The Great Apostasy, Considered in the Light of Scriptural and Secular History
CHAPTER VI.
_Causes of the Apostasy.--Internal Causes_.
Diverse effect of persecution.--Imprudent zeal of some.--Return to idolatry by others.--"Libels" attesting individual apostasy.--Sad condition of the Church in third century.--Testimony as to conditions of apostasy at this period.--Decline of the Church antedates the conversion of Constantine.--Departure from Christianity.--Specific causes of the growing apostasy.