Chap. 2.

Alexander.

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but so unsettled were political affairs, and so fleeting the lives of emperors, that Christianity was, in a measure, unnoticed by the state; at least, the monarchs were distin- guished by such propensities as rendered them either indifferent, or favourable to the church. Macrinus finished his reign within the year, Heliogabalus swayed the sceptre three years and nine months. He lived more like a beast than a man, and was slain by his soldiers in the midst of his follies. His successor was Alexander, who, though but a youth of sixteen when he assumed the purple, proved one of the most prudent and upright characters in the annals of history. His mother, Mammæa, is highly spoken of by ecclesiastical writers, and appears to have been well disposed towards the Christians. The religion of Alexander was truly pagan, but he incorporated something Christian in it. In his domestic temple, where he daily worshipped, he had the statues of Jesus Christ and Abraham, along with those of his heroes. There is an instance of his conduct towards the Christians highly worthy öur notice. A piece of common land had been occupied by the Christians, and on it they erected a church. This ground was elaimed by certain tavern-keepers, and the disputed point brought before the emperor. "It is better (said Alexander) that God should be served there, in any manner whatever, rather than that a tavern should be made of it." He selected from the sacred writings some of the most sententious sayings, and caused them to be transcribed for the admonition of his magistrates, and for the use of his people. Do as you would be done by, was often upon his lips, and he obliged the erier to repeat it, when any person was punished. He caused it to be written on the walls of his palace, and on the pub. lie buildings.

$8

Maximin.

Cent. 3.

This peaceful period gave the pastors and preachers an opportunity of propagating the faith. Origen flourished exceedingly. During his travels, he obtained ordination from the hands of two bishops of Palestine, at which his own bishop, Demetrius of Alexandria, took great offence, and availing himself of some adjudged errors in his writings, expelled him from the African church. He therefore took up his residence in Palestine, under the auspices of his two friends, by whom he had been ordained. Here he continued his unwearied labours, and was followed by many disciples. Gregory (afterwards surnamed Thaumaturgus) attended his leetures, and was induced by his reasoning to embrace the profession of Christianity. The advice Origen gave his pupil was good: he exhorted him to apply himself, chiefly to the study of the scriptures, and to beg light from above, by which he might be guided in his conelusions. And it had been much better for the church, if both master and scholar had studied the sacred writings with simplicity of heart, guided by faith and the Holy Ghost, and less by philosophy and proud reason.

In the year 235, the virtuous Alexander, and his amiable mother, were murdered by Maximin, who succeeded in the government. Such was his hatred to the house and person of his predecessor, that he vented his fury against the church but his tyranny was short; in three years he filled up the measure of his iniquities, and gave place to Pupienus and Balbinus, whose course was interrupted, at its very commencement, by the sword of their jealous and furious soldiers. The succeeding emperor, Gordian, reigned six years, and then was supplanted and murdered by Philip the Arabian. This prince has been called the first Christian emperor, and from a variety of circumstances, his profession of Christianity

Chap. 3.

Philip the Arabian.

is very probable. He favoured the bishops and ministers, received an epistle from Origen; but he was never baptised, and it would have been a pity he should, when we consider his life and principles. Five years concluded his race, and as he had measured to his forerunner, so it was measured back to him again. He was slain by Decius, who acceded to the empire. Though the reign of Philip, in itself, is little more than a blank in church history, yet, during its progress, we hail the conversion of a great man, Cyprian of Carthage, whose character will pass in review hereafter.

CHAPTER III.

CHURCH AFFAIRS DURING THE REIGNS OF DECIUS AND

GALLUS.

Great Persecution-Ministry of Cyprian-Novation and his Followers.

BEFORE We proceed to detail the events of this period, it will be necessary to ascertain the state of the church at its commencement. The peace with which Christians had been indulged appears not to have been improved in so great a degree as might have been expeeted. Conformity to the world, and love of gain, sadly disgraced the professors of Christianity-they mingled with the heathen in marriage, and imitated them in their dress, luxuries, and recreations. The rulers of the church too, not only beheld these things with indifference, but partook of the contagion, or, what is worse, perhaps set the example. They hunted for preferment,

90

Decian Persecution.

Cent. 3.

and neglected their charge, by becoming non-residents. They even embarked in worldly business, and travelled through distant provinces in pursuit of the mammon of unrighteousness. These things called aloud for correction. Strong evils require strong remedies: such God provided. "The spirit of judgment," in the discipline of Cyprian, within, and "the spirit of burning," in the persecution of Decius, without. But, notwithstanding these defections, too general, alas! we shall find, in the day of trial, a host of worthies," whose knees had not bowed to the image of Baal, and whose lips had not kid him."

The churches, both in the eastern and western parts of the empire, were made sensible of the spirit and er of Decius. At Rome, the flame burst forth with eat fury, and Fabian, the bishop, presently fell a victim to its rage; nor was it safe or practicable, for a considerable time, to eleet another in his stead. Moyses and Maximus, two presbyters of the same church, were also imprisoned, together with many others. The flame soon extended to the East. In Palestine, Alexander, a venerable man, grown grey in episcopal duties, was thrown into prison at Cæsarea, where, through ill treat-ment and neglect, he expired. In this persecution Origen was involved. His sufferings were great, but not unto death; he finished his days in peace, about five years after at Tyre.

Such was the fury of the Decian persecution, that "It seems to have been the whole employment of magistra es to persecute. Swords, wild beasts, pits, red hot chains, wheels, and talons of iron: these were the instruments of this persecution. Malice and covetousness were ly and strongly set to work, in informing against Christians during the whole of this short, but horrible reign.

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Chap. 3.

Pionius and Eudemon.

91

And the genius of men was never known to have had more employment in aiding the savageness of the heart. Life was prolonged in torture, that impatience and suffering might effect at length, what surprise and terror could not."

The power of genuine religion will appear in a few examples. A Christian condemned to suffer, was accordingly, placed on the rack, in order to extort a denial of his faith; this proving ineffectual, burning plates ere applied, but still he remained firm. The judge dered him to be rubbed all over with honey, and exosed to the burning sun, with his hands tied, that he might be stung with the flies.

the fires of persecution, some were intimidated and turned aside. Eudemon, bishop of Smyrna, apostatized, and several in his church followed the example. This church, once so famed for its worthies, had partaken of the general declension. But still there were some few who had retained the spirit of their renowned Polycarp, and dared even to resist unto death. The character and example of PIONIUS, a presbyter, produced a testimonial the most decisive and salutary. This true Christian minister, being apprehended, was ordered to sacrifice in honour of the gods; but with the boldness worthy of his profession, he nobly refused, and declared his determination to abide by the true God. Pionius, and other sufferers with him, were brought into the market-place, before the multitude, in order to undergo the torture. TE zealous presbyter, with a loud voice, addressed him. self to the citizens; and, like another Stephen, courageously defended his principles, and upbraided them with ach of their's. This sermon (for so it may be called) would have been worthy of the apostolic age. Its effects on the hearers were considerable; even the