Atop the Colossal Wreck

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"While that great body [of the Roman Empire] was invaded by open violence and undermined by slow decay, a pure and humble religion gently insinuated itself into the minds of men, grew up in silence and obscurity, derived new vigor from opposition, and finally erected the triumphant banner of the Cross on the ruins of the capitol."

Edward Gibbon, "The Decline And Fall of the Roman Empire." (1776)

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