Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol. 1] with an vniuersall history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitiue age to these latter tymes of ours, with the bloudy times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions agaynst the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperours, as nowe lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realme of England and Scotland. Newly reuised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time agayne published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the helpe of Christ our Lord) Iohn Foxe, which desireth thee good reader to helpe him with thy prayer.

The second Persecution.

THe first Romaine persecution beginning vnder Nero, as is aforesaid,* 1.1 ceased vnder Vespasianus who gaue some rest to the poore Christians. After whose raigne was moo∣ued not long after the second persecution,* 1.2 by the Emperor Domitian brother of Titus. Of whome Eusebius and Orosius so write, that he first beginning mildly, afterward did so farre outrage in pride intollerable, that he commaunded himself to be worshipped as God, and that images of gold and siluer in his honour should be set vp in Capitolio.* 1.3 The chiefest nobles of the Senators, either vpon enuy, or for their goodes, he caused to be put to death, some openly, and some he sent into banishment, there causing them to be slaine priuilie.

And as his tiranny was vnmeasurable, so the intem∣perancie of his life was no lesse.* 1.4 He put to death all the ne∣phewes of Iuda, called the Lordes brother, and caused to be sought out, and to be slayne all that could be found of the

stocke of Dauid (as Vespasian also did before him) for feare least he were yet to come of the house of Dauid,* 1.5 which should enioy the kingdome. In the tyme of this persecu∣tor, Symeon Bishop of Hierusalem, after other torments, was crucified to death, whom Iustus afterward succeeded in that Bishopprike.

In this persecution Iohn the Apostle and Euangelist was exiled by the sayd Domitianus into Pathmos.* 1.6 Of whō diuers and sundry memorable actes, be reported in sundry Chronicles. As first how he was put in a vessell of boiling Oile,* 1.7 by the Proconsul of Ephesus. The Legend and Perio∣nius say, it was done at Rome. Isidorus also writing of him and comprehending many things in few wordes, decla∣reth that he turned certaine peeces of wood into gold, and stones by the seaside into Margarites, to satisfie the desire of two, whom he had before perswaded to renounce their riches: And afterward they repenting that for worldly treasure, they had lost heauen, for their sakes agayne he changed the same into their former substance. Also, how he raised vp a widow and a certaine yong man from death to life. How he dronke poison, and it hurt him not, raising al∣so to life two which had dronke the same before. These and such other miracles, although they may be true, & are foūd in Isidorus & other writers mo,* 1.8 yet because they are no arti∣cles of our Christian belief, I let them passe, and only con∣tent my selfe with that which I read in Eusebius, declaring of him in this wise: That in the 14. yeare after Nero, in the second persecution, in the dayes of Domitian, Iohn was banished into Pathmos for the testimonie of the word,* 1.9 an. 97. And after the death of the foresaid Domitian being slaine, & his actes repealed by the Senate,* 1.10 Iohn was againe re∣leased vnder Pertinax the Emperor, & came to Ephesus, an. 100. Where he continued vntill the tyme of Traianus, & there gouerned the Churches in Asia, where also he wrote his Gospell, and so liued till the yeare after the Passion of our Lord, 68. which was the yeare of his age. 99.

Moreouer, in the foresayd Ecclesiasticall story of Euse∣bius, we read that Iohn the Apostle and Euangelist,* 1.11 whō the Lord did loue, was in Asia, where he being returned out of Pathmos, after the death of Domitian, gouerned the Churches and congregations. Irenaeus in his second booke thus writeth: And of him all the Elders do witnes, which were with Iohn the Disciple of the Lord in Asia, that he spake and wrote these thinges, &c. for there he continued with them vnto the tyme of Traianus, &c. Also the said Ire∣naeus, Lib. 3. Hypothes. in like wordes declareth,* 1.12 saying: The Church of the Ephesians being first founded by Paul, af∣terward beyng confirmed of Iohn, (who continued in the same Citie vnto the tyme of Traianus the Emperour) is a true witnesse of this Apostolicall tradition, &c. Clemens A∣lexandrinus moreouer noteth, both the tyme of this holy A∣postle, and also addeth to the same a certain history of him, not vnworthy to bee remembred of such which delite in things honest and profitable.* 1.13 Of the which historie Sozo∣menus also in his Commentaries maketh mention. The wordes of the author setting forth this historie, be these: Heare a fable, and not a fable, but a true report which is told vs of Iohn the Apostle, deliuered and commended to our remembrance. After the death of the tyrant, whē Iohn was returned to Ephesus, from the Ile of Pathmos: he was desired to resort to the places bordering neare vnto him, partly to constitute bishops, partly to dispose the cau∣ses and matters of the church, partly to ordaine and set such, of the Clergy in office, whom the holy ghost should elect. Wherupon, when he was come to a certaine citie not farre of, the name of which also, many do yet remember, and had among other thinges comforted the brethren, he looking more earnestly vpon him which was the chiefe bishop a∣mong them, beheld a yong man mighty in body, and of a beautiful countenance, and of a feruent mind. I commend this man (saith he) to thee with great diligence, in the wit∣nesse here of Christ and of the Church.

