu∣ted; the like sufferings had many in Caesarea,

Dionysius Alexandrinus, writing of the Martyrs that suffered in Alexandria, saith thus, This Persecution began about a year before the Em∣perors Proclamation came forth, by reason of a wicked South-sayer,* 1.114 who com∣ing to the City, stirred up the multitude of heathens against the Christians,

perswading them to uphold their Idolatrous services; wherewith the people being inflamed, obtained full power to prosecute their wicked purposes, con∣ceiving all Religion to consist in the destruction of the Christians. And first of all they fell upon a Minister,* 1.115 called Metra, whom they would have enforced to blaspheme Christ; which when he refused, they laid up∣on him with staves and clubs, and with sharp Reeds they pricked his face and eyes; and then, bringing him to the Suburbs, they stoned him to death.* 1.116 Then they took an holy woman, called Quinta, and bringing her to the Idol-Temple, would compell her to worship there; which she constantly refusing, they bound her feet, and drew her thorow all the streets upon the hard-stones, whipt her with Whips, dashed her against Mil-stones,* 1.117 and lastly stoned her to death. Then the en∣raged multitude breaking into the Christians houses, plundred them of all they had; the rest of the lumber they carried into the market-place, and burned it: The Saints in the mean time taking patiently and joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing that they had a more enduring substance in heaven.

Then they took an ancient Virgin, called Apollinia, whom they brought forth▪* 1.118 and dashing all the teeth out of her head, they made a great fire, threatning to cast her into it, unless she would blaspheme and deny Christ; whereupon she, after a little pause, leaped into the fire, and so was burned. Then they took Serapion out of his house, whom they assailed with all kind of torments,* 1.119 broke almost all the joynts of his body: and lastly throwing him down from an high loft, killed him. The poor Christians could no where shelter themselves, nor rest day nor night, the multitude crying out, that unless they would blaspheme Christ, they should all be burned. But, through Gods Mercy,* 1.120 the miserable wretches at last fell out amongst themselves, turn∣ing their cruelty, formerly exercised against the Christians, upon their own heads, whereby the Church had a little breathing time.

* 1.121Shortly after came forth the cruel Edict of the Emperor, which so terrified the Christians, that some, especially the rich, partly through fear, and partly by the perswasion of their Neighbours, came to those impure and idolatrous sacrifices:* 1.122 Others came boldly to the Altars, declaring publickly, that they were not of that Religion: Of the rest some ran away, others were taken, enduring bands and torments constantly: Others again, after long imprisonment, and sundry tor∣ments,* 1.123 renounced their faith, whilst others more strong in the faith, valiantly endured Martyrdom: Amongst whom was Julianus, a man diseased with the gout, and not able to go, and Cronion, who were laid upon Camels,* 1.124 and there scourged, and at last thrown into the fire, where, with much constancy, they were consumed. As Juli∣anus went to Martyrdom, a certain souldier took his part against those which railed upon him; Whereupon the people crying out against him, he was apprehended, and being constant in his profession, was presently beheaded.

* 1.125Also Macar a Christian Lybian was burned alive. Epimachus and

Alexander, having been long imprisoned,* 1.126 after innumerable pains and torments, with rasors and scourges, were vvith four women, con¦sumed with fire: Ammonarion a Virgin, Mercuria an aged Matron, and Dionysia, a mother of many Children,* 1.127 whom yet she loved not above the Lord, these, vvhen they could not be overcome by any torments inflicted on them by the cruel Judge, but rather were unsensible of them all, vvere at last slain vvith the svvord.

Also three Egyptians, and a youth of fifteen years old, vvere brought before the Judge, who first began vvith the Child, by fair words,* 1.128 seeking to entice him, then by torments to constrain him, which not prevailing, when he had tormented the other also he condemned them all to the fire; But the Judge wondring at the wise answers, and grave constancy of the child, dismissed him.

Nemesion also an Egyptian,* 1.129 vvas first accused to be a companion of thieves, but being purged from that, he vvas accused of Christianity, tormented and scourged extreamly, and then amongst other thieves, burnt to death.

A certain Christian being examined before the Judge, and through fear being ready to shrink back, there were by,* 1.130 certain souldiers of the degree of Knights, and an aged man named Theophilus, who were ready to burst for grief, making signs to him,* 1.131 by their hands and ge∣stures, to be constant; vvhich being observed by the By-standers, they vvere ready to lay hold of them, but they of their own accord, pressing up to the Judge, professed themselves to be Christians,* 1.132 which much imboldened the weak Christian that vvas before the tribunal, and ter∣rified the Judge. This being done they departed away, rejoycing for the testimony that they had given of their faith.

In other Cities many Christians were torn in pieces by the heathen.

Ischirion, a servant to a noble man,* 1.133 vvas commanded by his Master to sacrifice to the Idols, vvhich vvhen he refused, and vvould by no means be perswaded to, his Master took a pike, and ran him thorovv. Multitudes of Christians vvandring in deserts and mountains, vvere devoured by hunger, thirst, cold, sickness, thieves and vvild beasts,* 1.134 amongst vvhom vvas Cheremon, Bishop of the City of Nilus, and his vvife, vvho flying into the mountains of Arabia, vvere never heard of more. Dionysius also saith of himself, I speak the truth before God, and lie not, I having no regard of my own life,* 1.135 and not without the moti∣on of Gods Spirit, did flie,* 1.136 and avoid the danger of this persecuti∣an: Yea, and before that, when one was sent from the Governor te seek me, I remained three days at home to tarry for him; The messenger in the mean time narrowly sought for me by all ways, fields, floods and corners, where he thought I might hide my self, God striking him with such blindness, that he could not find my house. After these three days,* 1.137 the Lord God willing and commanding me to flie, and marvellously opening to me the way, I with my Children, and many other brethren, vvent out together, and so escaped.

Also Agatha, a godly Virgin of Sicilie, suffered divers and bitter

torments of imprisonment, with beatings, famine, racking, as also rolling naked upon sharp shels, and hot coals, and having her breasts cut off her body. Also forty other Virgins, by sundry kinds of tor∣ments, were put to death about the same time.

Decius erecting a Temple at Ephesus, compelled all in the City to offer Sacrifice to Idols, but there were seven Christian souldiers of his own Retinue, who refused, neither could the Emperor, by perswasions or threats,* 1.138 induce them to it, yet he gave them respite till his return from the Wars; in the mean time they hid themselves in a cave in the mountain Celius. At the Emperors Return he made great inquisition for them, and at last hearing where they were, he caused the mouth of the cave so to be closed up, that they could not get out, and so they were famished there.

There was also one Nicetas, a Christian souldier, whom when the Praetor could not by any torments remove from his stedfastness, he took another course with him,* 1.139 for he brought him into a most fragrant garden, flowing with all manner of pleasures and delights, where he laid him upon a bed of down, softly enwrapped in a net of silk, among the Lillies and Roses, the delicious murmure of the streams, and the sweet whistling of the leaves moved with a gentle wind, and so de∣parted: presently in comes a beautifull strumpet, and useth all the abo∣minable tricks of her impure Art, and whorish villanies, to draw him to commit wickedness with her; whereupon the young man fearing that he should now be conquered by folly, who was Conqueror over fury, bites off a piece of his tongue with his own teeth, and spits it into the face of the whore, and so prevented the hurt of sin by the smart of his wound.

At Antioch, Theodora, a godly Virgin, refusing to sacrifice to the Idols,* 1.140 was condemned by the Judge to the Stews, which sentence being executed, there were many wanton young men ready at the door to press into the house where she was, but one of the brethren, called Di∣dymus, putting on a souldiers habit, would have the first admittance, and coming in, he perswaded her to change garments with him, and so she, in the souldiers habit, escaped away, and Didymus was left to the rage, and wondring of the people, when he was found a man: hereupon he was presented to the President, to whom he presently confessed the whole matter, professing himself to be a Christian, and so was condem∣ned; which Theodora hearing of, thinking to excuse him, she came, and presented her self to the Judge, as the guilty party, desiring that she might be condemned, and the other excused: but the cruell Judge, neither considering the vertue of the persons,* 1.141 nor the innocency of the cause, most inhumanely condemned them both, first to be beheaded, and then burnt, which was accordingly executed.

Agathon, a man at arms in Alexandria, rebuking some lewd per∣sons who scornfully used the dead bodies of the Christians,* 1.142 was ac∣cused to the Judge, and lost his head.

In Troada, two Christians being delivered by the Proconsul to the

people, were first scourged, then drawn out of the City, and there tro∣den to death. Two Ministers with a Deacon were martyred in Rome,* 1.143 and two noble men were brought and accused to Decius for burying the dead bodies of the Christians, and being by him commanded to sacri∣fice to the Idols, and they refusing, he caused them to be cast to the wild beasts, but when they would not touch them, they were beheaded with the sword.

Also Secundianus was accused to be a Christian, which he affirming, was commanded to prison;* 1.144 by the way two Christians cryed to the souldiers, asking them, whether they carried the innocent man, where∣upon being apprehended and examined, they confessed themselves to be Christians, and were condemned; first they were beaten with cud∣gels, then hung up, and tormented with the gibbet, having fire set to their sides, & lastly were beheaded: But some of their tormentors were taken with evil spirits; others of them fell down suddenly, and died.* 1.145

But the number of Martyrs of all ranks that suffered in this per∣secution was so great, that it is impossible to set them down all; Bi∣shops, Ministers, Deacons, &c. young, old, men, women, &c.

Yet amongst this great number, some there were that fell away, as Serapion an old man, that for a long time had lived a sincere and godly life, who afterwards repenting of his Apostacy,* 1.146 desired to be re∣admitted into the Church, but that was not granted: Shortly after he fell sick, and in it having remained dumb,* 1.147 and bereaved of his senses for twenty four hours, the day after, he began a little to recover, and calling his Nephew to him, he said, How long, how long do you detain me here? make haste that I may be absolved: Call me hither some of the Mini∣sters, &c. and so being absolved, he presently after died.

In Troada, Nicomachus being grievously tormented, cryed out, I am no Christian; and so being let down from the Engine, he had no sooner sa∣crificed to the Idols, but being possessed by the devil, he was thrown on the ground, where he bit off his own tongue, and immediately after died; Many others which shewed the like cowardise,* 1.148 were taken and tormented with wicked spirits: One was struck dumb: A maid taken with a wicked spirit, tore out her own tongue, and died with grievous torments in her belly, and inward parts: But though some did thus fall away, yet others there were, whom neither fear,* 1.149 nor pain could remove from their stedfastness, but they continued glorious Martyrs to the end.

Cyprian relates a story of one of his fellow-Ministers, who in the midst of his torments began to faint, being greatly afraid of death, and desired to be released:* 1.150 at which time there appeared to him a young man of admirable beauty, and so bright, that mans mortal eye could scarce endure to behold him, who angerly said to him, Pati timetis, exire non vultis, quid faciam vobis? To suffer you dare not, to go out you will not, what would you have me do unto you?* 1.151

In this Persecution there sprung up the Novatian Schism, which made a great disturbance in the Church. This Novatus being a Minister under Cyprian in Carthage, by stirring up discord and factions, bred

much trouble to the Church, seeking to withdraw certain of the bre∣thren from the Bishop: And afterwards Novatus going to Rome, set up himself as a Bishop,* 1.152 against Cornelius, the then Bishop of Rome; And to further his design, he by subtilty allured to him three or four holy men that had been Confessors; Then he entised three weak Bi∣shops that lived in Italy, to come to Rome, and there perswaded them by imposing hands upon him, to make him Bishop; for which fact, two of them afterwards were suspended, and the third upon his repentance vvas re-admitted. Novatus being thus made a Bishop, grew proud, and sought by all means to with-draw the people from Cornelius to himself; yea, he made many of them to swear that they would not leave him to go to Cornelius. But the holy Confessors before mentioned, vvhen they perceived the crafty subtilty of Novatus, left him, and much grieving for their sin, were reconciled to Cornelius again. Novatus held this opinion, that they which once renounced the faith, and for fear of torments had offered incense to the Idols, although they re∣pented,* 1.153 yet could never be re-admitted into the Church of Christ again. To suppress this error, there was a Synod called at Rome of sixty Bishops, Anno 255. who condemned it.

Cyprian also relates of Aurelius, a godly and valiant young man, who for his constancy in the cause of Christ,* 1.154 suffered great and many torments, and afterwards was banished. And of Mappalicus, who the day before he suffered,* 1.155 in the midst of his torments told the Pro∣consul▪ Videbis cras agonem, to morrow you shall see the running for a Wager, and accordingly the next day being brought forth to his Martyrdom, he with no less constancy then patience, endured faithfull unto the death.

But Decius the Author of this persecution, escaped not the revenging hand of God, for warring against the Goths, and being overcome by them,* 1.156 lest he should fall into their hands, he leaped vvith his horse into a whirlpit, where he was drowned, and his body was never found after. Yea, God avenged the blood of his Saints upon the whole Ro∣man Empire, by sending a general plague of pestilence upon it, which continued ten years together; and Dionysius saith, that in Alexandria, vvhere he vvas Bishop,* 1.157 there vvas scarce any house clear; and though some Christians died in this plague, yet it fell most heavy upon the Gentiles. The Christians also in this plague shewed much brotherly love each to other, by visiting, comforting, and relieving one another. Whereas the Idolaters,* 1.158 being stricken with extream fear of the plague, none considered his Neighbour, but every man shifted for himself, and of those that were infected, some they cast out of doors half dead, to be devoured of dogs and wild beasts, some they let die in their houses without all succour; others they suffered to lie unburied, and durst not come near them,* 1.159 notwithstanding vvhich, the pestilence followed them whithersoever they vvent, and miserably consumed them; so that the most part of the Inhabitants were consumed by it in every Country, especially in those Provinces, where had been the greatest

persecutions raised against the Christians.

After the death of Decius, there succeeded Gallus and Volusianus in the Empire, Anno Christi 255. who continued this persecution against the Christians; which fell most heavy upon the Pastors and Mini∣sters of the Congregations: for about this time Cyprian, and many other Ministers were banished: others were put into the mettal Mines, to whom Cyprian wrote an Epistle consolatory, wherein he writes thus, Wounds and scars are an Ornament to a Christians brest,* 1.160 such as bring not shame, but honoureth them before the Lord; and though in the Mynes there be no beds for their bodies to rest on, yet they have rest in Christ; and though their weary bones lie on the cold ground, yet it's no pain to lie with Christ. Their feet are fettered with chains, but he is bound of man, whom the Lord Christ doth loose; he lies tied in the stocks, whose feet thereby are made swifter to run to heaven; neither can any man tie a Christian so fast, but he runs so much the faster for his garland of life. They have no garments to save them from cold, but he that puts on Christ is sufficiently clothed. Doth bread fail to their hungry bodies? Man lives not by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. Your defor∣mity shall be turned to honour, your mourning to joy, your pain to pleasure, and felicity infinite. And if this grieve you, that you cannot serve God in your places as formerly, yet your daily sacrifice ceaseth not, which is a con∣trite and humble heart; and though your travel be great, yet shall your re∣ward be greater; for God beholding them which confess his name, appro∣veth their willing minds, in their strivings helpeth them, in their victory crowneth them, rewarding that in us which he hath performed, and crowning that which he hath in us perfected. Again he tells them that they are now in a joyfull journey, hasting apace to the mansions of the Martyrs, there to enjoy, after darkness, durable light, and comfort above all their sufferings, &c. About the same time also, Lucius Bishop of Rome was banished.

After the death of Gallus and Volusianus, there succeeded Valerianus, who ceased the persecution, and carried himself exceeding friendly to the Christians; so that his whole Court was replenished with holy Saints and servants of Christ, whereby his house seemed a Church of God. But the Devil envying the peace of the Church, by the means of an Egyptian Enchanter, (who was hindred from doing his feats, by the presence of the Christians) stirred up the Emperor against them, who grew to such impiety himself,* 1.161 that he sacrificed young infants to his Idols, quartered their bodies, divided the Entrails of young Children new born, &c. as hereafter follows.

CHAP. XIV. The eighth Primitive Persecution which began An. Christi, 259.

VAlerianus being seduced by the Egyptian Inchanter, as is before related, stirred up the eighth persecution against the Church of Christ;* 1.162 concerning which Cyprian writeth thus;

We must confess that this great calamity which hath wasted for the most part all our Churches, and still dayly consumes us, ariseth chiefly from our own wickedness, while we walk not in the way of the Lord, nor observe his precepts as we ought, whilst we are full of lucre, pride, emulation, dissention, void of simplicity and faithfull dealing, renouncing the world in word, but not in deed, every man pleasing himself, and dis∣pleasing others; and therefore we are thus worthily scourged: For what stripes do we not deserve, when the Confessors themselves do keep no Discipline; &c. Concluding, Non venissent fratribus haec mala, si in unum fraternitas fuisset animata; These evils had not happened to the brethren, if they had joyned together in brotherly unanimity.

A little before this persecution began, God by a vision revealed it to Cyprian, saying to him, Be quiet and of good comfort, for peace will come;* 1.163 albeit a little stay there is for a while, for that some remain yet to be proved and tried, &c.

The crimes and accusations that were laid to the charge of the Christians,* 1.164 by the Persecutors, were, that they refused to worship Idols, and the Emperors; and that they professed the name of Christ: Yet be∣sides, all the calamities and evils that happened in the world, as wars, famine, pestilence, &c. were imputed only to the Christians: But Cyprian and Tertullian confuting those slanders,* 1.165 proved that the speci∣al cause of all those miseries which befell the Empire, proceeded from the cruel shedding of the innocent blood of the Christians. In this persecution, Cyprian was at last condemned to have his head cut off,* 1.166 who patiently and willingly submitted his neck to the stroak of the sword.

Also about this time, Sixtus Bishop of Rome, with his six Deacons, were accused for being Christians,* 1.167 whereupon being brought to the place of Execution, they were all beheaded.

