CHRISTOPHER ANGEL, A Grecian, who tasted of many stripes and torments inflicted by the Turks for the faith which he had in jesus Christ.  
AT OXFORD, Printed by john Lichfield, and james Short, Printers to the famous University. 1618.   

TO THE MOST RENOWNED AND resplendent, most wise, and judicious, most learned and loving Patrons of the Greek Tongue: most gracious supporters of the decayed estate of all distressed Grecians and Strangers: Fathers and Brethren in Christ, Governors and Heads of the two famous and flourishing Universities of this Island in general, and more in particular to all heads of Colleges therein, and whatsoever Students under their protection, and to all Divines, Physicians and Lawyers: Furthermore to all that bear authority in the ample and well governed Cities; In general to the industrious and studious among the Commonalty within the Confines of the ever honoured and admired England, prosperity here, and glory hereafter.  
HEretofore gray-eyed Minerva spoke and prophesied in Athens, by the mouths of learned Grecians: but now, and long before this time, I see her singing in Britain by the mouths of the most wise English men, and crowning the sons of England with all kinds of diverse coloured Garlands.  
Concerning me, if any man shall inquire what might be the cause, and for what reason I came into this famous Island, and have traveled so far as this most illustrious and renowned University of Oxford; may it please him to he are the cause, (God himself will witness it to be true according to this ensuing discourse.) Because the Devil perceived that his time was but short, therefore he came into the Earth full of wrath and was moved against the Church of God, as a raging and angry Lion; according to that which S. john saith in the Revelation, the 12. Chap. and the 22. Verse; and as the Prophet Danid speaketh in the 80. Psalm and the 13. Verse, The wild Boar out of the Wood hath destroyed it, and the wild beasts of the fields have eaten it: and again in the 83. Psalm, Verse 5. and 6. They have consulted together in heart, and have made a league against thee; The Tabernacles of Edom, and the Ismaelites, etc. Right so the Greek Church at this time suffereth, being destitute of all perfection and knowledge: the cause of this evil, is the great Turk, that is, the King of the Turks doth desire, and is willing to have peace with all that are under him: but some of his Magistrates are very wicked and proud, and by those the Greek Church doth suffer much misery. For this reason, neither can there be any School, neither any Master desiring to teach Scholars can remain in one place. Even as I suffered and know: who have tasted of many kinds of misery. Now the cause of this my misery was this: I in my youth desired much to better my understanding and my learning, remembering that saying of Christ; Search the Scriptures and in them thou shalt find everlasting life: and that of Saint Paul to Timothy, In that thou hast known the holy Scriptures of a child which are able to make thee wise unto salvation. And that of Solomon; where the Lord saith, In that thou askedst wisdom only and nothing else, I will give thee wisdom and riches therewithal, and a Kingdom greater than all the Kingdoms of the earth: And that of David in the hundred and nineteenth Psalm, In thy Laws did I meditate. Yet by reason of the defect of Teachers I traveled through many places in Greece that I might supply that want; profiting in some places more, in some less: At length I came to Athens, studied & preached there; now the Captain of that place, was an Hagarene, & a deadly enemy to all Christians which dwelled at Athens: besides this, he was very covetous and cruel, unjust, and did much wrong to the Athenians: by reason whereof the Athenians went to the great Turk three several times, and complained of the injuries which he had offered them, whereupon the great Turk sent certain Noble men to hang him; but by reason of his Riches and