The emperor Constantine is celebrated as a saint in the Orthodox
Church, although not the Western Church. His great merit, from
a Christian point of view, was in legalizing Christianity. His
personal activities in other areas are less appealing.
EUSEBIUS PAMPHILUS OF CAESAREA
THE LIFE OF THE BLESSED EMPEROR CONSTANTINE
[The Bagster translation, revised by Ernest Cushing Richardson,
Ph.D., Librarian and Associate Professor in Hartford Theological
Seminary. Full ref at end.]
BOOK I.
CHAPTER I: Preface.-- Of the Death
of Constantine.
ALREADY (1) have all mankind united in celebrating with joyous
festivities the completion of the second and third decennial period
of this great emperor's reign; already have we ourselves received
him as a triumphant conqueror in the assembly of God's ministers,
and greeted him with the due mead of praise on the twentieth anniversary
of his reign: (2) and still more recently we have woven, as it
were, garlands of words, wherewith we encircled his sacred head
in his own palace on his thirtieth anniversary. (3)
But now, while I desire (4) to give utterance to some of the customary
sentiments, I stand perplexed and doubtful which way to turn,
being wholly lost in wonder at the extraordinary spectacle before
me. For to whatever quarter I direct my view, whether to the east,
or to the west, or over the whole world, or toward heaven itself,
everywhere and always I see the blessed one yet administering
the self-same empire. On earth I behold his sons, like some new
reflectors of his brightness, diffusing everywhere the luster
of their father's character, (5) and himself still living and
powerful, and governing all the affairs of men more completely
than ever before, being multiplied in the succession of his children.
They had indeed had previously the dignity of Caesars; (6) but
now, being invested with his very self, and graced by his accomplishments,
for the excellence of their piety they are proclaimed by the titles
of Sovereign, Augustus, Worshipful, and Emperor.
CHAPTER II: The Preface continued.
And I am indeed amazed, when I consider that he who was but lately
visible and present with us in his mortal body, is still, even
after death, when the natural thought disclaims everything superfluous
as unsuitable, most marvelously endowed with the same imperial
dwellings, and honors, and praises as heretofore. (1) But farther,
when I raise my thoughts even to the arch of heaven, and there
contemplate his thrice-blessed soul in communion with God himself,
freed from every mortal and earthly vesture, and shining in a
refulgent robe of light, and when I perceive that it is no more
connected with the fleeting periods and occupations of mortal
life, but honored with an ever- blooming crown, and an immortality
of endless and blessed existence, I stand as it were without power
of speech or thought (2) and unable to utter a single phrase,
but condemning my own weakness, and imposing silence on myself,
I resign the task of speaking his praises worthily to one who
is better able, even to him who, being the immortal God and veritable
Word, alone has power to confirm his own saying. (3)
CHAPTER III: How God honors Pious Princes,
but destroys Tyrants.
Having given assurance that those who glorify and honor him will
meet with an abundant recompense at his hands, while those who
set themselves against him as enemies and adversaries will compass
the ruin of their own souls, he has already established the truth
of these his own declarations, having shown on the one hand the
fearful end of those tyrants who denied and opposed him, (1) and
at the same time having made it manifest that even the death of
his servant, as well as his life, is worthy of admiration and
praise, and justly claims the memorial, not merely of perishable,
but of immortal monuments.
Mankind, devising some consolation for the frail and precarious
duration of human life, have thought by the erection of monuments
to glorify the memories of their ancestors with immortal honors.
Some have employed the vivid delineations and colors of painting
(2); some have carved statues from lifeless blocks of wood; while
others, by engraving their inscriptions deep on tablets (3) and
monuments, have thought to transmit the virtues of those whom
they honored to perpetual remembrance. All these indeed are perishable,
and consumed by the lapse of time, being representations of the
corruptible body, and not expressing the image of the immortal
soul. And yet these seemed sufficient to those who had no well-grounded
hope of happiness after the termination of this mortal life. But
God, that God, I say, who is the common Saviour of all, having
treasured up with himself, for those who love godliness, greater
blessings than human thought has conceived, gives the earnest
and first-fruits of future rewards even here, assuring in some
sort immortal hopes to mortal eyes. The ancient oracles of the
prophets, delivered to us in the Scripture, declare this; the
lives of pious men, who shone in old time with every virtue, bear
witness to posterity of the same; and our own days prove it to
be true, wherein Constantine, who alone of all that ever wielded
the Roman power was the friend of God the Sovereign of all, has
appeared to all mankind so clear an example of a godly life.
CHAPTER IV: That God honored Constantine.
And God himself, whom Constantine worshiped, has confirmed this
truth by the clearest manifestations of his will, being present
to aid him (1) at the commencement, during the course, and at
the end of his reign, and holding him up to the human race as
an instructive example of godliness. Accordingly, by the manifold
blessings he has conferred on him, he has distinguished him alone
of all the sovereigns of whom we have ever heard as at once a
mighty luminary and most clear-voiced herald of genuine piety.
CHAPTER V: That he reigned above Thirty
Years, and lived above Sixty.
With respect to the duration of his reign, God honored him with
three complete periods of ten years, and something more, extending
the whole term of his mortal life to twice this number of years.
(1) And being pleased to make him a representative of his own
sovereign power, he displayed him as the conqueror of the whole
race of tyrants, and the destroyer of those God- defying giants
(2) of the earth who madly raised their impious arms against him,
the supreme King of all. They appeared, so to speak, for an instant,
and then disappeared: while the one and only true God, when he
had enabled his servant, clad in heavenly panoply, to stand singly
against many foes, and by his means had relieved mankind from
the multitude of the ungodly, constituted him a teacher of his
worship to all nations, to testify with a loud voice in the hearing
of all that he acknowledged the true God, and turned with abhorrence
from the error of them that are no gods.
CHAPTER VI: That he was the Servant
of God, and the Conqueror of Nations.
Thus, like a faithful and good servant, did he act and testify,
openly declaring and confessing himself the obedient minister
of the supreme King. And God forthwith rewarded him, by making
him ruler and sovereign, and victorious to such a degree that
he alone of all rulers pursued a continual course of conquest,
unsubdued and invincible, and through his trophies a greater ruler
than tradition records ever to have been before. So dear was he
to God, and so blessed; so pious and so fortunate in all that
he undertook, that with the greatest facility he obtained the
authority over more nations than any who had preceded him, (1)
and yet retained his power, undisturbed, to the very close of
his life.
CHAPTER VII: Comparison with Cyrus,
King of the Persians and with Alexander of Macedon.
Ancient history describes Cyrus, king of the Persians, as by far
the most illustrious of all kings up to his time. And yet if we
regard the end of his days, (1) we find it but little corresponded
with his past prosperity, since he met with an inglorious and
dishonorable death at the hands of a woman. (2)
Again, the sons of Greece celebrate Alexander the Macedonian as
the conqueror of many and diverse nations; yet we find that he
was removed by an early death, before he had reached maturity,
being carried off by the effects of revelry and drunkenness. (3)
His whole life embraced but the space of thirty-two years, and
his reign extended to no more than a third part of that period.
Unsparing as the thunderbolt, he advanced through streams of blood
and reduced entire nations and cities, young and old, to utter
slavery. But when he had scarcely arrived at the maturity of life,
and was lamenting the loss of youthful pleasures, death fell upon
him with terrible stroke, and, that he might not longer outrage
the human race, cut him off in a foreign and hostile land, childless,
without successor, and homeless. His kingdom too was instantly
dismembered, each of his officers taking away and appropriating
a portion for himself. And yet this man is extolled for such deeds
as these. (4)
CHAPTER VIII: That he conquered nearly
the Whole World.
But our emperor began his reign at the time of life at which the
Macedonian died, yet doubled the length of his life, and trebled
the length of his reign. And instructing his army in the mild
and sober precepts of godliness, he carried his arms as far as
the Britons, and the nations that dwell in the very bosom of the
Western ocean. He subdued likewise all Scythia, though situated
in the remotest North, and divided into numberless diverse and
barbarous tribes. He even pushed his conquests to the Blemmyans
and Ethiopians, on the very confines of the South nor did he think
the acquisition of the Eastern nations unworthy his care. In short,
diffusing the effulgence of his holy light to the ends of the
whole world, even to the most distant Indians, the nations dwelling
on the extreme circumference of the inhabited earth, he received
the submission of all the rulers, (1) governors, (2) and satraps
of barbarous nations, who cheerfully welcomed and saluted him,
sending embassies and presents, and setting the highest value
on his acquaintance and friendship; insomuch that they honored
him with pictures and statues in their respective countries, and
Constantine alone of all emperors was acknowledged and celebrated
by all. Notwithstanding, even among these distant tions, he proclaimed
the name of his God in his royal edicts with all boldness.
CHAPTER IX: That he was the Son of
a Pious Emperor, and bequeathed the Power to Royal Sons.
Nor did he give this testimony in words merely, while exhibiting
failure in his own practice, but pursued every path of virtue,
and was rich in the varied fruits of godliness. He ensured the
affection of his friends by magnificent proofs of liberality;
and inasmuch as he governed on principles of humanity, he caused
his rule to be but lightly felt and acceptable to all classes
of his subjects; until at last, after a long course of years,
and when he was wearied by his divine labors, the God whom he
honored crowned him with an immortal reward, and translated him
from a transitory kingdom to that endless life which he has laid
up in store for the souls of his saints, after he had raised him
up three sons to succeed him in his power. As then the imperial
throne had descended to him from his father, so, by the law of
nature, was it reserved for his children and their descendants,
and perpetuated, like some paternal inheritance, to endless generations.
And indeed God himself, who distinguished this blessed prince
with divine honors while yet present with us, and who has adorned
his death with choice blessings from his own hand, should be the
writer of his actions; since he has recorded his labors and successes
on heavenly monuments. (1)
CHAPTER X: Of the Need for this History,
and its Value for Edification.
HOWEVER, hard as it is to speak worthily of this blessed character,
and though silence were the safer and less perilous course, nevertheless
it is incumbent on me, if I would escape the charge of negligence
and sloth, to trace as it were a verbal portraiture, by way of
memorial of the pious prince, in imitation of the delineations
of human art. For I should be ashamed of myself were I not to
employ my best efforts, feeble though they be and of little value,
in praise of one who honored God with such surpassing devotion.
I think too that my work will be on other grounds both instructive
and necessary, since it will contain a description of those royal
and noble actions which are pleasing to God, the Sovereign of
all. For would it not be disgraceful that the memory of Nero,
and other impious and godless tyrants far worse than he, should
meet with diligent writers to embellish the relation of their
worthless deeds with elegant language, and record them in voluminous
histories, and that I should be silent, to whom God himself has
vouchsafed such an emperor as all history records not, and has
permitted me to come into his presence, and enjoy his acquaintance
and society? (1)
Wherefore, if it is the duty of any one, it certainly is mine,
to make an ample proclamation of his virtues to all in whom the
example of noble actions is capable of inspiring the love of God.
For some who have written the lives of worthless characters, and
the history of actions but little tending to the improvement of
morals, from private motives, either love or enmity, and possibly
in some cases with no better object than the display of their
own learning, have exaggerated unduly their description of actions
intrinsically base, by a refinement and elegance of diction. (2)
And thus they have become to those who by the Divine favor had
been kept apart from evil, teachers not of good, but of what should
be silenced in oblivion and darkness. But my narrative, however
unequal to the greatness of the deeds it has to describe, will
yet derive luster even from the bare relation of noble actions.
And surely the record of conduct that has been pleasing to God
will afford a far from unprofitable, indeed a most instructive
study, to persons of well-disposed minds.
CHAPTER XI: That his Present Object
is to record only the Pious Actions of Constantine.
IT is my intention, therefore, to pass over the greater part of
the royal deeds of this thrice-blessed prince; as, for example,
his conflicts and engagements in the field, his personal valor,
his victories and successes against the enemy, and the many triumphs
he obtained: likewise his provisions for the interests of individuals,
his legislative enactments for the social advantage of his subjects,
and a multitude of other imperial labors which are fresh in the
memory of all; the design of my present undertaking being to speak
and write of those circumstances only which have reference to
his religious character.
And since these are themselves of almost infinite variety, I shall
select from the facts which have come to my knowledge such as
are most suitable, and worthy of lasting record, and endeavor
to narrate them as briefly as possible. Henceforward, indeed,
there is a full and opportunity for celebrating in every way the
praises of this truly blessed prince, which hitherto we have been
unable to do, oh the ground that we are forbidden to judge any
one blessed before his death, (1) because of the uncertain vicissitudes
of life. Let me implore then the help of God, and may the inspiring
aid of the heavenly Word be with me, while I commence my history
from the very earliest period of his life.
