The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Athanasius – Hilary of Poitiers

The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History · Athanasius – Hilary of Poitiers

p. 58ATHANATIVS

The Life of Athanasius, who dyed Anno Christi 375.

AThanasius was born in Alexandria, His birth and education.and by the care of his Parents was brought up in all sorts of Learning both Humane aud Divine: Being a boy, upon a solemn sestival day, he was playing amongst other boys, who would needs imitate the Church in her Sacred Offices, and for that end they chose Athanasius for their Bishop, who acted his part well, examining other boys about the Principles of Religion to prepare them for p. 59Baptism. It fell out that whilest they were at their sport, came by Alexander, the Bishop of Alexandria, and observing the manner of their past-time, he called them before him, examining every boy what part he had acted, thereby gathering their dispositions for future imployments: Then did he cause them all to be carefully educated in good Learning: but above all he took a love to, and was exceeding careful of the education of Athanasius, for his ingenuity, diligence, and towardliness: and when he came to ripeness of years he made him Deacon, and finding him a nimble,He goes to the Council of Nice. and good Disputant, he took him with him to the Council of Nice, summoned by Constantine the Great against the Arians, to aid and assist him in his Disputations, which procured him much hatred and trouble from the Arians, as afterwards we shall hear.

Alexander having by long familiarity with him, gained experience of his Piety,His zeal against Heresies. Parts and Zeal in defending the Truth against the Hereticks of those times, when he lay upon his death bed, was directed by God to choose Athanasius for his successor in his Bishop…ick; which Athanasius having intelligence of, hid himself, that he could not be found. Yet did Alexander call for him and when he came not, being now near death, he said, O Athanasius, thou thinkest that thou canst escape, yet shalt thou not escape this Office. He is made Bishop of Alexandria.After the death of Alexander he was searched out, and made his Successor. This so irritated the Arians (who had now crept into favour with the old Emperor) that they sought by all means to cast him out of Alexandria, He is persecuted by the Arians.and for that end they accused him to the Emperour as the Author of much Sedition, and of many tumults in the Church; they charged him with keeping many out of the Church which desired to return into the Unity of it, by which means Peace and Concord was prevented: they procured many Bishops and Presbyters to attest the truth of these things to the Emperour, professing themselves to be Orthodox, and accusing Athanasius and the Bishops that adhered to him, to be the Authors of the murthers, bonds, unjust stripes, wounds, and burnings in the Church: Athanasius on the contrary wrote to the Emperour, that those Arians were the Authors of unlawful Ordinations, and of innovating the Decrees of the Council of Nice, of corrupting the Faith, of Seditions, and of prosecuting the Orthodox with unjust contumelies and reproaches. p. 60The good old Emperour in these various informations, knew not whom to believe: but the Arians being about him, having his Ear at command, they procured the Emperour to write to Athanasius, to require him to prohibit none from entring into the Church, and if he should do otherwise, he threatned to drive him out of Alexandria, and to place another Bishop in his room. Hereupon Athanasius wrote back to the Emperour, labouring to convince him, that the Arians ought not to be admitted to communicate with the Catholick Church. Eusebius (one of the chiefest of these Arians) perceiving that he could not this way prevail against Athanasius, intended secretly to make him away, but not finding how to effect it, he spake with the Miletians (other Hereticks) promising that if they would accuse Athanasius to the Emperour, he would so far prevail with him and some other great persons about him, that their cause should be heard:He is accused to the Emperour. Hereupon they put in a charge against Athanasius, that he had imposed a Tribute of Linnen Garments upon the Egyptians, affirming that he had also gathered the same. But it pleased God that by chance there were present Alippius and Macarius, two Presbyters of Alexandria, who easily refelled and wiped off this false charge: yet they so far prevailed, that Athanasius was sent for, and then they charged him with sending a sum of Gold to one Philumenus, to make away the Empeperour. But Athanasius easily cleared himself from this aspersion also: whereupon the Emperour suffered him to return home again in peace.He is cleared by Constantine. He wrote also by him to the people of Alexandria, assuring them of the singular Modesty, and sound Faith of Athanasius, with whom he had had much comfortable conference, and found him to be a truly Divine man, and one that had been accused by his adversaries out of envy, and not for any just cause that they had against him.

Yet for all this the Miletian Hereticks, because they were frustrated in their former endeavours, invented two other grievous accusations against Athanasius; He is again accused.First, that he had broken the Holy Chalice. Secondly, that one Arsenius being slain, he had cut off his Arm, and kept it to practice Magick withall. This Arsenius was a Presbyter,The falsehood and subtilty of Hereticks. who having committed a great fault, hid himself, fearing least his Bishop Athanasius should call him to an account, and punish him for it: which the p. 61Miletians having intelligence of, they diligently sought him out, and having found him, they spake him fair, promised him much favour and security, perswading him to retire himself to one Prines, a friend of theirs, and a Presbyter of a certain Monastery, and prevailing with him they hid him there: Then did they everywhere disperse rumors in the streets, and at the meetings of the Magistrates, that Athanasius had privily murthered. Arsenius: yea they suborned a certain Monk called John to charge Athanasius with this grievous crime: Hereupon the rumor of this abominable fact being spred abroad, came at last to the Ears of the Emperour Constantine. Athanasius perceiving that though happily he might defend himself against so false an accusation, yet that it would be a difficult thing for him to answer for himself before the Judges whose mindes were prepossessed with those false rumors, therefore for the full clearing of himself before all, he endeavoured that the truth might not be concealed:His prudence. yet withall, he judged it almost impossible to defend and clear himself, so long as Arsenius could not be found: and thereupon he imployed one of his Deacons, a most faithful man, to search out Arsenius. This Deacon going into Thebais, by conferring with certain Monks, learned where Arsenius was hid. But when he came to Prines, Arsenius could not be found: for Prines having had intelligence before hand of the Deacons comming, had sent him away into the lower Egypt: Hereupon the Deacon seized upon Prines, and together with him upon one Helias, his intimate friend, who was said to have conveyed away Arsenius, and carried them along with him to Alexandria: When they came thither they were carried before the Governour of the Egyptian Souldiers, unto whom upon examination they confessed that Arsenius was alive, that he had formerly been hid with them, and that now he was hidden in Egypt: This Confession of theirs Athanasius desired to be sent to the Emperour,He is again cleared by the Emperour. and obtained it; whereupon the Emperour wrote back to him, that he should go on diligently in his Office, that he should be careful in instructing the people, and promoting Piety amongst them; and that he should not at all value the snares of the Miletians: For (saith he) I know sufficiently, that being stirred up by envy, they have invented these false and forged accusations against you, and thereby raised p. 62tumults in the Church; I have therefore decreed that such wickedness shall not go unpunished, but that Judgment shall be executed according to the Civil Laws, and that except they be quiet they shall be severely punished, as such as lay snares to entrap the innocent, as disturbers of the Peace, and right order of the Church, and as destroyers of true Piety.

This his Epistle he commanded to be publikley read before all the Congregation, whereby all the people might be informed of his minde. Hereupon the Miletians being stricken with fear, carried themselves peaceable, being very fearfull of the Emperours displeasure.The Church prospers under him. And the whole Church of Egypt being quieted and governed by so worthy a Bishop, flourished exceedingly, and daily increased, many of the Gentiles and of other Sectaries being converted to the true Faith.

Yet not long after,He is again accused, and cited to a Council of Arians. his restless adversaries began again by cuning and subtile devises to disturb his peace, to carry new complaints against him to the Emperour, and to suborn such a multitude of accusers, that the good Emperour by their importunity was forced to call a Council at Casarea Palestinae: to which Athanasius was summoned to appear; but when he heard that Eusebius Bishop of that City, and Eusebius of Nicomedia, and other Arian Bishops his adversaries ruled all the rost there, he refused to appear, fearing that he should have no equal dealings at their hands. They again and again sent for him, greatly urged his coming, yet he deferred it about 30 Months space: But afterwards when they still urged his appearing, he went to Tyrus, where many of the Oriental Bishops were met, who commanded him to answer to the crimes objected against him.His charge. For Callinicus a Bishop, and Ischirion (an Arian) had accused him for breaking the holy Chalice, for overthrowing the Seat, and for that he had often imprisoned this Ischirion, being a Presbyter.Forgeries against him. As also for that he had falsely accused him to Hyginus the Praefect of Egypt, for throwing stones against the Images of the Emperour, whereupon he had been bound with chains. Furthermore, for that he had removed Callinicus the Bishop of Pelusium, and had committed the government of the Church to one Mark, a Presbyter of the same, causing Callinicus to be kept by Souldiers, to be beaten, and brought before the Judgement Seat: Some other of the Arian Bishops p. 63accused him also for causing them to be beaten. In brief, all of them objected against him, that he had obtained his Bishoprick by the perjury of certain men, whereas all the Bishops had protested that none ought to be ordained to the Office before he had cleared himself from such crimes as were objected against him; for which causes they had refused to communicate with him, and yet instead of clearing himself from the crimes wherewith he was charged, he fought by force of Bonds and Imprisonment to compel men to join with him. To these things, they renewed also the charge against him about the matter of Arsenius, and as commonly it fals out where snares are purposely laid to entrap a man, on a sudden some that formerly seemed to be his friends, stood up to be his accusers: Letters also were produced, and read, that the people of Alexandria had made many out-cries against him, and for his sake had refused to come to the publike Assemblies of the Church.

