A source-book of ancient history - The Search For Mecca

534 The Absolute Monarchy
maintained their ground. . . . (Relying on a Sibylline
prophecy, Maxentius joined his army.) The bridge in
his rear was broken down. At sight of that the battle
grew hotter. The hand of the Lord prevailed, and the
forces of Maxentius were routed. He fled toward the
broken bridge; but as
the multitude pressed on him, he
was driven headlong into the Tiber. This destructive
war was thus ended, and with great rejoicings Constantine
was acknowledged emperor by the senate and people
of Rome.
VI.
The "Edict of Milan"
Edict of
Licinius,
Emperor,
312 A.D.
Lactantius,
The Manner
in which the
Persecutors
died, xlviii.
It purports
to be a reissue
of an
"Edict of
Milan."
But tiie
existence of
the latter has
been seriously
questioned;
cf.
Seeck,
Geschichte
des Untergangs
der
anliken Welt,
i- 495-
A ncient
World,
515 and n. i.
When we, Constantine Augustus and Licinius Augustus,
had happily met together at Milan, and were holding consideration
of all
things which concern the advantage anfi
security of the state, we thought amongst other things
which seemed likely to profit men generally, we ought in
the very first place to set in order the conditions of the
reverence paid to the Divinity, by giving to the Christians
and all others full authority to follow whatever worship
any man has chosen; whereby whatsoever Divinity dwells
in Heaven may be benevolent and propitious to us, and
to all who are placed under our authority. Therefore we
thought it good with sound counsel and very right reason
to lay down this law, that no man whatever should be
refused any legal facility, who has given up his mind
either to the observance of Christianity, or to the worship
which he personally feels best suited to himself; to the end
that the supreme Divinity, whose worship we freely follow,
may continue in all things to grant us his wonted favor
and goodwill. Wherefore your Devotion should know
that it is our pleasure to abolish all conditions whatever
which appeared in former charters directed to your office