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The Life of Constantine

Life of Constantine, with Orations · Eusebius of Caesarea

Preface.--Of the Death of Constantine.
The Preface Continued.
How God honors Pious Princes, but destroys Tyrants.
That God honored Constantine.
That he reigned above Thirty Years, and lived above Sixty.
That he was the Servant of God, and the Conqueror of Nations.
Comparison with Cyrus, King of the Persians, and with Alexander of Macedon.
That he conquered nearly the Whole World.
That he was the Son of a Pious Emperor, and bequeathed the Power to Royal Sons.
Of the Need for this History, and its Value for Edification.
That his Present Object is to record only the Pious Actions of Constantine.
That like Moses, he was reared in the Palaces of Kings.
Of Constantius his Father, who refused to imitate Diocletian, Maximian, and Maxentius, in their Persecution of the Christians.
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.
Of the Persecution raised by his Colleagues.
How Constantius, feigning Idolatry, expelled those who consented to offer Sacrifice, but retained in his Palace all who were willing to confess Christ.
Of his Christian Manner of Life.
That after the Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became Chief Augustus, and was blessed with a Numerous Offspring.
Of his Son Constantine, who in his Youth accompanied Diocletian into Palestine.
Flight of Constantine to his Father because of the Plots of Diocletian.
Death of Constantius, who leaves his Son Constantine Emperor.
How, after the Burial of Constantius, Constantine was Proclaimed Augustus by the Army.
A Brief Notice of the Destruction of the Tyrants.
It was by the Will of God that Constantine became possessed of the Empire.
Victories of Constantine over the Barbarians and the Britons.
How he resolved to deliver Rome from Maxentius.
That after reflecting on the Downfall of those who had worshiped Idols, he made Choice of Christianity.
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.
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.
The Making of the Standard of the Cross.
A Description of the Standard of the Cross, which the Romans now call the Labarum.
How Constantine received Instruction, and read the Sacred Scriptures.
Of the Adulterous Conduct of Maxentius at Rome.
How the Wife of a Prefect slew herself for Chastity's Sake.
Massacre of the Roman People by Maxentius.
Magic Arts of Maxentius against Constantine; and Famine at Rome.
Defeat of Maxentius's Armies in Italy.
Death of Maxentius on the Bridge of the Tiber.
Constantine's Entry into Rome.
Of the Statue of Constantine holding a Cross, and its Inscription.
Rejoicings throughout the Provinces; and Constantine's Acts of Grace.
The Honors Conferred upon Bishops, and the Building of Churches.
Constantine's Liberality to the Poor.
How he was present at the Synods of Bishops.
His Forbearance with Unreasonable Men.
Victories over the Barbarians.
Death of Maximin, who had attempted a Conspiracy, and of Others whom Constantine detected by Divine Revelation.
Celebration of Constantine's Decennalia.
How Licinius oppressed the East.
How Licinius attempted a Conspiracy against Constantine.
Intrigues of Licinius against the Bishops, and his Prohibition of Synods.
Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property.
Edict that Women should not meet with the Men in the Churches.
That those who refuse to sacrifice are to be dismissed from Military Service, and those in Prison not to be fed.
The Lawless Conduct and Covetousness of Licinius.
At length he undertakes to raise a Persecution.
That Maximian, brought Low by a Fistulous Ulcer with Worms, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians.
That Maximin, who had persecuted the Christians, was compelled to fly, and conceal himself in the Disguise of a Slave.
That Maximin, blinded by Disease, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians.
Secret Persecution by Licinius, who causes Some Bishops to be put to Death at Amasia of Pontus.
Demolition of Churches, and Butchery of the Bishops.
How Constantine was stirred in Behalf of the Christians thus in Danger of Persecution.
That Constantine prepared himself for the War by Prayer: Licinius by the Practice of Divination.
What Licinius, while sacrificing in a Grove, said concerning Idols, and concerning Christ.
An Apparition seen in the Cities subject to Licinius, as of Constantine's Troops passing through them.
That Victory everywhere followed the Presence of the Standard of the Cross in Battle.
That Fifty Men were selected to carry the Cross.
That One of the Cross-Bearers, who fled from his Post, was slain: while Another, who faithfully stood his Ground, was preserved.
Various Battles, and Constantine's Victories.
Flight, and Magic Arts of Licinius.
How Constantine, after praying in his Tabernacle, obtained the Victory.
His Humane Treatment of Prisoners.
A Farther Mention of his Prayers in the Tabernacle.
Treacherous Friendship, and Idolatrous Practices of Licinius.
