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. XLI. Concerning those who suffer'd Martyrdom at Alex∣andria.

THe same man in an Epistle of his to a 1.1 Fabius Bishop of Antioch, gives this account of the combats of those Martyrs who suffer'd at Alexan∣dria in the times of Decius.

The Persecution amongst us did not begin at the time when the Imperial Edict was issued out, but preceded it one whole year. For a Soothsayer, and b 1.2 a Poet

(whoever he was who so endamag'd this City,) had stirr'd up, and encouraged the tumults of the Heathens against us, exciting them to their Countrey Superstition. They being prick't forward by him, and having obtained free power of acting all mischief, thought it the most acceptable service * 1.3 and worship of their Gods to slaughter us. First of all therefore they lay hands upon an old man named Metrá, and bid him pronounce some Atheistical words, and because he obey'd them not, they beat him with clubs, and prick'd him in the face and eyes with sharp Reeds, and when they had led him into the Suburbs, they ston'd him to death. Af∣terwards they dragg'd a believing woman call'd Quinta, to the Temple of their Idol, and com∣pell'd her to fall down and worship: but she turning away her face, and abominating it, they bound her feet, and dragg'd her through the City, which is pav'd with sharp stones, and having dash'd her against Millstones, and scourg'd her, they led her to the same place without the City, and ston'd her. Afterwards all with one ac∣cord violently broke into the houses of pious men, and every one of them ran to their Neigh∣bours, whom they knew, and plunder'd and rob'd them; their goods which were of greater value they c 1.4 purloin'd, but the lumber, and what was made of wood they cast forth, and burnt in the streets: so that the City seem'd as if it had been taken by an enemy: but the Brethren withdrew themselves thence and privately fled; and (like those S^t Paul speaks of) * 1.5 took joy∣fully the spoyling of their goods. And not one of them that I know of, except one who somewhere fell into their hand, renounc'd the Lord till this time. Moreover, at that time they took a most admirable Virgin who was antient, call'd Apol∣lonia, and buffeting her on the cheeks, they dash'd out all her teeth. And when they had built a pile of wood before the City, they threat∣ned to burn her alive, except she would repeat together with them some d 1.6 profane words. But she, having begged a little re∣spite, being let loose, forth∣with leapt into the fire, and was consum'd to Ashes. They also apprehended Se∣rapion as he was in e 1.7 his house, and having tortur'd him with grievous tor∣ments, and broken all his joints, they cast him down headlong out of an upper room. There was now no way for us, not the common highway, not so much as any narrow street, through which we could securely pass either by day, or by night: Every body proclaiming at all times, and in all places, that who∣soever would not repeat those blasphemous words, he should be dragg'd away, and burn't immediately. After this man∣ner these things continu'd for a great while: Afterwards followed Sedition, and a Civil war, which [seized▪] these wretches, and re∣turned the cruelty they us'd towards us upon themselves. And we had a little breathing time, their fury towards us being some∣thing appeas'd. But presently news came of the f 1.8 translation of that Empire, which had been more favourable to us: and much fear of a threatning storm appear'd. And now arrived the [Imperial] Edict, almost like that fore∣told by our Lord, g 1.9 re∣presenting those most ter∣rible [times] in so much that even the Elect, if it were possible, should be discouraged. Indeed all were put in great fear. Immediately many of them who were more eminent, yielded up themselves [to their Idolatry] through fear: others, who h 1.10 had to doe in the management of the Publick Affairs, were forc'd through the neces∣sity of their offices [they held;] and they induced others of their acquain∣tance, who, being summon'd by name, repaired to their impure and profane sacri∣fices. Some looked pale, and trembled, as if they themselves were about to have been sacrifices and victimes, not sacrificers to their Idols. So that they rendred themselves the sub∣ject of laughter to the mul∣titude that stood round a∣bout them: because they de∣monstrated themselves to all, to be fearfull both of death and of sacrificing: But others of them ran to the Altars more willingly, protesting very confident∣ly that they never were Christians before. Con∣cerning whom the Lords prediction is most true, that they shall hardly be saved. As for the rest, some of them adhered to the one or the other of those parties we have mentioned; some fled away; others were ap∣prehended. And of these [though] some pro∣ceeded so far as till [they came to] bonds and imprisonment, and others of them had been im∣prisoned several days; yet before they were brought to the tribunal, they renounc'd [the Faith.] Some of them after they had persisted some time in suffering torments, yet for fear of what might follow renounc'd [their Religion.] But the stedfast, and blessed Pillars of the Lord, being strengthened by him, and having received power and patience equal and answerable to their strong faith, became admirable witnesses of his kingdom. The first of which was Ju∣lianus a Gouty man, who could neither goe nor stand; he, together with two other men who carried him, was brought before the Judge: one of those persons straightway deny'd [Christ.] But the other whose name was Cronion, but was sirnamed Eunus, together with the old man Julianus, having confessed the Lord, rode upon Camels through the whole City (which you know is very large) and were scourged as they sate on high, and at last in the presence of all the multitude standing round, they were consum'd

