The Edict was an agreement to treat Christians benevolently within the Roman Empire. Western Roman Emperor Constantine I, and Licinius, who controlled the Balkans agreed to change policies toward Christians following the Edict of Toleration by Galerius issued two years earlier in Serdica. The Christians would not obey the institutes of antiquity and for conscious sake were granted an indulgence saying, “They ought to pray to their God for our safety, for that of the Republic, and for their own, that the Commonwealth may continue uninjured on every side, and that they may be able to live securely in their homes.” Their confiscated property was restored in 313 when instructions were given for the Christian’s meeting places and other property to be returned and compensation paid by the State to the current owners. The Provincial Magistrates were ordered at once with all energy to execute this order so that public order may be restored and the continuance of Divine favor may preserve and prosper our successes together with the good of the State. Comment: Why do our Justices here in America wear long robes? The Roman Emperor’s began to see the benefit of Christian’s living among their populations! They learned that they were the only one’s they could trust! So the Christian Priest’s wore their robes from their religious duties to the Roman Civil Courts to preside over civil cases! I am sure not all Judges in America including the Supreme Court may know this historical tradition? Thankyou. James and Hamsa Sasse. GodWhoisGod.com