Truth Triumphing Over Falsehood, Treatise · Section 1

Truth Triumphing Over Falsehood · Treatise · Section 1

p. 1Sect. 1.

Of the power of ſummoning Councels and Synods.

1 FIrſt, I affirm, that the right and authority of calling or ſummoning Eccleſiasticall Aſſemblies, Councells, Synods, whether Generall Nationall, or Provinciall, to ſettle matters of Religion, Worſhip, Church-government, or constitute Eccleſiaſticall Lawes, belongs not to Biſhops, Miniſters, or private Independent Congregations; but to Princes, or ſupreme temporall Magiſtrates and Powers.

This Propoſition militating both againſt Papiſts, Browniſts, Anabaptiſts, and ſome Independents, I ſhall ratifie by Scripture, and hiſtoricall preſidents in all ages, as well forraigne as domeſtick, with brevitie and perſpicuitie.

1. For Scripture-preſidents and Authorities, we have Precepts to and Preſidents of Moſes, the prime civill-Magiſtrate among the Iſraelites. Num. 10. …, 3 4. c. 8. 9. c. 20. 8, 10. Exod. 35. 1, 4. &c. Levit. 8. 3, 4, 5, &c. c. 19. 2. Deut. 29. 2, 3. c. 31. 2, 3, &c. 28. 29. 30, &c. Of Joſhua, c. 8. 33, 35. c. 22. 11, to 34. c. 23. 2, to 16. c. 24. 1, to 29. Of the chiefe Magiſtrates of the Iſraelites, Judg. 20. 1, to 12. p. 2Of David King of Iſrael, 1 Chron. 13. 1, to 6. c. 28. 1, 2, 3. c. 29. 1. to 26. Of King Solomon, 1 King. 8. 1, 2, 3. &c. 2 Chron. 5. 2. &c. Of King Aſa, 2 Chron. 15. 8, to 16. Of Jehoſhaphat, 2 Chron. 20. 3 4, 5. &c. Of Jehojada, 2 Chron. 23. 1, to 20. Of King Joaſh, 2 Chron. 24. 4, to 15. Of King Hezekiah, 2 Chron. 30. 1, to 27. c. 31, 1, to 5. Of King Joſiah, 2 Chron. 34. 29, to the end. c. 35. 1, to 20. Of Nehemiah, c. 8. 1. to 18. c. 9. 1, &c. Of Mordecai and Eſther, Eſth. 9. 17, to 32. And in defect of Chriſtian Kings and Magiſtrates, the Apoſtles and whole Church, by mutuall conſent aſſembled together in a Synod Acts 6. & 15. as the high-Prieſts, Scribes, and Elders, met together and aſſembled in their Sanhedrim by temporall 2authority, Matth. 26. 57. c. 27. 1. Mark 14. 51. 55. c. 15. 1. Luk. 22. 66. Acts 4. 5, 6, 7. c. 5. 21. to 42. c. 6. 12. c. 22. 30. c. 23. 1.

2. For forraigne hiſtoricall authorities in all ages and Churches of note. aaEccleſ hiſt. l. 5. prooemio.Socrates Scholaſticus records, That ſince the Emperours were firſt chriſtian, the State of the Church hath hanged on them, and the greateſt Councels have been, and be kept by their advice, yea by their ſummons, writs, and edicts. The firſt famous generall Councell of Nice was called bybbSurius Concil. Tom. 1. p. 334. Conſtantine the great, the firſt Chriſtian Emperour.ccDe vita Conſtantini l. 3. c. 6. Euſebius writes, that Conſtantine (not the Pope) gathered this generall Councell, and by honourable Writs called together the Biſhops on every ſide, that they ſhould haſten thither. ddEccleſ. hiſt. l. 1. c. 16.Theodoret, This great and holy Councell was gathered to Nicaea, by the grace of God, and by the godly Emperour Conſtantine. eeTripartita hiſt. l. 2. c. 21.Caſſiodore, That the zeale of the Prince raiſed up that moſt famous Councell at Nicaea, who commanded the Biſhops and their attendants to come to the Synod on publike Aſſes, Mules and Horſes, which he provided for them.ffEccleſ. hiſt. l. 8. c. 14. col. 377. a. Nicephorus Calliſthus, That Conſtantine promulged that moſt famous Synod of Nice in Bithynia,See Rabanus Maurus de Vniverſo l. 5. c. 7. and by his Letters ſummoned thither the Biſhops of all places by a ſet day; and among the reſt Pope Julius, who by reaſon of his decrepite age ſent Vitus his Presbyter for his Proxie: The like writesggHiſt. l 1. c. 16. l. 3. c. 7. l. 4. c 6. Sozomen in the ſame words. The Councell of Rome under Pope Meltiades was convented by the ſame Conſtantines Writ: and here (ſaithhhEccleſ. hiſt. l. 10. c. 5. Euſebius) is a copy of the Emperours Writ, whereby he commanded a Councell of Biſhops to be kept at Rome. And SaintiiIn Epitaphio Paulae. Hieroni, To ſtay certaine Eccleſiaſticall diſſentions, the Emperours writs cauſed as well the Biſhops of the Eaſt as of the Weſt to draw to Rome. Yea the Councell ofkkEuſeb. hiſt. l. 10. c. 15. Socrates Scholaſt. Eccleſ. hiſt. l. 1 c. 28. 33. Euſebius de vita Conſtantini l. 4. c. 41, 42, 43. Orleance in France, and that of Tyrus (removed from thence to Ieruſalem by the Emperours Letters) were both ſummoned by Conſtantines Writs. The ſecond generall Councell of Conſtantinople was called by Theodoſius the elder; the Emperour; writellHiſt. l. 5. c. 7. Theodoret, mmHiſt. l. 7. c. 7.Sozomen, andnnHiſt. l. 12 c. 10. Sarius Tom. 1. p. 482 Nicephorus, commanded a Synod of Biſhops to meet together in one place, out of the provinces of his Empire, to confirme the Decrees of the Nicene Councell; and the Biſhops therein wrote thus to the Emperour, We are come to Conſtantinople by your Majeſties commiſſion. The third generall Councell at Epheſus was congregated by the younger Theodoſius, Ex edicto pietatis ſtudioſiſſimorum Imperatorum ſanctum & univerſale concilium Epheſi coactum, writesooEccleſ. hiſt. l 1. c. 3. Evagrius: withppConcil. Tom. 1. p. 607. Tom. 2. p. 31. 75. 79. 88. 96. & Tom. 1. p. 600. Niceph. Eccl. hiſt. l. 14 c. 34. Laurentius Surius: and the Biſhops p. 3themſelves in the prologue thereof, Cum ex pio edicto coacti eſſemus in Epheſiorum Metropoli. And ſo farre was Pope Leo from conceiving the right of calling Councels to belong to him, that he beſought the Emperour Theodoſius by an Epiſtle in theſe words,ppLeo Epiſt. 9. ad Theodoſium. We beſeech your godly Majeſty to grant our ſupplication, that you would command a Councell of Biſhops to be holden within Italy: which Epiſtle not prevailing, he writes another to him in theſe words,qqEpiſt. 14. See Epiſt. 13. 44. 50. 58. almoſt to the ſame purpoſe. All our Churches, and all our Prieſts, beſeech your Clemencie with ſobs and teares, that you will command a generall Councell to be held within Italy: which yet he denied to grant, and ſummoned the ſame at Epheſus notwithſtanding theſe intreaties. After which this ſame Pope intreated the Emperour Martianus, that it would pleaſe his Majeſtie to command a general Councell; andrrEpiſt. 23. writ to the Clergy and people of Conſtantinople, to make ſuit with diſcreet and humble prayer, that our moſt gracious Emperour would vouchſafe to grant our requeſt, in that we have deſired a generall Councell. Yea StſſEpiſt. 1. ad Innocentium. Chryſoſtom being requeſted to do the like, writes thus to Pope Innocent, We went in and moſt humbly beſought the moſt Chriſtian Prince to call a Councell. In like mannerttL. 4. c. 22. l. 6. c. 7. Socrates Scholaſt. l. 2. c. 7. Theodoret. l. 2. c. 1…. Sozomen records, that the Arrians beſought the Emperour Conſtantius to command a Councell to be holden at Antioch; and after this intreated him to ſummon another Councell at Millain: and that the Catholikes ſent Hypatianus their Ambaſſadour to intreat the Emperour, that to redreſſe certaine errours they might have leave to meet together. So farre were they from redreſſing new errours (much more then from framing, printing, Articles, Canons, Conſtitutions, Oaths and impoſing new Rites and Ceremonies, as our Biſhops lately did in their Epiſcopall Viſitations) that they durſt not attempt to decree any thing poſitively againſt them without the Emperours ſpeciall licence firſt obtained; no not in a publike Councell, much leſſe in a private Conſiſtorie.

