The history of the church from our Lords incarnation, to the twelth year of the Emperour Maricius Tiberius, or the Year of Christ 594 / as it was written in Greek, by Eusebius Pamphilius ..., Socrates Scholasticus, and Evagrius Scholasticus ... ; made English from that edition of these historians, which Valesius published at Paris in the years 1659, 1668, and 1673 ; also, The life of Constantine in four books, written by Eusibius Pamphilus, with Constantine's Oration to the convention of the saints, and Eusebius's Speech in praise of Constantine, spoken at his tricennalia ; Valesius's annotations on these authors, are done into English, and set at their proper places in the margin, as likewise a translation of his account of their lives and writings ; with two index's, the one, of the principal matters that occur in the text, the other, of those contained in the notes.

CHAP. I. How many, in the Reign of Verus, underwent most sore Persecution in France for Religion; and after what manner they suffered.

NOw France was the Countrey, wherein the place for performance of the forementi∣oned Combats was appointed. The chief Mother-cities whereof, (and which be more emi∣nently famous than the other Cities there,) are Ly∣ons and Vienna; through both which the river Rhone passes, encompassing with a great and rapid stream that whole Region. The Churches therefore that were most eminent in those parts sent an account in writing concerning their Martyrs to the Churches throughout Asia and Phrygia; relating, after this manner, what was done amongst them: For I will insert their very words:

a 1.1 The servants of Christ

which inhabit Vienna and Lyons in France, to the brethren throughout Asia and Phrygia, which have the same Faith and Hope of Redem∣ption with us; Peace, Grace, and Glory from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

Then, having after this by way of pre∣face premised some words, they begin their re∣lation with these:

Now the ••ore affliction a∣mongst us▪ the great rage of the heathens a∣gainst the Saints, and what the blessed Martyrs endured; we are neither able accurately to ex∣press, nor indeed can it be comprized in writing. For the adversary invaded us with his utmost vi∣gour, shewing forth even then his arrival a∣mongst us, and some beginnings of his future cruelty. For he left nothing unattempted, whilst by way of practise he prepared, and before hand exercised his ministers against the servants of God. So that we were not onely prohibited to come into b 1.2 private houses, the Baths, and the c 1.3 Forum, but it was also by them in∣terdicted that no one of us should at all appear in any place whatsoever. But the Grace of God fought for us against the Devil; which both defended such as were weak, and also set in array against him such men as, like pillars, were firm and immovable, who by reason of their patience in en∣during sufferings, might have been able to have pulled on themselves the whole force of the De∣vil. These persons en∣gaged him hand to hand, undergoing all manner of reproach and punishment; and, accounting the greatest sufferings to be small and trivial, they hastned unto Christ; truly demonstra∣ting, * 1.4 that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. First therefore they couragiously underwent whatsoever [a∣buses] were cumulated on them by the whole multitude, to wit, the shouts against them, the stripes, the draggings up and down, the taking away of their goods, the casting of stones at them, their being d 1.5 shut up within their own houses; and all things which an exasperated multitude doe usually undertake against their enemies and adversa∣ries: Then, being brought into the Forum by the Tri∣bune of the Souldiers and the e 1.6 Magistrates of the City, they were exami∣ned in the presence of the whole multitude; and▪ ha∣ving made their confession, were shut up in prison un∣till the arrival of the f 1.7 Pre∣sident. Afterwards, when they were brought be∣fore the Governour, (who exercised all manner of cruelty against us) g 1.8 Vettius Epagathus, one of the brethren, who had arrived to an immense degree of love to God and his neighbour; whose course of life had been so exact and accurate, that although he was a young man, yet he deserved the eloge of Zachariah Seniour; for he had walked in all the Commandments and Ordinances of the Lord, blameless, and was most ready to perform all good Offices towards his neighbour, being full of the zeal of God, and fervent in Spirit: This person, I say, being such an one, was not able to bear those so unjust procee∣dings against us, but was greatly moved with in∣dignation, and requested that he also might be heard to make a defence in behalf of the bre∣thren, [and to manifest] that there was nothing of impiety or irreligion amongst us. But when those about the Tribunal cried out against him, (for he was an eminent personage,) and when the Governour refused the request so justly pro∣posed by him, and onely ask't him whether he also were a Christian; he confest it with a most loud voice, and was received into the number of the Martyrs, being termed by the Governour the Advocate of the Christians: But he had with∣in himself an Advocate, to wit, the holy Spirit, in a greater degree than h 1.9 Zacharias had; which he evidently manifested by his abundant love, in that he was well contented to deposite his own life for the defence of the brethren. For he was, and is, a genuine disciple of Christ, following the Lamb whit hersoever he go∣eth. Then others i 1.10 were diligently proved and exa∣mined; and they were il∣lustrious and ready proto-Martyrs, who with all ala∣crity of mind accomplished the solemn confession of Martyrdom. Moreover, those who were unpre∣pared, unexercised, as yet weak, and unable to under∣goe the severity of so great a combat, were then ap∣parent: of whom about ten in number fell away, which was the occasion of great grief and im∣measurable sorrow to us, and disturbed that alacri∣ty of mind in others who were not yet apprehen∣ded; who although they suffered all sorts of mi∣sery, yet were present with the Martyrs, and de∣parted not from them. At that time we were all in a great consternation of mind, because we were dubious about the [perseverance of such as were to] confess [themselves to be Christians;] not that we feared the torments that were to be inflicted, but, revolving in our minds the issue of affairs, we were fearfull least any one should fall

