waightie causes The first was because it was a coÌ„mon opinion that it was founded by Peter Secondlie there was the head of the Empire Last of all it was quieter and lesse troublesome then the rest 17 Notwithstanding in time of the gouernment of the olde Churche De Simplie prel Rome neuer had the supremacie ouer other Churches Therefore let vs conclude with Cyprian* that the bishoprick of Christ alone is vniuersal which comprehendeth the whole Church vnder him CHAP. VII Of the beginning and increasing of the Romish papacie vntill it lifted vp it selfe so high that both the libertie of the church was oppressed and all moderation was ouerthrowne thereby 1 THERE is nothing more ancient to establish the authoritie of the Sea of Rome then the decree of the Nicene Synode wherby both the first place is graunted to the Bishop of Rome among the Patriarches The beginning of the papacie and he is commanded to care for the churches adioyning to the citie But in an other Synode which followed the Bishop of Rome was not chiefe but others 2 In the councell of Chalcedon the Legates of the Church of Rome had the chiefe seat by the Emperours graunt Primacie but Leo himselfe confesseth that this was an extraordinarie priuiledge Lib. Epist 1. Epist 2. et lib. 4. 4. Epist 6. neither was it obserued in other councels 3 As touching the very title of primacie other titles of pride it is no hard matter to iudge when after what sort they croope in Cyprian doth often call Cornelius brother or fellow Bishop or fellowe in office But writing to Stephen Cornelius his successour he sometime obiecteth to him arrogancie and sometimes foolishnesse The councel of Carthage forbade that anie shoulde be called prince of Priestes or chiefe Bishop Contention about the vniuersall Bishop 4 The contention about the title of vniuersall Bishop began onlie in Gregories time the occasion whereof was Iohns ambition For hee woulde make himselfe generall which no man before him had assaied to doe Gregorie calleth it a wicked profane vngodlie Lib. 4. Epist 76. ad Mauri proude title such a one as was inuented by the diuel and published by Antichrists crier* 5 I come to the iurisdiction which the Pope of Rome auoucheth hee hath ouer all churches The IurisdictioÌ„ of the pope without question And there arose the mischiefe When the Sea of the Church of Rome was counted to bee of great authoritie not onelie the godlie in other parts which were greeued for want of aide but also wicked men which were coÌ„demned by their own Bishops for vniust defenses sake fled thither all which the Bishop receiued greedilie Through this ambition it came to passe that the Bishop of Rome did take to himselfe some authoritie ouer others 6 But let vs see what power this was The power of the church is contained in 4. thinges The power of the church is contained in these four points In ordaining of Bishops in calling of Councels in Iurisdiction in Censures All the old Synodes commaund Bishops to be consecrate by their Metropolitanes 1 Ordination and that the Bishop of Rome be neuer called vnto it but in his owne patriarchie 7 The same Censures or admonitions which the Bishoppes of Rome did vse toward others 2 Censures the same did they themselues suffer* Cypr. Epist 13. lib. 3. 3 Counsell Tripart Hist lib 8 To call a prouinciall Synode was the dutie of euery Metropolitane the Bishop of Rome had none authoritie there but the Emperour onlie could call a generall Councell* 9 As concerning hearing of appeales or iurisdiction it is manifest that hee hath the chiefe power vnto whose iudgement seat the appeale is made Manie did often appeale vnto the Bishop of Rome and hee himselfe also went about to draw vnto him the hearing of causes 4 Iurisdiction but hee was alwaies derided when hee did passe his bounds In the Councell of Mâ—leuite where Augustine was present The Meleuetane Counsell they were excommunicate which appealed beyond the Seas 10 In the time of Constantine the Emperour he had no authoritie ouer other Bishoppes Aug. Epist 163 In breut colla cont Donatum as it doeth plainlie appeare by the history of Celianus accused by Donatus * For Constantine committed the iudgement of the appeale to the Bishop of Orleance 11 I know how many Epistles there be Rescripts Edicts wherein the Bishops ascribe what may bee to the Sea of Rome and doe most constantlie chalendge what may be to the same But all men which haue but a litle iudgement know this also that they are so blockish for the most part that at the first tast it is an easie manner to perceiue out of what shop they came namelie of ambition Gregorie When the authoritie of the Pope was encreased 12 The authoritie of the Sea of Rome was greatlie encreased in Gregories time by reason of the wars which did possesse almost all the whole world Therfore that in so great a shaking of ciuil affaires the integritie of faith might at least remaine or not altogeather perish all Bishops on euery side ioyned theÌ„selues