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.[1] 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."
Socrates, who quotes most of the foregoing re-
- ↑ See Acts ii. 5.
sided over the Nicene Council. He probably founds his opinion upon the words of Athanasius, in "The Apology for his Flight," one of the numerous works of Athanasius. The passage is thus: "Over that Synod was not old Hosius, himself, presiding?" [book ii. chap. 5]. There were several who are said to have presided. Pope Hadrian, in some of his writings, represents the two legates of Silvester as presiding with Hosius. These were Vito, whom we called Victor, and Vincentius.—See Baronius, iv. 93.
