Church History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils, Chapter 12 (3 of 3)

Church History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils · Chapter 12 (3 of 3)

p. 398So that as the Papists will not accept of this Charity of our Bishops in excusing their Religion from this part of guilt, so there is little place indeed for an excuse.

§ 200. The Papists themselves though they have many other Councils and instances to prove the Popes Claim and Practice of deposing Princes, yet will not let go this as being a famous General Council: But when here in England they would excuse their Religion from Rebellion, they use to say, that this being not an Article of Faith, but a Canon of Practice they are not bound to take it as infallible. To which the said Mr. Henry Dodwell ibid. pag. 185. hath largely answered, to which I refer the Reader; adding only, that That which must be Believed to be of God is not alway matter of practice, yet what must be done as by the wi… of God, must alwaies be, first the matter of faith: we must believe that it is God's will before we can obey it as his will. The full answer see as aforecited.

§ 201. In the performance of the Laws of this Council multitudes called hereticks were burnt: Their St. Dominick preaching to the people to perswade them to take arms under the Sign of the Cross to destroy the Hereticks,☞ for to get pardon of their sins, so that from first to last many hundred thousand (some say two millions, but that seemeth too much) were killed in France, Savoy, Germany, Italy, and other Countreys: see Sam. Clerk Martyrol. and Arch-Bishop Vsher de…success. Eccles. Thus hath Papal Rome been built and maintained by Blood, Rebellion and Confusion, under pretence of Church Purity, Unity and Government, and all by the pretended KEYES.

§ 202. Honorius 3d. succeedeth Innocent: He confirmeth the Dominican, and Franciscan Religions and Sainteth Francis. He procureth a new expedition towards Ierusalem, and the destruction of many. The Emperor Friderick followeth his predecessors, and invadeth Italy, conquereth Sicily and Apulia (being his own by his Mothers title.) But the Pope excommunicateth him, and by the mediation of Iohn King of Ierusalem (in title) he is absolved.

§ 203. CCCCXL. Stephen Laughton being restored, a Synod at Oxford passed many general excommunications, ☞and there numbered all the Holy-dayes to be kept, and made several Canons; One good one was, [that every great Parish have two or three Presbyters, because of the greatness of the work, and if one should be sick, &c. Another (repeated many p. 399old Canons) that no fees be taken for Sacraments or Burials: &c. Another that no Clergy-m…n should keep their Concubines PVBLICKLY in their lodgings, nor else where go to them with scandal] (A good caution! for their credit.)

§ 204. CCCCXLI. A German Council lamenting that Clergy-men kept their Concubines publickly and would not dismiss them, forbids this publick keeping of them, C. 1, 2, 3, 5. But dealeth gently with them. But C. 6. those that preach when the Bishop silenceth them, it [maketh infamous and intestable, ☜casting them out without hope of mercy or restitution, ab officio et beneficio, and rendering them uncapable for the time to come.

Here the Popes Legate demanded out of every Cathedral two Prebends to be given to Rome (And great reason that he that giveth all, even Bishopricks and Kingdoms should have some again, even what he will.) But it was denied.

§ 205. CCCCXLII. Also in a Synod at Westminster An. 1226. the Pope demanding two Prebends out of every Cathedral, the King answered that the matter belonged to all Christendom, and when he saw what other Kingdoms did herein, he would give his answer.

§ 206. Gregory 9th. is next Pope: He commandeth the Emperor Friderick 2d. to go recover Ierusalem, and excommunicateth him a… a dissembler for his delaies: He re-Sainteth St. Francis and St. Dominick. He absolveth the Emperor upon his payment of an hundred and twenty thousand ounces of Gold for damage.The Emperor saith Mat. Paris was forced to return from Ierusalem, and make a truce, because the Pope took his Cities in his absence and sought to betray him to the Soldan. The greatest sedition and heresie (saith Platina) rose at Rom… that ever was there, so that the Pope was banished; But a plague ended it that left scarce the tenth man alive. Again the Senators and the Pope agree not about Legislation, and the Pope is fain to be gone again, and gets the Emperor to promise him that their conjunct forces should assault the Romans. The Emperor faileth, and bids his Souldiers help the Romans, himself departing, the Pope by mony bireth them to help him, and recovereth Rome. He sendeth preachers abroad to call men to the holy War: He Sainteth Elizabeth daughter to the King of Hungary. An Army goeth into Asia with Theobald King of Navarre and others, and is overthrown. He would go to Rome, but is kept out: The Emperor taketh many Cities in Italy: Gregory's party get him into the City: He again curseth the Emperor, and deposeth him from his Empire (by his presumptuous sentence.) The Venetians help the Pope. The Emperor afflicteth them: The Italians are divided. In Pistoria two brothers, one called Guelph was for the Pope, and the other called Gibel was for the Emperor, the City was … p. 400and the name of Guelphs and Gibellines filled Italy with confusion. The Romans were again falling off from the Pope, but he went among them Carrying the heads of the Apostles (you must believe it,) and by supplication and speeches moved the People to pity him, and got them to fight against the Emperor; which cost them and others of the Church party in Italy dear. The Pope calleth a Council to depose the Emperor again (to kill one man twice.) But the Emperor way-layeth them, and taketh many Cardinals and Bishops, and Imprisons them by the Pisanes help: Gregory dyed for grief in his 14th. year (or 15th.)

