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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Jovinian, by W.H.G. Kingston
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Jovinian
+       A Story of the Early Days of Papal Rome
+
+Author: W.H.G. Kingston
+
+Release Date: April 19, 2011 [EBook #35910]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOVINIAN ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
+
+
+
+
+Jovinian
+A Story of the Early Days of Papal Rome
+By WuHuGu Kingston
+Published by Hodder and Stoughton, London..
+This edition dated 1890.
+
+Jovinian, by W.H.G. Kingston.
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+
+________________________________________________________________________
+JOVINIAN, BY W.H.G. KINGSTON.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ONE.
+
+THE TWO PONTIFFS.
+
+The glorious sun rose in undimmed splendour on a morning in the early
+part of the fourth century over everlasting Rome, his rays glancing on
+countless temples, statues, columns, and towers, on long lines of
+aqueducts and other public edifices, and on the proud mansions of the
+patricians which covered the slopes and crowned the summits of her seven
+hills.  The populace were already astir, bent on keeping holiday, for a
+grand festival was about to be held in honour of Jupiter Optimus Maximus
+and his two associate divinities Juno and Minerva.  The flamens, with
+their assistants, and the vestal virgins, aided by many fair patrician
+matrons and maidens eager to show their piety and to gain the favour of
+the gods, had been labouring all night in decorating the temples; and
+already the porticoes and the interior columns appeared adorned with
+wreaths and festoons of green leaves and gay flowers; while wax tapers
+in silver candlesticks, on countless shrines, had been prepared for
+lighting at the appointed moment.  At the entrance of each temple,
+either fixed in the wall or standing on a tripod, was an
+acquiminarium,--a basin of silver or gold, freshly filled to the brim
+with holy-water, with which salt had been united; a minor flamen in
+white robes, with brush in hand, standing ready to sprinkle any who
+might desire the purging process.  Others of their fraternity were busy
+hanging up in the temples of Aesculapius votive offerings--in the shape
+of arms, legs, and other parts of the human body, representing the limbs
+of his worshippers, which by his powerful instrumentality had been
+restored to health.  Bands of musicians with a variety of instruments,
+and dancers in scanty dresses, were moving about singing and playing,
+and exhibiting their terpsichorean performances before the temples and
+minor shrines erected at the corners of the principal highways.  The
+fronts of the shrines were, like the temples, adorned with wreaths of
+flowers; while tapers, in horn lanterns, burned before them.  Swarms
+also of mendicant priests, habited in coarse robes, with shaven crowns,
+and huge sacks at their backs, were parading the streets going from
+house to house begging for doles, and holding up small images of the
+gods to be adored by the ignorant populace; never failing to bestow
+their heaviest maledictions on those who refused them alms, cursing them
+as Christian atheists.
+
+It was yet early when two persons, quitting the Curia Hostilia at the
+foot of the Coelian Hill, took their way past the magnificent Flavian
+Amphitheatre towards the Sacra Via.  Their costume was alike, and
+consisted of a fine toga, with a deep purple border, and on the head an
+apex--a conical cap surmounted by a spike of olive-wood--which showed
+them to belong to the Holy College of the Pontiffs.  The dress of the
+elder of the two had, in addition, stripes of purple, marking his
+superior rank.  To prevent their togas from being soiled by the dust on
+the road, they had drawn them up under their right shoulders, so as to
+allow the skirts to hang gracefully over their left arms, exhibiting the
+richly-embroidered thongs which secured their sandals.  They passed
+onward with a dignified and haughty air.  Both were fine-looking men.
+The elder possessed a handsome countenance; his firm-set mouth, high
+brow, and keen piercing eyes, showed determination and acuteness of
+intellect, though at the same time the expression was rather repulsive
+than pleasing.  His companion's features were less handsome, and it
+might have been seen at a glance that he was fond of the good things of
+life.
+
+They had nearly reached the colossal statue of Nero--now wearing the
+head of Apollo, placed on it by Vespasian instead of that of the
+tyrant--which towered almost as high as the lofty walls of the
+amphitheatre.  After having hitherto kept silence, absorbed in his own
+thoughts, the elder pontiff addressed the younger.
+
+"We shall triumph still, Gaius, though, by the Immortals, these
+Christians have made fearful progress of late.  They swarm in this city,
+and even, as I hear, throughout every part of the world; for since the
+time when the Emperor Diocletian wisely resolved to put them down, by
+destroying the places where they met to worship, preventing their secret
+assemblies, and burning their books, they have once more risen in an
+audacious manner and walk about with all the airs of freedmen.  I hope
+ere long to see the arena of the amphitheatre again filled with the
+atheists, struggling unarmed against the wild beasts let in on them, to
+tear them limb from limb.  I well remember many such a scene.  The
+populace delight in it even more than in the games of Carinus, the
+magnificent displays of the Naumachia, or even than in the combats of a
+thousand gladiators.  The exhibition we have prepared for to-day will do
+much, I suspect, to win back the fickle multitude to the worship of the
+gods.  The ignorant naturally delight in gorgeous shows and spectacles
+of all sorts, incapable as they are of comprehending the refinements of
+philosophy; and when they benefit by the flesh of the victims
+distributed among them, they will, depend on it, be strong advocates for
+the continuance of sacrifices to the gods."
+
+"I hope, Coecus, that we shall succeed, but in truth these Christians
+have hitherto shown a wonderful amount of obstinacy, not only in
+adhering to their mysteries, but in propagating them in all directions.
+I cannot understand their faith--without even a visible representation
+of a God before which to bow down, or a single object for the eye to fix
+on," observed the younger pontiff.  "I know, however, something about
+their belief; but even were I not a pontiff I should object to it.  In
+addition to the hatred they display towards the ancient religion, they
+would deprive us poor mortals of all the pleasures of life.  They rail
+against rich viands and generous wines; and, by Bacchus, were they to
+have their way, the gods and, what is of more consequence, we their
+priests, would no longer be supported, and these our magnificent temples
+would fall to decay.  Still, I confess that, would they consent to
+worship publicly before the shrines of the gods, they might, as far as I
+am concerned, practise their rites in secret, and attend, as they are
+wont to do, to the sick and suffering.  I have less hatred for them than
+contempt."
+
+"For my part, I hate them with an undying hatred, if it is of the
+accursed Nazarenes you speak, Gaius," said Coecus, gnashing his teeth.
+
+"You speak, Coecus, of these Nazarenes with less than your usual
+philosophical calmness," observed the younger pontiff.
+
+"I have cause to do so; one of the vile wretches dared to cross my path
+and rob me of a jewel I valued more than life itself," exclaimed the
+elder pontiff, his eyes flashing and his lips quivering with rage.
+"While yet the hot blood of youth coursed through my veins, I met the
+beautiful Eugenia, daughter of the patrician Gentianus, at an exhibition
+of the Naumachia.  To see her once was to love, to adore her: in grace
+and beauty she surpassed Venus herself; in majesty of form she was
+Juno's rival; while on her brow sate the calm dignity of Minerva.  I
+soon obtained an introduction to Gentianus; and though I found him
+somewhat reserved, I had reason to believe that he was not unfavourable
+to my suit.  Eugenia, aware of the admiration she had excited, received
+me kindly, and I did everything I could think of to gain her good
+graces.  Matters were progressing favourably, when I perceived a change
+in her and her father.  I was admitted as before, but her manner became
+cold and distant, and Gentianus no longer looked on me with a favourable
+eye.  I discovered, as I believed, the cause.  A rival had appeared,
+Severus by name, a stranger in Rome; not in good looks, in figure, or
+manners to be compared to me.  I watched Severus with a jealous eye, and
+employed spies to track his footsteps.  I learnt that he attended the
+secret meetings of the Nazarenes.  He had, in truth, a soft and silvery
+tongue, and by his art and eloquence had won over Eugenia and Gentianus
+to his accursed faith.  Still, knowing that wealth is all-potent in Rome
+as elsewhere, I resolved to demand the hand of Eugenia of her father.
+He neither refused nor accepted my offer, but, instead, endeavoured to
+explain to me the doctrines of the new faith.  Astonished, I bluntly
+asked whether he had himself adopted them, `I have,' he replied, `and as
+a Christian I could not allow my daughter to wed an idolater!'--for so
+he dared to call me.  I dissembled my anger while he continued speaking,
+decrying the immortal gods, and endeavouring to induce me to adopt the
+tenets of his religion.  It may have been, at that time, that Severus
+was not, as I supposed, affianced to Eugenia; but ere long they were
+betrothed, and she ultimately became his wife.  Still, I could not
+abandon all hope of winning her--a dagger might end her husband's life--
+and while brooding over my disappointment, and seeking for some means of
+gratifying my love and revenge, the edict of Diocletian against the
+Christians was promulgated.  Numbers of the fanatics were seized, and
+once more the Flavian Amphitheatre witnessed their tortures and death--
+some compelled to do battle with trained gladiators, others, naked and
+unarmed, to struggle with ferocious lions.  The time for which I yearned
+had now arrived.  I fully expected to get the hated Severus and his
+father-in-law, Gentianus, into my power, resolving not to rest till I
+had given the former over to the wild beasts, and compelled the old man
+to renounce his creed and consent to his daughter becoming my bride.
+Believing that their capture was certain, I set off with a band of
+faithful followers, and surrounded their house; but on breaking open the
+door, what was my rage to discover that my intended prey had fled!  I
+sent emissaries, under various disguises, to every part of the city to
+search for them; I ascertained, however, that scarcely an hour before I
+visited their house, they had left it, and made their way out of the
+city towards the entrance of those numerous galleries hewn in the
+sand-rock far down beneath the surface of the earth.  Not to be
+defeated, I ordered a trusty band to search for the fugitives in those
+subterranean regions, but having no wish to descend to Avernus before my
+time, I myself remained outside.  My people were some time away; they
+came back at length, dragging four or five trembling wretches of the
+meaner sort, while their swords were dripping with the blood of several
+others they had slain.  Whether or not the chief quarry had escaped, I
+was left in doubt, as they brought no token to prove who were those who
+had fallen, and they vowed that they would not return to run the risk of
+losing their way and perishing miserably amid the labyrinthine passages
+of that underground region.  The shades of evening compelled me at last
+to return to the city with the wretched prisoners who had been captured,
+and I registered a vow at the shrine of Bellona that I would wreak my
+vengeance on the heads of Gentianus and Severus should I ever get them
+into my power.  In vain, however, did I seek for Eugenia and her father:
+they had either made their escape from the neighbourhood of Rome or had
+carefully concealed themselves underground.  I had good reason, however,
+ere long to know that the latter was the case.  I have since in vain
+searched for them; concealed by their fellow-religionists, they have
+eluded my vigilance.  That abominable edict which our politic emperor
+issued at Milan, allowing the Christians to enjoy their religion in
+peace, made me abandon all expectation of being able to wreak my
+vengeance on the head of Severus by open means, though I still cherished
+the hope that he would come forth from his hiding-place, when the
+assassin's dagger would quickly have finished his career and given me my
+still-beloved Eugenia.  Still, I have reason to believe that they are in
+existence, and that Gentianus, knowing that I am not likely to break my
+vow, is afraid to issue from his concealment; notwithstanding that on
+the revocation of the edicts by Maxentius the Nazarenes have generally
+ventured forth from their hiding-places.  They have, indeed, since then,
+in vast numbers, appeared in public, openly declaring their creed, and
+diligently endeavouring to obtain proselytes from all classes,--thus
+daringly showing their hatred and contempt of the gods whose priests we
+are.  It is high time, indeed, since the emperors no longer care to
+preserve the ancient faith, that we should be up and doing, and if we
+cannot employ open means, should by craft and subtlety put a stop to the
+pernicious system.  What say you, Gaius?"
+
+"I can fully enter into your feelings," observed Gaius.  "I myself have
+been crossed more than once by these Nazarenes; although, were it not
+that our order is in some peril, I confess that I have felt no great
+antipathy to them.  Indeed, some years ago, my only sister Livia became
+indoctrinated with their opinions, and married one of them.  He was
+seized, and died, with many hundreds more, in yonder arena but she
+escaped, and disappeared for some years from sight.  I again at length
+met her, reduced to great distress, supported, I believe, by her
+co-religionists; but so poverty-stricken were they that they could
+afford her but the common necessaries of life.  She was a sweet and
+gentle creature and, though I condemned her heresy, I had not the heart
+to leave her to perish.  You will say, Coecus, that I should have been
+more stoical, but I had a motive which will excuse me in your sight.
+She had an only child, a handsome boy, the young Jovinian, who reminded
+me of her in the days of her youth and beauty.  Once, too.  I should
+have said, she tended me when I was sick, and might have died, in spite
+of all the offerings my friends made to Aesculapius, and the skill of
+the physicians who attended me, had it not been for her watchful care.
+Gratitude induced me to visit her; I procured the best assistance
+medical skill could afford; but whether it was counteracted by the
+visits of her Nazarene friends I know not,--so the gods willed it, she
+gradually sank.  Her only thoughts seemed to be about the welfare of her
+boy, and in spite of all the offers I made to give him a college
+education befitting his patrician rank--for his father was of our order
+as well as his mother--and to watch over his advancement in life, she
+would not yield him to me, but preferred rather to confide him to the
+care of a miserable poverty-stricken relative, who was the means
+originally of her perversion from the ancient faith.  Visiting her one
+day, I found her boy with her.  She was evidently much worse.  In vain I
+endeavoured to console her: she breathed her last shortly afterwards.
+It was truly piteous to hear the child calling on her to speak to him.
+At length, discovering the truth, he sank fainting over her inanimate
+body.  I took him in my arms, and, in spite of his struggles, bore him
+away, intending to send the Libertinarii to arrange for poor Livia's
+funeral.  Wrapping him in a lacerna, and shrouding his head in the hood
+to stifle his cries, I committed him to the slaves in attendance
+outside, who carried him off to our college, where he could be well
+looked after.  As they bore him along the narrow streets several
+persons, who were, I suspect, Nazarenes, looked out from the overhanging
+balconies to watch us.  My object was to prevent my relative Amulius
+from discovering what had become of the boy.  I had little doubt that I
+should soon reconcile him to the change, and teach him to worship the
+gods of his fathers.  I have had, I must own, more difficulty than I had
+expected.  He was continually talking of his mother, but not with the
+sorrow I should have anticipated, as he seemed satisfied that she was in
+the realms of bliss--a glorious place in which she had taught him to
+believe,--while he offered petitions to some unknown being to help and
+support him, and to keep him faithful to the creed with which she had
+indoctrinated his young mind.  It seemed surprising that at so early an
+age he should be so determined in his belief.  He, indeed, as I
+understood him, prayed continually to an Almighty God, to whom he could
+approach boldly by the intercession of One he called Jesus, without the
+intervention of demigod or priests.  I gained more knowledge of the
+extraordinary faith of the Nazarenes from the young boy than I had
+hitherto possessed.  It seems wonderfully simple.  They believe that one
+Almighty God rules the universe; that man was placed on the earth free
+to accept or reject this mighty God, but bound to obedience; that being
+disobedient, he and all his descendants have become prone to sin, but
+yet this Almighty Being, loving men, sent One, a portion of Himself,
+down on earth, born of a woman; who, offering Himself as a sacrifice for
+their sins, was put to death on the accursed Cross, thus satisfying the
+Almighty's justice, the guiltless One being punished instead of the
+guilty.  Thus all who believe on Him are considered free from sin and
+reconciled to the great Being whom, by their sins, they have offended.
+Can you understand this doctrine, Coecus?"
+
+"Not in the slightest degree," answered the pontiff, who had been paying
+but little attention to what his companion was saying, his mind being
+engaged on projects for the maintenance of his order, which he had good
+reason to fear was in danger.  "It is to me incomprehensible."
+
+"So, by Bacchus, it is to me, though I understand with tolerable
+clearness the principles of the system," observed Gaius.  "What I
+greatly object to in it is, that these Nazarenes seem to require no
+priests nor sacrifices, and worship without any forms or ceremonies, as
+they declare that this Jesus is their sole priest, and that He is at the
+right hand of their great God, pleading His own sacrifice, whereby all
+their sins were purged away.  I have done my utmost, I should say, as in
+duty bound, to drive such notions out of the mind of my nephew.  I
+forgot to mention that after I had made such arrangements for the
+funeral of my sister as became her rank, when the Libertinarii arrived
+with the slaves to wash and anoint the body, to place a coin on its
+mouth to pay the ferryman in Hades, and to plant a branch of cypress at
+the door of the house in which she died, it was found that the Nazarenes
+had removed it, in order to inter it according to their own rites, some
+way without the city, instead of allowing it to be carried, as I should
+have wished, on a handsome praetrum, followed by mourners and bands of
+music, to the bustum, there to be consumed on the funeral pyre."
+
+"It matters little what became of the poor dame; she must have been a
+weak creature," observed Coecus, in a supercilious tone, re-arranging
+the folds of his toga and walking on.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWO.
+
+ROME IN THE FOURTH CENTURY.
+
+The two pontiffs had proceeded some way, when Coecus stopped.  "What
+have you done, Gaius, with this young nephew of yours?" he asked.  "Have
+you managed by this time to teach him the worship of the gods?"
+
+"As to my success, I can say but little," answered Gaius.  "A strict
+watch is, however, kept over him; for I believe that he would escape
+from me even now, could he obtain the opportunity.  I have an affection
+for him, and hope in time, as he grows older and gains more
+intelligence, to make him see the folly of the faith his mother adopted,
+and to induct him into our mysteries.  I have already endeavoured to
+make him understand that he need not believe in the gods more than we
+do, or in the tricks of the augurs, of whom Cicero wittily observes, `It
+is a wonder they can ever look each other in the face without
+laughing.'"
+
+"If you care for his welfare you will follow the plan you have adopted,
+and we may have the lad elected some day as a member of our college,"
+said Coecus.  "We must be very careful of our interests, and I doubt not
+that if we are wise we shall still retain the management of the sacred
+affairs of the city, and may even extend our influence over the whole
+country, whatever changes time may bring about.  For my part, I have
+confidence that our system will endure, and that we shall still retain
+the power we have hitherto enjoyed."
+
+"May the gods favour us!" answered Gaius.  "Happily, the people are
+easily deceived and led, though the patricians may give us some
+trouble."
+
+"We can manage them by showing that it is to their interest to support
+us," observed Coecus: "I have not studied human nature without
+discovering the follies and absurdities to which the minds of men, no
+matter their rank, are ready to submit.  Think what a vast amount of
+intellect and skill, aided by the labours of the abject toilers for
+their daily bread, has been employed in erecting these superb temples
+and magnificent statues of the gods; and yet we despise both one and the
+other, except for their external beauty, which we can appreciate even
+better than they do."
+
+The pontiff, as he spoke, stretched his right hand over the scene of
+architectural magnificence which, as he and his companion looked
+westward, was displayed to their eyes.  They had just passed through the
+arch of Titus, on the top of the Summa Sacra Via, when the Capitol, with
+all its glories, suddenly burst on their view.  On the summit of the
+hill was seen the vast and magnificent temple of Jupiter Optimus
+Maximus, with those of Juno and Minerva on either side, its roof of
+gilded tiles vying in splendour with the eastern sun now shining on it,
+and deriving additional lustre from the background of that deep blue
+Italian sky against which its outlines were sharply defined.  A complete
+forest of high pillars, perfect examples of the art of the greatest
+sculptors of Greece, supported the lofty roof.  The pediment and
+acroterium were adorned with statues--scarcely, however, to be
+distinguished at that distance.  Near the temple stood a colossal statue
+of Jupiter, the majestic features of the face, turned towards them,
+being clearly discerned.  Not far off was another gigantic statue of
+Apollo; while around the principal temple were clustered others of
+lesser size, as if to do it homage, the intervals and the space in front
+being adorned with statues, which appeared at that distance like living
+men and women.  A depression of short extent separated the Capitol from
+another abrupt elevation, on the summit of which stood the citadel, or
+acropolis, crowned by the magnificent temple of Juno Moneta, also
+surrounded by similar temples,--the elegant one of Jupiter Tonans,
+another, that of Fortuna, and the temple of Honour et Virtus.  On each
+side the ground was covered, almost to the verge of the Forum, with
+thickly-clustered dwellings, but of no great height, so that the view
+from the sumptuous mansions on the Palatine of the sacred and triumphal
+processions which passed that way should not be obstructed.  Close to
+them was the dwelling of the Rex Sacrificulus, while on the left
+appeared the temples of Vesta and of Castor, behind which ran the Nova
+Via, directly at the base of the Palatine.  Descending a steep
+declivity, beneath the arch of Fornix Fabian us, on the left, stood the
+Regia, or house of the Pontifex Maximus, and at the corner of the Forum
+beyond it rose the superb temples of Antoninus and Faustina, and that of
+Divus Julius, as the first Caesar was called when he took rank among the
+gods.  The temple stood on the spot where his body had been consumed at
+his apotheosis.  The Forum, which they had now reached, was surrounded
+by magnificent buildings, many others crowning the neighbouring hills to
+a hundred feet in height, giving it an air of extraordinary grandeur.
+On looking eastward, on the crest of the Aria Capitolina was seen, lined
+by a double row of porticoes one above the other, the Tabularium of
+Catullus.  Below it, to the north, stood the Temple of Concord, and on a
+lower level, nearer the Forum, rose the temple of Saturn, its pediment
+surmounted with figures of Tritons blowing horns.  In front of it was
+the Milliarium Aureum, or gilded milestone, set up by Augustus as a
+standard for distances within the walls.  Behind it lay another small
+temple--that of Ops; and visible from the Forum, on the eastern face of
+the hill, was the ill-famed Tarpeian Rock, whence criminals condemned to
+death were wont to be precipitated.  At the upper end of the Forum,
+under the Capitoline Hill, was the Comitium, adorned with fresco
+paintings, and covered with numerous statues surrounding the tribunals
+of the Praetor Urbanus.  Here also was the sacred fig-tree, the Ficus
+Ruminalis, under which Romulus and Remus were nursed by the wolf, so the
+populace believed.  On the south-western extremity of the Forum was the
+Basilica Julia, and not far off the still more magnificent temple of
+Castor, from its position on a lofty terrace visible on all sides.
+Farther on, at no great distance from the arch of Severus, in front of
+the Curia, was another celebrated temple, the last we shall mention, of
+bronze--that of Janus Bifrons, the two-faced deity, the index of peace
+or war.  Many more buildings surrounding the Forum might be mentioned,--
+the Aedes Vesta, encircled by a grove, near the temple of Castor, and
+the column of Phocas,--while to the north was the Forum Augusti, with
+its Curia.  A fine road between the Capitoline and Quirinal Hills led
+into the Campus Martius, through the splendid Forum of Trajan.  Numerous
+other temples of equal grandeur were visible, the porticoes, or chief
+entrances, looking, whenever possible, westward, which side was at the
+same time faced by the divinity within, so that persons offering prayers
+or sacrifices at the altar looked towards the east; the eastward
+position being considered of the greatest importance by the
+superstitious idolaters of old.  The custom, originating among the
+worshippers of the Sun, who were wont to watch for the appearance of
+their divinity above the horizon, had been generally imitated by the
+heathen world, though the source whence it had been derived was
+forgotten.  When it was impracticable to build a temple in the favourite
+position, it was placed, like that of Jupiter Maximus, in such a manner
+that the greater portion of the city could be seen from it; and when
+erected by the side of a street or road, it was always so situated that
+the passers-by might look in to salute the divinity, to obtain a
+sprinkling of holy-water, and to leave their votive offerings in the
+eager hands of the watchful flamens.
+
+The two pontiffs, little regarding the magnificent scene which has been
+described, hurried into the Regia, or house of the Pontifex Maximus--for
+though the office had long been held solely by the emperors, the
+building was inhabited by the chief pontiff and several of his principal
+coadjutors.  It stood hard by the house of the vestal virgins, who were
+especially committed to the care of the pontiffs.  They had, indeed, the
+lives and liberties of the fair damsels under their complete control,
+and could, should a vestal be found guilty of breaking her vows, punish
+her with imprisonment, or put her to death by entombing her while still
+alive.  Entering by the ostium, the two pontiffs passed onwards through
+the several courts known as the atrium and the cavum coedium into the
+tablinum, where, having thrown themselves upon couches surrounding the
+central table, ready slaves removed their sandals and head-gear, while
+others brought water to wash their hands and feet.  A third party
+meantime spread the table for the prandium with various dishes, hot as
+well as cold, fish, eggs, and refreshing beverages, light wines, and the
+seductive calda.  The pontiffs took good care, whatever the outside
+world might say about the matter, to live well on "what the gods
+provided."
+
+"We have had a fatiguing walk, and require something to restore our
+exhausted strength, while a hard day's work is before us; but I have
+never prepared with greater zest to engage in a spectacle such as is
+about to take place, convinced as I am that it will repay us for all our
+trouble," remarked Coecus.
+
+They were soon joined by several other pontiffs, who came to hear the
+result of their visit to the Curia Hostilia, and to make final
+arrangements concerning the order of the procession.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THREE.
+
+THE CATACOMBS.
+
+At the time that the two pontiffs were leaving the Curia Hostilia, a
+female slave was making her way along the Appian Road, about two miles
+from her home.  She wore over her usual dark dress a coarse laena, which
+served to conceal a basket filled with provisions which she carried on
+her arm.  Turning off to the left, she followed a slightly beaten track,
+scarcely perceptible to the ordinary eye.  After pursuing it for some
+distance, she again crossed a track of wild and barren ground till she
+reached a hollow or basin of some extent.  Stopping at the edge, she
+looked carefully around, and then rapidly descending the slope, was
+completely hidden from the view of any one who might be passing in the
+distance.  Reaching the bottom of the basin, which had the appearance of
+a huge sand-pit long since disused, she directed her course towards what
+was seemingly a heap of large stones piled up against the side.
+Stooping down, however, she discovered a space large enough to admit
+her, and, by bending her head, she passed through it, when she was once
+more able to stand erect.  Stopping an instant, she produced from
+beneath her cloak a lantern, and, quickly lighting it, proceeded without
+hesitation along a passage hewn in the sandstone rock, about ten feet in
+height and five or six in width.  Casting the light before her as she
+went on, she carefully noted the passages which branched off on either
+hand.  Into one of these, after proceeding for five or six hundred
+yards, she entered, after minutely examining a mark on the wall--a sign
+to her that it was the one she sought.  Still on she went, not a sound
+reaching her ear, till she reached what appeared to be a heap of rubbish
+piled up before her.  Throwing the light of the lantern on one side of
+it, she discovered an opening similar to the one through which she had
+entered the subterranean labyrinth.  As she advanced, the light of her
+lamp glancing on the walls revealed numerous slabs let into them, on
+which various inscriptions, with significant symbols, were rudely
+carved, marking them as the tombs of those who had departed in the faith
+of Jesus, to sleep in peace till summoned by the last trump to meet
+their risen Lord.  Here the crown and palm-branch marked the
+resting-places of those who had been faithful unto death, triumphing
+over sin, the world, and the devil; farther on was an anchor, typifying
+the Christian's hope, sure and steadfast; here a ship entering harbour,
+to signify an entrance into the everlasting kingdom; there a dove, and
+an olive-branch, the everlasting peace enjoyed by those who slept
+within.  Still more numerous were the simple and short epitaphs, some
+with merely the words, "In Christ;" others, "He sleeps in peace."  On
+some were rude emblems denoting the trade or name of those buried
+within; on others were figures of men or women standing with
+outstretched hands and open palms--the universal posture of prayer.
