BOOK IV.
CHAPTER I.
How he honored Many by Presents and Promotions.
WHILE thus variously engaged in promoting
Saviour's doctrine, the emperor was far from neglecting secular affairs; but
in this respect also he was unwearied in bestowing benefits of every kind and
in quick succession on the people of every province. On the one hand he
manifested a paternal anxiety for the general welfare of his subjects; on the
other he would distinguish individuals of his own acquaintance with various
marks of honor; conferring his benefits in every instance in a truly noble
spirit. No one could request a favor from the emperor, and fail of obtaining
what he sought: no one expected a boon from him, and found that expectation
vain. Some received presents in money, others in land; some obtained the
Praetorian praefecture, others senatorial, others again consular rank: many
were appointed provincial governors: others were made counts of the first,
second, or third order: in numberless instances the title of Most Illustrious
and many other distinctions were conferred; for the emperor devised new
dignities, that he might invest a larger number with the tokens of his favor.
CHAPTER II.
Remission of a Fourth Part of the Taxes.
THE extent to which he studied the general happiness and prosperity may be
understood from a single instance most beneficial and universal in its
application, and still gratefully remembered. He remitted a fourth part of the
yearly tribute paid for land, and bestowed it on the owners of the soil; so
that if we compute this yearly reduction, we shall find that the cultivators
enjoyed their produce free of tribute every fourth year. This privilege
being established by law, and secured for the time to come, has given occasion
for the emperor's beneficence to be held, not merely by the then present
generation, but by their children and descendants, in perpetual remembrance.
CHAPTER III.
Equalization of the More Oppressive Taxes.
AND whereas some persons found fault with the surveys of land which had
been made under former emperors, and complained that their property was unduly
burdened; acting in this case also on the principles of justice, he sent
commissioners to equalize the tribute, and to secure immunity to those who had
made this. appeal.
CHAPTER IV.
His Liberality, from his private Resources, to the Losers in Suits of a
Pecuniary Nature.
IN cases of judicial arbitration, in order that the loser by his decision
might not quit his presence less contented than the victorious litigant, he
himself bestowed, and from his own private means in some cases lands, in other
money, on the defeated party. In this manner he took care that the loser, as
having appeared in his
ought in any case to retire dejected and sorrowful from an interview with such
a price. Thus it happened that both parties returned from the scene of
trial with glad and cheerful countenances, while the emperor's noble-minded
liberality excited universal admiration.
CHAPTER V.
Conquest of the Scythians defeated through the
Sign of Our Saviour.
AND why should I relate even briefly and incidentally, how he subjected
barbarous nations to the Roman power; how he was the first who
pelled them, how unwilling soever, to own the sovereignty of Rome? For the
emperors who preceded him had actually rendered tribute to the Scythians: and
Romans, by an annual payment, had confessed themselves servants to barbarians;
an indignity which our emperor could no longer bear, nor think it consistent
with his victorious career to continue the payment his predecessors had made.
Accordingly, with full confidence in his Saviour's aid he raised his
conquering standard against these enemies also, and soon reduced them all to
obedience; coercing by military force those who fiercely resisted his
authority, while, on the other hand, he con
ilization from their lawless and savage life. Thus the Scythians at length
learned to acknowledge subjection to the power of Rome.
CHAPTER VI.
Conquest of the Sarmatians, consequent on the
Rebellion of their Slaves.
WITH respect to the Sarmatians, God himself brought them beneath the rule
of Constantine, and subdued a nation swelling with barbaric pride in the
following manner. Being attacked by the Scythians, they had entrusted their
slaves with arms, in order to repel the enemy. These slaves first overcame the
invaders and then, turning their weapons against their masters, drove them all
from their native land. The expelled Sarmatians found that their only hope of
safety was in Constantine's protection: and he, whose familiar habit it was to
save men's lives, received them all within the confines of the Roman empire.
Those who were capable of serving he incorporated with his own troops: to
the rest he allotted lands to cultivate for their own support so that they
themselves acknowledged that their past misfortune had produced a happy result
in that they now enjoyed Roman liberty in place of savage barbarism. In this
manner God added to his dominions many and various barbaric tribes.
CHAPTER VII.
Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations receive Presents from the
Emperor.
INDEED, ambassadors were continually arriving from all nations, bringing
for his acceptance their most precious gifts. So that I myself have sometimes
stood near the entrance of the imperial palace, and observed a noticeable
array of barbarians in attendance, differing from each other in costume and
decorations, and equally unlike in the fashion of their hair and beard. Their
aspect truculent and terrible, their bodily stature prodigious: some of a red
complexion, others white as snow, others again of an intermediate color. For
in the number of those I have referred to might be seen specimens of the
Blemmyan tribes, of the Indians, and the Ethiopians, " that widely-divided
race, remotest of mankind." All these in due succession, like some painted
pageant, presented to the emperor those gifts which their own nation held in
most esteem; some offering crowns of
goldments embroidered with gold and flowers: some appeared with horses, others
with shields and long spears, with arrows and bows thereby offering their
services and alliance for the emperors acceptance. These presents he
separately received and carefully laid aside, acknowledging them in so
munificent a manner as at once to enrich those who bore them. He also honored
the noblest among them with Roman offices of dignity; so that many of them
thenceforward preferred to continue their residence among us, and felt no
desire to revisit their native land.
CHAPTER VIII.
That he wrote also to the King of Persia who had sent him an Embassy,
on Behalf of the Christians in his Realm.
THE king of the Persians also having testified a desire to form an
alliance with Constantine, by sending an embassy and presents as assurances of
peace and friendship, the emperor, in negotiating this treaty, far surpassed
the monarch who had first done him honor, in the magnificence with which he
acknowledged his gifts. Having heard, too, that there were many churches of
God in Persia, and that large numbers there were gathered into the fold of
Christ, full of joy at this intelligence, he resolved to extend his anxiety
for the general welfare to that country also, as one whose aim it was to care
for all alike in every nation.
CHAPTER IX.
teller of Constantine Augustus to Sapor, King of the Persians, containing a
truly Pious Confession of God and Christ.
Copy of his Letter to the King of Persia.
"By keeping the Divine faith, I am made a partaker of the light of truth:
guided by the light of truth, I advance in the knowledge of the Divine faith.
Hence it is that, as my actions themselves evince, I profess the most holy
religion; and this worship I declare to be that which teaches me deeper
acquaintance with the most holy God; aided by whose Divine power, beginning
from the very borders of the ocean, I have aroused each nation of the world in
succession to a well-grounded hope of security; so that those which, groaning
in servitude to the most cruel tyrants and yielding to the pressure of their
daily sufferings, had well nigh been utterly destroyed, have been restored
through my agency to a far happier state. This God I confess that I hold in
unceasing honor and remembrance; this God I delight to contemplate with pure
and guileless thoughts in the height of his glory.
CHAPTER X.
The Writer denounces Idols, and glorifies God.
"THIS God I invoke with bended knees, and recoil with horror from the
blood of sacrifices from their foul and detestable odors, and from every
earth-born magic fire: for the profane and impious superstitions which are
defiled by these rites have cast down and consigned to perdition many, nay,
whole nations of the Gentile world. For he who is Lord of all cannot endure
that those blessings which, in his own loving-kindness and consideration of
the wants of men he has revealed for the rise of all, should be perverted to
serve the lusts of any. His only demand from man is purity of mind and an
undefiled spirit; and by this standard he weighs the actions of virtue and
godliness. For his pleasure is in works of moderation and gentleness: he loves
the meek, and hates the turbulent spirit: delighting in faith, he chastises
unbelief: by him all presumptuous power is broken down, and he avenges the
insolence of the proud. While the arrogant and haughty are utterly overthrown,
he requires the humble and forgiving with deserved rewards: even so does he
highly honor and strengthen with his special help a kingdom justly governed,
and maintains a prudent king in the tranquillity of peace.
