A short compend of the historie of the first ten persecutions moued against Christians divided into III. centuries. Whereunto are added in the end of euery centurie treatises arising vpon occasion offered in the historie, clearely declaring the noveltie of popish religion, and that it neither flowed from the mouthes of Christs holy Apostles, neither was it confirmed by the blood of the holy martyrs who died in these ten persecutions.

A TREATISE, Of the authoritie of COUNCILS.

IN the first three hundreth yeeres of our LORD, Councils were few in number, and ve∣rie obscure, and few of them had great authori∣tie, except the Councill holden in HIERUSA∣LEM, by the Apostles: yet was the first age af∣ter CHRIST the golden age, whether wee consider doctrine or maners: in doctrine more sincere, in maners more vnre∣proueable then any age after following, in so much, that all the accusations forged against their doctrine and conuersation, were but calumnies and lyes. The banquets of Thyestes, and the chambring of Oedipus, perpetually objected to the Chri∣stians of the primitiue Church, what were they but, cauilla∣tions, in thinges whereof they had no vnderstanding? They knew not what the spirituall eating of the flesh of CHRIST did meane, neither knew they how necessary it was for Chri∣stians to keepe holy assemblies in the night time, when they had not libertie to doe it in the day time. And they spake euill of things they could not, nor would not comprehende, as the Gracians and Romanes counted the Hebrues Barbarians, because they had no regard to vnderstand their language. But out of all question, the first age was the golden age of the worlde, after it was renewed by the comming of CHRIST: in doing of good more willing, in suffering of euill more patient then anie age that followed the first 300. yeeres of our LORD: And that thing where into the primitiue Church seemeth to be infe∣riour to posteriour times, to wit, in number and splendor of Councils, in that same point it hath a prerogatiue, such as Iuda, had ouer Israel: there were more altars in Israel then in Iuda, but that one altar in Hierusalem was better then all their altars. And the Councill holden in Hierusalem, by the Apostles, in the dayes of the Emperour Claudius, was better then all the Coun∣cils either Generall or Nationall, that euer were gathered since those dayes.

Now before I speake in particular of th•…•… necessitie of Coun∣cils, of their authoritie, of the abuse of Councils, and power to conuocate them, and who should haue vote in Councils, some∣what is to bee premitted concerning the name giuen vnto G•…•…∣nerall or Nationall assemblies. Gratianus busieth himselfe in ma∣nie vnnec•…•…ssarie thinges, and in this also, to secke out the Ety∣mologie of the Latine word Concilium: and hee deduceth it from the word Cilium, called in the Greeke language 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, the eye lid, and the compound word Concilium signifieth the companie of men, who agree in one minde, as the eye liddes doe, when they couer the eyes, they couer both together, and when they open againe to giue place vnto the sight of the eyes, they open both at once. And so Gratianus thinketh, that Conci∣lium is Coelus consentientium, that is, a company of men, who agree in one mind. The fourth Councill of Garthage requireth, beside consent and agreement in one minde, a consent to the veritie and trueth of GOD: therefore they say, that the assemblie of Heretiques should not bee called Concilium, but Conciliabulum. But in acurate seeking out of Etymologies scarce can Plato him∣selfe in his Dialogue called Cratylus, escape the blame of cu∣riositie: the Greeke word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is plainer, and is borrowed by the Latinists, who usually call a Councill Synodus, and it is used in this sence to betoken a meeting of men in spitituall of∣fices, for timous suppressing of corruptions, either in Doctrine or maners, springing vp into the Church.

The necessitie of Counc•…•…ls may bee proued by these argu∣ments following: First, those ordinarie meanes which the Pro∣phets and Apostles, who had their callin•…•… and gifts immediatly from GOD, did use for suppressing of false doctrine and cor∣rupt maners, should of necessitie continue in the Church: But so it is, that conuentions & assemblies was one of these ordinary meanes, ergo, they should continue in the Church. The seconde part of the argument is proued by the example of the great as∣semblie gathered at Silo in the dayes of Iosua, to suppresse the apparent defection of the Reubenites, Gadites, and halfe tribe of Manasses, from the true worship of GOD, as seemed vnto them. And this Assemblie had allowance of GOD, foras∣much as it was ordered with wisedome: the glory of GOD

was onely respected, and the ende of it was peace in IS∣RAEL.

Next the great assemblie of the ten tribes at mount Carmell, procured by Helias the Prophet, but gathered by the comman∣dement of Achab the king of Israel, declareth, that assemblies of Church-men and others of chiefe authoritie, was an ordina∣rie meane to reforme abuses in Religion: albeit no reformation followed after this assemblie, yet the enemies of the true Reli∣gion were conuicted in their consciences, false teachers were dis∣graced and punished, and the zeale of Helias toward the glory of GOD had allowance by a miracle of fire from Heauen.

In like maner Samuel by gathering a great assemblie of all Is∣rael at Mizpah, procured a reformation, both in Religion and maners amongst them: Dauid, in transporting the Arke to the citie of Dauid: Salomon, in the dedication of the Temple; both used the support of holie assemblies gathered to that effect.

And in the new Testament the Apostles, Elders, and Deacons met together in an holie assemblie at Hierusalem, and timouslie suppressed the doctrine of false teachers, who affirmed, that the Gentiles could not bee saued by faith in CHRIST onely, except they had also beene circumcised, and kept the law of Moses. All these examples, and manie more, contained in holy Scripture, teach vs, that the meeting of holie assemblies, was an ordina∣rie meane to suppresse corruption in doctrine and maners, and to aduance the kingdome of GOD.

Secondlie, that thing which godlie Emperours did for the suppressing of Heresies, following the examples of the Prophets & Apostles (especiallie when no better meanes could be found out) is necessarilie to bee obserued. But so it is, that the godlie Emperours Constantine, Theodosius, Valentinian the third, and Theo∣dosius the second the sonne of Arcadius, and Martianus conuo∣cated Councils for suppressing of the Heresies of Arrius, Ma∣cedonius, Nestorius, and Eutyches: and no better meanes could be found out, neither as yet can bee founde out, for suppressing of Heresies: Therefore the custome of conuocating Councils at times requisite, is necessarilie to bee obserued.

