fall_v in_o so_o pat_o to_o his_o treatise_n of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o persecutor_n that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o will_v have_v leave_v it_o out_o special_o when_o he_o be_v describe_v the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o emperor_n maximian_n and_o the_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o he_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v weigh_v with_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n this_o silence_n of_o lactantius_n will_v doubtless_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o martydom_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fiction_n though_o the_o suffering_n of_o confessor_n in_o general_n do_v afford_v a_o rich_a field_n of_o eloquence_n to_o preacher_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v no_o martyrdom_n more_o capable_a of_o receive_v ornament_n from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o of_o elevate_a the_o genius_n and_o thought_n of_o a_o christian_a orator_n than_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o this_o legion_n how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o of_o so_o many_o father_n who_o have_v write_v homily_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o martyr_n none_o of_o they_o have_v ever_o make_v use_n of_o so_o pathetic_a and_o powerful_a a_o example_n as_o this_o will_v have_v be_v ephrem_fw-la a_o monk_n of_o syria_n write_v encomium_n on_o all_o the_o martyr_n of_o christ_n about_o the_o year_n 360._o gregory_n of_o nazianzen_n have_v handle_v the_o same_o subject_a much_o about_o the_o same_o time_n we_o have_v the_o sermon_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n upon_o martyr_n in_o general_n asterius_n bishop_n of_o amasia_n in_o pontus_n who_o live_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o five_o age_n have_v make_v likewise_o a_o panegyric_n on_o all_o martyr_n but_o none_o of_o these_o father_n nor_o any_o other_o who_o treat_v of_o the_o same_o matter_n have_v make_v the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n if_o any_o have_v mention_v it_o it_o must_v have_v be_v maximus_n bishop_n of_o turin_n who_o die_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o honorius_n and_o theodosius_n junior_n for_o he_o write_v in_o the_o country_n where_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o martyrdom_n happen_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o it_o will_v therefore_o have_v be_v fresh_a in_o his_o day_n but_o in_o all_o his_o work_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n relate_v to_o it_o we_o read_v among_o his_o write_n that_o be_v yet_o extant_a a_o sermon_n de_fw-fr sanctis_fw-la martyribus_fw-la which_o gennadius_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o call_v generalem_fw-la omnium_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la homiliam_fw-la but_o in_o this_o sermon_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o stroke_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o thebean_a legion_n it_o be_v true_a that_o among_o his_o work_n there_o be_v another_o sermon_n with_o this_o title_n in_o natali_n sanctorum_fw-la taurinorum_n octavii_n aventitii_n &_o solutoris_fw-la these_o be_v the_o same_o saint_n who_o name_n be_v see_v in_o capital_a letter_n on_o the_o frontispiece_n of_o the_o jesuit_n church_n at_o turin_n in_o which_o church_n there_o be_v a_o chapel_n where_o the_o relic_n of_o these_o saint_n be_v keep_v in_o a_o urn_n which_o madam_n chrestiene_fw-fr of_o france_n cause_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n with_o this_o inscription_n ingrave_v on_o it_o augustae_fw-la taurinorum_n patronis_fw-la christiana_n à _fw-fr francia_n these_o saint_n have_v do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o vow_n and_o offering_n hang_v up_o in_o their_o chapel_n but_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o this_o sermon_n which_o we_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o those_o of_o st._n ambrose_n of_o the_o impression_n of_o basil_n in_o the_o year_n 1555_o with_o this_o note_n in_o the_o margin_n a_o sermon_n of_o st._n maximus_n the_o benedictines_n of_o paris_n in_o their_o new_a edition_n of_o st._n ambrose_n do_v likewise_o restore_v it_o to_o that_o bishop_n of_o turin_n and_o say_v that_o st._n maximus_n have_v be_v so_o conversant_a in_o the_o work_v of_o st._n ambrose_n that_o he_o sometime_o utter_v long_a passage_n out_o of_o they_o in_o his_o own_o sermon_n the_o do_v whereof_o occasion_v great_a confusion_n in_o the_o homily_n of_o these_o two_o father_n and_o they_o likewise_o judge_v st._n maximus_n to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o sacrament_n attribute_v to_o st._n ambrose_n however_o gennadius_n do_v not_o mention_v that_o sermon_n in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o maximus_n work_n and_o father_n possunt_fw-la mabillon_n publish_v some_o new_a piece_n of_o this_o father_n in_o his_o musaeum_fw-la italicum_fw-la say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o consult_v gennadius_n to_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o this_o father_n from_o those_o which_o be_v spurious_a i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a that_o this_o sermon_n shall_v be_v disow_v to_o belong_v to_o maximus_n for_o it_o be_v so_o principal_a a_o support_n to_o the_o cause_n we_o defend_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o what_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n this_o be_v the_o very_a work_n where_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o but_o if_o we_o look_v for_o it_o in_o the_o body_n of_o that_o sermon_n we_o shall_v loose_v our_o labour_n i_o have_v read_v it_o several_a time_n over_o but_o never_o can_v find_v one_o word_n in_o it_o relate_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o martyrdom_n in_o question_n shall_v any_o pretend_v to_o make_v his_o best_a of_o the_o inscription_n in_o natali_n sanctorum_fw-la taurinorum_n octavii_n aventitii_n &_o solutoris_fw-la this_o title_n do_v not_o import_v these_o three_o saint_n to_o have_v be_v thebean_a soldier_n for_o those_o people_n who_o the_o ancient_a geographer_n call_v taurini_n be_v extend_v far_o into_o the_o cottian_a alps_o and_o into_o liguria_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o octavius_n aventitius_n and_o solutor_n be_v three_o saint_n particular_a to_o the_o city_n of_o turin_n because_o they_o be_v call_v sancti_fw-la taurinorum_n in_o st._n ambrose_n work_n print_v at_o basil_n in_o the_o year_n 1555_o there_o be_v sanctorum_fw-la tauricorum_fw-la in_o the_o geographical_a manuscript_n of_o selden_n there_o be_v likewise_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o st._n maximus_n may_v mean_v some_o saint_n who_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n have_v be_v remarkable_a among_o those_o people_n call_v taurisci_n who_o be_v place_v by_o some_o geographer_n in_o the_o five_o rhetia_n if_o we_o have_v that_o manuscript_n of_o st._n maximus_n mention_v by_o the_o benedictine_n monk_n in_o their_o new_a edition_n of_o st._n ambrose_n we_o may_v