10) labors to prove that the commands of Theodosius were not direct and positive.

* Note: Libanius appears to be the best authority for the East, where, under Theodosius, the work of devastation was carried on with very different degrees of violence, according to the temper of the local authorities and of the clergy; and more especially the neighborhood of the more fanatican monks.

Neander well observes, that the prohibition of sacrifice would be easily misinterpreted into an authority for the destruction of the buildings in which sacrifices were performed.
(Geschichte der Christlichen religion ii.p.

156.) An abuse of this kind led to this remarkable oration of Libanius.

Neander, however, justly doubts whether this bold vindication or at least exculpation, of Paganism was ever delivered before, or even placed in the hands of the Christian emperor .-- M.] [Footnote 28: Cod.