Other arguments, albeit they haue not so necessarie a conse∣cution as the former, notwithstanding they proue, that lawfull

Councils are a terrour to the kingdome of the Deuill, and that the instrumentes of Sathan, such as Iulian the Apostate (who permitted no Councils to be assembled in time of his gouerne∣ment) are haters of free and lawfull conuocated assemblies. And incase good men fortuned to bee assembled together, by any occasion, as it happened in the Councils of Millan and Ari∣minum, in the dayes of the Emperour Constantius, the indeuours of the Emperour sometimes to circumueene, at other times to terrifie, or to wearie the honest mindes of vpright men, plainely testified, that hee was afraide of the sentence definitiue of a law∣full Councill. Therefore let vs thinke with our heart, and say with our mouth, that lawfull assemblies are necessary for the furtherance of the Kingdome of GOD.

Concerning the authoritie of Councils (which is the princi∣pall subject of this Treatise) there are three diuerse opinions. Some with excessiue praises aduance Councils, and count them equall to holie Scripture: namelie, the foure first Generall Councils, The Councill of Nice, Constantinople, Ephesus, and Chalcedon: and they compare them vnto the foure Euangels, and to the foure Riuers of Paradise. Others doe vilipende Councils, and striue against them, for euerie light cause, as the Arrians did against the Councill of Nice, for that one worde 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because it was not founde in Scripture. The third opinion is of those, who neither will vilipende Councils, nor equall them to sacred Scripture, because holie Scripture is absolutelie, and without all contradiction, to bee bel•…•…eued: but Councils may bee cor•…•…ected one by another, as namelie, Nationall Councils, by Generall Councils, and anterior Ge∣nerall Councils, by posterior, at such times as thinges that were hidden from the vnderstanding of men before, are brought to a more manifest light and notorious knowledge. And in this opinion is that holy Father AUGUSTINE, in his bookes written against the Donatists.

Now they who were in the first opinion, to wit, that the first foure Generall Councils were equall vnto the writinges of the foure Euangelists, euery one of them leaned vpon an vnsure and deceitfull ground, and so it came to passe, that they were both deceiued themselues, and likewise they deceiued others: For

Gratianus was the bolder so to speake, because Pope Gregorie had spoken the •…•…ame before him: & Pope Gregorie spake so, because hee had a resolution in his owne minde, to bee obedient to the acts of the Councill of Nice. O, but after him there commeth in a succession of Popes, who will not bee content to bee ru∣led with the Canons of the Councill of Nice, albeit they spake as Gregorie spake, yet they did not as Gregorie did: for they usur∣ped jurisdiction aboue all the rest of the Patriarches, expresse contrarie to the Canons of the Councill of Nice, wherein it is statuted and ordained, that the Bishop of Alexandria shoulde attende vpon the Churches of Aegypt, and the Bishop of Rome should attende vpon the towne of Rome, and the suburbicarie Churches, according to the custome ob•…•…erued of old. What is this els, but a mocking of the world, in word to •…•…ay, that the 4. first Generall Councils are like vnto the 4. Euangelists, and in deed manifestly to transgresse the ordinances of the Councill of Nice? Are not the Bishops of Rome in this case like vnto Theophi∣lus B▪ of Alexandria, when a great number of Monks came from the Wildernesse of Nitria to Alexandria, of purpose to slay him? Theophilus met them, and with pleasant wordes mitigated their wrath: for hee s•…•…id vnto them, Brethren, I see your faces, as the face of God. This he said, not because he had a good liking of them, but rather to bee free of their danger. So doeth Gelatius, and other Bishops of Rome, speake reuerent•…•…y of the Councill of Nice, to the end, that the sixt Canon foresaide, which they haue so manifestly transgressed, may bee ouer-passed with the more fauourable pardoning of the transgressours, because they speake good of the Councill. If this bee a good forme of dealing, let the wise Reade•…•… judge. The Hypocrites also will praise the Law∣giuer, to wit, the eternal GOD, but they wil not be obedient vn∣to his Lawe: yea, they will take his Holy Couenant in their mouthes, yet they hate to bee reformed. But the Romane Bis∣shops should doe well, either to bragge lesse of the Nicene Coun∣cill, or els to be more obedient vnto the acts thereof. Moreouer if the 4. first General Councils be like vnto the 4. bookes of the Euang•…•…l, then is it as great a sin to falsifie the acts of the Coun. of Nice, as to falsifie the Gospel of IESUS CHRIST, according to S. Ma•…•…hew. But so it is, that the Bishops of Rome for desire

of preheminence, falsified the acts of the Councill of Nice, al∣leadging an act of that Councill whereby the Bishops of Rome were ordained to bee Iudges of appellation, whensoeuer anie man did appeale from his owne ordinarie Bishop, then shoulde his cause bee judg•…•…d by the Bishop of Rome. But when all the principall Registers were sighted by the Councill of Carth•…•…ge, no such constitution was founde in the Canons of the Councill of Nice (for it was but an act of the Councill of Sardica, and that both temporall and personall, as wee haue before declared.) Therefore the sixt Councill of Carthage ordained such persons to bee excommunicated, as should at anie time hereafter ap∣peale from their owne ordinarie Bishop, to anie Bishop beyond sea, meaning inspeciall of the Bishop of Rome, because the que∣stion agitat in the late Councils of Carthage was concerning his authoritie.

The second opinion concerning the authority of Councils, is the opinion of Heretiques, who altogether vilipend the autho∣r•…•…tie of good Councils, albeit they haue weyed mens opinions in the just ballance of the holy Scripture on•…•…ly, and haue reje∣cted no doctrine, but that onely, which being weyed in that most perfect ballance, is found light, Concerning these men, it is superfluous to speake much, they are like vnto dogges, whose friendship goeth by acquaintance, and is not ordered by rea∣son, and therefore if a friend come to the house, hee barketh at him, because hee hath not seene him before: but incase hee see a thiefe, and prodigall waster of all the substance of his maisters house, hee will not barke against him, if so bee hee bee familiar∣lie acquainted with him: euen so notable Heretiques, they raile against the trueth of GOD, euidently proued by Scriptu•…•…e, and confirmed by authoritie of Councils, onelie because they are well acquainted with the lye, and they are strangers from the trueth of GOD.

