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AT this time, when the peace of the churches had been everywhere
restored,
Marinus in Caesarea in Palestine, who was honored for his military
deeds, and illustrious by virtue of family and wealth, was beheaded
for his testimony to Christ, on the following account. The
vine-branch is a certain mark of honor among the Romans, and those
who obtain it become, they say, centurions. A place being vacated,
the order of succession called Marinus to this position. But when he
was about to receive the honor, another person came before the tribunal
and claimed that it was not legal, according to the ancient laws, for
him to receive the Roman dignity, as he was a Christian and did not
sacrifice to the emperors; but that the office belonged rather to him.
Thereupon the judge, whose name was Achaeus, being disturbed, first
asked what opinion Marinus held. And when he perceived that he
continually confessed himself a Christian, he gave him three hours for
reflection.
When he came out from the tribunal, Theotecnus, the bishop there,
took him aside and conversed with him, and taking his hand led him into
the church. And standing with him within, in the sanctuary, he
raised his cloak a little, and pointed to the sword that hung by his
side; and at the same time he placed before him the Scripture of the
divine Gospels, and told him to choose which of the two he wished.
And without hesitation he reached forth his right hand, and took the
divine Scripture. "Hold fast then," says Theotecnus to him,
"hold fast to God, and strengthened by him mayest thou obtain what
thou hast chosen, and go in peace." Immediately on his return the
herald cried out calling him to the tribunal, for the appointed time
was already completed. And standing before the tribunal, and
manifesting greater zeal for the faith, immediately, as he was, he
was led away and finished his course by death.
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