n. m. Progress and Civilisation. 153 



advanced, until it triumphed in its final adoption by 

 that great Empire which, although verging to decay, 

 was still the Mistress of the World. Its reception by 

 the Northern warriors under whose prowess Eome 

 fell, is, perhaps, more difficult of explanation. In 

 one respect they may have resembled the Eomans ; 

 they do not appear to have entertained any strong 

 attachment to the gloomy superstitions of their 

 ancestors, or to have numbered among their popu- 

 lation any powerful priestly class. Thor and Odin 

 seem not to have been regarded with much deeper 

 respect than were Jupiter and Saturn. They might 

 naturally also have been attracted towards the 

 opinions and faith of a polished people, and might, 

 even while they conquered, still have looked up to 

 them as their guides. Perhaps, also, a more direct, 

 though invisible, influence by the agency of Provi- 

 dence, might have guarded the religion through this 

 period of danger and transition. Whatever may 

 have been the causes, the fact is indisputable, that 

 Christianity, far from sharing the overthrow of the 

 Roman Empire, was embraced by its conquerors, 

 whose power gave it a wider circulation and a new 

 impetus. 



While such was the victorious course of Chris 



