The history of the church from our Lords incarnation, to the twelth year of the Emperour Maricius Tiberius, or the Year of Christ 594 / as it was written in Greek, by Eusebius Pamphilius ..., Socrates Scholasticus, and Evagrius Scholasticus ... ; made English from that edition of these historians, which Valesius published at Paris in the years 1659, 1668, and 1673 ; also, The life of Constantine in four books, written by Eusibius Pamphilus, with Constantine's Oration to the convention of the saints, and Eusebius's Speech in praise of Constantine, spoken at his tricennalia ; Valesius's annotations on these authors, are done into English, and set at their proper places in the margin, as likewise a translation of his account of their lives and writings ; with two index's, the one, of the principal matters that occur in the text, the other, of those contained in the notes.

CHAP. XXIII. That Constantius, being afraid of his Brothers menaces, by his Letters ordered Athanasius to appear, and sent him to Alexandria.

THe Emperour of the East understanding these things, was reduced to a very great streight. And having forthwith sent for most of the Ea∣stern Bishops, he made them acquainted with the option his brother had proposed to him, and en∣quired of them what was to be done. They made answer, that it was better [for him] to grant Athanasius the Churches, than to under∣take a Civil War. Wherefore the Emperour, being necessitated thereto, summoned Athanasius to appear before him. At that very interim the Western Emperour sends Paulus to Constantinople, accompanied with two Bishops and other hono∣rary provisions, having fortified him both with his own Letters, and also with those from the Synod. But whilst Athanasius was yet fearful, and in doubt whether he should go to Constantius or not: (For he was afraid of the treacherous attempts of the Sycophants:) the Eastern Em∣perour invited him [to his Court] not only once, but a second and a third time; as it is evident from his Letters, the contents whereof, being translated out of the Latine tongue [into the Greek,] are these.

Constantius's Epistle to Athanasius. CONSTANTIUS VICTOR AUGUSTUS, to Athanasius the Bishop.

a 1.1 The humanity of Our clemency hath not per∣mitted you to be any longer tossed in and disquieted with the boysterous surges (as it were) of the Sea. Our indefatigable piety hath not neglected you during your being deprived of your native habita∣tion, whilst you wanted your goods, and wandred up and down in desert and impassable places. And although We have too long deferred the acquanting you by Letters with the purpose of Our mind, ex∣pecting you would of your own accord have come to Us, and requested a remedy for your troubles: yet because peradventure fear hath hindred that purpose of your mind, We have therefore sent to your Gravity, Letters filled with indulgence, that you should hasten to make your sudden appearance in Our presence without fear; whereby you might en∣joy your desire, and, having made experiment of Our humanity, be restored to your own habitation. For upon this account we made a request for you to Our Lord and Brother Constans Victor Augustus, that He would grant you the liberty of coming, to the end that being restored to your Country by both Our consents, you should have this pledge and as∣surance of Our favour.

Another Epistle to Athanasius. CONSTANTIUS VICTOR AUGUSTUS, to Athanasius the Bishop.

Although We have made it sufficiently known to you by Our former Letter, that you might securely come to Our Court, in regard We are earnestly a 1.2 desirous to send you to your own habitation: yet We have now b 1.3 sent this Letter to your Gra∣vity. Wherefore We entreat you to take a pub∣lick Chariot, and hasten to Us without any mistrust or fear, that you may enjoy what you desire.

Another Letter to the same person.

CONSTANTIUS VICTOR AUGUSTUS, to Athanasius the Bishop.

Whilst we made Our residence at Edessa, (your Presbyters being present there,) We were pleased, by sending a Presbyter to you, to hasten your coming to Our Court, to the end that after you were come into Our Presence, you might go im∣mediately to Alexandria. But, in regard a con∣siderable space of time is now past, since your re∣ceipt of Our Letter, and you have not yet come; We therefore took care to put you in mind by this, that you should now hasten to make your sudden appearance in Our Presence, that so you may be restored to your own Country; and obtain your desire. And that you might be most fully cer∣tified hereof, We have sent Achetas the Deacon, from whom you may understand both the purpose of Our mind, and also that you shall readily obtain what you desire.

