A SYNOPSIS OF COUNCELS By JOHN PRIDEAVX late Regius Professour of Divinity at Oxford and Bishop of Worcester OXFORD Printed by A. L. LICHFIELD Printers to the University 1661. CAP. I. Of Synods in General 1. SYnodographie is that which so Methodically doth lay before our eyes a Synopsis of Councels and other Ecclesiasticall meetings that it may clearly appear to him that doubts how any case in them may be enquired after and what may be determined concerning it being found 2. A Councel is a free publique Ecclesiastical meeting especially of Bishops and also of other Doctors lawfully deputed by diverse Churches for the examining of Ecclesiastical causes according to the Scriptures and those according to the power given by common Suffrages without favour of parties to be determined in matters of Faith by Canons in cases of practise by Presidents in Discipline by Decrees and Constitutions Therefore 3. They are not to be called 1. For the deciding of Popish and political Controversies which more properly belong to Diets Parliaments and Assemblies 2. Neither is it an office appertaining to the Pope to Assemble much lesse except he be specially elected thereto by the Assembled to sit as chief over them 3. Neither may others unlesse Bishops or some otherwise Deputed by their Churches in them passe a determinative sentence 4. Neither may any sentence or decree be admitted as necessary unto Salvation unlesse it hath strength and Authority from the Word of God 5. Neither may publick decrees be rejected by private persons who consent unto them by their Deputies but they must acquiesse in them and suffer them until an Authority-frees equal to that which did bind 4. Such have been and frequently happen as 1. Judaical 2. Apostolical 3. Oecumenical 4. Controverted 5. Rejected 6. National 7. Conferences INQUIRIES Whether 1. Councels are of divine Authority and simply necessary Neg. 2. The Authority of convening Councels rests in the power of one person or some certain Prelates or Princes Neg. 3. Councels may be called to determine political affairs or private Controversies N. 4. Only Ecclesiastical Prelates have determinative Suffrages in them Aff. 5. A controverted place of Scripture may be more safely sought from Councels than from private Doctors Aff. 6. The Decrees of Councels contrary to the plain Texts of Scripture are of any validity Neg. 7. We must acquiesse in the Decrees of a Councel at least not publikely oppose them till the like Authority of dissenting men give us liberty so to do Aff. CAP. II. Of Judaical Councels 1. UNder the Title of Judaical Councels we comprehend not either 1. The Sanedrim Gedolah constituted of 72 Elders Num. 11.24 Or 2. The Sanedrim Katon a Consistory of 23 persons sitting at the Gates Deut. 16.18 Or 3. The three Dijanims the Decidours of Controversies in Smaller Towns Mat. 5.22 Because such as these were appointed for the preserving of Doctrine Worship and Discipline as well in the Common-wealth as in the Church but the more solemn meetings about extraordinary affairs for the confirming removing or reforming any thing as the matter required 2. Such meetings are observed to have bin 1. At Sichem under Joshua and Eliazer 1. Concerning prohibiting Society with the Gentiles 2. Concerning the rooting out of strange gods 3. Concerning the burying of Josephs bones in his own possession as he himself commanded Josh 24. 2. At Hierusalem the first under David Gad and Nathan being his assistants 1. Concerning the numbering of the Levites 2. The distribution of the Priests into 24 Classes 3. Concerning each of their Offices 1. Chron. 13. which Hezechiah restored 2 Chron. 29.25 3. At Carmelita under Ahab and Elias where 1. The worshipping of Baal was discussed 2. The true worship of God was miraculously confirmed 3. Severe punishment was inflicted upon the worshippers of Baal 1. Kings 18. 4. At Hierusalem the second under Hezechiah Concerning 1. The purging of the Temple 2. The instituting of true Worship according to Davids prescript Where it is probable was a Decree made concerning the transcribing of Solomons Proverbs according to the Title Cap. 25.2 Chron. 29. 5. At Hierusalem the third under Josiah and Helkiah in which 1. The Temple again was purged 2. Idolatry was rooted out 3. The Covenant with the Lord renewed according to the book of the Law found by Helkiah amongst the rubbish of the Temple 2. Kings 33. 2. Chron. 34. 6. At Hierusalem the fourth under Zorobabel and Ezra and other chief persons of the Jews that returned from the Captivity of Babylon in which 1. The Canonicall books were chiefly by Ezra set in that order as now we have them 2. The Fesukim Paraschim and Heptakim were added for the distinction and reading of the Text. 3. The Masoreth with the Tikkum Sopherim was begun and prosecuted for the preserving and transmitting to posterity the holy Language by Hebrew points and other marks Elias Levita Praef. 