When the Bishop had receiued of him this charge, and had promised his faithfull diligence therein. Agayne the se∣cond tyme Iohn spake vnto him and desired him in like maner and contestatiō as before. This done, Iohn retur∣neth againe to Ephesus. The Bishop receiuing the yong man, commēded & commicteth to his charge, brought him home, kept him and nourished him, and at length also did illuminate, (that is) he baptised him. And in short tyme through his diligence, brought him into such order and to∣wardnes, that he cōmitted vnto him the ouersight of a cer∣taine cure in the Lordes behalfe. The yong man thus ha∣uing more his libertie, it chanced that certaine of his com∣panions & old familiars being idle, dissolute, & accustomed of old time to wickednes, did ioyne in company with him. Who first brought him to sumptuous & riotous bankets. Then entised him forth with them in the night to rob and steale.* 1.14 After that, he was allured by thē vnto greater mis∣chiefe and wickednesse. Wherin by custome of tyme by litle and litle, he being more practised, and being of a good wit, and a stout courage, like vnto a wild or an vnbrokē horse, leauing the right way & running at large without bridle, was caried headlong to the profunditie of all misorder and outrage. And thus being past all hope of grace, vtterly for∣getting and reiecting the wholesome doctrine of saluatiō, which he had learned before, began to set his mynde vpon no small matters. And forasmuch as he was entred so farre in the way of perdition, he cared not how further he proce∣ded in the same. And so associating vnto him the company of his companions, and fellow thieues, tooke vpon him to be as head and captaine among them, in committing all kynd of murther and felony.

In the meane time it chaunced, that of necessitie Iohn was sent for to those quarters againe, and came. The cau∣ses being decided, and his busines ended, for the which he came, by the way meeting with the Bishop afore specified, requireth of him the pledge, which in the witnes of Christ and of the congregation then present, he left in his handes to keepe. The bishop something amased at the woordes of Iohn, supposing he had meant of some money committed to his custody, which he had not receiued, and yet durst not mistrust Iohn, nor contrary his woordes could not tell what to aunswer. Then Iohn perceauing his doubtyng, and vtteryng his mynde more plainely: The yong man (saith he) and the soule of our brother committed to your custody, I do require. Then the bishop with a loude voice, sorrowing and weeping, said, he is dead: to whom Iohn said, how? And by what death? The other said, he is dead to God: for he is become an euill man, and pernicious, to be briefe, a thiefe: & now he doth frequent this mountaine with a company of villains and thieues,* 1.15 like vnto himselfe against the Church. But the Apostle renting his garmēts, and with great lamentation, said, I haue lett a good keper of my brothers soule. Get me a horse, and let mee haue a guide with me, which being done, his horse and man pro∣cured, hasted from the Churche as much as he could, and comming to the same place, was taken of theeues y^t wat∣ched. But he neyther flying, nor refusing sayd: I came for this same cause hither, lead me (sayd he) to your captayne. So he being brought, the captaine all armed, fiercely begā to looke vpon him. And eftsoones comming to the know∣ledge of him, was stroken with confusion and shame, and began to flie. But the olde man followed him as much as he might, forgetting his age and crying: My sonne, why doest thou flie from thy father? an armed man, from one naked,* 1.16 a yong man, from an olde man. Haue pitie on me my sonne, and feare not, for there is yet hope of saluation, I will make an answer for thee vnto Christ, I will dye for thee if neede be, as Christ hath died for vs. I will giue my life for thee, beleeue me, Christ hath sent me. He hearing these things, first as in a mase stood still, and therewith his courage was abated. After that he cast downe his wea∣pons, by and by he trembled, yea and wept bitterly: and comming to the old man, embraced him, and spake vnto him with wepyng (as well as he could) beyng euen then baptised a fresh with teares, only his right hand beyng hid and couered. Then the Apostle, after that he had promised and firmly ascertained him that he should obtain remission of our Sauiour, and also prayed falling downe vpon his knees, & kissed his murdering right hand, which for shame he durst not shew before: as now purged through repen∣taunce, brought him to the congregation, and when he had prayed for him with continuall prayer and daily fastings, and had comforted and confirmed his mynde with many sentences, went not from him (as the author reporteth) before he had restored him to the congregation againe, and made him a great example and triall of regeneration, and a token of the visible resurrection.

