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DELIGHTED with these words the emperor undertook for the future
to take counsel for the safety of the state, and how to bring home the
army without loss from the campaign. He was in no need of much
deliberation, but at once reaped the fruit sprung from the seeds of
true religion, for the God of all gave proof of His own providence,
and caused all difficulty to disappear. No sooner had the Persian
sovereign been made acquainted with Jovian's accession than he sent
envoys to treat for peace; nay more, he despatched provisions for the
troops and gave directions for the establishment of a market for them in
the desert. A truce was concluded for thirty years, and the army
brought home in safety from the war. The first edict of the emperor on
setting foot upon his own territory was one recalling the bishops from
their exile, and announcing the restoration of the churches to the
congregations who had held inviolate the confession of Nicaea. He
further sent a despatch to Athanasius, the famous champion of these
doctrines, beseeching that a letter might be written to him containing
exact teaching on matters of religion. Athanasius summoned the most
learned bishops to meet him, and wrote back exhorting the emperor to
hold fast the faith delivered at Nicaea, as being in harmony with
apostolic teaching. Anxious to benefit all who may meet with it I
here subjoin the letter.
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