The first Persecution .

THe first was stirred vp by Nero Domitius , Nero Domit. the 6. Emperour : about the yere 67. Whose cruelty was such against Christians , that he had neither regarde of sexe , condition of life , or age : so that open stréetes were spread with the dead carkases of Christians . He caused persecution throughout al the prouinces of the Romaine empire : and endeuoured vtterly to abolish the name of Christians .

In that persecution , Peter Peter . was crucified , his head downward : himselfe requiring it should be so , as vnworthy to be in all manner executed like Christ Iesus . The cause was thought to be the reuenge of the death of Simon Magus : Simon Magus . who pretending to the people of Rome , to flée from the mount Capitolinus vp into heauen , by the praier of Peter , was brought headlong downe : wherwith his legges & ioynts being broken , he died . At that time also , Peters wife Peters wife . suffered , béeing much encouraged by the words of her husband Peter , whiles he hanged vpon the crosse . Vnder the same Nero , Paul Paul . was beheaded in the 14. yéere of Nero , the same day that Peter was crucified , and was buried in the way of Ostia . But others ( as Prudentius in his Peristephano ) writeth that they were put to death in one day : but Paule a yeere after Peter .

The second Persecution .

THe Church hauing had some rest vnder Vespasian , Domitian Domitian . ( brother to Titus ) moued , ( not long after ) the 2. persecution . He put to death al the nephews of Iuda , Nephewes of Iuda . called the Lords brother , and caused to be sought out and slain , al that could be found of the stock of Dauid : as Vespasian also did before him : least yet he were to come of the stocke of Dauid , that should enioy the kingdome . In the time of this tirant , Simeon , Simeon . Bishop of Ierusalem , after other torments , was crucified to death : whom Iustus Iustus . afterward succéeded in that bishoprick .

This Tyrant exiled Iohn Iohn . the Apostle and Euangelist , into Pathmos , an . 97. And vnder Pertinax he was released , and came to Ephesus , anno 100. where he continued vntill the time of Traianus , and there gouerned the Church in Asia : where also he wrote his gospel . And so liued til the yere 68. which was the yere of his age 99. Euseb.

Flauia , Flauia . daughter to Flauius Clemens , one of the Roman Consuls , suffered for the name of the Lord Iesus : and was ( with many other banished out of Rome , into the Ile Pontia . Euseb. lib. 3

A remnant of the flock of Dauid as yet remayned : who being brought to Domitian to be slaine , and hee percyuing them to be poore , and vnderstanding from them , that the kingdome of Christ should not be a worldly , but an heauenuenlie kingdome , let them goe , and staied the persecution . They ( being dismissed ) had afterwarde the gouernment of Churches : and so continued in peace till the time of Traianus . Egesip . & Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 20.

In these persecutions no kind of torment was omitted , that could be deuised against the Christians : The 2. persecution . and no kinde of slaunder kept back , that might empaire their credite , their bodies ( after death ) not being suffered to be buried : and yet the Church did dayly more , and more , encrease .

Euaristus Euaristus . Bishop of Rome next to Clement , succéeded in the third yere of Traianus , and suffered the xij . yere of his Raigne .

Alexander , Alexander . who succéeded Euaristus , conuerted a great part of the Senators of Rome to the faith . Among whom , one Hermes , Hermes . a great man in Rome , whose sonne being dead , he raised to life , and restored sight to his maide being blinde . Which Adrianus , the Emperor hearing of , sent word to Aurelianus Gouernor of Rome , to apprehend Alexander , with Euentus , Euentus . and Theodulus , Theodulus . otherwise called Theodorus , his two Deacons , and Hermes , Hermes . to committe them to Warde , with Quirinus the Tribune , whose daughter named Albina , Albina . he cured : which mooued Quirinus , Quirinus . with all his house to be baptized , and suffred also for the faith of Christ .

In the second yere of Hadrian , Aurelianus tooke Alexander , with Hermes , his wife , children , and whole housholde , 1250. and threw them into prison , and not long after , burnt them all in a Furnace . Whose crueltie being rebuked by Theodulus , another Deacon of Alexander , caused also vnto himselfe the same martirdome . Quirinus the same time ( as saith Antoninus ) hauing first his tongue cut out , then his handes and féete , afterwarde was beheaded , and cast to the dogges .

The thirde Persecution .