Athanasius being commanded to answer for himself,His answer. often came into Judgement, easily wiping off some of these charges, and requiring some time for the clearing himself from the rest. Yet he was very doubtful what to do, when he saw his accusers wholly to frame themselves to the will and beck of his Judges: as also that they had gotten many witnesses against him, partly of the Arians, and partly of the Miletians, which grievously calumniated him, though the crimes objected were false, and he had easily refuted them; yet the false accusers went away with impunity: especially in the great business about Arsenius, whose arm they said he had cut off to practise Magick with: they accused him also for giving gifts to a certain woman, that he might satisfie his iust upon her; vea that one night he had lien with her against her will: both which accusations were plainly ridiculous and full of falsehood: For whereas they brought the woman into the Council before them to justifie this charge, Timothy a certain Presbyter of Alexandria standing by Athanasius (according to their former agreement) spake thus to the woman: Did I lie with you by force? Yes, said she, did you not? and withal told them the time and place where it was done. Athanasius also produced Arsenius in the midst of them, and shewed them both his arms safe and sound, requiring with all that his accusers should shew the arm that was p. 64cut off.Gods providence. For it pleased God that Arsenius being again hidden by them, hearing that the good Bishop was in danger by reason of him, stole away in the night, and hasted to Tyrus, and came to Athanasius two days before he was to be judged for that cause. By these means Athanasius was so clear from both the crimes wherewith he was charged, that he thought he needed not any other purgation.

In the records of the Council there is no mention made of the first of these charges, the business being so fowl and ridiculous that they were ashamed to make mention of it: Put for the latter, his accusers thought it sufficient to say that Plusianus, one of the Bishops that was under Athanasius, by the command of Athanasius had set Arsenius his house on fire, bound him to a pillar, and whipt him, and afterwards shut him up in his house, but Arsenius escaping out at a window had hid himself for his own security, and he no where appearing, it gave just cause of suspition that he was murthered; for which cause the Arian Bishops pretended that they had diligently sought after him as a worthy Person and Confessor, and when they could not finde him, had brought his cause before the Magistrate.

Athanasius perceiving their violence, began to be afraid, and justly to suspect, least his adversaries should watch an opportunity privily to murther him. The Council having many meetings after this, and all things being filled with Tumult, Athanasius his adversaries still crying out against him, that he was a jugler, a violent man, a man that was unworthy of his Ministry, and worthy to be punished with death, they which were appointed by Constantine to see businesses regularly managed in this Council, began greatly to fear, least a tumult being raised (which they had just cause to suspect) Athanasius should be murthered amongst them; whereupon they secretly conveyed him out of the Council.He goes from the Council. Athanasius also finding certainly that he could not safely remain at Tyrus, and that it was not possible for him to contend with such a multitude of accusers before such Judges as were his professed Enemies, he fled to Constantinople: He is unjustly deposed.Hereupon the Council without rendring any reason, condemn him, cast him out of his Bishoprick, and Decree that he shall no more return to Alexandria, least (say they) by his presence there, he stir up and occasion Seditions p. 65and tumults, and withall they absolve the Arians, and all others which had been censured by him,And complained of to the Emperour. as if he had done them much wrong therein, whereupon they did not only restore them to Communion again; but to all those places and offices from whence they had been justly ejected. They also signified these Decrees to the Emperor, and wrote to all other Bishops that they should hold no Communion with Athanasius; that they should by no means write to him, nor receive any letters from him: Because (say they) having sundry great crimes proved against him before us, partly by his flight, and partly by refusing to plead his cause before us, he hath declared himself to be guilty. Furthermore they declared that they proceeded to pass such a sentence upon him, because when the Emperour the former year had called together the Bishops of the East to meet in a Council at caesarea for the hearing of his cause, he never came at them, and thereby had tired the Council, and despised the Emperours Command: and when many Bishops were met together at Tyrus, he came to them with a great multitude of persons, raising tumults in the Council, one while refusing to answer before them, another while loading the Bishops with reproaches: sometimes when he was called before them, he refused to hear them, and others sometimes refusing to stand to their judgment: As also because it plainly appeared to them that he had broken the Holy Chalice: for witness whereof they had produced Theognis Bishop of N…ce: Mars Bishop of Chalcedon: Theodore Bishop of Heraclea; besides Valence, Vrsacius and Maced…nius, whom (said they) we have sent into Egypt to examine the matter, and when they came into a certain Village, they found the Chalice broken.

By such cunning and flie Allegations they sought to traduce Athanasius;Dissenters in the Council. yet there were many Presbyters present in that Council, who altogether disliked their proceedings as unjust: whereupon … a Confessor took Maximus Bishop of Haerusalem by the hand, saying, Come let us rise, and be gone hence; for it doth not become us that have lost our Eyes, and have been lamed for the Truth of Christ, to be present, or to communicate with such wicked men in their sins.

But Athanasius (as we said before) being gone to Constantinople, complained to the Emperour of the unjust judgement p. 66that the Bishops had passed against him; whereupon the Emperour sent for them to appear before him, to give an account of their proceedings: who as soon as they came, perceiving that their false and unworthy dealings were fully discovered, leaving those former fictions, they now accuse Athanasius to the Emperour for threatning to restrain the coming of corn out of Egypt to Constantinople, as it used to do; to which accusations the too credulous Emperour giving heed, was so much incensed against Athanasius, that he banished him to Triver in France.

Presently after his departure,Athanasius banished by the Emperour. Arius with his complices returned to Alexandria ▪ where he made such factions and divisions, that he cast the whole City into disorder and tumults: the people of Alexandria being much grieved and offended, that Arius with his companions had that liberty granted them of returning thither; but especially because they understood that their godly reverend Bishop was driven into Exile by their means.Seditions raised by Arius. But when the Emperour understood of the perverse minde, and unquiet behaviour of Arius, he sent for him to Constantinople, to give an account of the tumults and seditions that he had raised at Alexandria.

At this time there was one Alexander, a godly and worthy man, Bishop of Constantinople. He in the dimication which arose about Arius, shewed himself a very prudent and pious man: For as soon as Arius came to Constantinople, he presently raised divisions amongst the people there also, so that great tumults ensued whilest one part of the people stood for the Faith confirmed by the Nicene Council: another part of them said that the opinion of Arius was most consonant and agreeable to reason: Hereupon Alexander fell into a great perplexity, especially because Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, often and grievously threatned him, that he would depose him from his Bishoprick, if he would not receive Arius and his companions into Communion with him. But Alexander was not so solicitous about his own Deposition, as he was careful for to maintain the Nicene Faith, and the Doctrine established by that Council. For esteeming himself bound to be a Patron of the Decrees of that Council, he thought that it was his duty to the uttermost of his power to see that they might not be broken, nor p. 67made invalid: Being therefore ingaged in this contestation, he laid aside humane arguments, and betook himself to the help and assistance of God; and thereupon shutting himself up in the Church,Alexander prays against Arius. he fell to Fasting and Prayer, and night and day with tears he begged of God, that if the opinion of Arius was true, he might never see the day appointed for the trial, but if his own Faith were the truth, that then God would inflict some visible judgement upon Arius, the Author of all those mischiefs.

