Things were, therefore, propitious for the rapid diffusion of the newly-established--the Christian--principle throughout the empire.

It spread from Syria through all Asia Minor, and successively reached Cyprus, Greece, Italy, eventually extending westward as far as Gaul and Britain.
Its propagation was hastened by missionaries who made it known in all directions.

None of the ancient classical philosophies had ever taken advantage of such a means.
Political conditions determined the boundaries of the new religion.

Its limits were eventually those of the Roman Empire; Rome, doubtfully the place of death of Peter, not Jerusalem, indisputably the place of the death of our Savior, became the religious capital.

It was better to have possession of the imperial seven hilled city, than of Gethsemane and Calvary with all their holy souvenirs.
IT GATHERS POLITICAL POWER.