and spread desolation through the streets. Thus this proud city, which had subdued a great part of the world; which, during a period of 619 years, had never been violated by the presence of a foreign enemy, was itself called to surrender to the arms of a rude and revengeful Goth; who was well entitled the Destroyer of nations, and the Scourge of God!

41. From this period, the barbarians continued their ravages, until 476, which is commonly assigned as marking the total extinction of the western part of the Roman empire. Of the tribes, which had been accessary to this result, the Visigoths took possession of Spain; the Franks of Gaul; the Saxons of England; the Huns of Pannonia; the Ostrogoths of Italy, and the adjacent provinces.

These conquests effected an almost entire change in the state of Europe. New governments, laws, languages; new manners, customs, dresses; new names and countries prevailed. It is doubtless to be lamented, that this revolution was the work of nations so little enlightened by science, or polished by civilization; for the laws of the Romans, imperfect as they were, were the best which human wisdom had devised; and in arts they far surpassed the nations to which they now became subjected. It is a remark of Dr. Robertson, “that if a man were called to fix upon a period, in the history of the world, during which the condition of the human race was most calamitous, he would without hesitation name that which elapsed from the death of Theodosius the Great, A. D. 395, to the establishment of the Lombards in Italy, A. D. 571."

42. Although the barbarians were idolaters, yet upon the conquest of the Roman empire, they generally, though at different periods, conformed themselves to the religious institutions of the nations among whom they settled. They unanimously agreed to support the hierarchy of the Church of Rome, and to defend and maintain it, as the established religion of their respective states. They generally adopted the Arian system, and hence the advocates of the Nicene creed met with bitter persecution.

It has already been observed, that religion, in its established form, was at this time but little removed from the superstition and idolatry of the ancient heathen. There were, indeed, pious individuals-some who maintained the primitive faith and manners -but the mass of professors, and even of the clergy, had shamefully departed from the spirit of the Gospel.

To nothing, but the controlling Providence of God can we attribute the condescension of these barbarous tribes to renounce idolatry, and become nominal Christians. Had they pleased, it would seem that they might easily have exterminated Christianity from the earth. But Divine Providence saw fit to order otherwise; and though for years, as nations, they were scarcely to be accounted Christians, the religion which they adopted, at length, softened their manners and refined their morals.

43. Of the kingdoms into which the Roman empire was divided, that of the Franks in Gaul was one. Of this nation, Clovis was king. In the year 496, he was converted to Christianity; and, together with three thousand of his army, was baptized at Rheims, and received into the Church.

The wife of Clovis was Clotilda, a niece of the king of Burgundy. The Burgun dians had already embraced Christianity; and although they professed the Arian faith, Clotilda was attached to the Nicene creed. She had labored to convert her husband to Christianity, but without success. During a battle, which he fought with the Alemans, finding the Franks giving ground, and victory crowning the standard of his foe, he implored, it is said, the assistance of Christ; and solemnly engaged to worship him as a God, if he rendered him victorious over his enemies.

The battle now went on, and Clovis was conqueror. Faithful to his promise, he

was baptized at Rheims, the year after, having been instructed in the doctrines of the Gospel. The real conversion of Clovis has little credit attached to it; but his external reformation served to comfort the friends of religion, and particularly the advocates of the Nicene creed. The conversion of Clovis, it may be added, is considered by the learned as the date of the title of Most Christian Majesty, which has so long been adopted by the kings of France.

44. The year 432 was distinguished for the successful introduction of Christianity into Ireland by Patrick; who, on account of his labors in that country, has been deservedly entitled "the apostle of the Irish, and the father of the Hibernian Church."

Efforts had previously been made to diffuse the light of Christianity among the Irish, under the auspices of Cælestius, bishop of Rome. He had employed Palladius for that purpose; but his mission appears to have been attended with little success. Patrick succeeded Palladius in his labors. The former was a Scot by birth, and was one of the bishops in Scotland; but being taken prisoner, in a war in which the British isles were involved, he was carried to Ireland, where he devoted himself with much zeal to the conversion of the people. He formed the archbishopric of Armagh; and died at an advanced age, in the year 460.