Nobility they could not accomplish that they were sent for. The Captain upon these complaints was grievously offended with the Athenians: and farther, to satisfy his own greedy desires, he oppressed many Strangers: amongst the, rest seeing me also, who was a Stranger and unknown of all: immediately he lays hands upon me, diligently examined me concerning the name of the Governor of my Native Country: I answered, that it was now almost twenty years since I left my Country for study and learning sake; and that I had not as yet returned to my Country, and therefore I knew not the name of the Governor thereof. Then he answered me, If you know not your Governor, you must go to Prison; whither when I came, they clapped a pair of Bolts upon my legs. Not long after the Governor called many of the Turks, who derive their beginning from Mahomet: and then he took me out of Prison, & brought me before them, and said unto them, Behold a Spanish Traitor. They all cried out, 'tis true as you say, he is a traitorous Spaniard, as we know by his Beard, for it is long and picked, and black, and his clothes are of a Spanish red (for I did wear apparel of red colour, such as the chief of the Greek Monks use also:) and some of the Christians standing by, made answer for me to the Turks, that this was the usual apparel of the better fort of the Greek Monks: but the Turks withstood that, saying, that the Monks Habits were made of courser cloth, but mine was of finer, and therefore a Spanish garment. This they said, not that the cloth was indeed finer than that of other Monks, but that they might unjustly pick a quarrel; and bring some accusation, whereby they might punish me. After this they began to iutice me saying; Our Easter is near at hand, and if thou wilt deny thy Christ, we promise thee (and that we may not deceive thee as concerning our promise, we swear) that if thou wilt become a Turk, thou shalt greatly honour our feast day, and for this we will make thee a Centurion, besides other great honours which wait upon thee. Now it is the manner of the Turks when they swear, not to falsify their words; and thrice in this manner they tempted me: but I denied them always, telling them, That my care was not for honours, but that I desired rather to die in the same Religion, for which my father and mother died also. Then one of the Governors came, and plucking me by the Beard, & the hair of the head, buffeted me, saying; Why, seeing I turned Turk, mayst not thou also? (for before time he had been a Christian) I answered him, that I cared not what he had done, I allow not of it. Then he threw me on the ground, and trampled upon my head before all the Congregation of Turks, and Christians. And afterwards they shut me up in close ward, meaning after a few hours to bring me out again to punishment, that for fear of stripes I might turn Turk. And certain Christian slaves belonging to the Captain, who were of the Western Church, came to me, saying: Now is the time that thou shalt bescourged to death unless thou turn; and they besought me, saying, It is better to dye then turn Turk. I answered, God forbidden, that I should deny Christ the true God, I will first die an hundred times in one day before I deny my Saviour Christ. Then my conscience said to me in private: But can I then endure torments even unto death? Then my reason answered, Christ was a man, and yet he suffered on the Cross to death, and that not for himself, but others. But then I reasoned again; Christ was both God and man, therefore he could withstand the terrors of death: but I am a fleshly man, and perchance I cannot undergo the cruel pangs of death: but my conscience solued all this doubt, in that the Martyrs were fleshly men, and sinners, yet by the grace of God were strengthened to die, therefore by the same grace shall I be sustained. And in this cogitation I was much comforted, and prevailed in spirit, and wholly gave myself over to suffer death: and they led me strait ways to the place of execution, and bound me hand, and foot in manner of a Cross upon the Earth, as appeareth by this figure following.  
