28 JANUARY 1899, Page 37

Neglected Factors in the Study of the Early Progress of

Christianity. By the Rev. James Orr, D.D. (Hodder and Stoughton. $s Gd.)—We cannot do more than indicate the line which Professor Orr takes. He argues that Christianity was a more potent factor in the life of the Roman world than is commonly allowed, that its adherents were more numerous and more influential. Pliny's letter is his starting point ; as he passes onward he collects and marshals a number of authorities, pagan as well as Christian, which, to say the least, give his argument a force which deserves respectful consideration. The absolute truth is, of course, beyond dis- covery. Doubtless there was much unacknowledged belief before Constantine, as there was certainly much unacknowledged paganism or atheism after him.