CHAPTER XI.
Against the Tyrants and Persecutors; and on
the Captivity of Valerian.
"I CANNOT, then, my brother believe that I err in acknowledging this one
God, the author and parent of all things: whom many of my predecessors in
power, led astray by the madness of error, have ventured to deny, but who were
all visited with a retribution so terrible and so destructive, that all
succeeding generations have held up their calamities as the most effectual
warning to any who desire to follow in their stops. Of the number of these I
believe him to have been, whom the lightning-stroke of Divine vengeance
drove forth from hence, and banished to your dominions and whose disgrace
contributed to the fame of your celebrated triumph.
CHAPTER XII.
He declares that, having witnessed the Fall of the Persecutors, he now
rejoices at the Peace enjoyed by the Christians.
"AND it iS surely a happy circumstance that the punishment of such persons
as I have described should have been publicly manifested in our own times. For
I myself have witnessed the end of those who lately harassed the worshipers of
God by their impious edict. And for this abundant thanksgivings are due to God
that through his excellent Providence all men who observe his holy laws are
gladdened by the renewed enjoyment of peace. Hence I am fully persuaded that
everything is in the best and safest posture, since God is vouchsafing,
through the influence of their pure and faithful religious service, and their
unity of judgment respecting his Divine character, to gather all men to
himself.
CHAPTER XIII.
He bespeaks his Affectionate Interest for he
Christians in his Country.
"IMAGINE, then, with what joy I heard tidings so accordant with my desire,
that the fairest districts of Persia are filled with those men on whose behalf
alone I am at present speaking, I
mean the Christians. I pray, therefore, that both you and they may enjoy
abundant prosperity, and that your blessings and theirs may be in equal
measure; for thus you will experience the mercy and favor of that God who
is the Lord and Father of all. And now, because your power is great, I commend
these persons to your protection; because your piety is eminent, I commit
them to your care. Cherish them with your wonted humanity and kindness; for by
this proof of faith you will secure an immeasurable benefit both to yourself
and us."
CHAPTER XIV.
How the Zealous Prayers of Constantine pro
cured Peace to the Christians.
THUS, the nations of the world being everywhere guided in their course as
it were by the skill of a single pilot, and acquiescing in the administration
of him who governed as the servant of God, the peace of the Roman empire
continued undisturbed, and all classes of his subjects enjoyed a life of
tranquillity and repose. At the same time the emperor, who was convinced that
the prayers of godly men contributed powerfully to the maintenance of the
public welfare, felt himself constrained zealously to seek such prayers and
not only himself implored the help and favor of God, but charged the prelates
of the churches to offer supplications on his behalf.
CHAPTER XV.
He causes himself to be represented on his Coins, and in his Portraits, in
the Attitude of Prayer.
How deeply his soul was impressed by the power of divine faith may be
understood from the circumstance that he directed his likeness to be stamped
on the golden coin of the empire with the eyes uplifted as in the posture of
prayer to God: and this money became current throughout the Roman world. His
portrait also at full length was placed over the entrance gates of the palaces
in some cities, the eyes upraised to heaven, and the hands outspread as if in
prayer.
CHAPTER XVI.
He forbids by Law the Plating his Likeness in
Idol Temples.
IN this manner he represented himself, even through the medium of
painting, as habitually engaged in prayer to God. At the same time he forbade,
by an express enactment, the setting up of any resemblance of himself in any
idol temple, that not even the mere lineaments of his person might receive
contamination from the error of forbidden superstition.
CHAPTER XVII.
Of his Prayers in the Palace, and his Reading
the Holy Scriptures.
STILL nobler proofs of his piety might be discerned by those who marked
how he modeled as it were his very palace into a church of God, and himself
afforded a pattern of zeal to those assembled therein: how he took the sacred
scriptures into his hands, and devoted himself to the study of those divinely
inspired oracles; after which he would offer up regular prayers with all the
members of his imperial court.
CHAPTER XVIII.
He enjoins the General Observance of the Lord's Day, and the Day of
Preparation.
HE ordained, too, that one day should be regarded as a special occasion
for prayer: I mean that which is truly the first and chief of all, the day of
our Lord and Saviour. The entire care of his household was entrusted to
deacons and other ministers consecrated to the service of God, and
distinguished by gravity of life and every other virtue: while his trusty body
guard, strong in affection and fidelity to his person, found in their emperor
an instructor in the practice of piety, and like him held the Lord's salutary
day in honor and performed on that day the devotions which he loved. The same
observance was recommended by this blessed prince to all classes of his
subjects: his earnest desire being gradually to lead all mankind to the
worship of God. Accordingly he enjoined on all the subjects of the Roman
empire to observe the Lord's day, as a day of rest, and also to honor the day
which precedes the Sabbath; in memory, I suppose, of what the Saviour of
mankind is recorded to have achieved on that day. And since his desire was
to teach his whole army zealously to honor the Saviour's day (which derives
its name from light, and from the sun), he freely granted to those
among them who were partakers of the divine faith, leisure for attendance on
the services of the Church of God, in order that they might be able, without
impediment, to perform their religious worship.
CHAPTER XIX.
That he directed even his Pagan Soldiers to
pray on the Lord's Day.
WITH regard to those who were as yet ignorant of divine truth, he provided
by a second statute that they should appear on each Lord's day on an open
plain near the city, and there, at a given signal, offer to God with one
accord a prayer which they had previously learnt. He admonished them that
their confidence should not rest in their spears, or armor, or bodily
strength, but that they should acknowledge the supreme God as the giver of
every good, and of victory itself; to whom they were bound to offer their
prayers with due regularity, uplifting
on whom they should call as the Author of victory, their Preserver, Guardian,
and Helper. The emperor himself prescribed the prayer to be used by all his
troops, commanding them, to pronounce the following words in the Latin tongue:
CHAPTER XX.
The Form of Prayer given by Constantine to his
Soldiers.
"WE acknowledge thee the only God: we own thee, as our King and implore
thy succor. By thy favor have we gotten the victory through thee are we
mightier than our enemies. We render thanks for thy past benefits, and trust
thee for future blessings. Together we pray to thee, and beseech thee long to
preserve to us, safe and triumphant, our emperor Constantine and his pious
sons." by his troops, and such the prayer they were
instructed to offer up to God.
CHAPTER XXI.
He orders the Sign of the Saviour's Cross to be engraven on his Soldiers'
Shields.
AND not only so, but he also caused the sign
of the salutary trophy to be impressed on the very shields of his soldiers;
and commanded that his embattled forces should be preceded in their march, not
by golden images, as heretofore, but only by the standard of the cross.
CHAPTER XXII.
Of his Zeal in Prayer, and the Honor he paid
to the Feast of Easter.
THE emperor himself, as a sharer in the holy mysteries of our religion,
would seclude himself daily at a stated hour in the innermost chambers of his
palace; and there in solitary converse with his God, would kneel in humble
supplication, and entreat the blessings of which he stood in need. But
especially at the salutary feast of Easter, his religious diligence was
redoubled; he fulfilled as it were the duties of a hierophant with every
energy of his mind and body, and outvied all others in the zealous celebration
of this feast. He changed, too, the holy night vigil into a brightness like
that of day, by causing waxen tapers of great length to be lighted throughout
the city: besides which, torches everywhere diffused their light, so as to
impart to this mystic vigil a brilliant splendor beyond that of day. As
soon as day itself returned, in imitation of our Saviour's gracious acts, he
opened a liberal hand to his subjects of every nation, province, and people,
and lavished abundant bounties on all.
CHAPTER XXIII.
How he forbade Idolatrous Worship, but honored Martyrs and the Church
Festivals.
