An institution of general history from the beginning of the vvorld to the monarchy of Constantine the Great : composed in such method and manner as never yet was extant / by William Howel ...

About this Item

Title
An institution of general history from the beginning of the vvorld to the monarchy of Constantine the Great : composed in such method and manner as never yet was extant / by William Howel ...
Author
Howell, William, 1631 or 2-1683.
Publication
London :: Printed for Henry Herringman,
1661.
Rights/Permissions

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. Searching, reading, printing, or downloading EEBO-TCP texts is reserved for the authorized users of these project partner institutions. Permission must be granted for subsequent distribution, in print or electronically, of this text, in whole or in part. Please contact project staff at eebotcp-info@umich.edu for further information or permissions.

Subject terms
World history -- Early works to 1800.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A44772.0001.001
Cite this Item
"An institution of general history from the beginning of the vvorld to the monarchy of Constantine the Great : composed in such method and manner as never yet was extant / by William Howel ..." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A44772.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed October 31, 2024.

Pages

CHAP. VI. From the death of Maximinus the first created Emperour without consent of the Senate, to the Monarchy of Constantine the first Christian Emperour, who reformed Religion, and translated the Imperial seat to Byzantium, the space of 86 years.

1. THE news of Maximinus his death being brought to Rome, filled the City with extraordinary joy, having taken Maximus as he was listing men in Italy, who thereupon went to Aquileia, and received the Ar∣my, to which he pardoned all things past. Then returned he to Rome, where he and his Collegue managed matters with discretion enough,* 1.1 could they have agreed betwixt themselves; but the one being jealous of the other, and both endeavouting to grapple all the power into their own hands, thereby wrought to themselves sodain destruction. The Praetorian bands hated them both, as created by the Senate, and resolved for the removal of such an indignity of∣fered to the Army, to make them away, which Maximus understanding, would have sent for the Guard of Germans, which he knew both to be faith∣ful to him, and able to resist the power of the other; but Balbinus suspecting that he intended something against himself, would not suffer it; and so the Soldiers entering the Palace haled them out, and after all sorts of indigni∣ties offered to their persons, upon report that the Germans were coming, slew them both. Now knowing no fit person whom they might prefer, and being assured it would be very acceptable to the People, they made choice of Gordianus,* 1.2 who had been formerly made Caesar. At his beginning so great an Eclypse of the Sun happened (April 2. on the second Feria, as Cappellus agreeth with Mulierus) that the day seemed to be turned into night,* 1.3 and nothing could be done in houses without candles. Sabinianus in Africk at∣tempted new matters, but was slain. Gordianus being yet very young un∣dertook an Expedition against the Persians, over whom Sapores in his third year began to reign, having succeeded Artaxerxes their first King. By the good conduct of Misitheus his Father-in-Law he prospered very well, but he

Page 872

being slain or made away, the Soldiers not enduring the rawnesse of Gordia∣nus, transferred the Soveraignty unto Philip, and killed him, after he had reigned six years. Its observed, that all those nine that slew him perished by their own hands, their own swords, and the very same with which they de∣stroyed him.

* 1.42. M. Julius Philippus was by birth an Arabian of Trachonitis, his Fa∣ther being a notable Captain of thieves in that Country. He made his son partaker with him in the Imperial dignity.* 1.5 In his fourth year fell out the the 1000th of Rome, which was celebrated with great pomp, and all man∣ner of Games, from April 21 to April 21 of the following year. Eusebius reports of him, that he was the first Christian Emperour, and that being de∣sirous to joyn with the multitude in the Ecclesiastical Prayers, he could not be admitted till he had first rendred an account of his Faith, and joyned himself with such, as for their sins were examined, and set in the place of penitents, therefore because he was faulty in many things, saith the Historian, he wil∣lingly obeyed, and declared by his works his sincere and religious mind towards God. The Martyrologies will have him and his son converted by occasion of the solemnity of the 1000th year, and being baptized by Fabianus Bishop of Rome, after confession of his sins, to have been admitted to the Com∣munion. But saith Cappellus, if any of this had been true, would the Se∣nate that was so set against the Christians have reckoned him amongst the gods? At least would not Decius have objected this as a crime against him? The Scythians in his time infesting the Empire, he repelled by his Lieute∣nants. Marinus raising a Commotion in Pannonia, he sent Decius to quiet the Soldiers, who put the purple upon him. Philip then led an Army against this Usurper, and they met at Verona, where the old Emperour was defeated and slain, which news coming to Rome, his son a child of twelve years of age was murdered by the Praetorian bands, after they had reigned about five years.

