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The Roman Empire and Christianity "The
vast empire of which Rome was the centre had only become
recently consolidated when Christianity appeared in the
world. In the reign of Augustus its boundaries were--the
Atlantic on the west; the Euphrates on the east; the Black
Sea, the Danube, and the British Channel on the north; and
the deserts of Africa and Arabia, and the cataracts of the
Nile, on the south. The subjugated countries lying beyond Italy were called provinces, and were governed by officers who received their commission from the authorities at home... The devout student of history must recognize in the political state of the world at this time a remarkable preparation for the promulgation of Christianity. The peace which the empire enjoyed; the excellent roads which the Romans constructed wherever they established themselves; the presence of the imperial legions in every important place repressing the outbreaks of religious fanaticism, and so affording protection to the infant church; the increase of commerce; and the leveling tendency of an imperial despotism--all manifestly contributed to the success of the gospel... There could not have been a more favorable moment for the heralds of the gospel to commence their mission." Edward
Arthur Litton, contributor, "The Imperial Bible
Dictionary" (originally published by Blackie and Son,
1891.) pp. 40-41
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