Lucius, a Pious Christian, Also Put to Death at Alexandria

In Historia Ecclesia Eusebii Pamphilii Caesariensis, mention is made of a certain Lucius, who was greatly dissatisfied with the sentence and execution of the pious man Ptolomeus named above, and therefore demanded a reason for it from the judge, at the same time confessing himself a Christian; which cost him his life, just as it did the man for whom he interceded. [n148-1]

The words in the book mentioned above are as follows: "When Lucius, who was also a Christian, saw that so presumptuous a sentence was pronounced against Ptolomeus, he said to Urbicius (the judge): 'Please tell me, for what reason do you sentence this man so hastily, and have him led to execution, merely for one word, because he confesses himself to be a Christian? If there were another who would confess every kind of sin, such as murder, adultery, or any other crime, would you also act so hastily, and sentence him to death at once? This is not proper, O Urbicius! It does not become a good emperor, a wise bachelor, the son of the emperor, or the senators to act in this way.' Then Urbicius said to Lucius,

'It appears to me that you also are a Christian.' When Lucius replied, 'It is true, I am one,' then Urbicius commanded that he should be led out to death. Then Lucius said, 'I thank you for releasing me from these wicked lords, and sending me to the kind and best of fathers, the king of all things, namely, our God.' Another, who also boldly confessed that he was a Christian, was put to death by virtue of the same sentence." Thus far, Eusebius, in the 4th book of his Church History, in the 17th chapter, Dort edition, in the year 1588, folio 72, column 1, compared with A. Mellinus and Joh. Gysius, in the passages quoted concerning Ptolomeus. [n148-2]