HISTORY OF ROMAN-3Chapter XXVIII: Destruction Of Paganism.Part I. Final Destruction Of Paganism. - Introduction Of The WorshipOf Saints, And Relics, Among The Christians. The ruin of Paganism, in the age of Theodosius, is perhapsthe only example of the total extirpation of any ancient andpopular superstition; and may therefore deserve to be consideredas a singular event in the history of the human mind. TheChristians, more especially the clergy, had impatiently supportedthe prudent delays of Constantine, and the equal toleration ofthe elder Valentinian; nor could they deem their conquest perfector secure, as long as their adversaries were permitted to exist.The influence which Ambrose and his brethren had acquired overthe youth of Gratian, and the piety of Theodosius, was employedto infuse the maxims of persecution into the breasts of theirImperial proselytes. Two specious principles of religiousjurisprudence were established, from whence they deduced a directand rigorous conclusion, against the subjects of the empire whostill adhered to the ceremonies of their ancestors: that themagistrate is, in some measure, guilty of the crimes which heneglects to prohibit, or to punish; and, that the idolatrousworship of fabulous deities, and real daemons, is the mostabominable crime against the supreme majesty of the Creator. Thelaws of Moses, and the examples of Jewish history, 1 werehastily, perhaps erroneously, applied, by the clergy, to the mildand universal reign of Christianity. 2 The zeal of the emperorswas excited to vindicate their own honor, and that of the Deity:and the temples of the Roman world were subverted, about sixtyyears after the conversion of Constantine.Footnote 1: St. Ambrose (tom. ii. de Obit. Theodos. p. 1208)expressly praises and recommends the zeal of Josiah in thedestruction of idolatry The language of Julius Firmicus Maternuson the same subject (de Errore Profan. Relig. p. 467, edit.Gronov.) is piously inhuman. Nec filio jubet (the Mosaic Law)parci, nec fratri, et per amatam conjugera gladium vindicemducit, &c.Footnote 2: Bayle (tom. ii. p. 406, in his CommentairePhilosophique) justifies, and limits, these intolerant laws bythe temporal reign of Jehovah over the Jews. The attempt islaudable. From the age of Numa to the reign of Gratian, the Romanspreserved the regular succession of the several colleges of thesacerdotal order. 3 Fifteen Pontiffs exercised their supremejurisdiction over all things, and persons, that were consecratedto the service of the gods; and the various questions whichperpetually arose in a loose and traditionary system, weresubmitted to the judgment of their holy tribunal Fifteen graveand learned Augurs observed the face of the heavens, andprescribed the actions of heroes, according to the flight ofbirds. Fifteen keepers of the Sibylline books (their name ofQuindecemvirs was derived from their number) occasionallyconsulted the history of future, and, as it should seem, ofcontingent, events. Six Vestals devoted their virginity to theguard of the sacred fire, and of the unknown pledges of theduration of Rome; which no mortal had been suffered to beholdwith impunity. 4 Seven Epulos prepared the table of the gods,conducted the solemn procession, and regulated the ceremonies ofthe annual festival. The three Flamens of Jupiter, of Mars, andof Quirinus, were considered as the peculiar ministers of thethree most powerful deities, who watched over the fate of Romeand of the universe. The King of the Sacrifices represented theperson of Numa, and of his successors, in the religiousfunctions, which could be performed only by royal hands. Theconfraternities of the Salians, the Lupercals, &c., practisedsuch rites as might extort a smile of contempt from everyreasonable man, with a lively confidence of recommendingthemselves to the favor of the immortal gods. The authority,which the Roman priests had formerly obtained in the counsels ofthe republic, was gradually abolished by the establishment ofmonarchy, and the removal of the seat of empire. But the dignityof their sacred character was still protected by the laws, andmanners of their country; and they still continued, moreespecially the college of pontiffs, to exercise in the capital,and sometimes in the provinces, the rights of theirecclesiastical and civil jurisdiction. Their robes of purple,chariotz of state, and sumptuous entertainments, attracted theadmiration of the people; and they received, from the consecratedlands, and the public revenue, an ample stipend, which liberallysupported the splendor of the priesthood, and all the expenses ofth