Lectures Upon the Ecclesiastical History of the First Three Centuries, Vol 2 of 2 From the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, to the Year 313 Classic Reprint

Excerpt from Lectures Upon the Ecclesiastical History of the First Three Centuries, Vol. 2 of 2: From the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, to the Year 313

T has been usual with the writers of ecclesiastical history to divide their work according to the cen turies of the Christian era. The division may appear at first not unnatural, and may serve in some respects to assist the memory. It has however its disadvantages: and, like other historical divisions, which depend upon dates rather than upon facts, it must often terminate a period, while several subjects which have been handled remain unfinished. I do not therefore intend to adhere rigidly to the division of centuries. My former Lectures were upon the ecclesiastical history of the first century, and the present course will embrace the second century. It will however be found convenient to pay some attention to the periods which are marked by the reigns of the Roman emperors. These have not any necessary connexion with the centuries of the Christian era: and, since the death of Commodus happened eight years before the end of the second century, I shall continue the present Lectures to the death of Severus, which carries us into the twelfth year of the third century.

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