1583 Edition | Book 1 | Page 59 
Close(fl. late C1 - C2) [Catholic Encyclopedia]
Leader of a sect regarded by orthodox Christians as heretical; founded a school
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 57; 1576, p. 36; 1583, p. 36.
Close(d. c. 215) [Catholic Encyclopedia]
Greek Christian scholar, theologian; head of the catechetical school of Alexandria; convert to Christianity. Wrote Exhortation, The Tutor, and The Miscellanies
He is described as a man of notable learning, a large number of whose books had been lost. 1570, p. 79; 1576, p. 54; 1583, p. 53.
Clement agreed that the apostles Paul, Philip and Peter were married. 1570, p. 1318; 1576, p. 1127; 1583, p. 1152.
Close(d. 201/2) [Gams]
Bishop of Lugdunum in Gaul (Lyons) (c. 177-201/2) Theologian, church father
Irenæus was a pupil of Polycarp of Smyrna, who sent him to Gaul. 1570, p. 80; 1576, p. 55; 1583, p. 55.
Shortly after Irenæus was made minister, he was commended by the martyrs in Lyons to Pope Eleutherius. 1570, p. 75; 1576, p. 50; 1583, p. 50.
Irenæus became bishop of Lyons. He worked to settle controversies and schisms in the church at large. He opposed the excommunications of Pope Victor I. 1570, p. 80; 1576, p. 55; 1583, p. 55.
Irenæus supported the position of Victor I in celebrating Easter on a Sunday. 1570, pp. 5, 80; 1576, pp. 4, 55; 1583, pp. 4, 55.
Victor I excommunicated the eastern churches for failing to comply with the Roman observation of Easter, but was persuaded to reinstate them by Irenæus. 1570, pp. 5, 80-82; 1576, pp. 4, 55-56; 1583, pp. 4, 55-53.
Irenæus wrote a letter to Florinus in which he related his memory of Polycarp of Smyrna. 1576, p. 56; 1583, p. 44.
Close(c. 560 - 636) [Catholic Encyclopedia; Gams]
b. Cartagena, Spain; Archbishop of Seville (599 - 636); scholar and historian
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1563, p. 4; 1570, pp. 56, 96, 143, 1319; 1576, pp. 36, 67, 106, 1128; 1583, pp. 36, 67, 105, 1154.
CloseBishop of Jerusalem (107 - 113) [Catholic Encyclopedia sub Jerusalem]
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, p. 56; 1576, p. 35; 1583, p. 36.
Close(126 - 193) [M. L. Meckler www.roman-emperors.org]
Teacher of grammar; soldier; urban of Rome 189
Roman emperor (192 - 93); killed by mutinous troops
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 39, 56, 79; 1576, pp. 31, 36, 54; 1583, pp. 31, 36, 54.
Close(d. 155) [Gams; Catholic Encyclopedia]
Bishop of Smyrna (c. 106 - 117); martyr
Polycarp was visited by Ignatius of Antioch. 1570, p. 58; 1576, p. 40; 1583, p. 40.
He sent Andoclus into Gaul. 1570, p. 80; 1576, p. 55; 1583, p. 55.
According to Jerome and Nicephorus, Polycarp visited Rome in 157 to discuss the controversy over Easter day with Pope Anicetus. 1576, p. 44; 1583, p. 44.
A letter gives an account of Polycarp's examination by the proconsul and martyrdom. 1570, pp. 59-61; 1576, pp. 42-44; 1583, pp. 42-44.
Close(d. 447/8) [Catholic Encyclopedia]
Historian of the Christian church; lawyer in Constantinople
He is mentioned by Foxe: 1570, pp. 56, 78, 135, 1315; 1576, pp. 36, 53, 98, 1125; 1583, pp. 36, 53, 97, 1151.
Close(d. 106/07) [Catholic Encyclopedia sub Jerusalem]
Son of Cleophas; leader of Christians in Jerusalem (c. 63 - death); martyr
Simeon was apprehended because he was of the line of David; he was scourged. 1570, p. 66; 1576, p. 40; 1583, p. 40.
Simeon was crucified. 1563, p. 7; 1570, p. 56; 1576, p. 35; 1583, p. 36.
Close(d. 117) [H. W. Benario www.roman-emperors.org]
Roman emperor (98 - 117); adopted by Nerva in 97; conducted successful wars against the Dacians and Parthians
His reign is discussed by Foxe: 1570, pp. 55-57; 1576, pp. 36-39; 1583, pp. 36-39.
Trajan generally treated his subjects well and was just, but was cruel to the Christians.1570, p. 57; 1576, p. 39; 1583, p. 39.
Pliny the Younger wrote a letter to Trajan, urging him to stop the persecution of the Christians, and Trajan replied. 1570, p. 57; 1576, pp. 39-40; 1583, pp. 39-40.
