THE DECLINE AND FALL

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chap, a profane poet*) he used the altars of the churchas a convenient footstool to the throne of theempire. A conclusion so harsh and so abso-lute is not, however, warranted by our know-ledge of human nature, of Constantine, or ofChristianity . In an age of religious fervour,the most artful statesmen are observed to feelsome part of the enthusiasm which they in-spire; and the most orthodox saints assume thedangerous privilege of defending the cause oftruth by the arms of deceit and falsehood.Personal interest is often the standard of ourbelief, as well as of our practice; and the samemotives of temporal advantage which might in-fluence the public conduct and professions ofConstantine, would insensibly dispose his mindto embrace a religion so propitious to his fameand fortunes. His vanity was gratified by theflattering assurance that he had been chosenby heaven to reign over the earth; success hadjustified his divine title to the throne, and thattitle was founded on the truth of the Christianrevelation. As real virtue is sometimes excit-

s Lor* Constantin dit ces propres paroles.

J’ai renversC le culte des idoles;

Sur les debris de leurs temples ftimansAu Dieu du Ciel j'ai prodigue l’encens.

Mais tous mes soins pour sa grandeur supremeN’eurent jamais d’autre objet que moi-m£mc;

Les saints autels n’etoient a mes regardsQu’un marckepie du trbne des Cesar*.

L’ambition, la fureur, les delicesEtoient mes Dieux, avoient mes sacrifices.

L’or des Chretiens, leurs intrigues, leur sangOut ciment£ ma fortune et moo rang.

The poem which contains these lines may be read with pleasure* bufcannot be named with decency.