Let us pause here a moment, and see, in anticipation, to what a depth of intellectual degradation this policy of paganization eventually led.

Heathen rites were adopted, a pompous and splendid ritual, gorgeous robes, mitres, tiaras, wax-tapers, processional services, lustrations, gold and silver vases, were introduced.

The Roman lituus, the chief ensign of the augurs, became the crozier.

Churches were built over the tombs of martyrs, and consecrated with rites borrowed from the ancient laws of the Roman pontiffs.
Festivals and commemorations of martyrs multiplied with the numberless fictitious discoveries of their remains.

Fasting became the grand means of repelling the devil and appeasing God; celibacy the greatest of the virtues.