ABSTRACT
THE third century was a period of comparative quiet for the Church. A fierce and systematic persecution divided it into two long generations of peace. The Empire was mostly in the hands of non-Roman emperors, who looked down with scorn upon the ancient Latin traditions of culture. As the State grew weaker the Church grew stronger, until from its position as a semi-secret society it became more and more obviously an empire within the Empire. The emperors could no longer despise it, and began to fear it. Fear lent them cunning: some tried to make terms with it, and those who tried to stay its progress were careful to find the joints in its armour.