Athanasius having received these Letters at Aquileia, (for c 1.4 there he abode after his depar∣ture from Serdica,) hastned immediately to d 1.5 Rome. And having shown the Letters to Ju∣lius the Bishop, he caused great joy in the Roman Church. For they supposed, that the Emperour of the East had now given his assent to their Faith, in regard he invited Athanasius to come to him. But Julius wrote this Epistle to the Clergy and Laity in Alexandria concerning Athanasius.

The Epistle of Julius Bishop of Rome, to those of Alexandria.

Julius to e 1.6 the Bishops and Presbyters, and Deacons, and to the Laity inhabiting Alexandria, his beloved Brethren, health in the Lord.

I also rejoyce with you, beloved Brethren, because you now see before your eyes the fruit of your Faith. For that this is truly so, any one may, see in our brother and fellow Bishop Athanasius: whom God hath restored to you, upon an account both of his purity of life, and also of your prayers. Hence it is apparent, that you have continually offered up to God prayers which were pure and full of cha∣rity. For, being mindfull of the Celestial promises, and f 1.7 of the course of life tending thereto, which you have been instructed in by the Doctrine of our

foresaid Brother; you certainly knew, and (ac∣cording to that true Faith which is implanted in you) were apprehensive of this, that your Bishop could not be perpetually seperated from you, whom you carried in your pious minds, as being continually present. Wherefore, I need not make use of many words in this my Letter to you. For your Faith hath prevented whatever could have been said by me: and by the grace of Christ those things have been fulfilled, which you in common prayed for and desired. I rejoyce therefore with you, (for I will say it again,) because you have preserved your souls inexpugnable in [your defending of] the Faith. Nor do I any whit less rejoyce with my Brother Athan sius, because (although he hath undergone many sharp afflictions, yet) he was not one hour unmindfull of your love, and your de∣sire. For although he seemed to have been with∣drawn from you for a time, yet he was continually conversant with you in spirit. And I am of opinion, Beloved, that all the trialls and troubles which have hapned to him, are not inglorious. For both your, and his Faith hath thereby been made known, and approved amongst all men. For, had not so many and great afflictions befell him, who would have believed, either that you should have had so great a respect and love for so eminent a Bishop, or that he should have been adorned with such excellent virtues, by reason of which he is in no wise to be defrauded of his hope in the hea∣vens? He hath therefore obtained a testimony of confession every way glorious, both in this, and in the world to come. For after his many and va∣rious sufferings both by Land and Sea, he hath trodden under foot all the treach••ries of the Arian Heresie; and after his having been frequently assaulted and brought into danger through envy, he hath despised death, being guarded by Almighty God, and our Lord Jesus Christ: hoping that he should not only avoid his Enemies Plots, but also be restored in order to your consolation, brin∣ging back to you greater Trophies by reason of your being conscious [of having done what was just and good.] Upon which account he hath been rendred glorious even as far as the ends of the whole earth, being approved for his [integrity of] life, undauntedly persisting in the defence of his resolution of mind, and Celestial Doctrine, and evidently declared by your constant and perpe∣tual judgment to be intirely beloved by you. He returns therefore to you now far more bright and glorious, than when he departed from you. For, if the fire tries and refines pretious metalls, I mean Gold and Silver, what can be said of so eminent a Personage according to his worth, who having van∣quished the fire of so great afflictions, and so many perills, is now restored to you, having been g 1.8 de∣clared innocent, not by our determination only, but by that of the whole Synod? Receive there∣fore (Beloved Brethren) with all Divine Glory and joy your Bishop Athanasius, h 1.9 together with those who have been his fellow sufferers. And re∣joyce, in that you enjoy your desires, who have nourished and quenched the thirst of your pa∣stour, hungring (if I may so speak,) and thir∣sting after your piety, with your comfortable wri∣tings. For you were a consolation to him during his abode in strange Countries: and you have cheri∣shed him with your most faithfull souls and minds, whilst he was Persecuted, and assaulted with trea∣cheries. Indeed, I rejoyce already, whilst I con∣sider and foresee in my mind the joy of every one of you at his return, and the most pious meetings [which will be given him] by the populace, and the glorious solomnity of those which will be assem∣bled, and what manner of day that will be, wherein our brother shall make his return: when forepast calamities shall have an end; and his pretious and wish't for return shall unite all persons in an alacrity of mind [exprest by] the highest degree of joy. Such a joy as this does, as to the greatest part of it, reach even as far as us, to whom Heaven, ('tis manifest) hath granted this favour, that we should be able to come to the knowledge of so eminent a Personage. It is fit therefore, that we should close this Letter with a prayer. May God Almighty, and his Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ afford you this perpetual grace, rendring you the reward of your admirable Faith, which you have demonstrated towards your Bishop by a glorious testimony: that better things may await you and your posterity both in this, and in the world to come, which * 1.10 Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nei∣ther have entred into the heart of man: the things that God hath prepared for them that love him, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom Glory be to Almighty God for ever and ever, Amen. I wish you good health, beloved Brethren.

