A compend of ecclesiastical history of the use of the laity ...

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Glass _ Book.

COMPEND

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTOHY,

Preface

For presenting the following pages to the public, I have no other or better apology, than a belief of their proving useful. A natural bias having led me to pay particular attention to Ecclesiastical History, I early perceived that solid and extensive information on that subject, could only be gained by a strict and impartial reference to the earliest writers of the Christian era. The extensive library of the seminary to which I was attached, and I must add, the judicious direction given to my studies by its able professors, furnished means and opportunities which I hope were not neglected or misused. From the periud of my entering that institution, when it was located in New-Haven, I contemplated a work much more copious than that which I now offer the public, and my notes on the first five centuries were amply and I believe faithfully collected from the writings of tuose ages. But an accident induced me to change, at least for the present, my original design. In point of general accuracy and faithfulness, no historian has been more highly or justly commended than Dr. Mosheim, and in the course of my search for books on Church history I met with an epitome of that author recommended by himself in the following words : " Nempe laborem meam in " Epitomen redigendi, pro sua erga me voluntate, etegregio u boni publici studio imponi sibi passus est, vir clarissimus, " doctrina, pietate, ingenio, prsestans, Johannes Miller. Is M igitur amicus meus, quocum complures annos conjuncte " vixi, negotium hoc tsedii plenum hilariter suscepit, tamque

IV PREFACE.

" feliciter superavit, ut in exemplisponi possit. Magna fide " quae scripseram exhibet, demptisque ornaraentis uberiori- " bus judiciis alienique fori observationibus, historiam ipsam *'• nudamiet puram, quod ipsum fieri volebam, grata et conu cenna brevitate contemplandam proponit. Eadem igi- " tur opera quo3 docentes copiose interpretari discentes " mediocri labore memorise mandari possunt suppeditavit." This epitome of Miller, improved in a second edition, has been from the 5th to the 16th century very faithfully translated. The age before Constantine is principally drawn from the works of the earliest writers, and in almost every instance I have derived the facts from the original language in which they wrote. Sometimes indeed I have quoted at second hand ; but if I am not mistaken, always with an accompanying acknowledgment of the obligation. To the Commentary of Dr. Mosheim (which I twice read with a view to the compilation of this work) I am largely indebted, but the views which I conscientiously entertain of the christian ministry necessariiy made me look elsewhere, w r hen speaking on that subject. The direction in which I naturally turned my eyes was to the writings of the Fathers, as to the only authentic record of facts on which we can rely; and if no other benefit has resulted from their perusal, I have at least been confirmed in my sentiments of the exclusive validity of ordinances episcopally derived, of the perpetual succession of the ministry in three orders, and of the ordinary necessity of communion with the catholic church to be in a safe way of salvation. On the discussion of points like these, the brevity of a compend would not permit me to enter ; but I have given what I thought a correct view of the doctrine, worship, and discipline of the first ages. " But the reader will bear in mind the distinction which subsists between the ministry and government of the church. The former in its three orders at a very early period assumed the names of Bishops, fcERFACE. V

Priests and Deacons. For the exercise of its powers a divine commission is essential ; and this is conveyed through the first order as the successors in this respect of the Apostles. This original designation of the ministry into three orders with their appropriate powers, is necessarily unchangeable. The government of the church, or the mode by which ecclesiastical power in its legislative judicial, and executive departments is exercised, is of human arrangement, and may therefore vary according to times and circumstances, provided the ministry in its original episcopal characteristics be preserved. Thus for example, the episcopacy of the primitive church, of the church of England, of other episcopal churches, and of the Prot. Ep. church in America, is the same ; while the mode of government has been and is various in all."* After the first ages, I found it impossible to give the references at full length, of the numerous authors to which I must do myself the justice of saying that I have referred, especially in the history of the church of England. In consequence also of a miscalculation of th' j printer, I have been obliged to omit even the mention of the names of the principal authorities, which I originally intended to affix to every section. No student of theology will look on the present work as any thing more than a means of introducing him to Ecclesiastical History, or of refreshing his memory ; and since Mosheim's is likely to be for some years the text book in our Seminaries, I have preserved his order throughout so far as not to inconvenience the reader of his work and my compend. This plan has compelled me to class the church of England and others holding the apostolical institution of episcopacy.

