A67922:1367
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol.…Actes and monuments of matters most speciall and memorable, happenyng in the Church. [vol.…
Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable, happening in the Church. [vol. 1] with an universal history of the same, wherein is set forth at large the whole race and course of the Church, from the primitive age to these latter times of ours, with the bloody times, horrible troubles, and great persecutions against the true martyrs of Christ, sought and wrought as well by heathen emperors, as now lately practised by Romish prelates, especially in this realm of England and Scotland. Newly revised and recognised, partly also augmented, and now the fourth time again published and recommended to the studious reader, by the author (through the help of Christ our Lord) John Fox, which desireth thee good reader to help him with thy prayer.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.
London: printed by John Daye, 1583London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1583
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In the West part of Spain called Portugal, is a City great and populous, named Emerita, wherein dwelt and was brought up a virgin borne of noble parentage, whose name was Eulalia, 1which Emerita although for the apt situation thereof, was both rich & famous, yet more adorned and famous was the renown thereof, by the martyrdom, blood,2 and sepulture of this blessed virgin Eulalia. Twelve years of age was she and not much above, when she refused great and honourable offers in marriage, as one not skilful, nor yet delighting in courtly dalliance, neither yet taking pleasure in purple and gorgeous apparel, or else in precious balms, or costly ornaments and jewels:3 But forsaking and despising all these and such like pompous allurements, then showed she her self most busy in preparing her journey to her hoped inheritance, and heavenly patronage. Which Eulalia as she was modest and discreet in behaviour, sage and sober in conditions, so was she also witty and sharp in answering her enemies. But when the […] rage of persecution enforced her to join her self amongest Gods Children in the household of faith, and when the Christians were commanded to offer incense and sacrifice to devils or dead Gods: Then began the blessed spirit of Eulalia to kindle, and being of a pro•tipt & ready wit thought forthwith (as a courageous captain) ⟨p. 94⟩to give a charge upon this so great, and disordered a battle: and so she,4 silly woman, pouring out the bowels of her innocent hart before God, more provoketh thereby the •orce and rage of her enemies against her. But the godly care of her parents, fearing least the willing mind of the Damsel, so ready to dye for Christs cause, might make her guilty of her own death,5 hid her and kept her close at their house in the country, being a great way out of the City. She yet misliking that quiet life, as also detesting, to make such delay, softly stealeth out of the doors (no man knowing thereof) in the night and in great hast leaving the common way, openeth the hedge gaps, and with weary feet (god knoweth) passed through the thorny & briery places, accompanied yet with spiritual guard: & although dark & dreadful was the silent night, yet had she with her the Lord & guider of light.