History of the First Ten Persecutions, History 9

History of the First Ten Persecutions · History 9

p. 177CENTVRIE IX.

CHAP. I. OF EMPEROURS.

CAROLVS MAGNVS.

IN the yeere of our LORD 801. CHARLES THE GREAT, King of FRAVNCE, was declared Emperour, by LEO the thirde, Bishop of ROME: and hee reigned sixteene yeeres in his Emperiall dignitie: for hee continued King of FRAVNCE fourtie and sixe yeeres. The Empire of the West had beene cut off since the dayes of Augustulus, the sonne of Orestes, whom Odoaser, king of Rugiheruli, &c. had compelled to denude himselfe of the Emperiall dignitie. Nowe after the issue of 300. yeeres, and after the Hunnes, the Gothes, the Lombardes, and other Nations had obtained dominion in the West, all abstaining (notwithstanding of their preuailing power) from the name, dignitie, and stile of Emperoures. Nowe at length (I saye) Charles the Great is anointed, and crowned Emperour, by Leo the thirde, in the Towne of Rome. And this was the beginning of that euill custome which after followed, to wit, That Emperours should receiue their coronatiō from the Bishops of Rome. At this time the Empire of the East was in y^e hands of y^e Empresse Irene, & in the hands of the Emperour Nicephorus. who had banished Irene, and reigned in her steade. The Empire of the East was also weake at this time, as apppeareth by a Couenant of Peace which they cōcluded with Charles, Emperour of the West: in the which no mention is made of Exarchatus Rauenne, to be rendered again vntounto them only, that the Isle of Sic…ll, and the Townes & Landes which lie from Naples Eastwarde on the right hande, and from Manfredonia (sometimes called Syponto) on the left hand, compessed about with the Seas, called Superum & Inferum: these should remaine in the possession of the Emperours of Constantinople. Charles was a prudent & godly Emperour, more sound and vpright in sundry heads of christian doctrine, than many others: for he detested the worshipping of Images, as vile Idolatrie, as appeareth by his bookes written against the seconde Councell of Nice. Charles was very friendly to Christians, and defended them against the violence and tyrannie of their persecuting enemies: namely, against Godefridus, King of Denmarke, a fearce aduersary against the Christians who dwelt in Saxonie. Likewise, he subdued the Sclavonians and Bohemians, enemies to Christian Religion: and was justly called Magnus for his great exploytes & valiant acts which God prospered in his hand Pipinus, the sonne of Emperour Charles, was declared King of Italie… who died before his father: and after his death he appointed Bernard his nephew to reigne in Italie, with expresse commandement, That he should be obedient to his sonne Ludouieke, whom hee ordained to be successour to himselfe in the Emperiall office. So the Emperour Charles, full of dayes, died in the 71. yeere of his age, and was buried in AKEN.

LVDOVICVS PIVS.

AFter Charles succeeded his sonne Ludouicus Pius. and reigned 26. yeeres. For his gentle and meeke behauiour hee was called Pius. Hee receiued the Emperiall Diademe from Stephanus the fourth, at Aken. Bernard his brothers sonne, forgetfull of the mandate of Charles the Great, rebelled against Ludodouicus p. 179Pius, and was beheaded at Aken. Likewise, his owne sonnes (assisted with Hugobortus, Bishop of Lions, and Bernhardus Bishop of Vienne, and other bishops, who did excommunicate the Emperour for adherence to Iudith his wife) they behaued themselues very vnduetifully towards their father. Neuerthelesse, hee freely pardoned his sonnes, and accepted them againe into fauour. Also, Fredericke, bishop of Wtrecht, threatned to excommunicate the Emperour, if he did not for sake the company of Iudith his welbeloued wife, and daughter to the Duke of Bauaria, because shee was his neare kinswoman, to wit, in degrees of consanguinitie forbidden in the Popish law. The Empresse willing to be reuenged of the bishop, she hired two gentlemen, who set vponupon him after Church seruice, and slewe him in his Priestly garments. In his time also, the Saracenes, in hudge numbers, like vntounto Locusts swarmed out of Aegypt and Africk, and inuaded the Isle of Sicill. By cutting down all fruitful trees, burning Townes, Temples, and Monasteries, and by killing bishops, priestes, and monks, they brought the Isle to an vtter desolation. Gregorie the fourth, at this time, was Pope: and hee exhorted the Emperour, and his sonne Lotharius, to support the distressed estate of the Isle of Sicill. They answered, That albeit that matter duely belonged to Michael, Emperour of Constantinople, yet neuerthelesse, they refused not to vndertake the worke, vponupon the common charges of the countrey. Nowe whilest these thinges were in reasoning, Bonifacius, Count of Corsica, and his brother Bertarius, with support Platina in vit. Greg. 4of the people of Hetruria, arriued with a Nauie at Africke: and betwixt Vtica and Carthage, encountered with the Saracenes foure times: and slew of them so great a number, that they were compelled to recall their forces backe againe from Sicill Like as of olde the Carthaginians, vexed by Scipio, recalled Hanniball for the safety of his owne countrey: So Bonifacius returned backe againe with an armie victorious, and richly ladened with the spoyle of his enemies. Nothing was more vnprouidently done by the good Emperour Ludouicus Pius, than the ouer-giuing of that right, voluntarily conferred to Charles his father by Adrian the first, and Leo the third: to wit, That no man should be elected Pope without the consent and allowance of the Emperour. Functii comment. lib. 9This fore-saide right Ludouicus gaue ouer to the Clergie and p. 180people of Rome: onelyonly, the Romanes, for keeping of friendship, should sende an Ambassadour to the Kinges of Fraunce, declaring whome they had elected to bee Pope. Heereby a patent doore was opened to all mischiefe, which after followed: and to that horrible contention betwixt Emperoures and Popes, concerning investment of Bishops. In his time three Emperoures reigned in the East, at Constantinople: to wit, Leo Armenius, Michaell Balbus, and Theophilus. Leo Armenius reigned seuen yeeres. Hee banished Nicephorus, Patriarch of Constantinople, for defending adoration of Images. Michaell Balbus slew Leo his predicessour, whilest hee was praising God in the Church, and reigned in his steade nine yeeres. In his time the Saracenes mightilie preuailed: a number of them issued out of Spaine, and tooke the Isle of Candie. Another companie, comming from Africke, wasted the Isle of Sicill. Theophilus reigned tenne yeeres, and faught against the Saracenes, who did oppresse the Countrey of Asia: but hee had no good successe.

LOTHARIVS.

LOTHARIVS, the sonne of LVDOVICVS PIVS, was declared King of Italie, and Augustus before his fathers death. Hee was anointed by Pope Pascalis, in the Church of Sainct PETER: and hee reigned fifteene yeeres. Great hostilitie and bloodie warres fell out amongst the children of Ludouicus Pius: to wit, Lotharius, Lewes, Charles, and Pipinus, for diuiding of their fathers Landes. In this ciuill dissention the Nobilitie of Fraunce was so miserably weakened, that the Normandes and Daines tooke boldnesse to inuade the Countreye of Fraunce: which they vexed for the space of twentie yeeres. In the East, after Theophilus had concluded his life, his sonne Michael, with his mother Theodora, gouerned the estate. Michael reigned foure and twentie yeeres. Theodora continued onlie eleuen yeeres. Shee persecuted those who woulde not worship Images: albeit her husband before his departure from this life had seriously admonished her, that shee should not trouble the Church for restoring of Images.

p. 181LVDOVICVS the second.

LVDOVICVS the seconde, and sonne of Lotharius, reigned twentie yeeres and one. The intestine dissention betwixt him and his brother Charles, seemeth to bee like vntounto an hereditarie sicknesse. Howsoeuer, the Emperour Ludouicke had dishonour thereby: because the reballes of Charles desired the Emperoures protection against his owne brother: which when hee had graunted, the rebelles were reconciled againe with their owne King Charles: and the Emperour, with dishonour, was compelled to retire from his brothers Dominions. In the East, Michael, Emperour of Constantinople, slew his brother Theoctistus, and thrust his mother Theodora, and her sisters, into a Monasterie, and reigned himselfe alone after his mothers deposition thirteene yeeres. So the whole time of the gouernement of Michael, was twentie and foure yeeres. Hee faught against the Saracenes, but very vnprosperously, and was slaine by Basilius, who reigned in his steade seuen yeeres.

CAROLVS CALVVS.

LVDOVICVS the second dying without children, his brother Carolus Caluus, king of Fraunce, obtained at the handes of the Bishop of Rome, by many liberall giftes, to bee annointed Emperour. He continued Emperour not aboue two yeeres: and was poysoned by one Sedekias, a Iewe, whome hee vsed for his Physition.

CAROLVS CRASSVS.

CAROLVS CRASSVS was the sonne of Lewes, king of Germanic: he reigned 10. yeere. Carolus Balbus, the son of Carolus Caluus, was incontinent cut off by death. Therefore, I hauehave ouer-passed his name with silence. In this Emperoures time the Normandes and Daines made such horrible excursions and desolations in FRAVNCE, that the Emperour, who came with a great Armie, to support the distressed estate of p. 182Fraunce, was compelled to make peace with them, anno 888. and assigned vntounto them that part of Fraunce which lieth beyonde Seane, towardes the Britannicke Ocean, to bee their habitation: which hath the name of Normandie vntill this daye. Crassus, for His. Magd. Ceat. 9 Cap. 16his negligence and euill gouernement, was deposed from his authoritie, and Arnulphus, his nephewe, was declared Emperour.

