Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series • VOLUME 2
Socrates and Sozomen — Ecclesiastical Histories
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A SELECT LIBRARY
Title: NPNF2-02. Socrates and Sozomenus Ecclesiastical Histories Creator(s): Socrates Scholasticus Schaff, Philip (1819-1893) (Editor) Print Basis: New York: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1886 Rights: Public Domain CCEL Subjects: All; Proofed; Early Church; LC Call no: BR60 LC Subjects: Christianity Early Christian Lite…
2,464 wordsSECTION 2On the other hand, Valesius, followed by most of the more recent writers on Socrates, claims that all these facts are due to the extreme imp
On the other hand, Valesius, followed by most of the more recent writers on Socrates, claims that all these facts are due to the extreme impartiality of the historian, his sense of the justice due to a sect whose good he appreciated, together with his lack of interest in the differences between their standpoint and that of the C…
1,320 wordsSECTION 3[27] I. 12, 19; III. 19; IV. 24, 26.
[27] I. 12, 19; III. 19; IV. 24, 26. [28] De jure sacerdotali, p. 278. Cf. on translation by Gelasius, Smith & Wace, Dictionary of Christian Biography, II. p. 621. [29] Niceph. H. E. I. 1. [30] Cf. V. 21; VII. 6, 12, 17. [31] V. 14; VII. 9, 11. [32] VII. 46. [33] VII. 25. [34] IV. 28. [35] VI. 19. [36] II. 38; III. 11. …
2,247 wordsSECTION 4Socrates is generally ignorant of the affairs of the Western Church. He gives a cursory account of Ambrose, but says nothing of the great Au
Socrates is generally ignorant of the affairs of the Western Church. He gives a cursory account of Ambrose, but says nothing of the great Augustine, or even of the Donatist controversy, in spite of all its significance and also of the extreme probability that he knew of it; as Pelagius and Celestius, who traveled in the East abo…
1,052 wordsSECTION 5[70] I. 12, 19; II. 1; III. 19; IV. 24, 26.
[70] I. 12, 19; II. 1; III. 19; IV. 24, 26. [71] I. 22. [72] I. 8; II. 15, 17, 20; III. 10, 25; IV. 12, 22. [73] V. 24. [74] I. 24. [75] II. 28; III. 8. [76] II. 37. [77] VI. 13. [78] III. 7. [79] IV. 23. [80] VII. 19-24. [81] III. 7. [82] II. 17. [83] V. 22. [84] Phot. Biblioth. Cod. 28. alla kai en tois dogmasi o…
1,284 wordsSECTION 6SOCRATES SCHOLASTICUS.
SOCRATES SCHOLASTICUS. ------------------------ Book I. Chapter I.--Introduction to the Work. Eusebius, surnamed Pamphilus, [109] writing the History of the Church [110] in ten books, closed it with that period of the emperor Constantine, when the persecution which Diocletian had begun against the Christians came to an end. …
1,194 wordsSECTION 7Chapter III.--While Constantine favors the Christians, Licinius, his Colleague, persecutes them.
Chapter III.--While Constantine favors the Christians, Licinius, his Colleague, persecutes them. Now Constantine, the emperor, having thus embraced Christianity, conducted himself as a Christian of his profession, rebuilding the churches, and enriching them with splendid offerings: he also either closed or destroyed the temples…
947 wordsSECTION 8Chapter VI.--Division begins in the Church from this Controversy; and Alexander Bishop of Alexandria excommunicates Arius and his Adherents.
Chapter VI.--Division begins in the Church from this Controversy; and Alexander Bishop of Alexandria excommunicates Arius and his Adherents. Having drawn this inference from his novel train of reasoning, he excited many to a consideration of the question; and thus from a little spark a large fire was kindled: for the evil which…
2,431 wordsSECTION 9[121] Eph. iv. 3.
[121] Eph. iv. 3. [122] 1 Cor. xii. 26. [123] ex ouk onton gegonen, lit. came into existence from nothing.' [124] 2 Cor. vi. 14. [125] John i. 1-3, 18. [126] Ps. xliv. 1, according to the LXX. [127] Eosphoron, the morning-star; taken from Ps. cix. 3. Cf. the LXX, quoted from Ps. lxxii. [128] Col. i. 15. [129] Heb. i. 3. …
1,859 wordsSECTION 10Chapter VIII.--Of the Synod which was held at Nicæa in Bithynia, and the Creed there [153] put forth.
