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.

VALESIUS'S ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE, AND Ecclesiastick History, OF EVAGRIUS SCHOLASTICUS Epiphaniensis.

EVagrius Scholasticus was by Nation a Syrian, as was also † 1.1 Theodoret: born at Epiphania (which was a City of Syria Secunda;) as he himself has declared in the Title of his own work. Therefore I wonder at Gerardus Vossius, who (in his Book de Historicis Graecis, pag. 498,) relates that E∣vagrius was born at Antioch. But Evagrius himself, (both in the Title of his History, and also in his Third Book, Chap. 34,) does expressly attest that he was born at Epiphania. For, spea∣king there concerning Cosmas Bishop of Epiphania, his words are these; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Cosmas Bishop of Our Epiphania, in the Vicinage whereof runs the [River] Orontes, &c. Besides, Photius (in his Bibliotheca, chap. 29,) affirms that Evagrius was born in Epiphania a City of Syria Coele 〈…〉〈…〉▪ which is strange, Nicephorus Callistus does in two places term our Evag•••••••• 〈…〉〈…〉ot Epiphaniensis, but) 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Illustrious.

For, in Nicephorus's First Book, chap. 1, the words are these; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Moreover, Evagrius the Illustrious, &c. And, in Book 16. Chap. 31; Nicephorus quoting a passage of Evagrius, out of his Third Book, Chap. 34, (which passage I have just now mentioned,) expresses himself thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, More∣over, in like manner as Evagrius the Illustrious has related concerning Severus. But, my Sen∣timent is, that Transcribers have mistook at both those places, and have written 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [Illustrious,] instead of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [Epiphaniensis.] Doubtless, Nicephorus might have been evidently informed, from Evagrius's own words which he there produces, (which we have also quoted above,) that Evagrius had been born at Epiphania. Further, Evagrius was born in the Reign of Justinianus Augustus, on the year of Our Lord 536, or 537, as I have demonstrated from Evagrius's own Testimony, in my * 1.2 Notes on Book 4. Chap. 29. of his Hi∣story. On the year of Christ 540, his Parents committed him to the care of a School-Master, that he might learn the Letters. At which time (when Thomas Bishop of Apamia had given notice to the neighbouring Cities, that on a set day he would show the enlivening wood of the Cross, which was kept at Apamia;) Evagrius was lead to that City by his Parents, and with his own eyes saw that Miracle, which was then performed in the Church; as himself at∣tests

