The Letters of S. Ambrose, Bishop of MilanAmbrose, Saint, Bishop of Milan
Religion
The Letters of S. Ambrose, Bishop of Milan
Ambrose, Saint, Bishop of Milan
Ambrose, Saint, Bishop of Milan, -397 -- Correspondence
Attalus said; ‘You have already said that I have been several times
condemned. I do not answer you.’
Ambrose, Bishop, said; ‘Did you subscribe the formula of the Council of
Nicæa or no?’
Attalus said; ‘I do not answer you.’
45. PALLADIUS said; ‘Do you now wish the formula to be regarded as
general or no?’
Chromatius, presbyter, said; ‘You have not denied that He is a creature,
you have denied that He is mighty. You have denied every thing which
the Catholic Faith professes.’
Sabinus, Bishop, said; ‘We are witnesses that Attalus subscribed
the Council of Nicæa, and that he now refuses to answer. What is the
opinion of all?’
As Attalus did not speak,
Ambrose, Bishop, said; ‘Let him say whether he subscribed the formula
of the Council of Nicæa or no.’
46. PALLADIUS said; ‘Let your reporter and ours stand forward and write
down every thing.’
Valerian, Bishop, said; ‘What you have said and what you have denied is
already all written.’
Palladius said; ‘Say what you please.’
Ambrose, Bishop, said; ‘Since Palladius who has been already many
times condemned, wishes to be condemned still oftener, I am reading
the letter of Arius which he has not chosen to condemn: do you state
whether you approve of my doing so.’
All the Bishops said; ‘Let it be read.’
Then the words were read. “But begotten not putatively,” &c.
Ambrose, Bishop, said; ‘I have answered you on the Father’s being
greater: I have answered you also on the Son’s being subject: do you
yourself answer now.’
47. PALLADIUS said; ‘I will not answer unless arbiters come after the
Lord’s day.’
Ambrose, Bishop, said; ‘You were come with a view to discussion, but
since I have charged you with its doctrines, you have seen the letter
of Arius which you have not chosen to condemn and which you cannot
support: you now therefore shrink back and cavil. I read it to you
fully point by point. Tell me whether you believe Christ to have been
created; whether there was a time when he was not; or whether the only
begotten Son of God has always existed. When you have heard Arius’
letter, either condemn it or approve of it.’
48. PALLADIUS said; ‘Since I convict you of impiety, I will not have
you for judge. You are a transgressor.’
Sabinus, Bishop, said; ‘Say, what impieties you object to our brother
and fellow-bishop Ambrose.’
Palladius said; ‘I have already told you, I will answer in a full
Council, and with arbiters present.’
Ambrose, Bishop, said; ‘I desire to be confuted and convicted in the
assembly of my brethren. Say then what I have said impiously; but I
appear impious to you because I support piety.’
Sabinus, Bishop, said; ‘Does then he seem impious to you, who censures
the blasphemies of Arius?’
49. PALLADIUS said; ‘I have not denied that the Son of God is good.’
Ambrose, Bishop, said; ‘Do you say that Christ is a good God?’
Palladius said; ‘I do not answer you.’
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