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THE Emperor Constantine had a sister named Constantia, the widow
of Licinius, who had for some time shared the imperial dignity with
Constantine, but had assumed tyrannical powers and had been put to
death in consequence. This princess maintained in her household
establishment a certain confidential presbyter, tinctured with the
dogmas of Arianism; Eusebius and others having prompted him, he took
occasion in his familiar conversations with Constantia, to insinuate
that the Synod had done Arius injustice, and that the common report
concerning him was not true. Constantia gave full credence to the
presbyter's assertions, but durst not report them to the emperor.
Now it happened that she became dangerously ill, and her brother
visited her daily. As the disease became aggravated and she expected
to die, she commended this presbyter to the emperor, testifying to his
diligence and piety, as well as his devoted loyalty to his sovereign.
She died soon after, whereupon the presbyter became one of the most
confidential persons about the emperor; and having gradually increased
in freedom of speech, he repeated to the emperor what be had before
stated to his sister, affirming that Arius had no other views than the
sentiments avowed by the Synod; and that if he were admitted to the
imperial presence, he would give his full assent to what the Synod had
decreed: he added, moreover, that he had been unreasonably
slandered. The presbyter's words appeared strange to the emperor,
and he said, 'If Arius subscribes with the Synod and holds its
views, I will both give him an audience, and send him back to
Alexandria with honor.' Having thus said, he immediately wrote to
him in these words:
Victor Constantine Maximus Augustus, to Arius.
It was intimated to your reverence some time since, that you might
come to my court, in order to obtain an interview with us. We are not
a little surprised that you did not do this immediately. Wherefore
having at once mounted a public vehicle, hasten to arrive at our
court; that when you have experienced our clemency and regard for you,
you may return to your own country. May God protect you, beloved.
Dated the twenty-fifth of November.
This was the letter of the emperor to Arius. And I cannot but
admire the ardent zeal which the prince manifested for religion: for it
appears from this document that he had often before exhorted Arius to
change his views, inasmuch as he censures his delaying to return to the
truth, although he had himself written frequently to him. Now on the
receipt of this letter, Arius came to Constantinople accompanied by
Euzoius, whom Alexander had divested of his deaconship when he
excommunicated Arius and his partisans. The emperor accordingly
admitted them to his presence, and asked them whether they would agree
to the creed. And when they readily gave their assent, he ordered
them to deliver to him a written statement of their faith.
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