vation; therefore, we find that Constantine, although he accepted the
faith, did not get baptized until he was on his death-bed, as he wished
to continue, as long as possible, the wicked life he was leading. Mr.
Gibbon, speaking of him, says:

"The example and reputation of Constantine seemed to
countenance the delay of baptism. Future tyrants were
encouraged to believe, that the innocent blood which they
might shed in a long reign would instantly be washed away in
the waters of regeneration; and the abuse of religion
dangerously undermined the foundations of moral
virtue."[445:4]

Eusebius, in his "Life of Constantine," tells us that:

"_When he thought that he was near his death_, he confessed
his sins, desiring pardon for them of God, and was baptized.

"Before doing so, he assembled the bishops of Nicomedia
together, and spake thus unto them:

"'Brethren, the salvation which I have earnestly desired of
God these many years, I do now this day expect. It is time
therefore that we should be sealed and signed with the badge
of immortality. And though I proposed to receive it in the
river Jordan, in which our Saviour for our example was
baptized, yet God, knowing what is fittest for me, hath
appointed that I shall receive it in this place, _therefore
let me not be delayed_.'"

"And so, after the service of baptism was read, they baptized
him with all the ceremonies belonging to this mysterious
sacrament. So that Constantine was the first of all the
emperors who was regenerated by the new birth of baptism, and
that was signed with the sign of the cross."[446:1]

When Constantine had heard the good news from the Christian monk from
Egypt, he commenced by conferring many dignities on the Christians, and
those only who were addicted to Christianity, he made governors of his
provinces, &c.[446:2] He then issued edicts against heretics,--_i. e._,
those who, like Arius, did not believe that Christ was "_of one
substance with the Father_," and others--calling them "enemies of truth
and eternal life," "authors and councillors of death," &c.[446:3] He
"_commanded by law_" that none should dare "to meet at conventicles,"
and that "all places where they were wont to keep their meetings should
be _demolished_," or "confiscated to the Catholic church;"[446:4] _and
Constantine was emperor_. "By this means," s