The Life Of Constantine

By Eusebius Pamphilius

Title Page
the life of constantine
Preface.
Prolegomena.
1. Early Years
Section 2. The First Five Years of Reign.
Section 3. State of Affairs in 311.
Section 4. Second Five Years.
Section 5. Third Five Years.
Section 6. Fourth Five Years.
Section 7. Fifth Five Years.
Section 8. Sixth Five Years.
Section 9. Last Years.
§1. Introduction
Section 2. Inherited Characteristics.
Section 3. Physical Characteristics.
Section 4. Mental Characteristics.
Section 5. Moral Characteristics.
Section 6. Religious Characteristics.
Section 7. General Characterization.
Section 8. Summary.
Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. Oratorical Writings.
Section 3. Letters and Edicts.
Section 4. Laws.
Section 5. Various.
Chapter Iv The Mythical Constantine.
1. Constantine and his Mother Helena.
2. Constantine the Son of a British Princess.
3. Constantine's Leprosy; Healing and Baptism by Silvester.
4. Donation of Constantine.
5. Dream concerning the Founding of Constantinople.
6. Voyage of Helena.
7. The Finding of the Cross.
Section 1. Introduction
Section 2. Sources.
Section 3. Literature.
Section 1. The Life of Constantine.
Section 2. Oration of Constantine.
Section 3. Oration of Eusebius.
constantine.
Chapter I.--Preface.--Of the Death of Constantine.
Chapter II.--The Preface Continued.
Chapter III.--How God honors Pious Princes, but destroys Tyrants.
Chapter IV.--That God honored Constantine.
Chapter V.--That he reigned above Thirty Years, and lived above Sixty.
Chapter VI.--That he was the Servant of God, and the Conqueror of Nations.
Chapter VII.--Comparison with Cyrus, King of the Persians, and with Alexander of Macedon.
Chapter VIII.--That he conquered nearly the Whole World.
Chapter IX.--That he was the Son of a Pious Emperor, and bequeathed the Power to Royal Sons.
Chapter X.--Of the Need for this History, and its Value for Edification.
Chapter XI.--That his Present Object is to record only the Pious Actions of Constantine.
Chapter XII.--That like Moses, he was reared in the Palaces of Kings.
Chapter XIII.--Of Constantius his Father, who refused to imitate Diocletian, Maximian, and Maxentius, in their Persecution of the Christians.
Chapter XIV.--How Constantius his Father, being reproached with Poverty by Diocletian, filled his Treasury, and afterwards restored the Money to those by whom it had been contributed.
Chapter XV.--Of the Persecution raised by his Colleagues.
Chapter XVI.--How Constantius, feigning Idolatry, expelled those who consented to offer Sacrifice, but retained in his Palace all who were willing to confess Christ.
Chapter XVII.--Of his Christian Manner of Life.
Chapter XVIII.--That after the Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became Chief Augustus, and was blessed with a Numerous Offspring.
Chapter XIX.--Of his Son Constantine, who in his Youth accompanied Diocletian into Palestine.
Chapter XX.--Flight of Constantine to his Father because of the Plots of Diocletian.
Chapter XXI.--Death of Constantius, who leaves his Son Constantine Emperor.
Chapter XXII.--How, after the Burial of Constantius, Constantine was Proclaimed Augustus by the Army.
Chapter XXIII.--A Brief Notice of the Destruction of the Tyrants.
Chapter XXIV.--It was by the Will of God that Constantine became possessed of the Empire.
Chapter XXV.--Victories of Constantine over the Barbarians and the Britons.
Chapter XXVI.--How he resolved to deliver Rome from Maxentius.
Chapter XXVII.--That after reflecting on the Downfall of those who had worshiped Idols, he made Choice of Christianity.
Chapter XXVIII.--How, while he was praying, God sent him a Vision of a Cross of Light in the Heavens at Mid-day, with an Inscription admonishing him to conquer by that.
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.
Chapter XXX.--The Making of the Standard of the Cross.
