John Henry Newman

Name: Callista : a Tale of the Third Century
Author: John Henry Newman

Summary

John Henry Newman’s Callista: A Tale of the Third Century is a historical novel set during a time of fierce religious conflict in the Roman Empire, examining the confrontation between Christianity and paganism through the lives of its main characters, including the titular Callista, a woman wrestling with her faith, and Agellius, a convert caught between his former beliefs and new convictions.

Themes of persecution, moral struggle, and the quest for spiritual identity run throughout the narrative, as characters face the harsh pressures of magistrates, crowds, and social bias. Newman’s depiction of religious change—characterized by instances of uncertainty, sacrifice, and resolve—emphasizes the personal and collective toll of faith in a world shaped by pagan customs and imperial rule. The work combines historical accuracy with theological insight, presenting Callista’s journey as a reflection of the ongoing struggle between worldly hardship and divine salvation.

Quotes from Callista : a Tale of the Third Century (John Henry Newman)

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ What have I done to you that you should have got so cross and contrary and so hard to please?”
“I mean,” she said, “if I were a Christian, life would be more bearable.”
“Bearable!” he echoed; “bearable! ye gods! more bearable to have Styx and Tartarus, the Furies and their snakes, in this world as well as in the next? to have evil within and without, to hate one’s self and to be hated of all men! to live the life of an ass, and to die the death of a dog! Bearable! But hark! I hear Agellius’s step on the staircase. Callista, dear Callista, be yourself. Listen to reason.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ I could not be of your religion. Ye Gods! how have I been deceived! I thought every Christian was like Chione. I thought there could not be a cold Christian. Chione spoke as if a Christian’s first thoughts were goodwill to others; as if his state were of such blessedness, that his dearest heart’s wish was to bring others into it. Here is a man who, so far from feeling himself blest, thinks I can bless him! comes to me—me, Callista, a herb of the field, a poor weed, exposed to every wind of heaven, and shrivelling before the fierce sun—to me he comes to repose his heart upon. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Your people say, ‘Earth’s a vanity, life’s a dream, riches a deceit, pleasure a snare. Fratres charissimi, the time is short;’ but who love earth and life and riches and pleasure better than they? You are all of you as fond of the world, as set upon gain, as chary of reputation, as ambitious of power, as the jolly old heathen, who, you say, is going the way of the pit.”
“It is one thing to have a conscience,” answered Agellius; “another thing to act upon it. The conscience of these poor people is darkened. You had a conscience once.”
“Conscience, conscience,” said Juba. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ If she has already the penalty of a Christian, she is surely destined for the privilege. And how should I go,” he said, half speaking to himself, “how should I go to tell her that she is not yet a Christian, and bid her swear by Jupiter, because that is her god, in order that she may escape imprisonment and death? Am I to do the part of a heathen priest or infidel sophist? O Cæcilius, how am I forgetting your lessons! No; I will go on no such errand. Go, I will, if I may, Jucundus, but I will go on no conditions of yours. I go on no promise to try to get her out of prison anyhow, poor child. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ I saw one when I was a boy at Carthage. So unlike your noble Roman Saliares, or your fine portly priest of Isis, clad in white, breathing odours like spring flowers; men who enjoyed this life, not like that sour hypocrite. He was as black as an Ethiopian, and as withered as a Saracen, and he never looked you in the face. And, after all, the fellow must die for his religion, rather than put a few grains of golden incense on the altar of great Jove. Jove’s the god for me; a glorious, handsome, curly god—but they are all good, all the gods are good. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Callista answered: For I have found my true Love, whom before I knew not.
“Martianus, the procurator, said: Your true love is, I ween, your last love; for all were true in their time.
“Callista said: I worship my true Love, who is the Only True; and He is the Son of God, and I know none but Him.
“Martianus, the procurator, said: You will not worship the gods, but you are willing to love their sons.
“Callista said: He is the true Son of the True God; and I am His, and He is mine.
“Martianus, the procurator, said: Let alone your loves, and swear by the genius of the emperor. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Rome remains. The eternal city! Isn’t this good philosophy?”
“Truly, a most beautiful medal,” said Aristo, examining it, and handing it on to his host. “You might make an amulet of it, Jucundus. But as to eternity, why, that is a very great word; and, if I mistake not, other states have been eternal before Rome. Ten centuries is a very respectable eternity; be content, Rome is eternal already, and may die without prejudice to the medal.”
“Blaspheme not,” replied Cornelius: “Rome is healthier, more full of life, and promises more, than at any former time, you may rely upon it. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Why am I thus alone in the world? why am I without a pastor and guide? Ah, was not this my fault in remaining in Sicca? I have no tie here; let me go to Carthage, or to Tagaste, or to Madaura, or to Hippo. I am not fit to walk the world by myself; I am too simple, and am no match for its artifices.”
