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. VI. Concerning Fate; that what is discourst of it, is false; [and this] is demonstrated, both from humane Laws, and * 1.1 things created; which are moved, not disorderly, but in a regular manner; by which order of theirs, they demonstrate the † 1.2 Command of the Creator.

BUt very many men, not so considerate as they should be, make Nature the Cause that has given Beauty and Gracefullness to all these things: some others of them [ascribe it] to Fate, or Fortuitous Chance; a 1.3 assigning to Fate the power of these matters. Nor doe they understand, that when they speak of Fate, they utter a name indeed; but declare no Act, nor any substance proposed as a Sub∣ject. For, what can Fate it self be, * 1.4 in reference to it self, when Nature shall have produced all things? b 1.5 Or, what shall Nature be thought to be, if the Law of Fate be inviolable?▪ Moreover, whereas 'tis said to be a Fatal Law, 'tis plain (in regard every Law is the Work of some Law-maker,) that even Fate it self, if it be a Law, is the Work and Inven∣tion of God. All things therefore are subject to God, nor is there any thing that has no share of his power. We do also allow, that Fate both is, and must be thought to be the Will of God. But, in what manner do Justice, Temperance, and the other Virtues [derive their Being] from Fate? Or, whence [proceed the Vices] con∣trary to these Virtues, in∣justice namely, and Intem∣perance? c 1.6 For, wickedness [has its Original] from Nature, not from Fate: and Virtue is [nothing else] but good performances and Offices, of the Disposition and Morals. * 1.7 But, if those things (which from a good purpose of mind are done well, or which on the con∣trary are performed other∣wise,) have a different issue, according as it seems good either to Fortune or Fate; how will d 1.8 all Right, and a giving of every person his due [proceed] from Fate? But now, Laws, and dis∣courses, which perswade to Virtue, and deter from Vi∣ces; praises also, and dis∣commendations; punishments likewise, and all those things whatever, wherewith men are incited to Virtue, and drawn off from wickedness;

how can these be said to proceed from Fortune or Chance, and not from justice rather, which is the property of the provident God? For, * 1.9 He gives men those things, which they deserve for their fol∣lowing e 1.10 this or that Course of Life: sometimes Pestilen∣ces [do rage,] and Sedi∣tions; and Scarcity and Plen∣ty do by turns succeed one another; making Proclama∣tion as 'twere in plain and express words, f 1.11 that all such things as these do most fitly agree with our lives. For the Divine Essence rejoyces at the * 1.12 probity of men; but abominates all manner of impiety. And, as it em∣braces a mind, whose Sen∣timents concerning it self are moderate; so it hates boldness, and an arrogancy which raises it self higher than is becoming a Creature. The proofs of g 1.13 all which matters, although they are very perspicuous, and do lye before our eyes; are yet h 1.14 then more apparently mani∣fest, i 1.15 as often as, making a descent into Our Selves, and as 'twere contracting our minds, We weigh with Our Selves the Cause of them. Wherefore, 'tis my assertion, that we ought to lead lives that are * 1.16 sober and calm, not raising Our † 1.17 thoughts above the condition of Our Nature; but taking this into Our serious consideration, that God the Inspector of all Our Actions is continually present with Us. More∣over, let us another way examine, whether this assertion be true, namely, that the dispose of all affairs k 1.18 does depend upon Fortune and Chance. Whe∣ther therefore, the Celestial Bodies, and the Stars, the Earth and the Sea, the Fire and the Winds, the Water and the Air, and the Vicissitude of times, and the seasonable Returns of Summer and Winter; whether [I say] it ought to be believed, that all these have hapned * 1.19 without reason and for∣tuitously, rather than were created. 'Tis cer∣tain, some persons, wholly void of understanding, do affirm, that men have found out many of these for their own use and advantage. And truly, whereas Nature does plentifully supply us with all manner of riches; we may grant, that, in reference to things which are terrene and cor∣ruptible, this Opinion † 1.20 wants not something of reason. But, are then things immortal and im∣mutable, the Inventions of men also? For, of these, and of all other things of this nature, (which are removed from our senses, and can be comprehended by the mind only;) l 1.21 not man, a Creature made of matter, but the intelligible and Eternal Essence of God is the Framer. Besides, the Course and Order of that Con∣stitution, is the work of provi∣dence also; [namely,] that the day is bright, being en∣lightened by the Sun; that the night succeeds the setting of the Sun; and, that, when it has succeeded it, it is not left wholly m 1.22 void [of Light,] by reason of the Quire of the Stars. But, what shall we say concerning the Moon; which, when at the greatest distance from the Sun, being in a direct opposition to him, is at the Full; but, is lessened, * 1.23 as often as 'tis in a Conjun∣ction with the Sun: do not these things manifestly declare the † 1.24 knowledge of God, and his sagacious wisedom? Far∣ther, n 1.25 the usefull and season∣able warmth of the Solar Rayes, whereby the Fruits are brought to maturity; the Blasts of the winds, which are of great use in making the year fruitfull and heal∣thy; the refreshment of showers, and the admirable Harmony of all these, ac∣cording to which they are all managed in a due and well-ordered manner: [lastly,] that per∣petual Order of the Planets, which at fit and stated times make their Returns to the same * 1.26 point; is not the Command of God hereby manifested, and likewise the perfect and entire dutifullness of the Stars, which pay an Obe∣dience to the Divine Law? Moreover, the Tops of Mountains, and the hollow depths of Valleys, o 1.27 and the smooth Levels of far-spreading Fields; do these seem to exist without the providence of God? The prospect whereof is not only p 1.28 gratefull, but the use also is delightfull and pleasant. The * 1.29 Spaces likewise and † 1.30 Breaks of the Waters and the Earth, (which are of use partly for tillage, q 1.31 and partly for conveyance of those things we stand in need of from forreign Regions;) do they not most clear∣ly demonstrate the accurate and exact care of God? For, the Mountains contain water within their Bowels; which when the Plain has received, and ‖ 1.32 by the moysture thereof has sufficiently re∣fresht

