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Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II

Fathers

Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II

NPNF2 Volume 1: Eusebius: Church History, Life of Constantine the Great, Oration in Praise of Constantine

Schaff, Series II

Edited by Philip Schaff

Historians, Cappadocians, Athanasius, and the councils.

Public domain. Not a modern critical translation.

Contents

  1. Title Page
  2. Preface
  3. The Church History of Eusebius
    1. Preface
    2. Prolegomena
      1. The Life of Eusebius
        1. Sources and Literature
        2. Eusebius' Birth and Training. His Life in Cæsarea until the Outbreak of the Persecution
        3. The Persecution of Diocletian
        4. Eusebius' Accession to the Bishopric of Cæsarea
        5. The Outbreak of the Arian Controversy. The Attitude of Eusebius
        6. The Council of Nicæa
        7. Continuance of the Arian Controversy. Eusebius' Relations to the Two Parties
        8. Eusebius and Marcellus
        9. The Death of Eusebius
      2. The Writings of Eusebius
        1. Eusebius as a Writer
        2. Catalogue of his Works
      3. Eusebius' Church History
        1. Date of its Composition
        2. The Author's Design
        3. Eusebius as a Historian. The Merits and Defects of his History
        4. Editions and Versions
        5. Literature
    3. Testimonies of the Ancients in Favor of Eusebius
    4. Testimonies of the Ancients Against Eusebius
    5. Book I
      1. The Plan of the Work
      2. Summary View of the Pre-existence and Divinity of Our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ
      3. The Name Jesus and also the Name Christ were known from the Beginning, and were honored by the Inspired Prophets
      4. The Religion Proclaimed by Him to All Nations Was Neither New Nor Strange
      5. The Time of his Appearance among Men
      6. About the Time of Christ, in accordance with Prophecy, the Rulers who had governed the Jewish Nation in Regular Succession from the Days of Antiquity came to an End, and Herod, the First Foreigner, Became King
      7. The Alleged Discrepancy in the Gospels in regard to the Genealogy of Christ
      8. The Cruelty of Herod toward the Infants, and the Manner of his Death
      9. The Times of Pilate
      10. The High Priests of the Jews under whom Christ taught
      11. Testimonies in Regard to John the Baptist and Christ
      12. The Disciples of our Saviour
      13. Narrative concerning the Prince of the Edessenes
    6. Book II
      1. Introduction
      2. The Course pursued by the Apostles after the Ascension of Christ
      3. How Tiberius was affected when informed by Pilate concerning Christ
      4. The Doctrine of Christ soon spread throughout All the World
      5. After the Death of Tiberius, Caius appointed Agrippa King of the Jews, having punished Herod with Perpetual Exile
      6. Philo's Embassy to Caius in Behalf of the Jews
      7. The Misfortunes which overwhelmed the Jews after their Presumption against Christ
      8. Pilate's Suicide
      9. The Famine which took Place in the Reign of Claudius
      10. The Martyrdom of James the Apostle
      11. Agrippa, who was also called Herod, having persecuted the Apostles, immediately experienced the Divine Vengeance
      12. The Impostor Theudas and his Followers
      13. Helen, the Queen of the Osrhœnians
      14. Simon Magus
      15. The Preaching of the Apostle Peter in Rome
      16. The Gospel according to Mark
      17. Mark first proclaimed Christianity to the Inhabitants of Egypt
      18. Philo's Account of the Ascetics of Egypt
      19. The Works of Philo that have come down to us
      20. The Calamity which befell the Jews in Jerusalem on the Day of the Passover
      21. The Events which took Place in Jerusalem during the Reign of Nero
      22. The Egyptian, who is mentioned also in the Acts of the Apostles
      23. Paul having been sent bound from Judea to Rome, made his Defense, and was acquitted of every Charge
      24. The Martyrdom of James, who was called the Brother of the Lord
      25. Annianus the First Bishop of the Church of Alexandria after Mark
      26. The Persecution under Nero in which Paul and Peter were honored at Rome with Martyrdom in Behalf of Religion
      27. The Jews, afflicted with Innumerable Evils, commenced the Last War Against the Romans
    7. Book III
      1. The Parts of the World in which the Apostles preached Christ
      2. The First Ruler of the Church of Rome
      3. The Epistles of the Apostles
      4. The First Successors of the Apostles
      5. The Last Siege of the Jews after Christ
      6. The Famine which oppressed them
      7. The Predictions of Christ
      8. The Signs which preceded the War
      9. Josephus and the Works which he has left
      10. The Manner in which Josephus mentions the Divine Books
      11. Symeon rules the Church of Jerusalem after James
      12. Vespasian commands the Descendants of David to be sought
      13. Anencletus, the Second Bishop of Rome
      14. Abilius, the Second Bishop of Alexandria
      15. Clement, the Third Bishop of Rome
      16. The Epistle of Clement
      17. The Persecution under Domitian
      18. The Apostle John and the Apocalypse
      19. Domitian commands the Descendants of David to be slain
      20. The Relatives of our Saviour
      21. Cerdon becomes the Third Ruler of the Church of Alexandria
      22. Ignatius, the Second Bishop of Antioch
      23. Narrative Concerning John the Apostle
      24. The Order of the Gospels