+
+But the eye of the slave paused not to rest on any of these objects,
+though she did not fail to notice them as she moved along.  Stopping
+again to trim her lamp, she listened for a moment, but her ear was
+unable to catch the slightest sound.  She then proceeded more cautiously
+than before, till she reached the top of a flight of steps, down which
+she descended into another passage, which extended to a distance far
+greater than the rays from her lantern could penetrate.  Counting her
+steps, she stopped at a spot where was a large slab of stone, on which
+certain figures were carved, understood only by the initiated, scarcely
+to be distinguished from the wall of the gallery, and which appeared to
+be let into it.  She touched it on one side, when it opened, and she
+proceeded as before.  Here and there a faint ray of light came down from
+above, the aperture through which it had passed serving to ventilate the
+gallery, the atmosphere of which would otherwise have been
+insupportable.  Advancing some way farther, she again stopped and
+listened, when human voices united in melodious song reached her ear.
+She now hurried on with more confidence than before.  She could
+distinguish the words: they were those of a hymn such as Christians
+alone, imbued with the true light of the Gospel, could have uttered.
+
+The countenance of the girl, hitherto grave and anxious, beamed with a
+calm joy as she drank in the words.  Moving forward for some fifty yards
+or more, she stood in front of a deep recess, considerably higher, and
+several times wider, than the passage which had conducted her to it.  It
+resembled, indeed, a deep archway supported by simple columns, but was
+otherwise totally unadorned.  On either side, on rough benches, were
+seated about twenty persons, who, as shown by their costumes, were of
+varied ranks, from the patrician in his toga and the high-born lady with
+fringed dress to the humble fossor or excavator.  They varied also in
+age: some were far advanced in life, others were grave men and matrons,
+and among them was a young girl scarcely past her days of childhood.  At
+the further end of the chamber, near a small table, sat a man of
+venerable aspect, clothed as a patrician, with a white beard hanging
+over his breast.  A scroll was in his hand, from which, by the light of
+a lamp standing on the table, he was reading aloud.
+
+Rolling up the scroll, he rose and addressed the assembly.  The slave,
+advancing slowly, and placing her basket on the ground, took her seat at
+the outer end of one of the benches.  He had already made some remarks,
+when he continued--"Ye have not so learnt Christ.  He, our risen Lord,
+is our one Mediator between God and man.  He has assured us that we
+require no other intercessor, but if we trust in His perfect sacrifice
+He will take us by the hand and present us, clothed in his pure and
+spotless robes, to the All-pure and All-holy One.  He, the God of love
+and mercy, requires no penances, no lacerations of the body, no
+abstinence from lawful pursuits, no works of any sort to fit us for
+approaching Him.  All, all he demands is faith in our risen Lord, His
+dear Son, whom He gave, and who willingly came, urged by love
+unspeakable to fallen man, to die, instead of the sinner returning to
+Him.  He requires no human soul departing from the body to pass through
+purifying fires, as the foolish heathen believe, to fit that soul to
+come to Him; the blood of Jesus Christ alone cleanseth from all sin--
+that fountain which gushed forth on Calvary is flowing still, as
+efficacious as ever--that one sacrifice superseded all other sacrifices.
+No other is acceptable to Jehovah.  Oh, the love, the love of Jesus!--
+that love surpassing all human understanding, unequalled by the love of
+created beings, of the angels in heaven for sinful man: that sympathy
+exhibited at the grave of Lazarus, that love shown at the time the Lord
+wept as he thought on the woes coming upon Jerusalem,--that love, that
+sympathy, exists bright and undiminished as ever, and will exist through
+all eternity, for surely it is part and parcel of the Divine Nature, an
+attribute of the Almighty.  That ear, ever open to the petitions of
+those who came to Him when He walked on earth, does that become dull or
+hard of hearing?  No, surely no!  He is as ready as ever to hear all who
+come to Him desiring to be cleansed of sin.  Does He, who while on earth
+knew what was in the heart of man, not see now into the inmost recesses
+of the soul?  Can he who has numbered every hair of our heads, without
+whose knowledge not a sparrow falls to the ground, no longer watch over
+those who trust to Him?  Can He who went about doing good--curing the
+sick, restoring the lunatics to reason, giving sight to the blind,
+feeding the multitudes--who blessed the marriage feast at Cana of
+Galilee, who mixed freely in all social intercourse with his
+fellow-men--can He, I ask, take pleasure in seeing men and women exclude
+themselves from their fellow-beings, emaciate and weaken the body and
+mind by fastings, vigils, flagellations, such as are practised by
+idolaters?  Oh no! our King demands a willing joyous, active service
+from His subjects.  He would have them look to Him as their example,
+strengthening the mind and body, that they may the better go about and
+do good, as He did to their fellow-men!
+
+"I speak of these things, beloved brethren and sisters, because I see
+evil times coming on the assemblies of Christ's followers.  Already
+many, departing from the true faith as taught by the apostles, believe
+in foolish fables devised by Satan, to mislead, if possible, the very
+elect; offering prayers to other mediators, men and women like
+themselves--to those who, though martyrs, required as much as we all do
+the cleansing blood of Jesus to purify them from sin: even to Mary of
+Nazareth, the honoured mother of the Lord, do they pray--to her whom He
+committed to the care and keeping of the beloved disciple, knowing that
+she required the support of a fellow-creature.  And--oh, miserable
+folly!--some are even placing value on dead men's bones; as if, when the
+soul has departed, those remnants of humanity are aught else but the
+dust from whence they were taken.  As senseless are they as the
+idolaters who fall down before the images of the false gods.  I warn
+you, beloved ones, brethren and sisters in the faith, pray for grace to
+be guided and directed aright, that you may keep free from the erroneous
+practices, the idolatries, into which so many, naming the name of
+Christ, are daily falling.  Already the enemies of the truth, the
+emissaries of Satan, are up and doing; and as Christians depart from the
+simplicity of the Gospel as it is in Christ Jesus, so does the great
+opponent of the Gospel gain an influence over them, and lead them away
+captive at his will.
+
+"I beseech you, then, be warned; seek for grace to hold fast the faith,
+ever looking to Jesus, its Author and Finisher, for guidance and
+support, imitating closely His walk on earth; be armed with the shield
+of truth, the breastplate of faith, and the helmet of salvation!"
+
+The venerable speaker sat down, and another rose--a person of middle
+age, and grave, dignified demeanour--apparently, from the tone of
+authority with which he spoke, an elder of the assembly.  His address
+was also one of warning: he pointed out the danger to which Christians
+were exposed, now that they were no longer persecuted by the rulers of
+the earth, from the false teaching of the philosophers, who had embraced
+some of the tenets of their faith, as well as from others, who, not
+going to the fountain-head--to Moses and the prophets, to the Gospels
+and Epistles--brought forward notions and ideas of their own.
+Especially, too, he warned them against the danger to which the
+assemblies were exposed from the wealth now flowing freely into the
+hands of those in authority, intended for the widows and orphans, and
+the support of hospitals for the sick, but which, as he pointed out, had
+in too many other places been diverted from its proper object, and
+expended in enabling the bishops to appear with the pomp and show of
+worldly rulers.  "Let us," he concluded, "pray that the Holy Spirit may
+give us grace that we may continue to worship the Father, through the
+mediation of our Blessed Lord and Master, according to the example set
+us by the apostles, and in withstand the numerous heresies which are
+making inroads among the assemblies of Christians."
+
+Again all rose, and, led by their venerable president, lifted up their
+voices in prayer.  Another hymn was sung, and the president then taking
+a loaf of bread, wrapped in a cloth, broke it, and poured out some wine
+from an amphora into a cup.  After reading from the Gospel the
+institution of the Lord's Supper, he distributed the bread and wine to
+each individual of the assembly, simply saying, "As Christ's body was
+broken for us on the accursed tree, and as His blood was shed for us, so
+do we eat this broken bread and drink this wine in remembrance that he
+died for our sins, offering thereby a full and sufficient propitiation,
+and that He rose again, and ascended into heaven, to take His seat at
+the right hand of God, and there to plead His death for the remission of
+the sins of all who believe in Him."
+
+The young slave, who had partaken with the rest of the bread and wine,
+now rose, and presented her basket of provisions, as sent by the
+presbyter Amulius and the assembly in his house, to their beloved
+brethren and sisters, Gentianus, Severus, Eugenia, and the rest.
+
+"Say that Gentianus and his child return their heartfelt thanks,"
+replied the aged president.  "Do you, Severus, distribute the food to
+our brethren," he added, turning to the presbyter, who advanced to take
+it; and, aided by the female slave and another person, he gave a portion
+of the contents to each of the company.  There was an ample supply, both
+of food and wine, for all present, and still the basket was not half
+emptied.  Before any one commenced eating the president uttered a short
+prayer, that their Heavenly Father would bless the food to the
+strengthening of their bodies and the support of their spiritual life.
+It was then eaten with thankfulness, while a cheerful conversation was
+carried on among all present.  Gentianus then beckoned to the slave.
+
+"What news do you bring from the city, Rufina?  Has Amulius sent any
+message by you?" he asked.
+
+"Alas! my lord Gentianus, although Augustus supports the Christians in
+the East, the heathens in Rome still struggle desperately to maintain
+their supremacy," replied the slave.  "They dare not openly oppress
+believers, but by every secret means they endeavour to overthrow the
+faith; and knowing that Coecus still seeks your life and that of my lord
+Severus, Amulius advises you to remain in concealment till happier times
+arrive.  That will be, he hopes, ere long; for already the emperor--
+though, alas, himself ignorant of the truth--professes to have become a
+Christian, and has raised Christians to posts of power and dignity in
+the state and in his army; many heathen temples, where abominable rites
+were wont to be practised, have by his orders been closed; and
+information has been received that he purposes to interfere with those
+in Rome, to prohibit the practice of magic arts, the impostures of the
+augurs, and to place the Christians on an equal footing with the
+idolaters."
+
+This announcement, which would, it might have been supposed, have
+produced unmitigated satisfaction among the assembly, was listened to by
+Gentianus with the gravity he had before maintained.  "Timeo Danaos et
+dona ferentes--I fear the Greeks even when bringing gifts.  The man who
+through jealousy put to death his eldest son, who has murdered without
+compunction his nephews and other relatives, can have none of the spirit
+of Christ, and any support he affords the Christians must be given from
+political motives," he observed.  "Let us not be deceived by them, my
+beloved brethren; outward prosperity and the patronage of the great ones
+of the earth are far more fraught with danger to the true faith than
+were the persecutions we have gone through; already have many been
+seduced from the truth by the allurements of wealth and the desire to
+obtain worldly dignities and power.  And now, Rufina," he continued,
+after speaking for some time on the same subject, "what account do you
+bring us of the young Jovinian?  Has he succeeded in escaping from the
+power of his uncle, the pontiff Gaius?"
+
+"No; he is still held captive, and strictly watched," answered Rufina.
+"I have in vain endeavoured to communicate with him through the Numidian
+who has him in charge.  His faith must be put to a sore trial, but the
+presbyter Amulius believes that he has been too well instructed in the
+truth to depart from it."
+
+"Let us pray that grace may be given him to hold firmly to the faith,"
+said Gentianus.  "I feel a deep interest in the youth, for his sainted
+mother was brought out of darkness into the blessed light of the Gospel
+by my instructions, and I know how earnestly she prayed that her only
+child should remain faithful, even though martyrdom might be the
+consequence.  Could Jovinian escape from his guardians, he might here
+remain concealed, and be further established in the faith, till Gaius
+has abandoned all search for him, or an opportunity offers of flying
+with you, Severus and Eugenia, to some place where you may be safe from
+pursuit."
+
+"I would, as a sacred duty, take charge of the orphan boy, and instruct
+him in the truth, so that he may be qualified to perform his duty in
+spreading the Gospel," said Severus.
+
+"And I will let him share a mother's love with our young Julia," said
+Eugenia.
+
+"Tell Amulius what you have heard, Rufina," said Gentianus; "and now
+return to the city, thank those who have provided for our necessities,
+and bring us, we pray thee, intelligence of anything important Amulius
+deems it necessary to send."
+
+The assembly now broke up.  Rufina returned by the way she had come,
+accompanied by several persons who had visited the abode of Gentianus
+for the purpose of joining in the religious meeting, but who lived above
+ground in the neighbourhood of Rome.  Some regained the upper world by
+different outlets; besides Gentianus and his household, a few only, who
+for some cause had reason to dread the hostility of the idolaters still,
+remaining in those subterranean passages.  Here, in chambers excavated
+in the soft rock, they had their dwellings, which they quitted only at
+night to enjoy the fresh air, when trusty persons were placed on the
+watch to give notice of the approach of any who might betray them.  Many
+of the fossors or excavators had from the early days of Christianity
+been converted, and had thus been able to act as guides to the fugitives
+from persecution, and to hollow out chambers in the remoter parts of the
+galleries where they could live without being discovered, unless, as was
+sometimes the case, they were betrayed by the treachery of pretended
+Christians.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOUR.
+
+THE PROCESSION.
+
+The sun had scarcely risen half-way to the meridian when the head of the
+sacrificial procession streamed forth from the Temple of Peace, in the
+wide forum belonging to which its component parts had been collected and
+arranged.  Preceded by banners came the pontiffs of the sacred college,
+walking under silken canopies to shield their persons from the sun's
+burning rays.  They were followed by the augurs in saffron and purple
+togas, wearing on their heads the conical caps with spikes of
+olive-wood, and carrying the litui--long staffs with golden crooks at
+the ends [Note 1].  Then came the tubicini, or trumpeters, sounding
+loudly on their curved instruments of bronze with shrill notes, and the
+tubas, straight silver trumpets, hollowing them, with various ensigns
+and insignia, emerged the chief flamens, wearing the laena and apex,
+with wreaths of laurel.  Now, after a profusion of banners, appeared a
+chariot drawn by four white steeds, richly adorned with wreaths, bearing
+along a magnificent statue of Jupiter Tonans [Note 2], with thunderbolts
+in hand, followed by superb statues, larger than life, of Mars, Apollo,
+Juno, Venus, and Minerva--the goddesses habited in robes either supplied
+by pious matrons or from the properties of the temples.  The car of
+Juno, adorned with peacocks' feathers [Note 3], that of the Cytherean
+Venus, with apple in hand, was drawn along, her car bearing imitations
+of swans and doves, and ornamented with wreaths of myrtle and roses.
+The car of Minerva followed, the goddess represented by a gigantic
+statue, a sphinx in the middle of the helmet, supported on either side
+by griffins, while standing on her car were huge dragons, cocks, and
+owls, with branches of the olive-tree arranged upon it.  All these cars
+were drawn, not by horses, but by young patricians, who eagerly sought
+the opportunity to perform so grateful a service to the deities they
+worshipped.  In a long line came other gods and goddesses, not seated in
+cars, but placed on high platforms, carried by men, some appearing
+singly and others in groups, representing the various actions for which
+they were renowned.  Between each god or goddess walked youths, swinging
+censers, emitting as they moved them to and fro sweet odours grateful to
+their divinities.  The bearers of the almost countless images were, like
+those who drew the chariots, mostly patricians, or young men of wealth
+of plebeian family, who thus sought an easy mode of exhibiting their
+piety.
+
+Now came, preceded by lictors with their fasces, the vestal virgins,
+seated in silver chariots drawn by milk-white steeds, followed closely
+by another band of flamens, leading a long line of hostia (oxen to be
+sacrificed), their horns richly gilded, their heads adorned with
+wreaths, each animal led by a victimarius.  So numerous were they, that
+it appeared as if the line would never end; for Coecus had arranged to
+offer up a whole hecatomb of victims.
+
+Following the hostia came another band of trumpeters with numerous
+banners, the ornaments at their summits glittering in the sun; with a
+band of inferior priests, minor flamens, popos [Note 4], and other
+attendants at the temples, chanting loudly in honour of their gods;
+while next came large parties of citizens in festive dresses, eager to
+show their affection for the long-established religion of their
+ancestors; the whole followed by a body of troops, with their standards
+unfurled, and other insignia held aloft.  The procession, as seen from a
+distance, had indeed the appearance of some enormous serpent with
+shining scales, as, emerging from the precincts of the temple, it wound
+its way along through the narrow streets, past the temples of Venus and
+Rome, under the colossal statue of Nero, on the outside of which
+scaffolding had been erected, affording accommodation to thousands of
+spectators; then turning westward, under the arch of Titus, and between
+the numerous temples which lined that portion of the Sacra Via, through
+the Forum Romanum, under the arch of Severus; when, gaining the Capitol,
+it proceeded direct towards the temple of Jupiter Optimus.  Here the
+head of the vast column, the pontiffs, the flamens, and the augurs, as
+they arrived, gathered in due order under the porch,--the various
+statues of the gods being ranged on either side, the vestal virgins
+taking the post of honour awarded to them, while the people arranged
+themselves so as to leave an open space round the numerous altars, which
+stood prepared for the sacrifice of the victims.  The animals, as they
+came up held by the victimarii, were arranged in front of the altars;
+when the flamens, having strewed their heads with roasted barley-meal,
+the popos, stripped and girt ready, advanced with huge hammers in their
+belts; then, at a signal from the chief pontiff, the fires were lighted,
+and each of the performers having been previously sprinkled with
+holy-water, the popos, holding up the heads of the animals, gave the
+fatal blow which brought them to the ground; when, the deadly knives
+being plunged into the victims' hearts, they were rapidly and skilfully
+dismembered.  The augurs, with due care, examined the intestines, which,
+being placed on the altars, were now strewed with barley-meal; and as
+the fires blazed up, wine was poured forth, and incense thrown upon
+them; the trumpets the meantime sounding, and the choristers loudly
+singing hymns in praise of Jupiter and the immortal gods.  As the
+incense rose in thick clouds towards the sky from the multitudes of
+altars, the pontiff delivered a stirring oration to the people in praise
+of the gods, exhorting them to continue firm to their worship.  As the
+pontiff ceased, the whole temple became filled with the sweet-scented
+smoke of the incense, the drums sounded out their loudest notes, and as
+the people shouted forth their vows to adhere to the ancient faith under
+which Rome had become great and powerful, many declared that the gods
+were seen to smile in approval of their piety.
+
+When the procession first emerged from the temple, close to where Gaius
+walked was seen a powerful Numidian slave, holding by the hand a young
+and handsome boy.  Every now and then Gaius glanced at the latter,
+apparently to observe what so imposing a scene was producing on his
+mind.  The boy appeared to pay but little attention to the pageant; but
+though he did not struggle, he walked as one who felt himself a captive,
+and his eye ranged eagerly over the countenances of the spectators,
+especially on those who stood far back in the crowd, as if he were
+searching for some one with whom he desired to speak.  He made but short
+replies to the slave, who seemed to take pleasure in telling him the
+names of the temples, and describing the attributes of those gods to
+whom they were dedicated.  At length, when the temple of Jupiter, on the
+Capitoline Hill, was reached, and Gaius stood, with others of the
+pontiffs, on the steps, the Numidian led the boy to a position behind
+his master, where he could see all that was going forward.  The victims
+had been slain, and their entrails were still burning, when, at a sign
+from Gaius, the Numidian brought forward the lad.
+
+"This must have been an interesting sight for you, my dear Jovinian,"
+said Gaius to his nephew; "let me see that you appreciate it.  Come, you
+shall have the privilege of taking part in the sacrifice.  A flamen will
+give you some incense: cast it on the altar; the act is a simple one,
+and will prove a grateful offering to the Immortals."
+
+"I would obey you, uncle, in all the things of life," answered Jovinian
+firmly; "but understand that the God we Christians adore is a spirit,
+and desires to be worshipped from the heart in spirit and in truth, and
+that the offering of incense, even to Him, is offensive as it is vain;
+much more so is it when burnt in honour of those who are no gods, but
+the foolish imaginings of ignorant men; and I will not do what is
+displeasing to Him, and would bitterly grieve the heart of my beloved
+mother, could she see me."
+
+"Boy! boy! how dare you use language such as this to me, a Roman
+pontiff!" exclaimed Gaius, becoming angry; then, after a moment,
+resuming his calm demeanour, he continued, "What folly is this, that you
+should object to so trifling an act as that I wish you to perform!"
+
+"No act, however trifling, if offensive to the true God, can be
+performed without sin," answered Jovinian.  "I am told that thousands
+submitted to be torn to pieces, or crucified, or to be slain by
+gladiators, in yonder Flavian amphitheatre, rather than act as you would
+have me do."
+
+"Remember, Jovinian, that I have the power to compel you to do as I
+desire," said Gaius; "it is not for my own pleasure, but to satisfy the
+scruples of my principal, and to prove that you are a true child of
+ancient Rome."
+
+"Uncle, I will not do this sinful thing," answered the boy, in a tone of
+determination in which Gaius had never before heard him speak.  "You may
+order the Numidian to flog me, you may refuse me food, or have me put to
+death with any tortures you can devise, but I tell you I possess a
+strength beyond my own.  It is that which God gives to those who trust
+Him.  He is omnipotent, and nothing human can withstand His power.
+Therefore, I say again, you cannot compel me."
+
+Gaius was astonished at the bold answer of his young relative, and was
+afraid to press the point, lest the bystanders might overhear the
+conversation.  He accordingly judged it prudent to commit him again to
+the care of the Numidian, directing the slave, as he valued his life,
+not to let the boy escape.  Meantime the augurs had been examining with
+sagacious looks the entrails of the slain animals, and soon unanimously
+announced with authoritative voices that the gods were pleased with the
+liberal sacrifices offered to them, and that, undoubtedly, as long as
+Rome itself should stand, their ancient faith would continue, in spite
+of the assaults made on it by the Christians and other atheists.  The
+vast multitude shouted loudly at the announcement, their cries being
+taken up by those who stood at the eastern brink of the Capitoline Hill,
+and echoed by the masses who thronged the streets along the Forum even
+to the Flavian Amphitheatre, where many remained to watch the return of
+the procession to the spot whence it had set out.  The carcases of the
+beasts not consumed were distributed liberally among the families of the
+inferior flamens and servitors at the temples, the begging priests
+pushing eagerly forward to get a share of the flesh, of which there was
+enough to supply large numbers of the people.  Coecus, again marshalling
+his forces, led the way from the temple, the various performers
+following in due order.  "This day's work, as I foretold would be the
+case, has been a success, Gaius," he observed to the younger pontiff, as
+with stately step they marched along through the Forum.  "We must devise
+others of a similar nature to amuse the populace, and use every effort
+to win back those of the patricians who are showing indifference to the
+worship of the gods.  Provided we employ proper measures, they can be as
+easily gulled as the ignorant multitude; but we must suit the bait to
+the nature of the birds to be caught."
+
+"I feel not so certain of success.  Those who have once adopted the
+principles of the Nazarenes are not likely to be won back again,"
+answered Gaius.  "I have lately had an example of the obstinacy of these
+people; they are not to be influenced by persuasion or dread of
+consequences.  We know how they behaved in former ages; and even when
+Diocletian found that they were dangerous to the state, and allowed them
+to receive the punishment they deserved, they still persevered in
+propagating their faith, unmoved by the dread of the fate awaiting them.
+Then what can we expect now that the emperor patronises them, and, as
+it is reported, actually professes to have become a Christian?"
+
+"By Bacchus! then we must find another mode of acting," said Coecus.
+"If we cannot destroy, we can corrupt their faith, and, depend on it,
+success will attend our efforts."
+
+Meantime young Jovinian, attended by the Numidian, had returned to his
+uncle's abode.  Gaius, taking the hint from Coecus, still hoped to win
+over his nephew, for whom he entertained all the affection a man of his
+nature was capable of feeling.  Observing that the boy suffered from
+confinement, he allowed him to take walks through the city, closely
+attended by the Numidian Eros--who was charged, however, to keep a
+strict watch on him, that he might be prevented from making his escape
+or communicating with any of his mother's Christian friends.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Note 1.  Ever since borne by the bishops of the Roman Church.
+
+Note 2.  One day to appear in the edifice dedicated to Saint Peter, to
+act the part of the apostle; the ignorant multitude being taught by the
+modern flamens devoutly to kiss its toe.
+
+Note 3.  Still used in the papal processions.
+
+Note 4.  The popes were priests appointed to put the victims to death.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIVE.
+
+THE YOUNG CAPTIVE.
+
+Jovinian was treated with much consideration by his uncle Gaius.  He
+enjoyed the privilege of a room to himself, in which he could read
+without interruption, and to which his meals were generally carried.
+When, however, he went to the door, he found the Numidian, or another
+slave who acted as his assistant, stretched on a mat at the entrance, or
+seated on a stool close at hand.  He had thus evidence that he was
+treated as a captive, and suspected of being desirous of making his
+escape.  He was abundantly supplied with books,--Horace, Virgil, and
+Ovid for lighter reading, and translations of the works of Plato and his
+disciples for his more serious studies.  But beautiful as was the
+language, he turned from them with disgust, so full of sophistries did
+they appear.  There was one book which he took up with greater
+satisfaction than all the others.  He had obtained it when out walking
+one day with Eros, and the Numidian's watchful eye was for a short
+period averted from him.  While gazing at a spectacle exhibited in one
+of the temples, Jovinian had recognised his friend the presbyter
+Amulius, who was coming quickly towards him.  Before Eros had looked
+round, Amulius had slipped into his hand a roll of parchment; he
+immediately concealed it in his bosom.  He was on the point of
+whispering, "Oh, take me with you!" and stretching out his hand to his
+relative, when Eros turned round.  The Numidian seemed to have suspected
+his design, for he immediately grasped him by the arm, and took care for
+the remainder of the walk not to withdraw his eye from him.
+
+On reaching home, Jovinian eagerly examined the roll.  He discovered, to
+his delight, that it was the Gospel written by the apostle John.  The
+roll contained another small piece of vellum, on which were written some
+lines from Amulius, urging him to practise the gift of patience, and to
+remain firm to the principles delivered to him by his beloved mother.
+Henceforth the book was his constant study, and from its page he drew
+consolation and instruction.  One morning Eros, entering his chamber,
+inquired whether he was disposed to go out and enjoy the air.  He
+thankfully agreed to the proposal, and having concealed his precious
+volume beneath his dress, he accompanied the Numidian.  It was a day on
+which one of the numerous festivals held in honour of the gods was being
+celebrated in the city.  The streets were thronged by persons of all
+ranks and ages, the shrines as usual lighted up and decorated with
+flowers, the lower order of priests were going about collecting
+contributions for their temples, and holding up the small images of
+their gods.  They were passing the temple of Bellona, the Isis of the
+Egyptians, when Eros, grasping Jovinian's arm, pulled him in.
+
+"Here is a scene worth witnessing," he observed; "see how devoted are
+the worshippers of the great goddess."
+
+Unlike most of the other temples, it was enclosed by walls to exclude
+the light of day.  Following the windings of a narrow passage, the
+Numidian and the reluctant youth found themselves in a gallery within
+the temple, which appeared shrouded in gloom, except at the further end,
+where, above the altar, was seen, surrounded by pale lights, the statue
+of the goddess standing on a crescent moon, holding a globe in her hand;
+while before her were several closely-shorn, bare-footed priests,
+habited in linen garments, now bending low before her, now lifting up
+their hands in the attitude of prayer, while the whole area was filled
+with a multitude of persons in rapid motion, from whom issued cries and
+groans, above which could be distinguished the sound of the whips
+echoing through the edifice.
+
+For some minutes, Jovinian's eye, unaccustomed to the darkness, could
+not see what was taking place; but at length he perceived that all the
+persons below him were armed with whips, with which they were
+unmercifully flagellating, not each other, but their own bodies stripped
+naked to the waist.  Some, from their dark skins, were apparently
+Egyptians, but many among them were evidently Romans.  Now some of the
+priests, throwing off their robes, and seizing whips, which lay beside
+the altar, joined the mad throng, shouting and encouraging them to
+perseverance in the extraordinary performance.  While this scene was
+enacting, several other persons appeared, issuing from doors on either
+side of the altar.  Among them, Jovinian, to his surprise, distinguished
+his uncle Gaius, with Coecus and other pontiffs, who stood by, while a
+flamen, with his back to the people, lifted up his hands above his head,
+as if offering sacrifice to the goddess.
+
+"What can induce those people thus to torment themselves?" asked
+Jovinian.  "It appears to me as if they had all gone mad together!"
