A revievv of the Councell of Trent VVherein are contained the severall nullities of it: with the many grievances and prejudices done by it to Christian kings and princes: as also to all catholique churches in the world; and more particularly to the Gallicane Church. First writ in French by a learned Roman-Catholique. Now translated into English by G.L.

CHAP. I. Of the calling of Councels.

WEE come now to the grievances which are found in the Decrees of this Councell (for as for the Canons, wee meddle not with them) and observe in the first place, that whereas former Councels, at least such as were free and lawfully called, have alwayes cowed the Popes power, when it swelled into an exces∣sive greatnesse, this hath run quite counter to the r••st, ascribing unto him a power truly so∣veraigne: For the Pope now adayes hath ab∣solute authority over all things in the Chri∣stian world. The power both in temporals and spirituals is given unto him, not only over Kings and Emperours, but over Councels also: So that when he shall please to wrong any man, there is no meanes left to resist him. Wee shall make this appeare so plaine, that there shall bee no occasion of further doubting, by setting downe here all the De∣crees of the Councell which concerne this point.

2 First, it is to bee observed that Pope Iulius the 3, in his Bull, December the 15, 1551, ingrosseth to himselfe the sole right and authority of calling Councels. Wee (saith hee) to whom it belongs, as being now P••p••, to signifie

and direct Generall Councels. This is the Bull wherein he signified the con∣tinuation of the Councell of Trent, which is inserted amongst the Acts ••f it.

3 But this is not all yet: for after hee hath declared that he will bee pre∣sident in the Councell, for the further manifestation of his high and soveraigne power hee addes, Ordaining neverthelesse that whatsoever any man, by what authority soever, shall attempt to the contrary, whether he know of this or not, shall be void and of no effect. Wherefore it shall not be lawfull for any man in the world to breake or infringe this present Act of our advice, pleasure, innovation, and de∣crees, or out of an audacious rashnesse to contradict it. All these brags and bra∣vado's were approved by the Fathers of that Councell; inasmuch as the Coun∣cell, which had kept Holiday for full foure yeers, and beene adjourned to Bo∣nonia by Paul the 3, was brought backe againe to Trent, by virtue of this Bull; so that the Bishops there obeyed the Pope sans contradiction.

4 So then hee challengeth the power of Convocation exclusively to all others, wherein he is avowed by the Councell; nay it is the Councell it selfe which gives him this prerogative: For after all the resolutions it made both about faith and discipline, it addes; If it so fall out that any thing herein con∣tained, stand in need of further declaration or determination, besides other reme∣dies appointed in this Councell, the Holy Synod trusts that most blessed Bishop of Rome will take order that the necessities of the Provinces shall be provided for to Gods glory and the peace of the Church; either by sending for such (out of those Provinces especially where such difficulty shall arise) as hee shall thinke fit to negotiate such a businesse; or by holding a Generall Councell if hee thinke it necessary; or any other more commodious way as hee thinks good.

5 As for the translation of the Councell to Bonony, indeed the Cardinall de Monte, President for the Pope, did the Councell the honour to let them con∣sult about it the 10 of March, 1547, as appeares by the 8 Session: But this was after an absolute and peremptory injunction, whi••h ••he same Pope had for∣merly made, as appeares in his Bull set out in Mar••h, 1544. Where he speaks in this manner; Of our ••wn proper motion, certaine kn••••ledge, and full power Apostolicall, with advice and consent correspondent, wee give you full and ab∣solute power by authority Apostolique, by the tenure of these Presents (hee speaks to his Legats) to transferre and remove the said Councell from Trent to some such other City, as you shall thinke fit; and to suppresse and dissolve it in the said City of Trent; and to prohibite the Prelates and other persons of the said Councell to proceed any further at the said Trent, upon paine of Ecclesiasticall censures and punishments; and to cite the said Pr••lates, and other persons of the Councell unto that city whither it shall bee transferred, upon paine of perjury, and other punishments expressed in the letters of Convocation.