SUCH were his sacred ministrations in the service of his God. At the same
time, his subjects, both civil and military, throughout the empire, found a
barrier everywhere opposed against idol worship, and every kind of sacrifice
forbidden. A statute was also passed, enjoining the due observance of the
Lord's day, and transmitted to the governors of every province, who undertook,
at the emperors command, to respect the days commemorative of martyrs, and
duly to
emperors entire satisfaction.
CHAPTER XXIV.
That he described himself to be a Bishop, in Charge of Affairs External to the
Church.
HENCE it was not without reason that once, on the occasion of his
entertaining a company of bishops, he let fall the expression, "that he
himself too was a bishop," addressing them in my heating in the following
words: "You are bishops whose jurisdiction is within the Church: I also am a
bishop, ordained by God to overlook whatever is external to the Church."
And
copal care, and exhorted them as far as in him lay to follow a godly life.
CHAPTER XXV.
Prohibition of Sacrifices, of Mystic Rites, Combats of Gladiators, also the
Licentious Worship of the Nile.
CONSISTENTLY with this zeal he issued successive laws and ordinances,
forbidding any to offer sacrifice to idols, to consult diviners, to erect
images, or to pollute the cities with the sanguinary combats of gladiators.
And inasmuch as the Egyptians, especially those of Alexandria, had been
accustomed to honor their river through a priesthood composed of effeminate
men, a further law was passed commanding the extermination of the whole class
as vicious, that no one might thenceforward be found tainted with the like
impurity. And whereas the superstitious inhabitants apprehended that the river
would in consequence withhold its customary flood, God himself showed his
approval of the emperor's law by ordering all things in a manner quite
contrary to their expectation. For those who had defiled the cities by their
vicious conduct were indeed seen no more; but the river, as if the country
through
rose higher than ever before,
overflowed the country with its fertilizing streams: thus effectually
admonishing the deluded people to turn from impure men, and ascribe their
prosperity to him alone who is the Giver of all good.
CHAPTER XXVI.
Amendment of the Law in Force respecting
Childless Persons, and of the Law of Wills.
So numerous, indeed, were the benefits of this kind conferred by the
emperor on every province, as to afford ample materials to any who might
desire to record them. Among these may be instanced those laws which he
entirely remodelled, and established on a more equitable basis: the nature of
which reform may be briefly and easily explained. The childless were punished
under the old law with the forfeiture of their hereditary property a merciless
stature, which dealt with them as positive criminals. The emperor annulled
this, and decreed that those so circumstanced should inherit. He regulated the
question on the principles of equity and justice, arguing willful
transgressors should be chastised with the penalties their crimes deserve. But
nature herself denies children to many, who long, perhaps, for a numerous
offspring, but are disappointed of their hope by bodily infirmity. Others
continue childless, not from any dislike of posterity, but because their
ardent love of philosophy renders them averse to the conjugal union.
Women, too, consecrated to the service of God, have maintained a pure and
spotless virginity, and have devoted themselves, soul and body to a life of
entire chastity and holiness. What then? Should this conduct be deemed worthy
of punishment, or rather of admiration and praise; since to desire this state
is in itself honorable, and to maintain it surpasses the power of unassisted
nature? Surely those whose bodily infirmity destroys their hope of offspring
are worthy of pity, not of punishment: and he who devotes himself to a higher
object calls not for chastisement, but especial admiration. On such
regard to the wills of dying persons, the old laws had ordained that they
should be expressed, even at the latest breath, as it were, in certain
definite words, and had prescribed the exact form and terms to be employed.
This practice had occasioned many fraudulent attempts to hinder the intentions
of the deceased from
being carried into full effect. As soon as our emperor was aware of these
abuses, he reformed this law likewise, declaring that a dying man ought to be
permitted to indicate his last wishes in as few words as possible, and in
whatever terms he pleased; and to set forth his will in any written form; or
even by word of mouth, provided it were done in the presence of proper
witnesses, who might be competent faithfully to discharge their trust.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Among Other Enactments, he decrees that no Christian shall slave to a Jew,
and affirms the Validity of the Decisions of Councils.
HE also passed a law to the effect that no Christian should remain in
servitude to a Jewish
master, on the ground that it could not be right that those whom the Saviour
had ransomed should be subjected to the yoke of slavery by a people who had
slain the prophets and the Lord himself. If any were found hereafter in these
circumstances, the slave was to be set at liberty, and the master punished by
a fine.
He likewise added the sanction of his authority to the decisions of
bishops passed at their synods, and forbade the provincial governors to annul
any of their decrees: for he rated the priests of God at a higher value than
any judge whatever. These and a thousand similar provisions did he enact for
the benefit of his subjects; but there is not time now to give a special
description of them, such as might convey an accurate idea of his imperial
wisdom in these respects: nor need I now relate at length, how, as a devoted
servant of the Supreme God, he employed himself from morning until night in
seeking objects for his beneficence, and how equally and universally kind he
was to all.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
His Gifts to the Churches, and Bounties to
Virgins and to the Poor.
His liberality, however, was most especially exercised on behalf of the
churches of God. In some cases he granted lands, in others he issued supplies
of food for the support of the poor, of orphan children, and widows; besides
which, he evinced much care and forethought in fully providing the naked and
destitute with clothing. He distinguished, however, with most special honor
those who had devoted their lives to the practice of Divine philosophy. Hence
his respect, little short of veneration, for God's most holy and ever virgin
choir: for he felt assured that the God to whom such persons devoted
themselves was himself an inmate of their souls.
CHAPTER XXIX.
Of Constantine's Discourses and Declamations.
FOR himself, he sometimes passed sleepless nights in furnishing his mind
with Divine knowledge: and much of his time was spent in composing discourses,
many of which he delivered in public; for he conceived it to be incumbent on
him to govern his subjects by appealing to their reason, and to secure in all
respects a rational obedience to his authority. Hence he would sometimes
himself evoke an assembly, on which occasions vast multitudes attended, in the
hope of hearing an emperor sustain the part of a philosopher. And if in the
course of his speech any occasion offered of touching on sacred topics, he
immediately stood erect, and with a grave aspect and subdued tone of voice
seemed reverently to be initiating his auditors in the mysteries of the Divine
doctrine: and when they greeted him with shouts of acclamation, he would
direct them by his gestures to raise their eyes to heaven, and reserve their
admiration for the Supreme King alone, and honor him with adoration and
praise. He
usually divided the subjects of his address, first thoroughly exposing the
error of polytheism, and proving the superstition of the Gentiles to be mere
fraud, and a cloak for impiety. He then would assert the sole sovereignty of
God: passing thence to his Providence, both general and particular. Proceeding
next to the dispensation of salvation, he would demonstrate its necessity, and
adaptation to the nature of the case; entering next in order on the doctrine
of the Divine judgment. And here especially he appealed most powerfully to
the consciences of his hearers, while he denounced the rapacious and violent,
and those who were slaves to an inordinate thirst of gain. Nay, he caused some
of his own acquaintance who were present to feel the severe lash of his words,
and to stand with downcast eyes in the consciousness of guilt, while he
testified against them in the clearest and most impressive terms that they
would have an account to render of their deeds to God. He reminded them that
God himself had given him the empire of the world, portions of which he
himself, acting on the same Divine principle, had intrusted to their
government; but that all would in due time be alike summoned to give account
of their actions to the Supreme Sovereign of all. Such was his constant
testimony;
such his admonition and instruction. And he himself both felt and uttered
these sentiments in the genuine confidence of faith: but-his hearers were
little disposed to learn, and deaf to sound advice; receiving his words indeed
with loud applause, but induced by insatiable cupidity practically to
disregard them.
CHAPTER XXX.
That he marked out before a Covetous Man the Measure of a Grave, and so put
him to Shame.
ON one occasion he thus personally addressed one of his courtiers: "How
far, my friend, are we to carry our inordinate desires?" Then drawing the
dimensions of a human figure with a lance which he happened to have in his
hand, he continued: "Though thou couldst obtain the whole wealth of this
world, yea, the whole world itself, thou wilt carry with thee at last no more
than this little spot which I have marked out, if indeed even that be thine."