+
+"Know you not that we stand in the temple of the Queen of Heaven, the
+most ancient goddess known to mortals?" exclaimed the Numidian.  "These,
+her votaries, are thus inflicting pain on their bodies to purify
+themselves from sin, and be able to approach her shrine and merit her
+approval and affection."
+
+"Can it be possible that people are so ignorant as to suppose that any
+being of a divine nature can take pleasure in mortal suffering?" asked
+Jovinian.  "How different must she be to the true God, so full of mercy
+and loving-kindness, who delights in showering blessings on His
+worshippers!  Let us go hence; I can no longer stay to witness such
+egregious folly and wickedness."
+
+Still the Numidian seemed inclined to linger; but Jovinian, breaking
+from him, made his way towards the passage by which they had entered,
+and Eros was compelled to follow for fear of losing sight of his charge.
+Jovinian breathed more freely when he got into the open air.  He was
+too much lost in thought to make any further remark to his companion.
+As they proceeded on their walk they passed numerous shrines, before
+each of which Eros stopped, and lifting up his hands, invoked the idol,
+seeming to care very little which of the gods or goddesses it
+represented.
+
+"Can those marble figures render you any service, think you?" asked
+Jovinian, as they walked on.
+
+"I know not; but my betters say so, and it is as well to be on the safe
+side," answered the Numidian, with a shrug of his shoulders.
+
+"But suppose they represent demons instead of divine beings, if you
+invoke them they are more likely to do you harm than good; and knowing,
+as I do, that there is but one true, all-powerful God, I am sure that He
+does not allow any inferior creatures to interfere between Him and man,"
+replied Jovinian.  "We, who are His children through faith in His Son,
+can go direct to Him in prayer, requiring no other intercessor but our
+Lord and Master, nor any symbol to aid us in worshipping Him."
+
+"Yours seems a very simple faith; and if I thought that the one great
+and all-powerful God of whom you speak would hear my prayers and grant
+them, I would cease to worship all the gods and goddesses, whose very
+names I have a difficulty in remembering, and would trust only to Him,"
+answered Eros.
+
+"You would act most wisely and happily for yourself," said Jovinian.
+"Come with me into yonder building; I see several persons entering who,
+by their dress and demeanour, I know to be Christians."
+
+Eros made no objection.  The edifice was enclosed by a wall, which shut
+out those within from public gaze.  Passing through a door, they entered
+a spacious hall capable of containing several hundred persons.  No
+statues nor pictures were to be seen; at the further end was a raised
+desk, at which stood a lector or reader, while a higher desk at the same
+part of the building, formed like a rostrum, served for the preacher who
+was to address the congregation.  In the centre stood a long table, with
+seats round it, while the remainder of the area was filled with benches
+in rows, so arranged that their occupants could look towards the lector
+and preacher.  The building was filling fast; in a few minutes all the
+seats were occupied.  Shortly afterwards an aged man, habited in a toga,
+entering, took his seat on a chair close to the rostrum; then, standing
+up, after a minute of silent prayer, he gave out a hymn, in which the
+whole of the congregation joined.  Portions of the Gospel and Epistles
+were read; a prayer was then offered up, in which all the congregation
+joined.  After another hymn, the presbyter ascended the rostrum, and
+delivered an address.  It explained simply the principles of the
+Christian faith, and the plan of salvation offered by God to sinful man.
+Eros listened attentively, and drank in every word.  He sighed when it
+terminated.  Another hymn having been sung, the congregation began to
+separate.
+
+"Would that I could hear more of it!" the slave observed to Jovinian;
+"after this I can never again pray to the stocks and stones which I have
+hitherto called my gods."
+
+"You can come as often as you like; and there are several other places
+in Rome where assemblies of the faithful are wont to be held, thanks to
+the liberality of the emperor, who allows the Christians to meet
+everywhere as they desire," said Jovinian.  "But I would urge you to
+speak forthwith to the presbyter who delivered the discourse, or to the
+venerable overseer who presided; or, if you would prefer it, I would
+take you to the house of my relative Amulius.  He is always ready to
+give instruction; and there are some, I fear, holding false doctrines,
+who would mislead you as to the principles of our holy faith."
+
+"What, do you Christians differ from each other in your belief?" asked
+the Numidian, in a tone of surprise.
+
+"Alas!  I am told that there are many who call themselves Christians,
+holding opinions contrary to those taught by the Holy Scriptures," said
+Jovinian; "but they differ greatly one from the other.  Such was the
+case even in the time of the apostles, and we cannot expect it to be
+otherwise at present, when men in their pride of reason refuse to submit
+themselves to the plain teaching of Christ."
+
+"You appear to have thought much on these subjects, for one so young,"
+observed the Numidian.
+
+"I have been well instructed by those who know the truth, and have ever
+sought guidance from God's Holy Spirit," answered Jovinian.
+
+Eros was silent; he was pondering deeply on what he had heard.
+
+Jovinian, on his return to the college, retired to his room.  Gaius was
+still absent; he was too much engaged when he returned, fortunately for
+Jovinian, to question him as to where he had been during his walk.  The
+pontiff was acute enough to discover that he was not likely to win his
+nephew over to a belief in idolatry; but he hoped, by giving him the
+writings of the Greek philosophers, and of their numerous disciples and
+imitators of the present time, so to draw his mind away from the truth
+that he might be willing to enter into his schemes, and to become in
+reality a sceptic in all religious matters, as he was himself, with one
+exception: if, indeed, he had any belief, it was in the great goddess of
+Babylon--Astarte or Ashtaroth, the Queen of Heaven--whose worship,
+having spread through Asia into Egypt, had, with that of her son Horos,
+long been established in Italy under different names.  In Egypt she was
+known as Isis, in Rome as Bellona.  He, as was the case with the other
+pontiffs, had long been initiated into her mysteries, and he trusted
+that in time his nephew would be qualified to become one of her
+votaries.  Her worship had, indeed, ever been the most popular, and
+provided that could be maintained, he felt sure that it would
+successfully oppose the two principles of the Christian faith, which he
+understood to consist in the belief of one God and one mediator between
+God and man.  He was not aware of the power of simple faith when he thus
+entertained hopes of winning over his nephew, or that Jovinian went
+daily to the fountain-head to seek for that strength he so much needed
+in order to resist the temptations presented to him.  Jovinian soon
+discovered the tendency of the works his uncle gave him, and as he read
+he sought for grace to refute their sophistries; nor did he seek in
+vain.  He found, however, that it was wise not to enter into discussions
+with Gaius, who fully believed that ere long his nephew's faith would be
+completely overcome.  The pontiff now began to open his views to
+Jovinian, and to excite his ambition with the prospect, should he follow
+his advice, of becoming great and powerful, and ruling his
+fellow-creatures through their superstition, he frequently invited him
+out, taking the precaution to have a slave following close at hand to
+stop him should he attempt to escape, though he believed that there was
+now little probability of his doing so.  At length, so complete was the
+confidence he placed in him, that he allowed him to be present at the
+councils of the pontiffs, where, seated, his book in hand, at the
+further end of the hall, his presence was not observed.  Jovinian, very
+naturally, did not object to this, nor could he fail to be interested in
+the discussions he frequently overheard.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIX.
+
+A DEBATE.
+
+At length, one evening, the whole of the pontiffs of the sacred college
+were assembled, and it was evident from their manner that a matter of
+more than usual importance was to be brought forward.  The gods being
+invoked, and the usual forms hurried over, Coecus, who acted as
+president, rose.
+
+"Friends and brother pontiffs," he began, "disastrous news has reached
+me.  You well know that the emperor has long been favourable to the
+Christians.  He has now openly declared himself a convert to their
+faith.  His motive it is easy to perceive: he considers that the
+Christians throughout the empire already outnumber the followers of the
+ancient faith; and perchance he hopes to obtain pardon from the God of
+the Christians for the murder of his son, the hapless Crispus, of his
+wife, the traduced Fausta, of his nephew, and brother-in-law, Licinius,
+and the many others his jealousy has doomed to death.  Be that as it
+may, his acts show enmity to the ancient faith; he has already in the
+East destroyed numerous temples of the gods, and prohibited the
+celebration of many of those august mysteries which have existed from
+time immemorial.  Holding, as he does, the office of Pontifex Maximus,
+putting us and our holy college on one side, he has taken upon himself
+the right to raise the ministers of the Christians to high ranks and
+dignities, and has issued edicts accordingly, so that from henceforth
+those men whom we have hitherto looked down upon will, claiming the
+authority of the emperor, vaunt it over us; and, what is of more
+consequence, will obtain the revenues which have hitherto flowed into
+our coffers; while we, neglected and degraded, must sink into
+insignificance.  Are we, I ask, my friends, tamely to submit to such
+treatment?  Are no means to be found to arrest the progress of this
+pestiferous religion, which so many of wealth and rank are eagerly
+embracing, and which, now it has become fashionable at court, will still
+further increase?  Can no one suggest a scheme by which we may retain
+our office, and still, as of yore, govern the minds of the multitude?
+Unless some plan can be devised, I warn you all that our course is run,
+and penury and neglect must be our lot."
+
+Silence followed the address of Coecus--a groan alone now and then
+escaping from the bosoms of the pontiffs; for they had not watched the
+rapid increase of the Christian faith among all ranks without being
+conscious that the system which they supported was tottering to its
+base.  At length, one by one, they broke silence; but their proposals
+were treated as vain and useless by the sagacious Coecus.
+
+"We have but one resource, my friends," he answered; "far from giving
+way to despair, I feel confident that it will succeed, if carried out
+with due wisdom and secrecy.  But we must be united, and by forming
+strict rules for our guidance, we shall still retain our power and
+influence, and govern the minds, not only of the people of Rome, but of
+those of the nations subject to her.  We ourselves must become
+Christians!  Some few may doubt our conversion, but the great mass will
+gladly welcome us, and continue to pay us the honour we have hitherto
+received.  I say not this till after profound reflection.  Our sacred
+college will still exist, and by the exertion of our influence, we shall
+obtain the appointment of the bishops and presbyters of the Christians,
+chosen either from our own body or from among such men as we shall find
+ready to support us.  We shall have but to change the names of the gods.
+Already have many of the Christians begun to worship those whom they
+esteem holy or who were put to death in the times of Nero, Diocletian,
+and other emperors.  Their folly will greatly facilitate our object, and
+it will matter little to us under what names the immortal gods are
+worshipped.  We may, by proper caution, induce them to adore our own
+great goddess, the Queen of Heaven,--she who has been, shall be, and
+whose mysterious existence none among mortals can comprehend.  Be it
+known to you, my friends, that He whom these Nazarenes worship, the
+Prophet of Nazareth, was, they say, born of a woman; and surely, as they
+adore Him, so may they easily be induced to adore His mother; and it
+appears to me that they can be led away from the worship they pay to
+Him, to offer it to one whom we would present to them in the place of
+that human mother.  Thus shall we by degrees wean them from the faith
+they now hold,--if we cannot openly oppose the progress of this new
+religion, we can corrupt it,--and if the gods and goddesses of ancient
+Rome are overthrown, we can place other objects of worship in their
+stead, or re-name them, rather, from the persons whom the Christians are
+wont to regard with respect.  Those who have been taught to worship a
+dead Caesar will as willingly fall down before the statue of a woman
+whom they consider a saint; thus it will give us but little trouble to
+change the religious observances and ceremonies to which the people have
+been accustomed to suit the new religion.  Let us not, then, give way to
+despair: Rome will continue, as of yore, faithful to the worship of the
+ancient gods, and we, their priests, shall retain our power and
+influence."
+
+The scheme proposed by Coecus met with general approbation.  Jovinian
+had retained his seat, his eyes fixed on his manuscript, but attentively
+listening to all that was uttered.  The words he heard, "If we cannot
+overcome, we can corrupt," especially struck his ear; he was too well
+acquainted with the errors which had crept in among the assemblies of
+the Christians not to be sensible that even those who held the faith
+might be led astray: how much more easily might the ignorant idolaters
+be led to worship any objects presented to them!  As he sat motionless
+in his place of concealment, yet more of the scheme was revealed; the
+characters of the very persons who were to be made its instruments were
+discussed.  A feeling of horror and dismay crept over him.  Could he by
+any means be enabled to counteract it?  He resolved to take counsel of
+his aged friend, Gentianus.  So strictly had he hitherto been watched
+that he knew full well the difficulties to be encountered in making his
+escape; should his uncle Gaius discover that he had been present he
+would guard him still more closely.  He dared not move lest he might be
+seen; at present he was concealed from the assembled pontiffs by a
+pillar, but the slightest movement might betray him.  At length the
+conclave broke up, and drawing their togas around them, the pontiffs
+retired.  Jovinian, trembling at the thought of the dark scheme he had
+discovered, made his way back to his room.  Helpless as he was, he felt
+unable to do anything to counteract the plans of the conspirators, yet
+it was at all events his duty to make them known to the leading
+Christians of Rome; but whom among them could he trust besides Amulius,
+and Gentianus and his family?  The first, though a presbyter, and a
+faithful and earnest man, might not have the courage to denounce a
+person of power and influence like the pontiff Coecus, supported as he
+was not only by the members of his college, but by all the wealthy
+philosophers and idolaters in Rome.  Amulius might even doubt the
+accuracy of his statements; Gentianus was far more likely to believe
+them, could he manage to communicate with him.  Should, however, Gaius
+suspect that he had been present at the conference, he would be kept a
+far closer prisoner than before.  Was Eros to be trusted?  He could not
+have failed to discover that Jovinian had been absent from his room,--he
+might have informed Gaius of the fact.  Though Eros had professed to be
+deeply interested in what he had heard at the assembly of the
+Christians, it was doubtful whether he had been really converted; even
+if he were so, the dread of the consequences to himself should his
+captive regain his liberty, might prevent him from conniving at his
+escape.  Jovinian, therefore, felt it would be prudent not to trust him;
+and, eager as he was to get away, he endeavoured to appear reconciled to
+his lot.  From principle as well as from disposition, anything like
+duplicity was especially hateful to him, but he was driven to practise
+it, as affording him the only prospect of escaping from the thraldom in
+which he was held.  Gaius appeared to be completely deceived; he spoke
+more openly to his nephew than he had hitherto done, though at the same
+time he was too wary not to keep the same strict watch over him as at
+first.  He now frequently took him out when he went abroad to visit the
+temples to give directions to the flamens and to advise them how to
+comport themselves in the perilous circumstances in which they were
+placed.  One and all were alarmed at the information which constantly
+reached them of the emperor's opposition to the ancient faith, and the
+support and patronage he afforded the Christians.  Already numerous
+conversions had taken place among the patricians, as well as among
+persons of inferior rank; whole families who had hitherto appeared to be
+staunch idolaters now professed themselves Christians.  They not only
+met together openly for worship in several parts of the city, but had
+already begun to erect several churches; while money contributed by the
+faithful for the support of widows and orphans and others in distress
+flowed into the coffers of their bishop.  Wherever Gaius went the
+flamens met him with sad countenances; though after he had held
+conversation with them in private, they generally appeared to become
+more cheerful.
+
+He was one day paying a domiciliary visit to the temple of Apollo,
+having entered by the door sacred to the flamens in the rear of the
+edifice.  Gaius had a long conversation with the chief flamen while
+Jovinian was allowed to amuse himself with looking over some ancient
+manuscripts kept in a chest in the room in which they were sitting.  The
+flamen listened attentively to the remarks of his superior.
+
+"By the Immortals, we need not despair, Coecus guiding us!" he
+exclaimed; "whatever he proposes, he may depend on our carrying out to
+the letter."
+
+"Then listen, Flaccus," said Gaius; "we can no longer hide from the
+people the progress made by the new faith, or that it is patronised by
+the emperor; but we may persuade them that the gods are grieved at the
+abandonment of their ancient worship; or should a pestilence occur, or
+an earthquake, or a storm of unusual violence, we may easily make them
+believe that the infliction has been sent as a punishment for their
+infidelity.  Would that such would occur! it would help us greatly in
+our object.  In the meantime, we can employ such means as are at our
+disposal.  It would be well if we could make all the statues of the gods
+in Rome weep together, or roll their eyes, or groan in concert."
+
+"The thought is a bright one," answered Flaccus; "by means of
+arrangements in the interior of our statue we can reach the head, and
+through the two small holes in the corners of the eyes press forth from
+a sponge a rivulet of water, if we so wish.  I will then, from before
+the altar, announce the cause of the great Apollo's grief, and urge his
+votaries to renewed devotion, and to withstand the pernicious teachings
+of the Christians."
+
+"The temple is already well filled, and the sooner we play the--I mean,
+the sooner the miracle is performed the better, for delays are
+dangerous," said Gaius.
+
+"We might perform it at once," answered Flaccus; "but we require a boy
+of small size who can climb up into the head of the statue; and my own
+son, whom I can trust, is sick at home.  The youth yonder, however,
+though somewhat big, might manage to climb up without much difficulty."
+As he spoke he looked towards Jovinian.  "You can confide in him that he
+will not betray us?"
+
+"I am not certain on that point," answered Gaius; and calling to his
+nephew he desired him to swear that he would not reveal what he was
+about to communicate.
+
+"If lawful, I am ready to do whatever you desire," answered Jovinian.
+
+"Can it be otherwise, foolish boy, when I wish it?" exclaimed Gaius.
+"Know you not that I have the power to force you to do whatever I may
+require?"
+
+"I will, at all events, promise not to repeat whatever you may think fit
+to say to me," said Jovinian.
+
+"I wish you, then, simply to play off a trick upon the ignorant people
+collected in the temple," said Gaius.  "See here: all you have to do is
+to climb into the head of the statue through the trap which the flamen
+Licinius Flaccus will show you, and to press a sponge into the hollows
+of the eyes till you have emptied the amphora which you will take up
+with you.  Be not startled if you hear some deep groans close to your
+ears; they will be uttered by the flamens, and will serve to give more
+effect to the flowing of the tears."
+
+"Pardon me, but I cannot take part in such a device," answered Jovinian.
+"I have given my promise not to repeat what you have told me; but obey
+you in this matter I cannot."
+
+Gaius, whose aim was to gain the affections of his nephew, restrained
+his rising anger, and turning to the flamen, observed, "You must find
+some other boy of smaller size, for my nephew is, I suspect, too big
+properly to perform the task."
+
+"I am unwilling to lose this opportunity of working on the minds of the
+people," answered Flaccus; "I will, therefore, send for my son, or some
+other boy who can be trusted."
+
+He immediately went out.  While he was absent, Gaius lectured his
+nephew; but Jovinian was firm, and even ventured to expostulate on the
+subject with Gaius, who, however, only laughed at him for his folly, as
+he called it.  In a short time the flamen returned, bringing a short and
+slight lad, who was directed what to do.  Two of the flamens remained
+behind, while the rest entered the temple.  The boy was led to a
+trap-door at the back of the altar, while two flamens mounted to a
+gallery level with the head of the statue.  Presently groans were heard,
+so deep and mournful that it seemed scarcely possible they could be
+uttered by a human being, while cries and shouts arose from the temple,
+and the words which reached Jovinian's ears were, "The great god is
+weeping!  Apollo mourns!  Woe, woe to Rome!"
+
+He was thankful when at length Gaius, taking his hand, led him from the
+temple.  On their way through the streets they heard people talking of
+the wonderful miracle which had just been witnessed in the temple of
+Apollo.
+
+"The god sheds tears at the thoughts of being driven ignominiously from
+the city where he has so long dwelt!" exclaimed some.  "Did you hear how
+he groaned?  Fearful!  What will next happen?  It is a wonder the great
+Jove and all the gods did not descend from their pedestals and drive
+these Nazarene infidels into the Tiber."
+
+"It would be a worthy deed, and well-pleasing to the Immortals, if you,
+who carry weapons, were to attack the wretches, and treat them as they
+deserve," whispered Gaius to the crowd of idolaters among whom he was
+making his way.  Just then a line of twelve lictors appeared carrying
+the fasces, making way for one of the consuls, who walked along with
+dignified pace on some official business.
+
+"Silly people!" he remarked, as he heard the exclamations of the crowd;
+"you will, ere long, see the statues of the Nazarene saints weeping if
+you obstinately refuse to follow the faith our august emperor has
+adopted."
+
+He smiled as he saluted Gaius, and their eyes met; but the presence of
+the lictors restrained them, and they separated, going towards their
+respective homes.  Gaius did not speak a word to Jovinian till they
+reached the college.  "Go to your room: I will follow you there," said
+the pontiff to his nephew, in a sterner tone than he was wont to use.
+Jovinian was prepared for a severe lecture.  He prayed that he might
+have grace to act consistently with his profession.  In a short time
+Gaius appeared, and having ordered Eros, who was at his post, to retire,
+he threw himself on the couch by the table on which Jovinian's books
+were placed.
+
+"Of what folly have you been guilty!" he exclaimed; "what induced you to
+refuse to take part in a harmless deceit, such as has been frequently
+practised on occasions of necessity, when it has been important to
+awaken the slumbering faith of the votaries of the gods?  Know you not
+that it is one of our chief maxims that deceit of any sort is lawful
+when the result is likely to prove beneficial, and that evil may be done
+provided a good object is to be attained?  You have been miserably
+taught if you do not understand this."
+
+"According to the precepts of the faith I hold, no deception can be
+practised and no evil done without offending a pure and a holy God, who
+looks upon all deceit as sinful, and cannot sanction the slightest
+approach to sin," answered Jovinian, boldly.  "I could not, without
+offending Him whom I serve, have assisted in the imposture practised on
+the ignorant multitude.  I promised not to speak of what I heard, or I
+would tell the people of the trick played upon them, and thus win them
+to the worship of the one true God."
+
+"What is this I hear?" exclaimed Gaius; "I had hopes that you had been
+weaned from your folly, and would have been ready to follow the career I
+have marked out for you.  Should I disown you and turn you out into the
+world, by what means can you support your miserable existence?"
+
+"The Lord I desire to serve cares for those who love Him," answered
+Jovinian, without hesitation.  "I have no fear of what man can do to me.
+I speak with no disrespect to you, my uncle--I am ready to obey you in
+all things lawful."
+
+"You are a foolish and obstinate boy," exclaimed Gaius.  "I will,
+however, give you a further trial.  Only do as I desire, and you may
+retain your Christian faith; but if you thwart my plans, I must use
+sterner measures than I have hitherto adopted.  Perhaps ere long you
+will discover that I am not so much opposed to the faith of the
+Nazarenes as you now fancy."
+
+Gains rose, and leaving Jovinian to reflect on what he had said,
+returned to the hall, where the other pontiffs were assembled to discuss
+the subject which now occupied all their thoughts.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVEN.
+
+THE ESCAPE.
+
+Jovinian's position became excessively trying.  He was more strictly
+watched than before; it was evident that Gaius had lost all confidence
+in him.  Still he did not abandon the hope of escaping; he did not wish
+to commit Eros, who, should he connive at his escape, would be severely
+punished; he had, however, hopes that the mind of the Numidian was
+gradually opening to spiritual truth.  Whenever Gaius was abroad, and
+Eros had no fear of being interrupted, he entered Jovinian's room, and
+begged him to read from the wonderful book he possessed.  This Jovinian
+gladly did, and the humble slave gradually began to comprehend the faith
+which his proud master rejected.  Though Jovinian was convinced that
+Eros had become a true Christian, yet still he would not tempt him to
+assist in his escape.  Eros had early become interested in his young
+captive; he was now deeply attached to him.  He observed with an eye of
+affection that the confinement to which he was subjected was injuring
+his health.  "He requires fresh air and exercise, and the society of
+those of like mind," Eros said to himself.  "I must persuade the pontiff
+to let him go out as before, or, if my petition is refused, I will run
+all risks, and give him his liberty.  He has not asked me to set him
+free, because he believes I should be the sufferer; but, as he has given
+me the greatest blessing I can enjoy on earth, I am bound, in gratitude,
+to enable him to do what his heart desires."
+
+With these thoughts in his mind, Eros went to his master, and strongly
+urged that, unless the young Jovinian were allowed to go out and breathe
+the pure air, he would fall sick, and very likely die.  His request was
+granted much more easily than he had expected.
+
+"Take him forth, then," answered Gaius; "but beware, slave, lest the
+youth escape your vigilance; you will be answerable with your life for
+his safe custody."
+
+"The life of the slave is in the hands of his master," answered Eros.
+"The air is fresh and cool; a walk into the country will restore vigour
+to his limbs and the colour to his pale cheek."
+
+"See to it, and let me hear a better account of him," observed the
+pontiff, as the slave left his presence.
+
+"Joyful news I bring!" said Eros, as he entered the chamber; "we may set
+off without delay.  Let me advise you not to leave your gospel behind,
+nor any article that you value."
+
+Jovinian did not enquire why Eros gave this advice, but gladly
+accompanied the slave into the open air.
+
+"In what direction shall we go?" he asked.
+
+"We will take the way at the foot of the Palatine, and along the banks
+of the Tiber," answered Eros; "then round by the Aventine hill, and
+return home by the Flavian amphitheatre."
+
+"That seems a somewhat long circuit to make," replied Jovinian.
+
+"The fresh air will enable you to enjoy it, and possibly you may be
+induced to prolong your walk," replied the Numidian.  Every step they
+took Jovinian felt inclined to proceed farther and farther.  Instead,
+however, of following the road along the bank of the river, Eros turned
+off to the left, and passing through the nearest gate of the city,
+struck directly across the country.  They had gone on for some distance,
+when a female was seen approaching them.  She stopped as she observed
+Jovinian.  "Surely I know you!" she exclaimed, taking his hands, "though
+grown so much and become so manly.  Have you forgotten Rufina?"
+
+"No, indeed! never can I forget one who was ever so faithful to my
+beloved mother," answered Jovinian: "but how happens it that we have
+thus met?"
+
+"I have long been watching for you," answered Rufina, in a low voice,
+drawing Jovinian aside.  "There are some friends not far off who greatly
+desire to embrace you--one especially, by whom your mother Livia was
+greatly beloved: Eugenia, now the wife of the presbyter Severus--and
+should you desire to escape from the thraldom in which you are held,
+they will afford you a secure asylum where the pontiff Gaius can never
+find you.  Fear not," she added, as she observed Jovinian glance towards
+Eros; "the Numidian will not stop you.  I have communicated with him,
+and promised to secure his safety.  Though he may not accompany you, he
+can no longer willingly serve a heathen master, and the price of his
+freedom has been provided."
+
+"Can you assure me of this?" asked Jovinian.  "Much as I desire to
+obtain my liberty, I would not risk the safety of Eros, now that he is a
+Christian; and terrible would be his punishment were Gaius to discover
+that he had willingly allowed me to escape."
+
+"I will speak to him, and his answer shall convince you that I am not
+mistaken," said Rufina; and, advancing towards Eros, she told him what
+Jovinian had said, adding, "I will now bid you farewell."
+
+"I desire not to impede you from going whithersoever you wish, though
+grieved that I may not accompany you," said Eros.  "My prayer is that we
+shall soon meet again, and that I may serve you as a freedman; and I
+rejoice to know that no longer as a slave shall I be compelled to act
+the guard and spy upon you.  Farewell, Jovinian: Rufina forbids me to
+follow your footsteps, or I would thankfully accompany you.  But do not
+be alarmed about my safety; she has provided a refuge where I can remain
+concealed, for I would avoid the enmity of Gaius,--he is aware that I
+know too many of the secrets of the college to allow me to retain my
+liberty, or even my life, could he get me into his power."
+
+Jovinian, satisfied on hearing that Eros was cared for, followed Rufina,
+who hastily led him along over the uncultivated country, which even in
+her palmiest days surrounded the city, till they reached one of the
+entrances to those subterranean labyrinths which have already been
+described.  Jovinian followed her without hesitation; he had been well
+acquainted with them in his younger days, when he had dwelt in
+concealment with his mother and many other Christians.  A well-trimmed
+lamp, which Rufina found within, enabled her to guide him through the
+intricate turnings of the labyrinth.  Although several years had elapsed
+since he had entered them, he recognised, as they went along, many of
+the tombs of those who had departed in the faith.  She stopped suddenly
+before one of them; he read the inscription on it.  "Livia, the
+well-beloved!  She rests in Christ."  The symbol above it was a dove,
+with an anchor carved on its breast.  He gazed at it earnestly, and knew
+at once that it indicated his mother's tomb.
