1. SYnodographie is that, which so Metho­dically doth lay before our eyes a Synopsis of Councels, and other Ecclesiasticall meetings, that it may clearly appear to him that doubts, how any case in them may be enqui­red after, and what may be determined concerning it being found.

2. A Councel is a free publique Ecclesiastical meeting, especially of Bishops and also of other Doctors lawfully deputed by diverse Churches, for the examining of Ecclesi­astical causes, according to the Scriptures, and those accord­ing to the power given by common Suffrages, without favour of parties to be determined, in matters of Faith by Canons, in cases of practise, by Presidents, in Discipline, by Decrees and Constitutions. Therefore,

[Page] 3. They are not to be called. 1. For the deciding of Popish and political Controversies, which more properly belong to Diets, Parliaments, and Assemblies. 2. Neither is it an office appertaining to the Pope to Assemble; much lesse (except he be specially elected thereto by the Assem­bled) to sit as chief over them. 3. Neither may others un­lesse Bishops, or some otherwise Deputed by their Churches, in them passe a determinative sentence. 4. Neither may any sentence or decree be admitted as necessary unto Salva­tion, unlesse it hath strength and Authority from the Word of God. 5. Neither may publick decrees be rejected by private persons who consent unto them by their Deputies, but they must acquiesse in them and suffer them, until an Authority-frees equal to that which did bind.

4. Such have been and frequently hap­pen, as

• 1. Judaical.
• 2. Apostolical.
• 3. Oecumenical.
• 4. Controverted.
• 5. Rejected.
• 6. National.
• 7. Conferences.

1. UNder the Title of Judaical Councels, we com­prehend not, either, 1. The Sanedrim Gedolah, constituted of 72 Elders, Num. 11.24. Or 2. The Sanedrim Katon, a Consistory of 23 persons sitting at the Gates, Deut. 16.18. Or 3. The three Dijanims, the Decidours of Controversies in Smaller Towns, Mat. 5.22. Because such as these were appointed for the preserving of Doctrine, Worship and Discipline, as well in the Common­wealth, as in the Church; but the more solemn meetings about extraordinary affairs for the confirming, removing, or reforming any thing as the matter required.

[Page 5] 2. Such meetings are ob­served to have bin

• 1. At Sichem under Joshua and Eliazer. 1. Con­cerning prohibiting Society with the Gen­tiles. 2. Concerning the rooting out of strange gods. 3. Concerning the burying of Josephs bones in his own possession as he himself com­manded. Josh. 24.
• 2. At Hierusalem, the first under David, Gad and Nathan being his assistants. 1. Concerning the numbering of the Levites. 2. The distribution of the Priests into 24 Classes. 3. Concerning each of their Offices, 1. Chron. 13. which Hezechiah restored, 2 Chron. 29.25.
• 3. At Carmelita under Ahab and Elias, where 1. The worshipping of Baal was discussed. 2. The true worship of God was mira­culously confirmed. 3. Severe punishment was inflicted upon the worshippers of Baal, 1. Kings 18.
• 4. At Hierusalem the second under Hezechiah. Concerning 1. The purging of the Tem­ple. 2. The instituting of true Worship according to Davids prescript. Where it is probable was a Decree made concerning the transcribing of Solomons Proverbs, ac­cording to the Title, Cap. 25.2. Chron. 29.
• 5. At Hierusalem the third under Josiah and Helkiah in which 1. The Temple again was purged. 2. Idolatry was rooted out. 3. The Covenant with the Lord renewed, ac­cording to the book of the Law found by Hel­kiah amongst the rubbish of the Temple. 2. Kings 33. 2. Chron. 34.
• 6. At Hierusalem the fourth under Zorobabel and Ezra and other chief persons of the Jews that returned from the Captivity of Babylon, in which. 1. The Canonicall [Page]books were chiefly by Ezra set in that order as now we have them. 2. The Fesukim, Para­schim, and Heptakim were added for the di­stinction and reading of the Text. 3. The Masoreth with the Tikkum Sopherim was begun and prosecuted for the preserving and transmitting to posterity the holy Language by Hebrew points and other marks, Elias Le­vita Praef. 3. Masor. Genebr. Chron. l. 2. p. 183
• 7. That which is called the Synod of the Wise under John Hircanus. 1. Concerning the re­ceiving of the Pharises and Scribes with their leaders Sammei and Hillel. 2. Concerning the condemning of the Sadduces with their Au­thors, Sadoc and Bajethos, who for that reason betook themselves to the Samaritans, denying the immortality of the soul, and that there is any reward in the world to come. Where 3. Some suppose the books which we call Apocry­phie were made Canonical by the third Canon of the Hebrews. Genebrard. Chron. l. 2. p. 197.

1. TO Apostolical Councels are referred those, which are found to be celebrated, either 1. Against the Apostles, or 2. By them. Against them were convented (that the Gospel, if it were possible, should be smothered in the very Cradle) 1. Annas, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, with the whole Generation of Priests, Act. 4.6. who ordained that none should speak or teach in the name of Jesus, v. 18. 2. The same Persons were convened with the Sadduces, where the Apostles, designed for Massacre, were freed by Gamaleel, and their punishment was mittiga­ted, and they dismissed only with whipping, Act. 5. Their 3 ^d Councel judged Stephen to be stoned, Acts 6.12. In the 4 ^th Councel under Ananias, Paul was beaten, and welnigh torn in pieces between the Pharises and Sadduces, Act. 23.10. The 5 ^th is said to be called by Ananias the younger, where James the brother of the Lord, with some others were sen­tenced to death, Joseph. Antiq. l. 20. c. 8.

[Page 9] 2. The Councells celebrated by the A­postles are commonly noted.

• 1. For the substituting of Mathias in the place of Judas who betrayed our Saviour, Act. 1.
• 2. For the election of seven Deacons, Act. 6.
• 3. For not pressing of the Ceremonial Law, seeing that justification may be obtained by the Grace of God alone in Christ. Acts 15.11. in which may be observed an exact di­rectory for the following Councels.
• 4. For the toleration of some legal observati­ons for a time, that by such a condescention the weaker sortmight be gained, and the Mother Synagogue honourably inter'd and abolisht. Act. 21.18.
• 5. For the meeting, wherein was composed the Apostles Creed, by the Apostles met toge­ther, every one contributing his part.
• 6. For the meeting which did obtrude to the Church 85 Canons under the notion of the Apostles authority, concerning which there are various Controversies.
• 7. For the meeting at Antioch were among nine Canons, the eighth commanded Images of Christ to be substituted in the room of Hea­thenish Idols, the other pious Canons being destitute of the Authority of the Synod. vid. Bin. Tom. 1. p. 19. & Longum. p. 147.

1. OEcumenicall or Generall Councels are such wherein Bishops and other Learned men out of every Country, may freely meet together for the discussing and determining of Ecclesiastical affairs, piously, prudently, and orderly, without favour of Parties according to the Word of God, and the received Canons of the Church.

2. Such are

• 1. Greek or Eastern.
• 2. Latine or Western.

[Page 12] Of the Greek Councels as the more fa­mous may be reckoned.

• 1. The NICENE, the 1.
• 2. Of CONSTANTINOPLE, the 1.
• 3. Of EPHESUS, the 1.
• 4. Of CALCEDON,
• 5. Of CONSTANTINOPLE, the 2d.
• 6. Of CONSTANTINOPLE, the 3d,
• 7. The NICENE, the 2d.

4. A.D. 235 The first NICENE Councel so called because it was celebrated at Nicea of Bithinia (where afterwards the Arians, Hillar. Socrat. L. 2. c. 29. Baron. an. 359. N. 27. Longus. that they might make this void, called another Councel) by the Authority of Constantine the Great, in the time of Julius the first, and Sylvester, Popes. 2. It con­sisted of 318. Bishops, Hosius of Carduba being President, having for his associats Potomon of Heraclia, Papnutius a Theban, of whom each lost an eye for Christs cause, to­gether with Paulus of new Cesaria, who, for the same pro­fession, was compelled to carry an hot Iron in his hand, and Eustachius of Antioch, who in the name of the Coun­cel, entertained the Emperour with an elegant Oration, with many more famous for Learning and Miracles. 3. The Canons of it being only 20. (nor is it sufficient­ly manifest how warrantable) came to the hands of Poste­rity. Perhaps this hapned by the power and subtlety of the Artans. Some obtrude more lately found by the Je­suites, Turrianus and Pisanus in some hidden places of Ara­bia, which the more Judicious doe little esteem. 4. Three things especially are reported as condemned by this fa­mous Synod. 1. The Arian Heresie, Blasphemously de­nying the Sonne to be Coeternall, and Coessentiall with the Father. 2. The dissent of the Eastern from the We­stern Christians, about the Celebration of the Passcover, in a manner different from the Jewish Custome. 3. Toge­ther with the Schismatical dissentions of the Melitians and Novatians, by which they Created perpetual trou­bles to the Orthodox Bishops. 5. In this Councell the [Page 13]Emperour burnt all the accusations which the Bishops brought against each other, as unworthy to be seen. 6. An illeterate Christian grapling with a proud boasting Philosopher, who with his reproaches persecuted Christi­anity stopped his blasphemous mouth. 7. In which also Paphnutius, a single man, did confute some who were ear­nest against the Marriage of the Clergy. Consult about. this with Gelasius Cycizenus & Scultet Analysis. Socrat. Hist. Tripartit. l. 1. c. 8. Ruff. l. 10. c. 1. Bell. de Consil. l. 1. c. 5, & 13 Calvin Instit. l. 4. c. 7. S. 1. Camerar. Hist. de Concil. Nicen.