The third opinion is best of all the rest, forasmuch as by it neither are Councils vilipended, nor yet honoured out of mea∣sure: but they are regarded in so farre as they speake that thing which GOD hath spoken in his sacred Scriptures before them. No greater honour did the Councill of all Councils conu•…•…ened at Hierusalem, desire, wherein the Apostles were pres•…•…nt, who were

taught in all trueth by the holy Spirit, yet did they not pr•…•…tende the war•…•…and of the Spirit, without the warrand of the writt•…•…n word of GOD: and therefore their ordinances were worthie to bee obeyed, because the warrand of the Holy Spirit, and the warrand of the Holy Scripture and Apostolicke autho•…•…itie, all concurring together, gaue a full grace to the Councill of Hie∣rus•…•…lem. For this cause, in the famous Councill of Nice, all their constitutions haue not a like reuerence: the sentence pronoun∣ced against Arrius, was well confirmed by testimonies of hol•…•…e Scripture: but in appointing Patriarches, in attributing vnto them jurisdiction, and power to conuocate Councils within th•…•…ir owne bounds, for timous suppressing of Heresies, they bring no testimonie of Scripture, but in stead of Scripture they set downe 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, Let ancient customes haue place. The Councill of Nice in this point did as Iosua did, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a couenant with the Gibeoni•…•…es, but consulted not w•…•…th th•…•…m 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the LORD: Euen so the Coun•…•…ill of Nice in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…o g•…•…eat pre•…•…eminence to a few men, they consulted not with Holy Scripture, which warn•…•…th Pastors to feede the flocke of GOD, which •…•…ependeth vpon them. And the issue declared, that G•…•…D gaue not such a blessing to the constituting of Patriar∣ch•…•…s, as hee gaue to the condemnatour sentence pronounced against A•…•…rius: For whereas they imagined, that these Patriar∣ches 〈◊〉〈◊〉 great authoritie, shoulde timously gather Synodes, and suppresse H•…•…reticall doctrine: it fell ou•…•… by the contrary, that the Patriarches were the chiefe Here•…•…iques themselues, and chiefe defenders of Heresie, such as Macedonius and Nestorius, Patriarches of Constantino•…•…le, both damned for Heresie, the one in the Counci•…•…l of Constantinople, the other in the Council of Ephe∣sus: In like maner Honorius Patriarch of Rome, Cyrus Patriarch of Alexandria, Macarius Patriarch of Antiochia, with Sergius Pyr∣hu•…•… and Paulus, Pa•…•…riarches of Constantinople, were al condemned of Heresie, in the sixt Generall Councill holden at Constantino∣•…•…le, ANNO 681.

O•…•… this that I haue already spoken, it is euident, that the best way whereby Generall or Nationall Councils may maintaine t•…•…eir authoritie, and bee reuerently regarded, is this, if in all t•…•…eir determinations they set before them the bookes of Holie

Scripture, and conforme all their definitiue sentences to the wisedome which they haue learned out of the volume of those holy bookes, following the example of the Church of Antiochia, who remitted the decision of harde questions, wherewith they were troubled, to the mouthes of the Apostles of IESUS CHRIST. And seeing wee haue not the Prophets and Apostles personal∣lie present in our time, the next is to haue recourse vnto the writinges of the Prophets and Apostles, whereby the LORD speaketh nowe to vs, as hee spake of olde time by the personall presence of the Prophets and Apostles to our Fathers. And it is certaine, that these of Antiochia went vp vnto Hierusalem, not for any prerogatiue the towne had, but because the Apostles were in Hierusalem. And wheresoeuer wee see the Apostolicke doctrine vnuiolably obserued, in that place let vs seeke resolu∣tion of all our doubtes: and if the Apostolicke doctrine be de∣parted from Hierusalem it selfe, it is but a denne of theeues, as CHRIST saieth, Matth. 21. 13. and if it bee departed from Rome, then is Rome it selfe spirituall Babylon, it is an habitation of Deuils, and the Hold of all foule spirits, and a cage of euery vncleane & hatefull bird, and the constitutions that come from Rome are not to bee regarded.

Notwithstanding of this, the Councils that hath casten the Apostolicke doctrine behinde their backe, they haue guarded themselues with another kind of armour, and they indeuour to haue credite and reuerence by the multitude of Princes, people, and learned Doctors, assenting to the determinations of their Councils, & by the multitude of Anathemaes (more in number then those that were pronounced out of mount Eball) whereby they deliuer to the Deuill, and that in most prodigall forme, all those that will not assent vnto their Decretes By these meanes (I say) & such like, they purchase authoritie, reuerence, and cre∣dite to their late Councils. Neuerthelesse there is one curse in Holy Scripture, more to bee feared then all the curses of the Councill of Trent, namely that which Paul pronounceth in these wordes, But though that wee, or an Angell from Heauen, preach vnto you otherwise then that which wee haue preached vnto you, let him be accursed. And like as Aarons rod deuoured the Serpents of the Sorcerers of Aegypt, albeit in number they were many, euen

so this one curse swalloweth vp all their curses pronounced against innocent people, because they will not depart in a jot from the rule of wholsome & Apostolicke doctrine. In like ma∣ner it is said by Moses, Cursed bee hee that confirmeth not all the words of this Lawe, to doe them. Consequently, blessed are they, who firmely adhereth vnto the Law of GOD. And by no autho∣ritie of Princes, Nations, Councils, or Doctors, will bee with∣drawne from the Law of GOD. And this BULLINGER hath wisely obserued in these wordes, Tametsi caeat totus hic mun∣dus, minime tamen potest creatura qu•…•…quam contra verbum creator is statuere, neque decreta DEI aeterni abrogare. Neque valet hic eru∣ditio, aut multitudo, aut sanctitas, aut ulla denique authoritas, nam loquente DOMINO DEO universorum, merito conticescit omni•…•… caro. SAMUEL certe dicebat, loquere DOMINE, quoniam au∣dit servus tu•…•…s: that is, albeit all the uniuersitie of this worlde shoulde bee assembled together, yet the creature can ordaine nothing against the worde of the Creator: neither can they abrogate the Decretes of the Eternall GOD, neither can learning, multitude, holynesse, or anie kinde of authoritie auaile in this matter: for when the GOD of all creatures speaketh, then justly all flesh shoulde keepe silence. SAMUEL indeede saide, Speake, LORD, for thy seruant heareth. Like∣wise hee bringeth in a worthie sentence, of PANORMI∣TANE, a famous Iurist, saying, that greater credite shoulde bee giuen to a Laike-man, speaking the trueth according to Holie Scripture, then to a whole Generall Councill, speaking a lye contrarie to Scripture.