Such were the words and actions of this blessed prince; and though at the
time he failed to reclaim any from their evil ways, yet notwithstanding the
course of events afforded evident proof that his admonitions were more like
Divine prophecies than mere words.
CHAPTER XXXI.
That he was derided because of his EXcessive
Clemency.
MEANTIME, since there was no fear of capital punishment to deter from the
commission of crime, for the emperor himself was uniformly inclined to
clemency, and none of the provincial governors visited offenses with their
proper penalties, this state of things drew with it no small degree of blame
on the general administration of the empire; whether justly or not, let every
one form his own judgment: for myself, I only ask permission to record the
fact.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Of Constantine's Oration which he wrote to the
Assembly of the Saints.
THE emperor was in the habit of composing his orations in the Latin
tongue, from which they were translated into Greek by interpreters appointed
for this special service. One of the discourses thus translated I intend to
annex, by way of specimen, to this present work, that one, I mean, which he
inscribed "To the assembly of the saints," and dedicated to the Church of God,
that no one may have ground for deeming my testimony on this head mere empty
praise.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
How he listened standing to Eusebius' Declamation in Honor of our Saviour's
Sepulchre.
ONE act, however, I must by no means omit to record, which this admirable
prince performed in my own presence. On one occasion, emboldened by the
confident assurance I entertained of his piety, I had begged permission to
pronounce a discourse on the subject of our Saviour's sepulchre in his
hearing. With this request he most readily complied, and in the midst of a
large number of auditors, in the interior of the palace itself, he stood and
listened with the rest. I entreated him, but in vain, to seat himself on the
imperial throne which stood near: he continued with fixed attention to
weigh the topics of my discourse, and gave his own testimony to the truth of
the theological doctrines it contained. After some time had passed, the
oration being of considerable length, I was myself desirous of concluding; but
this he would not permit, and exhorted me to proceed to the very end. On my
again entreating him to sit, he in his turn was displeased and said that it
was not right to listen in a careless manner to the discussion of doctrines
relating to God; and again, that this posture was good and profitable to
himself, since it was reverent to stand while listening to sacred truths.
Having, therefore, concluded my discourse, I returned home, and resumed my
usual occupations.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
That he wrote to Eusebius respecting Easter, and respecting Copies of the Holy
Scriptures.
EVER careful for the welfare of the churches of God, the emperor addressed
me personally in a letter on the means of providing copies of the inspired
oracles, and also on the subject of the most holy feast of Easter. For I had
myself dedicated to him an exposition of the mystical import of that feast;
and the manner in which he honored me with a reply may be understood by any
one who reads the following letter.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Constantine's Letter to Eusebius, in praise of
his Discourse concerning Easter.
"VICTOR CONSTANTINUS, MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS,
to Eusebius.
"It is indeed an arduous task, and beyond the power of language itself,
worthily to treat of the mysteries of Christ, and to explain in a fitting
manner the controversy respecting the feast of Easter, its origin as well as
its precious and toilsome accomplishment. For it is not in the power even
of those who are able to apprehend them, adequately to describe the things of
God. I am, notwithstanding, filled with admiration of your learning and zeal,
and have not only myself read your work with pleasure, but have given
directions, according to your own desire, that it be communicated to many
sincere followers of our holy religion. Seeing, then, with what pleasure we
receive favors of this kind from your Sagacity, be pleased to gladden us more
frequently with those compositions, to the practice of which, indeed, you
confess yourself to have been trained from an early period, so that I am
urging a willing man, as they say, in exhorting you to your customary
pursuits. And certainly the high and confident judgment we entertain is a
proof that the person who has translated your writings into the Latin tongue
is in no respect incompetent to the task, impossible though it be that such
version should fully equal the excellence of the works themselves. God
preserve you, beloved brother." Such was his letter on this subject: and that
which related to the providing of copies of the Scriptures for reading in the
churches was to the following purport.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Constantine' s Letter to Eusebius on the Prepara
tion of Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
"VICTOR CONSTANTINUS, MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS,
to Eusebius.
"It happens, through the favoring providence of God our Saviour, that
great numbers have united themselves to the most holy church in the city which
is called by my name. It seems, therefore, highly requisite, since that city
is rapidly advancing in prosperity in all other respects, that the number of
churches should also he increased. Do you, therefore, receive with all
readiness my determination on this behalf. I have thought it expedient to
instruct your Prudence to order fifty copies of the sacred Scriptures, the
provision and use of which you know to be most needful for the instruction of
the Church, to be written on prepared parchment in a legible manner, and in a
convenient, portable form, by professional transcribers thoroughly practiced
in their art. The catholicus of the diocese has also received
instructions by letter from our Clemency to be careful to furnish all things
necessary for the preparation of such copies; and it will be for you to take
special care that they be completed with as little delay as possible. You
have authority also, in virtue of this letter, to use two of the public
carriages for their conveyance, by which arrangement the copies when fairly
written will most easily be forwarded for my personal inspection; and one of
the deacons of your church may be intrusted with this service, who, on his
arrival here, shall experience my liberality. God preserve you, beloved
brother!"
CHAPTER XXXVII.
How the Copies were provided.
SUCH were the emperor's commands, which were followed by the immediate
execution of the work itself, which we sent him in magnificent and elaborately
bound volumes of a threefold and fourfold form. This fact is attested by
another letter, which the emperor wrote in acknowledgment, in which, having
heard that the city Constantia in our country, the inhabitants of which had
been more than commonly devoted to superstition, had been impelled by a sense
of religion to abandon their past idolatry, he testified his joy, and approval
of their conduct.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
How the Market-town of Gaza was made a City far its Profession of
Christianity, and received the Name of Constantia.
FOR in fact the place now called Constantia, in the province of Palestine,
having embraced the saving religion, was distinguished both by the favor of
God, and by special honor from the emperor, being now for the first time
raised to the rank of a city, and receiving the more honored name of his pious
sister in exchange for its former appellation.
CHAPTER XXXIX.
That a Place in Phoenicia also was made a City, and in Other Cities
Idolatry was abolished, and Churches built.
A SIMILAR change was effected in several other cities; for instance, in
that town of Phoenicia which received its name from that of the emperor, and
the inhabitants of which committed their innumerable idols to the flames, and
adopted in their stead the principles of the saving faith. Numbers, too, in
the other provinces, both in the cities and the country, became willing
inquirers after the saving knowledge of God; destroyed as worthless things the
images of every kind which they had heretofore held most sacred; voluntarily
demolished the lofty temples and shrines which contained them; and, renouncing
their former sentiments, or rather errors, commenced and completed entirely
new churches. But since it is not so much my province to give a circumstantial
detail of the actions of this pious prince, as it is theirs who have been
privileged to enjoy his society at all times, I shall content myself with
briefly recording such facts as have come to my own personal knowledge, before
I proceed to notice the last days of his life.
CHAPTER XL.
That having conferred the Dignity of Caesars on his Three Sans at the Three
Decennial Periods of his Reign, he dedicated the Church at
Jerusalem.
By this time the thirtieth year of his reign was completed. In the course
of this period, his three sons had been admitted at different times as his
colleagues in the empire. The first, Constantinus, who bore his father's name,
obtained this distinction about the tenth year of his reign. Constantius, the
second son, so called from his grandfather, was proclaimed Caesar about the
twentieth, while Constans, the third, whose name expresses the firmness and
stability of his character, was advanced to the same dignity at the thirtieth
anniversary of his father's reign. Having thus reared a threefold
offspring, a Trinity, as it were, of pious sons, and having received them
severally at each decennial period to a participation in his imperial
authority, he judged the festival of his Tricennalia to be a fit occasion for
thanksgiving to the Sovereign Lord of all, at the same time believing that the
dedication of the church which his zealous magnificence had erected at
Jerusalem might advantageously be performed.