5. A.D. 313 The first of CONSTANTINOPLE under Gratian and Theodosius the great, and Damasus. 1. Consisting of 150 Bishops. 2. It is not manifest who sate in this as chief, unlesse it was Cyrillus of Hierusalem. 3. They con­demned and discharged Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople, for his perfidious opposing the Deity of the Holy Ghost, together with Maximus Cynicus, by reason of his Doctrine against Discipline, mentioned Can. 6. Of whose Canons Caranza reckons only 7. Longus 9. All which except the first concerning the receiving of the Nicene Belief, and the banishing of the Heretiques are rejected by the Ro­man Church. 5. The Emperour nul'd all Confessions ex­cept that of those who acknowledge Christ Coessentiall with the Father, which our present Liturgy retains un­der the name of the Nicene Creed. 5. It is thought that Gregory Nazianzen compiled it, according to the sense of the Synod. 7. These words [and the Sonne] which con­firms the Holy Ghosts proceeding from the Father and the Sonne, are known to be added to this Creed by Be­nedictus the seventh, which Leo the first and the third his Predecessors dared not to attempt. Longus ex Lombard 1. Sent. D. 11. Bonavent. & aliis Theodoret. Hist. l. 5. c. 6. & 10. A.D. 434

6. The first of EPHESUS was fortunately called under Theodosius the younger, promoted by Celestine the [Page 14] first. 2. In this 200 Bishops condemned Nestorius of Constantinople together with Carisius his flattering Presby­ter, who instead of two Natures, acknowledged diverse Persons in Christ and therefore pleaded that the Blessed Virgin should be stiled [...] only, and not [...], 3. The Mother of Christ, and not the Mo­ther of God. In this only Cyrillus of Alexandria is recorded Presi­dent. Whom Nestorius, being piously and brotherly invi­ted to a better opinion, proudly contemned, and having craftily allured Iohn of Antioch unto his Party Anathe­matized him and the Councell, who had formerly Anathematized him. 4. The matter being related to the Emperour and throughly understood, Cyrillus with his, is cleared, and Nestorius with his party is banished to Oasis a sandy Habitation, where, like another Cain, roving here and there, and blaspheming, at length his tongue being con­sumed and eaten up by worms, he breathed out his last. 5. There are two copies of this Councel, the first observing 8. the second 13. Canons, which are comprehended in the Anathema's of Cyrillus. 6. They are carpt at by Theodoret, but by Cyrillus they are freed from objections. 7. The Massilianites, termed also Euchites and Enthusiasts were con­demned by this Councel, and thereby the integrity of the Nicene Creed confirmed. vid. Liberatum in Breviar. cap. 11.

7. A.D. 455 That of CALCEDON, in Bythinia follows consisting of 630. Bishops, called by Martianus the Empe­rour, who with his Wife Pulcheria was present at the same; against Eutiches Abbot of Corstantinople, and Dioscorus of Alexandria his Champion, and it condemded the sup­positions acts of the Councel held at Ephesus. 2. They affirmed one onely nature to be in Christ, after his Incar­nation, to wit, his divine Nature. 3. Concerning the President of this Councel, excepting the Emperour, and Judges Moderatours, (who are not named) there is no certainty. By favouring parties between Leo the first of Rome, and Anatholius Patriarch of Constantinople, matters were for the most part transacted. 4. The actions ac­cording [Page 15]to Caranza, (which others call Sessions) are numbred 16. to which are added 29 Canons. 5. These the Romans by no means approved, (for nothing can withstand their ambition, as if the whole world was created for their service) for they were ratified by the Greeks after the departure of the Embassadours of Leo of Paschasinus, a Lily betan of Lucentius an Asculan, &c. Neither will they bear with that Canon of the equality of priviledges, for the Impe­rial seat is chalenged by the Constantinopolitans as well as by the Romans, wherefore the Rome Lyon roars, and his Whelps gnash their teeth, as if the principal scope of the Councel, was rather the sincerity of Supremacy, than of Doctrine. Hence the Romans approve only what pleases them, and abrogate what they dislike, and endea­vour by their subtilities to bring it to passe, that all may fall down and adore the Beast. 6. They received Dios­corus into favour, before justly discharged, yet almost a Saint in the esteem of the Africans and Abyssenes. 7. The recantation of Theodoret, Bishop of Cyrus, was approved, (who to favour Nestorius, had opposed the Anathema of Cyrillus of Alexandria) and he restored to his place, who afterwards for his Orthodox writings well deserved of the Church.

8. A.D. 532 The second of CONSTANTINOPLE under Justinian had 165 Bishops, Menes being President, or ra­ther his successor, Eutychius, Patriarch of Constantinople. But Pope Vigilius who came to Constantinople to summon the Emperour, yet would not be present at the Councel, least a seeming yeelding to Eutychius might be prejudicial to his supremacy. 2. The Emperour endeavoured to reconcile the Eutychians, and the Orthodox for the pub­lick trenquillity, and therefore would have revoaked the Articles concerning the condemning of Theodorus of Mop­suestia, and of an Epistle of Iba to Maris a Persian, and of Theodoret against Cyrillus that was anathematized. But 3. The Western Christians with Pope Vigilius constant­ly opposed it, and confirming not onely the decrees [Page 16]anathematizing those Heretiques with their Heresies of the three preceeding Councells, but also of Chalcedon. 4. The errours of Origen also expunged, which either de­nyed the Divinity of Christ, or the Resurrection of the Bodies, or affirmed the restitution of Reprobates and Divells, (whom the Socinians to this day free from Hell.) 5. Also Peter of Antioch, who pleaded for the Crucifix to be added to the hymne of the Trinity, and Amhimus of Constantinople, who, together with the Empresse Theodora and others, strongly favoured Eutyches party, with others, were comprehended under the same censure. 6. There are extant eight Collations of this Councel, and fourteen Canons or Anathema's. 7. Here we meet with (worth our reading) a monitory Epistle of Pope Felix to Peter of Antioch, and explication of the Doctrine according (as Carranza terms it) to the exposition of Gregory of New-Cesaria. Consult concerning this Synod. Zonar. in vit. Justiniani. Niceph. l. 17. c. 27. Gregor. l. 1. Ep. 24. Evag. l. 4. d. 34. Liberat. in Breviar. c. 23. & 24. who should be read with caution, according to the admonition of Bellar­mine de Eccles. l. 1. c. 5. because it doth not please the Roman Palate.

9. A.D. 680 The third called at CONSTANTINOPLE un­der Constantine Pogonatus, Pope Agatho procuring it by his Legates. 2. In this were convened 150 Bishops, (they who count 279 or 289 reckon the absent Romans and others consenting thereto) here the Emperour him­self was President, and not the person deputed by the Pope. 3. Here were condemned the Monothelites, Sergius, Cyrus, Pyrrhus, Peter, Paul, Theodorus, together with Pope Honorius; who in the defence of Eutychianism pleaded that there was one only will in Christ. For the proof of this Macarius their chief Champion, brought suppo­sitious Copies of some Books either by diminishing from them, or adding to them. And the doting old man Polychronius ridiculously endeavoured to confirm his Heresie by raysing one from the dead. 4. It was finished [Page 17]by 18 Actions, in which is delivered a clear narration of the whole proceedings of the Synod, where the Epi­stles of Pope Agatho about the third action, and of Sophro the Patriarch concerning the eleventh are most worthy to be read. 5. The 102 Canons which are commonly charged upon this Councel, were not ratified by it, but were added by the Fathers 227 years afterwards, about the 27 ^th of Justinian the second in the Trullo, that is, a vaulted Cloyster of the Emperial Palace, and from thence they were called Trullians. Nor were they at all approved by the Romans, because they condemned Pope Honorius, and communicated to the Patriarch of Constantinople priviledges equal with the Pope. Never­thelesse, his Holinesse the Pope of Rome, with the Em­perour, and 227 Fathers, subscribed unto them as it is mentioned in the last Canon, and others recite out of Joverius. 6. Notwithstanding the latter Papists, that they might the better derogate from the credit of all these, referred the Canon under the title of [...] and quinisext to a supplement of this and the sixth Synod, which were destitute of Canons; therefore the Latines little esteemed them, because they proceeded from the Greeks after their departure. 7. This Councel confir­med the Canons, not only of general but also of parti­cular foregoing Synods, as of Antioch, Laodicea, and others. Moreover it added what were to be approved in the Or­thodox writings of the Fathers as is manifest in the second Canon of this Councel. vid. Paul. Diacon. in vit. Constant. 4. Adon Viennens. Bed. and others with Joverius the Champion of this Councel, by whose means the universall Synod Class. 12. p. 69. answered six objections of the contrary party.

10. A.D. 681 The second NICENE Councell under Con­stantine wholly restored the Images and Statutes of Irene, together with the reliques formerly broken in pieces by Leo Isaurus, his Grandfather, and Constantine Copronymus, his great-Grand-Father, the businesse being chiefly pro­moted [Page 18]by Gregory the second and the third, together with Adrian the first, and Tarasius Patriarch of Constaentinople. 2. From this Imaginary dissention, the Popes took occa­sion to withdraw the Western Christians from their due and sworn allegiance to the Grecian Emperours, and to translate the Western Empire from the Greeks to the Franks. 3. There met at this Councell 350 Bishops, who with Tarasius the President by seven Actions, and 22 Canons condemned Image breakers for Heretiques. Whose Arguments Calvin repeats, and wisely answers them, Inst. l. 1. c. 11. §. 14. But Germanus confirms them, together with John of Damascus, whose hand being cut off for the defence of Images they report to be restored by the Image of the Blessed Virgin: as also the miracles wrought by the bloud of the wounded Crucifix, among the Berithians, to the conversion of those who malici­ously wounded it. 4. Pesides the large disputation annexed to the sixth action between Gregory and Epipha­nius concerning Images and their worship, and hear and there by the By something conrerning the Corporeity of Angels, and making unwritten traditions equal with the Scripture, and of adoring and adorning Images, which the latter do not approve. This was worthy com­mendation, that they conclude the Acts of the six pre­ceeding Councels should be ratified and received. 5. In the mean while they attribute Latria to God alone, against Hales, Aquinas, Bonaventure, and their fol­lowers, who judge the same respect to be given to the Image, and the thing which it represents, to wit, to the Images of Christ Latria, of the Blessed Virgin Hy­perdulia, of Saints Dulia. 6. Bellarmine and Baronius imagine that this Synod was condemned by the Fathers at the Councel of Franckofourt, under Charles the Great, but Binnius, Surius and others, as it is in Longus p. 632. strongly withstand the same. 7. Not long since Albertus Pighius accounted this Synod with the former as adulte­rate, whom Turrianus the jesuite endeavours to refute, [Page 19]how well let the Readers judge. This distick is attributed to this Councel.