perhaps_o make_v some_o other_o remark_n on_o the_o title_n of_o that_o sermon_n but_o without_o examine_v whether_o the_o title_n of_o st._n maximus_n sermon_n be_v ancient_a and_o write_v by_o himself_o here_o be_v a_o proof_n that_o octavius_n aventitius_n and_o solutor_n be_v not_o thebean_a soldier_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v reply_v against_o it_o the_o counterfeit_n st._n eucherius_n do_v not_o mention_v any_o of_o those_o in_o his_o relation_n but_o say_v that_o in_o his_o time_n none_o of_o they_o be_v know_v by_o name_n except_o they_o follow_v viz._n mauritius_n exuperius_n candidus_n victor_n and_o another_o victor_n who_o suffer_v death_n at_o soleur_n with_o vrsus_fw-la add_v that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o other_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n as_o we_o believe_v the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n more_o modern_a than_o st._n maximus_n this_o suffice_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o three_o saint_n who_o piety_n this_o bishop_n of_o turin_n do_v former_o celebrate_v be_v not_o thebean_a soldier_n but_o to_o prevent_v all_o cavil_v about_o the_o time_n in_o which_o st._n eucherius_n may_v have_v write_v we_o shall_v produce_v other_o writer_n who_o live_v some_o age_n after_o st._n maximus_n ado_n die_v about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 875._o this_o ado_n who_o be_v archbishop_n of_o vienna_n have_v collect_v all_o the_o name_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n that_o be_v bris_fw-la hear_v of_o in_o his_o time_n thirteen_o whereof_o he_o reckon_v in_o his_o martyrology_n to_o wit_n mauritius_n exuperius_n candidus_n molossus_n victor_n innocentius_n vetalis_n geryon_n victor_n orsus_fw-la alexander_n secundus_fw-la and_o antoninus_n among_o which_o we_o find_v not_o either_o octavius_n aventitius_n or_o solutor_n now_o vienna_n be_v but_o fifty_o league_n distant_a from_o turin_n have_v these_o saint_n who_o memory_n be_v celebrate_v in_o piedmont_n be_v general_o think_v to_o have_v be_v theb._n soldier_n there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o ado_n will_v have_v leave_v they_o out_o of_o his_o catalogue_n this_o reason_n be_v yet_o more_o confirm_v by_o vsuard_n silence_n upon_o it_o who_o be_v a_o monk_n of_o st._n germains_n and_o contemporary_a with_o ado_n he_o form_v the_o design_n of_o make_v a_o martyrology_n both_o
both_o the_o court_n and_o city_n of_o turin_n have_v be_v ancient_a worshipper_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n great_a honour_n and_o reverence_n have_v be_v pay_v for_o a_o long_a time_n at_o turin_n to_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n and_o the_o general_a opinion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v signalise_v themselves_o there_o by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o miracle_n hyacinto_n ferrero_n a_o jesuit_n relate_v that_o by_o their_o mean_n constantine_n the_o great_a get_v that_o memorable_a victory_n which_o open_v he_o the_o way_n both_o to_o rome_n and_o to_o the_o empire_n he_o say_v that_o when_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o battle_n be_v fight_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o turin_n he_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o the_o fly_a squadron_n which_o be_v then_o see_v in_o the_o air_n and_o cry_v to_o constantine_n 72._o n'andiamo_fw-la a_o soccorso_fw-it di_fw-it costantino_n be_v those_o thebean_a soldier_n slay_v by_o maximian_n who_o be_v arm_v by_o heaven_n on_o this_o occasion_n to_o cause_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n to_o triumph_n which_o that_o tyrant_n have_v endeavour_v to_o destroy_v if_o after_o the_o rise_n of_o constantine_n to_o the_o empire_n paganism_n begin_v to_o fall_v and_o if_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o turin_n go_v so_o successful_o on_o and_o with_o so_o much_o rapidity_n that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n several_a church_n protettori_n and_o a_o bishop_n with_o a_o numerous_a clergy_n be_v see_v there_o all_o this_o add_v the_o same_o author_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o blood_n miracle_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n he_o relate_v afterward_o two_o or_o three_o adventure_n in_o which_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n have_v visible_o show_v their_o watchful_a care_n over_o turin_n and_o how_o intent_n they_o be_v to_o procure_v blessing_n from_o heaven_n upon_o this_o city_n he_o say_v that_o the_o romish_a religion_n be_v in_o extreme_a danger_n at_o turin_n at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o famous_a claudius_n 76._o bishop_n of_o that_o see_v endeavour_v to_o abolish_v the_o adoration_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o of_o the_o sacred_a image_n and_o the_o worship_v of_o martyr_n and_o likewise_o several_a year_n after_o when_o l'ediguieres_n enter_v into_o piedmont_n with_o a_o army_n of_o calvinist_n but_o that_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o their_o prayer_n remove_v the_o danger_n and_o preserve_v that_o religion_n there_o but_o here_o be_v something_o yet_o more_o wonderful_a the_o same_o jesuit_n relate_v that_o a_o general_n of_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o v._o besiege_v turin_n in_o the_o year_n 1537._o and_o have_v take_v it_o infallible_o by_o the_o secret_a intelligence_n he_o have_v there_o have_v he_o cause_v his_o soldier_n to_o scale_n it_o at_o any_o other_o place_n calvinisti_fw-la than_o that_o which_o be_v call_v now_o the_o bastion_n of_o st._n george_n but_o that_o unlucky_o for_o he_o the_o relic_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n rest_v then_o near_o the_o same_o bastion_n and_o that_o when_o his_o man_n go_v to_o get_v up_o they_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o sparkle_v arm_n and_o threaten_a look_n of_o these_o holy_a martyr_n who_o miraculous_o appear_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o city_n and_o perhaps_o cardinal_a de_fw-fr la_fw-fr rovere_z speak_v of_o this_o miracle_n in_o a_o sermon_n which_o he_o preach_v before_o emmanuel_n philibert_n in_o a_o certain_a solemnity_n in_o honour_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n these_o be_v the_o saint_n great_a prince_n say_v he_o who_o have_v preserve_v etc._n to_o you_o your_o loyal_a city_n of_o turin_n and_o have_v avert_v from_o it_o the_o desolation_n of_o war._n these_o be_v the_o saint_n o_o city_n of_o turin_n who_o be_v the_o tower_n and_o bulwark_n which_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v thy_o defence_n to_o the_o end_n that_o thou_o may_v remain_v still_o a_o peaceable_a and_o a_o triumphant_a place_n to_o thy_o prince_n grant_v we_o o_o you_o glorious_a saint_n that_o we_o may_v always_o cry_v out_o with_o joy_n and_o devotion_n jacta_fw-la est_fw-la pax_fw-la in_o virtute_fw-la vestra_fw-la &_o abundantia_fw-la in_o turribus_fw-la vestris_fw-la charles_n emmanuel_n the_o first_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v give_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o his_o devotion_n