The third persecution . BEtwixt the second persecution and the third , was but one yere , vnder the Emperor Nerua . Nerua . After whom succéeded Traianus , Traianus . who raysed the thirde persecution : which was so grieuous , that Plinius Secundus Plinius Secundus . ( moued with compassion ) being himselfe an Infidel , wrote to the Emperour , and certified him that so many thousandes were put to death without cause : sauing that they vsed to gather themselues together before day , to sing hymnes to a certaine God , whom they worshipped , called Christ . Whereupon the persecutions were greatly alaied .

The summe of Plinies letters to the Emperor .

Plinies letter for mitigation of the persecution . THe summe of the Epistle was , that the Emperour would resolue how long to inflicte the punishment with respecte of Age , Sexe , or Degrée . Whether any Pardon might be graunted vnto such as would denie the faith ; or whether that offence alone should so grieuously be punished ; or if other offences did aggrauate the fault : who ( their Religion and excepted , their worshipping of Christ ) els committed they nothing against the lawes : as euen such that had renounced their faith confessed , & as he had made proofe by laying 2. christian maids on the racke , to proue if they could haue extorted confession of further crime . And that for asmuch as some ( although many of them encreased ) gaue their names to doo sacrifice with incense vnto the image of the Emperor , and sacrifices were more then before brought to be sold : if space were granted , they might be amended , which else by great multitudes might run into daunger of condemnation . To whom the Emperor made answere : The Emperours answere . that he would not haue the christians sought for , but if any were brought & conuicted , such should suffer execution : & such as vnfainedly denied the faith , & would do sacrifice in open place , should be receiued to mercy .

Certaine Sectaries there were of the Iewes that accused Simeon Simeon . then B. of Ierusalem , & sonne of Cleophas , to come of the stocke of Dauid , and that he was a Christian . Wherevpon he was scourged by Attalus Attalus . commaundement then Proconsull , during the space of many daies together , being of the age of 120. and with great admiration giuen of his constancie , he ended his course vpon the crosse .

Vnder this Traiane which next followed Nerua , among others , Phocas Phocas . B. of Pontus suffered , whom Traianus , because he refused to do sacrifice to Neptune , cast into a hot furnace , and after into a scalding bath . Anton. Eginl . fascic . temporum .

In the same persecution suffered also Sulpitius Sulpitius . & Seruilianus Seruilianus . two Romanes , whose wiues are said to be Emphrosina Emphrosina . & Theodora : Theodora . whom Salma Salma . did conuert to the faith , and afterward were also martyred . This Salma was beheaded of C. Lepidus , the gouernour , in the mount Auentine , in the daies of Hadrian : vnder whom also suffered Seraphia Seraphia . a virgin of Antioch . Moreouer in this time of Traiane suffered Nereus Nereus . and Achilleus Achilleus . at Rome : about which time also one Sagaris Sagaris . suffered martyrdome in Asia , Seruius Paulus beyng then Proconsull in that prouince .

In this time suffered Ignatius . Ignatius . Some say that he being sent from Syria to Rome , was giuen to wild beasts to be deuoured : passing through Asia he confirmed the churches , and comming to Smirna where Polycarpus Polycarpus . was , he wrot diuerse epistles , one to Ephesus , an other to Magnesia Magnesia . being at Meander , another to Trallis . He now being iudged to the beasts , & hearing the Lions roare : I am the wheat or graine ( said he ) of Christ , I shall be ground with the téeth of wild beasts , that I may be found pure bread . He suffered the 11. yéere of the raigne of Traianus . Euseb. & Hieronimus .

About this time many thousands died for the faith : among them one Publius Publius . bishop of Athens .

Next to Traianus succéeded Hadrian , Hadrian . vnder whom suffered Alexander bishop of Rome , with his two Deacons Euentius Euentius . and Theodorus , Theodorus . also Hermes Hermes . and Quirinus Quirinus . with their families .

In this time of Hadrian , Zenon , Zenon . a noble man of Rome with 10023 were slaine for Christ . Henricus de Erfodia & Bergomensis lib. 8. make mention of 10000. in the daies of this Hadrian , to be crucified in the mount Ararat , crowned with crownes of thorne , & thrust into the sides with sharpe darts , after the example of the Lords passion : whose captains were Achaicus , Achaicus . &c. Heliades , Theodorus , and Carcerius , &c.

Vnder Hadrian suffered also Eustachius , Eustachius . a captaine whom Traianus had sent in times past against the Barbarians , & hauing now subdued them , was honorably met in his iorney of Hadrian the Emperor himselfe : who first by the way would do sacrifice to Apollo for the victory , willing Eustachius to do also . Which he refusing ( not withstanding all meanes to draw him to it ) was brought to Rome : where with his wife & children he suffered martyrdome vnder the same Hadrian .