These signify two Turks, beating Christopher Angelo with two Cudgels on each side of him, one strikes him on the head, and the other on the side. And he remained one hour dead, as the Athenians told him, after he was revived.  
Since here I have no witnesses, that for the present may testify the truth of these my sufferings, therefore I call the eternal Father, and God of all, both witness and judge in this manner: The eternal God punish me in this World and in that to come, if I have not thus suffered from the Turks unjustly, for my faith in Christ, as is above-written. For they laid on the Earth thick pieces of Timber like the beams of an house, and to them they bond me; and then they began to beat me with scourges, as appeareth in the figure. Two men dipping their Rods in salt Water began to scourge me; and when the one was lifting up his hand; the other was ready to strike, so that I could take no rest, and my pain was most grievous: and so they continued beating me, saying, Turn Turk, and we will free thee: but I answered them, In no case, until they made me half dead. Then they rested a while, saying, He is surely very constant, and will not deny his Religion: but we will tell him that we will let him go if he will say that the Athenian Merchants which are in Venice, sent him to betray Athens unto the Spaniards: and then they began to beat me on the feet, saying: Confess that the Athenians which traffic in Venice, sent thee to betray Athens to the Spaniards, and we will let thee go. Now the Turks would have me bear false witness against the Athenians, that thereby they might take them, and slay them for the hatred which was between the Governor, and the Athenians. I said nothing to this, and till this time I understood what the Turks said; but from this moment, that is, from that time, in which they said twice or thrice to me, Confess that the Athenians sent thee to betray Athens, I answered nothing, I understood nothing, I was perfectly dead, and so remained for the space of an hour, and again after an hour, by the grace of God revived. I know not well how long time I remained dead; but the Grecians of Athens told me that I was dead for an hour's space, as they had heard from the mouth of the Turks that tormented me. Then the Turks took all my substance, my books, I mean; and riches; and I was much in debt, till by the request of many Noblemen I was freed from Prison. And after a week, they counselled among themselves to take me, and in one hour to kill me, or make me turn Turk by whipping, and other torments: But this laying wait was made known to all the Christians, both men and women in Athens, and to me also. Then I fled from Athens, and came unto Peloponnesus into the house of my Brothers, and the Turks pursued me to their house, to the end they might take me in the same: who wrought means for my escape, that I was not then taken. And after that I was fled from thence, they laid hands on my two Brothers, with whom how they dealt God knows, and not I And thus wandering abroad, I found expert Merchants, which knew well both England and many other places: and I inquired diligently of them where I might keep my Religion, & increase my Learning: they told me, in England you may have both, for the English men love the Grecians, and their Learning: and it is a Monarchy, where are found many very honest, wise, and liberal men. Therefore I came in a straight course to England, studying these many years. And first I thank God, who sent me such honest and learned men; and secondly your Worships, who are my most kind Benefactors, and all good and charitable men: and I beseech God day and night, that he will restore an hundred fold to you in this life, and in the life to come a Crown incorruptible; to you I say, and all other good men, for their great goodness and liberality. Amen.  

