Letter 6: concerning ■> dissensione curruplaque discipliua Ecclesiai iini lli.

On the dissension and corrupted discipline of the Church of Spain. [Argument / chapter headings:] I. That certain bishops wrongly fall into discord with others on account of those who, having been converted from heresy, were received [back into communion]. — II. Concerning bishops ordained by Rufinus and Minicius in the churches of others, against the canons. — III. That the case of the bishop John be examined, and of others who refused the bond of communion. — IV. Concerning the faulty ordinations of many, so distinguished that what has been usurped up to now may be prohibited for the future. — V. That the complaint of Gregorius, bishop of Emerita, be investigated. — VI. Whom it is permitted to admit to the rank of the clergy, and what sort of men are to be chosen. And that even she who was a wife before baptism makes a man a bigamist. Innocentius, to all the bishops assembled in the synod of Toledo, his most beloved brothers, greeting in the Lord. I. The schism in Spain, and the contempt of the canons. — Often, when too great a care held me anxious over the dissension and schism of the churches, which report declares to be creeping more widely day by day throughout the Spanish provinces and to be advancing at a swifter pace, the necessary time has arisen at which so great a [...] could not [be left without] correction, and a fitting remedy ought to be provided. For our brothers, the bishop Hilarius and the presbyter Elpidius, moved partly by love of unity, partly being roused, as was fitting, by the destruction with which the province labors, came to the apostolic see, and in the very bosom of the faith [reported] that peace within the province had been violated, that the order of discipline had been thrown into confusion, and that many things had been committed against the canons of the fathers — with order despised and the rules neglected — in the usurpation of churches; and that they could not pursue, except with grief and groaning, the concord in which the whole stability of our faith consists. These things are recorded in the proceedings drawn up in the assembly of the presbytery, and can be furnished to you by reading. [Chapter 1.] 2. The bishops of Baetica separate themselves from the rest on account of the Galicians who had been received [back]. — Now first, as regards the faith itself: because the Baetican, or Carthaginian, bishops, on account of communion with the Galicians, separated themselves from the peace of all, a dissension arose; which not only was not diminished, but even is increased day by day through the zeal for contention, since, each one being set on obtaining what he wished, they have made of such animosity an eternal circle and round of evil — although for every good man in such matters it is better to be conquered than for an evil purpose to obtain by base means what once was resolved upon. For what other cause, even in earlier times, drew that Lucifer [of Cagliari], besides his obstinacy, away from concord with those who had condemned the heresy of the Arians by a prudent conversion? With the same zeal, when the detestable sect of Priscillian had deservedly been condemned by the consent of all, we have learned that some have most grievously endured [the readmission of] those received into the catholic faith who were converted by a sounder counsel; by which it is shown that even the very peace of the churches displeased them. For when by a resolve of unity Symphosius too, and Dictinius, condemning the wicked heresy, had been received, so that, such persons being removed, the inbred dissension might be utterly extinguished, there were found those to whom that very correction, rightly done, was displeasing. And now [...] 5. Some endure with hostile mind that the honors were preserved to those men. — For I ask: why have they grieved that Symphosius and Dictinius, and the others who condemned the detestable heresy, were then received into the catholic faith? [...] the churches are at variance, which conceal among themselves no slight animosity (or, they are discordant and turn aside into enmities). But if the correction had been kept by the priests with a sounder counsel, and the state of the catholic faith had remained whole and entire, and no scandal had corrupted the concord useful to all things [...] that is, [why are they unwilling], with their obstinate purpose, to hold the way of right and the path that leads to salvation? [4.] The force of unity, and the destruction of schism. — Wherefore your charity must labor, and the good priests must strive, that, with doctrine going before, all who are scattered may be gathered into the unity of the catholic faith; and that one body may begin to be unconquerable, which, if it be divided into parts, will lie open to all the injuries of laceration, and will of itself suffer an internal plague, when the very framework dashes against itself. But let