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The emperor having thus successfully terminated the conflict,
immediately began to move against the Christians, with the design of
converting every sect to Arianism. But he was especially incensed
against those who had composed the Synod at Lampsacus, not only on
account of their deposition of the Arian bishops, but because they had
anathematized the creed published at Ariminum. On arriving therefore
at Nicomedia in Bithynia, he sent for Eleusius bishop of Cyzicus,
who, as I have before said, closely adhered to the opinions of
Macedonius. Therefore the emperor having convened a council of Arian
bishops, commanded Eleusius to give his assent to their faith. At
first he refused to do so, but on being terrified with threats of
banishment and confiscation of property, he was intimidated and
assented to the Arian belief. Immediately afterwards, however, he
repented; and returning to Cyzicus, bitterly complained in presence
of all the people, asserting that his quiescence was due to violence,
and not of his own choice. He then exhorted them to seek another
bishop for themselves, since he had been compelled to renounce his own
opinion. But the inhabitants of Cyzicus loved and venerated him too
much to think of losing him; they therefore refused to be subject to
any other bishop, nor would they permit him to retire from his own
church: and thus continuing under his oversight, they remained
steadfast in their own heresy.
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