CHAPTER XII: That like Moses, he was
reared in the Palaces of Kings.
ANCIENT history relates that a cruel race of tyrants oppressed
the Hebrew nation; and that God, who graciously regarded them
in their affliction, provided that the prophet Moses, who was
then an infant, should be brought up in the very palaces and bosoms
of the oppressors, and instructed in all the wisdom they possessed.
And when in the course of time he had arrived at manhood, and
the time was come for Divine justice to avenge the wrongs of the
afflicted people, then the prophet of God, in obedience to the
will of a more powerful Lord, forsook the royal household, and,
estranging himself in word and deed from the tyrants by whom he
had been brought up, openly acknowledging his true brethren and
kinsfolk. Then God, exalting him to be the leader of the whole
nation, delivered the Hebrews from the bondage of their enemies,
and inflicted Divine vengeance through his means on the tyrant
race. This ancient story, though rejected by most as fabulous,
has. reached the ears of all. But now the same God has given to
us to be eye-witnesses of miracles more wonderful than fables,
and, from their recent appearance, more authentic than any report.
For the tyrants of our day have ventured to war against the Supreme
God, and have sorely afflicted His Church. (1) And in the midst
of these, Constantine, who was shortly to become their destroyer,
but at that time of tender age, and blooming with the down of
early s youth, dwelt, as that other servant of God had done, in
the very home of the tyrants, (2) but t young as he was did not
share the manner of life of the ungodly: for from that early period
his noble nature, under the leading of the Divine Spirit, inclined
him to piety and a life acceptable to God. A desire, moreover,
to emulate the example of his father had its influence in stimulating
the son to a virtuous course of conduct His father was Constantius
(3) (and we ought to revive his memory at this time), the most
illustrious emperor of our age; of whose life it is necessary
briefly to relate a few particulars, which tell to the honor of
his son.
CHAPTER XIII: Of Constantius his Father,
who refused to imitate Diocletian, Maximian, and Maxentius, (1)
in their Persecution of the Christians.
At a time when four emperors (2) shared the administration of
the Roman empire, Constantius alone, following a course of conduct
different from that pursued by his colleagues, entered into the
friendship of the Supreme God.
For while they besieged and wasted the churches of God, leveling
them to the ground, and obliterating the very foundations of the
houses of prayer, (3) he kept his hands pure from their abominable
impiety, and never in any respect resembled them. They polluted
their provinces by the indiscriminate slaughter of godly men and
women; but he kept his soul free from the stain of this crime.
(4)The involved in the mazes of impious idolatry, enthralled first
themselves, and then all under their authority, in bondage to
the errors of evil demons, while he at the same time originated
the profoundest peace throughout his dominions, and secured to
his subjects the privilege of celebrating without hindrance the
worship of God. In short, while his colleagues oppressed all men
by the most grievous exactions, and rendered their lives intolerable,
and even worse than death, Constantius alone governed his people
with a mild and tranquil sway, and exhibited towards them a truly
parental and fostering care. Numberless, indeed, are the other
virtues of this man, which are the theme of praise to all; of
these I will record one or two instances, as specimens of the
quality of those which I must pass by in silence, and then I will
proceed to the appointed order of my narrative.
CHAPTER XIV: How Constantius his Father,
being reproached with Poverty by Diocletian, filled his Treasury,
and afterwards restored the Money to those by whom it had been
contributed.
In consequence of the many reports in circulation respecting this
prince, describing his kindness and gentleness of character, and
the extraordinary elevation of his piety, alleging too, that by
reason of his extreme indulgence to his subjects, he had not even
a supply of money laid up in his treasury; the emperor who at
that time occupied the place of supreme power sent to reprehend
his neglect of the public weal, at the same time reproaching him
with poverty, and alleging in proof of the charge the empty state
of his treasury. On this he desired the messengers of the emperor
to remain with him awhile, and, calling together the wealthiest
of his subjects of all nations under his dominion, he informed
them that he was in want of money, and that this was the time
for them all to give a voluntary proof of their affection for
their prince.
As soon as they heard this (as though they had long been desirous
of an opportunity for showing the sincerity of their good will),
with zealous alacrity they filled the treasury with gold and silver
and other wealth; each eager to surpass the rest in the amount
of his contribution: and this they did with cheerful and joyous
countenances. And now Constantius desired the messengers of the
great emperor (1) personally to inspect his treasures, and directed
them to give a faithful report of what they had seen; adding,
that on the present occasion he had taken this money into his
own hands, but that it had long been kept for his use in the custody
of the owners, as securely as if under the charge of faithful
treasurers. The ambassadors were overwhelmed with astonishment
at what they had witnessed: and on their departure it is said
that the truly generous prince sent for the owners of the property,
and, after commending them severally for their obedience and true
loyalty, restored it all, and bade them return to their homes.
This one circumstance, then, conveys a proof of the generosity
of him whose character we are attempting to illustrate: another
will contain the clearest testimony to his piety.
CHAPTER XV: Of the Persecution raised
by his Colleagues.
By command of the supreme authorities of the empire, the governors
of the several provinces had set on foot a general persecution
of the godly. Indeed, it was from the imperial courts themselves
that the very first of the pious martyrs proceeded, who passed
through those conflicts for the faith, and most readily endured
both fire and sword, and the depths of the sea; every form of
death, in short, so that in a brief time all the royal palaces
were bereft of pious men. (1) The result was, that the authors
of this wickedness were entirely deprived of the protecting care
of God, since by their persecution of his worshipers they at the
same time silenced the prayers that were wont to be made on their
own behalf.
CHAPTER XVI: How Constantius, feigning
Idolatry, expelled those who consented to offer Sacrifice, but
retained in his Palace all who were willing to confess Christ.
On the other hand, Constantius conceived an expedient full of
sagacity, and did a thing which sounds paradoxical, but in fact
was most admirable.
He made a proposal to all the officers of his court, including
even those in the highest stations of authority, offering them
the following alternative: either that they should offer sacrifice
to demons, and thus be permitted to remain with him, and enjoy
their usual honors; or, in case of refusal, that they should be
shut out from all access to his person, and entirely disqualified
from acquaintance and association with him. Accordingly, when
they had individually made their choice, some one way and some
the other; and the choice of each had been ascertained, then this
admirable prince disclosed the secret meaning of his expedient,
and condemned the cowardice and selfishness of the one party,
while he highly commended the other for their conscientious devotion
to God. He declared, too, that those who had been false to their
God must be unworthy of the confidence of their prince; for how
was it possible that they should preserve their fidelity to him,
who had proved themselves faithless to a higher power? He determined,
therefore, that such persons should be removed altogether from
the imperial court, while, on the other hand, declaring that those
men who, in bearing witness for the truth, had proved themselves
to be worthy servants of God, would manifest the same fidelity
to their king, he en-trusted them with the guardianship of his
person and empire, saying that he was bound to treat such persons
with special regard as his nearest and most valued friends, and
to esteem them far more highly than the richest treasures.
CHAPTER XVII: Of his Christian Manner
of Life.
The father of Constantine, then, is said to have possessed such
a character as we have briefly described. And what kind of death
was vouchsafed to him in consequence of such devotion to God,
and how far he whom he honored made his lot to differ from that
of his colleagues in the empire, may be known to any one who will
give his attention to the circumstances of the case. For after
he had for a long time given many proofs of royal virtue, in acknowledging
the Supreme God alone, and condemning the polytheism of the ungodly,
and had fortified his household by the prayers of holy men, (1)
he passed the remainder of his life in remarkable repose and tranquillity,
in the enjoyment of what is counted blessedness, --neither molesting
others nor being molested ourselves.
Accordingly, during the whole course of his quiet and peaceful
reign, he dedicated his entire household, his children, his wife,
and domestic attendants, to the One Supreme God: so that the company
assembled within the walls of his palace differed in no respect
from a church of God; wherein were also to be found his ministers,
who offered continual supplications on behalf of their prince,
and this at a time when, with most,(2) it was not allowable to
have any dealings with the worshipers of God, even so far as to
exchange a word with them.
CHAPTER XVIII: That after the Abdication
of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became Chief Augustus,
and was blessed with a Numerous Offspring.
The immediate consequence of this conduct was a recompense from
the hand of God, insomuch that he came into the supreme authority
of the empire. For the older emperors, for some unknown reason,
resigned their power; and this sudden change took place in the
first year after their persecution of the churches. (1)
From that time Constantius alone received the honors of chief
Augustus, having been previously, indeed, distinguished by the
diadem of the imperial Caesars, (2) among whom he held the first
rank; but after his worth had been proved in this capacity, he
was invested with the highest dignity of the Roman empire, being
named chief Augustus of the four who were afterwards elected to
that honor. Moreover, he surpassed most of the emperors in regard
to the number of his family, having gathered around him a very
large circle of children both male and female. And, lastly, when
he had attained to a happy old age, and was about to pay the common
debt of nature, and exchange this life for another, God once more
manifested His power in a special manner on his behalf, by providing
that his eldest son Constantine should be present during his last
moments, and ready to receive the imperial power from his hands.
(3)
CHAPTER XIX: Of his Son Constantine,
who in his Youth accompanied Diocletian into Palestine.
The latter had been with his father's imperial colleagues, (1)
and had passed his life among them, as we have said, like God's
ancient prophet. And even in the very earliest period of his youth
he was judged by them to be worthy of the highest honor. An instance
of this we have ourselves seen, when he passed through Palestine
with the senior emperor, (2) at whose right hand he stood, and
commanded the admiration of all who beheld him by the indications
he gave even then of royal greatness. For no one was comparable
to him for grace and beauty of person, or height of stature; and
he so far surpassed his compeers in personal strength as to be
a terror to them. He was, however, even more conspicuous for the
excellence of his mental (3) qualities than for his superior physical
endowments; being gifted in the first place with a sound judgment,
(4) and having also reaped the advantages of a liberal education.
He was also distinguished in no ordinary degree both by natural
intelligence and divinely imparted wisdom.
CHAPTER XX: Flight of Constantine to
his Father because of the Plots of Diocletian. (1)
The emperors then in power, observing his manly and vigorous figure
and superior mind, were moved with feelings of jealousy and fear,
and thenceforward carefully watched for an opportunity of inflicting
some brand of disgrace on his character. But the young man, being
aware of their designs, the details of which, through the providence
of God, more than once came to him, sought safety in flight; (2)
in this respect again keeping up his resemblance to the great
prophet Moses. Indeed, in every sense God was his helper; and
he had before ordained that he should be present in readiness
to succeed his father.
CHAPTER XXI: Death of Constantius,
who leaves his Son Constantine Emperor. (1)
IMMEDIATELY, therefore, on his escape from the plots which had
been thus insidiously laid for him, he made his way with all haste
to his father, and arrived at length at the very time that he
was lying at the point of death. (2) As soon as Constantius saw
his son thus unexpectedly in his presence, he leaped from his
couch, embraced him tenderly, and, declaring that the only anxiety
which had troubled him in the prospect of death, namely, that
caused by the absence of his son, was now removed, he rendered
thanks to God, saying that he now thought death better than the
longest life, (3) and at once completed the arrangement of his
private affairs. Then, taking a final leave of the circle of sons
and daughters by whom he was surrounded, in his own palace, and
on the imperial couch, he bequeathed the empire, according to
the law of nature, (4) to his eldest son, and breathed his last.
CHAPTER XXII: How, after the Burial
of Constantius, Constantine was proclaimed Augustus by the Army.
Nor did the imperial throne remain long unoccupied: for Constantine
invested himself with his father's purple, and proceeded from
his father's palace, presenting to all a renewal, as it were,
in his own person, of his father's life and reign. He then conducted
the funeral procession in company with his father's friends, some
preceding, others following the train, and performed the last
offices for the pious deceased with an extraordinary degree of
magnificence, and all united in honoring this thrice blessed prince
with acclamations and praises, and while with one mind and voice,
they glorified the rule of the son as a living again of him who
was dead, they hastened at once to hail their new sovereign by
the titles of Imperial and Worshipful Augustus, with joyful shouts.
(1) Thus the memory of the deceased emperor received honor from
the praises bestowed upon his son, while the latter was pronounced
blessed in being the successor of such a father. All the nations
also under his dominion were filled with joy and inexpressible
gladness at not being even for a moment deprived of the benefits
of a well ordered government.