the priests receive these things, written generally concerning the reformation of unity, as though written for each individual. Thereafter let your charity turn its attention, point by point, to the matters that will be proposed concerning all these things. Chapter II. — 5. Rufinus and Minicius usurped ordinations in the churches of others. — For it could not be hidden that the bishops Rufinus and Minicius usurped the ordaining of bishops in the churches of others, against the Nicene canons. Lest anyone dare to claim this for himself, it must at least now be provided for by us in a salutary way, lest by base usurpation a thing that is winked at grow strong toward the worse, and that become a rule out of custom which does not come from the very discipline that has been committed to writing. In which matter let the complaint of our brother and fellow-priest Hilarius be heard first, who asserted that Rufinus was engaged in every kind of attack against the peace of the churches, and had some time ago in the council of Toledo begged pardon for his error, and now, when the pontifical right of ordaining priests was owed to the metropolitan bishop, against the will of the people and the order of discipline had ordained a bishop in hidden places, and had thrown the churches into confusion with scandals. Thereafter the case of the bishops of Tarragona is to be dealt with, who in like manner complained that Minicius had ordained a bishop in the church of Gerunda; and according to the Nicene [canons] let there be a full examination also of those bishops who were ordained by Rufinus or by Minicius against the rules: so that, since they were wrongly made, they may understand that they cannot any longer hold that which they obtained by a faulty beginning. Chapter III. — 6. That John be deposed, if he does not cease to oppose the decree on receiving those returning to the Church, to which he had subscribed. — Concerning John also, the bishop, whose consent in the synod of Toledo was added through legates regarding the reception of Symphosius and Dictinius, and to whom that correction seemed approvable, let the things that afterward followed be examined. And altogether, concerning all those whose communion has come into doubt because of a cessation, let a full inquiry be tracked down, so that, according to the decree of the synod of Toledo, they may either be joined in the fellowship of communion in order to abolish the suspicion of schism, or, if any be caught who refuse the concord and the established resolutions, they may be cut off from the communion of the catholic faith by the sentences of your charity: so that now the evil may be seen not as an internal one, which, kept silent, never ceases, but as the manifest profession and contagion of schismatics. Chapter IV. — 7. Certain ordinations against the canons are to be tolerated for the sake of peace; but henceforth let them be void, and their authors deposed. — For concerning the ordinations which we know the Spanish bishops to celebrate, by the fault of a depraved custom, something ought to have been established according to the tradition of our elders, were we not to consider that we might stir up very many disturbances for the churches. Their deed we so reprehend that, on account of the number of those to be corrected, we do not call into question those things which have in any way been done, but rather leave them to the judgment of God. For how many of those who, after receiving grace, were occupied in the practice of the courts, do we find taken into the priesthood! — of whose number Rufinus and Gregorius are reported to be; how many from some military service, who, while obeying the powers, of necessity carried out commands! how many from the curiales, who, while they obey the powers, did the things imposed on them! how many who put on pleasures and public shows for the people, to have arrived at the honor of the highest priesthood! — of all whom not one ought to have come even to the fellowship of the order of the clergy. If we should order these matters to be examined one by one, we would bring upon the Spanish provinces, which we desire to heal, no slight commotions or scandals, out of the zeal for correction. Therefore we think these things should rather be remitted. But lest in future like things be committed, the maturity of your charity ought to provide that at least now a necessary end be imposed on so great a usurpation: by this rule, namely, that if any after this attempt to come, against the forms of the canons, either to the ecclesiastical order or to the priesthood itself, they, together with their ordainers, be deprived of the very order and rank in which they are found. Chapter V. — 8. Let the complaint of Gregorius of Emerita be heard. — Of Gregorius also, the bishop of Emerita, who was ordained into the place of Patruinus, of venerable memory, let the complaint, if there is any, be heard: and if contrary to his desert he has suffered