How Licinius counseled his Soldiers not to attack the Standard of the Cross.
Constantine's Victory.
Death of Licinius, and Celebration of the Event.
Rejoicings and Festivities.
Constantine's Enactments in Favor of the Confessors.
His Laws concerning Martyrs, and concerning Ecclesiastical Property.
How he won the Favor of the People.
That he declared God to be the Author of his Prosperity: and concerning his Rescripts.
Law of Constantine respecting Piety towards God, and the Christian Religion.
An Illustration from Ancient Times.
Of Persecuted and Persecutors.
How the Persecution became the Occasion of Calamities to the Aggressors.
That God chose Constantine to be the Minister of Blessing.
Constantine's Expressions of Piety towards God; and Praise of the Confessors.
A Law granting Release from Exile, from Service in the Courts, and from the Confiscation of Property.
Release likewise granted to Exiles in the Islands.
And to those ignominiously employed in the Mines and Public Works.
Concerning those Confessors engaged in Military Service.
The Liberation of Free Persons condemned to labor in the Women's Apartments, or to Servitude.
Of the Inheritance of the Property of Martyrs and Confessors, also of those who had suffered Banishment or Confiscation of Property.
The Church is declared Heir of those who leave no Kindred; and the Free Gifts of such Persons Confirmed.
Lands, Gardens, or Houses, but not Actual Produce from them, are to be given back.
In what Manner Requests should be made for these.
The Treasury must restore Lands, Gardens, and Houses to the Churches.
The Tombs of Martyrs and the Cemeteries to be transferred to the Possession of the Churches.
Those who have purchased Property belonging to the Church, or received it as a Gift, are to restore it.
An Earnest Exhortation to worship God.
How the Enactments of Constantine were carried into Effect.
That he promoted Christians to Offices of Government, and forbade Gentiles in Such Stations to offer Sacrifice.
Statutes which forbade Sacrifice, and enjoined the Building of Churches.
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.
That he wrote a Letter in Condemnation of Idolatry.
Constantine's Edict to the People of the Provinces concerning the Error of Polytheism, commencing with Some General Remarks on Virtue and Vice.
Concerning Constantine's Pious Father, and the Persecutors Diocletian and Maximian.
That the Persecution originated on Account of the Oracle of Apollo, who, it was said, could not give Oracles because of “the Righteous Men.”
That Constantine, when a Youth, heard from him who wrote the Persecution Edict that “the Righteous Men” were the Christians.
The Manifold Forms of Torture and Punishment practiced against the Christians.
That the Barbarians kindly received the Christians.
What Vengeance overtook those who on Account of the Oracle raised the Persecution.
Constantine gives Glory to God, makes Grateful Acknowledgment of the Sign of the Cross, and prays for the Churches and People.
He prays that All may be Christians, but compels None.
He gives Glory to God, who has given Light by his Son to those who were in Error.
He glorifies him again for his Government of the Universe.
He gives Glory to God, as the Constant Teacher of Good.
An Admonition at the Close of the Edict, that No One should trouble his Neighbor.
How Controversies originated at Alexandria through Matters relating to Arius.
Concerning the Same Arius, and the Melitians.
How Constantine sent a Messenger and a Letter concerning Peace.
Constantine's Letter to Alexander the Bishop, and Arius the Presbyter.
His Continual Anxiety for Peace.
That he also adjusted the Controversies which had arisen in Africa.
That Religion began in the East.
Being grieved by the Dissension, he counsels Peace.
Origin of the Controversy between Alexander and Arius, and that these Questions ought not to have been discussed.
An Exhortation to Unanimity.
There should be no Contention in Matters which are in themselves of Little Moment.
The Excess of his Pious Concern caused him to shed Tears; and his Intended Journey to the East was postponed because of These Things.
The Controversy continues without Abatement, even after the Receipt of This Letter.
A Comparison of Constantine's Piety with the Wickedness of the Persecutors.
Farther Remarks on Constantine's Piety, and his Open Testimony to the Sign of the Cross.
Of his Picture surmounted by a Cross and having beneath it a Dragon.
A Farther Notice of the Controversies raised in Egypt by Arius.
Of the Disagreement respecting the Celebration of Easter.
How he ordered a Council to be held at Nicæa.
Of the General Council, at which Bishops from all Nations were Present.
That the Assembly was composed, as in the Acts of the Apostles, of Individuals from Various Nations.
Of the Virtue and Age of the Two Hundred and Fifty Bishops.
Council in the Palace. Constantine, entering, took his Seat in the Assembly.
Silence of the Council, after Some Words by the Bishop Eusebius.