But to proceed with generall Councels; the fourth generall Councell at Chalcedon was aſſembled by the Emperours Valentinian and Martian, uuSurius Concil. Tom. 2. p. 11. 25. 31. 152 103. 106. 120. 106.Facta eſt Synodus ex decreto piiſſimorum ac fidelium Imperatorum Martiani & Valentiniani, ſaith the firſt Action of that Councell: This Councell was firſt ſummoned by theſe Emperours to be held at Nice, by ſeverall Writs ſent by them both to Pope Leo himſelfe, (who was cited thereunto, and ſent his Proxie thither) and to Anatolius Biſhop of Conſtantinople, with other Writs to the holy Biſhops in all places, recorded byxxIbid. p. 8, 9. 10. Surius: where they appearing at the day prefixed, they ſent two other Writs unto them, to remove them from thence to Chalcedon, becauſe they could not be preſent at Nicaea: whereupon yySurius ibid. p. 10. 11.the holy and univerſall Councell came together at Chalcedon, ſecundum ſacram praeceptionem, according to their ſacred command. The fifth generall Councell at Conſtantinople was called by the Emperour Juſtinian: Imperator Juſtinianus ſanctam quintam ſynodum Oecumenicam, Epiſcopis eccleſiarum omnium evocatis, coegit, writeszzEccleſ. hiſt. l. 17. c. 27. Nicephorus: and Juſtinian himſelfe in his Letters to that Synod, recorded by**Concil. Tom. 2. p 494, 495, 496. Surius, recites, that the Councell of Nice was congregated by Conſtantine; the firſt Councell of Conſtantinople by Theodoſius the elder; the Councell of Epheſus by Theodoſius the younger; the Synod of Chalcedon by Martianus; and then concludes, Ideo vocavimus vos ad regiam p. 4urbem, that he had therefore called them to the royall City to diſcuſſe the three chapters then in controverſie,llSurius. Tom. 2. p. 498, 499. 500. 501, 502 and to decide them according to theſe former generall Councels reſolutions; yea, Pope Vigilius was cited to this Councell, to diſpute together with the other Biſhops there, concerning the three chapters. The ſixt generall Councell of Conſtantinople was gathered together by Conſtantius Pogonatus, asmmApud Surium: Concil. Tom. 2. p. 900 901, 902. his own letters of ſummons teſtifie, and this paſſage in the firſt action of it: Conveniente quoque ſancta et univerſali Synodo, qua ſecundum Imperialem ſanctionem congregata eſt, in hac à Deo conſervanda regia Urbe. The ſeventh generall Councell of Nice (ſo termed by the Papiſts, though falſe, ſpurious, and hereticall) was ſummoned by Irene the Empreſſe, and her ſonne Conſtantine: nnSurius Concil. Tom. 3. p. 8.Conveniente ſancta & oecumenica, hoc eſt univerſali Synodo, quae per gratiam divinam, piumque illorum Imperatorum, ſanctè orbem terrarum gubernantium decretum congregata eſt in clarisſima Nicenſium metropoli; are the words of the firſt action teſtifying the ſame. The eight oecumenicall Synod at Conſtantinople was called byooSurius Ibidem. p. 531. 539. Baſilius the Emperor; in the Prologue and firſt Act whereof, there was produced a letter of Pope Adrians to this Emperor, in theſe words: Volumus per veſtrae pietatis induſtriam Conſtantinopoli numeroſum celebrare Concilium.