by an i 1.11 exceeding hot fire. A Souldier who at∣tended on them as they were lead [to the stake,] thrust away all those who abused them, and when the people exclaim'd against him, this most valiant champion of God (by name Besas) was call'd in question, and after he had behav'd himself nobly in a great combat in defence of Piety, he was beheaded. Also another man, a Libyan born, (both according to his name, and also agreeable to the divine benediction truly stil'd k 1.12 Macar,) after much ex∣hortation of the Judge to a renunciation, being nothing subdu'd therewith, was burned alive. After these Epimachus, and Alexander, after a tedious imprison∣ment, which they endur'd, having suffered infinite sorts of tortures, as * 1.13 iron scrat∣chers, scourges, were also burned to death with un∣slaked lime: with them al∣so four women: Ammo∣narium, an holy Virgin (whom the Judge for a long time and with much ear∣nestness tortured, because she had before hand said she would utter nothing he should enjoyn her,) when she had verified her promise, she was led to execution. Now the rest were these. Mercuria a most virtuous and venerable Ma∣tron: and Dionysia the mother of a numerous issue, but did not love her children more then the Lord: l 1.14 also another Ammonarium. The Judge being now ashamed that he tortured them yet in vain, and that he was thus overcome by women, slew them with the sword, before they under∣went the tryall of tortures. For Ammonarium their lea∣der had suffered torments for them all. Heron also, and m 1.15 Ater, and Isidorus, Aegyptians, and with them Dioscorus, a lad of about fifteen years of age, were set before the Judge. Who first of all endeavoured to deceive the youth with words, as thinking him flexible and easie to be perswaded; he endea∣voured also to force him by torments, [sup∣posing] him to be remiss and inclineable to yield; but Dioscorus was neither mov'd with perswasions, nor yielded he to torments. When [the Judge] had most barbarously torn the rest with stripes, and they persisted, he delivered them also to the fire, but he dismiss'd Diosco∣rus, because he was lovely in the eyes of the people, and he also himself admired him for his most prudent answers to his questions: Saying, he allow'd him space for repentance because of his tender age. And now the most excellent Dioscorus continues with us, reserved for a greater and more lasting combat. Also one Nemesion, another Aegyptian, was falsly accu∣sed as a companion of theeves: but having before the Centurion cleared himself of this accusation brought against him, as being most absurd, he was impeach'd as being a Christian, and brought bound before the Governour: who, (most unjust man,) having inflicted upon him double as many torments and stripes, as upon the theeves, [commanded] him to be burnt a∣mongst theeves: Blessed man! Who was ho∣noured after Christ's example. Moreover, a whole n 1.16 file of Souldiers, to wit, Ammon, and Zeno, and Ptolomy, and Ingenuus, and with them the old man Theophilus, stood together before the place of judicature. And when a certain man was accused for being a Christian, and in∣clined to a renunciation [of his Religion,] they standing by gnashed upon him with their teeth, made grimaces at him with their counte∣nances, stretched out their hands, and shewed mimick and antick gestures with their bodies; [in so much that] all mens eyes were turned towards them: before any one came to lay hands on them, they ran to the o 1.17 place where the accused usually sate, confessing themselves to be Christians: Upon which, the Governour and the Assessours were surprized with a great fear. The accused seem'd most couragious at what they were about to suffer, but the Judges trembled. So they went out of the place of judicature in a kind of Pomp and State, and rejoyced at the testimony [they were to give to the Faith,] God p 1.18 making them to triumph gloriously.

Notes

• a 1.1

  The Med. Maz. and Fuk. M. SS. call this man Fabia∣nus, not Fabius▪ so also Ru∣finus names this Bishop of Antioch. Vales.
• b 1.2

  I have tanslated [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] a Poet: first, because there is great familiarity betwixt Poets, and Pro∣phets, for the Diviners or Soothsayers us'd to deliver their Oracles in verse. Besides, the Aegyptians were chiefly delighted with Poetry, which Eunapius takes notice of. Moreover, no people were more ma∣licious towards the Christians then these Soothsayers, moving the Peo∣ple to Persecute them, and encouraging them by their Oracles. Vales.
• * 1.3

  These words [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, worship of their Gods] ought, as I suppose, to be ex∣punged: for they disturb the sense, and were added by some Scholiast, to explain the preceding term [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 service. Vales.
• c 1.4

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to purloin; See Tit. 2. 10.
• * 1.5