Here another thought took possession of him, which had as yet but crossed his mind, and it made him colour up with confusion and terror. “They were laying a plot for me,” he said, “my uncle and Aristo; and it is Callista who has defeated it.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ He looked hard at Agellius, as if he thought he had hit a blot. Then he continued, “If I were a Christian, I’d be so in earnest: else I’d be an honest heathen.”
Agellius coloured somewhat, and sat down, as if under embarrassment.
“I despise you,” said Juba; “you have not the pluck to be a Christian. Be consistent, and fizz upon a stake; but you’re not made of that stuff. You’re even afraid of uncle. Nay, you can be caught by those painted wares, about which, when it suits your purpose, you can be so grave. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Our slaves may be counted by thousands, and they come from all parts of the world. Everything rare and precious is brought to Rome: the gum of Arabia, the nard of Assyria, the papyrus of Egypt, the citron-wood of Mauretania, the bronze of Ægina, the pearls of Britain, the cloth of gold of Phrygia, the fine webs of Cos, the embroidery of Babylon, the silks of Persia, the lion-skins of Getulia, the wool of Miletus, the plaids of Gaul. Thus we live, an imperial people, who do nothing but enjoy themselves and keep festival the whole year ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Last of all came the emperor himself.”
“That’s the late man,” observed Jucundus, “Philip; no bad riddance his death, if all’s true that’s said of him.”
“All emperors are good in their time and way,” answered Cornelius; “Philip was good then, and Decius is good now;—whom the gods preserve!”
“True,” said Aristo, “I understand; an emperor cannot do wrong, except in dying, and then everything goes wrong with him. His death is his first bad deed; he ought to be ashamed of it; it somehow turns all his great virtues into vices.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ We love those things which do not last, but come to an end. Things being thus, He whom we ought to love has determined to win us back to Him. With this object He has come into His own world, in the form of one of us men. And in that human form He opens His arms and woos us to return to Him, our Maker. This is our Worship, this is our Love, Callista.”
“You talk as Chione,” Callista answered; “only that she felt, and you teach. She could not speak of her Master without blushing for joy.... And Agellius, when he said one word about his Master, he too began to blush....” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ How gloriously did he shoot over the hills! and then anon he rested awhile on the snowy summit of Olympus, as in some luminous shrine, gladdening the Phrygian plain. Fair, bright-haired god! thou art my worship, if Callista worships aught: but somehow I worship nothing now. I am weary.”
“Well,” said her brother in a soothing tone, “it is a change. That light, elastic air, that transparent heaven, that fresh temperate breeze, that majestic sea! Africa is not Greece; O, the difference! That’s it, Callista; it is the nostalgia; you are home-sick.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ She shall live till she is. Yes, I can get you to see her. You shall bring her out of prison; a smile, a whisper from you, and all her fretfulness and ill-humour will vanish, like a mist before the powerful burning sun. And we shall all be as happy as the immortal gods.”
“O my uncle!” said Agellius, gravely. The language of Jucundus had shocked him, and brought him to a better mind. He turned away from Jucundus, and leant his face against the wall. Then he turned round again, and said, “If she is a Christian, I ought to rejoice, and I do rejoice; God be praised. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ I must live and die where I have been born. I am a tree which will not bear transplanting. The Assyrians, the Jews, the Egyptians, have their own mystical teaching. They follow their happiness in their own way; mine is a different one. The pride of mind, the revel of the intellect, the voice and eyes of genius, and the fond beating heart, I cannot do without them. I cannot do without what you, Christian, call sin. Let me alone; such as nature made me I will be. I cannot change.”
This sudden revulsion of her feelings quite overcame Cæcilius ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ The great people in Carthage are your friends. O Cornelius! I’d do anything for you!—I’d be your slave! She’s no more a Christian than great Jove. She has nothing about her of the cut;—not a shred of her garment, or a turn of her hair. She’s a Greek from head to foot—within and without. She’s as bright as the day! Ah! we have no friends here. Dear Callista! ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ There is such a racket and whirl of religions on all sides of me that I am sick of the subject.”
“Ah, the rising generation!” groaned Jucundus; “you young men! I cannot prophesy what you will become, when we old fellows are removed from the scene. Perhaps you’re a Christian?”