In the instance of the Emperor Constantius, God has made manifest
to our generation what the end of those is who in their lives
have honored and loved him.
CHAPTER XXIII: A Brief Notice of the
Destruction of the Tyrants.
With respect to the other princes, who made war against the churches
of God, I have not thought it fit in the present work to give
any account of their downfall, (1) nor to stain the memory of
the good by mentioning them in connection with those of an opposite
character. The knowledge of the facts themselves will of itself
suffice for the wholesome admonition of those who have witnessed
or heard of the evils which severally befell them.
CHAPTER XXIV: It was by the Will of
God that Constantine became possessed of the Empire.
Thus then the God of all, the Supreme Governor of the whole universe,
by his own will appointed Constantine, the descendant of so renowned
a parent, to be prince and sovereign: so that, while others have
been raised to this distinction by the election of their fellow-
men, he is the only one to whose elevation no mortal may boast
of having contributed.
CHAPTER XXV: Victories of Constantine
over the and the Britons.
As soon then as he was established on the throne, he began to
care for the interests of his paternal inheritance, and visited
with much considerate kindness all those provinces which had previously
been under his father's government. Some tribes of the barbarians
who dwelt on the banks of the Rhine, and the shores of the Western
ocean, having ventured to revolt, he reduced them all to obedience,
and brought them from their savage state to one of gentleness.
He contented himself with checking the inroads of others, and
drove from his dominions, like untamed and savage beasts, those
whom he perceived to be altogether incapable of the settled order
of civilized life. (1) Having disposed of these affairs to his
satisfaction, he directed his attention to other quarters of the
world, and first passed over to the British nations, (2) which
lie in the very bosom of the ocean. These he reduced to submission,
and then proceeded to consider the state of the remaining portions
of the empire, that he might be ready to tender his aid wherever
circumstances might require it.
CHAPTER XXVI: How he resolved to deliver
Rome from Maxentius.
While, therefore, he regarded the entire world as one immense
body, and perceived that the head of it all, the royal city of
the Roman empire, was bowed down by the weight of a tyrannous
oppression; at first he had left the task of liberation to those
who governed the other divisions of the empire, as being his superiors
in point of age. But when none of these proved able to afford
relief, and those who had attempted it had experienced a disastrous
termination of their enterprise, (1) he said that life was without
enjoyment to him as long as he saw the imperial city thus afflicted,
and prepared himself for the overthrowal of the tyranny.
CHAPTER XXVII: That after reflecting
on the Dawn fall of those who had worshiped Idols, he made Choice
of Christianity.
Being convinced, however, that he needed some more powerful aid
than his military forces could afford him, on account of the wicked
and magical enchantments which were so diligently practiced by
the tyrant, (1) he sought Divine assistance, deeming the possession
of arms and a numerous soldiery of secondary importance, but believing
the co-operating power of Deity invincible and not to be shaken.
He considered, therefore, on what God he might rely for protection
and assistance. While engaged in this enquiry, the thought occurred
to him, that, of the many emperors who had preceded him, those
who had rested their hopes in a multitude of gods, and served
them with sacrifices and offerings, had in the first place been
deceived by flattering predictions, and oracles which promised
them all prosperity, and at last had met with an unhappy end,
while not one of their gods had stood by to warn them of the impending
wrath of heaven; while one alone who had pursued an entirely opposite
course, who had condemned their error, and honored the one Supreme
God during his whole life, had formal I him to be the Saviour
and Protector of his empire, and the Giver of every good thing.
Reflecting on this, and well weighing the fact that they who had
trusted in many gods had also fallen by manifold forms of death,
without leaving behind them either family or offspring, stock,
name, or memorial among men: while the God of his father had given
to him, on the other hand, manifestations of his power and very
many tokens: and considering farther that those who had already
taken arms against the tyrant, and had marched to the battle-field
under the protection of a multitude of gods, had met with a dishonorable
end (for one of them (2) had shamefully retreated from the contest
without a blow, and the other, (3) being slain in the midst of
his own troops, became, as it were, the mere sport of death (4)
); reviewing, I say, all these considerations, he judged it to
be folly indeed to join in the idle worship of those who were
no gods, and, after such convincing evidence, to err from the
truth; and therefore felt it incumbent on him to honor his father's
God alone.
CHAPTER XXVIII: How, while he was praying,
God sent him a Vision of a Cross of Light in the Heavens at Mid-day,
with an Inscription admonishing him to conquer by that.
ACCORDINGLY he called on him with earnest prayer and supplications
that he would reveal to him who he was, and stretch forth his
right hand to help him in his present difficulties. And while
he was thus praying with fervent entreaty, a most marvelous sign
appeared to him from heaven, the account of which it might have
been hard to believe had it been related by any other person.
But since the victorious emperor himself long afterwards declared
it to the writer of this history, (1) when he was honored with
his acquaintance and society, and confirmed his statement by an
oath, who could hesitate to accredit the relation, especially
since the testimony of after- time has established its truth?
He said that about noon, when the day was already beginning to
decline, he saw with his own eyes the trophy of a cross of light
in the heavens, above the sun, and bearing the inscription, CONQUER
BY THIS. At this sight he himself was struck with amazement, and
his whole army also, which followed him on this expedition, and
witnessed the miracle. (2)
CHAPTER XXIX: How the Christ of God
appeared to him in his Sleep, and commanded him to use in his
Wars a Standard made in the Form of the Cross.
He said, moreover, that he doubted within himself what the import
of this apparition could be. And while he continued to ponder
and reason on its meaning, night suddenly came on; then in his
sleep the Christ of God appeared to him with the same sign which
he had seen in the heavens, and commanded him to make a likeness
of that sign which he had seen in the heavens, and to use it as
a safeguard in all engagements with his enemies.
CHAPTER XXX: The Making of the Standard
of the Cross.
AT dawn of day he arose, and communicated the marvel to his friends:
and then, calling together the workers in gold and precious stones,
he sat in the midst of them, and described to them the figure
of the sign he had seen, bidding them represent it in gold and
precious stones. And this representation I myself have had an
opportunity of seeing.
CHAPTER XXXI: A Description of the
Standard of the Cross, which the Romans now call the Labarum.
(1)
Now it was made in the following manner. A long spear, overlaid
with gold, formed the figure of the cross by means of a transverse
bar laid over it. On the top of the whole was fixed a wreath of
gold and precious stones; and within this, (2) the symbol of the
Saviour's name, two letters indicating the name of Christ by means
of its initial characters, the letter P being intersected by X
in its centre: (3) and these letters the emperor was in the habit
of wearing on his helmet at a later period. From the cross-bar
of the spear was suspended a cloth, (4) a royal piece, covered
with a profuse embroidery of most brilliant precious stones; and
which, being also richly interlaced with gold, presented an indescribable
degree of beauty to the beholder. This banner was of a square
form, and the upright staff, whose lower section was of great
length,(5) bore a golden half-length portrait (6) of the pious
emperor and his children on its upper part, beneath the trophy
of the cross, and immediately above the embroidered banner.
The emperor constantly made use of this sign of salvation as a
safeguard against every adverse and hostile power, and commanded
that others similar to it should be carried at the head of all
his armies.
CHAPTER XXXII: How Constantine received
Instruction, and read the Sacred Scriptures.
These things were done shortly afterwards. But at the time above
specified, being struck with amazement at the extraordinary vision,
and resolving to worship no other God save Him who had appeared
to him, he sent for those who were acquainted with the mysteries
of His doctrines, and enquired who that God was, and what was
intended by the sign of the vision he had seen. They affirmed
that He was God, the only begotten Son of the one and only God:
that the sign which had appeared was the symbol of immortality,
(1) and the trophy of that victory over death which He had gained
in time past when sojourning on earth. They taught him also the
causes of His advent, and explained to him the true account of
His incarnation. Thus he was instructed in these matters, and
was impressed with wonder at the divine manifestation which had
been presented to his sight. Comparing, therefore, the heavenly
vision with the interpretation given, he found his judgment confirmed;
and, in the persuasion that the knowledge of these things had
been imparted to him by Divine teaching, he determined thenceforth
to devote himself to the reading of the Inspired writings.
Moreover, he made the priests of God his counselors, and deemed
it incumbent on him to honor the God who had appeared to him with
all devotion. And after this, being fortified by well-grounded
hopes in Him, he hastened to quench the threatening fire of tyranny.
CHAPTER XXXIII: Of the Adulterous Conduct
of Maxentius at Rome. (1)
For the who had tyrannically possessed himself of the imperial
city, (2) had proceeded to great lengths in impiety and wickedness,
so as to venture without hesitation on every vile and impure action.
For example: he would separate women from their husbands, and
after a time send them back to them again, and these insults he
offered not to men of mean or obscure condition, but to those
who held the first places in the Roman senate. Moreover, though
he shamefully dishonored almost numberless free women, he was
unable to satisfy his ungoverned and intemperate desires. But
(3) when he assayed to corrupt Christian women also, he could
no longer secure success to his designs, since they chose rather
to submit their lives (4) to death than yield their persons to
be defiled by him.
CHAPTER XXXIV: How the Wife of a Prefect
slew herself for Chastity's Sake. (1)
Now a certain woman, wife of one of the senators who held the
authority of prefect, when she understood that those who ministered
to the tyrant in such matters were standing before her house (she
was a Christian), and knew that her husband through fear had bidden
them take her and lead her away, begged a short space of time
for arraying herself in her usual dress, and entered her chamber.
There, being left alone, she sheathed a sword in her own breast,
and immediately expired, leaving indeed her dead body to the procurers,
but declaring to all mankind, both to present and future generations,
by an act which spoke louder than any words, that the chastity
for which Christians are famed is the only thing which is invincible
and indestructible. Such was the conduct displayed by this woman.
CHAPTER XXXV: Massacre of the Roman
People by Maxentius.
All men, therefore, both people and magistrates, whether of high
or low degree, trembled through fear of him whose daring wickedness
was such as I have described, and were oppressed by his grievous
tyranny. Nay, though they submitted quietly, and endured this
bitter servitude, still there was no escape from the tyrant's
sanguinary cruelty. For at one time, on some trifling pretense,
he exposed the populace to be slaughtered by his own body-guard;
and countless multitudes of the Roman people were slain in the
very midst of the city by the lances and weapons, not of Scythians
or barbarians, but of their own fellow-citizens. And besides this,
it is impossible to calculate the number of senators whose blood
was shed with a view to the seizure of their respective estates,
for at different times and on various fictitious charges, multitudes
of them suffered death.
CHAPTER XXXVI: Magic Arts of Maxentius
against Constantine; and Famine at Rome.
BUT the crowning point of the tyrant's wickedness was his having
recourse to sorcery: sometimes for magic purposes ripping up women
with child, at other times searching into the bowels of new-born
infants. He slew lions also. and practiced certain horrid arts
for evoking demons, and averting the approaching war, hoping by
these means to get the victory. In short, it is impossible to
describe the manifold acts of oppression by which this tyrant
of Rome enslaved his subjects: so that by this time they were
reduced to the most extreme penury and want of necessary food,
a scarcity such as our contemporaries do not remember ever before
to have existed at Rome. (1)
CHAPTER XXXVII: Defeat of Maxentius's
Armies in Italy.
Constantine, however, filled with compassion on account of all
these miseries, began to arm himself with all warlike preparation
against the tyranny. Assuming therefore the Supreme God as his
patron, and invoking His Christ to be his preserver and aid, and
setting the victorious trophy, the salutary symbol, in front of
his soldiers and body- guard, he marched with his whole forces,
trying to obtain again for the Romans the freedom they had inherited
from their ancestors.
And whereas, Maxentius, trusting more in his magic arts than in
the affection of his subjects, dared not even advance outside
the city gates, (1) but had guarded every place and district and
city subject to his tyranny, with large bodies of soldiers, (2)
the emperor, confiding in the help of God, advanced against the
first and second and third divisions of the tyrant's forces, defeated
them all with ease at the first assault, (3) and made his way
into the very interior of Italy.