In the mean time the Emperour, desirous to finde out the opinion of Arius, sent for him to his Pallace, and asked him whether he did agree to the Decrees of the Council of Nice? He without delay willingly and chearfully subscribed them: whereas in the mean time he cunningly and fallaciously evaded those things which were determined about matters of Faith.Arius his equl vocation and prejury. The Emperour wondering at it, required him to swear to them, which he also did, but with the like fraud as he had before subscribed them. For having writren privately his own opinion, he put it into his bosom; and then swore that he did truly, and from his heart believe according as he had written. The good Emperour giving credit to his Subscription and Oath, commanded Alexander the Bishop of Constantinople to receive him into Communion. This was on the Saturday, and Arius expected the next day to be admitted into the Communion of the Church, but God prevented it. For Arius going out of the Pallace with Eusebius, and a great number of his followers in great pomp and pride, as having gotten the victory of his adversaries: He no sooner came to the chief Market place in the City,Gods just judgement upon Arius. but his Conscience began to accuse and terrifie him for all his deceit and wickedness: through the violence whereof his belly was loosened, whereupon he asked whether the Jakes was not nere, and being informed that they were hard by, he turned aside into them, and whilest he was casing Nature, first his Fundament came forth,His wretched death then abundance of blood, and at last he voided his Bowels, with his Spleen, and his Liver, whereupon he immediately dyed. Some of his company thinking him long, went in to see the cause, and found him dead in this miserable manner. Hereupo… Eusebius and all his rout were stricken with a wonderful terror: The fame of Arius his accursed death p. 68presently flew all over the City, yea almost over all the World: Every one as they went by, pointed at the place where he made this wretched end, and shunned the use of it: Yet his Associates gave it out that his adversaries by the help of Magick had thus destroyed him.Heretical lyes. And whereas many resorted to see the place of his death, whereby it became very infamous; at length a certain rich Citizen that was an Arian, bought it, and pulling down the Jakes, built an house in the room of it, that so the thing in process of time might be wholly forgotten.

Athanasius being throughly informed of these things, writes thus of them,Athanasius his judgement of Ari…'s death. Arius (saith he) the Prince and Author of his Sect, and the companion of Eusebius, was by the art and industry of the Eusebian Faction sent for to Constantinople by the Emperour of blessed memory, who commanded him to write his Faith: and this cunning Fox wrote it indeed: but (after the manner of the Devil in quoting Scripture) he craftily suppressed, and left out the impudent words of his impiety. And when Constantine urged him, that if he had no other opinion which he kept secret in his minde, he should subscribe, and swear to the truth; withal, telling him, that if he forswore himself, God would finde him out, and plague him for it: this miserable wretch swore that he held no other opinion, nor thought otherwise then he had written: Whereupon (saith he) going forth from the Emperour, Gods hand presently fell upon him, and like Judas, dying, he burst in sunder, and his bowels came forth. And though death be common to all men, so that no man, no not our Enemy is to be reproached after death: yet the death of Arius being so strange, and differing from the death of other men, is not to be passed over in silence. For when Eusebius and his followers, threatned to bring Arius the very next morning into the Congregation, and Alexander by Prayer had sought unto God to prevent it. It pleased God, who was now made the Judge, that very day, to bring him to such a fearful end.

Constantine being informed hereof, wondred at it, assuring himself that Arius had been guilty of perjury.

But shortly after it pleased God to take away that good Emperour:Constantines death. After whose death Eusebius Bishop of N…comedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nice, supposing that now they had gotten a fit time, endeavoured by all means possible to take away the p. 69Nicene Creed out of the Church,Heretical subtlety. wherein was the clause of One Substance, and in the room thereof to settle the detestable heresie of Arius: But this they knew they could never effect, if Athanasius returned from Exile to Alexandria: wherefore they made use of a certain Arian Priest to carry the last Will and Testament of Constantine to Constantius his son, together with the Legacies bequeathed him. Constantius finding in the Will that which he greatly desired, viz. that the Empire of the East was left to him, made very much of the Priest, granted him great liberty, charged him to use his Pallace freely and boldly at his pleasure.The danger of suffering hereticks amongst great persons. Hereupon this cunning seducer insinuated into acquaintance with the Empress, and with her Eunuchs and Chamberlains: and whereas one Eusebius was chief of the Eunuchs through the perswasions of this lewd Priest, he became an Arian, and infected the other Eunuchs of his Company: Yea the Empress also by the enticements of this Priest, and her Eunuchs fell into the pestilent Heresie of Arius. Yea a while after the Emperour himself began to favour that opinion, and so by little and little it was spread everywhere; first, the Emperours Guard took it up: then it busied the mindes of the multitude in the City: the Emperours Chamberlains in the very Pallace began to contend with women about it: And this woful Effect followed the countenancing of this Heresie,The danger of heresie. that in every House and Family through the City they brawled and went together by the ears about it. Yea this infection spread it self quickly through other Regions and Countries, and the controversie much like a spark of fire, kindled the mindes of the hearers with the fiery flame of discord and dissention. For every one that desired to know why they made tumults, by and by had occasion given him to reason: and every one was not satisfied with questioning, but contentiously would argue thereof: By these means the peaceable and quiet state of the Church was turned upside down: But in the interim it pleased God, that this flame kept in the East, whilest the Western Church injoyed peace and quietness▪ For by no means would they suffer the Canons of the Nicene Council to be violated or made null.

After the heat of contention was blown abroad, and burned more and more, the Faction of Eusebius doubted not but it would turn to their great advantage: for they hoped that it p. 70would come to pass that some Bishop would be chosen of Alexandria that would favour and advance their opinion. But at the very same time Athanasius returned unto Alexandria, Athanasius returns to Alexandria.carrying along with him Letters from Constantine the Younger, who was one of the Emperours; The tenour whereof was this:

Constantine Caesar to the People of the Catholick Church of Alexandria sendeth greeting:Constantines Let…er to the people of Alexandria. I hope it is not unknown to your discreet wisdoms, that Athanasius the Professor of sacred Divinity, was for a time banished into France: least that through the mischievous dealing of lewd men (for blood suckers and cruel beasts sought to bereave him of his life) he should privily be slain: wherefore that he might be sheltred from the malice of those despiteful men, he was taken out of their jaws, and was commanded to live under my Dominion, where I took care that he might be fully furnished with all things needful, as if he had been in the City where formerly he lived. And when as our Lord and Father of famous memory Constantine the Emperour, had intended to restore him to his Bishoprick again, he was prevented by death before he could accomplish his desires; I thought it my part and duty, therefore to execute the intent of so godly an Emperour: With what estimation and reverence I have entertained the man, he shall report with his own mouth at his return to you: neither is there any marvel that I shewed him such courtesie: For me thought that I saw in him the great longing ye had for him, and I beheld also the Fatherly reverence and gravity of the man himself, all which moved me not a little thereunto. God of his goodness (Wel-beloved Brethren) have you in his tuition.

Athanasius upon the confidence of these Letters returned unto Alexandria, whom the people received with most willing mindes:The Arians raise tumults against Athanasius. But such in that City as were infected with the Leprosie of Arianism, conspired against him, so that many tumults and skirmishes were raised, which gave occasion to the confederates of Eusebius to accuse Athanasius falsely to the Emperour, that of his own private spirit, without the consent of the Assembly of the Bishops, he had setled himself in that Church: This odious accusation so far incensed the Emperour Constantius, that he sent one Gregory an Arian to be Bishop of Alexandria, and with him Syrianus a Captain, with 5000 Souldiers to drive out Athanasius, and to settle Gregory p. 71in his room; the Arians which were in the City joined themselves with them to help them: It was then even-tide, and the people were assembled in the Church to prepare themselves for the Sacrament, which was the next day to be administred.

The Captain drew nigh, set his Souldiers in battail array,The cruelty of Hereticks. and beset the Church, Athanasius understanding the danger, devised how the people might take no harm for his sake: whereupon he commanded his Deacon to read the Collects to the people, and after that to sing a Psalm: A special providence.and as the Psalm was sweetly and harmoniously sung, all the people went out at one of the Church doors, and it pleased God that the Souldiers had no power to meddle with them, and Athanasius in the midst of the Singers escaped also without any harm: and Gregory took possession of the Church;… flies to … ▪ whilest Athanasius being thus (through Gods mercy) delivered, went in all hast to Rome.

About this time Constantine the younger was slain by the souldiers, and Constance the youngest of the three Emperours, remained Emperour of the West. Athanasius coming to Rome, complained to the Bishop Julius of the great wrong which was done to him: the like did divers others of the Eastern Bishops, who were unjustly thrust out by the Arians: Hereupon Julius wrote freely unto the Bishops of the East, requiring them to restore those Bishops to their places again, sharply rebuking such as had ra…hly and unjustly procured their deposition.