+
+"They brought her here to rest in peace, as she desired.  And may I ever
+possess that sure and certain hope, the anchor of the soul, which
+enabled her to endure without wavering the storms and trials of life,"
+he mused.
+
+Rufina stopped to throw a light on the slab, unwilling to interrupt his
+meditations, and remained without speaking.  At length she observed, "We
+must hurry on, or the oil in the lamp may be exhausted before we reach
+our destination."
+
+They continued their course, proceeding along several galleries,--now
+descending some flights of steps, now ascending others,--till they
+reached a slab of stone, which resembled many they had passed, let into
+the wall, with rude inscriptions on them.  Rufina knocked three times on
+the slab with a small mallet which she carried in her basket.  Placing
+her ear against the slab, she listened, when, in the course of a few
+minutes, she heard the sound of a bolt being withdrawn, and the stone
+slowly swung back, allowing an opening sufficiently large for a person
+to pass through.  Rufina taking the hand of her young companion, they
+entered, when the slab was immediately closed behind them.  So rapid had
+been their movements, that to any one following them they would seem to
+have vanished.  The janitor, a humble fossor, after saluting Rufina as a
+sister, led them on to the end of a long passage, when another door, of
+a similar character to the first, being opened for them to pass through,
+they found themselves, after advancing a short distance further, at the
+entrance of a small hall, from the roof of which hung a silver lamp, its
+rays casting a pale light on several persons assembled within.  Jovinian
+hung back, not recognising those he saw before him; but no sooner had
+Rufina stated who he was than he heard himself greeted by friendly
+voices.
+
+"Welcome, son of our well-beloved: thou hast been faithful as she was!"
+said the aged Gentianus, who was seated at a table in the centre of the
+hall.  He drew Jovinian towards him, and placing his hand on the lad's
+head, gazed into his face as he spoke.  "We indeed rejoice that you have
+escaped from the power of the pontiff Gaius, and still more that you
+have resisted the temptations he offered you to depart from the faith.
+May the Holy Spirit ever strengthen and support you in the fiery trials
+you may be called on to go through.  The mystery of iniquity doth
+already work, and who shall escape its toils?  Those alone who cling
+fast to Christ.  May you be among them, my son!"
+
+Much more to the same effect was said by the patrician Gentianus, when
+his daughter Eugenia, and her husband Severus, advancing, welcomed
+Jovinian.  His mother's dearest friend was well disposed to treat him
+with affection.  By her side was a young girl--her daughter Julia.  As
+the maiden took his hand, Jovinian gazed at her with admiration.  Her
+lovely features beamed with intelligence, and the light of Christian
+virtue.  Firm in the faith, had the days of persecution returned she
+would have been ready to suffer martyrdom rather than renounce the
+Saviour who had bought her.  Since their childhood Jovinian and Julia
+had not met, for Gentianus and his household had resided far away to the
+south, on the sunny slopes of the Apennines, where he and Severus had
+devoted themselves to the spreading of the truth among their heathen
+neighbours of all ranks.  They had lately returned, called by important
+business, both secular and on matters relating to the Church; but,
+warned of the undying hostility of Coecus the pontiff, they had judged
+it prudent to take up their residence in their former abode, whence,
+undiscovered, they could communicate freely with their friends in the
+city, and afford an asylum to those Christian converts who might be
+compelled to escape from the malice of their idolatrous relatives.
+There was persecution even in those days; for though heathenism, as a
+system, was crumbling away, and few of the better educated or wealthy
+believed in the myths of the gods of Olympus, yet many clung to the
+ancient faith, or rather to its form, simply because it was ancient, and
+their ancestors were supposed to have believed in it.  These persons in
+most instances treated with supreme contempt, and often with great
+cruelty, any of their relatives or dependents who openly professed a
+belief in Christ, refusing to have any transactions with them, and
+endeavouring to ruin or drive them into exile.  Still more terrible were
+the penalties inflicted by the sacerdotal orders on any of their number
+who, abandoning idolatry, embraced the truth.  If unable to escape from
+Rome, the dagger or poison too generally overtook them.  Their safest
+place of refuge was in the subterranean galleries in which Jovinian now
+found himself.  Thus it happened that he met numerous visitors at the
+abode of Gentianus.  He had been conversing with his old friends, when
+he saw emerging into the light a lady of radiant beauty, habited in
+white, without the slightest ornament on her dress or head, a purple
+band round her forehead confining her close-cut hair.  A second glance
+convinced him that he had seen her before, seated in a silver chariot on
+the day of the procession.
+
+"Who is she?" he asked of Julia.
+
+"She is the vestal Marcia," was the answer.  "Already the light of truth
+has entered the dark recesses of the temple; Marcia has received it, and
+would escape from the thraldom in which she is held, but that she has a
+young sister, Coelia, also a vestal, who is yet undecided.  Coelia has
+heard the Gospel, and imbibed many of its truths, but the shackles of
+superstition are still around her; and while she dreads the malignity of
+Coecus should he discover that her faith in the false goddess has been
+shaken, she cannot resolve on flight.  Marcia has come to seek counsel
+of Gentianus on the matter."
+
+"Surely he will advise her to urge her sister no longer to delay!" urged
+Jovinian.  "Would that I could tell her all that I know of that fearful
+man!  He will hesitate at no deed, however dark, so that he may attain
+his ends."
+
+Taking Jovinian's hand, Julia, rapid in all her actions, made him known
+to Marcia.  He, being under no vow of secrecy with regard to the aims of
+the pontiffs, briefly explained them to her.
+
+"And are such the men who have so long directed the rites and ceremonies
+of the time-honoured religion of Rome!" she exclaimed.  "Alas! how have
+we been duped.  They themselves do not even believe in the false gods
+they pretend to worship."
+
+"Not only have they long held sway over the religious affairs of
+idolatrous Rome, but will continue to lead and govern in our future
+Rome, unless her sons and daughters adhere to the simple truths of our
+holy faith as taught by the apostles in the blessed Gospel," said
+Gentianus, solemnly.
+
+These words sank deeply into Jovinian's mind.  He never forgot them.
+
+The vestal Marcia, having a dark robe thrown over her white dress,
+conducted by the guide--a Christian slave like Rufina, who had brought
+her to the abode of Gentianus--returned to the temple of Vesta.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHT.
+
+RELICS.
+
+Several days passed by.  The small company in this remote portion of
+those vast galleries waited anxiously for news from the upper world.
+They had themselves no fear of discovery; for treachery alone, which
+they had no cause to dread, could betray their retreat.  Other parts,
+however, of that underground labyrinth were frequently visited by large
+numbers of Christians from the city; and that he might converse with
+them, Severus, accompanied by Jovinian, guided by an aged fossor,
+traversed the galleries in various directions.  What he saw and heard
+caused him deep grief as he passed by the groups he here and there found
+assembled.  Some had come to visit the tombs of relatives or friends
+slain during the Diocletian persecutions, or who had died in later days.
+They were standing with arms outstretched, and open palms.  Several
+were praying aloud.  Severus stopped to listen.
+
+"Cease, friend, cease, I entreat you!" he exclaimed.  "Is it possible
+that you, a Christian, can be addressing the spirit of a departed
+brother?  Have you so learnt Christ?  Know you not that His ear is ever
+open to our prayers; that His heart beats in sympathy with all in
+distress; and that you are dishonouring Him by attempting to employ any
+other mediator between God the Father and ourselves than our one sole
+great High-priest, the risen Saviour of the world!"
+
+Some to whom Severus spoke stared without answering; others defended the
+practice, which had lately, copied from the heathens, been creeping in
+among professing Christians; a few only listened respectfully to the
+arguments the presbyter brought against it.
+
+Severus and his companions passed on till they reached some vaults, or
+rather enlargements of the galleries.  Here numerous persons were
+assembled, employed in eating and drinking before the tombs contained
+within the walls.  They were holding love-feasts in commemoration of
+their departed friends; but already the simplicity of the custom had
+been changed, as was shown by the flushed brows of several of the
+revellers; while some, more abstemious, were kneeling or prostrate on
+the ground, offering up prayers to the dead martyrs.
+
+Severus, before passing on, warned them of their sin and folly.  "O
+foolish people, whence have you derived these revellings, this custom of
+praying to the dead?  Surely from the idolaters by whom you are
+surrounded!" he exclaimed.  "Instead of being lights shining in the
+midst of a dark world, you have become as the blind leaders of the
+blind.  Beware, lest the light you have be altogether taken away!"
+
+Guided by the aged fossor, he and his companions made their way to those
+parts where in the days of the earlier persecutions the bodies of the
+few martyrs which had been rescued by their friends had been deposited.
+Great was the astonishment of Severus to find several persons with
+pickaxes and spades engaged in breaking open the tombs, and placing the
+mouldering remains in metal and wooden boxes.
+
+"Why are you thus disturbing the bodies of the departed saints?" he
+exclaimed, as he stopped among them.  "Could you not allow them to rest
+till summoned to rise by the trump of the archangel?  Whither are you
+about to convey them?  How do you intend to dispose of them?"
+
+No one at first replied to those questions.
+
+At length one, who appeared to be a deacon or exorcist, advancing,
+answered, "We have been assured that the bones of martyrs can cure
+diseases of all sorts, and work many other miracles; and as few can come
+here to benefit by them, we are about to convey the sacred relics to
+shrines where all may visit them; and some we would send to foreign
+lands, where they may assist in spreading the blessed Gospel."
+
+"Say rather, O foolish men, where they may tend to confirm the heathen
+in their ignorance.  The very idea is taken from the idolaters, who
+worship blocks and stones, or any objects presented to them by their
+false priests.  Could, even in their lifetime, these departed saints
+have cured any of the maladies which flesh is heir to?  Then much less
+can their poor rotting bones, which ere long will be dust.  With which
+of those bones, with which of those particles of dust, will their
+spirits be pleased to dwell, in order to impart such healing power?  Oh,
+folly unspeakable! to think that the saints of God have further concern
+with the frail tenement they have shaken off!  They are with Christ, to
+whom alone let me urge you to address your prayers.  His arm is not
+shortened; His love is not lessened.  As he healed the sick when he
+walked on earth, so can He cure if He thinks fit those who apply to
+Him."
+
+Much more Severus said; and he was continuing to address the people,
+some of whom were moved by his arguments, when a cry was raised that
+soldiers were in the galleries.  Presently the ruddy glare of torches
+was seen in the far distance.
+
+"Hasten this way," cried the fossor, who suspected that, whatever the
+object of the soldiers' visit, those he had in charge might be placed in
+danger.  Severus and Jovinian followed him, as he rapidly retreated in a
+direction opposite to that in which the lights were seen.  Loud shouts
+were heard echoing through the galleries.  It was evident that the
+soldiers were in pursuit of some one.  The sounds drew nearer.  The
+fossor ran as fast as his aged limbs would allow; his companions
+supporting him.  Numerous long passages were traversed.
+
+"The soldiers have a guide with them, or they would not venture thus
+far," said the fossor; "but we may still escape them."
+
+As he spoke he led the way through a narrow opening.  Severus followed;
+Jovinian was about to do so, but he turned for a moment to ascertain the
+distance their pursuers still were from them.  He then passed through
+the opening, but the light from the fossor's lantern was not visible, he
+feared to cry out, lest his voice might betray him.  He groped his way
+forward with outstretched arms.  He felt convinced that of two passages
+he had taken the wrong one.  He turned to retrace his steps.  In a few
+seconds a bright light flashed in his eyes, and he found himself in the
+hands, of several Roman soldiers, who roughly demanded what had become
+of his companions.
+
+When Jovinian and Eros made their escape from the college Gaius was
+absent, and was not expected to return till the next morning.  Of this
+the Numidian was aware, and had taken advantage of the occasion.
+
+On the return of the pontiff, somewhat later in the day than usual, when
+he inquired for his nephew, he was told by a slave, afraid of speaking
+the truth, that Jovinian had gone forth to walk with Eros, and had not
+yet come back.  Supposing that they had simply taken advantage of the
+permission he had granted, he took no further trouble about the matter,
+but, throwing himself on a couch, called for a cup of Falernian to
+quench his thirst.  He was about to order a second when Coecus entered.
+A frown was on his brow, and his countenance wore a moody aspect.  He
+sat down opposite to Gaius, who, looking up, observed, "If aught
+troubles you, follow my example, and quaff a cup or two of this generous
+wine.  Nothing so effectually dissipates the mists which are apt to
+gather at times round our brains and obscure the vision."
+
+Coecus turned his eyes away with an expression of contempt from his
+convivial companion, and muttered something inaudible.  "I have ample
+cause for anger and annoyance," he said, at length.  "What think you?
+This pestiferous doctrine of the Nazarenes has found its way even into
+the temple of Vesta.  On entering unexpectedly, as it proved, to visit
+our fair charges, I found the vestal Coelia, who ought to have been
+attending to the sacred fire, so absorbed in reading a book that the
+flames were almost extinguished.  She started on seeing me, and
+endeavoured to conceal the roll; but I snatched it from her, and as I
+glanced my eye over the pages, great was my astonishment and indignation
+to discover that it was not the production of one of our poets, which I
+might have pardoned her for reading, but a portion of what the Nazarenes
+call their Scriptures!  I cast it on the altar, and, as it was
+consuming, I watched the expression of grief which overspread her
+countenance, as if she were beholding the destruction of some precious
+object.  I demanded whence she had obtained the roll, but she stubbornly
+refused to inform me.  I threatened her with condign punishment; but,
+folding her arms on her bosom, she claimed her right as a Roman maiden
+to peruse a work approved of by Augustus.  `As a vestal, sworn to obey
+the rules of your order, you have no right to read what may shake your
+confidence in the great goddess to whom your life is dedicated,' I
+answered.  Much more I said, using persuasions and threats to learn how
+she had obtained the roll, and whether others in the temple had imbibed
+any of these Christian doctrines.  Vain, however, were all my efforts.
+I did not expect to find one so young and gentle so determined.  I
+reminded her that she might be condemned for breaking her vows, and of
+the fearful punishment which would follow.  She smiled, as if she dared
+my power.  While we were speaking the sacred fire went out.  She seemed
+in no way appalled, but handing me two pieces of wood from a felix
+arbour, suggested that I should at once re-light it.  As in duty bound I
+should have scourged her for her neglect, but her youth and beauty
+forbade such a proceeding, especially as I had been partly the cause of
+the catastrophe.  I followed her advice, and the flame soon burned up
+again brightly.  Reminding her of the double punishment she had
+incurred, I sent another vestal to take her place, and delivered her
+over to the charge of the Vestalis Maxima, with strict injunctions to
+the venerable dame to keep a strict watch over her movements, and to
+report to me all she says, and with whom she holds communication.  We
+must afford her liberty, or it will be difficult to convict her.  It is
+a question for consideration whether we should assert the supremacy of
+our ancient laws, and make an example of the vestal Coelia--there will
+be no difficulty in proving that she has broken her vows--or whether the
+time has arrived for assuming the masks we have designed, and at once
+declaring ourselves convinced of the truth of the Christian doctrine."
+
+"I dread the task we should impose on ourselves if we turn Christians,
+and would therefore defer the day as long as possible," answered Gaius,
+stretching himself on his couch.
+
+"In that case the vestal Coelia must die," said Coecus, in a calm tone.
+"We can have no half measures.  If we do not swim with the tide, we must
+stamp out this creed at once."
+
+"No easy matter, considering, as I understand, that it has existed
+well-nigh three hundred years, in spite of all the efforts made to
+destroy it, since a certain Paul, a man of no mean ability, visited our
+city on several occasions," observed Gaius.  "Had our fathers known in
+those days to what this doctrine was tending, they would have nipped it
+in the bud, and we should have been saved a vast amount of trouble."
+
+"It is useless regretting the past," said Coecus; "we must keep our eyes
+steadily fixed on the future.  But, I repeat, that I have no hope of
+destroying the name of Christian."
+
+
+
+CHAPTER NINE.
+
+THE CAPTURED RESCUED.
+
+Coecus, finding that his companion had fallen asleep, set himself to
+consider his plans with regard to the hapless Coelia.  He held to the
+opinions put forth by some of the leading heathen philosophers of that
+age, that the end justifies the means, and no feeling of compunction as
+to the cruel fate he designed for the young vestal entered his heart.
+He was of the material of which arch-inquisitors were in after years to
+be made.  There would be no difficulty in that corrupt city to obtain
+evidence to condemn his victim, as well as to prove that the partner of
+her supposed guilt had escaped.  After resting for some time, he went
+forth again to make the arrangements he had determined on.
+
+When, late in the day, Gaius awoke, he sent for his nephew, and, after
+some inquiries, discovered that Jovinian and Eros had been absent since
+the previous forenoon.  At first he could not bring himself to believe
+that they had really escaped; but his inquiries at length convinced him
+of the fact, and, moreover, that Eros had been known to accompany
+Jovinian to some of the Christian places of worship.  "Then the wretched
+slave has himself been led to embrace this new doctrine," he exclaimed.
+"It may be suited to such as he; but, notwithstanding, if I can capture
+him, he shall be made to pay the full penalty of his crime."
+
+The pontiff was, in truth, as much annoyed as it was in his nature to
+be; but he was disposed to vent his anger on the head of Eros rather
+than on that of his nephew.
+
+Several days passed by, and no information could he obtain as to where
+the fugitives were concealed.  From a few words let drop by Coecus, he
+at length began to hope that he might recover Jovinian.  The chief
+pontiff had heard that the man he hated above all others on earth--the
+presbyter Severus--was again in the neighbourhood of Rome; and from the
+friendship which had existed between his sister and Eugenia, he
+suspected that Jovinian, if he knew of her abode, would have gone there.
+What Coecus intended to do he did not say, but the muttered threats of
+vengeance in which he indulged showed the evil feelings rankling in his
+bosom.  Assassins were to be found, even in those days, to perform any
+deed of blood required of them; vice was rampant; and crimes of all
+soils were committed with comparative impunity.  But Rome even thus was
+purer than it became in after ages; the people had been taught to
+respect the laws, criminals did not always escape the arm of justice,
+and no inconsiderable Christian community, leading pure and faultless
+lives, leavened the mass, and contributed to keep the heathen in check.
+
+Coecus had to proceed with more caution than suited his bold and
+impulsive character.  He succeeded, however, in persuading the chief
+civil authorities that there were some persons with designs dangerous to
+the state concealed in the underground galleries in the neighbourhood of
+the city, and in obtaining a guard of soldiers to search for them.  He,
+with some difficulty, obtained a guide who professed to be acquainted
+with all the intricate turnings of the galleries, and, moreover, to know
+Severus and Eugenia by sight.  Coecus, who was well aware that
+considerable danger might attend the expedition, had no intention of
+accompanying it, but remained in Rome, indulging himself in the hope
+that he should at length destroy his old rival, or get him into his
+power, while he at the same time exulted in the idea that, from the
+measures he was taking, he should prolong the existence of idolatry as
+the religion of the state.  One of his plans was to organise another
+procession in honour of one of the gods, similar to that which has been
+described; for such spectacles, he knew, were at all times attractive to
+the populace, and it mattered little to them whether Bacchus, Apollo,
+Venus, or any other divinity had the most prominent position in the
+exhibition.
+
+He had given directions to the vestals to prepare for the ceremony, in
+which, as usual, they would be expected to take a leading part; and he
+guessed that, should any besides Coelia be tainted with the new
+doctrines, they would endeavour to escape appearing on the occasion.
+Coelia herself remained under the strict charge of the Vestalis Maxima,
+whose office was in later days to be represented by that of the mother
+superior of a nunnery.  The Vestalis Fausta being long past her prime,
+and having spent her life within the walls of the temple, had no
+interests beyond them.  Her temper had become soured, her better
+feelings seared; and being thus a willing instrument in the hands of the
+pontiffs, she was ready to execute any act of tyranny and cruelty they
+might direct.  Her mind, narrowed by the dull routine of duties she had
+so long performed, she was a devout worshipper of the goddess she
+served; and she heard with the utmost horror and dismay that one of
+those under her charge had embraced the hated doctrines of those whom
+she called the atheist Nazarenes.  Poor Coelia had no hope of mercy from
+such a person.  Marcia, finding that she herself was not suspected, kept
+her own counsel, determined at all costs to rescue her friend.  It was a
+sore trial to her, for she felt herself guilty of dishonouring Christ
+while continuing to serve in the temple of a false deity.
+
+The pontiffs, meantime, were busily engaged in arranging the details of
+the procession.  Gaius troubled himself less than the other pontiffs
+about the matter.  He especially disliked the exertion of the long march
+through the city, and he doubted whether the result would be as
+satisfactory as Coecus anticipated.  He was seated in the college, when
+it was announced that a female slave desired to see him.  He directed
+that she should be admitted, when Rufina entered.  Taking a bag of coin
+from under her cloak, she, without hesitation advanced to where he sat.
+
+"I have come to bring the price of one who was your slave, but desires
+manumission," she said calmly, offering the bag of money to the pontiff.
+"It contains thirty solidi, the full value you can claim for Eros, he
+of whom I speak," she continued, seeing that Gaius did not put forth his
+hand to receive the bag.  "Me might have escaped beyond pursuit, and
+allowed you to lose his value, but, as a Christian, he knows that such
+would be wrong, and therefore I have been sent to pay it into your
+hands."
+
+"The Numidian Eros a Christian! such an idea is folly!" exclaimed Gaius,
+starting up with more animation in his tone and manner than he had
+hitherto shown.  "If he is a Christian, he thus only adds to his crime.
+The money he must have stolen--probably from me; I refuse, however, to
+receive it.  Let him return to the bondage from which he has escaped, or
+if I discover him he will rue the consequences.  And for yourself, girl,
+as you have ventured in here, unless you inform me where he is hidden,
+and will promise to assist in his recovery, I will detain you and punish
+you as you deserve with the scourge."
+
+"I came to do the bidding of my master; and should any harm befall me,
+there is one to whom he will appeal for justice--the emperor," answered
+Rufina, without betraying the slightest fear.  "You dare not detain me.
+Again I offer the value of your once slave, and, though you refuse, I
+have fulfilled my duty, and must be gone."
+
+Gaius was almost speechless at what he considered the unexampled
+audacity of the slave girl; and as he still refused to take the bag,
+Rufina, while he was considering what to do, turned, and left the hall.
+Before her figure had disappeared among the marble columns he started
+up, and summoning one of his attendants, often employed in secret
+matters, he directed him to follow Rufina, but to keep himself
+concealed, to obtain what assistance he might require and not to return
+without bringing back Eros and Jovinian as his captives.  The slave,
+instantly comprehending what was required of him, started off to execute
+his master's orders.
+
+The pontiff sank down again upon his couch.  "Though I have lost the
+solidi, I shall have the satisfaction of wreaking my vengeance on the
+head of the Numidian,--and, what is of more consequence, shall recover
+my graceless nephew," he said to himself, stretching out his arms and
+giving a yawn.  "Ungrateful as he has been, I will still afford him
+another chance."
+
+On the appearance of Coecus, Gaius told him of the hopes he entertained
+of recovering Jovinian and his runaway slave.
+
+"The vile wretch of whom you speak must receive the full penalty of his
+crime, or we shall have all the slaves in Rome turning Christians and
+claiming their freedom," observed Coecus.  "As to your nephew, the bed
+of the Tiber will be the safest place to which you can consign him.  The
+young atheist, with the early training he has received, will never
+become a trustworthy supporter of the ancient gods."
+
+"I will try him, notwithstanding," answered Gaius; "but I have not
+caught him yet."
+
+Several more days passed by; but neither Jovinian nor Eros had been
+captured, and Gaius began to fear that he had lost his money and his
+revenge.
+
+The pontiffs had been seated in conclave, and were on the point of
+separating, when a message was brought to Gaius.  A gleam of
+satisfaction passed over his countenance.
+
+"Stay, fathers, for a few moments," he said.  "A rascally slave who,
+forsooth, has taken it into his head to turn Christian, and to decamp,
+moreover, with my nephew, of whom he had charge, has been captured, I
+would question the vile wretch as to what has become of the youth; and
+failing to draw forth the information, as I think likely, we will make
+some sport of the slave before he is sent off to receive the punishment
+he merits."
+
+The countenance of Coecus exhibited a look of disgust, as if he had no
+desire to be troubled in the matter; but three or four of the other
+pontiffs acquiescing, Gaius directed that the Numidian should be brought
+in.  Eros soon appeared, heavily manacled, with a guard of four armed
+men, who watched narrowly every movement he made, and kept their weapons
+ready for use, as if they feared that even now he would endeavour to
+escape.
+
+The prisoner advanced with an undaunted countenance, and head erect, as
+if perfectly fearless of the stern judges before whom he stood.  In vain
+Gaius inquired what had become of Jovinian.  Eros replied that he had
+parted from him outside the gates, that he had gone with a friend, and
+that more about him he knew not.  He acknowledged without hesitation
+that he had sinned against his master in allowing the youth committed to
+his charge to depart, and that he was ready to pay the penalty of his
+fault.  "Wretched being! you have heaped crime upon crime," exclaimed
+Gaius: "you have endeavoured to escape from slavery, you have disobeyed
+my commands, and, as I understand, deny the existence of the immortal
+gods, and, following the example of the impious Nazarenes, refuse to
+worship them."
+
+"I worship One who is willing and able to save me, who died that I might
+be set free, and who has forgiven me all my sins," answered the
+Numidian.
+
+"What blasphemy is this we hear!" exclaimed several of the pontiffs in
+chorus.  "He does not deny his crime, and yet talks of his sins being
+forgiven.  Away with him.  Let the cross be his doom!"
+
+Gains, who had no wish to lose the services of a valuable slave, pleaded
+that a less severe doom than death would be sufficient, and suggested
+that instead he should be subjected to the ordinary punishment inflicted
+on runaway slaves--that of being hung up by the hands with weights
+attached to his feet, exposed to the noonday sun till he should faint
+from exhaustion.  The other pontiffs, however, were inexorable.  The
+slave had been brought before them for trial, and his death alone would
+satisfy their cruelty.  Perhaps they took a secret pleasure in annoying
+their brother pontiff.
+
+Coecus decided the matter, though he had apparently taken no interest in
+the discussion.  "Let the wretch die the vilest of deaths.  He has
+dishonoured the immortal gods!" he muttered.  "It may advance our cause,
+as it will serve to bring into contempt the name of their founder, when
+the Christians see a base slave suffering the death he was said to have
+endured."
+
+Short time was allowed to the Numidian to prepare for his doom.  He was
+to suffer not as a martyr, but as a runaway slave.  Strictly guarded all
+night, he passed it in prayer and in singing hymns to the Saviour he had
+so lately learnt to love and trust.  Early in the morning he was led
+forth to be conducted outside the city, bearing on his shoulders a heavy
+beam with a crosspiece attached, on which his arms were to be extended
+till death should put an end to his sufferings.
+
+As Eros, staggering under the heavy weight of the cross, proceeded
+through the streets of Rome, many there were who looked on with horror
+and dismay at the spectacle.  Coecus, more thoughtful than Gaius, had
+provided a guard, for he well knew that the Christians were already
+sufficiently numerous and powerful to have effected a rescue should they
+have discovered that he was really suffering for holding to the faith of
+the Gospel.  A crowd had collected, and was following, composed chiefly
+of such idlers as are invariably attracted by any spectacle, though it
+may even be to see a fellow-creature put to death.  Gaius and some of
+the other pontiffs walked at some distance behind, the motives which
+induced them to come being in no way superior to that of the vulgar
+mass.  The condemned slave and his guards had proceeded some distance,
+when a litter, preceded by a lictor, was seen approaching.  It stopped,
+for the crowd was too dense to allow it to pass; Eros cast up his eyes,
+and met those of the vestal Marcia, horror-struck at what she saw.  The
+love of life, the dread of the torture prepared for him, prompted the
+condemned slave.  Throwing down his burden, before his guards could stop
+him, he sprang towards the litter, and, clasping the vestal's feet,
+claimed her protection.