Moreouer, albeit there were worthie Assemblies holden in SILO, MISPAH, and CARMEL, in the dayes of the Prophets, yet the Prophets are verie sparing to use argumentes t•…•…ken from the authoritie of these Assemblies: but the Pro∣phets leade the people continuallie to the Lawe of GOD, as to the right grounde and Fountaine of all lawfull Councils: so that their ordinarie speach is this: This saieth the LORD, and not, this saieth the Assemblie gathered at MISPAH, SI∣LO, or CARMEL: they were so farre from equalling Coun∣cils to the Lawe of GOD, that whensoeuer they did de∣sire reformation of the people, then they laide before them the

Law of GOD, but not the authority of Councils, whose autho∣rity is nothing els but borrowed from the Law of GOD: and therefore whosoeuer aduanc•…•…th C•…•…uncils so high, that they would equall Councils to Holy Scripture, in my opinion, they are not well acquainted with the Scriptures of GOD. In the new Testament mention is made how Paul and Silas, visiting the Churches where Paul and Barnabas had preached before, they deliuered them the Decrees to keepe, ordained of the Apostles and El∣ders, which were at Hierusalem. Heere mention is made of the De∣crees of a most worthie Councill, but heerewith remember two thinges: First, the Decrees of such a Councill, whereinto many Apostles were present, who were taught in all trueth by the Ho∣lie Spirit, according to the prediction of CHRIST. Secondly, Paul and Silas were not now planting Churches in Asia the lesse, but they were wa•…•…ing and visiting the Churches already plan∣ted: and no man denieth, but the authoritie of good Councils is profitable to confirme men in the trueth of GOD. But it is the doctrine of the Holy Scripture of GOD, that begetteth Faith in the soules of men. Therefore let the Holy Scriptures of GOD haue the first and principall honour, and no man will be offended, that good Councils be regarded in their owne ranke.

In the next head let vs speake of the abuses of Councils, they are manifold: But the first and principall abuse of Coun∣cils, I thinke to bee this, when the very end wherefore they were wont to bee gathered is inuerted. Of old Councils were gathe∣red to suppresse Heresies and Schismes: But when they are ga∣thered to maintaine Hereticall doctrine, or to strengthen the handes of Schismatiques, directly or indirectly, this is a great abuse of Councils. Like as the Councill of Ariminum was as∣sembled for confirmation of the Arrian Heresie, & the second Councill of Ephesus gaue allowance to the errour of Eutyches. The Councils of Tyrus & Millan indirectly in labouring to sup∣presse Athanasius, were in verie deede supplanting the true Faith which Athanasius professed. There is infinite difference betwixt Nimrod and Nehemiah, and betwixt Babel and Hierusalem. In the re-edifying of Hierusalem there was a purpose to glorifie GOD: but in building Babell there was a farre contrarie in∣tention.

Secondly, Councils are abused, when they take libertie to statute and ordaine any thing repugnant to the Holy Scriptures of GOD, whether it be in forbidding to doe that thing which the Scripture licentiateth to bee done, or in allowing thinges disallowed in Holy Scripture. This abuse began very early, euen in the famous Councill of Nice, wherein they forbid men, who are conuerted to Christian Religion, and are baptized in the Name of CHRIST, to returne againe to the warre-fare, as if these two thinges were repugnant to be a warriour and a Chri∣stian. Did not Dauid, Iosaphat, and Iosias, fight the battels of the LORD? and in so doing, they made not defection from the Couenant of GOD. Was not Cornelius both a Centurion and a Christian? And Iohn Baptist, when hee was demanded of the Souldiours, what they should doe, did hee command them to forsake their calling? and not rather to use it aright, that is, to doe violence to no man, neither accuse any falsly, and to bee content with their wages. And was it lawfull to militate vnder the banner of Augustus and Tiberius? And shall it be found vn∣lawfull to fight vnder the banner of Constantine, a most Christian Emperour? In my judgement this was too much libertie, that the Councill of Nice tooke vnto themselues, to disallowe anie calling that in Holy Scripture is not disallowed, except onelie the abuse of it. And of olde the Iewes made no Conscience to fight vnder the banner of Alexander the Great, whome hee ho∣noured also with 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, with equall honour and free∣dome of Burgeship with the Graecians, in the principall towne of Aegypt, called Alexandria, builded by himselfe. But this con∣stitution of the Councill of Nice might bee excused, because all thinges that are lawfull are not also expedient, & possibly they haue seene at that time great danger to Christian mens salua∣tion in warre-fare (vnknowne to vs) and therefore they tooke boldnesse to forbid Christians to goe to warrefare. But manie other Councils, both Nationall and (called by the Romane Church) generall, haue allowed thinges expressely forbidd•…•…n in the written word of GOD, such as adoration of Images, and the sapramacie of the Bishop of Rome, not only ouer all Pastors, but also a souereignitie in ciuill thinges, ouer the Emperour, and Princes of the earth, which is an vnsufferable disorder, to make

the taile the head, & the head the taile. In particular I speake of the Councils holden at Rome, by Gregorius the seconde, and Gregorius the thirde, and Stephanus the thirde: and the seconde Councill of Nice, holden in the seuenth yeere of the Empresse Irene, with the consent and procuration of Adrian Bishop of Rome, ANNO 790. The vnhappie Generall Councill of Vienne, ass•…•…mbled by Clemens the fift, ANNO 1311. whereinto it is statu∣ted and ordained, that the Emperour shall giue his oath of al∣leadgeance to the Pope, to whom hee is no lesse inferiour, then the Moone is infinitely inferiour vnto the splendor of the Sun. Can any thing bee spoken more repugnant to the seconde pre∣cept of the first Table, and the first precept of the seconde Ta∣ble, then the Decretes of the Councils foresaid.

