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 fift Persecution.

* 1.1AFter the death of Commodus, raigned Pertinax but few monthes, after whom succeeded Seuerus. Under whom was raised the fift persecution against the christian saints:* 1.2 who raigning the terme of 18. yeares, the first x. yeares of the same, was very fauourable and curteous to the Chri∣stians. Afterward through sinister suggestions and mali∣cio••s accusations of the malignāt,* 1.3 was so incensed against them, that by Proclamations he commaunded no Christi∣ans any more to be suffered. Thus the rage of the Empe∣rour beyng inflamed agaynst them, great persecution was stirred vpon euery side,* 1.4 wherby an infinite nūber of Mar∣tyrs were slayne, as Eusebius in his sixt booke recordeth, which was about the yeare of our Lord,* 1.5 205. The crimes and false accusations obiected against the Christians, are partly touched before, pag. 37. as sedition and rebellion a∣gainst the Emperour, sacriledge, murthering of Infants, incestuous polution, eating rawe flesh, libidinous cōmix∣ture, whereof certaine in deede called then Gnostici, were infamed. Item, it was obiected against them, for worship∣ping the head of an Asse, which whereof it should rise, I finde no certain cause, except it were perhaps by y^e Iewes. Also they were charged for worshipping the sunne, for that peraduenture before the sunne rise, they conuented toge∣ther, singing their morning Hymnes vnto the Lord, or els because they prayed toward y^e East: but especially for that they would not with them worship their idolatrous gods and were counted as enemies to all men. &c.

The Capitaines and Presidentes of this persecution vnder the Emperour were Hilarianus,* 1.6 Vigellius, Claudi∣us, Hermianus Ruler of Cappadocia, Cecilius, Capella, Ve∣spronius, also Demetrius mentioned of Cyprian. And Aqui∣la Iudge of Alexandria, of whom Euseb. Lib. 6. cap. 5. maketh relation.

The places where the force of this persecution most ra∣ged, were Affrica, Alexandria, Cappadocia, and Carthage.

The number of them that suffered in this persecution, by the report of the Ecclesiasticall story was innumerable.* 1.7 Of whō the first was Leonides, the father of Origene, who was beheaded: with whō also Origene his sonne, beyng of the age thē of xvij. yeares, should haue suffered (such a ser∣uent desire hee had to be Martired for Christ) had not hys mother priuily in the night season conueied away his clo∣thes & his shirt.* 1.8 Wherupō more for shame to be seen, then for feare to die, he was cōstrained to remaine at home: and when he could do nothing els, yet he writing to his father a letter with these words: Caue tibi, ne quid propter nos a∣liud quam martyrij constanter faciendi propostum cogites, that is, Take heede to your selfe, that you tourne not your thought and purpose for our sake,* 1.9 &c. Such a feruency had this Origene being yet young, to the doctrine of Christes faith, by the operation of Gods heauenly prouidence, and partlye also by the diligent education of his Father, who brought him vp from his youth most studiously in all good literature, but especially in y^e reding & exercise of holy scrip∣ture, wherin he had such inward & mistical speculatiō, that many times he would moue questions to his father, of the meaning of this place, or y^t place in y^e scripture. Insomuch y^t his father diuers times would vncouer his brest being a sleepe,* 1.10 & kisse it, giuing thanks to God which had made him so happy a father of such a happy child. After the death of his father, and all his goodes confiscated to the Empe∣rour, he wyth his poore mother, and sixe brethren, beyng brought to such extreme pouerty, did sustaine both himself and them by teaching a schole. Til at length being wearye of y^t profession, he transferred his study onely to the know∣ledge and seeking of diuine Scripture, & such other lear∣ning conducible to the same. So much he profited both in the Hebrue and other toungs, that he conferred y^• Hebrue text with the translation of the lxx. And moreouer did con∣ferre and find out the other translations which we call the common translation of Aquila, of Symmachus, and Theodo∣tion. Also he adioyned to these aforesaid other foure trans∣lations, wherof more is in the story of Eusebius expressed.

They that write of the life of Origene, testifie of him that he was of wit quicke and sharpe, much patient of la∣bour, a great traueler in the tongues, of a spare dyet, of a straight life, a great faster, his teaching & his lining were both one: his going was much barefoot. A straight obser∣uer of that saying of the Lorde, bydding to haue but one coate, &c, he is said to haue written so much as seuen No∣taries, & so many maides euery day could penne. The nū∣ber of his bookes by the accōpt of Hierome, came to 7000. Uolumes, y^e copies whereof he vsed to sel for 3. d. or a little more, for the sustentation of his liuing. But of hym more shalbe touched hereafter. So zelous he was in the cause of Christ, and of Christes Martirs, that he nothing fearyng his owne perill would assist & exhort them going to theyr death, & kisse them, insomuch that he was oft in ieoperdie to be stoned of the multitude. And sometimes by the pro∣uision of Christen men had his house garded about wyth souldiers, for the safety of them, which daily resorted to heare his readings, & many times he was cōpelled to shift places & houses, for such as laid waite for him in al places, But such was the prouidence of God to preserue him in the middest of all this tempest of Seuerus. Among other which resorted vnto him, & were his hearers. Plutarchus, was one,* 1.11 and died a martyr, & with him Serenus hys bro∣ther who was burned. The third after these was Heracli∣des, The fourth Heron, who were both beheaded. The fift, was an other Serenus also beheaded, Rhais, and Potamiena. who was tormented with pitch poured vpon her, & mar∣tyred with her mother, Marcella, who died also in the fyre. This Potamiena was of a fresh and flourishing beautie, who because she could not be remoued from her profession was committed to Basilides one of the Captaines there in the armie, to see the execution done, Basilides receyuing her at the Iudges hand, & leading her to the place, shewed to her some compassion in repressing the rebukes and ray∣linges of the wicked aduersaries: for the which Potamiena, the virgine, to requite againe his kindnes, bad him bee of good comfort, saying that she would pray y^e Lord to shewe mercy vpon him. And so went she to her Martyrdome, which she both strongly and quietly did sustaine.

Not long after it happened that Basilides was requi∣red to giue an othe in a matter cōcerning his fellowe soul∣diours: which thing he denied to doe,* 1.12 plainely affirming y^e he was a Christian. For their othe then, was woont to be by the Idoles & the Emperor. At the first he was thought dissimulingly to iest, but after whē he was heard constant∣ly, & in earnest to confirme the same, he was had before the iudge, and so by him committed towarde. The Christians marueiling thereat, as they came to him in the prison in∣quired of him the cause of that his sodaine conuersion. To whom he aunswered againe and saide, that Potamiena had praied for him to the Lord, & so he saw a crowne put vpon his head: adding moreouer that it should not be long, but he should be receiued. Which things thus done, y^e next day following, he was had to the place of execution, and there beheaded, Euseb. Lib. 6. cap. 5. Albeit the said Eusebius, giueth this story of no credite,* 1.13 but onely of heare say, as he there expresseth.