off from the faith. Now there were daily taken such as were worthy to fill up their number; so that those, who were most eminent in k 1.11 both the Churches, and by whom especially matters here had been settled, were all pickt out and appre∣hended. Some Heathens also, our servants, were seized upon; (for the President did in publick give command that we should all be diligently search't out;) which per∣sons, by reason of the treachery of Satan, being afraid of the torments which they saw the Saints under∣go, the Souldiers inciting them thereto, raised lyes against us, and reported that we used the suppers of l 1.12 Thyestes, and the ince∣stuous carnal copulation of m 1.13 Oedipus, and such other things as 'tis neither lawfull for us to utter, nor to think of, nor to believe, that any such fact was ever commit∣ted among men. These stories being spread a∣broad, all persons were enraged against us; in so much, that if there were any who before had been moderate to∣wards us by reason of affinity or friendship; even these were then greatly displeased with, and mightily incensed against, us. Thus was fulfilled that which our Lord had said, that the time shall come wherein * 1.14 whosoever killeth you, will think that he doeth God good service. From thenceforth therefore the holy Martyrs under∣went such torments as are inexpressible and above all declaration: Satan endeavouring with much earnestness that some slanderous and re∣proachfull words might be uttered by n 1.15 them also. But the whole rage both of the multitude, of the President, and of the Souldiers did in a more violent manner fall upon o 1.16 Sanctus, of Vienna, a Deacon, and upon Ma∣turus, a person indeed who had been lately baptized, but yet proved a coura∣gious Champion of Christ; upon Attalus also, by coun∣trey a Pergamenian, who al∣ways was a pillar and prop of the Churches here; and lastly upon Blandina; by whom Christ demonstra∣ted, that those things which among men seem vile, ob∣scure, and despicable, are by God accounted worthy of great honour, by reason of the love shown to him, which is actually and powerfully manifested, and not in pretence and shew boasted of. For when we were all afraid, and she that was her mistress after the flesh (who also was one of the Champions of the Martyrs) feared, least, by reason of the imbecillity of her body, she should not be able with boldness and freeness to make her confession: Blandina was supplied with so great strength, that those who by turns tortu∣red her all the time from morning till evening, be∣came feeble and weak; and confest themselves overcome, having nothing further to doe to her; they admired also that she yet continued to breathe, her whole body having been mangled and pierced through; and they attested, that one sort of torture was sufficient to have bereaved her of life, much more so many and so great tor∣ments. But this blessed woman, like a coura∣gious Champion, recovered fresh supplies of strength during her confession: and it was a refreshment, and an ease to her, and abated the pain of those torments that were inflicted on her, to pronounce these words, to wit, I am a Christian, and there is nothing of wickedness acted amongst us. But Sanctus, having in an extraordinary, and more than humane, manner, couragiously endured all the torments men could invent, (the impious wretches hoping by rea∣son of the continuedness and exquisiteness of his torments to have heard some undecent expres∣sions from him,) withstood them with so great a degree of courage, that he declared neither his own name, nor that of his Countrey, nor of the City where he was born, nor yet whether he were a servant or a freeman: but to all the inter∣rogatories, he made answer in the Roman tongue, I am a Christian: this he declared time after time successively, instead of [acknowledging] his name, his City, his kindred, or any thing else: neither could the Heathens get any other words out of him. Upon which account the rage both of the President and of the tormentours a∣gainst him was exceeding great, and their en∣deavours to master him were obstinate and earnest. Insomuch that when they had nothing further to torture him with, at last they clapt plates of brass that were red hot upon the most tender members of his body; which parts of his body were burnt indeed; but he stood up∣right without bending of himself at all, was in∣vincible, and continued stedfast and constant in his confessions; being bedewed and strengthened with that celestial fountain of living water which flowed out of the * 1.17 belly of Christ. His body was a sufficient evidence of what had happened, being all over full of wounds, and prints of stripes, p 1.18 bowed and drawn together, and having lost the external form and shape of a man: in which Christ suffering accom∣plished therein great glo∣ry, vanquishing the ad∣versary and demonstrating for the information of others, that there is nothing formidable where the love of the father is, nor any pain where the glory of Christ is present. For when those im∣pious wretches some few days after began again to torture the Martyr, and supposed that if they should make use of the same torments whilst his body was swelled and the q 1.19 wounds thereof in∣flamed, either they might master him, when he could not indure to be touch't by hands, or that he would die under his torments and so strike a terrour into others: not onely no such thing happened concerning him, but also, contrary to the opinion of all men, his body became erect and was repaired in these latter tortures; and he recovered his former shape, and the use of his limbs. So that his being tormented the second time was not a punishment to him, but by the grace of Christ proved to be his r••medy. More∣over, the devil caused one Biblias to be brought forth to punishment, (being one of those who had renounced Christ,) whom he supposed to