Close
CloseAnatolia, Turkey
Coordinates: 37° 56' 23" N, 27° 20' 27" E
stocke of Dauid (as Vespasian also did before him) for feare least he were yet to come of the house of Dauid, which should enioy the kingdome. In the tyme of this persecutor, Symeon Bishop of Hierusalem, after other torments, was crucified to death,MarginaliaSymeon Byshop of Hierusalem crucified.whom Iustus afterward succeeded in that Bishopprike.
[Back to Top]In this persecution Iohn the Apostle and EuangelistMarginaliaIohn the Euangelist.was exiled by the sayd Domitianus into Pathmos. Of whō diuers and sundry memorable actes, be reported in sundry Chronicles. As first how he was put in a vessell of boiling Oile, by the Proconsul of Ephesus. The Legend and Perionius say, it was done at Rome. Isidorus also writing of himMarginaliaIsidorus de patribus noui Testamenti.and comprehending many things in few wordes, declareth that he turned certaine peeces of wood into gold, and stones by the sea side into Margarites, to satisfie the desire of two, whom he had before perswaded to renounce their riches: And afterward they repenting that for worldly treasure, they had lost heauen, for their sakes agayne he changed the same into their former substance. Also, how he raised vp a widow and a certaine yong man from death to life. How he dronke poison, and it hurt him not, raising also to life two which had dronke the same before. These and mo other miracles, although they may be true, & are foūd in Isidorus & other writers mo, yet because they are no articles of our Christian belief, I let them passe, and only content my selfe with that which I read in Eusebius,MarginaliaExeb. Lib. 3. Cap. 10. Histor Eccle.declaring of him in this wise: That in the 14. yeare after Nero, in the second persecution, in the dayes of Domitian, Iohn was banished into Pathmos for the testimonie of the word, an. 97.MarginaliaAnno. 97. Iohn banished.And after the death of the foresaid Domitian being slaine, & his actes repealed by the Senate, Iohn was againe released vnder Pertinax the Emperor,MarginaliaIohn released out of banishement. & came to Ephesus, an. 100. Where he continued vntill the tyme of Traianus, & there gouerned the Churches in Asia, where also he wrote his Gospell, and so liued till the yeare after the Passion of our Lord, 68. which was the yeare of his age. 99.
[Back to Top]Moreouer, in the foresayd Ecclesiasticall story of Eusebius,MarginaliaEuseb. lib. 3. Cap 23.we read that Iohn the Apostle and Euangelist, whō the Lord did loue, was in Asia, where he being returned out of Pathmos, after the death of Domitian, gouerned the Churches and congregations. Irenæus in his second booke thus writeth: And of him all the Elders do witnes, which were with Iohn the Disciple of the Lord in Asia, that he spake and wrote these thinges, &c. for there he continued with them vnto the tyme of Traianus, &c. Also the said Irenæus, Lib. 3. Hypothes. in like wordes declareth, saying:MarginaliaIren. Lib. 3. Clemens Alexandrinus.The Church of the Ephesians being first founded by Paul, afterward beyng confirmed of Iohn, (who continued in the same Citie vnto the tyme of Traianus the Emperour) is a true witnesse of this Apostolicall tradition, &c. Clemens Alexandrinus moreouer noteth, both the tyme of this holy Apostle, and also addeth to the same a certain history of him, not vnworthy to bee remembred of such which delite in things honest and profitable.MarginaliaA notable history of Iohn the Euangelist.Of the which historie Sozomenus also in his Commentaries maketh mention. The wordes of the author setting forth this historie, be these: Heare a fable, and not a fable, but a true report which is told vs of Iohn the Apostle, deliuered and commended to our remembrance. After the death of the tyrant, whē Iohn was returned to Ephesus, from the Ile of Pathmos: he was desired to resort to the places bordering neare vnto him, partly to constitute bishops, partly to dispose the causes and matters of the church, partly to ordaine and set such of the Clergy in office, whom the holy ghost should elect. Wherupon, when he was come to a certaine citie not farre of, the name of which also, many do yet remember, and had among other thinges comforted the brethren, he looking more earnestly vpon him which was the chiefe bishop among them, beheld a yong man mighty in body, and of a beautiful countenance, and of a feruent mind. I commend this man (saith he) to thee with great diligence, in the witnesse here of Christ and of the Church.