3. Quinctus Trajanus Decius, as Orosius calleth him,* 1.6 was born in Pan∣nonia.* 1.7 According to the custom he assumed his son into participation of the Empre. He quieted at his beginning some motions in Gaul, but raised a great one against the Church, being Author of the seventh Persecution out of hatred to Philip, or as others say, having conspired against Philip, out of hatred to Christianity: by his edicts many were put to most cruel deaths. He received his reward after a short time; for now the Gothes (originally inhabi∣tants Scanzia) invaded Thrace, and other places, both by Land and Sea, be∣cause such of them as served in the Wars had been defrauded of their pay. At the desire of the Senate, to which he commended the Commonwealth in his absence, he marched against and overthrew them in several battels (notwithstanding that he lost his son, and Priscus Governour of Philippi re∣volted) and had perfected his Victory, but that he was betrayed by Gallus Hostilianus Governour of the lower Maesia. He perswaded him to fight in a fenny ground, and then revealed his intention to the Enemy, by whom he was beset, and was shallowed up in a bog, so as his body could never be found. He was courteous enough to all but Christians, and gave satisfaction to Senate and People. He reigned two years and an half.

* 1.84. Vibius Gallus Hostilianus succeeded him, both in his Empire, his malice towards Christians, and his punishnent. He clapped up an ignominious Peace with the Gothes, unto whom he promised money, a thing scarcely heard of before amongst the Romans; and this not being long kept,* 1.9 the Gothes and Scythians made incursions into Thrace, Macedonia, and Thessaly, and also into Asia, making great spoils in all places. Many other Nations after their example rebelled, and made havock of the Provinces: the Parthians also peirced into Armenia, and thence expelled Tiridates the King. The Scy∣thians proceeded so furiously, that they seemed to carry all before them, till that Aemilianus a Moor, and who commanded the Legions in Pannonia, by promises drew on his Soldiers against them, and so repelled them, that he in∣vaded their Country, for which service he was saluted Emperour by this

Page 873

Army.* 1.10 Gallus hearing of this, went presently against him, but was slain to∣gether with Volusian his son and partner in the Empire. Such was the end of him who persecuted the Church of God, and chased away such holy men as praied for his peaceable and prosperous estate.* 1.11 The persecutions of the Christians in the dayes of Decius and Gallus were accompanied or followed with a most grievous Pestilence, which so vehemently raged, that there was scarcely any Province, City or house, but was almost wasted and ruined by it. Gallus and Volusian his son reigned little more than one year.

* 1.125. Aemilianus enjoyed the dignity not long, for another Army near the Alpes creating Emperour one Valerianus, a man of noble descent,* 1.13 his Sol∣diers, lest they should incur any danger or trouble killed him after three moneths. Valerianus then taking the Government upon him in Rhaetia, the Senate at Rome gave the title of Caesar to Gallienus his son. He was at first very courteous to the Christians, and so familiarly imbraced them, that his Palace was filled with Professors of the Faith; but afterward, he was per∣swaded by the Master of the Aegyptian Sorcerers to slay them, as Enemies to their Art, and hinderers of it's operation in their presence; so that he rai∣sed the eighth Persecution, wherein many perished. But God avenged the cause of his Saints upon him; for going against Sapores the King of the Per∣sians, he was taken prisoner, and could not be released, notwithstanding the intercession of the Persian's confederates, who alleged, that the Romans the more they were overcome, the more vehemently they ever resisted. Sa∣pores kept and used him as a stool to tread on when he got on horse-back, and at length pulling his skin over his ears,* 1.14 tortured him to death. Gallienus his son who all this time had reigned with him terrified hereat,* 1.15 stopped the Persecu∣tion of the Christians; but many of the Romans who had been the instru∣ments of the Emperours cruelty, being to be punished as well as he, many Nations fell like a flood upon the Roman Empire, Gallienus giving up him∣self to all wantonnesse and luxury. The Germans over-running Rhaetia and part of Italy, came as far as Ravenna, the Allemans also wasting Gall peir∣ced into Italy. Greece, Macedonia, Pontus, and Asia, were overwhelm∣ed with an inundation of the Gothes and Scythians. Dacia beyond Danu∣bius was perpetually lost, the Quadi and Sarmatae seized on Pannonia, and the Parthians having got into their hands Mesopotamia, made incursions into Syria.