be by him already devoured, but was further desirous to have her condemned of blasphemy, constraining her, being now weak and not coura∣gious, to utter some impious expressions con∣cerning us. But she came to her self again at the time of her being tortured, and (as we may so speak,) was awaked out of her profound sleep, being by the present punishment reminded of the eternal torments in hell; and she re∣turned a contradictory an∣swer to r 1.20 those that slaun∣dred us, saying, how should such persons eat little chil∣dren, for whom 'tis un∣lawfull to eat the bloud even of irrational creatures. From that instant she con∣fest her self to be a Chri∣stian, and was added to the number of the Martyrs. But when the punishments of those tyrannous persons were rendred inef∣fectual by Christ, through the patient sufferance of the blessed Martyrs, the devil invented other subtil devices, to wit, the imprisonments of them in darkness, and in the most noisome parts of the prison, the stretching of their feet in the s 1.21 stocks, which were strained to the fifth hole, and such other sorts of punishment as enraged ministers (and therefore full of the devil) doe usually provide for those that are shut up in prison. So that many were suffocated in prison, whom the Lord, manifesting his own glory, was pleased should after that manner depart out of this life. For some (who had been so cruelly tortured, that in all likelyhood they could not possibly live any lon∣ger, although they should have had all methods of cure administred to them,) continued in prison; desti∣tute indeed of humane as∣sistance, but corroborated by the Lord, and strengthen∣ed in body and mind, who also encouraged and com∣forted the rest: But others who were young, and newly apprehended, whose bodies had not before been accustomed to en∣dure tortures, were not able to bear the bur∣then of confinement, but died in prison. Now the blessed Pothinus, who was entrusted with the administration of the Episcopal Office in Lyons, being above the age of ninety years, and very infirm of body, scarce able indeed to draw his breath by reason of his present bodily imbecillity, but corroborated with alacrity of mind through an earnest desire of an approach∣ing Martyrdom; He, I say, was also haled to the Tribunal: his body indeed was both by age and also by his distemper decayed and spent, but his life was preserved in him, that Christ might triumph thereby. He, being carried to the Tribunal by the Souldiers, the Magistrates of the City accompanying him, and the whole multitude raising shouts of all sorts against him, (as if he had been Christ,) exhibited a good testimony: but being asked by the President who was the God of the Christians, he replied, if you be worthy, you shall know. After this answer, he was drag'd up and down after a most inhumane manner, and suffered various sorts of blows and stripes; both those who were neer, exercised all manner of injurious usage to∣wards him with hands and feet, shewing no reverentiall respect to his age; and such as were at a distance cast at him whatever each person had ready at hand: yea, they all accoun∣ted it to be a great offence and an impiety, should any one have been deficient in his inso∣lent usage of him. For by this means they thought they should revenge their gods. And when there was scarce any breath left in him, he was cast into prison, where after two days he expited. But here there came to pass a sin∣gular dispensation of Gods providence, and the immense mercy of Jesus was demonstrated; [an instance whereof] has indeed rarely hap∣pened among the Brotherhood, but which was not at all disagreeable to the skill, and dexterity of Christ. For those who, upon their being first apprehended, renounced the Faith, were themselves also confined to prison, and partook of the same miseries which the Martyrs under∣went: for their denial of the Faith was not in any wise beneficiall to them at that juncture of time. But those who confest themselves to be what they really were, were imprisoned as Chri∣stians, no other crimination being laid to their charge: but these were kept in custody, as being, besides that, murderers and wicked per∣sons, and underwent double the punishment that others did. For the joy of Martyrdom, the hope of the Promises, the Love to Christ, and the Spirit of the Father comforted those: but their conscience did heavily torture these; in so much that * 1.22 in their passage from the prison to the Tribunal their countenances might be ma∣nifestly known and distinguished from all the rest. For those came forth chearfully, their countenances being intermixt with very much of majesty and pleasantness: in so much that their fetters encompassed them with a beautifull comliness, like a bride bedeck't with fringes of gold † 1.23 wrought about with divers colours: and moreover they yielded a scent of the sweet savour of Christ; so that some thought they were anointed with terrestrial oyntment. But these had a dejected countenance, look't unplea∣santly and illfavoured, and were filled with all manner of deformity: moreover they were re∣viled by the very Heathens, as being cowardous and unmanly; having indeed procured them∣selves the crimination of murderers, but lost that most honourable, glorious, and vivifick appel∣lation [of Christians.] Which things when the rest beheld; they were made stedfast; and such as were apprehended did without any thing of dubiousness confess themselves to be Christians, entertaining not the least thought of diabolical consideration.

To these, having interposed some words, they again add, saying,—

Afterwards therefore, their Martyrdoms were divided into all sorts of death: for, having platted one Crown of different colours, and of all sorts of flowers, they offered it to the Father. It was indeed fit, that those couragious Champions, who had under∣gone a various combat, and been egregious con∣querours, should receive the invaluable Crown of incorruption. Maturus therefore, and Sanctus, and Blandina, and Attalus were brought before the wild-beasts into the t 1.24 Amphitheatre, and into