to the Bishop of Rome Then did the dignitie of the Sea increase yet so that one man did not beare rule ouer the rest as him pleased but it was graunted him with his authoritie to bridle the wicked and stubborne Lib. 2. Epist 37. Epist 16. Gregories humilitie 13 Therfore Gregorie taketh no more to himself ouer others then hee graunteth to others ouer himself when he confesseth that he is readie to bee controuled by others The decree of the counsell of Taurinum 14 The bishop of CoÌ„stantinople did at that time coÌ„teÌ„d with the bishop of Rome about the primacie It was decreed in the councel of Taurinum that the cities which were chief in ciuil gouernmeÌ„t in euerie prouince should likewise be chief Seas of the bishops 15 In the first Synode of Constantinople it was established The Synode of Constantinople that the Bishop of that Citie should haue the priuiledges of honour after the Bishop of Rome because it was new Rome 16 Shortlie after Iohn of Constantinople being holpen with the fauour of Mauritius the Emperour vsurped the name of vniuersall Patriarch Gregorie did constantlie oppose him selfe against him and doeth abhorre that voyce as wicked and vngodlie 17 At length Boniface the third obtained of Phocas that Rome should be head of all churches The ambition Boniface But this was of no importaunce in a manner vntill at length France came by wicked pollicies into his power 18 After that time when thinges did dailie euery where waxe worse and worse the tyrannie of the Sea of Rome was also established and encreased that partlie through the ignorance and partlie thorow the sluggishnesse of the Bishops Bernarde Therfore doth Bernard in his time with manie complaints bewaile the scattering abroad of all the whole Ecclesiastical order*
then he must answer his calling 11 And this treatise consisteth in fower points that we know what maner persons are to be made ministers 4 Thinges to bee obserued in callinge Outward Inwarde and how and by whom with what rite they are to be appointed I speake of the outwarde calling which appertaineth vnto the publike order of the Church But I omit that secret calling wherof euerie minister is priuie him selfe before God that he hath taken vpon him the office offered him neither of ambition nor through couetousnesse but in the sincere feare of God and with a desire to edifie the Church What maner persons 12 Paule teacheth what manner persons are to be chosen to be Bishops namely such as are of souÌ„d doctrine and holy life and not guilty of anie notorious vice which may both take away their authoritie and also defame the ministerie There is altogether like consideration to be had of Deacons and Elders Tit. 1.9 â— 2 Tim. 3.1.2 2 How Act. 14.23 And howe is referred vnto religious feare Hereof came the fastinges and prayers which the faythfull did vse when they made Elders* 13 The third thing is by whome they must be chosen 3 By whom Immediate The rule must not be fet from the Apostles who addressed them selues vnto the worke at the commandement of God and Christ alone Therefore is it that they dare not appoint an other in the place of Iudas but they set two in the midst among them 〈◊〉 â— 23 〈◊〉 1.12 â—ediate that the Lord may declare by the lot whether of the two he will haue to succeed* Also Paule denieth that he was made by men* 14 But no man that is well in his wittes will denie that Bishops are appointed of men seeing there be so manie testimonies of Scripture extant for this matter 15 Nowe the question is whether the minister ought to be chosen by the whole Church or onely by his fellowes in office and the Elders or onely by the authoritie of one Lib. 1. Epist 3 Let the priest be chosen the people beinge present or ministers Cyprian* aunswereth these questions* when he affirmeth that it cometh from the authoritie of God that the priests be chosen in the sight of all the multitude being present that he be allowed meete and worthie by publike iudgement and testimonie Obiect Titus in Creta* Timothie at Ephesus* Tit. 1.5 1 Tim. 5 21. did appoint Elders An. Not alone but they were onely as chiefe that they might go before the people with good and wholesome counsell So the Pastours ought to beare rule in the election that no offence be coÌ„mitted in the multitude either through lightnesse or through euill affections or through tumult 16 The rite of ordering remayneth 4 What rite Laying on of handes And it is manifest that the Apostles vsed none other rite or ceremonie then laying on of handes Which rite came from the Hebrewes who did as it were represent to God by layinge on of handes that which they would haue consecrated Gen. 48.14 as wee may see in the blessinge of Ephraim and Manasses * Mat. 19.15 So the Lorde layed his handes vpon the infants* And though wee haue no commaundement touchinge layinge on of handes yet the diligent obseruation of the Apostles ought to be in steed of a commaundement This signe is profitable to commeÌ„d vnto the people