and anathematized. We are indeed grieved on account of the perdition of these persons,
and especially so because, after having been previously instructed in the doctrines of the
Church, they have now apostatized from them. Nevertheless we are not greatly surprised
at this, for Hymenæus and Philetus137 fell in like manner; and before them Judas, who had
been a follower of the Saviour, but afterwards deserted him and became his betrayer. Nor
were we without forewarning respecting these very persons: for the Lord himself said: ‘Take
heed that no man deceive you: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ: and
shall many deceive many’;138 and ‘the time is at hand; Go ye not therefore after them.’139
And Paul, having learned these things from the Saviour, wrote, ‘That in the latter times
some should apostatize from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits, and doctrines of
devils,’140 who pervert the truth. Seeing then that our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has
himself enjoined this, and has also by the apostle given us intimation respecting such men,
we having ourselves heard their impiety have in consequence anathematized them, as we
before said, and declared them to be alienated from the Catholic Church and faith. Moreover
we have intimated this to your piety, beloved and most honored fellow-ministers, in order
that ye might neither receive any of them, if they should presume to come to you, nor be
induced to put confidence in Eusebius, or any other who may write to you about them. For
it is incumbent on us who are Christians, to turn away from all those who speak or entertain
a thought against Christ, as from those who are resisting God, and are destroyers of the
souls of men: neither does it become us even ‘to salute such men,’141 as the blessed John
has prohibited, ‘lest we should at any time be made partakers of their sins.’ Greet the brethren
which are with you; those who are with me salute you.
Upon Alexander’s thus addressing the bishops in every city, the evil only became worse,
inasmuch as those to whom he made this communication were thereby excited to contention.
And some indeed fully concurred in and subscribed to the sentiments expressed in this letter,
while others did the reverse. But Eusebius, bishop of Nicomedia, was beyond all others
moved to controversy, inasmuch as Alexander in his letter had made a personal and censori-
ous allusion to him. Now at this juncture Eusebius possessed great influence, because the
emperor resided at Nicomedia. For in fact Diocletian had a short time previously built a
palace there. On this account therefore many of the bishops paid their court to Eusebius.
And he repeatedly wrote both to Alexander, that he might set aside the discussion which
had been excited, and again receive Arius and his adherents into communion; and also to
137 2 Tim. ii. 17, 18.
138 Matt. xxiv. 4.
139 Luke xxi. 8.
140 1 Tim. iv. 1; Tit. i. 14.
141 2 John 10, 11.
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Division begins in the Church from this Controversy; and Alexander Bishop…