CHAPTER LX
CONSTANTINE.
[III. 58.
of the best approved and most faithful of those who were honored with the dignity of Count ;7 at the same time that he exhorted them toa peaceable spirit by repeated letters, and instructed them in the practice of true godliness,
Having prevailed by these remonstrances, he excused their conduct in his subsequent letters, alleging that he had himself heard the merits of the case from him on whose account the disturbance had arisen."
And these letters of his, which are replete with learning and instruction of no ordinary kind, I should have inserted in this present work, were it not that they might affix a mark of dishonor to the character of the persons accused. I will therefore omit these, being unwilling to revive the memory of past grievances, and will only annex those to my present narrative which he wrote to testify his satisfaction at the re-establishment of peace and concord among the rest.
In these letters, he cautioned them against any desire to claim the ruler of another district,' through whose intervention peace had been restored, as their own, and exhorted them, consistently with the usage of the Church, to choose him as their bishop, whom the common Saviour of all should point out as suited for the office.
His letter, then, is addressed to the people and to the bishops, severally, in the following terms. tinuance of former practices.
And besides this, he sent them also written exhortations, as though he had been especially ordained by God for this end, that he might instruct all men in the principles of chastity.
Hence, he disdained not to communicate by letter even with these persons, urging them to seek diligently the knowledge of God.
At the same time he followed up his words by corresponding deeds, and erected even in this city a church of great size and magnificence: so that an event unheard of before in any age, now for the first time came to pass, namely, that a city which had hitherto been wholly given up to superstition now obtained the privilege of a church of God, with presbyters and deacons, and its people were placed under the presiding care of a bishop consecrated to the service of the supreme God.
And further, the emperor, being anxious that here also as many as possible might be won to the truth, bestowed abundant provision for the necessities of the poor, desiring even thus to invite them to seek thé doctrines of salvation, as though he were almost adopting the words of him who said, "Whether in pretense, or in truth, let Christ be preached." !
CHAPTER LIX.
Of the Disturbance at Antioch by Eustathius.
CHAPTER LX.
In the midst, however, of the general happiness occasioned by these events, and while the Church of God was every where and every way flourishing throughout the empire, once more that spirit of envy, who ever watches for the ruin of the good, prepared himself to combat the greatness of our prosperity, in the expectation, perhaps, that the emperor himself, provoked by our tumults and disorders, might eventually become estranged from us.
Accordingly, he kindled a furious controversy at Antioch, and thereby involved the church in that place in a series of tragic calamities, which had well-nigh occasioned the total overthrow of the city.
The members of the Church were divided into two opposite parties; while the people, including even the magistrates and soldiery, were roused to such a pitch, that the contest would have been decided by the sword, had not the watchful providence of God, as well as dread of the emperor's displeasure, controlled the fury of the multitude.
On this occasion, too, the emperor, acting the part of a preserver and physician of souls, applied with much forbearance the remedy of persuasion to those who needed it.
He gently pleaded, as it were by an embassy, with his people, sending among them one
Constantine's Letter to the Antiochians, directing them not to withdraw Eusebius from Caesarea, but to seek some one else.
"VicroR COoNSTANTINUS, Maximus AuGusTUS, to the people of Antioch.
" How pleasing to the wise and intelligent portion of mankind is the concord which exists among you!
And I myself, brethren, am disposed to love you with an enduring affection, inspired both by religion, and by your own manner of life and zeal on my behalf.
It is by the exercise of right understanding and sound discretion, that we are enabled really to enjoy our blessings.
And what can become you so well as this discretion?
No wonder, then, if I affirm that your maintenance of the truth has tended rather to promote your security than to draw on you the hatred of others.
Indeed, amongst brethren, whom the selfsame disposition to walk 1 " Believed to have been Strategus Musonius" (Venadles).
2 [Eustathius, bishop of Antioch, whose deposition, on the ground of a charge of. a oy by the partisans of Eusebius of Nicomedia, had occasioned the disturbances alluded to in the text, — Bag.] There is a view that this whole trouble was the result of an intrigue of Eusebius to get the better of Eustathius, who was in a sense a rival.
Compare for very vigorous expression of this view, Venables, Eustathzus of Antioch, in Smith and Wace, Dict.
5 This is rather literal, and the paraphrase of Mo/z. may be better, "no foreign bishops."
1 Phil. i. 18.
But "is preached," not "let Christ be preached."