ARNVLPHVS.

AFter the death of Carolus Crassus, great troubles ensued in Italie, by the factions of Berengarius, whome the Lombardes choosed to bee King of Italie, on the one part: and Guido, Duke of Spoleto, whome others choosed to reigne in Italie, on the other part. In the middest of these factions Arnulphus leadeth an armie out of Germanie. Hee tooke the Towne of Bergamum, and hanged Ambrose, the Earle thereof, vponupon a Gibbet, before the port of the Towne. This seueritie terrified other Townes, and made them to yeelde. Hee addressed towardes Rome, and was …rowned Emperour by Formosius, whose enemies hee punished vntounto the death. From thence hee addressed to fight against Guido: but hee fledde, and escaped the Emperoures handes. The wife of Guido, hauing no puissance to resist the Emperoures forces, shee hired some of the Emperoures seruantes, who gaue vntounto him a cuppe of poyson, which brought vponupon him a lethargie, and three dayes sleeping continuallie. After this hee arose sicke, and left the siedge, (for hee was besieging the wife of Guido) and hee died, after hee had reigned twelue yeeres.

In the East gouerned Leo, the sonne of Basilius, in whose time the Saracenes conquered Taurominium, a Towne in Sicill, and the Isle of Lemnos.

p. 183CHAP. II. Of Popes, Patriarches, Pastors, and Doctors.

AFTER LEO the third succeeded STEPHANVS the fourth, and ruled seuen monethes. Stephanus the fourth.He was not elected with consent & allowance of the Emperour, but only by the Clergie and people of Rome. Here it is well marked by Functius, that the Romane Church doeth obserue Funct. Comment. Lib, 9.their owne lawes so inuiolably, that the priuiledge granted to the Emperour by Pope Leo the thirde, it is vndone againe euen in his first successors time: to wit, in Pope Stephanus the fourth his time. In the thirde monethmonth of his Popedome, he journeyed toward France, for what cause it is not certaine: but it appeareth he would trie the Emperours mind, whether or no hee was grieued for this, that hee had beene elected Pope without the consent and fore-knowledge of the Emperour. When he returned againe, finding that Ludouicus Pius the Emperour, was not greatly grieued at the matter, but accepted his excuse, he began to make Commentaries vponupon the Decrees of Hadrian the first, and Leo the third: to wit that they meaned not that the Emperour should be first acquainted with the election of the Pope: but rather, that after his election, the Emp. should be acquainted with this businesse, before the Pope were anointed. By such false Glosses and Commentaries, they were by degrees excluding the Emperour from all kinde of intromission with the election of the Pope.

After Stepha…us the fourth, succeeded Pascalis the first, who Pascalis the first.was elected without consent of the Emperour. He sent Ambassadours p. 184to excuse himselfe to the Emperour Ludouicus Pius, because the Clergie and people had compelled him to accept the Popedome. The Emperour Ludouicus Pius on the other part, seeing how this matter went, and that he was troubled with the vnconstancie, ambition, and obstinacie of the Romane Church, hee gaue them libertie to choose their owne bishop, without the fore-knowledge and consent of the Emperour in time to come. And Pascalis, after hee had ruled seuen yeeres and seuenteene dayes, hee ended his course.

Eugenius the seconde, succeeded to Pascalis, and ruled foure Eugenius the second.yeeres. His popedome was in the time when Lotharius was appointed to gouerne Italie. His commendations are these, Great Learning, great Eloquence, with a mixture of great hypocrisie.

Valentinus, the successour of Eugenius, within the space of fourtie Valentinus the first.dayes after that hee was elected, (of a Deacon) to bee Pope, hee concluded his life.

To Valentinus, succeeded Gregorius the fourth, and ruled sixteene yeeres. Ludouicke and his sonne Lotharius were Emperours Gregorius the fourthat this time: without whose consent hee woulde not accept his Popedome. Gregorie would hauehave seemed to hauehave bene a mediator betwixt Ludouicke and his sonnes: but hee is marked with a note of shame in the Magdeburg history, as a man who encreassed Hist. Magd. Cent. 9. Cap. 10.discord, rather than quenched it. What hee did in the Conuention at Aken, which was conueened by the authoritie of the Emperour, it shall bee declared, God willing, in its owne place.

To Gregorie the fourth, succeeded Sergius the second, and ruled three yeeres. Hee seemed to be the first Pope, who changed the name giuen vntounto him in Baptisme: for he was called Osporci, Sergius the second.that is, the mouth of the Sowe: and for the turpitude of the name he called himselfe by the name of one of his antecessours Lotharius sent Ludouicke his eldest sonne, accompanied with manie Noble persons, to be crowned Emperour: for Lotharius thought meete to enterinto a Monasterie, and to lament for his by-past sinnes, especially, for grieuing the heart of his father Ludouicus Pius. He augmented the liturgie of the Masse, with the addition of Agnus Dei, and ordained, that the Hostia should be diuided in three parts.

p. 185To Sergius the seconde, succeeded Leo the fourth, and ruled Leo the fourth.eight yeeres, & three monethes. Hee was a man of many crafts, a builder, a warriour, and a Bishop, Hee compassed the Vatican with a wall, and made it in the similitude of a Towne: and builded bull-warkes in the passages of Tyber, as it issued from the Towne. He was also a warriour, and faught against the Saracenes: against whom also hee preuailed. And finally, at some times hee was a Bishop: and hee gathered a Councell of 47. Bishops, in the which Athanasius, a Cardinall Presbyter was damned, for negligence in the worke of his calling. This is the first time, in the ☞which mention is made of a Cardinall in the Historie: for the Decretall Epistles, as I hauehave alreadie declared, are but fabulous and lying writinges. In this Popes dayes, Eáelwulphus, King of ENGLAND, came to Rome, for performance of a vowe that hee had made. Hee was courteously accepted by Pope Leo: for which cause he ordained a tribute yeerely to be paide to the bishop of Rome: to wit, a pennie Sterling out of eueryevery house in ENGLAND that kindled fire. It is well remarked by Philip Morney, that Leo thefourth, in a certaine Epistle, written to the Lib. Myste. iniquitatis. ☞Bishops of BRITANNIE, derogateth credite to all the Decretall Epistles assigned to the bishops of Rome, preceeding the dayes of Pope Siricius, except onelyonly to the Decretall Epistles of Pope Syluester. So all the authorities that are alleadged by the Romane Church, out of the Decretall Epistles, for the space of 384. yeeres, are of none effect, by the confession of Pope Leo the fourth.

After Leo the fourth, succeeded Pope Ihonne the eight, an ENGLISH Ihonne the eight.woman, borne in the Towne of Mentz. She went to Athens, cloathed with the apparell of a man, accompanied with a Learned man: and shee profited in learning beyonde her fellowes. When shee came to Rome, shee was regarded for her learning, and was promoted to the dignitie of the Popedome, and ruled two yeeres, fiue monethes, and foure dayes. About the Marian. Scot. lib. 3 chron.yeere of our Lord 854. (being Pope) she played the Harlot: and by the prouidence of God, this viilanie of the Romane Church, which cannot erre, was manifested to the whole worlde: For, in the time of a solemne Procession, as she was going to y^e Church of Latcra…, she trauelled in birth, and died, and was buried without p. 186honour. Onuphrius, the Aduocate of all euill causes, cannot ouer-passe this matter with silence: but hee bringeth an argument from the authoritie of Anastatius, a writer of Chronologie, to infringe the credite of this historie, in this manner: Anastatius (saith hee) liued about this time and knew best who succeeded to Leo the fourth: and hee maketh no mention of Ioannes the eight, but of Benedictus the thirde, as successour of Leo the fourth. To this Philip Morney answereth, That an argument taken from authoritie, negatiuely, hath no force. Anastatius maketh no mention thereof: ergo, it was not done. It followeth not: for hee bringeth in the restimonie of Ranulphus, declaring the cause wherefore Anastatius omitted the name of the foeminine Pope: to wit, Propter deformitatem facti: that is, For the deformitie of Ranulph. lib. 5. ca. 32the fact. The nature of a short Compend permitteth me not to insist: but let them, who are desirous accurately to trie out the veritie of this matter, reade that worthie Booke of Philip Morney, called Mysterium iniquitatis.

Then followed Benedictus the third, and ruled two yeeres, six monethes, and nine dayes. A man in honouring the Funeralles Benedictus the third.of the Clergie, with his presence, readie at all times: and desirous likewise, that the Funerall of the Bishop shoulde bee honoured with the presence of the whole Clergie.

To Benedict the thirde, succeeded Nicolaus the first, and gouerned seuen yeeres, nine monethes, and thirteene dayes. Hee Nicolaus the first.subdued the Bishop of Rauenna to his obedience. He suffered the Emperour, Ludouicke the seconde, to light from his horse, and to leade his bridle, vntill hee came to the Campe, which was the space of a mile. Hee permitted diuorcement betwixt married persons, for Religions cause, without consent of partie. And that persons in spirituall offices, shoulde not bee subject to the Hist Magd. Cent. 9. cap. 10.justice seates of ciuill Magistrates. He ordained also, that no man shou…de receiue the holy Sacrament from a married Priest And that the Emperour should not be present at Ecclesiasticall Conuentions: except when questions concerning Faith shoulde bee entraited. Likewise, hee ordamed, That the seruice of GOD in all countreyes, should bee celebrated in Latine: dispensing in Funct. comment. lib. 9.the meane time with the Sclauonians and the Polonians, to hauehave the seruice of GOD in their owne Vulgare Language. Hee p. 187added vntounto the Liturgie of the MASSE, GLORIA IN EXCELSIS.