As diuers and many there were that suffered in the daies of this Seuerus:* 1.14 so some were againe which through the protection of God his prouidence, being put to great torments, yet escaped w^t life. Of whom was one Alexander who for his constant confessiō and torments suffered, was made Bishop afterwarde of Hierusalem, together with Narcissus, who being then an olde man of an hundred and threescore yeares and three, as sayeth Eusebius, was vn∣wieldy for his age to gouerne that function alone.

Of this Narcissus is reported in the Ecclesiasticall hi∣storie, that certaine miracles by him were wrought verye notable,* 1.15 if they be true. First of water by him turned into oyle at the solemne vigile of Easter, what time the cōgre∣gation wanted oyle for their lampes. Another miracle is also told of him, which is this. There were three euill dis∣posed persons, who seing the soundnes & graue constancy of his vertuous life, & fearyng their owne punishment, as a conscience that is giltie, is alwaies fearefull, thought to preuent his accusations, in accusing him first, & laying an haynous crime to his charge. And to make their accusatiō

more probable before the people, they bound their accusa∣tion with a great othe: One wishing to be destroied with fire if he sayd not true. The other to bee consumed with a grieuous sickenes. The third to loose both his eyes if they did lye. Narcissus although hauing his conscience cleare, yet not able beyng but one man to withstand their accusation bound with such othes gaue place, and remooued himself•• from the multitude, into a solitarie desert by himself, where he continued the space of many yeares. In the meane time to them which so willingly and wickedly forsweare them∣selues, this happened:* 1.16 the first by casualtie of one litle smal sparkle of fire, was burnt with his goods and all his fami∣lie. The second, was taken with a great sicknesse from the top to the toe, and deuoured with the same. The third, hea∣ring and seyng the punishment of the other, confessed his fault, but through great repentance poured out such tears, that he lost both his eyes.* 1.17 And thus was their false periu∣rie punished. Narcissus after long absence returning home agayne, was by this meanes both cleared of the facte, and receiued into his bishoprike agayne. To whom, as is said, for impotencie of his age, Alexander was ioined with him in execution of the function. Euseb. Hist. Eccles. Lib. 6. cap. 10. Of this Alexander is recorded in the sayd Ecclesiasticall hi∣story, that after his agonies and constancie of his confessiō shewed in the persecution of Seuerus, he was admonished by a vision in the night season to make his iourney vp to Hierusalem & Palestina (for that place remained free from this persecution) to see there the congregation, & to pray. Thus he taking his iourney,* 1.18 and drawing nere to the city, a vision with playne wordes was geuen to certaine chiefe heads of Hierusalem, to go out of the gate of the city, there to receiue the Bishop appointed to them of God. And so was Alexander met and receiued, and ioyned partner with aged Narcissus, as is before expressed in the Citie of Hieru∣salem, where he continued bishop aboue 40. yeares, vntill the persecution of Decius, and there crected a famous Li∣braric, where Eusebius had his chiefest helpe in writing his Ecclesiasticall history. He wrote also diuers Epistles to di∣uers churches, and licensed Origene openly to teach in his Church.* 1.19 At length beyng very aged, was brought frō Ie∣rusalem to Cesaria before the Iudge vnder Decius, where after his constant confession the second tyme, he was com∣mitted to prison, and there died.

Besides these that suffred in this persecution of Seuerus recited of Eusebius, Vincentius also, Lib. 11. cap. 6. Ex Martyrol. speaketh of one Andoclus,* 1.20 whom Polycarpus before had sent into Fraunce: which Andoclus because he spread there the doctrine of Christ, was apprehended of Seuerus, and first beaten with staues and battes, after was beheaded.

To these aboue named, may also be added Asclepiades, who although was not put to death in this persecution of Seuerus,* 1.21 yet constantly he did abide the trial of his confessiō & suffered much for the same, as Alexander did before menti∣oned. Wherefore afterward he was ordained bishop of An∣tioch, where he continued the space of vij. yeares of whom Alexander writeth to the Church of Antioche, out of prison, much reioysing and geuing thankes to God, to heare that he was their Bishop.

About the same tyme during the raigne of Seuerus, died Irenaeus,* 1.22 Henr. de Erfordia, Ado, and other Martyr writers, do hold, that he was martyred with a great multitude of other moe, for the confession and doctrine of Christ, about the fourth or fift yeare of Seuerus. This Irenaeus as he was a great writer, so was he greatly commended of Tertullian for his learning, whom he calleth omnium doctrinarum cu∣riosissimum exploratorem: a great searcher of all kynde of learning. He was first scholer and hearer of Polycarpus, frō thence either was sent or came to Fraunce, and there by Photinus, and the rest of the Martyrs was instituted into the ministery, commended by their letter vnto Eleutherius, as is before premonished. At length after y^e Martyrdom of Photinus, he was appointed bishop of Lions, where he cō∣tinued about the space of 23. yeres. In y^e tyme of this Irenae∣us, the state of the Church was much troubled, not only for the outward persecution of the foraine enemy, but also for diuers sectes and errours then stirring, against which he diligently laboured, and wrote much, although but few of his bookes be now remayning. The nature of this man well agreeyng with his name, was such, that he euer lo∣ued peace, and sought to set agreement when any contro∣uersie role in the Church. And therfore, when the question of keeping the Easter day was renued to the Church, be∣betwene Victor bishop of Rome, and the churches of Asia, and when Victor would haue excommunicated them as schisinatikes, for disagreeyng from him therein: Irenaeus with other brethren, of the French Church, sory to see such a contention among brethren for such a trifle, conuented themselues together in a common Councell, and directing their letter with their common consent subscribed, sent vn∣to Victor, intreating him to stay his purpose, & not to pro∣ceed in excommunicating his brethren for that matter. Al∣though they themselues agreed with him in obseruing the Sonday Easter as he did: yet with great reasons and ar∣guments exhorted him not to deale so rigorously with his other brethren, following the ancient custome of their coū∣trey maner in that behalf. And beside this he wrote diuers other letters abroad concerning the same contentiō, decla∣ring the excommunication of Victor to be of no force.