Chapter XXXI.--A Description of the Standard of the Cross, which the Romans now call the Labarum.
Chapter XXXII.--How Constantine received Instruction, and read the Sacred Scriptures.
Chapter XXXIII.--Of the Adulterous Conduct of Maxentius at Rome.
Chapter XXXIV.--How the Wife of a Prefect slew herself for Chastity's Sake.
Chapter XXXV.--Massacre of the Roman People by Maxentius.
Chapter XXXVI.--Magic Arts of Maxentius against Constantine; and Famine at Rome.
Chapter XXXVII.--Defeat of Maxentius's Armies in Italy.
Chapter XXXVIII.--Death of Maxentius on the Bridge of the Tiber.
Chapter XXXIX.--Constantine's Entry into Rome.
Chapter XL.--Of the Statue of Constantine holding a Cross, and its Inscription.
Chapter XLI.--Rejoicings throughout the Provinces; and Constantine's Acts of Grace.
Chapter XLII.--The Honors Conferred upon Bishops, and the Building of Churches.
Chapter XLIII.--Constantine's Liberality to the Poor.
Chapter XLIV.--How he was present at the Synods of Bishops.
Chapter XLV.--His Forbearance with Unreasonable Men.
Chapter XLVI.--Victories over the Barbarians.
Chapter XLVII.--Death of Maximin, who had attempted a Conspiracy, and of Others whom Constantine detected by Divine Revelation.
Chapter XLVIII.--Celebration of Constantine's Decennalia.
Chapter XLIX.--How Licinius oppressed the East.
Chapter L.--How Licinius attempted a Conspiracy against Constantine.
Chapter LI.--Intrigues of Licinius against the Bishops, and his Prohibition of Synods.
Chapter LII.--Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property.
Chapter LIII.--Edict that Women should not meet with the Men in the Churches.
Chapter LIV.--That those who refuse to sacrifice are to be dismissed from Military Service, and those in Prison not to be fed.
Chapter LV.--The Lawless Conduct and Covetousness of Licinius.
Chapter LVI.--At length he undertakes to raise a Persecution.
Chapter LVII.--That Maximian, brought Low by a Fistulous Ulcer with Worms, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians.
Chapter LVIII.--That Maximin, who had persecuted the Christians, was compelled to fly, and conceal himself in the Disguise of a Slave.
Chapter LIX.--That Maximin, blinded by Disease, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians.
Chapter I.--Secret Persecution by Licinius, who causes Some Bishops to
Chapter II.--Demolition of Churches, and Butchery of the Bishops.
Chapter III.--How Constantine was stirred in Behalf of the Christians thus in Danger of Persecution.
Chapter IV.--That Constantine prepared himself for the War by Prayer: Licinius by the Practice of Divination.
Chapter V.--What Licinius, while sacrificing in a Grove, said concerning Idols, and concerning Christ.
Chapter VI.--An Apparition seen in the Cities subject to Licinius, as of Constantine's Troops passing through them.
Chapter VII.--That Victory everywhere followed the Presence of the Standard of the Cross in Battle.
Chapter VIII.--That Fifty Men were selected to carry the Cross.
Chapter IX.--That One of the Cross-Bearers, who fled from his Post, was slain: while Another, who faithfully stood his Ground, was preserved.
Chapter X.--Various Battles, and Constantine's Victories.
Chapter XI.--Flight, and Magic Arts of Licinius.
Chapter XII.--How Constantine, after praying in his Tabernacle, obtained the Victory.
Chapter XIII.--His Humane Treatment of Prisoners.
Chapter XIV.--A Farther Mention of his Prayers in the Tabernacle.
Chapter XV.--Treacherous Friendship, and Idolatrous Practices of Licinius.
Chapter XVI.--How Licinius counseled his Soldiers not to attack the Standard of the Cross.
Chapter XVII.--Constantine's Victory.
Chapter XVIII.--Death of Licinius, and Celebration of the Event.
Chapter XIX.--Rejoicings and Festivities.