* The experienced churchman will discern in this paragraph the energetic* clear, and sound sentiments of Bishop Hobart, tvho obligingly furnished it a* my request,

VI PREFACE.

under the title of Reformed Church. For the history of this church on the continent of Europe, and of the Lutheran church during the 18th century, I must confess my obligations to Jablonski, or his continuator, whose volume is highly recommended by Bishop Watson, and which I have taken some pains in translating from the Latin. With these acknowledgments of my debt for the middle ages to the work of Miller above-mentioned, to the supplement of Jablonski's history for the continental churches of Europe during the 18th century, and to the Rev. D>. Abercrombie of Philadelphia for a sketch of the Swedenborgians, I can acquit myself of having borrowed a single page of English matter. Of the manner in which the work is executed the public must alone be judge. My brethren of the clergy will not, I hope, look with an unfavorable eye upon an undertaking of the kind, in which I have sei forth the principles of the church as far as authority would support me ; and I hope there may that be found in my little volume which shall obtain some regard from the students of divinity, especially from those in my Alma Mater, the Theological Seminary in N^w-York. For their sakes I have added a list of all the councils to that of Trent, principally taken from Harduin and Petavius.* To them and to the laity whose avocations may prevent them from reading more voluminous productions, I dedicate this second offspring of my pen.

* The dates of Petavius are followed throughout.

RECOMMENDATIONS.

From the Rt. Rev. John Henry Hobart, Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New-York.

Judging from the parts af his work which the Rev Mr. Mason has submitted to my inspection, I am of opinion that it will be a useful compend of ecclesiastical history.

JOHN HENRY HOBART.

From the Rt. Rev. T. C. Brownell, D. D. L. L. D. Bishop df (he Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Connecticut.

Hartford, Jan. 16th, 1828.

Rev. and Dear Sir, — I have read with pleasure the first sheets of your proposed volume, and think they afford the promise of an useful book. It is not a little extraordinary that amidst the mass of Ecclesiastical History there is no single work which meets the present wants of the Church. Yours, I trust, will prove a valuable acquisition to a numerous class of readers who have no leisure for extensive research, and may serve as a useful compend to the theological student, while it will direct his attention to more copious sources of information. Very truly,

Your friend and brother,

THOS. C. BROWNELL.

Rev. H. M. Mason.

From the Rev. Benjamin T. Underdonk, D. D. Professor of the Nature, Ministry and Polity of the Church, in the Gen. Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.

New-York, Jan. 9, 1828.

Having been made acquainted with the plan of the Rev. Henry M. Mason's compend of Ecclesiastical History ; having perused a portion of it ; and from an acquaintance with the author, entertaining a conviction of his competency for the work which he has undertaken ; it gives me much pleasure to state

Vlll RECOMMENDATIONS.

my belief that the volume will be a valuable acquisition to that department of sacred literature, as furnishing to readers generally an interesting and faithful digest of it ; and to the theological student a useful manuel for a review of the subject.

BENJ. T. ONDERDONK.

From the Rev. Samuel H. Turner, Prof, of Bib. Crit. and hit. of Scrip, in the Gen. Theol. Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States.

Theological Seminary, Sept 26th, 1827. Rev and Dear Sir, — I have read with pleasure a part of the early period of the Church contained in your compend of Ecclesiastical History, and hope that your work will meet with extensive circulation. From what I have examined, I should think that the volume would be exceedingly useful, not to supercede larger histories of established character, but as a substitute for such among that extensive class of society whose reading is necessarily limited from their occupations and circumstances, and as a digest to assist the student of Ecclesiastical History in re-calling to his memory knowledge formerly acquired. Your work appears to be composed with much care, and an attentive reader will derive from it much benefit. I remain,

Rev. and dear Sir, with much regard,

Your friend and brother,

SAMUEL H. TURNER.

Rev. Henry 3V1. Mason, M. A.

