Magnilian, the mayor[1] of that city, ordered the Presbyters to be brought before him (because Felix, their Bishop, was gone to Carthage,) he ordered, I say, Januarius, the Presbyter, and Fortunatus and Septiraius, the readers, to be brought before him.
To whom Magnilian, the mayor, said—"Have you a Bishop?"
Januarius, the Presbyter, answered—"We have."
Magnilian.—"Where is he?"
Januarius.—"I know not."
Magnilian.—"Have you any sacred books?"
Januarius.—"We have."
Magnilian.—"Give them up that they may be burnt."
Januarius, Fortunatus, and Septimius.—"Our Bishop has them at his own house," [or, "with him."]
Magnilian.—"Well then, you must remain in custody till you appear before Anulinus, the Proconsul, to answer for your conduct."
But the next day Felix, the Bishop, came from Carthage to Tubyza. And when Magnilian had notice of his arrival, immediately he ordered him to be taken into custody, and brought before him. Accordingly, he came with all possible speed, and as soon as he was come, Magnilian said to him—"Art thou Felix, the Bishop of this city?" Felix answered—"I am."
Magnilian.—"Deliver up to me all books or parchments of what kind soever which may be in thy possession."
Felix.—"I have some in my possession. But I shall not deliver up the law of my adored Lord and Master."
Magnilian.—"What then, is your God greater than our gods?"
Felix.—"Our God is great, and greatly to be feared. He it is who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all things that are therein. Whereas your gods are of stone, the work of men's hands; of whom it is written, 'They have eyes, and see not. They have ears, and hear not. They have mouths, and speak not. They that make them are like unto them, and all who trust in them.'"
Magnilian.—"The Emperors' command is the chief thing to
- ↑ Curator, a High-Bailiff or Mayor, or perhaps Sheriff.