45. Under the auspicies of Gregory the Great, the Roman pontiff, Christianity was introduced into England, in the year 497; at which time Austin, with forty monks, was sent into that country, and began the conversion of the inhabitants.

The knowledge of Christianity existed at this time in England, and appears to have been introduced, about the time of the apostles. But at no period could it be said that the country was Christian. The light of Christianity here and there, in some confined circles, shot through the surrounding darkness; but it was only sufficient to show how thick that darkness was. Indeed, Christianity appears to have been nearly exterminated by the Saxons, Angles, and other tribes, who conquered the country. The idolatries of these tribes reigned through the country for the space of one hundred and fifty years; and to such gods as the Sun, Moon, Thuth, Odin, Thor, Frigga, and Surtur, from which the English derived the names of the week, their homage was paid.

The honor of breaking up this established idolatry, and of spreading the Gospel in England, was reserved for Austin, under the patronage of Gregory. Gregory, previously to his election to the pontificate, was one day walking in the market-place at Rome, and seeing several youth of handsome appearance exposed to sale, he inquired whence they were? Being informed that they were pagans from Britain, his pity was greatly excited.

Soon after, he offered himself to the ruling bishop, and requested to be sent as a missionary to the island; but his request was denied. On his election to the see of Rome, he remembered his former interest in Britain, and soon after sent Austin, with a company of monks, to convert the nation.

Providence smiled upon the attempt. Ethelbert was at this time king of Kent, by whose queen Bertha, a pious descendant of the house of Clovis, the missionaries were kindly received. The king soon became a convert, and a few years after this event, the people were generally, at least, nominal Christians.

46. Notice has already been taken (Sec. 30,) of the gradual increase of the influence and authority of the bishop of Rome over all his brethren. But it was reserved to the year 606 to complete the triumphs of the Roman pontiff, and to place him at the head of the ecclesiastical world. At this time the emperor Phocas conferred on Boniface III., the successor of Gregory the great, the title of Universal Bishop.

As early as 588, John, of Constantinople, called the Faster, assumed the title of
Universal Bishop; and the title was confirmed by a council, at that time in session,
in that city.
The successor of John assumed the same proud title. Gregory the

11

Great, contemporaneous with the successor of John, took great umbrage at the boldness of the bishop of Constantinople, in assuming a title, which in point of precedence belonged to the bishop of Rome, but which his conscience would not permit him to take. Gregory died in the year 604, and was succeeded by Boniface III. This latter prelate had no scruple in accepting the title. Nay, he sought it of the emperor Phocas, with the privilege of transmitting it to his successors. The profligate emperor, to gratify the inordinate ambition of this court sycophant, deprived the bishop of Constantinople of the title, and conferred it upon Boniface; at the same time declaring the Church of Rome to be the head of all other Churches.

DISTINGUISHED CHARACTERS IN PERIOD IV.

1. Donatus, bishop of Numidia, author of the schism of the Donatists. 2. Lactantius, the most eloquent Latin writer in the fourth century; he exposed the absurdity of the pagan superstitions.

3. Eusebius Pamphilius, bishop of Casarea, author of an ecclesiastical history, and a life of Constantine.

4. Arius, a presbyter in the church of Alexandria; author of the "Arian Controversy."

5. Athanasius, patriarch of Alexandria, the firm and powerful opponent of Arianism.

6. Anthony, the hermit, considered the father of the monastic institutions.

7. Basil, surnamed the Great, bishop of Cæsarea, an eminent controversialist.

8. Hilary, bishop of Poictiers, a Latin writer, distinguished for writing twelve books in support of the doctrine of the Trinity.

9. Ambrose, bishop of Milan, a man of extensive learning, and distinguished for his zeal in the cause of Christianity.

10. Jerome, a monk of Palestine, a voluminous writer, and the author of a translation of the Bible, known by the name of the "Latin Vulgate."

11. Augustine, bishop of Hippo, in Africa, who, from being a debauched youth, became by his writings and example one of the most distinguished ornaments of the Christian Church.