3. Masor Genebr Chron. l. 2. p. 183 7. That which is called the Synod of the Wise under John Hircanus 1. Concerning the receiving of the Pharises and Scribes with their leaders Sammei and Hillel 2. Concerning the condemning of the Sadduces with their Authors Sadoc and Bajethos who for that reason betook themselves to the Samaritans denying the immortality of the soul and that there is any reward in the world to come Where 3. Some suppose the books which we call Apocryphie were made Canonical by the third Canon of the Hebrews Genebrard Chron. l. 2. p. 197. INQUIRIES 3. Whether 1. The Tradition of the Cabala was enjoyned at the Synod of Sychem D. 2. Some of Solomons Proverbs were perfected and transmitted to posterity by Hezekiah's servants according to the Decree of any Councel or otherwise D. 3. The Masoreth and Hebrew points borrowed their authority from the fourth Councel at Hierusalem Probable 4. The writings which we call Apocriphal were brought into the Canon by any Synod of the Jews vid. Genebr Chron. l. 2. p. 190. 197. Improbable 5. The epicurism of the Sadduces or the proud and covetous hypocrasie of the Pharises was more intollerable to the pious and Orthodox or more pernitious to the Church D. 6. That meeting under Ptolomie Philometer concerning the antiquity of the Temple of Hierusalem and of Samaria mentioned by Josephus Antiq. l. 13. c. 6. Is rightly reckoned by some among the Jewish Synods N. 7. The convening of the Priests and Scribes by Herod only for inquisition of the place where Christ was born was rather an occasional consultation then a Councel Aff. CAP. III. Of Apostolical Councels 1. TO Apostolical Councels are referred those which are found to be celebrated either 1. Against the Apostles or 2. By them Against them were convented that the Gospel if it were possible should be smothered in the very Cradle 1. Annas Caiaphas John and Alexander with the whole Generation of Priests Act. 4.6 who ordained that none should speak or teach in the name of Jesus v. 18. 2. The same Persons were
Crosses for the Saracen War That by the means thereof 6. Pardon of sinnes might be granted to them that undertook that Warre and their Families This is not mentioned in Joverius and Caranza and Bellarmine himself confesses it is not extant so diligent were the Papists in searching into the secrets of General Councels The II. A.D. 1131 under Lotharius the Emperour and Innocentius the second increased to about 2000 Bishops 2. It gave out 30 Canons lately publisht by Gratian from the Vatican Library which Bellarmine rejects 3. It discharged Peter usurping the Roman Sea after Leo under the name of Anacletus the second 4. It branded for Heretiques Peter of Bruis and Arnaldus of Brixia the Disciple of Peter Abuillard rejecting Pedobaptisme Church buildings and the adoration of the Crosse 5. It proclaimed those lay Persons to be Sacrilegious and incurre the danger of Eternall damnation who receive Tithes 6. It forbad tourneaments and Titles whereby men endangered their lives And 7. It deprived Usurers of the Charge of Christian burial and cursed them to Hell The III. under Frederick the first and Alexander the third by a meeting of 300 Bishops made up the difference between this Alexander and one Octavianus and his successours Gindon and John a German taking up the quarrel with him which dissentions divided Europe into parties 2. The Albigenses under the name of Cathari Publicans and Paterni taking their rise from the Waldenses were here condemned 3. Neither did Lombard the Master of the sentences here escape the ferula who affirmed that Christ according to his Manhood was nothing but was delivered up to the Bishop of Seno to be chastised 4. The ordinations made by the Schismatiques were wholly abrogated 5. Private Oratories and Priests were appointed for those which had the Leprosie 6. The manner of visitation is prescribed for the meeting of Arch-Bishops Bishops and Deacons are not to exercise Episcopal Jurisdiction 7.27 Canons are supposed to be made by this Councel no where distinctly to be had yet they are collected and commended by Math. Parisiensis The IV under Frederick the second and Innocentius the third with 400 Bishops and 80 other Fathers yea saith Bellarmine with 1283 Fathers whereof 673 were Bishops attempted greater matters 2. It rejected the book of Joachimus the Abbot against P. Lombard it condemned 20 Follies of Almaricus especially his denial of Transubstantiation 3. It established Transubstantiation a Popish absolution of subjects from the bond of alleigeance towards superiours and auricular Confession 4. It exacted an Oath from secular Magistrates to expell Heretiques nominated by the Pope 5. It encouraged with indulgences and promises those that went with Crosses for the recovering of the Holy Land under Godfry of Bulloigne 6. It denyed plurallity of Benefices and sale of Reliques 7. There are extant of this 69 or 70 Chapters briefly contracted by Longus who sends the Reader to larger Volumes 5. A.D. 1244 The two Councells at LIONS follows The first called by Frederick the second and Innocentius the fourth 2. In this the magnanimous and pious Emperour well deserved of the Christian Church against the Infidels and after the fourth excommunication at least was deposed by the Pope from his own power and authority and a prohibition made that not any should name him Emperour 3. Being deposed heroically he defends his right with his Gibilines against the Guelphes of the Popish partie 4. Here was expected no