[288] Cassian, Coll. 10, c. 2: “Mos antiqua traditione servatus.”
[289] Usener, i. 1, 320, has investigated the circumstances which attended the introduction of Christmas in different countries, and his conclusions have met with entire recognition from Harnack, Theol. Literaturztg., 1889, 199, et seqq., and from Dom Suitbert Bäumer, Katholik, 1890, i. 1-15. Exception was taken to certain points by Duchesne, Bull. Critique, 1890, No. 3. These circumstances have been already dealt with by Baillet, viii. 582 et seqq.
[290] Epiphanius, Adv. Hær., 2, 1; Hær., 51, c. 16 and 24.
[291] Cf. c. 26, ed. Geyer, 60; ed. Gamurrini, 84.
[292] C. 49, ed. Geyer; ed. Gamurrini, 109.
[293] Lamy, Ephræmi Syri hymni et sermones, i., Mechl., 1882, 10, on the Benedictus, 2, 415. This hymn is translated into German by Zingerle in the Kempten Bibl. d. Kirchenväter, ii. 27.
[294] Cf. Hefele, History of Councils, vi., 1st ed., 504, 575, etc.
[295] Gregor, Naz. Hom. 38 in Theophania; Migne, Patr. Gr., xxxvi.
[296] John, Bishop of Nicea, in Combefis, Hist. Hær. Monoth., Paris, 1648, 306. Baumstark (Oriens Christ., 1902, 441-446) is in favour of the date 398 to 400.
[297] Gregor, Nyss., Or. Fun.; Migne, Patr. Gr., xlvi. 789. Cf. ib., 701 and 725. Basil was dead before 1st January 379.