An Alphabetical Martyrology, Part V
V V
VIctor, a Theban Souldier, under the 10th Persecution; being dismissed for his age, and coming suddenly to the Emperours Souldiers, who had even then destroyed a Legion of Theban Christian Souldiers, and were very merry, inviting him also to sit down as a Guest; but he inquiring into the cause of their mirth, and feasting, detested it and them, and would not eat: And being demanded whether he was a Christian, he said he was, and ever would be a Christian; whereupon they rushed on him and killed him. Vol. 1. p. 105.
Usthazares, under the 10th Persecution, having been Tutor to Sapores King of Persia, and a Professor of Christianity, which afterwards he denyed again, yet was again reduced to it by occasion of Simeon the Arch-Bishop of Seleucia; who being led to Prison for Christ, and saluted by Usthazares as he passed by him; the Arch-Bishop cryed out against him in great anger for his cowardice in revolting from Christ; whereupon Usthazares wept bitterly, saying, With what Face shall I look for my God who have denyed him; when as this Simeon, my old acquaintance, so much disdaineth me for it. And he went and acquainted the King he was a Christian, nor would again be so foolish as to deny Christ; and being sentenced to be beheaded, he requested it might be proclaimed that he dyed not for Treason, but for the Name of Christ; that so those who had fallen away by his example, might also by him learn constancy. Vol. 1. p. 125, 126.
Henry Voes, and Iohn Esch, two Augustin Fryars, being converted to Lutheranisme, adhereing to the Word of God, and obeying and believing Decrees of Councils, or Fathers, no farther than they agreed with Scripture, were condemned by the Papists to be burned. Then they began to bless God which had delivered them from that false and abominable Priesthood, and made them Priests of his own holy Order; receiving them unto him as a Sacrifice of sweet odour. Their greatest errour, as by their Bill of accusation appeared, was, that they said Men ought to trust in God alone, forasmuch as men are Lyars, and deceitful in their words and deeds. As they were led to Execution, Iuly 1. 1553. at Bruxels, they went joyfully and merrily, making continual protestation that they dyed for the glory of God, and the Doctrine of the Gospel, as true Christians believing and following the holy Church of the Lamb of God, saying, This was the day they had long desired: And at the place of Execution they joyfully embraced the Stake, patiently and joyfully enduring whatsoever was done to them, and singing, Te Deum laudamus, that is, We praise thee, O God; and rehearsing the Creed in testimony of their Faith. And a Doctor bidding Henry Voes take heed he gloried not so foolishly in himself: He answered, God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of Christ. One of them seeing the fire kindled at his feet, said, Methinks they strew Roses under my feet: Finally, the smoke and flame choaked them. Vol. 2. p. 102.
Ursula and Mary, two Sisters of a Noble Family in Delden in lower Germany, were burnt 1545. who being instructed in the Book of God, defended the benefit of our Salvation to come only by faith in Christ, and all the other merchandise of the Pope was needless. And Mary being first (though the younger) put to the fire, she prayed ardently for her Enemies, commending her self to God; at whose constancy the Judges greatly marvelled, and exhorted Ursula the other Sister to turn, or to desire she might be beheaded; to whom she said she was guilty of and defended no Errour, but defended what was consonant to Scripture, in which she trusted to persevere to the end; and as for the kind of death or punishment, she said she feared not the fire, but rather would follow the Example of her dear Sister. The Bodies of these two could not be consumed by fire, but they were left by the Executioners whole, lying on the ground white: But certain good Christians privily in the night took them up and buried. Vol. 2. p. 120.
Two Virgins in the Diocess of Bamberg, 1551. being led to slaughter, did sustain it with chearful countenances and patient hearts; they had Garlands of Straw set on their heads, whereupon one said to the other, going to their Martyrdom, Seeing Christ bare a Crown of Thorns for us, why should we stick to wear a Crown of Straw for him? No doubt but the Lord will render to us again better than Crowns of Gold. Vol. 2. p. 125.