CHAPTER XXXVIII: Death of Maxentius
on the Bridge of the Tiber. (1)
And already he was approaching very near-Rome itself, when, to
save him from the necessity of fighting with all the Romans for
the tyrant's sake, God himself drew the tyrant, as it were by
secret cords, a long way outside the gates. (2) And now those
miracles recorded in Holy Writ, which God of old wrought against
the ungodly (discredited by most as fables, yet believed by the
faithful), did he in every deed confirm to all alike, believers
and unbelievers, who were eye-witnesses of the wonders. For as
once in the days of Moses and the Hebrew nation, who were worshipers
of God, "Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into
the sea and his chosen chariot-captains are drowned in the Red
Sea," (3) --so at this time Maxentius, and the soldiers and
guards (4) with him, "went down into the depths like stone,"
(5) when, in his flight before the divinely-aided forces of Constantine,
he essayed to cross the river which lay in his way, over which,
making a strong bridge of boats, he had framed an engine of destruction,
really against himself, but in the hope of ca-snaring thereby
him who was beloved by God. For his God stood by the one to protect
him, while the other, godless, (6) proved to be the miserable
contriver of these secret devices to his own ruin. So that one
might well say, "He hath made a pit, and digged it, and is
fallen into the ditch which he made. His mischief shall return
upon his own head, and his violence shall. come down upon his
own pate." (7) Thus, in the present instance, under divine
direction, the machine erected on the bridge, with the ambuscade
concealed therein, giving way unexpectedly before the appointed
time, the bridge began to sink, and the boats with the men in
them went bodily to the bottom. (8) And first the wretch himself,
then his armed attendants and guards, even as the sacred oracles
had before described, "sank as lead in the mighty waters."
(9) So that they who thus obtained victory from God might well,
if not in the same words, yet in fact in the same spirit as the
people of his great servant Moses, sing and speak as they did
concerning the impious tyrant of old: "Let us sing unto the
Lord, for he hath been glorified exceedingly: the horse and his
rider hath he thrown into the sea. He is become my helper and
my shield unto salvation." And again, "Who is like unto
thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness,
marvelous in praises, doing wonders?" (10)
CHAPTER XXXIX: Constantine's Entry
into Rome.
HAVING then at this time sung these and suchlike praises to God,
the Ruler of all and the Author of victory, after the example
of his great servant Moses, Constantine entered the imperial city
in triumph. And here the whole body of the senate, and others
of rank and distinction in the city, freed as it were from the
restraint of a prison, along with the whole Roman populace, their
countenances expressive of the gladness of their hearts, received
him with acclamations and abounding joy; men, women, and children,
with countless multitudes of servants, greeting him as deliverer,
preserver, and benefactor, with incessant shouts. But he, being
possessed of inward piety toward God, was neither rendered arrogant
by these plaudits, nor uplifted by the praises he heard: (1) but,
being sensible that he had received help from God, he immediately
rendered a thanksgiving to him as the Author of his victory.
CHAPTER XL: Of the Statue of Constantine
holding a Cross, and its Inscription.
MOREOVER, by loud proclamation and monumental inscriptions he
made known to all men the salutary symbol, setting up this great
trophy of victory over his enemies in the midst of the imperial
city, and expressly causing it to be engraved in indelible characters,
that the salutary symbol was the safeguard of the Roman government
and of the entire empire. Accordingly, he immediately ordered
a lofty spear in the figure of a cross to be placed beneath the
hand of a statue representing himself, in the most frequented
part of Rome, and the following inscription to be engraved on
it in the Latin language: BY VIRTUE OF THIS SALUTARY SIGN, WHICH
IS THE TRUE TEST OF VALOR, I HAVE PRESERVED AND LIBERATED YOUR
CITY FROM THE YOKE OF TYRANNY. I HAVE ALSO SET AT LIBERTY THE
ROMAN SENATE AND PEOPLE, AND RESTORED THEM TO THEIR ANCIENT DISTINCTION
AND SPLENDOR. (1)
CHAPTER XLI: Rejoicings throughout
the Provinces; and Constantine's Acts of Grace.
Thus the pious emperor, glorying in the confession of the victorious
cross, proclaimed the Son of God to the Romans with great boldness
of testimony. And the inhabitants of the city, one and all, senate
and people, reviving, as it were, from the pressure of a bitter
and tyrannical domination, seemed to enjoy purer rays of light,
and to be born again into a fresh and new life. All the nations,
too, as far as the limit of the western ocean, being set free
from the calamities which had heretofore beset them, and gladdened
by joyous festivals, ceased not to praise him as the victorious,
the pious, the common benefactor: all, indeed, with one voice
and one mouth, declared that Constantine had appeared by the grace
of God as a general blessing to mankind. The imperial edict also
was everywhere published, whereby those who had been wrongfully
deprived of their estates were permitted again to enjoy their
own, while those who had unjustly suffered exile were recalled
to their homes. Moreover, he freed from imprisonment, and from
every kind of danger and fear, those who, by reason of the tyrant's
cruelty, had been subject to these sufferings.
CHAPTER XLII: The Honors conferred
upon Bishops, and the Building of Churches.
The emperor also personally inviting the society of God's ministers,
distinguished them with the highest possible respect and honor,
showing them favor in deed and word as persons consecrated to
the service of his God. Accordingly, they were admitted to his
table, though mean in their attire and outward appearance; yet
not so in his estimation, since he thought he saw not the man
as seen by the vulgar eye, but the God in him. He made them also
his companions in travel, believing that He whose servants they
were would thus help him. Besides this, he gave from his own private
resources costly benefactions to the churches of God, both enlarging
and heightening the sacred edifices, (1) and embellishing the
august sanctuaries (2) of the church with abundant offerings.
CHAPTER XLIII: Canstantine's Liberality
to the Poor.
He likewise distributed money largely to those who were in need,
and besides these showing himself philanthropist and benefactor
even to the heathen, who had no claim on him; (1) and even for
the beggars in the forum, miserable and shiftless, he provided,
not with money only, or necessary food, but also decent clothing.
But in the case of those who had once been prosperous, and had
experienced a reverse of circumstances, his aid was still more
lavishly bestowed. On such persons, in a truly royal spirit, he
conferred magnificent benefactions; giving grants of land to some,
and honoring others with various dignities. Orphans of the unfortunate
he cared for as a father, while he relieved the destitution of
widows, and cared for them with special solicitude. Nay, he even
gave virgins, left unprotected by their parents' death, in marriage
to wealthy men with whom he was personally acquainted. But this
he did after first bestowing on the brides such portions as it
was fitting they should bring to the communion of marriage. (2)
In short, as the sun, when he rises upon the earth, liberally
imparts his rays of light to all, so did Constantine, proceeding
at early dawn from the imperial palace, and rising as it were
with the heavenly luminary, impart the rays of his own beneficence
to all who came into his presence. It was scarcely possible to
be near him without receiving some benefit, nor did it ever happen
that any who had expected to obtain his assistance were disappointed
in their hope. (3)
CHAPTER XLIV: How he was present at
the Synods of Bishops.
SUCH, then, was his general character towards all. But he exercised
a peculiar care over the church of God: and whereas, in the several
provinces there were some who differed from each other in judgment,
he, like some general bishop constituted by God, convened synods
of his ministers. Nor did he disdain to be present and sit with
them in their assembly, but bore a share in their deliberations,
ministering to all that pertained to the peace of God. He took
his seat, too, in the midst of them, as an individual amongst
many, dismissing his guards and soldiers, and all whose duty it
was to defend his person; but protected by the fear of God, and
surrounded by the guardianship of his faithful friends. Those
whom he saw inclined to a sound judgment, and exhibiting a calm
and conciliatory temper, received his high approbation, for he
evidently delighted in a general harmony of sentiment; while he
regarded the unyielding wills aversion. (1)
CHAPTER XLV: His Forbearance with Unreasonable
Men.
MOREOVER he endured with patience some who were exasperated against
himself, directing them in mild and gentle terms to control themselves,
and not be turbulent. And some of these respected his admonitions,
and desisted; but as to those who proved incapable of sound judgment,
he left them entirely at the disposal of God, and never himself
desired harsh measures against any one. Hence it naturally happened
that the disaffected in Africa reached such a pitch of violence
as even to venture on overt acts of audacity; (1) some evil spirit,
as it seems probable, being jealous of the present great prosperity,
and impelling these men to atrocious deeds, that he might excite
the emperor's anger against them. He gained nothing, however,
by this malicious conduct; for the emperor laughed at these proceedings,
and declared their origin to be from the evil one; inasmuch as
these were not the actions of sober persons, but of lunatics or
demoniacs; who should be pitied rather than punished; since to
punish madmen is as great folly as to sympathize with their condition
is supreme philanthropy. (2)
CHAPTER XLVI: Victories aver the Barbarians.
THUS the emperor in all his actions honored God, the Controller
of all things, and exercised an unwearied (1) oversight over His
churches. And God requited him, by subduing all barbarous nations
under his feet, so that he was able everywhere to raise trophies
over his enemies: and He proclaimed him as conqueror to all mankind,
and made him a terror to his adversaries: not indeed that this
was his natural character, since he was rather the meekest, and
gentlest, and most benevolent of men.
CHAPTER XLVII: Death of Maximin, (1)
who had attempted a Conspiracy, and of Others whom Constantine
detected by Divine Revelation.
WHILE he was thus engaged, the second of those who had resigned
the throne, being detected in a treasonable conspiracy, suffered
a most ignominious death. He was the first whose pictures, statues,
and all similar marks of honor and distinction were everywhere
destroyed, on the ground of his crimes and impiety. After him
others also of the same family were discovered in the act of forming
secret plots against the emperor; all their intentions being miraculously
revealed by God through visions to His servant.
For he frequently vouchsafed to him manifestations of himself,
the Divine presence appearing to him in a most marvelous manner,
and according to him manifold intimations of future events. Indeed,
it is impossible to express in words the indescribable wonders
of Divine grace which God was pleased to vouchsafe to His servant.
Surrounded by these, he passed the rest of his life in security,
rejoicing in the affection of his subjects, rejoicing too because
he saw all beneath his government leading contented lives; but
above all delighted at the flourishing condition of the churches
of God.
CHAPTER XLVIII: Celebration of Canstantine's
Decennalia.
WHILE he was thus circumstanced, he completed the tenth year of
his reign. On this occasion he ordered the celebration of general
festivals, and offered prayers of thanksgiving to God, the King
of all, as sacrifices without flame or smoke. (1) And from this
employment he derived much pleasure: not so from the tidings he
received of the ravages committed in the Eastern provinces.
CHAPTER XLIX: How Licinius oppressed
the East.
FOR he was informed that in that quarter a certain savage beast
was besetting both the church of God and the other inhabitants
of the provinces, owing, as it were, to the efforts of the evil
spirit to produce effects quite contrary to the deeds of the pious
emperor: so that the Roman empire, divided into two parts, seemed
to all men to resemble night and day; since darkness overspread
the provinces of the East, while the brightest day illumined the
inhabitants of the other portion. And whereas the latter were
receiving manifold blessings at the hand of God, the sight of
these blessings proved intolerable to that envy which hates all
good, as well as to the tyrant who afflicted the other division
of the empire; and who, notwithstanding that his government was
prospering, and he had been honored by a marriage connection (1)
with so great an emperor as Constantine, yet cared not to follow
the steps of that pious prince, but strove rather to imitate the
evil purposes and practice of the impious; and chose to adopt
the course of those whose ignominious end he had seen with his
own eyes, rather than to maintain amicable relations with him
who was his superior. (2)
CHAPTER L: How Licinius attempted a
Conspiracy against Constantine.
ACCORDINGLY he engaged in an implacable war against his benefactor,
altogether regardless of the laws of friendship, the obligation
of oaths, the ties of kindred, and already existing treaties.
For the most benignant emperor had given him a proof of sincere
affection in bestowing on him the hand of his sister, thus granting
him the privilege of a place in family relationship and his own
ancient imperial descent, and investing him also with the rank
and dignity of his colleague in the empire. (1) But the other
took the very opposite course, employing himself in machinations
against his superior, and devising various means to repay his
benefactor with injuries. At first, pretending friendship, he
did all things by guile and treachery, expecting thus to succeed
in concealing his designs; but God enabled his servant to detect
the schemes thus devised in darkness. Being discovered, however,
in his first attempts, he had recourse to fresh frauds; at one
time pretending friendship, at another claiming the protection
of solemn treaties. Then suddenly violating every engagement,
and again beseeching pardon by embassies, yet after all shamefully
violating his word, he at last declared open war, and with desperate
infatuation resolved thenceforward to carry arms against God himself,
whose worshiper he knew the emperor to be.
CHAPTER LI: Intrigues of Licinius against
the Bishops, and his Prohibition of Synods.
