2.] It will not be so easy to absolve Gibbon from the charge of prejudice in reference to his treatment of the Early Church.

It cannot be denied that in the two famous chapters, at least, which concluded his first volume, he adopted a tone which must be pronounced offensive, not only from the Christian point of view, but on the broad ground of historical equity.

His preconceived opinions were too strong for him on this occasion, and obstructed his generally clear vision.

Yet a distinction must be made.

The offensive tone in question is confined to these two chapters.