§ 1. Ecclesiastics are customarily divided in two ways. The first division is, as it were, essential, according to order, taken from the sacrament itself, as of priests, deacons, subdeacons, and so forth. Others are distinguished according to offices, the institution of life, and proximate end; thus there are the Pontiff, Patriarchs, Metropolitans, Archbishops, Bishops, Archpriests, Archdeacons, Canons, Monks, Chaplains, and Vicars. Something must be said briefly concerning each, insofar as it pertains to the body of the Church and the state; for Theological disputations demand another place, just as they also possess another object.
§ 2. Seven sacred orders are numbered in the Church: the priesthood, diaconate, and subdiaconate; then the minor orders of Readers, Acolytes, Exorcists, and Doorkeepers. Authors teach that all these are one sacrament in genus but diverse in species; concerning the minor orders some have doubted. But I leave these matters to be considered by Theologians and those who treat controversies. I must treat them practically, as they are suitable for constituting the Ecclesiastical State. Therefore let us treat the hierarchical order, principally that by which the Church is governed in what they call the external forum. In it the Bishop holds the first place. The power of order of Bishops is one, but their power in government is varied, and some preside over others: Archbishops over Bishops, Patriarchs over them, and the Pontiff over all,
in that manner and order, and with that utility to the state, that the world has never beheld anything more wonderful, nor anything more suitable to the morals and tranquility of the state. Therefore let us speak concerning this order.