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succeeded after many years at which time a citizen of Ephesus, designing to make a lodge for his shepherds in that cave, and the workmen opening the mouth of it, these seven Christian, that had slept all this while, awaked, and saluted each other, verily supposing they had slept but one night, and began to remember their heaviness the day before. They then sent Malchus to buy bread in the city, and gave him five shillings. Coming to the mouth of the cave, he wondered to see the mason at work; and, going into the city, found all things altered, and the cross set upon the churches; he then went to those who sold bread, and they spoke of Christ; at which they much wondered, that there should be such a change since yesterday, when none durst speak of the true God, but he was now professed openly: but the coin was so old, that the people said, sure this young man hath found some ancient treasure. Upon which they carried him before the bishop and council, where he declared that he and six more hid themselves yesterday in a cave, to escape the fury of Decius, and had taken that money with them. - The Emperor Theodosius being acquainted therewith, he, with many others, went and found the other six cheerful and hearty, their garments not being worn by age or time. The Emperor hereupon glorified God, embracing and weeping over them for joy, saying, I receive you like so many Lazaruses out of your graves. They continued alive some short time after, and then died, and were buried in great pomp and state by the Emperor. It appeared they had slept two hundred and eight years.
FINIS.
