SUNDAY READINGS.
[1.] “Trajan’s Pillar.” A celebrated column at Rome, which was reared 114 A. D. by the Romans, in honor of Trajan, the emperor. It is considered one of the noblest structures of its kind ever erected. A very remarkable series of bas-reliefs, forming a spiral round the shaft, exhibits a continuous history of the military achievements of Trajan. The pedestal is covered with bas-reliefs of warlike instruments, shields and helmets. These are all in excellent preservation, and, independent of their beauty as works of art they are invaluable as records of ancient costume. A spiral staircase in the interior of the column leads to its summit. Its height is 132 feet. It still stands erect in all its ancient beauty.
[2.] “Pompey’s Amphitheater.” The first permanent stone theater was erected in Rome by Pompey, B. C. 55. It contained seats for 40,000, and was adorned with a profusion of gold, marble and precious stones, such as the western world had never before witnessed. That such magnificence might not seem to be lavished upon a mere luxury, a temple was attached to it dedicated to Venus the Conqueror, so placed that the seats of the theater might serve as a flight of steps to the sacred edifice. At the dedication of this famous theater Pompey treated the people to all sorts of games. There was a combat in which five hundred lions were slain; but above all, the battle of the elephants was a spectacle full of horror. Eighteen elephants were made to fight with trained bands of gladiators, and the cries of these half-reasoning beasts were such that they moved even that hardened populace to pity, and thus dampened the excitement of the day.
[3.] “Tuscan Urns.” The finest ware used for vases is that known as Samian, of the potteries of Tuscany. It is remarkable for its rich, red color. The vases are thin and delicate, and are looked upon as models of perfection in form, structure, and style of ornamentation.
[4.] “St. Cyprian,” cyˈpri-an. (200-258 A. D.) Bishop of Carthage. He was converted from paganism to the Christian religion; was banished from Carthage in the time of Valerian, during the persecutions, but was soon re-called and condemned to death. Cyprian was both a learned and eloquent divine, but he was even more conspicuous for his dignified, moderate and wise conduct. His knowledge of human nature enabled him to exercise a wide influence; and his correspondence, from which the best idea of his character is obtained, gives an interesting picture of the times in which he lived.