Jovinian: A Story of the Early Days of Papal Rome

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Kingston William Henry Giles. Jovinian: A Story of the Early Days of Papal Rome

Chapter One. The Two Pontiffs

Chapter Two. Rome in the Fourth Century

Chapter Three. The Catacombs

Chapter Four. The Procession

Chapter Five. The Young Captive

Chapter Six. A Debate

Chapter Seven. The Escape

Chapter Eight. Relics

Chapter Nine. The Captured Rescued

Chapter Ten. The Trial of the Vestal

Chapter Eleven. Released

Chapter Twelve. Captured

Chapter Thirteen. The Assassins

Chapter Fourteen. Departure from Rome

Chapter Fifteen. Jovinian and his Uncle

Chapter Sixteen. The Journey – The First Introduction of Monasteries into Italy

Chapter Seventeen. The Meeting

Chapter Eighteen. Jovinian revisits his Native City

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The two pontiffs had proceeded some way, when Coecus stopped. “What have you done, Gaius, with this young nephew of yours?” he asked. “Have you managed by this time to teach him the worship of the gods?”

“As to my success, I can say but little,” answered Gaius. “A strict watch is, however, kept over him; for I believe that he would escape from me even now, could he obtain the opportunity. I have an affection for him, and hope in time, as he grows older and gains more intelligence, to make him see the folly of the faith his mother adopted, and to induct him into our mysteries. I have already endeavoured to make him understand that he need not believe in the gods more than we do, or in the tricks of the augurs, of whom Cicero wittily observes, ‘It is a wonder they can ever look each other in the face without laughing.’”

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“Say that Gentianus and his child return their heartfelt thanks,” replied the aged president. “Do you, Severus, distribute the food to our brethren,” he added, turning to the presbyter, who advanced to take it; and, aided by the female slave and another person, he gave a portion of the contents to each of the company. There was an ample supply, both of food and wine, for all present, and still the basket was not half emptied. Before any one commenced eating the president uttered a short prayer, that their Heavenly Father would bless the food to the strengthening of their bodies and the support of their spiritual life. It was then eaten with thankfulness, while a cheerful conversation was carried on among all present. Gentianus then beckoned to the slave.

“What news do you bring from the city, Rufina? Has Amulius sent any message by you?” he asked.

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