Binias mentions two copies of this, one Greek and Latine, the other Latine, to which you may have recourse at leasure.

1. THe Latine and Western Councels run parallel with the Greek and Eastern.

2. Namely

• 1. At ARIMINUM.
• 2. The LATERANE.
• 3. At LIONS.
• 4. At VIENNA.
• 5. The FLORENTINE.
• 6. The LATERANE the 5 ^th.
• 7. At TRENT.

3. ARIMINUM is famous for two Councels, A.D. 369 the first Orthodox and lawfully called, and this is here treated of. The other Hereticall and Tyrannicall, Vid. Long, p. 266. craf­tily called by the Arians under the notion of the Councell held at Arminium, that this false one might extinguish the true one. 2. Here were convened 400. Bishops; who was President is uncertain. Constantius the Emperour, an Arian made an offer to undergo the charges, but the Bishops rejected it, who regarded more a victory over [Page 22]the Heretiques then the Popes maintenance, who at the same time called another councel at Seleucia in Izauria, that by any means they might disanul the transactions at Ariminum. 3. But the greater part, and the more wor­thy of the Fathers of this Synod did determine. 1. The Nicene Creed punctually to be observed, and the Sonnes Equality with the Father in Essence to be asserted. 2. The decrees of the Synod at Sirmium to be rejected, 3. Ʋrsacius and Valence with the Arians their followers to be excom­municated. 4. Who a little before being accused before Pope Julius, had renounced Arianism, but afterwards returned as Dogges unto their vomit. 5. Thus ejected, they flatter the Emperour too much already, infected with their feigned services, so that a Councell being called in Nica in Tracia, they framed a form of Belief cunningly effected according to their own tenents under the title of the Nicene Confession, that by an equivocal term, the lesse wary might be deceived. 6. Moreover they proceeded so far, as to compell the opposite Bi­shops to their Oopinion, and to force Liberius, Pope of Rome to their party, so that he subscribed to the con­demnation of Athanasius; whom how Bellarmine would clear, see de Pontif. Rom. l. 4. c. 9.7. Here may be ob­served the sophistical pretence of the Heretiques, who would remove the word consubstantiality from the Creed, as a word to which the Scripture is a stranger, and exceeding vulgar capacity, that by such a stratagem they might overthrow the Nicene Creed. Wherefore 7. They at Ariminum discharging their Anathemaes against the Arians confirmed it: Which according to Longus Bellarmine observed not, seeing he allowed only one Synod at Ariminum, and that the false one: but it appears, otherwise in Athanasius of Synods. Ambros. Epist. 32. And Baronius himself An. 359. N. 49. and Sq. could inform as much.

4. A.D. 1123 The first four LATERANE are comprehended under one and the same Title as more favouring the [Page 23]Popish dissentions than the Doctrine and discipline of the Church, the first under Henry the fifth, and Calixtus the second. It had 300 (or according to Bellarmine 900) Bishops, and 22. Canons. 2. Burdinus the Anti-pope in this was laid aside. 3. The Vestures with the Ring and Staff were taken from the Emperour, and given to the Pope. 4. The Pope absolved the Emperour, and gave him power of electing German Bishops. 5. There were appointed Crosses for the Saracen War. That by the means thereof. 6. Pardon of sinnes might be grant­ed to them, that undertook that Warre and their Fami­lies. This is not mentioned in Joverius and Caranza and Bellarmine himself confesses it is not extant: so di­ligent were the Papists in searching into the secrets of General Councels. The II. A.D. 1131 under Lotharius the Em­perour and Innocentius the second increased to about 2000 Bishops. 2. It gave out 30 Canons, lately pub­lisht by Gratian from the Vatican Library: which Bellar­mine rejects. 3. It discharged Peter usurping the Roman Sea after Leo, under the name of Anacletus the second. 4. It branded for Heretiques Peter of Bruis, and Arnal­dus of Brixia, the Disciple of Peter Abuillard, rejecting Pedobaptisme, Church buildings, and the adoration of the Crosse. 5. It proclaimed those lay Persons to be Sacrilegious, and incurre the danger of Eternall dam­nation, who receive Tithes. 6. It forbad tourneaments and Titles, whereby men endangered their lives. And 7. It deprived Usurers of the Charge of Christian burial, and cursed them to Hell. The III. under Frederick the first and Alexander the third, by a meeting of 300 Bishops, made up the difference between this Alexander, and one Octavianus, and his successours Gindon and John a German taking up the quarrel with him; which dissentions divided Europe into parties. 2. The Albigenses under the name of Ca­thari Publicans, and Paterni taking their rise from the Wal­denses were here condemned. 3. Neither did Lombard the Master of the sentences here escape the ferula, who affir­med [Page 24]that Christ according to his Manhood was nothing, but was delivered up to the Bishop of Seno to be chasti­sed. 4. The ordinations made by the Schismatiques were wholly abrogated. 5. Private Oratories and Priests were appointed for those which had the Leprosie. 6. The manner of visitation is prescribed for the meeting of Arch-Bishops, Bishops and Deacons, are not to exercise Episcopal Jurisdiction. 7.27 Canons are supposed to be made by this Councel no where distinctly to be had, yet they are collected and commended by Math. Parisiensis. The IV under Frederick the second, and Innocentius the third, with 400 Bishops, and 80 other Fa­thers, yea saith Bellarmine with 1283 Fathers, whereof 673 were Bishops attempted greater matters. 2. It reje­cted the book of Joachimus the Abbot against P. Lombard; it condemned 20 Follies of Almaricus, especially his de­nial of Transubstantiation. 3. It established Transub­stantiation, a Popish absolution of subjects from the bond of alleigeance towards superiours, and auricular Confession. 4. It exacted an Oath from secular Magi­strates to expell Heretiques, nominated by the Pope. 5. It encouraged with indulgences, and promises those that went with Crosses for the recovering of the Holy Land under Godfry of Bulloigne. 6. It denyed plurallity of Be­nefices, and sale of Reliques. 7. There are extant of this 69 or 70 Chapters briefly contracted by Longus, who sends the Reader to larger Volumes.

5. A.D. 1244 The two Councells at LIONS follows. The first called by Frederick the second, and Innocentius the fourth. 2. In this the magnanimous and pious Empe­rour well deserved of the Christian Church against the Infidels, and after the fourth excommunication at least was deposed by the Pope from his own power and au­thority, and a prohibition made, that not any should name him Emperour. 3. Being deposed, heroically he defends his right with his Gibilines against the Guelphes of the Popish partie. 4. Here was expected no President [Page 25]but the Pope, who under a pretence of recovering the Holy Land, drew 140 Bishops and Abbots to his side, that by the fifths of the Church rights they might redeem the East, whilst the West rather needed a freedom from the Popish Tyranny. 5. Where the Scarlet Hat is designed for the Cardinals, and among so many bloudy cruelties by this An­tichristian impiety, prevailing for above the space of 200 years, new feasts are instituted for the cannonizing of Popish Saints. 6. The Dominicans, Franciscans, Carmelites, and Augustinians, especially encouraged by the Pope, do not weaken, but rather enlarge and widen the difference. 7. The seventeen institutions which are attributed to this Councel, are rather Political and Polemical, than Ecclesiastical; and according to Bellarmines direction, are to be found in the sixth of the Decretals. The acts are mentioned by Abbas Stadi­ensis, and Thrimerius in his Chronicles, Palmerius, Platina, Onuphrius, and others. II. A.D. 1272 This Councel was celebrated under Rodolphus the first at Haspurg, procured by Gregory the tenth, famous for at least 700 Bishops. 2. Here was present Michael Paleologus to the Greek Emperour; who compelled by necessity, brought in his Greeks to subscribe the thirteenth time with the Latines to the procession of the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Son; of which returning to their home, after their manner, they recanted; so little availed a forced assent in sacred matters. 3. Aquinas sent for to this Councel, dies in the way, and Bonaventure, their created Cardinal, having spent his utmost endeavours against the Greeks, breathed his last. 4. The Pope for a Subsidie in behalf of the Holy Land, requires the tenth of all Ecclesiasti­cal Rights, for the space of six years, which carefully col­lected, were not an hairs profit to the Eastern Christians un­der oppression. 4. Here was ordered the bowing at the name of Jesus. 6. Of this there are 31 Constitutions, which may rather be stiled the Popes pleasure, than the Councels Deter­minations. 7. They are omitted by the Summulists, and are to be found in the sixth of the Decretals.

