A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

286 A Source Book for Ancient Church HistoryThe outbreak of the persecution.[260]A fit and auspicious day was sought for the accomplishment ofthis undertaking [i.e., the persecution of the Christians]; and thefestival of the great god Terminus, celebrated on the seventhcalends of March [Feb. 23], was chosen, to put an end, as it were,to this religion,“That day the first of death, was first of evil's cause” (Vergil),and cause of evils which befell not only the Christians but thewhole world. When that day dawned, in the eighth consulship ofDiocletian and seventh of Maximianus, suddenly, while it washardly light, the prefect, together with the chief commanders,tribunes, and officers of the treasury, came to the church [inNicomedia], and when the gates had been forced open theysought for an image of God. The books of the Holy Scriptureswere found and burnt; the spoil was given to all. Rapine, confusion,and tumult reigned. Since the church was situated on risingground, and was visible from the palace, Diocletian and Galeriusstood there as if on a watch-tower and disputed long togetherwhether it ought to be set on fire. The opinion of Diocletianprevailed, for he feared lest, when so great a fire should oncebe started, the city might be burnt; for many and large buildingssurrounded the church on all sides. Then the prætorian guard,in battle array, came with axes and other iron instruments, andhaving been let loose everywhere, in a few hours they levelledthat very lofty building to the ground.Ch. 13. Next day the edict was published ordaining that menof the Christian religion should be deprived of all honors anddignities; and also that they should be subjected to torture, ofwhatsoever rank or position they might be; and that every suitof law should be entertained against them; but they, on the otherhand, could not bring any suit for any wrong, adultery, or theft;and finally, that they should have neither freedom nor the rightof suffrage. A certain person, although not properly, yet with a