+
+"It is given," she answered.  "Citizens of Rome, the right is mine, as
+you all know, to set this criminal free.  Let no man lay hands on him."
+
+"He is free! he is free!" shouted several persons from among the crowd.
+"The ancient laws of Rome must be supported."
+
+The guards and some others seemed unwilling to be disappointed of their
+prey, but the lictors kept them off; and some, evidently recognising
+Eros as a Christian, gathering round, bore him off out of sight just as
+Gaius and his companions arrived on the spot.  They dared not disallow
+the claim made by Marcia, for it had been the privilege of the vestals
+from time immemorial, should they meet a criminal going to execution, to
+demand his release, provided the encounter was accidental, and that such
+was the case in this instance there appeared to be no doubt.
+
+Marcia proceeded on her way, and Gaius, who was not altogether
+displeased at the occurrence, as he hoped to recover his slave, returned
+to the college.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TEN.
+
+THE TRIAL OF THE VESTAL.
+
+The vestal Coelia was summoned to undergo her trial before the college
+of pontiffs seated in council.
+
+She stood looking pale but undaunted in their presence.  The pontiff
+Coecus was her judge, and at the same time one of her accusers.  With
+the others she was not allowed to be confronted.
+
+She acknowledged without hesitation that the sacred fire had gone out
+while under her charge, and she condescended so far to defend herself as
+to remind Coecus that it was in consequence of his holding her for so
+long a time in conversation.  She confessed also that she had been
+reading a book held in respect by the Nazarenes, and she claimed the
+right of a free-born Roman to peruse the work, which was one well known
+to be approved of by the emperor.
+
+"You may have a right to read that or any other work, but not to imbibe
+the principles of that accursed sect which it advocates," answered
+Coecus; "and that you do hold them you have acknowledged to me."
+
+"And I pray for grace that I may hold them to the end," replied Coelia,
+looking the pontiff calmly in the face as she held her hands clasped
+hanging down before her.
+
+"She admits that the sacred fire was extinguished in consequence of her
+carelessness," exclaimed Coecus, turning to the other pontiffs; "nor
+does she express the slightest regret at her horrible sin.  One guilty
+of so terrible a crime is capable of committing any other wickedness,
+however odious; and that she has done so, and that she has broken her
+vows, has been proved by the witnesses we have examined.  That she is no
+longer worthy of being numbered among the vestals of Rome, I have
+already placed sufficient evidence before you."
+
+Coecus read over the false accusation which had been brought against the
+vestal.  The guilty participator of her crime had escaped, he observed,
+but would undoubtedly be captured.  Still, from the oaths of the several
+witnesses--which he named--her guilt was evident.
+
+A flush mantled on the brow of the young vestal as she heard herself
+accused of a crime so foreign to her nature; yet she did not quail
+before that of her stern judge and accuser.
+
+"You know, and these my other judges know, that I am innocent," she
+said, in a voice which trembled but slightly.  "If I am to be put to
+death, I am ready to die, if you have a right to destroy me, as a Roman
+maiden, with fame unsullied; I am guilty only of no longer believing in
+the goddess to whom in my childhood and ignorance my vows were made.  I
+confess myself a Christian, and confess also that I desire to escape
+from longer serving the false goddess in whom you pretend to believe.
+But I indignantly deny the terrible accusation brought against me, which
+you yourself know to be utterly false."
+
+"Away with the girl: terror has made her mad!" cried the enraged
+pontiff, forgetting the dignity of his position, and shaking his fists
+fiercely at the accused maiden.
+
+Coelia did not reply, but raising her hands to heaven--the only time she
+had altered the position which she had from the first maintained--she
+implored that protection which He in whom she believed was able and
+willing to afford.
+
+She did not deign to plead to her cruel judges.  She saw clearly that,
+for some object of their own, they had pre-determined on her
+destruction.  She calmly waited to hear what more they had to say.
+
+Coecus, standing up, pronounced her doom--that which from time
+immemorial had been inflicted on vestals who had been guilty of breaking
+their vows.
+
+Her garments--worn by the vestals--and badges of office were to be taken
+from her, and she was to be habited as a corpse, placed in a litter, and
+borne through the Forum, attended by her relatives and friends, with all
+the ceremony of a real funeral.  Then she was to be carried to the
+Campus Sceleratus, situated close to the Colline Gate, just within the
+city walls.  In this spot a small vault underground, as in other cases,
+would have been prepared.  It would contain a couch, a lamp, and a
+table, with a jar of water and a small amount of food.
+
+Had the Pontifex Maximus been in Rome, it would have been his duty to
+take a chief part in the ceremony.  Having lifted up his hands, he would
+have opened the litter, led forth the culprit, and placed her on the
+steps of the ladder by which she would be compelled to descend to the
+subterranean cell, and he would there have delivered her over to the
+common executioner and his assistants.  They would lead her down into
+her living tomb, draw up the ladder, and then fill in the passage to the
+vault with earth so as to make the surface level with the surrounding
+ground.
+
+Here the hapless vestal, deprived of all marks of respect ordinarily
+paid to the spirits of the departed, would be left to perish miserably
+by starvation, should terror not have previously deprived her of life.
+
+Such was the doom pronounced on Coelia.
+
+She heard it unmoved, and walked with unfaltering steps between two of
+the officers of the pontiff, to be delivered back to Fausta, the
+Vestalis Maxima, who was in waiting to receive her.  Not an expression
+of pity escaped the lips of the old vestal, although she knew as well as
+Coecus that Coelia was innocent of the graver crime of which she was
+charged.  But her heart had become hardened and scathed; not a grain of
+sympathy for her fellow-creatures remained in her bosom.
+
+She believed she was acting in a way pleasing to the goddess she served;
+and she would have been ready to sacrifice her nearest relatives, if by
+so doing she would have advanced the cause of idolatry.  She was aware
+that she no longer retained the affection of any of the vestals under
+her charge.  Marsh and irritable, she ruled them with a rod of iron; and
+believed that the service of the temple was never so faithfully
+performed as it had been since she became its principal priestess.
+Fausta has since had countless imitators, most of whom have been as
+completely deceived as she was.
+
+Coelia was conducted back to the cell in which she had before been
+confined, beneath the floor of the temple, where only the coarsest
+viands were allowed her to sustain nature.  She was guarded night and
+day by two vestals, who were directed to summon assistance should they
+require it.  Coecus was satisfied that the death of the vestal would
+prove to the multitude that the ancient religion of Rome was still
+paramount, notwithstanding the predilections of the emperor in favour of
+Christianity, and the privileges he was inclined to grant to the
+Nazarenes.  He therefore hardened his heart against all feeling of pity
+at the terrible fate about to be inflicted on the innocent maiden, and
+now prepared, with all the energy of his nature, to make arrangements
+for the grand procession about to take place, and which he had resolved
+should precede the cruel ceremony he had determined to carry out.  He
+was well aware that the Emperor Constantine would forbid so barbarous an
+act; but as he was engaged in the East in building his new city, it was
+impossible for him to hear of it for a long time to come, and although,
+when he became cognisant of what had occurred, he would undoubtedly
+blame the pontiffs, Coecus believed that he and the other members of the
+college had yet sufficient influence in Rome to set even Augustus
+himself at defiance.
+
+The day broke bright and beautiful.  All the altars in the temples and
+the shrines in the streets were gaily decorated with wreaths and
+flowers; while banners and gaily-coloured cloths were hung out from the
+windows, or over the walls of the private houses, in the streets through
+which the procession was to pass.  As usual, numbers of religious
+mendicants--belonging to a brotherhood devoted to begging--with huge
+satchels on their backs, and figures of gods or demigods in their hands,
+were on foot, eager to collect contributions from the multitude
+assembled on the occasion.  The members of several other heathen
+brotherhoods also might have been seen hurrying through the city, to
+take their part in the spectacle.
+
+Now the procession streamed forth from the temple of Flora, which formed
+one of a line of magnificent temples extending from the Flavian
+amphitheatre to the north of the Palatine and Capitoline hills--that of
+Rome and Venus being the most easterly, and nearest to the amphitheatre.
+As it appeared, shouts of joy and applause were raised by the
+multitude.  There had been no lack of persons ready to perform the duty
+of carrying the banners and figures of the gods and the goddesses.
+Coecus had also secured the assistance of as large a number of the
+female part of the population as he could collect, for he believed that
+could he keep them attached to the old faith, there would be less danger
+of their husbands becoming its opponents.  Some hundreds of dames and
+damsels dressed in white, their heads adorned with glittering jewels and
+bright wreaths, issued from the temple, scattering handfuls of flowers
+before and around them.  Bands of musicians performed their most lively
+airs suited to the occasion; vast numbers of young children, dressed
+likewise in white, with floral ornaments, chanted at intervals hymns in
+honour of the goddess.  Priests also, of numerous temples, with shorn
+crowns, there were, carrying banners or figures of the gods they served,
+or sacred relics.  The heathen magistrates and officers of state had
+willingly consented to attend and exhibit themselves in the procession,
+although the Christians had universally refused, under any pretence, to
+take a part in the idolatrous performance.  Coecus, as he watched the
+pageant winding its enormous length along the streets, the banners and
+gilded statues glittering in the sun, before he took his accustomed
+place with his brother pontiffs, felt satisfied that the larger portion
+of the population of Rome still sided with them.
+
+Gaius alone, as he walked along, muttered not a few expressions of
+discontent.  "To say the least of it, these processions are a bore," he
+grumbled.  "They may please the mob, but sensible men ridicule them; and
+we who superintend them, and have thus to parade through the streets,
+have become the laughing-stock of all the wise men and philosophers.  It
+will in no way benefit us, notwithstanding the trouble we take in the
+matter: how completely I have failed of convincing my young nephew of
+the advisability of the worship of the immortal gods his running away
+and refusing to return is strong evidence.  As to putting to death this
+poor girl Coelia, I do not half like it.  The emperor will visit us with
+his anger should her Christian friends prove her innocence, as they are
+sure to attempt doing.  They are wonderfully active in defending their
+own friends, when they can do so by means of the law, without having
+recourse to force.  This may be on account of their mean and timid
+spirits; though it is said that they fight well in battle, and that the
+emperor places great dependence on their courage and fidelity.  Well,
+well, `Times change, and we must change with them,' as one of our poets
+sings; but for my part I would rather have retained our old-fashioned
+ways.  What has endured so long must be the best.  The oldest religion
+cannot but be the right one, at all events most suited to the multitude,
+while it has not failed to bring a copious revenue into our coffers, and
+that, after all, is the matter of chief consequence to us.  All the
+accounts, however, which come from Byzantium show that Augustus is
+becoming more and more inclined to favour these Christians.  I wish that
+Coecus hid not been so obstinate, and would at once have consented to
+abandon our failing cause."
+
+When passing close to the Arch of Constantino, which had been erected
+after the visit of the emperor to Rome close to the Flavian
+amphitheatre, he glanced up at it with a look of contempt.  "What can be
+expected of our Romans nowadays, when the whole architectural talent of
+our city can only produce a monstrosity like that!" he observed to a
+brother pontiff walking next to him.  "`The times are changed, and we
+must change with them,'" he repeated, "if we wish to retain our
+position."
+
+The other pontiff only shook his head, and groaned.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER ELEVEN.
+
+RELEASED.
+
+As the procession moved along towards the Sacra Via, Gaius observed a
+number of persons of a better class standing aloof, and watching it with
+looks far removed from admiration.  Although the most earnest Christians
+kept away from such exhibitions, there were several people of good
+position who he knew had embraced the new faith, while there were
+others, among whom he recognised a poet, an architect, a sculptor, two
+or three philosophers, and some other men of intellect, who, although
+not Christians, he suspected had no belief in the immortal gods of Rome,
+as they were wont to look with most supreme contempt on spectacles such
+as that in which he was taking a part.
+
+"There they stand, sneering at us," he muttered; "perhaps they come to
+look as they believe it to be for the last time at our gods and
+goddesses parading our city; but they are mistaken,--our old divinities
+will hold their places still in the faith and affections of the people,
+albeit they may be habited in somewhat different garments."
+
+Now and then the eye of Gaius caught that of some young gallant, who
+nodded to him familiarly, and smiled at his evident annoyance as he
+endeavoured to keep up his dignity.  The procession moved along towards
+the Capitoline Hill, on which stood the great temple of Jupiter, where
+the chief ceremonies of the day were to be performed.  The people waved
+garlands, and shouted, the more devout prostrating themselves before the
+statues as they passed along, until the hill was gained.  Coecus had
+taken care to have a large number of animals ready for the sacrifice, so
+that the people might not be stinted in their expected portions of meat.
+He well knew that they chiefly valued these ceremonies for the food
+they were certain to obtain after them.
+
+The procession once more filed off through the streets, depositing the
+figures of the gods and goddesses in their respective temples and
+shrines; but the business of the day was not over.  Coecus and his
+brother pontiffs had undertaken to superintend a ceremony of a very
+different character.
+
+On arriving at the temple of Vesta they there found Fausta prepared for
+the part she was to play.  Within the court was seen a litter closely
+covered in, borne by men with shrouded faces, and habited in dark robes.
+Its appearance was lugubrious in the extreme.
+
+"Have you prepared the guilty creature for her just doom?" asked Coecus
+of the Vestalis Maxima.
+
+"She awaits you in her cell," answered Fausta; "but you have not as yet
+inflicted the scourging--which, according to the ancient custom, she
+should suffer."
+
+"We will omit it in her case," answered Coecus, with whom his brother
+pontiffs had previously pleaded, even their minds revolting at causing
+one so young and innocent to suffer such degradation.  "It would of
+necessity have to be inflicted in private; therefore, no one will know
+whether or not she has suffered.  No object therefore will be gained,"
+observed Coecus.
+
+"Are we in these days thus to neglect our ancient customs?" exclaimed
+Fausta.  "That she is young and beautiful is no reason why she should
+escape the punishment which is her due."
+
+The pontiff made no reply; perhaps even he discerned the love of cruelty
+which the remark of the ancient priestess exhibited.
+
+"I am thankful I have not to submit to the discipline which the old
+virgin is inclined to inflict on her disciples," muttered Gaius.  "I
+would as lief see a tigress deprived of her cubs placed in charge of a
+flock of sheep as a band of young maidens given to the custody of a
+bitter old woman like Fausta.  If they were not inclined to act
+naughtily before, they would be driven to do so, in very despair, when
+subject to her tender mercies."
+
+"We can delay no longer," said Coecus to the elder vestal; "let the
+criminal be brought forth and placed in the litter."
+
+His orders were obeyed.  After a short interval a figure, closely
+veiled, in coarse attire, was conducted out, and unresistingly placed in
+the litter.  Coecus then gave the word to the bearers and attendants to
+move on.  Fausta and three other vestals accompanied the funeral
+procession, but no weeping relatives and friends--as in most instances
+would have been the case--followed Coelia.  She was alone in the world,
+without loving kindred.  Her male relations were far away with the
+armies of the emperor, and her mother, sisters, and female connexions,
+had been removed by death since she, in her extreme youth, had been
+dedicated by her heathen father to the service of the goddess.
+
+She was thus considered a fit victim, whose barbarous fate there was no
+one to revenge.  Marcia had spoken of her as her sister, but she was a
+sister only of the affections.  Slowly the mournful procession moved on,
+and a stranger would have supposed that a corpse was being borne to the
+funeral pile; but those who watched at a distance knew well--from the
+direction it was taking, to the Campus Sceleratus--that there was a
+terrible fate prepared for the occupant of the litter.  Such a spectacle
+had not been for a long time seen in Rome, and did not fail to attract a
+large number of the population.
+
+Gaius, who was looking about him, remarked amongst the crowd a
+considerable number of persons whom he knew to be Christians, who walked
+along with sad and averted looks.  Some he recognised as presbyters and
+deacons, and other officers of the Christian Church.  He felt no little
+surprise at seeing them: he even fancied that he saw the Christian
+bishop; but as his costume differed but slightly from the rest of the
+people, he was uncertain that such was the case.  Me did not feel
+altogether satisfied about the matter; but still, as they were unarmed,
+he believed that, even should they feel inclined to rescue the doomed
+vestal, they would not make the attempt.  "What can it mean?" said he to
+himself.  "I wish that Coecus had left the matter alone; it is my belief
+that we shall gain nothing by the death of this young creature, and we
+shall have much greater difficulty hereafter, when we pretend to turn
+Christians, in persuading these presbyters and others that we are in
+earnest.  However, it is too late now to expostulate with him.  Coecus
+is a man who, having once determined on carrying out an object, is not
+to be deterred from it."  The Campus Sceleratus was at length reached.
+It was a gloomy spot, and was called the Campus Sceleratus, because it
+was here that vestal virgins convicted of breaking their vows had for
+ages past been entombed alive; for even although doomed to this fearful
+punishment, they retained the privilege of being interred within the
+walls.  Ruin and desolation reigned around, for only the poorest and
+most abandoned were willing to erect their abodes in the neighbourhood
+of a spot deemed accursed.  Beyond rose the dark walls erected around
+the city--a sign of the degeneracy of the inhabitants, whose breasts and
+stout arms in former days had been considered sufficient for its
+protection.  Near it was the Porta Collina, from whence started two
+important roads (the Via Salaria and the Via Nomentana), passing close
+to the enormous baths erected by the Emperor Diocletian.  Thus, people
+from all parts of the city had easy access to the spot.  A large crowd
+soon collected.  Even some of the frequenters of the bath sauntered
+forth, prompted by their curiosity to see what was taking place.
+
+Coecus had kept his intention a secret; how it had become known he could
+not tell.  Although he wished to have some spectators who were likely to
+approve of his proceedings, he had no desire to have them witnessed by
+so large and mixed a concourse.  Still, he was determined to go through
+with what he had undertaken.
+
+The litter stopped near the centre of the field, on the summit of a
+slight elevation.
+
+The earth turned up in heaps showed the entrance to the horrible tomb
+prepared for the hapless vestal.  The sun was now sinking behind the
+Pincian hill, but still shot forth its rays above the trees which
+crowned its summit, and lighted up the dark litter and those who stood
+around.  In the hollow below were the fossors, with the public
+executioner and his attendants, ready to receive the doomed vestal and
+to lead her into her tomb.  Coecus, who had to perform the part which
+would have been taken by the Pontifex Maximus--a dignity long held by
+the emperors, as it was still by Constantino--raised his hands to the
+skies; but his words, if he uttered any, were not heard.  He then gave
+directions to the bearers to place the litter on the ground, and
+advanced, in order to lead forth his victim.  He started back.  Without
+assistance a figure rose from within, and stepped forth, when, casting
+off the dark garment which shrouded her, instead of Coelia, the vestal
+Marcia, in her white robes, with a purple fillet encircling her brow,
+appeared in all her radiant beauty.
+
+"She whom you cruel men would have destroyed has escaped!" she said.
+"Me you cannot accuse of the crime with which you falsely charged her.
+My eyes have been opened; from henceforth no longer will I serve your
+false goddesses!  I declare myself a Christian, and appeal for
+protection to the emperor.  Ah! you dare not stop me," she added, as
+Coecus, hoping that what she had said had not been heard by those
+around, stepped forward to grasp her arm.  At the same moment several
+persons were seen approaching, who were at once perceived to be
+presbyters and other men of influence in the Christian Church.  They
+were attended by several lictors and other officers of the law.
+
+Coecus drew back as Marcia spoke, but his presence of mind did not
+desert him.
+
+"I see that there is One who protects the Christians more powerful than
+the gods of the ancients," he exclaimed.  "We were ignorantly
+endeavouring to perform what we considered our duty; but it is evident
+that a miracle--of which I have heard the Christians speak--has been
+wrought.  Brother pontiffs, what say you?  For my own part I am inclined
+to embrace the faith which has become that of the fair and beautiful
+Marcia."
+
+"Anything you please," muttered Gaius in a low voice; "but it seems to
+me that we have gained but little by this proceeding."
+
+Coecus, however, was, as has been seen, a man of prompt action.
+Ordering the fossors to fill in the tomb, he declared that from
+henceforth no vestal should be buried on that spot.  He expressed his
+belief that he had been greatly deceived by some of the witnesses who
+had been suborned to swear falsely against the innocent Coelia.  He then
+advanced towards Amulius, and the other presbyters, and expressed his
+wish to be instructed in their faith.  "I will," he added, "in the
+meantime retain my position as chief of the pontiffs; but it shall be
+that we may together design the means of advancing further the Christian
+religion."
+
+Whether or not Amulius and the other presbyters trusted to the
+expressions of Coecus it was difficult to say, but the larger number of
+persons among the crowd, many of whom were Christians, believed him;
+while the idolaters, who had been wont to look up to him as the director
+of their religious mysteries, were unable to comprehend the meaning of
+the wonderful change which had taken place.  That the chief pontiff of
+Rome, who had clung to her idolatries, and even defied the emperor after
+he had expressed himself openly in favour of the new faith, should thus
+suddenly declare his intention of becoming a Christian, seemed to them a
+thing altogether incomprehensible.
+
+The first rejoiced under the idea that they had gained a great accession
+to their strength, since the chief of their opponents had thus openly
+declared himself willing to become one of their number; while to the
+crowd of heathens it was a matter of indifference, so long as they
+should receive their accustomed doles of food, and could enjoy the
+spectacles with which they had so long been indulged.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER TWELVE.
+
+CAPTURED.
+
+When Jovinian found himself in the hands of the Roman soldier, he
+naturally struggled to get free.  He was held fast, however, by the man
+who had seized him.
+
+"Why, by Mars, I believe he must be the youth we were sent to look for
+with the slave Eros whom we captured yesterday and took back to his
+master, the pontiff Gaius," exclaimed the soldier, holding his torch so
+that the light fell on Jovinian's countenance.
+
+"Whether or not you speak the truth, I am a Roman citizen, guilty of no
+crime, with perfect right, prompted by whatever cause, to visit these
+galleries," answered Jovinian, feeling that his best course was to put a
+bold face upon the matter, and not to exhibit any signs of fear.
+
+"You cannot deny that you are the youth we are in search of--the nephew
+of the pontiff Gaius," said the soldier.  "Although we may have missed
+the larger game we were sent to hunt down, we have secured you, and
+shall obtain the reward promised us; so come along."
+
+"What! and give up the search for the others we expected to capture!"
+observed another soldier.  "The youth was in company with two or more
+persons.  Will you consent to lead us to where your friends are
+concealed?" he continued, addressing Jovinian; "it will be well for you
+if you do, for if we take them we will allow you to go free."  So
+debased was the soldier, that it did not occur to him that he was making
+a proposal which was sure to be refused, "I know not where those you
+speak of have gone, nor would I lead you to them if I did," answered
+Jovinian.  "I insist, however, on being set at liberty.  By what
+authority do you detain me?"
+
+"By that of the grip I have on your arm," answered the soldier,
+laughing; "your boldness proves you to be the youth we were sent to look
+after; so come along, I say, and if you will not show us the way your
+friends have taken we must try and find it ourselves."
+
+While the man was speaking some of his companions discovered the gallery
+along which Jovinian had been endeavouring to make his escape.  "This
+way, this way!" cried several of the soldiers; "they must have gone down
+here, and we shall soon overtake them."
+
+The party, dragging Jovinian with them, entered the gallery; but he
+observed that most of their torches were nearly burnt out, and he knew
+that if they continued on long they would be left in total darkness.
+This, however, the soldiers did not appear to have thought of.  Jovinian
+was relieved of all anxiety about his friend Severus and the fossor from
+finding the soldiers proceeding along the gallery by which he had at
+first attempted to escape until convinced that it was not the path he
+ought to have followed.  What he had expected soon happened: first one
+torch went out, then another.
+
+"We must beat a retreat, or we shall be losing our way," said the man
+who held him, calling to his comrades.  "No time to lose!  Quick!
+quick!--our safest plan is to retreat by the road we entered; let all
+the torches be put out except one, which will suffice to guide us; these
+galleries have no end, they say, or may conduct, for what I know, to the
+infernal regions."
+
+Even the plan proposed availed the party but little.  They had made
+their way much farther than they supposed along the galleries.
+
+The first torch was quickly burnt out, a second and third were soon
+after extinguished; and in a short time, before they had got to any
+great distance from the entrance to the gallery where Jovinian had been
+captured, the torch alone of the soldier who held him by the arm was
+left alight.
+
+"Here, Bassus," said his captor, addressing a comrade, "hold him fast
+and bring him along.  I will go ahead and lead the way, or we shall be
+left in darkness."
+
+The speaker hurried forward, and Jovinian felt his arm clasped by his
+fresh guardian.
+
+Directly afterwards the other man, in his eagerness, stumbled over a
+block of stone, and dropped his torch into a pool of water, by which it
+was immediately extinguished.  The men groped their way in the direction
+they had before been going.  "On! on!" cried their leader: "we must
+escape from this as fast as we can."
+
+Other passages turned off from the gallery they had been following; and,
+as a natural consequence, some of the men went into one of them, others
+into a second, and more into a third, and then, suspecting that they
+were going wrong, they tried to retrace their steps, and in a short time
+completely lost themselves.
+
+Jovinian and his guard had not gone far when the latter whispered to
+him, "If you know the road out of this, and wish to make your escape,
+you are welcome to do so.  It is my belief that we shall be all lost in
+this labyrinth; the further we go the less hope there will be for you.
+I would not involve you in our destruction.  I am a Christian, and would
+gladly accompany you, but I must not desert my comrades."  As Bassus
+spoke he released his captive's arm.
+
+Jovinian was at first inclined to doubt the man, but this last remark
+convinced him that Bassus was a follower of the Lord.
+
+"If you will accompany me I will try and find the way," he said; "and
+would rather have you with me than be alone."
+
+"No, no; go, and save yourself," said Bassus.  "I am committing a
+military crime in letting you go; but I feel sure that I shall never be
+questioned on the subject."
+
+At length Jovinian, finding that he could not persuade Bassus to
+accompany him, took his advice.  With arms outstretched before him, he
+hastened along the gallery away from the soldiers.  He had carefully
+noted the distance he had come since leaving the mouth of the passage
+along which Severus and the fossor, he was now satisfied, had proceeded.
+He hoped that they would come back and look for him, and if not, that
+he might be led by Providence to the abode of Gentianus.  For some time
+he could hear the soldiers shouting to each other, but their cries grew
+fainter and fainter.  The entrance to the gallery he was seeking for was
+on the left side, and then he ought, he supposed, to take the first
+opening on the right, instead, as he had before done, of going straight
+forward.  On he went, but in the darkness his progress was of necessity
+very slow; still, as he had the path mapped, as it were, clearly in his
+mind, he proceeded without hesitation.  At last he entered the gallery
+he was seeking for.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER THIRTEEN.
+
+THE ASSASSINS.
+
+The way before Jovinian was now unknown, and he had to walk with the
+greatest caution.  He might meet with some pit, or hole, or flight of
+steps, or the gallery might turn off abruptly to the right or left.  He
+had heard that persons had been lost in these galleries, and wandered
+about for days, unable to find their way out, when they had sunk down
+from hunger and fatigue, and died.  These were, however, heathens who
+had gone in pursuit of the Christian fugitives.  The God of the
+Christians, he knew, would be watching over him; he, therefore, had no
+cowardly fears, but went forward in the full confidence that he would be
+protected.
