A Source Book for Ancient Church History - Mirrors

364 A Source Book for Ancient Church Historyaway from their law, or because he wished to asperse the memoryof Constantius.(d) Julian, Ep. 49, ad Arsacium; Julian, Imp., Epistulæ, ed.Hertlein. Leipsic, 1875 f.; also in Sozomenus, Hist. Ec., V, 16.(MSG, 67:1260.)To Arsacius, High Priest of Galatia. Hellenism 110 does notflourish as we would have it, because of its votaries. The worshipof the gods, however, is grand and magnificent beyond allour prayers and hopes. Let our Adrastea be propitious to thesewords. No one a little while ago could have dared to look forsuch and so great a change in a short time. But do we think thatthese things are enough, and not rather consider that humanityshown strangers, the reverent diligence shown in burying thedead, and the false holiness as to their lives have principallyadvanced atheism? 111 Each of these things is needful, I think, tobe faithfully practised among us. It is not sufficient that you aloneshould be such, but in general all the priests, as many as there arethroughout Galatia, whom you must either shame or persuade tobe zealous, or else deprive them of their priestly office, if they donot come with their wives, children, and servants to the templesof the gods, or if they support servants, sons, or wives who areimpious toward the gods and prefer atheism to piety. Then exhortthe priests not to frequent the theatres, not to drink in taverns,nor to practise any art or business which is shameful or menial.Honor those who comply, expel those who disobey. Establishhostelries in every city, so that strangers, or whoever has needof money, may enjoy our philanthropy, not merely those of ourown, but also those of other religions. I have meanwhile madeplans by which you will be able to meet the expense. I have110 The religion of the pagans.111 I.e., Christianity.