Therefore let euerie Christian man thinke of Councils as they thinke of Riuers of water, which are verie profitable so long as they hold themselues within the compasse of their owne accustomed bankes: but if they swell and by vntimous inun∣dation ouer-flowe their owne accustomed boundes, then are they verie hurtfull to the neere adjacent fieldes. Enen so Coun∣cils that take libertie to allowe any thing disallowed in Holie Scripture, are very pernicius and hurtfull.

Thirdly, Councils are miserably abused, when they are bla∣med vnjustly and without a cause. The Arrians moste vnjustly blamed the Councill of Nice, for the worde 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because this word is not found in Scripture: Neuerthelesse the matter it selfe expressed by this word is manifestly cōtained in Scripture: as namely, when the Apostie Iohn saith, There are three which bear•…•… recorde in Heauen, the FATHER, the WORD, and the Holie GHOST: and these three are one. but the Arrians who blamed the Coun. most wrongfully, said, there was a time wherein the Sonne was not existant: and that Deuilish opinion neither in word, nor in matter, is to bee found in Scripture.

Moreouer, Councils are abused, when as their authoritie is impared not with solide reasons, taken out of the Scrip•…•…ures of GOD, but rather with the railing speaches of contentious men▪ like as a number of Heretiques called Acephali, with tumultua∣rie murmuring and crying out against the Councill of Chalce∣don, dispersed themselues heere and there, and left not off their

vngodly courses, vntill a new Heresie of the Monothelites, an vngracious budde of the rotten and cutted-downe stocke of the Heresie of Eutyches did arise. But no man aught to contende against Councils, with pride of a contentious minde, but ra∣ther with humilitie of a modest minde search out, whether their Ordinances bee agreeable to the booke of GOD, or not.

Finally, Councils are abused, when they who are assembled together are transported with incertainetie of doubtfull opi∣nions, so that albeit they bee met together, to settle others in the certainetie of the true Faith, yet they themselues are so wa∣uering minded, that they can neuer bee at rest. Like as the Ar∣rians, not content with the summe of Faith set downe at Nice, assembled themselues many times, & set downe 9. diuers formes of Faith, as Socrates recordeth: yet coulde they neuer agree vp∣on one certaine forme of Faith, which they woulde not alter. Likew•…•…se in the affaires of Discipline, so great discrepance of opinion was founde, that neither Councill agreede with Coun∣cill, nor Bishop with Bishop, nor yet Bishops with Councils.

The Councill of Ancyra thought expedient for order ta∣king with those who had sacrificed vnto Idoles in time of per∣secution, that vnto Bishops should bee adjoined Chorepiscopi, that is, Countrey Bishops, or Landward Bishops, to whom they gaue not power to ordaine Elders and Deacons, but onely Readers, and Subdeacons. Damasus Bishop of Rome coulde not agree to this subordinate order of Bishops called Chorepiscopi. The Coun∣cils of Neocaesarea & Antiochia, liked of this forme of gouerna∣ment. Other Councils in not making mention of this name de∣clared their misliking: so that this abuse likewise of diuersity of opinions (frequently altered) both in Doctrine and Discipline, impaired much the authoritie of Councils.

Before I declare who hath power to conuocate Generall & Nationall Councils, something is to bee premitted concerning the assemblies vpon the LORDS holy Sabboths. These assemblies of all other were counted moste holy: in so much, that when the Princes of the people of Israel were to conueene with Moses, to consult concerning matters of ciuil gouernament, they were warned so to doe by the blowing of one of the siluer trumpets

onely: but when both the siluer trumpets did blowe, then the people were warned to conueene at the doore of the Taberna∣cle, for the exercise of diuine seruice, which as it was of all Con∣uentions most holy, so in like maner it was foresignisied in most solemne maner. These holy meetinges were warranded by the LORDES expresse commandement, Remember the Sabboth day, to keepe it holy, &c. And in the new Testament, Christians hauing receiued power to meete together in CHRISTES Name, with promise that CHRIST woulde bee amongst them, they con∣ueened secretely, to the hearing of the worde, and ministration of the Sacramentes, albeit they were most straitely inhibited so to doe, by the Edictes of persecuting Tyrantes: and these who were comprehended and put to death for their conuentions & profession, they died Holy Martyres, how soeuer the Pagans did put them to death as traitors, because they disobeyed the Em∣perours commandement, both in their conuentions and pro∣fession. Yet this ground beeing once laide, that they died Holy Martyrs, it wil follow that Christians haue power to conucene, to heare the worde preached (especially vpon the LORDES day) albeit all the Princes of the worlde woulde forbid them to meete. And this libertie granted by CHRIST, and sealed vp by the blood of innumerable martyrs, Confirmed also by the lawes of Christian Princes, euer since the reigne of Constantine, it will continue vnto the blessed appearance of the LORD IE∣SUS, to judge the world, albeit all the enemies of the Gospell of CHRIST shoulde grinde their teeth, and fret against this libertie.

These fore-saide weekely conuentions are necessarie at all times, and in all ages, euen albeit there were no H•…•…retique nor Scismatique in the worlde, to diuert people from the trueth of GOD, because euen the best of vs all is but like vnto a barren husbandrie, that hath neede continually to bee dressed, and la∣boured, and watered with the streames of the riuers of the San∣ctuarie of our GOD, lest wee wither in the barrennesse of a cor∣rupt nature. But Councils Generall or Nationall are not ne∣cessarie at all times, but onely when the peace of the Church is troubled with Heresie and Schisme, or an uniuersall ouer-sprea∣ding scab of corrupt maners: and at such times it is meete that

Pastors acquaint the supreame Magistrate with the danger, who hath not neede at all times to conuocate a Councill, except the maladie that hee would rem•…•…die be vnsupportable. After this wise forme of dealing did Constantine send Osius Bishop of Cordu∣ba to Aegypt, to see if by his trauels the Heresie and Schisme springing vp in Alexandria, could bee timously suppressed: but when the good Emperour sawe that this Gangrene dayly in∣creased, then there was no remedie, but to gather a Generall Councill for suppressing of Heresie, and for keeping of intestine peace into the Church of CHRIST.

