Section 318
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 28? on the following account : " There is a certain honour among the Romans, called the vine, which they who obtain are said to be centurions. A place becoming vacant, Marinus, by the order of succession, was called to this promotion ; but when he was on the point of obtaining this, however, another one advancing to the tribunal began to make opposition, by saying that according to the ancient institutions it was riot lawful for him to share in the Roman honours, as he was a Christian, and refused to sacri fice to the emperors ; but that the office devolved on him. The judge, whose name was Achseus, roused at this, first began to ask what the opinions of Marinus were ; and when he saw him constantly affirming that he was a Christian, he granted him three hours for reflection. But as soon as he came out of the praetorium, or judgment hall, Theotecnus, the bishop of the place, coming to him, drew him aside in conversation, and taking him by the hand, conducted him to the church ; and having placed him within by the altar, he raised his cloak a little, and pointing to the sword that was attached to his side, at the same time pre senting before him the book of the holy gospels, told him to choose either of the two according to his wish, Without hesita tion he extended his hand and took the book. " Hold fast, then, hold fast to God," said Theotecnus, " and strengthened by him, mayest thou obtain what thou hast chosen — go in peace." Im mediately upon his return from thence, a crier began to proclaim before the prastorium, for the appointed time had already passed away ; and being thus arraigned, after exhibiting a still greater ardour in his faith, he was forthwith led away as he was, and made perfect by martyrdom. CHAPTER XVI. Some account of Astyrius. N is also made in these times of the pious confidence of Astyrius, a man who vas a Roman of senatorial rank, in great 27