Laurence also another of his Deacons, following Sixtus as he went to his Execution, complained that he might not suffer with him, but that he was secluded, as the son from the father: To whom the Bishop answered, that within three days he should follow him, bidding him in the mean time to go home, and if he had any treasures, to distribute them amongst the poor: The Judge hearing mention of treasures, sup∣posing that Laurence had great store in his custody, commanded him to bring the same to him: Laurence craved three days respite, promising

then to declare where the treasure might be had: In the mean time he caused a good number of poor Christians to be gathered together,* 1.168 and when the day of his answer was come, the persecutor strictly charged him to make good his promise; then valiant Laurence stretching out his arms over the poor, said, These are the precious treasures of the Church, these are the treasure indeed in whom Christ hath his mansion,, &c. But oh! what tongue is able to express the fury and madness of the Tyrants heart! how he stamped, stared, ramped,* 1.169 and fared like one out of his wits: his eyes glowed like fire, his mouth foamed like a boar, like a hell-hound he grinded his teeth: then he cryed, kindle the fire, make no spare of wood: hath this Villain deluded the Emperor? away with him, whip him with scourges, jerk him with rods, buffet him with fists, brain him with clubs: Jesteth the Traitor with the Emperor? pinch him with fiery tongs, gird him with burning plates, bring out the strongest chains and fire-forks, and the grate of Iron, set it on the fire, bind the Rebell hand and foot, and when the grate is red hot, on with him, rost him, broil him, toss him, turn him upon pain of our high displeasure, do every man his Office, O ye tormentors. Immediately his command was obeyed, and after many cruel handlings, this meek lamb was laid, I will not say upon a bed of fiery iron, but on a soft down∣bed; so mightily God wrought for his servant, so miraculosly did he temper this Element of fire, that it was not a bed of consuming pain, but of nourishing rest unto Laurence. Not Laurence, but the Em∣peror seemed to be tormented, the one broiling in the flesh,* 1.170 the other burning in his heart: when this triumphant Martyr had been pressed down with fire-forks for a great space, in the mighty Spirit of God he spake to the Tyrant thus;

This side is now rosted enough, turn up▪ O Tyrant great, Assay, whether rosted or raw thou think'st the better meat?

By the constant confession of this worthy and valiant Deacon, a Roman souldier was converted to the same faith, and desired to be baptized, whereupon he was called before the Judge, scourged, and afterwards beheaded.

About the same time Dionysius Bishop of Alexandria, with his three Deacons, were brought before Emilianus,* 1.171 who told them of the cle∣mency of the Emperor, and therefore required them to sacrifice to his gods, &c. to whom Dionysius answered, Divers men worship di∣vers gods, but we, only that one God who is the Creator of all things, making our prayers to him uncessantly for the health of the Empe∣ror, &c. Then said the President, Why can you not worship your own God and ours also? Dionysius replied. We worship only one God, as we have said; the President said, I see you are ingratefull persons, and regard not the Emperors clemency, therefore I banish you to Cephro in Lybia, and charge you that you convent no more your assemblies, nor be found out of that place at your peril, and though Dionysius was sick, yet would he not grant him one days respite before his depar∣true.

In Cephro he had a great Congregation, as well of those that follow∣ed him in his banishment, as of others that resorted to him out of E∣gypt; yea, though at first he was persecuted there, and stoned, yet af∣terwards a great number of the Inhabitants forsook their Idols,* 1.172 and were converted unto God by his Ministry; and having accomplished his Ministry there, the Lord removed him to another place. For (saith Dionysius) Emilianus translated us from thence to a sharper place of Lybia, commanding us to meet all together at the City Mareota; in∣tending to separate us into several villages, or rather to take us by the way; when we came thither, I was commanded to Colluthion, a place which I had never heard of; yet was it some solace to me that the bre∣thren told me it was near to the City Paretonium: for as my being at Cephro gat me the acquaintance of many brethren of Egypt,* 1.173 so I ho∣ped that the vicinity of that place to the City, might procure me the concourse of certain loving brethren from it, as it came also to pass, &c.

He writeth moreover that the number of those which suffered Mar∣tyrdom about that time was great, men, women, young men, maidens, old wives, souldiers, and men of all sorts and ages; of whom some with scourgings,* 1.174 and fire, and some with the sword, obtained the vi∣ctory, and gat the Crown. Neither (saith he) to this day doth the Pre∣sident cease cruelly murthering such as be brought before him, tearing some with torments, imprisoning others, and commanding that no man should come to them: yet God with the daily resort of the brethren doth comfort the afflicted.

In Palestine, Priscus, Malchus, and Alexander, three godly men, see∣ing the valiant courage of the Christians so boldly to venture,* 1.175 con∣stantly to stand, and patiently to suffer in this persecution, as grieved with themselves,* 1.176 began to accuse their own sluggishness and cowardise, to see others so zealovs and valiant, and themselves so cold and faint-hearted, in labouring for the Crown of Martyrdom: whereupon, agreeing amongst themselves, they came to Caesarea, and stepping to the Judge, they declared themselves to be Christians, and so they were sentenced, and given to the wild beasts.

A certain woman also in the same place, formerly a Marcionist, being brought before the President, obtained the same Martyr∣dom.

In Carthage three hundred Christians being brought before the Pre∣sident,* 1.177 were put to their choice, either to offer sacrifice, or to go into a lime-kiln: whereupon by mutual consent, they all chose the lime-kiln, in which, with the smoak of the lime, they were smothered.

In another part of Africk, three godly Virgins had first vinegar and gall given them to drink,* 1.178 then were they scourged, then tormented upon the gibbet, and rubbed with lime, then were they scorched upon the fiery grid-iron, then cast to the wild beasts, which would not touch them, therefore lastly they were beheaded.

In Italy a godly man was first tormented with the rack, then cast

to the wild beasts, which not hurting him, he was burned in the fire. Fructuosus a Bishop in Spain, with his two Deacons, having wit∣nessed a good confession, were all of them burned in the fire.* 1.179 But this cruel Emperor Valerian, who thus persecuted the Saints of God,* 1.180 short∣ly after felt the revenging hand of God: for in an expedition that he made against the Persians, he was taken prisoner by Sapores the King, who made a foot-stool of him, every time that he gat upon his horse;* 1.181 and at last by the command of the King he was flaied alive, powdered with salt, and so ended his wretched life. Also Claudius, a President and Minister of his persecutions, was possessed by the Devil, and bi∣ting off his tongue in small pieces, he ended his wretched life. Also there were great & terrible Earth-quakes, and many commotions and Rebellions in sundry parts of the Empire, insomuch as Galienus, the son of Valerian, and his fellow Emperor, began to relent towards the Christians, and set forth some Edicts in their favour: notwithstanding which, some there were that suffered in sundry places; amongst whom was one Marinus, a noble man, and valiant Captain in Caesarea,* 1.182 who stood for an honourable office which of right fell to him, but his Com∣petitor to prevent him, accused him to the Judge to be a Christian. Hereupon the Judge examined him of his faith, and finding that in∣deed he was a Christian, he gave him three hours to advise and delibe∣rate with himself; then the Bishop of the place finding that he stood doubtfull in himself what to do, took him by the hand, and led him in∣to the Church, and laid before him a sword and a New Testament, bidding him take his free choice, which of them he would have. Ma∣rinus immediately ran to the New Testament, and chose that, and so being animated by the Bishop, he presented himself boldly before the Judge, by whose sentence he was beheaded.

About the same time there was in Caesarea, Asyrius,* 1.183 a noble Senator of Rome and a Christian, and whereas the Gentiles in that place used to offer sacrifice by a fountain side, which sacrifice by the working of the Devil, used suddenly to vanish out of their sight, to the great ad∣miration of the deluded multitude;* 1.184 Asyrius pitying their miserable ignorance, came amongst them, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, pray∣ed to God in the name of Christ,* 1.185 that the people might no longer be thus seduced by the Devil, whereupon the sacrifice was seen to swin upon the fountain, and ever after that false miracle ceased.

After the death of Galienus there succeeded Claudius, a quiet Em∣peror; and after him Quintilianus his brother,* 1.186 both which reigning nineteen years, the Church enjoyed peace in their time.

Here place the third Figure.

CHAP. XV. The ninth Primitive Persecution which began An. Christi, 278.

AFter the death of Quintillian, succeeded Aurelian in the Empire, who was by nature severe and rigorous, and a strict punisher of dissolute manners, so that it grew into a Proverb, That he was a good Physitian, saving that he gave too bitter Medicines. In the beginning of his reign, he was a moderate and discreet Prince, and no great distur∣ber of the Christians, whom he neither molested in their Religion, nor in their Councels. But afterwards, through sinister suggestions of those which were about him, his nature being before inclinable to se∣verity, he was altered to plain Tyranny, which he first shewed in the death of his own sisters son, and afterwards he raised the ninth perse∣cution against the Church of Christ; but when he was about to sign a Proclamation or Edict for that persecution, it pleased God that a thun∣derbolt fell so near him, that all men thought he had been slain, and the Emperor was so terrified thereby,* 1.187 that he gave over his Tyranni∣cal purpose, so that he rather intended, then moved persecution. Having reigned about six years, he was slain.

After whose death divers other Emperors succeeded, in whose time the Church had peace for about the space of forty four years. During which time it did mightily increase and flourish: Yea, the more the Christians had suffered, the more they were honoured;* 1.188 In∣somuch as some of the Emperors did singularly favour them, prefer∣red and made them Governors of Provinces.

Dorotheus, with his Wife, Children, and whole family, were ac∣cepted, and highly advanced in the Emperors Court. Yea, Gorgonius, and divers others, for their Doctrine and Learning, were with their Princes in great estimation. The Bishops were also in great favour with the Rulers and Presidents where they lived; so that innumerable multitudes and Congregations assembled together in every City, and there were great concourses of such as daily flocked to the publick places of prayer.

But through this great prosperity, the Christians, by reason of the corruption of their natures, and the temptations of Satan,* 1.189 began to degenerate, and to grow idle and delicate, striving and contending amongst themselves, upon every occasion, with railing words bespat∣tering one another in a despitefull manner; Bishops against Bishops, and people against people, moving hatred and sedition each against other: Besides, cursed hypocrisie and dissimulation increased more and more; by reason whereof Gods Judgements brake forth against them, which began first to fall upon those Christians which were souldiers; but that touched the other very little, neither did they seek

to appease Gods wrath, nor to call for Mercy, but thinking that they should escape well enough, they heaped iniquities daily more and more,* 1.190 one upon another. The Pastors being inflamed with mutual contention each against other; Then did the Lord raise up adversaries against his people, that rased their Churches to the ground, burnt the sacred Scriptures in the open Market places, made the Pastors of the Church to hide themselves, and some with great shame were taken Prisoners, and were mocked of their enemies, and put to open reproach.

CHAP. XVI. The tenth Primitive Persecution, which began Anno Christi, 308.

DIoclesian and Maximian having many wars, associated to them∣selves two Caesars, Galerius, who was sent into the East against the Persians; and Constantius, who was sent into Britain, where he married Helena, the daughter of King Coel; a Maiden excelling in beau∣ty, and no less famous for her Studies and Learning, by whom he had Constantine the Great.

These two Emperors having obtained many victories, were so puffed up with pride, that they ordained a solemn Triumph at Rome. After which, Dioclesian would needs be worshipped as God, saying, that he was brother to the Sun and Moon, and adoring his shoes with gold and precious stones,* 1.191 he commanded the people to kiss his feet. Then also did he raise a great and grievous Persecution against the Church of God: and the Feast of Easter drawing nigh, he command∣ed all the Churches of the Christians to be spoiled, and cast down, and the books of the holy Scriptures to be burnt,* 1.192 which was executed with all rigour and contempt that might be.

Then he sent forth his Edicts for the displacing of all Christian Magistrates,* 1.193 and put all others out of their Offices, imprisoning such of the common people as would not abjure Christianity, and subscribe to the heathen Idolatries.

Then were cruel Edicts sent abroad for the imprisoning of the Elders and Bishops, and constraining them by sundry kinds of tor∣ments to sacrifice to the Idols; whereupon insued a great persecution against the Governors of the Church, amongst whom many of them manfully passed through exceeding bitter torments:* 1.194 Some were scourg∣ed all over their bodies with whips: some with racks and tearings of their flesh, were exceedingly cruciated: some one way, others another way were put to death.

Some were violently drawn to the impure sacrifices, and as though

they had sacrificed, when indeed they did not, were let go. Others neither coming to their Altars; nor touching any piece of their sacri∣fice, yet were born in hand by those which stood by, that they had sa∣crificed; and so being defamed by their adversaries, were let go.* 1.195 Others as dead men were carried out, and cast away, being but half dead.

Some were cast down on the pavement, and trailed a great space by the legs, and the people made to believe that they had sacrificed; Others with-stood them, stoutly affirming with a loud voice, that they had not sacrificed; withal saying, that they were Christians, and glo∣rying in the profession of that name.

Some cryed that they neither had, nor ever would be partakers of that Idolatry,* 1.196 who were buffetted on the face and mouth by the soul∣diers, that they might hold their peace. But if the Saints seemed ne∣ver so little to do what their enemies would have them, they were made much of;* 1.197 yet none of these devices prevailed against the con∣stant servants of Jesus Christ; but of the weaker sort, through frailty, many fell at the first brunt.

When these Edicts were first set up at Nicomedia, a Christian, a noble man born, moved with an holy zeal, ran, and took them down,* 1.198 and tare them in pieces, though the Emperors were present in the Ci∣ty; for which he was put to a most bitter death, which with great constancy and patience, he endured to the last.

These furious Tyrants, Dioclesian in the West, and Maximian in the East, raged exceedingly against the poor Saints of Christ. But Dio∣clesian proceeded more subtilly,* 1.199 first beginning with the souldiers in his Camp: to whom the Marshal of the field proposed that they should either offer sacrifice, or leave their places and offices, and lay down their arms; whereunto the Christians resolutely answered, that they were not only ready to lay down their weapons, but to suffer death, if it was imposed upon them,* 1.200 rather then so to sin against God.

In the beginning of this persecution, few were tormented, but af∣terwards the Emperor grew to greater cruelty. It cannot be expres∣sed what number of Martyrs suffered; what blood was shed through all Cities and Regions for the name of Christ.

In Tyre certain Christians were given to the most cruel wild beasts, which would not hurt them; and the Lions, Bears and Leopards,* 1.201 which were kept hungry for the purpose, would not touch them: Yet did they vehemently rage against those that brought the Christians into the stage, who though they stood, as they thought, without their reach, yet were they caught, and devoured by them. Afterwards these Martyrs were slain with the sword, and cast into the sea.

Silvanus, Bishop of Gazenses, with thirty nine more, were slain in the Mettal-Mynes. Pamphilus of Caesarea, dyed a glorious Martyr.* 1.202

In Syria, all the chief Pastors were first cast into prison, together with the Bishops, Elders and Deacons:* 1.203 Tiranion was throwen into

the sea.* 1.204 Zenobius a Physitian was slain with Brickbats.

At Antioch two young Maidens were thrown into the sea. Also an aged Matron, and her two beautifull daughters, being sought af∣ter, and at last found, rather then they would be drawn to do sacrifice, threw themselves head-long into a river.* 1.205 Sylvanus Bishop of Emissa, with some others were thrown to the wild beasts.

The Christians in Mesopotamia were tormented divers ways: some of them were hanged up by the feet, and with the smoak of a small fire strangled. So out-ragious was the Emperor in the beginning of this Persecution, that in Nicomedia he slew the chiefest Princes of his Court, whom a little before he prized as his own Children.

Also one Peter was hoisted up naked, and so beaten, and torn with whips,* 1.206 that his bones might be seen; then they poured upon him salt and Vinegar, and lastly rosted him with a soft fire. Dorotheus and Gor∣gonius,* 1.207 men of great Authority under the Emperor, after divers tor∣ments were strangled with an halter. Anthimus, Bishop of Nicomedia, with divers others,* 1.208 having made a good confession, were beheaded. Yea,* 1.209 Serena, the wife of Dioclesian the Emperor, was martyred for her Religion. Some others were bound hand and foot to a post, and so burnt.

Also many Christians of all ages and sorts, being met together in a Church, to celebrate the memorial of Christs Nativity, Maximian the Emperor sent some to fire the Church, and burn them all; But first they commanded a Cryer to proclaim, that whosoever would have life, should come out, and sacrifice to Jupiter, otherwise they should be all burnt; then one stepping up boldly, in the name of all the rest, said, We are all Christians, and believe that Christ is our only God and King, and we will sacrifice to none but him; hereupon the fire was kindled, and some thousands of men, women and children were burnt in that place.* 1.210

In Arabia many Martyrs were slain with Axes. In Phrygia, the Em∣peror sent his Edicts to a City, commanding them to sacrifice to the Idols: but the Major, and all the Citizens professed themselves to be Christians, whereupon the Emperor made his Army environ the City, and set it on fire,* 1.211 whereby all the inhabitants were burnt together in it.

Eustratius an Armenian, and skilfull in the Greek tongue, highly honoured and advanced by the Emperor,* 1.212 who also had executed many Christians; beholding the marvellous constancy of the Martyrs, privately learned the Christian Religion, burned exceedingly with a desire of Martyrdom, and not staying for Accusers, professed himself to be a Christian, openly execrating the vanity and madness of the heathens; Being therefore apprehended, he was tied up, and bitterly beaten; afterwards he was parched with fire put to his bowels, then basted with salt and vinegar, then scraped and bemangled with sharp cutting shels, that his whole body seemed to be but one wound, yet af∣terwards, through Gods goodness, it was restored again whole. And lastly was he burned.

In Alexandria, Peter the Bishop,* 1.213 and his Deacons constantly suffered Martyrdom: as also many other Bishops in Egypt, together with many fa∣mous and excellent men, suffered about the same time.

A whole legion of Christian souldiers, that lay at Thebes in Egypt, un∣der their Christian Col▪ Mauritius,* 1.214 because they refused to sacrifice to I∣dols, were first tithed over by the Emperours command, once, and again and afterwards, by the exhortation of Mauritius, they died all together constant Martyrs.

The persecution raged not only in Asia and Africa, but also in Italy, France, Spain, &c. in all which countries an innumerable company of Christians were martyred by sundry kindes of death. In Trevers were so many Christians slain, that their bloud ran like small brooks, and dis∣coloured great rivers; yet this sufficed not the Tyrant, but he sent abroad his horsemen to command all those which had apprehended any Christi∣ans, immediately to put them to death.* 1.215

At Collen also, and in Rhetia many were martyred: yea, this perse∣cution extended into our Britan, where all the Christians were put to death.