Moreouer, the foresayd Irenaeus in Lib. 3. cap. 3. and Euse∣bius, Lib. 3. cap 28. and Lib. 4. cap. 14. prosecuting the historie of Iohn, declare in these wordes, saying, that there were certaine which heard Policarpus say; that Iohn the disciple of our Lord,* 1.17 goyng into Ephesus to be washed, seyng Co∣rinthus within, he leaped out of the bathe vnbathed, because he feared the bathe should haue fallen, seing that Cerinthus an enemy to the truth, was within. Such feare had the A∣postles (saith Irenaeus) that they would not communicate a word with them that adulterate the truth.

And forasmuch as we are here in hand with the story of Iohn the blessed Euangelist, commeth in matter and oc∣casion, not geuē by him, but takē of other, of a great doubt and difficulty, such as hath occupied all the Catholike, sub∣tile, illuminate, and seraphicall Doctors of the Popes Ca∣tholike

Church, these 500. yeares. The difficultie is this: that for so much as auricular confession hath bene,* 1.18 & is yet receiued in the Popes Catholike Church for an holy and necessary Sacrament, extending vniuersally to al & singu∣lar creatures Christian. Here then riseth a question, who was our Ladies confessour, or ghostly father? But that is decreed and confessed with full consent of all the Catho∣likes to bee S. Iohn. Whosoeuer denieth or doubteth of this,* 1.19 is straight wayes ipso facto an heretike. This then so determined, ariseth an other question or doubt, that seeyng our Lady was without all originall sinne, and also actuall or mortall: what need then had she of any Confessour? or what should she confesse vnto him? For if she had confessed any sinne, when she had none: then had she made herselfe a lyer,* 1.20 & so had sinned in deede. Here therefore gentle Rea∣der, in this perplexitie, these our illuminate Doctours stād in neede of thine ayde, to helpe at a pinch. Magnus Albertus y^e great diuine, denieth not, but that she in deede, although most pure, yet was confessed to her ghostly father, to keepe the obseruances of the law, appointed for such as had that neede, which she had not. And therfore (sayth he) necessary it was that she should confesse with mouth. But then here is to be asked, what did she say in her confession, when she had nothing to confesse? To this Albertus aunswereth a∣gayne, and telleth vs plainely what she sayd in her confes∣siō which was this:* 1.21 that she had receiued that great grace, not ex condigno, that is, not of any dignitie of her own, but yet notwithstanding of congruitie. And this was it (sayth Albert) that she sayd in her confession. Albert cap. 74. super E∣uang. Missus est, &c.

Moreouer, to helpe this case out of all doubt, commeth in famous Thomas of Watring,* 1.22 & thus looseth the knot, much after like effect, saying: that as Christ, although he did owe nothing to the law, yet notwithstanding receiued he Cir∣cumcision, to geue to other example of humilitie and obe∣dience: In like maner would our Lady shew her selfe o∣bedient to the obseruaunce of the law, albeit there was no cause, why she had any neede thereof. And thus hast thou (gentle Reader) this doubtful questiō mooued and soluted, to the intent I would reueale to thee some part of the deep diuinitie of our Catholike Maisters, that haue ruled and gouerned the Church in these their late Popish dayes.

* 1.23But breaking of this matter, to returne againe where we left, that is, to this foresayd 2. persecutiō vnder Domitia∣nus. In which persecution besides these afore mentioned, and many other innumerable godly Martyrs, sufferyng for the like testimonie of y^e Lord Iesus, was Flauia y^e daugh∣ter of Flauius Clemens, one of the Romaine Consuls, which Flauia with many other was banished out of Rome into the Isle Pontia, for the testimony of the Lord Iesus by the Emperour, Domitianus, Euseb. Lib. 3.

This Domitianus feared the comming of Christ as He∣rode did, & therefore commaunded them to be killed which were of the stocke of Dauid in Iewry. There were remai∣ning aliue at that tyme certayne of the Lordes kindred, which were the nephewes of Iude, that was called the Lordes brother after the flesh. These when the Lieuetenāt of Iewry had brought vp to Domitian to be slayn:* 1.24 the Em∣perour demaunded of thē, whether they were of the stocke of Dauid: which when they had graūted, he asked againe, what possessions, and what substaunce they had. They aū∣swered, y^t they both had no more betweene them in all, but xxxix. acres of grounde, & how they gat their liuing & su∣stained their families with the hard labours of their hādes shewing forth their hands vnto the Emperor,* 1.25 being hard and roughworne with labours, to witnes that to be true which they had spoken. Then the Emperour inquiring of them concerning the kingdome of Christ, what maner of kingdome it was, how and when it should appeare: they aunswered that his kingdome was no worldly nor terren thing, but an heauenly and Aungelicall kingdome, & that it should appeare in the consummation & end of the world what tyme he comming in glory, should iudge the quicke and the dead, and render to euery one according to his de∣seruinges. Domitian, the Emperour hearing this (as the saying is) did not condemne them, but despising them as vile persons, let them go, & also staid the persecution then mooued against the Christians. They being thus dischar∣ged and dismissed, afterward had the gouernmēt of Chur∣ches, beyng taken for Martyrs, and as of the Lords stock, and so consumed in good peace till the tyme of Traianus.* 1.26 Haec Egesip. & Euseb Lib. 3. cap. 20.