CHAPTER XLI.
That in the meantime he ordered a Council to be convened at Tyre, because
of Controversies raised in Egypt.
MEANWHILE that spirit of envy which is the enemy of all good, like a dark
cloud intercepting the sun's brightest rays, endeavored to mar the joy of this
festivity, by again raising contentions to disturb the tranquillity of the
Egyptian churches. Our divinely favored emperor, however, once more convened a
synod composed of many bishops, and set them as it were in armed array, like
the host of God, against this malignant spirit, having commanded their
presence from the whole of Egypt and Libya, from Asia, and from Europe, in
order, first, to decide the questions in dispute, and afterwards to perform
the dedication of the sacred edifice above mentioned. He enjoined them, by the
way, to adjust their differences at the capital city of Phoenicia, reminding
them that they had no right, while harboring feelings of mutual animosity, to
engage in the service of God, since his law expressly forbids those who are at
variance to offer their gift until they have first become reconciled and
mutually disposed to peace. Such were the salutary precepts which the emperor
continually kept vividly before his own mind, and in accordance with which he
admonished them to undertake their present duties in a spirit of perfect
unanimity and concord, in a letter to the following purport.
CHAPTER XLII.
Constantine's Letter to the Council at Tyre.
"VICTOR CONSTANTINUS, MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS,
to the holy Council at Tyre.
"Surely it would best consist with and best become the prosperity of these
our times, that the Catholic Church should be undivided, and the servants of
Christ be at this present moment clear from all reproach. Since, however,
there are those who, carried away by a baleful and furious spirit of
contention (for I will not charge them with intentionally leading a life
unworthy of their profession), are endeavoring to create that general
confusion which, in my judgment, is the most pernicious of all evils; I exhort
you, forward as you already are, to meet together and form a synod without
delay: to defend those who need protection; to administer remedies to your
brethren who are in peril; to recall the divided members to unity of judgment;
to rectify errors while opportunity is yet allowed: that thus you may restore
to so many provinces that due measure of concord which, strange and sad
anomaly! the arrogance of a few individuals has destroyed. And I believed that
all are alike persuaded that this course is at the same time pleasing to
Almighty God (as well as the highest object of my own desires), and will bring
no small honor to yourselves, should you be successful in restoring peace.
Delay not, then, but hasten with redoubled zeal to terminate the present
dissensions in a manner becoming the occasion, by assembling together in that
spirit of true sincerity and faith which the Saviour whom we serve especially
demands from us, I may almost say with an audible voice, on all occasions. No
proof of pious zeal on my part shall be wanting. Already have I done all to
which my attention was directed by your letters. I have sent to those bishops
whose presence you desired, that they may share your counsels. I have
despatched Dionysius, a man of consular rank, who will both remind those
prelates of their duty who are bound to attend the Council with you, and will
himself be there to superintend the proceedings, but especially to maintain
good order. Meantime should any one, though I deem it most improbable, venture
on this occasion to violate my command, and refuse his attendance, a messenger
shall be despatched forthwith to banish that person in virtue of an imperial
edict, and to teach him that it does not become him to resist an emperor's
decrees when issued in defense of truth. For the rest, it will be for your
Holinesses, unbiased either by enmity or favor, but consistently with
ecclesiastical and apostolic order, to devise a fitting remedy whether it be
for positive offenses or for unpremeditated errors; in order that you may at
once free the Church from all reproach, relieve my anxiety, and, by restoring
the blessings of peace to those who are now divided, procure the highest honor
for yourselves. God preserve you, beloved brethren!"
CHAPTER XLIII.
Bishops from all the Provinces attended the Dedication of the Church at
Jerusalem.
No sooner had these injunctions been carded into effect, than another
emissary arrived with despatches from the emperor, and an urgent admonition to
the Council to hasten their journey to Jerusalem without delay.
Accordingly they all took their departure from the province of Phoenicia, and
proceeded to their destination, availing themselves of the public means of
transport. Thus Jerusalem became the gathering point for distinguished
prelates from every province, and the whole city was thronged by a vast
assemblage of the servants of God. The Macedonians had sent the bishop of
their metropolis; the Pannonians and Moesians the fairest of God's
youthful flock among them. A holy prelate from Persia too was there, deeply
versed in the sacred oracles; while Bithynian and Thracian bishops graced the
Council with their presence; nor were the most illustrious from Cilicia
wanting, nor the chief of the Cappadocians, distinguished above all for
learning and eloquence. In short, the whole of Syria and Mesopotamia,
Phoenicia and Arabia, Palestine, Egypt, and Libya, with the dwellers in the
Thebaid, all contributed to swell the mighty concourse of God's ministers,
followed as they were by vast numbers from every province. They were attended
by an imperial escort, and officers of trust had also been sent from the
palace itself, with instructions to heighten the splendor of the festival at
the emperor's expense.
CHAPTER XLIV.
Of their Reception by the Notary Marianus; the Distribution of Money to the
Poor; and Offerings to the Church.
THE director and chief of these officers was a most useful servant of the
emperor, a man eminent for faith and piety, and thoroughly acquainted with the
Divine word, who had been honorably conspicuous by his profession of godliness
during the time of the tyrants' power, and therefore was deservedly entrusted
with the arrangement of the present proceedings. Accordingly, in faithful
obedience to the emperor's commands, he received the assembly with courteous
hospitality, and entertained them with
feasts and banquets on a scale of great splendor. He also distributed lavish
supplies of money and clothing among the naked and destitute, and the
multitudes of both sexes who suffered from want of food and the common
necessaries of life. Finally, he enriched and beautified the church itself
throughout with offerings of imperial magnificence, and thus fully
accomplished the service he had been commissioned to perform.
CHAPTER XLV.
Various Discourses by the Assembled Bishops; ala by Eusebius, the Writer of
this History.
MEANTIME the festival derived additional luster both from the prayers and
discourses of the ministers of God, some of whom extolled the pious emperor's
willing devotion to the Saviour of mankind, and dilated on the magnificence of
the edifice which he had raised to his memory. Others afforded, as it were, an
intellectual feast to the ears of all present, by public disquisitions on the
sacred doctrines of our religion. Others interpreted passages of holy
Scripture, and unfolded their hidden meaning; while such as were unequal to
these efforts presented a bloodless sacrifice and mystical service to God in
the prayers which they offered for general peace, for the Church of God, for
the emperor himself as the instrumental cause of so many blessings, and
for his pious sons. I myself too, unworthy as I was of such a privilege,
pronounced various public orations in honor of this solemnity, wherein I
partly explained by a written description the details of the imperial edifice,
and partly endeavored to gather from the prophetic visions apt illustrations
of the symbols it displayed. Thus joyfully was the festival of dedication
celebrated in the thirtieth year of our emperor's reign.
CHAPTER XLVI.
That Eusebius afterwards delivered his Descrip
tion of the Church of the Saviour, and a Tri
cennial Oration before Constantine himself.
THE structure of the church of our Saviour, the form of his sacred cave,
the splendor of the work itself, and the numberless offerings in gold, and
silver, and precious stones, I have described to the best of my ability, and
dedicated to the emperor in a separate treatise, which on a fitting
opportunity I shall append to this present work. I shall add to it also that
oration on his Tricennalia which shortly afterwards, having traveled to the
city which bears his name, I delivered in the emperor's own presence. This
was the second opportunity afforded me of glorifying the Supreme God in the
imperial palace itself: and on this occasion my pious hearer evinced the
greatest joy, as he afterwards testified, when he entertained the bishops then
present, and loaded them with distinctions of every kind.
CHAFFER XLVII.
That the Council at Nicaea was held in the
Twentieth, the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem in the Thirtieth, Year of
Constantine's Reign.
