DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.55699#0171
ROME.
135
positive value and rationality of its doctrines, but the
effect which the necessary exertion employed in its esta-
blishment had on many successive generations. Rome, it
is probable, would, but for this, have lain for ever pro-
strate, and the rank grass of her campagna covered the
spots now adorned with temples and palaces.
The triumphs of the truth in this destined seat of
spiritual tyranny were productive of a pure and noble
heroism, which eclipsed the brightness of human vir-
tues on their own soil. The first scions of the church
planted here were men whose minds and hearts were
devoted to the welfare of their species, and who as cheer-
fully shed their blood on the block or the cross for the
cause of truth, as the proudest Roman had ever drawn
his sword in view of the capitol and a crown. But the
contest was scarcely decided when a feeling entirely
foreign to the new faith sprung up in the bosoms of its
supporters. The shrines in which honour and ambition
had been worshipped by suppliant thousands were now
open to Christian priests and bishops. It was speedily
forgotten that, though the devotees of Jupiter and Mars
no longer wielded the sword, the same piety which had
wrung it from their hands had still an ample field for
labour. Luxury, and the love of pomp—the dagons of every
religion—were now the idols 5 and thinking that Truth
must certainly be enshrined in every temple which a
golden cross surmounted, and that she was sufficiently safe
under that ensign, the self-denying, patient, humble, and
laborious men who had planted it at the foot of thrones
were succeeded by luxurious and haughty prelates.
Gregory the Second is usually and rightly regarded as
135
positive value and rationality of its doctrines, but the
effect which the necessary exertion employed in its esta-
blishment had on many successive generations. Rome, it
is probable, would, but for this, have lain for ever pro-
strate, and the rank grass of her campagna covered the
spots now adorned with temples and palaces.
The triumphs of the truth in this destined seat of
spiritual tyranny were productive of a pure and noble
heroism, which eclipsed the brightness of human vir-
tues on their own soil. The first scions of the church
planted here were men whose minds and hearts were
devoted to the welfare of their species, and who as cheer-
fully shed their blood on the block or the cross for the
cause of truth, as the proudest Roman had ever drawn
his sword in view of the capitol and a crown. But the
contest was scarcely decided when a feeling entirely
foreign to the new faith sprung up in the bosoms of its
supporters. The shrines in which honour and ambition
had been worshipped by suppliant thousands were now
open to Christian priests and bishops. It was speedily
forgotten that, though the devotees of Jupiter and Mars
no longer wielded the sword, the same piety which had
wrung it from their hands had still an ample field for
labour. Luxury, and the love of pomp—the dagons of every
religion—were now the idols 5 and thinking that Truth
must certainly be enshrined in every temple which a
golden cross surmounted, and that she was sufficiently safe
under that ensign, the self-denying, patient, humble, and
laborious men who had planted it at the foot of thrones
were succeeded by luxurious and haughty prelates.
Gregory the Second is usually and rightly regarded as