From the Rev. Dr. Abercrombie, D. D. Assistant Minister of Christ's Church, St. Peter and St. James, Philadelphia.

Rev. and Dear Sir, — Having attentively examined your Compend of Ecclesiastical History, I cheerfully offer my unqualified approbation of the work. The correct chronological arrangement and condensation of events recorded, must render it peculiarly useful as an elementary book to the Theological Strident, and a valuable book of reference to the accomplished Scholar, and to the well read Divine

That its circulation may prove commensurate to its merit Is the sincere and ardent wish of

Rev. and Dear Sir,

Your Friend and Brother,

JA'S ABERCROMBIE.

Philadelphia, Nov. 12, 1827.

Introduction

Definition,

\i. Ecclesiastical, History is a faithful and perspicuous account of the Church, or that Society which was instituted by Christ. It includes alike the narrative of those transactions which concern the Church from abroad, as of those which have been carried on within its limits. In this history events are so connected with their causes, that men may be able to recognize the providence of God, in constituting such a society, and may grow in piety no less than in wisdom.

The aids for investigating the secret causes of Events,

§2. He who would treat of Ecclesiastical history in such a manner as to render it useful, ought to conuect events with their causes. But he who would explore those causes generally, besides the testimony of authors and the history of the times, should be well acquainted with human nature, and the manners and opinions of those men concerning whom he treats. But especially in the external history, not only the civil, but also the religious state of public affairs must be attended to : while with respect to the internal ', nothing will be more important than an acquaintance with the history 1

O INTRODUCTION.

of learning, and particularly of philosophy. A know ledge of these must be drawn from the writers of every age, especially those who were contemporary with the events they describe. Those historians however are not to be neglected, who have composed out of such original works, histories and annals. From hence it appears, that many are the requisites for writing a good and faithful history of the Church.

The advantages derivable from Ecclesiastical History,

§3. Ecclesiastical History may be productive of numerous advantages. To contemplate the many and bitter trials which the religion of our Redeemer has happily overcome, will naturally tend to confirm our faith and inflame our piety, by the illustrious examples with which we constantly meet. The wonderful changes which are found to occur, demonstrate at once the providence of God, and the inconstant character of human affairs. To be acquainted with the origin of error and superstition will be no inconsiderable safeguard of truth ; while those who are appointed to watch over the safety, and are ministers of the church, cannot otherwise than derive both prudence and skill in the management of its concerns, by examining the history of its ancient teachers and guides.

Method of treating Ecclesiastical History.

§4. The history of the Church may properly be divided into four great periods of time. The first of which embraces those events that occurred from it.s commencement to the time of Constantinc the great*

INTRODUCTION.

The second from Conslantine the great to the reign of Charlemagne.

The third extends itself from Charlemagne to the Reformation.

The fourth comprehends the whole space of time from the Reformation to the present day.

The centuries included in these periods may well be distinguished into

A leaning to Jewish rites.

A leaning to Pagan Philosophy.

Severity in punishing error.

Inquisitiveness as to our Saviour's

Divine Nature.

Inquisitiveness as to the Union of

his divine and human soul.

The same as the former.

A leaning to Papal power.

A contest respecting Image woi j ship.

I. The Apostolic

II. The Gnostic III. The Novatian

IV. The Arian

V. The Nestorian

VI. TheEutychian

VII. The Monothelite

VIII. The Iconoclastic

IX. The Photian

X. The Obscure

XI. The Heldebrandian XII.The Waldensian XIII. The Scholastic X\V. The Wicklifean

XV. The Synodal

XVI. The Reformed

XVII. The Fanatic and Spiritual

Barbarous.

The reign of the Clergy.

Monkish and Scholastic.

Enthusiastic and Superstitious

Rapacity among the Clergy,

Schismatic.

A laxity in doctrine.

A licence assumed by Heretic's.

Book I. Fkojj The Commencement

OF

CHRISTIANITY,

TO TJIE AGE OP gO&STASTTXNE THE GREAT.

CENTURY FIRST.

Chapter I. The State Of The World And Of Judea Whbn Christ Was Born

§1. The Roman Empire.