12. John Chrysostom, bishop of Constantinople, one of the most able and eloquent preachers that have adorned the Church.

13. Pelagius, a Briton, author of the "Pelagianism."

1. Donatus, Sec. 13.

2. Lactantius is said to have been born in Africa, or, according to others, in Italy. He studied rhetoric in Africa, with so much reputation, that Constantine appointed him tutor to his son Crispus. This brought him to court; but even here he often suffered for the necessaries of life. He was the most eloquent of all the Latin ecclesiastical writers. His style so nearly resembled that of Cicero, that he is generally distinguished by the title of "the Christian Cicero." His "Divine Institutions," composed about the year 320, in defence of Christianity, is the principal work, which has been transmitted to us.

3. Eusebius Pamphilius was born in Palestine, about the year 267, where he was educated. Near the year 313, he was elected bishop of Cæsarea. He bore a considerable share in the contest relating to Arius, whose cause he at first defended, under a persuasion that he was persecuted.

He was honored with very particular marks of Constantine's esteem; often receiving letters from the emperor, and being frequently invited to his table. He wrote several important works, among which was an ecclesiastical history, from the commencement of the Christian era to the death of Licinius, A. D. 323.

Eusebius died in the year 338 or 340; leaving behind him a high reputation for learning. There were none among the Greek writers who had read so much; but he never applied himself to the polishing of his works, and was very negligent of his diction.

4. Arius, Sec. 15, and onward.

5. Athanasius was born at Alexandria, of heathen parents; but was early taken under the patronage of Alexander, bishop of that city, by whom he was liberally educat ed, and afterwards ordained a deacon. When Alexander attended the council of Nice, he took Athanasius with him, where he distinguished himself as an able oppo nent of the Arian heresy. to fill his place, at the early age of twenty-eight years. On the death of his patron, A. D. 326, he was appointed

Arius being persuaded to subscribe to the Nicene creed, Athanasius was required by the emperor to readmit him to communion; but resolutely refusing, he was ba nished into France. and again exiled. Athanasius, however, at length died in peace, in the year 373, hav. A variety of fortune from this time followed him, being recalled ing been bishop forty-six years. See Sec. 19, 21, 28, 33.

6. Anthony, Sec. 27.

7. Basil was born at Cæsarea, in Cappadocia, in the year 226. He received the rudiments of his education under his father, and afterwards studied at Antioch, Constantinople and Athens. His improvement in all kinds of learning was exceedingly rapid. For a time, after his conversion, he sought seclusion, where he employed himself chiefly in devotional exercises.

On the death of Eusebius, bishop of Cæsarea, in 370, he was chosen to fill his place. In this situation, he suffered many evils from enemies, especially from the advocates of Arianism; but he was greatly distinguished for his patience, meekness, and piety. At his death, so much was he valued by his flock, that they crowded about his house, with many expressions of sorrow. ejaculation-"Into thy hands, I commit my spirit." He breathed his last, A. D. 379, with the pious

8. Hilary was a native of Poictiers, in France, though the time of his birth is uncertain. He was converted to Christianity late in life, and in the year 355 was made bishop of his native town. He was distinguished for his attachment to the Gospel in its simplicity, and shewed himself to be a man of penetration and genius. He openly enlisted himself against the Arians; but through their address, the emperor Constantine was persuaded to banish him to Phrygia, where he resided several years; during which time he composed his twelve books on the Trinity, which have been much admired by Trinitarians. He was afterwards restored to liberty, and such was his influence and endeavors, that it was said that France was freed from Arianism by Hilary alone. His death occurred in 367.

9. Ambrose was born in Gaul, about the year 333. A singular story, though proba bly untrue, is told of him; viz. that while he was an infant, lying in his cradle, a swarm of bees came and settled upon his mouth. From this it was superstitiously presaged, that he would be distinguished for his eloquence. He proved to be thus distinguished, and was appointed governor of several provinces. He settled at Milan. In the year 374, the bishop of that place dying, a great contest arose between the Catholics and Arians, concerning his successor. governor, to go to the church, in order to compose the tumult. On addressing the Ambrose thought it his duty, as multitude, they with one voice exclaimed, " Let Ambrose be bishop."

Thus forced to yield to the wishes of the people, he was baptized and ordained. He died at Milan, in the year 397, leaving behind him several works on religious subjects. As a writer, he was concise, and full of turns of wit; his terms are well chosen, his expressions noble, and he diversifies his subject with great copiousness of thought and language. Yet he was wanting in accuracy and order. The hymn "Te Deum," is attributed to him.