Now to proue that Nationall and Generall Councils ought to bee gathered by Monarches and Princes: In the olde Testa∣ment the great Conuentions at Carmell, Silo, and Mizpeh, were assembled by Princes: and the assembly conueened at Mizpeh by Samuel, hee gathered it, as a ciuill Gouernor of the land, and not in so farre as hee was a Prophet, for as yet Saul was not al∣lowed by the people to bee king. The Conuention appointed at Gilgal, was with the expresse consent and allowance of King Saul, who was also personally present at that Assemblie. In the new Testament the assembly of the Apostles at Hierusalem, albeit it was gathered without the knowledge and allowance of the Emperour Cluadius, in whose time it was assembled: Yet the Apostles had such extraordinary warrandes of the Spirite, such extraordinary giftes, and their painefull trauels fell in such an extraordinary time, when there was no Christian Magistrate fauouring the Gospel, that hee who furnished vnto them cou∣rage to preach without libertie granted vnto them by Princes, furnished also courage and grace vnto them to meete at Hieru∣salem, for the well of the Church, without the fore-knowledge and allowance of the Emperour Claudius. But thinges done ex∣traordinarily, leane vnto their owne extraordinary warrandes, and are no impediment to vs to proceede, and to speake of thinges that are ordinary.

And it is to be noted, that euen during the time of the 10. Per∣secutions, Christians neglected not to seeke the support of Em∣perours against Heretiques, whē it could be obtained, as cleare∣lie appeareth by the ninth Persecuting Emperour Aurelian, who with his ciuil authority assisted the Synode of Antiochia, against

Samosatenus, as hath beene declared in the thirde CENTU∣RIE, and the Church had craued the support of the Empe∣rours authoritie to that effect.

From the dayes of the Emperour Constanti•…•…e, vntill the yeere of our LORD 1215. the Emperours were in use to conuo∣cate Councils. But Innocentius the thirde, to whose tuterie Fredericke the seconde was recommended, by his father Henrie the sixt, more like to the successour of Iudas, then the succes∣sour of Peter, made Otto Duke of Saxon Emperour in prejudice of Fredericke, vntill the spirit of dissention fell betwixt Otto and Pope Innocentius the thirde. Then was Otto excommunicated, and the Empire was giuen to Fredericke the seconde, to whom it rightly belonged. Notwithstanding Pope Innocentius tooke vp∣on him boldnes to conuocate the Generall Councill of Lateran wherein Popish Transsubstantiation did get allowance) the like whereof no Pope preceeding his time euer persumed to doe.

Now I demande of these, who defende the Popish Religion, and herewithall continually bragge of Antiquitie, whether or no this bee an ancient custome, that the Bishops of Rome should conuocate Generall Councils? The Historie is so euident and cleare, that hee who is not altogether effronted, will grant, that it was not an ancient custome, that the Bishop of Rome shoulde conuocate Generall Councils, and no Pope did it before Inno∣centius the thirde. Gratianus according to his foolish and flatte∣ring forme of writing, bringeth in the testimonie of Iulius the first, affirming that no Councill is or shall bee firme and sure without the allowance of the chaire of Rome. What shall wee then say of the Councill of H•…•…erusalem, holden by the Apostles before there was any Bishop of Rome to giue allowance vnto it? Notwithstanding, euen Pope Iulius himselfe, when hee writeth to the Bishops gathered in the Councill of Antiochia, hee bla∣meth them with manie faultes, yet hee chargeth them not with this, that they had assembled themselues together without li∣cence obtained from him, but rather for this, that they had not required him, or his messengers, to be present at their assembly, Whereby it is euident, that it was not an ancient custome, that the Bishop of Rome shoulde conuocate all Generall and Natio∣nall Councils.

With the like arrogancie the Bishops of Rome tooke vpon themselues to bee Moderators of Councils, from thee yeere of our LORD 1215. vntill our dayes. And this is another no∣ueltie, which the Romane Bishop coulde not bring in, vntill hee had troden the Emperours authoritie vnder foote. In the Councill of Nice Eustatius Bishop of Antiochia was Moderator. In the second Generall Councill holden at Constantinople, Grego∣rius Bishop of the great Towne at that time was President. In the third Coun. conueened at Ephesus, Cyrillus bishop of Alexan∣dria was Moderator. In the fourth conueened at Chalcedon in Bithinia, Lucentius, Pascasianus, and Bonifacius, messengers sent from Leo Bishop of Rome, had the presidencie. This is the first time whereinto the B. of Rome, either in his owne person, or by his Agent, moderated any Generall Councill: And at this time who can say that the Counc. of Chalcedon was assembled by the commandement of Leo B. of Rome? When as in the very fronte∣spice of the Councill it is written, Ex Decreto piissimorum & fide∣lissimorum Imperatorum Valentiniani & Martiani, &c. Moreouer it is euident by reading the Epistles of Leo, that hee intraited for this fauour at the Emperours hand, that the Generall Coun∣cill might haue beene conueened in Italie, which hee needed not to haue done if by his owne authority he had power to conuo∣cate Generall Councils. It is well obserued by that worthy and learned writer of France, Philip Morney that Baronius for excessiue desire hee hath to proue that Leo had power to assemble Gene∣rall Councils, he changeth the Orthographie of the Latine lan∣guage, and in stead of Consilium Synodi Generalis indiximus, hee ci∣teth Concisilium Synodi Generalis injuximus. It is true, that Leo B. of Rome gaue aduice and counsell both to Theodosius, and to Martianus, to gather a Generall Councill, but he had no power to appoint & command that it should bee kept. But this power belonged to the Emperour. Baronius will not proue his pur∣pose so easilie, as by stealing in the letter C, in place of the let∣ter S. The fi•…•…t Generall Councill was assembled in Constanti∣nople, by the commandement of the Emperour Iustinian, and not by the commandement of Vigilius B. of Rome, neither was Vigilius Moderator in this Councill, but Eutychius B. of Constan∣tinople gouerned the Assemblie.

