380 Remarks on some lately-discovered Roman Gold Coins. [No. 5. 



Jews the Nestorian Christians may have been instrumental in convey- 

 ing foreign coins to these countries. In 48a, A. D. they obtained a 

 footing in Persia whence they spread into almost every country 

 of the East. But I do not consider this theory entitled to so much 

 consideration from the fact of the coins being found in greater number 

 on or near to the sea-coast, on which account it would assuredly be 

 more plausible to support the idea of their having been brought by 

 the Romans from Egypt, or the Jews from Palestine, presuming the 

 latter people in their emigration came either by the way of the Red sea 

 or the Persian Gulf.* 



But in whatever manner these coins originally found their way to 

 this country, their discovery after the lapse of so many centuries can- 

 not fail to awaken the interest of all who appreciate in whatsoever 

 degree the curious relics of antiquity. The contemplation of the Rise 

 and Decay of the Roman empire is of itself a pleasing and instructive 

 occupation. Our feelings are excited with admiration and surprise 

 when we reflect on its unparalleled extent and magnificence ; how 

 nation after nation was subdued by its powerful arms — how its vessels 

 sought every known harbour in the world ; how its brave and well-dis- 

 ciplined armies humbled the haughtier republics of Greece and Car- 

 thage ; how Egypt, Syria, and Arabia fell in successive conquests to the 

 superior valour of its soldiery, and how even those distant countries, 

 where the ocean, or the dread of hostile barbarians, opposed the progress 

 of their arms, afforded their products of use or luxury for the gratifica- 

 tion of the Roman citizen. The " inhospitable shores" of Britain were 

 sought for the more useful commodities of lead, tin, and even pearls, 

 while every country of the East, including even China, was rifled of the 

 more luxurious treasures of silk, spices, and precious stones. 



That glorious empire is now dissolved, but we possess ample and 

 abundant testimony of its wealth, its energy and magnificence in such 



* Humphrey in his recent work on ' Ancient Coins,' remarks, " that it was pos- 

 sibly of a Denarius of Tiberius, the then reigning Emperor, concerning whicb, 

 the question ' Whose image and superscription is this ?' " was asked. Whether 

 such was the case or not, there is no doubt but that the coins of that Emperor were 

 in extensive circulation in Judea, both during the lifetime of our Saviour, and at a 

 subsequent period — a consideration which will be duly weighed by those who would 

 support the hypothesis of Roman coins having been brought here by the Jews in 

 their emigrations from Palestine. 