Chapter XX.--Constantine's Enactments in Favor of the Confessors.
Chapter XXI.--His Laws concerning Martyrs, and concerning Ecclesiastical Property.
Chapter XXII.--How he won the Favor of the People.
Chapter XXIII.--That he declared God to be the Author of his Prosperity: and concerning his Rescripts.
Chapter XXIV.--Law of Constantine respecting Piety towards God, and the Christian Religion.
Chapter XXV.--An Illustration from Ancient Times.
Chapter XXVI.--Of Persecuted and Persecutors.
Chapter XXVII.--How the Persecution became the Occasion of Calamities to the Aggressors.
Chapter XXVIII.--That God chose Constantine to be the Minister of Blessing.
Chapter XXIX.--Constantine's Expressions of Piety towards God; and Praise of the Confessors.
Chapter XXX.--A Law granting Release from Exile, from Service in the Courts, and from the Confiscation of Property.
Chapter XXXI.--Release likewise granted to Exiles in the Islands.
Chapter XXXII.--And to those ignominiously employed in the Mines and Public Works.
Chapter XXXIII.--Concerning those Confessors engaged in Military Service.
Chapter XXXIV.--The Liberation of Free Persons condemned to labor in the Women's Apartments, or to Servitude.
Chapter XXXV.--Of the Inheritance of the Property of Martyrs and Confessors, also of those who had suffered Banishment or Confiscation of Property.
Chapter XXXVI.--The Church is declared Heir of those who leave no Kindred; and the Free Gifts of such Persons Confirmed.
Chapter XXXVII --Lands, Gardens, or Houses, but not Actual Produce from them, are to be given back.
Chapter XXXVIII.--In what Manner Requests should be made for these.
Chapter XXXIX.--The Treasury must restore Lands, Gardens, and Houses to the Churches.
Chapter XL.--The Tombs of Martyrs and the Cemeteries to be transferred to the Possession of the Churches.
Chapter XLI.--Those who have purchased Property belonging to the Church, or received it as a Gift, are to restore it.
Chapter XLII.--An Earnest Exhortation to worship God.
Chapter XLIII.--How the Enactments of Constantine were carried into Effect.
Chapter XLIV.--That he promoted Christians to Offices of Government, and forbade Gentiles in Such Stations to offer Sacrifice.
Chapter XLV.--Statutes which forbade Sacrifice, and enjoined the Building of Churches.
Chapter XLVI.--Constantine's Letter to Eusebius and Other Bishops, respecting the Building of Churches, with Instructions to repair the Old, and erect New Ones on a Larger Scale, with the Aid of the Provincial Governors.
Chapter XLVII.--That he wrote a Letter in Condemnation of Idolatry.
Chapter XLVIII.--Constantine's Edict to the People of the Provinces concerning the Error of Polytheism, commencing with Some General Remarks on Virtue and Vice.
Chapter XLIX.--Concerning Constantine's Pious Father, and the Persecutors Diocletian and Maximian.
Chapter L.--That the Persecution originated on Account of the Oracle of Apollo, who, it was said, could not give Oracles because of |the Righteous Men.|
Chapter LI.--That Constantine, when a Youth, heard from him who wrote the Persecution Edict that |the Righteous Men| were the Christians.
Chapter LII.--The Manifold Forms of Torture and Punishment practiced against the Christians.
Chapter LIII.--That the Barbarians kindly received the Christians.
Chapter LIV.--What Vengeance overtook those who on Account of the Oracle raised the Persecution.
Chapter LV.--Constantine gives Glory to God, makes Grateful Acknowledgment of the Sign of the Cross, and prays for the Churches and People.
Chapter LVI.--He prays that All may be Christians, but compels None.
Chapter LVII.--He gives Glory to God, who has given Light by his Son to those who were in Error.
Chapter LVIII.--He glorifies him again for his Government of the Universe.
Chapter LIX.--He gives Glory to God, as the Constant Teacher of Good.
Chapter LX.--An Admonition at the Close of the Edict, that No One should trouble his Neighbor.
