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
and offered him the charge of his journey Thou hast robbed the Churcher of the Earth and now offerest to me condemned and indigent an almes goe first and become a Christian thy self 6. Felix a Deacon placed in the room of Liberius mixed with the Arians yet he alwaies intirely observed the Nicene Creed which was a little displeasing to the Orthodox 7. Hosius of Corduba at that time well nigh an hundred years old escaped not the stroake of his tyranny Hilarius the Deacon by whipping is urged to subscribe others by banishments and riflings are forced to consent Neither under 5. An. D. 363 The Councel at SELEUCIA under the same Constantius did the persecution cease 2. At that time were convened at Ariminum as Bellarmine will have it out of the Chronicles of Jerome 600 Bishops of which the Eastern Heterodox being overpowred both in number and Arguments by the Orthodox by the Emperours Command they remove this Councel to Isauria in Selucia 3. But here the Acacians altogether reject Consubstantiallity the Semi-Arians admit it in their sence still retaining the leaven which corrupts the whole lump 4. In this dissention the Semi-Arians prevail and determine that the form of Faith composed at the dedication at Antioch should be retained and subscribed unto but they ejected the dissenting Acacians or Arians from their places 5. Thus condemned they betake themselves to the Emperour and so far prevaile with him that at another meeting called at Constantinople they are wholly restored here they frame a new Creed in which not only the tearms of substance but also of Hypostasis or subsistance are excluded 6. The Semi-Arians on the other side rejecting this are by force banished from their places by the Acacians Act. 22.10 Apud Hilar. l. 2. p. 44. in the mean while the Catholicks condemn Arius the Authour of their Sect. Like as the Pharisies and Saduces assailing each other in the cause of B. Paule are overcome by their own dissentions 7. Hilarie of Pictavia whom they report to be a Svbellian together with the Western Catholicks will not start an hairs breadth from the Nicene Creed the Emperour interposes this that the determination of no Councel whatsoever shall have power to which the Statutes of this Councel denies Power and liberty He forced the Bishops to subscribe to such a form of Belief brought from Ariminum to Constantinople that by the same command of the Emperour one was the Western Profession of Faith another the Eastern Consult with Ruffin l. 10. c. 21. Socrat. l. 2. c. 31 32. Athanas de Synod Baron An. 359. N. 61. Seq Long. p. 270. August Hieron Basil apud Bell. de Concil l. 1. c. 6. and others 6. Sozomen c. 35 Hist Tripart l. 5. c. 34. The occasion of the 2. Councel of EPHESUS was Eutyches an Archimandrite of Constantinople who after Manes and Apollinaris denied the flesh of Christ to be like ours An. C. 449 but affirmed that falling from Heaven like the rayes of the Sun it penetrated the Virgins Womb and so he denied that two natures were in Christ incarnate but asserted that his flesh was changed into his Divinity 2. For such like strange sopperies wherewith he had deluded many he was deservedly condemned by Flavianus Patriarch of Constantinople and Eusebius Bishop of Doril and others their associates He was so far from repenting that he obtained from Theodosius who was very pliable by the means of Chrysaphius the Eunuch and â—udoxia the Empresse both seduced by his allurement that the Examination of a famous Synod might end the matter 3. Therefore this at Ephesus by the Emperours authority is called there met 128 Bishops Dioscorus of Alexandria being President Leo is summoned from the West and least he should seem to be neglected he sends three Legates all being convened all things are transacted at Dioscorus his beck who not more full of Eutychianisme than of arrogance and tyranny as little valued the letters and Embassadour of Leo as he had the condemnation of â—utiches by Eusebius of Doril. 4. At length Putiches is absolved and the reclaimers are forced to subscribe by club-Arguments Flavianus opposing is so furiously trodden upon and among the rest as some affirm by Dioscorus himself that three dayes after he committed his soul into the hands of God 5. Ibas an Edyssen Eusebius of Doril and Theodoret of Cyrus with other very learned Bishops are discharged of their places The Popes Legates not without very great danger of their lives returned home 6. Of which more than barbarous inhumanity an Acacian Bishop complained to Dioscorus afterwards pleading the cause before the Calcedon Fathers They compelled and forced us having suffered many evils to subscribe to a blank paper and kept us gain-saying and opposing them in the Church untill the evening and we being sick they permitted us not to rest but sent Souldiers to us with clubs and swords and thus made us subscribe 7. Whence this is called by all the pious the Synod of Thieves in which Satan erected his Throne not long after to be dashed in pieces by the most famous Councel of Calcedon Liberat. in Breviar c. 12. Evagr. l. 1. c. 9 10 Niceph. l. 14. c. 47. 