Chapter VIII.--Of the Synod which was held at Nicæa in Bithynia, and the Creed there [153] put forth. Such admirable and wise counsel did the emperor's letter contain. But the evil had become too strong both for the exhortations of the emperor, and the authority of him who was the bearer of his letter: for neither was Alexander…
2,222 wordsSECTION 11"According as we received from the bishops who preceded us, both in our instruction [171] [in the knowledge of the truth], and when we were
"According as we received from the bishops who preceded us, both in our instruction [171] [in the knowledge of the truth], and when we were baptized; as also we have ourselves learned from the sacred Scriptures: and in accordance with what we have both believed and taught while discharging the duties of presbyter and the episcop…
2,058 wordsSECTION 12Chapter IX.--The Letter of the Synod, relative to its Decisions: and the Condemnation of Arius and those who agreed with him.
Chapter IX.--The Letter of the Synod, relative to its Decisions: and the Condemnation of Arius and those who agreed with him. To the holy, by the grace of God, and great church of the Alexandrians, and to our beloved brethren throughout Egypt, Libya, and Pentapolis, the bishops assembled at Nicæa, constituting the great and hol…
2,808 wordsSECTION 13Since then it was desirable that this should be so amended that we should have nothing in common with that nation of parricides, and of thos
Since then it was desirable that this should be so amended that we should have nothing in common with that nation of parricides, and of those who slew their Lord; and since the order is a becoming one which is observed by all the churches of the western, southern, and northern parts, and by some also in the eastern; from these c…
2,019 wordsSECTION 14Chapter X.--The Emperor also summons to the Synod Acesius, Bishop of the Novatians.
Chapter X.--The Emperor also summons to the Synod Acesius, Bishop of the Novatians. The emperor's diligence induces me to mention another circumstance expressive of his mind, and serving to show how much he desired peace. For aiming at ecclesiastical harmony, he summoned to the council Acesius also, a bishop of the sect of Nova…
808 wordsSECTION 15Chapter XII.--Of Spyridon, Bishop of the Cypriots.
Chapter XII.--Of Spyridon, Bishop of the Cypriots. With respect to Spyridon, so great was his sanctity while a shepherd, that he was thought worthy of being made a Pastor of men: and having been assigned the bishopric of one of the cities in Cyprus named Trimithus, on account of his extreme humility he continued to feed his she…
1,703 wordsSECTION 16Chapter XV.--After the Synod, on the Death of Alexander, Athanasius is constituted Bishop of Alexandria.
Chapter XV.--After the Synod, on the Death of Alexander, Athanasius is constituted Bishop of Alexandria. A little after this, Alexander bishop of Alexandria having died, [203] Athanasius was set over that church. Rufinus relates, that this [Athanasius] when quite a boy, played with others of his own age at a sacred game: this w…
1,521 wordsSECTION 17Chapter XVIII.--The Emperor Constantine abolishes Paganism and erects many Churches in Different Places.
Chapter XVIII.--The Emperor Constantine abolishes Paganism and erects many Churches in Different Places. After this the emperor became increasingly attentive to the interests of the Christians, and abandoned the heathen superstitions. He abolished the combats of the gladiators, and set up his own statues in the temples. And as …
832 wordsSECTION 18Chapter XIX. [220] --In what Manner the Nations in the Interior of India were Christianized in the Times of Constantine.
Chapter XIX. [220] --In what Manner the Nations in the Interior of India were Christianized in the Times of Constantine. We must now mention in what manner Christianity was spread in this emperor's reign: for it was in his time that the nations both of the Indians in the interior, and of the Iberians first embraced the Christia…
891 wordsSECTION 19Chapter XX.--In what Manner the Iberians were converted to Christianity.
Chapter XX.--In what Manner the Iberians were converted to Christianity. It is now proper to relate how the Iberians [223] about the same time became proselytes to the faith. A certain woman leading a devout and chaste life, was, in the providential ordering of God, taken captive by the Iberians. Now these Iberians dwell near t…
1,187 wordsSECTION 20Chapter XXI.--Of Anthony the Monk.