When Octavius Augustus, by the overthrow of his rival Anthony, had become master of the Roman world. its provinces were placed under various officers, commissioned sometimes by the Senate, and sometimes by the Emperor. The Romans were at this time masters of the fairest portions of the earth, and the most civilized of mankind. An universal peace prevailed. To every people was allowed the privilege of exercising their own religious rites. These, with the exception of such as were peculiar to the Jews, were discordant in the extreme. In one point however, of religion, the Gentiles seem all to have agreed : that there existed a numerous assemblage of Deities, differing in sex, in offices, in nature, and in power, who presided according to their distinct and separate ranks over the earth and its concerns ; and whom it was the duty of mankind to appease by ceremonies, by victims, and by prayers. Their worship was either public, such as was common to all the people, and performed openly in their temples : or secret, such as was confined to a few only

CENTURY FIRST. II

of the more learned, to which none but the initiated were allowed access, and which, from this circumstance and the profound silence observed respecting it, was denominated the Mysteries. The testimony of Pagan writers, of Poets and Historians, affords the amplest evidence that the grossest idolatry, and the utmost licentiousness of morals and practice prevailed among the nations, at the time when our Saviour appeared in the world. Occasionally indeed, there arose enlightened sages, such as Plato and Socrates, who saw, and would have checked, the absurd superstitions of the prevailing religion; but who, equally deficient in the clearness of their own views, and in influence among the people, were unable to effect any great or important change.

When too we contemplate the condition of even the most distinguished of the Philosophic sects, the entire absence of piety among the Epicureans and Academics, and the large portion of folly and of falsehood to be found among the Aristotelians, the Sjgoics, and the Platonists, we discern, with the utmost clearness, how greatly the human race stood in need of that Divine Instructor whose coming into the world changed its moral condition, and brought life and immortality to life.

§2. General State, of the Jews.

Judea had been reduced by Pompey the Great to the rank of a tributary province of the Roman republic. It was not, however, till after the death of Herod the Great, and in consequence of the crimes and folly of his son Archelaus, that subjected to the power of regular governors appointed b} r the Romans and called pror l2 ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.

Curators, the Jews were considered in the light of a conquered people, permitted, indeed, to exercise their own customs, and in a certain degree their laws, but deprived of the power of life and death, and odious alike on account of the peculiarities of their religion and manners, as despised for their weakness, and suspected by their masters of doubtful fidelity. The sceptre was to depart from Judah on the coming of Christ 5 and the decree of Augustus at the birth of the Saviour that Judea should be taxed, and the levying of the tax about eleven years after, under the presidency of Quirinius, sufficiently demonstrated the truth of the prophecy. But the policy of the Romans, as concerned" religious matters, was extended to the Jews ; and they were suffered to practice their own rites and worship. These rites and this worship had become greatly corrupt. The whole of this people had been infected by errors of the worst and most pernicious kind ; antt evenffceir teachers disputed on subjects of the utmost importance and most fundamental nature. They all looked for a redeemer ; not such as God had promised, but a conqueror, and the asserter of their temporal rights and national independence. They all entertained the notion that the height of religion consisted in a punctual observance of the rites prescribed by Moses, and in certain external duties towards their countrymen. They all excluded from salvation the rest of mai*- kind ; and thus, on all occasions, manifested towards ihem hostility and hatred. To these fruitful sources of vice, were added various ridiculous and superstitious opinions, concerning the nature of God, concern-

CENTURY FIRST. lo

Lag Genii and Magic, and subjects of a like nature ; which they had brought with them in part from the Babylonish captivity, and in part had acquired from their neighbors the Egyptians, Syrians, and Arabs.

Of the Jewish Sects.