7. The Councel of CONSTANTINOPLE An. C. 730 which is numbred among the rejected is by some accounted two Bell. de Cont. l. 1. c. 6. which others contract into one but the distinction is manifest because the first is said to be celebrated under the Father Leo Isaurus An. 730. The 2d by Constantius Copronymus An. 755. 2. One in the mean while opposes the worshipping of Images and Reliques upon which account both may be esteemed as one or at least united 3. The first under Leo discovers intercession of Saints to be imaginary and the worshipping of Images meer Idolatry Germanus Patriarch of Constantinople John Damascene and others too much inclined to Images are deprived of their dignities 4. Gregory the third intercedes for Images in a Romane Anti-Synod in which he excommunicates the Eastern with the mark of Heretical Image breakers these things terrifie not Constantine Copronymus the son from declaring himself to be an Image-breaker He gathered together at Constantinople 338 Bishops over whom he is President and persecutes the maintainers of Images 6. Some receive this and the seventh as Oecumenical but the Romanes so abhorred it that for this Controversy about Images they rebelled against the Greek Emperours their lawful Princes Whence afterwards followed the Western and Eastern division which opened such a gap to the enemies of the Church never to be made up 7. The second Nicene Councel corrects the errours of this but how strongly and divinely appears by its decrees Concerning these Synods vid. Paul Diac. l. 21.22 rerum Roman Zonarum in annal 8. A.C. 1409 Bellarmine is doubtful whether to reckon the first Councel of PISA among the rejected or approved Bell. de concil l. 1. c. 8. by some it is taken for a general Councel
convened with the Sadduces where the Apostles designed for Massacre were freed by Gamaleel and their punishment was mittigated and they dismissed only with whipping Act. 5. Their 3d Councel judged Stephen to be stoned Acts 6.12 In the 4th Councel under Ananias Paul was beaten and welnigh torn in pieces between the Pharises and Sadduces Act. 23.10 The 5th is said to be called by Ananias the younger where James the brother of the Lord with some others were sentenced to death Joseph Antiq. l. 20. c. 8. 2. The Councells celebrated by the Apostles are commonly noted 1. For the substituting of Mathias in the place of Judas who betrayed our Saviour Act. 1. 2. For the election of seven Deacons Act. 6. 3. For not pressing of the Ceremonial Law seeing that justification may be obtained by the Grace of God alone in Christ Acts 15.11 in which may be observed an exact directory for the following Councels 4. For the toleration of some legal observations for a time that by such a condescention the weaker sortmight be gained and the Mother Synagogue honourably inter'd and abolisht Act. 21.18 5. For the meeting wherein was composed the Apostles Creed by the Apostles met together every one contributing his part 6. For the meeting which did obtrude to the Church 85 Canons under the notion of the Apostles authority concerning which there are various Controversies 7. For the meeting at Antioch were among nine Canons the eighth commanded Images of Christ to be substituted in the room of Heathenish Idols the other pious Canons being destitute of the Authority of the Synod vid. Bin. Tom. 1. p. 19. Longum p. 147. INQUIRIES Whether 1. The Apostles met together in any Synod for the composing of the Creed which we have D. 2. S. Clement the Disciple of Peter wrote them in Greek Dionysius the lesse did translate them into Latine The Canons commonly termed Apostolical be unjustly attributed to the Apostles A. 3. The Author Authority or number of them be certainly known vid. Joverium p. 2. N. 4. The Epitome of Apostolical constitutions found in Crete and published by Charles Kapellicus be of any moment Consult P. Crab. N. 5. