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Siege of Byzantium, and Naval Victory of Crispus,.

Battle of Chrysopolis,.....

Submission and Death of Licinius,..

324. Reunion of the Empire,......

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II. THE SECOND CAUSE. The Doctrine of the Immortality of the

Soul among the Philosophers,.....

Among the Pagans of Greece and Rome,.

Among the Barbarians and the Jews,..
Among the Christians,.

Approaching End of the World,..

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Doctrine of the Millennium,....
Conflagration of Rome and of the World,..
The Pagans devoted to eternal Punishment,
Were often converted by their Fears,....
III. THE THIRD CAUSE. Miraculous Powers of the Primitive

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THE

HISTORY

or

THE DECLINE AND FALL

OF THE

ROMAN EMPIRE.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTION. - THE EXTENT AND MILITARY FORCE OF THE EMPIRE IN THE AGE OF THE ANTONINES.

In the second century of the Christian Era, the empire of Rome comprehended the fairest part of the earth, and the most civilized portion of mankind. The frontiers of that extensive monarchy were guarded by ancient renown and disciplined valor. The gentle but powerful influence of laws and manners had gradually cemented the union of the provinces. Their peaceful inhabitants enjoyed and abused the advantages of wealth and luxury. The image of a free constitution was preserved with decent reverence: the Roman senate appeared to possess the sovereign authority, and devolved on the emperors all the executive powers of gov ernment. During a happy period of more than fourscore years, the public administration was conducted by the virtue and abilities of Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, and the two Antonines. It is the design of this, and of the two succeeding chapters, to describe the prosperous condition of their empire; and afterwards, from the death of Marcus Antoninus, to deduce the most important circumstances of its decline and fall; a revolution which will ever be remembered, and is still felt by the nations of the earth.

The principal conquests of the Romans were achieved

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