Eusebius of Caesarea: Christian Charity during

. : Voices of the Early Church : an excerpt from Book IX of Ecclesiastical History by 4th century historian Eusebius of Caesarea. : Excerpt Text: The customary rains and showers of the winter season ceased to fall in their wonted abundance upon the earth and an unexpected famine made its appearance, and in addition to this a pestilence, and another severe disease consisting of an ulcer, which on account of its fiery appearance was appropriately called a carbuncle. This, spreading over the whole body,