the worthines of the ministery that he which is appoynted may know that he is no longer his owne The vse of laying on of handes but he is consecrate to God the Church that he may beleeue that he shall not want the holie Ghost CHAP. IIII. Of the state of the old Church and the maner of gouerning which was in vse before Poperie 1 VVHat ministers soeuer the olde Church had it did diuide them into three sortes into Elders out of which Pastors and doctors were chosen Elders Seniors Deacons Readers Acoluthes Elders Elders which bare rule in punishing manners and Deacons to whome was committed the charge of the poore and the destribution of almes Readers and Acoluthes were no names of any certaine offices as we shall afterward see 2 The office of teaching was committed to the Elders They according to their office did chuse one in euery citie to whoÌ„ they gaue the title of Bishop A Bishop lest through equalitie discord should arise Yet he had no Lordship ouer his fellowes in office but the Bishop had that function in the companie of Elders which the Consull had in the Senate A similitude that by his authoritie he might gouerne the whole action The Eldership that he might execute that which was decreed by the common counsell And that was brought in by mans consent accordinge to the necessitie of the time In euerie citie they had a colledge of Elders which were Pastors and Doctors Diocese Also there was giuen to euerie citie a certaine countrey which did take Elders thence should as it were be accounted into the bodie of that Church If the countrey were larger vnder the bishopricke Countrie Bishops theÌ„ they appointed countrey Bishops who through the same prouince did represent the Bishop 3 And the Bishops and Elders were to applie them selues to the ministration of the word Sacramentes Neither do I rehearse the custome of one age onely for euen in Gregories time wherein the Church was now almost decayed it had not bin tollerable for anie Bishop to abstaine from preaching* Epist 24. Hom. in Ezech. 11. Archbishop 4 And wheras euerie prouince had one Archbishop among the Bishops whereas in the councell of Nice there were Patriarkes appointed that did appertaine vnto the preseruation of discipline Patriarches And if anie thing did happen which could not be dispatched by a fewe they referred it vnto the prouinciall Synode If the greatnesse and hardnesse of the cause did require greater discussing Prouincial Synode the Patriarkes were ioyned with the Synodes from which they might not appeale but vnto a generall councell Neither would they inuent anie forme of gouerning the Church differing from that which God prescribed in his word A Generall Counsell 5 Neither was the order of the deacons other in that time then vnder the Apostles For they receaued the dayly almes of the faithfull the yearlie reuenues of the Church for nourishing partlie the ministers and partlie the poore but at the appointment of the Bishop to whome they gaue an account of their distribution yearely Deacons Subdeacons were ioyned to the Deacons that they might vse their helpe about the poore Archdeacons were made Subdeacons when the great plentie of goodes did require a more exact kinde of distribution And whereas the readinge of the Gospell was committed to them as also exhortation to prayer Archdeacons and whereas they ministred the cuppe in the Supper that was done to adorn their office that they might vnderstande
Amongst other he addeth these Lib. 1. de consid Euang. circa finē lib The Papacie is the deuills pasture Thou Pastour commest foorth inuironed with much golde If I durst speake it these are rather the pastures of diuels then of sheepe 19 And now though we graunt to the Bishop of Rome that excellencie which he had in time of Leo and Gregorie Graunt what doth this helpe the present Papacie I do not yet speake of the earthlie Lordship but of the spirituall gouernment wherof they make boast For these be the sayinges of the Bishops A deuelish decree Nicol in decret 17.9 3. C. Nemini Innoc. 9.9.3 cap. Nem◠God would determine the causes of other mē by men but hee hath reserued the Prelate of this Sea without question to his own iudgement* Again the facts of our subiects are iudged by vs but ours by god alone 20 And to the ende these decrees might haue more weight they did falsly cog in the names of old Bishops as if things had been so appointed and ordained since the beginning whereas it is most certaine that it is new and latelie forged whatsoeuer is giuen to the Bishop of Rome ouer and besides that which we haue said was giuen him by the old councels 21 If Gregories testimony ought to bee of force they declare there by that their Bishop is Antichrist Epist 92.4 ad Iohānem constant because they make him vniuersall* 22 Are not the Patrones of the Sea of Rome ashamed to defend the present estate of the papacie which is certainlie an hundred fold worse The papacie is at this daye worst and more corrupt then it was