Page:Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire (1827) Vol 2.djvu/144

 126 THE DECLINE AND FALL CHAP, they were accustomed to reverence, were filled with XV'. . . doubts and apprehensions concerning the truth of those doctrines to which they had yielded the most implicit belief. The decline of ancient prejudice exposed a very numerous portion of human kind to the danger of a painful and comfortless situation. A state of scep- ticism and suspense may amuse a few inquisitive minds. But the practice of superstition is so congenial to the multitude, that if they are forcibly awakened, they still regret the loss of their pleasing vision. Their love of the marvellous and supernatural, their curiosity with regard to future events, and their strong propensity to extend their hopes and fears beyond the limits of the visible world, were the principal causes which favoured the establishment of polytheism. So urgent on the vulgar is the necessity of believing, that the fall of any system of mythology will most probably be succeeded by the introduction of some other mode of supersti- tion. Some deities of a more recent and fashionable cast might -soon have occupied the deserted temples of Jupiter and Apollo, if, in the decisive moment, the wisdom of providence had not interposed a genuine revelation, fitted to inspire the most rational esteem and conviction, whilst, at the same time, it was adorned with all that could attract the curiosity, the wonder, and the veneration of the people. In their actual dis- position, as many were almost disengaged from their artificial prejudices, but equally susceptible and de- sirous of a devout attachment ; an object much less deserving would have been sufficient to fill the vacant place in their hearts, and to gratify the uncertain eagerness of their passions. Those who are inclined to pursue this reflection, instead of viewing with as- tonishment the rapid progress of Christianity, will per- haps be surprised that its success was not still more rapid and still more universal, the peace ^^ ^as been observed, with truth as well as propriety, and union that the conquests of Rome prepared and facilitated of the Ro-, „,... Till PI- man empire, those ot Christianity. In tl;e second chapter of this