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Handout #55 |
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Constantine, benefactor of bishops and clergy and defender of sound doctrine |
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two letters, handouts 55 & 56, date from 313 A.D. Caecilian was the bishop whose election had
been contested by the supporters of Donatus at the beginning of the
Donatist schism. This is the 'unstable thought' of which the emperor
speaks.
Inasmuch as I have resolved that in all provinces, namely, Africa, Numidia and Mauretania, certain named ministers of the lawful and most holy Catholic religion should receive some contribution towards expenses, I have sent a letter to Ursus, the Eminent Finance Officer of Africa, informing him that he must arrange the transfer to your steadfastness of three thousand folles in cash (sum uncertain, but a very large mount of money). And whereas I have learnt that certain persons with unstable thought desire to lead astray the laity of the most holy Catholic church by disreputable enticements, this is to inform you that I have given full instructions to Anulinus the Proconsul and also to Patricius that, in all matters and particularly in church matters, they are to make the appropriate arrangements and are on no account to overlook such incidents. If therefore you observe any such persons persisting in this insane conduct, you must without hesitation apply to the aforementioned judges and refer the matter to them, so that they may bring pressure to bear. Eusebius of Caesarea, Ecclesiastical History, X, 6. |
