yet noted none in this State.

Each of our well endowed

Do not understand me to

institutions ought to support one. say that this subject is not taught in Ohio. In some of our colleges I know that that is being done; bnt it is done in a manner so secondary, and to an extent so meagre, that it scarcely deserves to be recognized as distinct from the language in connection with which this instruction is given. Language teachers will naturally be the first to be interested, and the first to speak in its behalf. When we have done what we can; when college presidents have given the merits of this subject a candid examination; when all friends of symmetrical and truly scientific training have seen this matter as it is, we may expect that the necessary means for teaching it will be forthcoming.

A few more words, and I am done. Public interest has been somewhat aroused on the general subject of language versus science. We offer here a science, with linguistic data for its foundation. We call scholars to a field that is fresh and attractive, with ample opportunities for original investigation. There is no need to wait for the spring-time, as for blossoms or bugs, nor to repair to some favored region of the earth, as for fossils. In all seasons and in all countries our facts are at hand. If we sometimes dig for roots, we as often cull linguistic flowers; and if we sometimes mine for dark and hidden things, we as often bring to light precious gems, crystals of beautiful sentiment and thought.

I would that time were left me in which to point out some of the indirectly helpful relations and results of philological study. Merely as a matter of common information it is worth one's notice. As the handmaid of history and the cornerstone of ethnology it is indispensable. The study of every language is affected by its revelations. The grammars of the Latin and the Greek have been rewritten in its light. And the alumnus of a score of years is wide of the mark when he discusses classical studies and does not take into account the improvements since his college days. To one who has b come familiar with philological principles, and has formed the

habit of observing illustrations of them, pleasant and perpetual opportunities are afforded. The indirect benefits and interesting phases of the subject are numerous.

The science is in a state of growth, vigorous, and very promising. To him who has a taste for philosophizing, a wide field is opened. In the light of geology and astronomy we may speculate concerning the origin of the world, and a nebular hypothesis is produced; in the light of zoology and paleontology the question of the origin of species may be more intelligently considered; so in the light of comparative philology theories are built up concerning the origin of language, the unity of the race, and the condition of primeval man. The consideration of the nature of the mind, and of its powers of expression, is necessarily involved; we are led into a broad and comprehensive study of the mental characteristics of mankind; and we find ourselves in the way of rendering obedience to the famous mandate inscribed on the temple of the oracle at Delphi, KNOW THYSELF.

Prof. W. D. Shipman.

ARTICLE XIV.

Christianity in Rome During the First Century.

PART I.

Rome was a mistress among empires. "She sat upon her seven hills, and from her throne of beauty ruled the world."1 Within the century before Christ, Pompey, waging war, captured many Jews, and carried them, as slaves to this city of the great realm. But a colony of slaves could do nothing,there was no power in so small a company, so thought those in authority, who permitted them to gather themselves together for worship, as of old, and though in servitude, they could recall the patriarchs, priests and prophets. As long as 1 Mary R. Mitford in "Rienzi to the Romans."

they were few in number, feeble and without influence, little did it matter. At the time of Christ, Rome, possessing Judea as a province, with the Herods as governors, and Roman soldiers to guard all the interests of the Cæsars, there came an intimacy between the Jews of Rome and Palestine unknown before. By the passing to and fro of those engaged in commerce, of those attached to the military and of official connection, it would indeed be surprising if this small company of Jews in Roine did not receive words of help and influence, and new members in their synagogue, and from those of similar faith in Judea and other parts. After a generation or so, those Jews who came to Rome as slaves, became by their industry and frugality, free men. And once freemen, they doubtless journeyed frequently to Jerusalem, to attend the privileges of the feasts, and to attract for themselves or employers trade and commerce to this city in the West.

Just when it was that the words of Jesus became known in Rome, cannot be determined; but it must have been early, as companies of religious pilgrims, commercial men, military and government officers were continually passing between Rome and Jerusalem, and must have listened to Jesus during some part of his ministry, making portions of those great multitudes which came to hear or be healed, and once hearing and knowing, aided in spreading and noising abroad the matter of his teachings and doings. At the feast of Pentecost, just after the death and ascension of Jesus, there were "sojourners from Rome, both Jews and proselytes.'