§3. Though all the Jewish nation appear to have agreed in the acknowledgement of one God and a perfect reverence for the law of Moses, they were divided in sentiment on points of the greatest moment. Hence arose different sects at war with each other ; the principal of which were distinguished by the names of Pharisees , Sadducees, and Essenes. The Pharisees were remarkable for their ostentatious display and real want of piety, together with an unbounded zeal for adding to their numbers. Their origin may be traced to the time of the Maccabees. They believed in the doctrine of a future state and immortality. Some of them, as is probable from the reference which St. Paul makes of his opinion to that of this sect, among whom he was born, 'Acts xxiii. 8.) owned a separate state and existence in another world ; others, as appear from the testimony of Josephus, and the question put to our Saviour, whether a certain man for his nwn or parent's sins was born blind, held the Pythagorean metempsychosis or transmigration of the soul into another body after death. They referred all things to the will of God and to fate ; but inconsistently at the same time maintained the freedom of the will. They also believed in the existence and superintendence of spiritual beings. But their distinguishing character was a zeal for traditions. They attributed to the

Scriptures one sense which related only to the words, and another which regarded the intimate nature of the things expressed. Pride, arrogance, and avarice, marked their moral condition ; and hence the severe and frequent reprehension they received from our Saviour. But outward sanctity is a cloak which often hides the want of real piety ; and such was the veneration in which they were held, that they sat at the helm and gave what direction they pleased to public affairs.

The sect of the Sadducees was almost wholly confined to the wealthy and great. In proportion to the favor in which they were held by God, men, according to them, were prosperous or otherwise in this world. They acknowledged no hereafter ; rejected not only unwritten traditions, but also the written word, except the five books of Moses ; asserted the perfect freedom of the will, either to do good or evil ; and were, in fact, upon this point, among the Jews, what the Pelagians afterwards were among the Christians.

From both the other sects, the Essenes differed in doctrine as to most particulars, but especially in prac* tice. They believed with the Pharisees in Angels and a resurrection ; but held, in the strictest manner to an inevitable fate. Under the letter of the law they believed a hidden sense was contained, and to thP tradition of the elders they paid with the Pharisees a reverential obedience. They are usually distinguished into practical, who lived in society, sometimes were married, and applied themselves to husbandry and innocent occupations; or contemplative Essenes, who devoted themselves to solitude, abstained entirely from mai> viage and addicted themselves to the study and practice of medicine, whence they derived the name Therapeutae. Both were abstemious, exemplary in morals, averse to profane swearing, and exceedingly rigid iri observing the Sabbath. Either from their harmless or eremitic life, they seem to have escaped the censure of our Lord.

Beside the sects which have been named there were others among the Jews ; as the Herodians, who are rather however a political faction attached to the pei> son and power of Herod ; and the Galileans or Gaul6- nites, who rose under Judas of Galilee, refusing to pay the tax to the Romans, and who make so conspicuous a figure in the annals of Josephus under the title of Zealots. To these we may add the sect of the Samaritans, with whom the Jews waged so fierce a religious war. Their name is derived from the country they inhabited ; and their origin principally from the Israelites, who were the ancient inhabitants of the land, and some colonies which Asserhaddon had settled in that region ; which colonies were afterwards by Manasseh the high priest of the Jews, under the auspices of his son-in-law Sanballat, the president of Samaria, converted to a belief in the law of Moses. Some of them still exist, especially in Egypt. They reject all tradition*, use only the Pentateuch, and firmly maintain that God should be worshipped, not in Mount Zion, but on the Mount Gerazim. They still expect Messiah, but as may reasonably be gathered from the expression of Christ to the Samaritan woman, " salvation is of the Jews" believe that he must spring from the race of Samaritans.

From these errors and differences among the wiser part of the Jews, there could not but result great corruption among the people ; which was increased in part by the false notions introduced by the Chaldeans and Greeks, and in part by those of other nations, among whom they were dispersed, particularly the Romans. The fountain of innumerable errors also was their preposterous attachment to the Oriental Philosophy ; whence came their Caballa. With all this, however, some relics of good still remained. Great was their /,eal to maintain the law of Moses. Nor can it be doubted that the Synagogues and Schools built in every province where they settled, contributed to preserve inviolate the law, and in some degree, to stop the progress of vice ; as did also that external form of worshipping God established by Moses, w r hich was less vitiated than the other parts of religion, though into it many foreign rites are supposed to have gradually crept. There was hardly a province throughout the Roman Empire where Jews might not be found ; and this in no small degree contributed, under the providence of God, to shame the superstition of the Gentiles and prepare the way for the Christian faith. In these foreign lands they were guarded indeed by the tolerance of the Roman laws ; but, they lived with those around them in constant hostility, despised for their weakness, and hated for their singularity in manners and religion.

