CAP. XXII.* 1.1
How that the councell assembled at Tyrus remoued to Ierusalem, and celebrated the dedi∣cation of the newe Ierusalem, at what tyme the Arians were admitted to the communion. And how that the Emperour by his letters caused the coun∣cell summoned at Tyrus, to meete at Constantinople, that in his presence the trueth toutching Athanasius cause, might the more narrowely be sifted out.
Immediatly after these thinges, the Emperours letters came to the councels handes, signifying that with all speede, his will was they shoulde repayre to Ierusalem. Therefore the bishops lay∣ing all other matters aside, do leaue Tyrus, and take their iourney to Ierusalem. A solemne feast is there held, for the consecration of those places: Arius with his confederats is admitted into the Church. for the bishops sayd, that in that behalf, they would satisfie the Emperours letters, wher∣by he had signified vnto them, that he allowed very well of the sayth of Arius, and Enzoius. The bi∣shops* 1.2 also wrote vnto the Churche of Alexandria, that they shoulde banishe from among them, all rankor, spite, and malice, and setle their Ecclesiasticall affayres at peace and quietnes. They signi∣fied moreouer by their letters, that Arius had repented him of his heresie: that he had acknowled∣ged the trueth: that thenceforth he would cleaue vnto the Church: and that therefore they had not without good cause receaued him, and by the consent of them all, exiled Athanasius. Of the selfe same things likewise, they wrote vnto the Emperour. While these things were in handling, there came eftsones other letters from the Emperour vnto the councell, signifying that Athanasius was fledd vnto the Emperour him selfe, and that of necessity they must meete at Constantinople about his matters. The letters sent from the Emperour were written as followeth:
Constantinus the puysant, the mighty and noble Emperour, vnto the Bishope assem∣bled* 2.1 at Tyrus, sendeth greeting.
VErily I knowe not what matters your assemblie, through tumult and troublesome sturre* 2.2 hath decreed: me thinkes the trueth it selfe you haue in maner subuerted, by meanes of your hurlyburly and kindled heat of contention. for whilest that you prosecute your pri∣ucy spire and hatred, one towards an other, the which you wil leaue in no wisovnpractised; you seeme to neglect the seruice of God, & the furtherance of his truteh. But I trust the diuine proui∣dēco of God will•…•…g••o passe, that after the proofe of this pestilēt contention; it may wholy be banished that we may also perceaue whether your coūcel, & assembly, hath had any care of the trueth, & also whether you haue decided of the matters called into question, & geuen sentence, without parcial fauor, & poysoned malice. VVherfore my wil is that with spede you all repaire vnto me, to the end you your selues, by no other then your selues, may yeld an exquisite accōpt. The cause that moued me to writ this vnto you, & to sūmone you hither by my letters, you may learne by that which followeth. As I rode in my waggon vnto a certain place within the city, & that happy soil, called after thy name Cōstantinople Athanasius the bishop together with certaine other priestes in his company, me•••• me in the middest of the streete vpon a sodame, & vnlooked for, which amazed me not a litle▪ I take God to witnesse who seeth al things, that I coulde not haue knowen him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the first fight, had not some of my trayne (when that I gaue diligent eare