|
We have been informed that Constantine was led to honor the Christian
religion by the concurrence of several different events, particularly
by the appearance of a sign from heaven.
When he first formed the resolution of entering into a war against
Maxentius, he was beset with doubts as to the means of carrying on his
military operations, and as to the quarter whence he could look for
assistance. In the midst of his perplexity, he saw, in a vision,
the sight of the cross shining in heaven. He was amazed at the
spectacle, but some holy angels who were standing by, exclaimed,
"Oh, Constantine! by this symbol, conquer!" And it is said that
Christ himself appeared to him, and showed him the symbol of the
cross, and commanded him to construct one like unto it, and to retain
it as his help in battle, as it would insure the victory.
Eusebius, surnamed Pamphilus, affirms that he heard the emperor
declare with an oath, as the sun was on the point of inclining about
the middle of the day, he and the soldiers who were with him saw in
heaven the trophy of the cross composed of light, and encircled by the
following words: "By this sign, conquer."
This vision met him by the way, when he was perplexed as to whither he
should lead his army. While he was reflecting on what this could
mean, night came; and when he fell asleep, Christ appeared with the
sign which he had seen in heaven, and commanded him to construct a
representation of the symbol, and to use it as his help in hostile
encounters. There was nothing further to be elucidated; for the
emperor clearly apprehended the necessity of serving God.
At daybreak, he called together the priests of Christ, and
questioned them concerning their doctrines. They opened the sacred
Scriptures, and expounded the truths relative to Christ, and showed
him from the prophets, how the signs which had been predicted, had
been fulfilled. The sign which had appeared to him was the symbol,
they said, of the victory over hell; for Christ came among men, was
stretched upon the cross, died, and returned to life the third day.
On this account, they said, there was hope that at the close of the
present dispensation, there would be a general resurrection of the
dead, and entrance upon immortality, when those who had led a good
life would receive accordingly, and those who had done evil would be
punished. Yet, continued they, the means of salvation and of
purification from sin are provided; namely, for the uninitiated,
initiation according to the canons of the church; and for the
initiated, abstinence from renewed sin. But as few, even among holy
men, are capable of complying with this latter, condition, another
method of purification is set forth, namely, repentance; for God,
in his love towards man, bestows forgiveness on those who have fallen
into sin, on their repentance, and the confirmation of their
repentance by good works.
|
|