Constantine Sends a Messenger of Peace

As soon as the emperor was told of these things, he heard them with great sorrow of heart, regarding them as a disaster that touched him personally. He at once chose, from among the Christians in his company, a man he knew well to be proven for the soundness and sincerity of his faith, who had already distinguished himself by the boldness with which he confessed his religion. He sent him to make peace between the opposing parties at Alexandria. He also made him the bearer of a most necessary and fitting letter to those who had first started the quarrel. Since this letter shows a sample of his watchful care over God’s people, it may be well to include it in this account of his life. Its content was as follows. [a]