Hadrianus the second, succeeded to Nicolaus the first, and ruled fiue yeeres, nine monethes, and twelue dayes. He vsed Antichristian Hadrianus the second.authoritie, not onelyonly against Hincmarus, Bishop of Rhemes, but also against Carolus Caluus, king of Fraunce, whome hee commanded imperiously to present one Hincmarus, Bishop of Laudunum, and nephewe to Hincmarus, Bishop of Rhemes, to the ende that his cause might bee judged by the Apostolicke seate. The King tooke these letters in a very euill part, and writ vntounto the Pope, That the Kings of Fraunce had euer beene Soueraigne lordes in their owne countreye, and not vice-gerentes and vassalles to Bishops: and, That hee woulde not permitte any man, who had bene damned in a lawfull Councell in his owne countrey, to wit, in the Councell of Acciniacum, to make appellation to Rome. In this Popes time the eight generall Councell was assembled, whereof I shall speake in its owne time, GOD willing.

Ioannes the ninth succeeded to Adrianus the seconde, and gouerned ten yeeres, and two dayes. This is hee who for rewardes Ioannes the ninth.crowned Carolus Caluus to bee Emperour: and was casten into prison, because hee was more affectionated to Ludouicus Balbus, sonne to Carolus Caluus, and king of Fraunce, than to Carolus Crassus, king of Germanie. Neuerthelesse, hee escaped out of prison, and fledde to Ludouicke, king of Fraunce: whome also hee crowned to bee Emperour. But Balbus, after his coronation, incontinent died: and Pope Ihon the ninth must seeke newe acquaintance, because his olde friendes were gone: therefore, hee crowned Carolus Crassus to bee Emperour. This was the first Pope who in time of his Popedome crowned three Emperours.

Martinus the seconde, rul…d one yeere, and fiue monethes.Martinus the second. Hadrianus the third.

Hadrianus the thirde, succeeded to Martinus: the time of his gouernement was also short: for hee continued not aboue one yeere, and two monethes: yet neuerthelesse, men who are busie, may make much stirre in short time. Hee perfected that worke which his predecessours had beene busied in bringing to passe many yeeres preceeding: namely, That the Clergie and people of Rome should not attend vponupon the allowance of the Emperour, but they shoulde freely choose whome they thought meetest to bee Pope. Hee tooke the greater boldnesse to doe this, because the Emperour Carolus was occupied in warre-fare. The Nation of the Normandes were now so sauadge and mightie, and molested Fraunce with an hudge Armie, that the Emperour was compelled to transact with them in manner as is aboue rehearsed in the Historie of the life of Caralus Crassus.

Another constitution was made by Pope Hadrian: to wit, That after the death of Carolus Crassus, who died without succession, the Emperiall Title, together with the gouernement of Italie, shoulde belong to one of the Princes of Italie. This was the grounde of vnsupportable debate, and of factions, in Italie, eueryevery man according to the greatnesse of his power, contending to bee King and Emperour: But chiefely Albertus, Marques of TVSCIA, B…rengarius, Duke of FOROVILIVM, and Guido, Duke of SPOLETO.

This seditious plotte also perturbed the Ecclesiasticall estate: For, after this, eueryevery one of the Princes of ITALIE, stroue with all their might, to hauehave such a man seated in the Popedome, as coulde best aduance his faction, as will clearelie appeare in the election of Pope Formosus.

To Hadrian the thirde, succeeded Stephanus the fifth, and ruled sixe yeeres, and eleuen dayes. The lesse Holinesse, Learning, Stephanus the fift.and Vertue that hee had, the greater audacitie and boldnesse was founde in him: for hee made a constitution, whereof GRATIAN recordeth (Distinct. 19. Cap. Enimvero) Quicquid ECCLESIA ROMANA stat…ie, quicquid ordirat, perpetuo quidem, & irre-fragibiliter obseruandum est: that is, Whatsoeuer the ROMANE CHVRCH doeth statute and ordaine, it … perpetuallie, and without all contradiction, to bee obserued.

After STEPHANVS the fifth (whome others doe call the sixth) succeeded FORMOSVS, and continued fiue yeeres, and sixe monethes. Hee obtained the Popedome, not without strife: For one SERGIVS, a Deacon, was his competitor, supported Formosus.with the TVSCVLAN faction. Alwayes, FORMOSVS preuailed. It was supposed, that hee was one of them who conspired against Pope IHONNE the ninth, and cast him into bandes. After this hee seared the authoritie of Pope IHONNE, and fledde into FRAVNCE: but Pope IHONNE denuded him of all Ecclesiasticall office, and put vponupon him the habite of a Laicke person: which indignitie done vntounto him, hee tooke it so grieuouslie, that hee bounde himselfe by an Platin. in vit. Formo.oath, That hee shoulde neuer see the Towne of ROME, nor returne againe to his Bishopricke: for hee was Episcopus PORTVENSIS. But Pope MARTINVS absolued him from his oath, and repossessed him into his Bishopricke againe, and in ende hee was made Pope, as saide is.

Neuerthelesse, the faction of his competitor, SERGIVS, ceassed not to vexe and molest FORMOSVS: so that hee sent secrete aduertisement vntounto ARNVLPHVS, the Nephewe of Carolus Crassus, to come to ROME: who came with an Armie, and was crowned Emperour by Formosus, as hath beene alreadie declared.

To Formosus succeeded Bonifacius the sixt, who concluded his course, after he had continued twentie and sixe dayes.Bonifacius the sixt. Stephanus the sixt.

After Bonifacius the sixt, succeeded Stephanus the sixt, and ruled one yeere, and three monethes: Hee not onelyonly annulled all the Decrees of his Predecessor Formosus: but also caused his dead bodie to bee taken out of his graue, and cutte off his three fingers, wherewith hee was wont to consecrate persons admitted to spirituall offices, and threwe them into Tyber: and caused all them, who had receiued ordination by Formosus, to receiue newe ordination.

This fact of Stephanus the sixt, is so full of vncouth and vnnaturall inhumanitie, that Onuphrius denieth that any such thing was done: whose impudencie Morneus discouereth by the testimonie of Luitprandus, who liued at that same time, and was a Deacon of the Church of Ticinum, and maketh mention of this vile fact, not without horrour and detestation thereof. Baronius is not so impudent as Onuphrius, and will not denie the fact, but extenuateth the atrocitie and vilenesse thereof: for hee saieth, Non fuit error in side, sed violenta tyrannis in facto: that is to saye. It was no errour in the faith, but a violent tyrannie in the fact.

And like wise, hee annulled the inauguration of the EMPEROVR ARNVLPHVS, and annointed ALBERT, or Lambert, Marques of Tuscia, who followed the Popes course to bee Emperour. Nowe is the Popedome encreased to the measure of a full strength, when they dare authorise and disauthorise, place and displace Emperoures at their owne pleasure. So that there remaineth nothing, but to enter into grippes with the Emperour, to throwe him downe to the grounde, and to treade vponupon the excellent honour of his Soueraignitie, which in the next CENTVRIE will follow.

To Stephanus, succeded Romanus, and continued onelyonly three monethes. Hee abrogated the Decrees of Stephanus, his predecessour.Romanus.

Theodorus, the successour of Romanus, continued in his Popedome twentie dayes onelyonly. In this short time hee allowed the Theodorus the second.Decrees of Formosus.

Patriarches of Constantinople.

PAtriarches of Constantinople, in this Centurie, were changed, according to the disposition of Emperoures, fauouring or disliking the worshipping of Images. Nicephorus was a defender of adoration of Images, and was banished by the Emperour Leo. Theodotus againe, Antonius, and Syngelus, who had beene Schoole-masters to the Emperour Theophilus, were haters of Images. But after the death of Theophilus, Theodora, his Wife, aduaunced Methodius, a superstitious man, and an obstinate defender of adoration of Images, and intercession of Sainctes. Concerning Ignatius and Photius, and the great troubles that arose about placing and displacing of them, occasion will bee offered to speake of these thinges in the head of Councels.

Of other Pastors, and Doctors.

IN this corrupt and backe-sliding age, wherein the Romane Antichrist had so great vpper-hande, the head of Councels will compell mee to make mention of the names of a number p. 191of Learned men, At this time, the name of Claudius Taurinensis, putteth a great number of the rest out of my remembrance, because hee was a faithfull witnesse vntounto the trueth of God, in a difficill time. Hee was a man borne in Spaine: and vnderunder the reigne of Ludouicus Pius, hee was made Bishop of Thurin, in P…emont: At his first entrie to his Bishopricke, hee threwe the Images out of his Church, affirming, that the Sainctes, who in their lifetime were not content to bee worshipped, much lesse coulde they bee content to hauehave their pictures worshipped after their death. In speciall, hee condemned the worshipping of the Crosse. affirming, that if it shoulde bee worshipped because Iesus died vponupon it: then the Shippe, in the which Christ sailed, the Asle, whereupon Christ did ride into Hierusalem, and infinite other thinges, which Christ touched, by the like reason, behoued also to bee worshipped. Concerning the Bishop of Rome, he said, that hee was not to bee counted an Apostolicke Bishop, who sate in the Apostolicke Chaire: but hee who fulfilled an Apostolicke office.

