Previous to this date we have found not the slightest indication of Romish doctrine; and if those doctrines have been transmitted, as their advocates assert, from the very earliest ages, it is incredible that they should have left no trace in the dated inscriptions for nearly four centuries. After this time, it is true, we find occasional epitaphs which, rigidly interpreted according to the canons of theological criticism, contain sentiments unwarranted by Scripture; but these may be the result of carelessness of expression, or of the corruptions of doctrine which had already taken place in the church. If then those inscriptions which apparently favour Romish dogmas, of which we know the date, are all of a late period, we may assume that those of a similar character which are undated are of the same relative age, and therefore valueless as evidence of the antiquity of such dogmas. Dr. Northcote admits the fact, but objects to this conclusion as founded upon negative evidence; yet he himself adopts 427 the same line of argument concerning the absence of military rank among the primitive Christians. But we are not left to negative evidence. We have the amplest testimony of a positive character, which we shall proceed to examine, showing that even in the fifth and sixth century the vast proportion of the inscriptions are of a highly evangelical character, and are entirely antagonistic to the most cherished doctrines of the Church of Rome. The Christian’s view of death is always, in striking contrast to the sullen resignation or blank despair of paganism, full of cheerfulness and hope. Its rugged front is veiled under softest synonyms. The grave was considered merely as the temporary resting place of the body, while the freed spirit was regarded as already rejoicing in the presence of God in a broader day, and brighter light, and fairer fields than those of earth. The following examples will illustrate the pious orthodoxy of these early Christian epitaphs. ABIIT ETHERIAM CVPIENS CAELI CONSCENDERE LVCEM. (A. D. 383.) She departed, desiring to ascend to the ethereal light of heaven. LIMINA MORTIS ADIIT EVTVCHIVS SAPIENS PIVS ADQ BENIGNVS IN CHRISTVM CREDENS PREMIA LVCIS ABET. (_sic._) A. D. 393. Eutuchius, wise, pious, and kind, believing in Christ, entered the portals of death, (and) has the rewards of the light (of heaven). DVLCIS ET INNOCES (_sic_) HIC DORMIT SEVERIANVS SOMNO PACIS... CVIVS SPIRITVS IN LVCE DOMINI SVSCEPTVS EST. (A. D. 393.) Here sleeps in the sleep of peace the sweet and innocent Severianus, whose spirit is received into the light of the Lord. HIC IACET VRBICA SVABIS (_sic_) SEMPERQ. PVDICA VIXIT VERBORVM VERA LOQVVTA (_sic_) IN SEMPITERNALE AEVVM QVIESCIT SECVRA. (A. D. 397.)