The second part of the marrow of ecclesiastical history: containing the lives of many eminent Christians, which have lived since the primitive times to this present age, divided into two books: wherof the first contains the lives of Christian emperors, kings, and soveraign princes: the second contains the lives of Christians of an inferiour rank. Book. I. / By Samuel Clark, pastor of Bennet Fink, London.

[illustration] portrait of Constantine

CONSTANTIN

The Life of Constantine the Great, who died Anno Christi. 342.

COnstantius the Father of Constantine, was for his palenesse, sirnamed Chlorus, a Ro∣man by birth, whose Father was a Sena∣tor: He was made Caesar by Maximia∣nus, who, together with Dioclesian resign∣ing the Empire, chose Constantius to succeed him, to whom the Government of the West fell by lot:

He was a man of singular clemency towards men, and piety towards God, not stayning his reigne with the blood of the Saints, as his predecessors had done; he little regarded his private profit, but sought the in∣riching of his subjects rather, saying, that it was more behoofefull for the Common-wealth, that the wealth of the Land should be dispersed in the hands of the Com∣mons, then locked up in the Princes coffers: he was so averse from all superfluities, that upon Festival dayes, and when he entertained strangers, he was faigne to borrow plate of his friends to furnish his Cupbords: this comming to Dioclesians eare, he sent Ambassa∣dours to him, reproaching him with poverty, because his treasury was empty: But Constantius intreating them to stay awhile, summoned a Parliament of his wealthiest Subjects, to whom he declared his need of money, telling them that now was the time for them to expresse their love to their Lord and King; where∣upon without delay, they strove to fill his Exchequer with gold and silver, which being done, Constantius shewed it to the Ambassadors, bidding them tell their Master, that this treasure which he had now collected, was before in the hands of his Subjects, who as so ma∣ny treasurers kept it for his use: The Ambassadours wondred at it; but after their departure, the good Em∣perour restored it againe to the former owners, with many expressions of his royall favour towards them. Also to try his Courtiers, he cōmanded all to sacrifice to Idolls, pretending to discard all that refused so to do; but contrarywise those that obeyed, he put from the Court, saying, that they which are disloyall to God, will never be true and trusty to their Prince. His first

wife was Hellena, by birth a Brittaine, the daughter of Caelus, a Brittish Prince; on whom he begat Con∣stantine the Great in Britaine: Constantine in his youth was brought up, first with Dioclesian, whom he accompanied in his travells through Palestine: and af∣terwards was left an Hostage with Gallerius at Rome: He was of a comly stature, excelled others in strength, very affable, and of a Royall disposition, his in ward vertues being equall to his outward shape: for which he was envied by some, and feared and hated by the Tyrants, who thereupon sought opportunity to worke his overthrow, which Constantine observing (after God had twice or thrice discovered the conspi∣racies that were plotted against him) he fled from Rome, having laid all the way with Post-horses for the purpose, which he left houghed, for feare of pur∣suit, and so he came with all speed to Yorke, where his Father lay sicke, being lately returned from an expedition which he had made against the Caledo∣nians, and Picts: Constantius much rejoyced when hee saw him, and sitting upright in his bed in the presence of his Councellors, he said, It now sufficeth, and death is not unwelcom, seeing I leaue my unaccomplished actions to be performed by thee my son, &c. Governe the Empire with upright Iustice: protect the innocent from the Tyranny of oppressors, and wipe away all teares from the Christians eies, for there∣in aboue all other things, I have accounted my selfe most happy: To thee therefore I leaue my Diadem, and their defence, taking my faults with me to my graue, there to be buried in everlasting oblivion: but leaving my vertues (if ever I had any) to revine, and live in thee,

and so taking his last farewell of his son, and friends, he ended his daies Anno Christi Three hundred and six, & of his age fiftie six: having been Caesar sixteen yeares, and Augustus two yeares: Immediately Con∣stantine, by acclamation of the people, assistance of the souldiers, and advice of Erocus King of the Al∣maines (who by the way had accompanied him hi∣ther in his flight from Rome) was proclaimed Empe∣rour, and successor to that part of the world which his Father held: which election was joyfully rati∣fyed by the Senate at Rome, and gladly accepted by all other provinces, who accounted this Iland of all other most happy, which first saw him Caesar: His first worke was to prosecute the warre begun by his father against the Caledonians, and Picts, whom he subdued, together with the Inhabitants of the we∣sterne Ilands: But the unruly Pretorian Souldiers at Rome, hearing of the death of Constantius, proclai∣med Maxentius, the son of Maximianus Herculius, Emperour, who by his Necromancies, Adulteries, persecutions, and murthers, grew so odious, and in∣tollerable to all, that the Senate sent to Constantine, craving his aide to redresse these things: But in the meane time Maxentius was growne to that height of impiety, and impurity, that he violently tooke away mens wiues from them, and having violated their chastity, sent them back to their husbands againe: a∣mongst the rest, a Christian matrone, wife to a Sena∣tour, understanding that the Tyrants messengers were at the doore to fetch her to him, she desired some time to dresse her selfe, and so going into her chamber, she ran a sword into her side, and fell downe dead,

