MR. HABENS' LECTURE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 2345, 29 June 1868, Page 3

MR. HABENS' LECTURE.

TO THE EDITOR OP TIIE LYTTELTON TIMEB. Sir—l trust you wi'l allow me space to reply to the letters of Mr nabens and "Vindex," which appeared in your paper this morning. Mr Habens treats Ven. Bede's testimony as" untrustworthy." But what Yen. Bede states is proved by nearly every kind of document. Jn the ancient work, Liber Landavensis, or Llyfer Teilo, reference is made more than once to the letter sent by Lucius to the Pope, and to his subsequent conversion by messengers sent from Rome; it even mentions the names of the king's ambassadors to Pope Kleutherius, viz., Elfan and Medwy. It is also mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Geoffry of Mon- • mouth (1. 4, c. 19,20) refers to a work published by Gildas in confirmation of the above. Also, Nennius in his history of the Britons, bears witness to the same purpose. But the most important testimony is that of Gotcelinus who tells us that the British Bishops in their reply to St Augustine authorised their observances, "by the authority of the Holy Pope Eleutherius their first founder." The Triads also give further proof to the same. Mr. Habens states" so far were the churches of that age from acknowledging the papal supremacy." I maintain, on the contrary, that the Church has always acknowledged the supremacy. I will only produce evidence in favour of it up to the fourth century. Clement, who was cotemporary with St, Peter, has a remarkable passage upon this point, which is too long to quote here. Ignatius, who was a disciple of the Apostles, also bears witness to the same. St. Irenseus, who had been instructed by Polycarp, speaking of Rome,states," to whin, every church is bound to conform, by reason of its superior authority." Tertullian, speaking of the bishop of Rome, calls him the "blessed Pope, the high priest, the apostolic prelate" The third century offers us a remarkable example in Pope Stephen's decision in Cyprian's case. In fact I may ask, what is the history of Christianity but a continuous record of the supremacy? Mr. Habens, in attempting to defend his statement respecting William the Conqueror, is still in error. How could Lanfranc obey William rather than the Pope, when, as I shewed in my last, it was only at the positive command of the Pope that he consented to accept the see of Canterbury ? William did not like the prelate's journeying to Rome, hut Lanf ranc insisted upon this, and William was obliged to obey. Gregory VII told William that he had much to complain of in his conduct. William reformed, and was eventually honoured by Gregory with the character of a " Jewel of a Prince." I must add a few words regarding the statements of" Vindex." I think the adage witli which he opens his letter may with safety be applied to himself. I was fully aware that the Popes were not personally present at the two councils I mentioned. Now, as regards the strong term " positively false assertions," I believe " Vindex" will have to apply them to himself. In the Council of Aries, at the conclusion of the sittings, the canons were sent to the Pope to be confirmed. In the letter which the prelates addressed to the Pope, you will find these words " joined with the common hand of charity, and witli the tie of unity of our Holy Mother the Church, we salute the most religious Pope with deserved reverence." The letter goes on to say that they communicate their determinations to the Pope " that these may be made known to all by him who holds the mightiest diocese." In the preamble to the canons they tell the Supreme Pontiff tliat what had been done they made known to him, —" in order that all may know what to observe hereafter." At the Council of Sardicn, Osius,who had before presided at the Council of Nice, here sat as president in place of the Pope. At this Council, in most express terms, the Pope is called head; Rome is declared to he the see of Peter, "It will be seen to be best and most proper if the priests of the Lord from each particular province make reference to their bead—that is, to the seat of Peter, the apostle." In the words of " Vindex," I invite " his special attention " to the acts of the above Councils. Your obedient servant, BETA.