A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

§ 59. Favor Shown the Church by Constantine 311By the following law the exemption of the clergy from publicburdens was made universal. As many availed themselves ofthe clerical immunities to escape their burdens as curiales, alaw was soon afterward passed limiting access to the ministryto those in humbler social position. V. supra, § 58 f.Those who in divine worship perform the services of religion—thatis, those who are called clergy—are altogether exemptfrom public obligations, so that they may not be called away fromtheir sacred duties by the sacrilegious malice of certain persons.(d) Codex Theodosianus, XVI, 2, 4; A. D. 321.The Church is hereby permitted to receive legacies. Thiswas a recognition of its corporate character in the law, andindirectly its act of incorporation.Every one has permission to leave when he is dying whatsoevergoods he wishes to the most holy Catholic Church.…[284](e) Codex Theodosianus, XVI, 5, 1; A. D. 326.Privileges were granted only to the clergy of the Catholic orgreat Church as distinguished from heretics and schismatics.The State was, accordingly, forced by its exemptions andprivileges granted the Church to take up a position as toheresy and schism. See for Constantine's policy towardheresy, Eusebius, Vita Constantini, III. 64 ff. (PNF, ser. II,vol. I.)Privileges which have been bestowed in consideration of religionought to be of advantage only to those who observe the Catholic