IIL. 60.]
THE LIFE OF CONSTANTINE.
divine ordinances, so that one is in no way inferior to another, if we will but boldly declare the truth, in regard to that standard of practice which is common to all.
If this be so, we must say that you will be chargeable, not with retaining. this prelate, but with wrongfully removing him ; your conduct will be characterized rather by violence than justice ; and whatever may be generally thought by others, I dare clearly and boldly affirm that this measure will furnish ground of accusation against you, and will provoke factious disturbances of the most mischievous kind: for even timid flocks can show the use and power of their teeth, when the watchful care of their shepherd declines, and they find themselves bereft of his accustomed guidance.
If this then be really so, if I am not deceived in my judgment, let this, brethren, be your first consideration, for many and important considerations will immediately present themselves, whether, should you persist in your intention, that mutual kindly feeling and affection which should subsist among you will suffer no diminution?
In the next place, remember that he, who came among you for the purpose of offering disinterested counsel,' now enjoys the reward which is due to him in the judgment of heaven ; for he has received no ordinary recompense in the high testimony you have borne to his equitable conduct.
Lastly, in accordance with your usual sound judgment, do ye exhibit a becoming diligence in selecting the person of whom you stand in need, carefully avoiding all factious and tumultuous clamor ; for such clamor is always wrong, and from the collision of discordant elements both sparks and flame will arise.
I protest, as I desire to please God and you, and to enjoy a happiness commensurate with your kind wishes, that I love you, and the quiet haven of your gentleness, now that you have cast from you that which defiled,' and received in its place at once sound morality and concord, firmly planting in the vessel the sacred standard, and guided, as one may say, by a helm of iron in your course onward to the light of heaven.
Receive then on board that merchandise which is incorruptible, since, as it were, all in the ways of truth and righteousness promises, through the favor of God, to register among his pure and holy family, what can be more honorable than gladly to acquiesce in the prosperity of all men?
Especially since the precepts of the divine law prescribe a better direction to your proposed intention, and we ourselves desire that your judgment should be confirmed by proper sanction!
It may be that you are surprised, and at a loss to understand the meaning of this introduction to my present address.
The cause of it I will not hesitate to explain without reserve.
I confess, then, that on reading your records I perceived, by the highly eulogistic testimony which they bear to Eusebius, bishop of Czesarea, whom I have myself long well known and esteemed for his learning and moderation, that you are strongly attached to him, and desire to appropriate him as your own.
What thoughts, then, do you suppose that I entertain on this subject, desirous as I am to seek for and act on the strict principles of right?
What anxiety do you imagine this desire of yours has caused me? O holy faith, who givest us in our
Saviour's words and precepts a model, as it were, of what our life should be, how hardly wouldst thou thyself resist the sins of men, were it not that thou refusest to subserve the purposes of gain!
In my own judgment, he whose first object is the maintenance of peace, seems to be superior to Victory herself; and where a right and honorable course lies open to one's choice, surely no one would hesitate to adopt it.
I ask then, brethren, why do we so decide as to inflict an injury on others by our choice?
Why do we covet those objects which will destroy the credit of our own reputation?
I myself highly esteem the individual whom ye judge worthy of your respect and affection: notwithstanding, it cannot be right that those principles should be entirely disregarded which should be authoritative and binding on all alike, so that each should not be content with his own circumstances, and all enjoy their proper privileges: nor can it be right, in considering the claims of rival candidates, to suppose but that not one only, but many, may appear worthy of comparison with this person.
For as long as no violence or harshness are suffered to disturb the dignities of the church, they continue to be on an equal
2 The other point of view has been alluded to.
It seems on the face of it, in this unanimous endorsement by the church, as if Eusebius had had the right of it in his quarrel with Eustathius; but on the other hand, it is to be remembered that this wonderful harmon in the church had come about from the fact that Eustathius and all who sympathized with him had withdrawn, and only the party of Eusebius was left.
It would be like a "' unanimous "' vote in Parliament with all the opposition benches empty.
The endorsement of his own party does not count for much.
3s (Alluding to the deposition of Eustathius, who had been charged with the crime of seduction.
The reader who consults the original of this chapter, especially the latter part of it, may judge of the difficulty of eliciting any tolerable sense from an 'obscure, and possibly corrupted, text. — Ba .] The translator (Bag.) shows scheiga in this extracting of the general sense from the involved Greek of the writing of Constantine or the translation as it supposably is.
