History of the First Ten Persecutions, History – Treatises 4
CENTVRIE VII.
CHAP. I. OF EMPEROURS.
PHOCAS.
THE Heresie of EVTYCHES continued in this CENTVRIE from the beginning to the ende thereof: countenanced by the Emperours, such as Heraclius and Constans. Neuerth…lesse I hauehave cut off the Eutychtan Persecution at the end of the VI. Centurie because Heraclius, albeit he fauoured the errour of the Monothelites (a branch of Eutyches hercsy) notwithstāding he was so employed with warres against the Auares in the West, and the Persians and Saracenes in the East, that hee had not a vacant time to persecute them who professed another faith. And Constans began to persecute, but was incontinentinterrupted by new occasion of sea-warre-fare against the Saracenes, wherein also he was ouer-come. For this cause I hauehave referred the Eutychian persecution rather to the former Centurie than to this. Moreouer, in this Cētury the vniuct sall Bish. & ye Antichrist beginneth to spring vp: so that all ye rest of the Historie must bee spent in three heads: First, in declaring The grouth of the Antichrist, in the VII. VIII. and IX. Centuries: Secondlie, in declaring his tyrannie, and preuailing power ouer the Romane Emperours, and Monarches of the worlde, in the X. XI. and XII. Centuries: And finallie, in declaring his discouerie, and his battell against the Sainctes, especiallie against those who discouered h…m: and this shall bee done (God willing) from the XIII. Centurie vntill our owne time. In the Historie I am compelled to bee short, because it may bee read in manie Authors, Chronol gies, and Compendes: and place must be giuen to Treatises to be lengthened, when the Historie by a briefe cōmemoration may be susficientlie knowne.
Phocas, aft…r the cruell slaughter of his master Mauritius, was proclaimed to bee Emperour by the Romane souldiours, in the yeere of our Lord 604: and he reigned eight yeeres: in crueltie, drunkennesse, lecherie, he surpassed beyond all men, & justlie was called The calamitie of the Romane Empire: nothing succceded prosperouslie with this parricide: Cosroes on the East side. the Auares on the West, the Slauonians on the North side, inuading Dalmatia, and Ag…lulphus king of Lumbardis in Italie, adding vntounto his dominion Mantua, Cremona, and Vulturnia: all these at one time weakened the Romane Empire, so farre that it could neuer attaine again to the former strength & splendor that it was wont to hauehave. Great strise had bene betwixt ye chaires of Rome & …. for supremacy. The Patriarch of Constā …no. thought it due to him, because … was the seat of the Empire. Platina in vita Bonif. 3The Patriarch of Rome on the other part, saide, that Constantino…le was but a Colonie of Rome, and tha the Grecians themselues in thei Let…ers called the Emperour foreign. To this controuersie Phocas put an ende & ordained Bonifacius the third to be called Universall …: and the Church of Rome to be head of all other Churches. This dignitie the Romane Church begged (as Platina granteth) and not without great contention; obtained … the handes of Phocas. This is that stile, which Gregorius the fi…st counted Antichristian in the person of Ioannes foreign, Patriarch of Constantinople. In end Priscus his owne sonne in law, Heraclianus, the fa…her of He…aclius the Emperour, and Phocius, whose wife Phocas had vnhonestlie abused, conspired against him, and ouer-came him, and brought him to Heraclius, who commanded his head, feete, and secrete members to bee cut off, and the stumpe of his bodie was giuen to the souldiers to bee burnt with fire.
HERACLIUS.
AFter Phocas reigned Heraclius thirtie yeeres. Cosroes king of Persia had mightilie preuailed, and had conquered Syria, Paulus diaconus, li. 18. rerum Roman.Phenicta, and Palestina, and had taken Hierusalem, and Zacharias the Bishop thereof, and the Holie Crosse and had giuen manie thousands of Christians to the lewes to be slaine. Neither would hee accept anie conditions of peace with Heraclius, except hee would condiscend to forsake the worshipping of Christ, & worship the Sunne as the Persians did. For this cause Heraclius was compelled to make peace with the A…ares on his West side, and to leade his Armie to Asia against the Persians, which indured the space of six yeeres, wherein he preuailed against Cosroes, and recouered all the Prouinces which Cosroes had taken from the Romane Empire. Finallie, Cosroes was taken, cast in prison, and Hist. Magd Cent. 7. …. 3cruellie slaine by his owne sonne Siroes, because he had preferred Medarses his younger sonne to Siroes his elder brother. This Siroes made a couenant of peace with Heraclius, and deliuered vntounto him Zacharias Bishop of Hierusalem, with the Holie Crosse and the prisoners whom his father had carried captiue. And so Heraclius in the seuenth yeere returned backe againe to Constantinople with great triumph. After this the Emperour beeing circumuened by Pyrrhus Bishop of Constantinople, & Cyrus Bishop of Alex… dria fell into the Heresie of the Monothelites: And to this fault he added other faults, such as incest, for he married his owne sisters daughter: and hee was giuen to curious Artes, and to seeke out the euent of thinges by judiciall Astrologie: and was admonished by the Astrologians to beware of ye circumcised people. Heracl…us onlie deemed, that the lowes should trouble him but it was the Saracenes, in whom this prophesie had performance: for in his time beganne the Monarchie of the Saracenes, and the blasphemous doctrine of Mahomet. The Saracenes were people dwelling in Arabia, the posteritie of Hagar, and not of Sara: These faught vnderunder ye banner of Heraclius in his 6. yeeres warrefare Platina in vita Seuerini 1.against ye Persians: whē they craued the wages of their seruice, in st…ad of money they receiued cōtumelious words & were called … by ye Em. treasurer. This cōtumely did so irritate them, that they choosed Mahomet to be their captaine anno 623, inuaded Damasc…s & took it & within few yeeres cōquered Syria, Phenicta, Palestina, & Aegypt: And not content with this, they inuaded ye king…ome of the Persians, & subdued it & cut off the kings seed. The blasphemous Alcarō & alsurca of Mahomet, which he said he receiued frō heauē, was a doctrine of lies cōtaining a mixture of ye re…igiō of ye Jewes, Pagās & Christiās: to ye making wherof cōcurred Sergius a Nestorian her…ke & Ioh… of Antiochia, an Arriā …, & some Iwes. Mahomet also ordained. yt all people whom ye Saracenes could conquere, should be cōpelled by fire & sword, & all kind of violence, to receiue the doctrine contai…ed in these bookes. Heraclius perceiuing ye sudden & great increase of ye dominion of the Sarac…nes gathered a gr at army, & faught against them but he was ou…r-come in battell & lost 150. thousand mē of his army. And whē he renewed his forces again to fight against the Sarac…nes he found that 52. thousand of his army died in one night suddenly as those did who were slain by ye Angell of God in the army of Senache…b. Heraclius was so discouraged with the calamitie of his a…mie, that he contracted sicknesse and died.Isai. 37. 36
CONSTANTINUS and HERACLEONAS.
AF…er the death of Heraclius reigned his son Constantine, 4. moneths, & was made out of the way, by poison giuē vntounto him by Martina his fathers second wife, to ye end that Heracleonas her son might re…gn. But God suffered not this wickednes to be vnpu…ished: for Martina & Heraclconas were taken by ye Senators of Constantinople & her tongue was cut out. & his nose cut off, lest either her fla…ering speaches, or his beauty & comlines should hauehave moued ye people to compassiō: & they were both banished.
About this time the Saracenes had taken Caesarea in Palestina after they had besieged it seuen yeeres: and they slew in it seuen thousand Christians.
CONSTANS.
AFter the banishment of Martina, & Heracl…onas her son, reigned Constans ye son of Constārine, 27. yeeres: in religion he followed the footsteps of Heraclius, & was infected with the heresie of the Monoth…lites, & persecuted Martinus 1. bish. of Rome, because he had gathered a Synode in Rome, & damned ye heresie of ye Monothelues: whom also he caused to be brought in bands to Consiantinople, cut out his tongue, & cut off his right hād, & banished him Hist. Magd. C…. 7. c. 3to Cherson…sus in Pontus, where hee ended his life. Hee faught also against ye Saracenes in sea-warre-fare, & was ouer-come by them, like as interpreters of dreames had fore-tol le him: for he dreamed, that he was dwelling in Thessalonica, & the interpreters said it portended no good, but that others should ouer-come him as if the word Thessalonica did import foreign, that is, render victory to another. Constans was s…aine by one of his owne seruants as he was washing himselfe in the bathe-houses of Siracuse.
CONSTANTINUS POGONATUS.
Constans being sl…ine in Sicile, ye army in those pa…ts appointed. Mezentius, a man of incomparable beauty, to be Emp. but Constantinus, the eldest son of Constans, sailed to Sicile with a great nauie, slew Mezentius & the murtherers of his father, and recouered his fathers dominion to himselfe. Hee was called Pogonatus, because his face was not bare & voide of hai…e when hee returned from Sicile, as it was whē he sailed thith…r from Byzans, but his face was rough & couered with haire. He had 2. brethrē, whome the people reuerenced with equall honour as they did him: therfore he disfigurated their faces by cutting off their nose, & re…gned himself alone 17. yeeres. In religiō he was not like vntounto his predicessors, who had bin fauourers of heretiques, but he assembled a generall Coūcell at Constantinople, vulgarly called, the Chron. Funct.sixt O…cumenick Councell, whereinto the heresie of the Monothelites was vtterly damned, as in the owne place shall be declared God willing. Likewise, the estate of the Emp. was more peaceab'e than it had bene in time of his predic…ssors for the Saracens were compelled to seeke conditions of peace from him, and to offer yee…ely paimen… of 3000. pound weight of gold vntounto him, with Hist, Magd. Cent. 7. ca. 3other trib…tes of horse, seru…nts, and prisoners.
IUSTINIANUS the second, LEO NTIUS, and ABSIMARUS.
AFter the death of Constantine, reigned his sonne Iustinian the second, sixteene yeeres, to wit, tenne yeeres before his banishment, and sixe yeeres after his banishment: His gouernement was cruell and bloodie, by perswasion of Stephanus, and Theodo…us, whose counsell hee followed, euen till the purpose of exstirpation of all the Citizens of Constantino…le. But Leontius, a man of noble birth, pitying the Citie, tooke Iustinian the Emperour, cut off his nose and banished him to Chersonesus ponti, where hee remained in great miserie tenne yeeres. Ste…hanus, and Theodorus his bad counsell…rs receiued a condigne punishment, for they were burnt quicke in the bellie of an hot brasen bull.
After this banishment of Iustinian the second, Leontius reigned three yeeres. The fl…xible mindes of vnconstant people, and sould…ers, choosed Absimarus to bee their Emperour, who dealt with Leontius as hee had dealt with Iustinian, and cut off his nose, and thrust him into a Monasterie, where hee remained seuen yeeres, to wit, all the time of Absimarus gouernement.