6 See here, good weighty words which in a most extraordinary way doe crush the authority of the Councell, yea even inslave and subject it to the Pope. And yet the Councell is so farre from complaining, that on the con∣trary it professeth that it consented to this translation, in consideration that it was done by the Popes command: For hearke how they speake of it in the beginning of the ninth Session holden the 21 of Aprile 1548; This holy Oe∣cumenicall Councell, &c. considering that upon the 11 of March this present yeere, in a generall publique Session holden in the said city of Trent, at the ac∣customed place, all things requisite to bee done being first done after the usu∣all fashion, upon some earnest, urgent and lawfull reasons, and by the intervening authority of the Holy Apostolique See, granted in speciall manner to the said right Reverend Presidents, decreed and ordained, &c. They expresse it as well as they can, for feare least some body should bee so farre mistaken, as to thinke the translation was made upon the Councels owne motion; to the prejudice

of the Popes authority; for they would have taken that in dudgeon.

7 Let us now see whether the Pope challengeth this right•• which is con∣firmed unto him by this Councell, by usurpation onely, or whether it doe in∣deed justly belong unto him. If wee will take the Popes own word for it, the question will bee quickly decided; for they affirme that to make such a Con∣vocation belongs to none but them. Their Doctours and Disciples have so fortified this proposition, that they have stopped all passages, and not left so much as one hole open, wherby there is any possibility of surprizing it. Some few have beene so reasonable as that they have made some exceptions; as in case the Pope refuse to call the Councell, or in case he be an heretique, or in case the question be about some fact of his owne, or about his condemnation: Some are of opinion that then the Emperour is to undertake it; others, that it belongs to the Cardinals; others, to the Councell. But those who were more deeply ingaged, or spurred on by fairer hopes and goodly benefices, doe not leave ought open, not one chinke; yea they come so farre as to say that those Councels which were not called by the Pope are bastards, & illegitimate, void and of no effect: condemning by this opinion those foure Generall Coun∣cels which Gregory the Great did reverence as the foure Gospels; besides, a great many more which w••re either holden without the Pope, or at least which were not of his calling, or where he was not President.

8 True it is, that some others which are more subtle, to wave this objecti∣on put in this alternative [Or consented unto, and approved by him] whereby they give us to understand, that without this approbation all those ancient Councels should be either hereticall or without effect; alwayes putting the Popes authority above a Councels. I know very well that all learned men and truely religious soules doe abhorre this: But seeing our Sophisters now∣adayes doe here bring their owne dreames and fancies to make a cleare cas•• seeme doubtfull; and seeing they cannot deny but the Emperours called those Councels, they runne to the Popes consent or authority, maintaining that it was ever interposed. I shall prove the contrary by the Acts of ancient Councels•• by the testimonie of Histories, and by the Popes owne confessions, or their Decrees.

9 The Councell of Nice was called by the Emperour Constantine, by vir∣tue of his Edict; as is set downe in the beginning of the Acts thereof, Chap∣ter the 5•• The Emperour seeing there was some trouble in the Church, called a Generall Councell, exhorting by his letters all Bishops to repaire unto Nice, a Ci∣ty of Bithynia: The same is affirmed by Eusebi••••, Theodoret, Socrates, Zona∣ras, Ruffin and many others. Whence wee discover his forgery that framed the Epilogue of the second Councell of Rome; In the time (saith he) of Pope Sylvester and Constantine the Emperour, there was a great Councell holden at Nice in Bithynia, where three hundred and eighteen Catholique Bishops were re∣gularly assembled by the call and command of Pope Sylvester. If this bee true•• the Acts of that Councell are false, and so many ancient Authours all lyars which ascribe the Convocation of it to Constantine.

10 And yet this goodly Epilogue is foisted in among the Councels, as if it were an ancient piece, whereas the authour of it is but a modern man: for he hath inlarged Isidores prefaces, putting in many things of his owne head•• as in that of the Councell of Ephesus: For Isidore having said simply, At which Councell the most happy Cyril Bishop of Alexandria was president: This fellow puts in of his owne, Instead of Pope Celestine: Which is detected by comparing Isidores Decree printed at Paris ann. 1524, and 1537, with the col∣lection of Generall Councels printed at Cullen ann. 1537, and 1551. Bellar∣mine gives us ground enough to know it also, inasmuch as he never maketh use of it. It is true, he maintaines that that Councell was called by the Popes con∣sent:

which he strives to prove by the testimony of the Pope himselfe, namely of Damasus in his pontificale. Wherein he behaves himselfe so mildely, that he may justly bee accused of prevarication, seeing that some copies have it praecepto, and not consensu: so that he might maintaine by the authority of Da∣masus, that Constantine called it by the Popes command: But seeing hee is not willing to undertake so much, let us rest content with what hee propo∣seth vs

