anity by combining with it different systems of heathen philosophy. Of the first were the Nazarenes, who adhered to the rites of Moses; and the Ebionites who not only adhered to the rites of Moses, but also to the traditions of the Elders, and also denied the Divinity of Christ. Of the Gnostics, were the followers of Marcion, Basilides, Valentinus, Tatian, &c. One Montanus pretended to be the Comforter, promised by Christ. He attempted no change in doctrine, but professed to be commissioned to perfect the moral system taught by Christ and his disciples. He prescribed very rigid rules of life, forbade second marriages, refused to restore the lapsed, and discountenanced learning and philosophy. Among his followers were two very opulent ladies, Priscilla and Maximilla, who with others, uttered prophecies after the example of their master, whom they called the Paraclete, or Comforter. This sect, which spread considerably, was advocated by Tertullian, a man of genius, but constitutionally austere and gloomy.

At the end of the second century, within a little more than one hundred and fifty years after the first preaching of the gospel, it is obvious to remark the changes already introduced into the Christian church. Christianity began already to wear the garb of heathenism. The seeds of most of those errors that afterwards so entirely overran the church, marred its beauty, and tarnished its glory, were already beginning to take root. Min isterial parity, which had undoubtedly existed under the ministry of the apostles, was now beginning to yield to the encroachments of ambition, and that distinction of grades began to be established that nded in the Papal Hierarchy. That

respect and sanctity began to be ascribed t. exter. nal austerities, which in after ages overran the church with monachism. Ceremonies began to be added, which continued to increase, until, under papal authority, the whole of religion was made to consist of little else. But these things are easily accounted for, as they are congenial with the natural corruption, prejudices, and propensities of the human heart.

CENTURY III.

Persecution under Decius -2. Boundaries of the church extended.-3. Learning.--4. Increase of the power and au thority of bishops.-5. Writers.-6. 'Theology corrupted.7. Ceremonies multiplied.-8. Heresies.

In this century, the church enjoyed more favour and toleration in general from the Roman overnment than before; and several of the emperors even showed themselves friendly, so that they were supposed by some to have secretly embraced the Christian faith. Many Christians were to be found holding high offices both in the court and in the army; and under most of the emperors, no impediment lay in their way to the attainment of the highest public stations and hon ours. Yet they were liable to suffer great trou bles from popular tumults, often excited against them by pagan priests; and also from magistrates and governors of provinces who were unfriendly to them, and whose avarice often led them to op press the Christians in order to extort money from

them. In this way, many suffered mirtyrdon, imprisonment, &c., under the most friendly of the emperors. But several of the emperors of this century published severe edicts against the Christians. 'The most terrible was that of Decius, (A. D. 249) by which "the governors were commanded, on pain of forfeiting their own lives, either to exterminate all Christians utterly, or bring them back by pains and tortures to the religion of their fathers." This persecution was more dreadful than any that preceded it, because it extended over the whole Roman empire, and because of the severe tortures and cruelty used to compel Christians to apostatize, and offer incense to the heathen idols. Multitudes were cut off in every part of the empire by various species of punishment: and many, dismayed rather by a dread of long continued tortures, than of death itself, professed to renounce Christ, and procured safety for themselves, either by offering incense before the idols, or by the payment of money. Much dispute afterward arose in the church, respecting the terms upon which these lapsed persons should be restored to Christian fellowship. Some were for enforcing the severe penance prescribed by the laws of the church, while others were for a milder treatment. This controversy issued in the schism of the Novatians. Gallus, the successor of Decius, renewed the persecution in A. D. 251; and Valerian afterwards in A. D. 257. Under this last emperor, suffered Cyprian, bishop of Car thage, Sixtus, bishop of Rome, and Laurentius, a deacon of Rome, who was roasted before a slow fire.

1. The boundaries of the church were extended in this century, but in what countries, to what

extent, and by what means is not so certain. The Goths, a barbarous people, dwelling on the west of the Black Sea, were converted to Christianity by means of certain Christian ministers whom they had carried captive from Asia. Seven pious missionaries, whose names are recorded, migrated into France, about the middle of the century, and founded churches in Paris, Tours, Arles, and several other chief towns. In Germany, a number of churches were established, and Scotland, it is probable, received the gospel in this century. Miracles, although less common, were still per formed, Mosheim tells us, by many Christians. The translation of the Scriptures into various languages, and the labours of Origen in disseminating copies of them, were doubtless a means of aiding the progress of Christianity. The influence of the gospel in reforming the morals, and improving the character and condition of men, had much effect in the same way. The church never wielded a sharper weapon against its enemies than the holy lives of its members.

III. Learning in this century, greatly declined. Longinus, the rhetorician, however, who is still read in our schools, and Dion Cassius, a fine historian, lived in this century. The school of Ammonius became very celebrated, who attempted to amalgamate Christianity with the old heathen systems of religion and philosophy. Christ was consorted with Pythagoras, Apollonius, and the like; and their miracles and mighty works were compared with his. The design of this school was, to combine all systems of religion and philosophy into one; but they disagreed among themselves. Porphyry distinguished himself in this school as a very subtle opposer of Christianity

Many doctors of the church, and particula: y Origen, were deeply tinctured with this kind of philosophy, and hence arose many of the errors and corruptions of the church.

IV. The power and authority of bishops as a superior order of the clergy, were much advanced in this century; but they did not as yet hold an independent rank. Cyprian himself, the boldest defender of episcopal power and authority, "did not presume to determine any question of moment by his own authority, or without the advice and consent of his presbyters, and was accustomed to take the sense of the whole church on subjects of peculiar interest." Yet episcopal pre-eminence was claimed: and in order to support such claim, new doctrines were taught, namely—that bishops are the successors of the apostles, and as such are amenable to none but God only—that the whole church is founded upon the bishop, and that no one is a true member, who is not submissive to his bishop-that bishops represent Christ himself, and govern and judge in his name. Hence, in fol. lowing ages, all bishops styled themselves vicars of Christ.

"This change in the form of ecclesiastical gov ernment was followed by a corrupt state of the clergy. For although examples of primitive piety and virtue were not wanting, yet many were addicted to dissipation, arrogance, voluptuousness, contention, and other vices. Many bishops now affected the state of princes, and especially those who had charge of the more populous and wealthy congregations; for they sat on thrones, surrounded by their ministers, and other ensigns of their ghostly power and perhaps also dazzled the eyes and the minds of the populace with their splendid