By this story here recited may appeare, what were the causes why the Emperours of the Romaine Monarchie did so persecute the Christians: which causes were chiefly these: feare, and hatred: 1. feare, for that the Emperors and Senate of blinde ignoraunce, not knowing the maner of Christes kingdome,* 1.27 feared and misdoubted least the same would subuert their Emperie. Like as the Pope thinkeeh now that this Gospel wil ouerthrow his kingdom of ma∣iestie. And therfore sought they all means possible, how by death and all kindes of torments vtterly to extinguish the name and memorie of the christians.* 1.28 And therupon semeth to spring the old law of the Romaine Senate: Non debere dimitti Christianos qui semel ad tribunal venissent, nisi proposi∣tum mutent. i. That the Christians should not bee let goe, which were once brought to the iudgement seate, except they chaunged their purpose, &c. Euseb. Lib. 5. cap. 21.2. Ha∣tred, partly for that this world of his owne naturall con∣dition hath euer hated and maliced the people of god,* 1.29 from the first beginning of the world. Partly agayne, for that the Christians beyng of a contrary nature and Religion, seruing only the true liuing God, despised their false gods, spake against their idolatrous worshippings, and many tymes stopped the power of Sathan, working in their I∣doles. And therfore Sathan the Prince of this world, stir∣red vp the Romaine Princes & blynd Idolaters to beare the more hatred and spite against them.

Upon these causes and such like, rose vp these malici∣ous slaunders, false surmises, infamous lies & slanderous accusations,* 1.30 of the Heathen idolaters against the Chri∣stian seruaunts of God, which incited the Princes of this world the more to persecute them: for what crimes so euer malice could inuent, or rash suspicion could minister, that was imputed to the Christians, as that they were a people incestuous, that in the night in their concourses, puttyng out their candles, they ranne together in all filthy maner, that they killed their owne children, that they vsed to eate mans flesh, that they were seditious and rebellious, that they would not sweare by the fortune & prosperitie of Cae∣sar, that they would not adore the Image of Caesar in the market place, that they were pernitious to the Emperie of Rome. Briefly, whatsoeuer mishappened to the Citie or Prouinces of Rome, either famine, pestilence, earthquake, warres, wonders, vnseasonablenes of weather, or what other euils soeuer hapned, it was imputed to the Christi∣ans, as Iustinus recordeth. Ouer and beside al these, a great occasion that stirred vp the Emperours against the Chri∣stians came by one Publius Tarquinius the chiefe Prelate of the idolatrous sacrifices,* 1.31 and Mamertinus the chiefe gouer∣nour of the Citie, in the tyme of Traianus, who partly with money, partly with sinister and pestilent counsa••••e, partly with infamous accusations (as witnesseth Nauclerus) incensed the mynde of the Emperour so muche against Gods people.

Also among these other causes abouesaid, crept in some piece of couetousnes withal (as in all other things it doth) in that the wicked promooters and accusers for sucre sake, to haue the possessions of the christians, were the more re∣dy to accuse them to haue the spoyle of their goods.

Thus hast thou (Christian reader) first the causes de∣clared of these persecutions.* 1.32 2. The cruell law of their con∣demnation. 3. Now heare more what was the forme of in∣quisition, which was (as is witnessed in the second Apolo∣gie of Iustinus) to this effect: that they should sweare to de∣clare the truth, whether they were in very deed Christians or not: and if they confessed then by the law the sentence of death proceeded. Iust. Apol. 2.

Neither yet were these tyrants and organes of Sathā thus contented with death onely,* 1.33 to bereaue the life from the bodye. The kindes of death were diuers, and no lesse horrible then diuers. Whatsoeuer the cruelnesse of mans inuention could deuise for the punishment of mans body, was practised against the Christians (as partly I haue mentioned before, and more appeareth by the Epistle sent from the brethren of France,* 1.34 hereafter following. Craftie traynes, outcries of enemies, imprisonments, stripes and scourgings, drawings, tearings, stonings, plates of iron layd to them burning hote, deep dungeons, racks, strang∣ling in prisons, the teeth of wild beasts, gridirons, gibbets and gallowes, tossing vpon the hornes of Buls: Moreo∣uer, whē they were thus killed, their bodies laid in heaps, and dogs there left to keep them, that no man might come to bury them, neither would any prayer obtayne them to be interred and buried. Ex Epistola fratrum Viennensium ac Lugdunensium. &c.

