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.

Maximinus waged Battel with Licinnius and was * 1.1 overcome, and then Published an Edict in the behalf of the Christians.

Maximinus became so furious and mad that he broke the League made with Licinnius, and he raised an Irreconcilable War; and in a short space therefore with all might he molested in manner every City, and having gathered all his host together and mustered a multitude of ma∣ny Myriads, i. e. ten thousands of Souldiers, he marched to Battle, trusting in Devils whom he took for Gods, and was Arrogant, i. e. proud or Insulting, because of his great multitude of Ar∣med Souldiers, but he was overcome, and be∣came subject to most vile shame and reproach, and being stricken with rage and madness, he slew many Priests and Prophets of their Gods; Afterwards he ordained a most perfect absolute decree in the behalf of the Christians Liberty.

Wherein he said; That if any were disposed to * 1.2 cleave unto such Ceremonies (i. e. Rites, or Cu∣stoms, or to addict themselves unto the observation of that Religion, it might be Lawful for them with∣out Offence to follow their own will; And that they should be hindred or forbidden, by no man.

Our pleasure is moreover, that without fear and suspition, they should use that service which plea∣sed every man best, wherefore we have decreed to Publish this EDICT, wherby it may appear manifest unto all Men, that it may be Lawful for them as many as will follow that opinion and Reli∣gion, by this our gracious gifts and Letters Pat∣tents,

i. e. Writs, or Commissions from the Prince, as every one listeth and is delighted, so to use that * 1.3 Religion, which him pleaseth, and after his own man∣ner to exercise the same, besides this also is permit∣ed unto them that they may build places of Prayer for the Lord: Last of all, that this our gift may be the greater we have vouchsafed to decree that also: That if any House or Mannors, i. e. Farm-Houses without the walls of the Cities, heretofore belong∣ing unto the Christians Title, by the Commandment of our Ancestors have passed unto the Crown, either presently enjoyed by any City, or otherwise sold or given to any Man for a reward, all these we have Commanded they should be revoked, to the Ancient rights of the Christians, whereby all may have ex∣perience of our Piety and Providence in this behalf.

These words of the Tyrant, not one year be∣ing fully past, followed the Edicts or Proclama∣tions which against the Christians were Ingra∣ven in Pillars. Afterwards he was smitten of God with a Plague from above, and his Flesh wasted * 1.4 by an Invisible Fire, so that it consumed and dropped away, and lost all the fashion of the old form, being become like a Painted Image, dryed up of a long time; his Eyes passing their bounds, left him Blind; at length he confessed he suffered those things justly, and gave up the Ghost.

Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cantum.

Happy is he, whom other mens harms do make to beware.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Chap. 2.
• * 1.2

  An Edict in behalf of the Christians
• * 1.3

  Liberty granted.
• * 1.4

  A Judg∣ment upon this Per∣secution.