Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 1
Eusebius — Church History, Constantine & Oration
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Chapter VII.--The Exemption of the Clergy.
Chapter VII.--The Exemption of the Clergy. Copy of an Epistle in which the emperor commands that the rulers of the churches be exempted from all political duties. [2966] 1. "Greeting to thee, our most esteemed Anulinus. Since it appears from many circumstances that when that religion is despised, in which is preserved the chie…
2,468 wordsSECTION 282[2971] See below, p. 400.
[2971] See below, p. 400. [2972] A more flagrant misrepresentation of facts could hardly be imagined. Licinius received his appointment directly from Galerius and owed nothing whatever to Constantine; in fact, was an Augustus before the latter was, and held his half of the empire quite independently of the latter, and indeed by…
1,027 wordsSECTION 283Chapter IX.--The Victory of Constantine, and the Blessings which under him accrued to the Subjects of the Roman Empire.
Chapter IX.--The Victory of Constantine, and the Blessings which under him accrued to the Subjects of the Roman Empire. 1. To him, therefore, God granted, from heaven above, the deserved fruit of piety, the trophies of victory over the impious, and he cast the guilty one with all his counselors and friends prostrate at the feet…
2,280 wordsSECTION 284On Bk. III. chap. 36 § 13.
On Bk. III. chap. 36 § 13. For the Epistle to the Philippians which is ascribed to him, read his extant Epistle to the Philippians. On Bk. III. chap. 39, § 1 (note 1, continued). Since the above note was in type Resch's important work on the Agrapha(von Gebhardt and Harnack's Texte und Untersuchungen, Bd. V. Heft 4) has come …
2,399 wordsSECTION 285In the tenth year of Alexander Severus (a.d. 231) he left Alexandria (according to chap. 26) and took up his residence in Cæsarea, leaving h
In the tenth year of Alexander Severus (a.d. 231) he left Alexandria (according to chap. 26) and took up his residence in Cæsarea, leaving his catechetical school in charge of his assistant, Heraclas. The cause of his departure is stated in chap. 23 to have been "some necessary affairs of the church" which called him to Greece. …
3,032 wordsSECTION 286On Bk. VI. chap. 12, § 6.
On Bk. VI. chap. 12, § 6. Since this passage was printed, I have seen Westcott's translation of this fragment of Serapion's epistle in his Canon of the New Testament, 5th ed. p. 390 sq. (cf. especially p. 391, note), and am glad to note that his rendering of the words katarxamenon autou is the same as my own. His interpretation…
1,835 wordsSECTION 287The persecution of Diocletian, following as it did a period of more than forty years during which Christianity had been recognized as a reli
The persecution of Diocletian, following as it did a period of more than forty years during which Christianity had been recognized as a religio licita, and undertaken as it was by a man who throughout the first eighteen years of his reign had shown himself friendly to the Christians, and had even filled his own palace with Chris…
2,540 wordsSECTION 288The course of events after the publication of the First Edict is not difficult to follow. Fire broke out twice in the imperial palace. Lacta
The course of events after the publication of the First Edict is not difficult to follow. Fire broke out twice in the imperial palace. Lactantius ascribes it to Galerius, who was supposed to have desired to implicate the Christians; but, as Burckhardt remarks, Diocletian was not the man to be deceived in that way, and we may dis…
1,914 wordsSECTION 289Preface.
Preface. ------------------------ In accordance with the instruction of the editor-in-chief the following work consists of a revision of the Bagster translation of Eusebius' "Life of Constantine," Constantine's "Oration to the Saints," and Eusebius' "Oration in Praise of Constantine," with somewhat extended Prolegomena and lim…
2,320 wordsSECTION 290Meanwhile affairs were marching at Rome, too. The same year (306) that Constantine was elected Augustus by the soldiers, Maxentius at Rome w
Meanwhile affairs were marching at Rome, too. The same year (306) that Constantine was elected Augustus by the soldiers, Maxentius at Rome was proclaimed emperor by the Pretorian Guards (Eutrop. 10. 2; Vict. Cæs. p. 156; Anon. Vales. p. 472; Zos. 2. 9; Socr. 1. 2; Oros. c. 26, &c.; Lact. c. 26). He persuaded the willing (Eutrop.…
2,274 wordsSECTION 291[3010] "Raging against the nobles with every kind of destruction," Eutrop. 10. 4.