6. Gallienus neglected these motions, answering alwaies concerning these matters,* 1.16 as if notwithstanding them the Empire might flourish and do well enough. He thus little minding the Commonwealth, the Soldiers almost in all places chose them Emperours; so that at this time there were no lesse than thirty Tyrants. The most notable of these upstarts was Posthumus, who reigned in Gall with great commendations ten years; he used much mode∣ratition, expelled the Enemies, and recovered Provinces. All those thirty fell at length, either fighting with one another, or with the Emperour. But Gallienus at last, being contemned, was slain, having reigned six years toge∣ther with his father, and nine by himself, A. V. C. 1021. A. D. 268. His Successor was Flavius Claudius a Dalmatian born, according to his own de∣sire,* 1.17 and the will of the Senate, who killing of the Gothes and other Barbari∣ans to the number of 330000 men, and sinking 2000 Vessels, the Senate decreed him a Golden Shield to be set up in the Court, and a Statue in the Capitol; but to the great losse of the Commonwealth he was slain at Syr∣mium, when he had scarcely reigned two years.* 1.18 Into his place was advan∣ced Aurelius Quintillus his brother,* 1.19 an excellent person; but being too good, they that set him up pulled him down, because they could not bear his gravity and strictnesse,* 1.20 killing him the seventeenth day after at Aquileia. Then reigned Valerius Aurelianus, born either at Syrmium or some place in Dacia, of mean parentage. Being by Claudius appointed to drive the Goths out of Thrace, he was after his death saluted Emperour. He was an excellent Sol∣dier, and restored the Empire well nigh to it's former bounds. He drove out the Gothes from about Danubius; then returning to Rome, and there

Page 874

punishing some Seditious persons, he marched into the East, to reduce those parts to their former obedience.

7. In the dayes of Gallienus, the Persians having subdued Mesopotamia, and invaded Syria, One Odenatus an inhabitant of Palmyra, a Citie of this Countrey, gathering together a company of Boors, fell upon them, and so or∣dered his affairs, that he beat them out of Syria, recovered Mesopotamia,* 1.21 and incamped before Ctesiphon the Metropolis. Being slain after this Conquest, Zenobia his wife in right of her Children kept possession of the East together with Egypt. Aurelianus now going against her, in his way, in Illyricum,* 1.22 Thrace, and other places, defeated such Enemies as he met,* 1.23 and then entring Syria, after some trouble and danger, overthrew, and took the Queen her self near Antioch, and then recovered all her Dominions. But after his departure the Inhabitants of Palmyra killed his Garrison and revolted, which calling him back, he destroyed both the Citie and them therein, sparing neither Sex nor age; and after this recovered Egypt. Then returning into the West,* 1.24 he bent his endeavours against Tetricus, who reigned in Gall. Tetricus being vexed by his Seditious Soldiers, desired him, whom he termed Invincible, to rescue him from such evils, and betrayed his Army into his hands.* 1.25 Valerian growing proud upon such successe, first of all Romans set a Diadem on his head, and adorned himself with Gold and Pearl. He began also to perse∣cute the Christians; but undertaking a War against the Persians, he was slain betwixt Byzantium and Heraclea, through the malice of his Secretary, in the sixth year of his reign. In his first year,* 1.26 Hormisda the third Persian King be∣gan his reign, which lasted but one year. Him succeeded Varane, and reigned three years, and him followed Narses who continued 28. In his first year also died Plotinus the Platonist, who deriding all religion, perished through the just judgement of God by a filthy and painfull disease, although he had cho∣sen a pleasant and wholesom place wherein to live in Campania.* 1.27 Now also flourished Porphyrius his Scholar, who of a Christian became a great Enemy to Christianity, and wrote 15 books against it, to which Eusebius answered in 30. of which 20 were extant in the time of Jerome, but at this day not one.

* 1.288. There was an inter-regnum after the death of Valerian for 8 moneths,* 1.29 the Senate and Army straining courtesie the one with the other, at length the Senate made choice of Tacitus, a man of Consular Dignity, who in his sixth moneth died of a Feaver at Tarsus. The Senate desired him, that in case he should die presently, he would not leave his Children his Successors,* 1.30 but some man of approved worth and valour, as the necessity of the State required. This man was Probus;* 1.31 yet notwithstanding Florianus the brother of Tacitus invaded the Empire, but was cut off by Probus near Tarsus, within the space of two or three moneths.* 1.32 Probus unwillingly receiving the burthen upon him, managed the Government with great commendation. He recovered Gall out of the hand of the Francones a people of Germany, which now first seized on it, after many bloudy battels, and after this was ingaged in Civil Wars. For Saturninus was saluted Emperour in Egypt, who was overthrown also, and killed also against his mind, and the same successe he had against Proculus in Gall and Bonosus a Britain born. He overthrew the Sarma∣tians, subdued several barbarous Nations about Thrace by the terrour of his name onely, quieted all Asia, and forced the Parthian King to desire peace, which he granted. Returning afterward into Thrace, he planted several barbarous people within the Roman Empire, whereof some revolting, he chastized and reduced them. Now all things flourished exceedingly through peace and security, which made him something slight the Soldiers, who there∣upon, as he was marching through Illyricum against the Persians, murdered him at Syrmium, though he fled for safety into a fortified Tower. That saying undid him, Si vixero non opus erit ampliùs Romano Imperio militibus, a speech of great despair for the Soldiers. Witty and sharp speeches fallen from Princes have often given fire to Seditions. Surely, saith the most learn∣ed Viscount of St. Albans, Princes had need in tender matters, and tick∣lish

Page 875

times, to beware what they say; especially in those short speeches, which fly abroad like Darts, and are thought to be shot out of their secret in∣tentions. For as for large Discourses, they are flat things, and not so much noted.

