The last of these writers relates the accusation in the most elegant and circumstantial manner.

The answer of Tertullian is the boldest and most vigorous.] But the perusal of the ancient apologies was sufficient to remove even the slightest suspicion from the mind of a candid adversary.

The Christians, with the intrepid security of innocence, appeal from the voice of rumor to the equity of the magistrates.

They acknowledge, that if any proof can be produced of the crimes which calumny has imputed to them, they are worthy of the most severe punishment.

They provoke the punishment, and they challenge the proof.