Bishops, perhaps for the first time, were seen at court; and, after the death of Alexander, when the inhuman Maximin discharged his fury on the favorites and servants of his unfortunate benefactor, a great number of Christians of every rank and of both sexes, were involved in the promiscuous massacre, which, on their account, has improperly received the name of Persecution.

[117] [117a] [Footnote 112: Sulpicius Severus, l.ii.p.384.This computation (allowing for a single exception) is confirmed by the history of Eusebius, and by the writings of Cyprian.] [Footnote 113: The antiquity of Christian churches is discussed by Tillemont, (Memoires Ecclesiastiques, tom.iii.part ii.p.

68-72,) and by Mr.Moyle, (vol.i.p.

378-398.) The former refers the first construction of them to the peace of Alexander Severus; the latter, to the peace of Gallienus.] [Footnote 114: See the Augustan History, p.130.The emperor Alexander adopted their method of publicly proposing the names of those persons who were candidates for ordination.

It is true that the honor of this practice is likewise attributed to the Jews.] [Footnote 115: Euseb.Hist.Ecclesiast.l.vi.