      25. The Divine Scriptures that are accepted and those that are not
      26. Menander the Sorcerer
      27. The Heresy of the Ebionites
      28. Cerinthus the Heresiarch
      29. Nicolaus and the Sect named after him
      30. The Apostles that were Married
      31. The Death of John and Philip
      32. Symeon, Bishop of Jerusalem, suffers Martyrdom
      33. Trajan forbids the Christians to be sought after
      34. Evarestus, the Fourth Bishop of the Church of Rome
      35. Justus, the Third Bishop of Jerusalem
      36. Ignatius and His Epistles
      37. The Evangelists that were still Eminent at that Time
      38. The Epistle of Clement and the Writings falsely ascribed to him
      39. The Writings of Papias
    8. Book IV
      1. The Bishops of Rome and of Alexandria during the Reign of Trajan
      2. The Calamities of the Jews during Trajan's Reign
      3. The Apologists that wrote in Defense of the Faith during the Reign of Adrian
      4. The Bishops of Rome and of Alexandria under the Same Emperor
      5. The Bishops of Jerusalem from the Age of our Saviour to the Period under Consideration
      6. The Last Siege of the Jews under Adrian
      7. The Persons that became at that Time Leaders of Knowledge falsely so-called
      8. Ecclesiastical Writers
      9. The Epistle of Adrian, decreeing that we should not be punished without a Trial
      10. The Bishops of Rome and of Alexandria during the Reign of Antoninus
      11. The Heresiarchs of that Age
      12. The Apology of Justin addressed to Antoninus
      13. The Epistle of Antoninus to the Common Assembly of Asia in Regard to our Doctrine
      14. The Circumstances related of Polycarp, a Friend of the Apostles
      15. Under Verus, Polycarp with Others suffered Martyrdom at Smyrna
      16. Justin the Philosopher preaches the Word of Christ in Rome and suffers Martyrdom
      17. The Martyrs whom Justin mentions in his Own Work
      18. The Works of Justin which have come down to us
      19. The Rulers of the Churches of Rome and Alexandria during the Reign of Verus
      20. The Rulers of the Church of Antioch
      21. The Ecclesiastical Writers that flourished in Those Days
      22. Hegesippus and the Events which he mentions
      23. Dionysius, Bishop of Corinth, and the Epistles which he wrote
      24. Theophilus Bishop of Antioch
      25. Philip and Modestus
      26. Melito and the Circumstances which he records
      27. Apolinarius, Bishop of the Church of Hierapolis
      28. Musanus and His Writings
      29. The Heresy of Tatian
      30. Bardesanes the Syrian and his Extant Works
    9. Book V
      1. Introduction
      2. The Number of those who fought for Religion in Gaul Under Verus and the Nature of their Conflicts
      3. The Martyrs, beloved of God, kindly ministered unto those who fell in the Persecution
      4. The Vision which appeared in a Dream to the Witness Attalus
      5. Irenæus commended by the Witnesses in a Letter
      6. God sent Rain from Heaven for Marcus Aurelius Cæsar in Answer to the Prayers of our People
      7. Catalogue of the Bishops of Rome
      8. Even down to those Times Miracles were performed by the Faithful
      9. The Statements of Irenæus in regard to the Divine Scriptures
      10. The Bishops under Commodus
      11. Pantænus the Philosopher
      12. Clement of Alexandria
      13. The Bishops in Jerusalem
      14. Rhodo and his Account of the Dissension of Marcion
      15. The False Prophets of the Phrygians
      16. The Schism of Blastus at Rome
      17. The Circumstances related of Montanus and his False Prophets
      18. Miltiades and His Works
      19. The Manner in which Apollonius refuted the Phrygians, and the Persons whom he Mentions
      20. Serapion on the Heresy of the Phrygians
      21. The Writings of Irenæus against the Schismatics at Rome
      22. How Appolonius suffered Martyrdom at Rome
      23. The Bishops that were well known at this Time
      24. The Question then agitated concerning the Passover
      25. The Disagreement in Asia
      26. How All came to an Agreement respecting the Passover
      27. The Elegant Works of Irenæus which have come down to us
      28. The Works of Others that flourished at that Time
      29. Those who first advanced the Heresy of Artemon; their Manner of Life, and how they dared to corrupt the Sacred Scriptures
    10. Book VI
      1. The Persecution under Severus
      2. The Training of Origen from Childhood
      3. While still very Young, he taught diligently the Word of Christ
      4. The pupils of Origen that became Martyrs
      5. Potamiæna
      6. Clement of Alexandria
      7. The Writer, Judas
      8. Origen's Daring Deed
      9. The Miracles of Narcissus
      10. The Bishops of Jerusalem
      11. Alexander
      12. Serapion and his Extant Works
      13. The Writings of Clement
      14. The Scriptures mentioned by Him
      15. Heraclas
      16. Origen's Earnest Study of the Divine Scriptures
      17. The Translator Symmachus
      18. Ambrose
      19. Circumstances Related of Origen
      20. The Extant Works of the Writers of that Age
      21. The Bishops that were well known at that Time
      22. The Works of Hippolytus which have reached us
      23. Origen's Zeal and his Elevation to the Presbyterate
      24. The Commentaries which he prepared at Alexandria
      25. His Review of the Canonical Scriptures
      26. Heraclas becomes Bishop of Alexandria
      27. How the Bishops regarded Origen
      28. The Persecution under Maximinus