An Epistle in commendations of England and the Inhabitants thereof.  
I am conscious to myself of mine own unworthiness, having not so much as a taste of that Learning, which might make me bold to present my lines before so worthy men: yet because (as a Wiseman hath it) necessity drives a man to many a shift; I am therefore thus set on work. Our Saviour Christ both God and man; as God doth require spiritual honour from the souls of men, to wit, goodness, love, carefulness to perform good things, alms deeds, and the like; according to that of the Prophet David, Let every spirit praise the Lord: and as S. Paul commandeth, Glorify GOD in your body, & in your spirit, for they are Gods. Now as man, our Lord requireth such honour, as was due unto that person in him. For so it appeareth in that question of his unto the Leper; who, of ten that were cleansed, alone returned to render our Saviour thankes: Are there not ten cleansed, but where are those nine? Surely as a Wiseman speaketh, he must needs be of a very ingrateful disposition, who in matters of kindness can suddenly become forgetful. For my own part if there be any such, who for benefits received, shall not return special acknowledgement always unto his friends, let him bear that foul note of ingratitude, with disgrace and infamy amongst men. I myself for some years have been nursed in this delicious and blissful English Isle: should I not ever acknowledge this with all thankfulness both to this Country, and specially to your most reverend dignity, and to yourself my kind Master and Benefactor? I might justly be accounted one of those. Therefore that I may not seem ungrateful for such great benefits, as much as in me lies, I will send forth this speech, and so I begin.  
O fairelike man, thou most fertile and pleasant Country of England, which art the head of the World, endued with those two fair Eyes, the two Universities, which rainest downe most plentifully Milk and Honey. I call thee fairelike man, and the head beautified with two pleasant Eyes, because heretofore thou didst send forth two horns of the holy Church of Christ. The first is Constantine the Great, that second Light of the World, who freed such as were held in captivity for the confession of Christ, who drived away the mist of Idolatry, who was equal with the Apostles, and first triumphed over the enemies of Christ. The second horn is holy Helen, who found out that life-bearing cross, the weapons of all true Christians, the most holy Mother of the World. But now, and long since thou hast been beautified with two resplendent Eyes, in that thou contaynest the two famous Universities. For I call the two Universities the two resplendent Eyes, even most renowned, and most beautiful Oxford, with her Sister the like renowned Cambridge. And if it be lawful to compare the World to a man's body (for a man, according to Aristole, is a little World) surely I must account England the head of this body: for it is even so divided by the Sea from the other parts of the World, as a man's head from his body by the neck. Thou art also the place of refuge, even the haven of comfort to poor Grecians oppressed with the tyranny of the Turks: as David says in the 83. Psal. Against the Ark of the covenant, the Tabernacles of Edom, and the Ismaelites have set themselves, etc. Thou bringest forth most Wise men, yea most valiant and heroical Captains, (as heretofore Grecia did) yea and those lovers of the Greeks, & partakers of their former virtues. Now the reason of this I will tell you. We read in the Histories of Eusebius Bishop of Caesarea, that Constantine the Great, & his holy mother Helen were Britain's, the offspring and flowers of Britain: and when Constantine the Great, ruled over the Grecians, as also the whole World, than his kinsfolk came out of Britain to Constantinople, & lived in the presence of Constantine; and like wise the Grecians were sent into England from Constantine, and so the Grecians & English were mingled in blood. And for this cause the English love the Grecians, and their Learning, and are beloved of them more than any other Nation. And they partake one of another in many things beside: For the English Nation have excelled in Wisdom, & all Heroical Virtues, as the Grecians of old did. And they do diligently, & with great understanding search out the truth, (as saith Paul, Beware lest any make a prey of you through philosophy, and vain deceit) as the Grecians also heretofore are accounted to have done: and they are also given to hospitality, & pity of poor strangers, as were the Grecians (as S. Paul says to the Thessalonians, Concerning brotherly love I need not speak: for you are taught this from above:) & they will also dye for their Religion, but never turn from their true worship of God to any other, as also the Grecians: yea I myself was once dead through the cruel scourging of the Turks for the Faith of Christ, and I never denied Christ the true God. (I thank him that strengthened me.)  
All hail therefore, O most worthy England: for thou art a Virgin, which waist never brought into thraldom by any King, although thou hast been sometime humbled, yet thou wast never captived: & as thou art a Virgin, so the mother also of many wise men, yea valiant Captains, & heroic Warriors. Thus much be spoken of England, which of no other can so truly beverified.  
In Commendation of England.  
First, the Head, signifieth England. Secondly, the Crown, shows the strength of the Land. Thirdly, the Eyes, signifieth the two great Universities of England. Fourthly, the Mouth, signifieth London. Fiftly, the Nose, signifieth the River of Thames. Sixtly, the Hair, signifieth the goodness of England. Seventhly, the little Man, signifieth a Grecian that was persecuted by the Turks, and comen to receive the goodness of England.    