the publick place, where the inhumanity of the Heathens was exhibited; * 1.25 a day for fighting with the wild-beasts being granted purposely upon the account of those of our Religion. And Ma∣turus, and Sanctus, did a∣gain undergoe all sorts of torments in the Amphithe∣atre, as if they had before suffered nothing at all: but the rather, because having already subdued the adver∣sary in many x 1.26 encounters, and being now to engage in a Combat for the Crown it self, they again under∣went such stripes in their passage thither as are custo∣marily inflicted; the being torn and drag'd up and down by the wild-beasts; and whatever else the en∣raged people, some from one place some from ano∣ther, called aloud for, and commanded; and in fine, the Iron chair, upon which their bodies being broyled, filled their noses with the offensive smell of burnt flesh. Neither did they make an end of their cruel∣ty thus, but were yet more fiercely enraged, being de∣sirous to overcome the pa∣tient sufferance of the Mar∣tyrs: But they heard no o∣ther expression from San∣ctus, save that which he had usually uttered all a∣long from the beginning of his confession. These two persons therefore, af∣ter they had continued a∣live a long while under the sufferings of a mighty com∣bat, at last were slain; ha∣ving been made a spectacle to the world throughout that day, instead of all that variety which is exhibi∣ted in the combats of the Gladiatours. But Blan∣dina, being hung upon a piece of wood fixt in the ground, was proposed as food for the wild-beasts to prey upon; who also, (in that she seemed to hang in the form of a Cross,) by her strong and earnest prayer, implanted much alacrity upon the minds of those that were combatants; when they saw (whilst they were undergoing their suffer∣ings,) even with their out∣ward eyes, under the per∣son of their sister, Him who was therefore crucified for them, that he might perswade those which be∣lieve in him, that whosoever suffers for the glory of Christ hath eternal communion with the living God. Now when none of the wild∣beasts would then touch her, she was taken from the stake, and cast again into prison, being reserved for another combat: that so, having been y 1.27 Conquerour in many incounters, she might render the condemnation of the crooked Serpent inexcusable; also she encouraged the brethren, and though she was a person of small esti∣mation, infirm, and despi∣cable, yet having clothed herself with the strength of Christ that great and invincible Champion, she vanquished the adversary in many encounters; and, after a glorious combat, was encircled with a Crown of incorruption. Attalus also was by the multitude most earnestly required to be delivered up to punishment, for he was an emi∣nent person, and by reason of the clearness of his conscience proceeded forth like a Champion prepared for the combat, in that he had been perfectly and throughly exercised in the Chri∣stian discipline, and was always a witness of the truth amongst us: and after he had been z 1.28 lead round the Amphi∣theatre, (a table being car∣ried before him whereon was written in the Roman tongue, This is Attalus the Christian,) and the people had vehemently swell'd with rage and a••∣ger against him; the Presi∣dent having understood that he was a Roman, comman∣ded he should again be com∣mitted to custody amongst the rest that were in prison. Concerning whom he wrote to Caesar, and expected an Edict from him. Now, this interval of time was spent neither idly, nor un∣fruit••ully by them, but by their patient sufferance, the immeasurable mercy of Christ was made apparent: for those members of the Church that were dead, were by the living revived; and the Martyrs conferred * 1.29 kindnesses upon those who were no Martyrs; and there was a great joy begotten in the Virgin Mother [the Church;] she having again received those alive, whom by abortion she had cast forth as dead. For through the means of the holy Martyrs many of those who had renounced the faith, were newly formed in the womb, born again, had their vital heat rekindled in them, and learned to confess themselves to be Christians. And ha∣ving now recovered life and strength, they came before the tribunal, (God, who desireth not the death of a sinner but is indulgent and kindly in∣vites him to repentance, a 1.30 in••using a sweetness in∣to them) that they might again be interrogated by the President. For Caesar had signified by his Re∣script, that those [who confest themselves to be Christians,] should be b 1.31 tortured; but if any re∣nounced the Faith, they