In ende, Iustinian, after tenne yeeres banishment, recouered his Emper…all dignitie againe, by the helpe of Terbellis Prince of Bulgaria. Hee caused Leontius, and Absimarus to bee brought vntounto him, whome hee tramped vnderunder his feete and after commanded that they should bee beheaded. The crueltie tha… hee vsed against the Citizens of Constantinople, and against the …habitants of Che…sonesus Ponti, is almost vnspeakeable. He was hated of all men. Philippicus conspired against him, and hee was slaine by one named Elias, his owne ….
CHAP. II. OF POPES, BISHOPS, PASTORS, AND DOCTORS.
AFTER Sabinianus succeeded Bonifacius the third, and continued onelie nine monethmonth in his Bonifacius the third.Popedome: finding oportunitie of time, by the disliking that the Emperour Phocas had of the Patriarch of Constantinople, Bonifacius insinuated himselfe in the fauour of the Emperour, and obtained at his hands, that the Church of Rome should bee called the supreme head of all other Churches.
To him succeeded Bonifacius the fourth, and gouerned sixe yeeres, eight monethes, and thirteene dayes: He obtained from Bonifacius the fourth. Platina in vita Bon. 4.Phocas a Temple (of olde builded to the honour of all the gods of the Gentiles, called Pantheon) this he purged from the abominations of Heathen people, and dedicated it to the Virgine Marie, and the Saincts. Likewise, he instituted a Festiuall day, to be kept in honour of all the Saincts, in which day the Bishop of Rome himselfe should say Masse. Thus wee see at what time the Bishop of Rome vsurped gouernement ouer all Churches. At this same time the chaire of Rome fell awaye from the worshipping ☞of the liuing God, to the worshipping of dead creatures. H…e esteemed much of the Monastike life, and gaue vntounto the Funct. comment. in chron. lib. 8 ☞Monkes equall honour with the Cleargie, in priueledge of pr…aching, ministring the Sacraments, binding and loosing &c. so were the Monks associated into the tribe of the Pri…sts.
After him succeeded Theodatus, otherwayes called Deus dedit, Theodatusand gouerned three yeeres, and three dayes: He made an ordinance, that no man should marrie the woman, to whome, or ☞with whom he had beene witnesse in Baptisme, because this was counted Spirituall consanguinitie. This was an vndoubted note of the Antichrist, to make lawes in the matter of marriage not L…uit. 18agr…eable to the law of God. Manie doe write, that hee cured a leprous man with a kisse: But from this time forward let vsus beware duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page duplicate page to giuegive hastie credite to miracles, which are brought in for none other cause, but on…ie to confirme a lying doctrine: and in holy Scripture they are called foreign, that is, miracles of lyes.2. Thes. 2. 9
To him succeeded B…nifacius the fift, and ruled fiue yeeres and ten monethes: he made a constitution, that no man who ranne Bonifacius the fift. ☞for safe…e to a religious place, should be drawne out of it by violence, how grieuous soeuer his offence had beene: A lawe Antichristian indeede, and much impairing the authoritie of the ciuill Magistrate.
Honorius the fi…st succeeded to Bonifacius the fift, and ruled 12. yeeres, 11. monethes, and 17. dayes: he was insected with the Honorius the first. ☞heresie of the Monothelites, and was damned in the sixt generall Councell assembled in the dayes of the Emperour Constantinus Pogenatus, and hath bene touched in the Treatise of succession.
To him succeeded Seuerinus the first, and continued 1. yeere, 9. monethes, and 11. dayes: He was confirmed in his Popedome Seuerinus the first.by Isacius Exarche of Italie: for at that time, the election of the Clergie, and consent of the people, was not much set by. Isacius also spoiled the treasures of the Church of Laterane, being offended with this that the Church treasures were so rich, and that Platina in vita Seuerinithey bestowed nothing to the support of Souldiers who were in great neces…itie.
After him followed Pope Iohn the fourth, who exceeded not the space of one yeere, one monethmonth, and nineteene dayes in his Iohn the fourth.gouernement.
Theodoretus the successor of Iohn the fourth, was the sonne of Theodorus Bishop of Ierusalem. If the Romane Church so much Theodoretus. ☞detested Marriage in the persons of men in a spirituall calling, how came it to passe that they admitted Theodoretus to be Pope, who was the sonne of a married Bishop? H…e …uled 6. yeer…s, 5. monethes, and 18. dayes. He excommunicated Pyrrhus Patriarch of Constantinople for the heresie of the Monoth…lites: but after the death of the Emperour Heraclius, Pyrrhus returned from Afrike, where he had remained a space in banishment, he came to Rome, recanted his errour, and was absolued from excommunication: but like vntounto a dogge hee returned againe to his vomite, and was excommunicate of new againe by Theodoretus: but Pyr…hus was slaine by the Senators of Constantinople before hee was possessed into his former dignitie, as partaker of the vile Platina in vit. Theod.treason intended by Martina and Heracleonas her sonne against Constantine the sonne of the Emperour Heraclius.
After him succeeded Pope Martinus, and gouerned 6. yeeres, Martinus.1. monethmonth, & 26. dayes: he sent Ambassadours to Paulus Patriarch of Constantinople, exhorting him to forsake the errour of ye Monothelites: but he misused the messengers the more confidentlie, because he saw ye Emp. Constans altogether addicted vntounto the heresie of ye Monothelites. Martinus on ye other part, assembled a Councell at Rome of 150. bishops, wherin he renewed the excommunication of Syrus B. of Alexandria, Sergius & Pyrrhus bishops of Constantinople: likewise, he excommunicated Paulus bishop of Constantinople, for ye errour of ye Monothelites. The Emp. Conslans highly offended against Martinus, sent first Olympius the Exarche of Italie, either to take Pope Martinus prisoner, or else to kill him: but his attempts were frustrate not without a miraculous work of God, as Platina recordeth. And afterward hee s…nt Theodorus Calliopas, who vnderunder pretence of friendship came to salute the Pope, & cast him in bands, and sent him to Constantinople, where Constans the Emp. caused his tongue to be cut out, and his r…ght hand cut off and banished him to Che…souesus Po…ti. The chaire of Rome was vacant for the space of fourteene monethes, because they had no certaintie of the time of the death of Pope Hist. Magd. …. 7. cap. 10. Eugenius the first. ☞ Comm. in Func. chro. lib 8.Martinus.
Next vntounto him, Eugenius the first was chosen Pope, and gouerned two yeeres, and nine monethes: Hee was the first that made an ordinance, that bishops shoulde hauehave prison-houses for correcting the enormitie and contumacie of the Clergie: so that by degrees bishops are encrouching vponupon the authoritie of the ciuill Magistrate.
After him succeeded Vitalianus the 1. he continued 14. yeeres, Vitalianus the first. ☞and 6. moneths in the Popedome: to ye singing of Psalmes in the Church by viue voyce, he added Organes. This was not an auncient custome in the Christian Church, but a noueltie inuented by Vitalianus.
Next after Vitalianus followed Adeodatus, and ruled foure yeeres, two moneths and fiue dayes: of a Monke he was made Adeodatus.Pope. In his time there was terrible apparitions in Heauen: a great Comete continuing for the space of three monethes, terrible thunders, the like whereof had not beene heard in anie prec…eding time: great abundance of raine, fastning the cornes to the ground, so that they grew againe, and in some places of Italie came to maturitie and ripenesse: Great incursions of Turks and Saracenes, who spoyled the Isle of Sicile. In all these calamities (saieth Platina) Adeodatus multiplied supplications for the preuenting the fore-signified wrath to come. If repentance and abolishing of horrible Idolatrie, which had nowe taken deepe roote, had bene joyned with prayers, the Lord might hauehave bene the more easilie entreated.
Donus or Domnus, his successor, ruled fiue yeeres, & ten dayes: he reduced the Church of Rauenna, after long reluctation, to the Donus. Platina in vit. Doni. 1.obedience of the chaire of Rome. It is to bee noted, that all the time they were not subject to the Bishop of Rome, they were called by the Romanes foreign, so bent were they to vindicate all declining from their authoritie with opprobrious names of ☞Heresies imposed to the decliners thereof.
Ag…ho, successor to Donus, ruled 2. yeeres, 6. monethes, and Agatho.15. dayes: of whom Platina writeth, that he cured a leprous man with a kisse, as Pope Deus dedit had done before. In his time Constantinus Pogonatus Emperour, gathered the sixt generall Councell at Constantinople, wherein the heresie of the Monothelites was condemned, and Macarius Patriarch of Antiochia, for his obstinate perseuering in that errour, was excommunicate: and Theophanius, some time an Abbot, was placed in his rowne. But this I remit vntounto the owne place. The epistle of Agatho written to the 6. generall Councell, is full of Antichristian pride, wherein hee aff…meth, that the chaire of Rome neuer erred, and that it cannot erre: that euerie soule, that is to bee saued, must professe the Romane traditions, and all the constitutions of the Romane ☞Church are to be receiued as if they had bene deliuered by the diuine voyce of Peter. Likewise, he damned the marriage of men Hist. Magd. Cent. 7. cap. 10. ☞in spirituall calling: he commendeth the Masse impudentlie alledging a writing of Chrysostome concerning the Masse, whereas in all the writinges of Chrysostome this word of the Masse is not to bee found.
After Agatho, succeeded Leo the second, who continued onelie tenne monethes, and seuenteene dayes: Hee was the first author Leo the second.of the kissing of the Pax.
To him succeeded Benedictus the second, and ruled 10. monethes, and 12. dayes onelie. In his dayes Constantinus Pogonatus Benedictus the second.Emperour, ordained, that in time to come, the consent of the Emperour, and Exarche of Italie, should not be expected, but he whom the Clergie and people did elect, should foorthwith bee counted the Vicare of Christ. In so doing the Emp. very vnaduisedlie put an hurtfull weapon into the Popes hand. whereby the estate of the Empire was encombered, and hurt afterward.
Ioannes the fift, his successor, continued not aboue one yeere Iohn the fift. Conon the first.and nine dayes.
And Conon the first, the successor of Iohn the fift, ended his course after the issue of eleuen monethes, and three dayes.
After the death of Conon the election of the Pope was like to be decided by weapons, rather than by suffrages & votes: some fauoured Theodorus, others promoued Paschalis: and neither of the parties would yeeld to the other. In end, the people thought expedient to reject them both, and to choose some third person Sergius the first.to the Popedome: So they elected Sergius the first, and carried him vponupon their shoulders to the Church of Laterane. In his time Iustinian the second gathered a Councell at Constantinople, to perfect and finish the worke which his father had begunne. Sergius refused to subscribe the Acts of the sixt generall Councell, albeit his Ambassadour, who was present at the Councell, had Platina de vita Sergii. ☞subscribed them. Of the consecrated Hostie, hee ordained one part to be put into the Chalice, to represent the bodie of Christ, which was risen from death: another part to be eaten, to represent the bodie of Christ walking vponupon the earth: the third part, to bee laide vponupon the Altar vntill the ende of the Masse, to represent the bodie of Christ lying in the Sepulchre. He gou…rned thirteene yeeres, eight monethes, and 24. dayes.
