3.  Hence,  it  is  clear  that  there  was  distinction  and  difference  in
the  degrees  and  duties  of  the  priests.     For  these  disciples  were  not
equal   in   dignity   to    the   Apostles;    indeed    Matthias,    who   was,


244  S.   LUKE,   C.   X.'

according  to  Clement  of  Alexandria,  one  of  their  number,  was
chosen  from  them  to  the  Apostolate,  Acts  i.  Hence  the  Fathers
teach  that  the  Bishops  are  the  successors  of  the  Apostles,  and  the
priests  of  the  seventy  disciples.  Although,  in  the  early  days  of  the
Church,  saith  Bede,  both  the  one  and  the  other  were  called
Presbyters  or  Bishops,  in  the  one  case  to  signify  the  ripeness  of
their  wisdom,  in  the  other  case  their  zeal  in  the  pastoral  office.