Chapter LXI.--How Controversies originated at Alexandria through Matters relating to Arius.
Chapter LXII.--Concerning the Same Arius, and the Melitians.
Chapter LXIII.--How Constantine sent a Messenger and a Letter concerning Peace.
Chapter LXIV.--Constantine's Letter to Alexander the Bishop, and Arius the Presbyter.
Chapter LXV.--His Continual Anxiety for Peace.
Chapter LXVI.--That he also adjusted the Controversies which had arisen in Africa.
Chapter LXVII.--That Religion began in the East.
Chapter LXVIII.--Being grieved by the Dissension, he counsels Peace.
Chapter LXIX.--Origin of the Controversy between Alexander and Arius, and that these Questions ought not to have been discussed.
Chapter LXX.--An Exhortation to Unanimity.
Chapter LXXI.--There should be no Contention in Matters which are in themselves of Little Moment.
Chapter LXXII.--The Excess of his Pious Concern caused him to shed Tears; and his Intended Journey to the East was postponed because of These Things.
Chapter LXXIII.--The Controversy continues without Abatement, even after the Receipt of This Letter.
Chapter I.--A Comparison of Constantine's Piety with the Wickedness of
Chapter II.--Farther Remarks on Constantine's Piety, and his Open Testimony to the Sign of the Cross.
Chapter III.--Of his Picture surmounted by a Cross and having beneath it a Dragon.
Chapter IV.--A Farther Notice of the Controversies raised in Egypt by Arius.
Chapter V.--Of the Disagreement respecting the Celebration of Easter.
Chapter VI.--How he ordered a Council to be held at Nicæa.
Chapter VII.--Of the General Council, at which Bishops from all Nations were Present.
Chapter VIII.--That the Assembly was composed, as in the Acts of the Apostles, of Individuals from Various Nations.
Chapter IX.--Of the Virtue and Age of the Two Hundred and Fifty Bishops.
Chapter X.--Council in the Palace. Constantine, entering, took his Seat in the Assembly.
Chapter XI.--Silence of the Council, after Some Words by the Bishop Eusebius.
Chapter XII.--Constantine's Address to the Council concerning Peace.
Chapter XIII.--How he led the Dissentient Bishops to Harmony of Sentiment.
Chapter XIV.--Unanimous Declaration of the Council concerning Faith, and the Celebration of Easter.
Chapter XV.--How Constantine entertained the Bishops on the Occasion of His Vicennalia.
Chapter XVI.--Presents to the Bishops, and Letters to the People generally.
Chapter XVII.--Constantine's Letter to the Churches respecting the Council at Nicæa.
Chapter XVIII.--He speaks of their Unanimity respecting the Feast of Easter, and against the Practice of the Jews.
Chapter XIX.--Exhortation to follow the Example of the Greater Part of the World.
Chapter XX.--Exhortation to obey the Decrees of the Council.
Chapter XXI.--Recommendation to the Bishops, on their Departure, to Preserve Harmony.
Chapter XXII.--How he dismissed Some, and wrote Letters to Others; also his Presents.
Chapter XXIII.--How he wrote to the Egyptians, exhorting them to Peace.
Chapter XXIV.--How he wrote Frequent Letters of a Religious Character to the Bishops and People.
Chapter XXV.--How he ordered the Erection of a Church at Jerusalem, in the Holy Place of our Saviour's Resurrection.
Chapter XXVI.--That the Holy Sepulchre had been covered with Rubbish and with Idols by the Ungodly.
Chapter XXVII.--How Constantine commanded the Materials of the Idol Temple, and the Soil itself, to be removed at a Distance.
Chapter XXVIII.--Discovery of the Most Holy Sepulchre.
Chapter XXIX.--How he wrote concerning the Erection of a Church, both to the Governors of the Provinces, and to the Bishop Macarius.
Chapter XXX.--Constantine's Letter to Macarius respecting the Building of the Church of our Saviour.
Chapter XXXI.--That the Building should surpass all the Churches in the World in the Beauty of its Walls, its Columns, and Marbles.