some injury, let it be avenged upon those who grudge another's honor; nor hereafter let the spirit of faction rise up against any of the good men. Chapter VI. — 9. The Nicene rules in ordinations are to be observed. Who are to be barred from the orders. — And although, most beloved brothers, the Nicene rules are known to your charity, according to which you decree by your sentence that ordinations are to be performed, nevertheless I have thought that some part which is provided concerning ordinations ought to be inserted, so that according to this part ordinations are to be celebrated for the future, lest free judgment be left to anyone to interpret otherwise. And first, the things that are prohibited are set forth. That no one who has done military service after baptism ought to be admitted to the clerical order; nor those who have pleaded causes after receiving baptism; nor those who, after receiving the grace of God, have administered [public office]: nor can any of the curiales come to the ecclesiastical order, who after baptism have either been crowned [as presidents of games], or have undertaken what is called the priesthood [of the pagan games], and have celebrated public shows. For this too must be guarded against in the case of the curiales, lest the same men who were of the curiales be at some time reclaimed by their own curiae, which we frequently see happen. All which things, reasonably prohibited, ought by all means to be observed. 10. Who are to be chosen. A wife is not abolished [by baptism]. — But what sort are to be chosen into the order of the clergy, an evident rule has given: that is, those who from their earliest age have been baptized, and have been associated in the office of readers; or, if they be older, when they have obtained the grace of God, have bound themselves to the ecclesiastical orders by settling down. And if they have wives, it must be asked whether they took a virgin to wife: since it is written in the Old Testament, "Let the priest take a virgin to wife" (Leviticus 21:13); and elsewhere, "Let my priests marry once." Nor [is he to be admitted] who has had two wives (see the preceding letter, ch. 9), because the apostle Paul says, "a man of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2). Nor ought that thing to be admitted which some put forward and assert in defense of a depraved error — namely, that a wife taken before baptism ought not to be reckoned, because in baptism all things are remitted — since men of this sort do not understand that in baptism only sins are diminished, and the number of wives is not abolished. For if by God, as it is written, a wife is provided for a man (Proverbs 19:14), and "what God has joined, let man not separate" (Matthew 19:6; Genesis 2:24); and the very authors of the human race are blessed by the Lord in the beginning: how can these things be believed to be able to be remitted among sins? But if, according to those who so believe, it is true; then all righteousness which was wrought by catechumens before baptism will be taken away through baptism. Let no one therefore feel any such thing against the Apostle, nor admit it: but let him faithfully understand that "a man of one wife" is named whether before baptism or after baptism. For if a wife taken before baptism is not reckoned in the number, neither will the children begotten of the same be able to be numbered among the children. How absurd and foreign this is, your prudence will better judge. Whence let it be lawful to no one to interpret the divine Scriptures otherwise than right reason permits: lest, while they prepare iniquitous remedies for themselves as an excuse, they be judged both to have corrupted the law and to have overthrown the rules. But those things are to be held which both the series of the divine Scriptures contains and which have been instituted by the priests with sound reason. And in another hand: Farewell, most beloved brothers. [Editorial note: The same letter exists in a shortened (interpolated) form in the old collections of Pseudo-Isidore, with the following abbreviated argument and opening, which differ from the fuller text above:] The same letter [in abbreviated form]. I. On the repression (for "reproof") of the Spaniards who appoint clergy in a disorderly manner. — II. That advocates, or curiales, or men devoted to secular military service be not admitted to the clergy. — III. That whoever are ordained such be deposed together with their ordainers. — IV. What sort are to be chosen into the order of the clergy. — V. Concerning him who had a wife before baptism, and after baptism another — let him not become a clergyman. Innocentius, to all the bishops assembled in the synod of Toledo (several manuscripts: of Toulouse), his most beloved brothers, greeting in the Lord. Often, when too great a care held me anxious over the dissension and schism of the churches, which report declares to be advancing more widely day by day throughout Spain by a step of separation, the necessary time has arisen at which so great [an evil] could not be deferred from correction, and a fitting remedy ought to be provided. For concerning the ordinations which we know the Spaniards to celebrate by the fault of a depraved custom — and the rest follows as in the fuller example above, from number 8 to the end, except that the things contained in number 9 are also here omitted: so that, only the general decrees being retained, the rest, which pertain to particular cases or persons, are suppressed.