+
+Even with a torch the undertaking would have been a difficult one.  It
+appeared to him that he had gone on for half an hour or more.  Every now
+and then he shouted out, in the hope that Severus might hear him; but no
+answer came to his cries, except an occasional echo from the galleries
+on either hand.  He remembered that he and his friends had proceeded a
+considerable distance before they encountered the soldiers, so that it
+must of necessity take him a long time to get back.  He was surprised
+that Severus and the fossor had not come to look for him, feeling
+confident that he was following the gallery they had taken.  How much
+longer he wandered on he could scarcely tell.  At times he felt almost
+inclined to sit down in despair; but then he said to himself, "He who
+watches over Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps; I will trust to Him,"
+and with renewed courage he went on.  Although he might not discover the
+abode of Gentianus, or find his way out of the catacomb, he was sure to
+encounter some of the persons who might come to visit the tombs of the
+martyrs, or to pray at the graves of their relatives, and they would
+certainly render him all the assistance in their power.
+
+It also occurred to him that other parties might have been sent in
+search of Gentianus and Severus, and it would be dangerous to fall into
+their hands.
+
+He might conceal himself, however, should he discover any
+suspicious-looking persons approaching.  He was too anxious to
+experience any sensation of hunger; but he at length began to feel very
+weary.  He fancied, indeed, that he must already have been groping his
+way for several hours.  If so, he could hardly have proceeded in a
+straight line, and might, for aught he could tell, be actually turning
+back in the direction from which he had come.  "Had I myself only to
+depend on, such might be the case!--but the God of love and mercy will
+lead me; I will trust Him," he exclaimed.
+
+Becoming accustomed to the darkness, he found that he could move much
+faster than at first, and, with his hands stretched out, the instant his
+fingers came in contact with the rock, he was able easily to avoid it.
+At length his feet struck against a slab of stone.  It was the facing of
+a tomb, which had never been placed in its intended position.  This
+showed him that he was in a part of the galleries likely to be visited,
+and reminded him also that he might probably stumble over other similar
+impediments.
+
+He sat down to rest, at the same time listening for a sound which might
+assist to guide him, should persons perchance be in any of the
+neighbouring galleries.  He had sat thus for some time, and was on the
+point of moving onwards, when a faint cry reached his ear; it came from
+the direction towards which he had been proceeding, he had gone a few
+paces, when he saw a light streaming along the gallery, on the left.  He
+hurried towards it.  As he approached the spot from whence the light
+shone forth, he observed that it issued from a lantern held by a female,
+whom he recognised as Rufina.  Another female was bending over a person
+who lay stretched on the ground.  The first was Julia, the other
+Eugenia, whom she appeared to be endeavouring to restore to animation,
+uttering, at the same time, expressions of grief and endearment.  "Oh,
+mother! mother! speak to me," she exclaimed.  "Revive! the danger is
+over; we have escaped our pursuers, and are safe here!"  So engaged were
+Julia and Rufina in their efforts to recall Eugenia to consciousness
+that they had not heard Jovinian approach.  Rufina, her ear catching the
+sound of footsteps, at length perceived him.  At first she cast towards
+him a look of alarm, but discovering who he was, she uttered an
+exclamation of joy.  "Here is Jovinian, dear lady," she exclaimed; "your
+husband Severus cannot be far off, and we shall be able to escape from
+the wretches who were following us."  From what Jovinian heard, he knew
+that Severus and his guide must still be wandering about the galleries,
+or else that they had been overtaken by some of the parties sent to
+capture them.  Unwilling, however, to deprive his friends of the hopes
+Rufina had endeavoured to raise, he did not express his fears; but,
+kneeling down by the side of Eugenia, he tried to assist Julia and
+Rufina in restoring her to animation.
+
+"There is a fountain near," he said; "I heard the sound of the water
+bubbling forth as I came along: very likely a cup or basin may have been
+left near it to enable passers-by to drink; let me take the lantern, and
+I will quickly return."
+
+"Oh, go! go!" said Julia; "we shall not fear to remain in darkness."
+
+He was not disappointed in his expectations; a small metal cup was
+placed in a niche by the side of the rock, out of which the water
+bubbled forth, making its escape by some hidden course beneath the
+ground.  This showed that the gallery must be frequently visited.
+
+Jovinian hastened back with the cool liquid, with which Julia bathed her
+mother's brow and lips, pouring a small quantity down her throat.
+
+Julia thanked him more by her looks than with her lips.  "Oh, see! she
+is reviving now," she exclaimed.
+
+After a short time Eugenia was able to sit up, and declared herself
+strong enough to proceed, should it be necessary.
+
+"We are as safe here as in any other part of the gallery," observed
+Rufina.  "Should any person approach, we can seek for shelter in one of
+the many passages which turn off close to us."
+
+Eugenia's first inquiry was for her husband.
+
+"I trust that he is safe," answered Jovinian; and he then described how
+he had been parted from him.  His answer appeared rather to increase
+than to calm Eugenia's alarm.  Jovinian now inquired of Rufina what had
+caused them to take to flight; for he was unwilling to question either
+Julia or her mother, who was, indeed, little able to answer him.
+
+"It was I who have been the instrument in God's hands of warning them of
+the dangers with which they were threatened, and of assisting them to
+escape from their heathen enemies," answered Rufina.  "It happened in
+this wise: Eros had ventured forth, unwisely as it proved, from his
+hiding-place, when he was captured by some emissaries of your uncle
+Gaius.  We mourned him as lost, feeling sure that his life would be
+sacrificed to the vengeance of the pontiff.  We were not mistaken: he
+was doomed to be crucified.  The night before he was to suffer, when it
+was believed by his guards that he would never again hold communication
+with his fellow-creatures, he sat with heavy chains on his legs and
+arms; they, either supposing him to be asleep, or not caring whether he
+heard or not, began to talk of various projects on foot; some of those,
+which only showed in what vile offices they were engaged, were matters
+of indifference to him.  At length, however, they spoke of a design for
+the destruction of Gentianus and Severus.  They hoped to obtain a
+guide--one well acquainted with the galleries, a recreant to the faith
+of the Gospel--and by his means they felt sure of accomplishing their
+object.
+
+"What he heard brought deep grief to the heart of Eros.  A slave bound
+in chains and expecting to die on the morrow, he could render no
+assistance to the noble patrician who was thus placed in such fearful
+jeopardy, and about whom I had so often spoken to him."  Rufina then
+described how the life of Eros had been saved by the vestal Marcia.  "As
+soon as he was at liberty," she continued, "he hastened to me, and told
+me what he had heard--I being better able to warn our friends than any
+one he knew.  There was not a moment to be lost, he said, for that very
+day the assassins would set out on their search.  Eros offered to
+accompany me; but this I declined, and hastened as fast as my feet would
+convey me to the entrance of the galleries.  After much difficulty I
+found the ladies, Eugenia and Julia, with the patrician Gentianus; I
+warned them of the approach of the assassins, entreating Gentianus to
+fly with his daughter and Julia.
+
+"`I should only impede them,' he answered.  `Rufina, I charge you
+conduct them to a place of safety; I will remain here; I am prepared for
+whatever Heaven will allow my enemies to do.'
+
+"In vain we pleaded with him.  He made his commands imperative on us.
+`Seek for Severus, and warn him,' he added; `his life is of more value
+than mine; he may still live to preach the Gospel and to exhort sinners
+to turn to the Saviour.'  Again he charged us to fly, in a way we could
+not disobey; and Eugenia, who had ever implicitly followed his commands,
+taking Julia by the hand, accompanied me in the direction I considered
+the safest.
+
+"Scarcely had we left the gallery when we heard the shouts of the
+assassins, as, led by their treacherous guide, they burst into the
+long-concealed chamber.  I judged by their voices that they were
+expressing their disappointment at not discovering Severus.  The guide,
+either knowing his way no farther, or having performed what he had
+undertaken, must have refused to lead them on, for they did not follow
+us, as I feared they would have done.  I could not leave Eugenia and
+Julia, or I would have retraced my steps, and endeavoured to ascertain
+the direction they had taken.  Judging by the sounds I heard, I believed
+that, dreading to remain in the gallery, they had endeavoured to regain
+the upper world."
+
+Jovinian trusted that such might be the case; but greatly feared they
+were more likely to have gone in search of Severus.  He offered to try
+and find his way to the abode of Gentianus, if Rufina could give him
+sufficient directions.  "I have been so many hours moving in the dark
+that I do not fear to make the attempt," he said, "and the lamp hanging
+to the roof, which it is not likely has been extinguished, will guide me
+when I approach the chamber."
+
+Eugenia, deeply anxious to know what had occurred to her father, gladly
+accepted Jovinian's offer.
+
+"Oh that I might go with, you!" said Julia, taking his hand.
+
+"No," said Rufina; "it will be far safer for you to go alone."  And she
+then proceeded to give him such directions as he believed would enable
+him to direct his course aright.
+
+He set out, counting his steps, that he might not fail to know the
+distance he had traversed.  More than once he stopped, fearing that he
+had missed his way; but, feeling the importance of his errand, he
+persevered in his endeavour, and so well did he remember his directions,
+that he made no mistake.  At length he reached the entrance to the
+gallery which led to the chamber.  It had been left open by Rufina, who
+had been unable to shut it, and at the farther end he saw the faint
+light of the lamp still burning.  He stopped and listened.  No sound
+reached his ear.  He feared that the assassins, disappointed at not
+finding their chief victim, had wreaked their anger on the head of his
+aged father-in-law.  He hurried forward as he approached the chamber,
+hoping to see Gentianus still seated in his chair; but the chair was
+empty.  In another minute he was kneeling beside the old man, who was
+stretched his length on the ground.  Jovinian at first thought that
+Gentianus was dead; but as he lifted up the head of his venerable
+friend, the few faint words uttered by Gentianus showed him that he was
+still conscious.
+
+"Have they escaped?" he asked; "have my beloved Eugenia and Julia been
+preserved from the daggers of the assassins?  And Severus,--can you give
+me news of him, my son? or have their cruel weapons struck him down?"
+
+Jovinian replied that he had but just left Eugenia and Julia, and
+trusted that Severus, being accompanied by the fossor, would have been
+enabled to conceal himself from the assassins, even should they have
+gone in pursuit of him.  "But can I render you no aid?" he continued;
+"let me endeavour to staunch the blood which flows from your side."
+
+"It is too late now," answered Gentianus; "you must not attempt to move
+me.  I know not how many daggers entered my body, though the hands of
+those who desired my death failed to strike home.  I would forgive them,
+as I would also the relentless foe by whom they were despatched on their
+bloody errand.  Hasten back, my son, and bring my beloved daughter and
+child; I would thankfully see them once more ere I die."
+
+Jovinian rose to obey the commands of Gentianus.  As he did so he heard
+footsteps approaching.  Stopping a moment, he recognised Severus and the
+fossor.  "Heaven has sent you assistance!" he said, again kneeling down
+by the side of his wounded friend.  Ere long Severus joined him, and
+they together endeavoured to ascertain the injuries received by the old
+man.
+
+"It is useless," said Gentianus; "you cannot for long prolong my life,
+and I am willing to depart, and to be with Christ.  Go, Jovinian, summon
+my beloved daughter and her child; I would speak to them again ere my
+spirit wings its flight to Him who has gone before to prepare a place
+for me."
+
+Severus, struck with horror at what he saw, had scarcely spoken, nor had
+he time to inquire by whom Gentianus had been wounded; but the words he
+heard assured him that his wife and daughter were still safe.
+
+Jovinian would have gone alone, but the old fossor, who carried a
+lantern, at a sign from Severus, accompanied him, and he was thus able,
+much more speedily than otherwise would have been the case, to return to
+where he had left his female friends.
+
+He endeavoured to prepare Eugenia and Julia for what had occurred, his
+heart at the same time beating with gratitude to Heaven for enabling
+them to escape the fearful danger to which they had been exposed.  What
+had caused the assassins to retreat he could not tell; but he dreaded
+that they might return, and discover Severus.  He resolved, therefore,
+to advise his friend to seek immediately some other place of
+concealment.
+
+Gentianus was still conscious when they regained the chamber; indeed, he
+appeared to have somewhat recovered his strength.  His daughter and
+grandchild threw themselves down beside him, and assisted Severus in
+supporting his head.
+
+"Do not mourn over me, my children," he said, taking Eugenia's hand.
+"The days of my pilgrimage were naturally drawing to a close; God in His
+mercy has allowed them to be somewhat shortened, and has saved me from
+witnessing the result of the corruptions and errors which have crept in
+among our brethren at Rome in consequence of their departure from the
+clear teaching of the blessed Gospel.  They having neglected the light
+which was in them, it is becoming darkness.  I see it but too plainly,--
+the greed of riches and power possesses the hearts of many of those who
+should have been the humble overseers of Christ's flock; and the
+presbyters and deacons but too willingly support them, for the sake of
+sharing the wealth they seek to acquire.
+
+"Many rejoice that the emperor supports the Christians, and has bestowed
+worldly rank and dignity on the overseers and presbyters; but I warn
+you, my children, that he is a far greater foe to the true Church of
+Christ than those monarchs who have been deemed its greatest
+persecutors.  Oh, let me charge you, my beloved ones, to cling closely
+to the simple Gospel!  Be living stones of the temple of which Christ is
+the chief corner-stone!  Let not Satan succeed in inducing you, with the
+offer of wealth, dignity, or honours, to depart from the truth.
+Endeavour by God's grace to stem the tide, and never cease to protest
+against the errors and corruptions which have crept in among those who
+have a name to live, but are dead.  Seek for guidance and direction with
+prayer and supplication, and, if you find that you cannot succeed, go to
+some other land, and preach the truth of the Gospel among its heathen
+inhabitants; ground them soundly in the faith, teaching them that there
+must be no compromise, that they must turn to the true God, and worship
+Him in spirit and truth through Christ, abandoning all their idolatrous
+practices, that they must live as Christians lived in the apostolic
+days, not looking to emperors, or rulers, or men great in the world's
+eye for support, but to Christ the risen One alone."
+
+"With God's grace I will follow your counsel," said Severus, to whom
+Gentianus had stretched out his hand.  Jovinian also took it, and with
+deep earnestness repeated the same words.
+
+"Now, my children, I feel myself sinking.  My beloved Eugenia, I leave
+you with confidence under the protection of Severus."  Then, taking
+Julia's hand, he placed it in that of Jovinian.  "May heaven give you
+life and strength, and may you, together, fight the good fight of faith,
+and prove a blessing to each other, as God, in His loving-kindness, has
+ordained that those united with His will shall ever be to one another."
+
+Jovinian pressed Julia's hand.  "With her, I promise, thankfully and
+joyfully, to obey your wishes," he said.
+
+Thus were Jovinian and Julia betrothed.
+
+The old man continued to address those grouped around him, while Rufina
+and the fossor kept watch at the two entrances to the chamber.
+
+The voice of Gentianus grew fainter and fainter.  It ceased at last, and
+his children knew that his spirit had departed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FOURTEEN.
+
+DEPARTURE FROM ROME.
+
+Although Severus would have gladly remained, and have spread the Gospel
+among the benighted inhabitants of the capital, he reluctantly
+determined to follow the counsel of his father-in-law, and the advice
+now given him by his friends, and to retire to a region on which he had
+long fixed his thoughts.  It was among the western spurs of the Alps,
+where exists a series of secluded vales inhabited by an industrious and
+primitive population, and where the great apostle to the Gentiles had,
+it was said, converted many to the truth.  Here, therefore, he would
+receive a welcome from many brethren in the faith, and be the means of
+aiding and supporting them, and yet further extending among the
+surrounding people the blessings of Christianity.
+
+Instead of travelling by land--a long and tedious journey, with many
+steep and rugged passes to traverse--he determined to embark at Ostia,
+from whence a pleasant voyage over the waters of the Mediterranean of
+three or four days, should the wind prove favourable, would enable him
+to reach the port at which he hoped to disembark.
+
+Jovinian, on hearing his plans, entreated that he might be permitted to
+accompany him, although Amulius had offered the youth a home, should he
+have desired to remain in Rome and continue his studies.  Severus gladly
+accepted Jovinian's offer to bear him company.
+
+"I would not willingly have parted from you, my son," he said, "although
+I wished to leave you free to follow the bent of your own inclination.
+I will also gladly assist you in the studies which you may desire to
+pursue."
+
+Jovinian expressed his thanks--his only fear being that his uncle Gaius
+might attempt to detain him.  He was aware that the pontiff, being his
+nearest relative, had some legal claim over him; and he knew too well
+also, even had such not been the case, that might often prevailed over
+right in Rome, as elsewhere.  It was therefore settled that he should
+pass the time before the commencement of the journey with Severus and
+his family.
+
+During their stay news reached the party in the catacombs of the events
+which had taken place at Rome: of the pontiffs' last unsuccessful effort
+to promote the cause of paganism; of the escape of the vestal Coelia;
+and of the strange and almost incredible report that Coecus himself had
+declared his readiness to embrace Christianity.
+
+"Then the pontiff has already commenced his project for destroying the
+true faith which I heard discussed," observed Jovinian to Severus.
+
+"Would that we could warn our Christian friends not to trust him!  They
+might influence a few; but I fear that the multitude would rather
+confide in one who will ever be ready to pander to their tastes than in
+those who have their true interest at heart," answered Severus.  "We
+must use every effort, however; and Amulius and other faithful friends
+will, I trust, not be deceived."
+
+Then came further news from Byzantium.  The emperor, although not
+baptised, had given undoubted proof of his desire to be considered a
+Christian.  He had held conferences with Christian bishops and
+presbyters, and had issued decrees bestowing rank and dignity on
+numerous bishops.  It was said that he intended dividing the empire into
+four ecclesiastical departments, after the model of the several civil
+divisions.  Thus there were to be four prefectures, containing thirteen
+dioceses, which embraced one hundred and sixteen provinces.  Over these
+ecclesiastical officers were to preside, bearing the titles of
+patriarchs, metropolitans or archbishops, and simple bishops,--dignified
+titles hitherto unknown in the Christian Church!  One chief object of
+the emperor in thus bestowing rank and wealth on the Christian ministers
+was to obtain their assistance in governing the State by means of the
+religious sentiment or superstition of the people.  The Christians had
+hitherto been the most docile and loyal of his subjects, as their faith
+inculcated implicit obedience to magistrates and all established
+authorities.  His successors were to find that the semi-paganism which
+he had established under the name of Christianity had no such effect on
+the minds of their subjects, and that they were as ready to take up arms
+and resort to force whenever their passions were aroused as the heathens
+had been.
+
+These, and other events of a similar character, confirmed Severus in his
+resolution to quit the country.
+
+At length the day he was free to depart arrived.  Amulius had made all
+the necessary preparation.  Three "petorritas"--the ordinary carriages
+at that time in use--drawn by mules, arrived at a convenient spot near
+the entrance to the galleries.  Two litters also came--their occupants
+remaining concealed within.  Amulius and several friends, who had come
+to bid Severus and his family farewell, stepped out of the petorritas.
+Garments and several necessary articles had been purchased by Amulius
+for the use of the family, and these were already packed in the
+carriages.  The faithful Rufina was to return to her master, but
+remained to the last with those whom she had so essentially served.
+Severus led forth his wife, and Jovinian followed with Julia.
+
+They were about to enter one of the carriages, when Amulius remarked,
+"We have brought two other travellers who are desirous of accompanying
+you."  Ongoing to the litters he handed out two females habited in the
+ordinary dress of Roman ladies.
+
+Jovinian at once recognised in one of them, although their heads were
+veiled, the vestal Marcia.  As those around him were all of the
+faithful, there was no necessity for concealment.
+
+The other lady was introduced by Marcia,--she was Coelia, whose life she
+had been the means of preserving.  Marcia now explained that she and
+another vestal, who had also become a Christian, and was particularly
+attached to Coelia, had been placed by Fausta in charge of the prisoner,
+and that, having taken her place, she had allowed her to escape, aided
+by Christian friends, who had been watching outside the temple.  They
+were under the guidance of Eros--he having, with the ever-active Rufina,
+been the means of perfecting the plan for her release.  "The unhappy
+Vestalis Maxima," she added, "when on her return to the temple she
+discovered that so many of those under her rule had become Christians
+that the sacred fire itself had been allowed to go out, and that even
+Coecus, as she supposed, had deserted the ancient faith, stabbed herself
+in despair."
+
+Just as Jovinian was stepping into the petorrita he found his hand
+grasped.  Looking up, he saw Eros.
+
+"I am to accompany you with the other runners on foot," he said, "and I
+have a favour to ask: it is that you will entreat Severus to allow me to
+go with you, for Rome is no place for me, and I will gladly serve him
+faithfully without wages."
+
+Jovinian willingly promised to do what Eros desired, feeling sure that
+the request would not be refused.
+
+The direct road to the port of Rome was about sixteen miles; but as a
+considerable circuit would have to be made, it would occupy a large
+portion of the day.  The friends, therefore, who had come out of Rome,
+returned, and the travelling party set out.  The first part of the
+journey was by by-paths, and being somewhat rough, the mules could only
+proceed at a slow rate.  When once the high road was gained they were
+able to move much faster.  It was well paved with slabs skilfully
+joined, which formed a smooth stony surface, enabling the wheels of the
+vehicles to run easily along.  Here and there villas were seen, the
+inhabitants of which were still wrapt in slumber.
+
+The travellers--although their equipages were simple--were received with
+respect at the inns where they stopped to rest their mules or partake of
+refreshment.  They selected those whose hosts were Christians, and who
+welcomed them as brethren.  Ostia was inhabited by a considerable number
+of Christians, engaged in commercial pursuits, and who had collected
+there from various parts of the world.  The church of Ostia, said to
+have been formed in the days of the apostle Paul, was presided over by
+an aged bishop, with several presbyters and deacons.  That it was of
+great antiquity was certain, as the apostle, while remaining at the
+port, when either embarking or landing on his journeys to and from Rome,
+would undoubtedly have gained many proselytes to the faith.
+
+Jovinian passed his time happily in company with Julia, to whom he was
+attached with all the strength of his ardent nature.  Notwithstanding
+his present happiness, he did not feel altogether secure while remaining
+in the neighbourhood of Rome.  His uncle Gaius, who possessed, he
+believed, a legal claim over him, might discover his retreat, and
+prevent him from quitting the country.  About Eros he had no fear, for
+having been once set free, the emancipated slave could not again legally
+be forced back into captivity, Eros himself, however, was not quite so
+well satisfied about the matter, and had, with the permission of the
+master of the _Dolphin_, gone on board, and obtained concealment in the
+hold.  It might have been wise in Jovinian to have followed his
+example--at all events to have lived on board the vessel until his
+friends were ready to embark.  Instead of that he went everywhere about
+the town with them, and attended public worship.  They were to go on
+board early in the morning, and to sail as soon as the tide was high
+enough to enable the _Dolphin_ to cross over the bar.  Many of the
+principal Christians in Ostia accompanied the party down to the place of
+embarkation, where a boat was waiting to convey them on board the
+_Dolphin_, which lay with her sails loose out in the stream.
+
+Severus, with his wife, and Marcia and Coelia, had already taken their
+seats; and Jovinian, who had walked down by the side of Julia, was on
+the point of assisting her on board, when he felt his arm seized, and a
+man in the dress of an emissary of the law exhibited an official
+document before his eyes.  "You are, young sir, still a minor; your
+uncle Gaius claims you as his ward; resistance is vain, for I can summon
+those who would compel you to obey," said the officer.
+
+Julia clung to Jovinian's other arm.  "Oh, come, come!" she whispered:
+"he cannot detain you, and the boat will in an instant be away from the
+shore."
+
+Jovinian felt greatly inclined to follow this hint.  As he was strong
+and active, by a strenuous effort he might shake himself free from the
+officer's grasp.  It was a great trial to him.  Severus, whose attention
+had been called to what was occurring, stepped forward at once to his
+assistance; but the officer, fearing that a rescue was intended,
+summoned his attendants, dragged Jovinian from the strand, and delivered
+him to them.  His numerous Christian friends could not, on principle,
+resist the law under which the officer professed to be acting.
+
+In vain Julia entreated Jovinian to return to the boat; he was too
+securely held to make his escape.  The mariners were anxious to sail,
+and not to lose the advantage of the wind and tide.
+
+Severus had but a short time to speak a few words to his young friend.
+"The law must not be disobeyed," he said; "but let me urge you to hold
+fast to the truth; we will pray for you and welcome you joyfully
+whenever you can quit Rome and join us."
+
+"I look forward to the day when I shall be free, and able to hasten to
+wherever you are settled," answered Jovinian.  "Your prayers will
+support me; I, too, will pray for myself, that I may be kept to the
+truth."
+
+The heathen officer could not be induced to allow Jovinian to exchange
+further farewells with his friends, being still afraid--seeing the
+number of persons around--that an attempt might be made to rescue his
+prisoner.  They did their utmost to console him, after the boat pushed
+off; but it was with an aching heart that he saw the sails spread, and
+the _Dolphin_ gliding out into the blue sea, which shone brightly in the
+rays of the rising sun, beyond the harbour.
+
+Jovinian, with a heavy heart, walked with the officer to the inn, where
+the vehicle was waiting which was to convey him back to Rome.  The blow
+he had received was so sudden that he could not for some time recover
+from it.  He had been looking forward to days of happiness in the
+company of Julia and her parents, when his faith would have been
+strengthened, and he would have been able to profit by the guidance and
+instruction of Severus.  He was now, once more, he supposed, to be
+exposed to the importunities of his uncle to turn idolater: and although
+he trusted that he should not be moved, it would be painful to be
+continually engaged in controversies with his relative.  From the
+treatment he had before received, he was not much afraid that force
+would be used; at the same time he could not tell to what devices Gaius
+might resort to influence him.  He fervently prayed that he might have
+strength to resist them.
+
+On reaching the inn, the officer desired him to enter the petorrita
+which stood with the horses put to, before the door, and then took a
+seat by his side.  The driver urging on his steeds, the carriage moved
+forward, the officials in attendance, with their garments girt about
+them, following rapidly on foot.  The road, worn by the heavy waggons
+passing along it, was in several places full of ruts and holes, over
+which the vehicle went jolting on, the driver caring very little for the
+shaking his passengers were receiving.  No stoppages were made, as the
+officer had been directed to return without delay to Rome.  At length
+the Appian way--the high road between the capital and the south--was
+reached, when the carriage moved on more smoothly.  They now passed
+between numerous sepulchres,--monuments erected on both sides the road,
+in which the ashes of many generations of the noble dead reposed.
+Jovinian recognised more than one in which his own heathen ancestors
+were interred.  A feeling of gratitude to heaven rose to his heart at
+the thought that his own beloved mother had accepted the truth in her
+early youth, and that he had been born under the full light of the
+Gospel.  Several large buildings were passed--that of the sanctuary of
+Mars, as it was called, beyond the city, within whose walls criminals
+flying from justice could obtain safety.  The carriage then, passing
+under one of those vast structures of masonry erected to carry water
+into the city, entered Rome by the Porta Caperia.  The vehicle could now
+proceed but slowly, as obstacles of all sorts occurred every moment.
+Sometimes a large waggon conveying building materials stopped the way.
+The streets were also blocked up by the booths of hucksters, butchers,
+vintners, pastry-cooks, and vendors of articles of all descriptions.
+Some of the passengers of the lower orders amused themselves by jeering
+at the young occupant of the carriage, when they recognised the officer
+of the law, and suggested that he was probably some Thespio who had been
+robbing his master, or filching the goods from the stalls.  Egyptian
+jugglers were performing their wonderful tricks, allowing the most
+venomous snakes to wind themselves round their arms and necks,--the
+crowd which had collected around them showing no inclination to make way
+for the carriage.  Here also could be seen boys selling sulphur matches,
+others carrying huge basins of boiled pease, a dish of which they
+dispensed to the poorest classes for the smallest coin.
+
+As they entered the city Jovinian was much struck by observing masons
+dismantling two or three of the smaller heathen temples, which had been
+held in but slight consideration--mules and carts being engaged in
+carrying off the materials.
