CHAPTER XLV

STATUTES WHICH FORBADE SACRIFICE, AND ENJOINED THE BUILDING OF CHURCHES

SOON after this, two laws were promulgated about the same time; one of which was intended to restrain the idolatrous abominations which in time past had been practised in every city and country; and it provided that no one should erect images, or practise divination and other false and foolish arts, or offer sacrifice in any way. The other statute commanded the erection of oratories on a loftier scale, and the enlargement of the churches of God; as though the hope were entertained that, now the madness of polytheism was wholly removed, almost all mankind would henceforth attach themselves to the service of God. His own personal piety induced the emperor to devise and address these instructions to the governors of the several provinces: and the law further admonished them not to spare the expenditure of money, but to draw supplies from the imperial treasury itself. Similar instructions were written also to the bishops of the several churches; and the emperor was pleased to transmit the same to myself, being the first letter which he personally addressed to me.