Not long after Irenaeus followed also Tertullian about the tyme of this Seuerus,* 1.23 and Antoninus Carcalla his sonne, a man both in Greeke and Latin wel expert, hauing great gifts in disputing, and in writing eloquent, as his bookes declare, & as the commendation of al learned men doth te∣stifie no lesse. To whom Vincentius Lirinensis geueth such prayse, that he calleth him the floure of all Latine writers, and of the eloquence of his stile so he writeth, that with the force of his reasons, he saith, whom he could not persuade, them he cōpelled to consent vnto him. How many words, so many sentences, and how many sentences, so many vi∣ctories he had, &.

Such men of doing and writing, God raiseth vp from tyme to tyme, as pillers and stayes for his poore Church, as he did this Tertullian in these dangerous dayes of perse∣cution. For whē the christians were vexed with wrongs,* 1.24 & falsly accused of the Gentils, Tertullian taking their cause in hand, defendeth them against the persecutors, & against their slaunderous accusations: First, that they neuer min∣ded any styre or rebellion, either against the Empire or Emperors of Rome: forsomuch as the vse of Christians was to pray for the state of their Emperours and gouer∣nours. And where as they were accused falsly to bee ene∣mies to all mankind,* 1.25 how could that be (saith Tertullian to Scapula) seyng the proper office of the Christians is by their profession to pray for all men, to loue their enemies, neuer requiting euil for euil, when as all other do loue but onely their friends, and scarcely them? As touching the horrible slaunder of murdering infants, how can that be true in the Christians (saith he)▪ whose order is to abstayne from all bloud, & strangled: in so much, that it is not lawful for thē to touch the bloud of any beast at their tables when they feede? From filthy copulation no sort more free then they: which are and euer hath ben the greatest obseruers of cha∣stitie, of whom, such as may, liue in perpetuall Uirginitie all their life, such as cannot, contract matrimony, for auoy∣ding all whoredom and fornication. Neither can it be pro∣ued of the christians to worship the sunne, which false sur∣mise, Tertulliā declareth to rise hereof,* 1.26 for that the maner of the Christians was to pray toward the East. Much lesse was there any of them so mad as to worship an Asses head whereof the occasion beyng taken onely of the Iewes, the slaunder therof therfore he prooueth to be falsly and wrōg∣fully laid to the charge of the Christians.

And likewise against all other lies and slaunders, ob∣iected of the Heathen against the Christians, the sayd Ter∣tullian purgeth the Christians, declaring them falsly to be belied, & wrongfully persecuted, not for any defect of theirs but only for the hatred of their name. And yet notwithstā∣ding by the same persecutions, he prooueth in the same A∣pologie, the religion of the christians nothing to be empai∣red, but rather encreased. The more (saith he) we are mow∣en doune of you,* 1.27 the moe rise vp. The bloud of Christians is seede. For what man sayth he, in beholding the painfull torments, and the perfect patience of them will not search and inquire what is in the cause? And when he hath found it out, who will not agree vnto it? And when he agreeth to it, who will not desire to suffer for it? Thus (faith he) this sect will neuer die, which the more it is cutdoune, the more it groweth. For euery man seing and wondring at the suf∣ferance of the Saints, is mooued the more therby to search the cause in searching, he findeth it, and in finding, he fol∣loweth it. Tertul in eodem Apolog.

Thus Tertullian in this daungerous tyme of persecu∣tion, being stirred vp of God, defended the innocēcie of the Christians, against the blasphemy of the aduersaries, and moreouer for the instruction of the church compiled many fruitfull workes, whereof some are extant, some are not to be found.* 1.28 Notwithstanding the great learning & famous vertues of this worthy mā, certaine errors and blemishes are noted in his doctrine, as were before both of Origine, & Irenaeus, and likewise of them were they neuer so excellent, that followed them. Which errors all here in order to note and comprehend, were too long a matter for this story to prosecute. This by the way shall be sufficient to admonish the Reader, neuer to looke for any such perfection of any

man in this world, how singular so euer he be (Christ one∣ly excepted) but some blemishe or other ioyneth himselfe withall, whereof more perchaunce shall be sayd when we come to Cyprian.

* 1.29And now to returne agayne to the order of bishops of Rome intermitted: after Eleutherius afore mentioned, next in the bishoprike of Rome succeded Victor, who as Platina sayth, died quietly in the dayes of Seuerus. But Damasus Supplementum, Lib. 8. and such as folow the common Chro∣nicles, affirme that he died a Martyr, after he had sitten x. or as some say xij. yeares. This Victor was a great styrre•• (as partly before is signified) in the controuersie and con∣tention of Easterday. For the which he would haue proce∣ded in excommunication against the churches of Asia, had not Irenaeus then bishop of Lions, with the counsaile of o∣ther his brethren there assēbled, repressed his intended vio∣lence. As touching that cōtrouersie of Easter in those dais of the primitiue Church, the originall thereof was this, as Eusebius, Socrates, Platina, and other record. First, certain it is,* 1.30 that the Apostles onely being intentiue and attendaunt to the doctrine of saluation, gaue no heed nor regard to the obseruation of dayes & times, neither bound the Church to any ceremoni••s and rites, except those things necessary mentioned in the Actes of the Apostles, as strangled and bloud, which was ordayned then of the holy Ghost, not∣without a most vrgent and necessary cause, touched partly in y^e history before. For when the murdering and bloud of Infants was commonly obiected by the Heathen perse∣••utors agaynst the Christians, they had no other argumēt to help thēselues, nor to refell the aduersarie, but only their own law, by the which they were commaūded to abstaine not onely from all mens bloud, but also from the bloud of all cōmon beastes. And therefore that law seemeth by the holy Ghost to be geuen, & also to the same end & continued in the Church, so long as the cause, that is the persecutions of the Heathen Gentiles continued. Beside these we read of no other ceremonies or rites, which the Apostles great∣ly regarded, but left such things free to the libertie of Chri∣stians, euery man to vse therein his own discretion, for the vsing or not vsing thereof. Whereupon, as concerning all the ceremoniall obseruations of dayes, tymes, places, meates, drinks, vestures, and such other, of all these things neither was the diuersitie among men greatly noted, nor any vniformitie greatly required. In so much, that Irenaeus writing to Victor of the tradition of dayes,* 1.31 and of fastings, and of the diuersitie of these things then vsed among y^e pri∣mitiue fathers, saith: Nihilo tamen minus omnes Illi pacem in∣ter se retinuerunt, & retinemus etiamnū, & leiunij dissonantia, fi∣dei concordiam commendat, &c. That is, Notwithstanding all this varietie, all they kept peace among themselues, & yet we keepe it still, and this difference of fasting among vs, commendeth more the concord of faith. And so long did the doctrine of Christian libertie remaine whole & sounde in the Church till the tyme of Victor,* 1.32 which was about the yeare of our Lord, 200. Although the diuersitie of these v∣sages, began something before also in the dayes of Pius and Anicetus, about the yere of our Lord, 163. to be misliked: yet restraint hereof was not so much vrged before, as in y^e tune of Victor. And yet neither did the violēce of Victor take such place, but that the doctrine of Christian libertie was defen∣ded and maintained by meanes of Irenaeus and other, and so continued in the Church till after the Councell of Nice. And thus much concerning the doctrine of Christian liber∣tie of the differences of rites and ceremonies.