The wronged Bishops trusting to Julius his Letter, returned every man to his own Church, conveying the Letters unto whom they were written: who when the Letters came to their hands, took it very hainously that Julius should interpose in that cause,His return to Alexandria. and thereupon summoned a Council at Antioch. In the mean time Athanasius being come to Alexandria, there was great stir, and many tumults were raised by Gregory, and the Arians against him: they also forged and divulged this slander, viz. Hereticks fals…hood.That whereas Constantine the Great had given certain grain for Alms to relieve the Poor of the Church of Alexandria; this (say they) Athanasius had sold, and converts it to his own private lucre: the Emperour takes this slanderous report for truth, and threatneth him with death, which Athanasius hearing of, fled,… flyeth. and hid himself in a secret and obscure place: At length Julius Bishop of Rome being informed where he lay hid, sent p. 72for him, and when he was come to Rome, he acquainted the Emperour Constance with all the injuries which were done to him: This good Emperour being much affected with that sad relation, wrote to his Brother in the East, requesting him to send to him three men that would justifie the accusations against Athanasius. Accordingly there were sent Narcissus the Cilician, Theodore the Thracian, …aris the Calcedonian, and Marcus the Syrian: But when they came to Rome they would by no means reason with Athanasius, only they exhibited to the Emperour a certain Form of Faith, and so took their leave without reasoning of any other matter.

Not long after the Western Bishops assembled in a Council at Sardis, where Athanasius was acquit from the crimes charged upon him,Constance defendeth him. and thereupon Constance wrote to his Brother to acquaint him therewith, and to request him that Athanasius might be restored to his Bishoprick: But when Constantius deferred from day to day to answer his desire, Constance wrote to him the second time, giving him in choise either to restore Athanasius, and so account of him as his friend, or else to hear the Proclamation of open War, and so finde him his deadly foe The Emperour of the East hearing this, was wondeful sad and pensive; and calling together many of the Eastern Bishops, layeth before them the choise his Brother had given him: demandeth of them what was best in this case to be done: they answered, that it was far better to restore Athanasius, then to make that an occasion of mortal and deadly Wars: Hereupon the Emperour wrote this Letter unto him:

Constantius the Puissant and Noble Emperour,Constantius his letter to Athanasius. unto Athanasius the Bishop sendeth greeting. Our singular and wonted clemency will no longer suffer thy Fatherhood to be turmoiled and tossed with the surging waves of the Seas; the Piety which we have always in great price, will no longer permit thy Holiness now banished out of thy Native soil, bereaved of thy substance, barred of all prosperity, to wander through crooked and cross ways, through Desarts and dangerous Countreys. Although we have lingred now a great while from sending our Letters, whereby we might signifie unto thee the concealed secresie of our minde, hoping that of thine own accord thou wouldst repair unto us, and with humble sute crave remedy and redress of thine injuries: Yet nevertheless (fear peradventure p. 73hindering thee of thy purpose) we sent presently our gracious Letters unto thy Grave Wisdom, that with all celerity thou come unto us, whereby thou shalt satisfie longing desires, thou shalt have trial of our wonted clemency, and be restored to thine own Sea, and Nativeo s…l. For to this end I have entreated my Lord and Brother Constance the Puissant and Noble Emperour, that he would license thee to return unto us, whereby thou mightest by the means of us both enjoy thy Country, and have this token for trial of our singul…r clemency▪ and good will towards thee.

But whilest Athanasius doubted and feared to go unto Constantius, by reason of the false and slanderous reports that were raised of him, and the implacable malice of his Enemies, Constantius wrote this second Letter to him.

Constantius the Puissant and Noble Emperour, His second letter to Athanasius.unto Athanasius the Bishop sendeth greeting. Although by our former Letters we have signified to thy Wisdom after the plainest manner, that with secure minde and safe conduct, thou shouldst come unto our Court, because we were fully determined to restore thee to thy former dignities: We have notwithstanding sent these Letters also to thy Holiness, that thou hire a common Wagon, and removing all timorous thoughts from thy distrustful minde, thou speedily repair unto us, to the end thou mayest the sooner enjoy thy long wished desires.

Presently after he wrote again this third Letter for his further satisfaction.

Constantius the Puissant and Noble Emperour,His third letter to Athanasius. unto Athanasius the Bishop sendeth greeting: Being lately at Edessa▪ where also were some of thy Presbyters then present, it seemed good unto us, to send one of them unto thee, that thou shouldst hasten unto our Court, and after thy coming into our presence, without delay return unto Alexandria: And forasmuch as it is now a great while ago since thou receivedst our Letters, and hast deferred thy journey, therefore now also we thought good to put thee in remembrance, that without delay thou come unto us, and so thou shalt possess the liberty of thy Country, and thy long wished ease and quietness. And that thou mightest fully perswade thy self of all the promises, we have sent unto thee Achetas the Deacon, by whom thou shalt unde… stand, both what our purpose is, and also how that thy hearts desire shall prevail.

p. 74Athanasius being at Aquil…ia when he received these Letters, immediately posted to Rome, and shewed them to Bishop Julius; whereby the Church of Rome rejoyced much, conceiving that Constantius the Eastern Emperour was of the same Faith and opinion with themselves, whereupon Julius wrote this Letter to the People of Alexandria in the behalf of Athanasius.

Julius Bishop of Rome, Julius his Letter in the behalf of Athanasius.unto the Presbyters, Deacons, and Wel-beloved Brethren of Alexandria, sendeth greeting in the Lord: I do greatly rejoyce with you (Wel-beloved Brethren) that henceforth you may behold with your Eyes the fruit of your Faith: For that is to be seen in my Brother and fellow Bishop Athanasius, whom God hath restored unto you partly for … sincere and godly life, and partly also by the means of your Prayers. Hereby it may be easily conjectured what pure and fervent Prayers you have always poured out unto God; for when you called to minde the heavenly promises, and the intire affection which you bare unto them, all which you learned of my foresaid Brother, you understood plainly, and through the right Faith ingrafted into your mindes you were fully perswaded that Athanasius, (whom in your godly mindes you beheld as present) should not be always severed from you: wherefore I need not to use many words unto you, for whatsoever I can say, the same hath your Faith prevented: and whatsoever you all heartily desired, the same (through the Grace of God) is now fully come to pass. And that I may repeat the same again, I do greatly rejoyce with you, that you have continued so firm and stedfast in the Faith, that by no means you could be withdrawn from it. Moreover I do no less rejoyce for my Brother Athanasius, who notwithstanding the manifold calamities, and sundry miseries which he endured, yet remembred almost every hour your intire love, and great longing for him: And though for a season he seemed to be absent from you in body, yet lived he always as present with you in the Spirit. I think verily (Wel-beloved Brethren) that all the temptations and pains which he indured are not void of their commendations or profit: For by this means both his Faith and yours have been made manifest to the whole World. If he had not been tried with such great and lamentable temptations, who would ever have thought, or known that your minds had been so unmovably fixed upon so worthy a Bishop; or that he was the man that excelled in such rare gifts, by means whereof he is made partaker of the hope p. 75that is laid up for him in Heaven: wherefore he hath attained to a notable testimony of his Faith, not only in this life, but of that which is to come: For by his patient suffering of much adversity both by Sea and Land, he bath trampled and trod under foot all the malitious treacheries of his Arian adversaries: Oft-times by reason of their spite, he stood in great hazard of his life, yet made …e no account of death; but through the Grace of Almighty God, and power of our Lord Jesus Christ he escaped their hands, whereby he conceived good hope that in the end he should quit him of his adversaries, and be restored to the comfort of you all, and bear away together with you the victorious garland of wel-doing, in that he is already famous even to the ends of the World: highly commended for his good life: renowned for his free and constant perseverance in the defence of the Christian and Heavenly Faith, and registred by the censure of you all to immortal memory, for the singular love and affection he shewed towards you; wherefore he is returned unto you bedecked with greater excellency and renown then before his departure. If the purity of fine and pretious mettal, as of gold and silver be exquisitely tried in the fire; what can be spoken of so excellent a man in respect of his worthiness, who after the quenching of so many flaming fires of Sedition: after the recovering of so many dangerous perils, and grievous downfals, is now restored to you, and found innocent, not only by our determination, but by the Decree and censure of the whole Council? Entertain therefore (Wel-beloved Brethren) your Bishop Athanasius, and also such as have been partakers of his afflictions, with all reverence, joy and gladness: Rejoyce in that you have obtained your desires: in that you have (as it were) fed and quenched the thirst of your Shepheard, hungring and thirsting in his absence after your godly zeal: For thereby, during his abode i… Forreign and far Countrys, you comforted him not a little, and whilest he was tossed to and fro with the storms of Persecution, and intangled with the snares of his malicious adversaries, you mitigated his grief and sorrow by sending to him tokens of your faithful and fervent mindes towards him; When that I think with my self, and cast in my minde the conceived joy of you all at his return: the flocking multitude full of Religion and godliness: the solemn Feast of sage Persons assembled together: what kinde of day the return of my Brother unto you is like to be, I cannot but conceive with p. 76wonderful joy; especially because the schism and discord which reigned heretofore will then be plucked up by the roots: for that his honorable return according to your own hearts desires, hath replenished you with incredible joy and gladness: So that the joy for the greatness thereof hath reached unto us, to whom it is given from above to have acquaintance and familiarity with so excellent a man. It seemeth good that we end our Epistle with a Prayer;

