Page:History of the First Council of Nice.djvu/68

58 of the imperial city, [Constantinople] was absent through age; but his presbyters were present, and filled his place.

Such a crown, composed as a bond of peace, the Emperor Constantine alone has ever dedicated to Christ his Saviour, as a thank-offering to God for victory over his enemies, having appointed this convocation among us in imitation of the apostolical assembly. For, among them, it is said, were convened "devout men of every nation under heaven." That congregation, however, was inferior in this respect, that all present were not ministers of God; whereas, in this assembly, the number of bishops exceeded two hundred and fifty. The number of the presbyters, deacons, and acolyths (or young priests), who attended them, was almost incalculable. Some of these ministers of God were eminent for their wisdom; some for the strictness of their life and patient endurance of persecution; and others united in themselves all these distinguished characteristics. Some were venerable from their advanced age; others were conspicuous for their youth and vigor of mind; and others had but recently entered on their ministerial career. For all these, the emperor had appointed an abundant supply of daily food to be provided." [sic]

Socrates, who quotes most of the foregoing