And yet notwithstanding for all these continual perse∣cutions,* 1.35 and horrible punishments, the church of the chri∣stians daily increased, deepely rooted in the doctrine of the Apostles,* 1.36 and of men Apostolicall, and watered plenteou∣sly with the bloud of Saintes, as saith Nicephorus. Tib. 3.

Whereof let vs heare the worthy testimony of Iustinus Martyr in his Dialogue with Tripheus: And that none (saith he) can terrifie or remoue vs which beleue in Iesus,

by this it daily appeareth: for when we are slaine, crucifi∣ed, cast to wild beastes,* 1.37 into the fire, or geuen to other tor∣ments, yet we goe not from our confession: but contrary, the more crueltie and slaughter is wrought against vs, the mo they be that come to pietie and faith by the name of Ie∣sus: no otherwise then if a man cut the vine tree, the better the branches grow. For the vine tree planted by God and Christ our Sauiour, is his people. Haec Iust.

¶To comprehend the names and number of all the Martyrs that suffered in all these ten persecutions (which are innumerable) as it is vnpossible, so it is hard in such varietie and diuersitie of matter, to keepe such a perfect or∣der and course of yeares and times, that either some be not left out, or that euery one bee reduced into his right place, especially seeing the Authors themselues, whome in this present worke we follow, doe diuersly disagree, both in the tymes, in the names, and also in the kynd of Martyrdome of them that suffered. As for example, where the common reading and opinion of the Church, and the Epistles De∣cretall doe take Anacletus to succeed after Clement,* 1.38 next be∣fore Euaristus. Contrary Eusebius, Lib. 3. & Lib. 5. cap 6. ma∣king no mention of Cletus, but of Anacletus, sayth that E∣uaristus succeeded next to Clement. Likewise Ruffinus and Epiphanius, speakyng nothyng of Anacletus, make menti∣on of Linus and of Cletus, next before Clement, but say no∣thing of Anacletus,* 1.39 whereby it may appeare that Cletus and Anacletus were both one. Sabellicus Aenead. 7. Lib. 2. spea∣keth of Linus and of Cletus, and sayth that they were ordai∣ned helpers vnder Peter, while he laboured in his Apo∣stleship abroad,* 1.40 and so sayth also Marianus Scotus. Contra∣ry Irenaeus Lib. 3. contra Haeres. speaketh of Anacletus, ma∣king no mention of Cletus. Wherby it may appeare by the way, what credite is to be geuen to the Decretall Epistles whom all the latter hystories of the Popes Church do fol∣low in this behalfe, &c. Moreouer, where Antoninus, Vin∣centius, Iacobus in Supplemento, Symoneta, Aloysius, with o∣ther, declare of Linus, Cletus, Clemens, Anacletus, Euaristus, A∣lexander, bishops of Rome, that they died Martyrs. Eusebi∣us in his Ecclesiasticall history writing of them, maketh therof no mention.

* 1.41And first as touching Clement (whom Marianus Scotus calleth the first Bishop of Rome after Peter) they say that he was sent out in banishment of Traianus, beyond Ponti∣cus, with 2000. christians, where he opened to them a wel∣spring, whiche in the wildernesse were condemned to the Mines. Afterward being accused to the Emperor, he was throwne into the sea with a Milstone fastened about his necke, and that not long after his body was cast vp & buri∣ed (as Platina saith) at the place where the wel was made. Some say it was found first in the dayes of Pope Nicholas the first, Fascicul. tempor. But forasmuch as I finde of his Martyrdome no firme relation in the auncient authors, but onely in such new writers of latter tymes,* 1.42 which are woont to painte out the liues and histories of good men, with fained additions offorged miracles, therfore I count the same of lesse credite, as I do also certaine Decretall E∣pistles, vntruely (as may seeme) ascribed and intituled to his name. Eusebius in his third booke, writing of Clemens, geueth no more of him, but thus: After he had gouerned the Church of Rome ix. yeares, the sayd Clement left y^e suc∣cession thereof to Euaristus.

