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. XL. That Acacius [Bishop] of Caesarea dictated another Draught of the Creed, in the Synod at Seleucia.

BUt Acacius, and those of his party found fault with what was done, because they had subscribed covertly when the Church-doors were shut. For matters, said he, transacted in secret were naught, and to be suspected. He made these objections, because he was desirous of pub∣lishing another Draught of the Creed instead of that [subscribed by them,] which [form] he had about him, ready drawn up, and had before recited it to Lauricius and Leonas the Governours: and he made it his whole business to get that Draught only established and confir∣med. These were the transactions of the second day, when nothing else was done. On the third

day, Leonas was again very earnest to procu••e a meeting of both parties. At which time nei∣ther Macedonius of Constantinople, nor Basilius of Ancyra were absent. When therefore both these persons had joyned themselves to one and the same faction, the Acacians were again un∣willing to meet, saying, that as well those who had before been deposed, as them at present accused, ought in the first place to be put out of the assembly. After a great contest on both sides, at length this opinion was prevalent, the persons charged with an accusation went out; and the Acacians came in. Then Leonas said, that Acacius had delivered a Libell to him; [Leonas] not discovering it to be a Draught of the Creed, which in some passages secretly, in others openly contradicted the former. When silence was made amongst those that were present, (they sup∣posing the Libel to contain any thing else, rather than a form of the Creed;) Acacius's com∣posure of the Creed with a Preface thereto was then recited, the Contents whereof are these.

We having met together at Seleucia [a City] of Isauria (according to the Emperours Command) yesterday, which was before the fifth of the Calends of October, used our utmost endeavour with all modesly to preserve the peace of the Church, sted∣fastly to determine concerning the Faith (as our Emperour Constantius most dear to God hath or∣dered) according to the Prophetick and Evange∣lick expressions, and to introduce nothing into the Ecclesiastick Faith contrary to the Divine Scri∣ptures. But in regard certain persons in the Synod have injured some of us; have stopt the mouths of others, not permitting them to speak: have ex∣cluded othersome against their wills: have brought along with them out of divers Provinces persons deposed; and have in their company such as have been ordained contrary to the Canon [of the Church:] in so much that the Synod is on all sides filled with tumult, a of which the most eminent Lau∣ricius president of the Pro∣vince, and the most Illustrious Leonas the Comes, have been eye-witnesses: upon this account we interpose these things. Not that we forsake the Authen∣tick Faith published at the Consecration at Antioch, but we give that the preference, especially in regard our Fa∣thers concurred about the pro∣position at that time in con∣troversie. But whereas the terms Homoöusion and Homoiöusion have in times past disturbed very many, and do still dis∣quiet them: and moreover, whereas 'tis said that there is an innovation lately coyned by some, who assert a dissimilitude of the Son to the Father. Upon this account we reject Homoöusion and Ho∣moiöusion, as being terms not to be met with in the Scriptures; but we anathematize the term † Ano∣moion: and do look upon all such, as are asser∣tours thereof, to be persons alienated from the Church. But we do manifestly profess the like∣ness of the Son to the Father, agreeable to the Apostle, that hath said concerning the Son, ‖ Who is the image of the invisible God.

We acknowledge therefore, and believe in one God, the Father Almighty: the maker of heaven and earth, of things visible and invisible. More∣over, We believe in our Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, begotten of him without any passion before all ages, God the Word, the only begotten of God, the Light, the Life, the Truth; the Wisedom: by whom all things were made, which are in the hea∣vens, and which are on the earth, whether visible or invisible. We believe him to have assumed flesh from the holy Virgin Mary, at the consummation of ages, in order to the abolition of sin: and that he was made man, that he suffered for our sins, and rose again, and was taken up into the Heavens, and sitteth at the right hand of the Father: and that he shall come again in Glory to judge the quick and dead. We believe also in the holy Ghost, whom our Lord and Saviour hath termed The Paraclete, having promised, after his depar∣ture, to send him to his disciples, and he sent him. By whom also he sanctifies [all] Believers in the Church, who are Baptized in the name of the Fa∣ther, and of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. But those who Preach any thing contrary to this Creed, [b we look upon] to be alienated from the Catho∣lick Church.

