CHAPTER XVI: Conduct Towards The Christians, From Nero To.
Constantine .-- Part VII.
Diocletian had no sooner published his edicts against the Christians, than, as if he had been desirous of committing to other hands the work of persecution, he divested himself of the Imperial purple.

The character and situation of his colleagues and successors sometimes urged them to enforce and sometimes inclined them to suspend, the execution of these rigorous laws; nor can we acquire a just and distinct idea of this important period of ecclesiastical history, unless we separately consider the state of Christianity, in the different parts of the empire, during the space of ten years, which elapsed between the first edicts of Diocletian and the final peace of the church.
The mild and humane temper of Constantius was averse to the oppression of any part of his subjects.

The principal offices of his palace were exercised by Christians.

He loved their persons, esteemed their fidelity, and entertained not any dislike to their religious principles.
But as long as Constantius remained in the subordinate station of Caesar, it was not in his power openly to reject the edicts of Diocletian, or to disobey the commands of Maximian.

His authority contributed, however, to alleviate the sufferings which he pitied and abhorred.