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HE moreover interdicted such as would not abjure Christianity, and
offer sacrifice to idols, from holding any office at court: nor would
he allow Christians to be governors of provinces; 'for,' said he,
'their law forbids them to use the sword against offenders worthy of
capital punishment.' He also induced many to sacrifice, partly by
flatteries, and partly by gifts. Immediately, as if tried in a
furnace, it at once became evident to all, who were the real
Christians, and who were merely nominal ones. Such as were
Christians in integrity of heart, very readily resigned their
commission, choosing to endure anything rather than deny Christ. Of
this number were Jovian, Valentinian, and Valens, each of whom
afterwards became emperor. But others of unsound principles, who
preferred the riches and honor of this world to the true felicity,
sacrificed without hesitation. Of these was Ecebolius, a sophist of
Constantinople who, accommodating himself to the dispositions of the
emperors, pretended in the reign of Constantius to be an ardent
Christian; while in Julian's time he appeared an equally vigorous
pagan: and after Julian's death, he again made a profession of
Christianity. For he prostrated himself before the church doors, and
called out, 'Trample on me, for I am as salt that has lost its
savor.' Of so fickle and inconstant a character was this person,
throughout the whole period of his history. About this time the
emperor wishing to make reprisals on the Persians, for the frequent
incursions they had made on the Roman territories in the reign of
Constantius, marched with great expedition through Asia into the
East. But as he well knew what a train of calamities attend a war,
and what immense resources are needful to carry it on successfully and
that without it cannot be carried on, he craftily devised a plan for
collecting money by extorting it from the Christians. On all those
who refused to sacrifice he imposed a heavy fine, which was exacted
with great rigor from such as were true Christians, every One being
compelled to pay in proportion to what he possessed. By these unjust
means the emperor soon amassed immense wealth; for this law was put in
execution, both where Julian was personally present, and where he was
not. The pagans at the same time assailed the Christians; and there
was a great concourse of those who styled themselves 'philosophers.'
They then proceeded to institute certain abominable mysteries; and
sacrificing pure children both male and female, they inspected their
entrails, and even tasted their flesh. These infamous rites were
practiced in other cities, but more particularly at Athens and
Alexandria; in which latter place, a calumnious accusation was made
against Athanasius the bishop, the emperor being assured that he was
intent on desolating not that city only, but all Egypt, and that
nothing but his expulsion out of the country could save it. The
governor of Alexandria was therefore instructed by an imperial edict to
apprehend him.
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