in his Fourth Book, Chap. 26. Now, this hapned on the year of Christ▪ 540; when the Persians, having made an irruption into Syria, had burnt Antioch: which was done in Justinus Junior's Consulate, as we are informed by Marcellinus Comes, and Marius in his Chronicon. Two years after this, when † 1.3 The Lues Inguinaria began to rage in the East, Evagrius was as yet under a School-Master, learning the Letters, and was seized by that Pestilence, as he himself attests, Book 4. chap. 29. Having afterwards left the Schools of the Grammarian••, he be took himself to the Study of Rhetorick. And when he had made a great proficiency in that Art, he was registred * 1.4 amongst the company of Advocates. Whence he got the Appellation of Scholasticus: which term signi∣fies a Lawyer, as Macarius informs us in his fifteenth Homily, in these words: † 1.5 He that desires to have a knowledge in Forensian Cases, goes and learns the Notes [Letters, or, Abbreviatures.] And when he has been the first there, he goes to the School of the Romans, where he is the last of all. Again, when he comes to be the first there, he goes away to the School of the Pragmatici [or, Practicants] where he is again the last of all, and Arcarius [or, Novice.] Then, when he is made a Scho∣lasticus, he is Novice, and the last of all the Lawyers. Again, when he comes to be the first there, then he is made a President [or Governour of a Province.] And when he is made a Governour, He takes to himselfe an Assistant [Councellour] or Assessour. In Macarius's Greek Text, I have mended it thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he that desires to have a knowledge in Forensian Cases; not as 'tis in the common reading, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, he that desires to have a knowledge in Letters. Further, in what City Evagrius practised the Law, 'tis uncertain. Notwithstanding, my conjecture is, that he pleaded Causes at Antioch: in which City there were three Fora [that is, Courts of Judicature] or Tribunals; and as many Schools of Advocates, as I have observed from Libanius, in my Notes on Evagrius, Book 1. * 1.6 chap. 18. 'Tis certain, he could not be an Advocate at Epiphania, (which, as we have declared already, was the place of his Nativity;) in regard that City had no Judiciary Forum, but brought its Causes to Apamia, in which City the Consularis of Syria Secunda held a Court of judicature. But, for my believing Evagrius to have been an Advocate at Antioch, rather than at Apamia, this is my chief reason; because he was mostly conversant in that City, where he married a wife also, and begat sons of her. He married a daughter likewise in that City, as himself at∣tests in his Fourth Book, chap. 29. And after she, together with her son, had ended her life by the Pesti∣lentiall disease, on the tenth year of Mauricius; Evagrius, deprived of his wife and children, remarried, and took to wife a young Virgin in that City, as he relates Book 6. chap. 8. Where he attests also, that the whole City kept holiday on that account, and celebrated a publick Festivity, * 1.7 both in Pompous Shows, and also about his marriage-bed. Whence 'tis by the way apparent, how great his authority was at Antioch. Moreover, he wrote his History at Antioch, as may be Collected from the twen∣tieth * 1.8 chapter of his First Book. Where speaking concerning the Empress Eudocia's Jerusalem∣journey, he says, she came to Antioch: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, a long time afterwards, in her journey which she made to the Holy City of Christ our God, she [Eudocia] comes hither, (to wit, to Antioch.) Evagrius therefore lived at Antioch when he wrote this History. Hence 'tis that Evagri〈…〉〈…〉 〈…〉〈…〉diligent in recounting the Works and Publick Edifices of the City Antioch; as may be seen in 〈…〉〈…〉▪ Book, chap. 18, and in his Third Book, chap. 28. At which places he does not obscurely intimate▪ that he lived at Antioch, whilest he wrote these things. Hence 'tis also, that he mentions with so much care and diligence, the earth-quakes, wherewith Antioch was now and then shaken: and, that in the Notation of the times he always makes use of the Antiochian years. Lastly, this may be Collected from the seventh chapter of his Sixth Book, where he relates, that Gregorius Patriarch of Antioch (having been accused of Incest, before Johannes, Comes of the East, by a Silver-smith,) appealed to the Em∣perour, and to a Synod. And when he went to Constantinople, in order to the prosecution of his Cause before the Emperour and Synod, he took Evagrius along with him, as his Assessour and Counseller, that he might make use of his advice. By which words Evagrius does plain∣ly enough declare himself to have been an Advocate and a Lawyer. For Assessours were wont to be taken out of their body, as well by the Civill as Military Magistrates. Nor was Evagrius Councellour to Gregorius in this criminall affair only, but in other causes also. For in regard Gregorius was Patriarch of the Orientall Church, and * 1.9 could not but have the examination of many Causes every day, he must necessarily stand in need of some Assessour, who might suggest to him the Forms of Right and of the Laws. Indeed, Evagrius's words do fully declare what I have said. For he saith▪ * 1.10 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Having me therefore his Assessour and Companion, he went to the Emperour's [City, Constantinople,] in order to the making his defence against these [accusations.] But let the Studious determine concerning this matter, according to their own arbitrement. 'Tis sufficient for me, to have proposed my conjecture to the Readers. Further, the same Gregorius made use of Evagrius's judgment, not only in Judiciary proceedings, but in writing Letters also, and Relations, which he now and then sent to the Emperour; in his Sermons likewise and Orations; as Evagrius attests at the † 1.11 close of his History. Which * 1.12 Volume when Evagrius had published,

