The history of all religions in the world, from the creation down to this present time in two parts : the first containing their theory, and the other relating to their practices ... : to which is added, a table of heresies : as also a geographical map, shewing in what countrey each religion is practised ... / by William Turner ...

Ancient Christian.

Observe,

1. What Crimes. All publick in themselves, or made known to the Church, after private admoni∣tion.

The greatest Temptation was to Idolatry; com∣mitted,

• 1. By Exposing the Scriptures, called Tradi∣tores.
• 2. Actual Sacrificing, called Thurificati.
• 3. Purchasing a Warrant from the Magi∣strate to execute them, called, Libellatici.

2. What Penalties; viz. Spiritual Excommu∣nication for 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, 30, years, some∣times for their whole Life, according to the Of∣fence.

Clergy-men forfeited their Ministry: And tho upon repentance admitted to Communion, yet but as Lay-men.

• ...Abstineri 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Anathematizari.
• ...〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Anathematizari.

Are all Synonymous terms signifying Excom∣munication.

3. What manner.

1. Reproofs and Exhortations were used in the Assembly.

2. The Censure was passed; not always in a formal manner, the Fact being notorious, and the offender, ipso facto, excommunicate.

The Excommunicate appeared in a sordid ha∣bit, with a sad Countenance, a head hung down, tears in their Eyes, standing without at the Church-doors, (never suffered to enter in) falling down to the Ministers as they went in, and begging the Prayers of all good Christians, making open Con∣fession of their Faults. This was to satisfy,

• 1. The Church of their Repentance, and for the Scandal.
• 2. God; by acknowledging the fault, and beg∣ing pardon.

4. The time of Penance ended, they addressed themselves to the Governors of the Church for Ab∣solution; their repentance examined, and found sincere, they were openly readmitted by im∣position of hands: The party kneeling down be∣tween the Bishop's knees (or the Presbyters in his

Absence) the Bishop laying his hands on him, and blessing him.

The Penitent was now received with acclama∣tions of joy (sometimes weeping) for his Recovery, to the Lord's Supper, &c.

The set time of Penance was remitted in case of Death, Persecution, many Offenders, Dignity, Age, &c.

4. The Persons Excommunicating;

• 1. The publick Congregation, the people. Cyprian.
• 2. The Elders, President, Tertull.
• 3. The Majores Natu presiding in the Church, Firmilian. in a letter to Cyprian.
• 4. Only the Bishop, Conc. Illiber. can. 32. or,
• 5. The Presbyter or Deacon in necessity, Ibid. & Cypr.
• 6. In the Decian Persecution, a publick Peni∣tentiary.

Martyrs gave sometimes Libellos to mitigate the Penance.