CHAPTER XX

CONSTANTINE RETURNS TO HIS FATHER, IN CONSEQUENCE OF THE TREACHEROUS INTENTIONS OF DIOCLETIAN

A YOUTH thus proudly conspicuous soon attracted the notice of the emperors then in power, who observed his manly and vigorous figure and superior mind with feelings of jealousy and fear, and thenceforward carefully watched for an opportunity of inflicting some brand of disgrace on his character. But he, being aware of their designs (the details of which, through the providence of God, were more than once laid open to his view), sought safety in flight; and in this respect his conduct still affords a parallel to that of the great prophet Moses. Indeed, in every sense God was his helper; and He had before ordained that he should be present in readiness to succeed his father.