11 The Nicene Councell (saith Damasus) was holden in Sylvesters time with his consent. So was it with the consent of other Bishops either tacite or expresse. But if Bellarmin will referre this to such a consent as was necessary for the calling, hee had need of another proofe. Hee hath recourse unto the Acts of the sixth Generall Councell holden at Constantinople, where it is said in the tenth action, That Constantine the Emperour and Pope Sylvester assem∣bled the Nicene Synod. But these words which are spoken only upon the by, and by some men which treat about another matter, ought not to have more force than the authority of so many Historians, some of which lived at the same time; yea than the very Acts of the Councell it selfe, where it is plainely said that it was called by Constantine, without any mention of Sylvester. The testimony of Ruffin will not availe him ought, when hee saith that Constan∣tine called it by the advice of the Clergy: for suppose the Pope gave his advice amongst the rest, yet for all that there is nothing that concernes him in particu∣lar; and to limit those words to the Popes advice alone, were to make that authour speake what hee never thought; they should rather bee referred to the Bishop of Alexandria, who entreated of the Emperour, and obtained the calling of that Councell, as Epiphanius witnesseth.

12 The second Generall Councell was called by Theodosius in the City of Constantinople: Being come to the Empire (saith Theodoret, speaking of him) hee purposed in his minde above all things to provide for the unity of the Church, and to that end commanded all Bishops, of what Bishoprique soever, to repaire to Constantinople. The letters of that Councell written to the same Emperour are sufficient proofe hereof; for after they have thanked God for giving them Theodosius for their Emperour, they adde, Since the time of our assembly at Constantinople by your command &c. And afterwards follow the Canons of the Councel, with this inscription, These are the things which were de∣creed by the Bishops that came to Constantinople out of divers Co••ntries, being called thither by Theodosius ••he Emperour. Zonaras confirmes it, By the Em∣perours command (saith hee) was the second Councell proclaimed, and the holy Fathers assembled at Constantinople, &c.

13 In all these places there is no talking of the Popes consent. Bellarmine opposeth the letters which the Fathers of this Councel have writ to Pope Da∣masus, where they say themselves that they were assembled at Constantinople, by command of those letters which hee sent to the Emperour: but for this point hee hath not well understood it. Wee shall make it appeare by the very text of that Epistle, how the sense which hee puts upon it, is farre from the words and contrary to the truth. First see here the inscription of it, To our most honoured Lords, most reverend and most devout Fathers and associats, Da∣masus, Ambrose, Britton, Valerian, Ascholius, Anemius, Basil, and other holy Bishops assembled in the great City Rome, the holy Senate of Orthodoxe Bishops assembled in the great City Constantinople, send greeting in the Lord, And a little after the beginning of the Epistle, it is said, But after that you, proceeding by the will of God, to the calling of the Synod of Rome, of your brotherly charity called us thither as your fellow members, by virtue of the letters of the most de∣vout Emperour, that wee alone having endured the afflictions, you might not now r••igne without us under the peace of th•• most pious Emp••rour, but receive us

rather into the society of such a Kingdome•• according to the word of the Apostl••, wee have all earnestly desir••d (if it were possible) to apply our selves to your d••∣sire, or rather to the present exigency, leaving our owne Churches; but conside∣ring how by this meanes those that were restored againe would be abandoned, and many of us could not doe it, by reason that wee resorted to Constantinopl••, up∣on those letters sent the last yeare, by your Reverences, to the most holy Emperour Theodosius, after the holding the Councell of Aquil••ia, &c. for this reason and others such like, seeing wee cannot all come, wee have intreated our brethren and companions Syriacus, Eusebius and Priscian Bishops, to take so much paines as to come unto you, to let you understand the desire wee have of the union. This Epi∣stle is extant at large, in Theodoret, and the Acts of the Councell of Constan∣tinople.

