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prove useful both to the learned and unlearned; to instruct the one, who cannot read these things in their originals; and refresh the memories of the other, who may know many things, that they cannot always readily have recourse to. Or, if it be of no use to greater proficients, it may at least be some help to young students and new beginners, and both provoke them to the study of ancient learning, and a little prepare them for their entrance upon it. Besides, I considered, there were some, who might have a good inclination toward the study of these things, who yet have neither ability to purchase, nor time and opportunity to read over many ancient fathers and councils; and to such, a work of this nature, composed ready to their hands, might be of considerable use, to acquaint them with the state and practice of the primitive Church, when they have no better opportunities to be informed about it. If, in any of these respects, these collections, which were designed for the honour of the ancient Church, and the benefit of the present, may prove serviceable toward those ends, I shall not think my time and pains ill bestowed.

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CONTENTS.

CHAP. IV.

A more particular Account of the Пliso, or Believers; their Titles of Honour and Privileges above the Catechumens. SECT. 1, Believers otherwise called wrikóμevoi, the Illuminate.-2. And de pɛpvnpévor, the Initiated.-3. And Texto, the Perfect.-4. Chari Dei, Filii Dei, Aytoi, &c.-5. The Privileges of the Fideles. 1. To partake of the Eucharist.-6. 2. To join in all the Prayers of the Church.-7. 3. The Use of the Lord's Prayer, another Prerogative of the Iso; whence it was called 'Evxi) #15@v, The Prayer of Believers.-8. 4. They were admitted to hear Discourses upon the most profound Mysteries of Religion,

CHAP. V.

Of the Distinction betwixt the Laity and Clergy, and of the Antiquity of that Distinction.

SECT. 1. The Fideles, otherwise called Laici, to distinguish them from the Clergy.-2. The Antiquity of this Distinction proved against Rigaltius, Salmasius, and Selden.-3. An Objection from I Pet. v. 3. answered.-4. A Distinction in the Offices of Laity and Clergy always observed.—5. Laymen also called Birikot, Seculare.-6. And 'Idiŭrai, Private Men. -7. What Persons properly called Clerici.-8. The name Clerici sometimes appropriate to the Inferior Orders.-9. The Reason of the Name Clerici.-10. All the Clergy called Canonici.-11, And Tážıç rẽ Býparos, the Order of the Sanctuary.

BOOK II.

OF THE SEVERAL ORDERS OF THE CLERGY IN THE PRIMITIVE CHURCH.

CHAP. I.

Of the Original of Bishops; and that they were a distinct Order from Presbyters in the Primitive Church.

SECT. 1. What the Ancients mean by different Orders of Bishops and Presbyters.-2. The Order of Bishops always owned to be superior to that of Presbyters.-3. The Order of Bishops, of Apostolical Institution.-4. A List or Catalogue of such Bishops as were first ordained by the Apostles,

CHAP. II.

Of the several Titles of Honour given to Bishops in the Primitive Church.

SECT. 1. All Bishops at first called Aposties.-2. After that, Successors of the Apostles. 3. Whence every Bishop's See, called Sedes Apostolica. 4. Bishops called Princes of the People.-5. Præpositi, IIрOES@TES, Hogεdpot, "Epopo.-6. Principes Sacerdotum, Pontifices Maximi, Sumıni Sacerdotes, &c.-7. Every Bishop anciently called Papa, Father, or Pope.-8. Pater Patrum, and Episcopus Episcoporum.-9. Bishops sometimes called Patriarchs.-10, And Vicars of Christ.-11. And Augels of the Churches.

CHAP. VII.

Of the Power of Bishops in Hearing and Determining Secular

Causes.

SECT. 1. Bishops commonly chosen Arbitrators of Men's Differences in the Primitive Church.-2. The Original of this Custom. What meant by

the Word devημevo in St. Paul, 1 Cor. vi. 4.-3. This Power of Bishops confirmed by the Imperial Laws.-4. Yet not allowed in Criminal Causes; nor in any Causes, but when the Litigants both agreed to take them for Arbitrators.-5. Bishops sometimes made their Presbyters, and sometimes Laymen, their Substitutes in this Affair.

CHAP. VIII.

Of the Privilege of Bishops to intercede for Criminals. SECT. 1. Of the great Power and Interest of Bishops in Interceding to the Secular Magistrates.-2. The Reasons why Bishops interceded for some Criminals and not others.-3. They never interceded in Civil Matters and Pecuniary Causes.

CHAP. IX.

Of some particular Honours and Instances of Respect showed to Bishops by all Persons in general.

SECT. 1. Of the ancient Custom of bowing the Head, to receive the Benediction of Bishops.-2. Of kissing their Hand.-3. The Custom of singing Hosannas to them sometimes used, but not approved.-4. What meant by the Corona Sacerdotalis, and the Form of saluting Bishops Per Coronam.-5. Whether Bishops anciently wore a Mitre, or any the like Ornament.-6. Of the Titles Ayuraroi, Sanctissimi, &c.—7. Bishops distinguished by their Throne in the Church.

CHAP. X.

Of the Age, and some particular Qualifications required in such as were to be Ordained Bishops.

SECT. 1. Bishops not to be Ordained under Thirty Years of Age, except they were Men of extraordinary Worth.-2. Bishops to be chosen out of the Clergy of the Church to which they were Ordained.-3. Some Exceptions to this Rule.-4. Bishops to go through the Inferior Orders of the Church.-5. Deacons might be ordained Bishops, though never ordained Presbyters.-6. Bishops in Cases of Necessity chosen out of the Inferior Orders.-7. And in some extraordinary Cases ordained immediately from Laymen.

CHAP. XI.

Of some particular Laws and Customs observed about the Ordination of Bishops.

SECT. I. Bishoprics not to be void above three Months.-2. In some Places a new Bishop was chosen before the old one was buried.-3. Some Instances of longer Vacancies in Times of Difficulty and Persecution.-4.

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