leaving her body to the buriall, rather then to satisfie the Tyrants lust: He also massacred, and put his Sub∣jects to death upon every light occasion: many of the Senators he slew for their wealth: He gave himselfe over to Magicall arts, ripping open the wombs of wo∣men great with child, searching the bowells of tender Infants, & other creatures; he by conjurations raised Devills, to consult with them about the issue of his wars. Maximianus his father pretending a dislike of these outragious courses of his son, repaired to his son in Law Constantine, who had maried his daughter Fausta, to complaine to him of them: but whilst he was with him, he secretly tampered with his daugh∣ter to make away her husband; but the good Lady, knowing that her bond to her husband was greater then that to her father, she revealed it to Constantine, who thereupon caused him to be put to death: and then commiserating the Lamentable condition of the Romans, he raised an Army, and marched towards Rome against that Tyrant Maxentius, and drawing Licinius governour of Sclavonia (who was made Cae∣sar) to his side, by giving him his sister Constantia to wife, he hasted towards Rome with an Army of 90000 foot, and eight thousand horse, levied out of Brit∣taine, France, and Germany: but knowing well that successe in warr dependeth more on Divine assistance then humane strength: he considered unto what God he should addresse his prayers for successe, (for as yet he was not fully setled in the Christian faith) & consi∣dering that his predecessors, who had worshipped ma∣ny Gods, & put their trust in them, had so often mis∣carried, and that on the contrary, his Father, that had

only worshipped one, and the true God, had a hap∣py raigne, and was still preserved from many dangers, he therefore resolved to worship, and adore that God only, which his father had served: wherefore he earnestly prayed unto God, to reveale himselfe to him, and to prosper him in his journey, and whilst he was thus praying, lifting up his eyes to heaven about noone day, he beheld the signe of a Crosse lively figured in the aire, with this inscription, In hoc vince, By this overcome; himselfe and all his Army wondring at so strange a prodigie, and being much troubled in his minde to know the meaning of it, the night following Christ appeared to him in his sleep, commanding him to make the like Figure, and Banner against his enemies: whereupon the next day, imparting the vision to his friends, he sent for the best goldsmiths, and Lapidaries, to make the like Crosse with gold and pretious stones, and withall re¦solving to worship that God only, who had thus ap∣peared to him, he sent for godly ministers to instruct him therein, who shewed him that Christ was the on∣ly begotten son of God, of his coming into the world, his holy life, death, &c. Afterwards with great cour∣rage he went forwards bearing before him, and his victorious Army, instead of the Imperiall Eagle, the forme of this vision imbroydered upon his stan∣dard: Maxentius, as much depending upon his force∣rers, was no lesse confident of victory, for the furthe∣rance whereof he framed a deceitfull bridg over Ty∣ber, to intrap Constantine: and also sent out diverse Armyes to oppose him, before he should come neere the City; But Constantine trusting only in God, over∣threw

at the first incounter, his first, second, and third Armies, and so marching thorow all Italy, he brought his victorious ensignes neere the walls of Rome. Heer∣upon Maxentius led forth his Army above a mile from Rome, and joyned battaile with Constantine, but be∣ing overcharged by the vantgard of Constantine, he with the rest of his army fled, and either through hast, or forgetfullnesse, tooke over the deceitfull bridg, which he had made to entrap Constantine, but no sooner were they entred upon it, but it fell in sun∣der, wherby they were all drowned; Constantine & his Army remaining victorious, sang praises unto God for the same. The Senators, nobles, and all the people of Rome, being freed from servitude, received him with rejoycing hearts, and loud acclamations; men, women, children and servants called him their pa∣trone, and preserver. But his humble minde was not puffed up with their praises, and applause, but ascri∣bing all to God, he gaue thankes to him as the giver of victory: He erected for a Trophy his owne Image, holding a Banner with a crosse quartered in it. All the Westerne Nations also having obtained liberty here∣by, kept festivalls in honor of Constantine. He publish∣ed his royall edicts, whereby he restored to his subiects all those lands which had beene iniuriously taken from them; calling some from banishment, and free∣ing others from Captivity, whom the Tyrants had imprisoned: he gat godly ministers about him, and although they went in poore and meane habits, not considering their outside, but honoring the Image of God in them, he set them at his owne table, tooke them with him whither soever he went, that he might

