Short history of the early church . Dante was not LIBERATION UNDER CONSTANTINE. 49 far astray, however, for Constaiitines patronage was theentering wedge for Charlemagnes donation. Neandersays with truth: The reign of Constantine bears wit-ness that the state w^hich seeks to establish Christianityby the worldly means at its command, may be the occa-sion of more injury to this holy cause than the earthlypower which opposes it, with wiiatever force. Con-stantine could have helped the Church greatly by sim-ply removing all political disabilities, and permittingthe Christians to develop their poli
Short history of the early church . Dante was not LIBERATION UNDER CONSTANTINE. 49 far astray, however, for Constaiitines patronage was theentering wedge for Charlemagnes donation. Neandersays with truth: The reign of Constantine bears wit-ness that the state w^hich seeks to establish Christianityby the worldly means at its command, may be the occa-sion of more injury to this holy cause than the earthlypower which opposes it, with wiiatever force. Con-stantine could have helped the Church greatly by sim-ply removing all political disabilities, and permittingthe Christians to develop their polity and spiritualforces as God might lead. 5. Direct Favors to the Church. Among the chief spe-cial acts of Constantine in favor of the Church may bementioned, his ordering the civil observance of Sunday,his confiscation in the East of pagan temples for Chris-tian churches, his emancipation of the slaves, his ex-emption of the clergy from military and municipalduty, and his ardent promotion of Christian educationamong his ST. SOPHIA, AT CONSTANTINOPLE,4 Chapter XIV. REACTION UNDER JULIAN. 1. The Three Sons of Constantine divided their fathersempire among themselves. Not one was his equal, onthe battle-field or in government. But they pursuedhis policy of favoring the Christian religion. TheChristians were uncertain as to what would be theresult when his immediate family should have passedaway. The outlook was far from flattering. WhenJulian came to the throne there were grave apprehen-sions that he would renew the old war upon the Chris-tians. For a time he was silent, but after a while heexhibited a spirit of refined opposition to all Christianinstitutions and doctrines. 2. Julians Antecedents were calculated to prejudicehis mind against Christianity. He was a nephew ofConstantine, and was practically imprisoned in Cappa-docia, because of supposed danger to the rule of Con-stantines sons. He was educated in the languages andsciences, under the oversight of the Arian
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