AND at first he made secret enquiry respecting the ministers of
God subject to his dominion, who had never, indeed, in any respect
offended against his government, in order to bring false accusations
against them. And when he found no ground of accusation, and had
no real ground of objection against them, he next enacted a law,
to the effect that the bishops should never on any account hold
communication with each other, nor should any one of them absent
himself on a visit to a neighboring church; nor, lastly, should
the holding of synods, or councils for the consideration of affairs
of common interest, (1) be permitted. Now this was clearly a pretext
for displaying his malice against us. For we were compelled either
to violate the law, and thus be amenable to punishment, or else,
by compliance with its injunctions, to nullify the statutes of
the Church; inasmuch as it is impossible to bring important questions
to a satisfactory adjustment, except by means of synods. In other
cases also this God-hater, being determined to act contrary to
the God-loving prince, enacted such things. For whereas the one
assembled the priests of God in order to honor them, and to promote
peace and unity of judgment; the other, whose object it was to
destroy everything that was good, used all his endeavors to destroy
the general harmony.
CHAPTER LII: Banishment of the Christians,
and Confiscation of their Property.
AND whereas Constantine, the friend of God, had granted to His
worshipers freedom of access to the imperial palaces; this enemy
of God, in a spirit the very reverse of this, expelled thence
all Christians subject to his authority. He banished those who
had proved themselves his most faithful and devoted servants,
and compelled others, on whom he had himself conferred honor and
distinction as a reward for their former eminent services, to
the performance of menial offices as slaves to others; and at
length, being bent on seizing the property of all as a windfall
for himself, he even threatened with death those who professed
the Saviour's name. Moreover being himself of a nature hopelessly
debased by sensuality, and degraded by the continual practice
of adultery and other shameless vices, he assumed his own worthless
character as a specimen of human nature generally, and denied
that the virtue of chastity and continence existed among men.
CHAPTER LIII: Edict that Women should
not meet with the Men in the Churches.
ACCORDINGLY he passed a second law, which enjoined that men should
not appear in company with women in the houses of prayer, and
forbade women to attend the sacred schools of virtue, or to receive
instruction from the bishops, directing the appointment of women
to be teachers of their own sex. These regulations being received
with general ridicule, he devised other, means for effecting the
ruin of the churches. He ordered that the usual congregations
of the people should be held in the open country outside the gates,
alleging that the open air without the city was far more suitable
for a multitude than the houses of prayer within the walls.
CHAPTER LIV: That those who refuse
to sacrifice are to be dismissed from Military Service, and those
in Prison not to be fed.
FAILING, however, to obtain obedience in this respect also, at
length he threw off the mask, and gave orders that those who held
military commissions in the several cities of the empire should
be deprived of their respective commands, in case of their refusal
to offer sacrifices to the demons. Accordingly the forces of the
authorities in every province suffered the loss of those who worshiped
God; and he too who had decreed this order suffered loss, in that
he thus deprived himself of the prayers of pious men. And why
should I still further mention how he directed that no one should
obey the dictates of common humanity by distributing food to those
who were pining in prisons, or should even pity the captives who
perished with hunger; in short, that no one should perform a virtuous
action, and that those whose natural feelings impelled them to
sympathize with their fellow-creatures should be prohibited from
doing them a single kindness? Truly this was the most utterly
shameless and scandalous of all laws, and one which surpassed
the worst depravity of human nature: a law which inflicted on
those who showed mercy the same penalties as on those who were
the objects of their compassion, and visited the exercise of mere
humanity with the severest punishments. (1)
CHAPTER LV: The Lawless Conduct and
Covetousness of Licinius.
Such were the ordinances of Licinius. But why should I enumerate
his innovations respecting marriage, or those concerning the dying,
whereby he presumed to abrogate the ancient and wisely established
laws of the Romans, and to introduce certain barbarous and cruel
institutions in their stead, inventing a thousand pretenses for
oppressing his subjects? Hence it was that he devised a new method
of measuring land, by which he reckoned the smallest portion at
more than its actual dimensions, from an insatiable desire of
acquisition. Hence too he registered the names of country residents
who were now no more, and had long been numbered with the dead,
procuring to himself by this expedient a shameful gain. His meanness
was unlimited and his rapacity insatiable. So that when he had
filled all his treasuries with gold, and silver, and boundless
wealth, he bitterly bewailed his poverty, and suffered as it were
the torments of Tantalus. But why should I mention how many innocent
persons he punished with exile; how much property he confiscated;
how many men of noble birth and estimable character he imprisoned,
whose wives he handed over to be basely insulted by his profligate
slaves, and to how many married women and virgins he himself offered
violence, though already feeling the infirmities of age? I need
not enlarge on these subjects, since the enormity of his last
actions causes the former to appear trifling and of little moment.
(1)
CHAPTER LVI: At length he undertakes
to raise a Persecution.
FOR the final efforts of his fury appeared in his open hostility
to the churches, and he directed his attacks against the bishops
themselves, whom he regarded as his worst adversaries, bearing
special enmity to those men whom the great and pious emperor treated
as his friends. Accordingly he spent on us the utmost of his fury,
and, being transported beyond the bounds of reason, he paused
not to reflect on the example of those who had persecuted the
Christians before him, nor of those whom he himself had been raised
up to punish and destroy for their impious deeds: nor did he heed
the facts of which he had been himself a witness, though he had
seen with his own eyes the chief originator of these our calamities
(whoever he was), smitten by the stroke of the Divine scourge.
CHAPTER LVII: That Maximian, (1) brought
Low by a Fistulous Ulcer with Worms, issued an Edict in Favor
of the Christians.
FOR whereas this man had commenced the attack on the churches,
and had been the first to pollute his soul with the blood of just
and godly men, a judgment from God overtook him, which at first
affected his body, but eventually extended itself to his soul.
For suddenly an abscess appeared in the secret parts of his person,
followed by a deeply seated fistulous ulcer; and these diseases
fastened with incurable virulence on the intestines, which swarmed
with a vast multitude of worms, and emitted a pestilential odor.
Besides, his entire person had become loaded, through gluttonous
excess, with an enormous quantity of fat, and this, being now
in a putrescent state, is said to have presented to all who approached
him an intolerable and dreadful spectacle. Having, therefore,
to struggle against such sufferings, at length, though late, he
came to a realization of his past crimes against the Church; and,
confessing his sins before God, he put a stop to the persecution
of the Christians, and hastened to issue imperial edicts and rescripts
for the rebuilding of their churches, at the same time enjoining
them to perform their customary worship, and to offer up prayers
on his behalf. (2)
CHAPTER LVIII: That Maximin, who had
persecuted the Christians, was compelled to fly, and conceal himself
in the Disguise of a Slave.
SUCH was the punishment which he underwent who had commenced the
persecution. He, (1) however, of whom we are now speaking, who
had been a witness of these things, and known them by his own
actual experience, all at once banished the remembrance of them
from his mind, and reflected neither on the punishment of the
first, nor the divine judgment which had been executed on the
second persecutor. (2) The latter had indeed endeavored to outstrip
his predecessor in the career of crime, and prided himself on
the invention of new tortures for us. Fire nor sword, nor piercing
with nails, nor yet wild beasts or the depths of the sea sufficed
him. In addition to all these, he discovered a new mode of punishment,
and issued an edict directing that their eyesight should be destroyed.
So that numbers, not of men only, but of women and children, after
being deprived of the sight of their eyes, and the use of the
joints of their feet, by mutilation or cauterization, were consigned
in this condition to the painful labor of the mines. Hence it
was that this tyrant also was overtaken not long after by the
righteous judgment of God, at a time when, confiding in the aid
of the demons whom he worshiped as gods, and relying on the countless
multitudes of his troops, he had ventured to engage in battle.
For, feeling himself on that occasion destitute of all hope in
God, he threw from him the imperial dress which so ill became
him, hid himself with unmanly timidity in the crowd around him,
and sought safety in flight. (3)
He afterwards lurked about the fields and villages in the habit
of a slave, hoping he should thus be effectually concealed. He
had not, however, eluded the mighty and all- searching eye of
God: for even while he was expecting to pass the residue of his
days in security, he fell prostrate, smitten by God's fiery dart,
and his whole body consumed by the stroke of Divine vengeance;
so that all trace of the original lineaments of his person was
lost, and nothing remained to him but dry bones and a skeleton-
like appearance.
CHAPTER LIX: That Maximin, blinded
by Disease, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians.
AND still the stroke of God continued heavy upon him, so that
his eyes protruded and fell from their sockets, leaving him quite
blind: and thus he suffered, by a most righteous retribution,
the very same punishment which he had been the first to devise
for the martyrs of God. At length, however, surviving even these
sufferings, he too implored pardon of the God of the Christians,
and confessed his impious fighting against God: he too recanted,
as the former persecutor had done; and by laws and ordinances
explicitly acknowledged his error in worshiping those whom he
had accounted gods, declaring that he now knew, by positive experience,
that the God of the Christians was the only true God. These were
facts which Licinius had not merely received on the testimony
of others, but of which he had himself had personal knowledge:
and yet, as though his understanding had been obscured by some
dark cloud of error, persisted in the same evil course.
BOOK II.
CHAPTER I: Secret Persecution by Licinius,
who causes Same Bishops to be put to Death at Amasia of Pontus.
In this manner, he of whom we have spoken continued to rush headlong
towards that destruction which awaits the enemies of God; and
once more, with a fatal emulation of their example whose ruin
he had himself witnessed as the consequence of their impious conduct,
he re-kindled the persecution of the Christians, like a long-
extinguished fire, and fanned the unhallowed flame to a fiercer
height than any who had gone before him.
At first, indeed, though breathing fury and threatenings against
God, like some savage beast of prey, or some crooked and wriggling
serpent, he dared not, from fear of Constantine, openly level
his attacks against the churches of God subject to his dominion;
but dissembled the virulence of his malice, and endeavored by
secret and limited measures to compass the death of the bishops,
the most eminent of whom he found means to remove, through charges
laid against them by the governors of the several provinces. And
the manner in which they suffered had in it something strange,
and hitherto unheard of. At all events, the barbarities perpetrated
at Amasia of Pontus surpassed every known excess of cruelty.
CHAPTER II: Demolition of Churches,
and Butchery of the Bishops.
For in that city some of the churches, for the second time since
the commencement of the persecutions, were leveled with the ground,
and others were closed by the governors of the several districts,
in order to prevent any who frequented them from assembling together,
or rendering due worship to God. For he by whose orders these
outrages were committed was too conscious of his own crimes to
expect that these services were performed with any view to his
benefit, and was convinced that all we did, and all our endeavors
to obtain the favor of God, were on Constantine's behalf. These
servile governors (1) then, feeling assured that such a course
would be pleasing to the impious tyrant, subjected the most distinguished
prelates of the churches to capital punishment. Accordingly, men
who had been guilty of no crime were led away, without cause (2)
punished like murderers: and some suffered a new kind of death,
having their bodies cut piecemeal; and, after this cruel punishment,
more horrible than any named in tragedy, being cast, as a food
to fishes, into the depths of the sea. The result of these horrors
was again, as before, the flight of pious men, and once more the
fields and deserts received the worshipers of God. The tyrant,
having thus far succeeded in his object, he farther determined
to raise a general persecution of the Christians: (3) and he would
have accomplished his purpose, nor could anything have hindered
him from carrying his resolution into effect, had not he who defends
his own anticipated the coming evil, and by his special guidance
conducted his servant Constantine to this part of the empire,
causing him to shine forth as a brilliant light in the midst of
the darkness and gloomy night.
CHAPTER III: How Constantine was stirred
in Behalf of the Christians thus in Danger of Persecution.
He perceiving the evils of which he had heard to be no longer
tolerable, took wise counsel, and tempering the natural clemency
of his character with a certain measure of severity, hastened
to succor those who were thus grievously oppressed. For he judged
that it would rightly be deemed a pious and holy task to secure,
by the removal of an individual, the safety of the greater part
of the human race. He judged too, that if he listened to the dictates
of clemency only, and bestowed his pity on one utterly unworthy
of it, this would, on the one hand, confer no real benefit on
a man whom nothing would induce to abandon his evil practices,
and whose fury against his subjects would only be likely to increase;
(1) while, on the other hand, those who suffered from his oppression
would thus be forever deprived of all hope of deliverance.