Faustinus . Faustinus & Iobita Iobita . citizens of the citie of Brixia , suffered martyrdome with gréeuous torments . At the sight whereof one Caelocerius Caelocerius . seing their so great patience in such torments , cried out with these words , Verè magnus Deus christianorum . Verily , great is the God of the Christians . Wherevpon he was presently apprehended , and suffred with them . Ex Ant. Equi .

One Anthia a godly woman ( who committed her sonne Eleutherius to Anicetus Bishop of Rome , to be brought vp in the faith , ) who was afterward B. of Apulia , was there beheaded with her sonne Eleutherius Nicephorus .

Vnder this Hadrian suffered also Iustus , Iustus . and Pastor , Pastor , twoo brethren in a Citie of Spaine called Complutum .

Likewise Symphronissa the wife of Getulus the martyr , with her seuen children , Symphronissa and her seuen children . is said about the same time to suffer : who first was much and often beaten and scourged , & afterward hanged vp by the haire of the head . At last , hauing an huge stone fastned about her necke , was cast into the riuer . And after that her seuen children , with sundrye and diuers kindes of punishments , were martyred by the Tyrants .

Getulus or Getulius was a minister or teacher in the Citie of Tibur , who with Cerdelis , Amantius , and Primitiuus , by the commaundement of Adrian , were condemned to the fire . The names of the seuen sonnes of Symphronissa were , Crescens , Iulianus Nemesius , Primitiuus , Iustinus , Stateus , and Eugenius : who by the commaundement of Adrian , were tied to seuen stakes , and so racked with a pulley : and last of all , thrust through , Crescens in the neck , Iulianus in the breast , Nemesius in the heart , Primitiuus about the nauell , Iustinus cut in euery ioynt of his body , Stateus runne through with speares , Eugenius cut asunder from the brest to the lower partes , and then cast into a déepe pit , hauing the name by their idolatrous Priests , entituled Ad septem Biothanatos . After the death of whom Symphronissa the mother did likewise suffer .

Getulus The children of Symphorosa . Crescens . Iulianus . Nemesius . Primitiuus . Iustinus . Stateas . Eugenius . Cerdelis Amantius Primitiuus

Sophia and her two children . Sophia with her two children Serapia and Salma did suffer vnder some tyrant about the the yéere 130.

While Hadrian the Emperour was at Athens , he purposed to visite the citie of Elewsina : which he did , where he sacrificing to the Gentiles gods , gaue frée libertie to kill the Christians whosoeuer would . Wherevpon Quadratus Quadratus . Bishoppe of Athens , and Aristides Aristides . a philosopher of Athens , and another Serenus Gramus , Serenus . a man of great nobilitie , wrote Apologies for the Christians vnto the Emperour , with such eloquence and learning , laying out their innocencie , that he directed his letters to Minutius Fundanus Proconsul of Asia , Persecution asswaged in Asia . willing him from hencefoorth to exercise no more crueltie vpon the Christians , nor to condemne them for that cause . Thus the Christians had some quiet for a time .

After Hadrian , succéeded Antoninus Pius , Anton. Pius . who although he moued no persecution against the Christians , yet the tumultuous rage of the heathen did not ceasse to disquiet the people of God . The Emperours affection might appeare by a letter or edict of his to the Commons of Asia , to stay their rage against Christians , except they had committed anie thing against the lawes of the Empire , willing them to consider the Christians patience in their tormentes , and boldnesse in times of Earthquakes , Persecution ceasseth . and tempestes , when as other tremble and quake for feare . This edict was proclaimed at Ephesus in the publike assemblie of all Asia . So by this meanes the tempest of persecution in those dayes began to be appeased .

After Antoninus Pius , M. Antoninus Verus M. Antoninus verus . succéeded with his brother Lucius , Lucius . about the yéere 162. These were sharp and fierse against the Christians , and after Nero , moued the fourth persecution .

The fourth Persecution .