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin at a convention of the Apostles hath any ground or foundation N. 6. The Councel held at Antioch concerning approbation of Images be altogether imaginary A. 7. That compleat Councel of the Apostles Act. 15. may be an example for all other Synods to imitate A. CAP. IV. Of Approved Oecumenical Councels SECT I. Of the Greek or Eastern Oecumenical Councels 1. OEcumenicall or Generall Councels are such wherein Bishops and other Learned men out of every Country may freely meet together for the discussing and determining of Ecclesiastical affairs piously prudently and orderly without favour of Parties according to the Word of God and the received Canons of the Church 2. Such are 1. Greek or Eastern 2. Latine or Western Of the Greek Councels as the more famous may be reckoned 1. The NICENE the 1. 2. Of CONSTANTINOPLE the 1. 3. Of EPHESUS the 1. 4. Of CALCEDON 5. Of CONSTANTINOPLE the 2d 6. Of CONSTANTINOPLE the 3d 7. The NICENE the 2d 4. A.D. 235 The first NICENE Councel so called because it was celebrated at Nicea of Bithinia where afterwards the Arians Hillar Socrat. L. 2. c. 29. Baron an 359. N. 27. Longus that they might make this void called another Councel by the Authority of Constantine the Great in the time of Julius the first and Sylvester Popes 2. It consisted of 318. Bishops Hosius of Carduba being President having for his associats Potomon of Heraclia Papnutius a Theban of whom each lost an eye for Christs cause together with Paulus of new Cesaria who for the same profession was compelled to carry an hot Iron in his hand and Eustachius of Antioch who in the name of the Councel entertained the Emperour with an elegant Oration with many more famous for Learning and Miracles 3. The Canons of it being only 20. nor is it sufficiently manifest how warrantable came to the hands of Posterity Perhaps this hapned by the power and subtlety of the Artans Some obtrude more lately found by the Jesuites Turrianus and Pisanus in some hidden places of Arabia which the more Judicious doe little esteem 4. Three things especially are reported as condemned by this famous Synod 1. The Arian Heresie Blasphemously denying the Sonne to be Coeternall and Coessentiall with the Father 2. The dissent of the Eastern from the Western Christians about the Celebration of the Passcover in a manner different from the Jewish Custome 3. Together with the Schismatical dissentions of the Melitians and Novatians by which they Created perpetual troubles to the Orthodox Bishops 5. In this Councell the Emperour burnt all the accusations which the Bishops brought against each other as unworthy to be seen 6. An illeterate Christian grapling with a proud boasting Philosopher who with his reproaches persecuted Christianity stopped his blasphemous mouth 7. In which also Paphnutius a single man did confute some who were earnest against the Marriage of the Clergy Consult about this with Gelasius Cycizenus Scultet Analysis Socrat. Hist Tripartit l. 1. c. 8. Ruff. l. 10. c. 1. Bell. de Consil l. 1. c. 5 13 Calvin Instit l. 4. c. 7. S. 1. Camerar Hist de Concil Nicen. 5. A.D. 313 The first of CONSTANTINOPLE under Gratian and Theodosius the great and Damasus 1. Consisting of 150 Bishops 2. It is not manifest who sate in this as chief unlesse it was Cyrillus of Hierusalem 3. They condemned and discharged Macedonius Bishop of Constantinople for his perfidious opposing the Deity of the Holy Ghost together with Maximus Cynicus by reason of his Doctrine against Discipline mentioned Can. 6. Of whose Canons Caranza reckons only 7. Longus 9. All which except the first concerning the receiving of the Nicene Belief and the banishing of the Heretiques are rejected by the Roman Church 5. The Emperour nul'd all Confessions except that of those who acknowledge Christ Coessentiall with the Father which our present Liturgy retains under the name of the Nicene Creed 5. It is thought that Gregory Nazianzen compiled it according to the sense of the Synod 7. These words and the Sonne which confirms the Holy Ghosts proceeding from the Father and the Sonne are known to be added to this Creed by Benedictus the seventh which Leo the first and the third his Predecessors dared not to attempt Longus ex Lombard 1. Sent. D. 11. Bonavent aliis Theodoret. Hist l. 5. c. 6. 10. A.D. 434 6. The first of EPHESUS was fortunately called under Theodosius the younger promoted by Celestine the first 2. In this 200 Bishops condemned Nestorius of Constantinople together with Carisius his flattering Presbyter who instead of two Natures acknowledged diverse Persons in Christ and therefore pleaded that the Blessed Virgin should be stiled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 only and not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3.
