The History of the Church Since the Days of Christ, Book 4 · History of century 4

The History of the Church Since the Days of Christ · Book 4 · History of century 4

p. 545CENTVRIE IV.

COuncels may bee divided in Generall, Nationall or Provinciall,Of the Apostles & Elders convention, reade Acts 15.6.Acts 15:6 and Particular Councels. Generall, were called Oecomenicke Councels (foreign in the greek language signifieth the world) because from all quarters of the world wherein Christ was preached, Commissioners were sent to these Councels, and they were gathered by the authoritie of the Emperour. Nationall or Provinciall Councels were such as were gathered by the p. 546authoritie of the Emperor in one Nation, with the assistance of other neere approaching Nations, for suppressing of heresies, deciding of questions, pacifying of …chismes, and appointing Canons and Constitutions, for decent order to be kept in the Church. The third sort of Councels were particular Counc…ls, by Bullenger called foreign or foreign. Such as the Councels of Gangra, Neocaesaria, and many others, gathered vsually by Patriarchs, and Bishops, in a corner of a Countrie, but for the like causes that nationall Councels were assembled. Let no man expect a recitall of particular Councels, except at such times as some matter of great moment enforceth me to speake of them.

The Councell of Ancyra Tom. 1. Concil.ANcyra is a towne of Galatia: in this towne were assembled Bishops of diverse Provinces, about the yeere of of our Lord, 308. as is supposed. The principall cause of their meeting, was to constitute a forme of Ecclesiasticall discipline, according to which, they who either willingly or vnwillingly, had sacrificed to Idols in time of persecution, should bee received into the bosome of the Church againe, when they were found penitent. There were many rancks of persons, who had defiled themselues with Heathenicke Idolatrie: such as Libellatici, Thurificati, Sacrificati, and Proditores. The Councell of Ancyra took order chiefly with those, who were called Thurificati, and Sacrificati, that is, with them, who either had cast vp incense vponupon idolatrous Altars, or else had eaten of meates sacrificed to Idols: to whom it was inioyned to testifie their repentance, a long time before they were received to the communion of Gods people, some one yeere, some two yeeres, others three or foure yeeres, some fiue or six yeeres, and aboue, according to the heauinesse of their transgression. In this Councell it was ordained, that Deacons, who in time of their ordination did protest, that they had not the gift of continency, but were disposed to marrie, if they married, they should remaine in their Ministerie: but they who in time of imposition of hands by their silence had professed continencie, p. 547if afterward they married, they should bee remoued from their Ministrie. Also it was ordained, that Chorepiscopi (these were Countrie Bishops, in the Latine language called Vicarii-Episcoporum) These,Canon. 13. I say, were commanded to abstaine from ordination of Elders and Deacons, and from vsurping of dōinion ouer the preaching Elders, who were in Cities.Canon. 14. Likewise it was ordained, that whosoeuer did abstaine from eating of flesh, as from a creature in it selfe vncleane, he should be depriued of his dignity.Tom. 1. Concil. This Councell was subscribed by …8. Bishops.

IN the yeere of our Lord 330.The generall Councell of Nice. and in the 20. yeere of the raigne of Constantine, as Eusebius reckoneth (others referre it to the 333. yeere of our Lord, for there is great diuersitie in this counting) The Councell of Nice in Bithynia was gathered not by Silvester, nor by Iulius, but by the authority of the Emperour.Euseb. de. vita Constane. lib. 3. The name of the towne answered to the successe of the Councell, for foreign in the Greeke language signifieth victorie: and when the veritie encountered with the lie in this Councell, the veritie preuailed and got the victorie. The matter entreated in the Councell,Note. was concerning the opinion of Arrius a presbyter in Alexandria, who denied that the Sonne of God was consubstantiall with the Father, but affirmed there was a time wherein the sonne was not, and that he was created of things not existent. This opinion was so vnquoth and abominable to the Fathers conueened in the Councell of Nice, that they vtterly damned and anathematized the opinion of Arrius. Ruffin. lib. 1. cap. 5.OnelyOnly 17 Bishops adhered to his blasphemous opinion. The Emperour liked well the determination of the Conncell, and threatned to punish them with banishment, who did refuse to subscribe the determination of the Councell: for they had concluded, that the sonne of God was foreign, that is consubstantiall with the Faith. Of the number of feuenteene, who were fauourers of Arrius, Sozom. lib. 2. cap. 16.only two, to wit, Secundus a B. of Ptolemaida in Aegypt, and Thomas Bishop of Marmarica, adhered to Arrius vntil the end of the Councell, with a p. 548a few moe,Theod. l. 1. c. 7. whom the Fathers conueened at Nice, deliuered vntounto Sathan, and the Emperour banished them: the rest for feare of punishment subscribed to the deposition of Arrius with their handes,Socrat. l. 1. c. 14. but not with their hearts: such as Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia, Theogonius of Nice, Menophantus of Ephesus, Patrophilus of Scythopo…is, Narcissus of Neronias, otherwise called Irenopolis of Cilicia: these (I say) and some others, subscribed the summe of Faith set downe by the Nicene Councell, and the deposition of Arrius.

Exod. 12. verse, 2. Russin. l. 1. c. 6.Exod 12About the controuersie of keeping the festiuitie of Easter day, a conclusion was taken, that it should be kept vponupon the Lords day, and not vponupon the fourteene day of the first month of the Iewes called Nisan. And this was done for keeping of vnitie and peace in the Church: for it was expedient, that that thing which was vniuersally done, should also bee vniformely done, for auoiding of schismes in the Church. Neuerthelesse Socrates granteth, that it is but an ancient custome, not authorized by any Apostolike commandement.

Socrat. l. 5. c. 22About Marriage many were in the opinion, that Bishops, Elders, and Deacons, who were married before their ordination, should in time to come abstaine from the companie of their wiues. But Paphnutius a Bishop in a towne of Thebaida, a chaste man who neuer companied with a woman,Socrat. l. 1. c. 11 entreated the Councell, that they should abstaine from making such an ordinance, because Marriage is honorable, and the cohabitation of a man with his married wife, is chastity. Likewise it was a diffiicult matter to be performed, and it opened a doore to vnchast liuing. Yet Paphnutius inclined too much to this opinion, That Bishops, Elders, and Deacons, who were vnmarried,Sozom. l. 1. c. 12. should abstaine from marriage. The Councel would make no constitution about such matters, but remitted marriage as a thing indifferent to eueryevery mans free arbitriment.