Constantine's Address to the Council concerning Peace.
How he led the Dissentient Bishops to Harmony of Sentiment.
Unanimous Declaration of the Council concerning Faith, and the Celebration of Easter.
How Constantine entertained the Bishops on the Occasion of His Vicennalia.
Presents to the Bishops, and Letters to the People generally.
Constantine's Letter to the Churches respecting the Council at Nicæa.
He speaks of their Unanimity respecting the Feast of Easter, and against the Practice of the Jews.
Exhortation to follow the Example of the Greater Part of the World.
Exhortation to obey the Decrees of the Council.
Recommendation to the Bishops, on their Departure, to Preserve Harmony.
How he dismissed Some, and wrote Letters to Others; also his Presents.
How he wrote to the Egyptians, exhorting them to Peace.
How he wrote Frequent Letters of a Religious Character to the Bishops and People.
How he ordered the Erection of a Church at Jerusalem, in the Holy Place of our Saviour's Resurrection.
That the Holy Sepulchre had been covered with Rubbish and with Idols by the Ungodly.
How Constantine commanded the Materials of the Idol Temple, and the Soil itself, to be removed at a Distance.
Discovery of the Most Holy Sepulchre.
How he wrote concerning the Erection of a Church, both to the Governors of the Provinces, and to the Bishop Macarius.
Constantine's Letter to Macarius respecting the Building of the Church of our Saviour.
That the Building should surpass all the Churches in the World in the Beauty of its Walls, its Columns, and Marbles.
That he instructed the Governors concerning the Beautifying of the Roof; also concerning Workmen, and Materials.
How the Church of our Saviour, the New Jerusalem prophesied of in Scripture, was built.
Description of the Structure of the Holy Sepulchre.
Description of the Atrium and Porticos.
Description of the Walls, Roof, Decoration, and Gilding of the Body of the Church.
Description of the Double Porticos on Either Side, and of the Three Eastern Gates.
Description of the Hemisphere, the Twelve Columns, and their Bowls.
Description of the Inner Court, the Arcades and Porches.
Of the Number of his Offerings.
Of the Erection of Churches in Bethlehem, and on the Mount of Olives.
That the Empress Helena, Constantine's Mother, having visited this Locality for Devotional Purposes, built these Churches.
A Farther Notice of the Churches at Bethlehem.
Of Helena's Generosity and Beneficent Acts.
Helena's Pious Conduct in the Churches.
How she made her Will, and died at the Age of Eighty Years.
How Constantine buried his Mother, and how he honored her during her Life.
How he built Churches in Honor of Martyrs, and abolished Idolatry at Constantinople.
Representation of the Cross in the Palace, and of Daniel at the Public Fountains.
That he erected Churches in Nicomedia, and in Other Cities.
That he ordered a Church to be built at Mambre.
Constantine's Letter to Eusebius concerning Mambre.
That the Saviour appeared in this Place to Abraham.
Destruction of Idol Temples and Images everywhere.
Overthrow of an Idol Temple, and Abolition of Licentious Practices, at Aphaca in Phœnicia.
Destruction of the Temple of Æsculapius at Ægæ.
How the Gentiles abandoned Idol Worship, and turned to the Knowledge of God.
How he destroyed the Temple of Venus at Heliopolis, and built the First Church in that City.
Of the Disturbance at Antioch by Eustathius.
Constantine's Letter to the Antiochians, directing them not to withdraw Eusebius from Cæsarea, but to seek some one else.
The Emperor's Letter to Eusebius praising him for refusing the Bishopric of Antioch.
Constantine's Letter to the Council, depreciating the Removal of Eusebius from Cæsarea.
How he displayed his Zeal for the Extirpation of Heresies.
Constantine's Edict against the Heretics.
The Heretics are deprived of their Meeting Places.
How on the Discovery of Prohibited Books among the Heretics, Many of them return to the Catholic Church.
How he honored Many by Presents and Promotions.
Remission of a Fourth Part of the Taxes.
Equalization of the More Oppressive Taxes.
His Liberality, from His Private Resources, to the Losers in Suits of a Pecuniary Nature.
Conquest of the Scythians defeated through the Sign of Our Saviour.
Conquest of the Sarmatians, consequent on the Rebellion of their Slaves.
Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations receive Presents from the Emperor.
That he wrote also to the King of Persia, who had sent him an Embassy, on Behalf of the Christians in his Realm.
Letter of Constantine Augustus to Sapor, King of the Persians, containing a truly Pious Confession of God and Christ.
The Writer denounces Idols, and glorifies God.
