Truth, the Defense of Thrones

If I had been accused before anyone else, I would have appealed to Your Piety, as the apostle once appealed to Caesar and put an end to his enemies’ designs against him. But since they have had the boldness to bring their charge before you, to whom shall I appeal from you? To the Father of him who says, “I am the Truth,” that he may incline your heart to clemency: [a]

O Lord Almighty, King of eternity, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who by your Word have given this kingdom to your servant Constantius: shine into his heart, so that, knowing the falsehood set up against me, he may receive this defense of mine favorably and make known to all people that his ears are firmly set to listen to the truth, as it is written, “Righteous lips alone are acceptable to the king.” For you have had it said by Solomon that in this way the throne of the kingdom will be established. [b]

So at least inquire into this matter, and let the accusers understand that your desire is to learn the truth. And see whether they will not show their falsehood by their very looks; for the face is a test of the conscience, as it is written, “A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.” In this way those who had conspired against Joseph were convicted by their own consciences, and Laban’s craftiness toward Jacob showed in his face. And so you see the anxious alarm of these people, for they run away and hide; while on our side there is frankness in making our defense. And the question between us is not about worldly wealth but about the honor of the church. Someone who has been struck by a stone goes to a physician. But the blows of slander are sharper than a stone. For as Solomon has said, “A false witness is a club, and a sword, and a sharp arrow.” Truth alone can heal its wounds, and if Truth is set aside, they grow worse and worse. [c]