the acts of the Florentine Councel 6. The pragmatical Decree was Lawfully abrogated by the 5th Laterane Councel 7. The Councel of Trent be a sacred delusion of Christianity and Christian Princes CHAP. VI. Of Controverted Councels 1. COntroverted Councels are such as Bellarmine hath digested in a peculiar classis partly approved partly rejected If this distinction may be admitted among books why may not the Turks Alcaron find admittance under the same title among Christian Calenders Hence truely it is manifest that a Councel is nothing else but a device of the Pope whereby he admits and rejects what pleases him which he makes use of not for the Churches benefit but under the colour and pretence of Religion for the establishing of the Roman See In the mean while we may see how the foot-steps of the Priests may be traced 2. Therefore these are reckoned for Controverted Councels 1. At CONS TANTINOPLE the 4 th 2. Bell. de Ecclesia l. 1. c. 7. At SARDIS 3. At SYRMINA 4. At QUINISEXT 5. At FRANCOFURT 6. At CONSTANCE 7. At BASIL 3. An. D. 870 At CONSTANTINOPLE the fourth under Basilius the murtherer of Greek Emperours and Adrian the second usurping the Roman See notwithstanding the opposition of the Roman Emperour It consisted of 102 Bishops 2. The chief businesse of this was to discharge Photius the most learned Patriarch of the Greeks who left to posterity a book concerning folly because he had touched the Popish Tyranny with his sharp writings and was an enemy to Images and without the canonical assent had possessed the Chair due to Ignatius who was more pliable to the Roman Commands whatsoever the matter was he is cited contumilies are cast upon him he is ejected and by an injunction of Repentance all his councellors and followers are sufficiently punished according to the Romane Embassadors pleasure 3. To 9. Actions in which these things were transacted there are added 27 Canons in which besides the foolish rage against the Photians and the honour bestowed on Images that is to be commended of the sixth Canon which forbids Priestly vestments to be used in scenical playes though for sports sake 4. The Bulgarians newly converted to the Faith enquire at this Councel whether they should addresse themselves to the Greek or the Romane Church but concerning what is to be done the Romans sparingly declare their mind not silently passing over the encrease of the Roman greatnesse 5. This is manifest that the Embassadors relying upon the protection of Adrian the usurping Emperour did so superciliously behave themselves towards Photius and the Greek Bishops that returning home to their Lord they were assaulted by the Sclavonians who deprived them of all their goods and took from them the authentical copy of the Councel which contained the hand-writing of the Emperour and all those that consented for the reliques of this which 6. Remain we are beholding to Anastatius the Library keeper who was present at the transactions and Decrees and what he saw he noted and transmitted to Posterity For the clearing of which Andr. Schottus the Jesuite in Praef. Bibl. Photii hath contributed much light 7. Neverthelesse the Greeks reject this Synod moreover according to Bellarmine all things are here laid down as suppositions and uncertain since there are those who affirm the same Photius who as we read was deposed by this Adrian to have been restored by John the eight that is Pope Joan his successour whence it appears that neither the Greeks agree with the Romans nor the Romans among themselves about the acts and authority of this Synod 4. An. D. 351 That of SARDIS is said to have been celebrated under Constantius and Pope Julius 2. In it are numbred 376 Bishops of which the 300 Western confirmed the Nicene Creed to this end that Athanasius who was banished Rome for the space of three years should be restored to his place at Alexandria but the other 76 Arians meeting at Philippolis confirmed Arianisme under the title of the Councel of Sardis 3. No President is here mentioned but Hosius of Corduba who without the Popes Embassadours with Gaudentius and other Godly Bishops ratified 21 Canons 4. It is commonly called an appendix to the first Nicene Councel In whose Canons not a word of the Popes supremacy or of appeals to him from remote Churches as Longus would have it out of Prolix Baronius 5 Augustine and those who are deceived by the equivocation do not reject this Councel but that held under the name of this at Philippolis by the Arians 6. It is reported there was one Orthodox Arius present at this Councel converted as supposed by Athanasius at Laodicea 7. Binius largely describes the History of this Synod out of Socrates Sozomen and the Tripartite History in which those three Canons the 3 4 and 5 which approve of appeals to the Pope of Rome do not determine them as necessary but as Arbitrary neither do they oblige the Bishops Universally but only the subjects of that Patriarchship 5. An. D. 356 That at SYRMINA or Syrmia so trembled and groaned under the Arian tyranny of Constantius that the supremacy and Presidentship of Pope Liberius dared not to appear 2. There were present besides Eastern 300 Western Bishops and upwards for the hearing and deciding the cause of Photinus who complained to the Emperour that he was unjustly condemned at the Synod of Sardis What had he committed Namely he preached that Christ was only meer man and inferiour to his Mother which is the opinion of the Socinians 3. Marcus Arethusius composed a confession in Greek against this weak Heresie so subtily that Hilary and Liberius doubted not but to approve thereof because he declared not in words the Herefie he entertained in his hearr perhaps he conspired with Vrsacius and Valence who effected another in Latine not only deficient in the word Consubstantiality but altogether opposing it 4. It is miserable here to read how Hosius well near an hundred years old was compelled by whipping after so many triumphs over the enimies of the Homousians to subscribe to Arianisme yet he would not condemn Athanasius and before his death he cleared himself from his relaps by a most devout Recantation 5. The popish infallibility freed not Liberius from the same errour although Bellarmine doth wittily excuse him De Rom. Pontif l. 4. c. 9. 6. Of this Councel saith Longus there is nothing extant besides three Forms of Belief which are found in Binius but he tells us there are extant 26 Anathemtes which together with the Orthodox Confession Caranza hath published of which Longus could not be ignorant 7. This Synod is more largely handled by Socrates l. 1. c. 24. Sq. Sozomen l. 4. c. 5 6. Epiph. Haeres 7. 6. A.n. D 692 The Councel of QUINISEXT so tearmed by Balsamon is counted by Bede and very many Latines an erroneous Synod 2. The Fathers who were convened in it under Justinian the second and Pope Sergius because the fifth