      29. Fabianus, who was wonderfully designated Bishop of Rome by God
      30. The Pupils of Origen
      31. Africanus
      32. The Commentaries which Origen composed in Cæsarea in Palestine
      33. The Error of Beryllus
      34. Philip Cæsar
      35. Dionysius succeeds Heraclas in the Episcopate
      36. Other Works of Origen
      37. The Dissension of the Arabians
      38. The Heresy of the Elkesites
      39. The Persecution under Decius, and the Sufferings of Origen
      40. The Events which happened to Dionysius
      41. The Martyrs in Alexandria
      42. Others of whom Dionysius gives an Account
      43. Novatus, his Manner of Life and his Heresy
      44. Dionysius' Account of Serapion
      45. An Epistle of Dionysius to Novatus
      46. Other Epistles of Dionysius
    11. Book VII
      1. Introduction
      2. The Wickedness of Decius and Gallus
      3. The Bishops of Rome in those Times
      4. Cyprian, and the Bishops with him, first taught that it was necessary to purify by Baptism those converted from Heresy
      5. The Epistles which Dionysius wrote on this Subject
      6. The Peace following the Persecution
      7. The Heresy of Sabellius
      8. The Abominable Error of the Heretics; the Divine Vision of Dionysius; and the Ecclesiastical Canon which he received
      9. The Heterodoxy of Novatus
      10. The Ungodly Baptism of the Heretics
      11. Valerian and the Persecution under him
      12. The Events which happened at this Time to Dionysius and those in Egypt
      13. The Martyrs in Cæsarea in Palestine
      14. The Peace under Gallienus
      15. The Bishops that flourished at that Time
      16. The Martyrdom of Marinus at Cæsarea
      17. Story in Regard to Astyrius
      18. The Signs at Paneas of the Great Might of our Saviour
      19. The Statue which the Woman with an Issue of Blood erected
      20. The Episcopal Chair of James
      21. The Festal Epistles of Dionysius, in which he also gives a Paschal Canon
      22. The Occurrences at Alexandria
      23. The Pestilence which came upon them
      24. The Reign of Gallienus
      25. Nepos and his Schism
      26. The Apocalypse of John
      27. The Epistles of Dionysius
      28. Paul of Samosata, and the Heresy introduced by him at Antioch
      29. The Illustrious Bishops of that Time
      30. Paul, having been refuted by Malchion, a Presbyter from the Sophists, was excommunicated
      31. The Epistle of the Bishops against Paul
      32. The Perversive Heresy of the Manicheans which began at this Time
      33. The Distinguished Ecclesiastics of our Day, and which of them survived until the Destruction of the Churches
    12. Book VIII
      1. Introduction
      2. The Events which preceded the Persecution in our Times
      3. The Destruction of the Churches
      4. The Nature of the Conflicts endured in the Persecution
      5. The Famous Martyrs of God, who filled Every Place with their Memory and won Various Crowns in behalf of Religion
      6. Those in Nicomedia
      7. Those in the Palace
      8. The Egyptians in Phœnicia
      9. Those in Egypt
      10. Those in Thebais
      11. The Writings of Phileas the Martyr describing the Occurrences at Alexandria
      12. Those in Phrygia
      13. Many Others, both Men and Women, who suffered in Various Ways
      14. The Bishops of the Church that evinced by their Blood the Genuineness of the Religion which they preached
      15. The Character of the Enemies of Religion
      16. The Events which happened to the Heathen
      17. The Change of Affairs for the Better
      18. The Revocation of the Rulers
    13. Martyrs of Palestine
      1. Introduction
      2. Chapter I
      3. Chapter II
      4. Chapter III
      5. Chapter IV
      6. Chapter V
      7. Chapter VI
      8. Chapter VII
      9. Chapter VIII
      10. Chapter IX
      11. Chapter X
      12. Chapter XI
      13. Chapter XII
      14. Chapter XIII
    14. Book I. X
      1. The Pretended Relaxation
      2. The Subsequent Reverse
      3. The Newly Erected Statue at Antioch
      4. The Memorials against us
      5. The Forged Acts
      6. Those who suffered Martyrdom at this Time
      7. The Decree against us which was engraved on Pillars
      8. The Misfortunes which happened in Connection with these Things, in Famine, Pestilence, and War
      9. The Victory of the God-Beloved Emperors
      10. The Overthrow of the Tyrants and the Words which they uttered before their Death
      11. The Final Destruction of the Enemies of Religion
    15. Book X
      1. The Peace granted us by God
      2. The Restoration of the Churches
      3. The Dedications in Every Place
      4. Panegyric on the Splendor of Affairs
      5. Copies of Imperial Laws
      6. Copy of an Imperial Epistle in which Money is granted to the Churches
      7. The Exemption of the Clergy
      8. The Subsequent Wickedness of Licinius, and his Death
      9. The Victory of Constantine, and the Blessings which under him accrued to the Subjects of the Roman Empire
    16. Supplementary Notes and Tables
      1. On Bk. III. chap. 3, § 5 (note 17, continued)
      2. On Bk. III. chap. 3, § 6 (note 22, continued)
      3. On Bk. III. chap. 24, § 17 (note 18 continued)
      4. On Bk. III. chap. 25, § 4 (note 18 continued)
      5. On Bk. III. chap. 32, § 6 (note 14a)
      6. On Bk. III. chap. 39, § 1 (note 1, continued)
      7. On Bk. V. Introd. § I (note 3, continued). The Successors of Antoninus Pius
      8. On Bk. VI. chap. 2 (note 1, continued). Origen's Life and Writings