The Canons of the Nicene Councell pertaining to matters of discipline, in number 22. (reade them in the history of Russin.) The appointing of three Partiarches,Russin. l. 1. c. 6. one in Rome, p. 549another in Alexandria, the third in Antiochia, with power to conuocate within their owne boundes particular Councels, for timous suppressing of heretikes: It was like vntounto a faire morning presenting vntounto the world the countenance of a faire day, but at Euen, the face of the Heauen is couered with blacke cloudes, troubling the earth with the tempest of changed weather. Euen so, these Patriarches, for the most part, became in the end chiefe propagators of notable heresies, as the historie following God willing shall declare.

THe Nationall Councell of Tyrus was gathered by the commandement of the Emperour Constantine, The Councel of Tyrus.in the thirtieth yeere of his raigne.Euseb. lib. 4. de vita Constan. Socrat lib. 1. cap. 23. Eusebius by ouer-passing with silence a due commemoration of the malice and falsehood of the Arrians against Athanasius, giueth occasion to Socrates to suspect, that Eusebius Pamphili was not a sound follower of the Nicene Councell. To this Nationall Councel conueened threescore Bishops, from Aegypt, Lybia, Asia, & Europe. The most part of them were Arrians,Socrat. l. 1. c. 27 who had solde themselues to iniquity, of purpose, with false accusations to oppresse the innocent seruant of Christ,Theodor. lib. 1: cap. 29. Athanasius. The crimes laide vntounto his charge, were fornication, the slaughter of Arsenius, and cutting off of his hand, the ouerthrowing of the holy Table, the breaking of the holy Cup and burning of the holy volumes. No assembly was so full of partialitie, confusion, clamour, and vnrighteous dealing, as this assembly at Tyrus: in so much, that Paphnutius a Bishop in Thebaida, arose, and left the Councell of vngodly men, and drew with him Maximus Bishop of Ierusalem, fearing lest his simplicitie should hauehave beene circumueened by the subtiltie of deceitfull Arrians.

How Athanasius fled to the Emp. and declared the vnrighteous proceedings of the Councell of Tyrus, it hath bin declared already. In this assembly Potāion Bishop of Heraclea, a man full of spirituall libertie,Hist. Magd. Centur. 4. cap. 19 finding Eusebius Pamphili sitting as a Iudge, & Athanasius standing, outbraided Eusebius p. 550as a man who in the persecution of Dioclesian was enclosed in that same prison with himselfe: but Eusebius escaped out of prison without the markes of the rebuke of Christ, which Potamion and other faithfull Confessors could not get done.Theod. lib. 1. cap. 27. In like manner, Athanasius refused to compeare in Caesarea Palestinae, where Eusebius was Bishop, as a place suspect for fauour carried to Arrians. All these things brought the name of Euseb. Pamphili in some disliking. The issue of the Councell of Tyrus was this: the Arrians in his absence deposed him, and amongst the rest Arsenius was one of them, who subscribed the deposition of Athanasius with that same hand that the Arrians had alleadged was cut off by Athanasius:Socrat. l. 1 c. 32. so effronted are Heretikes, defenders of false and lying doctrine. The Emperour Constantine commanded the bishops assembled at Tyrus, to addresse to Constantinople: but when they came thither, they durst make no mention of the fornication of Athanasius, of the hand of Arsenius, of the Table,Theod lib. 1. cap. 30. Theod. lib. 1. cap. 35. Euseb. lib. 4. de vita Constant. Cuppe and bookes aboue mentioned: but they forged new accusations against him, whereunto the Emp. gaue too hastie credit, and banished Athanasius to Triere. Immediatly after the Councell of Tyrus many Bishops were assembled at Ierusalem, for the dedication of the Temple, which the Emperour Constantine had builded at the place of the Lords sepulchre.

Concerning the Councell of Antiochia, wherein the Arrians deposed Eustatius, and the Councell of Arles, wherein Cecilianus was absolued from the accusation of the Donatists, no further discourse is needful then is contained in the history of the liues of these two Bishops.

The Councel of Gangra.GAngra is a towne of Paphlagonia. In this towne were assembled certaine Fathers, to the number of 16. about the yeere of our Lord 324. The occasiō of their meeting was the heretike Eustatius, who admiring the Monasticke life, or (as others affirme) fauouring the heresie of Encratitae, and the Manicheās, he spake against Marriage, against eating of flesh; and hee damned the publicke Congregations of Gods p. 551people in Temples:Tom. 1. Concil. and said, a man could not be saued, except he forsooke all his possessions, and renounced the world after the forme of monkish doing. These opinions were dā ned in the Councell of Gangra. The subscriptions of the fathers of this Councell after their Canons, are worthie to be remarked. These things (say they) hauehave wee subscribed, not vituperating them, who according to Scripture chooseth vntounto themselues an holy purpose of a continent life: but them onelyonly, who abuseth the purpose of their minds to pride, extolling themselues against the simpler sort: Yea, and damne and cut off all those, who contrary to Scripture & Ecclesiasticall rules, bring in new commandements. But wee admire humble Virginity, and we approue continencie that is vnderunder taken with chastity and Religion: And we embrace the renounciation of secular businesse, with humilitie: And wee honour the chast bōd of Marriage: And we despise not riches joined with righteousnesse, & good workes: And we cōmend a simple & course apparrel, vsed for couering the body without Hypocrisie. Likewise we reject loose and dissolute garments: And we honour the houses of God, & assemblies, that are in them, as holy and profitable, not debarring men from exercises of pietie in their owne priuate houses. But places builded in the name of the Lord, we honour, and Congregations assembled in the places for the common vtilitie wee approue: And good workes, which are done to poore brethren, euen aboue mens abilitie, according to the Ecclesiasticall traditions, we blesse them: And we wish all things to be celebrated in the Church, according to holy Scriptures, and the ordinances of the Apostles.

