Section 419
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388 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. they may be, and have returned to the right and sound mind, let these rejoice still more, as those who have been rescued from an unexpected storm or severe disease, and let them enjoy the de lightful fruits the rest of their life. But should they still adhere to their execrable folly, let them be driven out and separated far from your city and territory, as you have desired. That thus agreeably to your zeal, so praiseworthy in this respect, your city, separated from all pollution and impiety, may attend to the sacred rites of the immortal gods, according to its natural dispo sition, with due veneration. That ye may also know how ac ceptable this request of yours respecting this matter has been, and how very prompt our mind is to confer benefits of our own voluntary kindness, without decrees and without petitions, we grant to your devotedness to desire any privilege you please for this your pious purpose of mind, and now present your petitions to have this done and to receive it. For you shall obtain with out delay. Which, indeed, when granted to your city, will be an evidence for ever of your devoted piety to the immortal gods, as also of the fact that you obtained by our kindness, merited prizes for this your purpose of life ; an evidence which will be exhibited to your children and posterity." Such, then, were the letters that were sent abroad against us in ^11 the provinces, cutting us off from every hope of good, at least from men. So that, according to the holy Scriptures them selves, if it were possible " the very elect would take offence." And now, indeed, when the hope of most of us was almost ex tinct, all on a sudden, almost whilst the agents of this decree against us were in some places yet on the way to carry it into effect, that God, who is the defender of his church, all but stop ping the pomp and boasting of the tyrant's mouth, exhibited his heavenly interposition in our behalf.