Page:The New Testament of Iesvs Christ faithfvlly translated into English, ovt of the authentical Latin, diligently conferred with the Greek, & other Editions in diuers languages.pdf/210

Rh that none other either Apostle, Bishop, or Priest may chalenge any such singular or special prerogative either of his Office or person, otherwise then joining in faith with Peter and by holding of him. The danger (saith S. Leo) was common to al the Apostles, but our Lord tooke special care of Peter, that the state of al the rest might be more sure, if the Head were invincible: God so dispensing the aide of his grace, that the assurance and strength which Christ gave to Peter, might redound by Peter to the rest of the Apostles: S. August. also, Christ praying for Peter, prayed for the rest, because in the Pastour and Prelate the people is corrected or commended. And S. Ambrose writeth, that Peter after his tentation was made Pastour of the Church, because it was said to him, Thou being converted, confirme thy brethren. Neither was this the privilege of S. Peters person, but of his Office, that he should not faile in faith but ever confirme al other in their faith. For the Church, for whose sake that priviledge was thought necessarie in Peter the Head thereof, was to be preserved no lesse afterward, then in the Apostles time. Whereupon al the Fathers apply this priviledge of not failing and of confirming other in faith, to the Romane Church and Peters successours in the same. To which (saith S. Cyprian) infidelitie or false faith can not come. And S. Bernard saith writing to Innocentius Pope, against Abailardus the Heretike: We must referre to your Apostleship al the scandals and perils which may fal, in matter of faith specially. For there the defects of faith must be holpen, where faith can not faile. For to what other See was it ever said: I have prayed for thee Peter, that thy faith do not faile? So say the Fathers: not meaning that none of Peters seat can erre in person, understanding, private doctrine or writings, but that they can not nor shal not ever judicially conclude or give definitive sentence for falshood or heresie against the Catholike faith, in their Consistories, Courts, Councels, Decrees, Deliberations or Consultations kept for decision and determination of such controversies, doubts, or questions of faith as shal be proposed unto them: because Christes prayer and promise protecteth them therein for confirmation of their brethren. And no marvel that our Maister would have his vicars Consistorie & Seat infallible, seeing even in the old Law the high Priesthood and Chaire of Moyses wanted not great priviledge in this case, though nothing like the Churches and Peters prerogative. But in both, any man of sense may see the difference between the person, and the Office, as wel in doctrine as life. Liberius in persecution might yeald, Marcellinus for feare might commit Idolatrie, Honorius might fal to Heresie, and more then al this, some Judas might creepe into the Office: and yet al this without prejudice of the Office and Seate, in which (saith S. Augustine) our Lord hath set the doctrine of truth. Caiphas by priviledge of his Office prophecied right of Christ, but according to his owne knowledge and faith, knew not Christ. The Evangelists and other penners of holy writ, for the execution of that function had the assistance of God, and so far could not possibly erre: but that Luke, Marke, Salomon or the rest might not erre in other their private writings; that we say not. It was not the personal wisedom, vertue, learning, or faith of Christs Vicars, that made S. Bernard seeke to Innocentius the third: S. Augustine and the Bishops of Afrike to Innocentius the first, and to Celestinus, ''ep. 90. 91. 95: S. Chrisostome to the said Innocentius: S. Basil to the Pope in his time ep. 52.: S. Hierom to Damasus ep 57. 58. to. 2.'' but it was the prerogative of their Office and higher degree of Unction, and Christs ordinance, that would have al Apostles and Pastours in the world, for their confirmation in faith and Ecclesiastical regiment, depend on Peter. The lacke of knowledge and humble acceptation of which Gods providence, that is, that one is not honoured and obeyed of al the brotherhood, is the cause of al Schismes and Heresies, saith S. Cyprian. A point of such importance, that al the Twelve being in Apostleship like, Christ would yet for the better keeping of unity and truth, have one to be Head of them al, that a Head being once appointed, occasion of Schisme might be taken away, saith S. Hierom. ''li. 1. adv. Jovinian. c. 14.'' Rh