De ■> dissensione curruplaque discipliua Ecclesiai iini lli.spania'. I. Qnod episcopi nonnutli ab aliis ob rcceplos ab Itai- resi conversos perperam dissidcant. — II. De epu- copis a Rufino et Minicio in nticnis ecclesiis conlra canoncs ordinaiis. — III. L't Joauuis epi c pi cau- su exuinineiiir , aliurumq uc qtti cummunionis contur- liuin rcfiujiebunl. — |\ Dc viliosi) uiiilioruni or- dinaliouibus , iia diwiiiiuliin quw haclcnus Usurpata sunt , ut in posterum prolubcuiilur. — V. Ut Grega- rii Emeritensis episcopi qucrelu discuttutur. — VI. Quosnam ad clericntus ordincm admittcre lice.it : qittilesque eliqendi sint. El qttod bigamum faciat eliam illa qux ante buptismnm uxor fuil. I.nnocentius univeisis episcopis in Toletaua synodo conslitutis, dilecti-siniis fialiihus, in Domino sa- Inlem. I. In Uipunia scliisma. Et cunoiiunt conlemptus — Sajpe nie cl nimia i iini tenerel rura .solliciliiin siipi r !' dissensione et schiMiiaic Eci lesiaiuin , qnod pi:i" Hispanias laiins in dics scrpere ci cilaiiorc grailu inccilere farna prctlQquilUT ; necessarium tcji pus emersil, quo non posset einendaiio lania iliff. ni, el dchercl congiua medicina providcii. Nam lialrcs nostri ci episcupus c Hilarius, et Elpidius pie-hylcr, ]>aitim iiniiaiis ainore permoli, paitm ijna laloiat provincia pcruicie , ut uportiiit, evcilali, ad cdmi aposlolicaiu commcariinl , et iu ipso .sinu (iilci vio- latam inlra provinciam parem , disciplinrn ralionem esse confiisain , ei miilta conira cannnes pairuni, coiilempio ordine, regulisque neiileciis, iu usurpa- lione ecclesiariuii fuis^e commissa, ncc concordiam, in qua fidei nosir.x siabiliias lota cousisiit, posse cum dolore et gemilo prosecmi siinl: qu;e in consessu d presbylerii aclnrinn conlcctione reii- iieniur, et possunt vohis leciione mppstrari. Cap. 1. — 2. Episcopi Botici proplcr GulUrcios re- ceplos a civteris se sigregant. — Jain primtim, qiiod ad ipsam fidem aiiiuet, qnpd Bcctici vcl Caiihagi- neiises episcopi , propier Gallicioi iim coinmunio- oeni , a pacc oninium " ilisccihM unl , orta dissensio csi ; qune non solum non miniiilor , veiutn eliam per dies singulos tliidio cimienliouis augetiir, cuin, uh- linendi proposiio untisquisque quud vuluii , icier- niim orbem mali et circnluiu quciiidam ile lali ani- mositate fccerunt: cum utii|ue bono cuique in rehiis talibus vinci melius sil , qu un inalo mure piavuni " Iluuc liluliim ac subse.jtientes e Sinnondo , imn '' Jiiin anle coiiciliinn Tolelaouin l qucedain inler llispanos ohiiniier.it circa ordinationcs cieiicorum di-.^ensio. Quncirca Palruiniis episcopus in Imjui coneihi prouemio sic pr.rfaiur: Quotiium sinqnli cuc- piiiins in eccJesiis noslris facere tliccrsa, et iiide tunla scandala sunl . qivc u.sque ad schisma perveniuul , si placet, coniiiiuiii consilio deccrunmus quid ub omnibus cpiscuiiis in ordinaitdis clericis sit . i qaendum. Sed post coucilium iimx dicliiiii , ad hanc scliismaiis c.iusun accessil aliera, cuin ipios eadem synodus a Piiscil- liiini hiere i ad caiholicaiii coniinuuioneiu conversus in lioiiuribus suis ruce, eial . aduiiilerent alii , alii rejicicndu esse i oiiicide.-ent. Ouplici illi tanii mali caiism inederi niiiic iiinoceiiiius conaiur. '■ Inier eus, qiii Tulciano i coucilio subscrip-erunl, quario loco lcgilur Hilarius. D J id esl cleri Romani , lioe nomiiie repetito a di- gniuri giailu. Ad eiiniile:ii COuSKSSiliU maxiine inhii- jiisiuodi caosis, eliam convucari sulehani cpiscopi qiii Koime agebanl, " Iia inss. Corh. el Colb. Al apud Sirm. disscdc- runt. Resiiiueiidiiiii polius foret discesseruut. Autea iu ms. Corli. Gutliaruui , iu C> lh. t«(|ior«ui, Kuie loeo Gtillicorum scu Gulliccurum. lli ciiim siipeniis c.x Idacii Chronico andivimus , Gaflaci.c cpiscopi eranl Symphosiiis , Diclinius ci alii qui Tolelaua iu synodo Pnscilliani h&rcsim cum ipso aui -lore sua suliscri ptio.ie condemnarunt; quos iu paceiu reiep- tos iuiquo auinio lulisse Boeticos ei Cariliagim nses , aique ideo a c. leroiiim coiniitunione descivisse mi- nune 1 1 1 1 1 ii iu esl. Alla Grcg ■ ■ i-i n -. Khiicritaniis cpi- scopus in liostica prowiiciaJToial Liicilciiiiiu crroiis scmina. Neque slupeudutn esl ea ad laiioceiitii iciu pora infeliccm fructuin propagasse. 