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 don to the learned Bishop Theodoret, Leo has the following observations: “We rejoice, that what truths had been first defined by our ministry, should be confirmed by the irrevocable assent of the brethren there assembled, shewing that to be Divine, which, proceeding from the first of all the Sees, received the sanction of the Christian world. And lest the assent thus given to that See, which the Lord ordained to preside over all others, shall appear the effect of flattery, or to be otherwise suspiciously construed, it so happened, that our judgment was at first controverted by some. Truth shines more clearly, and is more strongly retained, when, what faith at first taught, is confirmed by examination : and the sacerdotal ministry also becomes more resplendent, when, without infringing the liberty of their inferiors, the authority of the first order is maintained, and discussion promotes the glory of God.” Ep. xciii. al. lxiii. p. 624.

THEODORET, G. C. Being much persecuted, he writes to a Western Priest : “I entreat you to prevail on the most holy Archbishop (of Rome), to use his Apostolic power, and command me to hasten to your Synod. For, that most holy See has the headship over all the Churches of the world, and for this principal reason, that it was never infected by any one heretical taint, nor was ever occupied by any one holding adverse doctrine, but remaining always true to its apostolical institution. Ep. cxvi. ad Renat. T. iii. p. 989.

VINCENT OF LERINS, L. C. “Pope Stephen, of blessed memory, and Bishop of the Apostolic See, together with his colleagues, deeming it just, that he who was above others by the authority of his Chair, should be foremost in the attachment to the Faith, addressed an Epistle to the African Church, and defined, that no innovation be made; that what had been delivered down should be followed.” Common. C. vi. p. 323.