Influenced by these reflections, the emperor resolved without
farther delay to extend a protecting hand to those who had fallen
into such an extremity of distress. He accordingly made the usual
warlike preparations, and assembled his whole forces, both of
horse and foot. But before them all was carried the standard which
I have before described, as the symbol of his full confidence
in God.
CHAPTER IV: That Constantine prepared
himself for the War by Prayer: Licinius by the Practice of Divination.
He took with him also the priests of God, feeling well assured
that now, if ever, he stood in need of the efficacy of prayer,
and thinking it right that they should constantly be near and
about his person, as most trusty guardians of the soul.
Now, as soon as the tyrant understood that Constantine's victories
over his enemies were secured to him by no other means than the
co-operation of God, and that the persons above alluded to were
continually with him and about his person; and besides this, that
the symbol of the salutary passion preceded both the emperor himself
and his whole army; he regarded these precautions with ridicule
(as might be expected), at the same time mocking and reviling
the emperor with blasphemous words.
On the other hand, he gathered round himself Egyptian diviners
and soothsayers, with sorcerers and enchanters, and the priests
and prophets of those whom he imagined to be gods. He then, after
offering the sacrifices which he thought the occasion demanded,
enquired how far he might reckon on a successful termination of
the war. They replied with one voice, that he would unquestionably
be victorious over his enemies, and triumphant in the war: and
the oracles everywhere held out to him the same prospect in copious
and elegant verses. The soothsayers certified him of favorable
omens from the flight of birds; the priests (1) declared the same
to be indicated by the motion of the entrails of their victims.
Elevated, therefore, by these fallacious assurances, he boldly
advanced at the head of his army, and prepared for battle.
CHAPTER V: What Licinius, while sacrificing
in a Grove, said concerning Idols, and concerning Christ.
And when he was now ready to engage, he desired the most approved
of his body-guard (1) and his most valued friends to meet him
in one of the places which they consider sacred. It was a well-watered
and shady grove, and in it were several marble statues of those
whom he accounted to be gods. After lighting tapers and performing
the usual sacrifices in honor of these, he is said to have delivered
the following speech:
"Friends and fellow-soldiers! These are our country's gods,
and these we honor with a worship derived from our remotest ancestors.
But he who leads the army now opposed to us has proved false to
the religion of his forefathers, and adopted atheistic sentiments,
honoring in his infatuation some strange and unheard-of Deity,
with whose despicable standard he now disgraces his army, and
confiding in whose aid he has taken up arms, and is now advancing,
not so much against us as against those very gods whom he has
forsaken. However, the present occasion shall prove which of us
is mistaken in his judgment, and shall decide between our gods
and those whom our adversaries profess to honor. For either it
will declare the victory to be ours, and so most justly evince
that our gods are the true saviours and helpers; or else, if this
God of Constantine's, who comes we know not whence, shall prove
superior to our deities (who are many, and in point of numbers,
at least, have the advantage), let no one henceforth doubt which
god he ought to worship, but attach himself at once to the superior
power, and ascribe to him the honors of the victory. Suppose,
then, this strange God, whom we now regard with ridicule, should
really prove victorious; then indeed we must acknowledge and give
him honor, and so bid a long farewell to those for whom we light
our tapers in vain. But if our own gods triumph (as they undoubtedly
will), then, as soon as we have secured the present victory, let
us prosecute the war without delay against these despisers of
the gods."
Such were the words he addressed to those then present, as reported
not long after to the writer of this history by some who heard
them spoken. (2) And as soon as he had concluded his speech, he
gave orders to his forces to commence the attack.
CHAPTER VI: An Apparition seen in the
Cities subject to Licinius, as of Constantine's Troops passing
through them.
WHILE these things were taking place a supernatural appearance
is said to have been observed in the cities subject to the tyrant's
rule. Different detachments of Constantine's army seemed to present
themselves to the view, marching at noonday through these cities,
as though they had obtained the victory. In reality, not a single
soldier was anywhere present at the time, and yet this appearance
was seen through the agency of a divine and superior power, and
foreshadowed what was shortly coming to pass. For as soon as the
armies were ready to engage, he who had broken through the ties
of friendly alliance (1) was the first to commence the battle;
on which Constantine, calling on the name of "God the Supreme
Saviour," and giving this as the watchword to his soldiers,
overcame him in this first conflict: and not long after in a second
battle he gained a still more important and decisive victory,
the salutary trophy preceding the ranks of his army.
CHAPTER VII: That Victory everywhere
followed the Presence of the Standard of the Cross in Battle.
Indeed, wherever this appeared, the enemy soon fled before his
victorious troops. And the emperor perceiving this, whenever he
saw any part of his forces hard pressed, gave orders that the
salutary trophy should be moved in that direction, like some triumphant
charm (1) against disasters: at which the combatants were divinely
inspired, as it were, with fresh strength and courage, and immediate
victory was the result.
CHAPTER VIII: That Fifty Men were selected
to carry the Cross.
ACCORDINGLY, he selected those of his bodyguard who were most
distinguished for personal strength, valor, and piety, and intrusted
them with the sole care and defense of the standard. There were
thus no less than fifty men whose only duty was to surround and
vigilantly defend the standard, which they carried each in turn
on their shoulders. These circumstances were related to the writer
of this narrative by the emperor himself in his leisure moments,
long after the occurrence of the events: and he added another
incident well worthy of being recorded.
CHAPTER IX: That One of the Cross-bearers,
who fled from his Post, was slain: while Another, who faithfully
stood his Ground, was preserved.
FOR he said that once, during the very heat of an engagement,
a sudden tumult and panic attacked his army, which threw the soldier
who then bore the standard into an agony of fear, so that he handed
it over to another, in order to secure his own escape from the
battle. As soon, however, as his comrade had received it, and
he had withdrawn, and resigned all charge of the standard, he
was struck in the belly by a dart, which took his life. Thus he
paid the penalty of his cowardice and unfaithfulness, and lay
dead on the spot: but the other, who had taken his place as the
bearer of the salutary standard, found it to be the safeguard
of his life. For though he was assailed by a continual shower
of darts, the bearer remained unhurt, the staff of the standard
receiving every weapon. It was indeed a truly marvelous circumstance,
that the enemies' darts all fell within and remained in the slender
circumference of this spear, and thus saved the standard-bearer
from death; so that none of those engaged in this service ever
received a wound.
This story is none of mine, but for this, (1) too, I am indebted
to the emperor's own authority, who related it in my hearing along
with other matters. And now, having thus through the power of
God secured these first victories, he put his forces in motion
and continued his onward march.
CHAPTER X: Furious Battles, and Constantine's
Victories.
The van, however, of the enemy, unable to resist the emperor's
first assault, threw down their arms, and prostrated themselves
at his feet. All these he spared, rejoicing to save human life.
But there were others who still continued in arms, and engaged
in battle. These the emperor endeavored to conciliate by friendly
overtures, but when these were not accepted he ordered his army
to commence the attack. On this they immediately turned and betook
themselves to flight; and some were overtaken and slain according
to the laws of war, while others fell on each other in the confusion
of their flight, and perished by the swords of their comrades.
CHAPTER XI: Flight, and Magic Arts
of Licinius.
In these circumstances their commander, finding himself bereft
of the aid of his followers, (1) having lost his lately numerous
array, both of regular and allied forces, having proved, too,
by experience, how vain his confidence had been in those whom
he thought to be gods, ignominiously took to flight, by which
indeed he effected his escape, and secured his personal safety,
for the pious emperor had forbidden his soldiers to follow him
too closely, (2) and thus allowed him an opportunity for escape.
And this he did in the hope that he might hereafter, on conviction
of the desperate state of his affairs, be induced to abandon his
insane and presumptuous ambition, and return to sounder reason.
So Constantine, in his excessive humanity, thought and was willing
patiently to bear past injuries, and extend his forgiveness to
one who so ill deserved it; but Licinius, far from renouncing
his evil practices, still added crime to crime, and ventured on
more daring atrocities than ever. Nay, once more tampering with
the detestable arts of magic, he again was presumptuous: so that
it might well be said of him, as it was of the Egyptian tyrant
of old, that God had hardened his heart. (3)
CHAPTER XII: How Constantine, after
praying in his Tabernacle, obtained the Victory.
But while Licinius, giving himself up to these impieties, rushed
blindly towards the gulf of destruction, the emperor on the other
hand, when he saw that he must meet his enemies in a second battle,
devoted the intervening time to his Saviour. He pitched the tabernacle
of the cross (1) outside and at a distance from his camp, and
there passed his time in a pure and holy manner, offering up prayers
to God; following thus the example of his ancient prophet, of
whom the sacred oracles testify, that he pitched the tabernacle
without the camp. (2) He was attended only by a few, whose faith
and pious devotion he highly esteemed. And this custom he continued
to observe whenever he meditated an engagement with the enemy.
For he was deliberate in his measures, the better to insure safety,
and desired in everything to be directed by divine counsel. And
making earnest supplications to God, he was always honored after
a little with a manifestation of his presence. And then, as if
moved by a divine impulse, he would rush from the tabernacle,
and suddenly give orders to his army to move at once without delay,
and on the instant to draw their swords. On this they would immediately
commence the attack, fight vigorously, so as with incredible celerity
to secure the victory, and raise trophies of victory over their
enemies.
CHAPTER XIII: His Humane Treatment
of Prisoners.
Thus the emperor and his army had long been accustomed to act,
whenever there was a prospect of an engagement; for his God was
ever present to his thoughts, and he desired to do everything
according to his will, and conscientiously to avoid any wanton
sacrifice of human life. He was anxious thus for the preservation
not only of his own subjects, but even of his enemies. Accordingly
he directed his victorious troops to spare the lives of their
prisoners, admonishing them, as human beings, not to forget the
claims of their common nature. And whenever he saw the passions
of his soldiery excited beyond control, he repressed their fury
by a largess of money, rewarding every man who saved the life
of an enemy with a certain weight of gold. And the emperor's own
sagacity led him to discover this inducement to spare human life,
so that great numbers even of the barbarians were thus saved,
and owed their lives to the emperor's gold.
CHAPTER XIV: A Farther Mention of his
Prayers in the Tabernacle.
Now these, and a thousand such acts as these, were familiarly
and habitually done by the emperor. And on the present occasion
he retired, as his custom was before battle, to the privacy of
his tabernacle, and there employed his time in prayer to God.
Meanwhile he strictly abstained from anything like ease, or luxurious
living, and disciplined himself by fasting and bodily mortification,
imploring the favor of God by supplication and prayer, that he
might obtain his concurrence and aid, and be ready to execute
whatever he might be pleased to suggest to his thoughts. In short,
he exercised a vigilant care over all alike, and interceded with
God as much for the safety of his enemies as for that of his own
subjects.
CHAPTER XV: Treacherous Friendship,
and Idolatrous Practices of Licinius.
And inasmuch as he who had lately fled before him now dissembled
his real sentiments, and again petitioned for a renewal of friendship
and alliance, the emperor thought fit, on certain conditions,
to grant his request, (1) in the hope that such a measure might
be expedient, and generally advantageous to the community. Licinius,
however, while he pretended a ready submission to the terms prescribed,
and attested his sincerity by oaths, at this very time was secretly
engaged in collecting a military force, and again meditated war
and strife, inviting even the barbarians to join his standard,
(2) and he began also to look about him for other gods, having
been deceived by those in whom he had hitherto trusted. And, without
bestowing a thought on what he had himself publicly spoken on
the subject of false deities, or choosing to acknowledge that
God who had fought on the side of Constantine, he made himself
ridiculous by seeking for a multitude of new gods.
CHAPTER XVI: How Licinius counseled
his Soldiers not to attack the Standard of the Cross.
Having now learned by experience the Divine and mysterious power
which resided in the salutary trophy, by means of which Constantine's
army had become habituated to victory, he admonished his soldiers
never to direct their attack against this standard, nor even incautiously
to allow their eyes to rest upon it; assuring them that it possessed
a terrible power, and was especially hostile to him; so that they
would do well carefully to avoid any collision with it. And now,
having given these directions, he prepared for a decisive conflict
with him whose humanity prompted him still to hesitate, and to
postpone the fate which he foresaw awaited his adversary. The
enemy, however, confident in the aid of a multitude of gods, advanced
to the attack with a powerful array of military force, preceded
by certain images of the dead, and lifeless statues, as their
defense. On the other side, the emperor, secure in the armor of
godliness, opposed to the numbers of the enemy the salutary and
life-giving sign, as at once a terror to the foe, and a protection
from every harm. And for a while he paused, and preserved at first
the attitude of forbearance, from respect to the treaty of peace
to which he had given his sanction, that he might not be the first
to commence the contest.