God Almighty, and his Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, give you always of his Grace, and grant you of his Mercy the reward of so noble a Faith which you have shewed towards your Bishop, with so worthy a testimony: that both you and yours may not only in this World, but also in the Life to come enjoy far more excellent gifts, which neither Eye hath seen, nor Ear hath heard, neither the Heart of man conceived the things which God hath prepared for them that love him through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with Almighty God be glory for ever and ever. Amen. God have you in his tuition, Wel-beloved Brethren.

Athanasius having received these Letters went into the East,Athanasius goeth into the East. and though the Emperour Constantius at that time received him not unwillingly, yet giving ear to the crafty sleights of the despiteful Arians, he thus reasoned with him.

Although that art restored to thy Bishoprick by the Decree of the Council, and our determination: yet because there are in Alexandria certain people differing in opinion from thine, and severing themselves from thy Communion, my request is, that thou permit them one Church by themselves: Athanasius made answer to this request very wittily,His prudence. and said, O Emperour it lieth in thee to do as pleaseth thee best: to command, and execute the Commandment: I also will crave of thee another thing by way of recompence, and my humble request is, that thou grant it me: And when the Emperour answered that with most willing minde he would condescend thereunto: Athanasius immediately said: My humble sute is, that I may obtaint that which thou wouldst have at my hand, viz. That thou wouldst grant one Church through every City for such as will not Communicate with the Arians. The Arians perceiving that the request of Athanasius was not unreasonable, made answer, that they would defer the answer unto another time, and consider better of it; that they hindred not the Emperour, but suffered p. 77him to do what pleased him best: wherefore the Emperour restored Athanasius to his Bishoprick again, writing Letters to the Bishops, Clergy, and People of Alexandria, that they should receive him lovingly and willingly: the tenor whereof was as followeth;

Constantius the Mighty,Constantius his Letter to the Alexandrians in the behalf of Athanasius. Noble, and Puissant Emperour, unto the Bishops and Presbyters of the Catholick Church, sendeth greeting: It appeareth evidently that Athanasius the Reverend Bishop was not destitute of the grace and goodness of God, but though by the judgement and censure of men he was dealt injuriously withall, and unjustly condemned for a little while: yet the Divine Providence of Almighty God, the beholder of all things, pronounced for him the just sentence of Innocency, so that by the will of God, and our Decree, he recovered both his Native Soil and proper Church, where the Holy Ghost hath assigned him Governor. He is to receive at your hands such things as our clemency, being led by right and reason, shall think convenient for him: so that all, whatsoever hath been heretofore decreed against such as communicated with him, be henceforth quite forgotten, that all suspition raised of him be henceforth removed, and that his Clergy (reason so requiring) may enjoy such liberty, freedom, and priviledge as they have done in times past. Moreover of our Soverraign benignity towards him, we have thought good to add this also, That as many as are allotted to the Sacred Senate of the Clergy may understand of truth, that we have granted safety and good leave to as many as cleave unto him, be they Bishops, or of what other degree soever of the Clergy. Every ones firm and sure consent in this behalf, shall be a sufficient sign or token of his faithful minde and purpose: We have commanded that such as embrace his Communion, addicting themselves to the sounder opinion and better sentence, all alike now by our permission, as heretofore by the Providence of God, may enjoy the benefits bestowed upon them from above.

He wrote also to the Governor this Epistle.

Constantius the Puissant and Noble Emperour,His Letter to the Governor of Alexandria. unto Nestorius sendeth greeting. If any thing be found decreed and recorded to the prejudice, hurt, or damage of such as communicate with Athaniaius the Bishop, our will is that the same be wholly abrogated and disanulled. Our pleasure is moreover, that his Clergy shall p. 78enjoy their like Franchises and liberty as in times past: we will have this commandment put in ure, that as Athanasius the Bishop is restored to his Sea, so all the Clergy of his Communion may recover, and possess the like liberty with other Ecclesiastical persons, that so they may live at hearts ease.

Athanasius having received these Letters, passed through Syria, and came to Palestinee: and arriving at Hierusalem, he opened unto Maximus the …ishop, both the Decrees of the Council of Sardis, Athanasius is restored by a Council.and also the Emperour Constantinus his agreement and consent therein, and procured a Synod of Bishops to be assembled there: which being gathered together, Maximus gave to Athanasius the Communion, and assigned to him his Dignity, and the Council signified by their Letters to the people of Alexandria, and to the Bishops of Egypt and Lybia, all their Decrees and Canons touching Athanasius, and so dissolved.

Hereupon all the adversaries of Athanasius cryed out against Maximus, because that aforetime he had subscribed to his Deposition; but now repenting of his folly, he became of his Faith, and awarded to him both the Communion and his Dignity.

When Vrsacius and Valence, who formerly had been earnest followers of Arius, heard of these things, they condemned their former doings, and gat them to Rome, there to exhibit their Recantation to Julius the Bishop, subscribing also the Creed that contained the clause of One Substance: writing also to Athanasius, that thenceforth they would communicate with him.

Athanasius travelling through Palestine towards Alexandria, preached in every City where he came, exhorting them to eschew the Arians, and to embrace such as confessed the Faith of One Substance; and in divers of the Churches also he Ordained Ministers, which gave occasion to his adversaries to accuse him again for presuming to make Ministers in other mens Provinces.

Not long after it pleased God, that Constance the Emperour of the West dyed, and Constantius made challenge unto all the Dominions of his Brethren, and being proclaimed Emperour of the West, he made an expedition against Magnentius and Bretanion, two Tyrants that had usurped the Government there. p. 79The Adversaries of Athanasius supposing that now they had gotten a fit opportunity,He is again accused by the A…ians. invent, and charge him with new hainous offences: Informing the Emperour that he had perverted all Egypt and Lybia: they urged against him his late Ordination of Ministers in other mens Diocess. Athanasius in the mean time came to Alexandria, convened divers Councils of the Bishops of Egypt, where they agreed to the Decrees of the Council of Sardis, and of that held at Jerusalem.

The Emperour upon this occasion, who aforetime was addicted to the Arian Heresie, wrested all things that he had lately decreed on the contrary part;Bishop Paulus murthered. and first he banished Paulus the Bishop of Constantinople, whom the guides that were to conduct him into exile, very lewdly stifled at Cacusum in Cappadocia. Marcellus was expulsed.Others persecuted. Lucius Bishop of Adrianople was clapt up into Prison, and there choaked with stink. But above all, the Emperour was most incensed against Athanasius, giving commandment, that he should be executed whereever he could be taken: He charged also that Theodulus, and Olympius, Bishops of Thrace should be put to death, and Arians were placed in all these Bishops rooms.

But it pleased God that Athanasius was made privy to these bloody Decrees of the Emperour;Athanasius flyeth. whereupon he fled from Alexandria, and escaped the danger. This the Arians rejoiced at, and grievously traduced him for it: which Athanasius hearing of, Apologized for himself, making relation of the horrible practises committed at Alexandria by Georgius the Arian.