As theſe firſt eight generall Councels were thus congregated by Chriſtian Emperors, not Popes or Prelates, ſo likewiſe Nationall, provinciall Councels and Synods have been alwayes uſually called, aſſembled by the Writs and Summons of Chriſtian Emperors, Kings, Princes, not by Biſhops, or private chriſtians: Thus the ſeverallppTheodoret. hiſt l. 4. c. 4. 7, 8, 9. Socrates hiſt. l. 2. c. 37. Nicephorus hiſt l. 9. c. 33. Surius Tom. 1. p 432. Councels of Sardice, Millaine, Ariminum, Nicomedia, and Seleucia were aſſembled by the Emperor Conſtantius his Writs & Mandates; whenceqqDe Synodis Arin…a: & Seleuc. Athanaſius writes thus of the Synods of Ariminum, & Seleucia, the paſſages wherof he records at large: A… Imperatore Proefectiſque Literae ſequentes in omnem partem miſſae ſunt, eos qui illuc ituri eſſent convocantes. The Councel ofrrTheodoret. hiſt. l. 4. c. 7. 8. 9. Illyrium was called by Valentintan and Theodoſius: ſſEccleſ. hiſt. l. 11. c. 30.whence the Biſhops in that Councel in theirttSu…ius Tom. 1 p. 472. 474. Epiſtles to thoſe Emperors give them thanks for their care and pains in aſſembling this Councell in theſe terms. Apud quem gratias agenus vobis Clementiſſimi Principes, qui ad removendas altercationes congregare ſtuduiſtis ſacerdotale Concilium, & Epiſcopis dignatione veſtra honorific…ntiam reſervaſtis, ut nemo deeſſet volens, nemo cogeretur invitus Itaque juxta Manſuetudinis veſtrae ſtatuta convenimus. Saint Ambroſe Biſhop of Millaine ſpeaks thus in that Councell: Nos in occidentis parte conſtituti convenimus ad Aquilei…ſeum civitatem juxta Imperatoris praeceptum. Palladius ſaith there likewiſe, Imperator noſter Gratianus juſſit Orientales venire, negas tu juſſiſſe e…m? Ipſe Imperator nobis dixit, ſe Orientales juſſiſſe venire. Ambroſius Epiſcopus dixit; utique juſſit. &c. The firſt… xxSpelman Concil. p. 39.Councel of Arelat about the yeare 314. was aſſembled. Conſtantini magni juſſu. The firſt provinciall Councell of Agatha, was aſſembledvvSurius Tom. 2. p. 372. by the Kings permiſſion, for whoſe long life the Councell prayed, ut qui nobis congregationis permiſerat poteſtatem. The firſt Councell of Orleans was ſummoned byxxSurius Concil. Tom. 1. p. 711. Clodovick King of France as is evident by this Reſcript of the Biſhops of that Synod to him: Domino ſuo Catholica Eccleſiae filio Clodoveo glorioſiſſimo regi, omnes ſacerdotes p. 5quos ad Concilium venire jvſſiſtis: &c. Sacerdotes de rebus neceſſariis tractaturos in unum collegi juſſeritis: The ſecond Councell of Orleans was ſummoned by the precept of moſt glorious Kings.yySurius Tom. 2. p. 633. Cum ex praeceptione glorioſiſſimorum regum in Aurelianenſem urbem, Deo auxiliante convenimus; ſay the Biſhops in the prologue to their Canons in it. The Councell of Alebret met togetherzzSurius. Tom. 2. p. 633. by the conſent of their moſt glorious Lord and pious King Theodebertus; The ſecond Synod of Toures aſſembled together by theaaSurius ibid. p. 642. connivence of King Arithbertus: ThebbSurius ibid. p. 650. 654. fift Councell of Orleans was congregated by King Childebertus, together with the Councell of Paris, as their Prologues teſtifie. The third Councell of Toledo was ſummoned by KingccSurius ibid p. 668. Reccarredus, who, pro fidei ſuae ſinceritate omnes regiminis ſuae Pontifices in unum convenire mandaſſet. TheddSurius Tom. 2. p. 678. 681. 682. firſt and ſecond Councels of Maſcon, with the Councell of Valentia were aſſembled by King Guntram: Ex evocatione glorioſſſſimi Regio Guntramni: juxta Imperium glorioſiſſimi Guntramni regis, ſay the Poems to theſe Synods Canons. The fourth Councell of Toledo was called by the diligence of the moſt religiouseeSurius ibid. p. 727. 738. King Siſenandus, ut ejus juſſis et imperiis, that by his precepts and commands, a common treatiſe of Eccleſiaſticall diſcipline might be compiled therein. Whereupon in the cloſe of the Councell they pray to Chriſt for this their King, cujus devotio nos ad hoc decretum ſalutiferum convocavit: TheffSurius ibid. p. 7. 39. 741. fift and ſixt Councells of Toledo were called by the Precept and writ of King Chintillanus: ex praecepto ejus et ſalutaribus hortamentis; The firſt and ſecond Councells of Bracara aſſembled together ex praecepto, et per ordinationem, by the precept and appointment of the moſt gloriousggSurius ibid. p. 746. 749. King Ariamirus. The ſeventh Councel of Toledo met togetherhhSurius ibid. p. 759. ſtudio, by the care and command of King Chindaſiundus. The 8. 