Chapter XXXII.--That he instructed the Governors concerning the Beautifying of the Roof; also concerning Workmen, and Materials.
Chapter XXXIII.--How the Church of our Saviour, the New Jerusalem prophesied of in Scripture, was built.
Chapter XXXIV.--Description of the Structure of the Holy Sepulchre.
Chapter XXXV.--Description of the Atrium and Porticos.
Chapter XXXVI.--Description of the Walls, Roof, Decoration, and Gilding of the Body of the Church.
Chapter XXXVII.--Description of the Double Porticos on Either Side, and of the Three Eastern Gates.
Chapter XXXVIII.--Description of the Hemisphere, the Twelve Columns, and their Bowls.
Chapter XXXIX.--Description of the Inner Court, the Arcades and Porches.
Chapter XL.--Of the Number of his Offerings.
Chapter XLI.--Of the Erection of Churches in Bethlehem, and on the Mount of Olives.
Chapter XLII.--That the Empress Helena, Constantine's Mother, having visited this Locality for Devotional Purposes, built these Churches.
Chapter XLIII.--A Farther Notice of the Churches at Bethlehem.
Chapter XLIV.--Of Helena's Generosity and Beneficent Acts.
Chapter XLV.--Helena's Pious Conduct in the Churches.
Chapter XLVI.--How she made her Will, and died at the Age of Eighty Years.
Chapter XLVII.--How Constantine buried his Mother, and how he honored her during her Life.
Chapter XLVIII.--How he built Churches in Honor of Martyrs, and abolished Idolatry at Constantinople.
Chapter XLIX.--Representation of the Cross in the Palace, and of Daniel at the Public Fountains.
Chapter L.--That he erected Churches in Nicomedia, and in Other Cities.
Chapter LI.--That he ordered a Church to be built at Mambre.
Chapter LII.--Constantine's Letter to Eusebius concerning Mambre.
Chapter LIII.--That the Saviour appeared in this Place to Abraham.
Chapter LIV.--Destruction of Idol Temples and Images everywhere.
Chapter LV.--Overthrow of an Idol Temple, and Abolition of Licentious Practices, at Aphaca in Phoenicia.
Chapter LVI.--Destruction of the Temple of Æsculapius at Ægæ.
Chapter LVII.--How the Gentiles abandoned Idol Worship, and turned to the Knowledge of God.
Chapter LVIII.--How he destroyed the Temple of Venus at Heliopolis, and built the First Church in that City.
Chapter LIX.--Of the Disturbance at Antioch by Eustathius.
Chapter LX.--Constantine's Letter to the Antiochians, directing them not to withdraw Eusebius from Cæsarea, but to seek some one else.
Chapter LXI.--The Emperor's Letter to Eusebius praising him for refusing the Bishopric of Antioch.
Chapter LXII.--Constantine's Letter to the Council, depreciating the Removal of Eusebius from Cæsarea.
Chapter LXIII.--How he displayed his Zeal for the Extirpation of Heresies.
Chapter LXIV.--Constantine's Edict against the Heretics.
Chapter LXV.--The Heretics are deprived of their Meeting Places.
Chapter LXVI.--How on the Discovery of Prohibited Books among the Heretics, Many of them return to the Catholic Church.
Chapter I.--How he honored Many by Presents and Promotions.
Chapter II.--Remission of a Fourth Part of the Taxes.
Chapter III.--Equalization of the More Oppressive Taxes.
Chapter IV.--His Liberality, from His Private Resources, to the Losers in Suits of a Pecuniary Nature.
Chapter V.--Conquest of the Scythians defeated through the Sign of Our Saviour.
Chapter VI.--Conquest of the Sarmatians, consequent on the Rebellion of their Slaves.
Chapter VII.--Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations receive Presents from the Emperor.
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.
Chapter IX.--Letter of Constantine Augustus to Sapor, King of the Persians, containing a truly Pious Confession of God and Christ.
