The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-04-14


stantly repeated by nationalist historians. They
tell us that II was philosophy and chiefly the
teaching Of the Stole sect. which made smooth
the path Of Christianity. by arresting in great
degree the patrician corruption before tho new
religion could gain ground In Italy II Is Ger
tain that the writings OF Seneca embodied
noble system Of ethical doctrine, and
doubtless the moral progress 80 signal
under tho Antonincs was duo mainly to
natural reaction OF generous minds
against the personal depravity as we'll rs
the atrocious despotism Of the first Caesars. Hut
with the exception Of few recruits like Justin
Martyr. il is hard to name any direct advantage
which Christianity derived from the multifa-
rous schools contemporary with the preaching
OF the Apostles. We know that the Neo-Pa-
tonisn which fourished at Alexandria became
one Of it's most insidious and powerful advcr-
saries. The glaring preiudices which Tacitus
entertained against the new sect OF the
Nazarones were presumably those Of the
Stoic scot to which he belonged; and other
philosophers not only countenanced. but
ardontly promoted. some OF the most savage
prosecutions. The observation OF st. Paul
seems to have been the normal experience OF
his SUCCESSORS. and TO the great majority Of
men stepped in Hellenic culture like the young
er Pliny Marcus Aurelius. and the Emperor
Julian. the doctrine Of Christ cruefcd was
" foolshness." II in the second and third cen
tnriss q more humane and kindly spirit passes
from the precept OF philosophers into conduct
and law, 1t may be. MS the author OF this work
Suggests In an eloquent passage, that tho
active agent was the silent unseen. but per-
vasive working OF the despiscd religion.
1t was not until very late that the Stole
moralists began to incucate. by the side Of JUS
po md I'm IA M A Ia lpmplv
Of charity for the outcast and the poor. This
significant addendum TO the ethical code was
not made until society in general may bo sup
posed to have been impregnatcd with some Of
the perfume OF seli-eacrince which rose up from
the depths Of the Catacombs TO the very streets
and dwellings OF tho city. When the Antonino
princes bcthought themselves Of succornR the
destitute and the orphan. they had under their
eyes the numerous charitable institutions ~ the
new faith. and they could mark the mute preach
ing Of popcs and priests and deacons. intent ON
assuaging the miserics Of servitude and want.
We are reminded. moreover. that these cleo
mosynary establishments OF the State were few
indeed and far from conspicuous. while the
charity Of the early Christians elowed and
sparkled on every hand. 1t has required in
fact the long and painstaking labors Of the
erudito to detect In classical lore some mention
Of this novel spirit OF hencvolcnce in pagan
Rome. When We weigh the date Of its appear
ancc, and the purport Of tho innovation. we are
disposed TO think that philosophy which per
haps had done quite rs much to thwart ~ TO
further Christianity. came in the end 20 shape
lis own opinions after the pattern Of the Gospel
Of humanity. and caught some stray wreath OF
an aroma which it mistakenly referred u its
own crucible.
Such are some ~ the questions discussed in
the work before us and patient scrutiny lnd-
Gates that the beginnings Of Christianity were
bosct with far graycr flcultics than some II
us are wont 10 recognize We need not point
out the inference which tho author draws from
these details aud which he has happily optic
mizod in description ~ the Caiacomls To
affirm that the Cross 81 Christ was planted n
the Capitol without n prolonged and bloody
struggle. and tn most tremendous collision be-
twoen opposing forces. is n supposition. he
thinks, bclicd boy every inch OF ground
within that vast. rayless. and subterra-
mean sepulchre: and he would explain
the triumph Of a few unarmed men over
the coercion ~ an empire by the overt and con.
slant interpostion Of God. OF course tho object
Of the work IL 10 fortiy and augment the his
torical evidence for tho divine origin " Christi
ani,y. But apart from its theological aim 1t
deserves careful examination There is reason
To- which Gibbon assigned so large a role IN the
evolution Of Christianity, may have to be elimi-
mated In revised analysis. There Is ten
dcncy, indeed, on the part OF nationalist his
torians TO waive the old explanation on
the score OF favorable conditions and
to lesson the need Of any explanation
M all by cxtenuating tn phenomenon. The
success 81 Christianity. we are told dates from
III" partial betrayal II that meeknoss and sim
plicity and set-renunoiation which were its
Characteristic features. Its decisive victory j.
aseribed 10 u compro misc with poythcsm. and
in this Wow tho famous extinction Of pagan
temples under Theoio.iLs would mean not 30
much destruction ~ "a rodedication; and the
movement Of which that decree was tho final
seal and symbol would be pronounced meta
m0rphosls rather than revolution. But from
Whatever point IL view the problem is regard
ed. this volume will bc found useful. and It may
be- the more heartily commended TO American
students because breadth aud accuracy OF
sche iarship are not always conspicuous in the
". .ings Of our native thoougians. VI. ". H.