Page 9 - The Leprosy of Constantine the Great
P. 9
he truth is, that the city of
Florence ruled itself under the
guardianship of the Roman power about
three hundred and fifty years after its
foundation, observing the pagan laws and
worshipping idols, so that the Christians
could seldom show themselves openly,
but remained hidden in caves and cells
outside the city. Those who dwelt in the
city did not openly profess Christianity
through fear of the persecution of the
Roman rulers. This went on till the days
of the great Constantine, the son of St.
Helena, who was the first Christian
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