assemble together for prayer; for it is right for every one of you, and for the Presbyters particularly, to refresh your Bishop's spirit, that so you may show honour to the FATHER, to JEsus Christ, and to the Apostles. I pray that you may hear me in love; and that I may not, by writing this, be made a testimony against you. Likewise do you for my sake pray, (for I desire your love in the mercy of GOD,) that I may be held worthy of that destiny which I press on to gain, and may not become a castaway.

XIII The love of the Smyrneans and Ephesians saluteth you. Remember in your prayers the Church that is in Syria, whereby I am not worthy to be called, being last among them. Be strong in JESUS CHRIST; subject to your Bishop as to the commandment, and to the Presbytery likewise. Love one another, every one of you, with an undivided heart. My spirit saluteth you; not now only, but when I shall have gone to GOD. I have yet to fear for myself; but the Father is faithful in JESUS CHRIST, to fulfil my prayer and yours. In Him may you be found blameless !

KING, PRINTER, ST. CLEMENT'S, OXFORD.

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RECORDS OF THE CHURCH.

No. VI.

THE HOLY CHURCH THROUGHOUT ALL THE WORLD DOTH ACKNOWLEDGE THEE.

Account of the Martyrs of Lyons and Vienne.

(From the Church History of Eusebius.)

IN the seventeenth year of the Emperor Antoninus Verus, the persecution raged with fresh violence against us, in some parts of the world, by means of the attacks made on us by the populace of the several cities. We may conjecture, from what occurred in a single country, that myriads of martyrdoms took place throughout the earth. These are well worthy of immortal memory, and happen to have been transmitted to posterity in writing. The whole document, which contains the fullest account of them, is placed in my collection of Martyrs, containing a description which is not merely historical, but also instructive. As much, however, as is connected with my present purpose, I will select and insert here.

Others, in composing historical narrations, commit to writing victories in war, and trophies over the enemy, and the exploits of generals, and the valour of troops stained with blood and endless slaughter, in defence of their children, their country, and their fortunes. But our narrative of the acts of a Divine Commonwealth, will rather seek to inscribe, on an everlasting monument, those most peaceful wars for the peace of the soul; and the Heroes who have fought in these, rather for the truth than for their country, and rather for religion than for the objects of their dearest affections. It will proclaim, for eternal memory, the perseverance, and the enduring valour of the combatants in the cause of Piety, and their trophies over devils, and their victories over unseen adversaries, and their crowns which followed.

Gaul [i. e. France] then was the place of the conflicts of which we speak. The principal cities of this country, remarkable and celebrated above others, are Lyons and Vienne, through both which runs the stream of the Rhone, which passes with a rapid course round that whole region. The account of the martyrdoms, transmitted by the Churches of chief note in these parts to those in Asia and Phrygia, thus describes the things done among them; and I will give their own words.

Letter of the Churches of Lyons and Vienne in the South of France to the Churches of Asia and Phrygia.

The Servants of CHRIST, that sojourn at Vienne and Lyons in Gaul, to the Brethren in Asia and Phrygia, who have the same faith and hope of redemption with us, peace, and grace, and glory, from GOD the FATHER, and CHRIST JESUS our LORD.

The greatness of the sufferings in this country, and the wonderful rage of the heathen against the Saints, and how much the blessed Martyrs endured, we are neither able accurately to declare, nor is it possible to be comprehended in writing. For the Adversary rushed down upon us with all his might, as already anticipating his future coming without controul*; and went through all possible means in preparing, and exercising his own beforehand, against the Servants of GOD. So that we were not only excluded from the houses, the baths, and the market; but it was even forbidden for any of us to shew himself, in any place whatever.

But the Grace of GOD took the lead in opposition to him; and, protecting the weak, set Firm Pillars in battle array against him, whose fortitude rendered them first to draw on themselves the whole violence of the Evil One; men who went forth to meet him, supporting patiently every kind of insult and torture, and counting the most he could do as little, were in haste to be with CHRIST; shewing, of a truth, that "the sufferings of this present time are not to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us."

And, in the first place, they nobly endured all the injuries heaped on them by the assembled populace, who hooted, beat, dragged about, plundered, stoned, and confined them; and did all such things, as are wont to be done by a furious mob to those, whom it hates and counts its enemies. And, lastly, when brought into the market-place by the commander of the troops and the authorities of the city, and questioned before the whole multitude, they confessed, and were shut up in prison till the arrival of the Governor.