to_o those_o saint_n than_o by_o free_o give_v up_o to_o the_o valesians_n the_o town_n of_o st._n mauricius_n and_o other_o place_n which_o they_o have_v usurp_v from_o he_o during_o the_o war_n between_o his_o grandfather_n and_o francis_n the_o first_o upon_o condition_n that_o the_o valesian_n shall_v give_v he_o leave_v to_o convey_v to_o turin_n the_o corpse_n of_o st._n mauricius_n chief_a of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n one_o of_o who_o arm_n he_o have_v already_o get_v out_o of_o bohemia_n whither_o it_o be_v transport_v in_o the_o year_n of_o 1250._o by_o king_n ottocarus_n the_o five_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o about_o that_o time_n that_o st._n mauricius_n 3._o his_o lance_n speak_v of_o by_o chromer_n be_v bring_v to_o cracovia_n where_o it_o lie_v yet_o expose_v to_o public_a veneration_n i_o question_v very_o much_o whether_o france_n will_v now_o give_v up_o pignerol_n to_o the_o house_n of_o savoy_n though_o that_o house_n shall_v proffer_v in_o exchange_n il_fw-fr santo_n sudario_fw-la or_o the_o holy_a shroud_n notwithstanding_o the_o great_a zeal_n it_o ptetend_v to_o have_v for_o the_o romish_a religion_n and_o though_o this_o holy_a shroud_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o precious_a relic_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o charles_n emmanuel_n in_o the_o devotion_n he_o have_v for_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n do_v nothing_o but_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o emmanuel_n philibert_n his_o father_n when_o the_o relic_n of_o these_o saint_n be_v convey_v from_o the_o church_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n into_o that_o of_o the_o jesuit_n where_o they_o do_v rest_n to_o this_o day_n emmanuel_n philibert_n honour_v the_o ceremony_n with_o his_o presence_n and_o be_v at_o a_o great_a expense_n towards_o the_o magnificence_n of_o it_o and_o this_o wise_a prince_n know_v well_o that_o saint_n without_o power_n be_v ordinary_o neglect_v and_o that_o the_o give_v of_o indulgence_n be_v a_o mean_n for_o they_o to_o gain_v a_o good_a reputation_n obtain_v a_o considerable_a share_n of_o they_o from_o gregory_n the_o thirteen_o for_o all_o those_o who_o by_o offering_n and_o prayer_n shall_v show_v their_o devotion_n to_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n his_o bull_n be_v obtain_v in_o the_o year_n 1574._o and_o the_o etc._n pope_n express_v in_o it_o that_o he_o grant_v these_o indulgence_n upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o singular_a devotion_n which_o both_o the_o duke_n of_o savoy_n and_o the_o people_n of_o turin_n do_v pay_v to_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n charles_n emmanuel_n have_v so_o great_a a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n that_o he_o impart_v to_o spain_n some_o of_o their_o relic_n to_o the_o intent_n they_o may_v partake_v of_o their_o merit_n and_o intercession_n he_o charge_v charles_n broglia_n archbishop_n of_o turin_n with_o his_o order_n concern_v it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o certificate_n which_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v put_v up_o with_o the_o relic_n and_o be_v sign_v in_o the_o month_n of_o september_n 1603._o this_o archbishop_n say_v in_o the_o same_o certificate_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v take_v a_o rib_n of_o st._n mauricius_n body_n one_o of_o st._n secundus_n great_a toe_n three_o bone_n of_o the_o finger_n of_o solutor_n adventor_fw-la and_o octavius_n and_o a_o leg-bone_n of_o one_o of_o st._n gerion_n companion_n charles_n emmanuel_n cause_v these_o relic_n to_o be_v put_v in_o a_o silver-gilt_n shrine_n all_o set_v with_o precious_a stone_n and_o dispatch_v leonardo_n roncassio_n his_o first_o secretary_n of_o state_n to_o present_v it_o to_o margaret_n of_o austria_n queen_n of_o spain_n all_o these_o thing_n plain_o show_v the_o great_a respect_n and_o devotion_n that_o both_o the_o court_n and_o city_n of_o turin_n have_v long_o pay_v to_o the_o martyr_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n chap._n iii_o that_o it_o be_v worth_a one_o labour_v to_o examine_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n though_o it_o pass_v for_o current_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_a society_n we_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o person_n as_o these_o thebean_a soldier_n and_o that_o the_o relation_n of_o their_o martyrdom_n say_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o eucherius_n bishop_n of_o lion_n be_v altogether_o false_a and_o counterfeit_n avia_fw-la pieridum_fw-la peragro_fw-la loca_fw-la nullius_fw-la ante_fw-la trita_fw-la solo._n this_o matter_n be_v quite_o new_a and_o be_v never_o handle_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v by_o any_o author_n before_o though_o after_o so_o many_o book_n write_v there_o be_v
beatitude_n the_o history_n which_o i_o have_v write_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o our_o martyr_n i_o fear_v lest_o the_o memorable_a event_n of_o their_o glorious_a martyrdom_n shall_v have_v be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n both_o by_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n and_o the_o negligence_n of_o men._n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n from_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v i_o of_o it_o who_o have_v assure_v i_o that_o they_o have_v the_o thing_n from_o isaac_n bishop_n of_o geneva_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v relate_v it_o and_o i_o believe_v these_o thing_n come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o isaac_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a bishop_n theodorus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o former_a age_n viro_fw-la anterioris_fw-la temporis_fw-la and_o now_o whereas_o other_o from_o divers_a place_n and_o even_o from_o the_o remote_a province_n offer_v gold_n silver_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saint_n we_o present_v they_o with_o our_o write_n if_o so_o be_v you_o vouchsafe_v to_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o i_o beg_v for_o their_o sake_n the_o remission_n of_o all_o my_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o future_a the_o continual_a assistance_n of_o my_o perpetual_a patron_n remember_v we_o likewise_o in_o your_o prayer_n when_o you_o come_v before_o god_n and_o do_v attend_v the_o service_n of_o the_o saint_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n very_o observable_a in_o this_o letter_n first_o that_o he_o who_o write_v it_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o agaunian_a soldier_n second_o that_o the_o monastery_n of_o agaunum_n be_v build_v a_o long_a time_n before_o and_o be_v in_o great_a repute_n in_o the_o world_n since_o offering_n be_v send_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n three_o that_o this_o theodorus_n who_o be_v call_v there_o a_o man_n of_o the_o former_a age_n be_v in_o all_o probability_n the_o same_o theodorus_n bishop_n of_o zion_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v on_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o