CHAPTER XLII

OF THE HONOURS CONFERRED UPON BISHOPS, AND THE BUILDING OF CHURCHES

THE emperor was also accustomed personally to invite the society of God’s ministers, whom he distinguished with the highest possible respect and honour, treating them in every sense as persons consecrated to the service of his God. Accordingly, they were admitted to his table, though mean in their attire and outward appearance; yet not so in his estimation, since he judged not of their exterior as seen by the vulgar eye, but thought he discerned in them somewhat of the character of God Himself. He made them also his companions in travel, believing that He whose servants they were would thus be more favourably inclined to himself. Besides this, he gave from his own private resources costly benefactions to the Churches of God, both enlarging and heightening the sacred edifices, and embellishing the august sanctuaries of the Church with abundant offerings.