The History of the Church of Christ (Volume 3) (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1797. Excerpt: ... CHAP. II. THE STATE OF THE CHURCH IN OTHER PARTS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, TILL THE DEATH OF JUSTIN, INCLUDING THE LIFE OF CAESARIUS. IN the beginning of this century Alaric king of the Visigoths reigned at Toulouse, and was sovereign of a kingdom on the confines of France and Spain, though afterwards, by the victorious arms of the Franks, the Visigoths were confined to the latter country Most of his subjects were of the general Church, and he himself was an Arian; yet he treated them with great humanity, and gave leave to the bishops of his kingdom to meet together at the city of Agde. Twenty-four bishops assembled, the president of whom was Caesarius, bishop of Aries. They made a number of canons, relating to discipline and Church-externals, two or three particulars of which may be mentioned. " All clergymen who serve the Church faithfully shall receive salaries proportionable to their services." This rule, so simple and general, was the ancient provision for the maintenance of pastors. But, by another canon of this council, clergymen are allowed, provided they have the bifliop's leave, to reserve to themselves the revenues of the Church*, saving its rights, but without the power of giving away or alienating any part; and here is the origin of benefices. " In all Churches the creed shall be explained to the competents-f - on the fame day, a week before Easter, AU such laymen as shall not receive the communion three Fleury, B. XXXI. i. Vol. IV. f Who seejn to have been those who applied for baptisin. three times a year, at the three great festivals *, shall be looked on as heathens. Oratories may be allowed in the country to those who live at a great distance from the parish-churches, for the ease and convenience of their families; but they must appear at their parish-ch.