* 1.339. M. Aurelius Carus, of the Province of Narbon in Gall,* 1.34 succeeded him, who, when he had created Caesars his two sons, Carinus and Numeria∣nus, restrained the Sarmatians, that upon the death of Probus threatned Italy: But going against the Persians, after he had recovered Mesopotamia, and ta∣ken the two noble Cities of Parthia, Ctesiphon, and Cochis, he was slain by a Thunder-bolt in his Tent near to the River Tigris.* 1.35 Of his two sons, Nume∣rianus was with him, and Carinus was left behind to look to Gall. Nume∣rianus returning out of the East as Conquerour, and lying sick in his Litter, was killed by Arius Aper his father-in-law, who gaped after the Empire. Scarcely after some dayes was this wickednesse detected by the stench of the Carkase,* 1.36 and then the Author of it being also discovered, Valerius Deocletia∣nus, who governed the family of Carus, was chosen Emperour, and rewarded Aper as he had deserved. On the 15th before the Calends of December, and 10 dayes after, he entred Nicomedia in Purple. From the beginning of this Diocletian the Egyptians began a new Aera, fetching its rise from the new Moon of Thoth the preceding moneth (August 29) which they called the Aera of Grace for some reason or other. Cappellus observeth, that the flu∣ctuating and vitious Chronology of Baronius henceforth beginneth to be right. For thinking, saith he, that he exhibited the years both of the true, and re∣ceived Aera of Christ, in truth, he exhibited neither the one sort nor the other. Beginning the Aera of Diocletian from the 284 year of our Lord, its true, and right, so that it be understood of the received, not of the true Aera of Christ: and the same is to be said concerning the years of the fol∣lowing Emperours. But after this, Carinus and Diocletian fought for the Soveraignty, and Carinus after much ado was slain by his own Sol∣diers for his lasciviousnesse, which made an end of a bloudy and laborious War.

10. Diocletian then enjoyed the Dignity alone; but great stirs arising in Gall, Carausius also who was set to defend the Sea-Coasts from the invasion of the Franks and Saxons, rather taking part with them than otherwise, he was constrained to create Caesar, Maximianus Herculeus.* 1.37 He suppressed the motions in Gall, but commanding Carausius to be killed, this man put on the Purple, though a man of mean condition, and seized upon Britain. A∣chilleus rebelled in Egypt, Africk was in trouble, and Narses King of Per∣sia invaded the Eastern parts. Diocletian awakened with these dangers, pro∣moted Maximianus to be Augustus, and they two adopted for Caesars Maximianus Galerius, and Constantius Chlorus, who married Theodora the wive's daughter of Herculeus, and by her had six sons, as the other, the daugh∣ter of Diocletian. Carausius valiantly held Britain for seven years, and then was slain by Allectus, who having kept possession of the Island three years, was overthrown by Asclepiodorus. Constantius fighting against the Allemans in Gall, at first was worsted, but afterwards got a great victory, wherein 60000 of them are said to have been slain. Maximianus Herculeus reduced Africk. Diocletian himself besieging Achillens in Alexandria 8 moneths, at length slew him therein, gave up the Citie to be plundred by the Soldiers, and vexed all Egypt with proscriptions and slaughters. Galerius was overthrown by the Persian King, and fled to Diocletian, who received him with great dis∣dain, and made him run in his Purple Robe for some miles before his Cha∣riot. Galerius much moved by this disgrace recruited his Army throughout Illyricum and Maesia, and returning against Narses, routed his Army, took his Camp, his Wives, Sisters, and Children, many of his Nobles, and great Trea∣sure, wherewith returning into Mesopotamia unto Diocletian, he was then received most honourably; for he had taken Ctesiphon, subdued Assy∣ria, and recovered those five Provinces beyond Tigris, which revolted from Trajan.

