The Ancient History of Universalism

A. D.

396

397

The christians at Rome are variously
affected by these publications; and some
of them request information from Jerome.
He writes them an Answer to John's Apol-
ogy. He receives a letter from Theophi-
lus, and replies. His influence, and appli-
cation to Augustine.

Reconciliation between Jerome and
Rufinus. Rufinus goes to Rome with Me-
lania, translates and publishes the first
book of the Apology for Origen, and Ori-
gen's books Of Principles, and covertly
attacks Jerome. Spread of Origenism at
397, 398 Rome.

Jerome receives those works, writes to
398 or 399 Rufinus, and composes a Defence of him-
self, in which he denies a restoration from
hell, and states Origen's chief errors.

399

400

Theophilus is assailed by the Anthropo-
morphites of Egypt, quarrels with Isidorus
and the Nitrian monks, and takes up
against the Origenists. Assembles a coun-
cil at Alexandria, in which Origen's doc-
trine and books are, for the first time,
formally condemned. Description of Ni-
tria. Theophilus enters the place with a
→ band of soldiers; before whom the Origen-
ists flee to Palestine. Conduct of John of
Jerusalem. Exultation of Theophilus,
Epiphanius and Jerome. Council at Cy-
prus, and decree of the
against Origen's works.

Roman Pontiff

SECT.

10

9

A. D.

400

to

403

Points of his doctrine, condemned in

these proceedings. How his condemna-

tion was received by the orthodox in gen-

eral.

Per-

SECT.

Deputation sent by Theophilus against
the Origenists to Chrysostom, bishop of
Constantinople. The Origenists proceed
thither, and are favorably received.
secution and exile of Chrysostom. Death
of Epiphanius, Isidorus, and the leaders
..of the Origenists.. Reconciliation of The-

ophilus with the rest.

Paschal Epistles of Theophilus to the

401 to 404 Egyptian churches against Origen's doc

trine.

Italy. The Roman Pontiff cites Rufi-
400 to 404 nus to appear before him on a charge of
heresy; rejects the Apology which Rufinus
sends; and condemns him. Rufinus's se-

404

cret Invective against Jerome. Extracts of
it privately sent to Jerome."-

Jerome, in answer, writes his Apology
against Rufinus ; in which he defends
himself, accuses Rufinus, denies Univer-
salism, and gives a catalogue of Origen's
principal errors. Rufinus is exasperated,

and threatens. Jerome adds the conclusion

to his Apology against Rufinus.

-

14

End of the Contest. Review of its

character.

CHAPTER VIII.

History of Universalism from A. D. 405 to A. D. 500.

405

to

412

Division of the Roman Empire into Eas-

tern and Western. Disorders and weakness

of the State. Progress of the Church to-

SECT.

The Origenists find repose. Rufinus,
Melania, John of Jerusalem, Evagrius Pon-
ticus, and Palladius of Galatia. Theoph-
ilus grows attached again to Origen's
works. His death. Jerome avails him
self of Origen's authority, though he in-
veighs against the Origenists. His pres-
ent professed views of future punishment.

Perhaps, in secret, a Universalist still. 2

The orthodox of this age divided into five

classes with regard to their notions of fu-

ture punishment, and of the final extent of

salvation.

Universalists in Spain, under the two

410 to 415 Avituses, Basil, &c. Their peculiar

opinions. Augustine, by request of the

Spanish bishops, writes against them. His

criticism on the Greek word translated ev-

erlasting. His arguments against Univer-

salism.

His influence, talents and character.
He was the author of the doctrine of total

depravity, irresistible grace, and sovereign,

412

to

418

413 to 420

420 to 429

430 to 450

450 to 500

Unfavorable influence of that doctrine

against Universalism.

Account of its introduction. Pelagius
and Celestius teach their heresy; and Au-
gustine, in opposing them, runs to the op-
posite extreme. Other opposers of the

Pelagians.

Pelagius patronized by John of Jerusa-

Death and character of the latter.

lem.

Death of Jerome.

Theodorus of Mopsuestia, a Universal-
ist. His life, character, and works.

-

Universalism prevails around Cesarea in

Palestine; but no traces of the doctrine

afterwards can be discovered, till the end

of this century.

Probable cause of this silence may be
found in the civil and ecclesiastical com-
motions which engrossed the public atten-
tion. Fall of the Western Empire.
torian controversy in the East.

SECT.

6

9

10

Nes-

11

Manicheans and Gnostics of this century. 12

CHAPTER IX.

Revival and progress of Origenism in Palestine; and

final condemnation of Universalism in the Fifth General

Council.

500