The tendency of Christianity was to restore man to his primitive gracefulness, excellence, and beauty.

Hence the expression of man in art--or, rather, of the divinity in man--became purer and more beautiful in its character.

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"In affirming Jesus to be the basis and life of modern civilization, nothing is detracted from the great and good men who preceded Him; nor" [is it denied] "that they have left traces of their genius upon modern society.
"When we speak of Jesus as God, we affirm Him to be the Source of all inspiration, from whom all, ancient and modern, have derived their life, genius, goodness, and divine beauty.
"Jesus quickened the spiritual powers of the soul which were deadened by the fall, and man again saw heaven, and angels descending and ascending to the throne of ineffable Love.
"All the promises of Jesus refer to gifts of spiritual power over inanimate matter, the animal creation, and the Man of Sin.
"Jesus came to give a spiritual life which would generate all knowledge and physical well-being.