Athanasius confiding in these Letters, went into the East. The Emperour Constantius received him not then with an incensed mind. But upon the suggestion of the Arians, he attempted to circum∣vent him. And speaks to him thus. You have indeed recovered your See by the Synods deter∣mination, and our consent. But, in regard there are some of the people in Alexandria, who do i 1.11 refuse to hold communion with you, suffer them to have one Church in the City. To which request Athanasius immediately made this return, and says, It is in your power, O Emperour, to command and do what you will. I also ask and request this favour of you, which I desire you would grant me. When the Emperour had rea∣dily promised him to grant it, Athanasius forth∣with added, that he desired to receive the same favour, that the Emperour had required should be granted him: for he also requested that throughout every City one Church might be al∣lowed to those who refused to communicate with the Arians. When the Arians understood that Athanasius's opinion would k 1.12 incommode [their party,] they made answer that that business was to be deferred till another time: but they per∣mitted the Emperour to do what pleased him. Wherefore, the Emperour restored Athanasius, Paulus, and Marcellus to their own Sees: as also, Asclepas of Gaza, and Lucius of Adrianople. For they also had been received by the Synod of Ser∣dica; Asclepas [was received] upon his ex∣hibiting the Acts, whereby it was manifest, that Eusebius Pamphilus (together with many others) having taken cognizance of his cause, had restored him to his dignity, and Lucius, because those that accused him were fled. Therefore, the Em∣perours Edicts were sent to their Cities, giving order that they should be readily admitted. Upon Basilius's being turned out of Ancyra, and Mar∣cellus's entrance into that City, there was no tri∣vial disturbance made, which gave those that were his adversaries an occasion of reproaching him. But the Gazites willingly received Asclepas. In Constantinople, Macedonius did for some small time give place to Paulus, and convened assemblies by himself seperately, in a private Church of that

City. But, in behalf of Athanasius, the Emperour wrote to the Bishops, to the Clergy, and to the Lai∣ty, that they should willingly receive him. More∣over, he gave order by other Letters, that what had been enacted against him in the Courts of Judicature, should be abrogated. The contents of his Letters concerning both these Particulars are these.

Canstantius's Letter, in behalf of Athanasius.

VICTOR CONSTANTIUS MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS, to the Bishops and Presbyters of the Catholick Church.