Page 876

11. After this were the Carpi, Bastarnae, and Sarmatians overthrown, and divers other Nations quieted. Diocletian now suffered himself to be called Lord, and worshipped as a God. He in the East, and his Collegue in the West, raised against the Christians the most heavy persecution that ever yet had hapned both for length and cruelty.* 1.38 The Soldiers were first begun with, whereof all such as would not sacrifize to Devils were cashiered; but the persecutors proceeded to such cruelty and rage that some were Crucified,* 1.39 others burnt alive, others roasted with slow fiers, and others pulled in pieces by having their limbs made fast to boughs of Trees, which being brought toge∣ther for that purpose, were afterwards suffered to return to their natural posi∣tion. Some were starved to death, many slain with the sword, and many de∣voured of wild beasts. Some were flead alive, others beaten to death by hot burning iron rods, and some returned to prison after their torments, there to languish away. Women were hung naked by one foot, and some had their breasts feared: no Sex, no Age, no condition was spared. A terrible Earth∣quake followed in Syria, which destroyed many thousands about Tyre and Si∣don. But in the second year of this persecution Diocletian perswaded his Col∣legue, though unwilling, that they both might resign the Empire to the two Caesars; so that he being seized with a fowl disease after he had almost reigned twenty years, put off the Purple at Nicomedia, and Maximianus Herculius the same day at Milain. The former withdrew to Salenae into his own Countrey, and the later into Lucania.

* 1.4012. The two Caesars, Maximianus Galerius,* 1.41 and Constantius Chlorus became Augusti after the resignation of their fathers in Law, and first of all others parted the Empire between them. To Constantius fell Gall, Britain,* 1.42 Spain, Italy, and Africk; to the other Illyricum, with Greece, and Asia. Galerius created Caesars his sister's two sons, Galerius Maximinus and Severus. The East he appointed to Maximinus, and intended Italy for Se∣verus, if he could but take it from Constantius. For this purpose he kept at Rome as an Hostage Constantine the son of Constantius by Helena a British woman as some say, which he put away when he married the daughter of Maximianus. But Constantine made an escape to his father,* 1.43 who died at York in Britain not long after, on the 25 of July, in the third year of his reign, he and his Collegue both the sixth time being Consuls, in the 1058 year of the City, the 306 of the ordinary Aera of Christ, the first year of the 271 Olympiad ending. His son Constantine in Britain was now saluted Emperour.

13. The Praetorian Soldiers at Rome named Emperour Maxentius the son of Maximianus Herculius,* 1.44 who together with Diocletian had resigned the Government. Against Maxentius, Galerius sent Severus,* 1.45 who besieging Rome was betrayed by his Soldiers, and flying away was killed at Ravenna. Now Maximianus Herculius out of desire to recover the Empire joyned with Constantine, to whom he married Fausta his daughter by Eutropia;* 1.46 then to obtain his design did he plot against both son and son-in-law, but being frustrated by both, hanged himself at Massilia, now Marseils, a Citie in France. Maxentius his son, and Galerius Maximinus, otherwise disagreeing joyned in renewing the persecution against the Christians, by Eusebius called the second, which we understand of his age. But Galerius Maximianus Au∣gustus made Licinius his Collegue in the Empire in the fifth year after the death of Constantius, in which year also Sapores the seventh King of Persia began his reign. Galerius Augustus heightning the persecution of Christians by several cruel edicts, rotted within, and was eaten with vvorms, vvhich crawled out of his belly, so that the Physicians not able to endure the stench of his body vvere put to death. Perceiving the hand of God upon him, in his own and Constantines name he recalled his Edicts, and at last miserably died. This vvas the second persecution, vvhich if it be joyned vvith the former, both make up about 8 years. But this rest scarcely continued 6 moneths; for Maximianus being dead at Salonae, Maximinus being nothing amended by so sad an example, renevved the persecution. His fury God chastized by put∣ting him to flight before the Armenians vvhom he had provoked, as also by

Page 877

pestilence and famine, wherein by Gods Grace the humanity of Christians was as admirable as formerly their constancy had been. Now the Roman Empire was under four Princes, viz. Constantine and Maxentius sons of Em∣perours, and Maximinus and Licinius new raised men.

14. The chief men at Rome being wearied with the Tyranny of Maxentius sent for Constantine against him. Canstantine in his journey by the benefit of a famous vision tasted of Christianity, being formerly inclined towards it.* 1.47 The truth of the story he confirmed to Eusebius by an oath (as that Historian telleth us in the History of his life) and relateth it after this manner: A little past noon he beheld the sign of a Crosse lively figured in the air, with an In∣scription in it,* 1.48 containing these words: In hoc vince. In this overcome. He said, that both he and his whole Army did wonder at so strange a prodigy. It's further said, that Christ appearing to him in a dream, commanded him to make the figure of the Crosse which he had seen, and to wear it in his Co∣lours in the field. Proceeding against Maxentiu, he overthrew his forces four times, although four times larger than his own; at the later time Maxentius flying amain towards Rome, was drowned in the River. Maxi∣minus published an Edict against Christians, but was forced to sing a palinode twice, although his flattery was as unprofitable as his threats, for he died of an horrible disease at Tarsus. Then did Constantine and Licinius enjoy the Em∣pire together. The former after his Victory over Maxentius was confirmed in the Christian Faith, and owned Christ for the Author of his successe. Li∣cinius complied with him for a time in incouraging the Christians; but after∣wards plotting against him, he also began a grievous persecution against the People of God, changed the good Laws, and laid heavy impositions on his Subjects. Constantine being hereby constrained to make Warre upon him, overthrew him in Pannonia, and several times afterwards, for that he had re∣newed the War both by Land and Sea most perfidiously, and given the title of Caesar to Martinianus. At length he forced him to yield his person, and deliver up his Robe by the hand of his wife,* 1.49 which was Constantine's sister, given him on purpose to oblige him. He sent him to Thessalonica, where he afterwards attempting new matters, he commanded him to be slain.