"2

The influence of the Jews in Rome had extended to others, and "proselytes," converted Gentiles, also became zealous. To Jerusalem they journeyed with similar purpose, and being there during the stirring times of the Master's and the Pentecostal preaching, caught tidings of the wonderful words. Returning to Rome, they, those converted, formed a nucleus around which gathered the growing Church.

Just who the first was to preach the Gospel in Rome is in great doubt. The Roman Catholic Church claim Peter to

2 Acts ii. 10.

have began preaching there in A.D. 43. But this is disputed by eminent authority outside of this Church, and by eminent authority within it. Peter was doubtless in this city in the last months of his life, and probably executed here, and perhaps upon the same day as Paul, as saith tradition. Aquila and his goodwife Priscilla, in common with many Jews and Christians in A.D. 52, were subject to especial Roman displeasure, and were made to seek refuge in other parts.

Aquila and Priscilla went to Corinth, and after a few months to Ephesus, gaining a livelihood at tent-cloth making; and while in these cities gained fuller instruction, and a larger measure of the spirit from the companies of the faithful. In A.D. 58 they were in Rome again, and a small company of believers was gathered in their house. Words of grateful salutation were given them because of the high per sonal service they had at a former time rendered the Apostle Paul. In A.D. 58 Paul had not been in Rome, but he had labored in Corinth and Philippi, where were Roman colonies, and Ephesus and other cities of Asia Minor. He had in these places met many of the Jews and "proselytes" who had fled from the fierceness of Claudius, and had renewedly impressed them with the teachings of Jesus. These people returning to Rome, after the death of Claudius, thinking Nero could not be worse in his treatment of them, gathered themselves together and founded a church. The Apostolic salutations* show an acquaintance wide and familiar. This company of disciples came to the house of Aquila and Priscilla without the order and decorum of a people who had been blessed with a leader and instructor. The Epistle of Paul at this time was of large service. It gave them refreshment in Messianic history, it taught them of doctrines which made for righteousness, and strengthened them in their lowliness and humble life, and through the incentives of a strong man's words they went on upbuilding themselves, and thus widening the kingdom of their Lord and Saviour. The Apostle was more fa

3 Acts xviii. 1-3.

4 Rom. xvi. 8-16. (These salutations are deserving of more attention than can be put into this present study).

miliar with the people, than with their situation in Rome at the writing of his epistle. He only knew in general their trials with the great outside world; and of the disturbances within the small company regarding the Gospel as applicable to the varied wants, needs and views of the disciples. The Apostle, therefore, dwelt upon the Gospel from a broad view, and did not make those personal applications which he did to the congregations with which he was more familiar. In all his words he was faithful to the central truths. He was precise and comprehensive in his close, succeeding statements. "So much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you, also, that are in Rome. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." 5

In A.D. 58 Paul was returning from his months of consecrated toil to Jerusalem, and going even farther from his friends in Rome. He could not go from them without a word of fresh assurance. He carried them in his heart, and desired to be with them. It was at Corinth, where he was rendering a brief evangelistic labor, that he occupied himself in writing the Epistles to the Galatian and Roman congregations. These are his strongest and best stated Epistles. Thus happy in his strength and spirit, and with mind illumined in the midst of mission labor, he portrayed to the believers of every time a reason for the abounding hope within him. The central purpose of his communication to the Roman believers was that he might impart unto them some spiritual gift. His thought and his desired labor was that they might be established; and that they together might be comforted, might from the faith they possessed be for the warmth and growth of each other's souls. Pressing duties and privileges in Jerusalem prevented his presence among them, but his magnificent spirit was with them in a fervent and lightgiving message. Paul's acquaintance with the leading members made him feel that the congregation, or pastorless church, was especially in his care; and that to him were these mem

5 Rom. i. 15 Rev. Ver.