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52 the disputants. Socrates is more explicit on this head. He says, "When the emperor was made acquainted with these disorders, he was very deeply grieved. …… He sent a letter to Alexander and Arius, by a trustworthy person named Hosius, who was bishop of Cordova, in Spain, and whom the emperor loved and held in the highest estimation." The letter began thus: "Victor Constantine Maximus Augustus to Alexander and Arius. Your present controversy, I am informed, originated thus: When yon, Alexander, inquired of your presbyters what were the sentiments of each on a certain inexplicable passage of the written Word, thereby moving a subject improper for discussion, you, Arius, rashly gave expression to a view of the matter, such as ought, either never to have been conceived, or if, indeed, it had been suggested to your mind, it became you to bury in silence.

For, indeed, how few are capable either of adequately expounding, or even accurately understanding the import of matters so vast and profound! Who can grapple with the subtilties of such investigations, without danger of lapsing into excessive error? Let there be one faith, one sentiment, and one covenant of the Godhead.

But respecting those minute investigations, which ye enter into among yourselves with so much nicety, even if ye should not concur in one judgment, it becomes you to confine them to your own reflections, and to keep them in the secret recesses of the mind. …… Resume the exercise of mutual friendship and grace."

However, neither Alexander nor Arius was softened by this appeal; and, moreover, there was incessant strife and tumult among the people. But another source of disquietude had pre-existed there, which served to trouble the churches, though it was confined to the eastern parts. This arose from some desiring to keep the Feast of the Passover, or Easter, more in accordance with the customs of the Jews, while others preferred the mode of celebration used by the Christians in general throughout the world. These were the causes which led Constantine to convoke the Council of Nice. But, not succeeding, he proceeded to summon the celebrated Council of Nice; and commanded that the bishops, and those connected with them, should be mounted on the asses, mules, and horses belonging to the public, in order to repair thither. When all those who were