The sixt Generall Councill was assembled by the comman∣dement of the Emperour Constantinus Pogonatus, and was perfe∣cted by the commandement of Iustinianus the second his sonne. Sergius Bishop of Rome, did not appoint this Councill to be kee∣ped, neither woulde hee giue allowance to the determinations of this Councill, because in it the constitutions of the Romane Church concerning prohibition of Marriage, were disallowed: Notwithstanding his Agent, who was present in Constantinople, and compeared in his name, gaue consent, and subscribed the Acts of the sixt Generall Councill, but stolide (saieth Platina) that is, foolishly, writing with flattering stile pleasant things to the Bishops of Rome.

For d•…•…cision of the question concerning worshipping of Ima∣ges 3. great Councils were gathered, one by Constantinus Copro∣nymus, at Constantinople: another by the Empresse Irene, at Nice: the third by the Emperour Carolus Magnus, at Francf•…•…ra: which of them soeuer shall bee founde the seuenrh Generall Council, alwayes none of these three was gathered by the commande∣ment of the Bishop of Rome, neither was hee Moderator in anie of them.

The eight Generall Council was assembled by the comman∣dement of Basilius Emperour of Constantinople: but the Ambas∣sadours of the Bishop of Rome, Hadrian the seconde, had the go∣uernament of the assemblie: and they began early to manifest the portraict of their tyrannous gouernament. No man was admitted to giue vote in the Generall Councill, saue hee onely, who woulde cons•…•…nt and subscribe to the supremacie of the Bishop of Rome. Adoration of Images did get full allowance in this Councill: and this was a fore-running messenger of the tyrannie that followed heereafter, from the 1215. yeere of our LORD, vntill our time. Now the Bishop of Rome conuocateth Generall Councils, gouerneth them by himselfe, or his substi∣tute, and maketh ordinances flatly repugnant to the written worde of GOD. No cause is so impious and vngodly, that euer wanted an aduocate: but this I repeat againe, that hee is verie impudent, who dare affirme, that the Bishop of Rome of olde time did conuocate Generall Councils, and was Mo∣derator in them.

By conference with persons of the Romane Religion, I vnder∣stand, that they will not giue full credite to any Assemblie, but to such a one, as is lawfully conuocated, holden, and lawfully ended. They count it lawfully conuocated, when the Bishop of ROME by his Edict hath gathered it: lawfully holden, when the Bishop of ROME, or els his substitute, is Moderator of the Assemblie: and lawfully ended, when hee, who is Moderator, continueth in his office vntill the ende of the assemblie. Such deepe instructions Papistes of our Nation haue receiued from their teachers: and alas, an ignorant person is soone shooueled out of the way, but cursed bee hee, that make•…•…h the blinde to goe out of the way: and all the people shall say, So bee it. Are not these Do∣ctors of lyes ashamed, at some times to commend the first foure Generall Councils, with excessiue praises, and againe to giue such instructions to their disciples, as shall make the fi•…•…st foure Generall Councils to bee of no account, because none of them was conuocated by the Edict of the Bishop of ROME, but by the commandement of the Emperours, CONSTANTINE, THEO∣DOSIUS, VALENTINIAN, and MARTIANUS. Moreouer, in none of these foure was the Bishop of ROME, or yet his substi∣tute, Moderator, except onely in the Councill of CHALCEDON. Who can giue credite to such teachers, who in one word build, and in another worde destroy that same thing which they haue builded. The Apostle PAUL saieth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: that is, For if I builde againe the thinges that I haue destroyed, I make my selfe a tres∣passer. And when they haue founde out newe distinctions, by these distinctions, the contradiction of their late Councils are the more inexcusable. The Councill of BASIL, g•…•…thered by EUGENIUS the fourth, ANNO 1431. wherein it is decearned, that the B. of ROME shall bee subject to the Generall Councill, as a child to his mother, And the Council of FLORENCE, gathe∣red by the selfe same Bis. ANNO 1439. wherein the contrarie is decearned, yet were both these Coun. according to their owne description lawfully conuocated, holden, & ended: and yet are they flatte contrary one to another, in a fundamentall point of Popish faith, for it leaneth not vpō scripture only, but also vpon the authority of Generall Councils, and of the B. of ROME.

Before I speake of the last head, it is to bee considered, that in gathering of Councils diuers respects haue beene had, some times to the people, some times to the Pastors, and at some times also regard hath beene had to good men, who haue bene vnjustly accused. Regarde was had to the people, when Coun∣cils were conueened in those selfe same places whereinto the pestilent venome of Hereticall doctrine was chiefely ouerspred: For Novatus was damned at Rome, Samosatenus at Amiochia, Artemon in Bostra of Arabia, Eustatius in Gangra of Paphlago∣nia, and Arrius at the first in a particular Synode holden at Alexandria. In a•…•…l these Councils regard was had to the peo∣ple, that heresie might die as the grasse-hoppers die, to wit, in the fieldes whereinto they haue beene bread, and bee buried as the frogges of Aegypt were buried, to wit, in the riuer from whence they came when they ouer-couered the lande. At other times great regarde was had to Pastours, especially in as∣sembling Generall Councils, that the place of meeting might bee commodious, whereinto the Preachers of Asia, Europe, and Lybia, either by sea or lande might moste conueniently re∣sort: and without all question this was the cause wherefore all the Generall Councils preceeding the woefull Councill of La∣teran were assembled, either in Bithynia, Ionia, or Thracia, pla∣ces whereinto Europe and Asia doeth moste neerely confine, and the Nauigation is moste easie to the Bishops of Aegypt, Pentapolis, Lybia, and Mauritania. Some times a regard was had to innocent men, that they might resort to such places whereinto their cause might haue beene tried, without partia∣litie, as Sardica a towne of Illyrium was appointed for the triall of Paulus, Athanasius, Marcellus, and Asclepas: For it is no reason, that honest men shoulde bee journeyed to places where∣into the force of armour is more to bee feared, then the force of their aduersari•…•…s arguments.