council_n of_o agaunum_n which_o show_v this_o letter_n be_v write_v at_o least_o in_o the_o seven_o century_n since_o that_o otherwise_o this_o theodorus_n can_v not_o be_v call_v vir_fw-la anterioris_fw-la temporis_fw-la four_o that_o it_o mention_n one_o isaac_n bishop_n of_o geneva_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o catalogue_n which_o leti_fw-la and_o mr._n spon_n have_v make_v of_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n and_o which_o they_o have_v take_v out_o of_o a_o ancient_a bible_n of_o that_o city_n five_o that_o whereas_o in_o the_o bibliotheca_fw-la patrum_fw-la print_v at_o lion_n this_o letter_n be_v place_v immediate_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o agaunum_n the_o editor_n who_o have_v take_v care_n to_o advertise_v the_o reader_n that_o the_o passion_n write_v by_o surius_n be_v not_o altogether_o authentic_a do_v not_o give_v the_o least_o caution_n about_o this_o letter_n which_o be_v visible_o late_a by_o some_o age_n than_o st._n eucherius_n six_o that_o this_o letter_n 734._o be_v insert_v at_o full_a length_n by_o baronius_n in_o his_o annal_n as_o a_o irrefragable_a proof_n that_o st._n eucherius_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n see_v it_o be_v bring_v there_o to_o serve_v as_o a_o preface_n to_o it_o seven_o that_o after_o you_o have_v read_v this_o letter_n when_o you_o come_v to_o the_o act_n of_o the_o thebean_a martyr_n you_o can_v perceive_v any_o difference_n you_o find_v there_o much_o the_o same_o matter_n style_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n in_o both_o of_o they_o eight_o that_o this_o letter_n in_o all_o the_o edition_n of_o the_o st._n eucherius_n work_n be_v prefix_v as_o a_o dedication_n to_o the_o commentary_n on_o genesis_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o monk_n two_o hundred_o year_n after_o st._n eucherius_n as_o appear_v by_o some_o place_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o gregory_n the_o great_a be_v insert_v in_o they_o nine_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o commentary_n upon_o genesis_n and_o the_o book_n of_o king_n be_v very_o probable_o the_o author_n of_o this_o letter_n and_o that_o he_o who_o write_v the_o letter_n compose_v likewise_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o this_o observation_n that_o perhaps_o we_o seek_v abroad_o for_o what_o we_o may_v find_v at_o home_n i_o mean_v that_o perhaps_o the_o act_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n may_v be_v the_o growth_n of_o this_o land_n and_o the_o work_n of_o some_o english_a writer_n see_v how_o the_o pretend_a st._n eucherius_n speak_v in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o 22._o the_o book_n of_o king_n the_o bless_a pope_n gregory_n arm_v with_o a_o evangelical_n eloquence_n govern_v then_o in_o our_o day_n the_o romish_a church_n when_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n austin_n and_o paulinus_n and_o their_o companion_n come_v into_o england_n and_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o a_o people_n who_o have_v be_v britannus_n infidel_n for_o so_o many_o age_n these_o word_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o learned_a jesuit_n andreas_n schottus_n to_o think_v that_o the_o author_n of_o these_o commentary_n i_o mean_v the_o pretend_a st._n eucherius_n be_v not_o a_o french_a but_o a_o englishman_n i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o one_o may_v strengthen_v yet_o this_o conjecture_n by_o a_o expression_n which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o mauricius_n who_o command_v the_o thebean_a legion_n exhort_v the_o senator_n of_o the_o soldier_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n senatores_fw-la militum_fw-la for_o though_o this_o office_n be_v not_o altogether_o unknown_a and_o strange_a in_o the_o roman_a militia_n 796._o and_o that_o st._n jerom_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o his_o letter_n to_o pammachius_n nevertheless_o you_o will_v hardly_o find_v it_o in_o those_o author_n who_o write_v about_o military_a employment_n whereas_o this_o expression_n be_v common_a then_o among_o the_o english_a who_o use_v to_o give_v it_o to_o those_o person_n who_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n not_o so_o much_o in_o consideration_n of_o their_o age_n as_o for_o their_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n one_o may_v see_v in_o mr._n du_fw-fr cange_n the_o example_n he_o allege_v of_o it_o take_v from_o the_o law_n both_o of_o king_n edward_n the_o confessor_n and_o of_o kenulphus_n king_n of_o the_o mercian_n chap._n ix_o that_o in_o father_n chifflet_n copy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o that_o of_o surius_n the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v call_v by_o a_o name_n not_o then_o in_o use_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o legionary_a soldier_n but_o it_o matter_n not_o much_o to_o know_v whether_o the_o author_n of_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n be_v english_a of_o french_a these_o two_o warlike_a nation_n will_v scarce_o fall_v out_o with_o one_o another_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o have_v give_v he_o to_o the_o world_n we_o must_v pass_v now_o to_o other_o remark_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o difference_n in_o the_o style_n which_o show_v that_o the_o act_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n be_v not_o of_o the_o true_a st._n eucherius_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o other_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o instruction_n which_o st._n eucherius_n give_v to_o his_o son_n salonius_n that_o this_o father_n know_v the_o use_n and_o propriety_n of_o hebrew_n but_o if_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a passion_n he_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o ignorant_a even_o of_o latin_a term_n though_o his_o letter_n upon_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n show_v that_o he_o be_v a_o great_a master_n of_o it_o in_o the_o edition_n of_o surius_n and_o of_o chifflet_n st._n mauricius_n who_o command_v the_o thebean_a legion_n be_v call_v primicerius_fw-la legionis_fw-la can_v one_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a st._n eucherius_n do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v call_v praefectus_fw-la legionis_fw-la let_v any_o body_n examine_v careful_o all_o the_o old_a tomb_n and_o monument_n which_o can_v give_v we_o any_o light_n into_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o military_a office_n from_o augustus_n time_n to_o that_o of_o justinian_n let_v any_o body_n read_v the_o notitia_fw-la imperii_fw-la with_o pancirole_n note_n let_v any_o body_n turn_v over_o the_o code_o of_o theodosius_n and_o of_o justinian_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o law_n concern_v the_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o the_o military_a office_n of_o the_o empire_n let_v any_o body_n look_v over_o all_o the_o inscription_n of_o those_o time_n which_o be_v common_o so_o full_a of_o title_n and_o you_o will_v no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v ever_o call_v primicerius_fw-la
