The affrighted countenances of some betrayed their inward remorse, while others advanced with confidence and alacrity to the altars of the gods.

But the disguise which fear had imposed, subsisted no longer than the present danger.

As soon as the severity of the persecution was abated, the doors of the churches were assailed by the returning multitude of penitents who detested their idolatrous submission, and who solicited with equal ardor, but with various success, their readmission into the society of Christians.
IV.

Notwithstanding the general rules established for the conviction and punishment of the Christians, the fate of those sectaries, in an extensive and arbitrary government, must still in a great measure, have depended on their own behavior, the circumstances of the times, and the temper of their supreme as well as subordinate rulers.

Zeal might sometimes provoke, and prudence might sometimes avert or assuage, the superstitious fury of the Pagans.