Hincmarus, bishop of Rhemes, liued vnderunder Carolus Magnus, and continued in office almost vntill the reigne of the Em. Arnulph. He had great strife with his nephew Hincmarus, b. of Laudunum, who refused to be vnderunder his Diosie: and appealed from him vntounto the b. of Rome. Likewise, in the cause of Rhotardus, b. of Soission, whom Hincmarus deposed and remoued from his office. Nicolaus the first, b. of Rome, absolued him. Hadrian 2. gaue him commandement to excommunicate C. Caluus, k. of Fraunce, his soueraigne lord: but hee refused to performe such an vnlawfull commandement: and writ vntounto the Pope, to be circumspect, and not precipitate rashly his sentences of excommunication.

The question wherunto Hadr. 2. was so serious, was about diuision of lāds betwixt C. Caluus. & his brother Lotharius. C. Caluus denied, that hee did vnjustly inuade any of his brothers landes, but landes duely belonging vntounto himselfe by paction and couenant. And the Nobles of the countrey saide, that it was a strange and an vnaccustomed thing, that the Pope would take vponupon him to be judge in a controuersie concerning the Titles and Rights of Kingdomes, because hee coulde not bee both a Bishop and a King.

p. 192CHAP. III. Of Heretiques.

THEY who of olde were accustomed to condemne Heresies, nowe they are become the Iconolatrachiefe Patrones and maintainers of adoration of Images, a notable heresie: whose pusillanimitie argueth the weaknesse of their cause: for vnderunder the reigne of Ludouicus Pius, Claudius Taurinensis wrote bookes against the adoration of Images: and the Emperour, by a publicke edict, commanded them, who were disposed to answere to his bookes, to answere whilest Claudius was aliue. But Ionas bishop of Orleans concealed and obscured his bookes, during Claudius lifetime. But after his death, with impotencie of railing wordes, rather than with power of solide arguments, he endeuoureth to refute Claudius Taurinensis. But I entrait the judicious Reader, without partialitie, to reade the bookes of Ionas, bishop of Orliens, & the very stinking breath of the adversary of the trueth, shall giuegive great allowance to the trueth of God.

Godescalcus, a man of the Lowe Countreyes, is reckoned in the number of Heretiques of this age, about the yeere of our Lord Godescalcus.849. because hee spake of Predestination perilously: to wit, that these who were predestinated to life by the decree of Gods predestination, were forced to doe well: and those who were predestinated to condemnation, were forced by the decree of God to doe euill. But I remit a further Treatise of this vntounto the head of Councels. Concerning olde extinguished Heresies, such as the Manicheans, Arrians, and Donatists, and such like, who preassed to builde vp the walles… of Iericho, which God had destroyed, there is no necessitie to speake, because these were vaine att…ptes, without anie successe.

p. 193CHAP. IIII. OF COUNCELS.

IN the yeere of our LORD 813. by the commandement of Carolus Magnus, in the Towne The Councell of Mentz.of Mentz, were conuened 30. Bishops, 25. Abbots, with a great number of Priestes, Monkes, Countes, and Iudges, about reformation of the dissolute maners, of Ecclesiasticke & Laicke persons. After 3. dayes abstinence & fasting, joyned with Litanies, publicke Prayers, and imploring the helpe of God, they diuided themselues into three companies: In the first company were the Bishops, with some Noters, reading the history of the Euangell, and the Epistles, & the Actes of the Apostles, together with the Canons and workes of ancient Fathers, and the Pastorall booke of Gregorie, to the ende, that by the Preceptes contained in these bookes, the enormitie of mens liues might be corrected. In the second companie were Abbots and Monkes, reading the rules of S. Benedict, for the reformation of the liues of Monkes. In the thirde companie were lordes and Iudges, pondering the causes of all men, who came to complaine, that wrong was done vntounto them.

The 1. 2. and 3. Canons of this Councell, entrait concerning Faith, Hope, and Chatitie. 4. Concerning the Sacramentes, to be ministred chiefely at Easter & Whitsonday, except necessitie and seare of death require preuening of these times. 5. That vnitie and concord should bee kept in the Church, because wee hauehave one common Father in heauen: one Mother, to wit, the Church, in earth: one Faith, one Baptisine, and one Celestiall inheritance prepared for vsus: Yea, and God is not the God of p. 194dissention, but of peace, according as it is said, Blessed be the peace makers, for they shall bee called the children of God. The 6. and 7. Canons, entrait of Orphanes, and poore people, whose weaknes is to bee supported: but no man should take vantadge of their poore and desolate estate. The 8. Can. recommendeth vnitie to be kept betwixt men in spirituall offices, and ciuill Iudges: a Canon indeede, if it had beene obserued, verie necessarie for the estate of this time. The 9. and 10. Canon, prescribeth to the Clergie Preceptes of a modest and sober life, with abstinence from the delicate pleasures of the worlde, and from Theatricall Spectacles, from pompes, and vnhonest banquets: and to bee more readie to goe to the house of mourning, to comfort them who are heauie hearted, than to the house of banquetting. Vsurie, auarice, ambition, and taking of rewardes, for the benefites of God, such as vse to bee taken for medicinall cures, is forbidden. To beware of deceit and conjurations: to flec hatred, emulation, backe-biting, and enuying, wandering eyes, & an vnbridled tongue: a petulant, and proude gesture are forbidden: filthie wordes, and workes, are altogether abhorred: chastitie is recommended: the frequent visitations of the houses of Widowes and Virgines is prohibited: due obedience is to bee giuen to Seniors: to take heede to doctrine reading, and spirituall songes, as it becommeth men who hauehave addicted themselues vntounto diuine seruice.

Precepts concerning the behauiour of Monkes and Nunnes, and the fabricke of their dwelling places, I ouer-passe with silence, lest I shoulde ouercharge a short Compend with an heape of vnnecessarie thinges.

In the 32. Canon, the difference betwixt foreign, and foreign, is set downe. 33. The great Litanie or Rogations, to bee obserued three dayes, by all Christians, with fasting, sackecloth, ashes, walking barefooted, and all kinde of humble carriage. 34. 35. and 36. Publicke Fastinges, and keeping of Festiuall dayes is commanded. 37. The Sabboth daye is to bee kept holy. In it no Merchand Wares to be sold, and no criminall cause to bee judged. 38. and 39. Tythes are precisely to bee payed. And, men fleeing to Churches for safeguarde, are not to bee violentlie drawne out of the place of their refuge. 40. In p. 195Churches, and the portches thereof, let no secular judgements be exercised. 41. Let no ancient Church be spoyled of tythes and possessions, for the building of new Oratories. 42. Concerning Church rentes bestowed for reparation and vpholding of Churches. 43. and 43. That no Priest saye Masse himselfe alone: for if hee hauehave no person present except himselfe, howe can hee say, Dominus vobiscum, or sursum corda, or such other passages? Also frequent offering of the Sacrifice of the Masse, and presenting of the Paxe, is recommended to Christian people. 45. That eueryevery person bee acquainted with the Lordes Prayer, and the Beliefe: and they who can no otherwayes comprehend these thinges, let them learne them in their owne vulgare language. 46. Drunkennesse is detested: and they who continue in this sinne, without amendement, are ordained to be excommunicated. 47. God-fathers shall attende that their spirituall children bee brought vp in the true Faith. 48. Filthie libidinous songes are not to bee sung about Churches. 49. The cohabitation with women is forbidden to all the members of the Clergie. 50. Let all Bishops, Abbots, and Church-men, hauehave such Aduocates and Agentes in their affaires, who are men that feare GOD, and are haters of all vnrighteous dealing. 51. Let not the dead bodies of the Saincts bee transported from place to place, without the aduice of the Prince of the countrey, or the Bishop, and Synode. 52. No dead bodie shall bee buried within the Church, except the bodie of a Bishop, or of an Abbot, or of a worthie Presbyter, or of a faithfull Laicke person. 53. Incestuous persons are to bee searched out, and separated from the fellowship of the Church, except they bee penitent. 54. 55. and 56. Marriage, in the fourth degree of consanguinitie, is forbidden: and that no man shall marrie his spirituall daughter, or sister, neither the woman, whose sonne or daughter hee hath ledde to the Sacrament of Confirmation: and, incase they bee founde to bee married, they shall bee separated againe. And no man shall take in marriage his wiues sister: neither shall a woman marrie her husbandes brother.

IN the yeere of our LORD 813. a Councell was assembled The Councell of Rhemes.at Rhemes, by the commaundement of Charles the Great: for it is to bee remarked, that hee not onelyonly assembled that famous p. 196Councell of FRANKFORD, anno 794. in the which adoration of Images was condemned: but also, when hee was nowe aged and saw many abuses in the Church, hee endeuoured, by all meanes possible, to procure reformation of the lewde manners of Church men. Therefore, hee appointed at one time, to wit. anno 813. fiue Nationall Councels, to be conuened in diuerse places, for reformation of the Clergie and people: One was conuened at Mentz as hath bene declared: Another at Rhemes: the third at Towrs: the fourth at Cabilone, or Chalons: and the fist at Arles. In all these Councels no opposition is made to y^e Councell of Frank…ord: neither was the adoration of Images auowed in any of th…se Councels. So much auaileth the authoritie of a Prince for suppressing of false doctrine & heresie. In this Coūcel at Rhemes, Wulfarius, archbis. was presidēt. 44. canons are rehearsed in the 2. Tome of Councels made in this Councell.

