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those days Diocletian and Maximian, (both surnamed Augustus,) being Consuls, the former for the eighth time, the latter for the seventh time, there went out a decree from these same Cæsars or Emperors over the whole face of the earth, and it was set forth through all the colonies and cities to the princes and magistrates, to each one in his place, "that they should seize the sacred books of the Christians out of the hands of the Bishops and Presbyters."

Whereupon this proclamation was published in the city of Tubyza, on the day of the nones of January, [Jan. 5th.] Then