There the magical arts were
remarkably prevalent, and notwithstanding the numerous converts made by
the early Christians, the
, or little scrolls upon
which magic sentences were written, formed an extensive trade up to the
fourth century. These "writings" were used for divination, as a protection
against the "evil eye," and generally as charms against all evil.They
were carried about the person, so that probably thousands of them were
thrown into the flames by St. Paul's hearers when his glowing words
convinced them of their superstition.
Imagine an open space near the grand Temple of Diana, with fine buildings
around. Slightly raised above the crowd, the Apostle, preaching with
great power and persuasion concerning superstition, holds in thrall the
assembled multitude. On the outskirts of the crowd are numerous bonfires,
upon which Jew and Gentile are throwing into the flames bundle upon bundle
of scrolls, while an Asiarch with his peace-officers looks on with the
conventional stolidity of policemen in all ages and all nations. It must
have been an impressive scene, and many a worse subject has been chosen
for the walls of the Royal Academy.
Books in those early times, whether orthodox or heterodox, appear to have
had a precarious existence.
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