N20568:879
The new and complete book of martyrs; or, An universal history of martyrdom: being Fox's Book of martyrs, revised and corrected, with additions and great improvements. : Containing an authentic account of the lives, persecutions and sufferings of the holy martyrs; and the many dreadful persecutions against the Church of Christ in all parts of the world, by pagans, Jews, Turks, papists, and others, from earliest ages of the church to the present period. ... The whole forming at once a general Christian martyrology, and a complete history of persecutions. / By the Rev. Mr. John Fox, M.A. late of Magdalen College, Oxford. ; Now revised, corrected and improved, with many additional articles, relating to the acts and monuments of the church. By Paul Wright, D.D. ; Embellished with forty elegant copper plate engravings. ; In two volumes. Vol. I[-II].The new and complete book of martyrs; or, An universal history of martyrdom: being Fox's Book of marytrs, revised and corrected, with additions and great improvements. : Containing an authentic account of the lives, persecutions and sufferings of the holy martyrs; and the many dreadful persecutions against the Church of Christ in all parts of the world, by pagans, Jews, Turks, papists, and others, from earliest ages of the church to the present period. ... The whole forming at once a general Christian martyrology, and a complete history of persecutions. / By the Rev. Mr. John Fox, M.A. late of Magdalen College, Oxford. ; Now revised, corrected and improved, with many additional articles, relating to the acts and monuments of the church. By Paul Wright, D.D. ; Embellished with forty elegant copper plate engravings. ; In two volumes. Vol. I[-II].
New-York: printed by William Durell, 1794
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
IT may be easily imagined, that the infidels could not hear a discourse like this without feeling some warmth, and conceiving an indignation against the speaker. They thou […] proper, however, to disguise their resentments […] that time, but were resolved not to let him escape without punishment. At first, indeed, they were unwilling to use any violence to him, because they had given him a solemn assurance he should come to no harm, for the liberty he took at their request; but zeal for their law, and its author, soon eased them of that scruple. They watched a favourable opportunity, seized on him, hurried him away to one of their chief magistrates, and accused him of blaspheming their great prophet and legislator.
IT may be easily imagined, that the infidels could not hear a discourse like this without feeling some warmth, and conceiving an indignation against the speaker. They thou 〈…〉 proper, however, to disguise their resentments 〈…〉 that time, but were resolved not to let him escape without punishment. At first, indeed, they were unwilling to use any violence to him, because they had given him a solemn assurance he should come to no harm, for the liberty he took at their request; but zeal for their law, and its author, soon eased them of that scruple. They watched a favourable opportunity, seized on him, hurried him away to one of their chief magistrates, and accused him of blaspheming th•ir great prophet and legislator.
THE whole alleg•••on having been heard, the judge ordered him to be put in chains, and closely confined in prison, till the feast of their Ramadan, or Lent, when he should be made a victim to Mahomet. He heard the determination of the judge with joy, and prepared for his martyrdom with great fervency.
WHEN the time arrived, he was led to the place of execution, where he again made a confession of his faith, declared Mahomet an impostor, and insisted, that the Alcoran was filled with absurdities and blasphemies. In consequence of this he was sentenced to be beheaded, and was accordingly executed, A. D. 850; after which his body was honourably interred by the christians.
WENCESLAUS, duke of Bohemia, was brought up in the faith of Christ, for his father Wrattislaus, the preceding duke, was a valiant prince, and a good christian; but Drahomira, his mother was a pagan, whose morals were as bad as her sentiments of religion; she consented, however, to entrust her mother, Ludmilla, with the education of her eldest son. That holy woman had resided at Prague ever since the death of Borivor her husband, the first duke of Bohemia, who embraced the faith of Christ; and Wenceslaus was sent to that city, to be brought up as she pleased. Ludmilla undertook to form his heart to devotion and the love of God, and was ⟨p. 90⟩assisted in that work by Paul her chaplain, a man of great sanctity and prudence, who likewise endeavoured to cultivate his mind with the first rudiments of learning. The mind of the young prince corresponded with their endeavours; and the grace of God, who had prepared him for their instructions, made the task very easy. At a convenient age he was sent to a college at Budweis, about sixty miles from Prague, where several young persons of the first rank were placed for their improvement in virtue and learning, and studied under the direction of an excellent master, a native of Neisse, in the duchy of Silesia.
