churches rigorously exacted simplicity of life from all members, it was no uncommon thing for large sums of money to be thus dedicated to pious and charitable uses. About the year 150, as we learn from Tertullian, a Christian stranger coming from Asia Minor to reside in Rome, immediately made over his property, amounting to two hundred thousand sesterces, or about sixteen hundred pounds sterling, to the bishop of the Roman church for the benefit of his flock. Such gifts grew larger and more numerous when the laws of proscription were repealed, and the persecuting spirit of the imperial government gave place to a milder policy. In the year 259, the church of Rome was in possession of buildings, cemeteries, and lands; and many churches had by that time erected splendid edifices for the worship of God. So abundant were the contributions poured into the treasury of the metropolitan church of Italy, that no fewer than fifteen hundred widows were supported out of its funds, besides the regular maintenance of its bishop, presbyters, and many other officers. The revenue of so large an establishment must even then have been very considerable, and so rapid was its increase, that, in a few years, the management of it became an object of avaricious cupidity and vehement unhallowed strife. To the bishop in every church the control of its funds had been generally committed from early times, and these rulers would indeed have exhibited a wonderful exemption from the com THE LIVES OF THE POPES. PART I. OTHE BIB FROM THE RISE OF THE ROMAN CHURCH TO A.D. 100-1016. LONDON: THE RELIGIOUS TRACT SOCIETY; Instituted 1799. 110. d. 266. CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER I.-Origin of the title of pope-First bishops of Rome-LINUS CLEMENT Their simplicity and piety-How long these qualities were preserved-Comparative unimportance of the Roman bishops-Ignatius of Antioch-Polycarp of Smyrna-ANICETUS-The martyrs and confessorsFABIANUS-CORNELIUS-LUCIUS . 5 14 26 34 . 47 CHAPTER II.-Excessive homage paid to bishops-They become a priesthood-Growth of the Roman church-Arrogance of VICTOR I. and of STEPHEN I-Temptations to the Roman bishops-Wealth of the churchBenefits of persecution-Paul of Samosata-Constantine the GreatResults of his reign-Toleration-Patronage-SYLVESTER, the first patriarch of Rome-Injury to the spirituality of the church CHAPTER III.-Pre-eminence of the Roman bishops-Signs of corruption -They seek to enlarge their powers-MARK-JULIUS-Arian controversy -Occasional admissions of the supremacy of Rome-LIBERIUS-Contest with Felix-DAMASUS and Ursicinus. CHAPTER IV.-SIRICIUS enjoins celibacy-Restricts baptism to certain days-Introduction of several abuses-Monachism-Anthony the hermitPachomius the monk-Priestly assumptions of the clergy-Sanctioned by Chrysostom and others-Illustrated in Martin of Tours-Respect paid to saints and their relics-Decline of paganism-ANASTASIUS-Alaric and the Goths-Degeneracy and immorality of the Romans-Sack of RomeINNOCENT 1.-The Goths professors of Christianity-Innocent's authority over foreign churches CHAPTER V.-ZOSIMUS-Pelagian controversy-Coelestius and Pelagius appeal to the bishop of Rome-Augustine and the African churches remonstrate-Zosimus changes sides-Baptismal regeneration-BONIFACE I. -CELESTINE-The clergy of France-Nestorian controversy-Celestine's arrogance-Council of Ephesus-Cyril-Story of Dalmatius CHAPTER VI.-SIXTUS III.-Story of Patrick-LEO THE GREAT-His noble qualities-Theological labours-Haughtiness towards HilaryMonophysite controversy-Dioscurus-Eutyches-Flavian-The "Council of Robbers"-Flavian deposed-Contempt shown to Leo's advice CHAPTER VII.-Leo's resentment-Invasion of southern Europe by the Huns-Attila-Battle of Chalons-Its effects on European history-Attila enters Italy-Leo becomes ambassador-Invasion of Italy by the Vandals -Leo again intercedes-Great wealth of the Roman church-Fall of the Roman empire-Ascendency of the popes-Results of Leo's popedomCorruptions multiplied-Antichrist manifested CHAPTER VIII.-HILARY-SIMPLICIUS-FELIX II.-GELASIUS-Miserable state of Italy-Reign of Theodoric the Goth-ANASTASIUSSYMMACHUS-HORMISDAS-JOHN 1.-FELIX III.-Benedict the recluse founds a new order of monks-Its_character-Boethius-Anarchy after Theodoric's death-BONIFACE 11.-JOHN II.-AGAPETUS-Reign of Justinian-SYLVERIUS-Belisarius invades Italy-Tergiversation of the pope -VIGILIUS obtains office by simony-Historical obscurity of the ageLombards invade Italy-Effects of frequent invasion CHAPTER IX. PELAGIUS 1-JOHN III.-BENEDICT I-PELAGIUS II.GREGORY I., styled the GREAT-His early life-Becomes pope-His quali fications for the office-His charitableness-Rebukes the bishop NatalisHis "Rules"-Sends Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxons-Success of the mission-Indignation of the ancient British churches-Deynoch of Bangor-Augustine's bigotry-Gregory aims at controlling the Spanish and French churches-Alters the forms of worship-Improves the singing "Canon of the mass"-Sanctions the use of images-His superstitious tendencies-Letter to the empress Constantina-His servility to monarchs 83 CHAPTER X.-Twenty-four popes,all of little note-SABINIANUS-BONIFACE III.-BONIFACE IV.-DEODATUS-BONIFACE V.-HONORIUS I.-SEVERINUS -JOHN IV.-THEODORE 1.-MARTIN 1.--EUGENE I.-VITALIAN-ADEODA 55 64 75 |