President but the Pope who under a pretence of recovering the Holy Land drew 140 Bishops and Abbots to his side that by the fifths of the Church rights they might redeem the East whilst the West rather needed a freedom from the Popish Tyranny 5. Where the Scarlet Hat is designed for the Cardinals and among so many bloudy cruelties by this Antichristian impiety prevailing for above the space of 200 years new feasts are instituted for the cannonizing of Popish Saints 6. The Dominicans Franciscans Carmelites and Augustinians especially encouraged by the Pope do not weaken but rather enlarge and widen the difference 7. The seventeen institutions which are attributed to this Councel are rather Political and Polemical than Ecclesiastical and according to Bellarmines direction are to be found in the sixth of the Decretals The acts are mentioned by Abbas Stadiensis and Thrimerius in his Chronicles Palmerius Platina Onuphrius and others II. A.D. 1272 This Councel was celebrated under Rodolphus the first at Haspurg procured by Gregory the tenth famous for at least 700 Bishops 2. Here was present Michael Paleologus to the Greek Emperour who compelled by necessity brought in his Greeks to subscribe the thirteenth time with the Latines to the procession of the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son of which returning to their home after their manner they recanted so little availed a forced assent in sacred matters 3. Aquinas sent for to this Councel dies in the way and Bonaventure their created Cardinal having spent his utmost endeavours against the Greeks breathed his last 4. The Pope for a Subsidie in behalf of the Holy Land requires the tenth of all Ecclesiastical Rights for the space of six years which carefully collected were not an hairs profit to the Eastern Christians under oppression 4. Here was ordered the bowing at the name of Jesus 6. Of this there are 31 Constitutions which may rather be stiled the Popes pleasure than the Councels Determinations 7. They are omitted by the Summulists and are to be found in the sixth of the Decretals 6. A.D. 1311 The Councel held at VIENNA under Henry the seventh noted for 300 Bishops and upwards In this 1. Boniface the eighth perswading Philip the fair to blot him out of the Tables is freed from calumnies cast upon him 2. The Hierusalem expedition is more strongly urged the Templars being removed out of the way for the murthering of the Abissins Embassadour Intenin Hist 〈◊〉 3. Tit. 11. c. 3. and other impieties and Heresis Trithemius hits the mark the Templars were very rich a sufficient pretence for Heresie and their expulsion 3. The Clergy are permitted to take an Oath of Allegiance not of subjection to Lay Magistrates Peter John the Dulcimists the Fraticelli the Begwards and Begwins together with the Lolards are condemned Peter John for that he denied the soul to be the form of man harsh dealing that this should be accounted Heresie the others also though by no means to be born had Fictions laid to their charge Pag. 851. 6. In the sentence of Clement against the Templars mentioned by Longus the Pope challenges not to himself the power and right of Defining but the way of providing or Ordaining that none for the future should enter into that Order unlesse they yielded the goods of the ejected Templars up to the disposal of the Apostolical See 6. The Constitutions of this Councel under the name of Clementine are extant in 5. Books for a Supplement to the Canon Law 7. In which is that famous decree of
and defended in a three daies disputation by Laurentius Rodolphus of Florence as is testified by Antonius Gerson Azorius and others 6. There were present thereat 23 Cardinals 3 Patriarchs 300 Arch-Bishops and Bishops 28 Governours of Monasteries and an infinite number of Divines and Embassadours of Princes 3. The intolerable differences between Benedict the 12. and Gregory the 13. well nigh making the Popes Chair like double Parnassus occasion this meeting of so many famous men concerning which something is before spoken in the Councell of Constance 4. Both having been summoned are deposed by the Councel for contempt and perjury by its own authority places Alexander the 8th in Saint Peters chaire which howsoever removed not the difference yet Alexander thus elected is reckoned in the Catalogue of the Popes 5. There were 23 Sessions of this Councell and its Acts printed at Paris by the priviledge of the most Christian King An. 1612. are extant 6. 