Chapter VIII.—Let nothing be done without the bishop.
See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Jesus Christ does the Father, and the presbytery
as ye would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as being the institution546 of God. Let
no man do anything connected with the Church without the bishop. Let that be deemed a
90
proper547 Eucharist, which is [administered] either by the bishop, or by one to whom he
has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people]
also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church. It is not lawful without
the bishop either to baptize or to celebrate a love-feast; but whatsoever he shall approve of,
that is also pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be secure and valid.548
See that ye all follow the bishop, even as Christ Jesus does the Father, and the presbytery
as ye would the apostles. Do ye also reverence the deacons, as those that carry out [through
their office] the appointment of God. Let no man do anything connected with the Church
without the bishop. Let that be deemed a proper549 Eucharist, which is [administered] either
by the bishop, or by one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the bishop shall appear,
there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as where Christ is, there does all the
heavenly host stand by, waiting upon Him as the Chief Captain of the Lord’s might, and
the Governor of every intelligent nature. It is not lawful without the bishop either to baptize,
or to offer, or to present sacrifice, or to celebrate a love-feast.550 But that which seems good
to him, is also well-pleasing to God, that everything ye do may be secure and valid.
546 Or, “command.”
547 Or, “firm.”
548 Or, “firm.”
549 Or, “firm.”
550 Some refer the words to the Lord’s Supper.
Chapter VIII.—Let nothing be done without the bishop.
232
Chapter VIII.—Let nothing be done without the bishop.