The Roman Empire and the Context of the Early Church

• Ferguson, 27-31
• Virgil, The Aeneid, vi  (or here)
• Pliny the Younger, Trajan, Letters  (or here)

Edward Gibbon, History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Jacob Abbott, The History of Julius Caesar

Phillip Schaff, Extent of Christianity in the Roman Empire

• Christian Life in Contrast with Pagan Corruption
• Moral Corruption of the Roman Empire
• Stoic Morality
• Epictetus
• Marcus Aurelius
• Plutarch
• Christian Morality
• The Church and Public Amusements
• Secular Callings and Civil Duties
• The Church and Slavery
• The Heathen Family
• The Christian Family
• Brotherly Love, and Love for Enemies
• Prayer and Fasting
• Treatment of the Dea
• Summary of Moral Reforms