CHAPTER XVII: Constantine's Victory.
But as soon as he perceived that his adversaries persisted in
their resolution, and were already drawing their swords, he gave
free scope to his indignation, and by a single charge (1) overthrew
in a moment the entire body of the enemy, thus triumphing at once
over them and their gods.
CHAPTER XVIII: Death of Licinius, and
Celebration of the Event.
He then proceeded to deal with this adversary of God and his followers
according to the laws of war, and consign them to fitting punishment.
Accordingly the tyrant himself, and they whose counsels had supported
him in his impiety, were together subjected to the just punishment
of death. After this, those who had so lately been deceived by
their vain confidence in false deities, acknowledged with unfeigned
sincerity the God of Constantine, and openly professed their belief
in him as the true and only God.
CHAPTER XIX: Rejoicings and Festivities.
And now, the impious being thus removed, the sun once more shone
brightly after the gloomy cloud of tyrannic power. Each separate
portion of the Roman dominion became blended with the rest; the
Eastern nations united with those of the West, and the whole body
of the Roman empire was graced as it were by its head in the person
of a single and supreme ruler, whose sole authority pervaded the
whole. Now too the bright rays of the light of godliness gladdened
the days of those who had heretofore been sitting in darkness
and the shadow of death. Past sorrows were no more remembered,
for all united in celebrating the praises of the victorious prince,
and avowed their recognition of his preserver as the only true
God. Thus he whose character shone with all the virtues of piety,
the emperor Victor, for he had himself adopted this name as a
most fitting appellation to express the victory which God had
granted him over all who hated or opposed him, (1) assumed the
dominion of the East, and thus singly governed the Roman empire,
re-united, as in former times, under one head. Thus, as he was
the first to proclaim to all the sole sovereignty of God, so he
himself, as sole sovereign of the Roman world, extended his authority
over the whole human race. Every apprehension of those evils under
the pressure of which all had suffered was now removed; men whose
heads had drooped in sorrow now regarded each other with smiling
countenances, and looks expressive of their inward joy. With processions
and hymns of praise they first of all, as they were told, ascribed
the supreme sovereignty to God, as in truth the King of kings;
and then with continued acclamations rendered honor to the victorious
emperor, and the Caesars, his most discreet and pious sons. The
former afflictions were forgotten, and all past impieties forgiven:
while with the enjoyment of present happiness was mingled the
expectation of continued blessings in the future.
CHAPTER XX: Constantine's Enactments
in Favor of the Confessors.
MOREOVER, the emperor's edicts, permeated with his humane spirit,
were published among us also, as they had been among the inhabitants
of the other division of the empire; and his laws, which breathed
a spirit of piety toward God, gave promise of manifold blessings,
since they secured many advantages to his provincial subjects
in every nation, and at the same time prescribed measures suited
to the exigencies of the churches of God. For first of all they
recalled those who, in consequence of their refusal to join in
idol worship, had been driven to exile, or ejected from their
homes by the governors of their respective provinces. In the next
place, they relieved from their burdens those who for the same
reason had been adjudged to serve in the civil courts, and ordained
restitution to be made to any who had been deprived of property.
They too, who in the time of trial had signalized themselves by
fortitude of soul in the cause of God, and had therefore been
condemned to the painful labor of the mines, or consigned to the
solitude of islands, or compelled to toil in the public works,
all received an immediate release from these burdens; while others,
whose religious constancy had cost them the forfeiture of their
military rank, were vindicated by the emperor's generosity from
this dishonor: for he granted them the alternative either of resuming
their rank, and enjoying their former privileges, or, in the event
of their preferring a more settled life, of perpetual exemption
from all service. Lastly, all who had been compelled by way of
disgrace and insult to serve in the employments of women, (1)
he likewise freed with the rest.
CHAPTER XXI: His Laws concerning Martyrs,
and concerning Ecclesiastical Property.
Such were the benefits secured by the emperor's written mandates
to the persons of those who had thus suffered for the faith, d
his laws made ample provision for their property also.
With regard to those holy martyrs of God who had laid down their
lives in the confession of His name, he directed that their estates
should be enjoyed by their nearest kindred; and, in default of
any of these, that the right of inheritance should be vested in
the churches. Farther, whatever property had been consigned to
other parties from the treasury, whether in the way of sale or
gift, together with that retained in the treasury itself, the
generous mandate of the emperor directed should be restored to
the original owners. Such benefits did his bounty, thus widely
diffused, confer on the Church of God.
CHAPTER XXII: How he won the Favor
of the People.
But his munificence bestowed still further and more numerous favors
on the heathen peoples and the other nations of his empire. So
that the inhabitants of our [Eastern] regions, who had heard of
the privileges experienced in the opposite portion of the empire,
and had blessed the fortunate recipients of them, and longed for
the enjoyment of a similar lot for themselves, now with one consent
proclaimed their own happiness, when they saw themselves in possession
of all these blessings; and confessed that the appearance of such
a monarch to the human race was indeed a marvelous event, and
such as the world's history had never yet recorded. Such were
their sentiments.
CHAPTER XXIII: That he declared God
to be the Author of his Prosperity: and concerning his Rescripts.
AND now that, through the powerful aid of God his Saviour, all
nations owned their subjection to the emperor's authority, he
openly proclaimed to all the name of Him to whose bounty he owed
all his blessings, and declared that He, and not himself, was
the author of his past victories. This declaration, written both
in the Latin and Greek languages, he caused to be transmitted
through every province of the empire. Now the excellence of his
style of expression (1) may be known from a perusal of his letters
themselves which were two in number; one addressed to the churches
of God; the other to the heathen population in the several cities
of the empire. The latter of these I think it well to insert here
as connected with my present subject, in order on the one hand
that a copy of this document may be recorded as matter of history,
and thus preserved to posterity, and on the other that it may
serve to confirm the truth of my present narrative. It is taken
from an authentic copy of the imperial statute in my own possession
and the signature in the emperor's own handwriting attaches as
it were the impress of truth to the statement I have made.
CHAPTER XXIV: Law of Constantine respecting
Piety towards God, and the Christian Religion. (1)
"VICTOR CONSTANTINUS, MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS to the inhabitants
of the province of Palestine.
"To all who entertain just and sound sentiments respecting
the character of the Supreme Being, it has long been most clearly
evident, and beyond the possibility of doubt, how vast a difference
there has ever been between those who maintain a careful observance
of the hallowed duties of the Christian religion, and those who
treat this religion with hostility or contempt. But at this present
time, we may see by stilt more manifest proofs, and still more
decisive instances, both how unreasonable it were to question
this truth, and how mighty is the power of the Supreme God: since
it appears that they who faithfully observe His holy laws, and
shrink from the transgression of His commandments, are rewarded
with abundant blessings, and are endued with well- grounded hope
as well as ample power for the accomplishment of their undertakings.
On the other hand, they who have cherished impious sentiments
have experienced results corresponding to their evil choice. For
how is it to be expected that any blessing would be obtained by
one who neither desired to acknowledge nor duly to worship that
God who is the source of all blessing? Indeed, facts themselves
are a confirmation of what I say.
CHAPTER XXV: An Illustration from Ancient
Times.
"FOR certainly any one who will mentally retrace the course
of events from the earliest period down to the present time, and
will reflect on what has occurred in past ages, will find that
all who have made justice and probity the basis of their conduct,
have not only carried their undertakings to a successful issue,
but have gathered, as it were, a store of sweet fruit as the produce
of this pleasant root. Again, whoever observes the career of those
who have been bold in the practice of oppression or injustice;
who have either directed their senseless fury against God himself,
or have conceived no kindly feelings towards their fellow-men,
but have dared to afflict them with exile, disgrace, confiscation,
massacre, or other miseries of the like kind, and all this without
any sense of compunction, or wish to direct thoughts to a better
course, will find that such men have received a recompense proportioned
to their crimes. And these are results which might naturally and
reasonably be expected to ensue?
CHAPTER XXVI: Of Persecuted and Persecutors.
"For whoever have addressed themselves with integrity of
purpose to any course of action, keeping the fear of God continually
before their thoughts, and preserving an unwavering faith in him,
without allowing present fears or dangers to outweigh their hope
of future blessings--such persons, though for a season they may
have experienced painful trials, have borne their afflictions
lightly, being supported by the belief of greater rewards in store
for them; and their character has acquired a brighter luster in
proportion to the severity of their past suffer-rags. With regard,
on the other hand, to those who have either dishonorably slighted
the principles of justice, or refused to acknowledge the Supreme
God themselves, and yet have dared to subject others who have
faithfully maintained his worship to the most cruel insults and
punishments; who have failed equally to recognize their own wretchedness
in oppressing others on such grounds, and the happiness and blessing
of those who preserved their devotion to God even in the midst
of such sufferings: with regard, I say, to such men, many a time
have their armies been slaughtered, many a time have they been
put to flight; and their warlike preparations have ended in total
ruin and defeat.
CHAPTER XXVII: How the Persecution
became the Occasion of Calamities to the Aggressors.
"From the causes I have described, grievous wars arose, and
destructive devastations. Hence followed a scarcity of the common
necessaries of life, and a crowd of consequent miseries: hence,
too, the authors of these impieties have either met a disastrous
death of extreme suffering, or have dragged out an ignominious
existence, and confessed it to be worse than death itself, thus
receiving as it were a measure of punishment proportioned to the
heinousness of their crimes. (1) For each experienced a degree
of calamity according to the blind fury with which he had been
led to combat, and as he thought, defeat the Divine will: so that
they not only felt the pressure of the ills of this present life,
but were tormented also by a most lively apprehension of punishment
in the future world. (2)
CHAPTER XXVIII: That God chose Constantine
to be the Minister of Blessing.
"AND now, with such a mass of impiety oppressing the human
race, and the commonwealth in danger of being utterly destroyed,
as if by the agency of some pestilential disease, and therefore
needing powerful and effectual aid; what was the relief, and what
the remedy which the Divinity devised for these evils? (And by
Divinity is meant the one who is alone and truly God, the possessor
of almighty and eternal power: and surely it cannot be deemed
arrogance in one who has received benefits from God, to acknowledge
them in the loftiest terms of praise.) I myself, then, was the
instrument whose services He chose, and esteemed suited for the
accomplishment of his will. Accordingly, beginning at the remote
Britannic ocean, and the regions where, according to the law of
nature, the sun sinks beneath the horizon, through the aid of
divine power I banished and utterly removed every form of evil
which prevailed, in the hope that the human race, enlightened
through my instrumentality, might be recalled to a due observance
of the holy laws of God, and at the same time our most blessed
faith might prosper under the guidance of his almighty hand.
CHAPTER XXIX: Constantine's Expressions
of Piety towards God; and Praise of the Confessors.
"I said, (1) under the guidance of his hand; for I would
desire never to be forgetful of the gratitude due to his grace.
Believing, therefore, that this most excellent service had been
confided to me as a special gift, I proceeded as far as the regions
of the East, which, being under the pressure of severer calamities,
seemed to demand still more effectual remedies at my hands. At
the same time I am most certainly persuaded that I myself owe
my life, my every breath, in short, my very inmost and secret
thoughts, entirely to the favor of the Supreme God. Now I am well
aware that they who are sincere in the pursuit of the heavenly
hope, and have fixed this hope in heaven itself as the peculiar
and predominant principle of their lives, have no need to depend
on human favor, but rather have enjoyed higher honors in proportion
as they have separated themselves from the inferior and evil things
of this earthly existence. Nevertheless I deem it incumbent on
me to remove at once and most completely from all such persons
the hard necessities laid upon them for a season, and the unjust
inflictions under which they have suffered, though free from any
guilt or just liability. For it would be strange indeed, that
the fortitude and constancy of soul displayed by such men should
be fully apparent during the reign of those whose first object
it was to persecute them on account of their devotion to God,
and yet that the glory of their character should not be more bright
and blessed, under the administration of a prince who is His servant.
CHAPTER XXX: A Law granting Release
from Exile, from Service in the Courts, and from the Confiscation
of Property.
"LET all therefore who have exchanged their country for a
foreign land, because they would not abandon that reverence and
faith toward God to which they had devoted themselves with their
whole hearts, and have in consequence at different times been
subject to the cruel sentence of the courts; together with any
who have been enrolled in the registers of the public courts though
in time past exempt from such office let these, I say, now render
thanks to God the Liberator of all, in that they are restored
to their hereditary property, and their wonted tranquility. Let
those also who have been despoiled of their goods, and have hitherto
passed a wretched existence, mourning under the loss of all that
they possessed, once more be restored to their former homes, their
families, and estates, and receive with joy the bountiful kindness
of God.
