|
WHILE the Church everywhere was under the sway of these eminent
men, the clergy and people were excited to the imitation of their
virtue and zeal. Nor was the Church of this era distinguished only by
these illustrious examples of piety; for the relics of the
proto-prophets, Habakkuk, and a little while after, Micah, were
brought to light about this time. As I understand, God made known
the place where both these bodies were deposited by a divine vision in a
dream to Zebennus, who was then acting as bishop of the church of
Eleutheropolis. The relics of Habakkuk were found at Cela, a city
formerly called Ceila. The tomb of Micah was discovered at a
distance of ten stadia from Cela, at a place called Berathsatia.
This tomb was ignorantly styled by the people of the country, "the
tomb of the faithful"; or, in their native language,
Nephsameemana. These events, which occurred during the reign of
Theodosius, were sufficient for the good repute of the Christian
religion.
After conquering Eugenius, Theodosius the emperor remained for some
time at Milan, and here he was attacked with a serious malady. He
recalled to mind the prediction of the monk, John, and conjectured
that his sickness was unto death. He sent in haste for his son
Honorius from Constantinople; and on seeing him by, he seemed to be
easier, so that he was able to be present at the sports of the
Hippodrome. After dinner, however, he suddenly grew worse, and
sent to desire his son to preside at the spectacle. He died on the
following night. This event happened during the consulate of the
brothers Olybrius and Probianus.
|
|