COncerning the Patriarches of Constantinople, in this Centurie Patriarches of Cō stantinop. Alexādria Antiochia & Ierusalēlittle mention is made of them, because for the most part, they kept not the right Faith, but were intangled with heresie. After Cyriacus, Thomas, and Ioannes, and constantinus, succeeded, whose faith (as vnspotted with anie blame of heresie) hath an honest testimonie in Church rolles, called Sacra diptytha. Sergius, Pyrrhus, and Paulus, were miserablie infected with the heresie of the Monothelites. Pyrrhus once recanted his heresie, and was absolued from excommunication by pope Theodorus: but hee returned incontinent againe as a dog to his vomite. Pope Theodorus whē he excōmunicated him the second time, vsed a new & insolent forme of doing, the like wherof was neuer heard at any time before: for he infused some drops of ye consecrated cup into Hist. Magd. Cent. 7. c. 9 ☞inke, & writ a sentence of cursing against Pyrrhus. Paulus also obtained at the hands of the Em. Constans, edicts to be affixed in diuerse places, whereby all men should be compelled to subscribe the errour of ye Monothelites. After them Petrus & Theodorus, albeit they maintained not ye fore-mentioned heresie with so high and proude attempts as others had done, yet they were addicted vntounto it. Georgius, successor to Thcodorus, in the 6. generall Councell, had defended ye errour of ye Monoth but when he was clearly refuted by testimonies of Scripture, & by places cited out of ye Fathers, he yeelded, & embraced the true faith. Callyni…us ministred vnderunder ye reigne of Iustinian 2. who demolished a Church neare approching to his palace, & builded an house of presence, wherein ye people might cherish ye Em. Callinycus was compelled to consecrate the house by prayer: but in regard he was enforced against his heart to pray, he made his prayer short, in this maner, Giorie be to God, who patiently comporteth with vsus, both now, & for euer, Am…n. For this cause Iustinian hated Callynichus, & whē he returned back again from his 10. yeeres banishment, he caused ye eyes of Callyn. to be put out, & sēt him to Rome, there to remain in banishmēt.
IN Alexandria, before the Saracenes (vnderunder the conduct of Mahomet) conquered ye countrey of Aegypt, few of note & marke were to be found in that chaire. After Eulogius Ioannes scribo continued in office only 2. yeeres. After him Ioannes Eleemosynarius is highly commended for his liberalitie toward the poore. Cyrus his successour was an her…tique, following the errour of the Monothelues. He payed tribute to the Saracenes but when the Em. Heraclius wearied of the payment of tribute, then all the countrey Paulus Dia…onus, ti. 18 rerum Rom.of Aegypt was possessed by the Saracenes: which incursion of the Mahumetans, albeit it cutted not off the personall succession of the patriarches of Alexandria, yet it obscureth the cleare notice of their succession vntounto vsus, who are farre distant from them.
IN Antiochia Anastasius Sinaita is found to hauehave beene bishop of Antiochia, in the dayes of the Emperour Phocas: Hee obtained this name to bee called Sinaita because hee had macerated himselfe with long fasting, and with hard exercises of an heremiticall life vponupon mount Sina, anno 610. hee was slaine in a seditious ☞commotion, stirred vp by the Iewes, who dwelt at Antiochia, who slewe manie other Christians: but they vttered great crueltie, joyned with vile inhumanitie, against Anastasius, in whose mouth they cast the verie excrements of his owne bodie, as the MAGDEBVRG historie recordeth, citing the testimonie of Nicephotus lib. 18. cap. 44. & 45Nicephorus. After him another of that same name called likewise Anastatius, succeeded, & was B. of Antiochia: he was a Syrian, a man of a subtile spirit, who circumuened ye Em. Heraclius: for at ye Em. command he subscribed the decrees of ye Councell of Chalcedon, only simulately, & for desire of preferment: but after he had subscribed, that two natures personally vnited were to be acknowledged in Christ, he demanded of ye Em. what he thought of the will & operation of Christ, whether was two willes & operations in Christ, or one will, and one operation only? The Em. troubled with ye nou…lty of the question, consulted with Sergius B. of Constantinople, who returned this answere to the Em. that one will & one operation was to be acknowledged in Christ. The Em. Heraclius being circumuened by false & deceitfull teachers, was ashamed to forsake that opinion, which hee had once condiscended vntounto. So this heresie of the Monothelites tooke deepe roote in the East, vntill ye time that God punishing ye contempt of his truth, suffered ye Saracenes, with their blasphemous Mahometon doctrine to be vniuersally ouer-spred in the East. To Anastatius succeeded Macarius, a most obstinate defender of the heresie of ye Monothelites: for the which cause he was both excommunicated and deposed in the sixt generall Councell, and Theophanius, an Abbor in Sicile, was made bishop of Antiochia. After him are reckoned Petrus, Thomas, and Ioannes, without anie further discourse, except a bare commemoration of their names.
THE Church of Ierusalem in this age was pitifullie defaced, as lying nearest to the incursions of strong enemies, both Persians and Sa…cenes. Zacharias Bishop of Ierusalem was carried captiue by Cosroes king of Persia, and remained a prisoner for the space of fourteene yeeres. In ende he was restored to his former dignitie, at that time when the Emperour Heraclius ouercame Cosroes in warre-fare, and recouered the Crosse of Christ againe, which the Persians had spoyled, and taken out of Ierusalem. This came to passe in the yeere of our Lord 624.
To Zacharias succeeded Sophronius, of a Monke: He was made Patriarch of …erusalem: Hee lacked not his owne commendation in the sixt generall Counce…l, as one who kept the true Faith inuiolablie NOTA.: Hee was present in Ierusalem when Haumar Prince of Saracenes entered into the Towne and Temple: and he was a beholder of the last desolation of the Church in that Towne.
OF OTHER PASTORS AND DOCTORS.
IN this CENTVRIE there is great scarsitie of learned men, yet that which was inlacking in l…arning it must bee supplied one way or other: Some were politique, others (in the opinion of ignorant people) were so deuote and holie, that miracles were wrought by their handes, and at their sepulchres: namelie, lying miracles, aduancing the kingdome of the Antichrist. The most remarkeable Bishops of Rauenna in this CENTVRIE were Theodorus, Reparatus, and Foelix, all of contrarie dispositions, & so flat opposite one to another as possible could be. Theodorus was te…rible, and couetous: and when hee sawe that hee was despised by the people and Clergie, being … of reuenge, hee betrayed the libertie of the Chur…h of Rauenna, Hist. Magd. Cent. 7. cap. 10.in the dayes of Pope Donus. Reparatus being ignorant of that which …eodorus had done, and finding t…e Church of Rauenna subjected to the chaire of Rome, for v…rie heart griefe incontinent hee ended his life. Foel…x refused to paye vntounto Pope Constantine the summe of money which he demanded as a testimonie of subjection. For this cause Pope Constant…e desired support from the Emperour Iustinian the second, for subduing the Bish. of Rauenna. Foelix on the other part, hearing, that the Emperours armie was approching to Rauenna for the cause aforesaid, he instigated the people to fight for the liberty of their Church: Both the armies faught with martiall courage: In ende, the Emperours armie preuailed, the Towne of Rauenna was taken, manie were slaine, others were carried captiue to Constantinople, the eyes of Foelix were put out, the rest were banished to Bithynia, What can bee found in this historie, but pride on the one part, ambiciouslie seeking superioritie: and on the other part policie, sometimes yeelding sometimes despairing, and sometimes with bellicous hardinesse presuming to pleade a spirituall cause with weapons of a corporall warre-fare.
In this CENTVRIE manie miracles are attributed to persons whome the people counted to be deuote.
Ioannes, Bishop of Bergomum in Lombardie, was a man of so great reuerent account, that Princes were wont, by rising out of their Thrones, to doe honour vntounto him. It happened vponupon Platina in vita Ioan. 5a time, that hee reprooued Ivnipertvs king of LOMBARDIS freelie and sharpelie, in time of a banquet. IVNIPERTVS willing to bee reuenged of him, prouided, that hee should bee sent home vponupon a strong, fierce, and loftie horse, which was accustomed to cast the ryders, and to teare and lacerate them: But when the bishop of BERGOMVM was mounted vponupon him, hee left his fiercenesse, and carried him peaceablie and calmelie vntounto his owne house.
IOANNES AGNVS, bishop of WTRECHT, in whose hand a piece of drie timber budded and flourished, yet was hee NOTA.an idiote and an vnlearned man.
REMACLVS bishop of the same Towne, and borne in Bour… of FRANCE, left his Episcopall office, and went to the W…ldernesse, where hee ledde an Heremiticall life, defending his insolent fact by the example of MOSES, ABRAHAM, HELIAS, HELISEVS, and CHRIST hims…lse, who were all found to hauehave beene in the Wildernesse. But if he had beene a man of de…pe vnderstanding, hee might hauehave alledged more pertinentlie the example of NARCISSVS bishop of IERVSALEM, who in going to the Wildernesse, fo… sooke his Episcopall office for a time, than the example of CHRIST, who went vntounto the Wildernesse to enter into the holie office of Preaching, after preparation of fasting, praying, and fighting with spirituall armour against the prince of Darknesse. Notwithstanding, Matthew 4hee is thought both in his life time, and also after his leath, to hauehave wrought miracles.Platina in vita Ioan. 4
In AVSTVME a Towne of FRANCE, called in Latine Augustodunum, LEODEGARIVS is thought to hauehave reteined his voyce, and the benefite of distinct speaking after that his tongue was cut out, and that manie miraculous works were NOTA.wrought after his death, if credite can bee giuen to VINCENTIVS.
The miracles of ANDOENVS bishop of ROWEN, who also writ a booke of the miraculous deliuerance of the soule of DAGOBERTVS King of FRANCE, and an infinite number of other lying miracles, all confirming superstition, of purpose I leaue them as fables superaboundant in the writings of VINCENTIVS.
Concerning ISIDORVS HISPALENSIS, occasion will bee offered to speake of him in the sixt Councell of Tolido.
The vaine disputation concerning the diuersitie of the keeping of EASTER daye in SCOTLAND and ENGLAND, betwixt COLMANNVS and WVILFRIDVS, it is as vnnecessary to be written, as it was vnnecessary with heat and contention to hauehave bene disputed.
CHAP. III. OF HERESIES.
