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Athanasius.
§ 1. HE was born at Alexandria, of vetuous and godly Parents, and their only Son: From his very Childhood he gave good evidences of his to∣wardliness and inclination unto piety and spi∣ritual things. One thing especially as very remarkable, and presaging his future dignity and employment, is recorded by most Histo∣rians concerning him, and it is this: He with his play fellows in their childish sports, imi∣tating those things that were done in the Church, was chosen by the rest for their Bishop: Who acting his part accordingly, baptized some of the boys, that had not been baptized before, according unto the due form of interrogatories and answers usually prece∣ding Baptism; giving them afterwards divers exhortations and admonitions. All which, Alexander, then Bishop of that place, passing by at a distance beheld, and understanding by examining them how he had proceeded, con∣cluded with his Presbyters, that what was done, though in childish simplicity, was va∣lid, and that those Children ought not again to be baptized.
Alexander being moved herewith, and ha∣ving sent for his Parents, earnestly besought