      9. On Bk. VI. chap. 8, § 5 (note 4). Origen and Demetrius
      10. On Bk. VI. chap. 12, § 6
      11. On Bk. VI. chap. 23, § 4 (note 6). Origen's Visit to Achaia
      12. On Bk. VII. chap. 26, § 1 (note 4, continued)
      13. On Bk. VIII. chap. 2, § 4 (note 3, continued). The Causes of the Diocletian Persecution
      14. On Bk. X. chap. 8, § 4 (note I, a)
      15. Roman Emperors
      16. The Bishops of Rome, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem, mentioned by Eusebius
      17. Bishops of Antioch
      18. Bishops of Jerusalem
      19. The Roman Method of counting the Days of the Month
      20. Macedonian Months
  4. The Life of Constantine with Orations of Constantine and Eusebius
    1. Title Page
    2. Preface
    3. General Prolegomena: Constantine the Great
      1. Life
        1. Early Years
        2. The First Five Years of Reign
        3. State of Affairs in 311
        4. Second Five Years
        5. Third Five Years
        6. Fourth Five Years
        7. Fifth Five Years
        8. Sixth Five Years
        9. Last Years
      2. Character
        1. Introduction
        2. Inherited Characteristics
        3. Physical Characteristics
        4. Mental Characteristics
        5. Moral Characteristics
        6. Religious Characteristics
        7. General Characterization
        8. Summary
      3. Writings
        1. Introduction
        2. Oratorical Writings
        3. Letters and Edicts
        4. Laws
        5. Various
      4. The Mythical Constantine
        1. Introduction
        2. Constantine and his Mother Helena
        3. Constantine the Son of a British Princess
        4. Constantine's Leprosy; Healing and Baptism by Silvester
        5. Donation of Constantine
        6. Dream concerning the Founding of Constantinople
        7. Voyage of Helena
        8. The Finding of the Cross
      5. Sources and Literature
        1. Introduction
        2. Sources
        3. Literature
    4. Special Prolegomena
      1. The Life of Constantine
      2. Oration of Constantine
      3. Oration of Eusebius
    5. The Life of Constantine
      1. Book I
        1. Preface — -Of the Death of Constantine
        2. The Preface Continued
        3. How God honors Pious Princes, but destroys Tyrants
        4. That God honored Constantine
        5. That he reigned above Thirty Years, and lived above Sixty
        6. That he was the Servant of God, and the Conqueror of Nations
        7. Comparison with Cyrus, King of the Persians, and with Alexander of Macedon
        8. That he conquered nearly the Whole World
        9. That he was the Son of a Pious Emperor, and bequeathed the Power to Royal Sons
        10. Of the Need for this History, and its Value for Edification
        11. That his Present Object is to record only the Pious Actions of Constantine
        12. That like Moses, he was reared in the Palaces of Kings
        13. Of Constantius his Father, who refused to imitate Diocletian, Maximian, and Maxentius, in their Persecution of the Christians
        14. How Constantius his Father, being reproached with Poverty by Diocletian, filled his Treasury, and afterwards restored the Money to those by whom it had been contributed
        15. Of the Persecution raised by his Colleagues
        16. How Constantius, feigning Idolatry, expelled those who consented to offer Sacrifice, but retained in his Palace all who were willing to confess Christ
        17. Of his Christian Manner of Life
        18. That after the Abdication of Diocletian and Maximian, Constantius became Chief Augustus, and was blessed with a Numerous Offspring
        19. Of his Son Constantine, who in his Youth accompanied Diocletian into Palestine
        20. Flight of Constantine to his Father because of the Plots of Diocletian
        21. Death of Constantius, who leaves his Son Constantine Emperor
        22. How, after the Burial of Constantius, Constantine was Proclaimed Augustus by the Army
        23. A Brief Notice of the Destruction of the Tyrants
        24. It was by the Will of God that Constantine became possessed of the Empire
        25. Victories of Constantine over the Barbarians and the Britons
        26. How he resolved to deliver Rome from Maxentius
        27. That after reflecting on the Downfall of those who had worshiped Idols, he made Choice of Christianity
        28. How, while he was praying, God sent him a Vision of a Cross of Light in the Heavens at Mid-day, with an Inscription admonishing him to conquer by that
        29. How the Christ of God appeared to him in his Sleep, and commanded him to use in his Wars a Standard made in the Form of the Cross
        30. The Making of the Standard of the Cross
        31. A Description of the Standard of the Cross, which the Romans now call the Labarum
        32. How Constantine received Instruction, and read the Sacred Scriptures
        33. Of the Adulterous Conduct of Maxentius at Rome
        34. How the Wife of a Prefect slew herself for Chastity's Sake
        35. Massacre of the Roman People by Maxentius
        36. Magic Arts of Maxentius against Constantine; and Famine at Rome
        37. Defeat of Maxentius's Armies in Italy
        38. Death of Maxentius on the Bridge of the Tiber
        39. Constantine's Entry into Rome
        40. Of the Statue of Constantine holding a Cross, and its Inscription
        41. Rejoicings throughout the Provinces; and Constantine's Acts of Grace
        42. The Honors Conferred upon Bishops, and the Building of Churches
        43. Constantine's Liberality to the Poor