IN this age, partlie through the malice of Sathan, and partlie through the power of the wrath of GOD, punishing the contempt of his trueth, Heresies did mightilie abound: for the heresie of Arrius beganne to reuiue againe, and manie of the Kinges of Lombardis were addicted vntounto it: in speciall, Tlatina in vita Ioan. 4.Rhotaris, the sonne of Arioaldus, who appointed, that in euerie Towne of Lombardie there should be two Bishops, hauing equall authoritie, the one a Catholique bishop, the other an Arrian. In Scotland and England the heresie of Pelagius was renewed, as Bed… testifieth. The Monkes of Syria propagated the heresie of Nestorius, as Platina recordeth in the life of Donus the first. The heresies of Seueritae, Aphartodotitae, Momphysitae, Acephali, Theopafcitae, Iacobitae, Armenii, all were Eutychian heretiques, differing one from another in some ceremonies, in absurditie of speaches, in authors whome they principally admired and followed, in places where the heresie chiefelie increased, & in their carriage, Likewise Staurolatrae were Eutychian heretiques: but the worshipping of the Crosse was a note distinguishing them from other heretiques of their owne opinion. Priscillianistae were heretiques who borrowed absurd opinions from Samosatenus and Photinus, from Cerdon and Marcion, and from the Manicheans: but all these auncient erroures were sufficientlie refuted in auncient times.
The heresie of the Monothelites, was a branch of the heresie of Monothelitae.…tyches, by a secret… and craftie connoye, insinuating it selfe in credite againe after it was condemned in the Councell of Chalcedon. The authors of this heresie were Sergius, Pyrrhus, and Paulus, Patriarches of Constantinople, and Macarius Patriarch of Antiochia, Cyrus Patriarch of Alexandria, Petrus bishop of Nicomedia, with manie others They denied not directlie the two natures of CHRIST personallie vnited: but onlie they affirmed, that after the vnion of the two natures, there was onlie one will and one ope…tion in CHRIST: Whereas the holie Scriptures attribute vntounto CHRIST, as Hee is man. the action of sleeping: and to CHRIST, in respect of His diuine nature, the action of compescing and calming the rage and stormie tempest of blowing windes, and swelling Seas. This heresie was damned in the sixt generall Councell, as wee shall heare (God willing) in the owne place.
CHAP. IIII. OF COVNCELS.
IN the yeere of our LORD 607. and vnderunder the reigne of the Emp…rour Phocas, a Councell was assembled at Rome, of s…uentie and two Bishops, thirtie Presbyters, and three De…cons. In this A Councell holden at Rome by Bomfacius the third. Platina in vit. Bonif. 3.Councell the priui…edge of supremacie giuen by Phoca… to the Romane Church, was published. Likewise, it was ordained, vnderunder paine of cursing, That during the life-time of a Bishop no man should talke of the election of another, That no man by largition of money should purchase vntounto himselfe a spirituall office, and, That no man should consult concerning the election of another Bishop or Pope before three dayes were expired, after the death of the detunct: & that the Bish. should be elected by … Clergy & people, & their election should be ratified by the Magistrate of the citie, and the Pope: by these wordes, volu…us & jub…mus, that is, Wee will, and wee command: otherwise the election shall bee voyde, and of none effect.Another Assembly holden at Rome, by Bonifacius the 4. NOTA.
Bonifacius the fourth gathered another Assembly in the eight (that is, in the last) yeere of the reigre of Phocas: wherein hee gaue power to Monkes to preach, to minister the Sacramentes, to heare confessions, to bind and loose: and as…ociated them in equall authoritie with the Clergie.
Bracara or Braecara, vulgarlie called Braga, is a towne in …ortugall. In the yeere of our Lord 610. and vnderunder the reigne of Gundemarus, The first Councell of B…acara coūted the secōd by Caranza. Canon 1.king of Gothes, reigning at that time in the countrey of Spaine, assembled some Bishops of Gallicia, Lusitania, and of the Prouince called Lucensis of olde. It was ordained, That euerie Bishop shoulde visit the Churches of his Diosie, and see that Baptisme was duelie ministred, and that Catechumeni twentie dayes before their baptisme shoulde resort to the purifications of Exotcismes, and shoulde bee instructed in the knowledge of the Apostolicke Symbole, and that the people shoulde bee exhorted to beware of Idolatrie, Adulterie, Murther, Pe…jurie, and all other deadlie sinnes.
That Bishops should not lift vp the third part of … oblations of the people, but that it should remaine in … paroche Church, Canon ….for furnishing light and for repairing the fabrike of the Church: and that the Bishop shoulde compell none of the Clergie to attende vponupon him in seruile workes.
That bishops, for ordination of the Clergie, shoulde receiue no rewardes.Canon 3.
That neither a little balme, nor yet the price thereof, should bee exacted from the people for their baptisme, in any time to Canon 4come, lest they should seeme (with Simon Magus) to sell the gift of God for money.
That bishops, before the dedication of Churches, shall see a Canon 5.charter containing a sufficient maintenance for them who shall serue in the Church, and for a substantiall furniture of lightes thereunto.
A Church builded for gaine, & contribution of the people, Canon 6.redounding to the vantage of the builder, shall not bee consecrated.
Parents, who are poore & present their children to baptisme, if they offer anie thing voluntarilie, it shall bee accepted: but Canon 7.they shall not bee compelled to pay anie thing, neither shall a pledge bee required from them, lest poore people fearing this, with-holde their children from baptisme.
If anie of th… Clergie bee accused of fornication, let the accuser proue his accusation by 2. or 3. witnesses, according to the Canon 8.precept of the Apostle, cls let the accuser be excommunicate.
That M…trapolitane Bishops shall signifie to others of the Canon 9.Clergie the time of theobseruation of Easter, or Pashe day: and the Clergie, after the reading of the Gospell, shall in like manner intima…e the day vntounto the people.
That whosoeuer tasteth meate or drinke before hee consecrate the oblation of the Altar, shall bee deposed from his office.Canon 10.
In the yeere of our Lord 613. assembled in a Towne of France called Altissidorum, otherwise, Antissidorum, vulgarlie, The Coū cell of Altissidorum.Auxerre, a number of Abbots and Presbyters, with one bishop, and three deacons. In this Councell they damned sorcerie, and the seeking of consultation at sorcerers, in the first, third, fourth and fift Canons: Whereby it appeareth, that sorcerie hath bene in frequent vse in France. Manie superstitious constitutions were set downe in this Synode, concerning the number of Masses, prohibition of tasting meate before Masse, concerning buriall, prohibition of baptisme before the festiuitie of Easter daye, except vponupon necessity, and feare of approching death, prohibition of Matrimoniall copulation with their own wiues, to presbyters and deacons after their blessing and consecration, with prohibition of marriage also to the widowes of the defunct presbyters, deacons, or sub-deacons: this was a yoke of Antichristian ☞subjection indeed. Brother and sisters children are forbidden to marrie.Canon 31
It is not lawfull for a presbyter to sit in judgement when any man is condemned to death.Canon 34
It is not lawfull for a Clergy man to cite another of the Clergie before a secular Iudge.Canon 35
It is not lawfull for a woman with a naked hand to touch the Canon 36holie Eucharist.
It is not lawfull to take refreshment of meate with an excommunicate person.Canon 38
If any of the Clergy receiue an excommunicate man, without the knowledge of him who hath excommunicated him, he shall Canon 39receiue the like sentence, that is, he shall likewise be excommunicated.
It is not lawfull for a presbyter in banqueting time to sing or dance.Canon 40
Manie Canons, to the number of 45. were concluded in this Councell: but I hauehave determined not to ouer-lade a little booke with commemoration of an heape of vnprofitable, vnnecessarie, and superstitious Canons.
In the yeere of our Lord 364. and in the 24. yeere of the reigne of the Emp. Heraclius, a Councell was gathered in Hispalis The coū cell of Hispalis, vnderunder Sisebutus.a towne of Spaine, vulgarly called Ciuill la grand. It was gathered by Isidorus B. of Hispalis, at the command of king Sisebutus, who was both present and President in this Councell. For two principall causes was this Synode conueened: namelie, for suppressing the heresie of foreign, which was a branch of the heresie of Eutyches: secondly, for decision of questions which arose amongst bishops concerning the marches and boundes of their diocesis, with some other Ecclesiasticall causes. They had 13. Sessions or meetinges, as is declared, 2. Tom. Concill.
In the first action Theodulphus bishop of Malaca, complained, that by injurie of warres, an ancient paroch Church was separated 1.from his towne, and possessed by others. It was concluded, that he should be repossessed again into his ancient priueledges, & that prescriptiō of time should hauehave no place, if it were known that hostilitie and warre-fare had hurt a man in his rights.
In the second Session, the controuersie betwixt Fulgentius, bishop of Astigita, and Honorius, bishop of Corduba, concerning 2.the marches of their dioceses, was debated: and men were chosen to visite the boundes, and to decide the controuersie.
In the third Session compeared Cambra, bishop of Italica, a Towne of the prouince of Spaine, of olde called Baetica: hee complained 3.against one of his Clergie, named Passandus, yt he being brought vp from his infancie in ye Church of Italica, yet had fled without anie just cause to Corduba. It was ordained, that whosoeuer fled from his owne Church vntounto another, should be sent backe againe, and should be thrust into a Monasterie, and should bee deuested of his honour for a time, to the end, that ye sharpenesse of Discipline might correct the licencious libertie of vaging and wandering.
In the 4. Session, it was complained, yt some were consecrated to be Leuites in ye Church of Astigita, who had maried widowes: 4.This ordination was annulled: and it was ordained, that none of these Leuites shoulde bee promoted to the honour of a Deacon.
In the fift Session, a Deacon of the Church of Agabra, complained of the ordination of three persons in that Church: one 5.was ordained to bee Presbyter, and two to bee …euites. The bishop, beeing blinde, laide his handes vponupon them, but one of the Presbyters pronounced the blessing: Nowe the Presbyter who had pronounced the blessing, was dead before the Councell of Hispalis, therefore they remitted him to his owne judge: ☞but the three persons afore-saide admitted to Church-offices, they deposed them from their offices, as persons vnlawfullie admitted.
In the sixt Session, it was found, that Fragitanus, a presbyter 6.of the Church of Corduba, was moste vnjustlie both deposed and banished by his bishop. For remedie, that the like mis-order shoulde hauehave no place in time to come, it was statuted and ordained, That a bishop, without aduise of his Synode, shoulde ☞not presume to depose a presbyter.
In the seuenth Session, Chore-episcopi and Presbyters are 7.debarred from the high priueledges of the Episcopall office: namelie, from the consecration of presbyters, of holie Virgines, Churches and Alt…rs from laying hand vponupon men conuerted from heresie, and conferring vntounto them the holie Spirit, from making of Chrisme, and signating with it the fore-heads of them who are baptized, from absoluing publikelie in time of Masse anie penitent person, and sending testimonials to foraine partes, called Formatae epistolae: and finallie, from baptizing, consecrating the Sacrament, blessing the people, and teaching them, receiuing penitentes when the bishop was present. Now the ground of all these prohibitions is not brought out of holie Scripture, but from the authoritie of the Apostolicke ☞chaire. Earlie beganne the Antich…ist to establish an Hierarchie in the Church, which neither Christ, nor His Apostles, had commanded.
The eight Session intreated concerning Helisens, a seruant, whome the bishop of Agabra had set at libertie, and hee on the 8.other part abused his libertie, so farre, that hee pr…sumed by Magicall Artes to cut off the bishop, who had beene so beneficiall vntounto him: hee was ordained to bee redacted againe to his former seruile estate, that hee might learne obedience to his superiours by the heauie yoke of seruile subjection.
