Mrs.Eddy Mentioned Them November 23, 1957 Issue

Constantine (Flavius Valerius Constantinus) 280(?)-337

[Mentioned in Miscellaneous Writings, p. 224]

Constantine was the first ruler of the Roman Empire to proclaim himself a Christian. His father, Constantius Chlorus, though a pagan, had, when possible, protected the Christians. When Constantius was given the rank of Caesar over Gaul and Britain, Constantine was left at the court of Diocletian and stayed on under Galerius.

An invasion of the Picts caused Constantius to return to Britain, and his son joined him. Following a brilliant victory, Constantius died at York. The army named Constantine his successor, and he set about to win his subjects' loyalty and to repel invasions from his borders. Galerius' death and Constantine's defeat of Maximian, who had plotted against him, left the empire under Constantine and Maxentius in the West and Licinius and Maximin Daza in the East.

Constantine seized as a pretext for invading Italy. Before the battle of Milvian Bridge, Constantine was ordered in a vision to place on the shields of his men the monogram of Christ. Constantine's conversion was complete with his victory, which he attributed to the God of the Christians. With Licinius, Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which established complete religious toleration.

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