The History of Christianity Consisting of the Life and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth; the Adventures of Paul and the Apostles; and the Most Interesting Events in the Progress of Christianity, from the Earliest Period to the Present Time.

CHAPTER XII.

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PAGAN ROME.

Infamy of Commodus.――His Death.――The Reign of Pertinax.――The Mob of Soldiers.――Death of Pertinax.――Julian purchases the Crown. ――Rival Claimants.――Severus.――Persecutions.――Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicitas.――The Reign of Caracalla.――Fiendlike Atrocities.――Elagabalus, Priest of the Sun.――Death by the Mob. ――Alexander and his Mother.――Contrast between Paganism and Christianity.――The Sin of Unbelief.