Note Note III — NOTES TO CHAPTER IV.

Eusebius, Life of Constantine, book III. chap. 27 and following (English Translation, Bagster and Sons, London, 1845). After giving an account of the demolition of the temple of Venus, he proceeds, "Nor did the Emperor's zeal stop here; but he gave further orders that the materials of what was then destroyed should be removed, and thrown as far from the spot as possible; and this command was speedily executed. The emperor, however, was not satisfied with having proceeded thus far: once more, fired with holy ardour, he directed that the ground itself should be dug up to a considerable depth, and the soil, which had been polluted by the foul impurities of demon worship, transported to a far distant place. This also was accomplished without delay. But as soon as the original surface of the ground, beneath the covering of earth, appeared, immediately, and contrary to all expectation, the venerable and hallowed monument of our Saviour's resurrection was discovered. Then indeed did this most holy cave present a most faithful similitude of His return to life, in that, after lying buried in darkness, it again emerged to light, and afforded to all who came to witness the sight, a clear and visible proof of the wonders of which that spot had once been the scene."