the well-being of the emperor, and had promoted the peace and prosperity of the empire. For the first two hundred years the Christians refused to participate in any form of government service—civil or military. Gradually this attitude changed. They began by making exception of those who had been in government employ before they became Christians. By the end of the third century Christians were found in all walks of life—the court, the civil service, and the military. By their family solidarity, their
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