Letter CXXVI.
2418
To Atarbius
.
2419
On
arriving at Nicopolis in the
double hope of settling the disturbances which had arisen, and applying
a remedy, as far as possible, to measures taken in a disorderly manner
and in violation of the law of the Church, I was exceedingly
disappointed at failing to meet you. I heard that you had
hurriedly withdrawn, and actually from the very synod which was being
held by you. I am, therefore, under the necessity of having
recourse to writing, and by this letter I bid you present yourself
before me, that you may in person apply some remedy to the pain which I
felt, even unto death, on hearing that you had ventured on action, in
the very middle of the church, of the like of which I hitherto have
never heard. All this, although painful and serious, is
endurable, as having happened to a man who has committed the punishment
due for his sufferings to God, and is wholly devoted to peace and to
preventing harm falling from any fault of his on God’s
people. Since, however, some honourable brethren, worthy of all
credit, have told me that you have introduced certain innovations into
the faith, and have spoken against sound doctrine, I am under the
circumstances the more agitated, and above measure anxious, lest, in
addition to the countless wounds which have been inflicted on the
Church by traitors to the truth of the Gospel, yet a further calamity
should spring up in the renewal of the ancient heresy of Sabellius, the
enemy of the Church; for to this the brethren have reported your
utterances to be akin. I have, therefore, written to charge you
not to shrink from undertaking a short journey to come to me, and, by
giving me full assurance in the matter, at once to alleviate my pangs,
and to solace the Churches of God, which are now pained to a grave, nay
an unendurable extent, at your actions and your reported
words.
2418
Placed in
373.
2419
Bishop of
Neocæsarea.
VideLetter
lxv.