CHAPTER IX

OF THE VIRTUE AND AGE OF THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY BISHOPS

OF these ministers of God, some were distinguished by wisdom and eloquence, others by the gravity of their lives, and by patient fortitude of character, while others again united in themselves all these graces. There were among them men whose years demanded the tribute of respect and veneration: others were younger, and in the prime of bodily and mental vigour; and some had but recently entered on the course of their ministry. For the maintenance of all a sumptuous provision was daily furnished by the emperor’s command.