This is that Pope that by the help of Raymund made the Books of Decretals. So much out of Platina. Binnius addeth that the Emperor went with an Army into Asia in performance of his vow and received Ierusalem yielded to him: And made ten years truce with Saladine, and therefore was again excommunicated by the Pope.

§ 207. In this Popes time, ☞saith Bin. the Divines of Paris after long disputation defined, that it is a mortal sin for any man to have two benefices, when one of them sufficeth to sustain him.

208. Multitudes of the Albigenses were burnt and killed as Hereticks.

§ 209. CCCCXLIII. A Council at London under Otto the Popes Legate was held An. 1237. the King sending first to charge them to do nothing against his rights, and leaving one to see to it. The Legate was in danger for opposing Pluralities, the Bishop of Worcester and multitudes theatning resistance, and it was suspended.

§ 210. Coelestine the 4th is next Pope, but not by the Laterane Canon by two third parts of the Cardinals: some say he lived 18 daies, some 17 some 14, some say two Schismaticks were between.

§ 211. The seat was void a year and eight months and more: the Emperor keeping many Cardinals in prison, but at the request of Baldwin of Constantinaple he released them.

§ 212. Innocent 4th. is next chosen, who of a Cardinal-friend became by interest a Pope-enemy to the Emperor; and daring not to stay in Italy, fled into France, and there calleth a Council of Bishops (with these he hunted Princes,) and excommunicateth or curseth the Emperor: where saith Matth. Paris An. 1245 one Priest being commanded to publish the curse, he doth it thus. [Good People, I am commanded to pronounce excommunication against the Emperor Frederick,☞ the Candles put out and Bells ringing: But not knowing the reason, though I know the hatred between them, & that one doth the wrong, but which I know not; as far as my power reacheth, I excommunicate & anathematize him that doth wrong, & absolve him that suffers the p. 409wrong, which is so hurtful to all Christendome. And at Lyons the Pope curseth him again: The Emperor despised the Popes deposition, and would not give up his Crown, for fear of his curse. The Popes party choose Henry Laudgrave of Thuringe Emperor, who is quickly killed besieging Vlm, (as some say) that party chose William Earl of Nassau after him: Henry the Son of Friderick was drawn to rebel, and being overcome by his Father soon after died. And the Emperor not long after him, by what death it is not agreed, some say poysoned, others say stifled by Mansfred his base Son; some say, he continued impenitent; others that he repented of his opposing the Pope (not probable): some speak ill of him; others extol him for Learning and worthiness.

§ 193. Frederick being dead, the Pope travels France, and Matth. Paris saith, that at his leaving Lyons, a Cryer called the Citizens (who had long entertained him) to his farewel; and that Cardinal Hugo made his farewel Speech, telling them what good they had done the City: For when they came thither they found three or four bawdy houses,☜ but at their departure they left but one: But this one reached from the East Gate of the City to the West gate.

§ 194. The Pope returneth into Italy, and seeketh to get men to ruine Conrade the late Emperor Fridericks Son: The King of Englands brother Richard is first invited, but deni…d due help, and refuseth; King Henry the third himself at last is drawn in, and furnisheth the Pope with a great deal of money, and the Croisado Soldiours are turned against Conrade from the relief of Palestine: Bitter accusations against him are published by the Pope, which Conrade answereth: He and Robert Grosthead the famous Learned holy Bishop of Lincoln dying near together,Mat. Paris an. 1254. p. 893. the Pope biddeth all that belong to the Church of Rome to rejoyce with him, because these two their greatest enemies are gone. And if such wise and holy men as this Bishop, were numbered with the enemies of the Pope, we may conjecture what he was and did, and whether all the Christian World were then his Subjects, and whether Rome then needed reformation.

