12 October 2005

'According to Libanius it was a principle with [Julian the Apostate], that fire and sword cannot change a man's faith, and that persecution only begets hypocrites and martyrs. Finally, he doubtless perceived that the Christians were too numerous to be assailed by a general persecution without danger of a bloody civil war. Hence, he oppressed the church "gently," under show of equity and universal toleration. He persecuted not so much Christians as Christianity, by endeavouring to draw off its confessors. He thought to gain the result of persecution without incurring the personal reproach and the public danger of persecution itself.' -- Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, vol. III, 'Nicene and Post-Nicene Christianity, A.D. 311 - 600.'
(Strangely familiar, is it not?)