14 Now wee must observe divers thing•• which will serve us for an answer. First, that these letters of the Synod of Constantinople are not directed to the Pope alone, but to the whole Councell assembled at Rome, as is plaine from the inscription and tenure of them. Secondly, that those other letters which they mention, were not sent by Pope Damasus to the Emperour Theodosiu•• (as Bellarmine would have it) but by the Councell of Aquil••ia, where the Pope was not present. Thirdly, that by those letters they neither enjoyne nor command the calling of a Councell, as he dreames, but only they acquaint the Emperour Theodosius, as also the Emperours Gratia•• and Valentinian, with the resolution which they had taken in their Councell, about condem∣ning the doctrine of two old men Palladius and Secundianus, and some othe•• points. It is very true that they intreat them to cause them proceed to judge∣ment and condemnation of them, and some other of the same sect, which gave occasion to the Emperour Theodosius to call the Councell of Constanti∣nople.

15 For full proofe of all this, you need but read it in the letters which the Councell of Aquileia sent to the said Emperours; the inscription whereof is this. To the most milde Christian Emper••urs, and most happy Princes, Gratian, Valentinian and Theodosius, the holy Councell assembled at Aquileia sendeth greeting. After the narration of the proceedings therein, and the designes which the Arrian Bishops had there, they say in fine, We doe abhorre (most milde Princes) such execrable sacriledges, and such wicked doctrines; and to the end that they may deceive people no more, wee have thought good that they bee degraded from their Priesthood, and beseech your majesties to cause such pa∣trons of impiety be driven out of the Church, and make them be summoned befor•• competent Iudges. They further intreat them to hinder and forbid the follow∣ers of Photius from making of assemblies.

16 Any man may now judge whether these letters containe any command to the Emperour for calling a Councell, and whether the Pope made any such command, who was not present in that Councell, neither in person nor by proxie. Bellarmine hath taken up the errour of one of the Latine translators of Theodoret who renders these words [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] mandat•• vestra∣rum literarum, [by command of your letters] in stead of, per vestras literas, [by reason of your letters] in asmuch as these letters gave occasion to the Emperour Theodosius to call the Councell of Constantinople, bu•• not by the Popes command: Yea the Councell of Constantinople was so farre from being called by the Emperour upon the Popes command, that on the contrary the Pope summons the Easterne Bishops to the Councell of Ro••••, by virtue of the Emperours letters, as the forecited letters of the Councell of Constantinopl•• runne.

17 Bellarmine brings also the authority of the sixth General Cou••••ell but, under correction, hee hath foisted in a little too much of his owne; ••or it is

said simply, Macedonius denyed the divinity of the Holy Ghost, but Theodosius and Damasus opposed him stoutly•• Bellarmine addes, by the second Synod. Hee might well have opposed him before the Synod, yea, in the Synod, by meanes of his Legats, as some other Bishops did; hee is named onely as the foreman of them; but it followes not, therefore that the Councell was called by him or by his authority.

18 The third Generall Councell was called at Ephesus by the Emperour Theodosius: the Historians that speak of it make no mention at all of the Popes consent. I will set downe the places, The Bishops (saith Socrates) came toge∣ther from all parts, and met at Ephesus by the Emperours command. Nestori∣us (saith Evagrius) would not submit to the advise of Cyrill and Celestine Bi∣shops of old Rome, but belched out his venome against the Church, and demanded that a Councell might be assembled at Ephesus by the authority of Theodosius the younger, who at that time governed the Easterne Empire: Wherfore letter•• were dispatcht from the Emperour unto Cyrill and the rest of the Bishops.

19 Theodosius (saith Nicephorus) commanded by his letters Imperiall the Bi∣shops of all places to come to Ephesus, setting them a day against the feast of Pen∣tecost. This Councell of Ephesus put this inscription to a letter written to the Synod of Pamphylia, The holy Synod assembled at Ephesus by the grace of God and good pleasure of the most devout Kings, to the holy Synod of Pamphylia, greeting. And in another Act afterwards. The Synod by the grace of God, and by virtue of the Edict of our most devout Kings, lovers of Christ, assembled in the Metropolitan City of Ephesus, &c. The Kings which these Acts speak of are the Emperours Theodosius and Valentinian.

20 But there is no need of these authorities, considering that wee have the Acts of that Councell yet extant, which may cleare the doubt that might bee raised. If there be one single word in them whence it may appeare that Theo∣dosius required ••ope Celestines consent to the calling of that Councell, then Bellarmi••e shall win the day; but withall if there bee nothing spoken of it, however the Acts are very large, he shall give us leave not to beleeve it. Those Acts speak in diverse places of the convocation, but so as it is alwayes ascribed to the Emperours Theodosius and Valentinian without any mention of the Pope.

