Section 520
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COUNCIL OF NICE. marked, you have one and the same faith, and one opinion con cerning our religion ; and as the requisition of the law, in its va rious parts, urges all to an agreement of sentiment, the topic which has excited animosity and division among you, since it be longs not to the essence and life of religion in general, should by no means produce discord and sedition^ among you. And I say not these things by any means to oblige you to be of the same opinion, with regard to this very foolish controversy, • or by what ever other term it may be denominated For the honor and character of the assembly of Christians may be preserved entire, and the same communion retained among you all, notwithstand ing you may greatly differ among yourselves in matters of very little, importance, since all men have not the' same understanding of every thing, the same turn of mind, or mode of thinking. Let there be, therefore, among you but one faith and mind concern ing the providence of Go^, and one worship and service of the Deity. But your subtle cHsmites and inquiries respecting these most trifling matters, if you cannot? agree in sentiment, should remain in your own thoughts, and bevlaid up in the secret depths of the mind. Let your mutual friendship remain unshaken: and be firm in your belief of the truth, and your obedience to God and his law. Return to mutual love and charity. Restore to the whole people their accustomed harmony. Purify your own hearts, and renew your former acquaintance and familiarity. It often happens that friendship is more pleasant when enmity is followed by reconciliation. Enable me again to enjoy quiet days, and nights undisturbed by solicitude, that in future the pleasure of the pure light, and the happiness of a tranquil life may be re served for me. Otherwise, I cannot but sigh and lament, and be dissolved in tears ; nor can I pass without great disquietude the remainder of my days. For how can I look for repose, while the people of God, who serve the same Master as myself, are torn asunder by an iniquitous and fatal contention ? That you may comprehend the excess of my grief on account of this affair, I ask your attention to what I am going to say. Arriving lately at Nicomedia, I had determined to proceed immediately to the East. When I was hastening towards you, and had already performed