[3010] "Raging against the nobles with every kind of destruction," Eutrop. 10. 4. [3011] Edict of toleration was April 30; Constantine's anniversary, July 24. [3012] This edict was signed by Constantine and Licinius as well as by Galerius. The Latin text is found in Lactantius, de mort. pers. c. 24, and the Greek translation i…
2,331 wordsSECTION 292[3028] Perhaps earlier and perhaps later. It is generally placed in 317 (cf. Clinton, p. 370).
[3028] Perhaps earlier and perhaps later. It is generally placed in 317 (cf. Clinton, p. 370). §6. Fourth Five Years. If the third period was relatively quiet the fourth was absolutely stirring. There had undoubtedly been more or less fighting along the Danube frontier during the preceding years, but early in this period there…
1,605 wordsSECTION 293Chapter II
Chapter II Character. §1. Introduction A man's character consists of an inherited personality enlarged, modified, or disfigured by his own repeated voluntary acts. A sufficiently exhaustive survey of such character may be made under the rubrics of: 1. Inherited characteristics. 2. Physical characteristics. 3. Mental character…
2,585 wordsSECTION 294In view of all this powerfulness of personality, it may be said of all successes of this "man of power" (Eutrop. 10. 5) what Eutropius says
In view of all this powerfulness of personality, it may be said of all successes of this "man of power" (Eutrop. 10. 5) what Eutropius says of his success in war, that it was great, "but not more than proportioned to his exertions" (Eutrop.). With all this energy of personality, however, he was far from being headstrong. On the …
2,704 wordsSECTION 295But success with men and popularity seem to have opened that pitfall of success,--Vanity,--and it is charged that he fell thereinto, althoug
But success with men and popularity seem to have opened that pitfall of success,--Vanity,--and it is charged that he fell thereinto, although there is testimony to the exact contrary. According to Victor (Epit. p. 51) he was "immeasurably greedy of praise." This agrees with, and is at the same time modified by Eutropius' testimo…
2,569 wordsSECTION 296[3041] It is hardly necessary to say that the various tales of the remorse of Constantine for the death of Crispus are mythical. The tale of
[3041] It is hardly necessary to say that the various tales of the remorse of Constantine for the death of Crispus are mythical. The tale of Sopater has been mentioned. That of Codinus (De signo Cp. p. 62-63), also that, "in regret for death of Crispus, he erected a statue of pure silver with the inscription, My unjustly treated…
2,260 wordsSECTION 297A description of the inner Christian life. "For the only power in man which can be elevated to a comparison with that of God is sincere and
A description of the inner Christian life. "For the only power in man which can be elevated to a comparison with that of God is sincere and guiltless service and devotion of heart to Himself, with the contemplation and study of whatever pleases Him, the raising our affections above the things of earth, and directing our thoughts…
1,920 wordsSECTION 298Chapter III
Chapter III Writings. §1. Introduction Quite a number of works by this emperor-author are extant. [3047] They may be grouped under, I. Oratorical writings; 2. Letters and decrees; 3. Laws; 4. Various. [3047] It is curious that there should be no critical edition of the collected works of so considerable a writer. A large por…
2,221 wordsSECTION 29937. (335.) Fragment of the first letter of Constantine to Athanasius. In Athan. Apol.; Socr. 1. 27 (Op. Const. 553-556; Tr. Engl. in Athan.
37. (335.) Fragment of the first letter of Constantine to Athanasius. In Athan. Apol.; Socr. 1. 27 (Op. Const. 553-556; Tr. Engl. in Athan. Hist. Tracts, Oxf. 1843, p. 89). The letter summoning to the Council of Tyre, but only a half-dozen lines remain. This bids him admit all who wish to enter the church. 38. (335.) Letter of …
1,008 wordsSECTION 300Chapter Iv
Chapter Iv The Mythical Constantine. The many legends which have attached themselves to the name of Constantine are valuable chiefly as curiosities, and can be treated here only in specimens. A few of the more interesting and important are the following: 1. Constantine and his Mother Helena. A little anonymous work of some t…
2,394 wordsSECTION 301Chapter V
It is interesting to trace the melancholy consequences of this particular enterprise of Constantine's in the sad death of St. Cyriacus née Judas. The Emperor Julian, the apostate, "invited" him to sacrifice to idols. When he refused, melted lead was poured into his mouth; then an iron bedstead was brought, on which he was stretc…
2,220 wordsSECTION 302Compare Schaff, Hist. of Church, 3 (1884) 923-925; Venables, in Smith & W. 1 (1887), 760-763; and literature in Chevalier Schaff, &c.; also
Compare Schaff, Hist. of Church, 3 (1884) 923-925; Venables, in Smith & W. 1 (1887), 760-763; and literature in Chevalier Schaff, &c.; also editions in Graesse, Hoffmann, &c. (10) Ambrosius of Milan (ab. 340-397). Oration on the Death of Theodosius. In Migne, Patrol. Lat. 16 (1866), portion relating to Constantine especially, 1…
2,218 wordsSECTION 303Compare the exhaustive examination by Ohnesorge, Der Anonymus Valesii de Constantino. Kiel, 1885. 8vo.