in the time of Gregorie Bernard Graunt 23 Last of all though all these things should be graunted yet there ariseth a fresh new strife for them For wee denie that Rome can be the mother of churches seeing there is no church at Rome that the Pope is Prince of Bishops seeing hee is no Bishop Why ther is no church at Rōe because he teacheth not the word of God he doth not minister the Sacraments neither doth hee keepe the people in their duetie by anie discipline 24 Yea the Popes do whatsoeuer they can to oppresse the pure doctrine of the Gospel The vertues of the popes Leo was cruel Clement blooddie Paul a fierce murtherer Shall hee be Christes vicar and Peters successour who by persecuting the Churche with furious indeuours Leo. Clement Paul An absurditie doeth openlie professe that hee is Antichrist 2. Thes 2.4 25 Wee speake as did Paul when wee say that Antichrist shall sit in the temple of God* That his kingdome shall bee placed in hautinesse of speech and blaspheming of God* Dan. 7.23 Also whereas Paule setteth out Antichrist by this marke that he shall take away from God his honour that he may take it to him selfe this is a principall token in seeking Antichrist especially when such pride procedeth to the publike scattering and destruction of the Church 26 God translated the Church which was at Ierusalē to Pella* That which was once done Euseb lib. 3. ca. 5. might be done oftener Therfore so to tie the honor of the supremacie to a place that an enemie of Christ The pops armes an aduersary of the Gospel a destroyer of the Church a butcher of the Sainctes should be Christes Vicar Peters successour the chiefe Bishop of the Church is too ridiculous 27 We haue spoken inough of the thing If we come to the men we shall find that Leo Clement Paule and almost all the rest were Atheistes and that they knewe nothing else in a manner concerning Christ but that which they learned in Lucian his scholes 28 And yet for all this the Romanistes auouch that the Pope cannot erre Though Iohn the xxij Pope did openly auouch that the soules of men are mortall* Iohn Gerson doth witnes this who lyued then that they die together with the bodies vntill the day of the resurrection 29 Therefore though Rome were in times past the head of Churches yet she is not worthie at this day to be counted one of the smallest toes seing she is made common to all kind of wickednesse 30 The Cardinals were in times past only priests of the church of Rome What Cardinals were in times past and farre inferiour to Bishops but such as they be nowe at this day they haue no true and lawfull office in the Church CHAP. VIII Touching the power of the Church as touching the articles of faith and with what vnbridled licentiousnesse it hath in the papacie bene wrested to corrupt all purenesse of doctrine Ecclesiasticall power 1 NOw followeth the third place touching the power of the church which consisteth partly in particular Bishops partly in Councels those either prouinciall or generall such power cōsisteth either in doctrine or in iurisdiction or in making lawes The first parts touchinge doctrine The place touching doctrine hath two parts authoritie to deliuer and teach articles and points of doctrine and to expound the same And let all things be done to edifying* That shall be if the authoritie of Christ 1 Cor. 10.8 13.10 the maister of the Church be kept safe and sound 2 Furthermore we must remember in this place that what authority soeuer the Scripture doth giue either to Priests or Prophets or Apostles or to the successours of the Apostles that is properlie giuen not to the men them selues but to the ministerie wherein they are placed Priests Deut. 17.10 It is sayd of the priestes* The lips of the priest shall keepe knowledge they shall require the Lawe at his mouth because he is the Angell of the Lord of hostes 3 The authoritie of the Prophets is described in Ezechiell The prophets are watchmen Sonne of man saith the Lord I haue made thee a watchman to the house of Israel Therfore thou shalt heare the word out of my mouth thou shalt tell it them from me* Ezech. 3.17 Apostles Mat. 5.13 4 The Apostles are called the light of the world* the salt of the earth they are to be heard in steed of Christ * Luke 11.26 Ioh. 20.13 5 And though there be but one the same doctrine yet according to the diuersitie of times the seruants of God had diuerse kinds of teaching The same doctrin but diuers manners of teachng◠It is true indeed which Christ saith that no man hath seene the Father but the Sonne and he to whome the Sonne will reueale him* God vsed secret reuelations with the Patriarks these did he confirme with vndoubted signes The Patriarks cōueyed that vnto their sonnes they to their childrens childrē 6 When the Lorde raised vp a more manifest forme of the Church Reuelations The word written he would haue his word put in writing that the priestes might thence set that which they should teach the people and that all doctrine might