THIS second synod the emperor convened at Jerusalem, being the greatest of
which we have any knowledge, next to the first which he had summoned at the
famous Bithynian city. That indeed was a triumphal assembly, held in the
twentieth year of his reign, an occasion of thanksgiving for victory over his
enemies in the very city which bears the name of victory. The present
meeting added luster to the thirtieth anniversary, during which the emperor
dedicated the church at the sepulchre of our Saviour, as a peace-offering to
God, the giver of all good.
CHAFFER XLVIII.
That Constantine was displeased with one who
praised him excessively.
AND now that all these ceremonies were completed, and the divine qualities
of the emperor's character continued to be the theme of universal praise, one
of God's ministers presumed so far as in his own presence to pronounce him
blessed, as having been counted worthy to hold absolute and universal empire
in this life, and as being destined to share the empire of the Son of God in
the world to come. These words, however, Constantine heard with indignation,
and forbade the speaker to hold such language, exhorting him rather to pray
earnestly on his behalf, that whether in this life or in that which is to
come, he might be found worthy to be a servant of God.
CHAPTER XLIX.
Marriage of his Son Constantius Coesar.
ON the completion of the thirtieth year of his reign he solemnized the
marriage of his second son, having concluded that of his first-born long
before. This was an occasion of great joy and festivity, the emperor himself
attending on his son at the ceremony, and entertaining the guests of both
sexes, the men and women in distinct and separate companies, with sumptuous
hospitality. Rich presents likewise were liberally distributed among the
cities and people.
CHAPTER L.
Embassy and Presents from the Indians.
ABOUT this time ambassadors from the Indians, who inhabit the distant
regions of the East, arrived with presents consisting of many varieties of
brilliant precious stones, and animals differing in species from those known
to us. These offerings they presented to the emperor, thus allowing that his
sovereignty extended even to the Indian Ocean, and that the princes of their
country, who rendered homage to him both by paintings and statues,
acknowledged his imperial and paramount authority. Thus the Eastern Indians
now submitted to his sway, as the Britons of the Western Ocean had done at the
commencement of his reign.
CHAPTER LI.
That Constantine divided the Empire between his Three Sons, whom he had
instructed in Politics and Religion.
HAVING thus established his power in the opposite extremities of the
world, he divided the whole extent of his dominions, as though he were
allotting a patrimonial inheritance to the dearest objects of his regard,
among his three sons. To the eldest he assigned his grandfather's portion; to
the second, the empire of the East; to the third, the countries which lie
between these two divisions. And being desirous of furnishing his children
with an inheritance truly valuable and salutary to their souls, he had been
careful to imbue them
with true religious principles, being himself their guide to the knowledge of
sacred things, and also appointing men of approved piety to be their
instructors. At the same time he assigned them the most accomplished teachers
of secular learning, by some of whom they were taught the arts of war, while
they were trained by others in political, and by others again in legal
science. To each moreover was granted a truly royal retinue, consisting of
infantry, spearmen, and body guards, with every other kind of military force;
commanded respectively by captains, tribunes, and generals of whose
warlike skill and devotion to his sons the emperor had had previous
experience.
CHAPTER LII.
That after they had reached Man's Estate he
was their Guide in Piety.
As long as the Caesars were of tender years, they were aided by suitable
advisers in the management of public affairs; but on their arrival at the age
of manhood their father's instructions alone sufficed. When present he
proposed to them his own example, and admonished them to follow his pious
course: in their absence he furnished them by letter with rules of conduct
suited to their imperial station, the first and greatest of which was an
exhortation to value the knowledge and worship of the Sovereign Lord of all
more than wealth, nay, more than empire itself. At length he permitted them to
direct the public administration of the empire without control, making it his
first request that they would care for the interests of the Church of God, and
boldly profess themselves disciples of Christ. Thus trained, and excited to
obedience not so much by precept as by their own voluntary desire for virtue,
his sons more than fulfilled the admonitions of their father, devoting their
earnest attention to the service of God, and observing the ordinances of the
Church even in the palace itself, with all the members of their households.
For their father's forethought had provided that all the attendants of his
son's should be Christians. And not only so, but the military officers of
highest rank, and those who had the control of public business, were
professors of the same faith: for the emperor placed confidence in the
fidelity of men devoted to the service of God, as in a strong and sure
defense. When our thrice blessed prince had completed these arrangements, and
thus secured order and tranquillity throughout the empire, God, the dispenser
of all blessings, judged it to be the fitting
time to translate him to a better inheritance, and summoned him to pay the
debt of nature.
CHAPTER LIII.
Having reigned about Thirty-two Years, and lived above Sixty, he still had a
Sound Body.
HE completed the time of his reign in two and thirty years, wanting a few
months and days, and his whole life extended to about twice that period.
At this age he still possessed a sound and vigorous body, free from all
blemish, and of more than youthful vivacity; a noble mien, and strength equal
to any exertion; so that he was able to join in martial exercises, to fide,
endure the fatigues of travel, engage in battle, and erect trophies over his
conquered enemies, besides gaining those bloodless victories by which he was
wont to triumph over those who opposed him.
CHAffER LIV.
Of those who abused his Extreme Benevolence
for Avarice and Hypocrisy.
IN like manner his mental qualities reached the highest point of human
perfection. Indeed he was distinguished by every excellence of character, but
especially by benevolence; a virtue, however, which subjected him to censure
from many, in consequence of the baseness of wicked men, who ascribed their
own crimes to the emperor's forbearance. In truth I can myself bear testimony
to the grievous evils which prevailed during these times; I mean the violence
of rapacious and unprincipled men, who preyed on all classes of society alike,
and the scandalous hypocrisy of those who crept into the Church, and assumed
the name and character of Christians. His own benevolence and goodness of
heart, the genuineness of his own faith, and his truthfulness of character,
induced the emperor to credit the profession of these reputed Christians, who
craftily preserved the semblance of sincere affection for his person. The
confidence he reposed in such men sometimes forced him into conduct unworthy
of himself, of which envy took advantage to cloud in this respect the luster
of his character.
CHAPTER LV.
Constantine employed himself in Composition of Various Kinds to the Close of
his Life.
THESE offenders, however, were soon over
taken by divine chastisement. To return to our emperor. He had so thoroughly
trained his mind in the art of reasoning that he continued to the last to
compose discourses on various subjects, to deliver frequent orations in
public, and to instruct his hearers in the sacred doctrines of religion. He
was also habitually engaged in legislating both on political and military
questions; in short, in devising whatever might be conducive to the
general welfare of the human race. It is well worthy of remark, that, very
shortly before his departure, he pronounced a funeral oration before his usual
auditory, in which he spoke at length on the immortality of the soul, the
state of those who had persevered in a life of godliness, and the blessings
which God has laid up in store for them that love him. On the other hand he
made it appear by copious and conclusive arguments what the end of those will
be who have pursued a contrary career, describing in vivid language the final
ruin of the ungodly. His powerful testimony on these subjects seemed so far to
touch the consciences of those around him, that one of the self-imagined
philosophers, of whom he asked his opinion of what he had heard, bore
testimony to the truth of his words, and accorded a real, though reluctant,
tribute of praise to the arguments by which he had exposed the worship of a
plurality of gods. By converse such as this with his friends before his death,
the emperor seemed as it were to smooth and prepare the way for his transition
to a happier life.
CHAPTER LVI.
How he took Bishops with him on an Expedition against the Persians, and
look with him a Tent in the Form of a Church.
IT is also worthy of record that about the time of which I am at present
writing, the emperor, having heard of an insurrection of some barbarians in
the East, observed that the conquest of this enemy was still in store for him,
and resolved on an expedition against the Persians. Accordingly he proceeded
at once to put his forces in motion, at the same time communicating his
intended march to the bishops who happened to be at his court, some of whom he
judged it right to take with him as compan
ions, and as needful coadjutors in the service of God. They, on the other
hand, cheerfully declared their willingness to follow in his train,
disclaiming any desire to leave him, and engaging to battle with and for him
by supplication to God on his behalf. Full of joy at this answer to his
request, he unfolded to them his projected line of march; after which he
caused a tent of great splendor, representing in shape the figure of a church,
to be prepared for his own use in the approaching war. In this he intended to
unite with the bishops in offering prayers to the God from whom all victory
proceeds.
