Thieleman J. van Braght · 14 of 210

Third Century · Part 5

Thereupon Bishop Fructuosus answered: "I worship the eternal Prince, who has created the days and the gods, and is Lord even over the Emperor Gallien; and Christ, who is begotten of the eternal Father Himself, whose servant, and the shepherd of whose flock I am."

The Proconsul derisively said: "Yea, who bast been it till now; but thou art so no longer." With this, he sentenced Fructuosus and his two deacons, Augurius and Eulogius, to be burned alive.

These faithful martyrs, having received the sentence of death, for the name of Christ, rejoiced in their impending martyrdom, and when they saw the people weep, as they were led to death, they forbade them to weep. When some offered Fructuosus a drink on the way, that he might refresh his heart, he refused it, according to the example of Christ, saying: "Now is our fast day. I do not wish to drink; it is not yet the ninth hour of the day (that is three o'clock in the afternoon, before which time those who fasted did not eat); and death itself shall not break my fast day."

When they arrived in the arena, where the executioner had been ordered to build a great fire in which to burn these pious martyrs, a dispute (proceeding, however, from heartfelt love) arose among the faithful Christians, as to who should first untie the latchets of the shoes of the bishop, their beloved shepherd and teacher. But Fructuosus would not permit it, saying: "I shall untie them myself from my feet, so that I can go unhindered into the fire." And perceiving that they wept, he said: "Why weep ye? and why do you ask me to remember you? I shall pray for all of Christ's people."

Standing with his bare feet by the fire, he said to all the people: "Believe me! what you see before your eyes is no punishment; it passes away in a moment of time, and does not take away life, but restores it. O happy souls! who through this temporal ascend into heaven unto God, and who on the last day, shall be saved from everlasting fire."

All at once they hastened towards the fire, which indeed burned off in a moment the bands with which their hands had been fastened on their backs, thus freeing these; but their bodies remained intact in this great heat, so that with outstretched hands they prayed God to suffer the flames speedily to deliver them from the agony of death. Their prayer having been heard, they, leaving their frail bodies here as pledges, committed their souls unto God, and the three martyrs fell calmly asleep in the Lord, from whom, on the day of judgment, they will receive, in reward of their faithful services and steadfast testimonies, the martyr's crown, and white robes in token of their victory. Abr. Mell., 1st book, fol. 81, col. 4, and fol. 82, col. 1, 2, from Prudent. Stephan. Hym.. 6, ex Actis Proconsul.

MARINUS, OF NOBLE DESCENT, BUT PREFERRING

THE GOSPEL TO THE SWORD, BEHEADED AT

JERUSALEM FOR THE TESTIMONY OF

JESUS CHRIST, ABOUT THE YEAR 262

In the ancient records of the pious witnesses of Jesus Christ, an account is given of Marinus, a citizen of Jerusalem, of noble descent, who, although he belonged to the nobility, entertained a sincere affection far the true Christians, who at that time were oppressed beyond measure. On this account his enviers, who were jealous of the honor of his nobility, severely accused and charged him with being a Christian; which he also confessed, when he was brought before the judge; yea, he declared with a loud and clear voice, that he was certainly rn Christian. The Judge then gave him three hours' respite to consider, whether he would die as a Christian, or whether he would sacrifice to the gods and the Emperor.

As he went away from the tribunal, Theotecnes, the bishop of the church in that city, took him by the hand, and led him to the meeting, in the meeting place, strengthened him with many words in the faith, and, placing before him the sword which he was wont to carry at his side, and also the Gospel [book], he asked him which of the two he would choose?

When Marinus, with a firm faith, stretched forth his hand for the Gospel, choosing it instead of the sword, Theotecnes said to him: "O my son I keep that which thou host chosen, and, despising this present life, hope for the eternal. Depart in good confidence, and receive the crown which the Lord has prepared for thee."

Marinus accordingly returned to the tribunal, and was forthwith called by the lord's servant, for the appointed time had come; he did not delay or wait until he was asked, but said of his own accord: that he had considered the matter, and that it was established by the law of the fathers, that God must be obeyed rather than men. Eusebius Pamphilius writes, that when Marinus had answered thus, the judge immediately gave sentence that he should be beheaded. Lib. 7, cap. 15.

P. J. Twisck gives the following account of this Marinus: "When Marinus confessed .that he was a Christian, and chose the Bible in preference to the sword, he was called before the tribunal, sentenced, and beheaded." Third book, for the year 262, page 73, col. 2; from Euseb. Compare this with the Introduction, fol. 41, col. 2.

