ts, which were called
ministers, by torture. But I have discovered nothing besides a
bad and excessive superstition.

"Suspending, therefore, all judicial proceedings, I have
recourse to you for advice; for it has appeared to me a matter
highly deserving consideration, especially upon account of the
great number of persons who are in danger of suffering. For
many of all ages, and every rank, of both sexes likewise, are
accused, and will be accused. Nor has the contagion of this
superstition seized cities only, but the lesser towns also,
and the open country. Nevertheless, it seems to me that it may
be restrained and arrested. It is certain that the temples,
which were almost forsaken, begin to be frequented. And the
sacred solemnities, after a long intermission, are revived.
Victims, likewise, are everywhere brought up, whereas, for
some time, there were few purchasers. Whence, it is easy to
imagine, what numbers of men might be reclaimed, if pardon
were granted to those who shall repent."

* * * * *

"Trajan to Pliny, wisheth health and happiness:[76]

"You have taken the right course, my Pliny, in your
proceedings with those who have been brought before you as
Christians; for it is impossible to establish any one rule
that shall hold universally. They are not to be sought after.
If any are brought before you, and are convicted, they ought
to be punished. However, he that denies his being a Christian,
and makes it evident in fact, that is, by supplicating to our
gods, though he be suspected to have been so formerly, let him
be pardoned upon repentance. But in no case, of any crime
whatever, may a bill of information be received without being
signed by him who presents it, for that would be a dangerous
precedent, and unworthy of my government."

I must request my reader now to procure a New Testament, and read, at
one reading, the First General Epistle of Peter, the First General
Epistle of John, and the Seven Epistles to the Churches in Ephesus,
Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea--only
about as much matter as four pages of _Harper's Magazine_, or half a
page of the _Commercial_--that he may be able to do the same justice to
the apostles as to the governor. He will thus be able to see the force
of