The abridgment of Eusebius Pamphilius's ecclesiastical history in two parts ... whereunto is added a catalogue of the synods and councels which were after the days of the apostles : together with a hint of what was decreed in the same / by William Caton.

Concerning Maximinus, and his Proclamation in * 1.1 the behalf of the Christians.

It seems his Behaviour towards the Christi∣ans was very cruel, and the Persecution long and tedious in his day, which continued for 12 years: He exceeded many in Hypocrisie, Super∣stition, Idolatry, Oppression, Prodigality, in Drunkenness, Lechery, &c. wherefore a plague lighted on him, which took root in his Flesh, * 1.2 and afterwards proceeded even unto his Soul. At length being thus tormented, and lying in this miserable condition, he began to ponder with himself the rash Enterprises he had pra∣ctised against the holy Worshippers of God: Wherefore returning unto himself, first he con∣fessed his Sins unto God, next calling unto him such as then were about him, he gave com∣mandment, that with all speed they should cease from persecuting the Christians; and that by the Commandment and Decree of the Empe∣ror, they should build again their Churches, &c. And his Proclamations were published through∣out the Cities, containing a Re•…•…antation of these things formerly prejudicial unto the Christians.

In the third Year of our Persecution under * 1.3 the Reign of Maximinus, the second Hurly∣burly was raised against us; and the Tyrants

Letters were then first of all brought to Urba∣nus, charging all the People of what Degree or calling soever, that they should Sacrifice unto their Gods (the Magistrates also throughout every City busily applying themselves to the same) and that the Beadles throughout all the City of C•…•…sarea, should, by virtue of the Pre∣sidents Edict, summon the Fathers, the Mothers and their Children, to appear at the Idols Temple; and that the Tribunes should like∣wise out of a Scroll (i. e. a piece of Paper or Parchment which might be called a Bill) call every one by his Name; by reason whereof, there was no where but heaviness, sobbing and sighing. And Apphianus went cheerfully unto the President as he was sacrificing, and boldly took hold on his right hand, and stayed him forthwith from doing Sacrifice, exhorting him thenceforth to cease, and to be no more sedu∣ced; saying moreover, there was no reason that he should despise the One, and the Only True God, and offer Sacrifices unto Devils,

Immediately after he was haled of the Presi∣dents Train as of savage Beasts furiously raging againest him, and tormented over all his Body with many stripes, the which he patiently suffe∣red; and for a while was clapt in prison; and afterward shas brought before the Judge, and was tortured with many Torments, and was finally cast into the Se.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ch 16, 17 18.
• * 1.2

  Judgment on a Tyrant
• * 1.3

  Chap. 22.