Chapter X.--The Writer denounces Idols, and glorifies God.
Chapter XI.--Against the Tyrants and Persecutors; and on the Captivity of Valerian.
Chapter XII.--He declares that, having witnessed the Fall of the Persecutors, he now rejoices at the Peace enjoyed by the Christians.
Chapter XIII.--He bespeaks his Affectionate Interest for the Christians in his Country.
Chapter XIV.--How the Zealous Prayers of Constantine procured Peace to the Christians.
Chapter XV.--He causes himself to be represented on his Coins, and in his Portraits, in the Attitude of Prayer.
Chapter XVI.--He forbids by Law the Placing his Likeness in Idol Temples.
Chapter XVII.--Of his Prayers in the Palace, and his Reading the Holy Scriptures.
Chapter XVIII.--He enjoins the General Observance of the Lord's Day, and the Day of Preparation.
Chapter XIX.--That he directed even his Pagan Soldiers to pray on the Lord's Day.
Chapter XX.--The Form of Prayer given by Constantine to his Soldiers.
Chapter XXI.--He orders the Sign of the Saviour's Cross to be engraven on his Soldiers' Shields.
Chapter XXII.--Of his Zeal in Prayer, and the Honor he paid to the Feast of Easter.
Chapter XXIII.--How he forbade Idolatrous Worship, but honored Martyrs and the Church Festivals.
Chapter XXIV.--That he described himself to be a Bishop, in Charge of Affairs External to the Church.
Chapter XXV.--Prohibition of Sacrifices, of Mystic Rites, Combats of Gladiators, also the Licentious Worship of the Nile.
Chapter XXVI.--Amendment of the Law in Force respecting Childless Persons, and of the Law of Wills.
Chapter XXVII.--Among Other Enactments, he decrees that no Christian shall slave to a Jew, and affirms the Validity of the Decisions of Councils.
Chapter XXVIII.--His Gifts to the Churches, and Bounties to Virgins and to the Poor.
Chapter XXIX.--Of Constantine's Discourses and Declamations.
Chapter XXX.--That he marked out before a Covetous Man the Measure of a Grave, and so put him to Shame.
Chapter XXXI.--That he was derided because of his Excessive Clemency.
Chapter XXXII.--Of Constantine's Oration which he wrote to the Assembly of the Saints.
Chapter XXXIII.--How he listened standing to Eusebius' Declamation in Honor of our Saviour's Sepulchre.
Chapter XXXIV.--That he wrote to Eusebius respecting Easter, and respecting Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
Chapter XXXV.--Constantine's Letter to Eusebius, in praise of his Discourse concerning Easter.
Chapter XXXVI.--Constantine's Letter to Eusebius on the Preparation of Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
Chapter XXXVII.--How the Copies were provided.
Chapter XXXVIII.--How the Market-Town of Gaza was made a City for its Profession of Christianity, and received the Name of Constantia.
Chapter XXXIX.--That a Place in Phoenicia also was made a City, and in Other Cities Idolatry was abolished, and Churches built.
Chapter XL.--That having conferred the Dignity of Cæsars on his Three Sons at the Three Decennial Periods of his Reign, he dedicated the Church at Jerusalem.
Chapter XLI.--That in the meantime he ordered a Council to be convened at Tyre, because of Controversies raised in Egypt.
Chapter XLII.--Constantine's Letter to the Council at Tyre.
Chapter XLIII.--Bishops from all the Provinces attended the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem.
Chapter XLIV.--Of their Reception by the Notary Marianus; the Distribution of Money to the Poor; and Offerings to the Church.
Chapter XLV.--Various Discourses by the Assembled Bishops; also by Eusebius, the Writer of this History.
Chapter XLVI.--That Eusebius afterwards delivered his Description of the Church of the Saviour, and a Tricennial Oration before Constantine himself.
Chapter XLVII.--That the Council at Nicæa was held in the Twentieth, the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem in the Thirtieth, Year of Constantine's Reign.
Chapter XLVIII.--That Constantine was displeased with one who praised him excessively.
