[191]Possibly implied in Constitutions VIII, 46, however.
[192]Most explicitly in Horner’s a.
[193]In Hermas “martyrs” (the word used) includes confessors. The Vision, of course, purports to describe a scene in heaven, but it naturally reflects the earthly status.
[194]In Rome ca. 250 there were only forty-six presbyters (Eusebius VI, 43, 11); evidently confessors were not included.
[195]E.g., Eusebius VI, 43, 6, where confessorship is called “the highest honour”.
[196]Yet the fact that the section goes on to threaten confessors who made clerical claims shows a different tradition existed.
[197]Eusebius VI, 43, 11.
[198]Eusebius, l.c. The other minor orders were doorkeepers, readers and acolytes. All are still extant in the Roman Catholic church, although now only as stages through which candidates for the priesthood pass; the same is virtually true of the subdiaconate and diaconate also.
[199]Acts 2. 41, 8. 38, 16. 33.
[200]In this passage “he sighed” should be rendered “he breathed”.