Besides the kindes of death, the punishments were so great and hor∣rible as no tongue is able to express: as whippings, scourgings,* 1.216 rack∣ings, horrible scrapings, sword, fire, shipboats, whereinto many were put and sunk into the sea: Also hanging upon crosses, binding some to the bodies of trees with their heads hanging downward, hanging others by the middle upon gallowses till they died of hunger: throwing others alive to Lions, Bears, Leopards, wilde Buls, &c. Pricking others with bodkins and talons of beasts till they were almost dead.

In Thebaide, they hanged up women naked by one of their feet, the rest of their body hanging downwards, with many other sorts of punish∣ments most cruell to be thought of: Some were bound to the boughs of trees, and had their members torn asunder, others were mangled with axes, some choaked with smoak over a slow fire, some had their hands, ears, and feet cut off, others were scorched and broiled upon coals, yet not to death, but had the torment renued every day.

In Pontus the Martyrs had other horible torments inflicted on them, Some had their fingers-ends under the nails thrust in with bodkins: Some were sprinkled all over with boiling lead, having their necessary members cut from them, others suffred most filthy and intolerable torments in their bowels, and privy members: what the outrage of this persecution was in Alexandria, Phileas a Bishop thus wri∣teth,

Because (saith he) every man might torment the holy Martyrs as he listed, some beat them with cudgels, some with rods, some with whips,* 1.217 some with thonges, some with cords, some having there hands bound behind them were lifted upon timber-logs, and with certaine instru∣ments had their members and joints stretched out, where their bodies hanging, were subjected to the will of the tormentors, who were com∣manded to afflict them with all manner of torments: on their sides,

bellies, thighs, legges, they scratched them with the claws of wilde beasts: some were hanged but by on hand one the engine, that they might feel the more grievous pulling out of the rest of their members: Some were bound to pillars, having no stay under their feet, that w••th the weight of their bodies being drawn out, they might feel the greater torment: and these torments endured all day long; the Judge com∣manding that they should not be let down, till either by the extremity of torment, or by the cold, they were near death; and then they were let down, and haled upon the ground.

They devised also another greater torment, for when the Christians were lamentably beaten, they had a new kinde of rack, wherein they lying upright, were stretched by both the feet above the fourth hole, with sharp shels strawed under them. Others were cast down upon the pavement, where they had so many torments inflicted upon them, that their sufferings cannot be imagined what they were: In the midst of which torments some died,* 1.218 their enemies being confounded with their singular patience.

Some half dead were thrust into prisons, where, with their wounds and pain they ended their lives: Others being cured of their wounds, were again put to their choice; whether they would sacrifice to the Idols, and have their liberty, or have the sentence of death pass upon them, who did willingly chuse death for Christs sake, rather then to sin against him.

In Nicomedia, a Christian pulling down, and tearing the Emperors Edict, was stript and beaten till the bones appeared, and then washed in salt and vinegar, under which torments he died. Yet notwithstanding the horribleness of these tortures, the Christian Martyrs were so farre from being dismaied,* 1.219 that they were confirmed and strengthned there∣by, merrily and joyfully undergoing whatsoever was inflicted upon them.

Eusebius saith, that himself saw the cruel Persecution in Thebade, where the swords of the Persecutors were blunted with the great slaugh∣ter of the Christians,* 1.220 and they sat down with weariness to rest them, whilest others took their places. Yet still the Christians shewed their willingness, and with courage, joy and smiling, received their sent••nce of death from the Judge, and to the last gasp, sang Psalms and Hymns of praise to God.

In Alexandria the holy Martyrs led with the love of better rewards, did not only bear the menaces of the cruel souldiers, wherewith they threatned them, but also whatsoever torments they could devise for their destruction: Yea saith Sulpitius; then the Christians with more greedy desire pressed and sought for Maryrdom,* 1.221 then now they do for Bishopricks. Yet some through infirmity in this Persecution fell back, for which they were excommunicated by the Church.

Damasus and others witness, that there were slain in thirty daies, seventeen thousand persons, besides a great number that were condem∣ned to the Metall-mines and quarries, with the like cruelty.

In Alexandria were slain with axes three hundred:* 1.222 At Collen three hundred. Mauritius with his Christian legion, six thousand six hundred sixty six, whose story, deserving perpetually to be remembred, is this:

Maximian sent for his Mauritius with his legion of Thebane soul∣diers, under a pretence of imploying them against his enemies: When they came to Rome, Marcellus, the Blessed bishop, laboured to confirm them in the truth, to whom they promised perseverance in the faith unto the death. Then they followed they Imperial army into France, and when they were cowe thither, Maximian offered sacrifice to the devils, and called all his souldiers to the same, strictly charging them to fight against his enemies, and against the Christians which were enemies to his gods. These Christian Thebans resolved rather to die▪ then to sacrifice, or to bear arms against the Christians, wherewith the Tyrant being enraged, commanded every tenth man of the legion to be put to the sword, hereupon they strove who should submit their necks to the stroke. Mauritius encouraged them greatly hereunto, and being called before the Emperour, he said; Wee, O Emperour, your soul∣diers, and yet the servants of God, owe thee service of war,* 1.223 but to him innocency; of thee we receive wages, but of him life; therefore we cannot obey thee to deny God our Lord and yours also, will ye nil ye: We are ready to obey you, if you enforce us not to disobey him: Otherwise we will rather obey him then you: We offer here our hands against any other enemies, but to defile our hands with the bloud of innocents, we may not: These hands of ours have ••kil to fight against wicked enemies, but not to murther godly friends, &c. We have engaged our faith to God, we cannot be true to you, if we break covenant with him, &c. We see our brethren and fellows in arms, cruelly put to the sword, which we rejoyce in, that they have been counted worthy to suffer for Christs sake, &c. Behold here we cast down our weapons, and had rather to be killed, then to kill, and to die guiltlesse then to live guilty: We are ready to suffer what more you shall appoint, yea b••th fire, sword, or any other torments. We confesse our selves, to be Christians, wee cannot persecute Christians, nor sacrifice to your devillish Idols. The Em∣perour being highly incensed with this answer commanded the second time the tenth man to be slain, which being accomplished, when the Christian souldiers would not yet condescend to his minde, he set up∣on them with his whole host, both of foot and horse, charging them to kill them all; the Christians made no resistance, but throwing down their arms, offered their naked necks to the persecutors, and so were all slain.

At that time, one Victor, an old souldier, that for his age was dis∣missed, coming to the Army, as they were banquetting and making mer∣ry with the spoils of the Martyrs, was bidden to sit down with them, but he asked them what was the cause of there mirth, and understanding the trut••, he detested them, and refused to eat with them;* 1.224 and being there∣upon demanded whether he were a Christian? he answered that he was and ever would be. Then they rushed upon him; and made him partaker, of the lik Martyrdom and honour.

When Dioclesian and Maximian, notwithstanding all the slaughter which they made, saw the number of Christians rather increased then diminished, so that they were out of all hope of utter rooting them out, and having now even their fill of blood, they ceased at last of their own accord from putting any more Christians to death:* 1.225 Yet of a great multitude, they thrust out their right eies, and maimed their right legs at the ham, with a searing iron, condemning them to the Metal-mynes, not so much for their labour, as desirous to afflict them there∣by: and so having raigned together about one and twenty years, Di∣oclesian divested himself of the imperial Dignity, and lived a private life, and the like did Maximian also, resigning the Empire to Galerius Maximinus, and Constantius.

Maximinus was of a cruel Nature, a great Enchanter, vicious in his life, and a great enemy to the Christians, and therefore continued the Persecution of them, yet at length was revoked from his cruelty by the just Judgement of God upon him; For he was suddenly taken with an horrible and filthy disease,* 1.226 which first began outwardly in his flesh: and then proceeded more inwardly: his privy members putrified with a botchy corrupt boil, and a fistula consuming, and eating up his En∣trails, whence swarmed forth an innumerable company of lice, with such a pestiferous stink, that no man could abide him; he being also very gross, his fat putrified, and stank intollerably; and because his Physitians could not abide the stink, he commanded them to be slain: others of them, because they could not cure his incurable disease, he put them to cruel deaths.

At last being told that his disease came from God, he began to be∣think himself of all the cruelty which he had shewed to the Saints, confessed his offences to God, and gave command that the Persecuti∣on against the Christians should cease; requiring his Officers likewise to re-edifie their Temples,* 1.227 and requesting them to pray to their God for him.

This Edict much comforted and refreshed the Christians, who thereupon gathered together in every City, called their Synods and Councels; yea, the Infidels themselves extolled and magnified the true God of the Christians.

But this Tyrant Maximinus scarce suffered this peace to continue six moneths together, but again he forbad the Christians to meet, and privately stirred up the Athenians to petition him that none of them might be suffered to live in their City: Also a Conjurer in Athens made an Image of Jupiter, which uttered these words, Jupiter commandeth the Christians to be banished out of this City and Suburbs, because they are enemies to him. Also certain harlots were suborned to say, that they formerly were Christians, and privy to the wicked and lascivious acts which they exercised amongst themselves, upon Sabbath daies, &c. And thereupon the Emperor commanded that they should put them to death by all means possible. Then did the Persecution grow as great as ever it was, and the Governors of every Province fell upon

the Christians▪ banishing some, and putting others to death.

Silvanus Bishop of Emissa, a very old man, and three others with him, were condemned to death. So was Lucianus,* 1.228 an Elder at An∣tioch. At Alexandria, Peter the Bishop was beheaded. Quirinus Bi∣shop of Scescanus had an hand-mill tied about his neck, and was thrown head-long into a river: where yet he floted a great while, exhorting the lookers on not to be dismaid with his punishment, and so with much ado, was at last drowned.

At Rome, many Bishops, Ministers and Elders were put to death. In sundry other places very many others suffered martyrdom with fire, wild beasts, drowning in the sea, &c. Some were crucified, some were slain with the sword;* 1.229 some endured the cutting and burning of their members; some had their eyes thrust out; some were starved in prisons, and whatsoever other cruelty the Magistrates could devise; All which the people of God endured, rather then they would offer sacrifice to the Idols. The like miseries did the women also endure, for being inticed to the filthy use of their bodies, some rather chose banishment, and others to prevent it, killed themselves.

Neither could Christians live safely in the wilderness, but even from thence they were drawn to torments and death.

And whereas the Tyrant in his Edict had boasted of the plenty and prosperity of all things in the time of his persecuting of the Saints, God to confute him, presently sent great drought,* 1.230 famine and pesti∣lence, besides the wars with the Armenians; by which calamities, the people were miserably wasted; corn was sold at an unreasonable rate, so that exceeding great multitudes died of hunger in the Cities, but far more in the villages; most part of the husband-men dying of famine and the pestilence. Divers brought out their best treasure,* 1.231 and gave it for any kind of sustenance, though never so little. Others ha∣ving sold their possessions for food, fell into extream misery: Some did eat grass, others fed upon unwholsom herbs, whereby they hurt and poisoned their bodies: Many women were driven to leave the Cities, and beg up and down through the countrey: some through faintness fell down in the streets, and holding up their hands, cryed miserably for some scraps or fragments of bread, being ready to give up the Ghost; and being able to say no more, they cryed, Hungry, hungry.

Some of the richer sort being tired with serving such multitudes of beggers, began to grow hard-hearted, fearing lest themselves should fall into the like misery: By reason whereof the Market-places, streets, and lanes, lay full of dead corpses, and naked bodies were cast out un∣buried, many of which were devoured by dogs, whereupon they which lived, fell to killing of the dogs, lest running mad, they should fall upon them, and kill them.

The pestilence also scattering through all houses, killed very many, especially those of the richer sort, which escaped the famine, whereby innumerable Magistrates,* 1.232 Princes and Presidents were quickly dis∣patched, so that all places were filled with mourning, and nothing

was seen or heard but weeping and wailing every where. Death so reigned in every family, that two or three dead bodies were carried out of one house together. But notwithstanding that these miscreants had been so cruel to them,* 1.233 yet the Christians were very diligent and charitable to them in all their extremities, travelling every day, some in curing the sick; some in burying of their dead; others called the multitude together, which were ready to famish, and distributed bread unto them, whereby they occasioned them to glorifie the God of the Christians, and con••essed them to be the true worshippers of God, as appeared by their works: and hereby the Lord wrought wonderfully for the peace of his Church, for after he had corrected them, he again shewed th••m mercy.

Constantine succeeding his father, overcame Maxentius the Tyrant in Rome, and he together with Licinius set forth Edicts in favour of the Christians: See Constantines life in my second part of lives. Yet Maxi∣minus continued his persecution in the East, whereupon Constantine and Licinius wrote to him to favour the Christians, and he finding that he was too weak to encounter with them, sent forth his Edicts to stop the persecution: yet afterwards he picked new quarrels with them, and began to persecute them again: whereupon Licinius went against him, and overthrew him in a battell: Then did Maximinus kill many of his enchanters and conjurers that had encouraged him, and promised him victory.

Shortly after the Lord striking him with a grievous disease, he glorified the God of the Christians,* 1.234 and made a Law for the safety and preservation of them: yet not long after by the vehemency of his disease, he ended his life.

* 1.235Licinius, that for a long time had pretended to the Christian religion, and lived in great familiarity with Constantine, who had given him his sister Constantia to be his wife, began afterwards to discover his hypocri∣sie, and the wickednesse of his nature, secretly conspiring the death of Constantine: but the Lord discovering and preventing his conspiracies, he then fell out with him, and manifested his hatred of the Christian religion, being puffed up with the victory that he had got against Maximinus.

He quarrelled with the Christians, because as he said, they praied not for him, but for Constantine: and thereupon he first banished them all from his Court: then he deprived all the Knights of their honou∣rable order,* 1.236 except they would sacrifice to devils: then he command∣ed that the Bishops should have no meetings to consult about their Ec∣clesiastical affairs: nor that any Christians should come to the Church∣es, or hold any assemblies: then that men and women should not meet together to pray, that women should not hear the Bishops, but chuse out women to instruct them: then that none should help or succour those that were in prison, nor should bestow any alms upon them, though they should die for hunger, and that they which shewed any compassion to those which were condemned to death, should suffer the

like punishment themselves; then he persecuted the Bishops, and slew those which were the most eminent of them: the flattering officers also which were about him, thinking to please him thereby, slew many Bi∣shops without any cause: yea many of their bodies they cut into gobbets, and threw them in to the sea to feed fishes: Some were banished,* 1.237 others had their goods confiscated; many noblemen and gentlemen were privily made away: and Licinius gave their unmarried daughters to wicked varlets to be defloured, himself also violated many women, both wives and maidens.

This cruelty made many godly persons voluntarily to forsake their houses, and to live in woods, mountains, and desarts: He caused The∣odorus to be hanged upon a crosse, to have nails thrust into his arm-pits,* 1.238 and afterwards to be beheaded: Divers other Bishops had their hands cut off with a fearing iron. In Sebastia fourty Christian souldiers in the vehe∣ment cold winter were cast into an Horse-pond, where they ended their lives: the wives of these fourty men were carried to Heraclea, where, to∣gether with a Deacon of that place, after they had suffered innumerable torments, they were slain with the sword.

Constantine being informed of all this wickednesse, raised an Army, went against him, overcame him twice, and at last caused him to be put to death, as you may see in Constantines life in my second part: whereby the Church obtained a generall peace.

Yet in this tenth Persecution many other eminent Christians suffered Martryrdom, besides those before-named.

Galerius in his time invaded Antioch, intending to force all Christi∣ans to renounce Christ, at what time they were assembled together, whereupon one Romanus ran to them, declaring that the wolves were at hand, which would devour them, yet he exhorted them not to fear by reason of the perill; and, through Gods grace, the Christians were greatly encouraged by him, so that old men and matrons, fathers, mothers, young men and maidens were all of one minde, being wil∣ling to shed their bloud in defence of their profession: A band of armed men were sent against them, which were not able to wrest the staff of faith out of their hands: hereupon they sent word to their Captain, that they could not inforce the Christians to deny their faith, by rea∣son of Romanus who did so mightily encourage them: then did the Captain command that he should be brought before him, which was done accordingly; What (saith the Captain) art thou the author of this sedition? art thou the cause that so many lose there lives? By the Gods I swear thou shalt answer for them all, and shalt suffer those torments that thou encouragest them to undergo; Romanus answered, Thy sentence, O Em∣perour, I willingly embrace, I refuse not to be sacrificed for my brethren,* 1.239 and that by as cruel torments as thou canst invent. &c. The Captain being much enraged with this his stout Answer, commanded him to be trussed up, and his bowels drawn out, whereupon the Executioners said, Not so Sir, this man is of noble parentage, and therefore he may not be put to so ignoble a death: Scourge him then (quoth the Cap∣tain)

with whips with knobs of lead at the ends: but Romanus sang Psalms all the time of his whipping, requiring them not to favour him for nobilities sake; Not the bloud of progenitors, (saith he) but the Christian profession makes me noble:* 1.240 then did he earnestly inveigh against the Captain, and derided their Idoll gods, &c. but this further enraged the Tyrant, so that he commanded his sides to be lanced with knives, till the bones were laid open: yet still did the holy Martyr preach the living God, and the Lord Jesus Christ to him: then did the Tyrant command them to strike out his teeth, that his speech might be hin∣dered; also his face was buffeted, his eye-lids torn with their nails, his cheeks gashed with knives, the skin of his beard pulled off by litle and little,* 1.241 &c. yet the meek Martyr said, I thank thee O Captain, that thou hast opened to me so many mouths as wounds, whereby I may preach my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: look how many wounds I have, so many mouths I have, lauding and praising God: The Captain astonished at his constancy, bad them give over tormenting him: yet he threatned to burn him, reviled him,* 1.242 and blasphemed God, saying, thy crucified Christ is but a yesterdaies God, the gods of the Gentiles are of greatest anti∣quity: But Romanus taking occasion from hence, declared to him the eternity of Christ, &c. withall saying, Give me a child of seven years old, and thou shalt hear what he will say; hereupon a pretty boy was called out of the multitude, to whom Romanus said, Tell me my pret∣ty babe, whether thou think it reason that we worship Christ, and in Christ one Father, or else that we worship infinite gods? the child answered, that certainly what we affirm to be God must needs be one, which with one, is one and the same; and inasmuch as this one is Christ, of necessi∣ty Christ must be the true God: for that there be many gods, we children cannot beleeve: The Captain amazed at this, said, thou young villain and traitor, where, and of whom learnedst thou this lesson? of my mother, said he, with whose milk I sucked in this lesson, that I must believe in Christ: The mother was called, and she gladly appeared: the Tyrant commanded the child to be horsed up,* 1.243 and scourged: the standers by beholding this mercilesse act, could not refrain from tears; the joyfull and glad mother alone stood by with dry cheeks, yea, she rebuked her sweet babe, for desiring a cup of cold water, charging him to thirst after the cup that the babes of Bethlem once drunk of; She willed him to remember little Isaac, who willingly proferred his neck to the ••int of his fathers sword, &c. Then did the cruell tormen∣tor pull off the skin, hair and all from the crown of the childes head: the mother crying, Suffer my child, anon thou shalt passe to him that will adorn thy head with a crown of eternall glory: thus the mo∣ther councelleth and encourageth, the childe is encouraged, and re∣ceiveth the stripes with a smiling countenance. The Captain seeing the childe invincible, and himself vanquished, commands him to be cast into the stinking prison, whilest the torments of Romanus were renewed and encreased: Then was Romanus brought forth again, to receive new stripes upon his old sores, the flesh being torn, and the

bare bones appearing: yet the cruell Tyrant raging like a mad man, quarelling with the tormentors for dealing so mildely with him, com∣manding them to cut, prick, and pounce him: and then he passed sen∣tence upon him, together with the childe to be burned to death: to whom Romanus said, I appeal from this unjust sentence of thine to the righ∣teous throne of Christ, that upright Judge,* 1.244 not because I fear thy cruell tor∣ments, and mercilesse handling, but that thy Judgements may be known to be cruell and bloudy.

