The Ecclesiastical History of M. L'Abbe Fleury Volume 2 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1728 Excerpt: ...Apolog.c.37. Christians, considered in itself, was very great, and very sufficient to make head against the persecutors, had they not been with-held by the sacred precepts of the gospel. St. A, D. 363. 'st. Gregory sets forth the injustice of Julian's persecution, by shewing the moderation of the Christians in their prosperity. Did we ever, said he, return your people the same treatment which we have so often received from them? In what respect; have we encroached upon your liberty? Against which of you have we stirred up the people, or the magistrates? Whose life have we. endangered? Whom have we excluded from those posts and honours which were due to merit. He, afterwards proves the absurdity of Julian's intention to imitate the customs and manners of the Christians. Our maxims, faith he, do so exactly suit us, and are so properly our own, T -f that it is impossible for any one else to put them in practice; because they - are not established so much by the industry and diligence of men, as by the Divine Providence, and by time, which has added strength to them. Afterwards: Supposing Julian had-really executed his project-3 let us imagine, proceeds he, a magnificent theater; that the heraulds invite the people j that they assemble; that those who preside at it are most eminent for their age, virtue, birth, and worldly wisdom: Let them be adorned with purple robes and crowns; for the Pagans greatly esteemed any marks of dignity, and whatsoever disiinguifled them from the vulgar: Would they, in this case4 debase themselves so low, as to follow our example, and make their greatness rather consist in their morals, than in their outward appearance? for we make but small account of what strikes the eye: we chiefly labour to form the inward man, and to i...