Of taierius,..... The two Cæsars, Severus and Maximin,........... Death of Constantius, and Elevation of Constantine,.. He is acknowledged by Galerius, who gives him only the title of Cæsar, and that of Augustus to Severus,...... 306. Maxentius declared Emperor at Rome,... Maximian reassumes the Purple,.... 307. Defeat and Death of Severus,... to Constantine,...... His Dominion shared between Maximin and Licinius,.. Constantine passes the Alps,... Siege of Byzantium, and Naval Victory of Crispus,. Battle of Chrysopolis,..... Submission and Death of Licinius,.. .... 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,.. Approaching End of the World,.. ...... Doctrine of the Millennium,.... The primitive Christians condemn Pleasure and Luxury, Their Sentiments concerning Marriage and Chastity, Its primitive Freedom and Equality,................ Institutions of Bishops as Presidents of the College of Presby- ...... 551 Christianity most favorably received by the Poor and Simple,.... 586 Rejected by some eminent Men of the first and second Centuries, 586 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 |