Maturus, Sanctus, Blandina, and a Youth from Pontus, Most Miserably Tormented

It is clear from the ancient writers that in and about the time that Attalus was slain, various other martyrs were likewise put to death for the sake of Jesus Christ, in almost the same manner, or at least with equally great torments. Some of these martyrs are not named, while others are, namely, Maturus, Sanctus, Blandina, and a youth of fifteen years, from Pontus. As to the circumstances of their suffering and death, we find that, in substance, it happened in the following manner

First, three of the aforementioned persons, namely, Maturus, Sanctus, and Blandina, were exceedingly and dreadfully tormented, especially Blandina, for whom the others were in great fear, that, not being able to endure the pain, she might be in danger of denying Christ. But she was so steadfast in all her sufferings that the hands of the executioners grew tired before her heart would faint. It is a cause of great astonishment, what Eusebius Pamphilius has written about her, namely, that the executioners began early in the morning, and kept tormenting her all day until evening, so that they were much surprised how it could be possible that life was not yet gone from her. However, he explains this by saying that as often as she repeated her confession, crying

"I am a Christian," her heart was strengthened, so that she was again able to endure the pain.

Sanctus, who was a deacon, or one who ministered to the poor, was tormented with red-hot plates of copper, which were applied to his belly. Being questioned, in the meantime, about his name, his parentage, and his native country, he named none of these, but simply said: "I am a Christian; that is my name, my parentage, and my country; indeed, I am altogether nothing else than a Christian." This inflamed the tyrants with unspeakable rage against him, and they kept tormenting him over his whole body, to such an extent that it was but one wound. But he remained fearless and undaunted; for the heat of the fire was tempered by the heavenly consolations of Jesus Christ, which he experienced in his soul.

Maturus was treated in almost the same manner, and remained equally steadfast. Having been thus dreadfully tormented, the three aforementioned persons were cast into prison again. Then they were taken from the prison once more, and tormented again; first Blandina, and then Maturus and Sanctus. The mode of torture was, according to Eusebius, by many stripes; but Abr. Mellinus states, "That they were scourged a second or third time, with all kinds of rods, as well as beaten with sticks, cudgels, and three-cornered and barbed splinters; and also pinched, cut, carved and torn, with all sorts of hooks, cutting-knives, claws, pincers, and iron combs." Finally, when many thousands had gathered around the amphitheater, Maturus and Sanctus were placed, in the same manner as the aforementioned Attalus, on iron chairs, under which a great fire was kindled, so that their flesh, torn by many stripes, was at once consumed by the power of the fire; however, when the enemies of the truth saw that their spirit was immovable, they beheaded both of them.

Of Blandina it is stated that she was stretched out crosswise, and tied to a stake, to be thrown as food before the wild beasts; however, she was taken away again, and led into prison. But afterwards, on the last day of the games, she was brought out again, together with a youth from Pontus (whom we have mentioned above), who, by the command of the judge, had watched the suffering and death of the martyrs before him, so that it might strike terror into his heart. Being placed in the middle of the place of execution, before the judge, they were commanded to swear by the gods, which they refused to do, rebuking at the same time the idolatry of the heathen. At this the heathen were much enraged, and again tormented them greatly, indeed, so much so that the youth, unable to endure it, gave up his spirit. Blandina rejoiced so greatly in the steadfastness of the departed youth, whom she had adopted as her son, as well as in the death of her faithful friends, who had already gone through the conflict, that, while she was beaten by the tyrants, she leaped for joy. As to her death, it is stated that she was roasted upon a gridiron, and afterwards wrapped in a net and thrown before bulls, which tossed her many a time high up with their horns, and then let her fall down again. She, however, not being dead yet, the judge commanded that her throat be cut, which was done; though others say that she was run through with a sword. So this pious woman martyr, and the other three martyrs of Jesus, ended their lives, and are now awaiting the blessed reward which the Lord will give on the great day of recompense to all those who have suffered and fought even to death for His name's sake. Compare Euseb., book 5, chapters 1 to 3, edition Dord., 1588, folio 81 to 86, with Abr. Mell., 1st book, folio 43, columns 2 to 4, about Blandina and Ponticus; also, folio 44, columns 1 and 2, about Sanctus and Maturus. Also, Introduction, and so on, folio 38, columns 1 and 2. Also, J. Gys., 1657, folio 17, columns 3 and 4.