The primitive Christians not only refused to be enlisted in the army, but when any embraced Christianity while already enlisted, they abandoned the profession at whatever cost. Marcellus was a centurion in a legion. While holding this commission, he became a Christian. And believing, in common with his fellow Christians, that war was no longer permitted to him, he threw down his belt at the head of the legion, declaring that he had become a Christian, and that he would serve no longer. He was committed to prison. But he was still faithful to Christianity. ‘It is not lawful’, said he, ‘for a Christian to bear arms for any earthly consideration’. In consequence, he was put to death. Almost immediately afterward, Cassian, a notary to the same legion, gave up his office. He steadfastly maintained the sentiments of Marcellus, and like him was consigned to the executioner. The reason Martin of Tours gave for his abandonment of arms was nothing more than, ‘I am a Christian, and therefore I cannot fight’.
Example and Testimony of the Early Christians on the Subject of War, by Jonathan Dymond, 1821
