This section features the last moments and words of some of the men and women who
gave their lives for the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Timothy, a deacon of Mauritania, and Maura his wife had not been married quite three weeks when they were separated from each other by the persecution. Timothy was apprehended as a Believer and was carried before Arrianus, the governor of Thebais.

Arrianus knew that Timothy had a copy of the Holy Scriptures and so commanded him to deliver them up to be burnt. Timothy’s answered was, "Had I children, I would sooner deliver them up to be sacrificed, than part with the Word of God."

The governor being much incensed at this reply, ordered his eyes to be put out with red-hot irons, saying, "The books shall at least be useless to you, for you shall not see to read them."

Timothy’s patience and faith was so great that the governor grew more exasperated and ordered him to be hung up by the feet, with a weight tied about his neck, and a gag in his mouth. In this state, Maura his wife, tenderly urged him for her sake to recant; but, when the gag was taken out of his mouth, instead of consenting to his wife's request, he declared his resolution to die for the faith.

As a consequence, Maura resolved to imitate his courage and fidelity and either to accompany or follow him to glory. The governor, after trying in vain to alter her resolution, ordered her to be tortured. Her punishment was executed with great severity. After this, Timothy and Maura were crucified near each other in AD 304. [][][][]