IN Antoninus Verus time , suffered many Christians with diuerse kinds of torments : namely at Smyrna , some of them were whipped , that the inward arteries & veines appeared , euen their very intrailes and bowels were séene , & after that were set vpon sharpe shels , taken out of the sea , edged & sharp , and certain nailes & thorns laid for the martirs to go vpon sharpned & pointed , called obelisci . And lastly were they thrown to beasts to be deuoured . Among whom one Germanicus Germanicus . very constantly suffred , to the admiration of the enimies . But most famous aboue the rest , was the martirdom of Polycarpus , Polycarpus , disciple to the Apostles and 86. yéeres of age , & who had serued in the ministery about the space of 70. yéeres , and was placed of S. Iohn in Smirna , whose disciple he was . He suffered about the yéere of our Lord 170. and in the 7. yéere of Antoninus Verus . The manner of his death and martyrdome was thus . These persecutions being begun in Smyrna , Polycarpus was perswaded by certaine that were about him , to conuey himselfe away , and to hide him in a Village not farre from the Citie , which hee did , and there abiding with a fewe more of his companie , was night and day in supplication , for the peace of the Congregation .

Three daies before his apprehension , hee sawe in a vision by night , the bed set on fire vnder him , and sodainly to be consumed , And when he waked , he interpreted it , that he should suffer martirdome by fire . At the last ( being found by the pursuers , & vnderstanding that they were armed ) he came from the chamber where he was , & entertained them with chéerful countenaunce , and made them dine , and required that hée might haue one houres respite to make his prayers : which being granted him , he did it in such sort , as they which heard him were astonied . His prayers being ended , they brought him to the citie vpon an Asse on a solemne feast day , there met him Irenarchus , Irenarchus . Herodes , Herodes . and his father Nicetes : Nicetes . which causing him to come vp into the chariot where they sat , perswaded him to do sacrifice . Which when he refused , with rough wordes they molested him , and thrust him , going downe the chariot , that he might hurt or breake his legs : but he went merily on to the place appointed . To whome there came a voice from heauen that comforted him , & bad him be of good chéere , as he was going to the place of iudgement . Whither when hee came , the Proconsul disswaded him from the faith , and willed him to say with him and the rest , Destroy these naughty men . Then Polycarpus beholding with constant countenance the whole multitude , and giuing a great sigh , looked vp to heauen and said : Thou thou it is that wilt destroy these wicked men , meaning the Lord . Then the proconsul thus being earnest with him said vnto him , take thine oath , and I will discharge thée : Deste Christ Polycarpus answered , 86. yéeres haue I béen his seruant , yet in all this time hath he not so much as once hurt me , how then may I speake euil of my soueraign Lord and king , which hath thus preserued me . Then the Proconsul vsed al maner of threatnings against him : which when they could not preuaile , Policarpus still denying with great constancie , Philip the Gouernor of Asia , was commaunded to let lose the Lion to Policarpus : who made answere , that he might not so doe , because he had his pray alredy . Then the people required with one voice , that he would burn Policarpus aliue . Which was perfourmed . And hauing made himselfe readie to the stake , they would haue nayled him thereto with Iron hoopes , but he said : let me alone as I am , for hee that hath geuen mee strength to suffer and abide the fire , shall also geue power , that without this prouision I shal abide , and not stir in this fire . Which when they heard , they only bound him : who hauing geuen thankes vnto God , and testified his faith , the tormentors put fire vnto him , which seemed to those that were beholders , to compasse the bodie like a vaile , which in the middest thereof séemed like golde and siluer , tried in the fire , and yelded a pleasant smell Thus the fire not consuming his bodie , one of the Tormentors thrust him in with a Sworde . Whereafter , so great a quantitie of bloud issued out of his bodie , that the fire was quenched therewith . The bodie afterwarde was taken and burned , as their manner was to doe . And this was the ende of that worthie man .

At that same time suffered also at Smirna twelue other , that came from Philadelphia , with diuers other : as , Metrodorus , Metrodorus . a minister , and another worthy man named Pionius , Pionius . who ( after gréeuous torments ) were burned .

After these , suffered Carpus , Carpus . Papylus , Papylus . and Agathonica , Agathonica . a woman , who were put to death at Pergamopolis in Asia , Euseb. l. 4. c. 7.

In Rome suffered Felicitas with her seuen children : Felicitas with her 7. children . whose names were , Ianuarius , Felix , Philip , Siluanus , Alexander , Vitalis and Martialis . Of which companie , Ianuarius ( after he was whipped with roddes ) was prest to death with leaden waightes . Felix and Philip had their braines beaten out with maules . Siluanus was cast downe headlong , and had his neck broken . Alexander , Vitalis , and Martialis , were beheaded . Last of all , the mother was slaine with the sworde . Ex Suppl .