15. Thus did Constantine obtain the Monarchy of the Roman Empire, in the nineteenth year of his reign, the fourth of the 275 Olympiad, A. V. C. 1077,* 1.50 A. D. 324. Six years after, in the 25 of his reign, he repaired By∣zantium, and making it larger than ever, caried from Rome the greatest part of the ornaments, and of Christian Senators, and calling it after himself Con∣stantinople,* 1.51 would have it also named New Rome, and to be head of the Roman Empire with the same right as the other. He first of all had designed to build a City near Sardis in Asia,* 1.52 afterwards begun one at Sigaeum a Pro∣montory of Mount Ida, in the Country of Troas. The third time the design was begun at Chalcedon, where walls were erected; but fowls snatching up and carrying away the cords of the workmen to Byzantium a City of Thrace, up∣on it the Emperour pitched. This Town was first built in the third year of the thirtieth Olympiad; Hesychius saith by a Colony of the Argives, Ammi∣anus by one of the Athenians, Velleius saith, it was a Colony of the Mile∣sians, and Marcianus Periegetos of the Megarians, being so named from Byzas their Country-man and Captain of the Colony. It stood right over against Chalcedon in a far better soil, which made Apollo term the founders of the later blind men, because they passed by so excellent a place. It ran through various fortune according to that influence which Greece had into it's affaires; as we have from time to time observed upon occasion. Severus the Emperour almost destroyed it, but by the Soldiers of Galienus it was brought to ruine, and now restored and augmented by Constantine.

16. This Empire being now in it's declining condition, by reason of it's old age (for all sublunary things are subject to the vicissitude of time) and sorely distempered by inward heats, into which want of hereditary Monarchy, and the horrid licentiousnesse of a standing Army had thrown it, as also la∣bouring under so huge a bulk, and so great a plethora as Nature could not well

Page 878

govern,* 1.53 being forced as it were by Constantine to change its natural, suitable, and native air, by so violent an alteration contracted it's mortal infirmity. For as plants being transplanted out of their native soil, into other regions divers in climate and quality, retain little of their natural virtue; so humane affairs, especially Dominions and Empires, by such great mutations lose their vigour and stability, even also as we see it happeneth to several sorts of Animals. For this cause the Senate would never consent to the Commons to depart from Rome to Veii, though a place much more pleasant and commodious, especi∣ally after Rome was burnt by the Galls. All great and sodain mutations as to the body natural, so to the body Politick, are ever dangerous. But this trans∣lation of the Imperial Seat to Byzantlum, seemeth also to have given some occasion to a second error of Constantine, whereby dividing his Empire into three parts to his sons, of one great one he made three, with a notable dimi∣nution of authority and strength. For his sons falling out amongst them∣selves, they so defeated one another, as the Empire was exhausted, and ener∣vated amongst them.

17. For although it sometimes a little recovered under one Prince, yet remained it so lyable to divisions,* 1.54 that it seldom happened but it was divi∣ded into Eastern and Western, till at length Odoacer King of the Heruli and Turingi entering Italy with a great Army, cast Augustulus into such straights, that out of desperation he quitted the Western Empire, which happened about the year 476. The Hunni ere this had passed over Danubius, Ala∣ricus King of the Vandals had taken Rome. The Vandals first seized on An∣dalusia, and afterwards on Africk: the Alani on Lusitania (now Portugal) and the Gothes on the greater part of Spain, the Angli on Britain, and the Burgundians on Provence. Justinian the Emperour by driving the Vandals out of Africk and the Goths out of Italy, did a little repair these decayes. but the effect thereof continued not long, for about the year 710 the Armies and Heresie of Mahomet began to disturb the Eastern Empire; and in a short time the Saracens over-ran Syria, Aegypt, Africk, Sicily, and Spain. About the year 735 they also seized on several parts of Gall. Thus was the Western Empire by little and little torn in pieces and cantonized. At length by a new title it came to Charls the Great, in whose family it scarcely conti∣nued 100 years, and then came to be Elective by seven Persons, and so con∣tinueth rather a resemblance of an Empire than otherwise unto this day. As for the Eastern, it continued so weak, that scarcely sometimes could it de∣fend the Metropolis against the Saracens; much lesse could it afford any assi∣stance to the other; and after the Saracens, the Turks got ground of it by little and little, till having for many years left the Emperours little more than an empty name, at last Constantinople also was taken by Mahomet the Great. No more at present by way of Anticipation, either concerning the decay of the Roman Empire, or of those particular Kingdoms, Principalities, and States that were cut out of it, all which are referred to the method of ano∣ther Volume. But as we said, the division of the Empire took it's original from the translation of the Imperial Seat to Byzantium, it increased by plu∣rality of Princes, and came to perfection in the promotion of Charls the Great, after which there was no communion of Government, Laws, Ma∣gistracy, or Councils, as had been before. Now to our continuation of Ec∣clesiastical matters.