Of which Euaristus next Bishop of Rome, thus we find in Irenaeus,* 1.43 Lib 3. cap. 3. Peter and Paule (sayth he) cōmit∣ted the charge of that church to Linus. After whom came Anacletus, then succeeded Clemens, next to Clemens follow∣ed Euaristus, after whome came Alexander, and then Sixtus the vj. Bishop of Rome after the Apostles. After Sixtus sate Telesphorus, then Higinus, then Pius, then Ani••etus. And when Soter tooke the place after hym, then the xij. Bishop of Rome was Eleutherius. Thus after Clement followed (as is sayd) Euaristus in the second or third yeare of Traianus as sayth Eusebius, or as Nicephorus sayth, the fourth yeare of the sayd Emperour. But howsoeuer the counte of the yeares stand, little or nothing remayneth of the Actes and Monuments either of this, or of other Bishops of Rome in those dayes. Whereby it may appeare that no great ac∣compt was then made of Romain Bishops in those dais, whose actes and deedes were then either so lightly repu∣ted, or so slenderly committed to history. Notwithstanding certaine Decretal Epistles are remayning,* 1.44 or rather thrust vpon vs in their names, containing in them litle substance of any doctrine, but all together stuffed with lawes, iniun∣ctions, and stately decrees, little to the purpose, and lesse sauoring of the nature of that time then present. Amongest whō also are nūbred the two epistles of this Euaristus. And when he had geuen these orders, & had made vi. Priestes, two Deacons, and fiue Byshops, for sondry places (sayth the story,) he suffered Martyrdome, but what kinde of death, for what cause he suffred, what constancy he shewed what was the order or conuersation of hys life, is nothing touched, and seemeth therefore the more to be doubted that which our new historyes do say: because the olde auncient writers haue no remembraunce thereof, which otherwise would not haue passed such thinges ouer in silence, if they had bene true.* 1.45 Agayne, neyther do the authors fully agree in the tyme of hys martyrdome, which Nauclerus witnes∣seth to be in the last yere of Traianus: but Platina thinketh ra∣ther that he suffered vnder. Hadrianus: Fascicul temporum, referreth it to the third yeare of Hadrian, Volateranus, to the begynning of the reigne of Hadrian, Contrary, Eusebius, comming neare to the simple trueth (as seemeth) doth af∣firme that Euaristus succeeded Clement in the third yeare of Traianus, and so geuing to him .ix. yeares, it should follow thereby that Euaristus deceased the xii. yeare of Trianus.

After whome succeeded next Alexander,* 1.46 in the gouer∣naunce of that Church, of whose tyme & death the like dis∣crepance is among the writers, Marianus Scotus, sayth, he was the fourth Byshop from Peter, but that could not be. Some say he was the sixt & some the vii. but they likewise were deceiued.* 1.47 For the most part all do graunt Sixtus to be the vi. Damasus affirmeth that hee was in the reigne of Traiane. And how can that be, when the sayd Damasus af∣firmed before that Euaristus hys predecessour suffered in the last yeare of Traiane, and then the Byshopricke stood at least a moneth voyde, except hee meane that the sayd Alexander succeeded Euaristus in the last yeare of Traianus? But then how can that stand with Bede and Marianus Scotus, which say, that he suffered vnder Traianus, or with Otto Frisingen∣sis, which sayth he suffered the fourth yeare of Hadrian, whē he had bene Byshop ten yeares, by the generall consent of most writers?

They which write of the deedes and doynges of thys blessed Byshop, as Bergomensis, Antoninus, Equelinus and such as follow them, declare that he had conuerted a great part of the Senators to the fayth of Christ, amongst whom was Hermes a great man in Rome, whose sonne being dead, Alexander raysed agayne to lyfe, and likewise resto∣red sight to hys mayd being blinde. Hadrian the Emperour then absent hearing this, sent word to Aurelianus gouer∣nour of Rome, to apprehend Alexander, with Euentius and Theodulus,* 1.48 otherwise called Theodorus, as Platina sayth, hys two Deacons, and Hermes, and to commit them to warde with Quirinus the Tribune: whiche being done as their story recordeth, Alexander inclosed in a diuers prison from Hermes. Notwithstanding by the guiding of an Aungell through three doores w^t three lockes a peece, was brought with candle light to the lodging of Hermes. And so retur∣ning to the prison agayne: cured the daughter of Quirinus his keeper, named Balbina. by reason whereof the sayd Qui∣rinus, with his whole houshold were all Baptised, and suf∣fered also for the fayth of Christ.

Thus then sayth the story, about the second yeare of Hadrian, Aurelianus the ruler tooke Alexander the Byshop, with Hermes, hys wife children, and hys whole houshold, to the number of a M, CC.L. and threw them in prison. And not long after the sayd Alexander with Euentius his Deacon, and Hermes and the rest were burned in a fornace, Theodulus an other Deacon of Alexander, seeyng and rebu∣king the crueltie of the tyrant, suffered also the same Mar∣tyrdome.

