The Council of _Capua_ met in the Latter-end of the Year 391. and was it seems, a very numerous Assembly, since it is styled, in the Canons of the Church of _Africa_, _a full Council_[1298]. But whether it was composed of all the Western Bishops, or only of the Bishops of _Italy_, is uncertain, and cannot be determined from the Words of _Ambrose_, _We all met_[1299], which may be equally understood of both. As the Acts of this Council have not reached our Times, we do not even know who presided at it, some conferring that Honour on _Ambrose_[1300], some on _Syricius_[1301], and some on both[1302]. That _Syricius_ presided, or even assisted, in Person, is not at all probable; for in the Times I am now writing of, the Bishops of _Rome_ had begun to affect Grandeur; and, under Pretence that their Presence was necessary in the great Metropolis of the Empire, to assist or preside in Councils held elsewhere by their Deputies or Legates, as they are now styled. That _Syricius_ assisted, by his Deputies, at the Council of _Capua_, I do not doubt, since the Council was composed, at least, of all the Bishops of _Italy_, and _Syricius_ owned himself bound by their Decrees[1303]. But that _Ambrose_ presided, seems undeniable, since by him, and him alone, the Whole was conducted and managed[N32]. ----- Footnote N32: _Baronius_, without the least Foundation in History, supposes _Ambrose_ to have acted as the Pope’s Legate. But it is the Custom of that Writer to vest every eminent and distinguished Prelate with the Legatine Dignity on such Occasions, and then pass upon his Readers the Deference and Regard shewn to their Merit for a Tribute paid to the Bishops of _Rome_. -----