enjoy the benefit of their prayers. He repaired some Churches, Built others, and releeved many poore men with bountifull donations and gifts: To those that begged in the streets, and at his gate, he gave monie, meate, and clothing: and to such as by wrongs, and oppressions were falne into want, he gave pensions: He was a father to the fatherlesse, an hus∣band to the widdowes: he married young maides, that were Orphans, to honest wealthy men, and gave them portions, & was very gratious to all petitioners & di∣dressed Sutors: And perceiving that there was much stiscord, & various opinions in matters of religion, he called a Synod of the Clergie, where he was present himself: dismissing his guard, as superfluous, whilst he was environed with godly & learned men: he declared to them the controverted points, whereof they were to consult, being very desirous to settle the Church in peace and unity; those which were of a quiet and peaceable temper, he made much of, and much disliked those which were otherwise: And God to re∣quite his care of his house, made all the barbarous nations to prostrate themselves at his feet: He made him a conqueror, and terrible to his enemies, who of his owne nature was of a most gentle and gratious disposition: Yet some of the kindred of Maximianus conspired treason against him, but thorow the mercy of God (who in a wonderfull manner revealed all their conspiracies to Constantine by visions & revelati∣ons) they were prevented. God also gave him much peace & safety, whereby he delighted himselfe in the love of his subjects, but chiefely to see the Church of God in a flourishing Condition, and so continuing

to the tenth yeare of his raigne, he celebrated publick and solemne Festivalls, wherein he offered up prayers and praises unto God. But as his fame increased in the minds of most, so was it much maligned by Lici∣nius his fellow Emperour, who sought an occasion against Constantine, by raising a cruell persecution in the East against Christians, whom he never favoured in his heart, though for a time he had suffered them in the exercise of their religion: and besides he plotted many treasons against Constantine, to whom God re∣vealed them, whereby they were prevented: then by fained and crafty accusations he raised a persecution against the godly ministers, prohibiting them from meeting together in Synods to consult about matters concerning their owne, and the Churches good, and thereby seeking to breake off and interrupt the har∣monious agreement of the Church, which could not belong preserved without such meetings, wherin great and weighty matters of controversie were fairely de∣bated and determined. Then he banished all god∣ly men out of his Court, others hee degraded from their dignity, and employed them in Servile offices: he sought to inrich himselfe by the spoiles of others: he threatened with death those that pro∣fessed the name of Christ; he committed many adul∣teries, and held that noe man could live chastly, mea∣suring others dispositions, by his owne vicious incli∣nation.

Then he made a Law, that men and women should not be present together at divine service: that Bi∣shops should not expound the scripture to women, but that women should chuse women to be their in∣structers

and preachers: then he commanded the congregatiōs to meet together without the City gates in the open fields: such souldiers as would not sacri∣fice to Devills he put out of their places and offices: He forbad any to relieve those that lay in prison and were almost famished, yea he made a Law that such as did relieve them, should be imprisoned themselues. His avarice was insatiable, taxing the lands of his subjects, thereby filling his treasury with silver and gold, and yet complayning of his poverty. He un∣justly banished many and confiscated their goods: he made his servants to abuse the wives of Noble men, and then to accuse them. Himselfe defloured virgins, and fell to open persecution of the Church, especially of the ministers, the chiefest of whom he caused secretly to be murthered. Some Churches he wholly demolished, and caused others to be shut up, that the congregations might not meet in them: he invented new kinds of tortures for the Christians; some he caused to be cut into small peeces, & so to be throwen into the Sea to feed fishes. But the afflictions of the Church coming to the eares of Constantine, who saw that he could not otherwise prevent them, this Champion of God presently raised military forces, so that many Troops of horse & foot resorted to him to follow his Christian Standard against the Tyrant, and by way of preparation, he betooke himselfe to prayer, and chose some godly ministers to attend him; esteeming them as his souls guard. On the contrary, the Tyrant hearing that Constantine had undertook (by Gods assistance) to free the Christians from his Tyranny, & had got religious men about him, he de∣rided

