de l'Academie des Inscriptions, tom.i.p.

50.] [Footnote 150: In our only MS.

of Lactantius, we read profectus; but reason, and the authority of all the critics, allow us, instead of that word, which destroys the sense of the passage, to substitute proefectus.] [Footnote 151: Lactantius, de M.P.c.

12, gives a very lively picture of the destruction of the church.] The next day the general edict of persecution was published; [152] and though Diocletian, still averse to the effusion of blood, had moderated the fury of Galerius, who proposed, that every one refusing to offer sacrifice should immediately be burnt alive, the penalties inflicted on the obstinacy of the Christians might be deemed sufficiently rigorous and effectual.

It was enacted, that their churches, in all the provinces of the empire, should be demolished to their foundations; and the punishment of death was denounced against all who should presume to hold any secret assemblies for the purpose of religious worship.