Imagine a leader with such a generous reputation…
“[Constantine] distributed money largely to those who were in need…and even for the beggars in the forum, miserable and shiftless, he provided, not with money only, or necessary food, but also decent clothing. But in the case of those who had once been prosperous, and had experienced a reverse of circumstances, his aid was still more lavishly bestowed…
Orphans of the unfortunate he cared for as a father, while he relieved the destitution of widows, and cared for them with special solicitude…In short, as the sun, when he rises upon the earth, liberally imparts his rays of light to all, so did Constantine, proceeding at early dawn from the imperial palace…It was scarcely possible to be near him without receiving some benefit, nor did it ever happen that any who had expected to obtain his assistance were disappointed in their hope.”
Eusebius Pamphilius (263-339) in The Life of Constantine Book I, Chapter XLIII. “Constantine’s Liberality to the Poor.” Eusebius also authored the more famous work, Ecclesiastical History, the most comprehensive account available to us today of the early church from the first to the fourth centuries.
Here in The Life of Constantine, Eusebius undoubtedly employs hyperbole, but behind the flowery language is a legacy of generosity. Constantine clearly followed the instructions of his good teacher, Lactantius (featured yesterday). Constantine’s care for the poor demonstrated a radical, biblical shift from prevailing Roman norms to align with the teachings of Jesus (cf. Matthew 25:31-46).
Speaking of good teachers, Sammy and I are fly fishing today in West Puget Sound with 2011 Orvis endorsed Fly Fishing Guide of the Year, Derek Young. Our aim is to learn about catching the Coastal Cutthroat Trout, one of only a few sea run species of trout. As Sammy is a licensed outfitter and fly fishing guide (www.sammysflyshop.com), we are getting some outdoor education and enjoying God’s creation in Washington for a few days, while celebrating the completion of his first year of college.