PREFACE. THIS little book, as its title implies, is designed to set before the reader such a record of the great events in the Christian era, as may guide him along the highway of historic truth, enabling him to know the most memorable events, their sequence and connection, and to become acquainted with the men who have played the most prominent part in shaping the destiny of nations. In carrying out this design, the author has endeavoured to write a book that may be read with pleasure and studied with profit. He has, accordingly, avoided anything approaching to that most hateful of all books in a school library, "a synopsis of universal history;" and has attempted to describe the chief events in a clear and interesting style, omitting all minor details of a dry and unattractive character, and giving to the narrative a biographical complexion. Facts, related in general and abstract terms, seldom enrich the mind or dwell in the memory; but when grouped around some central human figure, they generally command the attention of the reader, and find a permanent place in his memory. As a school-book, this little work is intended for pupils who are already familiar with the outlines of English history; and, therefore, events relating more particularly to our own nation are purposely omitted. It is hoped that the student will find in the following pages a valuable introduction to the study of modern history, and a store of such information, respecting events in the Christian era, as is indispensable for the due appreciation of even the most ordinary works of literature. July, 1874. C. S. D. CONTENTS. THE ROMAN EMPIRE UNDER AUGUSTUS. Antony and Octavian-The First Emperor of Rome- THE ROMAN EMPERORS FROM AUGUSTUS TO CONSTANTINE. An Age of Tyranny-Golden Age of the Empire-Dis- astrous Condition of the Empire-Restoration of the Progress of the Christian Religion-Persecutions of the How Constantine became Emperor-Constantine as a Christian-Foundation of Constantinople-Constan- tine and his Sons-Julian the Apostate-Partition 44 |