But the very fact of the obscurity shown in this and in his oration alike is conclusive against any thought that the literary work ascribed to Constantine was written by Eusebius. footing, and worthy of the same consideration everywhere.
Nor is it reasonable that an inquiry into the qualifications of this one should be made to the detriment of others; since the judgment of all churches, whether reckoned of greater or less importance in themselves, is equally capable of receiving and maintaining the 1 To the various and controverted translations of this passage jt may be ventured to add one, '' we ourselves desire your judgment sto be fortified by good counsels."
CONSTANTINE.
[III. 60.
"T have perused the letters written by your Prudences, and highly approve of the wise resolution of your colleague in the ministry, Eusebius.
Having, moreover, been informed of the circumstances of the case, partly by your letters, partly by those of our illustrious counts, Acacius and Strategius, after sufficient investigation I have written to the people of Antioch, suggesting the course which will be at once pleasing to God and advantageous for the Church.
A copy of this I have ordered to be subjoined to this present letter, in order that ye yourselves may know what I thought fit, as an advocate of the cause of justice, to write to that people: since I find in your letter this proposal, that, in con-sonance with the choice of the people, sanctioned by your own desire, Eusebius the holy bishop of Czesarea should preside over and take the charge of the church at Antioch.
Now the letters of Eusebius himself on this subject appeared to be strictly accordant with the order prescribed by the Church.
Nevertheless it is expedient that your Prudences should be made acquainted with my opinion also.
For I am informed that Euphronius the presbyter, who is a citizen of Cesarea in Cappadocia, and George of Arethusa, likewise a presbyter, and appointed to that office by Alexander at Alexandria,? are men of tried faith.
It was right, therefore, to intimate to your Prudences, that in proposing these men and any others whom you may deem worthy the episcopal dignity, you should decide this question in a manner conformable to the tradition of the apostles.
For in that case, your Prudences will be able, according to the rule of the Church and apostolic tradition, to direct this election in the manner which true ecclesiastical discipline shall prescribe.
God preserve you, beloved brethren!" bilge water has been drained from the vessel ; and be careful henceforth so to secure the enjoyment of all your present blessing, that you may not seem at any future time either to have determined any measure on the impulse of inconsiderate or ill-directed zeal, or in the first instance rashly to have entered on an inexpedient course.
May God preserve you, beloved brethren !"
CHAPTER LXI.
The Emperor's Letter to Eusebius praising him Jor refusing the Bishopric of Antioch.
The Emperor's Letter to me on my refusing the Bishopric of Antioch.
"VicToR CONSTANTINUS, Maximus AUGUSTUS, to Eusebius.
"I have most carefully perused your letter, and perceive that you have strictly conformed to the rule enjoined by the discipline of the Church.
Now to abide by that which appears at the same time pleasing to God, and accordant with apostolical tradition, is a proof of true piety.
You have reason to deem yourself happy on this behalf, that you are counted worthy, in the judgment, I may say, of all the world, to have the oversight of any church.
For the desire which all feel to claim you for their own, undoubtedly enhances your enviable fortune in this respect.
Notwithstanding, your Prudence, whose resolve it is to observe the ordinances of God and the apostolic canon of the Church,! has done excellently well in declining the bishopric of the church at Antioch, and desiring to continue in that church of which you first received the oversight by the will of God.
I have written on this subject to the people of Antioch, and also to your colleagues in the ministry who had themselves consulted me in regard to this question ; on reading which letters, your Holiness will easily discern, that, inasmuch as justice itself opposed their claims, I have written to them under divine direction.
It will be necessary that your Prudence should be present at their conference, in order that this decision may be ratified in the church at Antioch.
God preserve you, beloved brother !"
CHAPTER LXIII.
How he displayed his Zeal for the Extirpation of Heresies.
SucH were the exhortations to do all things to the honor of the divine religion which the emperor addressed to the rulers of the churches.
Having by these means banished dissension, and
CHAPTER LXII.
1 The word has thus generall probably refer to their official title, og he translates " friends."
Constantine's Letter to the Council, deprecating been rendered by Bag., and does although in this case and occa-. the Removal of Eusebius from Caesarea.
? [George (afterwards bishop of Laodicea) appears to have been degraded from the office of presbyter on the ground of impiety, by the same bishop who had ordained him.