WINCESLAUS, duke of Bohemia, was brought up in the faith of Christ, for his father Wrattislaus, the preceding duke, was a valiant prince, and a good christian; but Drahomira, his mother was a pagan, whose morals were as bad as her sentiments of religion; she consented, however, to entrust her mother, Ludmilla, with the education of her eldest son. That holy woman had resided at Prague ever since the death of Borivor her husband, the first duke of Bohemia, who embraced the faith of Christ; and Winceslaus was sent to that city, to be brought up as she pleased. Ludmilla undertook to form his heart to devotion and the love of God, and was ⟨p. 90⟩assisted in that work by Paul her chaplain, a man of great sanctity and prudence, who likewise endeavoured to cultivate his mind with the first rudiments of learning. The mind of the young prince corresponded with their endeavours; and the grace of God, who had prepared him for their instructions, made the task very easy. At a convenient age he was sent to a college at Budweis, about sixty miles from Prague, where several young persons of the first rank were placed for their improvement in virtue and learning, and studied under the direction of an excellent master, a native of Neisse, in the duchy of Silesia.
AT the death of Wrattislaus, his son Wenceslaus was very young; on which account Drahomira, his mother, declared herself regent during his minority. This princess, not having any one now to control her, gave a free vent to her rage against christianity; and began her administration with an order for shutting up the churches. She repealed the laws in favour of the christians, and removed all magistrates of that denomination, supplying their places with pagans.
AT the death of Wrattislaus, his son Winceslaus was very young; on which account Drahomira, his mother, declared herself regent during his minority. This princess, not having any one now to controul her, gave a free vent to her rage against christianity; and began her administration with an order for shutting up the churches. She repealed the laws in favour of the christians, and removed all magistrates of that denomination, supplying their places with pagans.
FINDING themselves thus encouraged, the pagans, upon any frivolous pretence, would murder the christians with impunity; and if a christian in his own defence killed a pagan, his life, and that of nine other christians, were to be the forfeit.
THE venerable Ludmilla was sensibly touched at these proceedings, and could not, without affliction, behold a religion trampled on which she professed, and which her consort had established with so much difficulty.
LUDMILLA could not think of any expedient to prevent the total extirpation of christianity in Bohemia, but persuading Wenceslaus, young as he was, to assume the reins of government. Wenceslaus at first declined engaging in this task, till maturer years had rendered him better qualified; but upon his grandmother's promising to assist him with her advice, and direct him in his conduct, he complied with her request: and, to prevent all future disputes, divided the country between himself and his younger brother Bolislaw, whose name a town in, and a considerable district of that country, still retains.
LUDMILLA could not think of any expedient to prevent the total extirpation of christianity in Bohemia, but persuading Winceslaus, young as he was, to assume the reins of government. Winceslaus at first declined engaging in this task, till maturer years had rendered him better qualified; but upon his grandmother's promising to assist him with her advice, and direct him in his conduct, he complied with her request: and, to prevent all future disputes, divided the country between himself and his younger brother Bolislaw, whose name a town in, and a considerable district of that country, still retains.
ON this change of affairs Drahomira attached herself to Bolislaw, who, like herself, was a pagan, and followed implicitly her maxims. With respect to the behaviour of Wenceslaus after his assuming the sovereignty, and the fate of the aged and worthy Ludmilla, the annals of Bohemia furnish us with these particulars: "Wenceslaus, pursuant to the impressions of virtue which he had received from his grandmother, and others employed in his education, was more careful than ever to preserve the innocence of his morals, and acquired some new degree of perfection every day. He was as humble, sober, and chaste, when master of his own motions, and in full possession of sovereign authority, as when under the government of those on whom he was taught to look as his superiors. He spent great part of the night in prayer, and the whole day in acts of piety; directing all his views to the establishment of peace, justice, and religion, in his dominions. He was assisted in these charitable and truly christian labours by able ministers; and nothing of consequence was done without the advice of Ludmilla. That excellent princess being informed that Drahomira, transported with rage at the success of her directions, had formed a design against her life, and that it would hardly be in her power to avoid the blow, was so far from being disturbed at the apprehensions of death, or desisting from what had made her odious to that wicked woman, that she exerted herself more vigorously than ever for the maintenance of religion, and confirming the prince in his resolutions. Being now assured that her death was near, and that several persons were actually employed to dispatch her the first convenient opportunity, she called all her servants together, acknowledged their fidelity in her service with a liberal hand, and distributed her goods and money among the poor. Thus divested of all she possessed in the world, she went to her chapel, received the holy eucharist, and then employed herself in prayer, recommended her soul to God, and expected his will with the utmost tranquillity and resignation. This was her situation, when two ruffians entered the chapel, seized o• her, and strangled her with her own veil."