6. A.D. 1311 The Councel held at VIENNA under Henry the [Page 26]seventh, noted for 300 Bishops and upwards. In this 1. Bo­niface the eighth, perswading Philip the fair to blot him out of the Tables, is freed from calumnies cast upon him. 2. The Hierusalem expedition is more strongly urged, the Templars being removed out of the way for the murthering of the Abissins Embassadour, Intenin. Hist. [...]. 3. Tit. 11. c. 3. and other impieties and Heresis. Tri­themius hits the mark, the Templars were very rich, a suffici­ent pretence for Heresie and their expulsion. 3. The Clergy are permitted to take an Oath of Allegiance, not of subjecti­on to Lay Magistrates, Peter John, the Dulcimists, the Fraticelli, the Begwards, and Begwins, together with the Lolards, are condemned. Peter John, for that he denied the soul to be the form of man, harsh dealing, that this should be accounted Heresie; the others also (though by no means to be born) had Fictions laid to their charge. Pag. 851. 6. In the sentence of Clement against the Templars, mentioned by Longus, the Pope challen­ges not to himself the power and right of Defining, but the way of providing or Ordaining, that none for the future should enter into that Order, unlesse they yielded the goods of the ejected Templars up to the disposal of the Apostolical See. 6. The Constitutions of this Councel under the name of Clementine, are extant in 5. Books for a Supplement to the Canon Law. 7. In which is that famous decree of constitu­ting Professors to be maintained by a competent Stipend at the Court of Rome, at the Uniuersities of Paris, Oxford, Bononia, and Salamanca, for the instructing in the Hebrew, Arabick, and Caldie Languages, that by that means the Jews and Mahumetans might the more easily be converted to the Faith. Clement. l. 5. Tit. 1. Gag. l. 7.

7. A.D. 1431 The FLORENTINE Councel was begun at Ferraria, under Albertus Emperour, and Eugenius the fourth; but by reason of the raging pestilence, was translated to Florence, and there ended. 2. There were convened in this 141 Bi­shops, the Pope himself president, who deposed the Councel of Basil at the same time by the Germans, by this notable and very subtile diversion, was freed from those rigid cen­surers. 3. There were present at this Councel John Paleo­logus, [Page 27]with the Patriarch Joseph, and the Greek Doctors. 4. In it were debated Articles concerning 1. The Holy Ghost's proceeding. 2. The addition to the Nicene Greed [and from the Son.] 3. Purgatory. 4. The power of suffrages and Sacri­fice for the dead. 5. Transubstantiation. 6. The administring unleavened bread in the Eucharist. 7. But especially concern­ing the Popes supremacy, to all which the Greeks are said to have consented with the Latines, howsoever returned home they quickly fell off. 4. Such was the Popish piety and pru­dence, that the Emperour himself with his, must in their seals give place to his Holinesse and the Cardinalis. 5. Jo­seph the Patriarch, no disease foregoing, suddenly after sub­scription expired, yet a scrole is found in his hands, which testifyed a full consent to the Latines. 6. This Councel had twenty five Sessions, sixteen at Ferraria, the other nine at Florence, in which they easily overcame the Greeks, it had been wisht that sincerity had more, and covetousnesse, pride, and lofty ambition had lesse prevailed. 7. The institution of the Armenians, which is added to this Councel at Caranza and Longus, is omitted by others, and it was only a Popish fiction after the Councel was ended, as appears by conferring times.

8. A.D. 1512 The fifth LATERANE Councel may well be sup­posed to be called for the disannulling another at Pisa, Begun under Julius the 2. E [...]ded under Leo the 10. 1515. were some Cardinals met against the perjured Pope. 1. There were convened in it 114 Bishops, under Maximillian the first Em­perour, and Pope Julius the second President. 2. It had 12 Sessions, five of which were under Julius, the other seven were finisht by Leo the tenth, after his death exalted to the Popes Chaire. 3. To the ninth Session are so many Canons annexed for the reformation (as is pretended) of the Court of Rome, but they were to little purpose, nor were they more valued then the censurers of the whole Councel, which Suarez Ca [...]etan, and Navarius professe to be rejected. 4. The pragmatical decree, made at the Councel of Basil in defence of Ecclesiastical liberty against Popish usurpings, is here discussed and exploded. 5. Mountains of Piety are here [Page 28]also commodiously raised, from whence as from a publique Treasurie, the poor indigent artificers and Virgins, other­wise without dowry, might seek for succour. 6. The im­mortality of the soul is moreover defended, concerning which many at that time doubted, others wantonly disputed it, or divilishly denied it. Wherefore the chief in the Uni­versities are enjoyned to confirm the Orthodox doctrine about these Articles, especially against the prevailing A­theisms of some weak Philosophers. 7. Nor is liberty per­mitted to those that preach to wrest the Scripture at plea­sure for the spreading of strange opinions, but they must keep themselves (as much as may be) within the bounds pre­fixt by their Ancestours. By which means something is added concerning the impression of Books, least any one, without the approbation of Learned men, should impose upon the world what they list.

9. The Councel of TRENT under Charles the fifth and Ferdinand the tenth. Faul the third, Julius the third, and Pius the fourth, did make great stir for 18 years toge­ther. 2. After many turnings concerning 1. The Scripture. 2. Original sin. 3. Justification. 4. The Sacraments in Ge­neral. 5. Baptism. 6. The removing of the Councel. 7. When some decrees of Reformation were interposed in 10 Sessions, as it seemed good, the Fathers assented, thunderings of Anathemaes being added. 3. Julius the third reduced the whole pack from the Haven of Bononia to the Channel of. Trent. Where concerning. 1. The Eucharist. 2. Repentance And 3. Extream Unction, some grains of Reformation being cast in by the same method in other Sessions the matter is ended. 4. Pius the fourth (these two Champions being re­moved out of the way) at length enters the Scene, and con­cerning 1. Communion of Lay Persons under one kind. 2. The Sacrifice of Masse. 3. The Sacrament of order. 4. Matri­mony. 5. Purgatory, Worshiping of Reliques, Invocation of Saints, and of images. 6. Indulgencies, the Choyce of meats, Fastings, and Feastings. 7. Of an Index of books, abreviaries and a Missal, in the last 9 Sessions he brings it to [Page 29]the expected end. 5. In these 25 Sessions the Popes by their deputies were Presidents. Here are granted safe convoyes to three Protestants, that they might have a free and safe ad­dresse to the Councel, to propound the reasons of their dissent, but with this craft, to be instructed by them as Dictators and Masters, not to obtain the reformation of any thing. 6. Secular Princes expect and presse by their Ora­tours communion under both kinds, at length they transmit it to the Popes Judgment, to whom also is referred the purg­ing of the vulgar Edition, the Catechism, Breviarie, and Missal, and other trash, as it seems good to this infallibility: In the mean while 21 abuses observed by the sworn Dele­gates of Paul the third, and resated to the Pope are slightly past by, and corrected with silence. 7. This Councel, cried up by so many Acclamations, and so solemnly confirmed by the seal of the Fisher, the French admitted not, nor did the more learned Papists much value it. Some did reject it as Kemnitius, Gentiletus, and Calvin some part. P. Suavius Venetus publisht the story thereof; its subtleties a French­man discovered, rendred in English by D. L. Speeches made therein are extant in one volume, by which it may appear, that not for the composing of differences, but for the imposing on Christians, so many learned Papists were hired and seduced in this last Oecumenical Councel, so much approved by them.

1. COntroverted Councels are such as Bellarmine hath digested in a peculiar classis partly appro­ved, partly rejected. If this distinction may be admitted among books, why may not the Turks Alcaron find admittance under the same title among Christian Ca­lenders? Hence truely it is manifest, that a Councel is no­thing else but a device of the Pope, whereby he admits and rejects what pleases him: which he makes use of, not for the Churches benefit, but under the colour and pre­tence of Religion, for the establishing of the Roman See: In the mean while we may see how the foot-steps of the Priests may be traced.

2. Therefore these are rec­koned for Controverted Councels

• 1. At CONS TANTINOPLE the 4 ^th.
• 2.
  Bell. de Ec­clesia. l. 1. c. 7.
  At SARDIS
• 3. At SYRMINA
• 4. At QUINISEXT
• 5. At FRANCOFURT
• 6. At CONSTANCE
• 7. At BASIL.

3. An.D. 870 At CONSTANTINOPLE the fourth under Basilius the murtherer of Greek Emperours, and Adrian the second usurping the Roman See, notwithstanding the [Page 32]opposition of the Roman Emperour. It consisted of 102 Bishops. 2. The chief businesse of this was to dis­charge Photius the most learned Patriarch of the Greeks (who left to posterity a book concerning folly) because he had touched the Popish Tyranny with his sharp writings, and was an enemy to Images, and without the canonical assent had possessed the Chair due to Ignatius who was more plia­ble to the Roman Commands; whatsoever the matter was, he is cited, contumilies are cast upon him, he is eje­cted, and by an injunction of Repentance, all his councellors and followers are sufficiently punished accord­ing to the Romane Embassadors pleasure. 3. To 9. Acti­ons in which these things were transacted there are added 27 Canons, in which besides the foolish rage against the Photians and the honour bestowed on Images, that is to be commended of the sixth Canon, which forbids Priestly vestments to be used in scenical playes though for sports sake. 4. The Bulgarians newly converted to the Faith enquire at this Councel whether they should addresse them­selves to the Greek or the Romane Church, but concern­ing what is to be done, the Romans sparingly declare their mind, not silently passing over the encrease of the Ro­man greatnesse. 5. This is manifest that the Embassadors relying upon the protection of Adrian the usurping Empe­rour, did so superciliously behave themselves towards Pho­tius and the Greek Bishops, that returning home to their Lord they were assaulted by the Sclavonians, who depri­ved them of all their goods, and took from them the au­thentical copy of the Councel which contained the hand­writing of the Emperour and all those that consented, for the reliques of this which. 6. Remain, we are beholding to Anastatius the Library keeper, who was present at the transactions and Decrees, and what he saw he noted and transmitted to Posterity. For the clearing of which Andr. Schottus the Jesuite in Praef. Bibl. Photii. hath contributed much light. 7. Neverthelesse the Greeks reject this Sy­nod, moreover according to Bellarmine, all things are here [Page 33]laid down, as suppositions and uncertain, since there are those who affirm the same Photius, who as we read was deposed by this Adrian, to have been restored by John the eight, that is Pope Joan his successour, whence it ap­pears, that neither the Greeks agree with the Romans, nor the Romans among themselves about the acts and authority of this Synod.