9. and 10. Councels of Toledo were congregated by theiiSurius ibid. p. 854. 867. 870. command of King Receſſuinthas: ejuſque ſereniſſimo juſſn ac ſanctiſſimo voto. The Councell of Cavailon was aſſembledkkSurius ibid. p. 875. ex evocatione vel ordinatione, by the ſummons and appointment of King Clodouicke. The eleventh Councell of Toledo came together,llSurius ibid. p. 880. hortatu, by the exhortation and precept of King Vuambanus: ThemmSurius Tom. 3. p. 1, 2, 8, 9. 12. and 13. Councels of Toledo were ſummoned and celebrated ex glorioſo juſſu, by the glorious command of king Eringius. The French Synod Anno 642. was ſummoned by Charlemaine nnSurius Tom. 3. p. 39.Ego Carlomannus dux et Princeps Francorum, cum conſilio ſervorum Dei et Optimatum meorum, Epiſcopos qui in regno meo ſunt cum presbyteris ad Concilium et Synodum, pro timore Chriſti congregavi: The Synod ofooSurius ibid. p. 40. 4. Soiſſons was called by Childerick and Pipin; and ſo was the Councell at the Pallace of Venis: glorioſiſſimus atque Deo religioſus illuſtris vir Pipinus rex Francorum, univerſos pene Galliarum Epiſcopos aggregari fecit ad Concilium Vernis palatium publicum. TheppSurius ibid. p. 293. 318. 359. 361. 409. 421. Carolus Molineus. Comment. ad Edictum. Hen. 2. contra parvas Datas & abuſus Curiae Romanae. p. 15. Matth. Weſt An. 826. Vſpergenſis p, 180. ſeverall Synods and Councels of Aquiſgan, (or Aix) Paris, Lions, and Tholouſe were ſummoned by Lewis and Lothorius their Writs and Mandates, as the marginall authorities largely evidence. TheqqSurius Tom. 3. p. 237. 257. 271. 274. 278. 286. 291. Math. Weſtm. Flores hiſt. An. 813. Councels of Frankford, Friuli, Arelat the fourth, Tovers, Cabilon the ſecond: Mentz and Rheems were all called by Charls great; who (as Matthew Weſtminſter and others write) in the year 813. commanded five ſeverall Councels to bee p. 6celebrated at once, the firſt at Mentz, the ſecond at Rheemes, the third at Towers, the fourth at Cavailon, the fift at Arelat. The third Councell at Aqueſgran was ſummonedrrSurius Tom. 3. p. 431. providentiſſimo et juſſu ſalutifero of King Pipin, as were the two former by the wholſom command and moſt provident direction of his Father Lewis. TheſſSurius ibid. 454. 468 469. Councels of Meaux and Medardum, by the conſent and command of Charles the ſon of Lewis: ThettSurius ibid. p. 475. Councell of Valentia, by the Emperor Lotharius his command: ex juſſione praefati Principis reverendiſſimi trium provinciarum Epiſcopi in unum collecti reſidiſſent: The vvSurius ibid. p. 481.Synod of Ticinum, and the Councell of Wormes, An. 868. were congregated by the Emperor Lewis the ſecond: ThexxSurius ibid. p. 544. Synod of Colen Anno 887. by Charles the third his conſent. TheyySurius ibid. 546, 547, 555 Councell of Ments Anno 888. and of Triburby Arnulphus the Emperor: ThezzSurius Tom. 4. p. 366. Councel of Ferrara by John Paleologus. The Provinciall Synod of Auguſta Anno 1548. by the Emperor Charles the fift.aaSurius Tom. 4. p. 797, 798. Cui hanc Synodorum congregandarum facultatem veluti olim Conſtantino Imperatori totius …re orbis acceptam ferunt, ſaith Otho the Popes own Legate. To theſe I might accumulatebbMatth. Weſtm. Flo. Hiſt. An. 595. the Synod at Tholetum Anno 525. congregated by the command of Richard King of the Wiſi-Gothes. The Synod at Rome Anno 773. cited thither by Charles the great, to whom Pope Adrian and that whole Synod (conſiſting of 154. religious Biſhops and Abbots) gave the right of chuſing the Pope, and ordaining the Apoſtolicall See with ſundry others: yea moſt of the Councels that I have met with in Surius, Binius, Crab, Merlin, Photius, Carranza, Syrmond, Bochellus, Spelman, Creſconius, Fulgentius, Ferrandus, and other collectors of Councels and Synods, have bin alwaies uſually called by Emperors and Chriſtian Princes; That being moſt true which the Code of the Liberties of the French Church affirmes, ddApud Bochellum Dec…a Eccleſ. G…ll. l 5. Tit. 20. c. 34. p. 905.That moſt chriſtian Kings in allages, have been accuſtomed according to the ſtate of things hapning in their Realmes, to call Synods, and provinciall or Nationall Councels, for the ordering of Eccleſiaſticall affaires; as the forecited preſidents with infinite other teſtifie; & the forequoted Councels, Fathers, Popes, Hiſtorians, together with St. Hierom and PopeeeApologia 2. Adverſus Ruffinum. Gregory the great reſolve.

