Seite 497 von 1391

The evils of debt and the inequality of property were far greater

in ancient than in modern times, and the accidents to which

property was subject from war, or revolution, or taxation, or

other legislative interference, were also greater. All these

circumstances gave property a less fixed and sacred character.

The early Christians are believed to have held their property in

common, and the principle is sanctioned by the words of Christ

himself, and has been maintained as a counsel of perfection in

almost all ages of the Church. Nor have there been wanting

instances of modern enthusiasts who have made a religion of

communism; in every age of religious excitement notions like

Wycliffe's 'inheritance of grace' have tended to prevail. A like

spirit, but fiercer and more violent, has appeared in politics.

'The preparation of the Gospel of peace' soon becomes the red

flag of Republicanism.