ON this change of affairs Drahomira attached herself to Bolislaw, who, like herself, was a pagan, and followed implicitly her maxims. With respect to the behaviour of Winceslaus after his assuming the sovereignty, and the fate of the aged and worthy Ludmilla, the annals of Bohemia furnish us with these particulars: "Winceslaus, pursuant to the impressions of virtue which he had received from his grandmother, and others employed in his education, was more careful than ever to preserve the innocence of his morals, and acquired some new degree of perfection every day. He was as humble, sober, and chaste, when master of his own motions, and in full possession of sovereign authority, as when under the government of those on whom he was taught to look as his superiors. He spent great part of the night in prayer, and the whole day in acts of piety; directing all his views to the establishment of peace, justice, and religion, in his dominions. He was assisted in these charitable and truly christian labours by able ministers; and nothing of consequence was done without the advice of Ludmilla. That excellent princess being informed that Drahomira, transported with rage at the success of her directions, had formed a design against her life, and that it would hardly be in her power to avoid the blow, was so far from being disturbed at the apprehensions of death, or desisting from what had made her odious to that wicked woman, that she exerted herself more vigorously than ever for the maintainance of religion, and confirming the prince in his resolutions. Being now assured that her death was near, and that several persons were actually employed to dispatch her the first convenient opportunity, she called all her servants together, acknowledged their fidelity in her service with a liberal hand, and distributed her goods and money among the poor. Thus divested of all she possessed in the world, she went to her chapel, received the holy eucharist, and then employed herself in prayer, recommended her soul to God, and expected his will with the utmost tranquillity and resignation. This was her situation, when two ruffians entered the chapel, seized o her, and strangled her with her own veil."
THE young duke felt severely for the loss of his grandmother; and the more so, as he did not choose to punish the offenders, well knowing that they ⟨p. 91⟩had been instigated to what they did by his mother. He therefore addressed himself to God only, entreated the throne of grace for his mother's pardon and conversion, and patiently submitted to the dispensations of Providence.
THE young duke felt severely for the loss of his grandmother; and the more so, as he did not chuse to punish the offenders, well knowing that they ⟨p. 91⟩had been instigated to what they did by his mother. He therefore addressed himself to God only, intreated the throne of grace for his mother's pardon and conversion, and patiently submitted to the dispensations of Providence.
AS many factions were stirred up in his dominions by means of his mother and brother, and as Wenceslaus himself seemed of an unwarlike disposition, a neighbouring prince determined to invade that part of Bohemia which belonged to him. This was Radislaus, prince of Gurima, who entered Bohemia at the head of a considerable army, and immediately commenced hostilities. Wenceslaus hearing of these proceedings, sent a message to the invader, to know what offence he had given him, and what terms he required to quit his dominions, and leave him at his repose.
AS many factions were stirred up in his dominions by means of his mother and brother, and as Winceslaus himself seemed of an unwarlike disposition, a neighbouring prince determined to invade that part of Bohemia which belonged to him. This was Radislaus, prince of Gurima, who entered Bohemia at the head of a considerable army, and immediately commenced hostilities. Winceslaus hearing of these proceedings, sent a message to the invader, to know what offence he had given him, and what terms he required to quit his dominions, and leave him at his repose.
RADISLAUS mistaking the temper of Wenceslaus, looked upon this message to proceed from timidity; he therefore answered in a very haughty manner, made some frivolous excuses for having commenced the quarrel, and concluded, by insisting that Wenceslaus should surrender to him all his dominions.
RADISLAUS mistaking the temper of Winceslaus, looked upon this message to proceed from timidity; he therefore answered in a very haughty manner, made some frivolous excuses for having commenced the quarrel, and concluded, by insisting that Winceslaus should surrender to him all his dominions.
THIS unjust and insolent demand obliged Wenceslaus to appear in arms in defence of himself and his people. He accordingly raised a considerable body of forces, and marched to oppose the enemy. When the two armies were drawn up, and ready to engage, Wenceslaus desired a conference with Radislaus, which being complied with, he observed, that as it would be unreasonable and unjust to hazard the lives of so many innocent men, the most eligible method of putting an end to the dispute would be by single combat between themselves.
THIS unjust and insolent demand obliged Winceslaus to appear in arms in defence of himself and his people. He accordingly raised a considerable body of forces, and marched to oppose the enemy. When the two armies were drawn up, and ready to engage, Winceslaus desired a conference with Radislaus, which being complied with, he observed, that as it would be unreasonable and unjust to hazard the lives of so many innocent men, the most eligible method of putting an end to the dispute would be by single combat between themselves.
RADISLAUS heard this proposal with pleasure, and accepted it with joy, thinking that he was much more expert in the use of arms than his antagonist. They accordingly engaged in the sight of the two armies, and the victory seemed doubtful for some time, till, at length, it declared in favour of Wenceslaus; when his antagonist was obliged, according to previous agreement, to relinquish his pretended claim, and retire into his own country.
RADISLAUS heard this proposal with pleasure, and accepted it with joy, thinking that he was much more expert in the use of arms than his antagonist. They accordingly engaged in the sight of the two armies, and the victory seemed doubtful for some time, till, at length, it declared in favour of Winceslaus; when his antagonist was obliged, according to previous agreement, to relinquish his pretended claim, and retire into his own country.
