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THE DECLINE AND FAI.L

CHAP

XXL

But as Athanasius was continually engagedwith the prejudices ard the passions of everyorder of men, from the monk to the empe-ror, the knowledge of hitman nature was hisfirst and most important science. Ele preserveda distinct and unbroken view of a scene whichwas incessantly shifting, and never failed to im-prove those decisive moments which are irre-coverably past before they are perceived by acommon eye. The archbishop of Alexandriawas capable of distinguishing how far he mightboldly command, and where he must dexter-ously insinuate; how long he might contendwith power, and when he must withdraw frompersecution; and while he directed the thun-ders of the church against heresy and rebellion,he could assume, in the bosom of his own party,the flexible and indulgent temper of a prudentleader. The election of Athanasius has notescaped the reproach of irregularity and preci-pitation ; g but the propriety of his behaviourconciliated the affections both of the clergy andof the people. The Alexandrians were impa-tient to rise in arms for the defence of an elo-quent and liberal pastor. In his distress healways derived support, or at least consolation,from the faithful attachment of his parochialclergy; and the hundred bishops of Egypt adhered, with unshaken zeal, to the cause ofAthanasius . In the modest equipage, which

* The irregular ordination of Athanasius was slightly mentioned inthe councils which were held against him. See Philoslorg. 1. ii, c. 11,and Godefroy, p. 71; but it can scarcely be supposed, that the assemblyof the bishops of Egypt would solemnly attest a public falsehood. Atba-nas tom i p. 720.