should be dismist from their imprisonment. Now, the publick c 1.32 Assembly here (which is frequented by a numerous concourse of people of all nations that meet together at it) being newly begun, [the President] ordered the blessed Martyrs to be brought before the Tribunal, ma∣king them a gazing-stock, and, by way of ostenta∣tion, producing them as a pompous shew to the multitude. When there∣fore he had again interro∣gated them, as many as were found to have the priviledge▪ of being free of the City of Rome, he or∣dered should be beheaded; the rest were cast to the wild-beasts. But Christ was greatly glorified through those who formerly had renounced the Faith, but then (contrary to the expectation of the Heathens) became to be Confessours: for these persons were interrogated apart, as being, in all probability, forthwith to be set at liberty; but, having confess't themselves to be Chri∣stians, they were added to the d 1.33 number of the Martyrs. Now, they continued without, who never had the least impression of Faith, nor a sense of the Wedding garment, nor a thought about the fear of God; but by their conversa∣tion defamed the way of Truth, that is, were the sons of perdition: But all the rest were added to the Church; during whose examination, one A∣lexander, by countrey a Phrygian, by profes∣sion a Physitian, a person who had dwelt many years in the Gallia's, and was known almost to all men by reason of his love to God, and his boldness and fearlesness in Preaching his word, (for he wanted not Apostolick grace;) standing near to the Tribunal, and by nods en∣couraging them to a confession of the Faith, ap∣peared to those who stood round the Tribunal as if he endured the * 1.34 pangs of childbirth: now the multitude being in a great sume, because those, who had before renounc't the Faith, did now again make confession of it, cried out against Alexander, as if he were the occasion thereof: and the President (having commanded him to be e 1.35 set before him, and asked him who he was, and he having said that he was a Christian) being in a rage, condemned him to be cast to the wild-beasts. And the day following he entred the Amphitheatre together with Attalus; (for the Pre∣sident, to gratifie the multitude, did again deliver Attalus to the wild-beasts:) which two persons, having undergone all the instruments of torment in the Amphitheatre, that were invented to tor∣ture them with, and endured a great combat, were at last f 1.36 run through with a sword. Alex∣ander indeed did neither sigh, nor utter any ex∣pression at all; but in his heart spoke to God, and continued praysing of, and praying to him: but Attalus, when he was set in the Iron chair, and scortched all over, (when the favour of his burnt flesh ascended from his body,) said to the multitude in the Roman tongue, behold, this that you doe, is to devour men; but we neither devour men, nor practise any other thing that is evill: being asked also what name God had, he answered, God has not a name, as man has. In fine, after all these persons, on the g 1.37 last day of the Gladiatours combats, Blandina was again brought forth, together with Ponticus a youth about fifteen years old; (who also were e∣veryday led in, to see the tortures of the rest) and they constrained them to swear by their Idols: but because they continued firm and constant, and contem∣ned their gods, the multi∣tude was so enraged against them, that they neither had compassion on the age of the young man, nor shewed any reverential respect towards the Sex of the woman, but exposed them to all manner of cruell tortures, and made them pass through the whole circuit of torments, now and then com∣pelling them to swear, but were unable to effect that. For Ponticus, being encouraged by his sister, (insomuch that the Heathens perceived it was ••he that encouraged and strengthened him) ha∣ving couragiously undergone all sorts of tor∣tures, gave up the ghost. But the blessed Blan∣dina, the last of all, having like a noble and va∣liant mother encouraged her children, and sent them before as conquerors to the King; af∣ter she had measured over the same course of Combats that her sons had passed through, hastned to them, being glad, and rejoycing at her exit, as if she had been invited to a nuptial supper, and were not to be cast to the wild∣beasts. And after she had been scourged, ex∣posed to the fury of the wild-beasts, and set in the h 1.38 Iron-chair, at last she was inclosed in a net, and thrown before a i 1.39 Bull: by which beast after she had been very much tossed, (ha∣ving been all along wholly insensible of the tortures she underwent, because of her hope and her retaining a firm assent to those things she believed, and also by reason of her familiar con∣verse in prayer with Christ,) she also was run through with a sword: and the very Heathens themselves con∣fessed, that there never was any woman among them, which suffered so many and so great tor∣tures. But their rage and cruelty towards the saints was not thus satiated: for the Savage and Barbarous Nations, having been stirred up by that k 1.40 fierce wild-beast, could not without great difficulty be appeased; but their cruelty was begun afresh, in a new and peculiar manner▪ a∣gainst the bodies of the Saints. For they were so far from being ashamed that they had been vanquished by the Martyrs (because they were destitute of humane reason and consideration,) that their rage was more enkindled; both the President and also the people (like a fierce beast) most unjustly demonstrating the same degree of hatred against us: that the Scripture might be fulfilled, l 1.41 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still,

and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still. For those who had been suffocated in pri∣son, they cast to the dogs; watching continually night and day, least any of us should interre them; then, having exposed the pieces of the bodies, as well what were left undevoured by the wild∣beasts, as what remained unconsumed by the fire, partly torn, and partly burnt, also the heads of the rest together with their trunks, they kept them likewise unburied with a guard of Soul∣diers for the space of many days. And some were full of indignation, and gnashed their teeth at the dead, being desirous to take some further revenge of them. Others insulted over and derided them, extolling their Idols, and attri∣buting the punishment of the Martyrs to them. But those that were more mild, and who seemed in some measure to sympathize with us, up∣braided us very much, saying, where is their God? and what emolument hath this Religion brought them, which they preferred before their own lives? And such variety was there in the Heathens behaviour towards us; but we were affected with a great grief, because we could not hide the bodies in the earth: for neither was the night assistant to us therein, m 1.42 neither would money perswade them, nor could our prayers induce them to grant our request: but they watched the bodies with all imaginable care and diligence, as if they were to gain some great matter, if they should not be buried.

After these words, having interposed some other expres∣sions, they proceed, saying,

The Bodies there∣fore of the Martyrs, having undergone all man∣ner of ignominious usage, and being exposed in the open air for six days space, were afterwards burnt; and being reduced to ashes, were by those impious wretches n 1.43 swept into the River Rhone which runs hard by; that so no remains of them might be any longer visible upon earth. And this they did, as if they were able to have vanquished God, and deprive them of a resurrection; that so (as they said) they might have no hope of rising again; of which being fully perswaded, they introduce a strange and new Religion a∣mongst us, and, contemning the most exquisite torments, doe readily, and with alacrity of mind willingly undergoe death. Let us now see whether they shall rise again, and whether their God is able to assist them, and deliver them out of our hands.