Quirinus also the same tyme (as sayth Antoninus) ha∣uyng first his tongue cut out,* 1.49 then his hands and feete, af∣terward was beheaded and cast to the dogs. Equilinus saith that he was beheaded and cast into Tyber in the raigne of the Emperour Claudius, but that cannot be. Albeit Plati∣na maketh relation but onely of Alexander with his two Deacons aforesayd.* 1.50 Declaring moreouer, that in the tyme of this Bishop, Saphira of Antioch, and Sabina a Romaine suffred Martyrdome.

Florilegus, the Author of Flores Historiarum, affirmeth that Alexander Byshoppe of Rome was beheaded seuen myles out of Rome, where he lyeth buried, anno. 105. but that agreeth not with the Chronicles aboue recited. Euse∣bius recordeth of him no more, but that in the third yeare of Hadrian, he ended his life and office, after he had bene bishop ten yeares.

Diuers miracles are reported of this Alexander, in the Canon Legends, and liues of Saintes: which as I deny not but may be true: so because I cannot auouch them by any graue testimony of auncient writers, therefore I dare not affirme them, but dd referre them to the authors & Pa∣trons thereof, where they are founde. Notwithstandyng, whatsoeuer is to be thought of his miracles. this is to bee

affirmed and not doubted, but that he was a godly & ver∣tuous Bishop.

* 1.51And as I say of his miracles, the like iudgement also I haue of the ordinaunces both of him and of Euaristus his predecessour testified in the Popes Decrees, by Gratianus, as 93. Dist. cap. Diaconi, where is sayd that Euaristus deuided diuers titles in the Citie of Rome to the Priestes,* 1.52 also or∣deined in euery Citie vij. Deacons to associate and assist the bishop in his preaching, both for his defence, and for the witnes of truth. Notwithstāding, if probable coniectures might stand against the authoritie of Gratianus and his de∣crees, here might be doubted whether this absolute ordi∣nation of Priestes was first forbidden by Euaristus, and whether the intitulation of Priestes was first by hym brought in or not: wherein an instaunce may be geuen to the contrary, that this intitulation seemeth to take his first beginning at the Councell of Chalcedon,* 1.53 and of Pope Vr∣bane in the Councell of Placent. In the which Councell of Chalcedon the wordes of the Canon (making no mention of Euaristus at all) doe expressely forbid, that any Ecclesi∣asticall person eyther Priest or Deacon should be orday∣ned absolutely, otherwise the imposition of handes with∣out some proper title of the party ordayned, to stād voyde and frustrate. &c. And likewise Vrbanus in the counsell of Placentia,* 1.54 doth decree the same, alledging no name of Eua∣ristus, but the statutes of former Councels.

Moreouer in the time of Euaristus the Church then be∣ing vnder terrible persecutions, was deuided in no pecu∣liar Parishes or Cures, wherby any title might rise, but was scattered rather in corners and desertes, where they could beast hide themselues. And as the Church of Rome, in those dayes was not deuided into seuerall Parrishes or Cures (as I suppose) so neyther was then any such open or solemne preaching in Churches, that the assistaunce or testimony of vii. Deacons eyther could auayle among the multitude of the Heathen, or els needed amongst the chri∣stian secret congregations. Agayne the constitution of vii. Deacons seemeth rather to spring out of the counsell of Neocesaria long after Euaristus,* 1.55 where it was appoynted that in euery Citie were it neuer so small, there should be vii. Deacons after the rule. And this rule the sayd Coun∣cel taketh out of the booke of the Actes of the Apostles, ma∣king no word or mentiō of Euaristus at all Dist. 93. but these (as is said) be but onely coniectures, not denying y^t which is commonly receiued, but onely shewing what may bee doubted in their Epistles Decretall.

More vnlike it seemeth to be true that is recorded and reported of Alexander,* 1.56 that he should be the first founder and finder of holy water mixt with salt, to purge and sanctifie them vpon whom it is sprinckeled. The wordes of the Dist. be these: Aquam sale conspersam in populis benedicimus, vt ea cuncti aspersi sanctifi∣centur & purificentur, quod omnibus sacerdotibus faciendū esse mandamus, &c. That is, We blesse water mixt with salte a∣mong the people, that all men being sprinckled therewith may be sanctified and purified. And this we commaund all Priests to do,* 1.57 &c.

The opinion is also, but how true I haue not to af∣firme, that by him first was ordained, water to bee mixte with wine in the chalice.