This is the Draught of the Creed published by Acacius. The persons who subscribed it were Acacius himself, and such as adhered to his opinion, being as many in number, as we have mentioned a little before. After the recitation here∣of, Sophronius [Bishop] of Pompeiopolis in Paphla∣gonia spake these words aloud: If to explain our own particular opinion every day be the exposi∣tion of the Faith, we shall be destitute of the exact discussion of the truth. These words were spoken by Sophronius. And I do affirm, that if as well those who lived before these men, as they that succeeded them, had at first entertained such sentiments concerning the Nicene Creed; all contentious disputes would have ceased, nor would a violent and irrational disturbance have been prevalent in the Churches. But let such as are prudent pass their judgment concerning the state of these matters. After they had mu∣tually spoken and heard many things concerning this business, and concerning the persons accused, the convention was for that time dissolved. On the fourth day they all met again in the same place, and with the same contentiousness began to dispute again. Amongst whom Acacius ex∣plained his opinion in these words: in as much as the Nicene Creed hath been once, and after that frequently, altered, nothing hinders, but a new Creed may be now published. Hereto Eleusius [Bishop] of Cyzicum made a return, and said; the Synod is at present convened, not

that it should learn c what it had not the know∣ledge of before, nor to receive a Creed which it was not heretofore in possession of: but that, proceeding on in the Creed of the Fathers, it should never recede from it, either during life, or at the time of death. With these words Eleusius opposed Acacius's opinion, terming that Creed published at Antioch the Fathers Creed. But any one might have answered him also, in these words: how is it, that you stile those con∣vened at Antioch the Fathers, O Eleusius, where∣as you acknowledge not their Fathers? For they who were assembled at Nice, and by their con∣sent firmed the Homoöusian Faith, ought more properly to be termed the Fathers, both because they preceded in time, and also in regard those convened at Antioch were by them promoted to the Sacerdotal dignity. Now, if those [assem∣bled] at Antioch have rejected their own Fa∣thers, they who come after them do not per∣ceive themselves to be followers of Parricides. Moreover, how can they have admitted their Ordination to be Legitimate, whose Faith they have rejected as impious? For if those persons had not the holy Ghost, which is infused by Or∣dination, these have not received the Priesthood. For how could these have received [it] from them, who had it not to give? These words might have been spoken in opposition to what was said by Eleusius. After this they proceeded to another question. For, in regard the Acacians asserted in that Draught of the Creed which had been recited, that the Son was like the Father, they enquired of one another, in what respect the Son was like the Father. The Acacians as∣serted, that the Son was like the Father in respect of his Will only, not as to his Essence. But all the rest maintained, [that he was like the Fa∣ther] in respect of his Essence also. They spent the whole day in their altercations about this query; and they confuted Acacius, because in the books by him composed and published, he had asserted that the Son is in all things like the Father. And how can you (said they) now deny the likeness of the Son to the Father as to his Es∣sence? Acacius made this answer, no modern or ancient Authour was ever condemned out of his own writings. When they had maintained a tedious, fierce, and subtle dispute against one an∣other concerning this question, and could in no wise be brought to an agreement, Leonas arose, and dissolved the Council. And this was the con∣clusion, which the Synod held at Seleucia had. For on the day after, Leonas being intreated, re∣fused to come any more into the Congress, say∣ing that he had been sent by the Emperour, to be present at an unanimous Synod. But in re∣gard some of you do disagree, I cannot (said he) be there; go therefore and prate in the Church. The Acacians looking upon what had been done to be a great advantage to them, re∣fused to meet also. But those of the other par∣ty met together in the Church, and sent for the Acacians, that cognizance might be taken of the Case of Cyrillus Bishop of Jerusalem. For you must know that Cyrillus had been accused before; upon what account, I cannot tell. But he was deposed, because having been frequently sum∣moned in order to the examination of his cause, he had not made his appearance during the space of two whole years. Nevertheless when he was deposed, he sent an Appellatory Libel to them who had deposed him, and appealed to an higher Court of Judicature. To which appeal of his the Emperour Constantius gave his assent. In∣deed, Cyrillus was the d first and only person, who (contrary to the usage of the Ecclesiastick Canon) did this, [to wit,] made use of Ap∣peals, as 'tis usually done in the publick [se∣cular] Courts of Judicature. He was at that time present at Seleucia, ready to put himself upon his trial: and therefore the Bishops cal∣led the Acacians into the assembly, (as we have said a little before,) that e by a general consent they might pass a definitive sentence against the persons accused. For they had cited some other persons besides, that were accused, who for refuge had joyned themselves to Acacius's party. But in regard, after their being frequently summoned, they refused to meet, [the Bishops] deposed both Acacius himself, and also Georgius of Alex∣andria, f Uranius of Tyre, g Theodulus of Chae∣retapi in Phrygia, Theodosius of Philadelphia in Lydia, Evagrius of the Island Mytilene, Leon∣tius of Tripolis in Lydia, and Eudoxius who had heretofore been Bishop of Germanicia, but had afterwards crept into the Bishoprick of Antioch in Syria. Moreover, they deposed h Patrophi∣lus, because being accused by Dorotheus a Pres∣byter, and summoned by them to make his de∣fence, he was contumacious. These persons they deposed. But they Excommunicated Asterius, Eusebius, Abgarus, Basilicus, Phoebus, Fidelis, Eutychius, Magnus, and Eustathius: determining they should continue Excommunicate, till such time as by making satisfaction they had cleared themselves of their ac∣cusations. Having done this, and written Letters concerning those Bi∣shops they had deposed to each of their Churches, they constitute a Bishop of Antioch, in the room of Eudoxius, whose name was An∣nianus. Whom the Acacians [soon after] ap∣prehended, and delivered him to Leonas and Lau∣ricius, by whom he was banished. Those Bi∣shops who had Ordained Annianus [being in∣censed] hereat, deposited i Contestatory Libels against the Acacians with Leonas and Lauri∣cius, by which they openly declared, that the determination of the Synod was injured. And when nothing further could be done, they went to Constantinople, to inform the Emperour con∣cerning the matters determined by them.

