Page:The early Christians in Rome (1911).djvu/229

 flames, take our heads from us with the sword, let loose the wild beasts on us; the very attitude of a Christian praying is one of preparation for its punishment. Let this, good rulers, be your work, wring from us the soul beseeching God on the Emperor's behalf. Upon the truth of God, and devotion to His Name, put the brand of crime" (Tertullian, Apol. 30).

"Christians alone are forbidden to say anything in their defence to help the judge to a righteous decision; all that is cared about is getting what the public hatred demands—the confession of the Name" (Tertullian, Apol. 2).

Constantly Tertullian refers to the great offence in the Christians simply lying in "the Name." "Your sentences, however, are only to this effect, viz.: that one has confessed himself to be a Christian," occurs frequently (Tertullian, Ad Nationes, 8).