Part 32 (1/2)

But he granted to his own religion favors similar to those enjoyed by the heathen religious systems (_a-d_), though these privileges were only for the Catholic Church, and not for heretics (_e_); and he pa.s.sed such laws as would make it possible for Christians to carry out their religious practices, _e.g._, that Christians should not be compelled to sacrifice when the laws prescribed sacrifices (_f_), that Sunday be observed (_g_), and that celibacy might be practised (_h_).

Additional source material: Eusebius, _Vita Constantini_ (PNF, ser. II, vol. I), II, 24-42. 46; IV, 18-28. Sozomen, _Hist. Ec._ (PNF, ser. II, vol. II), I, 9.

(_a_) Constantine, _Ep. ad Ccilianum_, in Eusebius, _Hist. Ec._, X, 6.

(MSG, 20:892.)

The probable date of this epistle is A. D. 313, though there is uncertainty. Text in Kirch, nn. 323 _f_.

Constantine Augustus to Ccilia.n.u.s, Bishop of Carthage. Since it is our pleasure that something should be granted in all the provinces, namely, Africa and Numidia and Mauritania, to certain ministers of the legitimate and most holy Catholic religion, to defray their expenses, I have given written instructions to Ursus, the ill.u.s.trious finance minister of Africa, and have directed him to make provision to pay to thy firmness three thousand folles.(95) Do thou, therefore, when thou hast received the above sum of money, command that it be distributed among all those mentioned above, according to the brief sent unto thee by Hosius. But if thou shouldest find that anything is wanting for the fulfilment of this my purpose in regard to all of them, thou shalt demand without hesitation from Heracleides, our treasurer, whatever thou findest to be necessary.

For I commanded him, when he was present, that if thy firmness should ask him for any money, he should see to it that it be paid without any delay.

And since I have learned that some men of unsettled mind wish to turn the people from the most holy and Catholic Church by a certain method of shameful corruption, do thou know that I gave command to Anulinus, the proconsul, and also to Patricius, vicar of the prefects, when they were present, that they should give proper attention not only to other matters, but also, above all, to this, and that they should not overlook such a thing when it happened. Wherefore if thou shouldest see any such men continuing in this madness, do thou without delay go to the above-mentioned judges and report the matter to them; that they may correct them as I commanded them when they were present. The divinity of the great G.o.d preserve thee many years.

(_b_) Constantine, _Ep. ad Anulinum_, in Eusebius, _Hist. Ec._, X, 7.

(MSG, 20:893.)

The following epistle, of the same year as the preceding to Ccilia.n.u.s, is the basis of exemptions of the clergy from public duties. The extension of these exemptions was made by the decree of 319, given below. Text in Kirch, n. 325.

Greeting to thee, our most esteemed Anulinus. Since it appears from many circ.u.mstances that when that religion is despised in which is preserved the chief reverence for the most celestial Power, great dangers are brought upon public affairs; but that when legally adopted and observed it affords most signal prosperity to the Roman name and remarkable felicity to all the affairs of men, through the divine beneficence, it seemed good to me, most esteemed Anulinus, that those men who give their services with due sanct.i.ty and with constant observance of this law to the wors.h.i.+p of the divine religion should receive recompense for their labors. Wherefore it is my will that those within the province intrusted to thee, in the Catholic Church over which Ccilia.n.u.s presides, who give their services to this holy religion, and who are commonly called clergymen, be entirely exempted from all public duties, that by any error or sacrilegious negligence they may not be drawn away from the service due to the Deity, but may devote themselves without any hindrance to their own law. For it seems that when they show greatest reverence to the Deity the greatest benefits accrue to the State. Farewell, our most esteemed and beloved Anulinus.

(_c_) _Codex Theodosia.n.u.s_, XVI, 2, 2; A. D. 319.

By the following law the exemption of the clergy from public burdens was made universal. As many availed themselves of the clerical immunities to escape their burdens as curiales, a law was soon afterward pa.s.sed limiting access to the ministry to those in humbler social position. _V. supra_, 58 _f._

Those who in divine wors.h.i.+p perform the services of religionthat is, those who are called clergyare altogether exempt from public obligations, so that they may not be called away from their sacred duties by the sacrilegious malice of certain persons.

(_d_) _Codex Theodosia.n.u.s_, XVI, 2, 4; A. D. 321.

The Church is hereby permitted to receive legacies. This was a recognition of its corporate character in the law, and indirectly its act of incorporation.

Every one has permission to leave when he is dying whatsoever goods he wishes to the most holy Catholic Church.

(_e_) _Codex Theodosia.n.u.s_, XVI, 5, 1; A. D. 326.