In the ninth Session, it is forbidden, that bishops shoulde hauehave Leke-men to bee masters of their house, but oneli… some 9.of their owne Clergie shoulde bee dispensators of their householde affaires, because it is written, Thou shalt not plowe with an Oxe and an Asse together. By the way marke, that nothing was so Deut. 22. 10 ☞miserablie abused at this time as testimonies of holie Scripture.
In the tenth Session, the Monasteries latelie builded in the B…tike prouince were allowed, and confirmed.10.
In the eleu…nth Session, the Monasteries of Virgines are recommēded to the ouer-sight of the Abbot gouerning the Monasterie 11.of Monkes, with caueates, that all appearance of euill should bee prouidentlie eschewed.
In the twelfth Session, one professing the heresie of Acephali 12.compeared, who denied the distinction of two natures in Christ, and affirmed, that the diuinitie of Christ did suffer vponupon the Crosse: but hee was seriouslie dealt withall, and conuicted by testimonies of holie Scripture and Fathers, so that hee renounced his hereticall opinion, and embraced the true Faith, and the whole Councell gaue praise and thankes vntounto God for his conuersion.
I… the thirteenth Session, there is a prolixe refutation of the opinion of those who supponed, that the two natures of Christ 13.were confounded, and that the diuinitie suffered. Isidorus seemeth to bee the compiler of this Treatise, against Ac…phali, giuen in to the Counc…ll of Hispalis: and manie doe thinke, that he collected into one volume the Councels that preceeded his Hist. Magd. Cent. 7. cap. 10.time: for hee was a man more learned than his fellowes in his dayes.
IN the yeere of our Lord 639. and vnderunder the reigne of Sisenan…, The 4. Councell of Toledo.king of …, by the kinges commandement, moe than 70. bishops and p…esbyters were conuened in the towne of … vponupon occasion of diuersitie of Ceremonies and Discipline in the countrey of Spaine.
First they set downe a short confession of the true Faith, which they ordained to be embraced and kept.Canon 1.
Secondly, that there should be an vniforme order of praying, singing of Psalmes, solemnities of Masses, Euen-song-seruice, Canon 2.throughout all Spaine and Gallicia, like as they all professed one Faith, and dwelt in one kingdome, lest diuersitie of ceremonies and rites should offende ignorant people, and make them to thinke that there was a schisme in the Church.
It was statuted and ordained, That at least once in the yeere, prouinciall Councels should be assembled: and incase anie controuersie Canon 3.should fall out in matters of Faith, a generall Councell of all the prouinces of Spaine should be assembled. Here let the judicious Reader marke, that in processe of time almoste all thinges are subject to alteration and Councels, of olde called Nationall, now abusiuelie beginne to be called Generall. The order ☞of incomming of bishops to the Councell, and sitting in the first place, and of the presbyters after them, and sitting in a place behinde the bishops: and of deacons, who should stand in presence of bishops and presbyters, is described at length in the third canon.
That the festiuitie of Easter, or Pashe daye, should bee kept Canon 4.vponupon the day of Christes resurrection.
Concerning the diuersitie of rites vsed in baptisme, some Canon 5.vsing the ceremonie of thrise dipping in water, others one dipping onelie, It was thought most expedient to be content with one dipping, because the Trinitie is so viuely represented in the names of the Father, Sonne, and holie Ghost, that there is no necessitie by three dippinges in water to represent the Trinitie: and for eschewing all appearance of schisme, and lest Christians ☞should seeme to assent vntounto heretiques who diuide the Trinitie: For all these causes it was expedient to keepe vniformitie in the ceremonies of Baptisme.
It was statuted and ordained, That vponupon fryday immediately preceeding Easter day, the doctrine of the suffering of Christ, of Canon 6.repentance, & remission of sinnes, should be clearly taught vntounto the people, to ye end, that they being purged by remission of sins, might ye more worthily celebrate ye feast of ye Lords resurrection, and receiue the holie Sacrament of the Lords bodie and blood.
The custome of putting an ende vntounto the fasting of Lent, vponupon fryday at nine a clocke, is damned, because in the daye of Canon 7the Lordes suffering the Sunne was couered with darknesse, and the elementes were troubled: and for honour of the Lords suffering that daye should bee spent in fasting, mourning, and abstinence: and hee who spendeth anie part of that day in banqueting, let him bee debarred from the Sacrament of Christes bodie and blood on Pashe day.
That the Tapers and Torches, which shined in the Church in the night preceeding the daye of the resurrection shoulde bee Canon 8solemnly blessed, to ye end, that the mystery of ye holy resurrectiō might be expected with cōsecrated lights. Such voluntary seruice inuented by the braine of man, had great sway at this time.☞
That in the daylie Church-seruice the Lordes prayer (vulgarly Canon 9called Pater noster) should be rehearsed, because it is vsually called Oratio quotidiana, that is, a daylie prayer.
That Alleluiah bee not sung in time of Lent, because it is a Canon 10time of mourning, and humiliation, vntill the dayes of resurrection be celebrated, which is a time of joye and gladnesse.☞
That after the Epistle a part of the Gospell shoulde bee Canon 11read.
That Hymnes and spirituall songes, not contained in holie Canon 12Scripture, may be sung in the Church.
The song of the three children shall be sung in all the Churches of Spaine and Gallicia.Canon 13
In the ende of Spirituall songes it shall not bee simplie saide, Glorie to the Father, & to the Son, &c. but, Glorie and honour Canon 14to the Father, and to the Son, & to the H. Spirit to the end, that hymnes sung in earth. may bee correspondent to the song of ☞Elders in Heauen, foreign, Apocal. 4. 11.
In Responsories, if it be a matter of gladnesse, the ende shall Canon 15be, Gloria, &c. and if it bee a matter of sadnesse, the ende shall be, Principium, &c.
The booke of the APOCALYPS of Sainct Iohn, is declared to bee a booke of Canonicke Scripture, and to bee preached Canon 16in open audience of the CHVRCH betwixt EASTER and WHITSONDAY.
It is forbidden, that the holy Communion should be celebrated immediately after the saying of the Lordes Prayer: but let Canon 17the blessing bee first giuen, and then let the Priestes and Leuites communicate before the Altar, the Clergie within the Quiere, and the people without the Quiere.
No man shall bee promoted to the honour of Priesthood, who is infamous, who hath bene baptized in heresie, who hath Canon 18gelded himselfe, who hath married the second wife, or a widow, who hath had concubines, who is in a seruile condition, who is vnknowne, Neophycus, or a Laike, who is giuen to warre-fare, or an attender in Court, who is vnlearned, or hath not attained to the age of thirtie yeeres, who hath not proceeded to honour by ascending degrees, who by ambition, or bribes, hath presumed to honour, who hath beene elected by his predicessor, who hath not beene elected by the Clergie and people of his owne citie: He who is approued, shall bee consecrated on the Lordes day, by all the comprouinciall bishops, at least by three of them.
Let Leuites bee of the age of 25. yeeres before their admission, and presbyters of 30.Canon 19
Let bishops bee vnreproueable, according to the precept of the Apostle, 1. Tim. 3.Canon 20
Let bishops not onelyonly hauehave the testimonie of a good conscience in the sight of God, but also the testimonie of an vnreproueable Canon 21conuersation amongst men.
Presbyters and Leuites, whom infirmitie of olde age permitteth not to abide in their secrete chambers: yet let them hauehave Canon 22witnesses of their honest conuersation in their shoppes, and remaining places.
Youthhood is prone and bent to euill: therefore let them who are young, be all brought vp in one conclaue, vnderunder the instruction Canon 23and gouernement of some well approued Senior. But they who shall be found lasciuious and incor…igible, let them be thrust into a Monasterie, to the end, that stricter discipline may correct the proud minds of insolent youthes.
Seeing that ignorance is the mother of all errours, it becommeth presbyters, who hauehave vndertaken the office of teaching, Canon 24continually to meditate vponupon holy Scripture, according to the wordes of the Apostle, T…ke h…ede to reading, exhortation, and doctrine, 1. Tim. 4. for by meditation of holy Scripture, and the Canons of the Church, men are made able to instruct others in knowledge, and in precepts of good maners.
Presbyters shall receiue from their owne bishops an officiall booke, to the ende, that through ignorance they doe nothing Canon 25amisse, neither in celebration of the Sacramentes, nor in their Letanies, nor in their forme of comming to Councels.
When presbyters and deacons are admitted to their offices, they must vowe chastitie, and binde themselues to their bishops, Canon 26to leade a continent life: and after such profession, let them retaine the discipline of an holy life.
A bishop, presbyter, or deacon, who shall happen to bee vnjustly deposed if they be found innocent by the triall of the Synode, Canon 27let them bee restored to their former dignities before the Altar, by the hands of bishops in this manner, If he be a bishop, let him be restored to his Orarium, with Staffe and Ring: If hee be a presbyter, to his Orarium and Planeta: If he be a deacon, to his Orarium and Alba: If hee bee a sub-deacon, to his Plate and Chalice: and other orders let them receiue in their restitution that which was giuen vntounto them in their ordination.
If anie of the Clergie be found to hauehave consulted with diuiners Canon 28and sorcerers, let him be deposed from his dignitie, and be thrust into a Monasterie, to make continuall pennance for his sacril…dge.
Church-men, who dwell in the borders cōfining to a nation Canon 29that is vnderunder hostilitie with their owne countrey, let them neither receiue from the enemies of the countrey, nor direct anie secret message vntounto the enemies.
If anie Church-man sit in judgement, or bee judge in a sentence Canon 30of blood, let him be depriued of his dignitie in ye Church.
Let bishops hauehave a care of such as are oppressed, to reprooue Canon 31the mightie men who oppresse them: and if the word of wholesome reproofe profite nothing, let them complaine to the king, to the ende, that by regall authoritie impietie may be subdued.
Seeing auarice is the roote of all euill, let bishops so gouerne their dioceses, that they spoyle them not of their rightes: but according to the determination of anteriour Councels, let Canon 32them hauehave the thirde part of Oblations, Tithes, Tributes and Cornes: the rest let it remaine vntounto the Paroches free, and vntouched.
That thing which one bishop possesseth, without interpellation, for the space of thirtie yeeres, let no man in that same Canon 33Prouince be heard in an action of repetition: But as concerning them who dwell in diucrse Prouinces, the case standeth otherwise, lest while Dioceses are defended, the boundes of Prouinces be confounded.
A Church newlie builded, shall appertaine vntounto that bisshop, in whose diosie it is knowne that spirituall conuentions Canon 34hauehave beene kept.
A Bishop shall visit yeerelie all the paroches of his diosie: and incase hee been impeded by infirmitie, or by weightie businesse, Canon 35hee shall appoint faithfull Presbyters and Deacons, to take inspection of the fabricke of the Churches, and of their rentes.
Whatsoeuer rewarde a Prelate promiseth to a man who vnderunder-taketh anie worke tending to the vtilitie of the Church, let Canon 36him faithfully performe his promise.
