Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers: Series II/Volume III/Theodoret/Ecclesiastical History/Book V/Chapter 25

.&#8212;Of the death of the Emperor Theodosius.

this victory Theodosius fell sick and divided his empire between his sons, assigning to the elder the sovereignty which he had wielded himself and to the younger the throne of Europe.

He charged both to hold fast to the true religion, &#8220;for by its means,&#8221; said he, &#8220;peace is preserved, war is stopped, foes are routed, trophies are set up and victory is proclaimed.&#8221; After giving this charge to his sons he died, leaving behind him imperishable fame.

His successors in the empire were also inheritors of his piety.