not without the consent of Gregorius the Patriarch, in the Reign of Tiberius Constantinus, he had the dignity of a Quaestorate bestowed upon him by the same Emperour. And not long after, when he had made an Oration concerning the praises of Mauricius Augustus, on account of the Birth of the most noble child Theodosius, he received the Codicills of a Praefecture from the same Mauricius; as he himself attests at the close of his History. Evagrius's words there are thus translated by Chri∣stophorson: Pro quibus duos honoris gradus consecuti sumus: Quaesturam à Tiberio Constantino, & munus Tabularum servandarum, in quibus Praefectorum nomina inscribebantur, à Mauricio Tiberio: For which we have obtained two degrees of honour: a Quaesture of Tiberius Constantinus, and the Office of keeping the Tables, wherein the names of the Praefects were inscribed, of Mauricius Tiberius. Which ill rendition deceived Gerardus Vossius and Philippus Labbaeus. For Vossius (in his * 1.13 Book de Histo∣ricis Graecis,) treading in Christophorson's steps, says thus: Pro duobus autem hisce Libris ait ge∣mino se honore esse affectum. Nam à Tiberio Constantino Quaesturâ fuisse ornatum: sed a Mauricio consecutum esse, ut Tabulis publicis praeesset: now, for these two Books, he says, he had a double honour conferred on himself. For he was honoured [as he saith] with a Quaesture by Tiberius Constantinus: and, that he obtained of Mauricius, the having the charge of the publick Tables. But Philippus Labbaeus (in his dissertation de Scriptoribus Ecclesiasticis,) hath * 1.14 interpolated Christophorsons Version, after this manner: Seque duos honoris gradus ait consecutum: & primùm à Tiberio Constantino ad Quaestu∣ram evectum; tum à Mauricio munus adeptum servandarum Tabularum, in quibus non tàm nomina, quàm ipsa Praefectorum acta inscribebantur: And he says that he himself obtained two degrees of honour: and in the first place, that he was preferred to a Quaesture by Tiberius Constantinus; and secondly, that he procured of Mauricius the office of keeping the publick Tables, wherein not only the names, but the Acts of the Praefects were inscribed. Musculus has done much better, who hath rendred the passage in E∣vagrius thus: Quarum etiam Gratiâ duas dignitates sumus consecuti: à Tiberio Constantino Quaesto∣ratum largiente, Mauricio verò Tiberio Literas Hyparchicas mittente, On account of which [Volume of Relations, Letters, &c.] we have obtained two dignities: [one] from Tiberius Constantinus, who gave us a Quaestorate; and [another] from Mauricius Tiberius who sent us his Hyparchicall Letters. He would have said, The Codicills of a Praefecture, which the Latines term † 1.15 Letters also, as I have long since observed in my Notes on Ammianus Marcellinus. Hence 'tis, that in the Title of his Hi∣story, Evagrius terms himself 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, [one] of the Ex-Praefects, because he had been rewar∣ded with the Codicills of an honorary Praefecture by the Emperour. After this, the same Evagrius pub∣lished Six Books of Ecclesiastick History, beginning from those times wherein Theodoret and Socrates had closed their Histories; that is, from the Ephesine Synod, wherein Nestorius was condemned and deposed: to wit, from the year of Christ 431. And he has continued his History to the twelfth year of the Emperour Mauricius, which was the year of our Lord 594. In his Third Book, at chap. 33, speaking concerning Severus Bishop of Antioch, he says that at such time as he wrote these things it was the Six hundredth fourty first year of the Antiochians. In regard therefore the Antiochian-Hera precedes that of our Saviour's Nativity fourty eight years; if from the number 641 we substract 48 years, it will be the year of Christ 594. The same may also be Collected from Book 4, chap. 29. where Evagrius writes, that whilest he penned this History, that Plague in the Groyne which had al∣most wholly destroyed the whole world, had already raged two and fifty years. Now, this Plague be∣gan to rage two years after Antioch had been taken by the Persians, that is, in the year of Christ 542. To which number of years if you add two and fifty, it will be made the year of Christ 594. Further, Evagrius's diligence is chiefly to be commended, because, undertaking to write an Ecclesiastick Hi∣story, he made a Collection of whatever was pertinent to that Subject, out of the best Writers, to wit, Priscus, Johannes, Zacharias, Eustathius, and Procopius [who were all] Rhetoricians. His Style likewise is not to be found fault with. For it has a Beauty and Elegancy; as Photius does also at∣test. But the chief thing commendable in Evagrius is, that of all the Greek Writers of Ecclesiastick History, he is the only person, who has kept the Doctrine of the true Faith intire and undefiled; as (after Photius) Baronius has observed in his Annalls. Notwithstanding, he deserves reproof for this, viz. because he has not used so much diligence in searching out the Monuments of Ecclesiastick Antiquity, as in reading Profane Writers. Indeed, almost the whole Sixth Book is spent in a Nar∣rative of the Persian War. Besides, his Style in many places is Redundant and Luxuriant, as Photius has truly remarked in his Bibliotheca. An instance of which superfluity of Expression you have in Book 1. Chap. 2; where he speaks concerning Nestorius after this manner: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. that tongue full of hostility against God, that second Sanhedrim of Caîphas, &c. and, in Book 2. chap. 3; where he describes S^t Euphemia's Church, which was at Chalcedon: The same redundancy of Style, the Studious Reader will of himself easily observe, in many other places.