him, and sent for the Egyptian conjurers and magicians, and their Priests to sacrifice to his false Gods, and to enquire the successe of his warr, who all with one consent promised, that he should prosper and be victorious; and thus trusting to their promises, he marched forward, and prepared to joyne battel: the two Armies met in Hungary, and a little before the Battell, Licinius calling his friends and favo∣rites into a grove where were many Idolls, ha∣ving lighted up waxen Tapers, and made his usu∣all sacrifices to them, he said, My friends, these are our country Gods, which wee from our successors doe religi∣ously worship, our enemie, violating the ancient customs and blinded with errour, worships a strange God, which wickedly he conceiveth to be the true God: un∣der whose Colours he intend's to fight, and beareth his Standard before his Army. In confidence of whose assist∣ance he warreth against us and our Gods, whom he hath traiterously forsaken, and relinquished the worship of them. Now it will appeare whether of us is in an error: for if wee have the victory, wee shall know that our Gods preserve and assist us: if Constantines strange God shall give him the victory over us, who are many more then they, we shall thereby know which God ought to be reverenced, &c. And having ended his Oration, he commanded his Souldiers strait to give batttaile to the enemy. About this very time, in some of those Cities which were subject to Licinius, the Citizens thought that they saw Troops and bands of men, of Constantines Army marching at noon-day thorow the City, as if they had gotten the victory. Constan∣tine having made his prayers to God, joyned Battel,

with Licinius, and gave him a great overthrow: ma∣ny of his enemies cast away their weapons, and fall∣ing downe at his feet, craved mercy, which he will∣ingly granted them: Licinius forsaken of his forces, and finding by experience, that the confidence which he reposed in his false Gods was fruitlesse, fled away, and Constantine forbad his Souldiers to pursue him, hoping that the sence of his present calamity would make him leave off his wicked courses, and convert him to a milder temper: but he escaping into Asia the lesse, consults againe with conjurers, is confident of successe promised by them, raiseth an other Army, which Constantine being informed of, devoted himself for a time to prayer, and having erected a Tabernacle distant from his Tents, he gave himselfe to godly meditation & prayer, some other faithfull & religious men accompanying him in these religious exercises: and so marching against his enemies, they came to a second battell, where he slue many, got the victory, and carried away many Trophies: yet he comman∣ded his souldiers to shew mercy to the Captives, and to expresse humanity towards them, yea him∣selfe payed their ransom, whereby they were delive∣red. Licinius being taken prisoner, by the mediation of his wife Constantia, had his life spared, and was confined to the City of Nicomedia: but he after a while practising new treasons, was at last by command of Constantine put to death: whereupon the peace of Gods Saints manifestly appeared, and the Gospell of Christ had a free progresse: for no sooner was the blasting tempest of persecution blowne over, but the faithfull Christians, who before had hidden them∣selves

in woods, & deserts, & secret caves, came forth, reedified the Churches, celebrated Festivall dayes to God with pure hearts, and faith unfained: and now the whole Roman Empire enjoying peace, reli∣gion spred abroad her bright beames to illuminate those which sate in darkenesse, and the shadow of death: former miseries were forgotten, and God was praysed as the author of this happinesse: Then were Constantines proclamations sent abroad to call home those that were banished out of their Countries: those which had beene condemned to slavery were freed; their goods which had been confiscated were restored: such as for their constancy in religion had been discarded out of their military offices, were put into their places againe, and such as were condemned to the servility of feminine imploy∣ments, he enfranchised from such base subjection: He made Lawes to redresse the grievances of his Sub∣jects: enacted that the goods of those which had suf∣fered Martyrdome should be restored to their kin∣dred, or if they had none, to the Church: By his edicts sent abroad into all Nations in Greeke and La∣tine, he acknowledged that God was the owner, and donour of all things, and that by his owne strength he had not obtained the victory, but by Gods assistance to whom hee ascribed the glory: He also enacted that the Church lands and goods that had beene injuriously taken away, though now belonging to his owne Crowne, should bee restored: that such as had purchased Church lands, or goods, though they had grievously of∣fended, yet out of his accustomed clemency he free∣ly

forgave them, provided that they made present restitution of the same: Then he proceeded to con∣fer great dignities on the Christians, making them governours of provinces, & prohibited the Heathens to sacrifice to Idols, or to erect their Images: he com∣manded that Churches should be built, and enlarged, and that the charge thereof should be defrayed out of his owne Treasury: Having made himselfe fa∣mous by his pious actions, a report was brought to him of a great faction which was growing up in the Church, which beginning in the Church of Alexan∣dria, spred it selfe through Egypt, Libya, and Thebes, and many other Provinces, and Cities, the Bishops writing, and inveighing one against another: this fire was first kindled by Arrius, which grieved Con∣stantine as much as if himselfe had falne into some great calamity, whereupon presently he chose one about him, who had been a zealous and faithfull con∣fessor of the truth in times of persecution, whom he sent to Alexandria to draw them to peace and con∣cord, writing his Letters to the Authors of sedition to this purpose, that, Whereas all his designes and en∣deavours had tended to bring all nations to agree in one opinion in matters of Religion, the rather that the Heathen by such an example might the sooner be converted: and whereas some rash, and seditious spirits, had by their errors made a schisme in the Church of Affrick, he had sent sober and religious Ministers to reconcile their factious spirits, and settle peace in the Church: but hearing that new factious seditions were sprung up amongst them, he was much grieved at it, and now wrote to them, profering him∣selfe