The most Reverend Bishop Athanasius hath not been deserted by the Grace of God. But although he was for a short time subjected to humane tryal, yet he hath received a just sentence from Divine Providence which inspects all things: having been restored, by the will of God, and our determina∣tion, both to his own Country, and Church, over which by Divine permission he presided. It was meet, that what is agreeable hereto should be per∣formed by our clemency. That so, all things which have heretofore been determined against those who have held communion with him, should now whol∣ly be forgotten, and that all suspicion [enter∣tained] against him should in future cease, and that the immunity, which those Clergy men that are with him did heretofore enjoy, should (as it is meet) be confirmed to them. Moreover, We thought it equitable to make this addition to Our Indulgence in favour of him, that all persons belonging to the sacred order of the Clergy might understand, that security is granted to all those that have adhered to him, whether they be Bishops, or Clerks: and a firm union with him shall be a sufficient testimony of every ones good resolution of mind. For, what persons soever (making use of a better judgment, and becoming followers of a sounder opinion,) shall embrace his communion. We have ordered, that all such shall enjoy that indulgence (according to the * 1.13 Pattern of the preceding providence) which We have now granted agreeable to the will of God.

Another Letter sent to the Alexandrians.

VICTOR CONSTANTIUS MAXIMUS AUGUSTUS, to the populace of the Catholike Church in Alexandria.

In regard We make l 1.14 your good Government Our aim in all things, and knowing that you have for some time been deprived of an Episcopall Provi∣dence, We have thought good to send back to you again Athanasius the Bishop, a person well known to all men for his sanctity of life and moral honesty. When you shall have received this person according to your usual manner, and as it is meet; and shall constitute him your assistant in your prayers to God; make it your business to preserve continually a Concord and Peace, befitting your selves, and gratefull to Us, according to the Sanction of the Church. For it is disagreeable to reason, that there should be any dissention or faction raised amongst you, contrary to the felicity of Our times. Our desires and wishes are, that you may be wholly freed from this mischief. And We exhort you to persist continually in your usual prayers to God, making use of him your Prelate and your assi∣stant, as was said before. That so this resolution of yours being conveyed to the m 1.15 ears of all men, even those▪ Gentiles as yet * 1.16 enslaved in the er∣roneous worship of Idols, may with the great∣est alacrity hasten to the knowledge of the sacred Re∣ligion, (most dear Alex∣andrians!) We therefore a∣gain exhort you to persist in what hath been said before. Do you willingly receive your Bishop, sent to you by Gods Decree and Our determination, and look upon him as worthy to be embraced n 1.17 with your whole souls and minds. For that doth both become you, and is also manifestly agreeable to Our Clemency. And that all manner of o 1.18 disturbance and oc∣casion of Sedition may be taken from such as are endowed with malevolent and factious mindes, We have by Our Letters given order to the judges a∣mongst you, that they should render all those liable to undergo the penalty of the Laws, whom upon inquiry they shall find to have been Seditions. Taking therefore into your consideration these two things, both Gods and Our determination, and also the care we have taken about your agreement, and the punishment [we have commanded to be in∣flicted] upon those that are disordered; make it your chief business to have a diligent regard to whatever doth become and agree with the Sanctions of the sacred Religion, and with all reverence to honour the * 1.19 foresaid [Prelate,] that so you together with him may offer up prayers to the supream God and Father, both for your Selves, and also for the good Government and Concord of mankind in general.

An Epistle concerning the abrogating what had been enacted against Athanasius.

VICTOR CONSTANTIUS AUGUSTUS, to Nestorius. And in the same Copy, to the Presidents of p 1.20 Au∣gustamnica, Thebaïs, and Lybia.

If any thing be found to have been heretofore done to the detriment and injury of those who communicate with Athanasius the Bishop, Our Will is that that be now wholly abrogated. For Our Pleasure is, that those of his Clergy should again have the same immunity, which they formerly had. And We command, that this Order of Ours be kept: that so (Athanasius the Bishop having been re∣stored to his Church,) they who communicate with him may have the same priviledge which they always had, and which the other Clergy-men now have: whereby their affairs being thus setled, they also may rejoyce.

