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Comparative length of the lives of the early bishops of Rome, 537

Observations relative to a change in the organization of the

Roman Church in the time of Hyginus, 538

1. The statement of Hilary will account for the increased average

in the length of episcopal life, 539

2. The testimony of Jerome cannot otherwise be explained, 540

3. Hilary indicates that the constitution of the Church was

changed about this period, 541

4. At this time such an arrangement must naturally have suggested

itself to the Roman Christians, 542

5. The violent death of Telesphorus fitted to prepare the way

for it, 543

6. The influence of Rome would recommend its adoption, 544

7. A vacancy which occurred after the death of Hyginus accords

with this view. Valentine a candidate for the Roman bishopric, 545

8. The letters of Pius to Justus corroborate this view, 547

9. It is sustained by the fact that the word bishop now began to be applied to the presiding elder, 550 10. The Pontifical Book remarkably confirms it—Not strange that history speaks so little of this change, 552 Little alteration at first apparent in the general aspect of the Church in consequence of the adoption of the new principle, 554 Facility with which the change could be accomplished, 565 Polycarp probably dissatisfied with the new arrangements, 556 Change, in all likelihood, not much opposed, 558 Many presbyters, as well as the people, would be favourable to it, ib. The new system gradually spread, 559