to arbitrate, and moderate their mutuall dissen∣tions, not doubting, through the helpe of God, and assistance of godly and learned men, to reconcile their differences, and settle peace amongst them againe: And saith he, Whereas I was at Nicomedia purposing a journey into the East, the receipt of your letters di∣verted my intentions, being unwilling to behold that, which I was grieved to heare of, viz. your contentions, therfore by your concord, & agreement open me a passage into the East, where your dissentions have shut me out, and let me see a joyfull agreement amongst you, that all of us being reconciled together may praise and glorifie God. The messenger did not only deliver the letter, but dealt very earnestly with them for the setling of peace, yet he could not bring it to passe, the faction being growne so strong, that it was spred all over the Easterne Provinces, the Devill envying the happinesse of the Church, caused this discord & contention still to continue: The first originall of it was this, Arrius a Presbyter in the City of Alexandria, a man which outwardly made a great shew of holinesse, denied the eternity of the Sonne of God with the father, alledg∣ing that he was not of the same substance with him: at the same time Alexander a man of great holinesse and learning, was Bishop in that City, who being of a gentle and mild condition, endeavoured to have cured Arrius of that heresie, praying and ad∣monishing him to leave his errors: but he being of a proud and insolent nature, persisted therein, and drew many followers after him, hereupon Alexan∣der proceeded to excommunicate him, which pre∣vailing nothing, Alexander acquainted the Emperour

with it, saying that the mischiefe was growne so great that it required a great and speedy remedy: Constantine understanding that these divisions in∣creased in Egypt, and amongst the Thebans, in so much as the people grew tumultuous, killing and murthering one another, and commiting many other outrages: and an other division sprang up also at the same time concerning the Celebration of Easter. Hereupon he called a generall Councell in the City of Nicea in the province of Bithinia in Asia, and ha∣ving sent abroad his Writs into everie province, the Bishops and ministers repaired cheerefully to that place, some hoping that a universall peace would be established, others desiring to see this godly Empe∣rour. Here were congregated out of Asia, Africa, and Europe three hundred and eighteene Bishops, besides Presbyters, and Deacons, whereof some were famous for their doctrine: some for their gravity and con∣stancy: some for their experience, and age: some for their acutenesse and ingenuity: and all had their Diet allowed them by the Emperour: who himselfe in person was present amongst them: Upon the day appointed to begin the Councell, they all assembled in the hall of the Emperours pallace, were seats be∣ing set on both sides, they tooke their places according to their degrees and dignity: then came the Empe∣rour with an humble countenance, and modest as∣pect, whereupon they all rose up; at the upper end of the hall he stood a while, and would not sit downe, till he had given a signe to the Bishops to sit downe also: then one of the chiefest of them made a briefe speech to the Emperour, and recited an hymne of

thanksgiving unto God: whereupon the Emperour spake to this purpose. It was my desire (deare friends) to convocate you in a generall Councell, and seeing you now assembled, I give God thanks for it; Let not therfore any private envie deprive us of that good which we ex∣pect by this meeting: and God having made us victo∣rious over the Tyrants, let not the Divells tares of dissention spring up to the disturbance of the peace of the Church: for tbese are of worse consequence then warr; for that kills the body, the other destroyes the soule: I rejoice to see you here together, but shall much more rejoyce to see unitie in affection, and concord amongst you, which being men devoted to Gods service, you ought to desire, and to encourage others by your ex∣amples to embrace peace, and concord: I intreat you therefore, beloued ministers of God and servants of Christ, take away the causes of dissention, cut off this Hydra's head of heresie, and establish peace, so shall you please god, and me your fellow servant in the Lord. But amongst so many Bishops, though many were good, and holy men, yet others there were full of envie and contention, whereupon they accused one another to the Emperour: exhibiting their complaints to him in writing: but he calling them before him, burnt their informations, that none should see them, and said unto them; Fathers, and ministers, God hath called you to the ministry, and thereby hath given you power in an orderly way to iudg me, but you cannot be judged by me, wherefore I referr your controversies to the iudg∣ment of God and the Councell; Wherefore setting apart all malice & discord, for Gods sake applie your selves to peace, & to the forgetting of all these private injuries. In