Notes

• a 1.1

  There a∣rises here a double question; (1.) Why this Epistle was written joyntly by the two Churches, that of Vienna, and that of Lyon••? (2.) Why the French wrote in Greek to the Churches of Asia and Phrygia? As to the first, I suppose it was for this reason done, because the Churches of Vienna and Lyons were joyned together, not onely by vicinity of place, but also by the bonds of mutual love. And seeing they had together been engaged in the same Persecution, they joyntly wrote an Epistle concerning their own Martyrs. Besides, both Pro∣vinces seem at that time to have been under the jurisdiction of one President; which may be conjectured from hence, because as well they of Vienna, as those of Lyons, are in this Epistle said to have been by the President apprehended, and condemned for the Faith of Christ. These therefore are the reasons why they wrote joyntly. For that which some have supposed, (to wit, that then there was but one Bishop of Vienna and Lyons) is easily confuted out of this Epistle, which says that Pothinus was Bishop of Lyons, but not of Vienna. Moreover, those of Lyons doe, out of respect, set the name of those of Vienna first, whenas notwithstanding they of Lyons wrote the Epistle concerning the things which were done at their own City. Which re∣spect also may seem to be attributed to the antiquity, and nobility, of the Colonie at Vienna. As to the second query, we may understand from this Epistle, that there were many Grecians in the Church of Lyons, as was Attalus, and Alexander the Phrygian, and Alcibiades, who was by original extract a Phrygian also, as I think: also Iren••us was born in Asia, and, when he was very young, had, together with Florinus, been an auditour of Polycarps at Smyrna; as he himself evidences. The very name also of Pothinus the Bishop shews him to be originally a Grecian. 'Tis no wonder therefore, that those who came out of Asia into the Gallia's, should write to their brethren that were in Asia con∣cerning their affairs; from whom, as 'tis probable, they had before re∣ceived that Epistle concerning the Martyrdom of Polycarp, and others. I suppose Irenaeus to have been the Authour of this Epistle, who at that time was a Presbyter of the Church at Lyons. Vales.
• b 1.2

  The term in the original is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] which signifies onely pri∣vate houses, from which the Chri∣stians were then driven, that is, from the houses of their friends, re∣lations, &c. For I agree not with Rufinus, who thought that the Christians were prohibited to in∣habit their own houses. Vales.
• c 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the term in the original; which signifies any pro∣miscuous or popular assembly; these (setting aside the sacred assemblies, which are otherwise expressed) are principally of two sorts, either (1.) to buy and sell, or (2.) to resort for justice; and the word here used commonly signifies both, or either of these, (1.) a fair or market, (2.) a place of judicature, an hall, or court of judgment. The Ro∣mans termed this place Forum; which word they used in the same latitude that the Grecians did 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. At this place, and here∣after, we have made use of the Latine term in our translation; and we therefore put this note in here, that the English Reader might understand the meaning of it.
• * 1.4

  Rom. 8. 18.
• d 1.5

  Here in the first place is re∣counted the injurious usage, which the Christians suffered from the whole multitude; wherein impri∣sonment can have no place. For the Judges, and not the people, had power to imprison those that were guilty. Rufinus therefore translates [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] concludi, i. e. to be shut up. For the hea∣thens shut up the Christians with∣in their own houses, and would not suffer them to come abroad. Vales.
• e 1.6

  He means the muncipal Ma∣gistrates, who were also called the duumviri. Although the term 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (here used) is usually meant of those judges which have the power of the sword; (See Ulpian. in tit. de Jurisdict.) yet it de∣notes the municipal Magistrates also, who, as the Civilians phrase it, have modicam coercitionem. Vales.
• f 1.7

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 (the term that occurs here) has a general signification. For all Governours of Provinces are so called, be they Procuratours, Proconsuls, or Deputies of Caesar. It may therefore be deservedly questioned of which of these three sorts the Governour of the Pro∣vince of Lyons was▪ Indeed, I think he was the Deputy of Caesar, Which I am induced to suppose (1.) because there is mention here made of the Tribune of the Souldiers. For that agrees very well with the Deputy of Caesar▪ who lookt after the Military affairs. (2.) In the old inscription, which Gruter speaks of, pag. 427, he is termed Deputy of the Lugdunensian Province. See Gruter. Inscript. p. 427. Lastly, Spartianus (in Severo) attests, that the Province of Lyons was in the Reign of M. Antoninus governed by Deputies of Caesar. And perhaps in this Epistle of those of Lyons, Severus is meant: for he was Deputy of the Lugdunensian Province under Marcus. Junius Blesus also (whom Tacitus in the B. 1. of his History calls Governour of Gallia Lugdunen∣sis) was Deputy of this Province; and so was Vitrasius Pollio in the times of Adrjan. Vales.
• g 1.8

  This Martyrs name should be writ∣ten with a double ••, as it is in the Maz. and Fuk. M. SS. For Vettius is a Roman name, and occurs in Cicero, and Juvenal▪ Vales.
• h 1.9

  They mean Za∣chariah the Priest, the father of John the Baptist, whom they call Seniour, comparing Epagathus, a young man, with him. Vales.
• i 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the term here used. It seems to be a Metaphor taken from Champions, who be∣fore they engaged in the com∣bat, were wont to be examined and proved, whether they were free men, and of the age that Cham∣pions should be. And those that were admitted to the combat, were said 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ such as were repu∣diated 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ the examina∣tion it self was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as I collect from this place. Indeed this Epistle is very full of Athletical terms, as 'tis manifest from this place▪ and as we will shew more plainly hereafter. Vales.
• k 1.11