CHAPTER LVII.
How he received an Embassy from the Persians and kept the Night Vigil with
others at the Feast of Easter.
IN the meanwhile the Persians, hearing of the emperor's warlike
preparations, and not a little terrified at the prospect of an engagement with
his forces, dispatched an embassy to pray for conditions of peace. These
overtures the emperor, himself a sincere lover of peace, at once accepted, and
readily entered on friendly relations with that people. At this time, the
great festival of Easter was at hand; on which occasion he rendered the
tribute of his prayers to God, and passed the night in watching with the rest.
CHAPTER LVIII.
Concerning the Building of a Church in Honor of the Apostles at
Constantinople.
AFTER this he proceeded to erect a church in memory of the apostles, in
the city which bears his name. This building he carried to a vast height, and
brilliantly decorated by encasing it from the foundation to the roof with
marble slabs of various colors. He also formed the inner roof of finely
fretted work, and overlaid it throughout with gold. The external covering,
which protected the building from the rain, was of brass instead of tiles; and
this too was splendidly and profusely adorned with gold, and reflected the
sun's rays with a brilliancy which dazzled the distant beholder. The dome was
entirely encompassed by a finely carved tracery, wrought in brass and gold.
CHAPTER LIX.
Farther Description of the same Church.
SUCH was the magnificence with which the emperor was pleased to beautify
this church.
The building was surrounded by an open area of great extent, the four sides of
which were terminated by porticos which enclosed the area and the church
itself. Adjoining these porticos were ranges of stately chambers, with baths
and promenades, and besides many apartments adapted to the use of those who
had charge of the place.
CHAPTER LX.
He also erected his own Sepulchral Monument
in this Church.
ALL these edifices the emperor consecrated with the desire of perpetuating
the memory of the apostles of our Saviour. He had, however, another object in
erecting this building: an object at first unknown, but which afterwards
became evident to all. He had in fact made choice of this spot in the prospect
of his own death, anticipating with extraordinary fervor of faith that his
body would share their title with the apostles themselves, and that he should
thus even after death become the subject, with them, of the devotions which
should be performed to their honor in this place. He accordingly caused twelve
coffins to be set up in this church, like sacred pillars in honor and memory
of the apostolic number, in the center of which his own was placed, having six
of theirs on either side of it. Thus, as I said, he had provided with prudent
foresight an honorable resting-place for his body after death, and, having
long before secretly formed this resolution, he now consecrated this church to
the apostles, believing that this tribute to their memory would be of no small
advantage to his own soul. Nor did God disappoint him of that which he so
ardently expected and desired. For after he had completed the first services
of the feast of Easter, and had passed this sacred day of our Lord in a manner
which made it an occasion of joy and gladness to himself and to all; the God
through whose aid he performed all these acts, and whose zealous servant he
continued to be even to the end of life, was pleased at a happy time to
translate him to a better life.
CHAPTER LXI.
His Sickness at Helenopolis, and Prayers respect
ing his Baptism.
AT first he experienced some slight bodily indisposition, which was soon
followed by positive disease. In consequence of this he visited the hot baths
of his own city; and thence proceeded to that which bore the name of his
mother. Here he passed some time in the church of the
martyrs, and offered up supplications and prayers to God. Being at length
convinced that his life was drawing to a close, he felt the time was come at
which he should seek purification from sins of his past career, firmly
believing that whatever errors he had committed as a mortal man, his soul
would be purified from them through the efficacy of the mystical words and the
salutary waters of baptism. Impressed with these thoughts, he poured forth
his supplications and confessions to God, kneeling on the pavement in the
church itself, in which he also now for the first time received the imposition
of hands with prayer. After this he proceeded as far as the suburbs of
Nicomedia, and there, having summoned the bishops to meet him, addressed them
in the following words.
CHAPTER LXII.
Constantine's Appeal to the Bishops, requesting them to confer upon him the
Rite of Baptism.
"THE time is arrived which I have long hoped for, with an earnest desire
and prayer that I might obtain the salvation of God. The hour is come in which
I too may have the blessing of that seal which confers immortality; the hour
in which I may receive the seal of salvation. I had thought to do this in the
waters of the river Jordan, wherein our Saviour, for our example, is recorded
to have been baptized: but God, who knows what is expedient for us, is pleased
that I should receive this blessing here. Be it so, then, without delay:
for should it be his will who is Lord of life and death, that my existence
here should be prolonged, and should I be destined henceforth to associate
with the people of God, and unite with them in prayer as a member of his.
Church, I will prescribe to myself from this time such a course of life as
befits his service." After he had thus spoken, the prelates performed the
sacred ceremonies in the usual manner, and, having given him the necessary
instructions, made him a partaker of the mystic ordinance. Thus was
Constantine the first of all sovereigns who was regenerated and perfected in a
church dedicated to the martyrs of Christ; thus gifted with the Divine seal of
baptism, he rejoiced in spirit, was renewed, and filled with heavenly light:
his soul was gladdened by reason of the fervency of his faith, and astonished
at the manifestation of the power of God. At the conclusion of the ceremony he
arrayed himself in shining imperial vestments, brilliant as the light, and
reclined on a couch of the purest white, refusing to clothe himself with the
purple any more.
CHAPTER LXIII.
How after his Baptism he rendered Thanks
God.
HE then lifted his voice and poured forth a strain of thanksgiving to God;
after which he added these words. "Now I know that I am truly blessed: now I
feel assured that I am accounted worthy of immortality, and am made a partaker
of Divine light." He further expressed his compassion for the unhappy
condition of those who were strangers to such blessings as he enjoyed: and
when the tribunes and generals of his army appeared in his presence with
lamentations and tears at the prospect of their bereavement, and with prayers
that his days might yet be prolonged, he assured them in reply that he was now
in possession of true life; that none but himself could know the value of the
blessings he had received; so that he was anxious rather to hasten than to
defer his departure to God. He then proceeded to complete the needful
arrangement of his affairs, bequeathing an annual donation to the Roman
inhabitants of his imperial city; apportioning the inheritance of the empire,
like a patrimonial estate, among his own children; in short, making every
disposition according to his own pleasure.
CHAFFER LXIV.
Constantinople's Death at Noon on the Feast of
Pentecost.
ALL these events occurred during a most important festival, I mean the
august and holy solemnity of Pentecost, which is distinguished by a period of
seven weeks, and sealed with that one day on which the holy Scriptures attest,
the ascension of our common Saviour into heaven, and the descent of the Holy
Spirit among men. In the course of this feast the emperor received the
privileges I have described; and on the last day of all, which one might
justly call the feast of feasts, he was removed about mid-day to the presence
of his God, leaving his mortal remains to his fellow mortals, and carrying
into fellowship with God that part of his being which was capable of
understanding and loving him. Such was the close of Constantine's mortal
life. Let us now attend to the circumstances which followed this event.
CHAPTER LXV.
Lamentations of the Soldiery and their Officers.
IMMEDIATELY the assembled spearmen and body-guard rent their garments, and
prostrated themselves on the ground, striking their heads, and uttering
lamentations and cries of sorrow, calling on their imperial lord and master,
or rather, like true children, on their father, while their tribunes and
centurions addressed him as their preserver, protector, and benefactor. The
rest of the soldiery also came in respectful order to mourn as a flock the
removal of their good shepherd. The people meanwhile ran wildly throughout the
city, some expressing the inward sorrow of their hearts by loud cries, others
appearing confounded with grief: each mourning the event as a calamity which
had befallen himself, and bewailing his death as though they felt themselves
bereft of a blessing common alike to all.