the Councell also he perswaded some, pacified others, praised others, and endeavoured to bring them all to concord, and agreement, and so at length by Gods blessing he brought most of them to unity in opinion in all points of controversie, that they did not only agree in matters of faith, but also of one certaine time for the celebration of Easter: to which decrees they all set their hands, and they were ingrossed as the determinate Acts of the Councell: Arrius and his wicked sect were condemned by all the Bishops, ex∣cept seventeene, which held with him, whereof elea∣ven afterwards recanted, and Arrius with the other six were excommunicate, and banished by the Empe∣rour: and so was the holy and Christian Councell dissolved: After which the good Emperour affirm∣ing that he had obtained a second victory against the enemie of the Church, having now raigned twentie yeares, made a great feast to the honor, and glory of God, and invited the Bishops thereunto, and some of them he placed at his owne table, the rest at tables on either hand him: the feast being ended, he gave gifts, and presents to all the Bishops, and by his let∣ters divulged, and confirmed the Councells Acts, and and by his decrees enjoined submission to the same: when he dismissed the Bishops, he made a speech to them, admonishing them to preserve peace, to avoid contention, not to envie one another for gifts, or wisdome, but to esteeme their abilities as a common good. His next care was to demolish, and pull downe Idolatrous Temples and Images: as the Groue and Temple of Venus in Phaenicia, which was a schoole of wickednesse, to those which were addicted to lust,

where men and women frequently committed a∣dulteries, fornications, &c. Constantine thinking it unfit that the Sun should behold such villany, sent a Band of souldiers to suppresse it: as also the Tem∣ple of Aesculapius, and the Image of Venus at Heliopo∣lis, and many such like in other places. But the Divell envying the prosperity of the Church, raised a new Sedition in Antioch, were the whole City was divided into two factions about the choice of a Bi∣shop, and were so madd against each other, that had not Constantine interposed, they had destroied one another: to them therefore he sent Ambassadours to pacifie their Fury, advising them by letters to pre∣serve peace, and approve themselves dutiful subjects, perswading them to referr their cause to him, and that they should not seek the Bishop of an other Church, but should choose him for their Bishop, whom God of his providence had appointed them: the Bishop, whom they desired, was Eusebius, Bishop, of Caesarea, but the Emperour wrote one letter to them to disswade them from that choice, and an other to Eusebius to commend him for refusing of it: to end this controversie a Synod was called, and Constan∣tine wrote to them to doe all things according to the prescript of Gods word, commending some to them, whom he judged fit for the place. He endeavou∣red to extirpate and root out all Heresies, writing to the Valentinians, Marcionists, Cataphrigians, &c that their doctrine was false, and seditious, that they were enemies to truth, and eternall life: and there∣fore that he would not suffer that Contagion to spread further, seeing the whole and sound were

daily infected with their pestilent errours, but would severely punish the offenders and delinquents: then he enacted that none of them should meet toge∣ther in Conventicles: that the Churches, where they used to meet, should be demolished and confiscated to the Catholick Church, and other places of their meeting converted to the use of the commonwealth, commanding that from that day, they should have noe places of meeting, neither publick nor private: hereby many being brought to a sight of their er∣rours, publickly manifested their repentance, and so were againe received into the Church. He was emi∣nent for Iustice, neither denying, nor delaying any iust and reasonable petitioners. He remitted to the owners of Land the fourth part of such rents as were formerly paid him: he mitigated the heavy tributes, and being unwilling that such as were cast in suits of Law, should be utterly undone, he freely bestowed on them both lands and money. He thought it unfit, that any one admitted into the presence of his Imperiall majesty should goe heavily out of his presence. And as his care was to advance Gods glory, God also highly advanced him, by making him victo∣rious over the Scythians, & Sauromatians: Ambassadors came to him from all nations, presenting him with pretious gifts, and offering him from their Kings, if he pleased, to serve him in all his warrs: he returned gifts to the Ambassadours, and dignifyed the deser∣ving with Roman honours, so that some of them em∣braced Romane civility, and never returned into their owne countreys againe: the King of Persia sen∣ding Ambassadours with rich presents to him, desi∣ring