When they came to the place of execution, the tormentors required the childe of his mother, for she had carried it in her arms from the prison;* 1.245 She kissing it, delivered it to them, and as the executioner was striking off his head, she said, farewell my sweet childe:

All laud and praise, with heart and voice, O Lord we yeeld to thee: To whome the death of all thy Saints, We know most dear to be.

The childes head being cut off, the mother wrapt it in her garment, laid it to her brest, and so departed. Then was Romanus cast into a mighty fire, which being quenched with a great storm, the Tyrant com∣manded his tongue to be cut out, and afterwards caused him to be strang∣led in the prison.

Gordius, a Centurion in Caesarea, in the heat of this persecution, left his charge, living a solitary life in a wilderness for a long time:* 1.246 at last when a solemn feast was celebrated to Mars in that city, and multi∣tudes of people were assembled in the Theatre▪ to see the games, he came, and gat up into a conspicuous place, and with a loud voice said, Behold, I am found of those which sought me not, &c. the multitude here∣upon looked about to see who it was that spake this, and Gordius being known, he was immediatly brought before the Sheriff, and being as∣ked who, and what he was, and why he came thither? he told him the whole truth, professing that he believed in Christ, valued not their threatnings, and chose this as a fit time to manifest his profession in: then did the Sheriff call for scourges, gibbets, and all manner of tor∣ments: to whom Gordius answered, that it would be a losse and da∣mage to him,* 1.247 if he did not suffer divers torments and punishments for Christ and his cause: the Sheriff more incensed hereby, commanded all those torments to be inflicted on him: with which Gordius could not be overcome, but sang, The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man can do unto me: and I will fear no evill, because thou Lord art with me, &c. then did he blame the tormentors for favouring him; pro∣voking them to do their uttermost:* 1.248 then the Sheriff not prevaling that way, sought by flattery to seduce him, promising him preferment, riches, treasures, honour, &c. if he would deny Christ: but Gordius derided his foolish madness, saying, that he looked for greater preferment in heaven, then he could give him here upon earth: then was he condemn∣ed, and had out of the city to be burnt: Multitudes followed him,* 1.249 and some Kissing him, with tears entreated him to pity himself, to whom

he answered, Weep not I pray you for me, but for the enemies of God, which fight against the Christians; weep I say for them which prepare a fire for us, purchasing hell-fire thereby for themselves in the day of vengeance: and cease I pray you thus to molest my quiet and setled mind: for truly for the name of Christ I am ready to suffer a thousand deaths, &c. Others perswa∣ded him to deny Christ with his mouth, and to keep his conscience to himself▪ My tongue (saith he) which by Gods goodnesse I have, cannot be brought to deny the author and giver of the same; for with the heart we beleeve unto righteousnesse, and with the tongue we confesse unto salvation: and thus perswading and encouraging the people to be willing to die in the like cause, with an unappalled countenance, he willingly gave him∣self to be burnt.

* 1.250Also Menas an Egyptian, and a souldier by profession, in this persecuti∣on, forsook all, and went into a desart, where he gave himself to fast∣ing, prayer, meditation, and reading of the Scriptures: at last returning into the city of Cotis, when the people were at their pastimes, he with a loud voice proclaimed himself to be a Christian, and thereupon was carried before the President, and being demanded of his faith, he said, Convenient it is that I confesse God in whom is light, and no darknesse; for with the heart we beleeve to righteousnesse, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation: Then was he pinched and excruciated with sundry torments:* 1.251 But (said he) there is nothing in my minde that can be com∣pared to the Kingdom of heaven, neither is all the world, if it were weighed in a balance, comparable to the price of one soul; and further said, Who can separate us from the love of Christ? can tribulation, or anguish? &c. and again, I have learned of my Lord Christ not to feare them that can kill the body, and have no power to kill the soul, &c. Having endured manifold torments, he received the sentence of death, and at the place of execu∣tion, he said, I give thee thanks, my Lord God, which hast accepted me to be a partaker of thy precious death, and hast not suffered me to be devoured of my fierce enemies, but hast made me constant in thy true faith unto the end: and so he lost hi•• head, but found a crown.

Basil relates a story, that the Emperours officer brought the Edict against the Christians to a place to be published, and then privily sub∣orned some to detect and accuse the Christians: then he caused the sword, gibbet, wheel, and whips to be brought forth, at the sight whereof the hearts of all the beholders did shake and tremble: Some for fear fled, others stood in doubt what to do: Some again for fear denied their faith,* 1.252 others suffered cruell torments, but at last vanquish∣ed by the intollerable pain, they made shipwrack of their consciences, and lost the glory of their confession.

* 1.253Amongst others, fourty young gentlemen that were souldiers, free∣ly and boldly confessed themselves to be Christians, declaring to the Marshall their names, who amazed at this their boldnesse, stood in doubt what to do: then he assaied with fair words and flatteries to win them, perswading them to consider their youth, and not to change a pleasant life for a painfull and untimely death,* 1.254 promising them ho∣nour,

money, &c. But they boldly answered, that they neither desired, money, honour, nor life, but only the celestiall Kingdom of Christ, for the love of which they were ready to endure the wheel, crosse, fire, &c. The Marshall being much offended herewith, devised a new torment; for spying a pond in the street that did lie open to the Northen winde, it being in the cold winter time, he caused them to be put into it all night; but they being merry, comforted one another as they put off their clothes, saying, We put not off now our cloths, but our old man, corrupt with the deceit of concupiscence, for which we blesse and praise God: for by meanes of the serpent we once put on the old man, but by the means of Jesus Christ we now put him off: and being brought naked to the place, where they felt the vehement cold, they were put into the pond, so that all their members were stark and stiffe with it: and as soon as it was day, they hauing breath yet remaining in them, were brought to the fire, wherein they were consumed into ashes, which ashes were thrown into the floud.

It happened that one of the company being more lively,* 1.255 and not so near death as the rest, the executioners pitied him, and delivered him to his mother who stood by, to save his life: but she led him to the piles of wood where the other starved creatures lay ready to be burnt, admonishing him to accomplish the blessed journey he had taken in hand, which accordingly he did, and was burnt with his companions.

Syrus a Physician of Alexandria, in this persecution fled into Syria, where he lived a private life,* 1.256 unto whom one John a souldier adjoined himlelf: but not long after one Athanasia with her three daughters, be∣ing virgins, were cast into prison at Canope in Egypt for the profession of their faith: Cyrus being of their acquaintance, fearing lest through in∣firmity they should fall, he together with his partner John went thither to the prison to comfort and confirm them, for which he was accused to the President, who thereupon condemned them all, and so they were beheaded.

Sebastian also borne in France, and Captain of the avaunt-guard of the Emperour,* 1.257 encouraged many Martyrs by his exhortations unto con∣stancy, and kept them in the faith, for which being accused to the Em∣perour, he caused him to be brought forth into the open field, where by his own souldiers he was thrust through with arrows.

Basil also maketh mention of one Barlaam,* 1.258 who having endured all sorts of tortures to the point of death, was then by the tormentors laid upon the altar, and they put fire and frankincense in his right hand, hoping that the burning of the fire would have forced him to scatter the incense upon the altar, and so to have sacrificed: but his hand, endu∣ring the fire, remained steady, the Martyr in the mean time singing, Blessed be the Lord my God which teacheth my hands to fight, &c.

Ambrose mentioneth one Agricola and Vitalis his servant, who agreed betwixt themselves, to give their lives, with other Martyrs,* 1.259 for the name of Christ; Vitalis first offering himself to Martyrdom,

the persecutors laboured by all means to draw him to deny Christ, but not prevailing,* 1.260 they exercised upon him all sorts of torments, so that he had no whole skin left on all his body: Vitalis in the midst of his sufferings, having by prayer commended himself to God, gave up the ghost. Then was Agricola set upon by the tormentors, whose vertuous life and gentle conditions,* 1.261 had won him such respect, that they delayed tormenting of him, but he provoking them to make quicker speed, they fastened him to the crosse, where he finished his Martyrdom.

Augustine writes of one Vincentius a Spaniard, who by Dacianus the President was first laid upon the rack,* 1.262 till all the joints of his body crackt, then were all his members slasht and indented with deadly wounds; then they miserably scratched all his body with iron combs, filed very sharp;* 1.263 then they laid his body, being all out of joint, upon an iron grate, opened it with iron hooks, seared it with fiery plates, and then besprinkled it with hot burning salt: lastly they drew him, and cast him into a vile dungeon, the floore whereof was thick-spread with the sharpest shels, his feet were fast locked in the stocks, and so left him without all wordly comfort;* 1.264 but the Lord his God was with him, the holy Spirit of God, whose office it is to comfort the afflicted, filled his heart with joy unspeakable; so that he there ended his life with much comfort.

* 1.265Also Procopius in Palestine, after his conversion, brake his Images of gold and silver, and distributed them amongst the poor; where∣upon he had all sorts of torments inflicted on him, racking, cording, tearing of his flesh, firing, goring, stabbing, and lastly had his head cut off.

* 1.266George, a young man of Cappadocia, stoutly inveighing against the impious Idolatry of the Emperor, was apprehended, torn with hooked irons, burnt with hot lime, stretched out with cords, after had his hands and feet cut off, and lastly was beheaded.

* 1.267Hermogenes the President of Athens, being converted by beholding the patience and constancy of two Martyrs in their torments, suffered himself for the same faith.

In Portugall a noble virgin named Eulalia, not much above twelve years old,* 1.268 had profers of great marriages made unto her, but she seeing the f••rious rage of this Persecution, had a great minde to join her self to the number of the Martyrs, for which end she poured out her heart in prayer to God for strength and faith to enable her thereunto: But her godly parents fearing that her ready minde to die for Christs cause, might make her guilty of her own death, they kept her close at their country-house, a great way from the City; there she lived quietly for a while; but at last, detesting to make such dealy, she stole out of her fathers house in the night, and travelled all alone through by∣waies, with much difficulty and wearinesse towards the City, whi∣ther she came in the morning, and going before the Judge▪ she with a loud voice said,* 1.269 I pray you, What a shame is it for you thus wickedly to kill

mens souls, and to breake their bodies in pieces, to compell them to deny the omnipotent God? Would you know what I am? I am a Christian, and an enemy to your devilish sacrifices, I spurn your Idols under my feet, I con∣fesse God omnipotent with my heart and mouth, &c. Go to therefore thou hangman, burne, cut and mangle these my earthly members; thou maist easily break a brittle substance, but thou canst not hurt my inward minde by any thing thou canst doe. The Judge enraged herewith, said to the hang∣man, Take her and pull her out by the hair of her head to torments, let her feel the power of our gods, and know what we can do: But yet, O sturdy girl, I would fain have thee, before thou diest,* 1.270 to revoke thy wickednesse: Remember the honourable house of which thou art come, and thy friends tears; Wilt thou kill thy self in the flower of thy youth, so near honourable marriages? Doth not the glistering pomp of the bride-bed move thee &c. Behold here the engines pre∣pared for thy death; either thou shalt be beheaded with the sword, or torn with wilde beasts, or consumed with fire to ashes, &c. yet this thou maiest escape if thou wilt; What greate matter is it for thee, with thy fingers to put a little incense into the censers? yet thereby thou shalt be delivered.

To this Eulalia answered not, being in a great passion,* 1.271 but spit in the Tyrants face, and spurned abroad the heap of inc••nse. Where∣upon without further delay, the hangmen with both their strengths pulled out her joints, scratched her with the talons of wilde beasts to the hard bones, she singing and praising God in the mean time; saying,* 1.272 Beh••ld O Lord, I will not forget thee: What a pleasure is it for them, O Christ, that remember thy triumphant victories, to ataine to these high dignities! &c. Yea, when as out of a warm fountain, her fair and white skin was discoloured with the purple bloud that flowed from her torn members, she wept not, but chearfully sang praises unto God; then they gored her mangled body with the iron grate, terribly har∣rowed her flesh, and burned her brest with flaming torches, then setting fire to her long hair, which covered her naked body, when it came to her face, she opened her mouth, and sucked in the flame, and so peaceably slept in the Lord.

Also Agnes a young virgin being accused for a Christian, was brought before the Judge, who first laboured by flatteries,* 1.273 then by threatning her with cruell torments, to draw her to the deniall of her faith; but she being strengthened by Christ,* 1.274 told him that she feared not his torments, which she was willing to undergo, yea and death it self for Christs sake; then said the Judge, if it be so easie with thee to undergo torments, yet I know that thou prizest thy virginity there∣fore it is fully determined, that except thou sacrificest to the gods, thou shalt be put into the common Stews. Then did many youths flock together, craving that Agnes might be exposed as a prey to there filthy lusts, to whom she said, Christ is not forgetfull of those that are his, neither will he leave me destitute of his help,* 1.275 nor suffer my unspotted chastity to be defiled by you, &c. you shall willingly bathe your swords in my

blood, but you shall not defile my body with filthy lust for any thing that you can do. Then the Judge commanded that she should be ••et naked at the corner of a street; whereupon the multitude sorrowed, and were ashamed to see so shamelesse a sight, turning away their face, and so departing,* 1.276 but one amongst the rest looking upon her in a shamelesse manner, behold a flame of fire, like a flash of lightining struck out both his eies, and he falling down wallowed in the kennell dirt, whereupon Agnes sang praises unto God. Then the cruel Tyrant en∣raged hereby, commanded the executioner to draw out his sword, and dispatch her: She seeing a sturdy souldier coming towards her with a naked sword, rejoyced saying, This, O this is he that I love, I will make hast to meet him;* 1.277 and no longer protract my longing desires; I well willing∣ly receive the length of his sword into my breast: O eternall father, vouch∣safe to open the gates of heaven to my soul that seeketh thee; and so kneeling down, and praying unto Christ, the executioner with his bloudy hand, finished her hope.

* 1.278Basil in one of his Orations, relates a story of one Jullitta, from whom one of the Emperours officers tooke all her goods, lands and servants, contrary to all equity; whereupon she complained to the Judges, and a day of hearing was appointed, where the spoiled wo∣man lamentably declared her cause: But the wicked villain that had robbed her, said that her Action was of no force, for she was an out∣law, for not observing the Emperours gods, and that she was a Chri∣stian: His allegation was allowed, incense was prepared for her to offer to the gods, which if she refused, she should neither have pro∣tection nor benefit of the Emperours Laws, nor continue her life. She hearing this,* 1.279 in the mighty strength of God, said, Farewell riches, welcome pouerty, farewell life, welcome death▪ All that I have were it a thousand times more, would I lose, rather then speak one wicked word against God my Creator. I yield thee most hearty thanks, O my God, for this gift of grace, that I can contemn and despise this frail and transitory world, e∣steeming the profession of Christ above all treasures: And thenceforth when any question was proposed to her, her answer was, I am the servant of Jesus Christ.* 1.280 Her kindred and friends earnestly sollicited her to change her minde, but she constantly refused, with detestation of their Idolatry. Then did the cruel Judge condemn her to be burnt, which sentence she embraced joyfully, as a thing most sweet and de∣lectable; and so she addressed her self to the flames, in countenance, gesture and words, declaring the joy of her heart, coupled with singu∣lar constancy, and so embracing the fire, she sweetly slept in the Lotd.

* 1.281Barbara a noble woman in Thuscia, after miserable imprisonment, sharp cords, and burning flames put to her sides, was as last beheaded, together with many others.

Here place the fourth Figure.

CHAP. XVII. The Persecution of the Christians in Persia, under Sapores, about the same time.

THE Idolatrous Magicians in Persia,* 1.282 taking counsell together a∣gainst the Christians, accused them to Sapores for keeping corres∣pondence with, and favoring the Roman Emperour, which was Constan∣tine the Great.

The King being much moved herewith, took occasion to oppress them with taxes and tributes, to their utter undoing, and killed there Ministers with the sword.* 1.283 Then he called before him Simeon their Bishop, who remaining constant and valiant, he commanded him to be led forth to torment, yet did he neither shrink for fear,* 1.284 nor make any humble suit for pardon, which the King being offended at, requi∣red him either to worship him after the countrey manner, or else he would destroy him and all other Christians in his land: But Simeon, neither allured with promises, nor terrified with threatnings, could be induced to the Idolatrous worship, for which cause he was sent away to prison, and as he was going, there was sitting at the Court-gate an Eunuch, an old Tutor of the Kings, named Usthazares, once a Chri∣stian, but now fallen from his profession, who seeing Simeon led by,* 1.285 rose up and did him reverence; Simeon on the contrary, rebuked him, crying out against him for revolting from his profession: Whereupon,* 1.286 the Eunuch burst forth into tears, layd aside his costly apparell, and put on black mourning weeds, and sitting at the Court-gate weeping, he said to himself, Wo is me, with what face hereafter shall I look upon God, seeing Simeon disdaineth with one gentle word to salute me?* 1.287 This being carried to the Kings ears, he was exceeding angry, and sending for him, he first with gentle words and large promises, spake him fair, and asked him why he mourned? Whether there was any thing in his house that was denied him? &c. Whereunto Usthazares answered,* 1.288 that there was nothing in that earthly house that was detained from him: Yea▪ said he, O King, would God any other grief or calamity in the world had hap∣pened to me, rather then this for which I justly sorrow:* 1.289 For this is my grief, that I am alive this day, who should have died long since, and that I see this sun, which dissemblingly, to pleasure you, I have seemed to worship, for which I have deserved a double death: First for dissem∣bling with you; secondly for that thereby I have denied Christ: withall vowing that he would never hereafter forsake the Creator to worship the creature, &c.