[Back to Top]When the Bishop had receiued of him this charge, and had promised his faithfull diligence therein. Agayne the second tyme Iohn spake vnto him and desired him in like maner and contestatiō as before. This done, Iohn returned againe to Ephesus. The Bishop receiuing the yong man, commēded & committeth to his charge, brought him home, kept him and nourished him, and at length also did illuminate, (that is) he baptised him. And in short tyme through his diligence, brought him into such order and towardnes, that he cōmitted vnto him the ouersight of a certaine cure in the Lordes behalfe. The yong man thus hauing more his libertie, it chanced that certaine of his companions & old familiars being idle, dissolute, & accustomed of old time to wickednes, did ioyne in company with him. Who first brought him to sumptuous & riotous bankets.Then entised him forth with them in the night to rob and steale. After that, he was allured by thē vnto greater mischiefe and wickednesse.MarginaliaWhat wicked company doth.Wherin by custome of tyme by litle and litle, he being more practised, and being of a good wit, and a stout courage, like vnto a wild or an vnbrokē horse, leauing the right way & running at large without bridle, was caried headlong to the profunditie of all misorder and outrage. And thus being past all hope of grace, vtterly forgetting and reiecting the wholesome doctrine of saluatiō, which he had learned before, began to set his mynde vpon no small matters. And forasmuch as he was entred so farre in the way of perdition, he cared not how further he proceded in the same. And so associating vnto him the company of his companions, and fellow thieues, tooke vpon him to be as head and captaine among them, in committing all kynd of murther and felony.
[Back to Top]In the meane time it chaunced, that of necessitie Iohn was sent for to those quarters againe, and came. The causes being decided, and his busines ended, for the which he came, by the way meeting with the Bishop afore specified, requireth of him the pledge, which in the witnes of Christ and of the congregation then present, he left in his handes to keepe. The bishop something amased at the woordes of Iohn, supposing he had meant of some money committed to his custody, which he had not receiued, and yet durst not mistrust Iohn, nor contraryhis woordes could not tell what to aunswer. Then Iohn perceauing his doubtyng, and vtteryng his mynde more plainely: The yong man (saith he) and the soule of our brother committed to your custody, I do require. Then the bishop with a loude voice, sorrowing and weeping, said, he is dead: to whom Iohn said, how? And by what death? The other said, he is dead to God: for he is become an euill man, and pernicious, to be briefe, a thiefe: & now he doth frequent this mountaine with a company of villains and thieues, like vnto himselfe against the Church. But the Apostle renting his garmēts, and with great lamentation, said, I haue left a good keper of my brothers soule.MarginaliaA notable lesson for al ministers to seeke againe their lost sheepe.Get me a horse, and let mee haue a guide with me, which being done, his horse and man procured, hasted from the Churche as much as he could, and comming to the same place, was taken of theeues þt watched. But he neyther flying, nor refusing sayd: I came for this same cause hither, lead me (sayd he) to your captayne. So he being brought, the captaine all armed, fiercely begā to looke vpon him. And eftsoones comming to the knowlege of him, was stroken with confusion and shame, and began to flie. But the olde man followed him as much as he might, forgetting his age and crying: My sonne, why doest thou flie from thy father? an armed man, from one naked, a yong man, from an olde man. Haue pitie on me my sonne, and feare not, for there is yet hope of saluation, I will make an answer for thee vnto Christ, I will dye for thee if neede be, as Christ hath died for vs.MarginaliaO vnspeakable loue shewed out to a wicked sinner.I will giue my life for thee, beleeue me, Christ hath sent me. He hearing these things, first as in a mase stood still, and therewith his courage was abated. After that he cast downe his weapons, by and by he trembled, yea and wept bitterly: and comming to the old man, embraced him, and spake vnto him with wepyng (as well as he could) beyng euen then baptised a fresh with teares, only his right hand beyng hid and couered. Then the Apostle, after that he had promised and firmly ascertained him that he should obtain remission of our Sauiour, and also prayed falling downe vpon his knees, & kissed his murdering right hand, which for shame he durst not shew before: as now purged through repentaunce, brought him to the congregation, and when he had prayed for him with continuall prayer and daily fastings, and had comforted and confirmed his mynde with many sentences, went not from him (as the author reporteth) before he had restored him to the congregation againe, and made him a great example and triall of regeneration, and a token of the visible resurrection.
[Back to Top]Moreouer, the foresayd Irenæus in Lib. 3. cap. 3. and Eusebius, Lib. 3. cap 28 and Lib. 4. cap. 14. prosecuting the historie of Iohn, declare in these wordes, saying that there were certaine which heard Policarpus say, that Iohn the disciple of our Lord, goyng into Ephesus to be washed, seyng Corinthus within, he leaped out of the bathe vnbathed, because he feared the bathe should haue fallen, seing that Cerinthus an enemy to the truth, was within.MarginaliaAn example of the godly to flye te cōpany of the wicked.Such feare had the Apostles (saith Irenæus that they would not communicate a word with them that adulterate the truth.
[Back to Top]And forasmuch as we are here in hand with the story of Iohn the blessed Euangelist, commeth in matter and occasion, not geuē by him, but takē of other, of a great doubt and difficulty, such as hath occupied all the Catholike, subtile, illuminate, and seraphicall Doctors of the Popes Ca-