Compare the exhaustive examination by Ohnesorge, Der Anonymus Valesii de Constantino. Kiel, 1885. 8vo. (27) Stephen of Byzantium (ab. 400). Greek Cities. Venet. Aldus, 1502, fol. H. iii. s.v. Naissos. The work is a dictionary of geography, and the fact in these few lines is of first value. Compare Smith, in Smith, Dict. 3 (185…
2,254 wordsSECTION 304Compare Müller, p. 535-538; Means, in Smith, Dict. 2 (1859), 587; also article of Stokes, and other literature under Malalas.
Compare Müller, p. 535-538; Means, in Smith, Dict. 2 (1859), 587; also article of Stokes, and other literature under Malalas. (38) Malalas (= John of Antioch) (ab. 700). Chronography, Bk. 13, 1-11. Ed. Dindorf (Bonnæ, 1831); in Corp. scr. hist. Byz. (section on Constantine, p. 316-324); also in Migne, Patrol. Gr. 97 (Par. 1865)…
2,231 wordsSECTION 305Compare Plate, in Smith, Dict. 579-581; and for farther literature, Chevalier and Engelmann, also for editions.
Compare Plate, in Smith, Dict. 579-581; and for farther literature, Chevalier and Engelmann, also for editions. (55) Nicephorus Callistus (d. ab. 1450). Ecclesiastical History, 7. 17-18, 55. In Migne, Patrol. Gr. 145-147. Bk. 7 is in 145, and Bk. 8 in 146. This late history, not so bad as some in style, but full of legendary ma…
1,969 wordsSECTION 306Canonici, Matt. Alois. Proposizioni storico-critiche intorno alla vita dell' imperatore Costantino....4^o. Parma, 1760. Compare Cigola, Vincenzo.
Canonici, Matt. Alois. Proposizioni storico-critiche intorno alla vita dell' imperatore Costantino....4^o. Parma, 1760. Compare Cigola, Vincenzo. Castelli, Ign. Intorno al battesimo di Costantino imper. dissertazione. In La scienza e la fede. 11 (Nap. 1870), 201-219. Caussin, Nicolas. Eques christianus, s. Constantius Magnus. …
2,205 wordsSECTION 307Haute, Theodorus van der. Oratio prior de Constantino Magno, dicta a...Delfis. Apud Joannem. Speyers, Bibliopolam, 1702, 14 pp. Spoken at th
Haute, Theodorus van der. Oratio prior de Constantino Magno, dicta a...Delfis. Apud Joannem. Speyers, Bibliopolam, 1702, 14 pp. Spoken at the same time with Rouille's Oration. Cf. Rouille for estimate. [Hug] Denkschrift zur Ehrenrettung Constantin's des Grossen. In Zeitschrift Geistlichkeit Erzbisth. Freiburg, III. Heft. (Freib…
2,202 wordsSECTION 308Smith, W. Browning. Constantine. In Enc. Brit. 6 (1878), 298-301.
Smith, W. Browning. Constantine. In Enc. Brit. 6 (1878), 298-301. Solikov, I. I. Moscow, 1810. In Russian. Stapfer, Edm. Constantin I. In Lichtenberger, Encycl. des. sciences rel. 3 (1878), 388-393. Steuchus, August. Contra Laurent Valla. De falsa donatione Constantini...Lugduni Bat. 1545, 8^o; 1547, 4^o. Streso, J. A. Konst…
2,234 wordsSECTION 309The | Life | of | Constantine | in four books, | Written in Greek, by Eusebius Pamphilus, Bishop of Cæsarea in | Palestine; done into Englis
The | Life | of | Constantine | in four books, | Written in Greek, by Eusebius Pamphilus, Bishop of Cæsarea in | Palestine; done into English from that edition set forth by | Valesius, and Printed at Paris in the Year 1659. | Together with | Valesius's Annotations on the said Life, which are made | English, and set at their prop…
2,006 wordsSECTION 310Book I.