IN the time of the raigne of Constantine in Eliberis,The Councell of Eliberis. a towne of Spaine, were assembled nineteene Bishops, & of Presbyters, thirty six. The end of their meeting was to reforme horrible abuses, both in Religion & manners, which in time of the ten Persecutions had preuailed in Spaine: And now in p. 552time of peace such enormities and festered manners could hardly be amended. Many Ecclesiasticall Canons were made in this Synode to the number of 81. Whereof wee shall rehearse but a few, and such as clearely pointeth out the principall end of their meeting.

Canon 4.They ordained, the Hea…hnicke sacrificing Priests (called of old, Flamines) if they were content to abstaine from sacrificing to Idols, and to learne the groundes of Christian Religion, after three yeeres repentance, they should be admitted to baptisme.

Canon 15.Likewise they ordained, that Christian Virgins should not be giuen in marriage to Pagans, lest in the floure of their youth they should be entangled with spiritual whooredome.

Canon 28.In like maner, that Bishops should receiue no reward from men that did not communicate with the Church.

Canon 36.They ordained, that nothing that is worshipped, should be pictured on the wall.

Canon 41.And that in priuate houses no Idols should be found: And in case the masters of houses were afraid of the violence of their seruants, at least, they should keepe themselues pure and cleane: which if they did not, they should be counted strangers from the fellowship of the Church.

Canon 60.And that if any man happen to be slayne, in the action of breaking downe images, his name shall bee enrolled in the catalogue of Martyrs, because it is not written in the history of the Gospell, that the Apostles vsed any such forme of reformation: whereby they signifie, that by wholsome doctrine images should be cast out of the hearts of men, rather than broken with popular violence, and with the tumultuary attempts of priuate men. Any iudicious man may perceiue by these Canons both the time when, and the cause wherefore this Councell was assembled.

The first Councell of Carthage.THey who count the first Councell of Carthage, to be that Councell whereinto Cyprian, with aduise of many other bishops of Numidia, Lybia, and other partes of Africa, p. 553ordained men who were baptized by Heretikes,Tom. 1. Councell. to be rebaptised againe: they commit a great ouer sight, to reckon the first Councell of Carthage to be holden vnderunder the raigne of Constantine, whereas it is certainely knowne, that Cyprian was martyred, in the dayes of Valerian the eight persecuting Emperour.Hist. Magd. Cent. 4. cap. 9. But the first Councell of Carthage, that was kept in Constantines dayes, was that Councell whereinto the Donatistes cōdemned Caecilianus, Bishop of Carthage, whose innocencie afterward was tryed by many Iudges. In it there was no matter of great importance concluded, and therefore I ouer-passe it with few wordes, as an assemblie of little account. All these Councells aboue mentioned were assembled in the dayes of Constantine the Great: Now followeth Councells gathered in the dayes of his sonnes.

The cause pretended for the gathering of the Councell of Antiochia,The first Councell of Antiochia holden by Arrians vnderunder the raigne of Constantius. Socrat. l. 2. c. 8. S…zom. l. 3. c. 5. Hist. Magd. Centur. 4. cap. 9. in the dayes of Constantius the sonne of Constantine, was the dedication of the Church of Antiochia: which albeit Constantine had builded, yet fiue yeeres after his death, and in the seuenteenth yeere after the foundation of the Temple was laide, Constantius his sonne finished, and perfected the worke. And vnderunder pretence of dedication of this Temple (as said is) this Assemblie of Antiochia was gathered. Anno, 344. but indeed of purpose to supplant the true Faith. To this Assemblie resorted many Bishops, to the number of 90. But Maximus Bishop of Ierusalem, and Iulius Bishop of Rome, neither came they to the Councell; neither sent they any messenger in their name, fearing as the truth was, that they were gathered for euill, and not for good. At this time Placitus, the success out of Euphronius, gouerned Antiochia. Now when they were me… together, many accusations were heaped vp against Athanasius: First, that hee had accepted his place againe, without aduise of other Bishops: Secondlie, because at the time of his returning backe againe to Alexandria, there fell out great commotion amongst the people, p. 554and some were slaine, others were contumeliouslie beaten, and violently drawne befor justice seates. Mention also was made of the decrete of the Councell of Tyrus, against Athanasius. It was an casie matter for the Arrians to imprint into the vlcerate mind of Constantius, Sozom. l. 3. c. 5.an hatred against Athanasius. In this Councell they set downe diuers summes of Faith: first secretly couering the venome of their heresie, but afterward, as it were repenting, they manifested themslues more clearly in their owne colours. After this Councell followed terrible earth-quakes in the East, wherewith many townes were shakē, especially the towne of Antiochia, with continuall earth-quakes was shaken for the space of a whole yeere.Hist. Mag. Cent. 4. cap. 9. The principall designe of the Councell was to eject Athanasius, out of his chaire, & to alter the sum of Faith set downe in the Nicene Councell: as euidently appeared, by sending of Syrianus to destroy Athanasius, and to place Gregorius in his roome: but Athanasius escaped the danger by the great prouidence of God, and fled to Iulius Bishop of Rome: and the Arrians displaced againe Gregorius, and appointed Georgius a man of Cappadocia, and more fit for their purpose, to be bishop of Alexandria.

Other two Councels holden in Antiochia by the Arrians.THe fauour that Iulius Bishop of Rome shewed to Athanasius Bishop of Alexandria, Paulus Bishop of Constantinople, Asclepas Bishop of Gaza, and Lacius Bishop of Adrionopolis, was the cause mouing the Arrians to hauehave so frequent meetings in Antiochia: Very sharpe letters passed betwixt Iulius and the Orientall Bishops:Socrat l. 2. c. 15 Iulius blamed them, because they had both rashly and vnrighteously deposed the fore-named bishops. They on the other part expostulated with Iulius, because he had receiued to his fellowship men deposed by thē, whereas none of the East Church had admitted Novatus to their communion, whom the Bishop of Rome had excommunicated.