Moſt falſe & impudently arrogant then are the aſſertions of Pope Marcellus, ffEpiſt. l. 4. Epiſt. 34.Iulius, ggDiſtinct. 37.Pelagius, Gregory, and Symmacus, (if Gratian miſreports not their poſitions) as likewiſehhIbidem, and the Canoniſts gloſſes on that Diſtinction Summa Angelica Tit. Concilium. of Gratian, the Canoniſts,iiHarding Contur. part. 5, c. 6. Sect. 3. Bellarmin: De Conciliis Contr. 2, 3. with others. Ieſuits, and Popiſh Paraſites who all ſticke not to publiſh without ſhame or feare; That the power of calling generall, nationall, and provinciall Councels, belongs properly to the Apoſtolicall See of Rome. That regularly no Synod ought to be called without the Popes authority: That it is no Councell but a Conventicle which is ſummoned without his authority; And that all Councels without his authority, preſence (in perſon or by his Legates) and ratification are meerly voyd and invalid▪ Parodoxes, which all the premiſes, and the conſtant practiſe of all ages places ſufficiently confute, yea and ſome learned Papiſts tokkDe Concordia Cathol. l. 2. c. 12. Nicolaus Cufanus determines the quite contrary in theſe very termes. The authority of a Councell doth not ſo depend of him by whom it was ſummoned, that unles it be ſummoned by the Pope it can be no Councell; p. 7for ſo we ſhould avoyd all the firſt eight generall Councels. For wee read they were ſummoned by Emperors, not by Popes. And the Pope of Rome, like other Patriarcks received the Emperors Majeſties ſacred commandements to come or ſend to Councels. If the Pope be negligent, or if hee ſay nay the Emperour may by his own authority ſummon Councels by way of command, to ſtay the wavering State of the Church. Hence we have one concluſion, that in generall Councels and making Lawes, the Biſhop of Rome hath no ſuch power as certain flatterers give him. Thus this learned Cardinall. Aeneas Sylvius, afterwards Pope Pius the ſecond, is as point-blanck as he: llDe Concil. Baſil: lib. 1.From theſe authorities (writes he) they thinke themſelves wonderfully armed, who deny that Councels can be kept without the Popes conſent: whoſe judgement if it ſhould ſtand, as they woul have it, would draw the ruine of the Church with it. For what remedy ſhall there be if a criminous Pope ſhould diſturbe the Church, if he ſhould deſtroy ſoules, if he ſhould pervert the people with his ill example; if finally he ſhould teach things contrary to faith, and ſhould fill his ſubjects with haereticall Doctrines? Should we ſuffer all things to go to ruine with him? But I, whiles I read over ancient Hiſtories, while I conſider the Acts of the Apoſtles, do not verily finde this cuſtome, that Popes onelyonly ſhould call Councels. Neither afterwards, in the time of Conſtantine the great, and of other Emperors, when Councels ſhould be called, there was no great account made of the Popes conſent: Durandus De Concilio celebrando Pariſiis. 1545. Tit. 1, 2. Franciſcus Zabarella Cardinall of Florence, de Schiſmate & Concilio p. 542, 543, 544, & Theodoricus a Niem de Schiſmate c. 3. 5. 7. p. 154. confeſſe and teach, that it belongs to the Emperors to call Councels. ThemmBochellus Decreta Eccleſiae Gallicanae l. 5. Tit: 20. c. 35. Code of the Liberties of the French Church ſaith directly, Although generall Councels ought not to be called or kept without the Pope, nor any thing to be decreed and concluded in them but by his authority, by the Eccleſiaſtical rule (made by Popes themſelves) yet notwithſtanding in the French Church it hath been ever reſolved, that the Pope is not thought to bee above a generall Councell, but is bound to keep its Decrees, Statutes, & Precepts, no leſſe than the people of the Church, which is the Spouſe of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt, and which is eſpecially preſented by the Councel. Yea William Ranchin a famous French Lawyer, though a Papiſt, in his Review of the Councell of Trent, l. 1. c. 8. l. 3. c. 1. to 14. and l. 4. c. 1, 2, &c. not only avers, but copiouſly and irrefragably manifeſts by pregnant evidences, that Generall, Nationall, Provinciall Councels, Synods, in all Chriſtian Nations, Kingdoms, Republikes have alwayes been conſtantly ſummoned by Emperors, Kings, and chriſtian Princes; and that neither the Pope, nor any Prelates or Eccleſiaſticall perſons whatſoever, have any lawfull power or authority to call them, unleſſe it be by the ſpeciall licence and authority of Kings and Emperours firſt obtained. The like is maintained and proved at large by Marſilius patavinus, Defenſoris Pacis pars. 2. c. 21. to 27. Rabanus Maurus de Univerſo l, 5. c. 7. Ioannis Marius de Schiſmate et Conciliis pars. 2. c. 1. to 19. p. 507, 508. by Carolus Molinaeus, in his learned praeface to his Commentary on the Edict of King Henry the ſecond of France, Contra parvas Datas, p. 8et Abuſus Curiae Romanae p. 14. to 27. by the reſolutions of divers French Councels, Synods, and Edicts of Parliament, cited by Laurentius Bochellus, Decreta Eccleſ. Gal. l. 5. Tit. 20. cap. 17. 19, 20, 21. 29. 33, 34, 35. 38, 39. 41. 43, 44, 45, 46. & by the Code of the Liberty of the French Church (there quoted) reſolving in theſe poſitive termes. Soliti ſunt ab omni aeuo Reges Chriſtianisſimi, pro ratione rerum quae in Regno ſuo accidunt, habere Synodos, aut Concilia Provincialia aut Nationalia, in quibus inter alia ad ſtatum Regni pertinontia, agitur etiam de Rebus ordinem & Diſciplinam Eccleſiarum Regni ſui ſpectantibus. Unde Regulae innumerae, Capitula, Leges, Ordinationes & Pragmaticae Sanctiones eorum Nominibus inſcriptae prodierunt. Yea theirnnRelect. 4. p. 161. Franciſcus Victoria holds, that at this day in certain caſes a generall Councell may be called againſt the Popes minde, by the Emperor and Chriſtian Princes, whether hee will or no. But although ſome Paraſites of the Popes univerſall Monarchy, endeavour to entitle him to this prerogative royall of Chriſtian Princes, to ſummon Synods and Councels, (contrary to the Reſolutions of theſe and infinite other Popiſh Authors, and the practiſe of moſt popiſh Realmes) yet none of them entitle any other Biſhops or Prelates to it but the Pope alone, unleſſe it be by ſome ſpeciall derivation from the Pope as his Legate; ſo that Biſhops cannot claime this power by any immediate inherent right, but by a dirivative power onelyonly, either from the Pope or Chriſtian Princes: and from the Pope, no Engliſh Prelates, Miniſters can, or dare derive it.