There came (saith he) to Alexandria certain persons that sought us out to Execution:His Apology for it. the Souldiers unawares beset the Church, and instead of devout serving of God, took in hand their bloody sword; Georgius also joined with them: then were the Virgins haled,Their wicked practises of the Arians. and clapt up into Prison: the Bishops were bound, and led away by bands of Souldiers: the Fatherless and Widows were dispossessed of their Houses: whole Families were rifled: the true Christians were violently trailed and lugged out of their Habitations: their doors were nailed up: The Clergy mens Brethren were in great danger for their Brethrens sake: These things were very grievous, but that which followed was far worse.Their cruetly against the Orthodox. The Week after Whitsontide the people did Fast, and met in the Church-yard to Pray, because they abhorred the p. 80Communion of Georgius: But when this passing lewd man heard of it, he stirred up against them one Sebastian, a Captain, who also was a Manichee. He immediately with a great Troop of Souldiers, all in Armour, and with naked Swords in their hands, and Bows and Arrows prepared, ran upon the people as they were Praying upon the Sabbath, and finding there but a few, (for the hour being past, the greater part was gone home) he committed such hainous acts as very well became his person. He set on fire a great company of faggots, he made the Virgins stand nigh the burning flame to scorch them: He endeavoured thereby to enforce them to confess the Arian Faith: But when he perceived that they would not, and that they despised the burning heat of the raging fire: He stripped them stark naked: buffetted them about the head and face, so that for a long time after they were scarce known of their own friends. He also took forty persons, and plagued them with a new kinde of torment, never heard of before: He took Palm-twigs newly plucked off from the Trees, and stripping them, scourged them therewith, and the twigs having on their pricking knobs, so rent them, that by reason of the stumps sticking in their flesh, they were fain to repair to Chirurgeons to be dressed of their wounds: Others of them not being able to endure such terrible pains, dyed of their wounds: And such Men and Virgins as remained alive, he sent away by the Souldiers into exile. The dead carkasses not yet fully cold, were denyed to their friends, being thrown here and there, and lying unburyed (for that liked them best) the Souldiers insulting over then, as though they had not been faulty in committing such horrible crimes: This did they, having their mindes besotted with the furious rage of frantick Heresie. And when as the dear and familiar friends of the dead rejoyeed at the bold and constant Protestation of their Faith, yet mourned, because that their corpses were not covered with Earth: the savage impiety and beastly cruelty of these Souldiers revealed it self with greater shame and infamy.

Moreover, they banished forthwith sundry Bishops of Egypt and Lybia, and some of the Presbyters: and having bereaved them of their Native Soil, they used them so mercilesly, that some of them dyed by the way, and others in Exile. They put to death also above thirty Bishops. They followed the steps of p. 81wicked Ahab, imploying all their art and industry to root out the Truth from off the face of the Earth.

Constantius his Armies having overcome and slain the Tyrants, he presently removed to Rome, there to celebrate the Triumphs for his Victories: and hoping that he might by one means or other draw the chief dissenting Bishops to an agreement in the Faith,A Council summoned in …word.… he summoned a Council to meet in Italy: about which time Julius the Bishop of Rome dyed, having been Bishop 25 years, and Liberius succeeded him. Whereupon those Bishops which were against the Nicene Faith, perswading themselves that they had gotten a fit time to disperse their calumnies against the Orthodox, laboured by all means with the Emperour, that all those Orthodox Bishops, whom they had deposed, might not be again restored to their Churches, both because they maintained a Form of Faith contrary to theirs, as also for that in the life time of Constance, they had endeavoured to sow the seeds of contention betwixt the two Emperours. And this odious suggestion they made, because of Constance his Letters formerly mentioned in the behalf of Athanasius; but their chiefest spleen was against Athanasius: Athanasius condemned by a Conventicle.Whereupon about thirty of these Arian Bishops meeting together at Antioch, they wrote to all other Bishops that Athanasius had returned to Alexandria against all the Laws of the Church: Not by the decree of a Council, but by the contention of some that were of his own opinion: whereupon they commanded that none should communicate with him, neither write to him, but that they should hold Communion with Bishop Georgius whom they had Ordained.

But Athanasius little esteemed these their doings, expecting to meet with far greater afflictions afterwards. For Constanstantius being now the sole Emperour of Rome, laboured by all means to draw the Western Bishops to agree with them that denyed Christ to be consubstantial with the Eather: yet at first he attempted not this by force, but sought rather to effect it by fraud, and fair means, endeavouring to perswade them to agree with the Fastern Bishops in that sentence which they had pronounced against Athanasius: assuring himself, that if by this means he could but remove Athanasius out of the way, he could compose matters of Religion according to his own minde.

p. 82A Council therefore being called to meet at Millain, few of the Eastern Bishops came to it, some being hindred by sickness, and others by the length of the journey: But of the Western Bishops there appeared above 300.

The Eastern Bishops which were there, required that Athanasius might be condemned, and deposed from his Bishoprick: and of the Western Bishops, some (through fear,) others being circumvented by fraud, and another part being ignorant of former proceedings, assented to it: Only Dionysius Bishop of Alba, Eusebius Bishop of the Verselle, Paulinus Bishop of Trevir, and Rhodanus and Lucifer protested against such proceedings; For (say they) if such things be suffered, their evill will not rest here, but the Decrees which are rightly and truly established concerning God, and the Nicene Faith will be utterly subverted; and we discern that all the care of the Emperour and of the Arians is to bring this to pass: But because these men spake so freely in the Council, they were all of them banished: and the event shewed that they did not miss the mark. For shortly after there was another Council gathered at Ariminum, and another at Seleucia, both which laboured to introduce new things against the Decrees of the Council of Nice.

In the mean time Athanasius perceiving that snares were laid for him in the Emperours Pallace, and that he could not come thither without apparent danger,His prudence. he appointed five Bishops of Egypt, amongst whom Serapion was one, a man eminent for Piety, and holiness of life, and also very Eloquent, to go to the Emperor, who was yet in the West: and with them he sent three of his own Presbyters to see if by any means they could reconcile the Emperor to him, and vindicate him from the calumnies which his enemies had cast upon him, as also to transact other businesses which much concerned the good both of him and his Church.

But as soon as they were gone from Alexandria, he received Letters from the Emperour,He is sent for to the Emperour. requiring his present coming to the Court. This much troubled Athanasius and all his people, much doubting what the issue might be: for they knew that he could neither safely assent to the Emperour, who defended a contrary Faith, neither yet could he without apparent danger cross him therein. Hereupon Athanasius resolved to abide at Alexandria, and sent him back who had brought the Emperours Letters.

p. 83The Summer after came another messenger from the Emperour, who with the assistance of the Governors of Egypt forced Athanasius to depart out of Alexandria, He is again banished.and grievously molested the Clergy of his Church: But when the Messenger saw the people to be extreamly offended with these proceedings, and that they betook themselves to their weapons, he went his ways without effecting what he came about.

Shortly after the Forces which were called the Latine Legions, were commanded to assemble out of Egypt and Lybia, and to go to Alexandria, and the Captain of them being informed that Athanasius lay hid in one of the Churches, he took a Company of Souldiers, and Hilarius that brought the Emperours command, and going to the Church, they environed it, and brake in at the windows, searching every corner, yet found not Athanasius. A special providence.For it had pleased God by a Divine Revelation to warn him of his dangers, (as in many other straits he had formerly done): whereupon he had a little before conveyed himself out of the Church, and thereby escaped. The like also had happened once before, when being grievously threatned by Constantius, in the life time of Constance, he had retired himself to a friend, and there lay hid in a Cave, that formerly used to be full of water: In that place he continued long, and a certain Maid used to minister to his necessities: but the Arians making diligent enquiry after him, had by their large promises corrupted this Maid to betray him: But God discovering the danger to him, a little before they came to apprehend him, he had conveyed himself to another place.

The like also happened at another time; for Athanasius being forced to fly from Alexandria, he entred into a Pinnace, and went up the River Nilus, which his adversaries being informed of, sent a Captain and Souldiers in another Ship to pursue, which being revealed to him by God, he required the Master of his Pinnace to turn again towards Alexandria, and so having the stream with him, he swibvftly passed by his pursuers, and returning to Alexandria, he hid himself in his friends houses, and by reason of the multitude of people was easily concealed, thereby escaping the danger. For these, and such like miraculous escapes, his Adversaries, the Arians and Gentiles accused him for dealing in the Magical Art.

p. 84Athanasius being thus (as we said before) escaped, his Clergy and people enjoyed the liberty of his Churches, for a short time,The cruelty of the Arians. viz. till the Governour of Egypt and the Captain of the Souldiers cast all that adhered to Athanasius out of the same, and delivered those Churches to such as longed for the return of Georgius the Arian: who shortly after came to Alexandria, and carryed himself very sternly towards all, but cruelly towards all the friends of Athanasius, casting both men and women into bonds, and cruelly scourging them, so that every one looked upon him as a Tyrant: Yea he grew into such hatred of the multitude, that on a time they rose up against him whilst he was in the Church, and he hardly escaped being torn in peices by them: which so affrighted him, that he immediately fled to the Emperour: Hereupon the friends of Athanasius recovered their Churches again; but they kept them but a while; for the Praefect of the Egyptian Souldiers drave them out, and restored the Churches to the followers of Georgius: The Emperour also sending his Secretary to Alexandria, he grievously punished many of the people, whipping and scourging them in a cruel manner: and shortly after him came Georgius, and for the aforementioned causes was far more terrible to them then formerly he had been: which procured him their implacable hatred, both for incensing the Emperour against them, and for his Heretical opinions, and cruel usage of them.

