20. What is the scriptural basis of the claims of the bishops of Rome to pre-eminence? 21. Refute the idea that Jesus built his church upon Peter. 22. Refute the argument that the bishops of Rome must have succeeded to the apostleship of Peter, because Jesus promised to be with the apostles unto the end of the world. 23. To what extent did the early Christian fathers admit a primacy to the bishops of Rome? 24. State the controversy which arose between the bishop of Rome and the bishop of Constantinople. 25. Through what cause did the Roman pontiffs finally force an acknowledgment of their independency? (Note 6). 26. What led to the great division of the church in the 9th century? 27. By what means did the Roman pontiffs outstrip their eastern rivals? (Note 7). 28. What of the sale of indulgences? (Note). 29. What was the climax of papal power? {160} SECTION V. 1. Simplicity of Public Worship Changed.--The public worship of the primitive Christians, as we have seen,[67] was very simple, but its simplicity was soon corrupted. The bishops and other public teachers in the third century, framed their discourses and exhortations according to the rules of Grecian eloquence; "and were better adapted," says a learned writer,[68] "to call forth the admiration of the rude multitude who love display, than to amend the heart. And that no folly and no senseless custom might be omitted in their public assemblies, the people were allowed to applaud their orators, as had been practiced in the forums and theaters; nay, they were instructed to applaud the preachers." 2. This was a wide departure from that spirit of meekness and humility enjoined by Messiah upon his ministers. And when to these customs was added the splendid vestments of the clergy, the magnificence of the temples, with all the pageantry of altars, surrounded with burning tapers, clouds of incense, beautiful images, the chanting of choirs, processions and other mummeries without number--one sees but little left of that simple worship instituted by the Messiah and his apostles. (See note 1, end of section). 3. About the third century incense began to be used. The Christians of the first and second centuries abhorred the use of incense in public worship, as being a part of the worship of idols.[69] It first became a custom to use it at funerals, against offensive smells; then in public worship, to disguise the bad air {161} of crowded assemblies; then at the consecration of bishops and magistrates, and by these steps at last degenerated into a superstitious rite. 4. In the fourth century matters became still worse. "The public supplications by which the pagans were accustomed to appease their gods, were borrowed from them, and were celebrated in many places with great pomp. To the temples, to water consecrated in due form, and the images of holy men, the same efficacy was ascribed to the pagan temples, statues and lustrations before the advent of Christ." [70]