        44. How he was present at the Synods of Bishops
        45. His Forbearance with Unreasonable Men
        46. Victories over the Barbarians
        47. Death of Maximin, who had attempted a Conspiracy, and of Others whom Constantine detected by Divine Revelation
        48. Celebration of Constantine's Decennalia
        49. How Licinius oppressed the East
        50. How Licinius attempted a Conspiracy against Constantine
        51. Intrigues of Licinius against the Bishops, and his Prohibition of Synods
        52. Banishment of the Christians, and Confiscation of their Property
        53. Edict that Women should not meet with the Men in the Churches
        54. That those who refuse to sacrifice are to be dismissed from Military Service, and those in Prison not to be fed
        55. The Lawless Conduct and Covetousness of Licinius
        56. At length he undertakes to raise a Persecution
        57. That Maximian, brought Low by a Fistulous Ulcer with Worms, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians
        58. That Maximin, who had persecuted the Christians, was compelled to fly, and conceal himself in the Disguise of a Slave
        59. That Maximin, blinded by Disease, issued an Edict in Favor of the Christians
      2. Book II
        1. Secret Persecution by Licinius, who causes Some Bishops to be put to Death at Amasia of Pontus
        2. Demolition of Churches, and Butchery of the Bishops
        3. How Constantine was stirred in Behalf of the Christians thus in Danger of Persecution
        4. That Constantine prepared himself for the War by Prayer: Licinius by the Practice of Divination
        5. What Licinius, while sacrificing in a Grove, said concerning Idols, and concerning Christ
        6. An Apparition seen in the Cities subject to Licinius, as of Constantine's Troops passing through them
        7. That Victory everywhere followed the Presence of the Standard of the Cross in Battle
        8. That Fifty Men were selected to carry the Cross
        9. That One of the Cross-Bearers, who fled from his Post, was slain: while Another, who faithfully stood his Ground, was preserved
        10. Various Battles, and Constantine's Victories
        11. Flight, and Magic Arts of Licinius
        12. How Constantine, after praying in his Tabernacle, obtained the Victory
        13. His Humane Treatment of Prisoners
        14. A Farther Mention of his Prayers in the Tabernacle
        15. Treacherous Friendship, and Idolatrous Practices of Licinius
        16. How Licinius counseled his Soldiers not to attack the Standard of the Cross
        17. Constantine's Victory
        18. Death of Licinius, and Celebration of the Event
        19. Rejoicings and Festivities
        20. Constantine's Enactments in Favor of the Confessors
        21. His Laws concerning Martyrs, and concerning Ecclesiastical Property
        22. How he won the Favor of the People
        23. That he declared God to be the Author of his Prosperity: and concerning his Rescripts
        24. Law of Constantine respecting Piety towards God, and the Christian Religion
        25. An Illustration from Ancient Times
        26. Of Persecuted and Persecutors
        27. How the Persecution became the Occasion of Calamities to the Aggressors
        28. That God chose Constantine to be the Minister of Blessing
        29. Constantine's Expressions of Piety towards God; and Praise of the Confessors
        30. A Law granting Release from Exile, from Service in the Courts, and from the Confiscation of Property
        31. Release likewise granted to Exiles in the Islands
        32. And to those ignominiously employed in the Mines and Public Works
        33. Concerning those Confessors engaged in Military Service
        34. The Liberation of Free Persons condemned to labor in the Women's Apartments, or to Servitude
        35. Of the Inheritance of the Property of Martyrs and Confessors, also of those who had suffered Banishment or Confiscation of Property
        36. The Church is declared Heir of those who leave no Kindred; and the Free Gifts of such Persons Confirmed
        37. Lands, Gardens, or Houses, but not Actual Produce from them, are to be given back
        38. In what Manner Requests should be made for these
        39. The Treasury must restore Lands, Gardens, and Houses to the Churches
        40. The Tombs of Martyrs and the Cemeteries to be transferred to the Possession of the Churches
        41. Those who have purchased Property belonging to the Church, or received it as a Gift, are to restore it
        42. An Earnest Exhortation to worship God
        43. How the Enactments of Constantine were carried into Effect
        44. That he promoted Christians to Offices of Government, and forbade Gentiles in Such Stations to offer Sacrifice
        45. Statutes which forbade Sacrifice, and enjoined the Building of Churches
        46. Constantine's Letter to Eusebius and Other Bishops, respecting the Building of Churches, with Instructions to repair the Old, and erect New Ones on a Larger Scale, with the Aid of the Provincial Governors
        47. That he wrote a Letter in Condemnation of Idolatry
        48. Constantine's Edict to the People of the Provinces concerning the Error of Polytheism, commencing with Some General Remarks on Virtue and Vice
        49. Concerning Constantine's Pious Father, and the Persecutors Diocletian and Maximian
        50. That the Persecution originated on Account of the Oracle of Apollo, who, it was said, could not give Oracles because of “the Righteous Men.”