* 1.5518. In the second year of Decius was Fabianus Bishop of Rome crowned with Martyrdom on the fourteenth of the Calends of February. The Sea was vacant for one year, and then was chosen Cornelius, whose election displeas∣ing some, Novatus ordained against him Novatianus. The year following Cornelius was Martyred on the eighteenth before the Calends of October, and Lucius succeeded him, who shortly after was banished. In the second of Gallienus was he beheaded, and after a vacancy of 35 dayes, Stephen succeed∣ed on the ninth of April the first feria, who interceding for Basilides con∣demned by the Spaniards, they defended their right against him, and con∣demned his usurpation against the Africans as appeareth from Cyprian's

Page 879

Epistles, as also that the boldnesse of the Roman Sea was now checked by all the Provinces. After three years Stephen was beheaded by the command of Valerian, and Sixtus succeeded him, who being beheaded when Laurence the Deacon was fried to death by the command of Valerian, Dionysius suc∣ceeded. After him came Felix, and then Eutychianus, who being martyred in the first of Carus, after nine dayes Caius succeeded, December 16. Caius was crowned with Martyrdom in the twelfth of Diocletian, and after eleven dayes Marcellinus succeeded, who through fear offering incense to Idols, when he denied it, was overborn by the testimony of a multitude of witnesses, con∣fessed his fault, and afterwards redeemed his credit by suffering Martyrdom. Marcellus succeeded him. After Marcellus succeeded Eusebius, and then Miltiades, then Sylvester, who was Bishop at the time of the Council of Nice, in the twentieth year of Constantine.

19. After Alexander, Mazabanes was Bishop of Jerusalem untill the reign of Gallus and Volusianus, after him Hymeneus till the time of Aure∣lian. Then followed Zambdas and Hermon, according to(a) 1.56 Eusebius, who writeth, that the Sea of Jerusalem was alwaies honoured, and the suc∣cession continued unto his own dayes. After Hermon Macarius was Bishop,* 1.57 and was present at the Council of Nice. In the Church of Antioch after Philetus succeeded Zebinus, and then Babylas, who died in prison, in the persecution under Decius. Him followed Fabius, him Demetrianus, and him Paulus Samosatenus the heretick, who denying the Divinity of the Son of God, was excommunicated, and deprived by the second Synod held against him at Antioch in the dayes of(c) 1.58 Aurelianus. And when he would neither depart the Church, nor avoid the house, the Emperour was besought (the first application to the Prince in this nature by the Christians) to interpose and command by edict, that such should have the house as agreed in doctrine with the followers of the Bishop of Rome and Italy. Domnus was by the Synod appointed to succeed him, after whom followed Timeus, Cyrillus, Dorotheus, Tyrannus, Vitalis, Philogonus a Martyr, and(d) 1.59 Eustathius, who was at the Council of Nice. He fell into the Heresie of Sabellius, who being the Scholar of Noetus, taught that the three Persons of the Trinity were but one; but they differed, in that Sabellius said not the Father to have suffered. He was deposed by a Council held at Antioch. Eusebius Pamphi∣lius Bishop of Caesarea confuted him. After his deposition the Sea was va∣cant eight years. In the Sea of Alexandria after Heraclas, Dionysius the Scholar of Origen was Bishop, in the third year of Philip. He reporteth in(e) 1.60 Eusebius the peril he stood in, and the persecution he suffered under De∣cius. He wrote of the Alexandrian Martyrs to Fabius Bishop of Antioch; and to Novatus the Heretick, who being a Priest of Rome fell from his order, and calling his Sect Cathari, would not admit unto the Church such as fell after repentance, and he abhorred second mariage. Dionysius also wrote to Her∣manion, to Steven, and Xistus Bishops of Rome, unto Philemon a Minister of Rome, and unto Dionysius Bishop of Rome. He confuted the Book of Nepos the Chiliast, and confounded in open disputation Coracion his disciple. Hitherto this error of the Millenaries propagated by Papias, had many of the Fathers that adhered to it, who yet held that Christ when he came was to do his own work, without any prejudice to Earthly Princes in the mean time. Some observe, that Dionysius striking at this error, traduceth the Apocalypse, as also defending the distinction of Persons against Sabellius, seemeth to make three Essences. Many betook themselves to Dionysius Bishop of Rome, that he would reclaim him, and obtained it. After he had governed the Church seventeen years he died, and Maximinus succeeded him, whom followed Theonas, and him Peter, who was martyred under Diocletian. Him suc∣ceeded Achillas, and then came Alexander, who was at the Council of Nice. Hee by preaching of the Trinity somewhat curiously, gave oc∣casion to Arius one of his Clergy to fall from the Faith, as* 1.61 Socrates in∣formeth us.