Socrat. l. 2 c. 19 Hist, Magd.After the issue of three yeere, another Councell was conueened in Antiochia, about the yeere of our Lord 348. wherein the Arrians set foorth a newe summe of their p. 555Faith in very ample and prolix manner, and different from all other formes set downe before: the copie whereof they sent to the Bishops of Italy, by Endoxius Bishop of Germanicia, and Martyrius, and Macedonius: but the Bishops of Italy would not receiue it, contenting themselues with the summe of Faith set downe in the Nicene Councell.

IN the yeere of our Lord,The Councell of Sardica. 351. by the commandement of Constantius, and his brother Constans, a great nationall Councell was gathered in Sardica, a towne of Illyricum, of Dacia.Soc. l. 2 c. 20. Many Bishops of the West, to the number of three hundred, resorted to this assembly, but from the East only seventy six. They who came from the Easterne parts, would not vouchsafe to be present in the Councell, except Protogenes Bishop of Sardica, and Osius Bishop of Corduba, had separated from their fellowship Paulus Bishop of Constantinople, and Athanasius Bishoppe of Alexandria. But the cause of their absenting themselues from the Councell, indeed, was this (as Theodoretus prudently recordeth) because the forgers of salse accusations against the men of God,Theod. l. 2. c. 8. whose cause was appointed to be iudged in this Councell, durst not abide the tryall of honest Iudges, and men of vnsuspected credit. The Councell finding that the Arrians couvicted in conscience, durst not compeare to accuse Paulus, and Athanasius (whom notwithstanding they had deposed in the Councels of Tyrus and Antiochia) proceeded to the tryall of their cause: and findeth all the accusations of the Arrians against Panlus, Athanasius, Asclepas, and the rest, to bee but a masse of forged calumnies and lyes: Arsenius was found to be aliue, whom, the Arrians had alledged, Athanasius had slaine: As concerning the overthrowing of the holy Table, and breaking of the holy Cup, by Macarius (whom Athanasius had imployed, and therefore the blame was layd vponupon him) it was found to be a notable lye: because when Macarius entred into the Church of Mareota (where this fact was alledged to bee done) foreign were present in the Church. And such kinde of p. 556persons were not permitted to be present at the celebration of divine mysteries. Ishyras also, who was the principall forger of all the afore-mentioned calumnies, was found to hauehave beene tyed to the bed by infirmity, at that time, when Macarius was alledged to hauehave done all these things. And finally, it was found, that Ishyras had received a Bishopricke, as the wages o… iniquity from the Arrians, before hee had beene admitted Presbyter in any Church. Also the supplicant bils of Paulus, Ascl…pas, Marcellus, &c. were read, tryed, and examined, and they were all found honest and vpright men, and they were all recommended by the letters of the Councell of Sardica, to their owne flocks.

On the other part, the Bishops, whom the Arrians had intruded in the places of the fore-mentioned brethren, they deposed them, and abhorred their memorie: such as Gregorius in Alexandria, Basilius in Ancyra, and Quintianus in Gaza: of whom they discerned, that they were not worthy the name of common Christians,Theod. ibid. much lesse to bee called Bishops: commanding all people to forsake their fellowshippe, and neither to send letters to them, nor to receiue letters from them. The like sentence they pronounced against Theodorus of Heraclea, Narcissus of Neronias, Acacius of Caesarea Palestinae, Stephanus of Antiochia, Vrsatius of Sigidun in Mysia, Valens of Myrsa in Panonia, Menophantus of Ephesus, and Georgius of Laodicea, principall patrons of the Arrian heresie.

The Arrians on the other part assembled themselues in Philippopolis, a towne of Thracia, and there they damned of new againe, Paulus and Athanasius. Likewise they damned Iulius Bishop of Rome,Sozom. l. 3. c. 11 & 12. Osius Bishop of Corduba, Protogenes Bishop of Sardica, Maximinus Bishop of Triere, and many others, whom they cursed also, because they had admitted to their fellowship those Bishops, whom they had deposed.

Sozomenus is in that opinion, that the Councell of Philippolis succeeded the Councell of Sardica. From 35. Provinces did Bishoppes resort vntounto the Councell of Sardica. p. 557From this time forward, there was added diversitie of affection, vntounto diversity of opinion:A…hanas. epist. ad solitar. vit. argente…. Theod. l. 2. c. 8. and those who dwelt in the East, did not communicate with them who dwelt in the West. Some Arrian Bishoppes dwelt in the West, such as Auxentius Bishop of Millan, and Vrsatius, and Valens: But by the vigilant travels of the Bishoppe of Rome, and other godly Bishops of the West, it came to passe, that these Seminaries of errors did not prevaile much in the Westerne parts. This is that Councell,Canon 4. wherein Iulius Bishop of Rome, for his good carriage, and good deservings, was appointed to be Iudge of Appellations, when the like case fell out, that righteous men were oppressed with the vnrighteous dealing of Heretiques. But remember, that this is a constitution of the Councell of Sardica, and not of the Nicene Councel: And this was a priviledge both personall and temporall, for extraordinary causes, conferred to Iulius: but not to bee extended to all his successours, nor yet to continue at all times.

IN the yeere of our Lord,The Councell of Sirmium. 356. and fiue yeeres after the Councell of Sardica, by the commandement of the Emperour Constantius, a Councell was gathered in Sirmium, a towne of Illyria (Bullenger calleth it a towne of Pannonia) Photinus Bishop of Sirmium,Bullen. de Conciliis. Soc. l. 2 c. 29. had renued the heresies of Sabellius, and Samosatenus. A disputation was instituted betwixt Basilius Bishop of Ancyra, an Arrian Heretique, and Photinus a Sabellian Heretique: in which disputation Photinus was thought to be overcome, and was damned by the Councell as an Heretique, and banished by the Emperour. In this Councell they set downe summes of Faith, one in Greeke, and two in Latine; wherein, albeit they abstained from the word foreign: neverthelesse they gave great glorie to the Sonne of God.Sec. l. 2. c. 30. But in the end they repented, and by the Emperours authority, would hauehave recalled backe againe the copies of the summes of Faith, set forth at Sirmium: but the mandates of the Emperour commanding, in most rigorous forme, to deliver backe againe the copies that p. 558were past abroad, could not bring to passe, that, that thing which was once divulgated, should be againe suppressed. The weaknesse of Osius Bishop of Corduba kythed in this Councell, hath been touched in the history of his life.