In the 1. Can. it was concluded, That eueryevery man should diligently acquaint himselfe with the Articles of his Faith. 2. That eueryevery man should learne the Lords Prayer, and comprehend the meaning thereof. 3. That eueryevery man, promoted to Ecclesiasticall orders, shall walke worthily, conforme to his calling. 4. The Epistles of Paule were read, to giuegive instructions to sub-deacons, howe they should behaue themselues. Yet is there not one worde in all the Epistles of Paule of a sub…deacon. 5. The Gospell was read to giuegive instruction to Deacons, to minister condingly in their office. 6. Ignorant Priestes are instructed to celebrate the Seruice with greater vnderstanding. 7. In like manner, they are instructed howe to prepare foreign to the Sacrament of Baptisme. 8. The holy Canons were read out of the Decretall of Innocentius, for ordering the life of Chanons. 9. The rule of Sainct Benedict was read to reduce Abbots, and their Conuents, to a remembrance of their order 10. The Pastorall booke of Gregorius was …ead to admonish Pastors of their duetie 11. Sentences of diuerse ancient Fathers were read, to admonish men of all …āks, both Prelats & subjects, to bring forth the fruit of a good conuersation. 12. These things being done, they set down a forme of receiuing of confessions, & prescribing of pennance, according to the Canonicall institution. 13. They reasoned about the eight principall vices, to the ende, their diuersitie p. 197beeing distinguished, euerie man might know what vices hee should eschewe, and teach others to beware of the same. ☞14. That Bishops should take heed to the reading of the bookes of the Canonicke Scripture, and the bookes of Fathers: & should attend vponupon the preaching of the word of God. 15. That bisshops should preach the Sermons and Homilies of H. Fathers, in such sort as all the people might vnderstand them. The 16. can. ☞is coincident with the 12. 17. That bishops & abbots permit no man to solace y^e company with filthy gesting in their presēce: but let poore & indigent people be refreshed at their tables with lecture of diuine Scripture, and praysing of God, according to the Precept of the Apostle, that whether wee eate or drinke, let all thinges bee done to the glorie of God. 18. Gluttonie and drunkernesse for bidden to bishops, and the Ministers of God. 19. Let not bishops bee rash to judge in thinges secret, which are to bee referred to the judgement of God, who can manifest thinges hid vp in darknesse, & discouer the secrets of the heart. 20. Presbyters shall not transport themselues from a lowe place to a greater. 21. Whosoeuer, by money-paying, procureth a preferment in the Church, shall bee deposed. 22. No Church man shall cohabite with a woman, except it bee with his mother, or sister, or such like persons, by whose companie no suspition of vncleannesse can arise. Precepts giuen to Monkes and Nunnes, I passe by, as I did in the former Councell.

Can. 35. The Sabboth day shall be kept holy, and in it no seruile worke shall be done, according to the Lords Commandement. 36. Let no man bestow vponupon the Church y^t thing which by vnlawfull meanes hee hath fraudulently with-drawne from others. 37. nor yet by lies and deceitfull meanes withdraw any thing duely belōging to the Church. 38. Let tythes be precisely payed. 39. Let no man presume to receiue rewards for his decreet and sentence. 40. Let Prayers & Oblations be made for the Emperour, and his noble rase, that it woulde please God to preserue them in all happinesse in this present life, & vouchsafe vponupon them Celestiall joyes in companie of the Angels in the life to come. In the 41. Canon mention is made of a certaine rent, left by king Pipinus of good memorie, which they wish the Emperour Charles, Pipinus sonne, shoulde not alter nor p. 198transferre into another summe, in respect, that by so doing manie perjuries and false testimonies might ensue. 42. And that no man should bee remooued from his mansion, to whome the Emperoures Almes is distributed. 43. And that the statute may bee confirmed by his Highnesse allowance, whereby all contentions and strifes are ordained to hauehave a decision, & end. 44. And that the statute, made in Bononia, concerning false witnesses, maye bee ratified, and confirmed: with augmentation, if neede require, for eschewing of perjuries, false testimonies, and many other inconueniences.

IN the yeere of our LORD 813. and at the commaundement of the Emperour Carolus Magnus, a Councell of manie The Councell of Towrs.Bishops and Abbots was assembled, about establishing of Ecclesiasticall Discipline, in the Towne of Towrs.

In the 1. Canon all men are admonished to bee obedient to the Emperour Charles the Great, and to keepe the oath of alleadgeance made vntounto him, and to make prayers and supplications for his prosperitie and well-fare. 2. All Bishops shall diligently reade, and frequently peruse, the bookes of holy Scripture, the histories of the Euangell, and the Epistles of Paul, together with the bookes of ancient Fathers written thereupon. 3. It is not lawfull for any Bishop to be ignorant of the Canons of the Church, and of the Pastorall booke of Gregorius, in the which eueryevery man, as in a viue mirrour, might see himselfe. 4. Let eueryevery Bishop feede the flocke committed vntounto him, not onelyonly with doctrine, but also with examples of a good conuersation. 5. A Bishop must not bee giuen to sumptuous banquets, but, be content, with a moderate diet, lest hee should seeme to abuse the counsell of our Lord, saying Take heede, that your hearts be not surfetted with gluttonie, or drunkennesse: but let holy lecture be at his table, rather than the idle wordes of flattering fellowes. 6. Let strangers and indigent people bee at Bishops tables: whome they maye refreshe both with corporall and spirituall repaste. 7. The delicate pleasures of the eare and the eyes, are to bee eschewed, lest by such pleasures, the minde bee effeminate, and inchaunted. 8. Let not the Lordes seruantes delight in vaine jesting, nor in hunting, nor halking. 9. Let Presbyters and Deacons followe the foot-steps of their Bishops, assuring themselues, p. 199that the good conuersation enjoyned vntounto their Bishops, is also enjoyned vntounto them. 10. Let Bishops hauehave a great sollicitude and care towards the poore: and be faithfull dispensators of Ecclesiasticall goods, as the Ministers of God, and not as hunters after filthie lucre. 11. It is lawfull for Bishops, with consent of Presbyters & Deacons, to bestow out of the Church treasure support to indigent people of that same Church. 12. A Presbyter is not to bee ordained vntill hee bee 30. yeeres olde. 13. Let the B. make diligēt inquisitiō in his own Paroch Church, that no Presbyter, cōming from any other parts, make seruice in his Church, without letters of recommendation. 14. Let a Pres byter, leauing a lowe place, and presuming to an higher, incurre that same punishment, which a Bishop, deprehended in the like fault, should incurre. 15. A Presbyter, who attaineth to a Church, by giuing money for it, let him be deposed. 16. Let tythes, bestowed vponupon Churches, by aduise of Bishops, be faithfully distributed to the poore, by the Presbyters. 17. The families of Bishops shall bee instructed in the summe of the true faith. In the knowledge of the retribution to be giuen to good men, and the condemnation of vngodly people, and of the resurrection and last judgement, and by what kinde of workes eternall life may bee promerited: and that the Homelies, containing these instructions, shall bee translated into Rusticke Latine language: to y^e end that eueryevery person may vnderstand them. Marke in what estimation the Latine language hath bene at this time: that instructions, in Rusticke and Barbarous Latine, are ☞counted better than instructions in good French Language. 18. It is the duetie of the Bishop to instruct his Presbyters concerning the Sacrament of Baptisme, what it is that they should desire the people baptized to renounce: namely, they should renounce the deuill, & all his works, & his pomps. Now the works of the Deuill are murther, fornication, adulterie, drunkennesse, and other such like faultes. But the pompes of the Deuill are pride, ostentation, swelling conceites, vaine glory. lostinesse, and such other faultes, as spring vp from such groundes. 19. Presbyters are precisely to bee admonished, that when they say the Masse, and doe communicate, they doe not distribute the Lords bodie indiscretely, to children, and to all persons, who happen p. 200to bee present, who if they bee entangled with great sinnes, they procure vntounto themselues rather damnation, than any remedie to their soules, according to the saying of the Apostle, Whosoeuer eateth this Bread, and drinketh this Cuppe vnWorthilie, hee shall bee guiltie of the bodie and blood of the LORD: Let a man, therefore, trie himselfe, and so let him eate of this Bread, and drinke of this Cuppe. By this let the judicious Reader marke, that euen in the dayes of Carolus Magnus, priuate Masses had no place: but they who were duely prepared did communicate with the Priest. NOT A.20. Presbyters shall not suffer the holy Chrisme to be touched by eueryevery man. 21. Presbyters shall not resort to Tavernes to eate or drinke. 22. Bishops and presbyters, shall prescribe to sinners, who hauehave confessed their sines, pennance, discretly, according to the weightinesse of their fault. 23. Chanons, who dwell in Cities, let them eate in one Closter, and sleepe vnderunder one roofe, to the ende they may bee readie to celebrate their Canonicall houres. From the 24. Can. vntounto the 32. are contained Constitutions concerning Monkes and Nunnes, which I ouer-passe with silence, fearing to bee prolixt. Can. 32. All men should studie to peace and concorde, but especially Christians: forsaking hatred, discorde, and enuie. 33. Lordes and Iudges should bee obedient to the wholsome admonitions of their bishops: and bishops on the other part, should reuerentlie regarde them, to the ende they may bee mutually supported eueryevery one with the consolations of another. 34. Lordes and Iudges are to bee admonished, that they admitte not vile and naughtie persons to beare witnesse in their judicatories, because there are manie, who for a contemptible price are readie to make shipwracke of a good conscience. 35. Let no man, for his decreet, receiue a rewarde: for diuine Scripture in manie places for biddeth this, as a thing that blindeth the eyes of the wise. 36. Let euerie man bee carefull to support indigent persons of his owne familie and kinred: for it is an impious and abominable thing in the sight of God, that men abounding in riches, should neglect their owne. 37. Christians, when they make supplications to God, let them in humble manner bowe downe their knees, following the example of the Martyr Steuen, and of the Apostle Paul: Except vponupon the Lordes daye, and other solemne p. 201dayes, on the which the vniuersall Church keepeth a memoriall of the Lordes resurrection: and at such times they are accustomed to stand and pray. 38. Faithfull people must be admonished, not to enter into the Church with tumult and dinne: and in time of Prayer, and celebration of the Masse, not to be occupied in vaine confabulations and idle speaches: but euen to abstaine from wicked cogitations. 39. Let not the Consistories and Iudgement seates of secular Iudges bee in the Church, or portches thereof, in any time to come: because the house of God shoulde bee an house of Prayer, as our Lord Iesus Christ saieth. 40. Let it bee forbidden, that Merchandize be vsed vponupon the Lordes daye, or Iustice Courtes: because all men should abstaine from seruile laboures: to the ende this day may bee spent in praysing and thanking God, from Morne till Euen. 41. Incestuous persons, parracides, and murtherers, are found, who will not hearken to the wholsome admonitions of Church men, but perseuere in their vitious conuersation, who must bee reduced to order by the discipline of the secular power 42. Let the people bee admonished to abstaine from Magicall Artes, which can bring no support and helpe to the infirmities of men and beastes: but they are the deceitfull snares of the Deuill, whereby hee deceiueth mankind. 43. A frequent custome of swearing is forbidden, wherein men, vponupon eueryevery light occasion willing to purchase credite to that which they speake, they take God to bee witnesse of the veritie of their speaches. 44. Manie frie subjectes, by the oppression of their Masters, aro-redacted to extreame pouertie. whose causes, if our clement Soueraigne please to examine, hee shall finde, that they are vnjustlie redacted to extreame indigence. 45. A false measure, and a false ballance, is an abomination vntounto the Lord, as Salomon recordeth. The 46. Canon containeth a regrate, that tythes were not duely payed to the Church: notwithstanding that the Church had giuen in their complaint to the ciuill Magistrate: whereby it came to passe, that not onelyonly Lightes in the Church, and steependes to the Clergie, beganne to inlacke, but also the very Paroch Churches became ruinous. 47. When generall Fastinges are appointed, for any impendent calamitie, let no man neglect the fellowship of the humbled Church, for desire p. 202to fearce his bellie with delicate foode. 48. Drunkennesse and surfetting are forbiddē, as offensiue both to soule and and bodie, and the ground of many other sinnes. 49. Lords and Masters are to bee admonished, not to deale cruelly and vnmercifully with their subjectes: yea, and not to seeke that which is due vntounto themselues with excessiue rigour. 50. Let Laicke people communicate at least thrise in the yeere, vnlesse they bee impeded by some hainous sinnes committed by them. 51. In the last Canon mention is made, that they diligently examined the cause of them who complained to the Emperour, that they were disherited by the donation of landes, which their fathers and friends had bestowed vponupon the Church: and in their bounds they found no man who did complaine. Alwayes, in that matter, if any thing was done amisse, they humbly submitte themselues to be corrected by their Soueraigne lord and king.

