say of them that they die without being martyrs, even if they
are publicly punished; and they give themselves up to a death
which avails nothing, as the Indian Gymnosophists give
themselves up foolishly to fire." Cave, in his primitive
Christianity (ii. c. 7), says of the Christians: "They did
flock to the place of torment faster than droves of beasts that
are driven to the shambles. They even longed to be in the arms
of suffering. Ignatius, though then in his journey to Rome in
order to his execution, yet by the way as he went could not but
vent his passionate desire of it 'Oh that I might come to those
wild beasts that are prepared for me; I heartily wish that I
may presently meet with them; I would invite and encourage them
speedily to devour me, and not be afraid to set upon me as they
have been to others; nay, should they refuse it, I would even
force them to it;'" and more to the same purpose from Eusebius.
Cave, an honest and good man, says all this in praise of the
Christians; but I think that he mistook the matter. We admire a
man who holds to his principles even to death; but these
fanatical Christians are the Gymnosophists whom Clemens treats
with disdain.

[C] Dr. F.C. Baur, in his work entitled "Das Christenthum und
die Christliche Kirche der drei ersten Jahrhunderte," &c., has
examined this question with great good sense and fairness, and
I believe he has stated the truth as near as our authorities
enable us to reach it.

[D] In the Digest, 48, 19, 30, there is the following excerpt
from Modestinus: "Si quis aliquid fecerit, quo leves hominum
animi superstitione numinis terrerentur, divus Marcus hujusmodi