A Defense of Constantine

No one should be surprised that Constantine was deceived into sending so many great men into exile. He believed the claims of bishops of high fame and reputation, who skillfully hid their malice. Those who know the holy Scriptures know that the holy David was deceived, though he was a prophet. And he was deceived not by a priest but by a servant, a slave and a scoundrel: I mean Ziba, who misled the king with lies against Mephibosheth and so got his land. I do not say this to condemn the prophet. I say it to defend the emperor, by showing the weakness of human nature, and to teach that we should not believe only those who bring accusations, even when they seem worthy of belief. The other side ought to be heard as well, and one ear should be kept open for the accused. [a]