Seeing that a part of Church-rentes is bestowed vponupon sustentation of strangers, and of poore and indigent people, if Canon 37it shall happen at anie time, those persons, or their children, to bee indigent, who hauehave doted anierent to the Church, let them render a just deserued retribution to their bene-factors, in sustaining them, to whose beneuolence they are addoted.
The Deacons are decerned to be inferiour to Presbyters.Canon 38
Let the Leuites bee content to bee cloathed with their ORARIVM onelie vponupon their left shoulder, and not vponupon their right Canon 39shoulder: and let it nei…her bee beautified with coloures, nor with golde: PLATINA in the life of ZOSINVS, calleth it LINOSTIMA.
Let Clergie-men hauehave the vpper-moste part of their heads bare and shauen, and the lower-part rounded, not following Canon 40the example of the Readers of GALLICIA, who did shaue onehe a little of the vpper-moste-part of the haire of their head: conforming themselues, in so doing, to the custome of NOTA.some Heretiques, which dishonour is to bee remoued from the Churches of Spaine.
No strange women shall cohabite with Church-men, onelie Canon 41their mother, or sister, or her daughter, or fathers sister, maye dwell with them, amongst which persons the bandes of nature permitteth not to suspect anie sinne, according to the constitutions of auncient Fathers.
Some of the Clergie, who are not married, are intangled with the forbidden lust of strange women, let the bishop separate Canon 42them, sell the women, and redact the men infected with their lust, for a space, vntounto pennance.
If a man of the Clergy marrie a wife, or a widow, or a deuorced Canon 43woman, or an harlot, without aduise of his bishop, let the bishop separate them againe.
Clergie-men, who hauehave cloathed themselues with armour Canon 44voluntarilie, and hauehave gone to warre-fare, let them bee deposed from their office, and bee thrust into a Monasterie, there to remaine all the dayes of their life.
Church-men, who are found spoyling the sepulchres of persons Canon 45departed, let them bee deposed, and be subject vntounto three yeeres pennance.
By the cōmandement of king Sisenandus, Churchmen are eximed from all publike indictiōs & labours, to ye end with greater Canon 46libertie they may attende vponupon spirituall seruice.
Let bishops hauehave some of their owne Clergie to bè rulers of their house-holde-affaires, according as the Councell of Chalcedon Canon 47hath ordained.
A man is made a monke either by his parents deuotion, or by his own profession: but whether he be embarked into the Monastike Canon 48 NOTA.life, the one way or the other, there is no regresse againe vntounto a seculare estate.
Persons of the Clergie, who are desirous to enter into a Monasteri…, and to lead a comtemplatiue life, let not their bishops Canon 49hinder the purpose of their minde because they hauehave intention NOTA.to enter into a better trade of liuing.
Bishops hauehave power to constitute Abbots, to gouerne Monasteries, Canon 50and to correct enormities that shall happen to fall out amongst them, but not to redact them to seruile offices, nor to conuert the rents of the Abacie to their owne vse, as a possession duelie belonging to themselues.
The Monkes who leaue their Monasterie, returne againe to a secular life, and marrie wiues, let them be brought backe againe Canon 51to their owne Monasterie, there to doe pennance, and to lament for their by-past sinnes.
Religious men, who wander vp and downe in a nation, and are neither members of the Clergie, nor Monkes of anie Monasterie, Canon 52let the bishop restraine their licentious libertie, and appoint them either to serue in the Clergie, or in a Monasterie, except such as through infirmitie or age, hauehave gotten an exemption.
They who hauehave confessed the committing of anie deadlie Canon 53sinne, cannot be promoted to Ecclesiasticall honours.
Secular men, who in receiuing their pennance hauehave beene Canon 54content to bee shauen, and to put on a religious habite, if they reuolt againe, and will needes become Laikes and bee incorrigible, then let them be counted apostates, and excommunicate from the fellowship of the Church.
Widowes, who hauehave put on a religious habite, and vowed chastitie, if they marrie, they hauehave damnation, according to the Canon 55wordes of the Apostle, 1. Tim. …. 12.
Iewes are not to be compelled to receiue the Christian faith: but these who alreadie by constraint hauehave receiued it in the Canon 56dayes of the noble king Sisebutus, seeing they hauehave beene alreadie partakers of our Sacramentes, let them bee compelled to perseuere, lest the Name of the Lord Iesus be blasphemed, and ☞the faith, which they hauehave embraced, be counted vile and contemptible.
They who receiue bribes and rewardes from the Iewes, to cloake their vngodlinesse, and to foster them in their infidelitie, Canon 57let them bee accursed, and counted strangers from the Church of Christ.
Iewes, after their conuersion to the Christian faith if they bee found to hauehave circumcised their sonnes or seruantes: by the commandement of the moste religious king S…senandus it is ordained, Canon 58 and 59That the circumcised children of the Iewes, shall bee separated from the fellowship of their parentes, and the s…ruants shall bee set at libertie, for the injurie done vntounto their bodie by circumcision.
Iewes, who are punished to the death for any contempt done Canon 60by them against CHRIST after their baptisme this punishment shall not prejudge their children from right to enjoye their goods, if they bee faithfull, because it is written, The sonne shall not beare the iniquitie of the father, Ezech. 18. 20.
Let not Iewes, after their conuersion, haunt the companie of other superstitious Iewes, as yet addicted to the abolished lawe Canon 61of ceremonies, lest they be perucrted: if they transgresse this ordinance, such of them as hauehave professed Christianitie, shall bee giuen in seruice to Christians, others shall bee appointed to bee publikely scourged.
Iewes, who hauehave maried Christian women, if they will not embrace Christian religion, let them be separated from their wiues Canon 62companie, and let the children bee brought vp in the faith of their Christian mothers.
Iewes, who hauehave once professed Christian faith, and hauehave sliden backe againe from it, shall not bee admitted witnesses before a Canon 63Iudge, albeit they professe themselues to bee Christians, because like as their faith is suspected, so in like manner their humane testimonie is to be doubted of.
Let no Iew bee preferred to any publike office.Canon 64
Let no Iew presume to buy a Christian seruant, which if hee doe, the seruant shall bee taken from him, and shall bee set at Canon 65libertie.
Bishops, who hauehave not benefited the Church by any proper donation of their owne goods, they should not empouerish Canon 66their Church, by setting at liberty Church seruantes, which thing if hee presume to doe, his successour shall reduce those seruants againe to the possession of the Church, whom iniquitie, without any just right hath absolued.
A Bishop, who setteth a seruant at libertie, hauing first by Canon 67permutation set another of the like worth, and merite in his place, shall denie libertie to the fore-saide seruant, either to accuse, or to beare witnesse against the Church whereinto he was a seruant, else hee shall forfeit his libertie, and bee reduced to his former seruile condition in that same Church, which hee would hauehave harmed, and in the meane time the permutation afore-saide shall stand firme and stable.
Hee who hath augmented Church-rentes, either by conferring, or acquiring some augmentation vntounto it, hath some libertie Canon 68to set Church-seruantes at libertie, prouiding alwayes, they abide vnderunder the patrocinie of the Church.
Because the patronage of the Church neuer dieth, let those seruants, whom the Church hath set at libertie, and their posteritie, Canon 69 and 70. and 71.be obedient vntounto the Church, and depende vponupon their patrocinie. If they be vnthankfull, let their libertie be forfeite, and let the Church defende them from all insolencie and wrong.
Seruants, who are set at so full libertie, that their patrones hauehave kept no band of subjection ouer their heads, if they be vnspotted, Canon 72 and 73and vnreproueable, they may be promoted to Ecclesiasticall offices. But it is vnseemelie, that anie man shall bee receiued into a spirituall office, who is bound vntounto the seruile subjection of an earthly master.
In ende, earnest supplications are ordained to bee made to Canon 74God, for preseruation of king Sisenandus, and the nation of the Gothes: and many Anathems are pronounced against them who shall presume to violate the othe of alledgeance made to the king. In ende the Actes of this Councell are subscribed by Isidorus, bishop of Hispal…, and other seuentie bishops.
IN the first yeere of Chintilla, king of the Gothes, and about the time of the reigne of the Emperour Heracleon, conueened The fift Councell of Toledo.with Eugenius, bishop of Toledo, other twentie bishops. In this Councell nothing was entreated, except a mandate was giuen concerning the yeerely Letanies that shoulde bee made three dayes immediately following the Ides of December, and if the Lords day interueened, then these 3. dayes Letanies should bee differred, vntill the beginning of ye next weeke. In these 3. dayes pardon for sins should be humbly begged at the hands of God with teares. The rest of the ordinances of this Councell appoint supplications to bee made to God for preseruation of the king and his children: and that they shall bee accursed, who dare presume to suite the kinglie authoritie, without the consent of the whole countrey of SPAINE, and the Nobilitie of the nation of the GOTHES: and that no man shall raile vponupon the king, or lie in waite for his life,
IN the yeere of our Lord 652. or as others reckon 650. Pope Martinus gathered a Councell at Rome, of moe than 100. The coū cell of Rome in the dayes of Pope Martine.Bishops. The errour of the Monothelites, obstinately defended by Paulus, bishop of Constātinople, was the occasion of this Councell, together with the impious edict of the Emperour Constans, set out in fauours of the heresie of the Monothelites. In this Councell, ouer and besides an ample confession of faith, manie decrees and constitutions were made, all tending to damne those who denied either the Trinitie, or the diuine vnitie in the diuine nature, or the manifestation of the second person of the Trinitie, and his suffering in the flesh, or the perpetuall virginitie of the Lordes mother, or the two natiuities of Christ, one before all times, and another in time by the operation of the holie Spirite, or the conformitie of Christ to vsus in all thinges, sinne excepted, or the distinction of the two natures after the ineffable vnitie, or the distinction of willes, and operations in Christ. In like manner, all were damned who made opposition to the fiue preceeding generall Councels. In particular, Theodorus of Pharatrita, Cyrus of Alexandria, Sergius Pyrrhus, and Paulus bishops of Constantinople, were damned, as patrones and obstinate defenders of the heresie of the Monothelites. There is more fr…quent mention of Fathers, than of Scriptures in this Counc…ll, a perilous example to the posteritie.
IN the yeere of our Lord 653. and in the third yeere of Chintill…, King of Gothes in Spaine, the 6. Councell of Toledo was assembled, The 6. Counc…ll of Toledo.of 52. bishops, Eugenius b. of Toledo being president. The occasion seemeth to hauehave bene the renouation of old heresies, & contradiction to preceeding Councels. After a confession of the Faith, Letanies are ordained to be said, as was appointed yeerelie Canon 2for preseruation of the King.
