Page:New historical catechism (1).pdf/14

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the world that the Roman emperors began to dress the effect, and their adversaries representing the as traiters and enemies to the government. Te tullian argues with the emperor thus :-"If we we enemies to the state, you might then go and see new cities and countries to govern, since you wou have more adversaries than loyal subjects in you empire. We have filled your cities, your ſtowa your provinces, your castles, your fortresses, you camps, your tents, your places, your senates, you market-places, and your islands, only we have le your idolatrous temples to yonrselves, all the place being full of Christians: If we were enemies, whe dangerous rebellion might we have made, though ou numbers be but small, in comparison of the rest your people, since we so little value our lives, tha we suffer ourselves to be slain daily, notwithstanding pour unjust persecution of us, we are loyal, patient and obedient, and that the Christian religion oblige 216 rather to be killed than to kill."

Q. What was the encouragement Cyrus the Per sian emperor caused to be proclaimed for me whe would inlist in his service?

A. His proclamation was, that whosoever would be lis soldiers, if he be a footman, said lie, I will make him an horseman, if an horseman, I will make him to ride in a chariot, if he be a farmer I will make him a gentleman, if he possess a cottage. I will bestow on him a village, if he has a village, I will give hlin a city, if he be a Lord of a city, I will make him governor of a province, and for gold and silver, I will pour it out on him, by weight and measure, and not by tale. This was the ponpous edict of Cyrus, to gain followers for the prosecuting bois de- igns.