Sapores was much astonished hereat, and doubted whether to use him gently or with rigour, but at last in his mood; he commanded him to be beheaded: But as he was going to execution, he requested an Eunuch that attended on the King, to desire him for all the old and

faithfull service that he had done to his father and him, that he would cause it to be proclaimed openly at his death, that he was beheaded, not for any treachery against the King or Realm, but for that he was a Chri∣stian, and would not deny his God; this the King yielded to, and so it was performed; and this he desired, because by his former Apostacy he dad discouraged many Christians, and therefore he sought by his pro∣fession and example to encourage them to the like sufferings.* 1.290

Simeon in prison hearing of his death, much rejoyced and praised God for it,* 1.291 and the very next day, he, with above an hundred more Christians were beheaded likewise. There was present at their Mar∣tyrdom one Pusices an officer to the King, who beholding an aged Minister to tremble when he saw the others beheaded before him,* 1.292 said unto him, O father! shut thine eys for a little moment, and be strong, and shortly thou shallt see God in glory. Hereupon Pusices was apprehended, and carried before the King,* 1.293 in whose presence he made a bold confession of his faith, for which cause they made a hole in his neck, and pulled out his tongue backward, and so he was put to death, together with one of his daughters that was a virgin.

The year after, when the Christians were met together to celebrate the memoriall of Christs passion, Sapores sent forth a cruel Edict, that all they should be put to death that professed the Name of Christ; and this he did at the instigation of the wi••ked Magicians, whereupon an in∣numerable company of Christians,* 1.294 both in Cities and Towns were slain by the sword, some being sought for, others offering themselves will∣ingly least they should seem to deny Christ: In this Persecution many of the Kings own Court and houshold-servants suffered Martyrdom; a∣mongst whom was Azades, an Eunuch, whom the King entirely loved, insomuch as hearing that he was slain, he was so offended and grieved, that he commanded that thenceforth no more Christians should be slain, but only the Doctors and Teachers of the Church.

About this time the Queen fell very sick, upon which occasion the wicked Jews and Magicians accused two of Simeons sisters, which were godly virgins,* 1.295 that by charms and enchantments they had procured her sickness to revenge the death of Simeon:* 1.296 This accusation being beleived, they were both condemned, and with a Saw cut in sunder by the mid∣dle, whose quarters were hung upon stakes, the Queen going betwixt them, thinking thereby to be freed of her sickness.

Then ensued a great Persecution against the Bishops and Ministers, who were daily dragged forth to the slaughter;* 1.297 but first they cruelly scourged them, and put them to other great torments, because they would not worship the Sun.

Miserable and almost innumerable were the slaughters under this Sapores, of Bishops, Ministers, Deacons, and other religious men and holy virgins, so that the Persians themselves reckon up above sixteen thousand men and women that suffered Martyrdom.

The report of the miserable condition of the Christians coming to the ears of Constantine the Great, put the good Emperour into great

heaviness, who studying how to relieve them, it so fell out, that about that time there came Ambassadors to him to Rome, from Sapo∣res, whom he entertained courteously, and granted all their requests, and then by them wrote his Letters to Sapores in the behalf of the Christians, whereby he did something mitigate the heat of the Per∣sian Persecution: Yet afterwards it was renewed again: at which time suffered Andas the Bishop, and Hormisda a noble mans son of great re∣putation amongst the Persians,* 1.298 whom when the King understood to be a Christian, and resolute in his profession, he condemned him to keep his Elephants naked: afterwards the King looking out, and seeing him all swart, and tanned with the sun, he commanded that a shirt should be put upon him, and that he should be brought before him; Then did the King ask him if he would yet deny Christ? Hormisda hearing this, tare off his shirt, and cast it from him, saying▪ if you think that I will deny my faith for a shirt, have here your gift again.* 1.299 &c. whereupon he was banished the Countrey.

Also Suenes, a noble man that had under him one hundred servants, because he would not deny his Christian Profession, was so hated by the King, that he made the worst of his servants Lord over him, and over all that he had, and coupled his wife to him, and made Suenes himself to serve him.* 1.300

Also Benjamin a Deacon was thrust into prison, where he was kept two years, but at the length, at the request of the Roman Ambassadors,* 1.301 he was released, yet afterwards, when contrary to the Kings Com∣mandment, he preached and taught every where the Gospel of Christ, he was again apprehended, and miserably tormented, having twenty sharp reeds thrust under the nails of his fingers and toes, but he laugh∣ing at it, had a sharper reed thrust into his yard, with horrible pain, and lastly, and a long ragged thorny stalk thrust through his fundament in∣to his bowels, whereof he died.

These Primitive Persecutions are collected out of Eusebius, So∣crates Scholast. Evagrius, Nicepho. Theod. the Imperial History, and the Magd. History.

CHAP. XVIII. The Persecution of the Church under Julian the Apostata, Anno Christi, 365·

IUlian was Nephew to Constantius the son of Constantine, and was by him made Caesar, and sent against the Germans, where after some smaller victories having overcome his enemies in a great and bloody battel, he was by his Army made Augustus, and after Constantius his death, succeeded in the whole Empire, both of the East and West. He was brought up in the Christian Religion, and was endowed with excellent parts;* 1.302 but when be came to the Empire, he Apostatized from his former profession, and turned Heathen, and became a deadly enemy to the Church of Christ, and a great persecutor of it.

The first thing that he did, was to open the Idol Temples; shut up by his Predecessors, and to suffer the Gentiles to commit their super∣stitious Idolatries, and publickly to adore their Idols: Then his next design was to supplant the true Christian Religion, being induced thereto by the devil and his own wickedness: And the better to effect the same, he practised a means never before used by any, which was to shew himself pitifull, and not cruel; perceiving that by means of the torments inflicted on the Martyrs,* 1.303 the holy Christian Faith was greatly increased; and therefore he took a contrary course, and sought by gifts, favours, flatteries, and by bestowing offices and dignities, to draw them to renounce the Christian Faith, and to sacrifice to false gods, and by this means there were not a few, who being covetous and ambitious, desiring to be rich and honoured, fell from their Christian profession.

Then did he make Laws and general Decrees, that no Christian should be Master of any Arts or Sciences,* 1.304 neither should study in any Schools, that so through the desire of Learning they might turn Ido∣laters, or else they should remain ignorant and illiterate, and so be in∣sufficient to preach the Christian faith.

He also ordained that no Christian should have any charge, or hold any office of Justice,* 1.305 neither should be a Captain in the Wars, nor enjoy any other dignity. Thus he used all the inventions that possibly he could devise, to make War against Jesus Christ, without shedding any Christian blood, that so he might take the Crown from the holy Martyrs,* 1.306 which they formerly obtained by the persecution of the sword: and indeed this was the greatest and most dangerous Persecu∣tion that ever the Church endured.

Amongst other of his subtill devises to bring Christianity into con∣tempt,* 1.307 this was one; He entertained about him many witty, but wick∣ed persons, who made it their business to scoff at, and deride the Chri∣stians

with all manner of base jears; and those which excelled most in this wicked practise▪ he most loved and honoured, advancing them to offices, both in his Court and Army.

During his short reign, though himself put none to death, as is be∣fore specified; yet the heathen Idolaters, in sundry places, proceeded far otherwise; especially in Palestine, where they burnt many Chri∣stians alive, others they stripped naked, and tying cords to their feet, dragged them up and down the paved streets,* 1.308 till their flesh was torn from their bones; Upon others they poured scalding water: Some they stoned, or beat out their brains with clubs: and having thus murthered them, they burnt their bodies, and then took their bones, and mingled them with the bones of Camels and Asses, that they might not be known for mens bones.

The Christians in Alexandria were most cruelly used by the Eth∣nicks, or Pagans: Some were slain with the sword, some were fastned to the Cross, some brained, some stoned; and such was their rage against Christianity, that one brother spared not another, nor parents their children, nor children their parents.

Emilianus was burned in Thracia. Domitius was slain in his cave. Theodorus for singing a Psalm at the removing of the body of Babilas,* 1.309 being apprehended, was examined with exquisite torments, and so cruelly excruciated from morning till almost noon, that hardly he escaped with life, and being afterwards asked by his friends how he could endure such extream torments, he said, that at first he felt some pain, but afterwards there stood by him a young man,* 1.310 who as he was sweating with the pain, wiped away his sweat, and oft-times so re∣freshed him with cold water, wherewith he was so delighted, that when he was let down from the Engine, it grieved him more then before.

Artemius also, a Captain of the Egyptian souldiers,* 1.311 was beheaded for his Religion, though other causes were pretended. Two Christian brethren were dragged through the streets, and murthered by the Ido∣latrous people of Gaza.

But the cruelty of the wicked Arethusians exceeded against the Christian Ministers and Virgins,* 1.312 whom they set forth naked before the multitude to be scorned by them. Then did they cover them with hogs-meat, and ripping up their bellies, put barly into them, and so caused their bowels and flesh to be devoured by their hungry swine.

Their cruelty most raged against Marcus Arethusius,* 1.313 the Christian Bishop of that City, who formerly, by the command of Constantine, had pulled down their Idol-Temple, and set up a Church for the Chri∣stians in the room thereof; The Arethusians knowing how Julian hated him, accused him as a Traitor and enemy to the Emperour: Where∣upon at first he prepared himself to fly, but when he perceived that some of his friends were apprehended in his stead, he returned,* 1.314 and of his own accord offered himself to those that thirsted for his blood:

Whom when they had gotten, neither pitying his old age, nor reve∣rencing his holy and blameless Conversation, they stript him naked, and pitifully beat him; then they cast him into a foul, filthy sink: then they caused Boies to thrust him in with sharp sticks to augment his pain:* 1.315 Lastly, They put him into a basket▪ anointed him with hony and broth, and so hung him abroad in the heat of the sun, to be meat for wasps and flies to feed upon; and this they did to enforce him, either to build up their Idol-Temple again, or to give them money to pay for the doing of it, but he stoutly refusing both; they profered to forgive one half, if he would pay the other; which he still refusing, and con∣temning all their torments, they at last demanded of him but a small sum of money, but he answered, It is as great wickedness to confer one half-penny in case of impiety, as if a man should give the whole. Whereupon, despairing to prevail, they left him, and went their ways.

* 1.316Also Cyrillus, a Deacon in Hieropolis, who in Constantines time had broken in pieces the Images of the Gentiles, they took him, ript up his belly, drew the liver out of his body, which with barbarous inhu∣manity they chawed with their teeth: But the Lord suffered not this brutishness to go unpunished,* 1.317 for their teeth shortly after fell out of their jaw-bones, and their tongues rotted in their mouths, and they fell stark blind.

Julian when he came to Constantinople, offered sacrifice in the Ca∣thedral Church to the Goddess Fortune; about which time Maris, Bishop of Chalcedon in Bythinia, being blind, caused himself to be led to the Emperour,* 1.318 whom he rebuked sharply, calling him an impious person, an Apostate, and an Atheist; he on the contrary called the Bishop, Blind fool, saying further, Thy God of Galilee will not restore thee thy sight again!* 1.319 Maris replied, I thank God which made me blind, lest that ever I should set mine eies upon so ungracious a face as thine is.

In the Market-places of the Cities, Julian set up his own Image, amongst the Images of the heathen gods, to the end that whosoever should do civil reverence to his Image,* 1.320 might also seem to worship the gods of the Gentiles; and that they who would not bow to the Idols, might seem to refuse due reverence to the Emperour. When he di∣stributed gold to his Captains and souldiers, he erected an Altar near to his Throne, with coals burning upon it, and incense on a Table by, & none might receive the gold before he had cast incense on the coals up∣on the Altar, by which subtilty he circumvented many, who discerned not his purpose to intangle them with the rites of Idolatrous services.

All about Antioch he dedicated all the fountains to the goddesses of the Gentiles, and caused all the Victuals that were sold in the Market to be sprinkled with heathenish holy water:* 1.321 yet did the Chri∣stians without scruple drink of the water, and eat of the meat accord∣ing to that rule, Whatsoever is sold in the shambles, that eat, and ask no question for conscience sake, &c.

* 1.322Juventius and Maxentius, two brave Captains, used much boldness

and liberty in reproving him for his heathenish superstition, which so enraged him, that he caused them to be put to death.

In Caesarea, the Inhabitants being most Christians, had formerly overthrown the Temples of Jupiter and Apollo; and now in Julians time, they overthrew the Temple of Fortune, which so enraged him,* 1.323 that he disfranchised them, exacted of them three hundred pounds weight of gold, and compelled their Clergy to serve in War-fare, threatning further to put to death all the Inhabitants thereof at his return, but it pleased God that his own death prevented it.

About this time, Julian going to enquire of the Oracle of Apollo at Delphos, there came down fire from heaven, and destroyed the Temple, and beat the Image of Apollo in pieces,* 1.324 like to the smallest powder or dust.

When he came to Antioch, there was a noble woman, called Publia, who had the Education and government of divers young virgins, these she caused, as Julian passed by her house, to sing with a loud voice, The Idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the works of mens hands, &c. This so angred the Emperour, that he sent them a command to sing no more as he went that way; but Publia was so far from fearing him, that the next time he came, she made them sing the same verse, and to add to it, Let God arise, and his enemies shall be scattered, &c. This so incensed Julian, that he sent for her to him, scoffed at her, and caused her to be clapt on the cheeks in a disgracefull manner; but she looked upon it as a great honour thus to suffer reproach for Christs sake; and coming home, she caused her maids still to sing Psalms of the Emperours fury and madness.

Afterwards the Emperour intending to war against the Persians,* 1.325 set a great fine upon every ones head that would not sacrifice to the Idols, whereby he much enriched himself by the spoil of the Christians.

Then were false Accusations forged against Athanasius, so that he was forced to flie; yet he thus comforted himself and friends,* 1.326 Nubecula est, cito pertransibit, This persecution is but a little cloud, and will soon pass away.

In his flight, he took a ship upon the river Nilus to fly to Thebais, but Julian sent an Earl after him, to bring him back again, who pursuing him with sails and ores, had almost overtaken his ship, whereupon the Marriners would have run her ashore, and fled into a wilderness that was hard by, to whom Athanasius said, Quid turbamini filii?* 1.327 quin in occursum eamus persecutori nostro, ut intelligat, quia longe major est qui nos defendit, quam qui persequitur: My sons, why are you thus af∣frighted? Let us rather turn and meet our pursuer, that he may know, that he is greater which defends us, then he that follows to apprehend us. Hereupon the Marriners turned back again, and the Earl suppo∣sing nothing less then that Athanasius was in the ship that came to∣wards him, he only called to them,* 1.328 and enquired whether they had not heard of Athanasius? they answered, that they had seen Athanasius a

little before; whereupon he hastned forward to overtake him, and Athanasius in his ship returned back privately into Alexandria, where he lay hid till that persecution was over.

Julians Officers in exacting the fines of the Christians, demanded more then they were assessed at, and sometimes tormented their bo∣dies also, of which wrongs when they complained to the Emperour▪ he scoffingly answered them,* 1.329 Its your part, when you are injured, to take it patiently, for so your God commandeth you.

At Meris in Phrygia, the Governor Commanded the Idol-Temple to be set open and cleansed, and began himself to worship the Idols: Whereupon some Christians, inflamed with zeal, in the night time, brake into the Temple, threw down the Idols, and stamped them to powder.* 1.330 The Governour being wonderfully incensed herewith, purposed to execute some Christian Citizens which were innocent and guiltless; whereupon the Authors of their own accord, presented themselves before him, chusing rather to die for the truth, then that others should suffer for their sakes;* 1.331 Thereupon the Governor com∣manded them to sacrifice to the Idols, or else he would severely pu∣nish them; but they, setting at nought his threats, prepared themselves to suffer what he could inflict; Then did he assay them with all kinds of torments, and at last laid them on the grid-iron, and broiled them to death, to whom they said, If thou long, O Tyrant, for broiled meat, turn up the other side, lest in eating, the blood run about thy teeth.

When Julian went against the Persians, of very malice and hatred against the Christians, whom scornfully he called Galilaeans, he made a vow, that if he obtained the victory, he would sacrifice to his gods the blood of those Christians which would not sacrifice to the Idols: But what the issue of that exepdition was, See in my second part, in the Life of Jovianus.

Collected out of the imperial History, and Socrates Scholasticus, Theodor. and the Magd. Hist. Cent. 4.

CHAP. XIX. The Persecution of the Church under the Arrian Hereticks, which began, An. Christi, 339.

COnstantine the Great, dying, divided his Empire amongst his three sons, Constantius, Constans and Constantine. Constantius that go∣verned the East, was seduced by an Arrian Presbyter, who had been in his fathers Court, with his Aunt Constantia; So pernicious a thing it is to have deceitfull Hereticks lurking in Princes Courts,* 1.332 and Ladies Chambers.

This Presbyter complained to Constantius that the Return of Atha∣nasius from banishment was very dangerous to the peace of the Com∣mon-wealth: Yea, he so far incensed the Emperour against him,* 1.333 that he sent a Captain with five thousand armed men to slay him; but the Lord delivered him miraculously out of their hands, for the armed souldiers being placed round about the Church where he was, he went safely through the midst of them undiscerned,* 1.334 though many Ar∣rians were present on purpose to point him out to the souldiers, as a sheep ordained for the slaughter.

But neither in banishment could he enjoy peace and safety, for this Arrian Emperour sent to all the officers in his Army to search him out, wheresoever he was,* 1.335 proposing a great Reward to those that could bring Athanasius to him, either alive or dead; whereupon he was for∣ced to hide himself in a deep pit, where he lay six years never so much as seeing the light of the Sun, till at last a Maid that used to carry him his food, was corrupted by those which sought for him, to betray him to them;* 1.336 but it pleased God by his Spirit to reveal to him his danger, whereby he escaped a little before they came to apprehend him.