It was ordained, by the aduis… of the Councell, with consent of the King & his Nobles, That no man should be tolerated to Canon 3dwell in ye kingdom of Spaine, who did not professe ye true Catholicke faith & yt kings in al time to come before they were placed in their royall seat, should be boūd by ye obligation of a solemne ☞oath, to interpone their authority yt this act might bee obeyed: Otherwise, let the King, refusing to put this act in execution, be counted accursed, and bee a faggot of the flames of euerlasting fire. What Fe…dinandus, king of Spaine, did, in driuing out of his dominions, the Iewes, and the Saracenes, some alleadge, that it was done vponupon the ground of this act: but nowe it is not a fit time to examine that question.
No man shall presume, by Simonie, or largition of money, to atteine to Ecclesiasticall offices.Canon 4
If any of the Clergie obtaine a pension, out of the Church rentes, let him possesse it vnderunder the title of Praecaria, lest by long Canon 5possession the Church rents be diminished.
If any person be cloathed with a religious habite, which hee hath voluntarily accepted, if afterward he forsake it, let him bee Canon 6excommunicated, if he returne not againe vntounto his order.
The seuenth Canon is a renewing of the 54. Canon of the 4. Councell of Toledo.Canon 7
A married man, who voweth chastitie in time of sicknesse, if he recouer health, and hauehave not the gift of continencie, let him Canon 8cohabite againe with his wife: but if shee die, hee is debarred from the second marriage, which notwithstanding is permitted to the wife if shee hauehave not vowed. This Canon is not set downe ☞by precept and commandement, but permissiuely through indulgence, and a consideration of humane infirmitie.
Seruants, whome the Church hath set at libertie, when one Prelate dieth, and another succeedeth, they are bound to renew Canon 9the charters of their land which they possesse, else their charters shall be voyde, and of none effect, if they be not renewed within the space of a yeere next after the election of the new Prelate.
The children of them whom the Church hath set at libertie, if their parents bring them vp in learning they shall be brought Canon 10vp in that same Church from which their libertie did arise, and shall serue the Bishop of that Church, alwayes without prejudice of their libertie.
Let no man, vponupon occasion of an accusation, bee punished, vnlesse his accuser bee presented: and incase hee bee a vile and Canon 11infamous person, let no sentence be giuen out vponupon the ground of such accusation, except into an action of treason against the life of the King.
He who hath committed hainous offences, and fearing punishment, fleeth to the enemies of his countrey for refuge, let Canon 12him be excommunicated.
Let young men honour them who are in great credite and Canon 13fauour with Princes: And let Seniors louingly cherish the younger sort, and present vntounto them profitable examples of a good conuersation.
The 14. and 15. Can. intreate of the reward due to them who are found faithfull seruants to the King, in whatsoeuer estate, Canon 14 and 15especially in the Church: and that rentes and landes bestowed vponupon the Church, shall abide firmely in their possession without reuocation.
In the 16. 17. 18. and 19. Canons, there is a commemoration of the bountifull kindnesse of king Chintilla toward the Church, Canon 16 17. 18. and 19.aprouision, that no Church-man should bee allured by no deceitfull perswasion, to take a course against the King: A protestation before God, his Angels, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, and whole Church, That no man shoulde enterprise any attempt against the King and his Noble estate: And they who shall presume to doe in the contrarie, are appointed to eternall damnation. In ende, prayers are made to God to giuegive a good successe to their meeting: and thankes are giuen to the King, by whose authoritie they were assembled. So it is manifest, that by the authoritie of Princes Nationall Assemblies were conueened at this time.
IN the yeere of our Lord 662. as Functius reckoneth, and in The 7. Councell of Toledo.the 6. yeere of Chindasuvindus, king of Spaine, the 7. Councell of Toledo was assembled, consisting of 4. Arch-bishops, 30. bisshops, and a great number of presbyters, and me engers from them who could not bee present. The occasion of this meeting was Theodisclus bishop of Hispal…s, a Graecian borne: Hee had corrupted the bookes of Isidorus, and dispersed many errours in his Church: and hee contended for supremacie with the bishop of Toledo. In this Councell Theodisclus was remooued from his office. The prioritie of dignitie was conferred to the bishop of Toledo.
In the second Tom of Councels, 6. Canons are referred to this meeting: First Laikes, and men also in spirituall office, are forbid Canon 1den to attempt anie thing against the estate of their countrey, either by sedition or treason.
Secondlie, it is statuted and ordained, That incase anie man, Canon 2ministring the Sacrament of the Lords holy Supper, be hindred by any superuenient sicknesse, that another shall be readie to finish the worke which he hath begunne.
Thirdly, That the presbyters, and the whole Clergie, shall be present at the funerall of a bishop.Canon 3
Fourthly, it is forbiddē, that bishops in their visitation should extorse or oppresse the Churches which they visite.Canon 4
Fiftly, That men inclosed into a Monasterie, should first receiue Canon 5instruction in their Monasteries, before they presume to teach others.
Sixtly, a commandement is giuen, That the bishops in neare adjacent places, shoulde bee obedient to the bishop of Toledo, Canon 6and at his commaundement they shoulde compeare into the towne of Toledo.
CAbillonum, vulgarlie called Chalon, is a towne in Burgunnie, not farre distant from Matiscone. In this towne, by the The coū cell of Cabillonum.commandement of Clodoucus king of France, conueened 44 bisshops. Gandericus bishop of Lions was President, and Landilenus bishop of Vienne. Theodorus bishop of Arls, because hee refused to compeare before the Councell, was suspended from his office, vntill the next Councell.
In this Synode the Canons of the Councell of Nice had great allowance. It was forbidden, that two bishops shoulde bee ordained in one towne: That no man shoulde sell a Christian seruant to a Iew: And, that two Abbots shoulde not bee chosen to gouerne one Monasterie: That no labouring of the ground, or other secular worke, should bee done on the Lordes day: with manie other canons, coincident with ye Canons of other Councels.
IN the dayes of the Emperour Constantinus Pogonatus, and vnderunder the Popedome of Agatho, a Councell was gathered at A Councell at Rome.Rome, about the question of the willes and operations of Christ: wherein it was decerned, by the suffrages of 125. Bisshops of Italie, France, Lombardie, of the nation of the Gothes, of Britanes, and Sclauonians, That two willes and two operations were to bee acknowledged in Christ: And the opinions of Theodorus, Cyrus, Sergius, Pyrrhus, and Paulus, defenders of the heresie of the Monothelites was damned. The vaunting wordes of the letter of Agatho, written to the sixt generall Councell, wherein hee braggeth, that the bishops of Rome neuer erred in matters of Faith, I lay them aside at this time, for they are false, and vntrue, as I hauehave alreadie prooued, and shall prooue hereafter, ☞if it please the Lord.
IN the yeere of our Lord 671. and in the fift yeere of Recesuvindus King of Gothes, the eight Councell of Toledo was The 8. Councell of Toledo.conuened.
To this Assemblic resorted two and fiftie bishops: Great disputation was in this Councell, concerning perjurie. In ende, it was resolued, That no necessitie bindeth a man to performe an vnlawfull oath: For Herod and Iphtah sinned in making vnlawfull oathes, but they sinned more grieuouslie in performing vnlawfull oathes.
Marriage is vtterlie forbidden to Bishops: and places of Canon 4. 5 6. and 7 ☞.SCRIPTVRE are miserablie abused to confirme this interdiction of marriage. Bee yee holie, as I am holie, 1. Pet. 1. 16. And in another place, Mortifie your members which are on the earth, Coloss. 3. 5. Miserable ignorance in this age counteth marriage to bee foreign, that is, vncleanenesse, a member of the bodie of sinne, which the Apostle commaundeth to mortifie. Yea, and the sub-deacons, who pleaded for retaining of their wiues, in regarde that in their admission no such condition was required of them, are in moste seuere manner interdited from the companie of their wiues, or else to bee thrust into a Monasterie, to suff…r pennance vntill the last period of their liues.
Vnlearned men are not to bee admitted to the celebration Canon 8of diuine mysteries, especially such as are not well acquainted with the Psalter.
Eating of flesh is forbidden in Lent, for three principall causes: First, Because the fourtie dayes of Lent are the tithes Canon 9.of all the dayes of the yeere, and the tithes shoulde bee consecr…ted to GOD: Secondlie, because that CHRIST, by fasting fourtie dayes, expiated the sinnes of mankinde: Thirdly, because it is conuenient, that a man, made of the 4. elementes, for breaking the ten precepts of the decalogue, should afflict his bodie foure times ten dayes. Beholde the firme argumentes whereupon the doctrine of deuils in prohibition of meates doe leane, 1. Tim. 4.☞
In the 10. Canon, the vertues wherewith the king shall be indewed, who shall be chosen to reigne in Spaine, are rehearsed.Canon 10
In the last Canon, the ordinances of preceeding Councels are to bee obeyed: and the Iewes are to bee dealt with according to Canon 11 and 12.the actes of the 4. Councell of Toledo. Can. 56. 57. 58. 59. and 60. &c.
IN the yeere of our Lord 673. and in the 7. yeere of the reigne of Rocesuindus king of the Gothes, by the commandement of The 9. Councell of Toledo.the King, 16 bishops conueened in Toledo, and made these ordinances following:
First, That founders of Churches, and bestowers of rentes Canon 1vponupon the Church, and their posteritie should hauehave a sollicitous care, that Church rents be not abused, which misorder if it shall happen to fall out, let complaint be made to the bishop, to the Metropolitane, or to the king of the countrey.
Founders of Churches, during their life-time, hauehave power to appoint men who shall attend vponupon the fabricke of the Church Canon 2or Monasterie which is builded, that it decay not.
If any Church-man bestowe any part of Church-rent, vnderunder the colour of prestation, let the cause bee clearely contained in Canon 3an euidence, or else it shall be voyde.
Let the goods of the defunct administrator of the Church affaires, be equally diuided betwixt his heires and the Church.Canon 4
If a bishop build a Monasterie, let him not bestow abcue the Canon 5fiftie part of the rent of his prelacie in the charges of building: and incase he build a paroche Church, for honour of his buriall place, let him not bestowe aboue the hundreth part of his rent for charges of building.
To the bishop belongeth the third part of rent of eueryevery paroch Church in his diosie, and whether he leaue that thirde part Canon 6to the Church it selfe, out of which it is vp-lifted, or to anie other Church, his gift shall stand firme without reuocation.
Let no man, vnderunder pretence of propinquitie, and because hee Canon 7is heire intromet with the goods of the defunct bishop, without the fore-knowledge and consent of the Metropolitane, and incase the Metropolitane depart this life, let no intromission with his goods bee made, without the fore-knowledge of his successor, lest by fraude and deceit the Church be damnified.
If any man, ministring in a Church-office, alienate a part of Church rentes, the supputation of time shall begin to bee reckoned Canon 8from the houre of his death, & not from the time wherein the charter was subscribed: and so after his death let the prescription run on.
The ninth Canon measureth the commoditie which a bishop shall receiue, who hath taken paines to burie another bishop.Canon 9
Children, procreated by bishops, presbyters, deacons, &c. shall not only be depriued of the heritage sometime belonging Canon 10to their parents: but also they shall be mancipated to perpetuall seruice of those Churches whereinto their fathers serued. Let the Reader marke, that there is greater businesse in Councels to procure obedience to one antichristian precept, cōcerning prohibition ☞of marriage, than to all the ten Commandementes of Gods holy law.