        51. That Constantine, when a Youth, heard from him who wrote the Persecution Edict that “the Righteous Men” were the Christians
        52. The Manifold Forms of Torture and Punishment practiced against the Christians
        53. That the Barbarians kindly received the Christians
        54. What Vengeance overtook those who on Account of the Oracle raised the Persecution
        55. Constantine gives Glory to God, makes Grateful Acknowledgment of the Sign of the Cross, and prays for the Churches and People
        56. He prays that All may be Christians, but compels None
        57. He gives Glory to God, who has given Light by his Son to those who were in Error
        58. He glorifies him again for his Government of the Universe
        59. He gives Glory to God, as the Constant Teacher of Good
        60. An Admonition at the Close of the Edict, that No One should trouble his Neighbor
        61. How Controversies originated at Alexandria through Matters relating to Arius
        62. Concerning the Same Arius, and the Melitians
        63. How Constantine sent a Messenger and a Letter concerning Peace
        64. Constantine's Letter to Alexander the Bishop, and Arius the Presbyter
        65. His Continual Anxiety for Peace
        66. That he also adjusted the Controversies which had arisen in Africa
        67. That Religion began in the East
        68. Being grieved by the Dissension, he counsels Peace
        69. Origin of the Controversy between Alexander and Arius, and that these Questions ought not to have been discussed
        70. An Exhortation to Unanimity
        71. There should be no Contention in Matters which are in themselves of Little Moment
        72. The Excess of his Pious Concern caused him to shed Tears; and his Intended Journey to the East was postponed because of These Things
        73. The Controversy continues without Abatement, even after the Receipt of This Letter
      3. Book III
        1. A Comparison of Constantine's Piety with the Wickedness of the Persecutors
        2. Farther Remarks on Constantine's Piety, and his Open Testimony to the Sign of the Cross
        3. Of his Picture surmounted by a Cross and having beneath it a Dragon
        4. A Farther Notice of the Controversies raised in Egypt by Arius
        5. Of the Disagreement respecting the Celebration of Easter
        6. How he ordered a Council to be held at Nicæa
        7. Of the General Council, at which Bishops from all Nations were Present
        8. That the Assembly was composed, as in the Acts of the Apostles, of Individuals from Various Nations
        9. Of the Virtue and Age of the Two Hundred and Fifty Bishops
        10. Council in the Palace. Constantine, entering, took his Seat in the Assembly
        11. Silence of the Council, after Some Words by the Bishop Eusebius
        12. Constantine's Address to the Council concerning Peace
        13. How he led the Dissentient Bishops to Harmony of Sentiment
        14. Unanimous Declaration of the Council concerning Faith, and the Celebration of Easter
        15. How Constantine entertained the Bishops on the Occasion of His Vicennalia
        16. Presents to the Bishops, and Letters to the People generally
        17. Constantine's Letter to the Churches respecting the Council at Nicæa
        18. He speaks of their Unanimity respecting the Feast of Easter, and against the Practice of the Jews
        19. Exhortation to follow the Example of the Greater Part of the World
        20. Exhortation to obey the Decrees of the Council
        21. Recommendation to the Bishops, on their Departure, to Preserve Harmony
        22. How he dismissed Some, and wrote Letters to Others; also his Presents
        23. How he wrote to the Egyptians, exhorting them to Peace
        24. How he wrote Frequent Letters of a Religious Character to the Bishops and People
        25. How he ordered the Erection of a Church at Jerusalem, in the Holy Place of our Saviour's Resurrection
        26. That the Holy Sepulchre had been covered with Rubbish and with Idols by the Ungodly
        27. How Constantine commanded the Materials of the Idol Temple, and the Soil itself, to be removed at a Distance
        28. Discovery of the Most Holy Sepulchre
        29. How he wrote concerning the Erection of a Church, both to the Governors of the Provinces, and to the Bishop Macarius
        30. Constantine's Letter to Macarius respecting the Building of the Church of our Saviour
        31. That the Building should surpass all the Churches in the World in the Beauty of its Walls, its Columns, and Marbles
        32. That he instructed the Governors concerning the Beautifying of the Roof; also concerning Workmen, and Materials
        33. How the Church of our Saviour, the New Jerusalem prophesied of in Scripture, was built
        34. Description of the Structure of the Holy Sepulchre
        35. Description of the Atrium and Porticos
        36. Description of the Walls, Roof, Decoration, and Gilding of the Body of the Church
        37. Description of the Double Porticos on Either Side, and of the Three Eastern Gates
        38. Description of the Hemisphere, the Twelve Columns, and their Bowls
        39. Description of the Inner Court, the Arcades and Porches
        40. Of the Number of his Offerings
        41. Of the Erection of Churches in Bethlehem, and on the Mount of Olives
        42. That the Empress Helena, Constantine's Mother, having visited this Locality for Devotional Purposes, built these Churches
        43. A Farther Notice of the Churches at Bethlehem
        44. Of Helena's Generosity and Beneficent Acts
        45. Helena's Pious Conduct in the Churches
        46. How she made her Will, and died at the Age of Eighty Years
        47. How Constantine buried his Mother, and how he honored her during her Life
        48. How he built Churches in Honor of Martyrs, and abolished Idolatry at Constantinople
        49. Representation of the Cross in the Palace, and of Daniel at the Public Fountains
        50. That he erected Churches in Nicomedia, and in Other Cities
        51. That he ordered a Church to be built at Mambre
        52. Constantine's Letter to Eusebius concerning Mambre
        53. That the Saviour appeared in this Place to Abraham
        54. Destruction of Idol Temples and Images everywhere
