In compliance with this sentence, they first scourged Januarius, the first-born, to death, in the presence of his mother. The scourges were made of cords or ropes, to the ends of which balls of lead were attached. Those who had to undergo this mode of torture were scourged with them on their necks, back, sides, and other tender parts of their bodies, either to torture them, or in order to martyr them to death as was the case in this instance. Felix and Philippus, the two brothers next (in age), were beaten to death with rods. Sylvanus, also called Syllanus, was cast down from a height. Alexander, Vitalis, and Martialis were beheaded. Last of all, the mother was beheaded or put to death with the sword. This took place under Emperor Antonius Pius. _A. Mell., 1st book of the Hist., fol. 33, col. 4_ and _fol. 34, col. 1–3, ex Prudent. in Vincentio_. Also, _Acto. Adon. Mart., 23 Novemb. Greg. P. in Natali. S. Felic. Homil. 3, in Eu. Bet. Chrysol. Serm. 134. Arta apud Mombrit. tom 1. Beda Usuard. 23 Nov. Heur. Erfford. Chron., Mart. Rom._ Touching the time when this took place, see _P. J. Twisck, Chron. 2d book, for the year 164, page 45, col. 1, from Vincentio, in Cal., fol. 35_. OF THE FOURTH PERSECUTION OF THE CHRISTIANS, UNDER MARCUS AURELIUS AND LUCIUS VERUS, WHICH WAS COMMENCED ABOUT THE YEAR 166. _P. J. Twisck_, in his _Chronicle_, gives as the beginning of the fourth persecution, the year A. D. 162; the writers of the _Introduction to the Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Christian_, fix the beginning in the year 164 (_page 37, col. 2_); _J. Gysius_, in _Hist. Mart., fol. 16, col. 2_, places it in the year 168, and _A. Mellinus_ makes no mention at all as to the exact time of that persecution. However, all these writers abound with accounts of the inhuman tortures, which the faithful martyrs had to suffer at that time.[91] [91] Although P. J. Twisck has placed the fourth persecution, together with the beginning of the reign of M. Aurelius, in the year 162, he, nevertheless, gives to understand in the sequel of his account, that this persecution reached its climax in the year 168. Compare this with the time which the writers of the aforementioned Introduction, and _Joh. Gysius_ have recorded. We, in order to pursue a middle course between the abovementioned writers, have noted the year 166 as the beginning of said persecution. However, there is but little difference between the above writers; for it is probable, that the decrees for the persecution of the Christians were first issued about the year 162; that about the year 164 they were carried into effect; and that about the year 168 they exhibited their full force, insomuch that the persecution was then at the height of its fierceness. However, we shall proceed to see, how atrociously the pious witnesses of Jesus Christ were then treated. HOW ATROCIOUSLY THE SINCERE CHRISTIANS WERE TREATED DURING THIS PERSECUTION.