3Thirdly, to proceed to our own Engliſh Synods and Councels, wee ſhall finde that the right of ſummoning them and of our Convocations hath alwayes beene an indubitable Prerogative of our Chriſtian Kings or Parliaments, which I ſhall manifeſt. Firſt by preſidents. Secondly by Parliamentory reſolutions. Thirdly by the Doctrine, Articles, and Writers of our Church. Fourthly by the determination of King James, King Charles, and our late Convocations.

To begin firſt with Preſidents, both before and ſince the Conquest: The great ooBe…la Eccleſ. Hiſt. l. 1. c. 17. & 21. Matth. Weſtm. An. 449. 465. Spelmanni Concil. p. 48, 49 60.Synod held at verolam Anno 446, to ſuppreſſe the Pelagian hereſie; with another great Councell after that Anno 449, to like purpoſe; and the Councell of Wales Anno 465, were ſummoned by the Kings and Peoples joint aſſents who together with the Clergie were preſent and voted in them. TheppSpelmanui Concil. p. 104 Matth. Weſt. An. 603. Beda …ccleſ. Aiſt. l. 2. c. 2 Antiq. Eccl. Brit. p. 3. Speeds Chron p. 286. Synod of Worceſter, and at Auguſtines Oke, under Auguſtine the firſt Arch-biſhop of Canterbury Anno 603. was called Ethelberti Regis ope & auxilio, by the aſſiſtance or ſummons of King Ethelbert; adjutorio uſus Edelberti Regis, write ſome. So was theqqSpelman. p. 126, 127. Councell held at Canterbury Anno 605 in which both the Clergy and people were preſent. TherrBeda Eccleſ. Hiſt. l. 3. c. 21. Spelman. p. 14…. Synod of Streneſhalch An. 664. under Oſwy King of Northumberland, and Alchfrid his Son, who weee preſent at it, was ſummoned by their appointment, to decide the controverſie, concerning the time of Eaſter, and other differences, Anno 693 KingſſWillielmus Malmſ. De Geſt… Pontif. l. 3. Antiqu. Eccleſ. …. p. 18. 19. Alfrick Synodum Epiſcoporum convocari fecit, cauſed a Synod of Biſhops to be called together. Anno 694, p. 9attSpelman p. 189, 191, 194 great Councell was ſummoned to meet at Becanceld by King Withred, who ſate Preſident therein, & praecepit convocari concilium: who likewiſe aſſembled and ſate Preſident in the grand Councell of Berghamſted, Anno 697. About the yeare 714 there wasuuSpelman p. 219: a great Councell of the Biſhops, Princes, Nobles, Earles, and of all the wiſe-men, Elders, and people of the Realme, under King Ina; per praeceptum Regis Ina, by the precept of this King. An. 724 thexxMalmsb. de Geſtis Pontif. l. 3. in vita Widfridi Antiq. Eccl. Brit. p. 19. Synod of Northumberland was conveened authoritate & gratia Oſredi, by the authority and favour of King Oſred. The famous Councell ofyyMatth. Weſt. An. 718. p. 27… Malm…b. de Geſt. Pontif. l. 1. p. 197. Antiq. Eccleſ. Brit. p. 21. Spelman p. 230, 242, 245. Cloveſho about the yeare 748, was aſſembled, Ethelbaldi regis Merciorum auxilio, who ſate Preſident therein, and in a former Councell there held Anno 742. The zzSpelman p. 292.Councell of Calchuth An. 787, was congregated by Offa King of Mercians, and Kenulfe King of Weſt-Saxons, who together with their Biſhops and Elders of the Land (ſenioribus terrae) were preſent at it. TheaaSpelman p. 318. Councell of Clyffe An. 800, was convented by King Cenulfe his authoritie and aſſent.bbSpel. p. 387 Matth. Weſtm. An. 905. Antiq. Eccl. Brit. p. 43. A Synod was aſſembled by King Edward the elder: about the yeare 905, Rex praedictam Synodum congregavit, write the marginall Authors.ccSpelman p. 428. An. 948. a Councell and Parliament was ſummoned at London per regium edictum, by Aedred his royall edict; the King and his Nobles, as well as the Biſhops being preſent at it. The ddSpelman p. 510.Councell of Enham An. 1009. ab Ethelredo rege edictum, was called by King Ethelred. TheeeMatth. Weſt An. 1070. pars 2. p. 3. Councell of Wincheſter An. 1070. was ſummoned and celebrated by the procurement of William the Conquerour,ffMatth. Paris Hiſt. Angl. An. 1075. p. 19. Rege procurante: ſo was the Synod at Weſtminſter, An. 1075. Rex tandem Willieſmus de negotiis agere conſtituens Eccleſiaſticis An. 1075. apud Weſtmon…ſterium Synodum coegit. This being the undoubted right of Kings in thoſe dayes, cauſed Archbiſhop Anſelme (though a great ſtickler for the Popes and Prelates ſupremacie) An. 1093. to move King William Rufus to command Councels to be revived after the ancient manner:ggEadmerus hiſt. nov. l. 1. p. 24. Jube (ait) ſi placet, Concilia ex antiquo uſu renovari, quae perperam acta ſunt in medium revocari: who after held ahhEadm. Hiſt. nov. l 3. p. 65. Councell at Weſtminſter. An. 1102. by King Henry 1. his aſſent, ipſo annuente. The Councell atiiMatth. Paris hiſt. Angl. p. 67, 68. Weſtminſter, held by the Popes …echerous Legate John de Crema An. 1125. was aſſembled Regis licencia, by the Kings owne licence: and the Councell of London An. 1129. ſummoned by this King. The Councell at Oxford againſt the Publicans was called by King Henry the ſecond his Writ, Rex Epiſcopale praecepit concilium congregari, writeskkHiſtor. l. 2. c. 13. Neubrigenſis: So thellGiraldus Cambrenſ. l. 2. c. 33, 34. Will. Neubrigenſis Hiſt. l. 3. c. 9. Speeds Chron. p. 516. Synod of Caſſels in Ireland for ſetling and reforming that Church, was congregated by King Henry the ſecond his authoritie and command: ThemmNeubrigenſis l. 2. c. 13. Hoveden An…al. pars poſt. p. 500. Antiq. Eccl. Brit. p. 125. Councell held by Hugo Cardinalis, the Popes Legat, at London under the ſame King An. 1176. was favore regio adjutus, called by the Kings favour and aſſiſtance. The Councell ofnnMatth. Paris p. 430, 431. London under Otho the Popes Legate An. 1237. was ſummoned by King Henry the third his authoritie and conſent: And all Synods, Councels, Convocations from that time till this preſent, have ever been ſummoned by the Kings ſpeciall Writs for the moſt part, as is evident by Matthew Parkers ooP. 282, 362, 377, 389, 399, 401.Antiquitates Eccleſiae Britannicae, and by theſe enſuing ancient Preſidents following, remaining upon Record.

p. 10Breve pro Convocat' habenda apud Lincoln, Anno Dom. 1321. Ed. Reg. 16.

Convocatio inchoata vigore brevis regii die Lunae proxim poſt faſtum S. Sabiani & Sebaſtiani, An. Dom. 1369. Alia inchoat' eodem An. 21. die Januarii.

Convocat' inchoat' vigore brevis die Lunae proxim' poſt feſtum Pent' An. 1376.

Convocat' inchoat' vigore brevis die Lunae 9. die Novembris An. 1377.

Convocat' inchoat' 7. Maii An. Dom. 1382. quoad proceſſ. contra Haereticos.

Convocat' inchoat' 18. Novemb. An. Dom. 1382. continuat' ad 6. diem Janu. prox' ſequènt'.

Convocat' inchoat' 2 Decemb. An. 1383. contin' ad 4. diem ejuſdem menſis.

Convocat' inchoat' 20. Maii An. Dom. 1384. contin' ad feſtum Pent' ſequent.

Convocat' inchoat' 1. Decem. 1384. contin' ad diem Lunae prox' poſt feſtum corp' Chriſti.

Convocat' inchoat' 6. Novem. 1385. contin' ad 7. diem Decem. An. praedict.

Convocat' inchoat' 5. Novem. 1386. contin' ad 3. diem Decem. An. praedict.

Convocat' inchoat' 26. Febr. 1387. contin' ad 4. diem Martii ſequent.

Convocat' inchoat' 17. Octob. 1388. contin' ad 22. diem Octob. praedict.

Convocat' inchoat' 17. Apr. 1391. contin' ad 21. diem Apr. praedict.

Convocat' inchoat' 5. die Febr. 1394. contin' ad 18. diem ejuſdem menſis.

Convocat' inchoat' 6. Maii, An. Dom. 1460. contin' ad 15. diem Julii An. praedict.

Convocat' inchoat' 6. Julii An. Dom. 1463. contin' ad 18. diem Julii praedict.