  To wit, in the Church of Vienna and in that of Lyons. But these words are in an especial manner to be taken notice of, be∣cause from them it appears mani∣festly, that the Church of Vienna, as well as that of Lyons, had at that time its Bishop. For by an∣tient writers it is not called a Church unless it be a mother-Church, which we call a Cathedral. Ado Viennensis (in his Chronicon) says Justus was Bishop of Vienna at that time; who having been macerated with a long Exile, was at last Crowned with Mar∣tyrdom. Vales.
• l 1.12

  The story goes, that this Thyestes eat part of his own son; whom Atreus his brother (to be revenged of him for committing adultery with his wife) made ready, and set before him.
• m 1.13

  He (not knowing her to be so) married his own mother Jo∣cast••, (having before out of igno∣rance slain his own father Laius,) of whom he begat four sons.
• * 1.14

  Joh. 16. 2.
• n 1.15

  The servants of the Chri∣stians (before mentioned) being afraid of the tortures they were threatned with, had confest that the Christians killed infants, and committed incest: and here the devill endeavoured, that the Chri∣stians themselves, which were ap∣prehended, should after the same manner calumniate the Christian Religion. Therefore the Judges tortured them all manner of ways, that they should confess, that they eat children, and committed in∣cest. Upon this account Blandina (as hereafter it follows) cried out amidst her tortures—I am a Christian, and there is nothing of wickedness acted amongst us. Vales.
• o 1.16

  This Sanctus was born at Vienna, but was a Deacon of the Church at Lyons. Vales.
• * 1.17

  See Joh. 7. 38.
• p 1.18

  That is, by reason of the greatness of his tortures. For they who were tortured in the Eculeus (the description of which Engine see in Turnebus his Advers. L. 4. c. 39.) were forced to bow their heads very much. Vales.
• q 1.19

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the term in the ori∣ginal. Ru∣finus (as by his Ver∣sion ap∣pears) read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. wounds; which rea∣ding seems to be right. Vales.
• r 1.20

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; thats the reading of the Maz. Med. Fuk. and Savil. M. SS. And 'tis bet∣ter than 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. the Tormentours, as 'tis in Robert Stephens Edit. They are meant here, who calumniated the Chri∣stian Religion; or at least those, who, by reason of the sharpness of the tortures, renounc't it, and confest that the Christians killed infants, and committed incest. Vales.
• s 1.21

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; i. e. in the stocks, see chap. 16. B. 4. and the note there, con∣cerning this term. The fashion of this Engine for punishment, and the manner how persons were punished in it, seems to have been this. It was a piece of tim∣ber, wherein five paire of holes were made, at a certain distance one from the other: into these holes (as it were into boots) they put the feet of offenders, and fastned them therein with cords and fetters. The meaning of [their feet being strained to the fifth hole] is, they forced them to stradle so wide, as to put their feet into the last pair of holes; which posture, (those holes being at the greatest distance one from the other) was the sharpest degree of torture in this Engine. Vales.
• * 1.22

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the phrase, i. e. in their passage from their con∣finement to the place of judicature. Vales.
• † 1.23

  Psal. 45. 10.
• t 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. By this term the Amphitheatre seems to be understood▪ For it can't be referred to [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] because the preposition is repeated, thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. This is the reading of the Maz. Med. Fuk. & Savil. M. SS. Vales.
• * 1.25

  The meaning of this place is, that the President, or Deputy, of the Province of Lyons granted the people an extraordinary shew of fighting with the wild beasts; a day being appointed for that purpose, because of the Chri∣stians, who were condemned to the beasts. For the Romans had set days for these Spectacles, which fell on the month of December, as may be seen in the Calender of Heruuartius. Except on these days, i•• was unlawfull for the be∣stowers of these sports, or for the duumviri (on whom the charge of these shews was imposed) to exhibit these spectacles of fight∣ing with wild-beasts to the peo∣ple. But those judges, who had the power of the sword and of condemning persons to the beasts, exhibited these shews as often as they pleased, that they might de∣light the people by destroying of offenders. Vales.
• x 1.26

  We noted before, that many Athletical terms were made use of in this Epistle. Amongst which is to be accounted the term [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] which occurs here. For the Champions, who were to con∣tend in the games, were wont to be drawn forth by lot, which, af∣ter what manner it was done, Lucian (in Hermotimo) tells us. There was a little silver box, dedicated to the God that pre∣sided over the Games, into which the Lots were cast. Upon two the Letter A was written; upon other▪ two the Letter B, and so on. Then the Champions drew these Lots out of the box. Those two, who drew ••orth the Lettter A, engaged one with the other, and sought in the first place: and this was the [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.] In like manner, they that drew the Letter B, engaged one another in the second place. So the Lot and the Ur•• assigned every one his Antagonist. He that vanquished his adversary, was not immediate∣ly Crowned, but engaged in ano∣ther encounter with those others who had conquered their adver∣saries, untill there remained onely one Victour over all. Upon which account they drew Lots several times. Hence 'tis, that in the Farne••ian inscription (which Gru∣ter speaks of pag. 314.) one Asclepiades is said to have got∣ten the victory in many encoun∣ters, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; i. e. after the first or second casting of Lots ha∣ving vanquished the Antagonist•• the second, or third time. For this was usual for that reason I men∣tioned, as often as there were ma∣ny couples of Champions. For the conquerours engaged one ano∣ther, and there was a second and third drawing of Lots amongst them, untill the victory remained to one. And this is that which, in this Epistle, is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Vales.
• y 1.27