487 S. INNOCENTll I PAP^ 488 proposilum quod semel placnil obtinere. Nam qna> a permaneret.et nullum scandalum concordiam rebus a!ia causa , et superioribus temporibus, illius Lu- omuibus utilem corrupisset. cireri pneier perlinaciam fuil, quae eum retraxii a concordia ' illorum , qui Arianorum hacresim prti- denii conversione damnaverant? Eodem suulio, >' Priscilliani deiesiabili secta omnium merito consen- sione damnaia, receptns in calholicam fidem eos , qni consilio saniore conversi sunt, aegerrime aliquos tulisse cognovimus: quiluis lacliim uiile el ipsam eccb-siarum pacem displicuisse delegimr. Nam cum uniiais proposito ipsi quoque c Symphosiiis atque <• Dictiuitis , damnanles pravam haeresim , sinl recep- li, ui personis lalibus amputatis exslingneretur pe- nitus innala dissensio; invenli sunt quibus recle facia (Mss. facit) ipsa corrcctio displiceret. Ei nunc 5. Ilonores illis servalos aliqui iniqno animo ferunt. — Qnseroenim, quaredoluerinl Symphosium atque Dictinium, aliosque, qui deieslabtlem haeresimdnm- naverunt, recepios in fidem calholicam luncfuisse? ecclesiie dissidenl, qu;e non modica a se animosi- jj lioesl, viam recti et iler quod dirigal ad saluiem, tate dissimulant (Seu discoidani et in simullates ah- proposilo pertinaciae nolle relinere? euni). Quod si saniore consilio a sacerdolibns fuisset i. Unitatis vis, et sclnsmalis pernicies. — Quarein- custodha correclio; ei slatus catholicac lidei inleger cumbendum est dilectioni veslrae, et bonis sacer- » In mss., cum illorum. Iniessrior csset sententia in litinc modiini : cnm illorum qui Arianorum hwresim prudenti convevsione damnaverant, lum illorum qui sa- tisfaclionem eormn susceperant. De eatiem re Sulpi- cius lib. It ila loquilur ': Lucifer in laiitmn eos qui Arimiiii fueranl condemnavil, ut se ub eorutn eiiam cominunionesecreverit, qui eos sub satisfaclionevel pcc- nileniia recepissent. Et cui, inquil Augu-tiniis episl. 185. n. 47, hiqusmodi indnlgenlia dispttcuit, in tene- bras incidit schismalis, amisso luminc charitalis. Qui- bus in lociscum schisma lantum Innocentius, Sulpi- cius ei Angnsiinus Lucifero exprohrent, unis ejus discipulis, non ipsi, tribuendus videiur error, qno baptisma iterareausi sunl. 1> Sirm. el Ln\i.,posi Priscilliani detestabilemsectam omnium detesltiiione damnatam. Prneposilio post ahesl Symposius, qui synodo Csesarangusiaiise anno 580 adversus Priscillianistas babilrc subscripsii. Qno pa- cio Syinphnsiiis, Uictiniiisel socii errorem conlessi, et prnfe-si fidein , ad catholicam communionem ad- mis-i sint , in concilin quoil suli Leone p pa habitum est, eTolelnii concilii gesiis loin. II Concil. Lab. p. 1229 et seqq. explicalur. In ca autem senlentia, qtiamToletani patres Ue llis ferunt, noiandum , quod Paterno, ut ecclesiam in qua consiitutus fuerat le- nerel, pennitientes, addunt, recepturi eiiam (eum) in nostram communionem, cuin sedes apostolica rescri- psent; idemque de reliquis Galhcci* episcopis, qui semper in Symphosii coinmunione perstiterani , de- cemenies, simulel eos exspeclare volunl puri exem- plo. qitid papa qui mtnc est,quid S. Simplicianiis Me- dioianensis episcopus reliquiqne ecclesiarum rescribant sacerdoies. Uln obiier observare licei Ronianum epi- scoiiuoi simplici pnpa; nomine de.-ignaium. Prose- quiioiiir Toletani paires : Stjmpliosius autem senex 'religiosus, qui quod egentsiipru scripsimns, in ecclesia sun consistal... inde (id est, a papa el ah episcopo Mediolan.) exspeclabit communiotiem , unde prius spem futurcepacisacceperal. Quod observandum etiam Diciinio et Anterio esse decrevimus. I um proxiine sequiiur : Conslituimus auiem, prius quam tllis per pupam (en rursum paptc noinen pro Komano ponti- iico) vel per S. Simplicianum commuiiio reddiutr, non episropos, non presbyteros, non diuconos ab illis ordi- nandos. Ctirseiiientiam dr omnihus episcopis illis iia jeruut, ut exspectari velini, donec iisdem coinmunio lilleris aposlolicie sedis alque antistitis Mediolanen- sis reddalur? Lucem huic quaeslioni conferunt simi- lia decrela tum concilii Carlhaginensis aimo 101, Junii lSdie, habili, liun allerius eodem anno Se- pleinbris 15 die celebrali, quihus, uti viilere cst in Oudice c:m. Eccl. Afr.,c. b5, Alri ad Anaslasium Ko- manum poulificem et Veneriuin Mediolanensem epi- scopum iniitendiini esse conslituiinl, ul ei infanies C sisque priesiiliim commuiiionein , quia deiisetiam jam ex illis sedibus (|uoddam judicii genus pneces- serat, quatenus Ambrosius et Siricius iis quasdam pacis condiliones liiteris pr.rscripseranl. Umle Hi- spanoriiui de Vegfliuo alisolulior cst senlenlia in liiinc moiluni : Veyetinum antem, in qnem nulla spc- cialiter dicla fueral ante senlenlia, tlutu professione qitatn synodus accepit, statuimiis comtnitnioiii nostrie esse reddendum. '' Ille Dicliiiiiis Priscilliani placila non mndo sccu- tuserat; si-d el libris asserueral. Poslmodnm vero in conciliO Toletauo quaecumque inale vel senserat vel scripserat delestatus, di\iL : Oninem prirstimplio- nem tneum de scriptis meis arguo alque coudemno. lit mox : Ileium repeto, in pr.ori coiiip.elieiisioue m a et in principiis conversionis tneiv quwciimque conscripsi, omnia me lolo corde respnere.... Excepto nomine Dei ottviia anatlieintitizo... Oiiinia quoe inveniuntur contra fidem cuin ipso auctore condemno. lllius lanieu sci ipla Nam el sanctits Daiid, inquit, de criininibiis iiioriife- ris pieiiilentiam agii, et tanien in honore sito persiiiit : et bealiiin Pelruin, qnando amarissimns lacrymns fudit, uliqtie Dominum nesciisse pwnituit, et tnmeii apostotus intinsil. 