THREE PIOUS PEASANTS, PRISCUS, MALCHUS,

AND ALEXANDER, WHO SOUGHT HEAVENLY

CROWNS, TORN BY THE WILD BEASTS,

AT CESAREA, IN PALESTINE, ABOUT

THE YEAR 263

In this persecution under Valerian there were three very noted and God fearing martyrs at Cesarea, in Palestine, who nevertheless were but simple peasants, the first called Priscus, the second Malchus, the third Alexander. Eusebius writes, that, as they lived near the suburbs of Cesarea, a divine zeal for the faith was kindled within them, and they accused each other (and each himself, says Mellinus), of slothfulness, since heavenly crowns of martyrdom were distributed, or at least offered, in the city, and they were so little inclined to ask for them, notwithstanding our Lord and Saviour had said that the kingdom of heaven must be taken by violence, and therefore it did not become them to remain so earthly and slothful. Having exhorted one another with such words, they went into the city, and addressed and reproved that cruel tyrant, the criminal judge, demanding of him, why he shed so much Christian blood. The tyrant instantly replied saying: "They shall be thrown before wild beasts, to be torn by them, who do not like to see the blood of the Christians shed; which, it is stated, was done to them." Compare Eu ~eb., lib. 7, cap. 12, fol. 131, col. 1, 2, letter Fa G, with the Introduction, fol. 4, col. 2. Also, loh. Gys., fol. 21, col. 2.

A. Mellinus, writing in defense of the aforementioned three peasants, against those who would pronounce them too bold, says after other remarks: "Who are you that judge your brethren? How do you know of what spirit they were? No one has courage of himself; but it is the gift of God, not only to believe in Christ, but also to suffer for His name: hence, neither is of ourselves. They also did not seek their own honor, but to magnify the name of Christ by their death; to which, no doubt, they were impelled by divine zeal, since their zeal was not without knowledge, but proceeded from the power of faith; whereby they were prepared through the divine Spirit to proclaim the honor of God through their death; for this was their sole object." First book, fol. 79, col. 4.

PHILIP, PRIVATUS, FLORENTIN, PONTIUS, AND MANY

OTHERS, PUT TO DEATH FOR THE TESTIMONY

OF JESUS CHRIST, IN DIFFERENT PLACES,

DURING THIS PERSECUTION, TILL

ABOUT A. D. 270

Besides the afore mentioned martyrs who were put to death in this persecution, certain other authors have noted various other pious witnesses of Jesus Christ, who, loving the honor of God more than their own lives, were put to death at that time, and under that same Emperor; which we shall presently relate. Besides the three hundred Christians whom P. J. Twisck places in the year 264, as having been burned in a limekiln, because they would not throw incense on the coals, for a sacrifice in honor of Jupiter, as may be seen in the 3d book, page 75, col. 1, from Histor. Adr., fol. 30, several names are mentioned, as, Philip, bishop of the church at Alexandria, who was put to death with the sword in this persecution, for the testimony of Jesus Christ. J. Gys., fol. 21, col. 2, from Vinc. Spec. Hist., lib. 11, cap. 23. Henr. d' Oxf., lib. 6; cap. 21. Also, Florentin and Pontius, pious men, are stated to have been put to death in France, for the name of the Lord, together with others, who are also mentioned. Introduction, fol. 41, col. 2, Seb. Franck, fol. 22, col. 4.

OF THE NINTH PERSECUTION OF THE CHRISTIANS,

UNDER AURELIAN, COMMENCED ABOUT

A. D. 273

CONCERNING THE CRUELTY AND BLOODTHIRSTT;

NESS OF THE EMPEROR AURELIAN AGAINST

THE CHRISTIANS, AND HOW HE WAS

PREVENTED THEREIN BY GOD

A. Mellinus writes: "Aurelian was a stern, cruel, and bloodthirsty Emperor by nature, and although at first he had a good opinion of the Christians, he nevertheless afterwards became averse to, and estranged from them: and having, undoubtedly, by some talebearers, been instigated against the Christians, he allowed himself to be seduced so far, as to raise the ninth general persecution of the Roman monarchy against them, which persecution .he, however, did not carry out. For at the very moment in which the decrees written against the Christians, were laid before him by his secretary, that he might sign them, and when he was about to take the pen in hand, the hand of God suddenly touched him, smiting his hand with lameness, and thus preventing him in his purpose, so that he could not sign them." First book, fol. 87, col. 3; from hopisc. Victor. Eus., lib. 7. Post. Literal, Aug. de Civit. Dei., lib. 18, cap. 52. Oral.. lib. 7, cap. 16. Theodoret. Hilt., lib. 4, cap. 17.

