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 IX.

Chapter 968 wordsPublic domain

THE FIRST PERSECUTION.

The Population of Rome.――The Reign of Tiberius Cæsar.――His Character and Death.――The Proposal to deify Jesus.――Caligula. ――His Crimes, and the Earthly Retribution.――Nero and his Career. ――His Crimes and Death.――The Spirit of the Gospel.――Sufferings of the Christians.――Testimony of Tacitus.――Testimony of Chrysostom.――Panic in Rome.――The Sins and Sorrows of weary Centuries.――Noble Sentiments of the Bishop of Rome.