.—How he honored Many by Presents and Promotions.
thus variously engaged in promoting the extension and glory of the
church of God, and striving by every measure to commend the
Saviour’s doctrine, the emperor was far from neglecting secular
affairs; but in this respect also he was unwearied in bestowing
benefits of every kind and in quick succession on the people of every
province. On the one hand he manifested a paternal anxiety for the
general welfare of his subjects; on the other he would distinguish
individuals of his own acquaintance with various marks of honor; conferring his benefits in every instance in a truly noble spirit. No one could request a favor from the emperor, and fail of obtaining what he sought: no one expected a boon from him, and found that expectation vain. Some received presents in money, others in land; some obtained the Prætorian præfecture, others senatorial, others again consular rank: many were appointed provincial governors: others were made counts of the first, second, or third order: in numberless instances the title of Most Illustrious and many other distinctions were conferred; for the emperor devised new dignities, that he might invest a larger number with the tokens of his favor.