An edict of Constantine, published about this time, manifestly indicates his real or affected suspicions, that a secret conspiracy had been formed against his person and government.

By all the allurements of honors and rewards, he invites informers of every degree to accuse without exception his magistrates or ministers, his friends or his most intimate favorites, protesting, with a solemn asseveration, that he himself will listen to the charge, that he himself will revenge his injuries; and concluding with a prayer, which discovers some apprehension of danger, that the providence of the Supreme Being may still continue to protect the safety of the emperor and of the empire.
[12] [Footnote 11: Compare Idatius and the Paschal Chronicle, with Ammianus, (l, xiv.c.

5.) The year in which Constantius was created Caesar seems to be more accurately fixed by the two chronologists; but the historian who lived in his court could not be ignorant of the day of the anniversary.

For the appointment of the new Caesar to the provinces of Gaul, see Julian, Orat.i.p.12, Godefroy, Chronol.

Legum, p.26.