Chapter XLIV.—The ordinances of the
apostles, that there might be no contention respecting the priestly office.
Our apostles also
knew, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and there would be strife on account
of the office189189
of the episcopate. For this reason, therefore, inasmuch as they had
obtained a perfect fore-knowledge of this, they appointed those
[ministers] already mentioned, and afterwards gave instructions,190190 that when these should fall asleep,
other approved men should succeed them in their ministry. We are of opinion,
therefore, that those appointed by them,191191 or afterwards by other
eminent men, with the consent of the whole Church, and who have
blamelessly served the flock of Christ in a humble, peaceable, and
disinterested spirit, and have for a long time possessed the good opinion
of all, cannot be justly dismissed from the ministry. For our
sin will not be small, if we eject from the episcopate192192
those who have blamelessly and holily fulfilled its duties.193193 Blessed are those presbyters who,
having finished their course before now, have obtained a fruitful and
perfect departure [from this world]; for they have no fear lest any one
deprive them of the place now appointed them. But we see that ye have
removed some men of excellent behaviour from the ministry, which they
fulfilled blamelessly and with honour.