Section 519
The text on this page is estimated to be only 26.60% accurate
COUNCIL OF NICE. 37 are thus emulously contending with each other, and quarrelling about^smaU and very trifling matters.* You know, if I may ad monish your prudence by a little example, that even the philoso phers themselves, although associated in one sect or profession, were frequently at variance on particular points. But although they differ, in consequence even of the excellence of their knowledge,t they again unite, on account of their fellowship, in the same general purpose. How much more reasonable is it, then, that you, who are ministers of the Most High God, should be likewise unanimous in the profession of the same religion. But let us examine with more accuracy and attention what has been said ; let us ask, whether it be just and reasonable, on account of petty and idle disputes among you about words, that brother sKbuld be arrayed against brother, and that the venerable assem bly, through your quarrels respecting things of so little impor tance, and by no means necessary, should be mutually estranged by an unholy contention. Such contentions are low and vulgar, and better suited to the ignorance of children, than becoming the gravity and wisdom of priests and discerning men. Let us volun tarily depart from the temptations of Satan. Our great God, the Saviour of all, has vouchsafed to every one a common light. Permit me, his servant, I beseech you, to terminate this affair, by the aid of his providence, that you, his people, may be recalled to unity in your public assemblies by my exhortations, my labors, and the urgency of my admonitions. For, as I have already re* This passage is thus written in the manuscript of Leo Allatius. TOGOVTOV row &eov Tiaov 'ov VTTO ratf vpeTepaie evxai? Kai