§ 195. But though the King of England had so far served him, it was not enough: Nothing less than all would serve, as Matth. Paris, tells us, when the King would yet be King, and did not fully obey the Pope: which he manifested in his rant against this rare and excellent Bishop of Lincoln, the occasion of which I think well worthy of our recital; as it is in Matth. Paris Anno 1453. pag. 87…. 872. (A credible Monk though oft reviled by Baron. and Bin for telling truth)

This Bishop was one of the famousest men in the whole world for knowledge, piety and justice: The Pope had sent him an order (as saith Matth. Paris, he often did to him and other English Bishops) to do somewhat which the Bishop judged to be unjust. It was not so bad as an interdict to silence Christs Ministers; but whether it was the promoting of bad Ministers, or hindering or excommunicating good men, some such thing it was as you may see by what followeth: The Bishop writeth a Letter to the Pope and Cardinals p. 410in which he tells them [That he would obey the Apostolical precepts: but that was not Apostolical which was contrary to the doctrine of the Apostles;☞ Christ saying, he that is not with us is against us: And that cannot be Apostolical that is against Christ: as the Tenour of the Popes Letters were: His non obstante so often repeated, shewed his inconstancy and his blotting the purity of the Christian Religion, and perturbing the peace and quiet of Societies; a torrent of audaciousness, procacity, immodesty, lying, deceiving, hardly believing or trusting any one; on which innumerable vices follow. And next after the sin of Lucifer, which in the end of time will be that also of Antichrist, the son of perdition, whom the Lord will destroy with the Spirit of his mouth, there neither is nor can be any other sort of sin, so adverse and contrary to the doctrine of the Apostles and the Gospel,☞ and so hateful, detestable and abominable, as to kill and destroy souls by defrauding men of the care of the Pastoral office and Ministry: which sin those men are known by the most evident testimonies of the sacred Scripture to commit, who being placed in power of pastoral care,☞ do get the salary of the pastoral office and ministry, out of the milk and the fleece of the sheep of Christ, who are to be quickened and saved, but administer not to them their dues: For the very not administring of the Pastoral ministeries, is by the testimony of Scripture, the killing and destroying of the sheep: And that these two sorts of sins, though unexpectedly are the very worst, and beyond all comparison exceed all other sort of sin, is manifest by this, that they are, in the two existent fore…aid things, though with disparity and dissimilitudes, directly contrary to the best things: And that is the worst, which is contrary to the best: And as for these sins, as much as in them lieth, one of them is the destruction of the Godhead it self, which is superessentially and supernaturally best: and the other is the destruction of that conformity and dei…ication (of souls) by the gracious participation of the Divine beams, which is the best thing essentially and naturally. And as in good things, the cause of good is better than the effect, so in evils, the cause of evil is worse than the effect is manifest, that the introducers in the Church of God, of such most mischievous destroyers of (holy) formation and deification in the sheep of Christ, are worse than the destroyers (or murderers) themselves; the nearer to Lucifer and Antichrist, and in the greater degree of mischief (or priority) by how much the more superexcelling, and by the greater and diviner power, given by God for edification and not for destruction, they were the more bound to exclude and extirpate such most mischievous murderers (or destroyers) from the Church of God: It cannot be therefore, that a holy Apostolick Seat, to which all power is given by our Lord Iesus Christ the holy of holies, for Edification, and not for destruction as the Apostle testified, should command, or require any thing that bordereth on or tendeth towards so hateful, detestable, aud abominable a thing to Iesus Christ and so utterly pernitious to mankind, or by any way endeavour any thing that tendeth thereunto. For this were either a defection or a corruption or an abuse of Christs own power, which is evidently most holy and most full; or it were an absolute elongation from the Throne of the Glory of our Lord Iesus Christ, and the next sitting together of the two foresaid Princes of darkness, p. 411and of hellish punishments, in the chair of pestilence. Nor can any one with unspotted and sincere obedience (who is a subject and faithful to that same Seat, and not by schism cut off from Christ, and that holy Seat) obey the said mandates and precepts, or any endeavours whatever, and whensoever they come, yea though it were from the highest order of Angels, but must necessarily contradict them and rebel with all his strength (or power): And therefore Reverend Lords, from the duty of obedience and fidelity, in which I am bound to both the parents of the holy Apostolick Seat, and from the Love which I have to Vnion in the body of Christ with it; I do only, filially and obediently disobey, contradict and rebel, to the things which in the foresaid Letter are contained, and specially, because as is before touched, they do most evidently tend to that sin which is most abominable to our Lord Iesus Christ, and most pernitious to mankind, and which are altogether adverse to the Sanctity of the holy Apostolick Seat; and are contrary to the Catholick Faith. Nor can you discretion for this hint conclude (or decree) any hard thing against me; because all my contradiction and action, in this matter, is neither contradiction, nor rebellion, but the filial honour due to the Divine Father, and of you. Briefly recollecting all I say; the sanctity of the Apostick Seat can do nothing, but what tendeth to edification and not to destruction: For this is the plenitude of power, to be able to do all to edification: But these things which they call provisions, are not to edification, but to most manifest destruction. Therefore the blessed Seat of the Apostle cannot accept them, because flesh and blood hath revealed them which possess not the things that are of God, and not the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, who is in Heaven.