4. An.D. 351 That of SARDIS is said to have been celebrated under Constantius and Pope Julius. 2. In it are numbred 376 Bishops, of which the 300 Western confirmed the Nicene Creed, to this end, that Athanasius, who was ba­nished Rome for the space of three years, should be resto­red to his place at Alexandria, but the other 76 Arians meeting at Philippolis confirmed Arianisme under the title of the Councel of Sardis. 3. No President is here men­tioned but Hosius of Corduba, who without the Popes Em­bassadours with Gaudentius and other Godly Bishops ratified 21 Canons. 4. It is commonly called an appendix to the first Nicene Councel. In whose Canons not a word of the Popes supremacy or of appeals to him from remote Churches (as Longus would have it out of Prolix Baronius) 5 Augu­stine and those who are deceived by the equivocation, do not reject this Councel, but that held under the name of this at Philippolis by the Arians. 6. It is reported there was one Orthodox Arius present at this Councel, convert­ed (as supposed) by Athanasius at Laodicea. 7. Binius largely describes the History of this Synod out of Socrates, Sozomen, and the Tripartite History, in which those three Canons the 3, 4, and 5, which approve of appeals to the Pope of Rome, do not determine them as necessary but as Arbitrary, neither do they oblige the Bishops Universally, but only the subjects of that Patriarchship.

5. An.D. 356 That at SYRMINA or Syrmia so trembled and groaned under the Arian tyranny of Constantius, that the su­premacy and Presidentship of Pope Liberius dared not to ap­pear. 2. There were present besides Eastern 300 Western Bishops and upwards for the hearing and deciding the cause [Page 34]of Photinus, who complained to the Emperour that he was unjustly condemned at the Synod of Sardis. What had he committed? Namely he preached that Christ was only meer man, and inferiour to his Mother, which is the o­pinion of the Socinians. 3. Marcus Arethusius composed a confession in Greek against this weak Heresie so subtily, that Hilary and Liberius doubted not but to approve there­of, because he declared not in words the Herefie he en­tertained in his hearr; perhaps he conspired with Ʋrsa­cius and Valence, who effected another in Latine, not on­ly deficient in the word Consubstantiality, but altogether opposing it. 4. It is miserable here to read, how Hosius well near an hundred years old was compelled by whip­ping, after so many triumphs over the enimies of the Ho­mousians, to subscribe to Arianisme, yet he would not con­demn Athanasius, and before his death he cleared himself from his relaps by a most devout Recantation. 5. The popish infallibility freed not Liberius from the same errour, although Bellarmine doth wittily excuse him. De Rom. Pon­tif. l. 4. c. 9. 6. Of this Councel (saith Longus) there is nothing extant be­sides three Forms of Belief, which are found in Binius, but he tells us there are extant 26 Anathemtes, which toge­ther with the Orthodox Confession Caranza hath published, of which Longus could not be ignorant. 7. This Synod is more largely handled by Socrates l. 1. c. 24. & Sq. Sozomen. l. 4. c. 5, & 6. Epiph. Haeres. 7.

6. A.n.D 692 The Councel of QUINISEXT (so tearmed by Balsamon) is counted by Bede and very many Latines an erroneous Synod. 2. The Fathers who were convened in it under Justinian the second and Pope Sergius, because the fifth and sixt preceding Synods commanded no­thing concerning manners and Ecclesiastical discipline, thought it very fit that that defect should be supplied. And therefore they ratified 102 Canons in the Trullo of the Imperial palace, which from thence are called Trul­lans. 3. The I atines reject these, who are displeased that without their knowledge and consent, but especially [Page 35]without full power and authority from the Pope, they should be published. But that troubles them most, that in the 36 Canon, the Patriarch of Constantinople is equal­led to the Roman, and in the 13 Canon Matrimony is granted to the Clergie, and other things which relish not with the Roman palate. 4. In the mean while it is mani­fest, that Gregory the second and Adrian, with the se­cond Nicene Synod did make use of the Trullan Canon a­gainst Image-breakers; and moreover, Gratian reports that this Synod was received by those of Nicene dist. 16. c. 5. but they say Gratian was mistaken, and that he cited others, not to prove it Authentical in it self, but that it was so esteemed by the adversaries. 5. Bellarmine by 5 Arguments contends, that these Trullan Canons are of no force. de Pont. Rom. l. 2. c. 18. because they are of no general Councel, and without the authority of the Pope; and particular Sy­nods do not oblige universally those that are absent as pre­sent. It is not to be expected therefore that the Prote­stands should be obliged to the Tridentine decrees. 6. p. 989. Lon­gus addes out of Anastasius the Library keeper, that nei­ther they were received by the other Patriarchs, but ac­counted as unworthy to be transcribed and laid up in the Archives, it is a wonder therefore by whose means they came to us; wherefore they are rather to be esteemed as Canons from their agreements with the Scriptures, than otherwise to be judged by negligent censurers. 7. But how Orthodox these Trullan Fathers, and their Canons were, appears by the second Canon in which they de­clare a manifest agreement with the preceding Synods and Fathers, with whom there can be no just occasion to contend.

7. An.D. 794 Concerning the Councel of FRANCOFURT Au­thors agree not whether it may be accounted Oecumeni­cal or Provincial, the latter writers will have it Provin­cial because it seems to be an enemie to Images. The more Ancient acknowledge it to be Oecumenical, because it was called by Charles the Great, and Adrian the first, and [Page 36]at least 300 Bishops. 2. The reason of its call was, be­cause Elipardus Arch-Bishop of Toledo and Felix Ʋrgeli­tanus Bishop of Aurelia preached that Christ was only the Adopted Sonne of God. Which Aquinas refutes, 3. part q. 23. art. 4. 3. This Heresie was chiefly opposed by Paulinus in a Sacred Collection read before the Empe­rour and approved by the Fathers. 4. But Binius with Longus and others Contend, that this Synod confirmed the opinion of the second Nicene Councel concerning the a­doration of Images, which opinion (saith Bellarmine) I could wish to be true, but I suspect to be false, with whom agrees Baronius) whence he concludes that whatsoever this Councel determined is not much to be valued; because without doubt the second Nicene Councel is to be prefer­red before it. 5. There are extant concerning the transa­ctions of this Synod, some bookes of Charles which as Bellarmine affirms are stuffed with many falsities. Where­fore he declares those books to be neither of Charles nor of any else to whom any Credit might be given, but to be as it were another Melchizedech, without Father, with­out Mother, without Geneology, an Anonimus breaking forth into the light, which are certain Toakens of deceit. 6. Yet manifest it is that Adrian the Pope confutes him, but affirms it not to be the writing of Charles, but an he­retical book sent to the Pope by Charles to be answer­ed. 7. That book of Adrian is extant in the third Tome of Councels, but by this means it hapned that the com­pleat acts and decrees of this Councel might not see the light.

8. A.D. 1414 The Councel at CONSTANCE was called with great difficulty by Sigismund and John the 23. having about 1000 Bishops and Doctors for the removing of Popish schisms out of the Western parts. 2. Since after Gregory the 11. who removed the Romane See from Avignion, (where it had continued for the space of seventy years) some Cardinals exalted Ʋrbane the sixth, who continued at Rome, to the Popes Chair, others Clement the sixth, [Page 37]who removed it again to Avignion, the Nations are di­vided into parties, our English with the French and Spa­niard adhere to Clement; Vrbane dying at Rome, Boniface the ninth supplyes his place, but Argalus a certaine Venetian Tanner succeeds him under the title of Gregory the 12, Clement also removed out of the way, had for his suc­cessor Peter de Luna a Spaniard, under the name of Bene­dictus the 13. 3. For the extinguishing of these com­bustions the Cardinals and Bishops meet at Pisa, and those Schismaticks being discharged, they exalt one of Creet under the title of Alexander the 5 unto the Papal dignity; but this Peter Philaretus of Creet suddainly sick­ned (as is reported) by an intoxicated Glyster, and John the 23, by an election of the Pisan Cardinals possessed his place who by the perswasion of Sigismond called his Councel at Constance, and was present thereat. 4. In which he being accused of about 60 crimes, yields himself to the cen­sure of the Synod, from which afterwards having changed his mind he fled in the Night; and recanting, is deposed, and Martin the 5 by the Councel is exalted to the Papal dignity. Whence that hapned to John, which falling from his Chariot before the Gate of the City he presaged, ex­claiming, in the name of all the Devils here I lie. 5. There were forty five Sessions of this Councel, in it are con­demned forty five Articles of John Wickliffe whose body moreover is ordered to be taken out of the Sepulcher and burnt to ashes. That which is ascribed to him in the sixth Article ( Deus debit obedire Diabolo should be read Deus dedit) as Bernard of Lutzenburg hath it. 6. Con­cerning the injuries and burning of John Husse and Hie­rom of Prage (against the promised safe conduct of the Emperour) there are large Tragedies. The Fathers con­clude the Councel to be above the Pope, which savours not with the Modern Papists: And an engagement with an Heretick not to be kept, which now they defend not, to the end that the incendiaries may more secretly act their treacheries. But that is a strange decree in the thirteenth [Page 38]Session, concerning the denying the Cup to Lay persons notwithstanding the practice of our Saviour and his Apo­stles. Hence the noble Bohemians justly provoked, in an Epistle with 54 seals to it heroically professe, that they lie in their teeth who lay Heresie to their Charge, as be­ing Hussites and that they are ready to defend the law of Christ with their bloud, wholly rejecting all humane statutes that contradict the same. And Poggius of Floren­tineis witnesse of the admirable learning of Hierome of Pa­rage, Solomon Ges­nerus. which he delivered in a peculiar tract. 7. There accompanied this Councel (as one hath it) 450 common women, 600 barbers, 320 jesters, &c. But good men (saith he) unspeakable for their ratity, all which notwithstand­ing without safe conduct were free from burnings or other censures.