Item, that by him was brought in the piece of the Masse Canon,* 1.58 beginning: Qui pridie, &c. And thus much of these foresayd Bishops of Rome, martired in the dayes of Trai∣an and Hadrian.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The second per∣secution.
• * 1.2

  Anno. 69.
• * 1.3

  Ex Orosio. Lib. 7.
• * 1.4

  The tyranny and intempo∣raunce of Domitian.
• * 1.5

  Symeon Byshop of Hierusalem crucified.
• * 1.6

  Iohn the Euan∣gelist.
• * 1.7

  Isidorus de pa∣tribus nous Te∣staments.
• * 1.8

  Euseb. Lib. 3. Cap. 10. Histor Eccle.
• * 1.9

  Anno. 97.
• * 1.10

  Iohn banished. Iohn released out of banishe∣ment.
• * 1.11

  Euseb. lib. 3. Cap. 23.
• * 1.12

  Iren. Lib. 3. Clemens Alex∣andrinus.
• * 1.13

  A notable histo∣ry of Iohn the Euangelist.
• * 1.14

  What wic∣ked compa∣ny doth.
• * 1.15

  A notable lesson for al ministers to seeke againe their lost sheepe.
• * 1.16

  O vnspea∣kable loue shevved out to a wicked sinner.
• * 1.17

  An exam∣ple of the godly to flye the cō∣pany of the wicked.
• * 1.18

  A Catho∣lique questi∣on concer∣ning auricu∣ler confessi∣on.
• * 1.19

  Solutio. An other Catholique question.
• * 1.20

  Solution. Albert. super Euā∣gelium. Missus est. An other question with the solution.
• * 1.21

  Albert. ibi∣dem. ca. 17.
• * 1.22

  S. Thomas par. 3. ques. 37. art. 5.
• * 1.23

  Flauia the daughter of a Consul. banished for the testimo∣ny of christ. Ex Euseb. Lib. 3. ca. 19 The Empe∣rour ma∣keth inqui∣rie for all that were of Dauids stocke.
• * 1.24

  Dauids stocke fea∣red of the Emperours.
• * 1.25

  Two Ne∣phewes of Iude the Lordes bro∣ther preser∣ued.

  The king∣dome of Christ not of this world.
• * 1.26

  The causes why the Emperours and Senate of Rome did so rage a∣gaynst the Christians.
• * 1.27

  The kingdome of Christ feared of the Ro∣maines.
• * 1.28

  Lex antiqua Romana contra Christianos. Ex Euseb. lib. 2. cap. 21.
• * 1.29

  The kingdome of Christ hated of Romaine Princes.
• * 1.30

  False accusati∣ons and slaun∣ders agaynst the Christians. Ex Apologiae Iustini. Marty.
• * 1.31

  Publius Tar∣quinius. Mamertinus persecutors.
• * 1.32

  Ex Iust. Mart. in. 2. Apolog. The forme of inquisition a∣gaynst the Christians in the old tyme.
• * 1.33

  The cruelty of tyrauntes in kil∣ling of Christen men.
• * 1.34

  Ex Epist fra∣trum. Viennen∣sium & Lugdu∣nensium, ad fra∣tres per Asiam, & Phrigiam scripta.
• * 1.35

  Ex Nicephero. Lib. 3. cap. 22.
• * 1.36

  Ex Iustino. Martyr in Dia∣logo cum Tripheo,
• * 1.37

  The Church in∣creaseth by per∣secution.
• * 1.38

  Disagreement in authors tou∣ching the liues and tymes of Martyrs.
• * 1.39

  Linus Byshop of Rome.
• * 1.40

  Cletus and A∣nacletus both one.
• * 1.41

  Clement Byshop counted a Martyr.
• * 1.42

  The liues of Martyrs payn∣ted out with fayned miracles.
• * 1.43

  Euaristus Byshoppe of Rome and mar∣tyr.
• * 1.44

  The decretall Epistles.
• * 1.45

  N••uel 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Platina. Volateran Anthropo. Lib 22. Euseb. Lib. 3. Cap. 24.
• * 1.46

  Alexander Byshop of Rome and Martyr.
• * 1.47

  Authors disagree.
• * 1.48

  Alexander. Euentius. Theodulus. Hermes with hys houshold. Quirinus with hys houshold Martyrs.
• * 1.49

  Ex Platina in vita A∣lexandre.
• * 1.50

  Saphyra. Sabina, Martyrs. Ex Flori∣lego.
• * 1.51

  The ordi∣dinaunces of Euaristus.
• * 1.52

  Dist. 93. cap. Dia∣coni.
• * 1.53

  Ex Dist. 70. cap. Nemi∣nem.
• * 1.54

  Ibedem cap. Sanctorum.
• * 1.55

  Ex Dist. 93. cap. Diaco∣ni.
• * 1.56

  The Insti∣tutions of Alexander. Holy water first inuen∣ted.

  De conse∣crat. Dist 3.
• * 1.57

  The mix∣ting of wa∣ter with the wine in the chalice.
• * 1.58

  Qui predie put in the Masse Ca∣non.