Page:History of the First Council of Nice.djvu/61

Rh "When blasphemous doctrines," says Theodoret, "became disseminated in the churches of Egypt and of the East, disputes and contentions arose in every city, and in every village, concerning theological dogmas. The common people, being witnesses of these controversies, took part,—some with one party and some with the other. Those who had been most friendly hitherto, now fought against each other with their tongues instead of spears."

The Emperor Constantine, who possessed the most profound wisdom, had no sooner heard of the troubles of the church, than he endeavored to put a stop to them.

He, therefore, despatched a messenger of considerable sagacity [Hosius, bishop of Cordova] to Alexandria with letters, hoping thereby to