.—Constantine’s Letter to Eusebius on the Preparation of Copies of the Holy Scriptures.
“ to Eusebius.
“It happens, through the
favoring providence of God our Saviour, that great numbers have united
themselves to the most holy church in the city which is called by my
name. It seems, therefore, highly requisite, since that city is rapidly
advancing in prosperity in all other respects, that the number of
churches should also be increased. Do you, therefore, receive with all
readiness my determination on this behalf. I have thought it expedient
to instruct your Prudence to order fifty copies of the sacred
Scriptures, the provision and use of which you know to be most needful
for the instruction of the Church, to be written on prepared parchment
in a legible manner, and in a convenient, portable form, by
professional transcribers thoroughly practiced in their art. The catholicus of the diocese has also received instructions by letter from our Clemency to be careful to furnish all things necessary for the preparation of such copies; and it will be for you to take special care that they be completed with as little delay as possible. You have authority also, in virtue of this letter, to use two of the public carriages for their conveyance, by which arrangement the copies when fairly written will most easily be forwarded for my personal inspection; and one of the deacons of your church may be intrusted with this service, who, on his arrival here, shall experience my liberality. God preserve you, beloved brother!”