Book I. Chapter I.--Preface.--Of the Death of Constantine. Already [3049] have all mankind united in celebrating with joyous festivities the completion of the second and third decennial period of this great emperor's reign; already have we ourselves received him as a triumphant conqueror in the assembly of God's ministers, and…
951 wordsSECTION 311Chapter III.--How God honors Pious Princes, but destroys Tyrants.
Chapter III.--How God honors Pious Princes, but destroys Tyrants. Having given assurance that those who glorify and honor him will meet with an abundant recompense at his hands, while those who set themselves against him as enemies and adversaries will compass the ruin of their own souls, he has already established the truth of…
801 wordsSECTION 312Chapter VI.--That he was the Servant of God, and the Conqueror of Nations.
Chapter VI.--That he was the Servant of God, and the Conqueror of Nations. Thus, like a faithful and good servant, did he act and testify, openly declaring and confessing himself the obedient minister of the supreme King. And God forthwith rewarded him, by making him ruler and sovereign, and victorious to such a degree that he …
847 wordsSECTION 313Chapter IX.--That he was the Son of a Pious Emperor, and bequeathed the Power to Royal Sons.
Chapter IX.--That he was the Son of a Pious Emperor, and bequeathed the Power to Royal Sons. Nor did he give this testimony in words merely, while exhibiting failure in his own practice, but pursued every path of virtue, and was rich in the varied fruits of godliness. He ensured the affection of his friends by magnificent proof…
709 wordsSECTION 314Chapter XI.--That his Present Object is to record only the Pious Actions of Constantine.
Chapter XI.--That his Present Object is to record only the Pious Actions of Constantine. It is my intention, therefore, to pass over the greater part of the royal deeds of this thrice-blessed prince; as, for example, his conflicts and engagements in the field, his personal valor, his victories and successes against the enemy, a…
1,522 wordsSECTION 315Chapter XV.--Of the Persecution raised by his Colleagues.
Chapter XV.--Of the Persecution raised by his Colleagues. By command of the supreme authorities of the empire, the governors of the several provinces had set on foot a general persecution of the godly. Indeed, it was from the imperial courts themselves that the very first of the pious martyrs proceeded, who passed through those…
743 wordsSECTION 316Chapter XVIII.--That after the Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became Chief Augustus, and was blessed with a Numerous Offspring.
Chapter XVIII.--That after the Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became Chief Augustus, and was blessed with a Numerous Offspring. The immediate consequence of this conduct was a recompense from the hand of God, insomuch that he came into the supreme authority of the empire. For the older emperors, for some unk…
1,098 wordsSECTION 317Chapter XXII.--How, after the Burial of Constantius, Constantine was Proclaimed Augustus by the Army.
Chapter XXII.--How, after the Burial of Constantius, Constantine was Proclaimed Augustus by the Army. Nor did the imperial throne remain long unoccupied: for Constantine invested himself with his father's purple, and proceeded from his father's palace, presenting to all a renewal, as it were, in his own person, of his father's …
718 wordsSECTION 318Chapter XXVI.--How he resolved to deliver Rome from Maxentius.
Chapter XXVI.--How he resolved to deliver Rome from Maxentius. While, therefore, he regarded the entire world as one immense body, and perceived that the head of it all, the royal city of the Roman empire, was bowed down by the weight of a tyrannous oppression; at first he had left the task of liberation to those who governed t…
1,439 wordsSECTION 319Chapter XXIX.--How the Christ of God appeared to him in his Sleep, and commanded him to use in his Wars a Standard made in the Form of the Cross.
Chapter XXIX.--How the Christ of God appeared to him in his Sleep, and commanded him to use in his Wars a Standard made in the Form of the Cross. He said, moreover, that he doubted within himself what the import of this apparition could be. And while he continued to ponder and reason on its meaning, night suddenly came on; then…
731 wordsSECTION 320Chapter XXXII.--How Constantine received Instruction, and read the Sacred Scriptures.
Chapter XXXII.--How Constantine received Instruction, and read the Sacred Scriptures. These things were done shortly afterwards. But at the time above specified, being struck with amazement at the extraordinary vision, and resolving to worship no other God save Him who had appeared to him, he sent for those who were acquainted …
731 wordsSource & rights
Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.