  Heb. 10. 34.
• d 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, are the terms here: what the words were, 'tis hard to conje∣cture: in his Epistle to Germanus he calls them [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 im∣pious words;] and in this Epistle [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, horrid words.] Vales.
• e 1.7

  Here we read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. in his own house, but Nicephorus very ill reads 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Concerning this Serapion, Bede, and Usuardus speak at the 14^th of November. Where they say he suffered in the Reign of Decius; but they might better have said in the Reign of Philip. For Dionysius in this Epistle to Fabius expresly affirms that Sera∣pion, and some other Martyrs, suf∣fer'd before the death of Philip the Emperour. The same errour is committed in all Martyrologies concerning Apollonia the Virgin, which say she suffer'd in the time of Decius upon the 9 day of Fe∣bruary. Vales.
• f 1.8

  Here he means the death of Philip the Emperour, who behav'd himself gently and kindly toward the Christians: therefore what pas∣sages are here next related, happened in the last year of the Reign of Philip: which thing Dionysius intimates in the be∣ginning of this Epistle, where he says, the Persecution began a year before the Emperours E∣dict came out: but Christoph. did not understand this place, he rendring [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] the alteration of the Em∣perours mind towards us. Baro∣nius follows this errour of his, at the year of Christ▪ 253. Chap. 102. Vales.
• g 1.9

  In the Kings M. S. and Stephanus's Edition, instead of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is read, but in the Maz. Med. Fuk. and Savil. M. SS. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the term, which is a great deal better as I think. For Dio∣nysius here means that this De∣cree of Decius was so terrible, that it seemed to represent those most dreadfull times of An∣tichrist, foretold by our Saviour. Vales.
• h 1.10

  Christophor. mistakes in his translation of this place. I have rendred here [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] as if it had been [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] the Decu∣rions or Magistrates: for these always assembled themselves at the reading of the Emperours Edicts in the Courts, and first of all executed his commands; hence they were compell'd to be present at the reading of this decree, and immediately after it was read, to sacrifice to the Gods, according to the injunction of the Decree. Vales.
• i 1.11

  This 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may be rendred vi∣vae calcis incendio, a fire of unslaked lime; so also we may translate the same phrase which is us'd a little after this, speaking of Epi∣machus and Alexander, where he says, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ instead of which phrase Nicepho∣rus uses 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with lime. In Menaeo, on the 30^th day of Octo∣ber, there is mention of these Mar∣tyrs, Julianus, Cronio, and Ma∣carius, where the words are, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; burning lime being poured upon them. Vales.
• k 1.12

  Macar is derived from the Greek term 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which sig∣nifies blessed: Dionysius seems here to allude to those words of our Saviour, Matt. 5. 10. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righ∣teousness sake, &c. Rufinus tran∣slates this place thus, Alius qui∣dam, vir nominis sui Macarius, gente Lybicus. Vales.
• * 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is the term in the original: it signifies properly any kind of iron-instrument to make incision: Dionysius does here mean by it, an engine wherewith they scraped the flesh from off the bones of the Christians.
• l 1.14

  These words [al∣so another Ammona∣rium.] I have added out of Ru∣finus: for Dionysius said there were four women; but we find but three, except, according to Rufinus, we adde these words. Vales.
• m 1.15

  Instead of Ater in Georg. Syncellus, and Niceph. we find Aster▪ in Rufinus 'tis Arsinus; in the old Roman Martyrologie, which is mostly taking out of Rufinus, he is called Arsenius, at the 19^th of the Kalends of January. Vales.
• n 1.16

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Ru∣finus ren∣ders a Troop of Souldiers; him Chri∣stophorson also fol∣lowes: but I had ra∣ther tran∣slate it a file of men. Some may perhaps think that these Soul∣diers were the Pre∣fects Appa∣ritours, and other offi∣cers, be∣cause they stood be∣fore the judgment seat, but I rather think they were legionary Souldiers of that legion which kept Garison at Alexandria, and were under the Command of the Emperours Deputy-Governour of Aegypt; for at that time he who was the Emperour's Prefect in Aegypt, had not onely power in Civil affaires, but also in Military. In the old Roman Martyrologie the birth-day of these Martyrs is set down on the 13^th of the Kalends of January. Vales.
• o 1.17

  By this word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is meant Subsellium, i. e. the place on which the Criminals while they are examin'd by the Judge sate. It is in some places call'd Ambon, or Pulpitum. Vales.
• p 1.18

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rufinus translates thus, God thus trium∣phing by his Saints; hence we may suppose he read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Musculus and Christophorson follow this translation of Rufinus: but we must take notice and see whether Dionysius meanes not by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉▪ which I think he does, and there∣fore have so translated it. Vales.