Full Idea
In what did the emancipating message of primitive Christianity consist but in the announcement that God recognizes those weak and tender impulses which paganism had so rudely overlooked.
Gist of Idea
Early Christianity says God recognises the neglected weak and tender impulses
Source
William James (The Sentiment of Rationality [1882], p.36)
A Reaction
Nietzsche says these are the virtues of a good slave. Previous virtues were dominated by military needs, but the new virtues are those of large cities, where communal living with strangers is the challenge.
Book Reference
James,William: 'Selected Writings of William James', ed/tr. Bird,Graham [Everyman 1995], p.36