"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."[1]
CHAPTER VI.
THE GENERAL COUNCIL OF NICE.—THE EMPEROR CONVOKES THE BISHOPS FROM ALL CHRISTENDOM.
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 recon-
- ↑ Coluthus, mentioned on page 38, ante, was one of the contentious presbyters in Egypt, who, teaching the heretical doctrine, that God was not the creator of the wicked nor of wickedness and evil in any sense, although a bitter opponent of Arius, was called to account by a Council held in Alexandria, A.D. 324. He had assumed the authority of a bishop. His heresy was condemned and himself deposed.
found in the 6th act of the Second Nicene Council.—Neander's Hist. Ch. Relg. and Chch. ii. 369, Torrey's 3d American edition.
The second Council of Nice was held A.D. 787, in the time of Leo the Great, Pope of Rome. The most noted dogma estahlished at this second Synod of Nice, was that in favor of paying respect, and even adoration (which some call "worship"), to certain images and symbols of divine things.