Vnder this M. Antoninus suffred also the worthy man , and learned Philosopher Iustinus , Iustinus . born at Neapolis in Palestina . His father was Priscus Baicus . He wrote Apologies : First to the Senate of Rome , after to Antonius Pius , the Emperor . He wrote also to Vrbinus , Lieftenant of the Citie . He preuayled so with Antonius Pius , that hee stayed the persecution in Asia . This man was accused by Crescens a Cynike philosopher , whom he had vanquished in disputation : in reuenge whereof he procured his death , in the yere 154. in the xiij . yere of the Reigne of Antoninus the Emperor .

Vnder the same Antoninus , suffered also Ptolomeus , & Lucius , Lucius . for confessing Christ , in a Citie of Egypt , called Alexandria . Ptolomeus was accused by a Centurion , subornne thereunto by a vicious Infidel , whose wife had béene also lewde , but conuerted by Ptolomeus , and thereupon departing from her vicious husband , hee reuengeth himselfe vpon her Instructor : who being brought before Vrbinus the Iudge , and condemned to suffer death , Lucius a Christian , blaming the Iudge , and iustifying the innocencie of Ptolomeus , was with him also ( without further examination ) martired .

In the raigne of this Tirant , suffered also one Concordus , Concordus . a Minister in the Citie of Spoletum , because he would not do sacrifice to Iupiter , but spit in his face : wherefore ( after many and sundrie torments ) he was beheaded .

It is reported that diuers other Martirs suffered vnder this Antoninus Verus : as , Symmetrius , Symmetrius , &c. Florellus , Pontianus , Alexander , Caius , Epipodus , Victor . Corona , Marcellus , and Valerianus . Who ( because they would not doe sacrifice to Idols ) ended their liues by the sword .

Vnder this Tyrant suffered diuers Martirs at Vienna , and Lions , two Cities in France . Among whom , Vetius , Vetius . Zacharias , Sanctus , Maturus , Attalus , Blandina , Alexander , and Alcibiades , are chiefly renoumed .

Vetius Epagathus , for reproouing the cruell sentence of the Iudge , geuen against the Christians , and making an Apologie for them , was martyred . He was called by the faithfull ( being but a young man ) the Aduocate of the Christians .

Sanctus . Sanctus was Deacon of the Congregation at Vienna : Maturus Maturus . was but a little before baptized : Attalus Attalus . was borne at Pergama , who was the foundation and piller of that congregation . Blandina Blandina . weried the tormentors with hir patient suffering . Likewise did Sanctus , who in his tormenting beyng asked his name , his citie , his kinred , he answered to all questions , I am a Christian . With these suffered one Bibledes Bibledes . a woman , who had denied Christ , & being tormented to the end she might vtter some wickednes of the Christians , shée confessed Christ againe , continued constant , and was martyred with the rest .

At that time Photinus Photinus . deacon to the B. of Lions , about 90. yéeres old , beyng first sore beaten , was cast into prison , and there died within two daies after .

Maturus and Sanctus were brought againe to torment , and with them Blandina and Attalus , yet , notwithstanding exquisite and strange deuised torments , they continued constant in the faith . Blandina was fastened vpon a stake , & cast to beasts to be deuoured , but no beast woulde touch her : wherevpon they tooke her downe , and put her in prison till another time .

Attalus was brought foorth againe , with one Alexander Alexander . a Phrygian , and a Phisition : who because he encouraged the Christians standing before the Iudge , was apprehended , and suffered most grieuous torments most patiently , without change of countenaunce , and died , broyled in an Iron chaire .

After this ( being the last day of the spectacle ) Blandina againe , and one Ponticus , Ponticus . a childe of fiftéen yeres olde , was brought foorth . The childe died constant , with extremitie of torment . Blandina ( after diuers most exquisite tormentes , as whips , gridiron , and wilde beastes ) was at the last , cast into a net , & throwen to a wilde Bull , and so was gored to death . Neither did their rage cease against the dead bodies : which they would not suffer to be buried , but caused them to be watched , least they should be put in graue . The causes why these persecutions were the more sharpe , was because some of the Ethnicks being seruants to the christians , were compelled by threatnings to fayne against them , that they kept the feasts of Thiestes and incest of Oedipus , with other most hainous crimes .