Notes

• a 1.1

  This, and the two following Letters, are in A∣thanasius's second de∣fence, pag. 769. E∣dit. Paris. Vales.
• a 1.2

  In Atha∣nasius, in∣stead of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 deter∣mined] the reading is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 desired.] Vales.
• b 1.3

  In Athanasius, it is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sent] not [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 manifested.] Vales.
• c 1.4

  After the Synod of Serdica, Athanasius made his abode first at Naïsis in Dacia. In which City he re∣ceived the Letters written to him by Constans Augustus. Afterwards, he left Naïsis, and went to Aquileia, as he himself attests, in his Apologetick to Constantius. pag. 676. Vales.
• d 1.5

  Athanasius relates the reason of this journey of his to Rome in his Second defence against the Arians; to wit, that he might take his leave of Julius the Bishop, and the Roman Church, by whom he had been so kindly entertained. For that is the meaning of these words of Athanasius: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. i. e. But I, upon receipt of these Letters, went to Rome, to bid the Roman Church and the Bishop farwell: For the term [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] signifies valedicere, to take leave of, or to bid farewell: as we have observed and proved in our Annot. on Eusebius's Life of Constantine; book 3. chap. 21. Vales.
• e 1.6

  In the Allat. M. S. and in A∣thanasius (in his second Apology against the Arians) these words [the Bishops and] are wanting. Instead hereof Epiphanius Scholasticus seems to have read [Julius the Bishop to the Presbyters, &c.] which reading Christophorson hath followed. Vales.
• f 1.7

  In Atha∣nasius the reading is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.] which I like not. For it must be [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of the course of life t••nding to them;] that is, to the pro∣mises. Or else the reading may be [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of your mutu∣al love:] which rea∣ding Epi∣phan. Scho∣lastic. fol∣lowed. Vales.
• g 1.8

  Instead of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 re∣ceived] in the Alla••. M. S. and in Athana∣sius, the reading is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 decla∣red:] which I account the better reading. Vales.
• h 1.9

  In the Allat. M. S. the reading of this place is thus: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and together with him as many as have been partakers of so great labours with him. The reading in A∣thanasius is almost the same. But our Copies and Epiphanius Scho∣lasticus do confirm the common reading. Vales.
• * 1.10

  1 Cor. 2. 9.
• i 1.11

  This pas∣sage So∣crates had from R••si∣nus. There is no men∣tion of it in Athanasius Vales.
• k 1.12

  The rea∣ding must be [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,; in∣commode;] which e∣mendation Rufinus confirmes, (book 1. chap. 19. Eccles. Hist.) and so doth E∣piphanius, in his Ver∣sion. Vales.
• * 1.13

  Likeness.
• l 1.14

  Epiphan. Scholasti∣cus reads [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Our good Govern∣ment▪ &c.] Vales.
• m 1.15

  I doubt not, but in∣stead of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 prayers] it should be [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, ears, o•• hearing▪] and so we have rendred it. Vales.
• * 1.16

  Or, eminently addicted to.
• n 1.17

  In the All••••. M. S. and in ••∣thana••ius, the rea∣ding here is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with your whole souls & minds.] Vales.
• o 1.18

  Instead of [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 all manner of con••uta∣tion] the reading in the Allat. and Sfor∣tian M. SS. is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, all manner of distur∣bance.] Vales.
• * 1.19

  Athana∣sius.
• p 1.20

  In the Allat. M. S. it is Augu∣stonica: in Athanasius it is called Augustam∣nica. The name of this Pro∣vince is usually written di∣vers ways. For some term it Au∣gustamnica, others Au∣gustanica: so I found it written in many both Greek and Latine M. SS. Others called it Au∣gustonica, to wit, from Augustus's Victory. In the subscriptions of the Bishops, who approved of Acacius's draught of the Creed, (which the Reader will meet with at the fortieth chapter of this second book,) whose names Epiphanius has recorded, (in Heres. Semiarian.) we read amongst others; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. e. Ptolemaeus Bishop of Thmuis [a City] of Augustonica. Vales.