+
+In their places new edifices were in course of erection, the beams and
+stones being wound aloft by cranes fixed on the summit of the portions
+already erected.  It appeared to him that there was much more life and
+bustle in the city than he had ever before observed; but his silent
+custodian would afford him no information on the subject.  "That is not
+my business," he answered, when Jovinian asked a question; "your uncle
+Gaius will inform you all about the matter, young man."
+
+Jovinian had expected to drive up to the college of the pontiffs; but
+before reaching it the carriage turned off to the left, and stopped at a
+mansion under the Palatine hill.  As it drew up before the _ostium_--the
+entrance to the house--two slaves came forth, whose countenances
+Jovinian did not recognise.  They seemed, however, to expect him, and
+the officer, without hesitation, delivered him into their hands,
+following, as they conducted him through the _atrium_ into an inner
+court, in a small room at the side of which he saw his uncle reclining.
+Several books were on the table before him.  Gaius rose, and put out his
+hand to receive his nephew, his countenance exhibiting no sign of anger.
+The officer, having formally delivered his charge into the hands of
+Gaius, retired, and the uncle and nephew were left alone.
+
+"And so you would have deserted me, your only relative, and followed the
+fortunes of strangers?" said Gaius, in a half-pathetic, half-comic tone,
+but which certainly exhibited not the slightest feeling of resentment.
+
+"I escaped from you, my uncle, because you desired me to embrace a faith
+I abhor; and although I have now been brought back, I shall be still, I
+trust, withheld from following your counsels."
+
+"Ah! that is a matter which troubles me.  I am thankful I did not
+succeed," exclaimed Gaius, in the same tone as before; "I have seen that
+the system of idolatry is rotten, since the emperor and other good men
+have deserted it; and I wish to be instructed in the doctrines of the
+faith you hold."
+
+Jovinian was struck, as he well might be, with astonishment at hearing
+this, although he did not express his feelings.  As he gazed steadily at
+the countenance of Gaius, he thought that he detected a twinkle in his
+eye which much belied his assertion.  "I would thankfully be the means
+of bringing you to a knowledge of the truth," he said at length, "but
+God alone can enlighten your mind."
+
+"Well, well, all I require you to do is to instruct me in the articles
+of your belief, and in the forms of your worship, and I may hope in a
+few weeks to make a very respectable appearance as a Christian; and if
+you prove an intelligent tutor I will allow you all the liberty you may
+desire.  You can visit our relative, the presbyter Amulius, or any other
+friend you may desire to see, and report to them the progress I am
+making."
+
+"What, my uncle, are you really serious in your wish to become a
+Christian?" asked Jovinian, who had not forgotten the discussion he had
+overheard among the pontiffs, although he felt it would not be prudent
+to let his uncle know that he had been an eavesdropper on the occasion.
+
+"Of course I am," answered Gaius.  "Surely the religion which the
+emperor adopts must be one we must all desire to follow."
+
+Jovinian sighed; he knew the truth too well to be deceived by his
+uncle's remark, and he felt that, even should Gaius have some faint wish
+to become a Christian, he was very far as yet from the kingdom of
+heaven.  He resolved, however, to do what he conceived to be his duty,
+and to instruct Gaius as far as he was able in the principles of
+Christianity.  He judged it wise not to complain of being dragged away
+from his friends--supposing his uncle had a legal power to act as he had
+done--and he hoped when his services were no longer required that he
+should be allowed to rejoin Severus.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
+
+JOVINIAN AND HIS UNCLE.
+
+Jovinian was treated with much kindness, and allowed all the liberty he
+desired--being permitted to visit Amulius and the few other friends he
+possessed.  He still had doubts of his uncle's sincerity.  He could not
+forget the scheme proposed by Coecus; and Gaius might desire to take the
+step he proposed for the sole object of forwarding it.
+
+Still, the temptations to join the religion professed by the emperor
+were great.  It might pave the way to honour and wealth.  Although many
+doubted that the emperor was really a Christian, the edicts he had
+issued showed that he was influenced by Christian counsellors.  Among
+them were those for the abolition of the punishment by crucifixion, the
+encouragement of the emancipation of slaves, the prohibition of
+gladiatorial games, and the discouragement of infanticide.
+
+Another edict ordered the use of prayers for the army; but that to which
+perhaps even the idolaters least objected was one for the observance of
+the Sabbath throughout all the cities and towns in the empire.  The
+Christians, however, were greatly puzzled when they found it designated
+as "Dies solis," or Sunday; and it was supposed, not without justice,
+that the emperor selected that title in consequence of his lingering
+affection towards the worship of the sun, to which he had, in former
+times, been addicted.  The other days in the week were, to please the
+idolaters, called after the names of the various gods, and especially
+dedicated to them.  The second day was Luna's day, sacred to the moon;
+the next was Mercury's day; while Jupiter and Venus had also their days;
+so that the populace were still kept in remembrance of their ancient
+gods and goddesses, although they were professedly Christians.
+
+Jovinian found it no easy task to instruct his uncle in the truths of
+Christianity.  Gaius readily understood and remembered the facts
+mentioned in the Bible; but he appeared utterly unable to comprehend
+their spiritual meaning, although he listened to all his nephew said.
+
+"How is it that I see so many sects and divisions among those who call
+themselves Christians?" he asked: "bishops, presbyters, and people in
+one place quarrelling and disputing with those in another.  I hear of
+Athanasius and Miletius, Eusebius, Arius, and numberless other heads of
+your sects, condemning each other,--the one party refusing to hold
+communion with the other, while both profess to serve the same Lord,
+whom you call Christ.  Now look at the system of religion which has
+prevailed undisturbed for centuries in Rome.  We have had no quarrels or
+disputes, and all have submitted implicitly to us, their pontiffs, the
+directors of their rites and ceremonies.  Our men and women have been at
+liberty to worship the gods and goddesses they have preferred.  We have
+added new demigods as occasion required, nor did we refuse to place the
+divinities of other nations in the Pantheon, whenever they could prove a
+good title to the honour.  We have raised our emperors after death,
+however little we may have loved them in their lifetime, to the same
+advanced rank.  I do not say that the religion in which you are
+attempting to instruct me may not prove in the end the best, especially
+as it has been adopted by the emperor; but you must acknowledge that the
+worship of the immortal gods has the advantage of antiquity to recommend
+it, and that under it Rome became great and powerful, and conquered the
+world."
+
+Jovinian was puzzled how to answer some of these objections.  He could
+not deny that disputes raged furiously among the Christian churches,
+especially in the East, and that many of the bishops seemed more intent
+on increasing their worldly wealth and dignity than on spreading the
+Gospel.  In regard to the immortal gods, he asked his uncle whether he
+had ever seriously believed in their existence, or had the slightest
+authority for supposing that they were other than creatures of the
+imagination?
+
+"Well, well,--as to that, the people believed in them, and we, the
+directors of their religious rites, have reaped the benefit of their
+superstition," answered Gaius.
+
+"But you must acknowledge," said Jovinian, "that idolatry has debased
+the people with its numberless obscene and cruel rites, that the
+consciences of its votaries have become scathed, and have allowed them
+to indulge in the grossest crimes without shame or remorse.  Now, on the
+contrary, while we acknowledge that we are vile and sinful beings,
+utterly unfit to enjoy a pure and holy heaven, yet we know that God has
+provided a way by which we can be made pure and holy, have our sins put
+away and forgiven, at the same time that we are bound to strive to
+imitate our Saviour, and to live pure and holy lives, free from the
+rebuke of a rude and perverse generation."
+
+"That may be," answered Gaius; "but I wish to have the cause of these
+dissensions of which I hear explained to me, that I may decide whether I
+shall join Athanasius, Miletius, Arius, or any other party."
+
+Jovinian hastened to consult Amulius how he should reply to Gaius.
+
+"Remember that the apostles have told us that from the first these
+dissensions have existed among those calling themselves Christians,"
+answered the presbyter.  "Instead of becoming `as little children,' and
+submitting themselves to the teaching of the Holy Spirit through God's
+written Word, they bring their crude philosophy, their pride of
+intellect, their passions, their lust of power and wealth, into the
+creeds they endeavour to form.  Most of them, it is true, profess to be
+guided by the Holy Spirit; but they act like a person who invites a
+charioteer to drive his horses, and then seizes the reins and turns them
+in any direction he may please.  I have long watched the fearful
+struggle going on between the Prince of this world, the real supporter
+of idolatry, and the true faith as it is in Christ; and the signs I have
+observed too surely warn me that the former will triumph.
+
+"Although the emperor professes to be a Christian, all his acts show
+that the mists of heathen darkness have not been dispelled from his
+mind, and that the encouragement he affords nominally to the Christians
+is fraught with the greatest danger to the true Church of Christ.  Here
+in Rome, especially, I apprehend the worst.  As you well know, the
+Romans are more wedded to idolatry than the inhabitants of any other
+city in the Empire.  They still cling to it, notwithstanding the favour
+shown by the emperor to the Christian Church.
+
+"The emperor, who is resolved to have uniformity of faith, and to make
+all his subjects Christians if he can, will not fail to offer such
+bribes as are not likely to be refused by the heathen leaders.  Still,
+though he may wish to encourage the Christians in Rome, he has no
+affection for Rome itself, and would gladly forget that such a city
+exists, for it was here that some of his darkest crimes were committed.
+
+"Here also he was insulted by the idolatrous Romans in a way he can
+never forget.  I was a witness of the scene.  Soon after his arrival a
+magnificent ceremony was held to celebrate the Battle of Regillus, when,
+as the idolaters believe, the twin gods Castor and Pollux, having fought
+for Rome, galloped on their fleet steeds to bring the glad tidings to
+the city.  The aim of the idolaters was to surpass all previous
+anniversaries.  The temples were lighted up, and decorated as usual,
+victims smoked on every altar, and all the members of the equestrian
+order, numbering five thousand horsemen, clothed in purple, and crowned
+with olive-leaves, rode in state to the Forum.  It was altogether one of
+the most splendid pageants ever seen at Rome; and it was supposed that
+Constantino would take part, as previous emperors had done, in the
+religious rites usual on the occasion.  But this he positively refused
+to do, and it was reported that he openly indulged in his sarcastic
+humour, by jeering at the sham knights and the empty pomp he beheld
+while watching the procession in the distance from his palace.
+
+"I can see him now,--his countenance handsome, his figure tall, although
+somewhat stout and broad-shouldered,--and his whole appearance
+betokening sturdy health and vigour.  His eye had a peculiar brightness,
+such as few men's possess, and I especially noted it when it assumed, as
+it did several times, a glare which could not fail to remind me of that
+of a lion; while, as he uttered his remarks, he threw back his head,
+bringing out the full proportions of his thick neck.  Rough and
+unrefined in appearance, his voice was remarkable for its gentleness and
+softness.  In those days he had not assumed, as is now the case, that
+splendour of costume which he has copied from the princes of the East.
+He carried simply a spear in his hand, as an insignia of his office, and
+to show that by the spear he had won and intended to keep his Empire.
+Since then, I hear that he never goes abroad without a helmet bound
+round with an oriental diadem studded with jewels, that his robe is a
+purple silk richly embroidered with pearls and flowers worked in gold,
+while he wears wigs of false hair of various colours, a short beard
+ornamenting his chin.  On this occasion he appeared simply as a
+victorious general.  His refusal to join in the religious ceremonies
+usual on the occasion _so_ displeased the turbulent populace that they
+threatened vengeance of all sorts.  Some of the most evil disposed
+proposed to attack the Christians at whose instigation it was supposed
+the emperor had acted; others dared even to throw stones at the head of
+his statue.
+
+"When a courtier rushed in, bringing news of the outrage, he smiled, and
+passing his hand over his face, observed,--`Truly it is surprising, but
+I feel not in the least hurt; nothing do I find amiss in my head,
+nothing in my face.'  Although he had thus received the news so calmly,
+it created a disgust in his mind, both against the city and religion of
+Rome, which he has never overcome; and to this day he speaks of Rome--
+alas! with too much justice--as an `idolatrous and abandoned city.'  In
+spite of the wealth and influence of our bishop, our numbers, compared
+to that of the population, have continued to be small; and had it not
+been for the refuge afforded by the subterranean galleries outside the
+city, the church in Rome during the days of persecution would have been
+extinguished."
+
+Jovinian was allowed to pursue his studies at home under such tutors as
+Amulius recommended.
+
+Many months thus passed away, faster than he could have supposed
+possible.
+
+Gaius now treated his nephew with apparently perfect confidence,
+speaking unreservedly to him on matters of all sorts.
+
+Jovinian thus heard much more of what was going on than he otherwise
+probably would have done.  He found that both Gaius and Coecus--although
+professedly Christians, as were some of the other pontiffs--visited the
+college frequently, on which occasions discussions were held with closed
+doors.  So great at length became the confidence which Gaius reposed in
+his nephew, that he invited him frequently to attend these meetings,--
+extracting a promise, however, that he would not divulge what he heard.
+On these occasions the pontiffs discussed the plans that had been
+proposed for maintaining their rank and position in Rome.  Those who
+professed to have become Christians appeared to be and evidently were,
+on most friendly terms with the idolaters, all being united by a common
+interest.  Their great object was to maintain their college in its
+integrity.
+
+"We may thus," observed Coecus one day, when visiting Gaius, "by keeping
+up our influence over the mass of the people, secure the election of the
+candidate of whom we approve to the office of bishop or any other
+dignities of the Church.  We may select some of our own brethren, or any
+other persons whom we deem suitable."
+
+The plan was universally approved of.  Its fruit was to be observed in
+after years, when the bishops of Rome found themselves controlled by the
+college of cardinals, the successors of the pontiffs.
+
+Christianity appeared to be making great progress in Rome.  Several new
+churches and basilicas were in course of erection, and even some of the
+heathen temples were being converted so as to suit the worship of the
+Christians.
+
+The idolaters generally, however, objected to allow their temples to be
+so employed.  Jovinian was greatly struck by the appearance of the
+statues which adorned the new places of worship, and he recognised among
+them some which had undoubtedly been heathen idols.  In several of the
+churches were statues representing the virgin Mary, which had previously
+acted the parts of Isis, Juno, Venus, or some other goddess; and he
+could not help remarking that by far the larger number of worshippers
+bent before these statues and offered them the same respect which they
+had been accustomed to pay to the heathen goddesses.  Among those who
+met at the college of pontiffs was a visitor who had come from a college
+long-established at Mount Carmel, where students in the Babylonian
+worship were instructed: he was said to be learnt in magical science.
+He spoke, however, of his admiration of the Christian faith, and came,
+it appeared, to discuss with Coecus and the other pontiffs the
+possibility of uniting it to the ancient faith without offending the
+followers of the latter.  The idolaters seemed so completely in favour
+of this proposal that Coecus expressed his confidence that it would
+succeed.
+
+Jovinian was sick at heart at all he saw.  His uncle Gaius, although he
+had obtained the rank of a presbyter, was too evidently no nearer the
+truth than he was before.  Idolatry still prevailed in all directions.
+In few places of Christian worship was the truth faithfully preached.
+Even Amulius appeared to be going with the stream, or, at all events, to
+be making but slight efforts to stem it.  "I, too, shall be carried away
+if I remain," said Jovinian to himself; "it is a sin to expose myself to
+temptation."
+
+The bishop, who had long been at the head of the Church, died, and
+another was elected whose character was but little known, although
+Jovinian observed that Coecus, Gaius, and other pontiffs were very
+active in his election.  He had not long been seated in the episcopal
+chair when he, too, died; and soon after news came that the emperor had
+expired.  He had received the rite of baptism on his death-bed; but it
+was evident that he was not of Christ when it became known that he had
+expressed his belief that his brothers had poisoned him, and had charged
+his son, Constantius, to put them and their offspring to death,--a
+charge too faithfully fulfilled.
+
+He was preparing for an expedition against Persia when sickness overtook
+him.  Feeling that it was mortal, he desired to be baptised--a stop he
+had hitherto not taken, although he had for years presided at councils
+and preached to his people, and even been designated as the "Bishop of
+bishops."  He was received as a catechumen in the church of Heliopolis;
+he then moved to his palace in the suburbs of Nicomedia, when, calling
+Eusebius and several other bishops around him, he desired to have the
+rite administered.  Here, having laid aside his purple robes, he was
+habited in white, and thus, stretched on his death-bed, he received
+baptism from the hands of Eusebius.  One of his last acts was to recall
+Athanasius, a rival of Eusebius, who had been banished.  Thus, with
+calmness and dignity, he awaited death.  His last will he gave into the
+custody of his chaplain Eustiocius, to be delivered to his eldest son,
+Constantius, who was now absent; and on the 22nd of May, in the
+sixty-fourth year of his age, after a reign of thirty years, he expired.
+His body was conveyed in a coffin of gold to Constantinople, where it
+lay three months in state, with lights burning around and guards
+watching.  On Eustiocius exhibiting the will to the bishops of
+Nicomedia, so alarmed were they at the contents that they placed it for
+security in the hands of the dead man, there to remain until Constantius
+should appear to receive it.  When his eldest son arrived and read the
+document, he found that the emperor expressed in it his conviction that
+he had been poisoned by his brothers and their children, and he called--
+so it was expressed--on Constantius to avenge his death.  This fact
+alone proves, that whatever amount of Christian knowledge the emperor
+might have possessed, he had not understood its chief principles, at all
+events.  Constantius faithfully fulfilled his father's dying bequest by
+the massacre of his uncles and their offspring, amounting to no less
+than six persons, two alone escaping.
+
+The idolatrous population of Rome, when the tidings reached them,
+ignoring the fact of his having professed himself a Christian, resolved
+to regard the deceased emperor as one in the series of Caesars.  A
+picture of his apotheosis was exhibited.  Festivals were instituted in
+his honour.  He was enrolled, as had been his predecessors, whatever
+their character, among the gods of Olympus, and incense was offered
+before his statues.  The true Christians in Rome mourned at what took
+place, but their influence was weak compared to that of the idolaters,
+supported as the latter were evidently by many who had professed to
+embrace the new faith.  Jovinian resolved no longer to remain in Rome,
+but to join, as soon as possible, his friend Severus, who, with his wife
+and daughter, were anxiously, they wrote word, looking for his arrival.
+To Jovinian's surprise, Gaius offered no objection.  "Go and dwell with
+those of like mind with yourself; you are too honest for us Romans, and
+will never, I see, make a figure either in the Church or State.  Men, to
+succeed here, must regard all creeds alike; supple courtiers, who are
+hampered by no ideas of honour or integrity, but know the importance of
+filling their coffers while the sun shines.  You, Jovinian, will die a
+poor and unknown man if you remain in Rome, whereas in some country
+district, should you enter the Church, you may rise to the dignity of a
+presbyter,"--and Gaius laughed ironically.  "Farewell, my nephew; we
+have disputed occasionally, but remembering that you are the only child
+of my poor sister Livia, I have always had the truest regard for you."
+
+Jovinian, feeling that it was his duty, was about once more to place the
+simple truths of the Gospel before his uncle, and to entreat him to
+accept them.
+
+"Cease, cease! my good nephew," exclaimed Gaius.  "I settled that matter
+in my own mind long ago, when I resolved on the course I am taking.  I
+intend to enjoy the good things of this life while I can obtain them,
+and leave the affairs of the future to take care of themselves."
+
+Farewell visits were paid to Amulius and others, who sent brotherly
+greetings to Severus; and Jovinian, bidding adieu, as he thought it
+probable, for ever to Rome, set out on his journey northward.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
+
+THE JOURNEY--THE FIRST INTRODUCTION OF MONASTERIES INTO ITALY.
+
+Jovinian had settled to proceed by land instead of going by sea to
+Genoa, as Severus had done.  Amulius and several other persons in Rome
+wished to make him the bearer of letters to various Christian friends
+residing in different parts on the northern road.  As no public means of
+conveyance existed in those days, it was customary to send epistles
+either by the hand of special messengers or by those travellers
+proceeding in the desired direction.  Jovinian would thus enjoy the
+benefits of finding a house to rest at, and a kind greeting at many of
+his stages.  At some places he would, however, have to stop at a
+roadside inn, or at the hut of a peasant.  His attendant, Largus, rode
+alongside him, leading a mule which carried their baggage, among which
+were books for his own use and others to be presented to Severus.
+
+Neither Jovinian nor Largus carried arms.  Any attempt to defend
+themselves against robbers would be useless, for should such make an
+attack on them, they would do so in overwhelming numbers; while bears
+and wolves were not likely to be met with in the regions through which
+they were to pass.
+
+The road for the first part of the way was tolerably level, so that good
+progress was made.  Etruria, with its ancient temples and shrines of the
+gods, to the worship of whom the people still tenaciously clung, was
+traversed.  Then, after crossing the Amis--near the town of Pise, where
+a day was spent with Christian friends--a more mountainous region was
+entered near Luca.  Now the road led along the sides of the lofty
+Apennines, towards Liguria.  Jovinian had relieved his mind by
+delivering most of his letters, and as from a height he had ascended he
+beheld the Cottian Alps, their lofty peaks capped with snow, he
+anticipated a happy termination to his journey.  But he had still many
+rugged mountain passes to traverse.  The day was drawing to a close, and
+neither he nor Largus were certain where they would find shelter for the
+night.  Rugged and precipitous rocks rose up on the right hand, while on
+the left yawned deep chasms, unfathomable to the eye.  The stones, as
+they slipped beneath the horses' feet, went bounding down until the
+sound died away in the depths below.  To proceed faster than they were
+going was impossible without the risk of falling over the precipices,
+but the path was descending; and at last a gorge was reached, the sides
+so lofty that it appeared as if the sun could never penetrate to the
+bottom.
+
+"Surely no human beings can fix their habitations in such a spot as
+this, and we shall have to pass the night under the blue vault of
+heaven," observed Jovinian.
+
+"We must push on, and find our way out of it before darkness sets in,"
+answered Largus.
+
+Just as he spoke some figures were seen descending from the heights
+above, leaping from rock to rock.  They made their way towards the
+travellers.
+
+"Who can they be?" asked Jovinian.
+
+"I do not like their looks; if they are honest I shall be very much
+surprised," said Largus.
+
+The two travellers did not attempt to alter their pace, seeing that they
+could not escape by flight.  No shafts were aimed at them, and in a
+short time they found themselves surrounded by a party of armed men,
+with unkempt hair, long beards, and soil-stained garments, which showed
+the wild life they were accustomed to lead.
+
+"Who are you, and where are you going?" asked the leader of the
+robbers--for such it was very evident they were.  He drew a dagger as he
+spoke, and held it ready to strike Jovinian.
+
+"We are simple travellers, carrying but few articles which you would
+deem of value--our necessary garments and some books," answered
+Jovinian.
+
+"And what about your money?" asked the robber, laughing; "that is of
+more consequence to us than the articles you mention; however, we will
+not stop here.  You must spend a night with us.  You cannot reach any
+human abode before dark, and we will take the opportunity of looking
+into these matters."
+
+Jovinian and Largus could only comply, and, attended by the robbers,
+they proceeded in the direction in which they were before going.  They
+were soon out of the gorge, and entered a region even more wild and
+barren than the one they had left.
+
+Black rocks lay scattered about, amid which a rapid stream hissed and
+roared along through a narrow bed.  Further off, on the other side of a
+broad valley, rose precipitous cliffs, rent by the convulsions of
+Nature, which had formed dark gorges between them.  In some places the
+mouths of gloomy caverns could be distinguished in the sides of the
+cliffs--fit abodes for wild beasts, or lawless men such as those into
+whose power the travellers had fallen.  Towards one of these caves the
+robbers were conducting their captives, when suddenly from behind a rock
+a person started forth, whom Jovinian, from his strange appearance, took
+to be a madman or some being possessed of an evil spirit, driven from
+the haunts of men.  If is dress, of coarse texture, stained with dirt,
+hung in rags and tatters about him, exposing a hair garment, worn next
+his skin.  His person was emaciated in the extreme, his hair cut close,
+his head and neck sprinkled with ashes.  He waved about him a staff,
+which he carried in his hand.
+
+"What are ye about, ye men of violence?" he exclaimed, pointing his
+staff at the robbers.  "Begone! fly! or be prepared for the vengeance of
+one who knows how to protect the innocent!"
+
+The robbers drew back, trembling with fear; and as the recluse--for such
+he was--continued waving his staff, they took fairly to flight, and left
+Jovinian and Largus to pursue their way with their mules and baggage.
+
+Jovinian, as he now observed the strange being to whom he was so much
+indebted, was reminded of those heathen eremites of whom he had read as
+long existing in the far East, who, by self-imposed tortures, abstinence
+from the society of their kind, and long prayers, hoped to merit a
+blissful immortality among the shadows of the blessed.  Wishing to thank
+the recluse for the services just rendered, he rode towards him.
+
+"You are, I judge by your appearance and bearing, Christians, and as
+such are welcome to rest during the coming night in my abode, for you
+can reach no other shelter before nightfall," said the recluse, without
+listening to Jovinian's thanks.  "Or, should you be moved by the holy
+life led by me and my companions, you shall be at liberty to take up
+your residence with us."
+
+Jovinian thought it wise to make no reply to the last part of his
+invitation, but gladly accepted the shelter offered him.
+
+"Follow me, then," said the recluse; and, making use of his staff to
+support his steps, he strode on over the rough ground before the
+travellers towards one of the gorges which opened out at some distance
+before them, mounting the steep sides of the hill at a pace with which
+the horses could hardly keep up.  He stopped before a wooden porch built
+of logs, at the entrance of a cavern.
+
+"Your steeds will find grass at the bottom of the gorge, and water at a
+rill which trickles out of the mountain-side; here no one will molest
+them--even those bold outlaws dare not approach my abode," said the
+recluse, as he signed to Jovinian and Largus to dismount.  Fortunately
+the travellers had brought provisions, or they would have fared but ill
+on the lentils and water which constituted the food of the recluse.
+Bringing water from a neighbouring rill in a large bowl, their host
+insisted on washing the travellers' feet--although not until they saw it
+would cause offence longer to refuse did they permit him to perform this
+act of humiliation.
+
+As the shades of evening drew on, a voice was suddenly heard chanting a
+hymn from the opposite side of the gulf.  It was echoed by another
+further up, until nearly a dozen voices had joined in the solemn
+strains.
+
+"They are my brethren who have come here to dwell, and devote themselves
+to calm contemplation, fasting, prayers, and penance," said the recluse.
+"You shall be made known to them to-morrow, and hear the words of
+heavenly wisdom taught from their lips."
+
+Jovinian and Largus made their beds by the aid of their saddles and
+horse-cloths in the outer porch, and were glad that they were not
+invited to enter the interior of the cavern.  It appeared dirty in the
+extreme.
+
+Mephitic odours pervaded the air.  At the further end was a rough cross
+formed of wood, in front of which two palms were burning.  They saw
+their host prostrate himself before it, and lie at full length with his
+arms stretched out for a long period; but he did not invite them to join
+in his devotions.  He then rose and closed the intermediate door, so as
+to shut himself out from their view.  Occasionally, during the night,
+they heard the sound of a lash, while groans and cries issued from the
+cell.  Suddenly, as they were just dropping off to sleep, they were
+aroused by a voice from within: "Begone, Mercury--I know thee well, and
+thy ever-changing form; licentious messenger of uncleanness, thou canst
+not deceive me; and thou, mighty Jove, ended is thy reign, thy
+thunderbolts fall harmlessly, thy lightnings cannot strike me."  Thus,
+one after the other, the heathen gods were addressed as if they were
+present endeavouring to win back the anchorite to their worship.
+
+At daybreak next morning their host roused up his guests, and invited
+them to join him in prayer.  So extravagant were the expressions he
+uttered that Jovinian could with difficulty retain a due composure.
+
+While they were breaking their fast, the recluse, who refused to eat,
+recounted to them numbers of miracles which he affirmed that he had
+performed, but which Jovinian was convinced--were he not purposely
+imposing upon them--were the hallucinations of a disordered brain.