21 The 25 Chapter of the first Tome containes letters of the same Empe∣rours sent unto Cyrill to command him to come, but no newes of the Pope. In the first Chapter of the second Tome, it is said, The Synod wa assembled in the Metropolitan City of Ephesus, by virtue of the Emperours Decree: Not a word of the Pope. In the same Chapter it is commanded, Let the Edict which was sent by the most pious and most Christian Emperours be read, and give light like a torch unto such things as wee now beginne to treat of. The 17 Chapter of the second Tome containes those letters which the Fathers of that Councell writ unto the said Emperours, whereby they certifie them of the comming of the Popes Legats; and mentioning the Councell they adde, Which your ma∣jesties commanded to meet at Ephesus. In the 18 Chapter of the second Tome Cyrill saith, in an Epistle of his to certaine Bishops, The time for holding the Synod was appointed by the most devout Emperours, to bee upon the day of Pen∣tecost; so did their first letters, by which wee are summoned thither, command. The 19 Chapter of the same Tome containes a certaine writing of the Clergy of Constantinople, which beginnes thus; The sacred Synod assembled at Ephe∣sus by virtue of the Edict of the most devout, and most Christian Emperours, ha∣ving found that the enemy of Christ continues obstinate in his perverse opinion, hath deprived him of his orders, and degraded him. There are many other pla∣ces in those same Acts, where that convocation is spoken of without ever a∣scribing it to the Pope; nor part, nor quart, (as they say,) and yet the con∣trary is debated amongst us.

22 But (saith Bellarmine) Cyrill was in that Councell as the Popes Legat; a certaine argument that it was not called without his consent. We deny both the one and the other: For you must know that the Nestorian heresie was condemned in a Councell holden at Rome by Pope Celestine; and forasmuch as Cyrill Patriarch of Alexandria, the professed enemy of Nestorius Patriarch of Constantinople, had formerly written unto Pope Celestine about it; the said Celestine certified him of the resolution which had past upon it, and intrea∣ted him withall that hee would be pleased in his stead, to cause the sentence of the Synod of Rome to be put in execution.

23 All this was done before there was any speech of the Councell of Ephe∣sus, as i•• plaine out of the letters of that Councell, written to the Emperours, the words are these; Celestine the most holy Bishop of Great Rome, had signi∣fied the judgement which was past by him and his before any Synod was assembled at Ephesus, and intrusted in his stead Cyrill the most holy and religious Bishop of Alexandria, with the putting of that in execution which was determined at Rome. So then hee was not sent by the Pope to supply his place at the Coun∣cell of Ephesus, which is properly to bee a Legate. Nor had hee any expresse charge from the Pope to supply his place in that Councel, for there is no men∣tion at all of any such command. Wee conclude therefore that it cannot bee inferred from thence, that there was any particular consent of the Pope in the calling of that Councell. Wee doe not yet meddle with the Presidency of Cyrill, that we reserve for another place.

14 This notwithstanding Bellarmine urgeth some authours for proofe of his assertion, namely Evagrius, Photius, and Celestine himselfe in his Epistle. They all say that Celestine by his letters did substitute Cyrill in his place. It is true; but it is true withall, that when those letters were written he spoke not of the Councell of Ephesus, but of that of Alexandria, which was holden by Cyrill. Besides, the Pope sent his Legats to Ephesus, in number three to supply his place; which he would never have done if hee had taken Cyrill to have been there in his stead. It is true moreover, that Cyrill, who would have ••ad it so in opposition to Nestorius, to gaine himselfe the more authority at Ephesus, during the time of that Councell, did serve himselfe of that substitu∣tion which had beene formerly granted unto him. But this makes nothing at all for the Popes consent to the calling of the Councell, which is the point now in question.