Chapter XXI.--Of Anthony the Monk. What sort of a man the monk Anthony was, who lived in the same age, in the Egyptian desert, and how he openly contended with devils, clearly detecting their devices and wily modes of warfare, and how he performed many miracles, it would be superfluous for us to say; for Athanasius, bishop of A…
1,156 wordsSECTION 21Chapter XXIII.--Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nicæa, having recovered Confidence, endeavor to subvert the Nicene Creed, by plotting against Athanasius.
Chapter XXIII.--Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, and Theognis Bishop of Nicæa, having recovered Confidence, endeavor to subvert the Nicene Creed, by plotting against Athanasius. The partisans of Eusebius and Theognis having returned from their exile, these latter were reinstated in their churches, having expelled, as we observed, …
708 wordsSECTION 22Chapter XXIV.--Of the Synod held at Antioch, which deposed Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch, on whose account a Sedition broke out and almost ruined the City.
Chapter XXIV.--Of the Synod held at Antioch, which deposed Eustathius, Bishop of Antioch, on whose account a Sedition broke out and almost ruined the City. Having therefore convened a Synod at Antioch, they deposed Eustathius, as a supporter of the Sabellian heresy, rather than of the tenets which the council at Nicæa had formu…
1,147 wordsSECTION 23Chapter XXVI.--Arius, on being recalled, presents a Recantation to the Emperor, and pretends to accept the Nicene Creed.
Chapter XXVI.--Arius, on being recalled, presents a Recantation to the Emperor, and pretends to accept the Nicene Creed. They having drawn up a declaration to the following effect, presented it to the emperor. Arius and Euzoïus, to our Most Religious and Pious Lord, the Emperor Constantine. In accordance with the command of y…
1,764 wordsSECTION 24Chapter XXVIII.--On Account of the Charges against Athanasius, the Emperor convokes a Synod of Bishops at Tyre.
Chapter XXVIII.--On Account of the Charges against Athanasius, the Emperor convokes a Synod of Bishops at Tyre. 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 …
805 wordsSECTION 25Chapter XXXI.--When the Bishops will not listen to Athanasius' Defense on the Second Charge, he betakes himself to the Emperor.
Chapter XXXI.--When the Bishops will not listen to Athanasius' Defense on the Second Charge, he betakes himself to the Emperor. But in refuting the false allegations against Macarius, he made use of legal forms; taking exception in the first place to Eusebius and his party, as his enemies, protesting against the injustice of an…
814 wordsSECTION 26Chapter XXXIV.--The Emperor summons the Synod to himself by Letter, in order that the Charges against Athanasius might be carefully examined before him.
Chapter XXXIV.--The Emperor summons the Synod to himself by Letter, in order that the Charges against Athanasius might be carefully examined before him. Victor Constantine Maximus Augustus, to the bishops convened at Tyre. I am indeed ignorant of the decisions which have been made by your Council with so much turbulence and st…
979 wordsSECTION 27Chapter XXXVI.--Of Marcellus Bishop of Ancyra, and Asterius the Sophist.
Chapter XXXVI.--Of Marcellus Bishop of Ancyra, and Asterius the Sophist. The bishops assembled at Constantinople deposed also Marcellus bishop of Ancyra, a city of Galatia Minor, on this account. A certain rhetorician of Cappadocia named Asterius having abandoned his art, and professed himself a convert to Christianity, underto…
1,007 wordsSECTION 28Chapter XXXVIII.--The Death of Arius. [257]
Chapter XXXVIII.--The Death of Arius. [257] Such was the supplication of Alexander. Meanwhile the emperor, being desirous of personally examining Arius, sent for him to the palace, and asked him whether he would assent to the determinations of the Synod at Nicæa. He without hesitation replied in the affirmative, and subscribed …
991 wordsSECTION 29Chapter XL.--The Funeral of the Emperor Constantine.
Chapter XL.--The Funeral of the Emperor Constantine. The body of the emperor was placed in a coffin of gold by the proper persons, and then conveyed to Constantinople, where it was laid out on an elevated bed of state in the palace, surrounded by a guard, and treated with the same respect as when he was alive, and this was done…
1,254 wordsSECTION 30Chapter III.--Athanasius, encouraged by the Letter of Constantine the Younger, returns to Alexandria.
Chapter III.--Athanasius, encouraged by the Letter of Constantine the Younger, returns to Alexandria. Constantine Cæsar to the members of the Catholic Church of the Alexandrians. It cannot, I conceive, have escaped the knowledge of your devout minds, that Athanasius, the expositor of the venerated law, was sent for a while unt…
891 wordsSECTION 31Chapter VII.--The Emperor Constantius ejects Paul after his Election to the Bishopric, and sending for Eusebius of Nicomedia, invests him with the Bishopric of Constantinople.
