CHAPTER II

RETURN OF ST. ATHANASIUS

THE emperor, being satisfied with this answer, turned all his attention to the restoration of public prosperity, and to the extrication of the army from the enemy’s country. He did not spend much time in deliberation, but speedily enjoyed the fruits of his piety, for God granted him His protection, and delivered him from all his difficulties. The king of Persia, hearing of his having been elected to the empire, sent deputies to treat of peace. He also sent food to the army in the desert. Jovian concluded a truce of thirty years, and conducted the army home in safety. The first edict which he issued on his return to his empire, was for the recall of the bishops from exile, and for the re-instatement of those bishops who adhered to the Nicean confession of faith. He wrote to Athanasius, who was the most distinguished of those who defended the faith, desiring him to send him an accurate account of the divine doctrines. Athanasius, after calling together the most erudite of the bishops, wrote back to the emperor exhorting him to maintain the faith set forth at Nice, as being conformable with the doctrines of the apostles. I shall insert this letter for the benefit of my readers.