Chapter XLIX.--Marriage of his Son Constantius Cæsar.
Chapter L.--Embassy and Presents from the Indians.
Chapter LI.--That Constantine divided the Empire between his Three Sons, whom he had instructed in Politics and Religion.
Chapter LII.--That after they had reached Man's Estate he was their Guide in Piety.
Chapter LIII.--Having reigned about Thirty-Two Years, and lived above Sixty, he still had a Sound Body.
Chapter LIV.--Of those who abused His Extreme Benevolence for Avarice and Hypocrisy.
Chapter LV.--Constantine employed himself in Composition of Various Kinds to the Close of his Life.
Chapter LVI.--How he took Bishops with him on an Expedition against the Persians, and took with him a Tent in the Form of a Church.
Chapter LVII.--How he received an Embassy from the Persians and kept the Night Vigil with others at the Feast of Easter.
Chapter LVIII.--Concerning the Building of a Church in Honor of the Apostles at Constantinople.
Chapter LIX.--Farther Description of the same Church.
Chapter LX.--He also erected his own Sepulchral Monument in this Church.
Chapter LXI.--His Sickness at Helenopolis, and Prayers respecting his Baptism.
Chapter LXII.--Constantine's Appeal to the Bishops, requesting them to confer upon him the Rite of Baptism.
Chapter LXIII.--How after his Baptism he rendered Thanks to God.
Chapter LXIV.--Constantine's Death at Noon on the Feast of Pentecost.
Chapter LXV.--Lamentations of the Soldiery and their Officers.
Chapter LXVI.--Removal of the Body from Nicomedia to the Palace at Constantinople.
Chapter LXVII.--He received the same Honors from the Counts and other Officers as before his Death.
Chapter LXVIII.--Resolution of the Army to confer thence-forward the Title of Augustus on his Sons.
Chapter LXIX.--Mourning for Constantine at Rome; and the Honor paid him there through Paintings after his Death.
Chapter LXX.--His Burial by his Son Constantius at Constantinople.
Chapter LXXI.--Sacred Service in the Church of the Apostles on the Occasion of Constantine's Funeral.
Chapter LXXII.--Of the Phoenix.
Chapter LXXIII.--How Constantine is represented on Coins in the Act of ascending to Heaven.
Chapter LXXIV.--The God whom he had honored deservedly honored him in Return.
Chapter LXXV.--He surpassed all Preceding Emperors in Devotion to God.
Chapter I.--Preliminary Remarks on the Feast of Easter: and how the
Chapter II.--An Appeal to the Church and to his Hearers to pardon and correct the Errors of His Speech.
Chapter III.--That God is the Father of the Word, and the Creator of all Things; and that Material Objects could not continue to exist, were their Causes Various.
Chapter IV.--On the Error of Idolatrous Worship.
Chapter V.--That Christ, the Son of God, created All Things, and has appointed to Every Thing the Term of its Existence.
Chapter VI.--The Falsity of the General Opinion respecting Fate is proved by the Consideration of Human Laws, and by the Works of Creation, the Course of which is not Fortuitous, but according to an Orderly Arrangement which evinces the Design of the Crea
Chapter VII.--In regard to Things above our Comprehension, we should glorify the Creator's Wisdom, and attribute their Causes to him alone, and not to Chance.
Chapter VIII.--That God bestows an Abundant Supply of whatever is suited to the Wants of Man, and ministers but sparingly to his Pleasures; in Both Cases with a View to his Advantage.
Chapter IX.--Of the Philosophers, who fell into Mistaken Notions, and Some of them into Danger, by their Desire of Universal Knowledge.--Also of the Doctrines of Plato.
Chapter X.--Of those who reject the Doctrines of Philosophers, as well as those of Scripture: and that we ought to believe the Poets in All Things, or disbelieve them in All.
Chapter XI.--On the Coming of our Lord in the Flesh; its Nature and Cause.
Chapter XII.--Of those who are Ignorant of this Mystery; and that their Ignorance is Voluntary. The Blessings which await those who know it, especially such as die in the Confession of the Faith.