Notes

• a

  The reading of this place is in the Allat. M. S. more full, thus, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] which we have exprest in our version; it being confirmed by Epiphanius Scholasticus, (only he puts Leo∣nas before Lauricius, which is un∣doubtedly truest:) and by Epi∣phanius, in Haeres. Semiarian. cap. 25. where this profession of Faith is recorded entire. Vales. See Epiphanius, Edit. Petav. pag. 872, &c.
• See this term ex∣plained at chap. 30, of this book, note, (h.)
• †

  See chap. 20. of this book, note (h.)
• ‖

  Colos. 1. 15.
• b

  This word [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, we look upon, or account] is wanting in our M. SS. It was first inserted by the publishers of the Geneva Edition, from Christophorson•• Version. But in regard we found not this reading in any Manuscript Copy, we took the boldness to expunge it. In Epiphanius, (in Haeres. Semi∣arian, pag. 872.) and in Atbanasius (in his book de Synod. Arimini & Seleuciae;) the reading of this place is thus [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, The Catholick Church hath determined them to be alienated [from it.] I found the same reading in the Allat. M. S. After these words there follow (in Epiphanius) the names of those Bishops, who subscribed this Draught of the Creed; being in num∣ber about fourty. But before those subscriptions, something is added there, which deserves to be set down here. The words therefore in Dionysius Petavius's Edition are these: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 i. e. now, that that Creed lately published at Sirmium, in the presence of the piety of our Emperour, does exactly agree with this Creed, is a thing mani∣festly known to those who have read that Creed. Then follows another Chapter, after this manner; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; (I doubt not but the reading should be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, to which subscribed.) i. e. To which they who were present subscribed, Basilius, Marcus, Georgius Bishop of Alexandria, Pancratius, Hypatianus, and most of the Western Bishops. Vales.
• c

  In the Florent. and Allat. M. SS. as saies Vales. the reading is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] which we have exprest in our Ver∣sion. But Valesius follows the other rea∣ding, which is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, what it had the know∣ledge of before.]
• d

  Nay; long before Cy∣rill, the Do∣natists ap∣pealed from the determina∣tion of the Council of Orleans. For thus the Empe∣rour Con∣stantine speaks con∣cerning them in his Epistle: ò rabida fu∣roris auda∣cia! Sicut in causis Gentilium solet, appel∣lationem interposue∣runt: i. e. O the out∣ragious au∣daciousness of fury! As 'tis usually done in the cases of the Heathens, they have put in an appeal. Vales.
• e

  These two lines [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, by a general consent they might pa••s a definitive sentence a∣gainst the persons ac∣cused. For they had ci∣ted some other persons besides, that were accused,] were at this place, wanting in the common Editions; we have inserted them from the Florentine and Sfortian M. SS. To which agrees Epiphanius Scholasti∣cus's Version. But Christophorson made up the chasme at this place very unhappily by conjecture: whence it appears, that he had no Manuscript Copies of Socrates, but various readings only, gathered from the Margins of Printed Copies. Vales.
• f

  This persons name should be Uranius (not Ursacius;) so he is called in Athanafius's book, de Synod. Arimin. & Seleuciae. pag. 880. which name also Epiphanius Scholasticus gives him; as does likewise Epiphanius, (in Haeres. Semiarian.) who names him among the Bi∣shops that subscribed the Acacian Creed. Vales.
• g

  In the Florentine and Allatian M. SS. this person is named (not Theodorus, but more truly) Theodulus. For that is his name in Atha∣nastus, Epiphanius, and Philostorgius. When this Theodulus had been divested of the Bishoprick of Chaeretapi, in the Council held at Seleu∣cia, he was afterwards ordained Bishop of Palestina by the Eunomi∣ans, as Philostorgius relatet. Concerning Leontius of Tripolis you may meet with many passages in Philostorgius. Vales.
• h

  Into his See they put one Philippus a Presbyter of Scythopolis, as Epiphanius attests, in Haeres. Semiarian. Vales.
• Or, by making their de∣fence.
• i

  It should be but one word, thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, So the Greeks term the Libels of protestation, (or, protests,) which were usually deposited with the Acts. We meet a form of one of these Libels, at the close of Athanasius's Epistle ad Solitarios. I suppose, that two Libels of pro∣testation were delivered by the Council; one to Leonas the Comes; another to Lauricius President of Isauria. Vales.