legionis_fw-la the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n notarentur_fw-la be_v that_o whereas_o former_o they_o make_v use_v of_o a_o paper_n prepare_v with_o wax_n therefore_o they_o call_v primicerii_fw-la those_o of_o their_o respective_a order_n who_o be_v set_v down_o first_o in_o the_o public_a register_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o of_o that_o name_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o divers_a order_n of_o dignity_n and_o magistrate_n of_o 〈◊〉_d the_o empire_n there_o be_v the_o primicerius_fw-la of_o the_o imperial_a chamber_n of_o the_o wardrobe_n of_o the_o liberality_n of_o notary_n of_o the_o court_n of_o account_n of_o the_o golden_a mace_n of_o the_o singing-school_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o of_o many_o other_o who_o name_n be_v see_v in_o the_o notitia_fw-la or_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n this_o term_n be_v also_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o follow_a age_n the_o dignity_n of_o primicerius_fw-la be_v very_o considerable_a in_o the_o clergy_n of_o venice_n 480._o and_o in_o the_o collection_n of_o the_o council_n by_o mr._n baluze_n this_o name_n be_v give_v to_o one_o peter_n a_o priest_n of_o alexandria_n the_o church_n writer_n have_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o it_o metaphorical_o 2._o call_v st._n stephen_n primicer_n of_o martyr_n and_o st._n peter_n hieros_n the_o primicer_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o at_o last_o this_o term_n have_v be_v appropriate_v to_o these_o priest_n who_o carry_v wax_n taper_n before_o prince_n and_o prelate_n but_o as_o for_o the_o military_a officer_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v well_o understand_v what_o rank_n and_o command_v the_o primicerii_fw-la have_v there_o lipsius_n and_o salmasius_n dont_fw-fr give_v we_o much_o light_n thereupon_o in_o their_o 149._o book_n of_o the_o roman-militia_n it_o be_v true_a that_o goltzius_n in_o his_o catalogue_n of_o military_a dignity_n make_v mention_n of_o primicerius_fw-la castrensis_fw-la but_o all_o the_o learned_a do_v agree_v that_o what_o goltzius_n do_v relate_v ought_v not_o always_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o he_o write_v this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o other_o people_n word_n and_o without_o have_v see_v himself_o the_o medal_n and_o inscription_n which_o he_o go_v upon_o if_o goltzius_n have_v be_v mistake_v we_o have_v find_v out_o methinks_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o error_n in_o the_o notice_n or_o state_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o military_a dignity_n in_o the_o west_n we_o see_v one_o primicerius_fw-la sacri_fw-la cubiculi_fw-la primicerius_fw-la notariorum_fw-la castrensis_fw-la sacri_fw-la palatii_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o perhaps_o he_o think_v that_o before_o castrensis_n ought_v to_o be_v understand_v primicerius_fw-la which_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o primicerius_fw-la castrensis_fw-la set_v down_o in_o his_o catalogue_n but_o have_v he_o mind_v another_o chapter_n wherein_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o office_n which_o be_v sub_fw-la dispositione_n viri_fw-la spectabilis_fw-la castrensis_fw-la he_o will_v have_v observe_v that_o this_o dignity_n castrensis_n relate_v chief_o to_o the_o sacred-house_n which_o be_v the_o emperor_n palace_n gradum_fw-la it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o vegetius_n speak_v of_o one_o primicerius_fw-la who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v a_o perfect_a and_o in_o the_o praetorship_n be_v raise_v to_o a_o honourable_a and_o gainful_a military_a dignity_n his_o commentator_n be_v silent_a upon_o this_o place_n which_o yet_o seem_v difficult_a enough_o but_o mr._n de_fw-fr valois_n do_v not_o leave_v we_o quite_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o this_o matter_n in_o his_o note_n upon_o ammian_n marcelline_n for_o tribunus_n this_o historian_n have_v speak_v of_o one_o valentinus_n who_o be_v make_v a_o tribune_n after_o he_o have_v be_v primicerius_fw-la of_o that_o body_n which_o be_v call_v protectores_fw-la mr._n de_fw-fr valois_n erat_fw-la observe_v that_o from_o primicer_n of_o protector_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o be_v make_v a_o tribune_n and_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n speak_v in_o his_o thirteen_o book_n of_o one_o gratian_n who_o after_o he_o have_v be_v make_v primicer_n of_o the_o protector_n and_o tribune_n be_v make_v superintendent_n to_o the_o military_a affair_n in_o africa_n which_o place_n do_v explain_v that_o other_o in_o a_o collection_n of_o the_o act_n of_o constantine_n fuit_fw-la where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o constantius_n nephew_n to_o claudius_n the_o emperor_n after_o he_o have_v be_v first_o a_o protector_n than_o a_o tribune_n be_v at_o least_o create_a precedent_n of_o dalmatia_n but_o we_o do_v find_v in_o all_o this_o that_o in_o st._n eucherius_n time_n the_o commander_n of_o a_o legion_n be_v call_v primicerius_fw-la legionis_fw-la for_o it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o last_o age_n that_o it_o be_v give_v to_o all_o those_o who_o have_v primicerius_fw-la any_o command_n matthew_n paris_n in_o the_o year_n 1240._o speak_v of_o a_o army_n where_o it_o be_v demand_v who_o be_v the_o primicerius_fw-la of_o it_o that_o be_v who_o command_v it_o so_o that_o as_o the_o term_n commander_n in_o english_a be_v very_o general_a and_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o those_o who_o either_o do_v command_v a_o company_n or_o a_o regiment_n or_o be_v governor_n of_o town_n and_o province_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o the_o which_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o passion_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n have_v be_v forge_v the_o quality_n of_o a_o primicer_n have_v a_o very_a large_a signification_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o say_v special_o among_o the_o english_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o make_v another_o conjecture_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n of_o agaunum_n be_v a_o englishman_n we_o do_v just_a now_o cite_v matthew_n paris_n who_o be_v a_o great_a ornament_n to_o this_o nation_n in_o the_o twelve_o century_n there_o 838._o be_v a_o act_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o english_a monastery_n in_o the_o which_o the_o king_n edmond_n and_o edgar_n qualify_v themselves_o king_n and_o primicer_n of_o all_o england_n primicerii_fw-la totius_fw-la albionis_fw-la therefore_o this_o primicerian_a quality_n be_v inclyti_fw-la so_o general_a at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o william_n of_o tyre_n who_o live_v about_o fifty_o year_n before_o matthew_n paris_n do_v mention_v some_o legionary_a primicer_n honourable_a man_n say_v he_o bear_v ensign_n go_v before_o the_o army_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o primicer_n of_o