Convocat' inchoat' 21. Martii 1480. contin' ad 15. diem Novem. 1481.

Convocat' inchoat' 13. Febr. 1486. contin' ad 27. diem Febr. praedict.

Convocat' inchoat' 14. Ia…ar. 1487. contin' ad 27. diem Febr. praedict.

The Preſidents ſince theſe being more obvious and infinite, I pretermit.

Indeed I finde ſome Convocations and Synods ſummoned without any ſpeciall Writs yet extant which perchance are loſt: however, though they were ſummoned without ſpeciall Writs, yet it was alwayes by the Kings licence, privi…, and aſſiſtance firſt obtained, or by former adjournments; and not by virtue of any ſummons from the Pope, Arch-biſhop of Canterbury, or any other Prelates, without or againſt the Kings command; as ſome of the enſuing Preſidents manifeſt in direct termes.

Convocatio inchoata abſque brevi menſe Julii An. Dom. 1295.

Convocatio inchoata abſque brevi die alia dominica qua cantabatur officium laetare, eodem Anno.

Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi die S. Hillarii An. Dom. 1297. Alia abſque brevi pro defenſione Eccleſiae cont' Scotos, die S. Edmundi Regis eodem Anno.

Convocat' inchoat' ad**Nota. inſtantiam Regis regreſſi à Flandriae inchoat' feſto Nativ' S. Johannis Baptiſtae An. Dom. 1298.

Convocat' Concilii provincialis abſque brevi inchoat' 16. Maii An. Dom. 1356.

Convocat' Cleri Provinciae Cant' ad ſupplicationem dom. Reg. inchoat' die Mercurii proxim' poſt dominicam qua cantatur officium miſericordia Domini, in Eccleſia S. Brigittae Londin. An. Dom. 1356.

Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi die Jovis prox poſt feſtum S. Georgii Martyris, 24. April. An. Dom. 1371.

Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi 1. die Decemb. An. Dom. 1373.

Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi 8. Febr. An. 1576.

p. 11Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi 5. Novemb. An. Dom. 1377.

Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi 9. Maii. 1379.

Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi die Sabbat. proxim' poſt feſtum Purificationis S. Mariae Virginis An. Dom. 1379.

Convocat' inchoat' abſque brevi 1. Decemb. An. Dom. 1380.

Since this time I finde no Synod, Councell, or Convocation, ever ſummoned or aſſembled but by the Kings ſpeciall Writs, yet extant among our Records, the particularizing whereof, being ſuperfluous, I ſhall here omit.

Secondly, our Acts of Parliament expreſly reſolve, that our Convocations, 2Synods, Councels, ought to be ſummoned onelyonly by the Kings Writ. Hence the Statute of 8. H. 6. c. 1. recites, **See Cromptons Juriſdiction of Courts f. 4. a.That all the Clergie are to be called to the Convocation by the Kings Writ: and thereupon enacts, That they and their ſervants ſhall for ever hereafter fully uſe and enjoy ſuch liberties and defence in comming, going, and tarrying, as the great men and Commonalty of England called to the Kings Parliament doe enjoy. Hence the whole Clergie of England in their ſubmiſſion in Parliament 25. H. 8. c. 19. & 27. H. 8. c. 15. made this acknowledgment; eeSee Antiqu. Eccleſ. Brit. p. 376, 380, 398. E…dmerus hiſt. Novorum l. 5. p. 109, 117.Whereas the Kings humble and obedient ſubjects the Clergie of the Realme of England. have acknowledged according to truth, THAT THE CONVOCATION OF THE SAME CLERGY IS, ALWAYES HATH BEEN, AND OUGHT TO BE ASSEMBLED ONLY BY THE KINGS WRIT, &c. And thereupon theſe Statutes among other things enact, according to this ſubmiſſion and Petition of the ſaid Clergie, that they, ne any of them from henceforth ſhould make, promulge, or execute any new Canons, &c. in their Convocations in times comming, which ALWAYES SHALL BE ASSEMBLED BY AUTHORITY OF THE KINGS WRIT, &c. A cleare confeſſion and reſolution, that Councels, Synods, and Convocations here in England, alwaies have been, are, and for ever hereafter ought to be called and ſummoned, (not by the Popes or Prelates authority and citations) but by the Kings royall authoritie and Writ. Hence the Engliſh Clergie in moſt Bills of their Subſidies ſince, as in 27. Eliz. c. 28. 29. Eliz. The Act of one Subſidie granted by the Clergie. 31. Eliz. c. 14. 35. Eliz. c. 12. 39. Eliz. c. 26. 43. Eliz. c. 17. 3. Jacobi c. 25. 7. Jacobi c. 22. 21. Jacobi c. 32. 1. Caroli c. 1. & 3. Caroli c. 6. have inſerted this clauſe in the prologue of their Subſidies; Veſtrae ſereniſſimae regiae Majeſtati (or, ſublimitati) per praeſens publicum inſtrumentum, ſive has literas noſtras teſtimoniales ſignificamus & notum facimus, quod Praelati & Clerus noſtrae Cantuarienſis Provinciae IN SACRA SYNODO PROVINCIALI SIVE CONVOCATIONE, VIGORE ET AVTORITATE BREVIS REGII VESTRI IN EA PARTE NOBIS DIRECTI, in domo capitulari ECCLESIAE VESTRAE CATHEDRALIS divi Pauli London, viceſimo quarto die menſis Novembris Anno Dom. &c. inchoata & celebrata: to teſtifie, that their Synods Convocations are and ought to be ſummoned and held, only by virtue and authoritie of the Kings Royall Writ: and why not then their Viſitations being in truth**25. H. 8. c. 19 21. 28. H. 8. c. 10. 2. & 3. E. 6 c. 1. 1. Eliz. c. 2. Jo. Seldeni ad Edam. Notae p. 165. Iſiodor. Hiſp. Orig. l. 8. c. 15. Canons 1571. p. 10, 22. Convocations and Synods?