the ground; it pours forth the residue of it into the Sea: and the Sea transmits it to the Ocean. And, dare we yet affirm, that all these things come to pass fort••itously, and by accident? When as notwithstanding, r 1.33 we are in no wise able to declare, with what shape or Form Chance is endued: a thing which has no subsistence, either in the understanding, or sense; but is only the empty sound of a name ‖ 1.34 without the thing, which makes a noyse about our Ears.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Or, Those matters in reference to the Crea∣tion.
• † 1.2

  Determi∣nation, or, Prescript.
• a 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Be∣fore these words Musculus has set a point. For thus he renders this passage. Qui potestatem ho∣rum sato tribuunt, ne hoc quidem intelligunt, &c. Christophorson has followed Musculus. Vales.
• * 1.4

  Or, By it self.
• b 1.5

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 It must, I think, be written, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Or, what shall, &c. In the Fuketian and Savi∣lian Copies 'tis, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But in the Kings Sheets I found it written, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Vales.
• c 1.6

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 I read, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c. Further, this place is imperfect, as 'tis apparent; and it would be hard to supplie it without the Copies. Nevertheless, this seems to be Constantine's way of arguing. If, says he, the Virtues be from Fate, then so are the Vices also. But, the Vices cannot be from Fate. For wickedness is either from Nature, or from the will. Therefore, 'tis not from Fate. But, if any one shall say, that Virtue indeed and Vice are of the Will; but, that the Will should do right, or otherwise▪ this is from Fate: in what man∣ner then can justice, which is no∣thing else but a constant and per∣petual desire of giving every one their due, be from Fate? In the Fuketian Copy the reading is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 But S^r Henry Savil remarks at the margin of his Book, that perhaps it should be written▪ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c; and presently mends it, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Vales.
• * 1.7

  Or, But, either Crimes, or, on the other hand, brave performan∣ces, which are [the property] of a good and right purpose of mind, if they happen sometimes one way, at others, another, according, &c.
• d 1.8