THE Councell of Chalons was the fourth Councell, conuened in the yeere of our Lord 813. by the commandement The Councell of Chalons.of Charles the Great, for the reformation of the Ecclesiasticall estate. Manie of the Canons of this Councell are coincident with the Canons of the former: therefore I shall bee the shorter in the commemoration thereof.

1. That Bishops acquaint themselues diligently with reading the Bookes of holy Scripture, and the Bookes of auncient Fathers, together with the Pastorall booke of Gregorius. 2. Let Bishops practise in their workes the knowledge which they hauehave attained vntounto by reading. 3. Let them also constitute schooles, wherein learning maye bee encreassed, and men brought vp in them, maye bee like to the sault of the earth, to season thecorrupt manners of the people, and to stoppe the mouthes of heretiques, according as it is saide to the commendation of the Church, A thousande Targ… are hung vp in it, euen all the Armour of the strong, Cantiel. cap. 4. vers. 4. 4. Let Church men shew humilitie, in worde, deede, countenance, and habite. 5. Let Priestes bee vnreprooueable, adorned with good manners, and not giuen to filthie lucre. 6. The blame of filthy lucre, where with many Church men were charged, for this, that they allured secular men to renounce the worlde, and to bring their goods to the Church, they endeuour, with multiplied p. 203number of wordes, to remoue. 7. Bishops and Abbots, who with deceitful speaches hauehave circumuened simple men, and shauen their heads, & by such meanes doe possesse their goods, in respect of their couetous desire of filthie lucre, let them bee subject to Canonicall or Regulare repentance. But let those simple men, who hauehave laide downe their haire, as men destitute of vnderstanding, who cannot gouerne their owne affaires, let them remaine in that estate, which they hauehave once vndertaken: but let the goods giuen by negligent parentes, and receiued, or rather reaued by auaritious Church men, bee restored againe to their children and heires. 8. If Church men lay vp prouision of Cornes in Victuall houses, let it not bee to keepe them to a dearth, but to support the poore in time of neede therewith. 9. Hunting and halking, and the insolencie of foolishe and filthie jests. are to bee forsaken of Church men. 10. Gluttonie & drunkennesse is forbidden. 11. The Bishop or Abbot must not resort to ciuill judicators, to pleade their owne cause, except it bee to support the poore and the oppressed. Presbyters, Deacons, and Monkes, hauing obtained licence from the Bishop, maye compeare in Ciuill judgement seates, accompanied with their Aduocate. 12. Let not Presbyters, Deacons, or Monks, bee fermers or labourers of the ground. 13. It is reported of some brethren, that they compell the persons, who are to bee admitted, in time of their ordination, to sweare, that they are worthie: and that they shall doe nothing repugnant to the Canons: and that they shall bee obedient to the Bishop, who ordaineth NOT A.them, and to the Church in thewhich they are ordained: which oath, in regarde it is perilous, wee all inhibite, and discharge it. 14. Bishops in visiting of their parishioners, let them not be chargeable vntounto them, but rather comfortable, by preaching the word, and by correcting things that are disordered. 15. It is reported, that some Arch-deacons vse domination ouer the Presbyters, and take tribute from them, which smelleth rather of tyrannie, than of due order. For if the Bishop should not vse domination ouer the Clergy, but by examplares to the flocke, as the Apostle Peter writeth. Much lesse shoulde these presume to doe any such like thing. 16. Like as in dedication of Churches, and for receiuing of orders, no money is receiued: p. 204euen so, for buying of Baulme to make Chrisme, the Presbyters (keepers of Chrisme) shall bestowe no money: but Bishops, of their owne rent, shall furnish Baulme for the making of Chrisme, and Lightes to the Church. 17. It hath beene found in some places, that Presbyters hauehave payed 12. or 14. pennies in yeerely tribute to the Bishop: which custome wee hauehave ordained altogether to bee abolished. 18. The receiuing of paunds from incestuous persons, & from men who pay not their Tythes, and from negligent Presbyters, is forbidden, as a thing which openeth a doore to auarice: but rather let Ecclesiasticall discipline strike vponupon transgressours. 19. Let people giuegive their Tythes to those Churches wherein their children are baptized, and whereunto they resort all the yeere long, to heare Church seruice. 20. Let peace bee kept amongst all men, but in speciall betwixt Bishops and Countes, whereby cuery one of them maye mutually support another. 21. Ciuill Iudges ought to judge righteously, without exception of persons, and without receiuing of rewardes: and let their Officiars, Vicars, and Centenaries bee righteous men: lest, by their auarice and griedinesse, the people bee grieued, and impouerished. And let the witnesses bee of vnsuspect credite: for, by false witnesses the Countreye is greatly damnified. 22. The Abbots and Monkes in this part of the Countreye, seeing they hauehave addicted themselues to the Order of Sainct BENEDICT: let them endeuoure to conforme themselues vntounto his institution and rules. 23. The ordination of Presbyters, Deacons, and other inferioures, is to bee made at a certaine prescribed time. 24. Concerning Bishops, Presbyters, Deacons, and Monkes, who shall happen to bee slaine, let the Emperour giuegive determination to whome the satisfaction of blood shall belong. 25. In manie places, the auncient custome of publicke repentance hath ceasted: neither is the auncient custome of excommunication and reconciliation in vse. Therefore, the Emperour is to bee entraited, that the auncient discipline maye bee restored againe and they who sinne publikely, may be brought ☞to publike repentance: and eueryevery man, according as hee deserueth, maye either be excommunicated, or reconciled. 26. It is reported, that in some Churches there is contention & strife p. 205for diuiding of Church rentes: It is ordained, therefore, That no Masse shall bee saide in those Churches, vntill they, who are at variance, be reconciled againe. 27. Neither the Sacrament of Baptisme, nor the Sacrament of Confirmation, should bee reiterated. 28. Concerning the decrees of affinitie, and in what degree Marriage may bee bounde vp, eueryevery man is sent to the Canons of the Church to seeke resolution. 29. Seeing that the man and the woman are counted in SCRIPTVRE as one fleshe, their Parentage is to bee reckoned by like degrees in the matter of Marriage. 30. The Marriage of seruantes is not to bee dissolued which is bounde vp with consent of both their masters, euerie seruant remaining obedient to his owne master. 31. It is rumoured, that some women by negligence, and others fraudulently, doe present their owne children NOT A.to the Sacrament of Confirmation, to the ende they may bee separated from the companie of their husbandes. Therefore, wee statute and ordaine, that such woman as either negligently or fraudulently present their owne children to the Sacrament of Confirmation, they shall be compelled to do pennance all the dayes of their life: neither shall they in anie wise be separated from their husbandes. 32. Let a sinner confesse vntounto his Father Confessor all his sinnes which hee hath committed either in thought, worde, or deede: because that hatred, enuye, and pride are such pestilentious bot…hes of the soule: and the more secretly that they are couched; the more periculously they hurt. 33. Sinnes shoulde not onelyonly bee confessed to GOD, according to the example of DAVID, who saieth, I will confesse against my selfe my wickednesse vntounto the LORD, and thou for gauest the punishment of my sinne, Psal. 32. vers. 5. But also wee shoulde confesse our sinnes to our Father Confessor, according to the precept of the Apostle, Acknowledge your faultes one to another, and pray one for another, that yee may bee healed, Iac. 5. 16. 