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IT ought not to excite astonishment that Constantine was so far
deceived as to send so many great men into exile: for he believed the
assertions of bishops of high fame and reputation, who skilfully
concealed their malice. Those who are acquainted with the Sacred
Scriptures know that the holy David, although he was a prophet, was
deceived; and that too not by a priest, but by one who was a menial,
a slave, and a rascal. I mean Ziba, who deluded the king by lies
against Mephibosheth, and thus obtained his land . It is not to
condemn the prophet that I thus speak; but that I may defend the
emperor, by showing the weakness of human nature, and to teach that
credit should not be given only to those who advance accusations, even
though they may appear worthy of credit; but that the other party ought
also to be heard, and that one ear should be left open to the accused.
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