And when afterwards they were brought before the Governor, and he shewed the utmost cruelty towards us, Vettius Epagathus, one of the brethren, (full of love toward GOD and his neighbour, and of so exact and perfect a life, that, though a young man, he

* Rev. xx. 3.

was equal to the testimony borne to the aged Zacharias, in that he" walked in all the commandments and judgments of the LORD blameless," and ready in every service to his neighbour, having great" zeal toward GOD," and "fervent in spirit,") this excellent man could not endure the unreasonable judgment, which was passing against us, but testified his indignation, and demanded to be heard himself in defence of the Brethren. And when those about the tribunal hooted him down, (for he was a man of note,) and the Governor would not allow the just claim he had put in on our behalf, but only asked if he too were a Christian, he confessed with a loud voice, and was himself taken, and so took his place among the number of the Martyrs; being called the Advocate of the Christians, and having in himself the " ADVOCATE," (or the Comforter, John xiv. 16.) the SPIRIT, yet more than Zacharias (Luke i. 67.). Which he also shewed by the fulness of his love, being ready to lay down his own life for the sake of defending his Brethren. For he was, yea, is, a genuine Disciple of CHRIST, "following the Lamb wherever He goeth."

Then also others began to be distinguishable; and the First Martyrs were conspicuous and prepared, fulfilling with all readiness the Martyr's confession. Those also might be discerned who were unprepared and unexercised, and still weak, unable to bear the strain of a great conflict. About ten of whom fell away; who also caused us much grief and unmeasured lamentation, and hin<dered the readiness of others, who were not yet arrested, and who, though suffering all possible indignities, were in attendance on the Martyrs, and did not desert them. Then, however, we were all greatly alarmed by the uncertainty of the confession; not fearing the cruelties that were inflicted, but looking to the end, and fearing that any one might fall away.

Those, however, who were worthy, were daily apprehended, filling up their number, so that there were taken up, from the two Churches, all the best men, and those, by whom things here were chiefly kept together. There were also taken up some heathen servants belonging to persons amongst our number, since the Governor ordered a public inquisition to be made after us all. And they, by a device of Satan, fearing the tortures which they saw the Saints endure, the soldiers urging them on, belied us as holding Thyestean feasts*, and guilty of impurities like those of

* i. e. Eating human flesh, a calumny derived from the LORD's Supper.

Edipus, and such things as it is not allowed us to mention, or even to think of, no, nor to believe that they ever existed among mankind.

But when these things were noised abroad, all were infuriated against us; so that, even if any had before shewn moderation on account of connections, even these were greatly enraged, and stung with malice (Acts v. 33.) against us. And that was fulfilled which the LORD had foretold us, (John xvi. 2.) " the time shall come, when every one, that killeth you, shall think that he doeth GOD service." Then afterwards the Holy Martyrs endured tortures beyond all description; Satan being ambitious of drawing some to blaspheme with their lips.

But most eminently did all the rage of the populace, the Governor, and the soldiers, light on Sanctus, a deacon of Vienne; and on Maturus, one newly enlightened, but a noble champion; and on Attalus, a Pergamene by birth, who had always been “ a pillar and support" of those in this neighbourhood; and on Blandina, by whom CHRIST shewed that the things which are lowly esteemed among men, and held by them mean and contemptible, are thought worthy of great honour with God, for that love of Him, which is shewed forth in power, and does not boast in a vain appearance.

For when we all were in fear, and her own mistress according to the flesh, (who also herself was one champion among the Martyrs,) was in agony for her, lest she should be unable to make even one bold confession, from the weakness of her body; Blandina was filled with such strength, that even those, who tortured her by turns, in every possible way, from morning till evening, were wearied and gave it up, themselves confessing that they were conquered, having nothing more that they could do to her. And they wondered at her remaining still alive, her whole body being mangled and pierced in every part; and declared, that any one kind of torture was enough to deprive her of life, not to say so many and so severe.

But that blessed woman, like a brave wrestler, renewed her strength in confessing; and it was to her recovery, and rest, and ease from her sufferings, to say, "I am a Christian, and nothing yile is done amongst us."

* 1 Tim. iii. 15.