and prostitution.  Philosophy had completely failed to ameliorate the condition of man.  The vices of some of its most distinguished professors were notorious; its votaries were pretty generally regarded as a class of scheming speculators; and they enjoyed neither the confidence nor the respect of the mass of the people.  But, even under the most unpromising circumstances, it soon appeared that Christianity could accomplish social and spiritual changes of a very extraordinary character.  The Church of Corinth was perhaps one of the least exemplary of the early Christian communities, and yet it stood upon a moral eminence far above the surrounding population; and, from the roll of its own membership, it could produce cases of conversion to which nothing parallel could, be found in the whole history of heathendom.  Paul could say to it—­“Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God, and such were some of you but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” [175:1] Nor was this all.  The gospel proved itself sufficient to meet the highest aspirations of man.  It revealed to him a Friend in heaven who “sticketh closer than a brother;” [175:2] and, as it assured him of eternal happiness in the enjoyment of fellowship with God, it imparted to him a “peace that passeth all understanding.”  The Roman people witnessed a new spectacle when they saw the primitive followers of Christ expiring in the fires of martyrdom.  The pagans did not so value their superstitions; but here was a religion which was accounted “better than life.”  Well then might the flames which illuminated the gardens of Nero supply some spiritual light to the crowds who were present at the sad scene; and, in the indomitable spirit of the first sufferers, well might the thoughtful citizen have recognised a system which was destined yet to subdue the world.

SECTION II.

     THE LITERATURE AND THEOLOGY OF THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH.

CHAPTER I

THE NEW TESTAMENT, ITS HISTORY, AND THE AUTHORITY OF ITS VARIOUS PARTS.  THE EPISTLE OF CLEMENT OF ROME.

The conduct of our Lord, as a religious teacher, betokened that He was something more than man.  Mohammed dictated the Koran, and left it behind him as a sacred book for the guidance of his followers; many others, who have established sects, have also founded a literature for their disciples; but Jesus Christ wrote nothing.  The Son of God was not obliged to condescend to become His own biographer, and thus to testify of Himself.  He had at His disposal the hearts and the pens of others; and He knew that His words and actions would be accurately reported to the latest generations.  During His