A MORE PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THIS PERSE;

CUTION, ACCORDING TO P, J. TWISCK

He writes: "Emperor Aurelian commenced the ninth persecution against the Christians. He was by nature inclined to tyranny, and was a furious bloodhound, as Eutropius writes, so that he did not hesitate to kill his sister's son, and finally, through the atrocity of his own wicked nature, and evil counsel suggested to him, he became an enemy and persecutor of the Christians. He sent letters to the Governors of the Roman country, that they should vex the Christians; but when he was about actually to carry the persecution into effect, he could not sign the decrees which were to be issued against the Christians, because God smote him, so that his hand was paralyzed. Through divine judgment he was terrified by thunder, lightning, and fire darts, at the time that he was constantly meditating how. he might slay and exterminate the Christians; and shortly after was himself killed by his notary." Third book, for the year 270, page 76, col. 2, from Chron. Mich. Sac., fol. 178. Euseb., lib. 7. Chron. Seb. Fr., fol. 18. Chron. Carionis, lib. 3, Hist. Andrew, fol. 178, Zd part, fol. 175. Paul. Mer., fol. 226. Jan. Crespin., fol. 62. Chron. Andrew, lib. 13, fol. 343.

WHAT THE AUTHOR OF THE INTRODUCTION, ETC.,

HAS WRITTEN ABOUT THIS PERSECUTION

In A. D. 273 arose the ninth persecution of the Christians, under the Emperor Aurelian; but it was not as great as the former, because death suddenly overtook him as he proposed to himself, to begin it. Under him were killed . . . and many others, concerning whom no special accounts are extant. Fol. 41, col. 2.

Notwithstanding Emperor Aurelian could not himself sign the above mentioned decrees against the Christians, the persecution nevertheless proceeded in some places, so .that here and there some laid down their lives for the testimony of Jesus Christ; of whom we shall mention only a few, whom we have selected as true martyrs.

PRIVATUS, BISHOP OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS

CHRIST AT GEVAULDAN, BEATEN TO DEATH

WITH STICKS FOR THE TRUE FAITH,

ABOUT A. D. 274

When Chorus, the king of the Germans, in the time of Valerian and Aurelian, yea, up to the time of Probus, devastated France, he found among other martyrs who dwelt separated from men in deserts and mountains, a certain pious man, called Privatus, Bishop of the church at Gevauldan. This man, sojourning in the mountains, fasting and praying, was taken prisoner by the Germans, and because he, as behooves a good shepherd, would not deliver his lambs into the claws of the wolves, by himself sacrificing to Satan, which he would in no wise do, he was beaten with sticks by them for a very long time, till they left him lie for dead; in consequence of which treatment he also died a few days after. This happened, as some have supposed, under Valerian and Gallien, but in reality, under Aurelian. Compare A. Mell., 1st book, fol. 89, col. 1, from Greg. Turon. Hist., lib. 1, cap. 34, with Introduction, fol. 41, col. 2, where he is called Privatus, Bishop of Gablen.

MAMAS, A SHEPHERD, THRUST THROUGH WITH A

THREE PRONGED SPEAR, FOR THE TESTIMONY

OF JESUS CHRIST, AT CAESAREA IN CAPPA;

DOCIA, ABOUT A. D. 274

Mamas, a shepherd, who pastured his sheep upon the mountains and in the wildernesses of Cappadocia, lived very poorly, without a hut, dwelling under the blue heavens, and subsisting on the milk and cheese of his flock, as Basilius testifies. Nazianzenus adds, that the hinds also suffered themselves to be milked by him daily, and that he was thus fed by them.

Basilius says, that from the course of the heavenly bodies he learned to know the wonderful works of God, his Creator, and thus His eternal power and wisdom. However, the accounts written concerning him state that he had the Word of God with him in the desert, and that he read in it daily.

It is quite probable, writes Mellinus, that this Mamas, in order to escape the persecution in the time of Decius and Valerian, went into the wilderness, and remained there till the time of Aurelian, whose proconsul of Cappadocia, Alexander, caused him to be brought out of the wilderness, and to appear before him, at Caesarea, the capital of Cappadocia.

The proconsul called him a sorcerer or conjurer, because the wild animals of the wilderness so tamely submitted to him.