10. Jerome was born of Christian parents at Strido, near Pannonia. His father was a man of rank, took the greatest care of his education, and furnished him with every facility for the acquisition of learning. Being placed at Rome, he had masters in rhetoric, Hebrew, and in divinity, who conducted him through all parts of learning, sacred and profane.

From Rome, Jerome, having finished his education, proceeded to travel. Having spent some time in visiting various places, he returned to Rome; where he began to

deliberate upon the course of life he should pursue. Study and retirement were his wish; and accordingly, leaving his country and friends, he directed his way into Syria. After spending some time in quest of a place congenial to his feelings, he took up his abode in a frightful desert, in that country, which was inhabited by scarcely a human being.

He was now in his thirty-first year. He divided all his time between devotion and study. Here he applied himself to the study of the Scriptures, which he is said to have gotten by heart, and to the Oriental languages. Having spent four years in this solitude, he was obliged to leave it, on account of his health, which was much impaired. From this time, his reputation for piety and learning began to spread abroad. He now visited Constantinople, and afterwards Rome; at which latter place he composed several works. In 385, he determined to retire from the world, and persuaded seve ral persons to accompany him to the east. At length he settled at Bethlehem, a town near Jerusalem, where he continued to live in a monastery till his death, in 420, having attained to the uncommon age of ninety.

The writings of Jerome were voluminous. He translated the whole Bible into Latin, which was afterwards exclusively adopted by the Roman Church. By his writings, he contributed to the growth of superstition, yet of all the Latin fathers, he was the most able in unfolding the Scriptures.

11. Augustine was born in Africa, in the year 354. His parentage was humble, but his mother was distinguished for her exemplary virtue. His father, designing him for some of the learned professions, placed him at school; but such was his vicious make, that he neglected study for gaming and public shows, and invented a thousand false stories to escape the rod, with which he was, however, severely chastised.

His father, sometime after, sent him to Carthage, to pursue his studies. Here, he acquired a taste for reading, and especially for rhetoric, in which latter accomplishment he soon became distinguished; and, on his return to his native place, gave lectures on that subject, with high reputation. But he had now become a heretic, and continued to follow his vicious course of life.

Some time after, he left home with a determination to visit Rome. The prayers of a pious mother followed him, although he had left her without acquainting her with his design. On his arrival at Milan, he visited Ambrose, and attended his preaching The sermons of this pious man made a deep impression upon his mind, and ne became a Catholic in 384. His real conversion occurred not long after; and he became one of the most sincere and ardent Christians of his time. In 391, he was elected bishop of Hippo. From this date he set himself for the defence of the Gospel, and became the admiration of the Christian world. From his writings was formed a body of theology, which, for centuries after, was the guide of those who desired to shun the errors of popery, and walk in the truth. His death occurred in the year 430, at the age of 76.

12. John Chrysostom was born at Antioch, of a noble family, about the year 354. His education was intrusted to the care of his mother, who strictly attended to it, and while yet quite young, he was disposed to favor Christianity.

At an early age, he formed the resolution of adopting a monastic life; and in the year 374, he betook himself to the neighboring mountains, where he lived four years, with an ancient hermit; after which he retired to a still more secluded place, where he spent two years more in a cave; till, at length, worn out with watchings, fastings, and other severities, he was forced to return to Antioch.

Sometime after this, such was his reputation, that he was called to preside as bishop at Constantinople; he began immediately to attempt a reformation in his diocese. This gave great displeasure to the clergy, and the more wealthy part of the community, through whose influence Chrysostom was seized, by order of the emperor, and exiled to a port on the Black Sea. But such was the tumult excited by this measure, that the emperor judged it advisable to recall him, and restore him to his bishopric.

No sooner, however, was Chrysostom once more established in his office, than his customary zeal began to display itself, of which his enemies, taking advantage, again procured his banishment to Cucusus, a wild and inhospitable place in Armenia. And not yet satisfied, some time after, they prevailed upon the emperor to send him to Pictyus, a more distant region on the borders of the Black Sea.