25 Bellarmine flies to the authority of a Chronicler to prove the Popes con∣sent. Prosper (saith he) shewes in his Chronicle, that the Councell of Ephesus was holden by the industry of Cyrill, and the authority of Celestine. Vnder cor∣rection hee never thought so; The yeere 431 speaking of the heresie of Ne∣st••rius, who taught that our Saviour Christ was borne of the Virgin Mary, not God•• but meere man. This impiety (saith hee) was principally opposed by the industry of Cyrill Bishop of Alexandria, and the authority of Pope Celestine. There is no mention of the Councell of Ephesus. But at the yeere 434 in these words, The Synod being assembled at Ephesus, of above 200 Bishops, Nesto∣rius was there condemned, and that heresie which tooke the name from him. There is nothing there for the Popes consent. Martinus Polonus would have af∣forded him a more favourable testimony, for hee saith that the Synod of Ephe∣sus was assembled by the commandement of Pope Celestine and Theodosius the younger. But what can an upstart Historian, who writ not till 250 yeeres afterwards, testifie against so many Acts? Bellarmine knew that well ••∣nough.

26 Nor doe wee finde that the Emperours Valentinian and Martian asked the consent of Pope Leo for the calling of the Councell of Chalcedon. In the first Act whereof it is said, That a Synod was held in Chalcedon, the Metropo∣litane

of Bithinia, by the Decree of the most devout and faithfull Emperours, Va∣lentinian and Martian. The Emperour Martian witnesseth as much himselfe in his constitution for the confirmation of the Councell; For (saith he) who∣soever dare call in question, and publiquely dispute those things which have beene once judged and well determined, hee wrongs the reverend Synod: forasmuch as those things which were agreed upon concerning the Christian faith, by the Cler∣gy assembled in Chalcedon, by our command were determined according to A∣postolicall expositions, &c. And Martinus Polonus saith, The fourth Synod of Chalcedon, consisting of six hundred and thirty Bishops, was holden by the in∣dustry of Pope Leo, and the command of the Emperour Martian. No body de∣nyes but that Councell was assembled by the industry of Leo, who was a sol∣liciter for it; but those Emperours were so farre from desiring his authority and consent, that on the contrary hee used earnest prayers to Theodosius for the obtaining of the Councell; bestowing tears to that end, which hee said were shed for his Clergy: using withall another mans favour in his suit.

27 After the death of Theodosius, Valentinian and Martian were more fa∣vourable unto him: they granted him a Councell after they were petitioned by his Ambassadours. Martian writ a very honest letter unto him, wherof Bel∣larmine now serves himself to prove that the Popes consent is requisite to the calling of Councels, The Emperour (saith hee) intreats the Pope to come and hold the Councell. There is no such intreaty, but only these words, It remaines, that, if it please your Holynesse to come into those parts to celebrate the Councell, you would be pleased to doe so out of religious affection. The Pope by his let∣ters, and by his Legats desired two things; that a Councell might be kept, and that it might bee in Italy: the first he obtained, the second was denyed him. True it is that Martian qualified the denyall with faire words, as that, If hee would not be present at it, hee would tell them so, to the end that they might call the Bishops unto that place which should be pitcht upon, to provide for the Chri∣stian religion, and the Catholique faith, by their decision; as your Holynesse shall determine according to Ecclesiasticall constitutions. I finde no other con∣sent to the calling of it, but such as stands with a petitioner. Indeed seeing he desired it, and that in such manner as we have said, it follows that he con∣sented unto it; but diverse other Bishops have the same plea that he hath, in asmuch as divers times they became petitioners to the Emperours for the hol∣ding of Councels.

28 Bellarmine urgeth a letter written by certaine Bishops of Bursia, wher∣in they say, That many holy Bishops are assembled in Chalcedon, by the command of Pope Leo. But it is a hard case that he would rather trust those poore igno∣ramus's whom the distance of place and inexperience of affaires doth in some sort excuse, than the truth of the Acts. Considering withall that these Bishops speake more in this point than hee would have them; for he standeth only for the Popes consent, and they ascribe unto him the command. Why doth not hee speake as they doe? If they be mistaken in the command why should we beleeve them about the consent? especially seeing they never speake of it?

29 Afterwards he descends to domestique testimonies; as to Pope Gela∣sius his Epistle to the Dardan Bishops: where he saith, That the Apostolique See by her sole authority, decreed that the Councell of Chalcedon should bee hol∣den. Decreed it indeed, but with prayers, intreaties, and teares, with much passionate importunity to the Emperours. See wherein that authority consi∣steth: see how the Popes would make us beleeve it!

