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THE emperor had ordered a Synod of bishops to be present at the
consecration of the church which he had erected at Jerusalem. He
therefore directed that, as a secondary matter, they should on their
way first assemble at Tyre, to examine into the charges against
Athanasius; in order that all cause of contention being removed
there, they might the more peacefully perform the inaugural ceremonies
in the dedication of the church of God. This was the thirtieth year
of Constantine's reign, and sixty bishops were thus convened at Tyre
from various places, on the summons of Dionysius the consul. As to
Macarius the presbyter, he was conducted from Alexandria in chains,
under a military escort; while Athanasius was unwilling to go
thither, not so much from dread, because he was innocent of the
charges made, as because he feared lest any innovations should be made
on the decisions of the council at Nicaea; he was, however,
constrained to be present by the menacing letters of the emperor. For
it had been written him that if he did not come voluntarily, he should
be brought by force.
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