Mamas answered: "I am a servant of Christ, and know nothing about sorcery; but would rather live among the wild animals, than among you for they feel the power of their Creator in and through me; but ye will not know God. I cannot sufficiently wonder that you, who have attained to gray hairs, are still in such gross darkness of ignorance, as to forsake the true and living God, and give divine honor to deaf and dumb idols."

When he was requested to say at least with his lips, that he would sacrifice to the gods, so 'as to escape punishment, Mamas replied: "I shall never, either with my lips, or with my heart, deny the true God and King, Jesus Christ. So far am I from seeking to escape suffering for the name of Christ, that I, on the contrary, consider it the highest honor, the greatest gain, and the utmost benefit, which you can confer upon me."

Upon this confession, the proconsul had him placed on the rack, cruelly scourged, tormented with pincers, burnt on his sides with lamps and torches, and tortured in various other ways. But seeing that in all these and other torments he remained steadfast, he finally had him thrust through with a three pronged spear; and thus Mamas became a faithful .martyr for his Saviour, under Emperor Aurelian, at Caesarea in Cappadocia. A. Mell., 1st book, fol. 89, col. 2, 3, ex Basilii Concio, in Mart. Mamant. Nazianz. Orat. 43. Act. per Metaphrast.

SYMPHORIAN, A PIOUS CHRISTIAN, BEHEADED FOR

THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, AT AUGUSTO;

DUNUM, NOW CALLED AUTUM, ABOUT

A. D. 275

It is stated that at this time, as the heathen at Augustodunum, now called Autum, in Burgundy, on a feast day of the goddess Cybele, whom they called the mother of the gods, carried around her image on a wagon, in procession, a certain pious Christian, called Symphorianus, met this image, and refused to worship it; in consequence of which he was apprehended as an impious person, or despiser of the gods, and brought before Heraclius, the Proconsul, who, in that city, exercised the strictest vigilance over the Christians. When he stood:before the judgment seat, the Proconsul asked him for his name. Symphorian replied that he was a Christian by religion, was born of Christian parents, and had received the name Symphorian.

The Judge said: "Why didst thou not honor the mother of the gods, or worship her image?"

Symphorian answered: "Because, I am a Christian, and call only upon the living God, who reigns in heaven. But as to the image of Satan I not only do not worship it,:but, if you will let me, I will break it in pieces with a hammer."

The Judge said: "This man is not only sacrilegious at heart, but also obstinate and a rebel; but perhaps he knows nothing of the ordinances or decrees of the Emperor. Let the officer, therefore, read to him the decrees of the Emperors."

The decrees having been read to him, Symphorian said: "I shall notwithstanding never confess that this image is anything but a worthless idol of Satan, by which he persuades men that he is a god; while it is an evident demonstration of their eternal destruction for all those who put their trust in it:"

Upon this confession; the judge caused him to be scourged and cast into prison, to keep him for some other day. Some time after, he had him brought again before his judgment seat, and addressed him with kind words, saying: "Symphorian, sacrifice to the gods, that thou mayest be promoted to the highest honor and state at court. If not, I ,call the gods to witness that I am compelled this day, after various tortures, to sentence thee to death."

Symphorian answered: "What matters it, if we deliver up this life to Christ, since, by reason of debt, in any event we must pay it to Him? Your gifts and presents are mingled with the sweetness of the adulterated honey, with which you poisor the minds of the unbelieving. But our treasure; and riches are ever in Christ, our Lord, alone; and do not perish through age or length Of time whereas your desire is insatiable, and you posses nothing, even though you have everything in abundance. The joy and mirth which you enjoy in this world, is like fine glass, which, if placed in the radiance and heat of the sun, cracks and breaks in two; but God alone is our supreme happiness."

After Symphorian had said these and like things before the judge, Heraclius, the Proconsul, pronounced sentence of death upon him, saying: "Symphorian, having openly been found guilty of death, because he hath blasphemed against the holy altars, shall be executed with the sword."

When this godly confessor was led to death, to be offered up to Christ, his mother called down to him from the wall of the city this comforting admonition: "Symphorian, my son! my son! remember the living God; let thy heart be steadfast and valiant. We can surely not fear death, which beyond doubt leads us into the true life. Lift up thy heart to heaven, my son, and behold Him who reigns in heaven I Today thy life will not be taken from thee, but be changed into a better one. If thou remainest steadfast today, thou shalt make a happy exchange: leaving this earthly house, thou shalt go to dwell in the tabernacle not made with hands."

