But that notable and famous Councell of Nice, muste be, and is of all wyse and learned men nexte vnto the scriptures themselues reuerenced, esteemed, and imbraced. That Councell celebrated Anno Domini. 330. (when as the Bishops of Rome were as yet learned* 1.1 and godly men) doth not onely allow of the name, but also of the of∣fice of Metropolitane, Archbishop, Archdeacon. &c.
In the sixte Canon of that Councell it is thus written: This* 1.2 Councell dothe determine him to be no Bishop, vvhich is made vvithout the consent Metropolitani Episcopi, of the Metropolitane.
In the. 13. Canon mention is made of a Patriarche, and of an* 1.3 Archedeacon diuers times, and his office there in diuers poyntes declared, as it is also in the seuenth Canon of the same Councel. In the. 25. Canon is named bothe Patriarche and Archebishop, and* 1.4 declared what authoritie they had in their Prouinces, and in admit∣ting of Bishops. So is it likewise in the. 26. and. 27. Canons of the same Councell.