legion_n if_o it_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o these_o word_n that_o the_o legionary_a primicer_n be_v the_o signiferi_fw-la or_o ensign-bearer_n of_o those_o time_n one_o ought_v to_o confess_v that_o in_o william_n of_o tyre_n his_o time_n thing_n be_v very_o much_o alter_v and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o this_o expression_n that_o may_v authorise_v that_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n unless_o one_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o time_n of_o william_n of_o tyre_n to_o wit_n many_o age_n after_o the_o true_a st._n eucherius_n but_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o surius_n copy_n and_o that_o of_o father_n chifflet_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o thebean_a soldier_n that_o of_o surius_n say_v that_o in_o the_o emperor_n maximian_n army_n there_o be_v a_o legion_n of_o soldier_n call_v thebean_o and_o that_o a_o legion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o six_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o six_o soldier_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n in_o father_n chifflet_n manuscript_n the_o number_n of_o sixty_o and_o six_o and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_n roman_n be_v cut_v off_o be_v say_v only_o there_o that_o a_o legion_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o six_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o men._n if_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a roman_n speak_v of_o both_o in_o surius_n and_o baronius_n copy_n be_v mean_v the_o military_a discipline_n ancient_o establish_v by_o romulus_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o legion_n be_v compose_v only_o of_o three_o thousand_o foot_n and_o some_o horse_n and_o let_v one_o look_v over_o all_o the_o time_n in_o which_o that_o commonwealth_n flourish_v from_o the_o expulsion_n of_o king_n to_o julius_n caesar_n one_o shall_v observe_v many_o change_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o soldier_n which_o compose_v the_o legion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v sometime_o lesser_a and_o sometime_o great_a according_a to_o the_o exigency_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o empire_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o the_o legion_n have_v precise_o the_o number_n of_o soldier_n specify_v in_o those_o two_o copy_n 13._o livy_n say_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n of_o the_o legion_n which_o be_v in_o macedonia_n to_o be_v compose_v
more_o exact_a and_o copious_a than_o any_o that_o have_v appear_v before_o for_o he_o think_v that_o st._n jerom_n and_o beda_n have_v handle_v this_o matter_n too_o careless_o and_o it_o be_v even_o report_v that_o the_o emperor_n charles_n the_o bald_a to_o who_o he_o dedicate_v his_o book_n have_v set_v he_o at_o work_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o he_o do_v every_o thing_n answerable_a to_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o age_n for_o martyr_n and_o relic_n which_o notwithstanding_o his_o diligence_n and_o all_o the_o care_n he_o take_v can_v effect_v no_o more_o than_o the_o discovery_n which_o he_o make_v of_o two_o other_o theb._n soldier_n namely_o cassius_n and_o florentius_n who_o be_v also_o record_v by_o helinand_n but_o further_o have_v it_o pass_v for_o current_n at_o that_o time_n that_o the_o three_o saint_n in_o st._n maximus_n sermon_n be_v theb._n soldier_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o they_o can_v have_v escape_v the_o diligent_a search_n of_o vsuard_n if_o after_o this_o any_o one_o shall_v allege_v to_o we_o the_o life_n of_o saint_n as_o the_o legend_n of_o octavius_n aventitius_n and_o soluter_n we_o have_v no_o other_o answer_n for_o they_o but_o that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o blind_a as_o they_o that_o will_v not_o see_v but_o since_o it_o have_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o maximus_n his_o sermon_n have_v give_v we_o a_o occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o st._n ambrose_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v by_o without_o some_o reflection_n the_o silence_n of_o this_o father_n in_o this_o particular_a viz._n concern_v the_o theb._n legion_n and_o their_o martyrdom_n though_o in_o a_o hundred_o place_n of_o his_o work_n he_o speak_v of_o saint_n and_o famous_a martyr_n in_o general_n the_o time_n he_o live_v be_v not_o long_o after_o that_o wherein_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o theb._n legion_n be_v cut_v off_o he_o be_v bishop_n at_o milan_n not_o very_o far_o distant_a from_o agaunum_n where_o this_o martyrdom_n be_v say_v to_o have_v happen_v and_o he_o have_v converse_v sometime_o with_o theodorus_n bishop_n of_o octodurum_n or_o martigni_n where_o agaunum_n be_v situate_v both_o these_o bishop_n be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o aquileia_n assemble_v to_o give_v a_o decision_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o palladius_n and_o secundianus_n arrian_n bishop_n in_o illyria_n they_o meet_v again_o at_o milan_n where_o theodorus_n sign_v the_o letter_n which_o st._n ambrose_n and_o the_o other_o bishop_n write_v to_o pope_n siricius_n concern_v the_o condemnation_n of_o jovinian_a who_o have_v utter_v blasphemous_a expression_n against_o the_o virginity_n of_o the_o bless_a mother_n of_o god_n and_o though_o the_o false_a st._n eucherius_n in_o the_o letter_n already_o relate_v do_v write_v to_o the_o bishop_n salvius_n that_o theodorus_n who_o he_o call_v vir_fw-la anterioris_fw-la temporis_fw-la have_v inform_v isaac_n bishop_n of_o geneva_n of_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o thebean_a legion_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o st._n ambrose_n see_v there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o notice_n take_v of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o this_o father_n but_o let_v we_o come_v now_o to_o another_o sort_n of_o writer_n and_o ask_v the_o father_n who_o have_v compose_v chronology_n or_o church-history_n these_o perhaps_o will_v tell_v we_o something_o of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n for_o this_o be_v not_o so_o inconsiderable_a a_o transaction_n as_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v overlook_v or_o lose_v among_o the_o crowd_n of_o those_o great_a event_n which_o they_o have_v to_o relate_v it_o be_v a_o memorable_a matter_n of_o fact_n worthy_a of_o their_o pen_n and_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o posterity_n for_o it_o be_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o a_o whole_a legion_n and_o the_o most_o famous_a historian_n of_o the_o church_n either_o live_v at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o suppose_a martyrdom_n or_o write_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o i_o mean_v eusebius_n socrates_n sozomen_n theodoret_n evagrius_n jerom_n orosius_n sulpitius_n severus_n if_o this_o martyrdom_n be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o have_v they_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v they_o will_v all_o have_v