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How the Lord God is long suffering towards those who rage against
him, and chastises those who abuse his patience, is plainly taught by
the acts and by the fate of Valens. For the loving Lord uses mercy
and justice like wights and scales; whenever he sees any one by the
greatness of his errors over-stepping the bounds of loving kindness,
by just punishment He hinders him from being carried to further
extremes.
Now Gratianus, the son of Valentinianus, and nephew of Valens,
acquired the whole Roman Empire. He had already assumed the sceptre
of Europe on the death of his father, in whose life-time he had
shared the throne. On the death of Valens without issue he acquired
in addition Asia, and the portions of Libya.
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