to renew their League: he returned them with farr richer gifts; and understanding, that many Christi∣ans suffered persecution under him, he wrote effectu∣ally to him in their behalfe, desiring him to re∣ceive them into his protection; for (saith he) by dealing graciously with them, you shall doe me and your selfe a great benefit. He knowing how effectuall the prayer of faith was, did not only frequently pro∣strate himselfe before God in private, but commanded and desired the publick prayers of the Church also in his behalfe. He made his Court a church where pray∣ers were made, and the Scriptures were read, and ex¦pounded daily. He made Lawes for the strict observa∣tion of the Lord day, commanding, that through all the Romane Empire all worke and Labour should be forborne. He prescribed a forme of prayer to the Legions of souldiers to be used both on the Sab∣baths, and other daies: He prohibited the adoration of Images; as also the single combats of Sword play∣ers, who slew one another to make the people pa∣stime: and whereas the Egyptians worshipped the ri∣ver Nilus with many superstitious Ceremonies, think∣ing that otherwise the river would not overflow, he forbad it upon paine death, and that wicked custome being put downe, the river overflowed the country, and made it more fruitfull then formerly: And whereas certaine uniust Laws were made against those that were childlesse, he abolished them, and enacted that their inheritances should descend to those that were next of Kin to them. He ordained that the determination of Synods should be a binding rule for deciding of Ecclesiasticall controversies.

He endowed, and much enriched the churches of of God: Meeting with a covetous man, he said, O good man, when will thy thirst of covetousnesse be sa∣tisfied, and having drawne forth with his speare the measure of a mans stature upon the ground, he said If thou hadst at home all the wealth, and treasure of the world, yet must thou leave it, and possesse noe more then this figure on the earth, if thou obtainest that. But whilst he tooke pleasure in meeknesse, and mercy, sparing offendors, he made his governement to be derided, and contemned by some wicked persons. He sent to Eusebius to get him fiftie Bibles fairly written out on parchment for the City of Constan∣tinople, appointing the Governour of the province to provide him with all things necessary for the charge thereof: Gaza, formerly a Mart towne in Pa∣lestine, receiving the faith, he much rejoyced at it, and made it a City, which he named Constantia: in many other Cityes he caused Idols to be taken away, and Churches to be erected. But whilst he was thus busie for the Churches good, the Devill stirred up new factions, and divisions in Egypt, whereupon he assembled a Synod, commanding them speedily to to determine, and end those controversies: he sent his Delegate to it with authority, that if any con∣temned his command in not coming to it, he should banish him. On a time a flattering Presbyter telling him, that he was a blessed man, and worthy to be Em∣perour over the whole world, and to raigne with the Sonne of God in eternall glory: he manifested his dis∣like, commanded him that he should not dare here∣after to use any such speeches: but rather pray ear∣nestly

for him that he might live and die Gods faith∣full servant: About this time came Ambassadours to him from the East Indies, bringing him all kind of pretious stones, and pearles, and strange living creatures, declaring that their Princes did acknow∣ledg him to be the King and Emperour of the world: He had three sons, Constantine, Constantius, and Con∣stance: these he made Caesars whilst he lived, and instructed them in those Arts which doe adorne Im∣periall Majesty: he appointed them a Councell for the dispatch of publick affaires: he advised them to preferr the knowledg and worship of God before wealth, and Kingdoms: he placed religious Officers about them, and amongst these three sonns he divi∣ded his Empire when he dyed: Hearing that the Easterne Barbarians rose against him in his old age; he raised an Army, and tooke some Bishops along with him to pray for successe, and so marched against them, but they hearing of it, sent Ambassadors to craue pardon, and promise obedience, and he being alwaies desirous of peace, entertained them courteously, and granted their requests. Falling into some distemper, he resolved to goe to the warme Baths, but fell sick at Hellenopolis, and finding his end to approach, he humbly confessed his sinns to God: and (as Eusebius saith) was there Baptized, but most probably he was long before Baptized at Rome, and so quietly resi∣gned up his spirit unto God, in the three and thirtieth yeare of his raigne, of his age sixtie six: Anno Christi 342: Till his last sicknesse his body continued strong and lusty, not troubled with any disease, paine, or infir∣mity: He was of a comely presence and aspect, and

was stout, and hardy to endure exercise, riding, tra∣vell, and warrs.