CHAPTER XXXI: Release likewise granted
to Exiles in the Islands.
"FURTHERMORE, it is our command that all those who have been
detained in the islands against their will should receive the
benefit of this present provision; in order that they who rill
now have been surrounded by rugged mountains and the encircling
barrier of the ocean, being now set free from that gloomy and
desolate solitude, may fulfill their fondest wish by revisiting
their dearest friends. Those, too, who have prolonged a miserable
life in the midst of abject and wretched squalor, welcoming their
restoration as an unlooked-for gain, and discarding henceforth
all anxious thoughts, may pass their lives with us in freedom
from all fear. For that any one could live in a state of fear
under our government, when we boast and believe ourselves to be
the servants of God, would surely be a thing most extraordinary
even to hear of, and quite incredible; and our mission is to rectify
the errors of the others.
CHAPTER XXXII: And to those ignominiously
employed in the Mines and_Public Works.
"AGAIN, with regard to those who have been condemned either
to the grievous labor of the mines, or to service in the public
works, let them enjoy the sweets of leisure in place of these
long-continued toils, and henceforth lead a far easier life, and
more accordant with the wishes of their hearts, exchanging the
incessant hardships of their tasks for quiet relaxation. And if
any have forfeited the common privilege of liberty, or have unhappily
suffered dishonor, (1) let them hasten back every one to the country
of his nativity, and resume with becoming joy their former positions
in society, from which they have been as it were separated by
long residence abroad.
CHAPTER XXXIII: Concerning those Confessors
engaged in Military Service.
"ONCE more, with respect to those who had previously been
preferred to any military distinction, of which they were afterwards
deprived, for the cruel and unjust reason that they chose rather
to acknowledge their allegiance to God than to retain the rank
they held; we leave them perfect liberty of choice, either to
occupy their former stations, should they be content again to
engage in military service, or after an honorable discharge, to
live in undisturbed tranquillity. For it is fair and consistent
that men who have displayed such magnanimity and fortitude in
meeting the perils to which they have been exposed, should be
allowed the choice either of enjoying peaceful leisure, or resuming
their former rank.
CHAPTER XXXIV: The Liberation of Free
Persons condemned to labor in the Women's Apartments, or to Servitude.
"LASTLY, if any have wrongfully been deprived of the privileges
of noble lineage, and subjected to a judicial sentence which has
consigned them to the women's apartments (1) and to the linen
making, there to undergo a cruel and miserable labor, or reduced
them to servitude for the benefit of the public treasury, without
any exemption on the ground of superior birth; let such persons,
resuming the honors they had previously enjoyed, and their proper
dignities, henceforward exult in the blessings of liberty, and
lead a glad life. Let the free man, (2) too, by some injustice
and inhumanity, or even madness, made a slave, who has felt the
sudden transition from liberty to bondage, and ofttimes bewailed
his unwonted labors, return to his family once more a free man
in virtue of this our ordinance, and seek those employments which
befit a state of freedom; and let him dismiss from his remembrance
those services which he found so oppressive, and which so ill
became his condition.
CHAPTER XXXV: Of the Inheritance of
the Property of Martyrs and Confessors, also of those who had
suffered Banishment or Confiscation of Property.
" Nor must we omit to notice those estates of which individuals
have been deprived on various pretenses. For if any of those who
have engaged with dauntless and resolute determination in the
noble and divine conflict of martyrdom have also been stripped
of their fortunes; or if the same has been the lot of the confessors,
who have won for themselves the hope of eternal treasures; or
if the loss of property has befallen those who were driven from
their native land because they would not yield to the persecutors,
and betray their faith; lastly, if any who have escaped the sentence
of death have yet been despoiled of their worldly goods; we ordain
that the inheritances of all such persons be transferred to their
nearest kindred. And whereas the laws expressly assign this right
to those most nearly related, it will be easy to ascertain to
whom these inheritances severally belong. And it is evidently
reasonable that the succession in these cases should belong to
those who would have stood in the place of nearest affinity, had
the deceased experienced a natural death.
CHAPTER XXXVI: The Church is declared
Heir of those who leave no Kindred; and the Free Gifts of such
Persons Confirmed.
"But should there be no surviving relation to succeed in
due course to the property of those above-mentioned, I mean the
martyrs, or confessors, or those who for some such cause have
been banished from their native land; in such cases we ordain
that the church locally nearest in each instance shall succeed
to the inheritance. And surely it will be no wrong to the departed
that that church should be their heir, for whose sake they have
endured every extremity of suffering. We think it necessary to
add this also, that in case any of the above-mentioned persons
have donated any part of their property in the way of free gift,
possession of such property shall be assured, as is reasonable,
to those who have thus received it.
CHAPTER XXXVII: Lands, Gardens, or
Houses, but not Actual Produce from them, are to be given back.
"AND that there may be no obscurity in this our ordinance,
but every one may readily apprehend its requirements, let all
men hereby know that if they are now maintaining themselves in
possession of a piece of land, or a house, or garden, or anything
else which had appertained to the before- mentioned persons, it
will be good and advantageous for them to acknowledge the fact,
and make restitution with the least possible delay. On the other
hand, although it should appear that some individuals have reaped
abundant profits from this unjust possession, we do not consider
that justice demands the restitution of such profits. They must,
however, declare explicitly what amount of benefit they have thus
derived, and from what sources, and entreat our pardon for this
offense; in order that their past covetousness may in some measure
be atoned for, and that the Supreme God may accept this compensation
as a token of contrition, and be pleased graciously to pardon
the sin.
CHAPTER XXXVIII: In what Manner Requests
should be made for these.
"BUT it is possible that those who have become masters of
such property (if it be right or possible to allow them such a
title) will assure us by way of apology for their conduct, that
it was not in their power to abstain from this appropriation at
a time when a spectacle of misery in all its forms everywhere
met the view; when men were cruelly driven from their homes, slaughtered
without mercy, thrust forth without remorse: when the confiscation
of the property of innocent persons was a common thing, and when
persecutions and property seizures were unceasing. If any defend
their conduct by such reasons as these, and still persist in their
avaricious temper, they shall be made sensible that such a course
will bring punishment on themselves, and all the more because
this correction of evil is the very characteristic of our service
to the Supreme God. So that it will henceforth be dangerous to
retain what dire necessity may in time past have compelled men
to take; especially because it is in any case incumbent on us
to discourage covetous desires, both by persuasion, and by warning
exam-pies.
CHAPTER XXXIX: The Treasury must restore
Lands, Gardens, and Houses to the Churches.
"Nor shall the treasury itself, should it have any of the
things we have spoken of, be permitted to keep them; but, without
venturing as it were to raise its voice against the holy churches,
it shall justly relinquish in their favor what it has for a time
unjustly retained. We ordain, therefore, that all things whatsoever
which shall appear righteously to belong to the churches, whether
the property consist of houses or fields and gardens, or whatever
the nature of it may be, shall be restored in their full value
and integrity, and with undiminished right of possession.
CHAPTER XL.
The Tombs of Martyrs and the Cemeteries to be transferred to the
Possession of the Churches.
"Again, with respect to those places which are honored in
being the depositories of the remains of martyrs, and continue
to be memorials of their glorious departure; how can we doubt
that they rightly belong to the churches, or refrain from issuing
our injunction to that effect? For surely there can be no better
liberality, no labor more pleasing or profitable, than to be thus
employed under the guidance of the Divine Spirit, in order that
those things which have been appropriated on false pretenses by
unjust and wicked men, may be restored, as justice demands, and
once more secured to the holy churches.
CHAPTER XLI: Those who have purchased
Property belonging to the Church, or received it as a Gift, are
to restore it.
"AND since it would be wrong in a provision intended to include
all cases, to pass over those who have either procured any such
property by right of purchase from the treasury, or have retained
it when conveyed to them in the form of a gift; let all who have
thus rashly indulged their insatiable thirst of gain be assured
that, although by daring to make such purchases they have done
all in their power to alienate our clemency from themselves, they
shall nevertheless not fail of obtaining it, so far as is possible
and consistent with propriety in each case. So much then is determined.
CHAPTER XLII: An Earnest Exhortation
to worship God.
"AND now, since it appears by the clearest and most convincing
evidence, that the miseries which erewhile oppressed the entire
human race are now banished from every part of the world, through
the power of Almighty God, and at the same time the counsel and
aid which he is pleased on many occasions to administer through
our agency; it remains for all, both individually and unitedly,
to observe and seriously consider how great this power and how
efficacious this grace are, which have annihilated and utterly
destroyed this generation, as I may call them, of most wicked
and evil men; have restored joy to the good, and diffused it over
all countries; and now guarantee the fullest authority both to
honor the Divine law as it should be honored, with all reverence,
and pay due observance to those who have dedicated themselves
to the service of that law. These rising as from some dark abyss
and, with an enlightened knowledge of the present course of events,
will henceforward render to its precepts that becoming reverence
and honor which are consistent with their pious character.
Let this ordinance be published in our Eastern provinces."
(1)
CHAPTER XLIII: How the Enactments of
Constantine were carried into Effect.
Such were the injunctions contained in the first letter which
the emperor addressed to us. And the provisions of this enactment
were speedily carried into effect, everything being conducted
in a manner quite different from the atrocities which had but
lately been daringly perpetrated during the cruel ascendancy of
the tyrants. Those persons also who were legally entitled to it,
received the benefit of the emperor's liberality.
CHAPTER XLIV: That he promoted Christians
to Offices of Government, and forbade Gentiles in Such Stations
to offer Sacrifice.
After this the emperor continued to address himself to matters
of high importance, and first he sent governors to the several
provinces, mostly such as were devoted to the saving faith; and
if any appeared inclined to adhere to Gentile worship, he forbade
them to offer sacrifice. This law applied also to those who surpassed
the provincial governors in rank and dignity, (1) and even to
those who occupied the highest station, and held the authority
of the Praetorian Praefecture. (2) If they were Christians, they
were free to act consistently with their profession; if otherwise,
the law required them to abstain from idolatrous sacrifices.
CHAPTER XLV: Statutes which forbade
Sacrifice, and enjoined the Building of Churches.
Soon after this, two laws were promulgated about the same time;
one of which was intended to restrain the idolatrous abominations
which in time past had been practiced in every city and country;
and it provided that no one should erect images, or practice divination
and other false and foolish arts, or offer sacrifice in any way.
(1) The other statute commanded the heightening of the oratories,
and the enlargement in length and breadth of the churches of God;
as though it were expected that, now the madness of polytheism
was wholly removed, pretty nearly all mankind would henceforth
attach themselves to the service of God. His own personal piety
induced the emperor to devise and write these instructions to
the governors of the several provinces: and the law farther admonished
them not to spare the expenditure of money, but to draw supplies
from the imperial treasury itself. Similar instructions were written
also to the bishops of the several churches; and the emperor was
pleased to transmit the same to myself, being the first letter
which he personally addressed to me.
CHAPTER XLVI: Constantine's Letter
to Eusebius and Other Bishops, respecting the Building of Churches,
with Instructions to repair the Old, and erect New Ones on a Larger
Scale, with the Aid of the Provincial Governors.
"VICTOR CONSTANTINUS, MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS, to Eusebius.
"Forasmuch as the unholy and willful rule of tyranny has
persecuted the servants of our Saviour until this present time,
I believe and have fully satisfied myself, best beloved brother,
that the buildings belonging to all the churches have either become
ruinous through actual neglect, or have received inadequate attention
from the dread of the violent spirit of the times.
"But now, that liberty is restored, and that serpent (1)
driven from the administration of public affairs by the providence
of the Supreme God, and our instrumentality, we trust that all
can see the efficacy of the Divine power, and that they who through
fear of persecution or through unbelief have fallen into any errors,
will now acknowledge the true God, and adopt in future that course
of life which is according to truth and rectitude. With respect,
therefore, to the churches over which you yourself preside, as
well as the bishops, presbyters, and deacons of other churches
with whom you are acquainted, do you admonish all to be zealous
in their attention to the buildings of the churches, and either
to repair or enlarge those which at present exist, or, in cases
of necessity, to erect new ones.
"We also empower you, and the others through you, to demand what is needful for the