Moreover, Rob▪ Stephens was the first person that Printed Evagrius's History in Greek, from one only Manuscript Copy belonging to the Kings Library, which Manuscript is very new, and not extraordinary good. For in many places 'tis defective and imperfect. But we have mended and perfected Evagrius's History in so many places, from two Manuscript Copies of the best note, that it may seem now to have been first published. The first of these Copies was the Florent. Manuscript, [taken] out of S^t Laurence's Library, which the most famous Michael Erminius compared with the Geneva Edition, and sent me the Various Readings written out with his own hand. On which account I profess my self very much ob∣lieged

to him. This Manuscript is the best and ancientest of all the Copies of Evagrius. For 'tis writ∣ten in parchment, [and was transcribed] about five hundred years since more or less, as I have been informed by one that saw it, viz. Emericus Bigotius, an excellent Schollar, and a person who has deserved well of Learning: by whose favour and Intervention I received the fore mentioned Various Readings, sent by the most famons Michael Erminius. In the same Florentine Manuscript, some not unlearned Scholia were written in the margin, which we have put into our Annotations, in their due places. But, the Reader is to take notice, that in this Florentine Manuscript is contained So∣crates Scholasticus's History also, the various Readings whereof the same Erminius sent me long since, written out with his own hand; as I have attested above four years since, in that Preface I pre∣fixt before my Edition of Socrates and Sozomen. The second Manuscript Copy was taken out of the Library of that most Illustrious Prelate Dionysius Tellerius, Arch-Bishop of Rheims: this is no very ancient Copy; but 'tis a good one, and transcribed by the hand of a Learned man. This Copy was of great use to us in many places, as we have now and then shown in our Annotations.

Notes

• † 1.1

  He was Bishop of Cyrus; and set about writing an Ecclesiastick History (which Va∣lesius has published with the o∣ther Greek Historians of the Church) towards the latter end of Theodosius Junior's Reign, at the same time that Socrates and Sozomen wrote theirs. He be∣gan where they did, (to wit, from those times whereat Euse∣bius closed his History;) and ended with them; viz. at the latter end of Theodosius Junior's Empire. 'Tis more than probable, that he wrote after Socrates and Sozomen. For (1) all the Ancients were of this opinion. (2) He that reads his History, will find it nothing else but a supplement of Socrates and Sozomen their Histories. (3) Theodoret himself, in the first chapter of the first Book of his History, says these words: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, I will attempt to commit to writing the Remaines of Ecclesiastick History. (4) Lastly, he published his History after the year of Christ 448, (as Valesius demonstrates in his Preface before his History;) whereas So∣crates and Sozomen had finished their Histories on the seventeenth Consulate of Theodosius Jun. that is, in the year of Christ 439. He is most particular in his acccount of the affairs of the Eastern Church, in regard he lived there. His Books of Ecclesiastick History are but five in number (as he himself intimates at the close of his fifth Book;) wherein he comprehends the affairs transacted in the Church, du∣ring the space of 105 years.
• * 1.2

  See Eva∣grius's Ec∣clesiastick History, book 4. chap. 29, note (f.)
• † 1.3

  The plague in the Groyn.
• * 1.4

  Or, in the number.
• † 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Valesius quotes this passage out of Macarius, in his notes on So∣crates, book 6. chap. 6. note (f.)
• * 1.6

  See Note (b) in that chapter.
• * 1.7

  Tum in Pompa, both in Pomp.
• * 1.8

  See note (b) in that chapter.
• * 1.9

  Or, ought to have, &c.
• * 1.10

  See Eva∣grius book 6. chap. 7.
• † 1.11

  See Eva∣grius book. 6. chap. 24.
• * 1.12

  That is, the volume of relations, Letters, &c.
• * 1.13

  Pag. 274. Edit. Lugd. Bat. 1651.
• * 1.14

  Repaired, or, put a new face upon.
• † 1.15

  Or, Let∣ters-Pa∣tents.