Now to returne to Victor agayne, to shew what diuer∣sitie there was in obseruing the day of Easter, and how it came, thus is the story: First, in the tyme of Pius and Ani∣cetus, an. 163. the questiō of Easter day began first to be mo∣ued, at what tyme Pius, by the reuelation of Hermes, decreed the obseruatiō of that day to be chaunged from the wonted maner of the 14. day of the moone in the first moneth, vnto the next Sonday after. After him came Anicetus, Soter, and Eleutherius Bishops of Rome, which also determined the same.* 1.33 Agaynst these stode Melito. Bishop of Sardis, Po∣lycarpus, and as some thinke, Egesippus, with other learned men of Asia which Polycarpus being sent by the brethren of Asia, came to Rome as is aforesayd, to cōferre with Ani∣cetus in that matter: wherin when they could not agree af∣ter long debating, yet notwithstanding, they did both cō∣municate together with reuerēce, & departed in peace. And so the celebration of Easterday remained Adiaphoron, as a thing indifferent in the Church, till the time of Victor. Who folowing after Anicetus and hys fellowes, and chiefly stir∣ring in this matter, endeuoured by all meanes and might, to draw, or rather subdue the Churches of Asia vnto hys opinion, thinking moreouer to excommunicate all those Byshops and churches of Asia, as heretickes and schisma∣tickes, which disagreed from the Romaine order, had not Irenaeus otherwise restrayned him from that doyng,* 1.34 as is a foresayd, whiche was about the yeare of our Lord .191. in the reigne of Commodus. Thus then began the vniformi∣tie of keeping that holy day to be first required, as a thing necessary, & all they accompted as heretickes and schisma∣tickes, which dissented from y^e Bishop & traditiō of Rome.

With Victor stoode Theophilus Byshop of Cesar••a, Nar∣cissus of Hierusalem, Irenaeus of Lyons, Palmas of Pon∣tus, Banchillus of Corinthe, the Byshop of D••••roena, and other moe. All which condescended to haue the celebration of Easter vpon the Sonday, because they would differ frō the Iewes in all things, as neare as they might, and part∣ly because the resurrection of the Lord fell on the same day.

On the contrary side diuers Byshop were in Asia, of whom the principall was Policrates Byshop of Ephesus, who being assembled with a great multitude of Bishops and brethren of those parties,* 1.35 by the common assent of the rest, wrote agayne to Victor, and to the Church of Rome, declaring, that they had euer from the beginning obserued that day, according to the rule of Scripture vnchaunged, neither adding nor altering any thing frō the same. Alled∣ging moreouer for them the examples of the Apostles and holy fathers their predecessours, as Phillip the Apostle, with hys three daughters at Hierapolis: also Iohn the A∣postle and Euangelist at Ephesus, Polycarpus at Smyrna Thraseas at Eumenia, Byshoppe and Martyr, lykewise of Sagaris at Laodicaea Byshop and Mattyr, Holy Papyrius, and Melito at Sardis. Beside these bishops also of his own kindred,* 1.36 and his owne aunceters, to the number of seuen which all were bishops before him, & he the eight now af∣ter them. All which obserued (saith he) the solemnitie of the same day, after the same wi••e and sort as we do now.

Victor being not a litle mooued herewith,* 1.37 by letters a∣gayne denounceth against them (more bold vpon authori∣tie, then wi••e in his commission) violent excommunicatiō, Albeit by the wise handlyng of Irenaeus, and other learned men, that matter was staid, and Victor otherwise perswa∣ded. What the perswasiōs of Irenaeus were, partly may ap∣peare in Euseb. Lib. 5. cap. 26. the summe whereof tendeth to this effect: That the variance and difference of ceremonies is no straunge matter in the Church of Christ,* 1.38 when as this varietie is not onely in the day of Easter, but also in the maner of fasting, & in diuers other vsages among the christian. For some fast one day, some two days, some o∣ther fast moe. Other there be, which counting xl. houres, both day & night, take that for a ful dayes fast. And this so diuers fashion of fasting in the church of Christ, began not onely in this our tyme, but was before among our fore el∣ders. And yet notwithstanding they with all this diuersity, were in vnitie among themselues, and so be we, neyther both this difference of ceremonies any thing hinder, but rather commendeth the concorde of fayth. And bringeth forth the examples of the fathers of Telesphorus,* 1.39 Pius, Anice∣tus, Soter, Eleutherius, and such other, who neither obserued the same vsage themselues, neither prescribed it to others, and yet notwithstanding kept christian charitie with such as came to cōmunicate with them, not obseruing the same forme of things which they obserued, as well appeared by Polycarpus and Anicetus, which although they agreed not in one vniforme custome of rites, yet refused not to cōmu∣nicate together, the one geuing reuerence vnto the other. Thus the controuersie being taken vp betwene Irenaeus & Victor, remained free to the time of Nicene Councell. Haec ex Iren. Eusebius. And thus much cōcerning the controuer∣sie of that matter, and concerning the doings of Victor.

After Victor, succeeded in the sea of Rome Zephyrinus, in the dayes of the foresayd Seuerus,* 1.40 about the yeare of our Lord .203. To this Zephyrinus be ascribed two Epistles, in the first Tome of the Councels. But as I haue sayd before of the decretall Epistles of other Romaine Bishops: so I say and verily suppose of this, that neither the countenāce of the stile, nor the matter therin contained, nor the condi∣tion of the ••yme,* 1.41 doth otherwise giue to thinke of these let∣ters, but that they be verily bastard letters, not written by these fathers, nor in these tymes, but craftily and wic∣kedly pact in by some, which to set vp y^e primacie of Rome, haue most pestilently abused the authoritie of these holy & auncient fathers, to deceaue the simple Church. For who is so rude, but that in considering onely the state of those terrible tymes, may easily vnderstand except affectiō blind him, beside a nomber of other probable coniectures to lead him, that the poore persecuted bishops in that time, would haue bene glad to haue any safe couert to put their heades in: so far was it of, that they had any lust or laisure, thē to seeke for any Primacie or Patriarkeship, or to driue all o∣ther churches to appeale to the sea of Rome, or to exempt

all Priests from the accusation of any lay man: as in the first Epistle of Zephyrinus is to be seene,* 1.42 written to the Bi∣shops of Sicilia, And likewise the second Epistle of his, to the Bishops of the prouince of Egypt, containing no ma∣ner of doctrine, nor consolation necessary for that time, but only certain ritual decrees to no purpose, argueth no lesse but the said epistles neither to sauor of that man, nor taste of the tyme.