Arnobius laughed. “At least I can give you comfort on that head, old grandfather. A pretty Christian I should make, indeed! seeing visions, to be sure, and rejoicing in the rack and dungeon! I wish to enjoy life; I see wealth, power, rank, and pleasure to be worth living for, and I see nothing else.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Next the moon rises up to see what has been going on, and edges the black hangings of the night with silver. Yet mourning and dirge are but of formal observance, when a brave champion has died for her God. The world of ghosts has as little power over such an one as the world of nature. No evil spirit has aught to say to her, who has gone in her baptismal white before the Throne. No penal [pg 372] fire shall be her robe, who has been carried in her bright flammeum to the Bridal Chamber of the Lamb. A divine odour fills the air, issuing from that senseless, motionless, broken frame. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ O why should the great Creator shatter one of His most admirable works! If the order of the sun and stars is adorable, if the laws by which earth and sea are kept together mark the Hand of supreme Wisdom and Power, how much nobler perfection of beauty is manifested in man! And of human nature itself here was the supereminent crown, a soul full of gifts, full of greatness, full of intellect, placed in an outward form, equally surpassing in its kind, and still more surpassingly excellent from its intimate union and subordination to the soul, so as almost to be its simple expression ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ There is the calm of divine peace and joy; there is the calm of heartlessness; there is the calm of reckless desperation; there is the calm of death. None of these was the calm which breathed from the features of the stranger who intruded upon the solitude of Cæcilius. It was the calm of Greek sculpture; it imaged a soul nourished upon the visions of genius, and subdued and attuned by the power of a strong will. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ I have no fear of the prætorians.”
“I don’t mean prætorians more than Goths,” said Jucundus; “no, give me the old weapons, the old maxims of Rome, and I defy the scythe of Saturn. Do the soldiers march under the old ensign? do they swear by the old gods? do they interchange the good old signals and watchwords? do they worship the fortune of Rome; then I say we are safe. But do we take to new ways? do we trifle with religion? do we make light of Jupiter, Mars, Romulus, the augurs, and the ancilia? ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Speak, man, speak. Are you dumb as well as dement? Are you dumb, I say, are you dumb?”
“O Jucundus,” cried Agellius, irritated at his own inability to express himself or hold an argument, “if you did but know what it was to have the Truth! The [pg 249] Christian has found the Truth, the eternal Truth, in a world of error. That is his bargain, that is his hire; can there be a greater? Can I give up the Truth? But all this is Punic or Barbar to you.”
It certainly did pose Jucundus for half a minute, as if he was trying to take in, not so much the sense, as the words of his nephew’s speech. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Callista is in prison on the charge of Christianity; I was in a sort of prison myself, or what was worse for my soul; and Juba, my brother, in the strangest of ways, has this morning let me out. Shall she not be saved, my father, in God’s own way, as well as I? At least we can all pray for her; but surely we can do more—so precious a soul must not be left to herself and the world. If she has the trials, she may claim the blessings of a Christian. Is she to go back to heathenism? Is she, alas! to suffer without baptism? Shall we not hazard death to bestow on her that grace? ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ CHAPTER XXVII. AM I A CHRISTIAN? The sun had now descended for the last time before the solemn day which was charged with the fate of Callista, and what was the state of mind of one who excited such keen interest in the narrow circle within which she was known? And how does it differ from what it was some weeks before, when Agellius last saw her? She would have been unable to say herself. “So is the kingdom of God: as if a man should cast seed into the earth, and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, whilst he knoweth not.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ Where is this bad humour to end?” cried Aristo; “it has been a long fit; shake it off while you can, or it will be too much for you. What can you mean? a weariness! You are over young to bid youth farewell. Aching hearts for aching bones. So young and so perverse! We must take things as the gods give them. You will ask for them in vain when you are old. One day above, another day beneath; one while young, another while old. Enjoy life while you have it in your hand.” ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ I cannot exist without something to rest upon. I cannot fall back upon that drear, forlorn state, which philosophers call wisdom, and moralists call virtue. I cannot enrol myself a votary of that cold Moon, whose arrows do but freeze me. I cannot sympathize in that majestic band of sisters whom Rome has placed under the tutelage of Vesta. I must have something to love; love is my life. Why do you come to me, Agellius, with your every-day gallantry. ”

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Source: Gutenberg

John Henry Newman, Callista : a Tale of the Third Century

“ I am not of the temper of which heroes are made.”
“ ‘Virtus in infirmitate perficitur,’ ” said the priest. “What! are you to do any thing of yourself? or are you to be simply the instrument of Another? We shall have the same termination, you and myself, but you long after me.”
“Ah, father, because you will burn out so much more quickly!” said Agellius.
“I think,” said Cæcilius, “I see my messenger; there is some one who has made his way by stealth into the garden, or at least not by the beaten way.” ”

John Henry Newman

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