Eusebius: Ecclesiastical History, Books I–X

Chapter VI. ^[1] —Copy of an Imperial Epistle in which Money is granted to the Churches. ^[2]

1. “Constantine Augustus to Cæcilianus, ^[3] bishop of Carthage. Since it is our pleasure that something should be granted in all the provinces of Africa and Numidia and Mauritania to certain ministers of the legitimate ^[4] and most holy catholic religion, to defray their expenses, I have written to Ursus, ^[5] the illustrious finance minister ^[6] of Africa, and have directed him to make provision to pay to thy firmness three thousand folles. ^[7]

2. 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 ^[8] sent to thee by Hosius. ^[9]

3. But if thou shouldst find that anything is wanting for the fulfillment of this purpose of mine in regard to all of them, thou shalt demand without hesitation from Heracleides, ^[10] our treasurer, ^[11] 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 delay.

4. 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, ^[12] do thou know that I gave command to Anulinus, the proconsul, and also to Patricius, ^[13] vicar of the prefects, ^[14] 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 shouldst 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. ^[15] The divinity of the great God preserve thee for many years.”