Of like credite also seemeth the constitution of the Pa∣tines of glasse,* 1.43 which Damasus sayth that the same Zephyri∣nus ordained to be caried before the Priest, at the celebratiō of the Masse. Againe Platina writeth that he ordayned the ministration of the Sacramēt to be no more vsed in vessels of wood, or of glasse, or of any other mettall, except only sil∣uer, gold, and tinne, &c. But how these two testimonies of Damasus and Platina ioyne together, let the reader iudge: especially seyng the same decree is referred to Vrbanus, that came after him. Againe, what needed this decree of golden chalices to be stablished afterward in the Councell of Ty∣bur and Rhenes,* 1.44 if it had bene enacted before by Zephyri∣nus? How long this Zephyrinus sate, our writers do varie. Eusebius sayth, he died in the raigne of Caracalla, and sate 17. yeares, Platina writeth that he died vnder Seuerus, and sate 8. yeares, and so saith also Nauclerus. Damasus affirmeth that he sate 16. yeares and two monthes.

Matthaeus author of the story intituled, Flores Historiarū, with other latter Chronicles,* 1.45 maketh mention of Perpetua, and Felicitas, and Reuocatus, her brother, also of Saturninus and Satyrus brethren, and Secundulus, which in the persecu∣tion of this Seuerus, gaue ouer their liues to Martyrdome for Christ, beyng throwen to wild beasts, and deuoured of the same, in Carthage and in Affrike, saue that Saturninus brought agayne from the beasts, was beheaded, and Secū∣dulus dyed in prison, about the yeare of our Lord, 202. as writeth Florilegus.

This Seuerus the persecutor raigned, as the most part of writers accord the terme of 18. yeares, who about y^e lat∣ter tyme of his raigne, came with his army hether into Britaine, where after many conflictes had with the Bri∣tains, in the borders of the North, he cast vp a ditche with a mighty walle made of earth and turues, & strong stakes, to the length of 132. myles from the one side of the sea to the other, beginning at Tine, and reached to the Scottish sea, which done, he remooued to Yorke, and there by the brea∣king in of the Northren men and the Scots, was besieged and slaine, about the yere of our Lord, 214. leauing behind him two sonnes, Bassianus, and Geta. which Bassianus sur∣named Caracalla,* 1.46 after he had slayne his brother Geta here in Britaine, gouerned the Empire alone, the space of sixe yeares.* 1.47 After whose death, he beyng slayne also of his ser∣uaunts (as he had slayne his brother before) succeded Ma∣crinus with his sonne Diadumenus, to be Emperour, who after they had raigned one yeare, were both slayne of their owne people.

After them followed Varius Heliogabalus, in the empire, rather to be called a Monster, then a man, so prodigious was his life in all glotonie, filthines, and ribaudry. Such was his pompe,* 1.48 that in his lampes he vsed balme, & filled his fishpondes with rosewater. To let passe his sumptu∣ous vestures which he would not weare but only of gold,* 1.49 and most costly silkes: his shoes glistering with precious stones finely engraued he was neuer ij. dayes serued with one kynd of meate, he neuer wore one garment twise, and likewise for his fleshly wickednes: some dayes his compa∣ny was serued at meale with the braynes of Ostriges, and a straunge foule called Phenocapterie, an other day with the toungs of Popiniayes, and other sweete singing birdes. Beyng nye to the sea, he neuer vsed fish: in places farre di∣stant from the sea, all his house was serued with most deli∣cate fishes. At one supper he was serued with 7000. fishes, and 5000. foules. At his remooning in his progresse,* 1.50 often there followed him 600. chariots, laden only with baudes, common harlots, and ribaudes. He sacrificed with young children, and preferred to the best aduauncementes in the common weale, most light personages, as baudes, Min∣strels, Carters, and such like. In one word he was an ene∣my to all honesty & good order. And when he was foretold by his Sorcerers and Astronomers, that he should dye a violent death, he prouided ropes of silke to hang himselfe, swordes of gold to kill himselfe▪ and strong poyson in Ia∣cincts and Emeraudes to poyson himself, if needs he must thereto be forced.* 1.51 Moreouer, he made an high tower, ha∣uing the floore of boordes couered with gold plate, bordred with precious stones, frō the which toure he would throw himself downe, if he should be pursued of his enemies. But notwithstanding all his prouision, he was slayne of the souldiours, drawen through the Citie, and cast into Tiber after he had raigned two yeres and viij. monthes, as wit∣nesseth Eutropius, other say foure yeares.

This Heliogabalus hauing no issue,* 1.52 adopted to his sōne and heyre Aurelius Alexander Seuerus, the sonne of Mammea who entring his raigne the yeare of our Lorde, 224. cō∣tinued 13. yeares,* 1.53 well commended for vertuous, wise, gē∣tle, liberal, & to no man hurtful. And as he was not vnler∣ned himself, through the diligent education of Mammea his mother, so he was a great fauourer of men, wise and lear∣ned. Neither did he any thing in the common weale, with∣out the assistance of learned and sage counsailors.* 1.54 It is re∣ported of him, to beare such stomacke against corrupt iud∣ges, that when he chaunced to meete with any of them, by the commotion of his mind, he would cast vp choler, being so mooued with them that he could not speake, and was re∣dy with his two fingers to put out their eyes. From his court he dismissed all superfluous and vnneedful seruants saying, that he was no good pupil, which fed idle seruants with the bowels of his common weale.

Among his other good vertues, it appeareth also that he was frendly and fauourable vnto the Christians, as by this act may be gathered: For when the christians had oc∣cupied a certaine publike place in some good vse, belike for the assembling and conuenting together of the congrega∣tion, the company of the Cookes or tiplers, made chalenge of that place to belōg vnto thē. The matter being brought before the Emperour, he iudged it more honest, the place to serue to the worship of God, howsoeuer it were, then to the dirtie slubbering of Cookes and Skullians.