489 EPISTOL^E ET doiibns adnitendiim.quaiemispr.veiinte doctrina " in A unitaiem calholicat fidei onmes qni dispersi suntcon- gregentnr; et esse inexpugnabilc iinum corpus inci- pi.it, qund si separeturin partes, adomnes patebil Iacerationis injurias, et ex sese pesteni patieiur in- ternam, quando secum compago ipsa conlligit. Sed liaec generaliter de unilatis reformatione nniues, lamiiuaiii singulisscripta sint, accipiant sacerdoies. Dehinc iu paries aiiinium super omnibus dileciio veslra qnoe propnnenlur inlendat. ,; Cap. II. — 5. Rufuius el Minicius usurparunt ulie- nis in ecclesiis ordinaliones. — Non enim lalere po- tuit, quod Huliiiiis aique Minicius episcopi in alienis ecclesiis, couira Nicsenos canones, episcopos usur- paverunt ordinare. Ilxrc (Nicam. can. i, 6et 16) ne quis sibi audeat vimlicare , saliein nunc a nobis est B saluluiier providendum : ne improba b usurpalione dissiinulaiiii in deterius conv:ilescat , et fiai de con- suetiidine regula, qua; non veniat ab ipsa quje litleris mandaia est disciplina. Qna in re Ililarii fratris et consacerdoiis noslri querela pi imitns audiatur, qui asseruit Kufinum cwnra ecclesiarum pacem omni oppiignatione fnisse versalum, et diidum in concilio • Tolelano erroris sui veniatn postulasse, el nunc, cum metropnliiano episcopo ordin.indi d sacordotes poniilicium debereiur, contra pupuli voluntitem et discipluuc rationem, episcopum locis abditis ordi- nasse, ecclesias scandalis miscuisse. Deliinc Tarra- conensiura epUcoporum est causa tractanda, qui pari iiiodo Miniciuin in Gerundensi ecclesia episco- pum ordinasse conqnesti sunt; et juxia Nicsenos C Illorum eiiam episcoporum, <j ui a Riifino vel a Mini- " Qua scilicel et sohismaiis seu haeresens perver- siias ei catholic:c fidci reciiiiido coinprobeulur, ut lenebras erroris lux verilatis expellat, inquit Allgtisli- nus epist. 93, n. 5, atque Ecclesia potius correctos, qiiam perversos suscipere videatur. Episcopns cujiisqiic provinci.i! ciira metroyolilani consensum ordinari veiant concilium Laodirennm chi. 12, Nicaeniiin can. 4el 6, Anliochenum can, 19. Vidc el Ki-naiidiim liieviar. can. c. i. Episcopi ai»- lem in abditis locis ereatio Saidieensis eoncilti canoni 0 adversaiur. eEiun,i|iii ila fuerit oidinatiis, episcnpum esse non debere Nic.ena synodus cm. 6 declarat. Quod et Aiitiochcnnm concilimn cau. 13 conlinnans, iusuper ei iii uiirpaia: ordinationis anciores Uepositiunis poe- nim decernit. Patkol. XX. DECRETA. 490 cio conlra regnlas ordinali siinl. habeaiur plena dis- cussio : ul quia pcrperam facli siinl, inlelliganl id, quod vitioso initio adcpti sunt, se dinlius obiinere non posse. Cap. III. — 6. Ut abdicetur Joannes, si decrcio de recipienitis ad Ecctesiam redcuntibus, cui subscripseiat, repugnare nondesinal. — Pe Joanne quoque episco- po, cujus in synodn Toleiana super recepiis Sym- puo-io atque Pictinio per legatos conscnsus accessit, et cui prohahilis visa illa correclio, examinentur qua: poslea sunl secuta. Et prorsus super ouinihus, qiiorum in diibinm venit de cessatinne communio, plena inquisitio vesligeiur, ut secundiim decrelum synodi Tolelanae, velcommunionis cnnsoriio prnpter abolendam suspicionem schismalis misceanlur, vel si qui fueiint deprehensi qui f abnuant co> cordiam el constiliiia placitorum , a cominunione ratholicx lidei pcr dileciionis vestr:e sentenlias abdicentur : utjam non inieriinm malum, quod tacilum non de- sinit 8 semper, sed scbismalicorum iiiamfesia pro- fessio coniagioque viletur. Cap. IV. — 7. Ordina.iones quadnm contra cano- nes, pacis ercjo toleranda: Sed deinceps irritm sinl. et emum anctores deponendi. — Nam deordinalionibus, quas pravsc consuetudinis vilio llispaniinses enisco- pns celebrare cognoscimus, fueral alii|iiid secundum majorum traditionem slatuendum , nisi perpendere- mus ne perturhaiiones h qnam pluriinas ecclesiis nioverenms. Quoruni faclum ita rcprebendimus, ut propter numerum corrigendorum ea , quse quoqno niodo lacla snnl , in dubium non vocemus, sed Dei potius judicio dimittamus. Quanlos enim ex his, qui poslacceplam ' gratiam in forensi exercitatione ver. ' Corb. ms., qui abnegant. 