Rise of Christianity from "summary" of History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
The progress of Christianity was at first very slow and almost imperceptible. The new sect was confounded with the various forms of superstition which disgraced the last age of the Roman empire. The ancient and illustrious family of the Platonists might have embraced the doctrine of Jesus, but the eloquent Symmachus was a determined and interested opponent, and the senate rejected with disdain the application of the Christian bishops, who considered themselves as the lawful successors of the ancient priesthood. The vulgar, who had not embraced the philosophy of the enlightened few, were divided and alienated by the hostile sects which acknowledged the divine mission of Christ. The primitive Christians were possessed of very little wealth or power, and their humble ministers, supported by the oblations of the faithful, were obliged to preach in the streets and private houses. The bishops of Rome and Alexandria were proud of their increasing influence and authority, but the numerous bishops of the east and west were divided among themselves by the disputes of theology, and the arbitrary exercise of power. The progress of Christianity was however greatly promoted by the zeal and activity of its ministers, who were animated by a sincere conviction of the truth and importance of their religious doctrines. The first generations of Christians were exposed to the severest trials, and their faith was often fortified by the example of their suffering brethren. The civil and ecclesiastical powers were united to oppress and destroy the enemies of the church, and the most cruel tortures were employed to extort from the martyrs a renunciation of their religious principles. The blood of the martyrs was considered as a seed of the church, and the constancy of their sufferings excited the admiration and respect of the Pagans, who were astonished at the fortitude of men and women who were willing to endure the most excruciating torments rather than renounce their faith. The progress of Christianity was greatly accelerated by the conversion of Constantine, who openly embraced the faith of Christ, and declared himself the protector of the church. The edicts of toleration and munificent donations of the emperor secured the temporal prosperity of the Christians, and the establishment of Christianity as the religion of the empire was the crowning triumph of the new sect. The decline of Paganism was hastened by the zeal and activity of the Christian ministers, who laboured with unremitting assiduity to convert the heathen from the errors of their idolatrous worship. The triumph of Christianity was complete and universal
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