Antiq.
ad calcem Optati, p.

263.) Every Follis contained 125 pieces of silver, and the whole sum may be computed at about 2400l.] [Footnote 128: If we are desirous of extenuating the vices of Paul, we must suspect the assembled bishops of the East of publishing the most malicious calumnies in circular epistles addressed to all the churches of the empire, (ap.Euseb.l.vii.c.

30.)] Notwithstanding these scandalous vices, if Paul of Samosata had preserved the purity of the orthodox faith, his reign over the capital of Syria would have ended only with his life; and had a seasonable persecution intervened, an effort of courage might perhaps have placed him in the rank of saints and martyrs.

[128a] Some nice and subtle errors, which he imprudently adopted and obstinately maintained, concerning the doctrine of the Trinity, excited the zeal and indignation of the Eastern churches.

[129] From Egypt to the Euxine Sea, the bishops were in arms and in motion.