CHAPTER XXXI

OF HOSIUS BISHOP OF CORDOVA

SINCE we have observed that Hosius the Spaniard was present at the council of Sirmium against his will, it is necessary to give some farther account of him. This prelate had but a short time before been sent into exile by the intrigues of the Arians: but at the earnest solicitation of those convened at Sirmium, the emperor summoned him thither, with the design either of influencing him by persuasion, or of compelling him by force, to give his sanction to their proceedings; for if this could be effected, they considered it would give great authority to their sentiments. On this occasion therefore he was most unwillingly obliged to be present: and when he refused to concur with them, stripes and tortures were inflicted on the old man, until they had constrained him to acquiesce in and subscribe their exposition of the faith. Such was the issue of affairs at that time transacted at Sirmium. But the emperor Constantius after these things still continued to reside at that place, awaiting there the result of the operations against Magnentius.