Against the Tyrants and Persecutors; and on the Captivity of Valerian.
He declares that, having witnessed the Fall of the Persecutors, he now rejoices at the Peace enjoyed by the Christians.
He bespeaks his Affectionate Interest for the Christians in his Country.
How the Zealous Prayers of Constantine procured Peace to the Christians.
He causes himself to be represented on his Coins, and in his Portraits, in the Attitude of Prayer.
He forbids by Law the Placing his Likeness in Idol Temples.
Of his Prayers in the Palace, and his Reading the Holy Scriptures.
He enjoins the General Observance of the Lord's Day, and the Day of Preparation.
That he directed even his Pagan Soldiers to pray on the Lord's Day.
The Form of Prayer given by Constantine to his Soldiers.
He orders the Sign of the Saviour's Cross to be engraven on his Soldiers' Shields.
Of his Zeal in Prayer, and the Honor he paid to the Feast of Easter.
How he forbade Idolatrous Worship, but honored Martyrs and the Church Festivals.
That he described himself to be a Bishop, in Charge of Affairs External to the Church.
Prohibition of Sacrifices, of Mystic Rites, Combats of Gladiators, also the Licentious Worship of the Nile.
Amendment of the Law in Force respecting Childless Persons, and of the Law of Wills.
Among Other Enactments, he decrees that no Christian shall slave to a Jew, and affirms the Validity of the Decisions of Councils.
His Gifts to the Churches, and Bounties to Virgins and to the Poor.
Of Constantine's Discourses and Declamations.
That he marked out before a Covetous Man the Measure of a Grave, and so put him to Shame.
That he was derided because of his Excessive Clemency.
Of Constantine's Oration which he wrote to the Assembly of the Saints.
How he listened standing to Eusebius' Declamation in Honor of our Saviour's Sepulchre.
That he wrote to Eusebius respecting Easter, and respecting Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
Constantine's Letter to Eusebius, in praise of his Discourse concerning Easter.
Constantine's Letter to Eusebius on the Preparation of Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
How the Copies were provided.
How the Market-Town of Gaza was made a City for its Profession of Christianity, and received the Name of Constantia.
That a Place in Phœnicia also was made a City, and in Other Cities Idolatry was abolished, and Churches built.
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.
That in the meantime he ordered a Council to be convened at Tyre, because of Controversies raised in Egypt.
Constantine's Letter to the Council at Tyre.
Bishops from all the Provinces attended the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem.
Of their Reception by the Notary Marianus; the Distribution of Money to the Poor; and Offerings to the Church.
Various Discourses by the Assembled Bishops; also by Eusebius, the Writer of this History.
That Eusebius afterwards delivered his Description of the Church of the Saviour, and a Tricennial Oration before Constantine himself.
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.
That Constantine was displeased with one who praised him excessively.
Marriage of his Son Constantius Cæsar.
Embassy and Presents from the Indians.
That Constantine divided the Empire between his Three Sons, whom he had instructed in Politics and Religion.
That after they had reached Man's Estate he was their Guide in Piety.
Having reigned about Thirty-Two Years, and lived above Sixty, he still had a Sound Body.
Of those who abused His Extreme Benevolence for Avarice and Hypocrisy.
Constantine employed himself in Composition of Various Kinds to the Close of his Life.
How he took Bishops with him on an Expedition against the Persians, and took with him a Tent in the Form of a Church.
How he received an Embassy from the Persians and kept the Night Vigil with others at the Feast of Easter.
Concerning the Building of a Church in Honor of the Apostles at Constantinople.
Farther Description of the same Church.
He also erected his own Sepulchral Monument in this Church.
His Sickness at Helenopolis, and Prayers respecting his Baptism.
Constantine's Appeal to the Bishops, requesting them to confer upon him the Rite of Baptism.
How after his Baptism he rendered Thanks to God.
Constantine's Death at Noon on the Feast of Pentecost.
Lamentations of the Soldiery and their Officers.
Removal of the Body from Nicomedia to the Palace at Constantinople.
He received the same Honors from the Counts and other Officers as before his Death.
Resolution of the Army to confer thence-forward the Title of Augustus on his Sons.
Mourning for Constantine at Rome; and the Honor paid him there through Paintings after his Death.
His Burial by his Son Constantius at Constantinople.
Sacred Service in the Church of the Apostles on the Occasion of Constantine's Funeral.
Of the Phœnix.
How Constantine is represented on Coins in the Act of ascending to Heaven.
The God whom he had honored deservedly honored him in Return.
He surpassed all Preceding Emperors in Devotion to God.