THe Bearer hereof, Christopher Angel, a Greek borne in Peloponnesus, having been persecuted by the Turks for his Religion, which by his Letters Testimonial appeareth, and for that cause was forced to leave his Country, came to Cambridge about Whitsuntide 1608. and finding some relief, hath continued unto the day of the date hereof. During which time, his mauner of life hath been very honest and studious. Now, because he could not here have his health, being desirous to travel abroad into the Country, he hath requested these our Letters for a Testimony of his honest behaviour, which we have willingly granted unto him, and set to our hands, this tenth of May. 1610.  


Ioha. Duport. Vicecan.  
Thomas Comber Trinitatis Coll  
Samuel Brooke Trin. Coll.  
Gervase Nid.  
Nath. Taylor.  
josua Blaxton.     

To the Clergy and others of the Diocese of Sarum.  
WHereas the Bearer hereof, Christopher Angel, a poor Grecian (whom we have known in the University of Oxford well and honestly to behave himself towards all men) being in great want, and having not wherewith to supply the same, requested our Letters to stirup the hearts of those that shall be ready to commiserate his case: These are therefore to commend him and his charitable suit to your Christian benevolence, in sustaining of whom you shall do very well: and so much the more, because he hath been persecuted for his Religion, as by his Letters Testimonial plainly appeareth. Thus far you well. From our Palace at Sarum. 15. Die Augusti. 1616.  
¶ Ro. Sarum.   

THe Bearer hereof, Christopher Angel, a Greek, borne in Peloponnesus, having been persecuted by the Turks for his Religion, as by his Letters Testimonial appears, & for that cause forced to leave his Country, came to Oxford about Whitsuntide 1610. and finding relief, hath continued unto the day of the date hereof; during which time, his manner of life hath been quiet, honest, and studious. And because he is weary, and desirous to visit his friends in England, he hath requested these our Letters Testimonial of his honest behaviour amongst us, which we have willingly granted unto him, and thereunto set our hands, this 20. of March, An. Dom. 1617.  


Arthur Bath and Wells, Vicecan. Oxon.  
R. Kilby.  
R. Kettell.  
William Goodwin.  
Sebastian Benefield.  
William Langton.  
Richard Mocket.  
john Prideaux.  
Tho. Anyan.  
Theod. Price.  
Io. Wilkinson.  
Tho. james.  
Samuel Radeclif.  
Ant. Blincowe.  
Griffith powel.  
Fr. Grevile.     

THe Bearer hereof Christopher Angel, a Greek, borne in Peloponnesus, having been persecuted by the Turks for his Religion, as by his Letters Testimonial appears, and for that cause forced to leave his Country, came to Oxford about Whitsuntide, 1610. and finding relief hath continued unto the day of the date hereof; during which time his manner of life hath been quiet, honest and studious, greatly differing from the lewd course of some other Greeks', that wander up and down: and now they have sent Letters from his Country, certifying him that after he fled thence, the Turks laid hold of his Brethren and Kinsfolks, as that sent him away; and have taken from them all their goods, & cast them moreover into great debt, for which debt, and much use which they are forced to pay, they are in trouble until this day. For which cause he hath desired these our Letters Testimonial of his honest behaviour amongst us, which we have willingly granted unto him, and thereunto set our hands, this july 3. 1620.  


john Prideaux Vicecan. Oxon.  
Richard Kilbey.  
R. Kettell.  
Sebastian Benefield.  
Io. Parkhurst.  
Theo. Price.  
Tho. james.  
Io. Wilkinson.  
Guliel. Piers.  
Rich. Astley.  
Ro. Pinck.  
Guil. Smith.  
Tho. Clayton. Medic. Professor Regius.  
Matthew Osborne, Procurator signior.      

Eugenius and Rhodius, thy Brethren according to the flesh, and thy Sifters Gergulina and Asmena, and the rest of thy Kinsfolks and friends, salute thee our Brother Master Christopher.  
WE give you to understand (Brother) that since you fled from Athens, lest thou shouldest be apprehended again, and forced to deny Christian; and repairing to us to avoid them that sought thee, we procured thee safe flight; and after thy flight, the Turks and the Grecians, who paid money for thee in Athens, having notice that we were thy Brothers, laid hold on us, and imprisoned us, and sore afflicted us with many punishments. The Turks also that paid money for thy ransom, took from us all the goods we had, and for the remainder we yet pay interest. Now all thy debts together with the usury, amount to three hundred pounds or thereabout. Neither is this all we suffer, but our Children also are in hold, and attached for thy debt, and are in danger to turn Turks and deny Christ. We knew not whither thou wast gone, now we have heard thou art in England. Now we demand of thee, whether it be good that we and our Children should suffer these evils for thy debts? We entreat therefore for God's sake, either to come thyself to pay thy debts, or send them, and free us and our Children from the hands of Infidels, lest thou give an account to God for the injuries which for thy sake we suffer.  
From Gaston a City in Pelopon. 1618. 5. jan.