9. A.D. 1431 The Councel of BASIL was called about sixteen years afterwards, Sygismund the Emperour procuring it of Martin the fifth, and afterwards of Eugenius the fourth: in it Cardinal Julian of Arelatum was President, continu­ed almost the space of 18 years. 2. It had 45 Sessions, in which not only Bishops, but other Learned men, which was not permitted in the foregoing Councels, had a de­finitive sentence, the number of the persons voting is un­certain. 3. In it Pope Eugenius the fourth is cited, and not appearing is deposed for his contempt, and Ama­deus Duke of Subaudia who lived an Hermites life in the Mountains of Ripalia, by the Cardinals is exalted to the Popes Chaire under the name of Foelix the fifth. These three Truths were confirmed. 1. That the Councel is above the Pope and all others. 2. That the Pope can­not dissolve prolong or remove it being lawfully called. 3. And he that denies these things is an Heretick. 4. Neverthelesse Eugenius, these things being thus trans­acted, constitutes an Anti-Synod at Ferraria, which af­terwards removed to Florence, where he acted with the Greeks, the Emperour being present, and effected many things which are compleated in the Councel of Florence [Page 39]They of Basil in the mean while confirm the pragmatical Decree, they condemned popish Bastardy, suppressed Con­cubines, ordered how the Jews might be brought to Chri­stianity. Declared the blessed Virgin to be free from the contagion of every sin, indulged to the Lay Bohemians the use of the Cup in the Eucharist, behold an Alter, against an Altar ‘—Pares aquilas & pila minantia pilis.’ 6. At length by reason of the raging pestilence, they at Basil betake themselves to Lausanua where Fredrick the Emperour perswades Duke Amadeus to renounce the feli­city of Pope Felix, unto which for peace sake he willingly assented, so Eugenius being reconciled, and Amadeus ho­noured with a Cardinal's Cap, and dignity of being a Legate, the Councel ended. 7. Nothing of this was ratified and approved, but some orders about Ecclesiastical benefices saith Bellarmine, Leo the tenth, in the eleaventh Session of the Laterane Councel condemns it as Schismatical and Se­ditious, howsoever we read it was often approved of by Ni­colaus Eugenius. Especially before the death of the Empe­rour Sygismund, Aeneas Sylvias, largely describes it and commends it, who was present thereat, and afterwards ob­tained the Popedome under the title of Pius the 2 ^d, but his opinion was changed with his Dignity; our Fox in his Mar­tyrologie relates it more plainly and fully, and Bodlies Library at Oxford can shew the undoubted Copie of this Councel.

1. SUch Councels passe under the name of Rejected Councels, which either determine Heretical opi­nions, or raise up Scisms and troubles to the di­spersing of the Christian Flock.

2. Among which are no­ted above the rest, these

• 1. At ANTIOCH.
• 2. At MILLAINE.
• 3. At SELEUCIA.
• 4. At EPHESUS the second.
• 5. At CONSTANTINOPLE.
• 6. At PISA the first.
• 7. At PISA the second.

3. An.C. 340 This Councel of ANTIOCH to be distinguished from five others which Bellarmine reckons, Longus also names this, and mentions other Councels of Antioch. 2. This is referred to the times of Constantius and Julius the first, the banishment of Athanasius is sufficiently known, and his restauration by Constantine the sonne of Con­stantine the great, which the Arians declare to be un­lawful, because the same authority must restore which did eject: The Matter is referred to Pope Julius, he sum­mons the Synod to appear at Rome. 3. But the Eusebians chiefe of the Hereticks, that they might avoid this, [Page 42]easily seduced Constantius to be at the Consecration of the Magnificent Temple built by Constantine the great at An­tioch: where met about 90 Bishops, 30 of which being Arians the favour and Authority of the Emperour, against the double Suffrages of the Orthodox procured the condem­ning of restored Athanasius 4. In the roome of the deposed is placed by Eusebius a Nicomedian one Eusebius an Emyssen a famous Champion of Arianisme, but not as yet entred into orders, he as the Poet hath it,

Therefore Gregory a Capadocian possesses the Chair, which some call George, supposed to be the Saint so much ho­noured by us; it is manifest that he was quickly took out of the way, nor was it difficult to the triumphing Arian to honour their Martyr in cannonizing him on horse-back. 5. Baron. Long. Gratianus and Caranza cite many things of this Synod as Orthodox, wherefore by the late Writers they are con­demned. 6. They did set forth a Form of Belief so inter­mixt with truth and errour, that he which is heedful least he be deceived, in his greatest warinesse can scarcely be safe, for by the omission of that which might establish the truth, they weaken that which they undertake to maintain. 7. The 25. Canons of it, which you have mentioned in Longus with some observations, do rather concern the received disci­pline then the opinions of the Church Socrat. l. 2. c. 5. So­zomen. l. 3. c. 5.

4. An.C. 355 That at MILLAINE Plows with the same Heifer under Constantine the Emperour, and Liberius the Pope. 2. In it were met about 300 Bishops, the Em­perour himself was President, an utter enemy to the Or­thodox party. I (saith the Emperour) am an accuser of Athanasius, in my name give credit to them. 3. The Western Catholick Bishops who were present (for there were few Eastern) promised to consent to the A­rians if they would first subscribe to the Nicene Creed, [Page 43]but Valence and Ʋrsacius the chief Leaders of that Faction withstood them, relying on the Emperours Epistle which was read in the Synod. 4. Then followed the degrading of the Bishops, the corrupt Ecclesiastical de­terminations; so that you might stile it rather a conspi­racy of impious persons than a convention of Christians. 5. This was effected especially that they might allure Li­berius Bishop of Rome either by gifts or threatnings to their impieties who is reported (both his threatnings and gifts being slighted) thus heroically to have answered the Emperour, who had judged him to be banished to Thrace, and offered him the charge of his journey. Thou hast rob­bed the Churcher of the Earth, and now offerest to me con­demned and indigent an almes, goe first and become a Christian thy self. 6. Felix a Deacon placed in the room of Liberius mixed with the Arians, yet he alwaies intirely observed the Nicene Creed, which was a little displeasing to the Orthodox. 7. Hosius of Corduba at that time well nigh an hundred years old escaped not the stroake of his ty­ranny, Hilarius the Deacon by whipping is urged to sub­scribe, others by banishments and riflings are forced to con­sent. Neither under

5. An.D. 363 The Councel at SELEUCIA under the same Constantius, did the persecution cease. 2. At that time were convened at Ariminum (as Bellarmine will have it out of the Chronicles of Jerome.) 600 Bishops of which the Eastern Heterodox being overpowred both in number and Arguments by the Orthodox, by the Emperours Command they remove this Councel to Isauria in Selu­cia. 3. But here the Acacians altogether reject Consubstan­tiallity, the Semi-Arians admit it in their sence, still re­taining the leaven which corrupts the whole lump. 4. In this dissention the Semi-Arians prevail; and determine, that the form of Faith composed at the dedication at Antioch should be retained and subscribed unto, but they ejected the dissenting Acacians or Arians from their places. 5. Thus condemned they betake themselves to the Em­perour, [Page 44]and so far prevaile with him, that at another meet­ing called at Constantinople they are wholly restored: here they frame a new Creed, in which not only the tearms of substance; but also of Hypostasis or subsistance are ex­cluded. 6. The Semi-Arians on the other side rejecting this are by force banished from their places by the Aca­cians, Act. 22.10. Apud Hilar. l. 2. p. 44. in the mean while the Catholicks condemn Arius the Authour of their Sect. Like as the Pharisies and Saduces, assailing each other in the cause of B. Paule, are overcome by their own dissentions. 7. Hilarie of Pictavia (whom they report to be a Svbellian) together with the Western Catholicks, will not start an hairs breadth from the Nicene Creed the Emperour interposes this, that the determination of no Councel whatsoever shall have power, to which the Statutes of this Councel denies Power and liberty. He forced the Bishops to sub­scribe to such a form of Belief brought from Ariminum to Constantinople, that by the same command of the Emperour, one was the Western Profession of Faith, another the Eastern. Consult with Ruffin. l. 10. c. 21. Socrat. l. 2. c. 31, 32. Athanas. de Synod. Baron. An. 359. N. 61. &. Seq. Long. p. 270. August. Hieron. Basil. apud Bell. de Concil. l. 1. c. 6. and others.

6. Sozomen. c. 35 Hist. Tripart. l. 5. c. 34. The occasion of the 2. Councel of EPHESUS was Eutyches an Archimandrite of Constantinople, who after Manes and Apollinaris denied the flesh of Christ to be like ours, An.C. 449 but affirmed that falling from Heaven like the rayes of the Sun, it penetrated the Virgins Womb, and so he denied that two natures were in Christ incarnate; but asserted that his flesh was changed into his Divinity. 2. For such like strange sopperies wherewith he had de­luded many, he was deservedly condemned by Flavianus Patriarch of Constantinople, and Eusebius Bishop of Doril, and others their associates. He was so far from repen­ting that he obtained from Theodosius who was very plia­ble, by the means of Chrysaphius the Eunuch and [...]udoxia the Empresse, both seduced by his allurement, that the [Page 45]Examination of a famous Synod might end the matter. 3. Therefore this at Ephesus by the Emperours authority is called, there met 128 Bishops Dioscorus of Alexan­dria being President, Leo is summoned from the West, and least he should seem to be neglected, he sends three Legates; all being convened, all things are transacted at Dioscorus his beck, who not more full of Eutychianisme than of arrogance and tyranny, as little valued the letters and Embassadour of Leo, as he had the condemnation of [...]utiches by Eusebius of Doril. 4. At length Putiches is ab­solved, and the reclaimers are forced to subscribe by club-Arguments. Flavianus opposing is so furiously trodden upon (and among the rest as some affirm by Dioscorus himself) that three dayes after he committed his soul into the hands of God. 5. Ibas an Edyssen, Eusebius of Doril, and Theodoret of Cyrus, with other very learned Bishops are discharged of their places. The Popes Le­gates not without very great danger of their lives, return­ed home. 6. Of which more than barbarous inhumanity an Acacian Bishop complained to Dioscorus, afterwards pleading the cause before the Calcedon Fathers. They compelled and forced us, having suffered many evils, to subscribe to a blank paper, and kept us gain-saying and opposing them in the Church untill the evening, and we being sick they permitted us not to rest, but sent Soul­diers to us with clubs and swords, and thus made us sub­scribe. 7. Whence this is called by all the pious, the Synod of Thieves, in which Satan erected his Throne, not long after to be dashed in pieces by the most famous Coun­cel of Calcedon Liberat. in Breviar. c. 12. Evagr. l. 1. c. 9, 10, Niceph. l. 14. c. 47.

