It is stated that shortly after the death of Pionius and the preceding martyrs, there suffered a certain pious Christian, called Maximus, a citizen of Ephesus; concerning whom, we, in order to present the matter in the briefest, clearest and plainest manner, shall, (instead of the testimony of the fathers) copy the records themselves, which were approved by the Proconsul, and written by the clerk of the court. They read thus: “Maximus, a citizen of Ephesus, having been apprehended and brought before Optimus, the Proconsul of Asia, the latter asked him: ‘What is thy name?’
“He answered: ‘My name is Maximus.’
“The Proconsul asked: ‘What is thy estate?’ which meant, whether he was free-born, or a servant.
“Maximus said: ‘I belong to myself, and am free-born. Nevertheless, I am a servant of Christ, and manage my own affairs.’
“The Proconsul said: ‘Art thou a Christian?’
“Maximus replied: ‘Notwithstanding I am a sinner, I am nevertheless a servant of Christ.’
“The Proconsul questioned: ‘Knowest thou not the decrees of the invincible Princes, which have now been brought hither?’
“Maximus asked back: ‘What are they?’
“The Proconsul answered: ‘That all the Christians are to forsake their superstitions, acknowledge the only true Prince, to whose power all things are subject, and worship his gods.’
“Maximus said: ‘Yea, I have heard the unjust decree of this Prince or Emperor, and hence have come, openly to declare myself against it.’