Both George and Euphronius were of the Arian party, of which fact it is possible that Constantine was ignorant. — Bag.] Georgius was at one time or another
Arian, semi-Arian, and Anomoean, and is said to have been called. by Athanasius " the most wicked of all the Arians'? (Venables in Smith and Wace, Dict. 2. 637).
He was constantly pitted against Eustathius, which accounts for his appearance at this time.
Euphronius was the one chosen at this time.
Compare Bennett, L£uphronius, in Smith and Wace, Dic?. 2. 297- "VicToR Constantinus, Maximus Aucustus, to Theodotus, Theodorus, Narcissus, Aétius, Alpheus, and the rest of the bishops who are at Antioch.
1 Canon 15 (or 14) of the "' Apostolical Canons."
Cf. ed. Bruns. x (Berol. 1839), 3.
Ill. 65.]
THE LIFEFOF CONSTANTINE.
reduced the Church of God to a state of uniyour offenses, so hateful and altogether atrocious are they, that a single day would not suffice to recount them all.
And, indeed, it is well to turn one's ears and eyes from such a subject, lest by a description of each particular evil, the pure sincerity and freshness of one's own faith be impaired.
Why then do I still bear with such abounding evil; especially since this protracted clemency is the cause that some who were sound are become tainted with this pestilent disease? Why not at once strike, as it were, at the root of so great a mischief by a public manifestation of displeasure ? form harmony, he next proceeded to a different duty, feeling it incumbent on him to extirpate another sort of impious persons, as pernicious enemies of the human race.
These were pests of society, who ruined whole cities under the specious garb of religious decorum ; men whom our Saviour's warning voice somewhere terms false prophets and ravenous wolves:
'" Beware of false prophets, which will come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
By their fruits ye shall know them.'
Accordingly, by an order transmitted to the governors of the several provinces, he effectually banished all such offenders.
In addition to this ordinance he addressed to them personally
CHAPTER LXV.
a severely awakening admonition, exhorting them to an earnest repentance, that they might still find a haven of safety in the true Church
The Heretics are deprived of their Meeting Places. of God.
Hear, then, in what manner he addressed them in this letter.
"* FORASMUCH, then, as it is no longer possible to bear with your pernicious errors, we give warning by this present statute that none of you henceforth presume to assemble yourselves together.' We have directed, accordingly, that you be deprived of all the houses in which you are accustomed to hold your assemblies: and our care in this respect extends so far as to forbid the holding of your superstitious and senseless meetings, not in public merely, but in any private house or place whatsoever.
Let those of you, therefore, who are desirous of embracing the true and pure religion, take the far better course of entering the catholic Church, and uniting with it in holy fellowship, whereby you will be enabled to arrive at the knowledge of the truth.
In any case, the delusions of your perverted understandings must entirely cease to mingle with and mar the felicity of our present times: I mean the impious and wretched double-mindedness of heretics and schismatics.
For it is an object worthy of that prosperity which we enjoy through the favor of God, to endeavor to bring back those who in time past were living in the hope of future blessing, from all irregularity and error to the right path, from darkness to light, from vanity to truth, from death to salvation.
And in order that this remedy may be applied with effectual power, we have commanded, as before said, that you be positively deprived of every gathering point for "your superstitious meetings, I_mean all the houses of prayer, if such be worthy of the name, which belong to
CHAPTER LXIV.
Constantine's Edict against the Heretics.
"Victor CONSTANTINUS, Maximus AUGUSTUS, to the heretics.
"Understand now, by this present statute, ye Novatians, Valentinians, Marcionites, Paulians, ye who are called Cataphrygians,! and all ye who devise and support heresies by means of your private assemblies, with what a tissue of falsehood and vanity, with what destructive and venomous errors, your doctrines are inseparably interwoven; so that through you the healthy soul is stricken with disease, and the living becomes the prey of everlasting death.
Ye haters and enemies of truth and life, in league with destruction!
All your counsels are opposed to the truth, but familiar with deeds of baseness; full of absurdities and fictions: and by these ye frame falsehoods, oppress the innocent, and withhold the light from them that believe.
Ever trespassing under the mask of godliness, ye fill all things with defilement: ye pierce the pure and guileless conscience with deadly wounds, while ye withdraw, one may almost say, the very light of day from the eyes of men.