The Councell of Millan.AFter that the Emperour Constans, was slaine by Magnentius, the whole Soveraignty both of the East and West, was in the hands of Constantius alone. The Arrians moved him to assemble a Councell at Millan, partly for ratification of the sentence pronounced against Athanasius in Tyrus,Theod. l. 2. c. 15. amd partly for the subversion of the Nicene Faith. The Occidentall Bishops to the number of three hundreth, at the Emperors commandement assembled at Millan.Soc. l. 2. c. 36. But neither would they ratifie the deposition of Athanaesius, nor yet alter the summe of faith. And some of them with libertie and freedome,Sozom. l. 4. c. 9. accused the Emperour of vnrighteous dealing. For this cause many worthie Bishops were banished, such as Liberius, Ruff. l. 1, c. 20.Bishop of Rome, Paulinus B. of Triere, Dionysius B. of Alba, Lucifer B. of Calaris in Sardinia, Eusebius B. of Vercellis in Liguria. If in this Councell Osius B. of Corduba, was banished, as The…doretus recordeth, it would appeare that the Councell of Millan preceded the Councell of Sirmium:Sozom. l. 4.6. because that Osius immediatly after he was reduced from banishment, was compelled to addresse to the Councell of Sirmium. But I hauehave followed the order of Ecclesiasticall writers.

The Councell of Ariminum. Soc. l. 2. c. 39. Theod. l. 2… c. 26IN the yeere of our Lord, 363. and in the two and twentith yeere of the raigne of Constantius, the Arrians having a great vantage of the flexible minde of Constantius mooved him to appoint a place wherein a generall Councell should be gathered, for confirmation of their Faith. Whether this place was the towne of Nicomedia, or Nice, alwaies it was shaken with earth-quake, and the God of heaven hindered the purposes of their mindes.

The next course was, that two nationall Councels should be convened,Soc. l. 3. c. 37. one at Ariminum in Italy, as a meet place for p. 559for the Bishops of the West to convene at, and another in S…l…cia, of Isauria, as a meet place for assembling of the Orientall Bishops. To the Councell of Ariminum, more then foure hundred Bishops did resort.Sozom l 4.17. In this nationall Councell compeared Vrsatius and Valens, with Germanus, Auxentius, and Caius, and Demophilus, desiring that the wordes foreign, and foreign, as words not found in Scripture, and grounds of vnsupportable contention in the Church, should bee cancelled, and razed out of the summe of Faith: and that the Sonne of God should be called foreign, that is, of like substance with his Father. The Fathers convened at Ari…ninum,Theod. l. 2. c. 19. altogether disliked this proposition of Vrsatius, and Valens, and adhered for the most part of them closely to the Nicene Faith, and excluded from the fellowship of the Church,Sozom. l. 4. c. 18. Vrsatius, and Valens, with their complices aboue men…ioned, as the letter of the Councell written to the Emperour, cleerely beares. With the letter the Councell sent twenty Ambassadors, chosen and selected men, who should giuegive further instruction to the Emperor, concerning the matter of Faith. But Vrsatius, and Valens prevened the Ambassadours of the Councell, and by sinistrous informations, hindered them from accesse to the Emperour: onelyonly their letter was read, whereunto the Emperour turned a differing answer, bearing, that for the present hee was busied with weighty affaires of the kingdome, but when hee should finde any breathing time, hee would hearken vntounto them. The Councell sent the second time to the Emperour,Soz. l 4. c. 19. desiring they might hauehave libertie, before the winter season, to returne to their owne flocks: and herewithall they assured the Emperour, that in the matter of Faith, they would adhere to that which was comprehended in the former letter. To this second message no answer was returned: Therefore the Bishops wearied with long attendance, returned every man to his owne flock: the Emperor counted this dissolution of the Councell, without warrant of his anthority, to bee a contempt of his Soveraignty: Therefore he gaue charge to Valens, to publish the summe p. 560of the Arrian Faith read in Ariminum, albeit it was both disapproued and reiected: with power also to Vrsatius and Valens, to eiect those bishops out of their places, who would not subscribe to the Arrian Faith, and to ordaine others in their roome. Vrsatius and Valens, being strengthned with the Emperours commandement, not onelyonly troubled the Churches of the West;Soc. l. 2 c. 37. but also went to Nica, a towne in Thracia, where they gathered a number of Bishops of their owne faction, and approved the summe of Faith read by Arrians (in Ariminum, being first translated into the Greeke language) and this they called the Nicene Faith, deceiving themselues with vaine hopes, as if men had beene so senselesse, as to be altogether deceived by the similitude of words, Nica in Thracia, and Nice in Bithinia. Moreouer, Athanasius was as yet aliue, who could hauehave discovered both the blasphemie of the Arrians at Sirmium, and the falshood of the Arrians at Nica: for at Sirmium, in the first Session of the Councell, it was written by the Clerke of the Councell, Presente Constantio sempiterno, & Magna Augusto, Consulibus Eusebio & Hypatio. Sozom. l. 4. c. 17Loe, saith Athanasius, writing to his friends, the Arrians will not call the Sonne of God everlasting, but they say, there was a time, wherein hee was not: but they call the Emperor Constantius, being a mortall man, everlasting Emperour.

The Councell of Seleucia. Acts 13, 4… Soz. l. 4 c. 22.Acts 13:4SElucia is a towne of Isauria, or Cilicia, from whence Paul and Barnabas sayled to Cyprus. Isauria lyeth betwixt Lycaonia and Cilicia, and in an ample signification it comprehendeth Cilica. In this towne convened 160. Bishops of the East, in the monethmonth of December, of that same yeere of our Lord, wherein the Councell of Ariminum, was assembled. Leonas one of the Princes of the Emperours court, and Lucius, otherwise called Lauritius, Captaine of the bands of souldiers in Isauria, were appointed to attend the peace of the assembly, and that all things should bee done decently, and in order. The Emperour gaue commandement, that the matter of faith should bee first intreated: p. 561but afterward hee gaue commandement, that the liues of them who were to bee accused,Soc. l. 2. c. 29. should first bee examined: Whereupon arose contention in the assemblie: some vrging the matter of Faith to be first entreated: others craving that the liues of such as were accused or deposed, should be first examined: and both parties grounded themselues vponupon the warrant of the Emperours letters. The principall ring leaders of the one faction, were Acacius Bishop of Caesarea Palestinae, Georgius Bishop of Alexandria, Vranius of Tyrus, Eudoxius of Antiochia, and their followers exceeded not the number of two and thirtie. On the other side were Georgius Bishoppe of Laodicea in Syria, Sophronius of Pompeiopolis in Paphlagonia, Eleusius of Cyzicus: and the greatest number of the Councell followed the opinion of these Bishops. So it came to passe, that the most part thought it expedient, that the matter of Faith should bee first entreated.

