CHAPTER XLI

EXCELLENT QUALITIES OF PROCLUS

PROCLUS was a reader at a very early age, and assiduously frequenting the schools, became devoted to the study of eloquence. On attaining manhood he was in the habit of constant intercourse with Atticus the bishop, having been constituted his secretary. When he had made great progress, his patron promoted him to the rank of deacon, and subsequently to the presbyterate; after which, as we have before stated, Sisinnius ordained him bishop of Cyzicum. But all these things were done long before he was allotted the episcopal chair of Constantinople. In moral excellence he had few equals; for having been trained by Atticus, he was a zealous imitator of all that prelate’s virtues. His patience however greatly exceeded that of his master, who occasionally exercised severities upon the heretics; for Proclus was gentle towards every body, being convinced that kindness is far more effective than violence in advancing the cause of truth. Resolving therefore to vexatiously interfere with no heresy whatever, he restored in his own person to the church that mild and benign dignity of character, which had so often before been unhappily violated. In this respect he followed the example of the emperor Theodosius; for as he had determined never to exercise his imperial authority against criminals, so had Proclus likewise purposed not to disquiet those who entertained other sentiments than his own on divine subjects.