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"To Minucius Fundanus. I have received an epistle, written to me
by Serennius Granianus, a most illustrious man, whom you have
succeeded. It does not seem right to me that the matter should be
passed by without examination, lest the men be harassed and opportunity
be given to the informers for practicing villainy. If, therefore,
the inhabitants of the province can clearly sustain this petition
against the Christians so as to give answer in a court of law, let
them pursue this course alone, but let them not have resort to men's
petitions and outcries. For it is far more proper, if any one wishes
to make an accusation, that you should examine into it. If any one
therefore accuses them and shows that they are doing anything contrary
to the laws, do you pass judgment according to the heinousness of the
crime. But, by Hercules! if any one bring an accusation through
mere calumny, decide in regard to his criminality, and see to it that
you inflict punishment." Such are the contents of Adrian's
rescript.
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