(107) with theArmenians ; and theAfricans, when the Gothes had conquered them, erc. 3. There were fom,e Bifhops that lived on the Borders of the Empire, under Heathens, that needed the help of Neighbour Churches, and accordingly were oft with them, craving their help : So it was with the old Bri- tans, as to the Bifhops of France. ç. There were fore fmall Countries adjoining to the Empire, who took the Friendfhip of the Roman Power for their great Honour and fafety, and therefore were glad to conform in Religion to the Empire, and to let their Bifhops join with them. 5. And there were fame Neighbour Countries who were turned to Chriftianityby the Emiffaries of the Bi- fhop of Rome ; who therefore (rejoicing alto in fo pow- erful a Patronage) were willingly his Subje6ts : But this was long after the firft great Councils. There two l;ft were the Saxons cafe in England. Accordingly you may fometimes find two or three out of fuch Countries at fome of the General Councils of the Empire. Which yet were called General but as to the Empire, andnot as to the World. To proceed in the Hiftory : When Chriflians were (moftly) exempted from the Magiftrates Judicatures (that were moil Heathens, though under a Chriftian Prince,) and fo the Bifhops Canons were to them, as the Lazes of the Lznd are to us, it is no wonder that Councils muff then be very frequent, and Canons of great effeem and hereupon Bithops byprofperity growing more and more worldly and carnal, made ufe of their Synodical Power, as is aforefaid, to accomplifh their own Wills So that the Synods of Bifhops became the great Incen- diaries and Troublersof theEmpire. Youneed no more O z to
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=