6 Apud Lah. ei Sirui., iioii desinil serpcre, uhi in niss. non desinil semper, fnrle pio, non se sinit sem- per. Neinpe Innocentius nolens quemquam quavis iu- lerni mali suspicione, sed lantiim uhi manifesta est ejus professio, vilari , aptam rationem reduit, «juia malum iniernum non seinper laciliim :iut intiis con- lineri se sinit, sed eruiupere landeni ac verhis aut gestis prnderesc solei. E> >'|ne pacto grave cavet m- commodum, in quo<l lapsi erant llliaciani schisma- tici , seu qiii eoruni hoilatn in Hispanias a Maxinio imp. ad ini|uircnilos Priscillianislas inissi fuerant, de quilius Sulpicius hajc biieris mnndavit : ISec du- bium ernt, quin sanctorum maximam pariem tempestas illa depopulatura essei, pnno discrimuie inter liominum genera. Etenim lum sotis oculis judicabatur , cum quis pallorc potius aul vesle, quam ftde, hcereiicus existima- relur. II. 14 scnliit : Cum idem morbus plurimos occupai crii, nilid aliud bouis restat, qnam dolor ei gemilu*. Nam tunc, iuquii paulopost, consilia separulionis et immia sunl el pemiciosa alque sacrilega; q-ia el impiu et su- perbi 1'tiinl, ci plus pcilurbant in/irmos boims, qunm corrigunt animosos nt-.los. Qoocirca et subiude inun. 16, et epist. al. 64, iiune 2"2, n. 5, qu 1111 circunispe- cie cori ipienda sii niuliiiuilo explical. Quod quamvis de populi mnliitudine pmprie dictiim , ad oinnem delinqiienl um uiulliludinem apie accunuuodetur. • Vox bupusmi, quse hic apud Sirm. clLiib. addi- 16 491 S. INNOCENTH 1 PAPJE 492 sali sunl, et obtinendi a pertinaciain suseeperunl, \ servandtc. Qui ab ordinibtts arcendi. — Et qunmvis adsciios ad sacerdotium esse comperimus! e quorum iitimero Kiiflnus et Gregorius perhibentur ; quaiitos cx aliqua militia, qui cum potesiatibus obeilirent, J> neeessario praeeepta stint exsecuii ! qunnlos ex cu- rialibus, qui iliim parent polestalibus, qune sibi sunt imperata fecerunl! quanlos qui volupiaies et edilio- tiones c populo celebraruni, ad bonorem summi sa- ccrdotii perveuisse I qubruih omnium neiiiiiiem ne ad socielatem quidem oidinis cleiicorum oportuerat pervenire. Qu.e si singula disculienda mandemus, non modicos motus aut scandala Hispaniensibiis pro- vinciis, quibus mederi cujiimus, dc studio emciida- lionis inducemus. Idcirco remiitenda haic poiius puiamiis. Sed ne deinceps similia cominiitinliir, dileeiioni vestra;, fr.ilres cniissimi, regul* Nic.vnas sint cognila?, seciinduin quas ordinationes faciendas esse per sententinm f decernilis; lamen aliquain partem, qua? de ordinalionibiis cst provisa, inseren- dam pulavi, i ut secundiim banc ordinationes in posterum celebiandas, ne cui inierpretnndi aliter liberum arbili ium relinqualur. Ac primiim qflse sunt probiliiia digerunlur. Ne quispiam , i|tii posl bap- tisinuin inililaveril , ad ordinem debeat clericalifs admiiii ; uequequicausas post accepiuin bapiismum egerint; aul qui posl aeceptam Dei gralinrn admi- nislraverint : neque de curialibus aliquein venire ad eeelesiasiicum ordinem posse, qni post hapiisniHhl vel coronaii b fuerint, vel sacerdoiium quod dicitur dileclionis vesine maluritas providere dcbebii, ui B siisiinuciini , el cdiliones |iublie:is crlebraverinl. tantae usurpationi saltein nune finis irecessariUs im- ponalur : eo videlicel c uistilulo, d ut si ipii posl haec adversus fonnas caiionuin vel ad ecclesiasticum ordiiiein, vel ad ipsum sacerdoiium venire teniave- rini, uiia cum creatoribus suis ipso, in quo iuvenii fueriut, oidine et bono e privcnlur. Cap. V. — 3. Cregorii Em-ril. guerela auttiatur. — Gregorii etiatn Enieritonsis episcopi, qtri iii lo- ciiin P\truini e venorabilis recordalinnis cst ordini- tus, querelaj si qua est, audiaiur : cl si conlra ineri- tum soiiio passus esl iojunam , in inviilos bonoris alterms vindicettir : nec pnsthac iu quemqunni bo- noriini spirilus faclionis iusiirgat. fjAP. VI. — 9. Nicceriee regultp. in ordinationibus tnr, exsial quidem indecurlatisepisiolob linjusexem- 1 plaribus, sevl in integris reticetur. Qooinoloin epi- sioli supenori n. 5, p'»s< remissionem peeealorum, it.-i nunc post accepiam gratiam idem souat qtiod posl acceptuin baptismuui. Graiiiv noinioe baiilismum pariier designai Leoopisi. 18, n. 4, ubi srribit: Ipsa igitur operis (iiinliias docet celebrandtv generaliter gra- liatl Uie.ii celebrnndi baplismi) cnm esse legitimum diem, quu scilicet Cbnstus septiltns rcsurrexit. liursum infr.i [iinocenliHS n. 11, sieut et Gyprianus epist. 70, ad Magnum , et Dainasus epist. 9, n. 1 , baptismum graliam 'Bei vocant-, Idem sacrameiitum ali.s, immo Innocenlio ipsi gratiam Cliristi et gratix Chrisiiaiur sucramcntum appellare familiare est. " Hic nolari vulentur aclores cntisnriim, qui licet iniquas iuierdiini susci|iintn , eas lamen eloquentia: vi :ie perliiiaci stodio olnineie nitiintur. Nam ei boe de curialilius est cnvendum, ne iidem qui ex curialilius fuerint, aliquandn a suis ciiiiis , quod frcquenter videmus accidere, reposciintur. Qua; oninia ralionabiliter probibita nporiet modis onmi- bus custodiri. i0. Qui eligendi. Vxvrum bapiisintim non aboleri. — Quales vero eligendi sint in ordine clericortim , evidens fonna dei Inrai : id est, <|iii ali ineunle :eiate bnplizali fucrinl, et ' leciormn officio sociali ; vel si inajores sini, ciim fucrinl Dei giatiam consccuti, slaMili se ceclesbislicis ordinibus in:incip:irinl. Et si nxnres habueriot, qii;erendnin si nxorem virginem accenorint : quin seriptuni cA in vcieri Teslainento, Vxorem virginem accipiat sacerdos (Levit. xxi, 15); suminai iiini ca|iiluliiiu Innoceniii explicans tcxtuni. In iisoeVii libris niox pro 'crealbrtbus Siibsfltulurh cst unliihiioribns. '■ Qui Palruinum , cujus in prafatione Toleiani i concilii nninen legiiur, quique eidem prinius sub- seripsit, Toletanum episcoputti arbiirati sum, boc loco emendanlin'.. Giegorius vero successoiein bn- buisse viiletur Aiiioniniun, quein ldacius fnChronico olymp. 