To these Emperours did Melito Melito . bishop of Sardis exhibite Apologies for the Christians , learned and eloquent . So did Claudius Apollinaris Cl. Apollinaris bishop of Hierapolis , like as Quadratus Quadratus . and Aristides Aristides . did before to the Emperour Hadrian . So that whether it were by that means , or through the writing of Athenagoras Athenagoras . a philosopher , & a Legate of the Christians , it is certaine that the persecution the same time was staied . Persecuton stayed . Others thinke it came by a miracle wrought in the Emperours campe . For what time the two brethren Emperours ioyned together , and warred against the Quades , Vandals , Sarmates , and Germaines , when their souldiers wanting water fiue daies together , Miracle . and by meanes thereof were like to perish : in this distresse , a legion of the Christian souldidiers withdrew themselues , and praied , whereby they obtained showers and swéete raine , and the enimies were terrified with lightnings and haile , and so discomfited and put to flight . Wherevpon the Emperour wrote to diuers of his Gouernours , that they should giue thankes to the Christians , and giue them peace : of whom came the victorie and preseruation to him and all his people .

In the yere 175. succéeded the former Lucius , Antoninus Commodus , Commodus . sonne to Verus , who raigned xiij . yeares . In whose time ( as some thinke ) by the fauour of Martia , Martia . the Emperors Concubine , who fauoured the Christians , persecution slaked . By which meanes , many noble personages of Rome , embraced the Gospel . Among whom was one Apollonius , Apollonius . who being maliciously accused by Seuerus his seruant , ( notwithstanding the false accusation of his Accuser ) being detected , and he for that crime hauing his legs broken , was neuerthelesse , driuen to make confession of his faith , and for the same also beheaded by an auncient Law , that no Christian ought to be released without recantation .

This Emperor on his birth day , with the people of Rome assembled together , made sacrifice to Hercules and Iupiter , causing it to be cried through out the citie , that Hercules was the patrone of the citie . At which time there were in the citie Vincentius , Vincentius . Eusebius , Eusebius , &c. Peregrinus , Potentianus , learned men , and instructors of the people : who conuerting the Gentils in diuerse places , and hearing hereof , preached and perswaded against the same , and conuerted one Iulius Iulius . a Senator , with others to the faith . Whereof Commodus hearing caused them all to be first tormented , & then to be pressed to death with leaden waights , sauing that Iulius was beaten to death with cuggels , at the commandement of Vitellus the Maister of the Souldiers .

Peregrinus Peregrinus . had béene sent before of Xistus B. of Rome into the parts of Fraunce , to supply the roome of a teacher , where the horrible persecutions had made wast . Who hauing there established the Churches , returned home againe to Rome , and finished his daies with martyrdome .

Xistus Xistus . or Sixtus was the sixt bishop of Rome after Peter , and gouerned that ministery ten yéeres .

To Sixtus succéeded Telesphorus , Telesphorus . and was bishop there eleuen yéeres , and died in the first yéere of Antoninus Pius , beyng martyred the yéere 138. After him succéeded Hyginus , Hyginus . and died a martyr anno 142. After him followed Pius . Pius , &c. After him succéeded Anicetus , Soter , Eleutherius , about the yéere 180.

About this time of Commodus , among others were martyred Serapion Serapion . B. of Antioch , Egesippus Egesippus . a writer of the ecclesiasticall History from Christes passion to his time . Also Miltiades , Miltiades . who wrote his Apologie for Christian religion , as did Melito , Aristides and Quadratus before .

About the same time wrote Heraclitus , Heraclitus . who first began to write Annotations and Enarrations vpon the New Testament , and Epistles of the Apostles . Also Theophilus Theophilus . bishop of Cesarea , Dionisius Dionisius . bishop of Corinth , a man famously learned , who wrote diuerse Epistles to diuerse churches : and among other exhorteth Penitus Penitus . a bishop that he would lay no yoke of chastitie on any necessitie vpon his brethren , but that he would consider the infirmitie of other , and beare with it .

About the daies of Commodus , wrote also Clemens Alexandrinus Clemens Alexandrinus . a man of singular learning . In that time liued also Pantenus , who was the first in Alexandria that professed to reade in open schoole , of whom is thought first to rise the order of Vniuersities in christendome . He was sent to preach to the Indians by Demetrius bishop of Alexandria .

Now in this tranquillitie of the Church grew contention among themselues for Easter day , Contention among the christians for Easter day . which had bin stirred before of Polycarpus & Anicetus . For they of the West church pretending the tradition of Paule and Peter , but in déede being of Hermes and Pius , kept the Sunday after the 14. day of the first moneth . The Church of Asia following the ordinance of Iohn the Apostle , obserued an other .