The last head had beene vnnecessarie to bee entreated, if that the ambition of the Bishops of the Romane Church had not compelled men to seeke out this question to the verie ground: for who can doubt but Bishops, Elders, Deacons, and wise and learned men, hauing commission from their owne Churches, should bee present at Councils, and vote according to the word

of GOD, in such thinges as shall happen to be proponed in the Councill. Neuerthelesse the ambition of Bishops, fearing lest by pluralitie of votes matters shoulde frame otherwise then liked themselues best, they began to make distinction betwixt consul∣tatiue and definitiue votes, minding thereby to appropriate vnto themselues onely definitiue votes, and the rest of the Councill, albeit Elders, Deacons, Doctors, and learned men, furnished with commission, their vote shoulde onely bee con∣sultatiue, and shoulde not bee numbered amongst the votes whereupon the definitiue sentence shoulde arise. This question was reasoned in the Generall Councill of Basil, •…•…ssembled AN∣NO 1431. And recourse was had to Scripture, as the true ground whereby controuerted questions shoulde bee decided, and there it was founde in the definitiue sentence of the Coun∣cill of Hierusalem, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. that is, For it seemed good to the Holie GHOST, and to vs. Now this de∣monstratiue worde 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 sendeth vs to the preface and super∣scription prefixed to the Epistle, wherein it is written, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: that is, The Apostles, and the Elders, and the Brethren, vnto the Brethren, who are of the Gentiles in Antiochia, and in Syria, and Cilicia, sende grec∣ting. In these wordes it is manifest, that the Elders and Bre∣thren, who came to HIERUSALEM, furnished with com∣mission, gaue such votes, whereupon the definitiue sentence of the Councill did arise.

But seeing that the Bishops of the Romane Church haue pre∣sumed to set themselues so farre forward, as if they should bee the onely actors and do•…•…rs of matters entreated in Councils, it were not amisse, if reason can afforde so much, euen to set them a soote abacke. Now therefore I affirme, that when any Coun∣cill, either Generall or Nationall is conueened, whereinto the question concerning the supremacie of the B. of Rome is dispu∣ted, In such a Councill (I say) no Popish B. should haue vote, nei∣ther definitiue nor consultatiue, because he commeth not to the Counc. as a free man, to vote according to the light of his con∣science, but hee commeth as a bond-slaue to the Bish. of Rome, anticipated and preoccupied in the very time of his admission

to his Bishopricke, and bounde by an oath to defende the su∣premacie of the Pope, together with the ordinances of the late Generall Councils. What to doe hath such a bonde-slaue to vote in a free Councill? except hee bee first loosed from the bandes of his oath, moste vnrighteouslie conceiued and ma•…•…e: so that it is not possible for them to vote as free men in anie Councill, vntill that oath (made to the Anti-christ, and not to CHRIST) bee abjured, abrenounced, and vtterlie vn∣done.

Nowe to conclude, It were a wise course in all thinges that wee presume to doe, at least to set such a patrone before our eyes, which without all contradiction is perfect: and let vs in∣deuour to approach so neere as possible is, to the similitude of that patron, to the ende that our doinges bee not altogether euill and reproueable. And if the men of our age woulde set before their eyes the perfect patrone of the Holie and Blessed Councill of HIERUSALEM, no doubt but the people of GOD shoulde receiue greater comfort of their meetinges, then hitherto they haue receiued: But let the LORD worke this in his owne time, To whom bee praise for euer,

AMEN.

Notes

• Act. 15
• Gratian di∣st•…•…ct. 15
• Concil. Car∣thag. 4. Canon 71
• Plato Dial. Cratyl.
• 1.
• Iosua, 22
• 1. Reg. 18
• 1. Sam. 7
• 2. Sam. 6
• 1. Reg. 8
• Act. 15
• 2.
• 3.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. lib. 5 〈◊〉〈◊〉. •…•…8
• Gratia•…•…us, di•…•…tinct. 15
• Gr•…•…g. lib. 1 r•…•…est. epi. 24
• Augu•…•…. d•…•… Baptist. contr. Dona•…•…. lib. 2 •…•…ap. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• Ru•…•…in. lib. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…ap. 6
• Canon 6.
• Socrat. lib. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 cap. 7
• Psal. 50 ver. 16. 1•…•…
• Concil. Sar∣die.
• Concil. Car∣thag. 6
• Similitude.
• Act. 15
• Ioh. 14 •…•…6
• Iosua, 9
• 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• Act. •…•…5
• Apoc. 18. 2
• Deut. 27
• Gal. 1. 8
• Exod. 7. 1•…•…
• Deu. 27. verse, 26
• Bu•…•…ing. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Concil•…•….
• 1. Sam. 3 verse, 10
• Act. 16. 4
• Genes. 11
• Nehem. 2
• Act. 10
• Luc. 3. 14
• Iosephus, An∣tiqu. lib. 11 cap. 8
• 1. Cor. 9
• Similitude.
• Io•…•…n. 5. 7
• Socrat. lib. 2 cap. 4•…•…
• Concil. A•…•…∣cyr. an•…•… 308
• Gratian. •…•…∣stinct. 98
• Hist. Mag•…•… Cent. 4 Cap. 6
• Numb. 10 verse, 3. 4
• E•…•…o. 20. 9
• Psal. 46.
• Socrat. lib. 1 cap. 7
• 1. Sam. 10 verse, 17
• 1. Sam. 12 verse, 3
• Act. 15
• Euseb. lib. 7 cap. 30
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 17
• Act. 1 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lib. 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 17
• Council. Chalcedon, act 1
• Philip. Mor∣ney myst∣iniquis.
• Platin. de vit. Pontif.
• Deut. 27 verse, 18
• Gal. 2. 18
• Exod. 8.
• Act. 15 verse, 28
• Ibi. ver. 23
• Act, 15