An army's best use is not in battle against waves of invaders, but as a deterrent against invasion by its value to strike fear into the heart of a potential enemy. With its ranks swollen by Christians, the army is larger than ever and gives foreign princes and peoples the strongest disincentive to attack Rome or what shelters beneath the Roman eagle's wings. Thus, even though Christians can be counted upon to fight shoulder to shoulder with pagan soldiers, even if they would not fight the very fact that they march in the legions lessens the chance of their ever actually needing to.

If there remains any doubt that a Christian would serve with honor in the army, let my most honorable emperor hear the words of Christ himself who said that no man has greater love than he who lays down his life for his friends. Since the measure...
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