x^'P"*? TopeffTaJTOs tou Trpecr/SuTepiou Kal tuv SiaKovaiif koi tuv StaKo- viaawv. The contradiction lies, however, in that Nicene canon itself ; for (according to the Greek Codices) the deaconesses are immediately before counted among the clergy, if we do not, with the Latin translation, read deacons instead. Neander helps himself by a distinction between proper deaconesses and widows abusive so called. ' They are found in Montfaucon's Bened. edition of Chrysostom, torn. iii. p. 524- 604, and in Lomler's edition of Joann. Chrysost. Opera prsestantissima, 1840, p. 168-252. These seventeen epistles to Olympias are, in the judgment of Photius as quoted by Montfaucon (Op. iii. 524), of the epistles of Chrysostom, "longissima, elegantissimas, omniumque utilissimse." Compare also Montfaucon's prefatory re- marks on Olympias. * A mere benediction was appointed in place of ordination. The first synod of Orange (Arausicana i.), in 441, directed in the 26th canon ; " Diaconse omnimodis non ordinandae [thus they had previously been ordained in Gaul also, and reckoned with the clergy] ; si qu£e jam sunt, benedictioni, quae populo impenditur, capita eubmittant." Likewise was the ordination of deaconesses forbidden by the council of Epaou in Burgundy, in 517, can. 21, and by the second council at Orleans, in 533, can. 17 and 18. 262 THIRD PERIOD. A.D. 311-590. synod of Orleans, in 533, ordained in its eigliteentli canon : "l!^o woman shall henceforth receive the henedictio diaconalis [which had been substituted for ordinatio], on account of the weakness of this sex." The reason betrays the want of good deaconesses, and suggests the connection of this abolition of an apostolic institution with tlie introduction of the celibacy of the priesthood, which seemed to be endangered by every sort of female society. The adoption of the care of the poor and sick by the state, and the cessation of adult baptisms and of the custom ' of immersion, also made female assistance less needful. In modern times, the Catholic church, it is true, has special societies or orders of women, like the Sisters of Mercy, for the care of the sick and poor, the training of children, and otlier objects of practical charity ; and in the bosom of Protest- antism also similar benevolent associations have arisen, Under the name of Deaconess Institutes, or Sisters' Houses, tliough in the more free evangelical spirit, and without the bond of a vow.' But, though quite kindred in their object, these associations are not to be identified with the office of deaconess in the apostolic age and in the ancient church. That was a regular, standing office in every Christian congregation, corresponding to the office of deacon ; and has never since the twelfth cen- tury been revived, though the local work of charity has never ceased. To the ordinary clergy there were added in this period sundry extraordinary church offices, rendered necessary by the multiplication of religious functions in large cities and dioceses : 1. Stewards.^ These officers administered the church property under the supervision of the bishop,