By this it may be vnderstand,* 1.55that in Rome no Chri∣stian churches were erected vnto this tyme, when as yet (notwithstanding this fauour of the Emperour) no pub∣like house could quietly be obtained for the christians. So that by the reason hereof may appeare the decretall epistle and ordinance of Pope Higynus concerning the dedication of churches aboue mentioned, pag. 53. to bee falsified. And likewise the ordinaunce of Pius his successour, concernyng the Altar, or Superaltare, to be also false. For what Superal∣tare was it like, they had in the tyme of Higynus and Pius, when as at this tyme which was long after, no publike place almost could be graunted them for the Christians to assemble together?

Of this Alexander, Platina writeth, that as hee was a great hater of all boasters & flatterers,* 1.56 so he was of suche prudence, that no deceit could escape him, and bringeth in a story of one Turinus, who had gotten craftily many great bribes and gifts, in making the people beleue that he was of great authoritie with the Emperour, and that he could helpe them to haue whatsoeuer they sued for. Whereof the Emperour being certified,* 1.57 caused him in the open market to be fastned to a stake, and there killed with smoke, where the Crier stood thus crying to the people: Smoke he sold, and with smoke he is punished.

Mammea the mother of this Alexander aboue mentioned (whom Hierome calleth a deuout and religious woman) hearing of the same and the excellent learning of Origene, being then at Alexandria, sent for him to Antioche, desirous to heare and see him▪ Unto whom the foresayd Origene ac∣cording to her request, resorted, and after that he had there remained a space with the Emperour, and his mother, re∣turned againe to Alexandria.

And thus continued this good Emperor his raigne the space of 13. yeares, at length at a commotion in Germany, with his mother Mammea he was slaine. After whome suc∣ceded Maximinus, contrary to the mynd of the Scuate, only appointed by the souldiours to be Emperour. During all this tyme betwene Seuerus and this Maximinus, the church of Christ, although it had not perfect peace, yet it had some meane tranquillitie from persecution. Albeit some Mar∣tyrs there were at this tyme that suffred,* 1.58 whereof Nauclerus giueth this reason: For although (saith he) Alexander be∣yng perswaded through the entreating of his mother Mā∣mea, did fauour the Christians: yet notwithstanding, there was no publike Edict or Proclamation prouided for their safegard. By reasō wherof, diuers there were which suffe∣red Martyrdome vnder Almachius & other iudges.* 1.59In the number of whom after some stories, was Calixtus Bishop of Rome, who succeded next vnto Zephyrinus; aboue men∣tioned. And after him Vrbanus also, which both beyng Bi∣shops of Rome, did both suffer, by the opiniō of some wri∣ters, vnder Alexander Seuerus.

This Calixtus in his two decretal Epistles, written to Benedictus,* 1.60 and to the Bishops of Fraunce, geueth these or∣dinances, that no actions or accusations agaynst the Pre∣lates or teachers of the church should be receaued, that no secret conspiracies should be made against bishops. Item, no man to communicate with persons excōmunicate. Also

no bishop to excommunicate or to deale in an other Dio∣ces.* 1.61 And here he expoundeth the Dioces or the Parish of any bishop or minister to be his wife. The wife (sayth the Apostle) is bound to the law, so long as the husbād liueth, when he is dead, she is free from the law: So (saith Calix∣tus) the wife of a bishop (which is his Church) so long as he liueth, is bound duely to him, neither ought to be iud∣ged or disposed by any other man, without his will and iudgement: after his death she is free from the lawe, to marrie to whō she will, so it be in the Lord, that is, regula∣riter, regularly. In the end of the sayd his epistle decretall, he confuteth the error of them which hold, that they which are fallen, are not to be receiued agayne. Which heresie af∣ter the tyme of Calixtus or Calistus, came in first by Nouatus, in the dayes of Cornelius. Moreouer, in his sayd first Epi∣stle decretall, is contayned the fast of the foure tymes, com∣monly called the Imber fast,* 1.62 whereof also Marianus Scotus, maketh mention. But Damasus speaking of the same fast, sayth, he ordayned the fast but of three tymes, which was for the encrease of corne, wyne, and oyle.

By these hetherto premised, it is not hard for a quicke Reader to smel out the crafty iugling of that person or per∣sons whosoeuer they were, y^e falsly haue ascribed these de∣cretall institutions to those holy fathers. For first, what laysure had the Christians to lay in their accusations a∣gainst their bishops, when we neuer read nor finde in any story any kynde of variaunce in those dayes among them, but all loue, mutuall compassion, and harty communion among the Saintes. And as we read of no variaunce a∣mong the people in those dayes, nor of any fault or backsli∣ding among the Bishops, who for the most part then died all constant Martirs: so neither do we read of any tribu∣nall seat or Consistorie vsed or frequented then about any such matters. Agayne, if a man examine well the dangers of those busie days, he shall see the poore flocke of the christi∣ans, so occupied and piteously oppressed by the cruell accu∣sations of the Heathen Infidels, that though the cause did, yet the tyme would not serue them to commense any law against their bishops. Secōdly, as touching their conspi∣racie against bishops, what conspiracie either would they then practise agaynst them, which always gaue their liues for their defence? Or how could they then conspire in any cōpanies together, when neuer a true thristian man durst once put his head out of his dores, neither was there in the church any Christian man in those perilous dayes, except he were a true man in deed, such as was farre from all false conspiracies? And when as all the world almost in all pla∣ces conspired agaynst them: What tyme, what cause, or what hart trow ye could they haue to cōspire against their instructors? Thirdly, concerning the confutation of that heresie, how standeth the confutation with the tyme of Ca∣listus, whē Nouatus the author of that heresie was after him in the tyme of Cornelius? Fourthly, if by the lawe of Calix∣tus, euery Dioces be the proper wife of euery bishop or mi∣nister, then how many bishops wiues, and persons wiues hath the adulterous Pope of Rome defloured in these lat∣ter dayes of the Church, which so proudly and impudently hath intermedled and taken his pleasure & his owne profit in euery Dioces and Parish almost through all Christen∣dome, without all leaue and licence of the good man, who hath bene in the meane tyme,* 1.63 & yet is compelled stil, where so euer the Popes holines commeth, Vigilante sternere naso, and to giue him leaue vnasked, to do what he list. Where∣fore if this Canon decretall be truly his, why is it not ob∣serued, so as it doth stand without exceptiō? If it bee not, why is it then falsly forged vpon him, and the Church of Christ deceaued? And certes, lamentable it is, that this falsifiyng of such trifling traditions vnder the false pretēce of antiquitie, either was begon in the Church, to deceaue the people: or that it hath remayned so long vndetected. For as I thinke, the church of Christ will neuer be perfect∣ly reformed, before these decretall constitutions & Epistles which haue so long put on the visard of antiquitie, shalbe fully detected, and appeare in their owne colour, wherein they were first paynted.

