304THE emperor Dioclesian had commanded all Christians, under pain ofdeath, to deliver up the holy scriptures to be burnt. Manydesired to confer earthly riches on him who had communicated to them thegoods of heaven; but he made it a capital duty to decline allself-interest, and whatever might dishonor his ministry. to baptism till theyhad given proof of their morals and conduct, as well as of theirconstancy in the faith. Goar, with the chronicle of George Syncellus at Paris, in 1652, and that of Venice among the Byzantine historians, in 1729.
This indeed wouldbe to concur to idolatrous worship; but his demolishing the temple wouldhave been against the order of law and justice, had he done it withoutpublic authority. Eulogius and the rest wereenlarged six days after their death. I desire to live no longer according tomen; and this will be, if you are willing. This is to beobtained by fixing the mind only on divine and heavenly things.
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