_Osius_ was a Native of _Spain_[811], born, according to some, in _Cordoua_, about the Year 256. and raised, in regard of his extraordinary Merit, to the See of that City in 295[812]. He was even then conspicuous for the Firmness of his Faith, and the Purity of his Life, says _Sozomen_[813]. _Athanasius_, who was well acquainted with him, speaks of him with the greatest Respect and Esteem, calling him a Man truly holy, according to the _Greek_ Signification of his Name; one in whose Conduct even his most inveterate Enemies could discover nothing that was not commendable, his Life being irreprehensible, and his Reputation unspotted[814]. _Theodoret_[815], and _Eusebius_[816], extol him on Account of his extraordinary Prudence, Wisdom, and Learning, which gave great Weight to his Opinion in the many Councils at which he assisted, and often presided. In the Year 300. he was present at the Council of _Eliberis_, or _Illeberis_, in _Spain_, famous for the Severity of its Canons; and, in all Likelihood, made even then a considerable Figure; since, in the Acts of that Council, he is named in the Second Place after _Felix_ of _Acci_, now _Guadix_, in _Andalusia_, who probably presided[817]. [Sidenote: _He is imprisoned under_ Maximian _for the Confession of the Faith_.] Three Years after broke out the Persecution of _Maximian Hercules_, in which _Osius_ distinguished himself by his Zeal, his Constancy, and his Sufferings; for, having with great Intrepidity confessed his Faith before the Pagan Magistrates, he was by them imprisoned, and kept under a very close and painful Confinement for the Space of Two Years, that is, from the Year 303. to 305. when, upon the Abdication of _Maximian_ and _Dioclesian_, he was set at Liberty by _Constantius Chlorus_, the Father of _Constantine the Great_[818]. He is honoured by _Athanasius_[819], by the Council of _Sardica_, and by most of the Antients, with the Title of _Confessor_, which was given to such as had suffered Imprisonment, Torments, or Exile, but had not died, for the Confession of the Faith. He was highly esteemed and revered by _Constantine_, not only as a Confessor, but as a Person of extraordinary Wisdom and Probity[820]; whence he is thought to have been one of the Prelates whom that Prince consulted in 311[821]. and kept with him to instruct him in the Mysteries of the Christian Religion. [Sidenote: _He instructs_ Constantine.] Some think that _Osius_ was meant by the _Egyptian_ Priest come from _Spain_, to whom _Zosimus_ ascribes the Change made by _Constantine_ in point of Religion[822]. The Church of _Cordoua_ was, out of Regard to him, enriched by _Constantine_ with many valuable Presents, whence he is said to have been very rich[823]. But what Use he made of his Wealth we may learn from _Athanasius_, who assures us, that no one in Want ever applied to him without being relieved, and receiving the Supply he demanded[824]. In the famous Dispute, which I have taken notice of in