He made, and penned holy prayers to his dying day: He removed the Imperiall seat from Rome to Byzantium in Thracia, which he adorned with stately edifices, and priviledges above other Cities: he in∣riched, & adorned it with the spoiles of Rome, as Sta∣tues, pillars, Colosses, and all other things that were singular, and excellent, either of stone or mettall; the like he did from other Cities also: he built in it a stately Pallace, a most magnificent Church where∣in he erected his owne Tomb: A famous Library, wherein he put an hundred and twentie thousand of the chiefest written books, and in the middest thereof were the guts of a Dragon of one hundred and twentie foot long, whereupon was admirably written in letters of gold Homers Iliads: His death was much bewailed amongst all sorts of persons: his Guard, amd officers tore their garments, cast them∣selves on the ground, beat their heads against the pavement, crying out that they had lost a gracious L. &c. the Centurions, and Captaines bewailed the losse of their Generall: the Souldiers of their shepherd: the people ran about the City with weeping and la∣mentation: when the Senate, and Citizens of Rome heard of it, they shut up their Baths, prohibited all publick plaies, and recreations, lamenting and mour∣ning excessiuely.

He vsed to shew much reverence, and atten∣tion to the word of God preached, so that many times he would stand up all the Sermon while, and when some of his Courtiers told him, that it would

tend to his disparagement, he answered, that it was in the service of the great God, who is noe respecter of persons: He used to kiss the hollow of old Paphnu∣tius his eie which he had lost for the cause of Christ in the former persecutions: the daies of this Godly Emperours reigne, were the breathing daies of the persecuted Church: and in his time the Gospell was propagated into East India by Frumentius, and Ede∣sius. As also into Iberia in the uttermost part of the Euxine Sea, by the meanes of a Captiue Christian woman, by whose prayers a child that was mortally sick, recovered health: and the Lady of Iberia her selfe was delivered from a mortall disease: where∣upon the King her husband sent Ambassadours to Constantine, intreating him to send him some prea∣chers into Iberia, to instruct them in the true faith of Christ: which Constantino performed with a glad heart.

He vsed to say, that an Emperour should refuse noe labour for the benefit of the common wealth: as also, That an Empire is given by the determinate purpose of God, that he to whom it is given should so imploy his dili∣gence that he may be thought worthy of the same by him that gave it. He made and published a decree, that all Ministers, and such whose vocation was to serve in the Church, should be free, and exempted from all publick duties, taxes, and burthens what∣soever, that being so priviledged, they might with more cheerfullnesse attend upon Divine ad∣ministrations: yea so carefull was he to nourish and cherish learning and learned men, that he enacted a Law which ran in this forme: Medicos, grammaticos,

et alios professores literarum, et doctores legum cum vx∣oribus, & liberis: We will and decree that Physitians, Grammarians, & other professors of the liberall Arts, and doctors of the Law, with their wives and chil∣dren, shall be free together with their lands, and pos∣sessions, from all civill charges, and offices, &c. as also that their stipends, and salaries shall be well, and truly paid them, whereby they may the more freely attend upon their offices, &c.

So studious he was of peace, that when any Bishops or Ministers brought complaints one against another, he would take their bills of complaint, and burne them before their faces, and withall so tender he was of their honour, that he used to say, that if he saw a Bishop committing wickedness, he would rather cast the skirt of his gowne over him to cover it, then by speaking of it to dishonour his holy calling.

Collected out of Eusebius, the Booke of Martyrs, Speeds Chronicle, and Sympsons Eccles. Hist.

Notes

• A good Prince.
• Humility.
• Hypocri∣esi detect∣ed.
• God pro∣tects his.
• Good Counsell.
• A wicked Tyrant.
• Chastity.
• A good Wife.
• Prayer powerfull.
• Faith.
• The wick∣ed caught in his own snare.
• Thankes∣giving.
• Humility.
• Justice.
• Ministers honoured, and loved.
• Charity.
• Vnity en∣deavored.
• Gods goodnesse.
• A Tyrant.
• The bene∣fit of Sy∣nods.
• Tyranny.
• Avarice.
• Persecuti∣on.
• Prayer.
• Prodigies.
• Prayer powerfull.
• Prayer.
• Clemency
• Peace of the Church.
• A good Prince.
• Humility.
• Bounty to the Church.
• Restitu∣tion.
• Contenti∣on in the Church.
• The dan∣ger of He∣resie.
• Arian He∣resie.
• Generall Councell.
• Hereticks banished.
• Ministers loved and honoured.
• Zeale.
• Conten∣tion.
• A Synod.
• Heresies not endu∣red.
• Justice.
• Mercy.
• Gods goodnesse.
• Prayer.
• Lawes for Sabbath.
• Superstiti∣on refor∣med.
• Synods Acts bind∣ing.
• Folly of Covetous∣nesse.
• Piety.
• Zeale.
• A Synod.
• Flattery.
• Humility.
• Religion. Rewarded.
• Children instructed.
• Constan∣tines character.
• Constan∣tineople.
• Reverence to the word of God.
• Conver∣sions.
• His say∣ings.
• Note.