Afterwards Constans forced his brother Constantius, though much against his will, to restore Athanasius to his Church at Alexandria:* 1.337 But after the death of that good Emperour Constans, Constantius drave him into banishment again; yet the Lord stirred up a godly woman to hide him in her house, till the death of Constantius.

In Alexandria in the room of Athanasius, was George an Arrian Bishop placed, who also was furnished with armed souldiers to assist him in his devillish devices. Thereupon he caused a great fire to be made, took many Christian Virgins, caused them to be stripped naked, re∣quiring them to renounce their faith, or else they should be burned: but when the sight of the fire could not terrifie them,* 1.338 he caused their faces to be so dashed with strokes, that their countenances were dis∣figured; yet like patient souldiers of Christ they endured all kind of rebuke for his names sake.

Thirty Bishops, of Egypt and Lybia, were slain in the fury of this Arrian Persecution. Fourteen Bishops were banished,* 1.339 whereof some of them died in the way, the rest in exile. Forty Orthodox Christi∣ans in Alexandria were scourged with rods, because they would not communicate with the Arrian Bishop George, and so pitiously handled, that some pieces of the rods were so deeply fixed in their flesh, that they could not be drawn out, and many through excessive pain of their wounded bodies, died.

The like cruelty did the Arrians exercise in Constantinople. Paul the good Bishop was banished to Cucusus,* 1.340 where he was strangled by the Arrians. Macedonius a notable heretick was placed in his room, who used no less cruelty in forcing men to communicate with him, then was used formerly to force them to sacrifice to Idols.

These Hereticks used also great diligence in procuring Councels to* 1.341

establish their Errors. But not long after the Emperor died, sorrowing much that he had changed the form of the Nicene faith.

After the death of Jovian, Valentinian succeeded in the Empire, who associated to himself his brother Valens,* 1.342 and made him Empe∣ror of the East. This Valens was an Arrian, and raised up a cruel Persecution against the Orthodox:* 1.343 Concerning which Greg. Nazian∣zen in his Oration of the praise of Basil, thus writeth, Insurrexit re∣pente nebula grandine plena, & perniciose stridens, quae omnes Ecclesias in quas incidit, cont••ivit, & postravit, Christi Cultor, pariter & os••r, qui post persecutorem persecutor fuit,* 1.344 & post Apostatam, non quidem Apostata, sed nihilo tamen meliorem se Christianis praebens: Christi nomen prae se ferens, Christum mentiebatur. Miletius Bishop of Antioch he banished to Ar∣menia.* 1.345 Eusebius Bishop of Samosata, to Thrace. Pelagius Bishop of Lao∣dicea, to Arabia.

He was exceedingly filled with wrath against the Bishops assembled in the Counsel of Lampsacum, because they adhered to the Nicene faith. In Constantinople he banished all the Orthodox. In Edissa, he commanded them all to be slain as they were assembled together in the Church. The Lieutenant that had received this charge from him, being more mercifull then his Master, gave private notice to the Chri∣stians,* 1.346 that they should not assemble at that time; but they, neither re∣garding his advice, nor fearing his threats, flocked to the Church in great companies: and whilst the Lieutenant, with many armed soul∣diers, hasted thitherward to fulfill the Emperors command, a wo∣man leading a child in her hand, all in haste, brake the ranks, and thrust into the armed troops; the Lieutenant being moved therewith, called the woman before him, saying, Thou fond and unfortunate woman, whi∣ther runnest thou so rashly? Thither (said she) whither others hasten; Hast thou not heard (said he) that the Lieutenant will slay as many as he finds there? I heard it (said she) and therefore I make the more haste to the place.* 1.347 But whether (said he) leadest thou this child? That he also (said she) may be accounted in the number of Martyrs. Hereupon the Lieutenant returned back to the Emperor, and told him that all the Christians from the highest to the lowest prepared themselves to die in the defence of their faith,* 1.348 and withal he shewed him what a rash thing it was to murder so great a multitude, &c. and so with his rea∣sons perswaded the Emperour, that he appeased his wrath, and pre∣vented the mischief at that time.

In Constantinople the Arrians, favoured by the Emperor, crowed insolently over the Christians, they scourged, reviled, imprisoned, amerced, and laid upon them all the intollerable burthens they could devise. Hereupon eighty godly Ministers, in the name of all the rest, addressed themselves to the Emperour, complaning of the out-rages that were done to them,* 1.349 craving some relief: But this cruel Tyrant commanded Modestus the General of his Army, to embark them all in a ship, as if he would have sent them into banishment, but secretly he gave direction to the Marriners, to set the ship on fire, and to retire

themselves into a boat, and so these holy Martyrs glorified the Name of Christ, by patient suffering of a double death, burning and drowning.

In all the Eastern parts he tormented many with sundry sorts of grievous torments, put many to death, drowned many in the sea,* 1.350 and in rivers.

About this time he consulted with Necromancers, to know who should succeed him in the Empire: The devil answered ambiguously, that his name should begin with Th. Whereupon he put to death as many as were called Theodorus, Theodotus, Theadosius or Theodulus.

Athanasius being dead at Alexandria, there succeeded him a god∣ly and holy man, named Peter,* 1.351 but the Emperour presently sent soul∣diers, which clapt him in prison, and the rest of the Ministers were banished, some to one place, some to another.

After this he sent forth an Edict for the persecuting of all the Or∣thodox in Egypt: Whereupon many were stript of their raiment,* 1.352 scourged, fettered in prisons, crushed in pieces with stones, beheaded, driven into deserts, where they wandred in sheeps-skins and goats-skins, destitute of aid and succour; Many hid themselves in mountains, in dens, caves and hollow rocks.

Terentins and Trajan, two worthy Captains, used some liberty in admonishing the Emperour to abstain from persecuting of the inno∣cent; but the Lord was minded to destroy him,* 1.353 and therefore he could receive no wholesome admonition; For many of the Goths, whom he entertained as souldiers to assist him against his enemies, turned against himself, so that he fled, and was overtaken in a village, which the Goths set on fire, whereby he died miserably,* 1.354 leaving none to suc∣ceed him, and his name a curse and execration to all ages.

Collected out of Magd. Hist. Socrates and Theod.

The Persecution by the Donatists.

ABout the year of our Lord 410. there sprang up in Africk the Do∣natists and Circumcellions, who first made a great Schism in the Church, and afterwards raised up a great persecution against the Or∣thodox: concerning which, St Austine complains in sundry places; And in his 50. Epistle to Earl Boniface, he thus writes of it, In hoc labore multi Catholici, & maxime Episcopi, & Clerici horrenda & dura per∣pessi sunt, quae commemorare longum e••t, &c. In this disturbance,* 1.355 the Orthodox, especially the Bishops and Ministers, suffered hard and horrible things, the particulars whereof are long to recite; for some of them had their eies put out: Some Bishops had their hands and tongues cut off, and some were slain out-right. To speak nothing of the cruel slaughter of others that were sound and sincere: of the plun∣dering of their houses, of the out-ragious burning, not only of their

private habitations, but of their Churches also; yea, so vile and violent were they, that they sticked not to burn the sacred Scriptures.

* 1.356Optatus in his second book tells us, that when Julian the Apostate came to the Empire, the Donatists preferred a petition to him, where∣in they desired leave to return to their places in Africk, from whence formerly they had been banished. Julian knowing what furious and turbulent spirits they were of, and how prejudicial their Return would be to the Catholick Church, easily assented to their petition, and so they returned full fraught with malice and revenge, and presently imployed all their abilities, partly by subtilty to seduce the common people, partly by violence to oppress the Orthodox Bishops and Mi∣nisters,* 1.357 of whom, some they thrust out of their Churches, others they slew.

Some of their chief Bishops, taking armed souldiers with them, went to the Castle of Lemella, where finding the Church shut against them, they commanded their attendance to get upon it, to uncover the roof, and so having broken into it, they set upon some Deacons, whom they found there, wounded some, and slew two of them out∣right. In all places where they came, they profaned all holy things; The Sacramentall bread they threw to their dogs; but behold the just judgement of God against these profane schismaticks; those very dogs shortly after running mad,* 1.358 fell upon their own Masters, and tore them in pieces.

Virgins they defloured, and wives they defiled. So usual a thing it is for those which adulterate the holy truths of God, to be given over to corporal uncleanness.

These furious persons dispersed themselves all over Africk, and would not suffer the Orthodox to preach the truth against their Er∣rors: By their violent assaults, thieveries, rapines, burnings and mur∣thers, they destroyed many, and afrighted all, &c.

CHAP. XX. The Persecution of the Church in Africk, by the Arrian Vandals, which began Anno Christi, 427.

THE cruel Vandals, passing out of Spain into Africk, under Genserick their Captain, finding the Province peaceable and quiet, set upon the flourishingest part of the land, wasting and destroying all before them with fire and sword, not sparing so much as the shrubs and bushes which bare fruit, lest they should minister relief to those poor Christians which hid themselves in dens, in mountains, and steep cliffs:* 1.359 But especially they raged against the Churches and Temples

of the Saints, burning all them to the ground, and where they found any of them shut they brake them open with their Maces.* 1.360 The Bishops and Ministers they destroyed especially, with many kinds of torments, seeking by tortures to force them to deliver up whatsoever gold and silver they had of their own, or belonging to the Church; and where they gat any, they still tormented them afresh, to inforce them to confess more.

The mouths of some they wrested open with iron, thrusting into them stinking mire and dirt:* 1.361 Some they tormented by wresting their fore-heads and legs with bow-strings, till they crackt again; Into the mouths of others they poured sea-water, vinegar, with the dreg•• of oyl and grease; and neither weakness of sex, nor respect of nobility, nor reverence of their Ministry, mitigated their cruel minds; yea, their fury most abounded where there appeared any dignity or worthiness.

Many of the Ministers and Nobles they loaded with mighty bur∣thens, as if they had been Camels or Horses,* 1.362 and made them carry them after them; and if they went slowly, they hasted them with iron pricks and goads, so that some of them under their burthens, gave up the ghost. Reverend gray hairs found no priviledge of Mercy; guiltless Infants felt their barbarous rage, whom they dashed against the ground,* 1.363 violently pulling little ones from their mothers breasts to brain them; of others, by wide stretching of their tender legs, they tore them in pieces, from the fundament; the stately buildings they burnt down, and levelled with the earth: The chief Churches in Carthage they imployed to their own heretical worship. Where any strong Castles were held against them, they brought multitudes of Christians, slew them, and left their bodies lying about the Castles, that by the stench thereof they might force them to surrender.

Who can express the number of Ministers that were by them tor∣tured!* 1.364 Pampinian the Bishop of Mansuetus was tortured with burning plates of iron all over his body. The Bishop of Urice was burnt to death.

Then did they also besiege the City of Hippo, where St. Augustine was,* 1.365 who before that time had compiled two hundred thirty two Books, Epistles innumerable besides his Expositions on the Psalms and Gospels, and his Homilies to the people. See more of this in my first part of lives in the life of St. Austine.

When they had taken the Regal City of Carthage, they enslaved the Citizens and Senators, publishing a decree that they should pre∣sently bring forth whatsoever gold, silver, precious stones, or rich ap∣parel they possessed, and thereby dispoiled them of all in one day; Then did they take the Bishop and all the Ministers of that City, and thrust them naked into weather broken-ships, and so banished them, whom yet the Lord of his great Mercy directed, and brought in safe∣ty to the City of Naples.* 1.366 The Senators and Nobles they first banished from the City▪ and then drave them beyond-sea. The dead bodies of the Christians they would not suffer to be buried but in the night, and without any solemnity.

The Bishops and Ministers through all the Province, being dispoil∣ed of all their substance, and turned out of their Churches, assembled together, and presented a petition to Genserick, that they might, at least in private,* 1.367 be suffered to instruct their people to whom he proudly an∣swered, I have decreed that none of your profession shall remain in the coun∣trey, how then dare you prefer such a request? and withal, he would at that instant have drowned them all in the sea, but that the importuni∣ty of some about him, stopt him.

There was also a noble Earl, called Sebastian, a man of great wis∣dom and courage, whom Genserick much feared, and therefore sought occasion to put him to death: which that he might the better effect, he moved him to be re-baptized by one of his Priests, and to turn Arrian: the Earl therefore requested him to call for a fine manchet, which being done, he said, This loaf, that it might be fine and white, hath been boulted from the bran,* 1.368 moistened with liquor, and baked: but if you now cause it to be broken in pieces, steeped in water, kneaded and baked again, if it come out better, I will do as you would have me. Genserick understand∣ing his meaning, could not tell what to answer for the present, yet af∣terwards he caused him to be put to death.

If any Minister in his Sermon occasionally did but mention Pharaoh, Nebuchadrezzer,* 1.369 Herod, &c, presently it was laid to his charge that he meant it by the King, and thereupon he was banished.

Yet notwithstanding all this cruelty, the people of God stood fast in their holy profession,* 1.370 and rather increased then otherwise.

Afterwards at the request of Valentinian the Emperour, Genserick suffered the Orthodox in Carthage to choose them a Bishop, which they did; and not long after Genserick with his Vandals took the fa∣mous City of Rome,* 1.371 carrying away with him, not only all the treasure that of a long time had been stored up there, but many of the people also; who, when they were brought into Africk, were shared between the Vandals and the Moors, so that husbands were separated from their wives, parents from their children; which this godly Bishop hearing of, he caused all the gold and silver vessels belonging to the Church, to be sold for their Redemption,* 1.372 that so married persons, and parents, and children might enjoy the comfort of their relations: Then also did he provide food and lodging for them, and night and day went amongst them himself, to see how they did, to minister to their wants, and comfort them; But this procured him such hatred amongst the Arrians, that they sought to slay him; but the Lord about this time took him to himself, whereby he escaped their malice.

* 1.373One of the Gensericks Colonels, having some Christian slaves, and a beautifull and a godly Virgin amongst them, he took occasion to vex them with fetters and torments, thereby to force them to re-baptiza∣tion, which they constantly refusing, he caused them to be stripped, and beaten with ragged cudgels till their flesh was torn in pieces, &c. At last they were banished to Capsur, an heathen Kingdom of the Moors, where it pleased God so to bless their labours,* 1.374 that many of them

were converted, and sending for an Orthodox Minister,* 1.375 were baptized.

This coming to Gensericks ears, he commanded these servants of God to be drawn at a Chariots tail thorow thickets of thorns,* 1.376 till they were torn in pieces, and these newly converted Moors, he caused their naked bodies to be haled backwards and forwards, thorow bushes and brambles, and others of them to be tied to wild beasts, and so to be rent in sunder; the poor Christians saying thus each to other, O brother pray for me, God hath fulfilled our desire, O this is the way to the kingdom of heaven.

Genserick further raging against the Orthodox, sent one Proculus in∣to the Zeugian Province, to dispoil all the Churches of their Orna∣ments, and the Ministers of their books, that thereby they might be disabled to holy services; which command was executed with all rigour: and whereas the Bishop of Habensa refused to deliver them up, he was expelled the City,* 1.377 and all men at great penalty were for∣bidden to harbour him, so that, being above eighty years old, he lay naked for a long time, under the open skie.

About Easter, when the Christians were met together in a Church, to celebrate the remembrance of Christs Resurrection, the Arrians with a great power of armed men, set upon this innocent company, who with their naked swords slew many: The Minister that was preaching, they shot through the throat with an arrow:* 1.378 and such of them as escaped death, were by the command of the King, executed by sundry kinds of torments.

In other places, when the Christians were administring the Sacra∣ment, the Hereticks rushed in amongst them, taking the bread and wine, and trampling them under their profane feet.* 1.379

Then did Genserick command, that none but Arrians should bear any office, either about himself or his children: And a Bishop called Armogastes, they took, and first nipped his fore-head and legs with bow∣strings; then did they hang him up by one foot,* 1.380 with his head down∣ward, yet did he seem to all men as if he slept in a feather-bed, which so enraged Theoderick the Kings son, that he commanded him to be beheaded, but some about him disswaded him from it,* 1.381 because said they, he will be accounted a Martyr. Then was he banished to dig in Mynes; yet afterwards he was sent for again, and made a Cow-heard near to Carthage, that he might be a continual object of scorn.

There was also one Saturus, a noble man, eminent for holiness, whom the Tyrant much laboured to draw to the Arrian profession, but he refusing, the King told him, that if he presently consented not,* 1.382 he should forfeit his house and goods, that his Children and slaves should be sould, and his wife should be given to the Camel-driver: Yet no menaces could shake his faith. His wife hearing of her doom, went to her husband as he was praying, with her garments rent, her hair disheveled, her Children at her heels, and a sucking infant in her

hands, whom she cast at her husbands feet, and took him about the knees,* 1.383 saying, Have compassion (O my sweetest) of me thy poor wife; and of these thy Children; look upon them, let them not be made slaves; let not me be yoaked to a base Marriage, &c. that which thou art required to do, thou dost it not willingly, but by constraint, and therefore it will not be laid to thy charge: He gave her an answer in the words of Job, Thou speakest like a foolish woman:* 1.384 thou actest the devils part; if thou lovest thy husband, thou wouldst never seek to draw him to sin, which will procure the second death. I am resolved therefore as my Lord com∣mands me, to forsake wife, children, lands, house, &c. that I may be his Disciple; and accordingly he was dispoiled of all, and turned out a begging, yet all were forbidden to harbour him.

* 1.385Genserick having reigned thirty seven years and three moneths, died.

Genserick being dead, his son Hunrick succeeded him, who at first was more moderate to the Christians, insomuch as they began to hold their meetings as before time. The Manichaean Hereticks he sought out, and though most of them were of his own Religion, yet he burnt some,* 1.386 and banished others.

At the request of the Emperour Zeno and Placidia his wife, he suf∣fered the Church of Carthage to chuse their own Bishop, having been destitute of one for twenty four years. Then they chose Eugenius, an humble,* 1.387 holy and charitable man, whose fame increasing, the Arrian Bishops much envied him, and put into the Kings head to forbid him to preach, and not to suffer any to enter into the Church, that were at∣tired after the manner of the Vandals;* 1.388 To which command Eugenius thus answered, The house of God is free for all: those which enter, no man may drive forth. The King being incensed with this answer, placed tortures at the Church door, who when they espied any man or wo∣man in a Vandals habit, about to go into the Church, clapping flesh-hooks on their heads, and twisting them in their hair, with a strong twitch they pulled off hair,* 1.389 scalp and all, whereby some lost their eies, and some their lives.