But not long after in a tumult raised by the Gentiles, Georgius slain by the Gentiles.Georgius was pulled out of the Church by the Ears, tyed to a Camel, torn in peices, and burned to ashes together with the Beast: Constantius the Emperour also dyed, and Julian the Apostate succeeded him: about which time Athanasius returned to Alexandria, and was lovingly and chearfully entertained by his people: the Arians were banished, and the Church was restored to the Government of Athanasius.

But the Arians took occasion from his former flight exceedingly to reproach, and traduce him, whereupon he made this Apology.

Behold (saith Athanasius) the lewd practises of wicked persons:Athanasius … although they are privy to the hainous offences committed p. 85against me, yet are they nothing ashamed of them: but charge me with a foul spot (in their opinion) and blemish of infamy for escaping the hands of cut-throats and blood-suckers; yea they beshrew themselves that they dispatched me not out of the way: Moreover, that they may stain my credit and estimation, they fall to accuse me of faint-heartedness, and a timorous disposition, being forgetful, that whilest they blaze these things to my dispraise, they cause the shame to light upon their own pates. For if it be a discredit to fly the hands of a Tyrant, how much more for them to persecute a man to death? He that flyeth, seeks means to save his life: But he that persecuteth, goeth about to procure anothers death. That we should fly in such cases the Scripture doth warrant us: but in thirsting after the blood of our brother, the command is broken, and the author thereof is found the chief cause of the flight. If they blame me for giving them the slipt, they are worthy of far greater shame, and reprehension themselves: For let them cease from persecuting, and threatning with death, and then will I cease from running away. But their spite and malice hath no end: they do nought else but devise snares to bring men to destruction: Yea, though they know full well that the slight of the persecuted is a foul shame to the Persecutors. For no man flieth from the gentle and meek: but from the cruel and wicked man. They that were far indebted to others gave Saul the slip, and fled unto David. Wherefore these men go about to dispatch such as convey themselves out of their way, least the lewdness of their Bishops should be manifestly known. Herein also they seem to be stark blinde: For look how evident the slight is, far more apparent wil their slaughter and banishment seem unto the World. If they murther men, death no doubt lifteth up her voice, and soundeth out their cruelty. If they banish them, therein they set up monuments for the remembrance of their wicked doings. Had they been in their right wits, they might have perceived their own folly, and seen themselves overthrown in their own devices. If they reproachfully charge them with hiding themselves from such as seek their lives, and accuse them for flying from the hands of their Persecutors; what have they to say, when they read that Jacob fled from the face of his brother Esau? and that Moses p. 86for fear of Pharaoh conveyed himself to Madian? what have these contentious quarrellers to say unto David who fled from Saul, which sent some of his Guard to slay him, who hid himself in a Cave, counterfeited his person untill he had subtilly past Abimelech the Priest, and avoided their laying of wait for him? what answer can these rash bablers give, when they see that the great Prophet Elias, who so devoutly called upon the name of God, and raised the dead, was fain to flie from, and hide himself from Ahab, and run away because of the threats of Jezebel? The sons of the Prophets also in those days being sought for, hid themselves, and through the help of good Obadiah, were sustained in Caves. Have they not read these ancient stories? Are they ignorant also of what the Evangelists have written? For the Disciples fearing the Jews fled, and were scattered abroad in divers Countries. Paul also being at Damascus, and sought for by the Governor of that country, was let down over the wall in a basket, and so escaped the danger. The Scripture therefore having shewed us these things, what colour can they finde to cloak their impudent cavils? If they charge them with timerousness and fear; the fault recoils, and lights upon their own distempered brains. If they say it is contrary to the Will of God, then are they found altogether ignorant of the Word of God: For its commanded in the Law, that Sanctuaries and Cities of Refuge should be appointed for such as were pursued to death where they might live in safety. Yea, what saith Christ, When they shall persecute you in one City, fly into another; And again, (saith Christ) When you shall see the abomination of desolation, mentioned by the Prophet Daniel, standing in the Holy place, then let them that be in Judaea, flie into the Mountains: He that is on the House top, let him not come down to take ought out of the House: and let not him that is in the Field return home for his rayment. Holy men having learned these things, framed their lives thereafter. Yea the Word of God being made man, sticked not to hide himself, as we commonly do, when he was sought for; he fled to avoid the conspiracies of Herod, and afterwards of the Pharisees which persecuted him. For as by his patient suffering of hunger and thirst, and such miseries, he shewed himself to be true man, so also by flying away from the face of his Adversaries. p. 87And as in his childhood he fled into Egypt from Herod, so when he heard that Archelaus reigned in his Fathers stead, it pleased him to go aside into the parts of Nazareth. Afterwards when he manifested himself to be God, and healed the withered hand, the Pharisees went out, and took counsel how they might dispatch him, but Jesus perceiving their conspiracy, conveyed himself from amongst them. Again, when he restored Lazarus to life, they took counsel how they might put him to death: Jesus therefore after that time shewed himself no more openly amongst the Jews, but departed into a solitary place neer to the Wilderness. Again, when our Saviour avouched, Before Abraham was, I am, the Jews took up stones to throw at him: but our Lord hid himself, and went out of the Temple, and passing through the midst of the throng, escaped away. When they see these examples, and bethink themselves of these presidents, are they not inwardly pricked in their consciences, when they presume thus to sit in judgement upon the sayings and doings of our Saviour? So also when Jesus heard of the beheading of John the Baptist, the Text saith, that he took Shipping, and went aside into a Desert place. I would to God that these men would now at length be ashamed of their doings, and presently cease from slandering true Professors, and proceed no further in their furious dealings, charging even our Saviour himself with timerousness and fear thereby blaspheming the Majesty of his blessed Name. But no man can away with such persons as are wholly given over to all manner of ungracious behaviour. It may easily be proved, that they are altogether ignorant of what the Evangelists have left us in writing: The cause that moved our Saviour to fly and go aside, (being laid down in the Gospel) was most agreeable unto reason: and was therefore an example for all his Saints: For whatsoever things are written to have happened unto him after the manner of men, the same is to be referred unto all mankinde, insomuch as he took our nature upon him, and lively expressed in himself the humane affections of our frail constitutions: He suffered not himself to be taken before his hour came, neither yet hid himself when his hour was come, but yielded himself to the Enemy. In like sort the blessed Martyrs in the great heat and troublesome storms of Persecution, which often fell out, p. 88being pursued by men, sted away, and hid themselves in secret and solitary places: but being taken, they valiantly encountred with their Adversaries, and ended the combat with Martyrdom.

Though this violent Champion of Christ Athanasius, in the begining of Julians Reign returned to Alexandria, His return to Alexandria.yet long could he not rest in quiet: For his Adversaries forged salfe accusations against him, complaining unto the Emperour that he had subverted Egypt, and the whole City of Alexandria, so that it stood with the Emperours interest to banish him the City: Upon these suggestions the Emperour wrote to the Governor of Egypt, and greatly incensed him against Athanasius, which he being informed of,He is banished by Julian. said to some of his familiar friends; My friends, let us go aside for a season, Nubecula est, & cito transibit, this is but a little cloud, which will quickly vanish away; and accordingly taking Ship, he fled away into other parts of Egypt: The Enemy hearing of it, made haste to overtake him:Gods providence over him. But when they approached (God revealing the danger to him, as was said before) his friends in the Ship gave him counsel to haste to the shore, and to fly into the Desart; but he on the contrary required the Pilot to sail back to Alexandria, and when they met the Pursuers, they enquired of them if they had not seen Athanasius; to whom the other answered, that if they made haste they might overtake him, and so let them go: But Athanasius returning to Alexandria, hid himself amongst his friends till the storm of Persecution was blown over: and indeed most of that time he lay hid in the house of a most beautiful, chaste, and godly Virgin, who was very careful to supply him with all necessaries, and to borrow such Books for him as he stood in need of: and when news came of Julians death, Athanasius that very night appeared in his Church,Athanasius in Alexandria. to the great rejoycing of his Friends, and the astonishment of his Adversaries, who wondred how he could so suddenly be there, when he had been so diligently sought after by the Magistrates, and could not be found.