conspire_v together_o to_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o it_o to_o begin_v with_o eusebius_n of_o who_o those_o who_o favour_v he_o least_o as_o joseph_n scaliger_n do_v eusebe_n yet_o agree_v that_o with_o great_a care_n he_o have_v search_v into_o the_o original_a piece_n concern_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o first_o see_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n the_o persecution_n move_v by_o enrage_a pagan_n against_o the_o primitive_a christian_a religion_n the_o many_o conflict_n of_o the_o bless_a martyr_n for_o its_o defense_n and_o the_o victory_n which_o their_o faith_n and_o constancy_n have_v obtain_v over_o infidelity_n and_o error_n st._n jerom_n or_o whosoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o chromatius_n and_o heliodorus_n agree_v with_o the_o remark_n of_o precedent_n cousin_n upon_o the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o eusebius_n in_o collect_v the_o act_n of_o the_o martyr_n it_o be_v say_v in_o that_o letter_n that_o the_o emperor_n constantine_n at_o his_o arrival_n at_o caesarea_n permit_v eusebius_n to_o ask_v he_o whatever_o he_o have_v most_o a_o mind_n to_o and_o that_o eusebius_n desire_v he_o to_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v send_v he_o from_o all_o the_o court_n and_o tribunal_n of_o judicature_n throughout_o the_o empire_n all_o the_o process_n trial_n and_o sentence_n concern_v martyr_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v particular_o inform_v of_o their_o right_a name_n quality_n and_o number_n and_o also_o of_o the_o different_a kind_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o of_o the_o province_n town_n and_o day_n of_o their_o excecution_n and_o last_o with_o what_o patience_n and_o courage_n they_o have_v suffer_v their_o torment_n therefore_o antipater_n bishop_n of_o bostra_n in_o arabia_n think_v to_o obscure_v the_o glory_n and_o reputation_n of_o eusebius_n say_v in_o his_o confutation_n of_o origen_n apology_n i_o allow_v eusebius_n to_o be_v excellent_o verse_v in_o history_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n which_o he_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o but_o the_o emperor_n authority_n favour_v his_o design_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o gather_v up_o whatever_o write_n be_v scatter_v all_o over_o the_o world_n so_o that_o eusebius_n have_v so_o many_o way_n of_o be_v imform_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyrdom_n no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o he_o be_v a_o well_o qualify_v witness_n to_o be_v call_v and_o hear_v upon_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o not_o only_o be_v alive_a at_o the_o time_n of_o this_o martyrdom_n but_o of_o age_n to_o know_v what_o be_v then_o transact_v in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o constantine_n life_n he_o say_v that_o in_o his_o youth_n he_o first_o see_v this_o prince_n in_o palestina_n in_o the_o retinue_n of_o the_o emperor_n dioclesian_n and_o in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o his_o church_n history_n speak_v of_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o his_o time_n that_o he_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n see_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o dionysius_n of_o alexandria_n die_v in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o gallienus_n reign_n eusebius_n his_o birth_n must_v necessary_o precede_v the_o death_n of_o this_o prince_n the_o learned_a doctor_n cave_n conjecture_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v about_o the_o year_n 270._o as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o gallienus_n death_n we_o be_v under_o great_a uncertainty_n cardinal_n baronius_n place_v it_o in_o the_o year_n 269_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o eusebius_n who_o will_v have_v he_o to_o have_v reign_v but_o fifteen_o year_n but_o antonio_n pagi_n be_v of_o a_o different_a opinion_n and_o think_v he_o live_v some_o few_o year_n long_o and_o this_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o medal_n of_o gallienus_n speak_v of_o by_o mezabarba_n with_o this_o inscription_n p._n m._n tr._n po._n xvi_o con._n vii_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o assign_v precise_o the_o time_n of_o eusebius_n his_o birth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o our_o business_n here_o to_o cast_v the_o horoscope_n of_o this_o father_n or_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a calculation_n of_o the_o time_n of_o his_o nativity_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n that_o the_o circumstance_n here_o specify_v will_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o eusebius_n be_v at_o least_o fifteen_o or_o sixteen_o year_n old_a when_o maximian_n go_v into_o
gaul_n in_o the_o year_n 285_o the_o very_a time_n wherein_o the_o theb._n legion_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v massacre_v we_o be_v then_o much_o in_o the_o right_a to_o produce_v eusebius_n in_o this_o cause_n as_o a_o witness_n very_o fit_a to_o inform_v we_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o falsehood_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n but_o in_o all_o his_o work_n there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n speak_v either_o of_o this_o legion_n or_o of_o this_o martyrdom_n however_o he_o have_v often_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o see_v that_o his_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a history_n be_v chief_o fill_v up_o with_o long_a account_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o conflict_n of_o martyr_n his_o eight_o book_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o ample_a narrative_n both_o of_o dioclesian_n and_o maximian_o cruelty_n and_o of_o all_o the_o great_a example_n of_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n which_o the_o christian_n of_o all_o order_n and_o condition_n soever_o give_v in_o those_o time_n if_o any_o ancient_a writer_n have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o theb._n legion_n without_o doubt_n it_o be_v eusebius_n but_o since_o he_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o it_o his_o silence_n be_v a_o historical_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a fable_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o same_o silence_n be_v observe_v by_o socrates_n sozomen_n theodoret_n and_o evagrius_n who_o have_v now_o and_o then_o pick_v up_o some_o fact_n that_o be_v want_v in_o eusebius_n that_o st._n jerom_n who_o have_v follow_v eusebius_n in_o his_o chronology_n and_o careful_o collect_v those_o thing_n that_o have_v escape_v his_o knowledge_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o theb._n legion_n that_o sulpitius_n severus_n who_o ecclesiastical_a history_n go_v beyond_o the_o aera_fw-la of_o martyr_n and_o who_o be_v so_o much_o note_v for_o his_o great_a credulity_n and_o fondness_n of_o opinion_n about_o saint_n and_o miracle_n have_v not_o hear_v of_o it_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o five_o age_n that_o we_o find_v it_o not_o in_o paulus_n