OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.
251
duct of Licinius soon betrayed the reluctance chap.
with which lie had consented to the wise and __
humane regulations of the edict of Milan. Theconvocation of provincial synods was prohibit-ed in his dominions; his Christian officers wereignominiously dismissed; and if he avoided theguilt, or rather danger, of a general persecution,his partial oppressions were rendered still moreodious, by the violation of a solemn and volun-tary engagement/ While the East, accordingto the lively expression of Eusebius , was in-volved in the shades of infernal darkness, theauspicious rays of celestial light warmed andilluminated the provinces of the West. Thepiety of Constantine was admitted as an unex-ceptionable proof of the justice of his arms;and his use of victory confirmed the opinion ofthe Christians , that their hero was inspired, andconducted, by the Lord of Hosts. The con-quest of Italy produced a general edict of tole-ration ; and as soon as the defeat of Licinius had invested Constantine with the sole domi-nion of the Roman world, he immediately, by a d. 324circular letters, exhorted all his subjects toimitate, without delay, the example of theirsovereign, and to embrace the divine truth ofChristianity /
The assurance that the elevation of Constan- Loyalty
... _ and zeal of
tine was intimately connected with the designs thecim*-of Providence, instilled into the minds of the tian party ‘