Thirdly, the whole Church of England in the 39. Articles of Religion, 3ratifiedff13 Eliz. c. 12. by Parliament, and all Clergy-mens ſubſcriptions to them; as alſo by our preſent Soveraigns Declaration prefixt before them Anno 1628. Artic. 21. and the whole Church of Ireland in their Articles of Religion▪ p. 12Anno 1615. Artic. 76. unanimouſly reſolve, as an Article of Religion not to be queſtioned: That generall Councels (and by the ſelfe-ſame reaſon Nationall and Provinciall) may not be gathered together (by Popes, Prelates, or any other, perſons) without the Commandement or will of Princes. Therefore the ſole right of ſummoning them, belongs not to Popes or Prelates, but to Princes and other ſupreme temporall Magiſtrates. And as theſe Articles, ſo the learned Writers of our Church, as incomparable Biſhop Jewell in the defence of the Apologie of the Church of England, part. 1. c. 9. Diviſ. 1. p 52, 54. part. 6. c. 12. Diviſ. 2. p. 58…. to 592. Reply to Maſter Hardings anſwer Artic. 4. Diviſ. 19. and 26. p. 193. 212, 213, 214. Biſhop Alley in his poore mans Library Tom. 2. Miſcellanea Praelect. 1. f. 18, 19, 20. Biſhop Bilſon in his true difference between Chriſtian ſubjection & unchriſtian rebellion, paſſim. Doctor William Whittakers Controverſia 3, de Conci…s. Quaeſt. 2. p. 577. to 585. Doctor Willets Synopſis Papiſmi. Controverſi. 3. Concerning generall Councels. Quaeſtion 2. Doctor John White his way to the true Church, ſect. 29. n. 28. p. 111. Maſter Rogers his Analyſis on the 21. Article Propoſition 1. withggDr. Field of the Church b. 5. c. 52, 53. Dr. Fulk and Maſter Cartwrights Anſwer to the Rhemiſh Teſtament, on … 15. 6. Sect. 5. to 12. Dr. Craken…rpe his Vigilius Dormi…ans. ſundry others whom I pretermit, ſubſcribe, and juſtifie this truth againſt all Romiſh oppoſites. And if theſe be not ſufficient; all the Reformed Churches in their ſeveral confeſſions, regiſtred in the Harmony of confeſſions, & cited by Maſter Rogers in his Analyſis of the 21, Article; with the whole Claſſe of their learned Writers unanimouſly reſolve; That the power of calling Councels, Convocations, Synods, belongs not to Popes or Prelates, but only to Chriſtian Emperors, Kings, Princes, and other chief temporall Magiſtrates; which our late famous King James, (in the laſt place) in his Letters Patents prefixed before the Canons and Eccleſiaſticall Conſtitutions made in Convocation Anno 1603. ratifies to the full; affirming, that the Synod and Convocation at that time held, was, and ought to bee ſummoned and called only by vertue of his royall Writ. The like is affirmed by our preſent Soveraigne King Charles in his Declaration before the 39. Articles, and in his Patents, Commiſſions, licenſes for making the laſt new Canons 1640. and reſolved in the firſt Canon thereof.

From this 1. Propoſition thus plentifully ratified by uncontrolable Preſidents, and publike Authorities of whole Synods, Parliaments States, in all ages, which infinitely over-ballance the inconſiderable raſh opinions of any private men, I ſhall deduce theſe Conſectaries.

1. That the chiefeſt care of defending, propagating the true Religion, ſuppreſſing errors, haereſies, ſchiſmes, vices, and enacting Laws, Canons for this end, for the Churches peace Government and advancement of Gods true Worſhip, belongs to Chriſtian Princes or ſupreme temporall Magiſtrates, and is an eſſentiall part of their duty; becauſe the right and truſt of calling Synods Councels upon all ſuch occaſions, is thus originally veſted in them.

2. That**See Mr… Rutherford his due right of Presbyteries c. 6. ſect. 1. p. 342. 393. Synods & Councels are very uſeful, neceſſary, profitable to the Churches of Chriſt if rightly ordered, elſe God himſelf, all Chriſtian kingdoms ſtates, Churches would not have inveſted Kings & ſupream civill Magiſtrates with ſuch a power of convening them; nor all Chriſtian Kings, Emperors, p. 13but made ſo frequent uſe of this their power,Ioan Seldeni ſpicileg. & Notae in Eadmerum p. 166 167. not onelyonly without oppoſition, but even with publike approbation; yea ſuch hath been the neceſſity and expediency of Synods and Councels in all Chriſtian Churches in all ages, That the generall Councell of Nice An. 363, the Councell of Antioch Can. 20. the firſt Councell of Conſtantinople Can. 3. the Councel of Africke Can. 18. the Councell of Chalcedon Can. 19. the third Councell of Toledo under King Reccaredus An. 600. cap. 18. the fourth Councell of Toledo under King Siſenandus An. 6…1. the Greeke Synods collected by Martin Biſhop of Bracara cap. 18. the ſecond Councell of Arelat Can. 2. the third at the ſame place Can. 1. and the fourth,Surius Tom. 1. Concil p. 342. Tom. 1. p. 407. Tom. 3. p. 488. 574. 575. 732. Can. 37. the ſecond Synod of Towers. Can. 1. the fifth Councell of Orleans cap. 11. the Councell of Hereford under King Egfred, Tom. 2. p. 203. 675. 728 754. 603. 605 641, 642, 643 892. 595. 713 1042. 715. 685. Gratian diſtinct. 18. Iuo Carnot. Decret. pars. 40. 241. 243. 244. Spel. Concil. Tom. 1. p. 153.An. 670. the ſixth Councell of Conſtantinople Can. 8. the Councell of Antricum Can. 7. the Councell of Maſcon Can. 20. the Synod of Soiſſons under King Childeric; the Councell under King Pepin at the Pallace of Vernis, An. 755. cap. 4. the Councell of Paris under Lewis, and Lothaire An. 829. the Councell of Meaux An. 845. cap. 32. yea the great Councell of Baſill, An. 1331. with ſundry other Councels, Decree, that a Synod or Councell ſhall be kept twice or thrice (or at the leaſt once) every yeare, at a certaine time and place in every Province. That all Biſhops and others unleſſe hindered by ſickneſſe, or other inevitable occaſions, ſhould be preſent at it, and not depart from it till all buſineſſes were ended and the Councell determined under paine of Excommunication, Tom. 3. p. 24. 4. 42. 406.& that none ſhould interrupt not keep back any neceſſary members from them.Tom. 4 p. 44. Therefore certainly they are both expedient and neceſſary for the Church; not uſeleſſe, antichriſtian, diabolicall, and pernicious to the Church, as ſome**See M. Rutherfords d…e rights of Preſbytery p. 343. 344. Papiſts, Arminians, Socinians hertofore, and Independents now, ſcandalouſly, ignorantly, if not maliciouſly deeme them.