        55. Overthrow of an Idol Temple, and Abolition of Licentious Practices, at Aphaca in Phœnicia
        56. Destruction of the Temple of Æsculapius at Ægæ
        57. How the Gentiles abandoned Idol Worship, and turned to the Knowledge of God
        58. How he destroyed the Temple of Venus at Heliopolis, and built the First Church in that City
        59. Of the Disturbance at Antioch by Eustathius
        60. Constantine's Letter to the Antiochians, directing them not to withdraw Eusebius from Cæsarea, but to seek some one else
        61. The Emperor's Letter to Eusebius praising him for refusing the Bishopric of Antioch
        62. Constantine's Letter to the Council, depreciating the Removal of Eusebius from Cæsarea
        63. How he displayed his Zeal for the Extirpation of Heresies
        64. Constantine's Edict against the Heretics
        65. The Heretics are deprived of their Meeting Places
        66. How on the Discovery of Prohibited Books among the Heretics, Many of them return to the Catholic Church
      4. Book IV
        1. How he honored Many by Presents and Promotions
        2. Remission of a Fourth Part of the Taxes
        3. Equalization of the More Oppressive Taxes
        4. His Liberality, from His Private Resources, to the Losers in Suits of a Pecuniary Nature
        5. Conquest of the Scythians defeated through the Sign of Our Saviour
        6. Conquest of the Sarmatians, consequent on the Rebellion of their Slaves
        7. Ambassadors from Different Barbarous Nations receive Presents from the Emperor
        8. That he wrote also to the King of Persia, who had sent him an Embassy, on Behalf of the Christians in his Realm
        9. Letter of Constantine Augustus to Sapor, King of the Persians, containing a truly Pious Confession of God and Christ
        10. The Writer denounces Idols, and glorifies God
        11. Against the Tyrants and Persecutors; and on the Captivity of Valerian
        12. He declares that, having witnessed the Fall of the Persecutors, he now rejoices at the Peace enjoyed by the Christians
        13. He bespeaks his Affectionate Interest for the Christians in his Country
        14. How the Zealous Prayers of Constantine procured Peace to the Christians
        15. He causes himself to be represented on his Coins, and in his Portraits, in the Attitude of Prayer
        16. He forbids by Law the Placing his Likeness in Idol Temples
        17. Of his Prayers in the Palace, and his Reading the Holy Scriptures
        18. He enjoins the General Observance of the Lord's Day, and the Day of Preparation
        19. That he directed even his Pagan Soldiers to pray on the Lord's Day
        20. The Form of Prayer given by Constantine to his Soldiers
        21. He orders the Sign of the Saviour's Cross to be engraven on his Soldiers' Shields
        22. Of his Zeal in Prayer, and the Honor he paid to the Feast of Easter
        23. How he forbade Idolatrous Worship, but honored Martyrs and the Church Festivals
        24. That he described himself to be a Bishop, in Charge of Affairs External to the Church
        25. Prohibition of Sacrifices, of Mystic Rites, Combats of Gladiators, also the Licentious Worship of the Nile
        26. Amendment of the Law in Force respecting Childless Persons, and of the Law of Wills
        27. Among Other Enactments, he decrees that no Christian shall slave to a Jew, and affirms the Validity of the Decisions of Councils
        28. His Gifts to the Churches, and Bounties to Virgins and to the Poor
        29. Of Constantine's Discourses and Declamations
        30. That he marked out before a Covetous Man the Measure of a Grave, and so put him to Shame
        31. That he was derided because of his Excessive Clemency
        32. Of Constantine's Oration which he wrote to the Assembly of the Saints
        33. How he listened standing to Eusebius' Declamation in Honor of our Saviour's Sepulchre
        34. That he wrote to Eusebius respecting Easter, and respecting Copies of the Holy Scriptures
        35. Constantine's Letter to Eusebius, in praise of his Discourse concerning Easter
        36. Constantine's Letter to Eusebius on the Preparation of Copies of the Holy Scriptures
        37. How the Copies were provided
        38. How the Market-Town of Gaza was made a City for its Profession of Christianity, and received the Name of Constantia
        39. That a Place in Phœnicia also was made a City, and in Other Cities Idolatry was abolished, and Churches built
        40. That having conferred the Dignity of Cæsars on his Three Sons at the Three Decennial Periods of his Reign, he dedicated the Church at Jerusalem
        41. That in the meantime he ordered a Council to be convened at Tyre, because of Controversies raised in Egypt
        42. Constantine's Letter to the Council at Tyre
        43. Bishops from all the Provinces attended the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem
        44. Of their Reception by the Notary Marianus; the Distribution of Money to the Poor; and Offerings to the Church
        45. Various Discourses by the Assembled Bishops; also by Eusebius, the Writer of this History
        46. That Eusebius afterwards delivered his Description of the Church of the Saviour, and a Tricennial Oration before Constantine himself
        47. That the Council at Nicæa was held in the Twentieth, the Dedication of the Church at Jerusalem in the Thirtieth, Year of Constantine's Reign
        48. That Constantine was displeased with one who praised him excessively
        49. Marriage of his Son Constantius Cæsar
        50. Embassy and Presents from the Indians
        51. That Constantine divided the Empire between his Three Sons, whom he had instructed in Politics and Religion
        52. That after they had reached Man's Estate he was their Guide in Piety
        53. Having reigned about Thirty-Two Years, and lived above Sixty, he still had a Sound Body
        54. Of those who abused His Extreme Benevolence for Avarice and Hypocrisy
        55. Constantine employed himself in Composition of Various Kinds to the Close of his Life
        56. How he took Bishops with him on an Expedition against the Persians, and took with him a Tent in the Form of a Church
        57. How he received an Embassy from the Persians and kept the Night Vigil with others at the Feast of Easter