Symphorian, having been thus strengthened by his mother, was taken out of the city, and beheaded there, having commended his soul into the hands of God, in the time of Emperor Aurelian, and Herachus, the Proconsul, at Autum in Burgundy. His dead body was buried by certain Christians. 'Compare A. Mell., lst book, fol. 19, col: 4, and fol. 90, col. 1, ex Actis Proconsul. Greg. Turan. Degl. Confess., cap. 77, and Hist., lib. 2, cap. 15, with different other authors concerning Symphorian.

SEVERAL YEARS AFTER THE DEATH OF THE PRE;

CEDING MARTYRS, A. D. 284, DIOCLETIAN AT;

TAINED TO. THE REIGN OF THE ROMAN

EMPIRE, AND SHORTLY AFTERWARDS

ISSUED HIS FIRST EDICT AGAINST

THE CHRISTIANS, WHICH

WAS FOLLOWED BY A SEC;

OND IN 302, CALLED

TIIE

TENTH PERSECUTION OF THE CHRISTIANS

Before the tenth general and severe persecution of the Christians began, A. D. 302, many Christians were put to death in different places, and throughout this whole period, by virtue of the first edict of Diocletian. Of these we shall present a few, and then, with the beginning of'the next century, proceed to the tenth and severest persecution.

CLAUDIUS, ASTERIUS, AND NEON, THREE BROTH;

ERS, CRUCIFIED FOR THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS

CHRIST; ALSO TWO WOMEN, DONUINA AND

THEONILLA, TORMENTED TO DEATH

FOR THE SAME TESTIMONY, AT

AEGlEA IN CILICIA, A. D.

285

It is stated that in the second year of the reign of Emperor Diocletian, which coincides with the year 285, three pious Christians, spiritual as well as natural brothers, called Claudius, Asterius, and Neon, were accused to the judge of the City of Aegaea, in Cilicia, of being Christians, by their stepmother, who, as it seems, was a heathen woman.

Two God fearing Christian women, named Donuina, and Theonilla, were also accused with them. They were all imprisoned till the arrival of Lysias, the Proconsul, who, on his tour through the provinces of Cilicia, also came to Aegxa, and there held criminal court against the Christians.

How Claudius was examined first. Claudius being first brought before his judgment seat, Lysias asked him for his name, and admonished him, not thus rashly to throw away the bloom of his youth, but to sacrifice to the gods, and thus obey the command of the Emperor, that he might escape the ready penalty.

Claudius answered: "Our God does not need these sacrifices; He has more pleasure in works of love and mercy towards our fellow men, and in holiness of life; but your gods are unclean evil spirits, and delight in such sacrifices, by which they bring eternal punishment upon those who offer them. You shall therefore never be able to persuade me to honor them."

Lysias said: "Bind him, and scourge him with rods; for there is no other way to tame his folly."

Claudius said: "By these severe tortures thou shalt not harm me, but wilt bring down upon thyself eternal punishment."

Lysias said: "Our lords, the Emperors, have commanded that the Christians shall sacrifice to the gods. It is their will, that the disobedient be punished; while to them who obey their commandment they promise honor and office."

Claudius replied: "These gifts and benefits endure but a short time, but the confession of Christ imparts eternal glory."

Lysias commanded that they should suspend him on the torture stake, put fire under his feet, and cut off pieces from his heels.

Claudius said: "They who fear God with all their hearts cannot be overcome either by fire or by other torments; for they know that even these things are serviceable to them unto eternal life."

Lysias commanded: "Let him be tormented with pincers, scraped or cut with potsherds, and burned with torches."

Claudius said: "I say nevertheless, that thou doest all this for Satan, and that it conduces to myn welfare, but tends to thy eternal perdition. Yea, thy fire and all these torments promote my salvation. Such is our condition, that those who thus suffer for the name of Christ, obtain eternal life."

Lysias then commanded: "Desist from him; lead him back into prison, and bring forth another."

Asterius examined. When Asterius, the second brother, stood before the Proconsul, Lysias said: "Obey me, Asterius! sacrifice to the gods, and thus escape punishment."

Asterius answered: "I shall not do it; for I worship the only true God, who has created heaven and earth, and who shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

Lysias said: "Throw him on the rack, tear his flesh from his sides with pincers, and say to him

`Believe now at least, and sacrifice to the gods."' Asterius replied: "I am a brother of him who was tormented just now, and we hold the same confession of faith in Christ. Do what thou mayest; my body is in thy power, but not my soul."

