CHAPTER IX

THE EPISTLE OF ADRIAN, FORBIDDING THE CHRISTIANS TO BE PUNISHED WITHOUT TRIAL

“TO Minucius Fundanus. I have received an epistle, written to me by the most illustrious Serenius Granianus, whom you have succeeded. I do not wish, therefore, that the matter should be passed by Without examination, so that these men may neither be harassed, nor opportunity of malicious proceedings be offered to informers. If, therefore, the provincials can clearly evince their charges against the Christians, so as to answer before the tribunal, let them pursue this course only, but not by mere petitions, and mere outcries against the Christians. For it is far more proper, if any one would bring an accusation, that you should examine it. If any one, therefore, bring an accusation, and can show that they have done any tiling contrary to the laws, determine it thus according to the heinousness of the crime; and if any one should propose this with a view to slander, investigate it according to its criminality, and see to it that you inflict the punishment.” Such, then, is the copy of Adrian’s letter.