The tragedies of tyrants Exercised upon the church of God, from the birth of…The tragedies of tyrantes Exercised vpon the church of God, from the birth of…

But after y• Julian was slain in battle against the Persians, which was in the year of christ. 367. there was quietness again restored to y• Christians, which notwithstanding continued not long. For Valens, with his brother Valentinian, obtaining the empire: was seduced by the Arians: & although his brother Valentinian were sound in the Christian faith, yet he nevertheless about the year of thirst. 371 began to persecute the godly christians, intending to bring them to y• Arian heresy. But y• church constantly withstood him, wherefore the faithful and Catholic bishops, were by him sent into banishment, and many of them tormented and finally slain.

But after y• Iulian was slayn in battel agaynst the Persians, which was in the yéere of christ. 367. there was quietnes agayne restored to y• Christians, which notwithstāding cōtinued not long. For Valens, wt his brother Valentinian, obtaining th'empire: was seduced by the Arrians: & although his brother Valētinian were sound in the Christian faith, yet hée neuerthelesse about the yéere of thriste. 371 began to persecute the godly christians, intending to bring them to y• Arrian heresy. But y• church constantly withstoode him, wherfore the faithfull and Catholicke bishops, were by him sent into banishment, and many of thē tormented and finally slayne.

Since therefore at that time, there reigned such tyranny in every place, and the ministers of the churches & other faithful men, were nowhere in safety, but were commonly reproachfully entreated spoiled, plucked out of their houses and stain: at length the Church decreed to send some notable embassage unto the Emperor, complaining of their injuries, and requiring his majesties clemency, help, and protection. To which purpose were sent. 80. of the chiefest, ye their countenance, and credit might be the greater. Who when they were come to Nicomedia to the Emperor, & had exhibited their supplication: the Emperor was grievously moved against them yet dissembling his anger, charged privily Modestus one of his servants that he should destroy all those bishops. But because he doubted, lest if they should be openly executed, the people might chance to raise a tumult: they were all embarked in a Ship, as if they should be sent into banishment. And when the Ship was come into the midest of the deep sea: the mariners setting it on fire