        58. Concerning the Building of a Church in Honor of the Apostles at Constantinople
        59. Farther Description of the same Church
        60. He also erected his own Sepulchral Monument in this Church
        61. His Sickness at Helenopolis, and Prayers respecting his Baptism
        62. Constantine's Appeal to the Bishops, requesting them to confer upon him the Rite of Baptism
        63. How after his Baptism he rendered Thanks to God
        64. Constantine's Death at Noon on the Feast of Pentecost
        65. Lamentations of the Soldiery and their Officers
        66. Removal of the Body from Nicomedia to the Palace at Constantinople
        67. He received the same Honors from the Counts and other Officers as before his Death
        68. Resolution of the Army to confer thence-forward the Title of Augustus on his Sons
        69. Mourning for Constantine at Rome; and the Honor paid him there through Paintings after his Death
        70. His Burial by his Son Constantius at Constantinople
        71. Sacred Service in the Church of the Apostles on the Occasion of Constantine's Funeral
        72. Of the Phœnix
        73. How Constantine is represented on Coins in the Act of ascending to Heaven
        74. The God whom he had honored deservedly honored him in Return
        75. He surpassed all Preceding Emperors in Devotion to God
    6. The Oration of Constantine
      1. Preliminary Remarks on the Feast of Easter: and how the Word of God, having conferred Manifold Benefits on Mankind, was betrayed by his Beneficiaries
      2. An Appeal to the Church and to his Hearers to pardon and correct the Errors of His Speech
      3. That God is the Father of the Word, and the Creator of all Things; and that Material Objects could not continue to exist, were their Causes Various
      4. On the Error of Idolatrous Worship
      5. That Christ, the Son of God, created All Things, and has appointed to Every Thing the Term of its Existence
      6. The Falsity of the General Opinion respecting Fate is proved by the Consideration of Human Laws, and by the Works of Creation, the Course of which is not Fortuitous, but according to an Orderly Arrangement which evinces the Design of the Creator
      7. In regard to Things above our Comprehension, we should glorify the Creator's Wisdom, and attribute their Causes to him alone, and not to Chance
      8. That God bestows an Abundant Supply of whatever is suited to the Wants of Man, and ministers but sparingly to his Pleasures; in Both Cases with a View to his Advantage
      9. Of the Philosophers, who fell into Mistaken Notions, and Some of them into Danger, by their Desire of Universal Knowledge — -Also of the Doctrines of Plato
      10. Of those who reject the Doctrines of Philosophers, as well as those of Scripture: and that we ought to believe the Poets in All Things, or disbelieve them in All
      11. On the Coming of our Lord in the Flesh; its Nature and Cause
      12. Of those who are Ignorant of this Mystery; and that their Ignorance is Voluntary. The Blessings which await those who know it, especially such as die in the Confession of the Faith
      13. That there is a Necessary Difference between Created Things. That the Propensity to Good and Evil depends on the Will of Man; and that, consequently, Judgment is a Necessary and Reasonable Thing
      14. That Created Nature differs infinitely from Uncreated Being; to which Man makes the Nearest Approach by a Life of Virtue
      15. Of the Saviour's Doctrines and Miracles; and the Benefits he confers on those who own Subjection to him
      16. The Coming of Christ was predicted by the Prophets; and was ordained to be the Overthrow of Idols and Idolatrous Cities
      17. Of the Wisdom of Moses, which was an Object of Imitation to the Wise among Heathen Nations. Also concerning Daniel, and the Three Children
      18. Of the Erythræan Sibyl, who pointed in a Prophetic Acrostic at our Lord and his Passion. The Acrostic is “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour, Cross.”
      19. That this Prophecy respecting our Saviour was not the Fiction of any Member of the Christian Church, but the Testimony of the Erythræan Sibyl, whose Books were translated into Latin by Cicero before the coming of Christ. Also that Virgil makes mention of the same, and of the Birth of the Virgin's Child: though he spoke obscurely of this Mystery from Fear of the Ruling Powers
      20. A Farther Quotation from Virgilius Maro respecting Christ, with its Interpretation, showing that the Mystery was indicated therein darkly, as might be expected from a Poet
      21. That these Things cannot have been spoken of a Mere Man: and that Unbelievers, owing to their Ignorance of Religion, know not even the Origin of their own Existence
      22. The Emperor thankfully ascribes his Victories and all other Blessings to Christ; and condemns the Conduct of the Tyrant Maximin, the Violence of whose Persecution had enhanced the Glory of Religion
      23. Of Christian Conduct. That God is pleased with those who lead a Life of Virtue: and that we must expect a Judgment and Future Retribution
      24. Of Decius, Valerian, and Aurelian, who experienced a Miserable End in consequence of their Persecution of the Church
      25. Of Diocletian, who ignobly abdicated the Imperial Throne, and was terrified by the Dread of Lightning for his Persecution of the Church
      26. The Emperor ascribes his Personal Piety to God; and shows that we are bound to seek Success from God, and attribute it to him; but to consider Mistakes as the Result of our own Negligence
    7. The Oration of Eusebius
      1. Prologue to the Oration
      2. The Oration
      3. Chapter II
      4. Chapter III
      5. Chapter IV
      6. Chapter V
      7. Chapter VI
      8. Chapter VII
      9. Chapter VIII
      10. Chapter IX
      11. Chapter X
      12. Chapter XI
      13. Chapter XII
      14. Chapter XIII
      15. Chapter XIV
      16. Chapter XV
      17. Chapter XVI
      18. Chapter XVII
      19. Chapter XVIII
  5. Index of Subjects
    1. The Church History of Eusebius
    2. Eusebius: Constantine
  6. Indexes
    1. Index of Scripture References
    2. Greek Words and Phrases
    3. German Words and Phrases
    4. French Words and Phrases
    5. Index of Pages of the Print Edition