7. The Councel of CONSTANTINOPLE, An.C. 730 which is numbred among the rejected is by some, accounted two, Bell. de Cont. l. 1. c. 6. which others contract into one, but the distinction is ma­nifest, because the first is said to be celebrated under the Father Leo Isaurus An. 730. The 2d by Constantius Copro­nymus An. 755. 2. One in the mean while opposes the [Page 46]worshipping of Images and Reliques, upon which account both may be esteemed as one, or at least united. 3. The first under Leo discovers intercession of Saints to be imagi­nary, and the worshipping of Images meer Idolatry. Germanus Patriarch of Constantinople, John Damascene, and others too much inclined to Images are deprived of their dignities. 4. Gregory the third intercedes for Ima­ges in a Romane Anti-Synod, in which he excommuni­cates the Eastern with the mark of Heretical Image brea­kers, these things terrifie not Constantine Copronymus the son from declaring himself to be an Image-breaker. He ga­thered together at Constantinople, 338 Bishops over whom he is President, and persecutes the maintainers of Images. 6. Some receive this and the seventh as Oecumenical, but the Romanes so abhorred it, that for this Controversy a­bout Images they rebelled against the Greek Emperours their lawful Princes: Whence afterwards followed the Western and Eastern division, which opened such a gap to the enemies of the Church, never to be made up. 7. The second Nicene Councel corrects the errours of this, but how strongly and divinely appears by its decrees. Con­cerning these Synods, vid. Paul. Diac. l. 21.22. rerum Roman. & Zonarum in annal.

8. A.C. 1409 Bellarmine is doubtful whether to reckon the first Councel of PISA among the rejected or approved, Bell. de concil. l. 1. c. 8. by some it is taken for a general Councel, and defended in a three daies disputation by Laurentius Rodolphus of Flo­rence, as is testified by Antonius, Gerson Azorius and o­thers. 6. There were present thereat 23 Cardinals, 3 Pa­triarchs, 300 Arch-Bishops and Bishops, 28 Governours of Monasteries, and an infinite number of Divines and Em­bassadours of Princes. 3. The intolerable differences be­tween Benedict the 12. and Gregory the 13. well nigh ma­king the Popes Chair like double Parnassus, occasion this meeting of so many famous men, concerning which some­thing is before spoken in the Councell of Constance. 4. Both having been summoned, are deposed by the Councel [Page 47]for contempt and perjury, by its own authority places Alexander the 8th in Saint Peters chaire which how­soever removed not the difference yet Alexander thus elected is reckoned in the Catalogue of the Popes. 5. There were 23 Sessions of this Councell, and its Acts printed at Paris by the priviledge of the most Christian King An. 1612. are extant. 6. 3. Part. Tit. 22. c. 5. [...]. 2 3 Antonius rejects this for a headlesse Councell because called in a tumult by the Cardinals without the Popes Authority. 7. [...]ut remidies are to be applyed to extraordinary events, not which the Law affords, but which are ready at hand, for how could they consult the head, which was distempered with a double impostum: the Christian Princes had applyed a cautrie, especially the Emperour, but because they con­sented not with the Cardinals, the decrees are esteemed as not nulled, because they wanted the Popes seal.

9. The second PISA was called by Maximilian the Emperour and Lewis the French King against Pope Julius the second. 2. This Julius had bound himselfe by an oath to celebrate a generall Councell within the space of two yeares after his election to the Popedome, but secular troubles intervening, more regard is had to policy than to his oath. He flinches, prolongs, & deludes those that expect. 3. Therefore under the Protection of the Emperour and the King of France, some more emi­nent Cardinalls meet at Pisa, they summon the Pope to make an appearance, and give an account of those things which shall be objected against him. 4. He is so farre from obeying, that he thunders his Excommunication against them altogether with the King of France. The Emperour himself scarcely escapes, but being become more mild for a time, he declined a combustion. 5. The Pope calls a Laterane Anti-Synod at Rome, the Cardi­nals and Bishops which favoured his party meet, before whom he excuses his perjury, cleares himself from ob­jections, and dyes. Leo the tenth succeed scontinues the Councell with great applause, ratifyed many decrees, [Page 48]as was related before in the fifth Laterane Councell a­mong the Oecumenicall Synods. 6. The Pisan Cardinalls with theirs submit themselves, and after supplications are restored to their former dignity. The Frenchman persists & coynes mony with this inscription Perdam Babylona, I will destroy Babylon. 7. There are no decrees (I know) of this Schismaticall Councel extant, it is rejected by the Pope, especially for these reasons. 1. Because it was not called by the Pope. but insolently against the Pope, by his sub­jects. 2. Because the time prefixed was too short for the appearing of those that were called. 3. And the City of Pisa Consumed & spoyled by the foregoing Warrs was not a fit place for the Councel. 4. Because it was wholy denyed and rejected by the following Laterane Councel. And truly the Pope howsoever perjured and wicked, was not to be reprehended by his own; but to be called or­derly by his Lord the Emperour & other Christian Princes.

VVE have spoken already of General Councells, (in some manner so cal­ed,) Nationall followes, which com­prehends the Provincials of every Metropolitan or Dio­cesian Bishop within their own bounds.

These 1. give place to generall Councells. 2. Nor do they oblige out of their own prescribed limites. 3. Yet their decrees conformable to Scripture and confirmed by generall Councels are in force every where.

2. They are distributed into

• 1. ITALIAN.
• 2. SPANISH.
• 3. FRENCH.
• 4. GERMANE.
• 5. EASTERNE.
• 9. AFRICAN.
• 7. BRITAN.

3. Which cannot be severally handled in a compen­dium, for many of them are either by peece-meales deli­vered by historians without Sessions of Canons, or are strangly accommodated to the condition of those times or being obsolete are become uselesse, therefore it is suffi­cient cursorily here & there to handle those things which may be of some use unto us, and by a digression to speak to some things which may make way for larger.

4. In ITALIE we meet with 115 such Synods, as it were nationall, which go under the name of Romane Councels those may be considered, which are multiply­ed by Victor and others concerning the celebration of the Pascha; and those which received penitent Apostates into Church communion, against the more then Stoicall au­sterity [Page 50] of the Novations. An.D 494 3. Under Gelasius that is of more weighty moment, Long. p. 413. Dist. 15. c. Sancta Roma­na. namely an Index Expurgatorius of Or­thodox and Hetrodox books, composed at a Synod of 70 Bishops, and brought the Canon Law by posterity, where we may read of more things concerning the extir­pation of the Legends of Infidels and ideots, but nothing of the Popes supremacy which is added by the Moderns 4. That Simcessan Councel is not to be past by in silence celebrated by 300 Bishops in very troublesome times, Long. p. 160. Bell. de Rom. Pontif. l. 4. c. 8. in which is condemned Pope Marcellinus because he did Sa­crifice to Idols, neither was he excused from his errour, because he did it in fear, and afterwards repented; these things may prevail with God for pardon, but not with men to acknowledge the infallible condition of the Pope 5. A.D. 1410 That Councell also is worthy to be noted, called by John 23 for the Coronation of Sigismond the Emperour. where an Owle boldly offering himself with his iterated ominous aspect, brought a trouble and dissolution to the whole busines. A.D. 1076 6. They at the Synod of Papia coura­giously excommunicated the Pope, who on the other side had Excommunicated the Emperour & them; & that of Brixia without any scruple removed Gregory the 7. commonly caled Hilderbrand, Long p. 734. Id. p. 739. Id. p. 741. the most furious Champion of all the Popes from his Chair. 7. In the Melfitan Synod, and others, there are many things concerning Ecclesiasti­cal discipline most worthy observation, laying aside some superstitious and Ambitious Synods too much favouring of the corruptions of that age wherein they were called.

5. The SPANISH Councels are. 1 At Toledo 25, in which many things were piously and prudently decreed, as chiefly that assertion of belief against the Priscillianists. 2. The Elibertine, which ratified 81 wholsome Canons; the 36 forbad pictures in the Church. 3. That at Caesar Aug. also against the Priscilianists, in which was ordered, that none should challenge to themselves the title of Doctor, unlesse he was lawfully advanced unto it. 4. That at Iler­da. 4. Canons whereof Gratianus cites, one of which is that nuptials are not to be celebrated in Lent. 5. At Bragara [Page 51]the first and second, in which not only the Manichees Mathe­maticians, and Priscilianists are deservedly stigmatized, but also some things not inconsiderable are added for the pre­serving of order and decency in the Church. 6. At Matis­cona the first and second, reforms the vices of the Clergy, and urges the paying of Tithes, and the pious observation of hospitality, at this time too much esteemed. 7. That at Hispalis against the Acephali which disallowed the conse­cration of a Presbyter, by a Presbyter, and of Churches by Diosecian Bishops, these things are more largely handled in Garsia Loaysa, who more diligently searched into and col­lected the Spanish Councells.