CHAPTER LXVI.
Removal of the Body from Nicomedia to the
Palace at Constantinople.
AFTER this the soldiers lifted the body from its couch, and laid it in a
golden coffin, which they enveloped in a covering of purple, and removed to
the city which was called by his own name. Here it was placed in an elevated
position in the principal chamber of the imperial palace, and surrounded by
candles burning in candlesticks of gold, presenting a marvelous spectacle, and
such as no one under the light of the sun had ever seen on earth since the
world itself began. For in the central apartment of the imperial palace, the
body of the emperor lay in its elevated resting-place, arrayed in the symbols
of sovereignty, the diadem and purple robe, and encircled by a numerous
retinue of attendants, who watched around it incessantly night and day.
CHAPTER LXVII.
He received the same Honors from the Counts and other Officers as before his
Death.
THE military officers, too, of the highest rank, the counts, and the whole
order of magistrates, who had been accustomed to do obeisance to their emperor
before, continued to fulfill this duty without any change, even after his
death entering the chamber at the appointed times, and saluting their coffined
sovereign with bended knee, as though he were still alive. After them the
senators appeared, and all who had been distinguished by any honorable office,
and rendered the same homage. These were followed by multitudes of every rank,
who came with their wives and children to witness the spectacle. These honors
continued to be rendered for a considerable time, the soldiers having resolved
thus to guard the body until his sons should arrive, and take on themselves
the conduct of their father's funeral. No mortal had ever, like this blessed
prince, continued to reign even after death, and to receive the same homage as
during his life: he only, of all who have ever lived, obtained this reward
from God: a suitable reward, since he alone of all sovereigns had in all his
actions honored the Supreme God and his Christ, and God himself accordingly
was pleased that even his mortal remains should still retain imperial
authority among men; thus indicating to all who were not utterly devoid of
understanding the immortal and endless empire which his soul was destined to
enjoy. This was the course of events here.
CHAPTER LXVIII.
Resolution of the Army to confer thence-forward the Title of Augustus on his
Sons.
MEANWHILE the tribunes selected from the troops under their command those
officers whose fidelity and zeal had long been known to the emperor, and
dispatched them to the Caesars
with intelligence of the late event. This service they accordingly performed.
As soon, however, as the soldiery throughout the provinces received the
tidings of the emperor's decease, they all, as if by a supernatural impulse,
resolved with one consent, as though their great emperor had been yet alive,
to acknowledge none other than his sons as sovereigns of the Roman world: and
these they soon after determined should no longer retain the name of Caesar,
but should each be honored with the title of Augustus, a name which indicates
the highest supremacy of imperial power. Such were the measures adopted by the
army; and these resolutions they communicated to each other by letter, so that
the unanimous desire of the legions became known at the same point of time
throughout the whole extent of the empire.
CHAPTER LXIX.
Mourning for Constantine at Rome; and the Honor paid him there through
Paintings after his Death.
ON the arrival of the news of the emperor's death in the imperial city,
the Roman senate and people felt the announcement as the heaviest and most
afflictive of all calamities, and gave themselves up to an excess of grief.
The baths and markets were closed, the public spectacles, and all other
recreations in which men of leisure are accustomed to indulge, were
interrupted. Those who had erewhile lived in luxurious ease, now walked the
streets in gloomy sadness, while all united in blessing the name of the
deceased, as the one who was dear to God, and truly worthy of the imperial
dignity. Nor was their sorrow expressed only in words: they proceeded also to
honor him, by the dedication of paintings to his memory, with the same respect
as before his death. The design of these pictures embodied a representation of
heaven itself, and depicted the emperor reposing in an ethereal mansion above
the celestial vault. They too declared his sons alone to be emperors and
Augusti, and begged with earnest entreaty that they might be permitted to
receive the body of their emperor, and perform his obsequies in the imperial
city.
CHAPTER LXX.
His Burial by his San Constantius at Con
stantinople.
THUS did they there testify their respect for the memory of him who had
been honored by God. The second of his sons, however, who had by this time
arrived, proceeded to celebrate his father's funeral in the city which bears
his name, himself heading the procession, which was preceded by detachments of
soldiers in military array, and followed by vast multitudes, the body itself
being surrounded by companies of spearmen and heavy armed infantry. On the
arrival of the procession at the church dedicated to the apostles of our
Saviour, the coffin was there entombed. Such honor did the youthful emperor
Constantius render to his deceased parent, both by his presence, and by the
due performance of this sacred ceremony.
CHAPTER LXXI.
Sacred Service in the Church of the Apostles an the Occasion of Constantine's
Funeral.
As soon as [Constantius] had withdrawn himself with the military train,
the ministers of God came forward, with the multitude and the whole
congregation of the faithful, and performed the rites of Divine worship with
prayer. At the same time the tribute of their praises was given to the
character of this blessed prince, whose body rested on a lofty and conspicuous
monument, and the whole multitude united with the priests of God in offering
prayers for his soul, not without tears, -- nay, rather with much weeping;
thus performing an office consonant with the desires of the pious deceased.
In this respect also the favor of God was manifested to his servant, in
that he not only bequeathed the succession of the empire to his own beloved
sons, but that the earthly tabernacle of his thrice blessed soul, according to
his own earnest wish, was permitted to share the monument of the apostles; was
associated with the honor of their name, and with that of the people of God;
was honored by the performance of the sacred ordinances and mystic service;
and enjoyed a participation in the prayers of the saints. Thus, too, he
continued to possess imperial power even after death, controlling, as though
with renovated life, a universal dominion, and retaining in his own name, as
Victor, Maximus, Augustus, the sovereignty of the Roman world.
CHAPTER LXXII. Of the Phoenix.
WE cannot compare him with that bird of Egypt, the only one, as they say,
of its kind, which dies,
self-sacrificed, in the midst of aromatic perfumes, and, rising from its own
ashes with new life, soars aloft in the same form which it had before. Rather
did he resemble his Saviour, who, as the sown corn which is multiplied from a
single grain, had yielded abundant increase through the blessing of God, and
had overspread the whole world with his fruit. Even so did our thrice blessed
prince become multiplied, as it were, through the succession of his sons. His
statue was erected along with theirs in every province; and the name of
Constantine was owned and honored even after the close of his mortal life.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
How Constantine is represented on Coins in the
Act of ascending to Heaven.
A COINAGE Was also struck which bore the following device. On one side
appeared the figure of our blessed prince, with the head closely veiled: the
reverse exhibited him sitting as a charioteer, drawn by four horses, with a
hand stretched downward from above to receive him up to heaven.
CHAPTER LXXIV.
The God whom he had honored deservedly hon
ored him in Return.
SUCH are the proofs by which the Supreme God has made it manifest to us,
in the person of Constantine, who alone of all sovereigns had openly professed
the Christian faith, how great a difference he perceives between those whose
privilege it is to worship him and his Christ, and those who have chosen the
contrary part, who provoked his enmity by daring to assail his Church, and
whose calamitous end, in every instance, afforded tokens of his displeasure,
as manifestly as the death of Constantine conveyed to all men an evident
assurance of his Divine love.
CHAPTER LXXV.
He surpassed all Preceding Emperors in Devo
tion to God.
STANDING, as he did, alone and pre-eminent among the Roman emperors as a
worshiper of God; alone as the bold proclaimer to all men of the doctrine of
Christ; having alone rendered honor, as none before him had ever done, to his
Church; having alone abolished utterly the error of polytheism, and
discountenanced idolatry in every form: so, alone among them both during life
and after death, was he accounted worthy of such honors as none can say have
been attained to by any other; so that no one, whether Greek or Barbarian,
nay, of the ancient Romans themselves, has ever been presented to us as worthy
of comparison with him.