CHAPTER V

THE AFFAIRS OF NICOMEDIA

IMMEDIATELY on the first promulgation of the edict, a certain man of no mean origin, and highly esteemed for his temporal dignities, as soon as the decree was published against the churches in Nicomedia, stimulated by a divine zeal, and excited by an ardent faith, took it as it was openly placed and posted up for public inspection, and tore it to pieces as a most profane and wicked act. This was done when two of the CÆSARS were in the city, the first of whom was the eldest and chief of all; and the other held the fourth grade of the imperial dignity after him. This man, as the first that was distinguished there in this manner, after enduring what was likely to follow an act so daring, preserved his mind calm and serene until the moment when his spirit fled.