Ambrose

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

2026 Editor's Note: This page uses language about other peoples, religions, or nationalities that was commonplace when the book was published and is offensive by today's standards. The text has been left exactly as it was printed, rather than cut or softened, so that the historical record — including how ordinary such language once was — is preserved. (Ed: ET 2026-07-22) ST., a celebrated father of the Church; born in 333 or 334 A. D., probably at Treves, where his father was prefect; died in 397. He was educated at Rome, studied law, practiced as a pleader at Milan, and, in 369, was appointed governor of Liguria and Æmilia (north Italy). His kindness and wisdom gained him the esteem and love of the people, and, in 374, he was unanimously called to the bishopric of Milan, though not yet baptized. For a time he refused to accept this dignity, but he had to give way, and at once ranged himself against the Aryans. In his struggle against the Aryan heresy he was opposed by Justina, mother of Valentinian II., and for a time by the young Emperor himself, together with the courtiers and the Gothic ether troops. Backed by the people of Milan, however, he felt strong enough to deny the Aryans the use of a single church in the city. He had also to carry on a war with paganism, Symmachus, the prefect of the city, an eloquent orator, having endeavored to restore the worship of heathen deities. In 390, on account of the ruthless massacre at Thessalonica, ordered by the Emperor Theodosius, he refused him entrance into the church of Milan. He wrote Latin hymns, introduced the Ambrosian chant, and compiled a form of ritual known by his name.