Chapter XI. Of the Supremacy of St. Peter and his Successors

What is the Catholic doctrine as to the Popes supremacy?

It is comprised in these two articles: 1. That St. Peter by divine commission was head of the Church of Christ. 2. That the Pope or Bishop of Rome, as successor to St. Peter, is at present head of the Church, and Christ’s Vicar upon earth.

How do you prove St. Peter s supremacy?

First, From the very name of Peter or Cephas, which signifies a rock, which name our Lord, who does nothing without reason, gave to him, who before was called Simon, to signify that he should be as the rock or foundation upon which he would build his church. According to what he himself declared, Matt. xvi. 18, when he told him, “ Thou art Peter " (that is, a rock), 44 and upon this rock will I build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

2ndly. From the following words, Matt. xvi. 19, 64 1 will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heav?n." Where, under the figure of 44 the

60 Supremacy of St. Peter keys of the kingdom of heaven,” our Lord ensureth to Peter the chief authority in his church; as when a king gives to one of his officers the keys of a city, he thereby declares that he makes him governor of that city.

3rdly. From Luke xii. 31, 32, “ The Lord said Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, and when thou art converted strengthen thy brethren." In which text pur Lord not only declared his particular concern for Peter, in praying for him that his faith might not fail; but also committed to him the care of his brethren, the other apostles, iu charging him to confirm or strengthen them.

4thly. From John xxi. 15, &c., “ Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith to him, Feed my Lambs. He saith to him again the^second time, Si mon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my Sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Pete** was grieved because he said unto him the third time, lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my Sheep.” In which texts our Lord, in a most solemn manner, thrice committed to Peter the care of his whole flock, of all his sheep, without exception, that is, of his whole church.

and his Successors. 61

How do you prove that this commission given to Peter, descends to the Pope or Bishop of Rome?

Because, by the unanimous consent of the Fathers, and the traditions of the church in all ages, the Bishops of Rome are the successors of St. Peter, who translated his chair from Antioch to Rome, and died Bishop of Rome. Hence the See of Rome in all ages is called The See of Peter, the Chair of Peter, and absolutely the See Apostolic: and in that quality has from the beginning exercised jurisdiction over all other churches, as appears from the best records of ancient history.

Besides, supposing the supremacy of St. Peter, which we have proved above from plain scripture; it must consequently be allowed that this supremacy which Christ established for the better government of his church and maintaining of unity, was not to die with Peter, no more than the church, which he promised should stand for ever. For how can any Christian imagine, that Christ should appoint a head for the government of his church and maintaining of unity during r the apostles* time; and design another government for succeeding ages, when there was like to be so much more need of a head? Therefore we must grant that St. Peter's supremacy was by succession to descend to somebody. Now I would willingly know who has half so fair a title to this succession as the Bishop of Rome?

Why do you call the Roman church the Mother and Mistress of all Churches?

Because, as we have already seen, her bishop is

F

62 Conclusion.

St. Peters successor, and Christ's vicar upon earth; and consequently the father and pastor of all the faithful; and therefore the church, as being St. Peter s See, is the mother of all churches.