But why should I particularize, when to speak of your criminality as it deserves demands more time and leisure than I can give?
For so long and unmeasured is the catalogue of 1 There is throughout this Life a curious repetition in the details of action against heretics of precisely the same things which Chris16.] Quoted perhaps from memory, or else this
1 [Matt. vii. 15, text is defective, for this reads, '* will come" where all N. T. MSS
. | tians complained of as having been done to them.
The idea of toleration then seems to have been much as it was in pre-reformation times, or, not to judge other times when there is a beam in our own eye, as it is in America and England to-day, — the largest toleration for every one who thinks as we do, and for the others a temporary suspension of the rule to "' judge not," with an amended prayer,
"Lord, condemn them, for they know not what they do," and a vigorous attempt to force the divine judgment, have "' come."
1 Sufficiently good general accounts of these various heresies may be found in Blunt. Dict. of Sects, Heresies, Ecclesiastical
Parties, and Schools of Religious Thought, Lond. 1874, p. 382389, Novatians; p. 612-614, Valentinians; p. 296-298, Marcionites;
Pp. 515-517, Samosatenes (Paulians); p. 336-341, Montanists (Cataphrygians).
Or see standard Encyclopedias.
CONSTANTINE.
[IIl. 65. a a i SS ae and with real sincerity embraced a better hope.
Meantime the prelates of the several churches. continued to make strict inquiry, utterly rejecting those who attempted an entrance under the specious disguise of false pretenses, while those who came with sincerity of purpose were proved for a time, and after sufficient trial numbered with the congregation.
Such was the treatment of those who stood charged with rank heresy : those, however, who maintained no impious doctrine, but had been separated from the one body through the influence of schismatic advisers, were received without difficulty or delay.
Accordingly, numbers thus revisited, as it were, their own country after an absence in a foreign land, and acknowledged the Church as a mother from whom they had wandered long, and to whom they now returned with joy and gladness.
Thus the members of the entire body became united, and compacted in one harmonious whole ; and the one catholic Church, at unity with itself, shone with full luster, while no heretical or schismatic body anywhere continued to exist.'
And the credit of having achieved this mighty work our Heaven-protected emperor alone, of all who had gone before him, was able to attribute to himself. heretics,.and that these be made over without délay to the catholic Church; that any other places be confiscated to the public service, and no facility whatever be left for any future gathering ; in order that from this day forward none of your unlawful assemblies may presume to appear in any public or private place.
Let this edict be made public."
CHAPTER LXVI.
How on the Discovery of Prohibited Books among the Heretics, Many of them return to the Catholic Church.
Tuus were the lurking-places of the heretics broken up by the emperor's command, and the savage beasts they harbored (I mean the chief authors of their impious doctrines) driven to flight.
Of those whom they had deceived, some, intimidated by the emperor's threats, disguising their real sentiments, crept secretly into the Church.
For since the law directed that search should be made for their books, those of them who practiced evil and forbidden arts were detected, and these were ready to secure their own safety by dissimulation of every kind.'
Others, however, there were, who voluntarily 2 This famous "' church unity,'' for which Constantine has been blessed or execrated, as the case might be, in all the ages since, was hardly more complete than modern unified churches where all the members held different pet doctrines and are prepared to fight for them to the bitter end.
1 Here again it is worth noting, for history and for edification, that books were prohibited and heretics treate just as the Christians did not like to "' be done by," by the heathen.
BOOK IV. 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.
How he honored Many by Presents and Promowons.
WuitE thus variously engaged in promoting the extension and glory of the Church of God, and striving by every measure to commend the 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.
CHAPTER III.
Equalization of the More Oppressive Taxes.
Anp 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.
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.1
Some received presents in money, others in land; some obtained the Pretorian prefecture, 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 IV.
His Liberality, from his Private Resources, to the Losers tn 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 presence, should be as well satisfied as the gainer of the cause; for he considered that no one ought in any case to retire dejected and sorrowful from an interview with such a prince.'
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 II.
Remission of a Fourth Part of the Taxes.
Tue 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 re-
CHAPTER V.
membered.
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, Conquest of the Scythians defeated through the Sign of Our Saviour.
Anp why should I relate even briefly and incidentally, how he subjected barbarous nations to the Roman power ; how he was the first who 1 Compare Prolegomena, under Character, for the criticism of this conduct from those who viewed it from another point of view.
