CHAPTER XVI.

The Conduct of the Roman Government towards the Christians, from the Reign of Nero

to that of Constantine.

PAGE

181

ib.

Supposed edicts of Tiberius and

Marcus Antoninus

140 180 State of the Christians in the

reigns of Commodus and Seve-

141

rus

183

211-249 Of the successors of Severus 184
244 Of Maximin, Philip, and Decius 186

142 253-260 Of Valerian, Gallienus, and

his successors

260 Paul of Samosata, his manners

143 270 He is degraded from the see of

Antioch

274 The sentence is executed by Au-
relian

188

ib.

190

Their imprudent defence

-

148

Idea of the conduct of the empe-

rors towards the Christians

They neglected the Christians as

a sect of Jews

150

146

147 284-303 Peace and prosperity of the

church under Diocletian

Progress af zeal and superstition

among the Pagans

ib.

191

193

Maximian and Galerius punish a few

151

Christian soldiers

195

The fire of Rome under the reign
of Nero

Galerius prevails on Diocletian to

153

begin a general persecution

196

-

Cruel punishment of the Chris-

tians as the incendiaries of the

city

303

Demolition of the church of Ni-

comedia

197

1541

The first edict against the Chris-

Remarks on the passage of Taci-
tus relative to the persecution
of the Christians by Nero

Oppression of the Jews and

Christians by Domitian

tians

198

Zeal and punishment of a Chris.

156

tian

199

Fire of the palace of Nicomedia

159

imputed to the Christians

200

Execution of Clemens the consul 161

Execution of the first edict

201

Ignorance of Pliny concerning

Demolition of the churches

203

the Christians

163

Subsequent edicts

204

Trajan and his successors esta-

blish a legal mode of proceed-

ing against them

303-311 General Idea of the Perse-

cution

205

164

Popular clamours

165

Trials of the Christians

166

Humanity of the Roman magis.

168

trates

Inconsiderable number of martyrs 169

Example of Cyprian, bishop of

In the Western Provinces, under

Constantius and Constantine

In Italy and Africa, under Maxi-

mian and Severus; and under

Maxentius

206, 207

In Illyricum and the East, under

Galerius and Maximin

Galerius publishes an edict of to-

leration

ib.

209

Carthage

170 311

His danger and flight

171

210

257 His banishment

172

Peace of the church

211

His condemnation

173

His martyrdom

174

Maximin prepares to renew the

persecution

ib.

Various incitements to martyrdom175 313 End of the persecutions

213

Ardour of the first Christians

177

Probable account of the suffer.

Gradual relaxation

178

ings of the martyrs and con-

Three methods of escaping mar-

fessors

ib.

tyrdom

179

Number of martyrs

215

Alternatives of severity and tole-

ration

Conclusion

217

181

CHAPTER XVII.

Foundation of Constantinople-Political System of Constantine, and his Successes-Mi-

litary Discipline-The Palace-The Finances.

297

Character of Constantine.-Gothic War.-Death of Constantine.-Division of the Em-

pire among his three Sons.-Persian War.—Tragic Death of Constantine the Younger,

and Constans.-Usurpation of Magnentius.-Civil War.-Victory of Constantius.

A. D.

Character of Constantine

His Virtues

His Vices

His Family

Virtues of Cripus

324 Jealousy of Constantine

325 Edict of Constantine

326 Disgrace and Death of Crispus

The Empress Fausta

ib: 340 Civil War, and Death of Constan-

tine

321

The Sons and Nephews of Con-

stantine

322

299

Their Education

300

Magnentius and Vetranio assume

the Purple

324

Manners of the Sarmatians

302

Constantius refuses to treat

325

304

Deposes Vetranio

326

305 351

Makes War against Magnentius 329

307 Battle of Mursa

331

308 352 Conquest of Italy

333

309 353 Last Defeat and Death of Mag-

311

nentius

334

CHAPTER XIX.

Constantius sole Emperor.-Elevation and Death of Gallus.-Danger and Elevation of

Julian.-Sarmatian and Persian Wars.-Victories of Julian in Gaul.

CHAPTER XX.

The Motives, Progress, and Effects of the Conversion of Constantine.-Legal Establish-

ment of the Christian, or Catholic Church.

His Pagan Superstition

The fourth Eclogue of Virgil

Devotion and Privileges of Con-

stantine

PAGE

410

ib:

THE HISTORY

OF THE

DECLINE AND FALL

OF THE

ROMAN EMPIRE.

CHAPTER XIV.

Troubles after the Abdication of Diocletian-Death

of Constantius--Elevation of Constantine and

Maxentius-Six Emperors at the same Time-

Death of Maximian and Galerius-Victories of

Constantine over Maxentius and Licinius-Re-

union of the Empire under the Authority of Con-

stantine.

XIV.

THE balance of power established by Diocletian CHAP.
subsisted no longer than while it was sustained by the

firm and dexterous hand of the founder. It required period of

such a fortunate mixture of different tempers and abi- civil wars

lities, as could scarcely be found or even expected a fusion.

second time; two emperors without jealousy, two Cæ-A. D. 305

sars without ambition, and the same general interest-323.

invariably pursued by four independent princes. The

abdication of Diocletian and Maximian was succeeded

by eighteen years of discord and confusion. The em-

pire was afflicted by five civil wars; and the remain-

der of the time was not so much a state of tranquillity

as a suspension of arms between several hostile mo-

narchs, who, viewing each other with an eye of fear

and hatred, strove to increase their respective forces

at the expense of their subjects.

VOL. II.

B