The women, besides these torments, they carried thorow the streets, to be made a publick laughing-stock, yet could they not force them to altar their Religion.* 1.390

Then did Hunrick ordain, that none of his Countries which dis∣sented from his Religion, should receive their ordinary pensions and salaries. Then did he send many of them who had been delicately brought up, to Utica, in the parching heat of the sun, to dig the land for corn; yet they went cheerfully, and comforted themselves in the Lord.

Then did he command that no man should be a Knight, or bear any publick office except he turned Arrian: whereupon very many with invincible courage,* 1.391 forsook their honours and offices, rather then their faith.

* 1.392Many Virgins he caused to be proved by the Midwives in a most shamefull manner; hanging them up from the ground with mighty

weights at their feet, and putting to their sides; breasts, back and bel∣lies, red hot plates of iron, to compell them to confess that their Bishops and Ministers lay with them, that so he might from thence have an occasion to persecute them. Many of these died under the pain, and others remained lame and crooked all their lives after, yet would they not confess any such thing.

Then did he banish into the wilderness, of Bishops, Ministers, Dea∣cons, and other Members of Christ, four thousand nine hundred seventy six; some of them being lame with the gout, others blind with age:* 1.393 Amongst whom also was Foelix Bishop of Abiris, possessed with a dead palsie, and therefore unable, either to go or ride;* 1.394 which the cruel King being informed of, and requested that he might be suffered to stay; he answered, if he be not able to ride, let wild bulls be coupled to drag him to the place appointed: So that they were fain to carry him on a Mules back across, as if he had been a sack.

Then were all these holy Confessors, brought to the City of Sicca, where the Moors were to receive them, and transport them thence to the wilderness. Thither came two Arrian Earls,* 1.395 and with great subtil∣ty sought to withdraw them from their stedfastness, saying, What mean you to be so obstinate, as not to obey the Kings Laws, whereas by complying with him, you may be preferred to honour? Then did they all cry out, We be Christians, we be Catholicks, we believe, and confess the Trinity in Unity. Hereupon were they shut up in a grievous prison.

Many mothers also voluntarily followed their little children, much rejoycing that they had born Martyrs: Others sought to draw them to rebaptization by the Hereticks but, through Gods grace, they could not prevail.* 1.396

As they passed on the way travelling more by night then by day, because of the excessive heat, a woman hasted after them,* 1.397 leading in her hand a little child, encouraging him, saying, Run Sirra, seest thou all the Saints how merrily they go forwards, and hasten to their Crown? One of the company rebuked her, and asked her whether she went? To whom she answered, Pray for me, I go with this little boy, my nephew, to the place of banishment▪ least the enemies finding him alone, should seduce him from the way of truth into the way of Error.

The enemies being more enraged because of their constancy, when they came to their lodgings, penned them up in narrow places. Then was denied to them all the comfort of access of their friends, for per∣mitting whereof formerly, their Keepers had been beaten with staves. These blessed Saints were tumbled one upon another, as grains of corn,* 1.398 neither could they have means of stepping aside to ease nature, so that the stink of their excrements exceeded their other pain.

Then were they brought forth, their garments, heads and faces be∣smeared with dirt in a pitifull manner, and by the clamorous Moors they were hastened forward in their journey; yet they went singing with great joy unto the Lord, Loe, This honour have all his Saints. Then came to them the blessed Bishop Cyprian,* 1.399 who to their singular

consolation, comforted every one of them with fatherly affection, and with streams of tears was ready to lay down his life for the brethren, and would fain have accompanied them, if he might have been suf∣fered:* 1.400 He bestowed all that he had amongst them, for which he af∣terwards suffered imprisonment and much hard-ship, and at last had his hearts desire in being banished.

There came great multitudes from sundry Countries and Cities, to behold these servants of God, and many casting their Children at their feet; cryed thus, To whom will you leave us wretches whilest you go forward to your Crown? Who shall baptize our infants? instruct and administer the Sa∣craments to us? our hearts serve us well to go with you if we might. But now none were suffered any more to go with them for their comfort, but they were pressed forwards, and made to run.

When any of the aged, or tender Children fainted, they were first punched forwards with staves:* 1.401 Then were the Moors commanded to tie ropes to the feet of such as were unable to go, and to hail them thorow the rough places, so that first their garments were rent, then their flesh, and their heads were dashed against the sharp edges of rocks, whereby very many of them died.

The rest that were stronger came at last to the wilderness, where, like beasts, they had barly given them for their food; there were also abundance of venemous serpents and scorpions in that place, whose sting was deadly, yet, thorow Gods great Providence, none of these servants of Christ gat any hurt thereby.* 1.402

Hunrick in the seventh year of his reign, directed his Mandate to Eugenius Bishop of Carthage, and told all other Bishops in Africk, that they should by such a day meet at Carthage to defend by disputation their faith against the Arrian Bishops;* 1.403 but withal, by the tenour of the decree, they perceived that he would not suffer any of them to live within his dominions, which caused great heaviness amongst them. Eugenius returned answer, that since it was the common cause of all the Christian Churches, it was but equal that Bishops out of other Countries should be requested to be there present also; and this he did, not because they suspected their own abilities to defend the truth, but because he knew that strangers might use more liberty of speech then they could, and that other Bishops might be witnesses of their sufferings, but this request did but more enrage this unreasonable Tyrant.

The appointed day approaching, many Bishops resorted to Carthage, worn out with afflictions and sorrows, yet for many days after their coming, there was no mention of disputing, till in the mean time the King had singled out the learnedest and skilfullest of them, that by sundry Calumniations he might make them away: Amongst whom was Laetus, a stout and learned man, whom he first impri∣soned, and then burnt him in the fire, that so he might strike a fear into the rest.

At last the Disputation began, and the Orthodox, to avoid tumult,

chose out some to answer for all the rest. The Arrians placed them∣selves upon lofty Thrones,* 1.404 whilest the Orthodox stood below upon their feet; Whereupon they said, Conference is to be taken in hand, not where proud superiority of power bears sway, but where, by common consent, the Disputants upon equal tearms debate the controversies, that truth may come to light, &c. Then were all the Catholicks commanded to have an hundred stroaks a piece with a cudgel, given them for this speech:* 1.405 Whereupon Eugenius said, The Lord from heaven behold the violence which we suffer, and consider the tribulation which we sustain from our perse∣cutors. Then did the Orthodox Bishops desire the Arrians to pro∣pound what they intended; But the Arrian Bishops seeing them ready to dispute with them, sought out tergiversations, and declined the dispute. Hereupon the Orthodox drew forth a declaration of their faith, excellently well penned, and exhibited it with this Protestati∣on, If you be desirous to know our belief,* 1.406 the faith which we hold is herein com∣prised. The Arrians stormed exceedingly at this, giving them out∣ragious language, and presently by false Calumnies they accused them to the King, and so incensed him, that by an Edict in one day he caused all the Christians Churches through Africk to be shut up,* 1.407 giving to the Arrians all the goods and Churches of the Orthodox.

Then did he command that all those godly Bishops that were met together at Carthage,* 1.408 should be spoiled of all that they had in their lodgings, and so driven out of the City-gates; having neither ser∣vant, nor beast, nor garment to s••ift them in, left unto them; and all men were forbidden either to harbour them, or give them any suste∣nance, the King threatning to burn him and all his family that should relieve them.

The Bishops being thus turned out, lay in the open fields round about the Wals: and when the Tyrant went forth to the fish-ponds, they met him, saying, Why are we so afflicted? what evil have we done? If we be called to dispute, Why are we spoiled of all we have? Why are we slandred? Why are we forced to remain here amongst the dung-hills, affli∣cted with hunger and nakedness, far from our Churches and houses? Herewith the Tyrant was so enraged, that he commanded his horse∣men to ride over them, whereby many of them were sore bruised and wounded, especially the aged and weak men: Then did he command them to meet him at the Temple of Memory: and when they came thi∣ther, they had this writing delivered to them; Our Lord King Hun∣rick, lamenting your obstinacy in refusing to obey his will, and to em∣brace his Religion, yet intends to deal graciously with you, and if you will take this oath, he will send you back to your Churches and houses: Then they all said with one consent, We are all Christians, and Bishops, and hold the Apostolical and only true faith; and thereupon they made a brief confession of their faith;* 1.409 But the Kings Commissioners urged them without any further delay to take the oath contained in that paper; Whereupon they answered, Do you think us bruit beasts, that we should so easily swear to a writing, wherein we know not what is con∣tained?

Then was the Oath read unto them, which was this, You shall swear that after the death of the Lord our King, his son Hilderick shall succeed him in the Kingdom, and that none of you shall send letters beyond the seas. If you take this oath, he will restore you to your Churches.

They that were plain-meaning men amongst them, were willing to take it; but others that saw further into the subtilty of it, refused it. Then were those which would take it, commanded to separate them∣selves from the other, which being done, a Notary presently took their names, and of what Cities they were: he did the like also by the Refusers; and so both parties were committed to ward, and short∣ly after the King sent them word; first to those that would have taken the oath: Because that you, contrary to the rule of the Gospel, which saith,* 1.410 Thou shalt not swear at all, would have sworn: The Kings Will is, that you shall never see your Churches more, but shall be banished into the wilderness, and never perform any Ministerial office again; and there you shall till the ground: But to the Refusers of the oath, he said, because you desire not the reign of our Lords son, you shall therefore be immediately sent away to the Isle of Corse, there to hew timber for the ships.

He also sent abroad through all Africk, his cruel tormentors: So that no place, no house remained free from lamentation, screeching and out-cryes. They spared neither age nor sex, but only such as yielded to their will. Some they cudgelled with staves; some they hung up, others they burned. Women, and especially gentlewomen, they openly tortured stark naked without all shame: Amongst whom was Dionysia, whom when they saw bolder, and more beautifull then the rest,* 1.411 they first commanded her to be stript naked, and made ready for the cudgels, who spake boldly to them, saying, I am assured of the love of my God,* 1.412 v••x me how you will, only my woman-hood disclose you not; But they, with greater rage, set her naked upon an high place for a publick spectacle: Then did they whip her till the streams of blood flowed all over her body: Whereupon she boldly said, Ye Ministers of Satan, that which you do for my reproach, is to me an honour. And beholding her only son,* 1.413 that was young and tender, and seemed fear∣full of torments, checking him with a motherly Authority, she so en∣couraged him, that he became much more constant then before. To whom in the midst of his terrible torments, she said, Remember, O my child,* 1.414 that we were baptized in the name of the holy Trinity: Let us not lose the garment of our salvation, least it be said, Cast them into outer darkness, where is weeping▪ and wailing and gnashing of teeth: For that pain is to be dreaded, that never endeth; and that life to be desired, that alwayes lasteth: The youth was so encouraged hereby, that he persevered patient in all his sufferings, till, in the midst of his torments, he gave up the Ghost. Many by her exhortations and example were gained to God, and animated in their sufferings.* 1.415

Not long after, Cyrillas the Arrian Bishop at Carthage, stirred up the Tyrant against the Christians,* 1.416 telling him, that he could never

expect to enjoy his Kingdom in peace, so long as he suffered any of them to live, Hereupon he sent for seven eminent Christians from Capsa to Carthage,* 1.417 whom he first assaulted with flattery and large pro∣mises of honour, riches, &c. if so be they would imbrace his faith: But these servants of Christ rejected all those profers▪ crying out, One Lord, one faith, one Baptism; saying also,* 1.418 Do with our bodies what you please, torment them at your will, its better for us to suffer these momentary pains, then to endure everlasting torments.

Hereupon they were sent to prison, loaded with great iron chains, and thrust into a stinking Dungeon: But God stirred up the hearts of many godly persons (by great bribes to the Jayler) to procure daily access to them, and by their exhortations,* 1.419 they were so corroborated in the faith, that they much desired to suffer the like things for Christ with these men, and would willingly have laid down their necks to the Persecutors swords.

The Tyrant hearing of it, was exceedingly enraged, caused them to be kept closer, loaden with more chains, and to be put to great tor∣ments. Then did he cause a ship to be filled with combustible matter, commanding that these holy Martyrs should be put into it,* 1.420 and fast bound in the same, and fire to be set to the ship in the sea, that they might be burned to death.

When they were brought out of the prison, the multitude of Gods people accompanied them to the ship, who as innocent Lambs were led to be sacrificed, looking upon their weighty irons, as rare Jewels and Ornaments. With chearfulness and alacrity they went towards the place of execution, as if they had gone to a banket,* 1.421 singing with one voice unto the Lord, as they went along the street, saying, This is our desired day, more festival then any fe••••ivity: Behold, now is the accepted time, behold, now is the day of salvation! when for the faith of our Lord God, we endure death, that we may not loose the garment of obtained faith. The people also with one voice cried; Fear not, O servants of God, neither dread the threats of your enemies: Die for Christ, who died for us, that he might redeem us with the price of his saving blood.

Amongst these was a pretty boy, to whom a subtil Seducer said, Why hastest thou, my pretty boy, unto death: let them go,* 1.422 they are mad; Take my counsel, and thou shalt not only have life, but great advancement in the Kings Court: To whom the lad answered, You shall not get me from the fellowship of these holy men,* 1.423 who bred me up, with whom I lived in the fear of God, and with whom I desire to die; and with whom I trust, I shall obtain the glory to come. And so being all put into the ship, they were burned to∣gether.

After the death of Hunrick, Gundabund succeeded in the Kingdom, who continuing in the steps of his cruel predecessors, afflicted the Christians grievously by sundry kinds of persecution, during the space of twelve years, at the end whereof he died, and Thrasamund

succeeded him, a man that excelled all his Predecessors in magnani∣mity and courage.

His manner was by perswasions, flatteries, promises and rewards, to seek to draw the Christians to his Arrian Heresie; but they which would not be prevailed with hereby, he no way punished or molested them.

In his time there were great Wars between the Moors and Vandals, the Moors had one Cabaon for their General, who commanded all his souldiers to use abstinence in their diet,* 1.424 and to abstain from women, and from all Injury and wrong-doing. The women he enclosed with∣in trenches by themselves, commanding that under pain of death no man should have access to them. Then did he send forth a certain company of Moors, commanding them privately to follow the Camp o•• the Vandals, and that wheresoever the Vandals profaned any Church of the Christians, presently after their departure, they should follow and purge the same; For (saith he) if the Christians God be a good God, then will he assist them that are devoted to him, and punish the Blasphemers. These men in counterfeit base attire, followed the Van∣dals Camp; and whereas the Vandals where ever they came, took up the Christians Churches for their Horses and Beasts of burthen,* 1.425 carrying themselves very insolently against God and his House: beating and abusing the Ministers and Church-Officers, making them to attend upon them as their slaves. After their departure the Moors on the contrary, cleansed the Churches, carried out the dung▪ kneeled down to, and reverenced the Ministers, and distributed money to the poor, and thus they did continually.

Then did Cabaon prepare to give his enemies battel; and whereas the Vandals were all Horse-men, and very well mounted, their Horses were so afrighted at the sight of the Moors Camels, that they were presently put into disorder, and the Moors with darts and arrows did so pelt them, that they put them to flight, and slew many of them, whereupon Thrasamund shortly after died of grief.

Then did Ilderick the son of Hunrick succeed in the Kingdom, who was equally mild and gentle, both to the Vandals and Christians, and one that kept very fair correspondence with the Emperour Justi∣nian. But Gilimer, a cunning and ambitious man, deposed him, and usurped the Kingdom to himself. Whereupon Justinian sent against him that brave and gallant General Billisarius,* 1.426 who overcame him in several battels, took him prisoner, freed the Christians from persecu∣tion, and subverted the Empire of the Vandals in Africk, after they had reigned there for the space of ninety years, wherein for the most part they had been cruel persecutors of the true Church of God.

* 1.427Salvian, who was Bishop of Masilia, and lived at the same season, complaineth, that before these brutish Vandals came into Africk, the Church of God there was much degenerated from its ancient purity, and the power of Godliness was much decaid; insomuch as they

which lived exactly according to the Rule of Gods Word, were hissed at as they went in the streets, as if they had been monsters: Where∣upon, saith he, the passage of the Vandals into Africk, was not to be imputed to Gods rigour, but to the Africans wickedness, &c.

Collected out of a Book written by Victor Bishop of Utica, who lived at the same time, and was himself a Sufferer under this persecution.

Here place the fifth Figure.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Quinquennium Neronis.
• * 1.2

  Nero sets Rome on fire.
• * 1.3

  The Circus burnt down.
• * 1.4

  Nero charged it upon the Chri∣stians.
• * 1.5

  Raiseth the first Persecuti∣on.
• * 1.6

  Several kinds of torments.
• * 1.7

  Beastly cruel∣ty.
• * 1.8

  Tertullians speech.
• * 1.9

  Peter and Paul martyred.
• * 1.10

  Domitians cha∣racter.
• * 1.11

  He destroyes Davids seed.
• * 1.12

  St. John put in∣to boiling oyl. Banished into Patmos.
• * 1.13

  An excellent story ••f a young man.
• * 1.14

  Sim••on crucifi∣ed.
• * 1.15

  Flavia banish∣ed.
• * 1.16

  A cruel death.
• * 1.17

  Christians slandered.
• * 1.18

  Charged with Sedition and Rebellion; and the causers of all publick Calamities. Christianos ad Leones.
• * 1.19

  The Oath ex officio.
• * 1.20

  Variety of tor∣ments.
• * 1.21

  Burial denied them.
• * 1.22

  Protasius. Ger∣vasius. Timothy and Dionysius mar∣tyred.
• * 1.23

  Trajans perse∣cution.
• * 1.24

  Pliny writes in the Christians behalf.
• * 1.25

  Christianity accounted su∣perstition.
• * 1.26

  Tertullians speech.
• * 1.27

  The stock of David sought for.
• * 1.28

  A just reward.
• * 1.29

  Phocus Martyr.
• * 1.30

  Sulpitius, Ne∣reus and A∣chilleus Mar∣tyrs.
• * 1.31

  Adrian Emp. Alexander, Herenes and Quiri••us mar∣tyrs. Zenon.
• * 1.32

  Ten thousand crucified.
• * 1.33

  Eustachius Martyr.
• * 1.34

  Monstrous in∣gratitude.