And yet neither do I say this, or thinke contrary, but that it may be, that bishops of Rome and of the same name haue bene the true authors of these traditions: but here cō∣meth in the error (as I credibly suppose) that when other later bishops of the like name, haue deuised these ceremo∣niall inuentions, the vulgar opinion of men hath transfer∣red them to the first primitiue fathers,* 1.64 although beyng of an other time, yet bearing the same name with the true in∣uentors thereof. But of Calixtus enough: who as Damasus sayth in the dayes of this Alexander Seuerus, died a Martyr. Vincentius affirmeth that he was tied to a great stone, and so out of a window was thrown into a ditch. Eusebius spea∣kyng of his death, maketh no mention of his Martyrdom, and sayth he sate v. yeares. Platina sayth vj. yeres,* 1.65 Sabellicus giueth him vij. yeares, and so doth Damasus.

After Calistus folowed Vrbanus, about the yeare of our Lord 227.* 1.66 who in his epistle decretall (comming out of the same forge) which he wrote in common to all bishops, ma∣king no mention of the heauy persecutions of the Church, nor ministring any exhortation of comfort or constancie to the brethren, onely geueth many straight precepts, for not transporting or alienating the goods of the Church, and to pay truly their off••••••ngs, which they vow: also to haue all common among the Clergie.* 1.67 Moreouer, about the ende of his epistle he instituteth the confirmation of children after Baptisme (which the Papistes bee woont to take into the number of their vii. Sacraments) affirming and denoun∣cing more then Scripture will beare, that the imposition of the Bishops hand bringeth the holy ghost, and thereby to be made full Christiās, &c. But of these decretall epistles inough is sayd before, more may bee considered of the dis∣crete Reader. Marianus Scotus, Sabellicus, Nauclerus, & other late story writers doe hold as is aforesayd,* 1.68 that he dyed a Martyr in the dayes of Alexander Seuerus, after he had go∣uerned that seat, 4. yeares, as Damasus and Platina do wit∣nes, as Marianus sayth, eight yeares.

The same Damasus and Platina do testifie of him, that he by his preaching and holines of life cōuerted diuers Eth∣nikes to the fayth.* 1.69 Among whom were Tiburtius, and Vale∣rianus the husband of Cecilia, which both being noble men of Rome, remained constant in the fayth vnto the end and Martyrdome.

Of this Cecilia thus it is is written in the Martyrologe by Ado,* 1.70 that Cecilie the virgin, after she had brought Valeri∣an her husband espoused, and Tiburtius his brother to the knowledge and fayth of Christ, and with her exhortations had made them constant vnto Martyrdome: after the suf∣fryng of them she was also apprehended by Almachius the ruler, and brought to the Idols to do sacrifice, which thing when she abhorred to do, she should be presented before the iudge to haue the condēnation of death. In the meane time the Sergeants and officers which were about her, behol∣dyng her comely beautie, and the prudent behauior in her conuersation, began with many persuasions of wordes to sollicite her mynd, to fauour her selfe, and that so excellent beautie, and not to cast her selfe away, &c. But she agayne so replied to them with reasons & godly exhortations, that by the grace of almighty God their hartes began to kindle and at length to yeld to that Religion, which before they did persecute. Which thing she perceauing, desired of the iudge Almachius a litle respite. Which beyng graunted, she sendeth for Vrbanus the Bishop home to her house, to sta∣blish and ground them in the fayth of Christ. And so were they, with diuers other at the same tyme Baptised, both men & women, to the number (as the story sayth) of 400. persons, among whome was one Gordianus a noble man. This done, this blessed Martyr was brought before the iudge,* 1.71 where she was condemned: then after was brought to the house of the Iudge, where she was enclosed in a whote bath, but she remayning there a whole day & night without any hurt, as in a cold place, was brought out a∣gain, and cōmaundement giuen that in the bath she should be beheaded. The executor is said to haue foure strokes at her necke, & yet her head beyng cut off, she (as the story ge∣ueth) liued three days after. And so died this holy Virgine martyr, whose body in the night season Vrbanus the bishop tooke and buried among the other Bishops. Ado the com∣piler of this Martyrologe addeth that this was done in y^e tyme of Marcus Aurelius, and Commodus. But that cannot be, for so much as Vrbanus by all histories, was long after those Emperors, and liued in the dayes of this Alexander as is aboue declared. Antoninus, Bergomēsis, Equilinus with such other writers, set forth this history with many strāge miracles, wrought by the said Cecilia, in conuerting her husband Valerianus, and his brother, in shewyng them the Angell which was the keeper of her virginitie, and of the Angell putting on crowns vpon their heads. But as tou∣ching these miracles, as I do not dispute whether they be true or fabulous: so because they haue no ground vpon a∣ny ancient or graue authors, but taken out of certain new Legends, I do therfore referre them thether from whence they came.

Under the same Alexander diuers other there be whom Bergomensis mentioned to haue suffred martyrdom,* 1.72 as one Agapitus of the age of xv. yeares, who beyng apprehended and condemned at Preneste in Italy, because he would not sacrifice to Idoles, was assayled with sundry tormentes: first with whips scourged, then hanged vp by the feete, af∣ter hauing hote water poured vpon him, at last cast to the

wild beasts, with all which torments, when he could not be hurt,* 1.73 finally with sword was beheaded. The executor of these punishments (as by Henricus Erford, may be gathe∣red) was one Antiochus, who in the executing of the fore∣sayd torments, sodenly fell downe from his iudiciall seate, crying out, that al his inward bowels burned within him and so gaue vp the breath, Henr. de Erfordia, Lib. 6. cap. 29.

Also with the same Agapitus is numbred Calepodius a minister of Rome, whose body first was drawen through the citie of Rome, & after cast into Tiber. Bergo. ibidem.

Then followeth Pammachius a Senatour of Rome, w^t his wife and children, and other both men and women, to the number of xlii.

Item an other noble Senator of Rome named Simpli∣cius all which together in one day had their heads smitten off, and their heads after hanged vp in diuers gates of the Citie, for a terrour of other, that none should professe the name of Christ.

Beside these suffred also Quiritius a noble man of Rome, who with his mother Iulia, and a great number moe, were put likewise to death.

Also Tiberius and Valerianus, Citizens of Rome, and brethren, suffered (as Bergomensis sayth) the same tyme, who first being bruised and broken with bats, after were beheaded.

Also Vincentius, Bergomensis, and Erfordiensis, make mē∣tion of Martina a Christian virgine, which after diuers bit∣ter punishments, beyng constant in her fayth, suffered in like maner by the sword.