34. In prescribing of pennance, let fauour and hatred of any person bee laide aside, and let the injunctions be giuen according to the rule of H. Scripture, & according to y^e canōs & custome of the Church, following y^e example of y^e physitions of the body, who without exception of persons doe adhibit cuttings, burnings, & vehemēt remedies to perilous diseases. p. 20635. Many in doing of pennance, are not so desirous of remission of sinnes, as of the accomplishment of the prescribed time of their humiliation: and beeing forbidden to eate fleshe, or drinke wine, they hauehave y^e greater desire of other delicate meates and drinkes: but spirituall abstinence, which should bee in penitent persons, excludeth all bodily delightes. 36. Let no man sinne of purpose, to the ende hee maye abolishe his sinnes by Almes deedes: for that is all one as if a man should hy…e God to grant vntounto him a libertie to sinne. 37. Seeing all Canons of Councels are to be diligently read, in speciall such as appertaine vntounto faith, and reformation of manners, shoulde bee moste frequently perused. 38. Bookes, called Libelli Poenitentiales, are to bee abolished, because the erroures of these bookes are certaine, how beit the authors of them bee vncertaine: and they prepare pillowes to laye vnderunder the heads of them who are slecping in sinne. 39. In the solemnities of the Masse, Prayers are to bee made for the soules of them who are departed, as well as for them who are aliue. 40. Presbyters, who are degraded, and liue like seculare, neglecting repentance, whereby they might procure restitution to their office, let them bee excommunicated. 41. A Presbyter, who transporteth himselfe from his owne place, shall not bee receiued in any other Church, except hee prooue, both with witnesses and letters sealed with lead, and containing the name of the Bishop. and of the Citie which hee liued in, that hee hath liued innocently in his owne Church, and had a just cause of transportation. 42. Let no Church bee committed to a Presbyter, without consent of the Bishop. 43. In some places are founde Scots men, who call themselues Bishops, and they ordaine Presbyters and Deacons, whose ordination wee altogether disallowe. 44. Presbyters ☞must not drinke in Tavernes, wander in Markets, nor goe to visite Cities, without aduise of their Bishop. 45. Many, both of the Clergie and Laickes, goe to holy places, such as Rome, and Turon: imagining, that by the sight of these places, their sinnes are remitted: and not attending to the sentence of Ierome, It is a more commendable thing to liue well in Hierusalem, than to hauehave seene Hierusalem. 46. In receiuing the Sacrament of the bodie and blood of Christ, great discretion is to bee vsed: Neither let the p. 207taking of it bee long differred, because Christ saieth, Except yee eate the fleshe of the sonne of man, and drinke his blood, yee hauehave no life in you: Neither let vsus come without due preparation, because the Apostle saieth, Hee who eateth and drinketh vnworthilie, eateth and drinketh his owne damnation. 47. The Sacrament of the bodie and blood of Christ, which in one daye is accustomed to bee receiued of all Christians: let no man neglect to receiue it, except some grieuous crime doe hinder him from receiuing of it, 48. According to the precept of the Apostle Iames, Weake persons shoulde bee annointed with oyle by the Elders, (which oyle is blessed by the Bishop) these wordes inclosed in a parenthesi are added to the Text: for hee saieth, Is anie man siecke amongst you, let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray for him, and annoint him with oyle, in the Name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall saue the sicke, and the Lord shall raise him vp: And if hee hauehave committed sinne, it shall bee forgiuen him, Iam. cap. 5. vers. 14. 15. Such a medicine as cureth both bodily and spirituall maledies, is not to bee neglected. 49. In the Councell of Laodicea it was forbidden, that Masses should bee saide, and Oblations offered by Bisshops, or Presbyters, in priuate houses. This questiō also was disputed in this Councell. 50. The authoritie of the Emperour, is to bee interponed for reuerent keeping of the Lordes daye. 51. Because the Church is constituted of persons of dine: se conditions, some are Noble, others are ignoble, some are seruantes, vassalles, strangers, &c. It becommeth them who are in eminent rowmes, to deale mercifully with their inferioures, knowing, that they are their brethren, because God is one common Father to both, and the Church is one common mother to both. From the 52. Canon vntounto the 66. are contained precepts of chaste and honest liuing prescribed to Prioresses and Nunnes, which I ouer-passe, as I hauehave done in the preceeding Councels. 66. It is ordained, that prayers and supplications shall bee made for the Emperour, and his children, and for their well-fare both in soule and bodie. 67. These things hauehave wee touched shortly, to bee exhibited to our Soueraigne lord the Emperour. Hee who desireth a more ample declaration of all vertues to bee followed, and vices to be eschewed, l…t him reade the volume of the holy Scriptures of God.

p. 208IN the same yeere of our LORDE, wherein the preceeding foure Councels were conuened, and by the mandate of the The Councell of Arles.Emperour Charles the Great, another Councell was conuened at Arles. The Canons of this Councell were in number 26.

1. They sette downe a Confession of their Faith. 2. They ordaine, That Prayers shall bee made for the Emperour, and his children. 3. They admonish Bishops and Pastors diligently to reade the bookes of holy Scripture: To teach the Lordes people in all trueth: and, To administrate the Sacramentes rightly. 4. Laick people are admonished, not to remooue their Presbyters from their Churches, without consent of their Bishoppes. 5. That Presbyters bee not admitted for rewardes. 6. It is ordained, That Bishops shall attende, that eueryevery person liue ordinately: that is, according to a prescribed rule. The 7. & 8. Canons belong to the ordering of Monkes and Nunnes. The 9. Can. pertaineth to the payment of Tythes, and first fruits. 10. It is ordained, That Presbyters shall preach the worde of God, not only in Cities, but also in eueryevery Parochin. 11. Incestuous copulations are to bee vtterly abhorred. 12. Peace is to bee kept with all men, according to the wordes of the Apostle, Follow peace, and sanctification, without the which no man shall see God, Hebr. cap. 12. vers. 14. 13. Let lordes, Iudges, and the rest of the people, bee obedient to their Bishop: and let no vnrighteous judgement bee vsed: and no bribes receiued, nor false testimonie bee admitted. 14. In time of Famine, let eueryevery man support the necessitie of his owne. 15. Let all weightes and measures bee equall and just. 16. Let the Sabboth day bee kept holy, without Markets, Iustice Courtes, and seruile labour. 17. Let eueryevery Bishop visite his boundes once in the yeere: and if hee finde the poore to bee oppressed by the violence of the mightie, then let the Bis. with wholsome admonitions, exhort them to desist from such oppression: & incase they will not desist from their violence, then let the Bishop bring the cause to the eares of the Prince. 18. Let Presbyters keepe the Chrisme, and giuegive it to no man, vnderunder pretence of Medicine. 19. Parentes NOT A.and Witnesses, shall bring vp baptized children in the knowledge of God, because God hath giuē them vntounto Parents, and Witnesses hauehave paunded their worde for their saith. p. 20920. Ancient Churches shall not bee depriued of Tythes, nor of none other possession. 21. That the constitution of ancient Fathers shall bee kept concerning Buriall in Churches. 22. Ciuill Iudgement seates shall not bee in Churches. 23. The goods belonging vntounto the poore, if they bee bought, let it bee done openly in sight of the Nobles and Iudges of the Citie. 24. Let fugitiue Presbyters and Church men bee inquired, and sent backe againe vntounto their owne Bishop. 25. He who hath a Benefice bestowed vponupon him, for helping the fabricke of Churches, let him support the building of them. 26. They who sinne publickely, let them make their publicke repentance, according to the Canons. These thinges hauehave we shortly touched, to bee presented vntounto our lord the Emperour, and to bee corrected by his Highnesse wisedome.