Chapter XIII.--That there is a Necessary Difference between Created Things. That the Propensity to Good and Evil depends on the Will of Man; and that, consequently, Judgment is a Necessary and Reasonable Thing.
Chapter XIV.--That Created Nature differs infinitely from Uncreated Being; to which Man makes the Nearest Approach by a Life of Virtue.
Chapter XV.--Of the Saviour's Doctrines and Miracles; and the Benefits he confers on those who own Subjection to him.
Chapter XVI.--The Coming of Christ was predicted by the Prophets; and was ordained to be the Overthrow of Idols and Idolatrous Cities.
Chapter XVII.--Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the Wise among Heathen Nations. Also concerning Daniel, and the Three Children.
Chapter XVIII.--Of the Erythræan Sibyl, who pointed in a Prophetic Acrostic at our Lord and his Passion. The Acrostic is |Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour, Cross.|
Chapter XIX.--That this Prophecy respecting our Saviour was not the Fiction of any Member of the Christian Church, but the Testimony of the Erythræan Sibyl, whose Books were translated into Latin by Cicero before the coming of Christ. Also that Virg
Chapter XX.--A Farther Quotation from Virgilius Maro respecting Christ, with its Interpretation, showing that the Mystery was indicated therein darkly, as might be expected from a Poet.
Chapter XXI.--That these Things cannot have been spoken of a Mere Man: and that Unbelievers, owing to their Ignorance of Religion, know not even the Origin of their own Existence.
Chapter XXII.--The Emperor thankfully ascribes his Victories and all other Blessings to Christ; and condemns the Conduct of the Tyrant Maximin, the Violence of whose Persecution had enhanced the Glory of Religion.
Chapter XXIII.--Of Christian Conduct. That God is pleased with those who lead a Life of Virtue: and that we must expect a Judgment and Future Retribution.
Chapter XXIV.--Of Decius, Valerian, and Aurelian, who experienced a Miserable End in consequence of their Persecution of the Church.
Chapter XXV.--Of Diocletian, who ignobly abdicated the Imperial Throne, and was terrified by the Dread of Lightning for his Persecution of the Church.
Chapter XXVI.--The Emperor ascribes his Personal Piety to God; and shows that we are bound to seek Success from God, and attribute it to him; but to consider Mistakes as the Result of our own Negligence.
Prologue to the Oration.
Chapter I.--The Oration. To-day is the festival of our great emperor: and we his children rejoice therein
Chapter II. This only begotten Word of God reigns, from ages which had no beginning
Chapter III. And gladly does he accept and welcome this sacrifice
Chapter IV. But whence has man this knowledge, and who has ministered these truths to mortal ears?
Chapter V. And in this hope our divinely-favored emperor partakes even in this present life
Chapter VI. And God himself, as an earnest of future reward
Chapter VII. For whereas we are composed of two distinct natures
Chapter VIII. For as soon as he understood that the ignorant multitudes were inspired with a vain
Chapter IX. And now we may well compare the present with former things
Chapter X. Much might indeed be said of this salutary Sign
Chapter XI. And now, victorious and mighty Constantine, in this discourse
Chapter XII. On the other hand, the sacred doctrine teaches that he who is the supreme Source
Chapter XIII. And now let us proceed to explain the reasons for which this mighty Word of
Chapter XIV. And now let us explain the cause for which the incorporeal Word of God assumed
Chapter XV. What now remains, but to account for those which are the crowning facts of all
Chapter XVI. And now the time is come for us to proceed to the demonstration of these
Chapter XVII. And now the time is come for us to consider the works of our Saviour
Chapter XVIII. These words of ours, however, gracious. Sovereign, may well appear superfluous in your ears
THE CHURCH HISTORY OF EUSEBIUS. INDEX OF SUBJECTS.
EUSEBIUS: CONSTANTINE. GENERAL INDEX.

The Life Of Constantine

By Eusebius Pamphilius

Table of Contents