After this, the Councell was of new againe divided into three factions. Acacius, and his complices thought meete, that the forme of Faith should bee altered. The most part were in a contrary opinion, that the summe of the Nicene Faith should be kept, onelyonly the word foreign, should bee left out. Sylvanus Bishoppe of Tarsus, was in the third opinion, that the summe of Faith compiled in Antiochia, at the dedication of the Temple, should be kept. Pluralitie of voyces prevayled, that the Sonne of God should neither be called foreign, nor yet foreign, but rather foreign, that is, like vntounto his Father, because in Scripture hee is called the image of the invisible God. And they consented to excommunicate all those, who called the Sonne of God foreign, that is, vnlike vntounto the Father. Now Acacius, and his complices, who were indeede Anomaei, would hauehave seemed to accord with the rest of the Councell: but when it was demanded of them, in what sense they counted the Sonne alike vntounto the Father? They answered, that hee was like in will, but not in substance. After that much disputation and little agreement had beene, Leonas a secret p. 562favourer of Acacius, dissolved the assembly. Neverthelesse, the Fathers of the Councell convened,Soz. l. 4. c. 22. to iudge the cause of Cyrillus Bishoppe of Hierusalem (whom the Acacians had deposed) and warned the Acacians to bee present, but they would not compeare. Therefore the Councell proceeded to the deposition of Georgius Bishop of Alexandria, Acacius Bishop of Caesarea, Vranius Bishoppe of Tyrus, Patrophylus Bishope of Schythopolis, and Eudoxius Bishop of Antiochia, in whose place they substituted Avianus, a Presbyter in Antiochia, others call him Adrianus. The Acacians layd hands on Avianus, and delivered him into the hands of Leonas and Lauritius, and they banished him. The Councell protested against Leonas and Lauritius, and the Acacians, that they violated the Decree of the Councell: and without further delay, they addresse to Constantinople, to giuegive information to the Emperour. But the Acacians prevented the rest, and misinformed the Emperour, and accused the Councell, and perswaded him to reiect the summe of Faith agreed vponupon in Seleucia.

The Councell of the Acatians at Constantinople.THe wrath of the Emperour against the Fathers of the Councell of Seleucia, made the rest to bee dispersed: only the Acacians remained stil in Constantinople, and they gathered together fifty Bishops, out of Bithynia, and other neere adiacent places. In this Synode they confirmed the summe of Faith read by Vrsatius, and Valens, in Ariminum. It is iudiciously observed by Socrates, that after the Councell of Nice,Soc. l. 2. c. 41. the Arrians in the multiplyed conceits of their wauering minds, set forth nine divers summes of faith, to wit, in the dedication of the Church of Antiochia, two formes. The third by those who adhered to Narcissus, was exhibited to Constance in France. The fourth was sent by Eudoxius to Italy. In Sirmium three formes were indited: whereof one was read in Ariminum, with noting the names of the Consuls, in whose time it was written. The eight was the summe of Faith set forth in the Councell p. 563of Seleucia. The ninth was the sum of faith, set downe in Cō stantinople, with this addition, that the words foreign & foreign should be silenced when Preachers spake of God. Thus we see, that there is no end of wandering, when men hauehave once forsaken the narrow path of the truth of God.

THe Emp. Constantius, The fourth Councel of Antiochia, gathered by Constantinu….& the rest of the Arrians, were like vntounto a troubled sea, that cānot take rest: yet another coū cel must be gathered in Antiochia, for abjuring both the word foreign & the word foreign, so that in time to come no man shall call the Son of God consubstantiall with the Father, nor yet of a different substance frō the Father. The bishops conueened thought expedient, before they intreated concerning the Faith,Theod. lib. 2. cap. 31. that the chaire of Antiochia, vacant at that time without a B. should first be prouided: choise was made of Meletius, some-time B. of Sebastia, in Armenia. Hee receiued ordination by Arrians, who subscribed also to his admission, & their hand-writs were deliuered into the custody of Eusebius Samosatenus. But when Meletius disappointed the expectatiō of the Arrians, they procured his banishment, & that Euzoius should be placed in his stead.Theod lib. 2. cap. 32. Likewise Eusebius Samosatēus for no minassings & threatnings of the Emp. would deliuer backe againe the subscriptions of the Arrians: so that the Emp. both commended & admired the magnanimous courage of Eusebius. This Coūcel was holden in the 25 yeere of the raigne of Constantius. In it the Arrians could not perfect their intended purpose to inuent a new sum of faith, which would hauehave made not the tenth forme of faith indited by thē, because Constātius got knowledge of the seditious attempts of Iulian, & he left the Councel to preueene the enterprises of Iulian, but he fell sicke by the way, and died at Cilicia.

VnderUnder the raigne of Iulian & Iouinian some particular councels were assembled:Hist. Magis. such as a Councel in Alexandria, gathered by Athanasius & Eusebius Vercellensis, for dāning old heresies, and confirming the Faith.Sozom. lib. 5, cap. 3. Another in Palestina, for ordaining a B. in Maiuma. Another in Antiochia by the Acacians, p. 564vnderunder the raigne of Iouinian. These wandering stars, accustomed to accommodate themselues to times,Socrat lib. 3. cap. 25. places, and persons, to gaine fauour at the Emperours hands, they subscribe the Nicene Faith. But I set forward to the rest.