orosius_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o bagaud_n of_o amandus_n and_o aelianus_n of_o maximian_n expedition_n into_o gaul_n and_o greedy_o swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v but_o serve_v his_o turn_n whether_o 3._o well_o ground_v or_o no_o as_o monsieur_n dupin_n observe_v 14._o and_o sometime_o even_o debase_v the_o dignity_n of_o history_n so_o much_o as_o to_o insert_v into_o it_o mere_a popular_a report_n according_a to_o vossius_n judgement_n however_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o emperor_n arcadius_n and_o honorius_n wherein_o he_o live_v we_o do_v not_o see_v he_o have_v adorn_v the_o seven_o book_n of_o his_o history_n with_o the_o recital_n of_o it_o it_o remain_v then_o only_o for_o we_o to_o examine_v whether_o according_a 190._o to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n we_o may_v not_o infer_v a_o good_a conclusion_n from_o this_o negative_a argument_n john_n launoy_n a_o doctor_n of_o paris_n in_o his_o dissertation_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o negative_a argument_n lay_v down_o this_o rule_n that_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v the_o untruth_n of_o a_o fact_n from_o it_o be_v not_o be_v attest_v either_o by_o contemporary_a writer_n or_o by_o any_o author_n within_o two_o hundred_o year_n after_o he_o confess_v that_o this_o space_n of_o two_o hundred_o year_n be_v indeed_o too_o long_o but_o that_o he_o fear_v if_o he_o have_v chalk_v out_o a_o short_a he_o shall_v thereby_o have_v draw_v upon_o himself_o the_o reproach_n and_o calumny_n of_o most_o people_n who_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o too_o strict_a a_o search_n shall_v be_v make_v after_o truth_n but_o what_o if_o mr._n de_fw-fr launoy_n have_v be_v so_o very_o complaisant_a to_o the_o monk_n and_o the_o admirer_n of_o fable_n and_o legend_n as_o to_o throw_v they_o in_o other_o fifty_o year_n yet_o this_o will_v not_o in_o the_o least_o have_v weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o argument_n since_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o maximian_n expedition_n into_o gaul_n that_o not_o one_o writer_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n it_o be_v true_a that_o upon_o the_o superstitious_a party_n of_o the_o popish_a church_n be_v alarm_v by_o mr._n de_fw-fr launoy_n book_n because_o they_o see_v that_o the_o method_n in_o it_o be_v like_a to_o pull_v down_o a_o great_a number_n of_o their_o saint_n and_o will_v bring_v into_o contempt_n their_o miracle_n and_o relic_n john_n baptist_n thiers_n a_o divine_a of_o paris_n endeavour_v to_o re_fw-mi assure_v they_o by_o a_o dissertation_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o of_o mr_n de_fw-fr launoy_n which_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o think_v worth_a his_o while_n to_o answer_v or_o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o evasion_n now_o this_o be_v the_o tenet_n of_o john_n 6._o baptist_n of_o thiers_n we_o grant_v that_o a_o negative_a argument_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o some_o force_n in_o historical_a account_n when_o in_o matter_n of_o very_o ancient_a fact_n the_o argument_n be_v take_v from_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o grave_a learned_a and_o diligent_a writer_n who_o be_v not_o light_o wrought_v upon_o but_o prudent_a in_o their_o judgement_n and_o choice_n and_o who_o have_v succeed_v one_o another_o during_o many_o age_n where_o notwithstanding_o that_o all_o his_o word_n be_v exact_o measure_v and_o fit_v to_o his_o design_n viz._n to_o render_v negative_a argument_n of_o no_o use_n by_o put_v they_o under_o impossible_a condition_n etc._n etc._n yet_o nevertheless_o we_o desire_v no_o other_o concession_n than_o what_o he_o himself_o grant_v for_o the_o fact_n here_o in_o question_n be_v very_a ancient_n and_o no_o body_n can_v deny_v but_o the_o writer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v some_o of_o the_o most_o grave_a learned_a and_o diligent_a that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o that_o for_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o two_o or_o three_o age_n and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o be_v whole_o silent_a upon_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o theb._n legion_n now_o after_o this_o long_a silence_n on_o the_o one_o side_n let_v we_o see_v who_o those_o be_v who_o first_o open_v their_o mouth_n on_o the_o other_o and_o who_o shall_v these_o be_v but_o two_o author_n who_o live_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o six_o century_n 15._o namely_o gregory_n of_o tours_n and_o venantius_n honorius_n fortunatus_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o be_v a_o poet_n and_o consequent_o more_o likely_a to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o old_a privilege_n in_o the_o verse_n pictoribus_fw-la atque_fw-la poetis_fw-la he_o have_v translate_v into_o verse_n a_o abridgement_n of_o st._n george_n legend_n which_o baronius_n confess_v to_o have_v be_v original_o write_v by_o the_o arrian_n see_v then_o that_o this_o poet_n be_v so_o gross_o mistake_v in_o attribute_v the_o character_n of_o a_o saint_n to_o one_o who_o be_v a_o arrian_n and_o a_o wicked_a man_n may_v we_o not_o think_v but_o his_o credulity_n may_v have_v be_v likewise_o impose_v upon_o concern_v another_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o a_o old_a date_n than_o this_o be_v 90._o and_o as_o for_o gregory_n of_o tours_n mr._n dupin_n observe_v that_o he_o be_v very_o credulous_a and_o easy_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o miracle_n and_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o recount_v uncertain_a and_o fabulous_a history_n which_o agree_v with_o what_o abbot_n hilduinus_n write_v concern_v he_o to_o the_o emperor_n lewis_n we_o ought_v to_o pardon_v the_o simplicity_n of_o this_o pious_a man_n for_o have_v write_v several_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n not_o indeed_o out_o of_o any_o crafty_a design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o mere_o through_o his_o credulity_n and_o see_v that_o fortunatus_n take_v a_o journey_n to_o tours_n where_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v be_v cure_v of_o his_o sore_a eye_n by_o the_o intercession_n of_o st._n martin_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n and_o affection_n for_o gregory_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o he_o receive_v all_o that_o he_o know_v concern_v the_o theb._n legion_n from_o this_o good_a bishop_n now_o to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o gregory_n own_o belief_n of_o this_o matter_n be_v establish_v i_o shall_v only_o transcribe_v the_o place_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o ten_o book_n of_o his_o history_n of_o france_n i_o find_v say_v he_o a_o little_a chest_n in_o st._n martin_n treasury_n in_o which_o our_o father_n have_v deposit_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o agaunian_a martyr_n as_o i_o be_v inform_v by_o some_o very_a age_a priest_n the_o very_a seal_n which_o their_o piety_n have_v put_v to_o it_o be_v