ded a sacrifice for the gods, and a supper for their joyous
votaries." [36]

[Footnote 36: The restoration of the Pagan worship is described by
Julian, (Misopogon, p. 346,) Libanius, (Orat. Parent. c. 60, p.
286, 287, and Orat. Consular. ad Julian. p. 245, 246, edit. Morel.,)
Ammianus, (xxii. 12,) and Gregory Nazianzen, (Orat. iv. p. 121.)
These writers agree in the essential, and even minute, facts; but the
different lights in which they view the extreme devotion of Julian, are
expressive of the gradations of self-applause, passionate admiration,
mild reproof, and partial invective.]

But the genius and power of Julian were unequal to the enterprise of
restoring a religion which was destitute of theological principles, of
moral precepts, and of ecclesiastical discipline; which rapidly hastened
to decay and dissolution, and was not susceptible of any solid or
consistent reformation. The jurisdiction of the supreme pontiff, more
especially after that office had been united with the Imperial dignity,
comprehended the whole extent of the Roman empire. Julian named for his
vicars, in the several provinces, the priests and philosophers whom he
esteemed the best qualified to cooperate in the execution of his great
design; and his pastoral letters, [37] if we may use that name, still
represent a very curious sketch of his wishes and intentions. He
directs, that in every city the sacerdotal order should be composed,
without any distinction of birth and fortune, of those persons who were
the most conspicuous for the love of the gods, and of men. "If they
are guilty," continues he, "of any scandalous offence, they should be
censured or degraded by the superior pontiff; but as long as they retain
their rank, they are entitled to the respect of the magistrates and
people. Their humility may be shown in the plainness of their domestic
garb; their dignity, in the pomp of holy vestments. When they are
summoned in their turn to officiate before the altar, they ought not,
during the appointed number of days, to depart from the precincts of
the temple; nor should a single day be suffered to elapse, without
the prayers and the sacrifice, which they are obliged to offer for
the prosperity of the state, and of individuals. The exercise of their
sacred functions requires an immaculate purity, both of mind and body;
and even when they are dismissed from the temple to the occupations of
common life, it is incumbent on them to excel in decency