6. Nor is FRANCE to be esteemed as lesse fruitfull in conventions. 1. Long. 433. Id. 643. In which one of the 13 Parisian Councells against sacrilegious persons, and another distributed into 3 Books urging upon Princes, Bishops and Subjects whole­some things, are of speciall moment. 2. At Arelate, the first in the case of Cecilianus and Felix Bishop of Aptungis; the second against the Photinians, Bonosians, and concerning discipline to be observed by the Clergy; The 3 which de­clares the anathemes of Faustus of Rhegium, and the Con­fession of Lucidus, above the rest are worthy consideration. 3. Seaven Councells at Aurelia have many things concern­ing Ecclesiasticall discipline that are not inconsiderable, and that is observable in the first concerning rogations and Letanies to be celebrared before the ascention of our Lord 4. Id. 429. At Arausia the 2d wholely confutes the Pelagians and Semi-Pelagians out of the writings of Augustine. 5. At Bytu­ris, it confirmes the Pragmaticall Sanction against the Po­pish plots and contrivances. 6. Id. 562. That at Cabellonum upholds the priviledges of the sanctuary, and restores the reverence of the Sabboth. 7. Id. 258. That at Vaso commands gloria patri and Ky­rie Eleyson, together with the Trisagium to be inserted into the Liturgy Consult Jacob Germundus his collection of the French Synods. 448

7. In the higher and lower GERMANY, besides 9. Sy­nods at Colonia, these Councels above the rest are observable 1. The Augustan concerning the reformation of the Clergy. [Page 52]2. The Bavarican concerning the Saboath and the Gods of the Church. 3. That at Wormes concerning a decorum to be observed in Ecclesiasticall matters, and the punishment of Wicked persons. 4. The Moguntine the first concerning Ecclesiasticall immunities, the 2d against Gotteschalcus: and thhe 3d, in which prayers are injoyned in behalf of King Arnulphus and his Wife, & also for the good estate of Chri­stianity. 5. At Aquisgranum concerning Ecclesiasticall or­ders. 689 6. The Erfordian concerning festivall dayes. 7. At Dort against the Remonstrants, 699 and their masters the Socinians.

8. Under the EASTERNE are comprehended the Grecian of Europe, and the neighbour African; of which sort among the Grecian are numbred. 337 1. Councells at Constantino­ple 33.2. The Synod at the oake in the case of Chrysostome & Photius. 3. The Eastern against the Massillianites, who de­ceived the Church with their subtleties. 353 4. The Ancyran con­cerning the receiving and rejecting those that fell away. 5, 185 At Laodicea, against Angel-worship can. 35. and concern­ing the Canon of the Scripture can. 222 85.6. At Gargra, con­cerning the religeous reformation of manners. 7. The Tyrian, in which that great man Athenasius was troubled and freed.

9. Under the title of AFRICAN Councels almost 20 are mentioned by the Summulists, whose Canons are so promiscuously collected in one volume, Vid. Baron. An. 394. n. 32 l. 346. that they were hardly distinguishable by those that lived after. 2. Of the 15 Carthagenians the 6 is more worthy observation, by wich the subtleties of the Roman Popes are discovered in obtruding a superstitious Canon of the Nicene Councell for the receiving appeales. 3. Moreover the three first, concerning the disaproving of the baptisme of Heretiques between Cyprian and Stephanus, doe manifest, that there is not so great an inequality of authority, as that the African should yeild to the full power of the Roman. 4. A­bove the rest we meet with worth the observing the Mile­vetan ynod, in which Pelagianisme by the Bishops was wholy confuted. Long p. 342. 5. The Councel of Hippo collects and con­tracts the more convenient Canons of other Synods. 6. In tthe Cavernan Councell there is observable, a nota­ble [Page 53]Skirmish between the Primanists and the Maximianists which often happens to mad braine Schismatiques, who when once they have forsaken the Church, they do not long agree among themselves August. in Ps. 36.7. To which also may be referred the Bagian Councell, where 340. Bi­shops are gathered together by Primianus of Carthage, they put down Maximainus and his followers to the lowest seats. August. contr. Cresonium L. 3. c. 53. the African Councells are more diligently collected and pvblished by Julius.

10. Among the BRITAN Councells these are noted a­bove the rest. 1. At Winchefler in the time of Edgar under Dunstane, where a wooden crosse gave a suffrage against the married Priests, whence these verses,

2. At Oxford by Stephen Langthon Arch-Bishop of Can­terbury, who distinguisht the Bible into Chapters, and did illustrate it with Commentaries: from him we have Excommunications, and 48 Constitutions concerning the right government of the Church, which Linwood here & there inserts in his provincials; they may be read together in Binius, Longus, and others. 3. At Claringdon under Henry the 2d. John of Oxford by the Kings command being President; in this are established 16 Chapters of English Customes, as Math. Paris relates: which the Romans relish not, as is manifest by their censures, it [condemned] and [tolerated,] each being mentioned by Longus. 4. The Councel under Edward the 6th; in which 39 Articles of the English Confession was concluded and confirmed. 5. The Synod under the same Person, from which we receive the English Liturgy which now we have, Composed by seaven Bishops, and foure Doctors, and confirmed by the publique consent of the Church: which (as also the preceeding Articles) the succeeding Princes [Page 54] Elizabeth, James and Charles, ratified and commended to Posterity. 6. The London Synod; in which 141 Constitu­tions, relating to the pious and peaceable government of the Church, presented to King James by the Bishops and others deputed by the Church met together, are worthily confirmed by his Regall Authority. 7. The Councell at Perth in Scotland, where were Articles concerning admini­string the Sacrament to the sick. 2. Concerning private Baptisme, if necessity required. 3. Of Confirmation. 4. Of admitting Festivals, and 5. Of kneeling at the Re­ceiving of the Sacrament (though the Sectaries snarl at it) and is allowed of venerable customes. If any desire more knowledge in these Brittan affaires, that famous interpreter of Antiquity, D H. Spelman will abundantly satisfy him: there is extant a more full declaration and defence of the Synod of Perth.

1. ECclesiastical Conferences are meetings of some Divines; in which nothing is canonically deter­mined, but the opinions of dissenters are brought to tryal and discussed.

2. And that either,

• 1. By the order of some publique authority.
• 2. By a private arbitrary conven­tion of Learned men.

3. Publique Conferences of the first Classis have been either with

• 1. The dissenting Brethren.
• 2. The Papists.
• 3. The Lutherans.
• 4. The Anabaptists,
• 5. The Remonstrants.
• 6. The Anti-Trinitarians.
• 7. The Disciplinarians.

[Page 56] 4. For composing the diffe­rences of the Bre­thren have been Con­ferences

• 1. 1529 At Marpurg concerning the removing the difference about the Eucharist. Adamus in vit. German. Theol. pag. 30.
• 2. 1529 At Spira, where the name of Protestants was first heard. Alsted. Chr. p. 192.
• 3. 1536 The Smalcaldican, where were present the Britain Embassadours, and others, that the League of the reformed might be ratified. Id.
• 4. 1548 The Interimistican, concerning pacification in which is written the Conciliatory book of Augusta, which by reason of the scope of the disputants raysed an indifferent war which was expired in the form of Passavius,
• 5. 1569 At Altenburg among the Lutherans concern­ing justification, 1583 Adam. p. 613. as also after­wards performed among the same at Quid­lingburg concerning Ubiquity. Id. 622.
• 6. 1576 At Torge, concerning divers Articles of Re­ligion Id. 1585 p. 649. as afterwards in a Confe­rence at Bipont. Id. 780. and at Bades. Id. 655.
• 7. 1589 At Hetzburg about the book of concord Id. 750. 1578

[Page] 5. The more emi­nent Con­ferences with the Papists are

• 1. At Wormes two, the first A. 1541. Sled. in that year, Adam. p. 338. The second con­cerning divese articles of Religion, A. 1547. Adam p. 349.
• 2. At Ratisbone three, the first A. 1541. The second 1546. concerning diverse Articles of Religion by the same. The third con­cerning the Judge of controversies, A. 1601. which is fully extant, by many, either appro­ved or handled.
• 3. At Possiace, A. 1561. concerning diverse Ecclesiastical matters, Sleid. Adam:
• 4. At Saint Germains in the same year concer­ing the same matters. Adam.
• 5. At Mompelgard, concerning the Sacrament and the person of Christ, A. 1586. where Beza is the chief disputant. It is intirely extant.
• 6. At Oxford in which Cranmar, Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Latimer Bishop of Worcester, and Ridley of London were invincible Champions of the truth, and suffered Martyrdom, Fox Martyrol.
• 7. At London, the first in the time of Q. Mary, in which John Philpot excellently acted his part. The second in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth; where the Papists challenged (as the armed Ephramites) to a combat, scarcely without laughter yeelded themselves.

[Page 58] 6. 1561 Between the Calvinists, or Zwinglians (as they say) and the Lutherans, 1593 there was a Conference 1. At Malbrun con­cerning the Lords Supper, 1577 and the Majesty of Christ. 2. At Wittenburg, between Ʋrbanus Pierius, and Hunnius, and other Lutherans 3. At Francofurt, Casimire the Palatine pro­curing it. Alsted.

7. Conferences with the Anabaptists, frantick persons, and Enthusiasts are these************

8. With the Remonstrants especially is that Conference at the Hague, published diversely by diverse, as a prologue to which was the contest between Amesius and Grevincho­vius.

9. Conferences with the Anti-trinitarians are 1. At Geneva of Calvin with Servetus***********

10. Private Conferences may be added to these, as 1. The Vinarian Strigelius and Illyricus concerning free will, Adam p. 474. 2. At Argento: between Illyricus and Jacobus of Adrea concerning original sin. 3. At Swalback between Pareus and Melhusius and other Jesuites. 4. At Fontbellack between Peronius and Du Plessis. 5. At Paris between Du Moullin and Guntyr. 6. Of Fulk, Hanmer and Chark, with Campian the Jesuite. Reinold with Hart, which is full of Learning, to which others, which may be met with of the same kind, may be added by the Studious.