1 In reality it may have been less childish than Eusebius makes it appear, for it probably refers to cases where it was a matter of just equalization of claims, where each party thought his claim just.
1 For directly contrary account of his taxations, compare Prolegomena, under Character.
CONSTANTINE,
PINE GS 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, subjugated the Scythian' and Sarmatian tribes, which had never learned submission, and compelled 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 conciliated the rest by wisely conducted embassies, and reclaimed them to a state of order and civilization from their lawless and savage life.
Thus the Scythians at length learned to acknowledge subjection to the power of Rome. 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 gold, others diadems set with precious stones ; some bringing fair-haired boys, others barbaric vestments 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 emperor's 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 VI.
Conquest of the Sarmatians, consequent on the Rebellion of their Slaves.
WiIrtH 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 VIII.
That he wrote also to the King of Persia; who had sent him an Embassy, on Behalf of the Christians in his Realm.
TuE 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 VII.
Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations receive Presents from the Emperor.
1 [AtOiomas, rot d:x0a Sedaiarar, éoxato. avdpav, Oi pév Svoopévov bmepiovos, oi & avudvTos.
INDEED, ambassadors were continually arriving from all nations, bringing for his acceptance
— Odyss, t. 23, 24.— Bag.] 1 Sapor II. (310-381) called the Great, one of the Sassanidz and afterwards the persistent enemy of the sons of Constantine,
He was at various times a bitter persecutor of the Christians, and it is said (Plate) that "no Persian king had ever caused such terror to Rome as this monarch."
Compare article by Plate on the Sassanide in Smith, Dict. of Gr. and R. Biog. and Mythol.
1 [Probably the Goths are meant, as in Socrates' Eccles. Hist.
Bk. I. ch. 18.— Bag.] Compare for his Gothic wars, references in Prolegomena, under Lzfe.
To the number of 300,000, according to Anonymus Valesianus, This was in the year 334.
WH]
THE LIFE OF CONSTANTINE.
ia eee prs maintains a prudent king in the tranquillity of peace.
CHAPTER IX.
Letter of Constantine Augustus to Sapor, King
CHAPTER XI.
of the Persians, containing a truly Pious Confession of God and Christ.
Against the Tyrants and Persecutors ; and on the Captivity of Valerian.
Copy of his Letter to the King of Persia.
"JT 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 steps.
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.
"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 re-
CHAPTER XII.
membrance ; this God I delight to contemplate with pure and guileless thoughts in the height of his glory.
He declares that, having witnessed the Fall of the Persecutors, he now rejoices at the Peace enjoyed by the Christians.
CHAPTER X.
" Anp 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 edicts.
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.
The Writer denounces Idols, and glorifies God.
"Tus 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:1 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 lovingkindness and consideration of the wants of men, he has revealed for the use 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 requites the humble and forgiving with deserved rewards: even sO does he highly honor and strengthen with his special help a kingdom justly governed, and IRs SPSL oe eee en re
CHAPTER XIII.
He bespeaks his Affectionate Interest for the Christians in his Country.
" TmaGINE, 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 1 [Valerian, who had been a persecutor of the Christians, and whose expedition against the Persians had terminated in his own captivity, and subjection to every kind of insult and cruelty from the conquerors. — Bag. ] 1 [Referring to the luminous appearances produced by the Pagan priests in the celebration of their mysteries. — Bag. ]
CONSTANTINE.
[IV. 13. 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." 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,
CHAPTER XIV.
How the Zealous Prayers of Constantine troand 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. cured Peace to the Christians.
Tuus, 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 XVIII.
LHe 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
SNe nl an SG, 9s ad | Ml ons RE
CHAPTER XV.
ffe 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.
Le forbids by Law the Placing his Likeness in Idol Temples. doritus and Nicephorus.— Bag.] Stroth translates (Hezn.), ''So I desire for you the greatest prosperity; and for them, too, I wish that it may Prosper as with you."
In this manner he represented himself, even through the medium of painting, as habitually
? [That ts, Friday. The Sear is not very intelligible.
Does it mean that Constantine ordered this day to be distinguished in some way from others, as the day of the Lord's crucifixion?
— Bag.
? [The decree of Constantine for the general observance of Sun1 [The sense ie above of this passage (which in the text is corrupt), is founded on the reading restored by Valesius from Theo-