  Faustinus and Jobita Mar∣tyrs.
• * 1.35

  More.
• * 1.36

  Eleutherius, Anthea, and Symphorissa Martyrs.
• * 1.37

  With her seven sons.
• * 1.38

  Quadratus his Apology for the Christians, and Aristides, and Serenus.
• * 1.39

  Christians falsly accused.
• * 1.40

  An. Pi. Emp. shews them ••a∣vour.
• * 1.41

  An excellent Law.
• * 1.42

  Polycarp mar∣tyr.
• * 1.43

  Germanacus. Constancy.
• * 1.44

  Metrodorus. Pionus Apol∣lggy and Mar∣tyrdom.
• * 1.45

  Carpus, Papilus and Agathonica.
• * 1.46

  Felicitas and her seven chil∣dren.
• * 1.47

  Justin Ma••tyas Apology and Martyrdom.
• * 1.48

  Malice.
• * 1.49

  Ptolemaus.
• * 1.50

  Lucius.
• * 1.51

  Note.
• * 1.52

  Concordus.
• * 1.53

  Persecutions in France.
• * 1.54

  Gods Provi∣dence.
• * 1.55

  Patience.
• * 1.56

  Divers tor∣ments▪
• * 1.57

  Vetius Epaga∣thus his zeal.
• * 1.58

  Humane frailty.
• * 1.59

  Christians slandered.
• * 1.60

  Sanctus. Maturus. Attalus. Blandina.
• * 1.61

  A miracle of Mercy.
• * 1.62

  Tormentors, wearied.
• * 1.63

  Note.
• * 1.64

  Admirable constancy.
• * 1.65

  A miracle of Mercy.
• * 1.66

  Biblides.
• * 1.67

  Photinus.
• * 1.68

  Danger of A∣postacy.
• * 1.69

  Recovery after fals.
• * 1.70

  Alexander.
• * 1.71

  Note.
• * 1.72

  Blasphemy▪
• * 1.73

  Ponticus a boy of fifteen years old.
• * 1.74

  Joy unspeak∣able.
• * 1.75

  Blasphemy.
• * 1.76

  Justin Martyr. Alcibiades.
• * 1.77

  Clau. Apolina∣ris and Melito Apologize for the Christians.
• * 1.78

  The thun∣dring Legion.
• * 1.79

  A good Edict.
• * 1.80

  Apollonius.
• * 1.81

  A just reward of treachery.
• * 1.82

  Vincentius, Eu∣sebius, Peregri∣nus and Poten∣tianus. Zeal,
• * 1.83

  Julius.
• * 1.84

  Zeal.
• * 1.85

  Severus Empe∣rour.
• * 1.86

  Christians charged with sedition and rebellion, &c.
• * 1.87

  Leonides father of Origen.
• * 1.88

  Zeal.
• * 1.89

  Plutarch. Serenus. Potamiena. Marcella and Rhais.
• * 1.90

  B••silides his strange con∣version.
• * 1.91

  Narcissus. False Witnes∣ses plagued by God.
• * 1.92

  Andoclus.
• * 1.93

  Asclepiades.
• * 1.94

  Irenaeus. Tertullian. Perpetua. Felicitas. Revocatus. Satyrus. Secundulus.
• * 1.95

  Zepherinus. Urbanus.
• * 1.96

  Tiburtius. Valerianus. Cecilia.
• * 1.97

  A great Con∣version.
• * 1.98

  Agape••us a boy of fifteen years old.
• * 1.99

  Gods judge∣ment on a per∣secutor.
• * 1.100

  Calepodius.
• * 1.101

  Pamachius.
• * 1.102

  Martina.
• * 1.103

  Maximinus Emperor.
• * 1.104

  Urbanus and Philip.
• * 1.105

  Sectaries dan∣gerous.
• * 1.106

  Note.
• * 1.107

  Probably it was by the ter∣rors of his own consci∣ence.
• * 1.108

  Decius Emp.
• * 1.109

  Fabian Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.110

  A cruel Edict.
• * 1.111

  Alexander Martyr.
• * 1.112

  Babilus.
• * 1.113

  Peter.
• * 1.114

  A South-sayer stirs up a per∣secution.
• * 1.115

  Metra Martyr.
• * 1.116

  Quinta.
• * 1.117

  The Christian houses plun∣dred.
• * 1.118

  Apollinia leaps into the fire.
• * 1.119

  Serapion.
• * 1.120

  Persecutors di∣vided amongst themselves.
• * 1.121

  The danger of riches.
• * 1.122

  Zeal.
• * 1.123

  Apostacy.
• * 1.124

  Julianus Mar∣tyr, and Croni∣on.
• * 1.125

  Macar. Epim••chus.
• * 1.126

  Alexander. Ammonarion. Mercuria.
• * 1.127

  Dio••ysia.
• * 1.128

  A boy of fif∣teen years old.
• * 1.129

  Nemesion.
• * 1.130

  Humane frail∣ty.
• * 1.131

  Zeal.
• * 1.132

  Courage.
• * 1.133

  Ischirion.
• * 1.134

  The miseries of Christians. Cheremon.
• * 1.135

  Dionys••us.
• * 1.136

  A miracle of Mercy.
• * 1.137

  Flight in per∣secution.
• * 1.138

  Courage of seven souldiers.
• * 1.139

  Nicetas his ra••e chastity.
• * 1.140

  Theodora con∣demned to the Stews.

  Her strange deliverance.
• * 1.141

  Cruelty.
• * 1.142

  Agathon.
• * 1.143

  Two Mini∣sters.
• * 1.144

  Secundianus. Zeal.
• * 1.145

  Gods Judge∣ment on perse∣cutors.
• * 1.146

  Serapions Apo∣stacy,
• * 1.147

  and Recovery.
• * 1.148

  Danger of A∣postacy.
• * 1.149

  Constancy.
• * 1.150

  A Vision.
• * 1.151

  The begin∣ning of the Novatian schism.
• * 1.152

  Pride the cause of schism.
• * 1.153

  A Synod against Nova∣tus.
• * 1.154

  Aurelius.
• * 1.155

  Mappalicus.
• * 1.156

  Gods Judge∣ment on perse∣cutors.
• * 1.157

  A terrible plague.
• * 1.158

  The brotherly love of Chri∣stians.
• * 1.159

  A special Pro∣vidence.
• * 1.160

  Cyprians con∣solatory letter.
• * 1.161

  Persecution stirred up by a Sorcerer.
• * 1.162

  Sin the Fore∣runner of per∣secution.
• * 1.163

  A Vision.
• * 1.164

  Christians charged as the causes of all plagues.
• * 1.165

  Confuted by Cyprian and Tertullian.
• * 1.166

  Cyprian Mar∣tyr.
• * 1.167

  Sixtus and his Deacons.
• * 1.168

  The courage and constancy of Laurence.
• * 1.169

  The rage of Tyrants.
• * 1.170

  In all these things we are more then Conquerors.
• * 1.171

  Dionysia. banished.
• * 1.172

  The power of the Word of God.
• * 1.173

  Gods Provi∣dence.
• * 1.174

  The cruel tor∣ments of the Christians.
• * 1.175

  Priscus, Mal∣chus, Alexander
• * 1.176

  Zeal.
• * 1.177

  Three hundred Christians put into a lime-kiln.
• * 1.178

  Three Virgins cruelly tor∣mented.
• * 1.179

  Fructuosus.
• * 1.180

  Valerian Em••peror.
• * 1.181

  Gods Judge∣ment on perse∣cutors.
• * 1.182

  Marinus.
• * 1.183

  Asyrius.
• * 1.184

  Satans subtilty
• * 1.185

  Power of pray∣er.
• * 1.186

  Peace in the Church.
• * 1.187

  A special Pro∣vidence.
• * 1.188

  P••ace causeth the Church to flourish.
• * 1.189

  Sin the Fore∣runner of per∣secution.
• * 1.190

  Contention amongst Chri∣stians.
• * 1.191

  P••ide.
• * 1.192

  Bibles burnt.
• * 1.193

  Cruel Edicts.
• * 1.194

  Horrible tor∣ments.
• * 1.195

  False Accusa∣tions of Chri∣stians.
• * 1.196

  Courage.
• * 1.197

  Humane infir∣mity.
• * 1.198

  Zeal.
• * 1.199

  Subtilty.
• * 1.200

  Constancy.
• * 1.201

  A miracle of Mercy.
• * 1.202

  Silvanus. Pamphilus.
• * 1.203

  Tiranion.
• * 1.204

  Zenobius.
• * 1.205

  Sylvanus.
• * 1.206

  Peter.
• * 1.207

  Dorotheus. Gorgonius.
• * 1.208

  Anthimus.
• * 1.209

  Serena, Diocle∣sian's wife.
• * 1.210

  Christians burnt in a Church.
• * 1.211

  A Christian City burnt.
• * 1.212

  Eustratius, a Persecutor converted and martyred.
• * 1.213

  Peter.
• * 1.214

  A legion of Christians martyred.
• * 1.215

  Inhumane c••uelty.
• * 1.216

  Cruel tor∣ments.
• * 1.217

  Hellish cruelty.
• * 1.218

  Admirable pa∣tience.
• * 1.219

  Courage and constancy.
• * 1.220

  Tormentors wearied.
• * 1.221

  Humane infir∣mity.
• * 1.222

  The story of Mauritius and his legion.
• * 1.223

  A most Chri∣stian speech.
• * 1.224

  Christian cou∣rage.
• * 1.225

  The mercies of the wicked are cruelty.
• * 1.226

  Gods judge∣ments on per∣secutors.
• * 1.227

  Hypocrisie.
• * 1.228

  Silvanus. Lucianus. Peter. Quirinus.
• * 1.229

  Cruel torments
• * 1.230

  Gods judge∣ments on perse∣cutors.
• * 1.231

  A terrible fa∣mine.
• * 1.232

  Pestilence.
• * 1.233

  Charity of Christians▪
• * 1.234

  Gods judge∣ments on per∣secutors.
• * 1.235

  Hypocrisie.
• * 1.236

  Wicked Laws.
• * 1.237

  Cru••lty.
• * 1.238

  Theodorius.
• * 1.239

  Romanus's no∣ble courage.
• * 1.240

  True nobility.
• * 1.241

  Note.
• * 1.242

  Blasphemy.
• * 1.243

  A child tor∣mented.
• * 1.244

  An appeal to Christ.
• * 1.245

  The childes Martyrdom.
• * 1.246

  Gordius.
• * 1.247

  Courage.
• * 1.248

  Flattery.
• * 1.249

  Constancy.
• * 1.250

  Menas
• * 1.251

  Note.
• * 1.252

  Humane infir∣mity.
• * 1.253

  Fourty young gentlemen.
• * 1.254

  Tenta••ion of flattery.
• * 1.255

  A mother en∣courageth her son to die.
• * 1.256

  Cyrius. John. Athanasia.
• * 1.257

  Sebastian
• * 1.258

  Barlaam:
• * 1.259

  Vitalis▪
• * 1.260

  Constancy.
• * 1.261

  Agricola.
• * 1.262

  Vincentius.
• * 1.263

  Horrible cru∣elty.
• * 1.264

  Joy unspeak∣able.
• * 1.265

  Procopius.
• * 1.266

  Georg. Zeal.
• * 1.267

  Hermogenes.
• * 1.268

  Eulalia.
• * 1.269

  Zeal.
• * 1.270

  Tentation.
• * 1.271

  Eulalia.
• * 1.272

  Horrible cru∣elty.
• * 1.273

  Agnes. Tentation.
• * 1.274

  Courage.
• * 1.275

  Faith.
• * 1.276

  A remarkable judgement.
• * 1.277

  Faith.
• * 1.278

  Julitta An excellent story.
• * 1.279

  Strength of Faith.
• * 1.280

  Tentation. Constancy.
• * 1.281

  Barbara.
• * 1.282

  Magit••a••s st••r up persecution.
• * 1.283

  Simeon.
• * 1.284

  The Persion King requ••••ed Divine wor∣sh••p.
• * 1.285

  Usthazares.
• * 1.286

  Zeal.
• * 1.287

  Recovery after fall.
• * 1.288

  Tentation.
• * 1.289

  Repentance.
• * 1.290

  His Martyr∣dom.
• * 1.291

  Simeon be∣headed.
• * 1.292

  Pusices.
• * 1.293

  His Martyr∣dom.
• * 1.294

  Magicians au∣thors of perse∣cution.
• * 1.295

  Simeon sisters.
• * 1.296

  Slanders.
• * 1.297

  B••shops and Min••ste••s per∣secuted.
• * 1.298

  Andas. Hormisda.
• * 1.299

  Constancy.
• * 1.300

  Suenes.
• * 1.301

  Benjamin.
• * 1.302

  His Apostacy.
• * 1.303

  Devilish sub∣tilty.
• * 1.304

  Christians might not stu∣dy.
• * 1.305

  They may be in no Offices.
• * 1.306

  The most dan∣gerous persecu∣tion.
• * 1.307

  Christ••ans made the ob∣ject of scorn.
• * 1.308

  Barbarous cru∣elty.
• * 1.309

  Emilianus. Domitius. Theodorus.
• * 1.310

  A miracle of Mercy.
• * 1.311

  Artemius. Two brethren Martyrs.
• * 1.312

  Barbarous cru∣elty.
• * 1.313

  Marcus Ar••∣thusius.
• * 1.314

  Courage.
• * 1.315

  Barbarous cru∣elty.
• * 1.316

  Cyrillus
• * 1.317

  God's judge∣ment on Perse∣cutors.
• * 1.318

  Maris ••oldly reproveth Ju∣lian.
• * 1.319

  Blasphemy.
• * 1.320

  Devilish sub∣tilty.
• * 1.321

  Christian wis∣dom.
• * 1.322

  Juventius and Maxentius.
• * 1.323

  Christian cou∣rage.
• * 1.324

  Apollo's Image broken with lightning.
• * 1.325

  Christians fined.
• * 1.326

  Athanasius dri∣ven away.
• * 1.327

  Courage.
• * 1.328

  A special pro∣vidence.
• * 1.329

  Blasphemy.
• * 1.330

  Zeal.
• * 1.331

  Courage.
• * 1.332

  Note.
• * 1.333

  Athanas••us ac∣cused of sediti∣on.
• * 1.334

  His miraculous deliverance.
• * 1.335

  His banish∣ment and dan∣ger.
• * 1.336

  His miraculous deliverance.
• * 1.337

  He is restored for a time, and again banished.
• * 1.338

  Christian vir∣gins shame∣fully abused.
• * 1.339

  The Arrians cruelty.
• * 1.340

  B. Paul ba∣nished.
• * 1.341

  Subtilty.
• * 1.342

  An. Christi 364
• * 1.343

  Persecution raised by Va∣lens.
• * 1.344

  He succeeded Julian.
• * 1.345

  Miletius. Eusebius. Pelagius.
• * 1.346

  An admirable story.
• * 1.347

  Courage.
• * 1.348

  Gods Provi∣dence.
• * 1.349

  Eighty godly Ministers burned.
• * 1.350

  Cruelty of he∣reticks.
• * 1.351

  Peter.
• * 1.352

  Cruelty.
• * 1.353

  The Emperour refused admo∣nition.
• * 1.354

  Gods judge∣ment ••n perse∣cutors.
• * 1.355

  Bloody schis∣maticks.
• * 1.356

  Profane Schis∣maticks.
• * 1.357

  Turbulent Schismaticks.
• * 1.358

  Profane Schis∣maticks.

  Gods Judge∣ment on them. Impure schis∣maticks.
• * 1.359

  Profane Here∣ticks.
• * 1.360

  Cruelty of He∣reticks.
• * 1.361

  Prodigious
• * 1.362

  Ministers loaden with burthens.
• * 1.363

  Cruelty to In∣fants.
• * 1.364

  Pampinian.
• * 1.365

  Hippo besieged.
• * 1.366

  A special pro∣vidence.
• * 1.367

  Pride.
• * 1.368

  A noble Earl martyred.
• * 1.369

  An evil con∣science.
• * 1.370

  Constancy.
• * 1.371

  Rome sacked.
• * 1.372

  Charity.
• * 1.373

  Gods provi∣dence.
• * 1.374

  A special Pro∣vidence.
• * 1.375

  Moors conver∣ted.
• * 1.376

  Cruelty of He∣reticks.
• * 1.377

  The Bishop of Habensa.
• * 1.378

  Christians murthered at a Sermon.
• * 1.379

  Horrible pro∣faness.
• * 1.380

  Armogastes tormented.
• * 1.381

  A special pro∣vidence.
• * 1.382

  Saturu's noble courage.
• * 1.383

  Tentation.
• * 1.384

  Resisted.
• * 1.385

  Gensericks death.
• * 1.386

  Manichaeans punished.
• * 1.387

  Eugenius cho∣sen Bishop.
• * 1.388

  Envy.
• * 1.389

  Cruelty of He∣reticks.
• * 1.390

  Constancy.
• * 1.391

  Constancy.
• * 1.392

  Barbarous cru∣elty.
• * 1.393

  Multitudes ba∣nished.
• * 1.394

  Foelix.
• * 1.395

  Tentation.
• * 1.396

  Constancy.
• * 1.397

  An excellent story.
• * 1.398

  Cruelty of He∣reticks.
• * 1.399

  Cyprians sym∣pathy.
• * 1.400

  Charity.
• * 1.401

  Barbarous cru∣elty.
• * 1.402

  A special pro∣vidence.
• * 1.403

  Subtilty of He∣reticks.
• * 1.404

  Pride of Here∣ticks.
• * 1.405

  Unjust cruelty.
• * 1.406

  A confession of ••aith.
• * 1.407

  A wicked E∣dict.
• * 1.408

  Cru••lty of He∣reticks.
• * 1.409

  Devillish sub∣tilty.
• * 1.410

  A wicked sen∣tence.
• * 1.411

  Dionysia.
• * 1.412

  Impudence of Hereticks.
• * 1.413

  Courage.
• * 1.414

  She encourag∣eth her son.
• * 1.415

  The benefit of good examples.
• * 1.416

  Slanders.
• * 1.417

  Tentation.
• * 1.418

  Courage and constancy.
• * 1.419

  Gods Mercy.
• * 1.420

  Many burned in a ship.
• * 1.421

  Admirable courage and comfort.
• * 1.422

  Tentation.
• * 1.423

  Constancy of a boy.
• * 1.424

  An excellent example of an Heathen.
• * 1.425

  Profaness of Hereticks.
• * 1.426

  The destructi∣on of the per∣secuting Van∣dals.
• * 1.427

  Sin the fore∣runner of perse∣cution.