Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/125

 Rh Christianity was destroy'd. As to the Letter in Justin Martyrs Works under this Name, 'tis an apparent Counterfeit; nei- was there any true Copy Extant a great while before the time of Eusebius.

Those Authors are likewise mistaken, who report this Legion of Melitene, was call'd the Thundring Legion, upon the score of the Miracle. For the Thundring Legion was raised by Augustus, and had that Name given it because of the Figure of a Thunderbolt upon the Soldier's Shields.

And now the Army proclaimed Antoninus Emperour, the seventh time; this Honour he accepted this bout, tho' 'twas not his Custom to do so, till it had been first mov'd, and voted by the Senate : The Empress Faustina also had the Title given her, of Mother of the Militia.

The very Night after this remarkable Day, the Emperour drew off from this dangerous Ground, and seizing a Post of Advantage intrench'd his Men. And here allowing the Army some Days for Refreshment, and having receiv'd certain Intelligence of the Motions, and Countenance of the Enemy, he held a Council of War, in which 'twas resolv'd to pursue them. This Design being executed, he found them encamp'd beyond a River, and their Camp Fortified and Flank'd with