+Jovinian could not fail to observe in his unhappy host a vain-glorious
+exaltation of self, and a spirit of pride combined with a false
+humility, which the system of asceticism was so calculated to foster.
+He saw, too, that this vain attempt to merit the favour of God arose
+from utter ignorance of God's loving and merciful character, that it set
+at nought Christ's finished work--His blood which cleanseth from all
+sin,--and was directly opposed to all the teaching of the Gospel.
+
+His host afterwards entreated Jovinian to remain a few days, that he
+might learn more of the mode of life; and practices of himself and his
+associates.
+
+"Before I can join you I must consult the holy volume which is my rule
+of faith, and ascertain whether your practices are in accordance with
+its precepts," answered Jovinian.  "I have not so learnt Christ, and I
+cannot believe that He who spent His ministry on earth in going about
+doing good among human beings would have His followers spend their lives
+where they can be of no use to any one."
+
+The pale brow of the anchorite flushed as he heard the young man speak.
+"Come, you may think better of my proposal; but I will now take you to
+visit my associates."
+
+The tour which Jovinian made among the other huts rather strengthened
+than altered his first impression.  The inmates, he observed, were
+profoundly ignorant of Christian truth; a self-righteous ignoring of the
+righteousness of Christ prevailed universally among them.  Some had
+probably been mad when they resorted to their present mode of life, and
+others had produced madness by their self-inflicted tortures or
+abstinence from proper nourishment.  When he spoke to them he found that
+they were far from living in brotherly love: jealousy and ill-will
+prevailed, while several, asserting their superior sanctity, accused the
+others of being guilty of all sorts of horrible crimes.
+
+Such was the commencement in Italy of the anchorite or monkish system,
+which had long existed in the East, and which soon spread over the
+western part of Christendom.
+
+Jovinian returned to the hut; and, desiring Largus to saddle the horses
+without delay, bade farewell to their host.
+
+"You will come back and join us?" said the anchorite, not at all aware
+of the impression made on Jovinian's mind.
+
+"Not until I find that the system you are pursuing is according to God's
+way, and that I can thereby promote His honour and glory," was the
+answer.
+
+"Alas, alas!" exclaimed the anchorite, as Jovinian and his attendant
+rode off; "you will never gain heaven if you thus refuse our way of
+seeking it."
+
+Jovinian made no reply; arguments were useless with one who appeared
+little better than a madman.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
+
+THE MEETING.
+
+As Jovinian and his attendant proceeded over the rugged paths, they
+naturally looked out somewhat anxiously to reaching their journey's end
+in safety.
+
+For several days they were compelled to put up at the huts of the
+mountaineers, and twice to seek shelter in caverns which it was evident
+had been used by other wayfarers.  They were now travelling over some of
+the Cottian Alps.  Here the mountains, broken by precipices, amid which
+they had to wind their way, rose on every side--the rocky bulwarks of
+those secluded valleys towards which they were directing their course.
+Here crag rose above crag, enormous masses of rock extending into the
+glens beneath--abysses of a depth which the eye could not penetrate.
+Innumerable springs of water gushed forth from the rocks, some uniting
+and forming torrents, which dashed foaming downwards into the hollows
+below.  At length, surmounting a lofty ridge, they looked down upon a
+valley which presented scenery of the most beautiful description.  So
+completely encircled was it by a rocky chain of mountains, that it
+appeared as if no rough winds could ever disturb its tranquillity.
+Sparkling fountains, issuing from the sides of the hills, made their way
+towards a bright stream which flowed at the bottom of the valley,
+irrigating the land in its course.  The declivities were clothed with
+trees of every description, among which were numbers bearing fruit--the
+mulberry, the chestnut, the cherry, the walnut, and others.  Cottages
+could be seen scattered about in every direction, showing that this
+favoured spot was thickly inhabited.
+
+Here and there were dwellings of greater pretensions, which peeped forth
+from amid the groves.  One edifice specially struck Jovinian: it had the
+form of a basilica such as those lately erected in Rome, and he had no
+doubt that it was used for Christian worship.  No heathen temples were
+anywhere seen, although here and there a mass of ruins might have marked
+the spot where the shrine of an idol had stood.  Jovinian's heart beat
+more joyously than it had done for a long time.  One of those
+residences, he was certain, must be the abode of Severus.  Many months
+had passed since he last had heard from him, and a still longer period
+since he had been able to despatch a letter to his friend.  Jovinian,
+therefore, was not expected; but his arrival would, he hoped, cause
+pleasure as well as surprise.  The travellers, therefore, did not spend
+many moments in contemplating the enchanting scenery spread out before
+them, but, urging on their steeds, descended by a narrow pathway,
+leading from the heights they had gained through a deep gorge, which had
+to be passed before the valley could be entered.  From the first peasant
+they met they inquired the way to the house of Severus.
+
+"It is hard by the basilica which he has had erected for us," was the
+answer; "and if Christians, as I know you to be, you will be welcomed as
+brethren, for so every one is received who comes in that character to
+his door."
+
+Already the shadows of the mountains were extending over the valley.
+They drew near a villa of elegant form, although not of costly
+materials; and Jovinian observed Severus walking to and fro on the
+terrace before the entrance.  Throwing himself from his horse, Jovinian
+advanced towards his friend, who immediately recognised him, although he
+had grown into manhood since their separation.
+
+Hurrying forward, Severus embraced him warmly.  "We did not doubt your
+faithfulness, but we feared some accident had happened to you, since no
+letter has reached us for a year or more," said Severus.  "You will
+rejoice the hearts of my wife and child, who have been most anxious
+about you."
+
+Jovinian was soon in the presence of Eugenia and Julia--the latter
+blushing as she received his affectionate greeting.
+
+"I have never had cause to regret coming here instead of remaining at
+Rome," said Severus.  "Although I hold that we are bound to bravely
+fight the good fight of faith against the world, the flesh, and the
+devil--being in the world, yet not of it--I should have proved of far
+less benefit to my fellow-creatures in Rome than, by God's grace, I have
+been able to be here by faithfully preaching the pure Gospel,
+instructing the children, and advancing at the same time the temporal
+interests of the community.  I have not confined myself to this valley
+alone, but have visited many others surrounding it.  It is with
+gratitude to our Heavenly Father I am able to say that not a heathen
+temple remains within them, and that the people have mostly, if not
+altogether, abandoned all their idolatrous practices and superstitions;
+but still there is much work to be done, as there ever will be while the
+prince of this world has power over the children of men; and to that
+work, I trust, my beloved son, you will, from henceforth, devote
+yourself."  Such was Jovinian's earnest desire.
+
+It was with no small pleasure that he again met Eros, who greeted him
+with warm affection.  The once ignorant slave had become the trusted
+overseer of Severus' property, and at the same time an active promoter
+of the truth.  There were two other persons of whom Jovinian wished to
+hear--Marcia and Coelia.
+
+"They are both happily married, and are mothers.  Marcia resides at the
+further end of this valley, and Coelia in the one beyond, where their
+husbands, greatly aided by them, minister to the spiritual wants of
+their neighbours," was the answer.
+
+Jovinian, who visited them, could scarcely recognise in the cheerful
+smiling matrons the once unhappy vestals.
+
+Before long Jovinian became the husband of Julia; and he found in her an
+active helpmate in all his efforts for the good of the people among whom
+they had cast their lot.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
+
+JOVINIAN REVISITS HIS NATIVE CITY.
+
+Years passed by; Jovinian became a deacon and presbyter of the Church of
+the valleys, and, in conjunction with other faithful men, was the means
+of extending the blessings of the Gospel among the inhabitants of even
+the most remote districts.  No sound of the tumults which agitated the
+larger portion of the western empire penetrated to these remote valleys.
+The news which came from Rome was unsatisfactory.  Revolts and cruel
+warfare had occurred in various directions.  Magnentius had assumed the
+imperial purple.  The tide of war had extended westward, in the very
+neighbourhood of the valleys of the Cottian Alps.  A battle had been
+fought, when, the usurper being defeated, Constantius became sole master
+of the Roman empire.  In the council held at Milan he obtained the
+banishment of Athanasius of Alexandria, a bishop highly respected for
+his orthodoxy; and Arianism was once more in the ascendency.
+Christianity, by the accounts received, appeared to be spreading at
+Rome, but so corrupted by idolatry that in many respects it could
+scarcely be distinguished from the old faith.  At length Julian became
+master of the Roman empire, and, for a short time, the heathen system
+was declared to be the religion of the state.
+
+Many at Rome, and elsewhere, who had been supposed Christians, now
+openly resumed their idolatrous practices, proving the real character of
+their faith.
+
+By the death of Julian--who was shortly after succeeded by Valentinian--
+Christianity once more obtained the support of a sovereign.
+
+For many years Jovinian and Julia enjoyed uninterrupted happiness, and
+were blessed with a numerous family.
+
+At length Severus and Eugenia, both advanced in years, were taken from
+them, their places being well filled by their daughter and her husband.
+Although contented with his lot, and knowing that he was of use in the
+position he filled, Jovinian had for long desired to re-visit Rome, and
+ascertain for himself the state of affairs in regard to the Church in
+that city.  He hoped that he should find some faithful men with whom he
+could hold brotherly intercourse, and that he might return to the home
+of his adoption with fresh strength and knowledge.  He had now a son who
+would be able to perform the duties he had taken upon himself; and Julia
+so ably ruled his household that he could leave his home for a period
+without detriment.  Although she naturally felt some anxiety at the
+thoughts of his performing so long a journey, she did not attempt to
+alter his resolution, believing that he would thereby benefit those he
+was about to visit, and gain for himself spiritual strength.
+
+Instead of travelling by land--the fatigues of which he was less able to
+endure than he had been on his former journey northward--he decided on
+proceeding to the nearest port at which he could embark.  Even then he
+had many fatigues to endure, a mountainous region to traverse, and
+torrents to pass over.  Under the providence of God, however, the port
+was reached in safety.  He found a vessel on the point of sailing for
+Ostia, and, after a rapid passage, he landed at that town.
+
+He had reason to mourn the changes he everywhere witnessed.  The former
+bishop had long been dead, and his successor seemed bent on gaining
+proselytes by every possible means.
+
+There were several new Christian churches; but as Jovinian entered them
+he saw people prostrating themselves before figures closely resembling
+the heathen gods.  A few persons seemed somewhat dissatisfied with the
+state of things; but in the whole place he found nobody to whom he could
+speak openly as to a brother.
+
+His stay, therefore, was short; and engaging a vehicle, he hastened on
+to Rome, by the same road he had taken when compelled to return by his
+uncle Gaius.  On approaching the sanctuary of Mars, the driver, who
+professed to be a Christian, informed him that it had been taken
+possession of by a body of holy recluses.  On getting near the gate, a
+man was seen rushing with frantic speed, a sword dripping gore in his
+hand, as if he were flying from the avengers of blood.  As the murderer
+neared the gate, it was thrown open; and springing in, he was received
+by several men in long coarse garments, and at once the door was closed.
+When the officers of the law arrived, they were refused admission.  "We
+claim the ancient privileges of the place," cried the monks.  The
+officers, not venturing to dispute the point, returned to the city.
+
+"What will the recluses do with the murderer?" asked Jovinian of the
+driver.
+
+"He will become one of them," was the answer.  "Several of their number
+have been guilty of like crimes, and have thus escaped from justice!"
+
+From what Jovinian had witnessed at Ostia, he was somewhat prepared for
+the scene which Rome presented as he drove through the streets.
+Christian basilicas--some of considerable magnificence--rose in every
+direction; but a large number of heathen temples remained, a few only
+having been pulled down to afford sites or materials for the
+before-mentioned edifices.  Many temples were, however, closed, while
+others had been slightly altered to fit them for the Christian worship.
+At the corners of the streets were shrines, as in days of yore.  They
+one and all contained female statues, which the driver told Jovinian
+were those of the mother of God.  In the arms of several of the statues
+was an infant, who, his loquacious guide informed him, was "Jesus," her
+son.  Jovinian recognised the figures as those of the Babylonian Astarte
+and her son Horos: she, under the name of Isis, had long been worshipped
+in Rome.
+
+Amulius had gone to be with the Lord whom he served on earth; but he had
+left a son, Prudentius, who had inherited his property, and had invited
+Jovinian to take up his abode with him should he ever visit Rome.
+
+Prudentius--who had been a mere boy when he had last seen Jovinian--
+remembered him with affection, and warmly greeted him on his arrival.
+He had a numerous family, whom he had brought up in the simple faith of
+the Gospel; but he expressed his anxiety lest they should be led away by
+the corruptions which everywhere prevailed.
+
+"By my father's wish I refrained from entering the ministry, and have
+practised the law instead," observed Prudentius.  "It was his opinion
+that I should thus be far more free to advocate the truth,--for, had I
+become a deacon or presbyter, I should have been under the orders of
+superiors who were too likely to support the errors long creeping in
+among us."
+
+"I had heard that the inhabitants of Rome had become almost universally
+Christians," said Jovinian.
+
+"Alas, alas! they are so only nominally," answered his friend.
+"Paganism in a modified form prevails as of yore.  The more abominable
+rites, it is true, have been suppressed; but although the people have
+been taught no longer to trust in the heathen gods, they have retained
+their superstitions and the larger portion of their former customs.  The
+aim of the bishops and other leaders in the Church has been to
+amalgamate the two systems, so as to induce the pagans to more readily
+afford them their support.
+
+"Recently multitudes have been added to the Church; but, as you will
+have an opportunity of judging, the number of faithful men among us is
+few indeed.  Our present bishop is, it is said, very ill; and, should he
+die, we have reason to fear no improvement will take place under his
+successor.
+
+"The Arians are still numerous at Rome, and will make an effort to have
+a bishop of their own profession elected.  Damasus, a presbyter, who has
+lately appeared among us, is said to have been educated among the
+recluses of Mount Carmel, in the East,--a college which I have ample
+reason to believe supports the Babylonian worship so prevalent in all
+parts.  He has been received here by a powerful party, of whom I have
+ever had the greatest mistrust, as I have observed that they are among
+the chief promoters of the worship of the Virgin Mary, which is so
+rapidly gaining ground in the city.  These men belong to what is known
+as the `Holy College,' and are the successors of the heathen pontiffs,
+by whom, after the latter had become Christians, they were successively
+elected.  They exercise almost as much influence among the Christian
+population as their predecessors did among the heathen."
+
+Jovinian recollected the plans he had heard discussed by Coecus, and saw
+too clearly how successfully they had been carried out.
+
+On inquiring of his friend for information about the last days of his
+uncle, who had long been dead, Prudentius replied, "Yes: hearing he was
+ill, my father, being a relative, went to visit him, and afford him the
+last consolation of religion; but Gaius made no sign, and, turning his
+face to the wall, so died."
+
+"The pontiff Coecus: what ending did he make?" asked Jovinian.
+
+"He lived to a great age, and, when Julian attempted to overthrow the
+Christian Church, he openly advocated the restoration of the heathen
+temples; but, finding that his plans were unsuccessful, he took poison
+and so died, and went to his place," answered Prudentius.
+
+"But the harm he has done lived after him," observed Jovinian; and he
+then recounted to his friend the knowledge he had gained of the plans of
+the pontiffs for the destruction of religion.
+
+Many days passed by; and the more Jovinian saw of the state of things in
+Rome, the more convinced he was that those plans had been fearfully
+successful.
+
+The Bishop, Liberius, was declining rapidly, and great excitement
+prevailed among those who would take part in the election of his
+successor.  A fresh candidate had appeared, in the person of Ursinus--a
+man of considerable influence in Rome, who had lately become a deacon,
+but who was in no way distinguished for his Christian virtues.
+
+Jovinian and Prudentius had together been visiting some of the churches,
+and were returning with heavy hearts at what they saw, when they met
+Juventius, the city prefect.
+
+"The Bishop Liberius can live but a few hours longer," observed the
+prefect.  "I feel greatly anxious as to what may happen.  Armed men are
+collecting from all quarters, and repairing, some to the residence of
+Damasus and others to that of Ursinus; and I much fear that the rival
+factions will resort to force instead of waiting the result of a legal
+election."
+
+"Can these men believe themselves to be ministers of our holy Religion,
+followers of Him who exhorted His disciples to love one another, to
+refrain from violence, and do all the good they can to their
+fellow-creatures?" exclaimed Prudentius.  "Alas, alas! how do they
+differ from those who in the early ages gained the love and respect even
+of the heathen!"
+
+As they were speaking, a man rushed past them, crying as he ran, "The
+bishop is dead! the bishop is dead!"
+
+"Then I must summon my guards to preserve order," observed Juventius,
+hurrying off.
+
+"Can the prefect possibly fear that those who are desirous of becoming
+the leaders of Christ's flock should resort to force of arms?" exclaimed
+Jovinian.
+
+"He has observed what has been taking place in the city for some days
+past, since the illness of Liberius became known, and he considers the
+temporal value of the post the candidates are seeking," answered
+Prudentius.  "If we wish to avoid the risk of getting entangled among
+the mob, it would be wise to return home."
+
+The two friends were at this time at a considerable distance from the
+house of Prudentius.  They accordingly bent their steps as he advised.
+They were approaching the Basilica Sicininus, when they saw advancing
+towards it a large body of armed men, headed by a person whom Prudentius
+recognised as Ursinus, one of the candidates for the vacant bishopric.
+This basilica being the principal church, it was considered that the
+party which held it would have the best chance of success.  Another band
+directly afterwards came rushing along from an opposite direction,
+evidently with the intention of endeavouring to intercept the first.
+
+The two friends, with the greatest difficulty, avoided being carried on
+with the tumultuous throng by stepping into a deep archway which happily
+presented itself.  They observed, however, that the first party gained
+the threshold of the entrance to the church, and with loud shouts and
+shrieks took possession.  The second band attempting to force a way in,
+being less numerous, was driven off, leaving several dead on the ground,
+while others were bleeding from severe wounds.
+
+As they retreated they uttered cries of vengeance, threatening ere long
+to return and drive out the occupants of the sacred edifice.
+
+Jovinian and Prudentius now again attempted to make their way homeward;
+but they were once more stopped by having to avoid a band led by
+Ursinus, who issued out of the church, leaving a strong garrison within
+it.  Before long they met another party of the supporters of Damasus,
+whom, however, they put to flight.  Now reaching the abodes of some of
+their opponents, they broke into the houses, which, having thrown out
+the furniture, they set on fire.
+
+This example was quickly imitated by others of the opposite party.  The
+friends had not gone far when they caught sight of Damasus himself, at
+the head of a larger band than had yet appeared, supported by several
+presbyters, deacons, and other officials, while among them appeared a
+party of men wearing cowls and coarse garments, who were evidently monks
+invited by Damasus to assist him.  Whether ecclesiastics or not, the
+whole multitude carried arms, spears, swords, or daggers.  They were
+encountered by a band of the hitherto victorious followers of Ursinus.
+A fierce fight took place under the walls of the burning houses; neither
+party would give way, and many had fallen, when Juventius, the city
+prefect, appeared with his guards.  In vain he shouted and ordered the
+combatants to desist; no one listened to him, until, rushing forward, he
+endeavoured to separate them.
+
+Indignant at his interference, the leaders turned their rage towards
+him, and, attacked by both parties, he was compelled to retreat.  A part
+of the maddened mob pursued him, shouting out that as he was a civil
+officer he had no business to interfere in the affairs of the Church.
+Finding not only that all his efforts to restore order were futile, but
+that the rioters were sufficiently strong to overpower him, he, together
+with his guards, escaped for safety into the suburbs.
+
+The wildest disorder and confusion prevailed throughout the streets of
+Rome during that night.
+
+Not without great risk to themselves had Jovinian and Prudentius been
+able to reach home.
+
+From the roof to which they mounted they could see fires blazing in all
+directions, while the shrieks and cries of the enraged factions rose up
+from the streets--some near, and others in the far distance.
+
+Whenever the followers of Ursinus met those of Damasus, they attacked
+each other with the greatest fury.
+
+During the whole night the tumult raged.  In the morning bodies of dead
+men were seen scattered about in all directions.  Ursinus still held the
+basilica, which his followers began to fortify.  The party of Damasus
+resolved to dislodge them.  For this purpose he and his supporters were
+employed the whole day in gathering together all they could induce to
+join them.  Heathens, provided they came armed, were as welcome as
+others.  The prospect of sacking the houses of the other party afforded
+them sufficient temptations.  Once more did the prefect attempt to
+restore order; but barely escaped with his life.  The voting for the two
+rival candidates for the bishopric had been going on,--first one party,
+then the other, being at the head of the poll.  The rage of the rival
+factions increased when either appeared to be successful or were losing
+ground.  The tumult raged with even greater violence than on the
+previous night.  Now Damasus, at the head of an organised band, advanced
+through the streets towards the basilica.  Ursinus himself, with a less
+numerous party, in vain attempted to reach it, in order to support its
+garrison.  The doors were burst open, and the forces of Damasus rushed
+in.  A fearful combat took place.  The edifice in which prayers and
+hymns of praise were wont to ascend resounded with the frantic shouts of
+the combatants, with the shrieks of the wounded and the groans of the
+dying.  For hours the fight continued to rage.  Now the assailants
+gained an entrance; now they were again driven out by the desperate
+efforts of the besieged, who believed that a general massacre would take
+place should they once be overcome.
+
+At length so many of their number had fallen, that, bursting through the
+door opposite to that at which the chief attack was going on, they made
+their escape, pursued by their enemies.  The party of Damasus, flushed
+with victory, drove back the followers of Ursinus wherever they were
+met; and he himself, believing that his cause was lost, retreated with a
+few of his ecclesiastical supporters from the city.
+
+When morning broke he was nowhere to be found.  His few followers wisely
+retired to their homes; and the prefect, returning, was at length able
+to restore order.
+
+Fearful were the scenes which Rome presented, as Jovinian and Prudentius
+once more ventured forth.  Smoking ruins in all directions; corpses
+scattered in every street; some, where the combat had been fiercest, lay
+in heaps, many blackened and charred by the burning houses near which
+they had fallen.  Fighting had taken place in several other churches
+besides the Basilica of Sicininus, and blood stained their pavements;
+the bodies of many of the dead still lay where they had fallen.
+Prudentius proposed going on to the Basilica of Sicininus, where the
+fiercest struggle had taken place.  On entering the church they started
+back with horror.  Before them lay, with distorted countenances and in
+attitudes showing the ferocity with which they had fought, scattered
+throughout every part of the building, the corpses of the slain.  They
+were chiefly those of the defeated party, although several of their
+opponents had of course fallen.  On counting them, they were found to
+number one hundred and thirty-seven.  The prefect had issued orders for
+the interment of the dead.  It had been a question whether they should
+receive Christian burial, or be deposited together in one of the
+catacombs outside the walls.  But Damasus insisted that the followers of
+Ursinus only should be thus buried,--"he having arranged," he said, "a
+fitting funeral for those who had fallen as martyrs for the truth."
+
+Prudentius, when he met the prefect, inquired whether he intended to
+bring Damasus and his followers to account for the tumult.
+
+"It is more than I dare do!" he answered.  "Were I to make the attempt,
+it would probably cause another outbreak, with equally disastrous
+results.  Supported by the emperor, your Christian bishop has more power
+than I have, and I must allow him full licence to promote, as he thinks
+best, what he calls the interests of religion.  I leave you to judge,
+however, whether the late events are calculated to recommend it to the
+minds of the heathen.  The Romans may yet rue the day they consented to
+be ruled by their bishops."
+
+Damasus was declared duly elected, by the presbyters and deacons, and
+the Christian population of Rome.
+
+The following day he paraded through the streets in a handsome chariot,
+attended by a numerous body-guard richly clothed.  In his hand he
+carried the Lituus,--the long used insignia of the augurs, since known
+as the bishop's crozier,--proving that he considered himself to be their
+lineal successor.
+
+Having taken up his residence in the palace of the Lateran, he gave a
+magnificent banquet to his chief supporters, which was said to surpass
+in sumptuousness those, not only of the more wealthy citizens, but of
+the emperor himself.  He had become possessed of the wealth left by his
+predecessor, and had reason to be sure that more would, ere long, flow
+into his coffers from the piety of the matrons of Rome.  In this he was
+not mistaken; eternal happiness being freely promised to all who would
+thus enrich the Church.  Many pious people also devoted their wealth to
+the building of basilicas, to which they claimed the right of appointing
+the ministers, following the example of those who had erected heathen
+temples, of selecting the priests to attend them.
+
+Every day Jovinian remained at Rome brought more sorrow to his heart.
+
+There were still many heathen temples; and from the Altar of Victory--
+which had been restored by Julian--the smoke of sacrifices ascended.  In
+many of the basilicas statues which he recognised as those of Isis, or
+some other heathen goddess, now generally clothed in rich garments, held
+most prominent places.  Numerous other clothed statues were placed in
+niches with lamps burning before them.  Jovinian had no difficulty in
+distinguishing those which had before represented the heathen gods and
+goddesses from the figures of the apostles and martyrs, also carved in
+wood or stone--the latter exhibiting a melancholy proof of the decadence
+of art in the capital.  Everywhere, indeed, he found that the plan of
+Coecus had been successful.  The worship of the Babylonian goddess,
+under her new name, prevailed throughout the city.  Although
+Christianity had not been crushed, it had been fearfully corrupted; in
+reality, idolatry had won the victory in the battle which it had long
+been waging with the Christian faith; no longer in Rome was the simple
+Gospel preached.  Flowery discourses, at which the people signified
+their approval by loud applause, were delivered from the pulpits.  The
+Christian ministers now appeared in the same rich garments which had
+been worn by the heathen priests.  Relics were adored, and supposed to
+work miracles; prayers were offered up for the dead, and to the martyrs,
+as well as to her whom they called "Mary the virgin mother;" people were
+taught that penances were meritorious; ascetic practices were
+inculcated; the existence of purgatorial fires, as believed in by the
+heathen, was taught as a reality, from which the dead could be
+emancipated alone by the prayers of the priests; while so notorious had
+become the efforts of the clergy to obtain wealth from the devout among
+the female sex, that an edict was published by the emperor forbidding
+ecclesiastics to receive any gifts, inheritance or legacy, at the hands
+of devout women, and the ministers were compelled, according to custom,
+to publish this decree from all the pulpits in the city,--thus becoming
+the heralds of their own rapacious propensities.
+
+In vain Jovinian made every effort to stem the tide of corruption.  He
+preached, whenever he could obtain an opportunity, in the churches,
+faithfully pointing out the fearful errors into which the Christians
+were falling, until every basilica was closed against him.  He
+continued, however, to preach in the houses of a few faithful men, and
+even at times in the open streets; but at length--branded by the bishop
+as a heretic and a disturber of the public peace--he received an order
+forthwith to quit the city.  As his liberty, if not his life, would have
+been in danger had he ventured to disobey the order issued by the
+powerful pontiff, he bade farewell to Prudentius, and turned his face
+northward.
+
+From the tranquil valleys among which he had taken up his abode he often
+wrote to his friend, and received letters in return.  In one of them
+Prudentius, giving way to despair, thus expressed his opinion: "By the
+unholy union which has been effected, idolatry has strangled
+Christianity in her baneful embrace [Note 1], and has sent forth instead
+a gaudily-dressed being, which, calling herself the True Faith, insists
+that all mankind shall fall down and worship as she dictates."
+
+"Be not in despair, my friend," answered Jovinian.  "God has promised to
+protect His Church; and be assured that He will raise up faithful men in
+coming ages who will protest against all these corruptions, and the time
+will come when the simple Gospel will be again faithfully preached, and
+the practices of the apostolic age be restored even in Rome itself,
+where the mystery of iniquity has begun its fearful reign."
+
+THE END.
+
+------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+Note 1.  Sir Isaac Newton states that before the end of the fourth
+century the idolatrous worship of the Virgin Mary had been universally
+established, while nearly all the corrupt practices of the Church of
+Rome had been already commenced, although many of her dogmas were not
+introduced till centuries later.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Jovinian, by W.H.G. Kingston
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