IN the yeere of our LORD 871. and in the third yeere of the reigne of Basilius, Emperour of the East: and vnderunder the reigne of Lewes the second Emperour of the West: the Ambassadoures The eig… Generall Councell.of Pope Adrian the second came to Constantinople. Basilius the Emperour gathered a Councell against Photius, the patriarch of Constantinople. In this Councell great policie was vsed, to hauehave all thinges framed to the contentment of Adrian bishop of Rome: For no man was admitted to the Councell, except onlie they who had subscribed the supremacie of the Bishoppe of Rome, aboue all other Bishops. They who refused to subscribe the fore-saide supremacie, were contemptuously rejected, and not admitted to the Councell. So did the authoritie of the Bisshop of Rome proceede to further grouth, by flattering of Basilius, who slewe his associate Michael: as it was founded in the flatterie of Bonifacius the thirde, who flattered that vile murtherer Phocas, who slewe his master Mauritius. In this Councell Photius was deposed, and excommunicated, and his bookes which hee wrote against the supremacie of the Bishop of Rome were commanded to be burnt. Photius was accused for this, that hee had accepted the office of a Bishop, before hee had receiued other Ecclesiasticall orders. Photius alleadged, that this was no sufficient cause of deposition, in respect that Ambrose, bishop of Millan, Nectarius, bishop of Constantinople, and of late dayes Tarasius, with consent of the bishop of Rome, of Laickes they p. 210were made Bishops. The Ambassadours of Pope Adrian the second answered. that Ambrose was endewed with extraordinarie giftes, Nectarius was called at an extraordinarie time, to wit, when heresie was so ouer-spred, that it was an harde thing to finde out a man who was not spotted with heresie: and, concerning the aduancement of Tarasius to bee bishop of Constantinople, to whose admission Adrian the first gaue consent, they answered, That it was done for a speciall cause, in regarde hee was a zealous maintainer of the adoration of Images. This answere declareth, that incase Photius also had beene a zealous maintainer of the adoration of Images, the Romane Bishop and his Ambassadoures coulde hauehave dispensed with the want of Ecclesiasticall orders preceeding his admission to his Bishopricke, as they ☞did in the person of Tarasius.

In this Councell also the Ambassadoures of Adrian, magnifying the authoritie of the Pope, affirmed, that the bishop of Rome might judge of the actions of all other bishops: but no man might judge of him. And albeit the Orientall bishops in the sixt Generall Councell, cursed Pope Honorius after his death: yet it is to bee marked (saye they) that hee was accused of heresie: And in this case onelyonly it is lawfull for inferiours to resist their superioures, and to disclaime their peruerse opinions. In this point also they saide, That none of the Patriarches and Bishops Hister. Magdeb. Cent. 9. Cap. 9. Caranza de Conciliis.proceeded against the defunct bishop of Rome, without the consent of the Romane Chaire going before them. Now obserue (good Reader) with what fidelitie Onuphrius defendeth the name of Honorius the first: as free of all suspition of heresie: when as the Ambassadours of Adrian the second, for verie shame durst not presume to doe it.

More-ouer, the worshipping of Images in this Councell got a newe allowance againe, and it was commaunded, That the image of Christ shoulde bee holden in no lesse reuerence than the bookes of the Gospell.

The Bulgarians also were made subject to the Romane Bisshop. And Ignatius Patriarch of Constantinople, in regarde he was restored to his place again by the meanes of the bishop of Rome, hee made no opposition in the contrarie. Neuerthelesse, this alteration continued but short time: for the Bulgarians droue out p. 211of their bounds the Latine Priests, and were serued with Grieke Priests againe.

Diuerse Canons were constituted in this Councell, but so coincident with the Canons of other Councels, that it is a superfluous thing to make a rehearsall of them. In the subscription of the Actes of the Councell, great controuersie fell out: for the Graecians could not abide the name of Ludouicke, Emperour of the West, because they thought, that the honourable name of an Emperour only belonged to their owne Soueraigne lord, who was Emperour of Constantinople. More-ouer, a number of them came to the Emperour Basilius, and requested him, that their subscriptions might bee redeliuered vntounto them againe, wherein they had subscribed to the supremacie of the Romane Bishop, or else the Church of Constantinople would be in perpetuall NOT A.subjection to the Chare of Rome. These subscriptions afore-saide were restored againe, but with great difficultie.

CArolus Caluus conuocated a Councell in Fraunce at A…ciniacum, consisting of ten Bishops. The bishops of Lions, Vason, and Trier were chiefe Presidents in the Councel. Hincmarus, bisshop The Councell of Acciniacum.of Rhemes accused in this Conuention his owne Nephewe, Hincmarus, bishop of Laudunum. as a man disobedient to his Metropolitane, and a man who for priuate injuries had excōmunicated all the Presbyters of his Church, debarring them from saying of Masse, baptizing of Inphantes, absoluing of Penitents, and burying of the dead. And Hincmarus bishop of Rhemes, proponed vntounto the Councell 50. Canons, which hee desired to bee read in the Synode: and they allowed all the Canons written by the bishop of Rhemes. Also, they condemned Hincmarus, bishop of Laudunum of petulancy, and compelled him to subscribe obedience to Charles his King, and to his Metropolitane: hee was also depriued of his office, and his eyes were thrust out. But Pope Ihonne the ninth, vnderunder the reigne of Carolus Crassus, restored Histor. Magdeb. Cent. 9. Cap. 9.him to his office againe, beeing the more affectioned vntounto him, because he had appealed from his owne bishop, and from the decreet of a Synode in his owne countrey, to be judged by the Chaire of Rome.The Councell of Triburium, or Sirasburg

IN the yeere of our Lord 899. and in the eight yeere of the reigne of the Emperour Arnulphus, in the Towne of Triburium, p. 212twentie and two Bishops of Germanie were assembled, who made many constitutions, a great number whereof Caranza is compelled to ouer-passe with silence, lest he shoulde make a superfluous repetition of Canons mentioned before.

First it was concluded in this Councell, That excommunicate persons, if they repent not, are to be subdued by the Emperour. Canon 10. That a Bishop shall not be deposed, before his cause be judged by twelue Bishops: and a Presbyter by sixe Bishops: and a Deacon by three Bishops. 11. A Church man, who committeth slaughter, shall be deposed, albeit he hath beene inforced vntounto it. 12. Baptisme shall not be ministred, except at Easter & Whitsonday, without necessitie require. 13. Tythes are to bee payed for the sustentation of the Ministerie, the support of the poore, and the fabricke of the Church. 15. Let mens bodies bee buried in that Paroch, vntounto the which they payed their Tythes. 16. No buriall place shall bee solde for money. 17. Let Laicke people be buried in the Church yarde, not in the Church: but if they be buried alreadie, let not their bodies bee remoued. 18. The vesselles, wherein holy mysteries are celebrated, are Challices and Platters: whereof Sainct Bonifacius, a Bishop and Martyr, being demanded, If it was lawfull to celebrate the Sacrament in vesselles of wood? He answered, That of olde there were golden bishops, and woodden vessels: but nowe by the contrary, saith he, the Bishops are woodden bishops, and the vesselles are vesselles of golde. And Sepherinus ministred the Sacrament in vessels of glasse. Neuerthelesse, this Councell straitly inhibiteth the Sacrament to be consecrated in vesselles of wood. 19. Let not wine without water bee offered in the holy Challice, because both blood and water flowed out of the side of Christ. 20. Priestes are shauen, to the end they may carrie vponupon their heads a similitude of the crowne ☞(to wit, of thornes, wherewith the Lord was crowned) who is their lot and portion. 21. Let not Presbyters, who are called before Iustice seates, bee compelled to sweare, but let them bee put in remembrance of their holy consecration in stead of an oath. 22. The triall of persons defamed by the burning iron is ceassed: but let no man giuegive out rashe judgement in se…ret matters. 27. They who hauehave vnderunder-taken a spirituall ofsice, p. 213shoulde not goe to warre-fare, nor accept vponupon them ciuill offices, according to the seuenth Canon of the Councell of Chalcedon. 31. A thiefe, or a robber, who is slaine in the perpetration of his diabolicall fact, let no man praye for his soule, nor distribute almes for his reliefe. 35. Let no justice Courtes bee holden on the Lordes daye, neither on Festiuall nor Fasting dayes. 39. A man who marrieth a woman of a strange countrey, but not of a strange religion, shall be compelled to cohabite with her. 40. It shall not be lawfull for a man to marie a woman whome hee hath polluted in adulterie during her husbandes life-time. 45. Hee who hath defiled two sisters, let him bee subject to pennance all his dayes, and remaine continent. 46. A woman that hath committed adulterie, and for feare of her husband, who persueth her vntounto the death, shee fleeth vntounto Bishops to seeke reliefe: let them trauell seriouslie for the safetie of her life: and if that can bee obtained, let her be restored to her husband againe: but if that cannot bee obtained, let her not bee restored: but her husband during his life time, shall not marie another. 54. A forme of externall repentance is prescribed to them who of precogitate malice and of purpose hauehave committed slaughter.