3. Part. Tit. 22. c. 5. â— 2 3 Antonius rejects this for a headlesse Councell because called in a tumult by the Cardinals without the Popes Authority 7. â—ut remidies are to be applyed to extraordinary events not which the Law affords but which are ready at hand for how could they consult the head which was distempered with a double impostum the Christian Princes had applyed a cautrie especially the Emperour but because they consented not with the Cardinals the decrees are esteemed as not nulled because they wanted the Popes seal 9. The second PISA was called by Maximilian the Emperour and Lewis the French King against Pope Julius the second 2. This Julius had bound himselfe by an oath to celebrate a generall Councell within the space of two yeares after his election to the Popedome but secular troubles intervening more regard is had to policy than to his oath He flinches prolongs deludes those that expect 3. Therefore under the Protection of the Emperour and the King of France some more eminent Cardinalls meet at Pisa they summon the Pope to make an appearance and give an account of those things which shall be objected against him 4. He is so farre from obeying that he thunders his Excommunication against them altogether with the King of France The Emperour himself scarcely escapes but being become more mild for a time he declined a combustion 5. The Pope calls a Laterane Anti-Synod at Rome the Cardinals and Bishops which favoured his party meet before whom he excuses his perjury cleares himself from objections and dyes Leo the tenth succeed scontinues the Councell with great applause ratifyed many decrees as was related before in the fifth Laterane Councell among the Oecumenicall Synods 6. The Pisan Cardinalls with theirs submit themselves and after supplications are restored to their former dignity The Frenchman persists coynes mony with this inscription Perdam Babylona I will destroy Babylon 7. There are no decrees I know of this Schismaticall Councel extant it is rejected by the Pope especially for these reasons 1. Because it was not called by the Pope but insolently against the Pope by his subjects 2. Because the time prefixed was too short for the appearing of those that were called 3. And the City of Pisa Consumed spoyled by the foregoing Warrs was not a fit place for the Councel 4. Because it was wholy denyed and rejected by the following Laterane Councel And truly the Pope howsoever perjured and wicked was not to be reprehended by his own but to be called orderly by his Lord the Emperour other Christian Princes INQUIRIES Whether 1. The Councell of Antioch may be esteemed rejected because not called by the Pope 2 Constantius the Emperour at the Councell of Millaine could lawfully undertake the Presidentship be an accuser of Athanasius 3. The Statutes of any councel without the confirmation of the Emperour be invalid with his subjects 4. The Synod of Ephesus may deservedly be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or a Synod of Theeues 5. The Image-breakers under Leo and Copronymus may be rightly esteemed as heretiques 6. The Idolatrous Treachery of the Popes upholding Images did trayterously withdraw the Westernes from the Greeke Emperour 7 The second Synod at Pisa might lawfully suspend Pope Julius the second from Spirituals and Temporalls CAP. VIII Of National Synods VVE have spoken already of General Councells in some manner so caled Nationall followes which comprehends the Provincials of every Metropolitan or Diocesian Bishop within their own bounds These 1. give place to generall Councells 2. Nor do they oblige out of their own prescribed limites 3. Yet their decrees conformable to Scripture and confirmed by generall Councels are in force every where 2. They are distributed into 1. ITALIAN 2. SPANISH 3. FRENCH 4. GERMANE 5. EASTERNE 9. AFRICAN 7. BRITAN 3. Which cannot be severally handled in a compendium for many of them are either by peece-meales delivered by historians without Sessions of Canons or are strangly accommodated to the condition of those times or being obsolete are become uselesse therefore it is sufficient cursorily here there to handle those things which may be of some use unto us and by a digression to speak to some things which may make way for larger 4. In ITALIE we meet with 115 such Synods as it were nationall which go under the name of Romane Councels those may be considered which are multiplyed by Victor and others concerning the celebration of the Pascha and those which received penitent Apostates into Church communion against the more then Stoicall austerity of the Novations An. D 494 3. Under Gelasius that is of more weighty moment Long. p. 413. Dist. 15. c. Sancta Romana namely an Index Expurgatorius of Orthodox and Hetrodox books composed at a Synod of 70 Bishops and brought the Canon Law by posterity where we may read of more things concerning the extirpation of the Legends of Infidels and ideots but nothing of the Popes supremacy which is added by the Moderns 4. That Simcessan Councel is not to be past by in silence celebrated by 300 Bishops in very troublesome times Long. p. 160. Bell. de Rom. Pontif. l. 4. c. 8. in which is condemned Pope Marcellinus because he did Sacrifice to Idols neither was he excused from his errour because he did it in fear and afterwards repented these things may prevail with God for pardon but not with men to acknowledge the infallible condition of the Pope 5. A.D. 1410 That Councell also is worthy to be noted called by John 23 for the Coronation of Sigismond the Emperour where an Owle boldly offering himself with his iterated ominous aspect brought a trouble and dissolution to the whole busines A.D. 1076 6. They at the Synod of Papia couragiously excommunicated the Pope who on the other side had Excommunicated the Emperour them that of Brixia without any scruple removed Gregory the 7. commonly caled Hilderbrand Long p. 734. Id. p. 739. Id. p. 741. the most furious Champion of all