CHAPTER XVI

FAVOUR OF GOD MANIFESTED TOWARDS THE EMPEROR HONORIUS. DEATH OF HONORIUS. HIS SUCCESSORS. PEACE ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

THIS is not the proper place to enter into details concerning the deaths of the tyrants; but I considered it necessary to allude to the circumstance in order to show, that to ensure the stability of imperial power, it is sufficient for an emperor to serve God with reverence, which was the course pursued by Honorius. Galla Placida, who was born of the same father as himself, dwelt with him, and likewise distinguished herself by her zeal in the maintenance of religion and of the churches. After Constantius, who was a brave and able general, had conquered the tyrant Constantine, the emperor rewarded him by giving him his sister in marriage, and admitting him to a share in the government. Constantius did not long survive the promotion: he died soon after, and left two children, Valentinian, who succeeded Honorius, and Honoria. A profound peace reigned at this period throughout the Eastern Empire, and, notwithstanding the extreme youth of the emperor, the affairs of government were, contrary to all expectation, conducted with great wisdom. It seems as if God openly manifested his favour towards the emperor, not only by causing all wars and seditions to cease, but also by permitting the discovery of the remains of many persons who had rendered themselves celebrated by their piety. Among other relics, those of Zechariah, the ancient prophet, and of Stephen, who was ordained deacon by the apostles, were discovered; and it seems incumbent upon me to describe the mode in which these holy remains were unexpectedly brought to light.