We cannot pass this period of religious upheaval, without a word about certain strange sects, neither wholly Jewish, Christian nor pagan, but something of all, that arose at this time. They were for the most part called Gnostics, from the Greek "know," claiming to obtain through weird processes a clearer knowledge of God. Very fantastic were the views of some on the problems of life and sin. Some of the sects were led into all sorts of absurdities and excesses. A few Jews were seduced by these fascinating heresies, notably one Elisha ben Abuyah, learned in the Law though he was. Having left the fold, he is said to have became a persecutor of his people. The Rabbis only accounted for the sad change by a complete revolution in his nature--so they called him _Acher_, "another man." The Sanhedrin found it wise to prohibit the reading of such mystic literature that would tend to lead youth astray from the sound and healthy teachings of Judaism. NOTES AND REFERENCES. For an elucidating picture of the compromise of paganism with Christianity by a Christian writer, read "Is Catholicism a Baptized Paganism?" by Rev. Heber Newton, in the _Forum Magazine_, New York, 1890. _Jewish Scripture and Church Doctrine_: Isaiah (particularly ch. ix, 6-7 and ch. liii), was a favorite book among Christian theologians from which to deduce the doctrines of the church. Notice the quotations used in Handel's Oratorio "The Messiah." Also Daniel, hence the prominent place among the prophets, given it by the Church. Modern critics altogether abandon this forced method of Biblical exegesis. (See Skinner's _Isaiah_ and Driver's _Daniel_ (Cambridge Bible). _Theme for discussion_: Contrast the ancient gnostic with the modern agnostic. CHAPTER XXVII. ROME'S REGIME AFTER JUDEA'S OVERTHROW. =Roman Emperors= | =Jewry= | Titus 79 | Jamnian Academy 70 Domitian 81 | Clemens, Roman proselyte, | put to death, 95 Nerva, 96 | Revolt of the Diaspora, 115 Trajan, 98 | Aquila's Bible translation | about 128 Hadrian, 117 | Akiba, president of Sanhedrin 130 Antoninus Pius, 138 | Bar Cochba insurrection, 132-135 Proselytes Again.