The Councel of Laodicea. Apocal. 3.Rev 3LAodicea is the Metrapolitane towne of Phrygia, and one of the seuen Churches of Asia, to whom the Apostle Iohn, when hee was banished in Pathmos for the word of God, did write his Epistles. This description I hauehave premitted, to distinguish Laodicea of Syria, a citie neere approaching to Antiochia, and whereof frequent mention is made in the Ecclesiasticall Historie, from Laodicea of Asia. In this towne, Laodicea of Asia, a Synode was gathered, after the death of Iovinian, Hist. Magd.about the yeere of our Lord 368. Nothing was determined in this Councell concerning matters of Faith:Gratian. distinct. 16. but onelyonly constitutions concerning Ecclesiasticall policie were made in number 59. In this assembly the worshipping of Angels is damned, as horrible idolatry, and a forsaking of Christ.Canon 35. And the bookes of holy Canonicke Scripture which are to be read in time of holy Conuocations of people, are particularly reckoned out, both of olde & new Testament. And in this Catalogue of canonicke bookes,Canon 59. no mention is made of the bookes of the Machabees, of Ecclesiasticus, and other Apocreeph bookes.

A Councell in Illyricum.VNderUnder the raigne of the Emperours, Valentinian and Valens, and about the yeere of our Lord 370. With aduice of both the Emperours a Councell was gathered in Illyricum, wherein the Nicene Faith had confirmation and allowance.Sozom. lib. 4. cap. 8.9. The Emperour Valens was not as yet infected with the poison of the Arrian heresie.

The Councell of LampsacumLAmpsacum is a towne situated about the narrow passages of Hellespontus. The Macedoniā heretikes sought liberty from the Emp. Valens, to meete in this towne, who granted their petition the more willingly, because he supposed that they had accorded in opinion with Acacius & Eudoxius: but p. 565they ratified the Coūcel set foorth at Seleucia & damned the Councel holden at Constantinople by the Acacians.Socrat. l. 4. c. 6. Sozom. lib. 6. cap. 7. The Emp. Valens being deceiued of his expectation, commanded them to be banished, and their Churches to be giuen to the fauourers of the opinion of Eudoxius. Socrat. lib. 4. cap. 11. & 12.This dash constrained the Macedonians to take a new course, and to aggree with Laberius Bishop of Rome. But these Camelions when they had changed many colours, they could neuer be white, that is, sincere and vpright in Religion.

VNderUnder the Emperour Valentinian in the West,The Councel of Rome. Damasus bishop of Rome gathered a Councel in Rome,Theod. lib. 2. cap. 22. Sozom. lib. 6: cap. 23. wherein he confirmed the Nicene Faith, and damned Auxentius Bishop of Millan, with Vrsatius, Valens, and Caius. Likewise hee damned Apollinaris, and his disciple Timotheus.

IN the yeere of our Lord 38.3. or as Bullinger reckoneth,The second Generall Councel. 385 in the third yeere of the raigne of Theodosius, a Generall Councell was gathered at Constantinople, consisting of 150. Bishops, of whom 36. were entangled with the heresie of Macedonius, who called the Holy Spirit a creature,Theod. lib. 5. cap. 8. a minister, & seruant, but not consubstantiall with the Father and the Son. In this Councel the Macedoniā heretikes were louingly admonished to forsake their errour, & to embrace the true faith and that so much the more, because they had once already sent messengers to Liberius, and professed the true Faith. But they continued obstinately in their errour, & departed from the Councell. The heresie of Macedonius was dāned, the Nicen faith confirmed, with amplification of that part of the Symbole which concerned the holy Spirit, in this manner: I beleeue in the holy Spirit our Lord, giuer of life, who proceedeth from the Father, & with the Father, and the Son, is to be worshipped, & glorified. They ordained Nectarius B. of Cōstantinople; & that Constātinople shuld hauehave the prerogatiue of honour next to Rome.Theod. ibid. Great care was had of Prouinces, that they should not of new againe be infected with Heresies. For this cause the name of Patriarches in the Councell of Nice appropriated to a few, in this Generall Councell is communicated p. 566to manie.Theod. ibid. To Nectarius Megapolis and Thracia was allotted: Pontus to Hellodius, Cappadocia to Gregorius Nyssenus, Meletina and Armenia to Otreius. Amphilochius attended vponupon Iconium and Lycaonia, Optimus vponupon Antiochia and Pisidia, Sozom. lib. 7. cap. 7.8.9.Timotheus vponupon the Churches of Aegypt. Laodicea was recommended to Pelagius, Tarsus to Diodorus, and Antiochia to Meletius, who was present at the Councell, and ended his life in Constantinople. To other Bishops a care and sollicitude of their owne boundes was committed, with this caueat, that no man should inuade the bounds belonging to another, but if necessitie so required, Synods should be assembled, and eueryevery one being desired, should mutuallie assist his neighbour.

Another Councell at Constantinople.THe great affaires of the Church, & the care of their brethren in the West, compelled them to meete againe in Constantinople, where they wrote a Synodicke letter to Damasus B. of Rome, to Ambrose, Britto, Valeriāus, Acholius, Anemius, Basilius, Theod. lib. 5. cap. 9.& to the rest of the Bishops cōueened at Rome, Wherin they declare the māifold troubles they had sustained by heretikes: & now albeit in the merciemercy of God they were ejected out of the sheepe-folds, yet like vntounto rauening wolues they were lurking in woods, seeking oportūity to deuour the sheepe of Christ. They excuse their absence, because the infirmitie of their Churches newly recouered from the hands of heretikes, could not permit many of their number to journey to Rome. Alwayes they sent their beloued brethren Cyriacus, Eusebius, & Priscianus, to countenance the assembly at Rome. In matters of Discipline they recommended vntounto them the Canons of the Councell of Nice:Theod. ibid. namely, that Ecclesiasticall honours should be conferred to persons worthy, & that with the speciall aduice and consent of the Bishops of that same Prouince, with assistance of their confining neighbours, if neede required. After this manner was Nectarius B. of Constantinople, Flauianus B. of Antiochia, & Cyrillus B. of Ierusalem, ordained. Heere marke, that the consent of the Bishop of Rome was not necessarie to the ordination of the Bishops p. 567of the East. And the vsurped authoritie of the Bishop of Rome smelleth of Noueltie, and not of Antiquitie. This Synodicke letter sent from Constantinople, would seeme to import, that the Councell which Damasus gathered at Rome, was assembled in the dayes of Theodosius, or els that hee had gathered two assemblies in Rome at diuers times, and yet for owne purpose.