BEING thus freed from the fears of a foreign enemy, Wenceslaus had leisure to turn his thoughts to domestic reformation. He removed corrupt judges and venal magistrates, and filled their places with persons of integrity: he put an end to oppression in all its branches, and punished such nobles as tyrannized over their vassals. These regulations, though they relieved the poor and helpless, gave great offence to the great and rich, as they abridged their power of using those who depended on them ill, and, in some degree, took from them that self-importance, and assumed consequence, which is the pride of little minds. Hence many became factious, and ripe for mischief. The malcontents gave an odious turn to all his best actions; spoke slightingly, and even contemptibly, of his application to prayer, fasting, and other acts of religion, which they endeavoured to insinuate were low employments for a prince, and incompatible with the courage and policy necessary for the government of a state. His mother and brother were still the most inveterate of his enemies, who could not bear to see this growing prosperity of the patron of religion, and enemy of idolatry; and therefore resolved to take him off at any rate. Drahomira and Bolislaw were concerting measures for executing their black design, when they understood that Wenceslaus had desired the pope to send some priests into his dominions, with whom he proposed to spend the remainder of his days in a religious retreat. This news suspended the execution of their conspiracy against him for some time; but, perceiving this affair did not come to a conclusion so soon as was necessary for satisfying their ambitious views, they re-assumed their criminal practices against him, and gained their ends in the following very black and treacherous manner:
BEING thus freed from the fears of a foreign enemy, Winceslaus had leisure to turn his thoughts to domestic reformation. He removed corrupt judges and venal magistrates, and filled their places with persons of integrity: he put an end to oppression in all its branches, and punished such nobles as tyrannized over their vassals. These regulations, though they relieved the poor and helpless, gave great offence to the great and rich, as they abridged their power of using those who depended on them ill, and, in some degree, took from them that self-importance, and assumed consequence, which is the pride of little minds. Hence many became factious, and ripe for mischief. The malecontents gave an odious turn to all his best actions; spoke slightingly, and even contemptibly, of his application to prayer, fasting, and other acts of religion, which they endeavoured to insinuate were low employments for a prince, and incompatible with the courage and policy necessary for the government of a state. His mother and brother were still the most inveterate of his enemies, who could not bear to see this growing prosperity of the patron of religion, and enemy of idolatry; and therefore resolved to take him off at any rate. Drahomira and Bolislaw were concerting measures for executing their black design, when they understood that Winceslaus had desired the pope to send some priests into his dominions, with whom he proposed to spend the remainder of his days in a religious retreat. This news suspended the execution of their conspiracy against him for some time; but, perceiving this affair did not come to a conclusion so soon as was necessary for satisfying their ambitious views, they re-assumed their criminal practices against him, and gained their ends in the following very black and treacherous manner:
BOLISLAW having been some time married, his princess proved pregnant, and, at length, brought him forth a son. This circumstance, which should have diffused joy throughout the family, furnished Drahomira and Bolislaw with an idea of the most horrid nature, and the innocent infant was made the object for perpetrating a deed of unexampled cruelty. The scheme concerted between the bigoted Bolislaw, and his wicked mother, was to get Wenceslaus into their power. The birth of the child furnished them with a fair pretence; and a ⟨p. 92⟩polite message was dispatched to the unsuspecting duke, to partake of an entertainment given upon the occasion. Wenceslaus, not having the least surmise of their barbarous intent, repaired to the court of Bolislaw, where he was received with the greatest appearance of cordiality. He partook of the entertainment, and wore the face of festivity till it grew rather late at night, when he thought proper to retire before the rest of the company, as he was not fond of late hours, and as he never neglected his devotions to the Almighty, previous to his laying down to sleep.
BOLISLAW having been some time married, his princess proved pregnant, and, at length, brought him forth a son. This circumstance, which should have diffused joy throughout the family, furnished Drahomira and Bolislaw with an idea of the most horrid nature, and the innocent infant was made the object for perpetrating a deed of unexampled cruelty. The scheme concerted between the bigoted Bolislaw, and his wicked mother, was to get Winceslaus into their power. The birth of the child furnished them with a fair pretence; and a ⟨p. 92⟩polite message was dispatched to the unsuspecting duke, to partake of an entertainment given upon the occasion. Winceslaus, not having the least surmise of their barbarous intent, repaired to the court of Bolislaw, where he was received with the greatest appearance of cordiality. He partook of the entertainment, and wore the face of festivity till it grew rather late at night, when he thought proper to retire before the rest of the company, as he was not fond of late hours, and as he never neglected his devotions to the Almighty, previous to his laying down to sleep.