51)0. n. 21, EmerilenseiH eeclesiam eo lem- pore, quo Tiiiibius Astiiricenseni, hoc esl Leonis a'iate, rexisse tradit. S Oralionis series liic posiulal el secumlum. E( quideni anliqiiariis ut pro el, ac vicissiin cl pro nt, frequeus escidit. Vetus est hic lapsus, queni resar- ciie volens Isidorus Merc. post verbuui celebrandas, aibliilit esse sciamus. Ex ejus exemplaribus idem ciiur, proecepta sunt cxsecuti, qua niox, quwsibi snnt „ addiiameninm translatum est in Novioinensein cid- imperata fecerunl. Uiro |iie iu loco militise et curia: lectionis llispanaj codicem, noi: in Laudunense col- adsirictos, ad ea agenda riiiic aclero cos arcennt, leciionis ejusdem exempluin. Siricii epist. i , n. 15: Qiiicumque se Ecclesim bovit obsequiis ab infanlia sua... LECTORUM clebct of/icio sociari ;el nuin. 1-i : Qui vero jam atate grandarns. . co quo bapthatur lempore statim lectorum atil e.ro>ri- starum numero societur. cogi solere sigoifieainr. Apinl Graiiiiiiiiin dist. 51, C. 4, Tolelani i euncilii eanon 8 itn inlerpolatus exliibetur : Si guis post baptismum militaverit, el clilitmyitcm sumpserit uui cingutum adnecandos fideles (tria postrema veiba in Toletaui concilii codicibus non exstant)-, eliamsi graviora uon atlmisciii, si ad clernm admissul fnil.diaconi mm suscipiat dignitatent. Eailem nulem prajjinlicnla opi -iio, qme biijiis cairo- nis inicrpolationi locnni dedit, etinin ut bic vox se- vcra adjiceretur, videtnr in causa fuisse. '' In exemplaribus lsid. bie ndjicitur, itl quicum- que tates ordinati fuerinl, cnm ortlinuloribus sitis de- ponantur : quod merum est scliolion ninrginnle scu 4 5 EPISTOLjE et dixreta. 494 cl alibi, Sucerdoles mei semel nubant. NoqiiR qui diias \ duncnsi el Bellovaccnsi colleciionis Hispana>, et uxorcs habuerit (Yide epislolam superiorem. :i. 9), quia Patilus apostolus ail, Unius uxoris vinim (I Tim. lii, 2). Nec illnd deberc adiniui, qvtod aliquami pro defensione pravi erroris opponunl et assenini, qnod anle haplismum uxor accepta non debcai impuiaii, quia in baptismo omnia dimittuntur; non intelligen- tcs hujusmodi, quod sola in baplismo peccata di- ininuntur, nec uxorum nuuieriis abolciiir. Nam si a Deo, n l scripnnu csl , prupuralHr viro uxor (Prov. xix, 14), el qnod Devs junxil, homo non scpnret ( Matih. xix , <j ; (hn. i , 28) ; ct ipsi auclorcs gencris liuinani in originc a Doniino benedicunliir : quonmdo inter peccata, isia credunlur posse diinilii? Quod si secundum illos qui ila credunt verum esl; ergo qualis in Romana ponlifieiaiuin cpistolaruin cdi- lione ac priscis concilioi uni vulgaia csl. 1. De Spaniorum repressione (pro ripieliensione) qui inordinate constilituiil clericos. — II. U t cuusidici, vel curiales, vel sceculari militice dediti ad clerum non udiniltanlur. — III. Ut qnicumque tales ordi- nali fuerint, cum ordinatoribus suis deponanlur. — IV. Quales eligendi sunt in oidinc clericorum. — V. De eo qui ante bapli mum uxorcm habuerit, et posl bnptismum aliani, clericus non fiat. Innocentius universis episcopis in Tolelana (plures mss. Tolos:;na) synodo coiisiiiuiis dilcciissiniis fra- iribus in Domiuo salutem. Soepe me ct nimium cuin leneret cura sollicituni oninis jusiitia, qux a c.iiechunienis anle baplisnuim T? SuPer dissensionis schismale ecclesiarum, quod ma- fiient operaia, per bapiisinum auferetur. Nullus ergo contra Aposlolum lalc aliquid seniial, nec adinillal : sed (ideliler inlelligat, unius uxoris virum sive anlc bapiisniuin sive posl bapiisnnim csse iiomiii:iiuin. Si cnini uxor ante baplisiiuim aecepta non dncilur in niiineruni , ncc filii ex eadcni suscepti iuter filios poternnl nunierari. Qood quani absurdnni sil alque alienum, prudentia vesira nielius usiimabil. Uudc neinini liceat inlerprelari aliler ilivinas Scripluras, nisi quod recia raiio permittil : ne dum " reniedia sibi iniqua ad excusalioncm pra?parant , et corru- pisse legem, et regulas evenisse judiceiiliir. Sed ea lenenda sunt, qusc el divinaruni Scriptiirarum series continet, et a sacerdolibns uiili ratione sunt insii- tuta. Et alia manu. Bene valeie, fralres charissiini. C EPISTOLA EADf<M. Gujusmpdi deciirlata exstat in veteribus Isidori Mer- liim per Spanias laiius in dies separationis giadu inecderc fania prosequilur; necessarium leinpus emcrsit, quo non possit emendalio lanla diffrrrj, et deberel congrua medicina provideri. Nam deordina- lionibus, quas pravaB co:;siieiudinis vilio Spanienses, cl reliqua deinceps ul in superiore exemplo a num. 8 itsque ad finem, nisi quod num. 9 conlcnla, ctium hic praHermittunlnr : adio ut solis retentis gencralibus decretis, ctvlera qute ad cuasas personasve singularcs attinent, suppre sa sinl.