  It should be [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.] So 'tis in the Med. M. S. and in Nicophorus. See Peter Faber, in his first book Ago∣nistici, chap. 24. Note, also, that Blandina, being a servant, was crucified; for that was the pu∣nishment of servants. Vales. Ro∣bert Stephens reads [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.]
• z 1.28

  The Gladiatours and the Bestiarii, before they began the encounter, were wont to be led about in the presence of the spe∣ctatours. See Lucian, in Toxari. This was usually done not onely with those who let themselves out to play prizes, but also with those offenders, which were condemned to the sword, and to the wild∣beasts. So Martial, Traducta est gyris, nec cepi•• arena nocentes. Vales.
• * 1.29

  That is, by making intercession for them, &c. Vales.
• a 1.30

  The term in the o∣riginal is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,] which is used as well in an active as passive sense. 'Tis a Metaphor taken from the wild-olive-tree, which being gra••••ed, grows sweet; of which S. Paul speaks. Vales.
• b 1.31

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lexicogra∣phers differ very much in their giving the signification of this term (which here occurs.) Stephens (in his Thesaurus,) renders it, fustibus concidi, i. e. to be beaten with clubs: Varinus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. to be beheaded: The Etymologicon (publisht by Sylbergius) says it signifies, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 no•• barely to be put to death, but to be killed with the Tympanum, which is •• piece of wood called a cudgell: The Reader will find a large and learned account of this term, and of this engine of torture, in D. Hammonds note on Hebr. 11. 35. Where he makes it appear, that this sort of punishment was very painfull, contumelious, and capital.
• c 1.32

  The pub∣lick mee∣ting, from all parts of Gallia, up▪ on account of the sports and games, was at Lyons, at the Altar consecrated to Augustus. This Altar was con∣secrated when Julius Antonius and Fabius Africanus were Con∣suls, on the Calends of August, as Suetonius says, in the life of Claudius. Dio writes, that these games were continued in his time. Hence 'tis collected, that the Martyrs of Lyons suffered in the month of August; but not all in one day, as 'tis evident from this Epistle. Vales.
• d 1.33

  In the Kings M. S. and, in Rob. Stephens Edit. the reading here is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] But in the Maz. Med. Fuk. and Savil. it is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] i. e. number. See note (x) in this chap. Vales.
• * 1.34

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the phrase in the ori∣ginal; tis S. Pauls expression, Galat. 4. 19.
• e 1.35

  Rufinus translates this passage thus, qui à Praeside in medium statui Jussus, i. e. who being commanded by the President to be set before him. Which translation pleases me best. For [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] which is the word here used, does properly signifie, to set before the Judge; in which sense also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is used. Vales.
• f 1.36

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rufinus translates it, ju••ulat•• sunt, that is their throats were cut; I would rather have it thus ren∣dred, they were run through with a sword. For it was the custom that the Con∣fector should ••••ay the bestiarii; as we noted before, in the Martyr∣dom of Polycarp, B. 4. chap. 15. Vales.
• g 1.37

  Hence it's mani∣fest that the sports of the Gladiatours were wont to be exhibited for the space of some days, at Lyons, at that famous as∣sembly of all Gallia, before the altar of Augustus. Besides these sports of the Gladiatours, there was a day granted by the Presi∣dent for fighting with wild-beasts, on account of the Christians, as 'tis expressely said in this Epistle. For I suppose, that these two terms, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 are not to be confounded, though the Latines comprehend them both in one word, to wit, Munus. Vales.
• h 1.38

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the Greek term; which Rufinus translates craticu∣lam, i. e. a Grid-iron: it is the same, which before is called the Iron-chair, on which the Martyrs being set, were broyled, as it were on a Gridiron. Thus the Chri∣stians were used before they were cast to the wild-beasts. Vales.
• i 1.39

  Amongst the sports of an Am∣phitheatrical shew this was one; a Bull was brought in, to whom (being first enraged) they cast offenders inclosed in a net; whom, like balls, he tossed on high. Mar∣tials verse on this subject are well known, Taurus ut impositas jact at ad astra pilas. Vales.
• k 1.40

  That is the devill; the Greek word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] signifies, a wild-beast; but [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] is often ta∣ken for the devill. Vales.
• l 1.41

  Rev. 22. 11. where instead of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] as the reading in the original is here; we now read [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 i. e. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; See the original of the Text.
• m 1.42

  These words [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. neither would mo∣ney per∣swadethem] are not in our three M. SS. Maz. Med. and Fuk. the Kings M. S. and Robert Stephens E∣dit. doe re∣tain them. Vales.
• n 1.43

  The Maz. Med. Fuk. and Savil, M. SS. read it thus [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. were swept into the Ri∣ver Rhone: but the rea∣ding of the Kings M. S. of Stephens Edit. is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. i. e. were strewed, &c. Vales.