Albeit as touching the tyme of these forenamed Mar∣tyrs, as I find them not in elder writers: so do I suppose them to suffer vnder Maximinus, or Decius, rather then vn∣der Alexander.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Seuerus Emperour.
• * 1.2

  Anno. 195.
• * 1.3

  The 5. persecu∣tion. Ex Euse. Lib. 6. cap. 2.
• * 1.4

  Anno. 205.
• * 1.5

  The false accu∣sations agaynst the Christians.
• * 1.6

  The captaines and ministers of this persecution. Ex Tertul ad Scapulam.
• * 1.7

  Leonides father of Origene Martyr.
• * 1.8

  Origene kept from Martyr∣dome by hys mother.
• * 1.9

  Origene com∣mended. Ex Euseb. Lib. 6. cap. 3.
• * 1.10

  Ex Euseb. An∣coni••o. Symone∣ta. &c.
• * 1.11

  Plutarchus scholler of Origene. and Serenus hys brother Martyred. Heraclides. Heron. Rhais. Potamiena, Marcella. schollers of Origene and Mar∣tyrs.
• * 1.12

  Basilides of a persecu∣tour made a martyr.
• * 1.13

  Ex Euseb. Lib. 6. cap. 5. Albeit the said Eusebius, giueth
• * 1.14

  Alexander confessor and Byshop of Hierusa∣lem. The notable age of Narcissus Byshop of Hierusalem.
• * 1.15

  A miracle of water turned into oyle. Ex. Euseb. Lib. 6. Ca. 9.
• * 1.16

  A terrible example of periury pu∣nished.
• * 1.17

  Narcissus and Alexander ioyned to∣gether in one Bysho∣pricke.
• * 1.18

  Alexander ordayned Byshop of Hierusalem by Gods miracle. Ex Euseb. Lib. 6. cap. 11.
• * 1.19

  The constā∣cie & death of Alexander Byshop
• * 1.20

  Andoclus, Martyr.,
• * 1.21

  Asclepiades Byshop of Antioche coufessor.
• * 1.22

  Irenaeus Byshop of Lyons, and Martyr.
• * 1.23

  Tertullian Ecclesiasticall writer.
• * 1.24

  The Apology of Tertullian defending the Christians.
• * 1.25

  Tertullianus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scapulam.
• * 1.26

  The occasion hereof, belike came of the Iewes worship∣ping the iawe of an Asse in the story of Sampson.
• * 1.27

  Tertul. in Ape∣logetico.
• * 1.28

  The errours and imperfection•• in learned men ne∣ted.
• * 1.29

  Victor Byshop of Rome.

  Victor reported of some to dye a Martyr.
• * 1.30

  The cause dis∣cussed why the holy Ghost for∣bad bloud and strangled in the primitiue Church.
• * 1.31

  Ex Euseb. lib. 5. Cap. 26. The doctrine of Christian liber∣tie in outward vsages.
• * 1.32

  Anno. 200.
• * 1.33

  Ex Euseb. Lib. 4. Cap 26. Polycarpus and Anicetus disagreeing in controuersie, yet agreed in cha∣••••e.
• * 1.34

  Vnifor•••••• in ceremo∣nies not to be required as a thing necessary.
• * 1.35

  Polycrates Byshop of Ephesus.
• * 1.36

  Byshop in those dayes maryed.
• * 1.37

  Victor excommu∣nicating the Churches of Asia.
• * 1.38

  Irenaeus to Victor.
• * 1.39

  Diuersitie commen∣deth the concorde of fayth.
• * 1.40

  Zephyrinu•• Byshop of Rome.
• * 1.41

  The Epistle and ordi∣naunces of Zephyrinus suspected to be counter∣fet.
• * 1.42

  The first E∣pistle of Zephyrinus to the By∣shops of Si∣cilia.
• * 1.43

  Patins of glasse borne before the Priest. The ordi∣naunces of Zepherinus of small cre∣dite.
• * 1.44

  Golden chalices. Concilium Tiburti••um Rhemense.
• * 1.45

  Ex Florile∣go. Perpetua. Felicitas. Reuocatus Saturninus. Sa••yrus. Secundulus. Martyrs. Souerus warreth in Brittayne. A wall be∣tweene England builded. 132. miles in length. Seuerus the persecu∣tour slayne at Yorke.
• * 1.46

  An. 215.
• * 1.47

  Bassianus Emperour. Macrinus with hys sonne Diadume∣nus Empe∣rour.
• * 1.48

  An. 219.
• * 1.49

  The mon∣strous life of Helioga∣bolus Em∣perour.
• * 1.50

  A prodigi∣ous beliged.
• * 1.51

  Heliogaba∣lus slayne of hys soul∣niours. Ex Eutro∣pio••.
• * 1.52

  Alexander Se∣uerus Empe∣rour.
• * 1.53

  Anno. 224.
• * 1.54

  Against corrupt Iudges. The saying of Alexander to be noted and followed. Idle seruauntes eate vp the bowels of the common weale.
• * 1.55

  A note worthy to be marked.
• * 1.56

  Platina in vita Iontians.
• * 1.57

  Punished with smoke, that ••old smoke. Mammea the mother of the Emperour.
• * 1.58

  Ex Nauclero.
• * 1.59

  Calixtus Byshop of Rome and Martyr.
• * 1.60

  The decretall Epistles of Calixtus examined.
• * 1.61

  The place of S. Paule vnfitly expounded.
• * 1.62

  Imber fast first ordayned.
• * 1.63

  Agaynst the de∣cretall Epistles and constituti∣ons.
• * 1.64

  Calixtus a Martyr. Ex Vincen. in spocul Hist. Et Antonino. tit. 7. cap. 6.
• * 1.65

  Vrbanus Byshop of Rome.
• * 1.66

  An. 227.
• * 1.67

  Confirma∣tion of chil∣dren institu∣ted.
• * 1.68

  Vrbanus Martyred.
• * 1.69

  Tiburtius. Valerianus Martyrs.
• * 1.70

  Cecilia Martyr Ex marty∣rologio A∣donis.
• * 1.71

  The Mar∣tyrdome of Cecilia.
• * 1.72

  Agapitus a blessed Martyr. Ex Bergo∣mense. Lib. 8.
• * 1.73

  A notable example of Gods iust plague vp∣on a perse∣cutor.

  Ex Henr. Er••ordiens. Lib 6.

  Calepodius, Martyr.

  Pammachi∣us with his wife and children Martyrs. 42. Martyrs. Simplicius, Martyr. Quiritius, Iulia, hys mother Martyrs. Tyberius, Valerianus, brethren and martirs. Martina a Virgine & Martyr.