Section 207
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176 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. rather as those who in many trials before had defeated the adver sary, and now contending for the crown itself, again as they pass ed, bore the strokes of the scourge* usually inflicted there, the draggings and lacerations from the beasts, and all that the mad ness of the people, one here and another there, cried for and de manded ; and last of all the iron chair, upon which their bodies were roasted, whilst the fumes of their own flesh ascended to annoy them. The tormentors did not cease even then, but conti nued to rage so much the more, intending if possible to conquer their perseverance. They could not, however, elicit or hear any thing from Sanctus, besides that confession which he had uttered from the beginning." These two, therefore, in whom life for the most part had re mained through the mighty conflict, were at last despatched. On that day, they were made an exhibition to the world, in place of the variety of gladiatorial combats. Blandina, however, was bound and suspended on a stake, and thus exposed as food to the assaults of wild beasts, and as she thus appeared to hang after the manner of the cross, by her earnest prayers she infused much alacrity into the contending martyrs. For as they saw her in the contest, with the external eyes, through their sister, they contemplated Him that was crucified for them, to persuade those that believe in him, that every one who suffers for Christ, will for ever enjoy communion with the living God. But as none of the beasts then touched her, she was taken down from the stake, and remanded back again to prison to be reserved for another contest ; so that by gaining the victory in many conflicts, she might render the condemnation of the wily serpent, irrefragable, and though small and \veak and contempti ble, but yet clothed with the mighty and invincible wrestler Christ Jesus, might also encourage her brethren. Thus she over came the enemy in many trials, and in the conflict received the crown of immortality. But Attains himself, being vehemently demanded by the populace, as he was a distinguished character, came well prepared for the conflict, conscious as he was of no * The punishment here inflicted, was much like what is called running the gant let. The hunters stood in a long line, and as the martyrs passed, each one inflict ed a stroke with a scourge upon the naked body.