“This imitation began in the eastern provinces; but, after the time of Adrian [emperor 117-138 a.d.], who first introduced the mysteries among the Latins, it was followed by the Christians who dwelt in the western parts of the empire.”—Id., par. 5.
6. What has been one great characteristic of the Papacy?
A union of church and state, or the religious power dominating the civil power to further its ends.
7. When was the union of church and state formed from which the Papacy grew?
During the reign of Constantine, 313-337 a.d.
8. What was the character and the work of many of the bishops at that time?
“Worldly-minded bishops, instead of caring for the salvation of their flocks, were often but too much inclined to travel about, and entangle themselves in worldly concerns.”—Neander's “History of the Christian Religion and Church” (Torrey's translation), Vol. II, page 16.
9. What did the bishops determine to do?
“This theocratical theory was already the prevailing one in the time of Constantine; and ... the bishops voluntarily made themselves dependent on him by their disputes, and by their determination to make use of the power of the state for the furtherance of their aims.”—Id., page 132.
Note.—The “theocratical theory” was that of a government administered by God through the church, particularly through the church bishops.