Chapter VII.--The Emperor Constantius ejects Paul after his Election to the Bishopric, and sending for Eusebius of Nicomedia, invests him with the Bishopric of Constantinople. Not long afterwards the emperor having arrived at Constantinople was highly incensed at the consecration [of Paul]; and having convened an assembly of bi…
1,964 wordsSECTION 32Chapter XI.--On the Arrival of Gregory at Alexandria, tended by a Military Escort, Athanasius flees.
Chapter XI.--On the Arrival of Gregory at Alexandria, tended by a Military Escort, Athanasius flees. After these things, Syrian, the military commander, and the corps of heavy armed soldiers, five thousand in number, conducted Gregory to Alexandria; and such of the citizens as were of Arian sentiments combined with them. But it…
990 wordsSECTION 33Chapter XIV.--The Arians remove Gregory from the See of Alexandria, and appoint George in his Place. [282]
Chapter XIV.--The Arians remove Gregory from the See of Alexandria, and appoint George in his Place. [282] About the same time the Arians ejected Gregory from the see of Alexandria, on the ground that he was unpopular and at the same time because he had set a church [283] on fire, and did not manifest sufficient zeal in promoti…
974 wordsSECTION 34Chapter XVI.--The Emperor Constantius, through an Order to Philip the Prætorian Prefect, secures the Exile of Paul, and the Installation of Macedonius in his See.
Chapter XVI.--The Emperor Constantius, through an Order to Philip the Prætorian Prefect, secures the Exile of Paul, and the Installation of Macedonius in his See. When the Emperor Constantius, who then held his court at Antioch, heard that Paul had again obtained possession of the episcopal throne, he was excessively enraged at…
1,775 wordsSECTION 35Chapter XIX.--Of the Creed sent by the Eastern Bishops to those in Italy, called the Lengthy Creed. [295]
Chapter XIX.--Of the Creed sent by the Eastern Bishops to those in Italy, called the Lengthy Creed. [295] After the lapse of about three years from the events above recorded, the Eastern bishops again assembled a Synod, and having composed another form of faith, they transmitted it to those in Italy by the hands of Eudoxius, at…
2,103 wordsSECTION 36Chapter XX.--Of the Council at Sardica. [305]
Chapter XX.--Of the Council at Sardica. [305] The Western prelates on account of their being of another language, and not understanding this exposition, would not admit of it; saying that the Nicene Creed was sufficient, and that they would not waste time on anything beyond it. But when the emperor had again written to insist o…
834 wordsSECTION 37Chapter XXI.--Defense of Eusebius Pamphilus.
Chapter XXI.--Defense of Eusebius Pamphilus. But since some have attempted to stigmatize even Eusebius Pamphilus himself as having favored the Arian views in his works, it may not be irrelevant here to make a few remarks respecting him. In the first place then he was both present at the council of Nicæa, which defined the doctr…
1,723 wordsSECTION 38Chapter XXIII.--Constantius, being Afraid of his Brother's Threats, recalls Athanasius by Letter, and sends him to Alexandria.
Chapter XXIII.--Constantius, being Afraid of his Brother's Threats, recalls Athanasius by Letter, and sends him to Alexandria. On receiving this communication the emperor of the East fell into perplexity; and immediately sending for the greater part of the Eastern bishops, he acquainted them with the choice his brother had subm…
2,232 wordsSECTION 39Another Epistle sent to the Alexandrians. [334]
Another Epistle sent to the Alexandrians. [334] Victor Constantius Maximus Augustus, to the people of the Catholic Church at Alexandria. Setting before us as an aim your good order in all respects, and knowing that you have long since been bereft of episcopal oversight, we thought it just to send back to you again Athanasius y…
1,052 wordsSECTION 40Chapter XXV.--Of the Usurpers Magnentius and Vetranio.
Chapter XXV.--Of the Usurpers Magnentius and Vetranio. About this time an extraordinary commotion shook the whole state, of the principal heads, of which we shall give a brief account, deeming it necessary not to pass over them altogether. We mentioned in our first book, [339] that after the death of the founder of Constantinop…
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Historical text source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library. The downloaded text itself records Public Domain.