A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

§ 75. Social Significance of the State Church 42912. I urge, I beg, I exhort, I warn; for it is grief to me thatyou who were an example of unheard-of piety, who were conspicuousfor clemency, who would not suffer single offenders tobe put in peril, should not mourn that so many innocent personshave perished. Though you have waged war most successfully,though in other matters too you are worthy of praise, yet pietywas ever the crown of your actions. The devil envied that whichyou had as a most excellent possession. Conquer him whilst youstill possess that wherewith you can conquer. Do not add anothersin to your sin by a course of action which has injured many.13. I, indeed, though a debtor to your kindness, for which Icannot be ungrateful, that kindness which I regard as surpassingthat of many emperors, and has been equalled by one only, Ihave no cause, I say, for a charge of contumacy against you, buthave cause for fear. I dare not offer the sacrifice if you intend tobe present. Is that which is not allowed after the shedding of theblood of one innocent person allowed after the shedding of theblood of many? I think not.(j) Codex Theodosianus, III, 16, 2; A. D. 421.The later Roman law of divorce.The Roman law under the Empire was extremely favorableto divorce, making it easy for either party to become rid ofthe other for any cause that seemed sufficient. The ChristianChurch from the first, following the teaching of Christ,opposed divorce. Marriage was an indissoluble relation; see§ 39 f, g. It was only by degrees that much change could beintroduced into the civil law. The following law of TheodosiusII gives the condition of the law in the fifth century. It showsthat to some extent the Christian principles regarding marriagehad affected legislation.