GOdly Emperours and Kings,The third Councell holden at Constantinople, vnderunder the raigne of Theodosius. 2 Sam. 5. Psalm. 122.2 Sam 5Ps 122 such as Constantine, Theodosius, and Dauid, were very carefull of the vnitie of the Church, that it might be like vntounto a compact Citie, as Ierusalem was when the tower of Iebus was conquised, then the people worshipped one God, were obedient to one Law, and subject onelyonly to one Soueraigne. Theodosius in the fifth yeere of his raigne, caring for the peace of the Church, conueened a great Nationáll Councell at Constantinople, not onelyonly of Homousians, but also of Arrians, Eunomians, and Macedonians, hoping that by mutuall conference possibly they might in end accord. The good Emperour consulted with Nectarius Bishop of Constantinople,Socrat. l. 5. c. 10. Nectarius with Agelius a Bishop of the Novatians, Agelius with Sisinius, an eloquent man, and a mightie Teacher, and a Reader in his Church.Sozom. lib. 7. cap. 12. This man considering, that by contentious disputations, Schismes were increased, but not quenched, gaue this aduice to Nectarius, that hee should counsell the Emperour to demande of Heretikes, in what account they had the holy Fathers, who preceeded their time. The Heretikes at the first spake reuerently of the Fathers: but when they were demaunded, if in matters of Faith they would giuegive credit to the testimonie of the Fathers, the Heretikes were diuided amongst themselues: Therefore the Emperour rent in pieces the summes of the Arrian, Eunomian, and Macedonian, faith: and ordained the Homousian Faith onelyonly to hauehave place.

THe second Councell of Carthage was assēbled vnderunder the raigne of Theodosius, The second Councell of Carthage.neere vntounto the time of the Generall p. 568Councell holden in Constantinople. In it, first the summe of the Nicene Faith is confirmed. The continencie of Bishops,Tom. 1. Concil. Elders, and Deacons, is recommended, with abstinence euen from matrimoniall societie: so earlie began men to bee wiser then God: But in the twelfth Canon of the third Councell of Carthage, it may bee perceiued, that this constitution (as disagreeable from Gods word) was not regarded, because Bishops in Africa married, and had sonnes and daughters: and these are inhibite to marrie with Infidels and Heretikes in the Canons a fore-saide. The making of Chrisme, and consecrating of holie Virgins, is ordained onelyonly to belong to Bishops. The Canons of this Councell, for the most part, tend to this, to aduance the authoritie of their Bishops, fore-smelling (as appeares) the vsurpation of preheminence in the Bishops beyond sea.

The third Councell of Carthage.THe third Councell of Carthage was assembled in the yeere of the Lord 399. Aurelius Bishop of Carthage seemeth to hauehave bin Moderatour of the Councell: Augustine Bishop of Hippo was present. Many good constitutions were accorded vponupon in this Councell:Canon 6. as namely, that the Sacramentes should not bee ministred to the dead.

Canon 12.That the sonnes and daughters of Bishops, and others in spirituall offices, should not be giuen in marriage to Pagans, Heretikes, or Schismatikes.

Canon 15.The men in spirituall offices should not be intangled with secular businesse, according to the precept of the Apostle, 2. Tim. 2. verse, 4.

Canon 16.That men of the Cleargy should practise no kind of vsury.

Canon 18.That no man shall be ordained Bishop, Elder, or Deacon, before hee hauehave brought all persons of his owne familie to the profession of Christian Religion.

Canon 19.That Readers, who are come to perfect yeeres shall either marrie, or els professe continencie.

Canon 24.That in the ministration of the Sacrament, or Sacrifice, (to wit, Eucharistike) nothing should bee offered, except bread p. 569and wine mixed with water, of the fruites of the Cornes and Grapes.

That the Bishop of Rome should bee called the Bishop of the first seate,Canon 40. but not the high Priest, nor the Prince of Priestes.

That nothing,Canon 47. except holy Canonicke Scripture, should be read in the Churches, vnderunder the name of holy bookes.

ABout the yeere of our Lord 401.The fourth Councell of Carthage. vnderunder the raigne of Honorius, was assembled againe a great nationall Councell in Carthage, of 214. Bishops. Augustine Bishop of Hippo was also present at this Councell. Manie Canons were set downe in this Councell, almost equall with the number of conueened Bishops.

That persons married,Canon 13. for reuerence of the blessing pronounced to the marriage, should not companie together the first night after their marriage.

That the Bishop should hauehave his dwelling place neere vntounto the Church,Canon 14 and 15. his house-holde-stuffe should be vncostly, his fare should be course, and vndelicate, and that hee should conquiese authoritie vntounto himselfe by fidelitie and vprightnesse of an holy conuersation.

That a Bishop should not spend time in reading the bookes of Pagans:Canon 16. the bookes of Heretikes, if necessitie required, he might reade.

That a Bishop entangle not himselfe deepely with houshold businesse,Canon 20. to the end hee may attend vponupon reading, Prayer, and Preaching.

That a Bishop admit no man vntounto a spirituall office,Canon 22. without aduice of the Clergie, and consent of the people.

That a Bishop without aduice of his Cleargie,Canon 23. pronounce no sentence, els it shall hauehave no force, except they confirme it.

That a Bishop sitting,Canon 34. shall not suffer a presbyter to stand.

That an assembly of Heretikes conueened together,Canon 71. shall not be called Concilium, but Conciliabulum.

That hee who communicateth with an Heretike,Canon 73. shall be excommunicate, whether he be of the number of the Laikes, or of the Cleargie.

p. 570Canon. 95.That such as refuse to giuegive vntounto the Church, the oblations of defunct persons, shall bee excommunicate, as murtherers of the poore. Heere marke what is meaned by Oblationes Defunctorum, not soulmasses, said for the defunct, but the charitie which they hauehave in testamentall legacy to the poore,Canon. 100. That no woman shal presume to baptize.