30 The same question is concerning the Councell of Sardis; to the convo∣cation whereof Bellarmine pretends that the Popes consent was required, and that by Emperours themselves: Hee takes a great deal of paines to fight a∣gainst

the truth, which hee hath obscured, but not extinguished. Wee can easily evidence to the contrary;

Then (saith Socrates) there was a Generall Councell appointed, that all should repaire to Sardis, a City in Illyri••m, and that by the will and pleasure of the two Emperours; the one by his letters requiring it; the other, who governed in the East•• freely condescending un∣to it.

The Bishops of the same Councell in their letters to all the Churches speake on this manner; At last by the grace of God, the most mild Emperours have assembled this holy Synod out of divers Cities and Provinces, and have suf∣fered it to bee kept in the City of ••ardis. Let us heare wh••t Bellarmine urgeth to the contrary: hee brings a passage out of Socrates, where he saith,

That the Easterne Bishops lay the blame of their absence from the Councell of Sardis upon Pope Iulius, because the time allotted them for their comming was too short.

Whence it follows (saith hee) that the Councell was not called by the Emperour alone, but by Pope Iulius also, yea and that princi∣pally by him. But hee mistakes himselfe in his inference; Pope Iulius was deeply ingaged for Athanasius, hee had written in his behalfe certaine angry letters to the Orientall Bishops assembled at Antioch; gaining nothing at their hands, hee addressed himselfe to the Emperour Constans, and perswaded him to write to his brother Constantius, to send certaine Bishops to Rome to answer for their rejection of Paul and Athanasius: Lastly, after some other accidents which befell about that point, it was decreed by the will and plea∣sure of the two Emperours, that the Bishops of both sides should meet at a day appointed in Sardis, a City of Illyrium. All that wee say is related by So∣zomen, without any intermixing of ought of our owne. So that it is not with∣out good reason that the Easterne Bishops imputed the shortnesse of the time unto the Pope, seeing they had occasion to beleeve that hee had prosecuted and obtained the holding of that Councell without allowing them sufficient space to come thither.

Notes

• The power of calling Coun∣cels.
• Authority of calling Coun∣cels usurped by the Po••e.
• Session. ult. in fin••.
• Counc••ls law∣fully called and not by the Pope.
• Ca••. 1,2, 4,5, 6. dist. 17••
• Eusebius de vl∣ta Constant. l. 3 c 6.

  Theodoret. l. 1. c. 7.

  Ruffin l 10. c 1••

  Hist tripartit. l. 1. c ult l. 3. c. 9. 13. l. 10. cap 2••3.

  Zonaras to. 3. V. Tom. 1. Con••il.

  V. Isidori d••∣cret. Parisus impress. ann. 1524. p. 79. Et ann. 1535. p. 74.

  Et confer cum collectione Concilior••m Generalium Edit. Colon. 1537. p. 314. Et an•• 155••
• Councels cal∣led by the Em∣pe••our Constan∣tine.
• Theodoret. l. 5. c. 6
• ••xtat. haec epist. in libello con∣stitut••onum Synodalium. Tom. 1. Concil.
• Councels cal∣led by the Em∣perour Th••odo∣sius.
• Theod. l. 5. c. ••••
• Extat inter Acta Concil. Aquileiensis Tom 1. Concit
• The third Ge∣nerall Councel not called by the Pope.
• Socrates l. 7. c. 34.
• Evagrius l. 1. c. 3.
• Niceph. l. 14. ••. ••4.
• V. Libel. Consti∣tut. Synodal. Tom. 1. Concil. Et Acta Concil. Ephe••ini.
• Bellarmines p••••-offs refuted
• Prosper in Chron.
• Martinus Polo∣nus in Celestino sub ann. 42••.
• Act. 1. Concil. Chalc. Tom. 1. Concil.
• The Cou••cell of Chalcedon not called by the Po••e.
• L. 3. C de sum. t••••m.
• Extat haec epist inter epist praeambulares Concil. Chal ced. Tom. 2. Concil. p. 126.
• Councels cal∣led by Empe∣rours.
• Extat h••c e∣pistola in libel∣lo Constitution•• Synodalium to. 2. Concil.

  Et in fragmen∣tis Pithoeani••. Et apud Theo∣dorat l. 2. c. 8. Et apud atha∣nas. apolog. 2.
• Sozomen l. 3•• cap. 9 &. 10.