The Case Stated, Between the Church of Rome and the Church of England: Wherein the Chief Point, About the Supremacy Is Fully Discuss'd: in a Dialogue Between a Roman Catholick, and a Member of the Church of England

The Case Stated, Between The Church Of Rome And The Church Of England: Wherein The Chief Point, About The Supremacy Is Fully Discuss'D: In A Dialogue Between A Roman Catholick, And A Member Of The Church Of England by Nathaniel Spinckes is a 17th-century polemical dialogue challenging the notion of universal papal supremacy. The work presents a two-sided debate (RC and CE) with extensive footnotes and citations from patristic authorities to test claims of Petrine primacy and Rome's jurisdiction over all bishops. It analyzes key scriptures (notably Matthew 16:18–19; John 21) and patristic testimonies (Cyprian, Chrysostom, Augustine, Cyril of Alexandria, Cyril of Jerusalem, Epiphanius, Leo the Great, Bernard of Clairvaux, Tertullian) and discusses the role of ecumenical councils (Chalcedon, Ephesus, Jerusalem) in adjudicating primacy. The dialogue critiques the basis for papal infallibility and universal jurisdiction, arguing that early sources allow for primacy of order or honor rather than a universal ex cathedra authority. It situates the argument within a broader Protestant critique of Rome's temporal power and points to the importance of Scripture, reason, and conciliar tradition for church unity.