CHAPTER XLVII

DEATH OF MAXIMIN, WHO HAD ATTEMPTED A CONSPIRACY, AND OF OTHERS WHOM CONSTANTINE DETECTED BY DIVINE REVELATION

WHILE he was thus engaged, the second of those who had resigned the throne being detected in a treasonable conspiracy, suffered a most ignominious death. He was the first whose pictures, statues, and all similar marks of honour and distinction were every where destroyed, on the ground of his crimes and impiety. After him others also of the same family were discovered in the act of framing secret machinations against the emperor; all their intentions being miraculously revealed by God through visions to His servant.

For He frequently vouchsafed to him manifestations of Himself, the Divine presence appearing to him in a most marvellous manner, and according to him manifold intimations of future events. Indeed it is impossible to describe in words the inexpressible wonders of divine grace which God was pleased to vouchsafe to His servant. Surrounded by these, he passed the residue of his life in security, rejoicing in the true affection of his subjects, rejoicing too because he saw all beneath his government leading contented and peaceful lives; but above all delighted at the flourishing condition of the churches of God.