CONTENTS. Division the First.-The Romans: § 1. Classes of the Roman population Division the Third.-The Jewish element of opposition Division the Fourth. Division the Fifth.-Victory of Christianity and its organiza- tion: 47 Division the Fourth.-Prayer and sacrifice : § 1. Oblations and prayers for the dead INTRODUCTION. A VAST extent of the known world, and unquestionably the most civilized part of it, was comprised in the Roman empire at the time of the first propagation of Christianity. The old civilized empires of the East had passed away, or had become merged in each other, and their civilization removing from one to the other, and always advancing towards the West, had finally been absorbed by Roman society, where it was reproduced in the buildings and amusements, the tastes and vices, of imperial pagan Rome. In the eyes of other nations, the empire was not alone awful in consequence of its power, but it was revered for its military skill, for its learning and its progress in the arts, refined and mechanical. It was but natural to suppose, that if this great civilized empire were brought under the yoke of the Redeemer, a noble example would be given, and a most formidable obstacle to the conversion of the other nations of the earth would be removed; and hence in reason, we were to expect to find the Church, in the very beginning of her career, endeavouring to penetrate Roman society, and to effect a secure lodgment in the very heart of the empire. In forming an estimate of the obstacles to be encountered in this attempt, we must keep before us the fact, that the different nations composing the empire were allowed, after their incorporation, to retain their national usages and superstitions; and it is an historical fact, that the majority of them adhered with tenacity all through to their ancient traditions and prejudices. For instance, a Greek was a sceptic and a debater, though circumstances made him a Roman citizen; an Egyptian did not give up the divinities |