Let not a seruant be accepted to serue in the Ministerie of the Church, before he be first set at libertie.Canon 11
When seruants are set at libertie, let the supputation of time Canon 12beginne at the death of him, who set them at libertie, and not at the time when the charter was made.
Seruants, set at libertie, shall neither marrie a woman of the Canon 13 14. 15. and 16 ☞Romane, nor of the Gothes blood: and they shall be subject to the Church that set them at libertie: and if necessitie compell them to sell landes, let the land bee first offered for a competent price to one who ministreth in that Church, from which their libertie did arise.
I…wes, who are baptized, shall in time of solemne feastes attende vponupon the bishop of the parts where their dwelling is, to Canon 17the ende, that he may beare testimonie of the integritie of their faith. If this commandement be transgressed, the bishop shall ordaine the Iewe either to bee scourged, or to be subject to such …bstinence as he thinketh most fit.
In ende thankes beeing rendered to God for their meeting, and for the vnitie of their judgementes: and supplications beeing made to God for the weale of the King Recesuvindus, in soule and bodie, the Councell was dissolued.
IN the eight yeere of the reigne of Recesuvindus king of Gothes assembled in Toledo 21. bishops: They decerned concerning The 10. Councell of Toledo.the Feastes of the Natiuitie of our Lord, and of the Lordes mother, at what times they should bee kept. Punishmentes are appointed for men of the Clergie, and Monkes, who are not found loyall and duetifull to the King, and the countrey: That men vnmeete for spirituall offices, should not bee intruded into the Church, neither for propinquitie of blood, nor for hope of lucre and gaine: That widowes, professing a religious order, shall receiue an habite conuenient for that order: And that women, who depart again from their professed order, shall be punished: That parents shall not render their children to religious orders before they bee eighteene yeeres of age. Finally, Protamius bisshop of Bracara, beeing conuict of adulterie, was remoued from his office, and Fructuosus was placed in his rowme.
IN the 7. yeere of the reigne of Bamba King of Gothes, 19. bishops, and 7. Abbots were assembled in Toledo, by the The 11. Councell of Toledo.Kinges commandement, Quiricus bishop of Toledo beeing President. In the beginning, after a protestation of a decent order to be kept in their Assembly, that no tumult nor contentious disputation, nor indecent laughter should disturbe the comely modestie of their assembly. They set downe a prolixe conf…ssion of Faith, and Canons belonging to Ecclesiasticall discipline in the forme following:
1. That bishops should be well acquainted with Scriptures, and apt to teach. 2. That Metropolitane bishops should …rie how the Pastors of their diosie increase in knowledge. 3. That the forme of singing vsed in the Metropolitane Church, shall be like wise vsed in other inferiour Churches. 4. That persons who hauehave discorded, shall not stand at the Altar, vntill the time they bee reconciled againe. 5. That Church-men shall not judge in actions of blood. 6. That bishops shoulde not giuegive sentence before a sufficient triall of the cause. 7. Bishops, who commit adulterie or murther, shall be deposed, and excommunicated, beside the punishment to bee inflicted by the secular Iudge. 8. No rewarde shall bee taken for ministration of the Sacramentes. 9. Bishops, before their ordination, shall giuegive their oath that they hauehave not acquired that dignitie by rewards, either giuen, or to be giuen, 10. He who is to be preferred to any Ecclesiasticall office, let him first sweare that he shall continue constantly in the true Catholicke faith, and that he shall be obedient to Eccl siasticall Canons. 11. Let no man refuse to receiue the Sacrament of the Supper when it is offered by him who hath a l…wfull calling to ministrate it. 12. Absolution should bee pronounced when perill of death impendeth albeit complete satisfaction be not made. 13. The holy Sacrifice shall not bee ministred by persons possessed with deuils, or transported with passions of madnesse. 14. He who ministreth at the Altar shall hauehave others concurring with him, to the end, that if he be suddenly oppressed with any infirmitie, the other as…stant brother maye supply his place. 15. Councels are ordained yeerely to be kept.
IF order of time be not precisely kept in commemoration of the Councels of Bracara and Toledo let no man ma…uell some regard must be had to the memorie of the Reader: and it is not The 2. Councell of Brac.meete that the Councels of Toledo, being many in number, and so frequently conueened one following vponupon the necke of another (except the 11. Councell conu…ened 12. yeeres after the 10.) should be miserably disioyned: if such things be not comported with, by the fauourable Reader, it will bee hard to abridge this head of Councels to the contentment of a learned Reader.
This Councell of Bracara, by Caranza is called the first Councell of Bracara: In it manie olde opinions of the Prisc…llianistes, and Manicheans, concerning prohibition of Marriage & meats, are damned, together with the heresies of Samosatenus, Photinus, Cerdon, and Marcion. Canons set foorth in this Councell are so coincident with the Canons of other Councels, that there is no necessitie to make rehearsall of them.
In the 30. can. of this Councell it is ordained, That no poesie shall bee sung in the Church except the psalter of the olde Testament.☞
IN the 4. yeere of Bambas, king of Gothes, 8. bishops were assembled in Braga. In the beginning of the Councell, for confession The 3. Councell of Brac.of their faith, they made a new rehearsall of ye summe of the Nicene faith. After this, they set down 8. ordinances in manner following: 1. That all superstitious opinions beeing rejected, bread and wine mixed with water, onelie should be offered in the Sacrifice, and not the liquor of milke, nor pure vnmixed wine, nor bread dipped in wine. H…ere marke, that the giuing of vnmixed wine to the people in the Sacrament or Sacrifice, ☞is called superstition: such bitter fruites doe ensue vponupon magnifying the traditions of men, that Christes owne institution is called superstition. 2. That vessels, dedicated to God, bee not abused, and employed to seculare and humane vses. 3. A Presbyter, when hee saieth Masse, let him bee clothed with his Orarium on both his shoulders, and bee signated on his brest with the signe of the Crosse. 4. Let no person of the Clergie cohabite with women, no not with their owne sisters, without witnesses of their conuersation. 5. VponUpon Festiuall dayes, reliques enclosed in an arke, shall bee borne vponupon the shoulders of the Leuites, as the Arke of GOD in the olde Testament was accustomed to bee borne, 1. Chron. 15. 15. and not about the necke of a bishop: and incase ye bishop will needes carry them himselfe, then shall he walke on foote with the rest of the people, & not be carried in a coach by his deacons. Here marke how mens traditions are equalled to the commandemēt ☞of God. 6. Presbyters, Abbots, and Leuites, for the dignity of their calling, shall not be punished with stripes by the bishop, lest in dispersoning the principall members of his owne body, hee bring himselfe into contempt of his subjectes. 7. Let no honour bee solde for promise of rewards. 8. Let gouernours of Churches hauehave a greater regarde to the weale of ye Church, than to their own particular affaires. In end, thanks is giuē to God & to ye king, for their meeting, & they subscribe the fore-named ordinances. Here marke, that in the countrey of Spaine the king still keepeth in his owne hand power of conuocating Councels.☞ The 6. generall coū cell holden at Constantinople
IN the yeere of our Lord 681. & in the 12. yeere of the reigne of Constantinus Pogonatus, a generall Councell was assembled at Constantinople, by the authority of the Emperour, and not by the commandement of Pope Donus, nor Agatho his successor, nor of Leo 2. the successour of Agatho, as the Diuall letter of Constantine, directed to Pope Donus, and receiued, and obeyed by Pope Agatho, clearly testifies. As for the number of bishops cōuened, there is an infinite discrepance betwixt ye authors, who make rehearsal of their number: the least number reckoned is 150. The question discussed in this Assemblie, was about the willes and actions of Christ. Macarius, patriarch of Antiochia, & Stephanus his disciple, partinaciously defended the errour of the Monoth…lites: confirming also their opinion by the testimony of Honorius, sometime bishop of Rome, whose letters written to Sergius, sometime bishop of Constantinople, being read in the opē audience of the Councell, made it clearly known, that he also was infected with the errour of the Monothelites. For this cause, Honorius b. of Rome, Sergius, Pyrrhus, and Paulus bishops of Constantinople, Cyrus b. of Alexandria, and Macarius b. of Antiochia, were all excommunicated: likewise Polychronius, a ridiculous Monke, and his complices, were excommunicated, and with great shame and ignominy rejected from the fellowship of the Church: For he offered to proue the opinion of the Monothelites to bee the trueth of God, by writing the summe of that opinion in a paper, and ouer-spreading it vponupon a beere wherein a dead man was laide, hee put the Councell in hope, that hee shoulde raise the dead man to life againe: but after triall, hee was founde to bee a lying and a deceitfull fellowe, and hee likewise was excommunicated.
This Councell made no Canons and Constitutions concerning Church discipline, as other Councels had done before: For this cause Iustinian the second, the sonne of Pogonatus, gathered these same Fathers who had bene in the preceeding Counc…ll, to perfect the worke which they had begun.
They made manie Constitutions, but two in speciall, which displeased the Romane Church: First, they annulled the doctrine of the Church of Rome concerning prohibition of Marriage to men in spirituall offices: Secondly, they ordained the Patriarch of Constantinople, to bee in equall authoritie with the Pope of Rome. These Constitutions and Canons Pope Sergius refused to subscribe, albeit his ambassadoures in his name had subscribed them in Constantinople.
BAmbas, King of Gothes, resigned the title of his Royall authoritie to Euringius, and he was content to bee shauen and enter The 12. Councell of Toledo. ☞into a Monasterie. In the first yeere of the reigne of Euringius 33. bishops, with some abbots, & 13. noble men of Court, conuecned at Toledo. The King, amongst many other things, protested, that hee was content, that whatsoeuer thing in his lawes seemed repagnant to reason, it should be corrected by the prudent ☞aduise of this Councell. The Fathers of this Councell, for confession of faith, adhered vntounto the Councell of Nice. After this, the hand-writinges and seales of Bambas, and the nobles of his Court, and the testimonie of I…lianus, Arch-bishop of Toledo, are presented: whereby it was knowne, that Bambas had resigned his gouernement in fauour of Euringius, willing them to choose him to bee his successour. So it came to passe, that Euringius was solemnly proclaimed to bee King, and the people were assoyled from the oath of alleadgeance made to Bambas, and were astricted to the obedience of King Euringius.
In this Councell it was forbidden, that newe bishoprickes should be erected in villages: and the bishop of Emerita begged pardon for this, that he had ordained a bishop in a certaine village, being comp…lled so to doe by the cōmandement of King Bambas. They who stand at the Altar, and sacrificeth, are commanded to eate of the sacrifice as often as they offer it. The ☞actes, made in preceeding Councels, against the Iewes, were renewed and amplified in this Councell: and thankes was giuen to God, and the King, for their meeting.
Other Councels of Toledo, vnderunder the reignes of Euringius, and Egita, seeing of them there is little written worthie of commemoration, I ouer-passe with silence.