Vol 02 - THE EPISTLE OF PLINY TO TRAJAN.

THE EPISTLE OF PLINY TO TRAJAN
"IT is my manner, (my sovereign,) to make relation of all those things unto you, wherein I doubt. For who can better, either correct my slackness, or instruct mine ignorance, than you I was never yet present myself at the examination and execution of these Christians; and, therefore, what punishment is to be administered, and how to proceed in such inquisitions, I am ignorant; not able to resolve whether any difference is to be had in age and person; whether the young and tender ought to be treated with like cruelty as the elder and stronger; whether repentance may have any pardon, or whether it may profit him or not, to deny, who has been a Christian; whether the name only of Christians, without other offences; or whether the offences, joined with the name of a Christian, ought to be punished. In the mean season, as touching such Christians as have been presented unto me, I have kept this order. I have inquired the second and third tine of them, whether they were Christians; menacing them with fear of punishment; and such as did persevere, I commanded to execution.
" There was a libel offered me, bearing no name; wherein were contained the names of many which denied themselves to be Christians, content to do sacrifice to the gods, and to your image, and to blaspheme CHRIST whereunto no true Christians could be compelled; and those I discharged and let go. Others confessed that they had been Christians, but afterward denied the same; affirming unto me the whole sum of that sect or error to consist in this, "That they were wont, at certain times appointed, to meet' before day, and to sing hymns to one CHRIST, their GOD, and to confederate among themselves, to abstain from all theft, murder, and adultery; to keep their faith, and to defraud no man:" which done, they departed for that time; and afterward resorted again to meet in companies together, both men and women; and yet without any act of evil.
“To be further certified in the truth whereof, I caused two maidens to be laid on the rack, and examined of the same. But finding no other thing in them, but only immoderate superstition, I thought to cease further inquiry, till I might be further advertised in the matter from you; especially considering the great number of those that were in danger from your statute. For very many there were of all ages and states, both men and women, who had incurred the same peril of condemnation."