20. In the fifth year of Philip whilst Fabianus was Bishop of Rome, Do∣natus

Page 880

the Bishop of Carthage died, and Cyprian succeeded him by consent of all men except Felicissimus, who, whilest the Heathens invaded his patrimo∣ny, endeavoured to deprive him of his Bishoprick. Felicissimus was or∣dained Bishop by Novatus,* 1.62 who also ordained Novatianus against Cornelius Bishop of Rome. Yet Cornelius favoured Felicissimus against Cyprian, and would have taken Cognisance of their businesse, whereupon Cyprian vehe∣mently rebuketh him, and denies that any one beyond the Sea hath right to passe judgement upon any matters concerning Africk. And a little after, the pride of the Roman Sea was reprehended by all those of the Provinces, an occasion being given about Basilides, who being censured in Spain, com∣plained to Stephen the Bishop of Rome. Cyprian was several times driven into exile.(a) 1.63 Eusebius maketh him to have erred in rebaptizing Hereticks. In the fourth of Valerian died Origen seventy years old,* 1.64 a man of admira∣ble parts, most austere life, indefatigable industry, and stupendious learn∣ing, but of impure Doctrine. Jerome sheweth how full of portentous er∣rours his book 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is.(b) 1.65 Augustin saith, he held the Devil at length should be delivered from Hell, and associated with the holy Angels, and for this, and other things, especially for holding alternate or successive bles∣sednesse and misery for ever, the Church did reject him. Pamphilus wrote an Apology for him. But his works are to be read with especial care, and especially his Commentaries upon the Scripture, concerning some of which Theodore(c) 1.66 Beza passeth this censure: Certe hoc ausim dicere, si haec sunt Origenis cujus titulum praeferunt, hunc hominem fuisse selectum Diaboli or∣ganum Apostolicae Doctrinae evertendae destinatum; for he evaporateth the solid and substantial Doctrine of the Gospel, into Allegorical, and aery No∣tions.

21. But, God having exercised his people by many a fiery trial, was plea∣sed to preserve the bush unburned, and at length to grant them Peace by Constantine, who proved a nursing father to the Church, taking away all penal Laws against them, and enacting new ones, not onely for their pre∣servation, but convenience and comfort. And as he preserved them from external violence; so he also took care for their inward peace. This had been somewhat of late disturbed by the Heresie of Manes, from whom his followers were named Maniches, who began to publish his impure Do∣ctrine in the first of Probus, in the 277 year of the ordinary, or received Aera of Christ. This fellow being a Persian,* 1.67 said that he was born of a Virgin, that he was both Christ and the holy Ghost, and sent out twelve Disciples to preach his Doctrine, which was made up of many old Heresies heretofore named. But his, and other grosse opinions found not such enter∣tainment as to procure so much disturbance as that of Arius did, who ha∣ving as we said heard Alexander the Bishop of Alexandria discoursing cu∣riously of the Trinity, and thinking that he maintained the error of Sabel∣lius, in opposition to him fell to deny the blessed Trinity, and affirmed that the son of God was like unto God in name onely, and not in sub∣stance.* 1.68 His Heresie having been condemned in many Synods, Constantine in the 20th of his reign A. D. 325. summoned a General Council to meet at Nice, where assembled 318 Bishops. In opposition to Arianism was framed the Nicene Creed, June 19. Hosius presided as he had done in the Synodes of Egypt, and first subscribed the Canons. Besides the condem∣nation of Arius, the Sanction concerning Easter made at Arles and in Palaestine was confirmed. Moreover, twenty Ecclesiastical Canons were established, than which no good Author mentioneth more. Now were the Temples of Idols overthrown, and Churches Erected, the service of Devils was banished, and the vvorship of the true God owned and incouraged: now faith and patience triumphed over most tedious and exquisite persecutions, and truth dispelled the Clouds of prejudice and errour.

Notes

Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem? Please contact us.