Chapter II. Concerning The Life And Actions Of Our Saviour

Towards the close of the reign of Herod the Great, in the }'ear of Rome 748, and at the close of September, as the learned assert, the Son of God and Saviour of mankind descended upon earth. Of his earlier years we know but little, and nothing further with any certainty, than what is related in the inspired word of God. Writings have indeed appeared professing to give an account of his infancy, and the minute transactions of his earliest years ; but, containing as they do circumstances insignificant, and often contradictory, and rejected by the universal voice of the Church, they neither deserve, as they have never obtained any credit whatever.

Agreeably to the voice of prophecy, (Mai. iii. 1,) and to prepare the Jews for the coming of the promised Messiah, John the Baptist was commissioned by God as the forerunner of our Lord. Baptised by this prophet at the river Jordan at the age of 30, which was the legal period for assuming the priestly office, our Redeemer entered upon his mission of mercy. Of the miracles he wrought and the sufferings he endured, during the space of three years, in attestation of his divine power, and for the benefit of mankind, the Evangelists have given an ample account, with which it cannot be supposed any Christian is not familiar. To propagate his doctrines through the world, and to raise up witnesses of the most undoubted credit to attest the miracles aiuf wonders which he wrought, our Saviour chose from the lowest class of society twelve apostles^ (answering to the number of tribes,) who should always be about his person and attendant on his steps. To these he subsequently added seventy other disciples, (answering to the number of the Sanhedrim, a great national council) whom he sent before him to prepare the hearts of the people and to instruct them. Christ, while on earth; was a minister of the circumcision. He instructed in his own person none but the Jews, nor suffered his disciples to go beyond the land of Judea. (Matt. x. 5.) It is not however to be doubted, that the fame of his miracles extended itself abroad. Writers have indeed asserted, and Eusebius for the first, that a king of Edessa, Abgarus by name, was restored to health by his means ; that letters still extant passed between them^ and that the archives of that monarch's kingdom bear witness to the facts.

The history is more than doubtful, and the letters must be spurious, or else they must necessarily have formed a part of Holy Writ. But, the visit of the Magi, the reports they must have spread, the general expectation of the appearance of such a being, the terror of Herod, and the prevalent notion ut Judcea potirctur tend to prove the extent of his name and actions beyond the limits of the Holy Land. Multitudes of his countrymen acknowledged him the Son of God ; but dreading the consequences of his doctrine, and the loss of their power, the Pharisees and rulers resolve on his death. By the treachery of a disciple they succeed in their design, and hurrying him before the high priest and the Sanhedrim, they accuse him of treason and hlasphemy against God. Dragged from thence before Pilate the Roman Procurator, he is charged with sedition, and attempting the kingdom. With the reluctant consent of his judge he is condemned to death, and having finished the work for which he had come, he voluntarily submits to the death of the cross, pours forth his atoning blood, and surrenders his spotless soul into the hands of his Father. On the third day from the crucifixion he rises from the dead, affords his disciples an accurate examination for forty days of his person, gives them their commission as embassadors to mankind, and ascends into heaven*

Chapter III. Outward State Op The Church

Its Progress.

§1. On the tenth day after his ascension and agree* ably to his promise, our Lord exhibited to his disciples the first proof of his majesty and power by the effusion of the Holy Spirit in the form of fiery tongues. The consequences were immediate as they were great. The ignorance and mental blindness which appear previously to have possessed them are instantly dispelled. No longer are hopes of a temporal Messiah and earthly kingdom entertained. From timid and doubt* ful followers they are suddenly converted into bold and faithful preachers of their master's name. Animated by the conviction that the Divine presence would be always with them, possessed of the power of speaking in different tongues so necessary to their characacter as evangelists among the nations, and endowed with the faculty of working miracles when proper occasions should call for them, they were no longer the fearful and heart stricken group who at the seizure of their Lord had forsaken him and fled.