In this mitigated persecution we may still discover the indulgent spirit of Rome and of Polytheism, which so readily admitted every excuse in favor of those who practised the religious ceremonies of their fathers.

[111] [Footnote 107: Dion Cassius, or rather his abbreviator Xiphilin, l.
lxxii.p.1206.

Mr.Moyle (p.

266) has explained the condition of the church under the reign of Commodus.] [Footnote 107a: The Jews and Christians contest the honor of having furnished a nurse is the fratricide son of Severus Caracalla.Hist.

of Jews, iii.