CHAPTER XLIV

HE PROMOTES CHRISTIANS TO OFFICES OF GOVERNMENT, AND FORBIDS GENTILES IN SUCH STATIONS TO OFFER SACRIFICE

AFTER this the emperor continued to address himself to matters of high importance, and first he sent governors to the several provinces, mostly such as were devoted to the saving faith; and if any appeared inclined to adhere to Gentile worship, he forbade them to offer sacrifice. This law applied also to those who surpassed the provincial governors in rank and dignity, and even to those who occupied the highest station, and held the authority of the Prætorian Præfecture. If they were Christians, they were free to act consistently with their profession: if otherwise, the law required them to abstain from idolatrous sacrifices.