305), Constantine, one of the competitors for the purple, perceiving the advantages that would accrue to him from such a policy, put himself forth as the head of the Christian party.

This gave him, in every part of the empire, men and women ready to encounter fire and sword in his behalf; it gave him unwavering adherents in every legion of the armies.
In a decisive battle, near the Milvian bridge, victory crowned his schemes.

The death of Maximin, and subsequently that of Licinius, removed all obstacles.

He ascended the throne of the Caesars--the first Christian emperor.
Place, profit, power--these were in view of whoever now joined the conquering sect.

Crowds of worldly persons, who cared nothing about its religious ideas, became its warmest supporters.