Lysias commanded: "Bind him hand and foot, stretch him out, and torture him; take the pincers, throw hot coals under his feet, scourge him with rods and thongs."

Asterius said to the Proconsul: "Thou doest foolishly, since thou art preparing, not for me, but for thyself, much severer torments. Do thy best, for aught I care. I can stand it, if not one member of my body remains untormented."

Lysias said: "Loose him, and keep him in custody with the other; and let the third one be brought forth." This was done.

Neon examined. When Neon stood before the judgment seat, Lysias said to him: "Son, listen to me, and sacrifice to the gods, so that thou needst not suffer all this."

Neon said: "There are no gods, neither have they any power. You worship idols, but I honor the God of heaven."

Lysias said: "Take him by the throat and let the crier announce to him, to desist blaspheming the gods."

Neon answered: "He that speaks does not blaspheme the truth."

Lysias commanded: "Stretch him out on the rack; put coals under him; beat and cut him."

Neon said: "I know what is needful for me. Whatever, then, is profitable to my soul, that shall I do; but I cannot be moved from my faith."

Lysias having gone within to the other members of the tribunal, and having drawn the cover over the court, determined with them upon the sentence of death for the three brothers. When he came out, he read from a tablet their sentence, which was as follows: "Claudius, Asterius, and Neon, brothers, who are Christians, who blaspheme the gods, and refuse to sacrifice, shall be crucified before the forum, and their bodies be given to the birds of heaven as food, to be devoured by them; and this shall be executed by Eulalius, the jailer, and Archelaus, the executioner."

However, before they were led forth to death, they were taken back to prison. Then Eulalius, the jailer, brought out Donuina, one of the women imprisoned, to whom Lysias, the Proconsul, said: "See, woman, this fire and these torments are ready for you. If you desire to escape unhurt by them, sacrifice before the gods."

Donuina replied: "I shall not do it, lest I fall into the everlasting pains of hell. I serve God and His anointed Christ, who has created heaven and earth, and all that is therein: Your gods are of wood and stone, and are made by human hands."

Donuina examined on the rack. Lysias said: "Strip her stark naked, stretch her, and lacerate all her members with rods." While they were beating her she died. Then said Archelaus, the executioner, to the Proconsul: "Your highness, Donuina has died." Lysias commanded: "Let her dead body be thrown into the river."

Eulalius, the jailer, then said: "Here is Theonilla." Lysias said to her: "Woman, thou hast seen, what punishment they who were disobedient have suffered, and how they have been tormented: Honor the gods, therefore, and sacrifice, so that thou mayest be delivered from these punishments."

Theonilla answered: "I fear Him who has power to cast both soul and body into the fire of hell; and who will burn with it all those who depart from God, and give honor to Satan."

Lysias said: "Smite her on the cheeks, throw her down, bind her feet, and torment her greatly."

Theonilla answered: "Does it seem to thee, to be right and proper, thus to maltreat a well born woman? Thou knowest, that thou canst not conceal from God what thou doest to me."

Lysias commanded: "Hang her up by the braids of her hair, and smite her on the cheeks."

Theonilla severely examined on the rack. Having been stripped naked, Theonilla said: "Art thou not ashamed to uncover my nakedness seeing that through me, thou puttest to like shame thy mother and thy wife, who are also women?"

Lysias asked whether she had a husband, or whether she was a widow?

Theonilla replied: "I have been a widow now for over twenty three years, and have remained thus single, in order to more zealously serve God with fasting, watching and praying; which God I did not know until after I had renounced the world and the idols.

Lysias commanded them, in order to disgrace her the more, to shave the hair from her head, put bundles of thorns around her body, and stretch her out between four stakes, then, to beat her over her whole body, and put hot coals upon her, that she might be consumed. When Eulalius, the jailer, and Archelaus, the executioner, had done all this, death ensued, and they said to Lysias: "Sir, she is dead now." Lysias commanded that her dead body should be sewed up in a leathern bag, and thrown into the water; which was done. Thus did these holy martyrs suffer, under Lysias, the Proconsul of Cilicia, in Aegaea, on the 23d of August, in the second year of Diocletian, when he was Burgomaster with Aristobulus, A. D. 285. These acts have for the most part been taken from the records of the clerk of the criminal court of the city of Aegaea, and were gathered by the ancient Christians. These court documents were called Acta Proconsularia. Compare this with A. Mell., lst book, fol. 92, eol. 3, 4, and fol. 93, col. 1.