A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

§ 65. The Victory of the Anti-Nicene Party in the East 341Athanasius and his allies in exile in the West are exoneratedat Rome.The Eusebians wrote also to Julius, thinking to frighten me, requestinghim to call a council, and Julius himself to be the judgeif he pleased. When, therefore, I went up to Rome, Julius wroteto the Eusebians, as was suitable, and sent moreover two of hispresbyters, Elpidius and Philoxenus. But when they heard of methey became confused, because they did not expect that we wouldcome up; and they declined, alleging absurd reasons for so doing,but in truth fearing lest the things should be proved against themwhich Valens and Ursacius afterward confessed. However, morethan fifty bishops assembled in the place where the presbyterVito held his congregation, and they acknowledged my defence [311]and gave me the confirmation both of their communion and theirlove. On the other hand, they expressed great indignation againstthe Eusebians and requested that Julius write to the followingeffect to them who had written to him. And he wrote and sent itby Count Gabienus.(b) Julius of Rome, Epistula, in Athanasius. Apologia contraArianos, §§ 26 ff. (MSG, 25:292.)Julius to his dearly beloved brethren, Danius, Flacillus, Narcissus,Eusebius, and Matis, Macedonius, Theodorus, and theirfriends, who have written him from Antioch, sends health in theLord.§ 26. … It is necessary for me to inform you that although Ialone wrote, yet it was not my opinion only, but of all the bishopsthroughout Italy and in these parts. I, indeed, was unwilling tocause them all to write, lest they might have weight by merenumbers. The bishops, however, assembled on the appointedday, and agreed in these opinions, which I again write to signify