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The last word is added by Learned men from Manuscript Copies; which, nevertheless, I can in no wise approve of, though it does occur in the Fuketian Copy. I write there∣fore, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 How will all right, &c. The meaning is the same with what I have said above. Nevertheless, the written reading may be born with, that by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 may be meant those things which are reckoned up by Constantine, to wit, Laws, Re∣wards, punishments, Exhortations, and the rest of this sort, which con∣tain justice in them. Vales.
• * 1.9

  Or Even that which is agreeable occurs, on account of mens living in this, or that man∣ner.
• e 1.10

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Make it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, with the accent in the last syl∣lable, as I found it set at the margin of Moraeus's Copy. I read also, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, from the Manuscripts. 'Tis cer∣tain, the Fuketian Copy gives us this reading; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Vales. In Ro∣bert Stephens 'tis, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• f 1.11

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 I read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c, that all such, &c; as I found it mended in Moraeus's Book, at the margin. So indeed 'tis in the Fuketian Copy. Vales.
• * 1.12

  Or, Good inclinations.
• g 1.13

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Af∣ter the first word I found a blank in the Fuke∣tian Copy, capable of one word. It must, I think, be made up thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c; and we have rendred it accordingly. Vales.
• h 1.14

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The last word must be blotted out; In regard 'tis not to be found, either in the Kings Copy or in the Sheets, or Stephens's Edition. The place was rather to have been mended in this manner; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 That is; Although it be certain, and evidenced by many instances, that Famine, Pestilence, and such sort of Calamities, are sent from Heaven in order to the punishing of mens wickedness; yet, that does much more manifestly appear, as often as those Calamities happen. For then we come to Our Selves, and understand the Causes of those things. Nevertheless, the reading in the Fuketian Copy is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Vales.
• i 1.15

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 It must, I think, ••e 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or, if you had rather, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In the Fuketian Copy the reading is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 And in the end of the period, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 excellently well. It must therefore be written, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 as often as, recollecting ourselves. Vales.
• * 1.16

  Or, Mo∣derate and quiet.
• † 1.17

  Or, Mind.
• k 1.18

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 I had rather read, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 has had a de∣pendence upon, &c. Further, in the Fuketian and Turneb. Copies, the reading of this place runs thus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Vales.
• * 1.19

  Or, Rashly.
• † 1.20

  Or, Par∣takes of some reason.
• l 1.21

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Write, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, not man, &c: But Christo∣phorson read, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 not the life of man, which consists of matter; which reading I condemn not, but the former Emendation pleases me best.—Nevertheless, the Fuketian Copy does plainly fa∣vour Chistophorson's Version. Vales.
• m 1.22

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Un∣derstand 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of light. Wherefore there is no need of Christophersons conjecture; nor of S^r Henry Savil's, who mends it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, dark. Vales.
• * 1.23

  Or, By reason of its Con∣verse with him at a nearer di∣stance.
• † 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, God's conception of mind; Valesius ren∣ders it intelligentiam.
• n 1.25

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. I read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as 'tis mended at the margin of Moraeus's Book. Presently, make it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And again, a little lower, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And thus I found it plainly written in the Fuke∣tian Copy save that there it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Vales.
• * 1.26

  Or, Place.
• o 1.27

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. It must be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as that Learned man had remarked in Moraeus's Book. And so the reading is in the Fuketian Copy. Vales.
• p 1.28

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 should be ex∣pung'd here. For at this place 'tis more elegantly understood. S^r Henry Savil has mended it at the margin of his Book, in this manner, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Vales.
• * 1.29

  Or, Di∣mensions.
• † 1.30

  Or, Di∣visions.
• q 1.31

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. I read, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c.; than which, nothing is more certain. In the Fuketian and Turneb. Copies 'tis, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Further, I have rendred 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, discidia, fol∣lowing the authority of Amm. Marcellinus, who somewhere ex∣presses himself so. Christophorson has likewise rendred it well, divortia Terrarum, the divorcements of the Earth. Vales.
• ‖ 1.32

  Or, Has sufficiently moystened the ground in order to a refresh∣ment.
• r 1.33

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 In the Fuke∣tian and Turneb. Co∣pies this place is thus wor∣ded, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, we understand not in what manner of form and shape chance is characterized. Vales.
• ‖ 1.34

  Or, without a subsistence.