The Days That Are Past (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ...he was able to produce Arsenius before their eyes alive and well. A council was held at Jerusalem, where, by the influence of the Eusebians, the conduct of Athanasius was condemned, and the decrees of Nicaea practically ignored. Upon the Church of Constantinople, however, the trial fell in its most severe form. It was intimated to Alexander, the bishop of that city, by the supporters of Arius, that vengeance would be taken upon him unless he admitted the heretic to communion. The prospect of the Church seemed dark indeed. Arius arrived in Constantinople, and paraded the streets, attended by his followers, in conscious anticipation of coming triumph. It seemed as if the decrees of Nicaea were indeed about to be set aside. Alexander betook himself to one refuge, which always remains to the people of God. Prostrate in prayer, the good bishop besought the Almighty to spare His heritage, and even remove the heretic from the earth, rather than suffer him to pollute the Holy Table of His Son by his presence. Saturday afternoon came, and the wild excitement and joy of the Arians knew no bounds. They had only to wait till the morrow, when their teaching would receive its recognition, and the tests of Nicaea be abolished. Arius was walking about the city, accompanied by a procession of his followers, apparently in full health and strength. Suddenly a spasm of pain crossed his always pallid countenance, and he withdrew from the midst of his followers. An internal disease, from which he had previously suffered, had reached its crisis, and in a few moments he was dead. When morning light broke on the city the heretic was not at the altar, but at the judgment-seat of Christ, whom he had denied and dishonoured. This is one of the most solemn...