The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Vincentius a Spaniard, who was Martyred at Valence, under Dacianus the President of the cruel Tyrant Diocletian, was used in this manner; first he was laid upon the wrack, and all the joints of his body distended till they cracked again; then all the members of his body were pierced and indented with deadly wounds; then they vexed and tore his flesh with Iron Combs sharply filed; then they laid his body on an Iron grate, and when they had opened his flesh with Iron Hooks, they seared it with fiery Plates, sprinkling the same with hot burning Salt; last of all, they cast him into a vile Dungeon, the floor whereof was first thick spread with the sharpest shells that might be gotten, his feet then being fast locked in the stocks, there he was left alone till he died, all which he endured without murmuring or complaining, and according to his name (Vincentius) was over all a Conqueror. And shall not Christians, who dye in their Beds in peace, with much less pain, be patient! Many who knew not God, did look on death as a favour, and one of the greatest which their Gods could bestow on them. Agamedes and Trophonius, ¹having built the Temple of Apollo, asked of that God a reward for their service; They were answered; that within seven days they should be bountifully paid for their pains, at the end of which time they dyed in a sleep. One of Caesars crazed Soldiers, ⟨p. 652⟩desired the favour of the Emperor, to have leave to kill himself.

Vincentius a Spaniard, who was Martyred at Valence, under Dacianus the President of the cruel Tyrant Dioclestan, was used in this manner; first he was laid upon the wrack, and all the joynts of his body distended till they crackt again; then all the members of his body were pierced and indented with deadly wounds; then they vexed and tore his flesh with Iron Combs sharply filed; then they laid his body on an Iron grate, and when they had opened his flesh with Iron Hooks, they seared it with fiery Plates, sprinkling the same with hot burning Salt; last of all, they cast him into a vile Dungeon, the floor whereof was first thick spread with the sharpest shells that might be gotten, his feet then being fast locked in the stocks, there he was left alone till he died, all which he endured without murmuring or complaining, and according to his name (Vincentius) was over all a Conquerour. And shall not Christians, who dye in their Beds in peace, with much less pain, be patient! Many who knew not God, did look on death as a favour, and one of the greatest which their Gods could bestow on them. Agamedes and Trophonius,