Not long after, hearing that Jovianus the Christian Emperour was come to Antioch, Athanasius consulting with his friends, thought good to visit him: Some say that this good Emperour sent for him, craving his advice for the establishing p. 89of the true Orthodox Religion, which when he had done, he was to return to Alexandria: But Euzoius the Arian Bishop of Antioch, joining with him Probatius an Arian Eunuch,He is again complained of to Jovianus. and some others of that Faction, went to the Emperour, and made grievous complaints against Athanasius, as that all the time since he was made a Bishop, he lay under great scandals, for which by the former Emperours he had been often condemned and exiled: as also that he had been the Author of much discord in Religion, and of great tumults amongst the people; whereupon they prayed that another Bishop might be appointed for Alexandria. But the good Emperour knowing that these were malicious forgeries, would by no means hearken to them, commanding Probatius and the rest, as they loved their own ease and good, to give over such malicious proceedings, adding threatnings in case they obeyed not: And as for Athanasius, whom he highly esteemed for that worth which he found in him, he sent him back into Egypt, He returns to Alexandria.bidding him Govern his Church as he saw best. Commending him highly for the Vertue, Piety, and Prudence which he found in him.

Not long after it pleased God to take away this good Emperour by an immature death in Bythinia, See the Life of Jovian in my second Part.as he was going to Constantinople, having reigned only eight moneths: and the Army coming to Nice in Bithynia, chose Valentinian a good and worthy man for their Emperour, who when he came to Constantinople, chose his Brother Valence for his Companion in the Empire. These, though they were Brethren, yet did they differ in their Religion: For Valentinian was Orthodox, and Valence an Arian. Valence Raigning in the East, sent his Mandate to the Magistrates, that such Bishops as had been deposed in the time of Constantius, and returned to their Seats under Julian, should be again banished and expelled from their Churches. Hereupon the Magistrates of Egypt took occasion to endeavour the expulsion of Athanasius out of Alexandria. For the Emperours Letters grievously threatned such Magistrates with great mulcts and corporal punishments, that should neglect to observe them. But the multitude of Christians meeting together in Alexandria, desired the President that he should not rashly nor inconsiderately go about to drive away their Bishop Athanasius from them; but rather seriously p. 90to consider what the scope of the Emperours Letter was: For (say they) they extend only to such as were banished by Constantius, and returned under Julian: But Athanasius though he was banished by Constantius; yet was he by him called back again, and restored to his place: and Julian whereas he called from Exile all the other Bishops, yet Athanasius alone was by him driven into Exile, whom Jovian again restored to his Seat.

When the President would not be perswaded by these arguments, the people resisted him, and would not suffer their Bishop to have any violence done to him: Hereupon the people being assembled from all parts, a great tumult was raised, so that every one expected a Sedition to ensue: the President sent presently to the Emperour to acquaint him with these proceedings, and in the mean time suffered Athanasius to remain in the City.

Many days after, when the Sedition was well appeased, Athanasius privily stole out of the City,Athanasius flyeth again. and went and hid himself in a certain secret place. The night after the President and Colonel of the Souldiers went to his house which joined to the Church, and there sought every corner for him, but not finding him, they lost their labours: For they thought that now the people were quieted, and feared no such matter, they might easily apprehend him, and so execute the Emperours command: But when Athanasius could not be found, every one much wondered at it, believing that God had discovered the danger to him, and thereby preserved him from it. Others say, that Athanasius mistrusting the heady and rash motion of the common people, fearing that if any mischief were wrought by them, it would be laid to his charge, retired privily and hid himself for the space of four months in his Fathers Monument. But in the mean time the Emperour Valence considering how many friends Athanasius had: which by reason of his absence might happily raise commotions, to the great prejudice of the Empire: and withall considering that Valentinian, who was an earnest Defender of the Nicene Faith might take the banishment of Athanasius very hainously; hereupon he wrote very loving Letters to the people of Alexandria, He is again restored.signifying that his pleasure was, that Athanasius should quietly, according to their p. 91hearts desire enjoy his Bishoprick.The cruelty of the Arian Hereticks. Yet in other places a great Persecution was raised against the Orthodox, who were driven out of their Churches, and Arians placed in their rooms, only the Churches of Egypt enjoyed Peace all the life time of Athanasius, whose death fell out not long after, when having endured many skirmishes in the quarrel of the Church, and having been Bishop 46 years, in which time he had often been in great hazard of his life, yet at the length through the goodness and mercy of God,His death. he dyed in peace in his own City of Alexandria, leaving behinde him Peter, a godly and zealous man to succeed him Anno Christi 375. It was said of him, Non solùm Episcopi, &c. Not only Bishops, but Emperours, Kingdoms, Nations and Armies opposed him: whereupon he used to say: Though an Army should encamp about me, yet would I not fear.

In the time of Julian the Apostate, (who made much use of Conjurers) the Magicians and Southsayers in Alexandria cryed out, that they could do nothing in their Art, except Athanasius were removed out of the City.

It was said of him, Vnus Athanasius contra totum mundum: One Athanasius stood firm against all the world. Gregory Nazianzen stiles him Tubam ingentem, & Columnam Ecclesiae: The great Trumpet and Pillar of the Church. Theodoret stiles him foreign. The Bulwark of Truth.

His Works are commonly printed in two Tomes,His works. which Scultetus distinguisheth into Germana, Dubia, & Supposita. Germana sunt

Oratio adversus Gentes. Oratio de incarnatione verbi, Expositio Fides. Respons. ad Liberium. Epistola de fide ad Jovinianum. Sermo de incarnatione, Orationes quin que contra Arianos: Tractat, in illud dictum, Omnia mihi sunt tradita à Patre. Epistolae, and Adelphinum fratrem: and Maximum Philosophum: de sententia Dionysii. Refutatio hypocriseos Miletii, Eusebii, & Pauli Samosetani. Sermo de humana natura suscepta. Epistolae ad Epictetum; de Incarnatione Christi contra Apolinarium. Oratio contra Apolinarium. Oratio contra gregales Sabellii. Epistolae duae ad Scrapionem de spiritu sancto, Epistola de Incarnatione Verbi Dei. Apologiae ad Imperatorem Constantinum. De fuga sua prima, & secunda. Ad Africànos. p. 92Narratio de Concilio Nicaeno: Epistola Catholica. Epistolae ad Antiochenses: ad Serapionem de morte Arii: ad omnes solitariam vitam agentes. De Synodis Arimini, & Seleuciae: ad omnes ubi que Orthodoxos: Ad Joan. & Antiochum. Ad Palladium: Ad Dracontium: Ad Ruffianum. De Sabbato, & Circumcisione. De peccato in S. Sanctum. Synopsis Scripturae sanctae: Dubia sunt, Orationes de Semente: De Ascensione Christi: Symbolum Athanasii. Epistola ad Aremùn, Fragmentum Epistolae festalis. Vita S. Antonii. De Virginitate, sive de meditatione. Omnia reliqua sunt supposititia.

The Life of Hilarie, who flourished An. Chri. 355.

HIlarie Bishop of Poictiers, was nobly descended, and of excellent gifts: He was frequent in Preaching, exemplary in Life: a great opposer of the Arian Heresie: whereupon the Bishops, Valence and Vrsacius procured the Emperour to banish him into Ph…ygia: Afterwards the Emperour commanding many Bishops to assemble at Seleucia to give their opinions about the Arian Heresie, Hilarie carried himself so well there, that he was restored to Poictiers. After which he travelled over Italy and France, diligently instructing the Bishops of both those countries in the Canons of the Catholick Faith: He was a very Eloquent man, and wrote many things in the Latine tongue, amongst which he wrote 12 Books of the Trinity, expounded the Canon containing the clause Of One Substance, His works.proved it sufficiently, and confuted the arguments of the Arians. He was a very Heavenly man both in his Life and Doctrine, and by his means especially, the Faith confirmed in the Nicene Council, was propagated and defended in these Western parts of the World all his life time. He wrote also against the Emperour Constantius one Book▪ Two Books to the Emperour against Auxentius the Arian. Commentaries on Matthew: Epistles to S. Augustine, &c. He dyed in peace under Valentinian and Valence.