§ 196. When the Pope heard this Letter, saith Mat. Paris p. 872. Not containing himself through wrath and indignation, with a writhin aspect and a proud mind, he saith; who is this doting old man deaf and absurd, who boldly and rashly judgeth my doings?☜ By St. Peter and St. Paul, if our innate ingenuity did not move us, I would precipitate him into so great confusion that he should be to the whole World, a Fable, a Stupor, an example and a prodigy.☜ IS NOT THE KING OF ENGLAND OVR VASSAL. AND I SAY MORE OVR SLAVE. WHO CAN WITH OVR NOD IMP…RISON HIM. AND ENSLAVE HIM TO REPROACH.

These things being recited among the Cardinal brethren, with much ado asswaging the rage of the Pope, they said to him, It is not expedient, O Lord, that we decree any hard thing against this Bishop himself: For that we may confess the truth, the things are true which he speaketh: We cannot condemn him. He is a Catholick; Yea a most holy man; more religious than we are more holy and excellent than we, and of a more excellent life; so that it is believed that there is not among all the Prelates a greater, no, nor any equal to him: This is known to the whole Clergy of France and England: Our contradiction will not prevail: The truth of this Epistle, which perhaps is already known to many, may stir up many against us; For he is esteemed a great Philosopher, fully learned in Greek and Latine, a man zealous for justice, a p. 412Reader of Theology in the Schools, a Preacher to the people, a Lover of chastity, a persecutor of Simonists: These words said the Lord Aegidius, a Spanish Cardinal and others, whom their own Consciences did touch. They counselled the Pope to wink at all this, and pass it by with dissimulation, lest tumults should be raised about it: especially for this reason, that, IT IS KNOWN THAT A DEPARTVRE WILL SOMETIME COME.] so far Mat. Paris.

§ 197. Yet neither this Bishop nor the Historian flattered Princes, but both of them sadly lament the oppression and other sins of King Henry: And the Bishop commanded his Presbyters to denounce excommunication against all that should break the Magna Charta, the Charters heretofore granted, foreseeing, saith Mat. Paris, what the King would do. And he sharply reprehended the Fryar Minors, that would not tell Great men of their sin, when they had nothing to lose (Cantabit Vacuus, &c.) having chosen poverty that they might be freer from hindering temptations.☞

§ 198. When he lay on his death bed at Bugden in Huntingtonshire, he told Ioh. Aegidius his learned friend, that he took them for manifest Hereticks, that did not boldly detect and reprove the sins of great men, and thereupon reprehended and lamented the sins of Prelates, but especially the Roman; reciting their putting unworthy and bad men into the Pastoral office, for kindred or friendship sake. The third day before his death, he called to him many of his Clergie, and lamenting the loss of souls by Papal avarice, groaning he said, Christ came into the world to win souls, Is not he then deservedly to be called Antichrist, who feareth not to destroy souls? God made all the World in six dayes; but to repair man he laboured above thirty years: And is not a destroyer of souls then judged an enemy of God and Antichrist] &c.☞

Next he goeth on to shew how sinfully the Pope by his non obstante overthrew even the rights that his Predecessors had granted, vainly pretending that they bind nothing because par in parem non habet potestatem, and what evils to the Churches he had done, and addeth [I saw a Letter of the Popes, in which I found inserted, that they that make their Wills, or that undertake the Cr…isado, and to help the holy land, shall receive just so much indulgence **Or pardoning.as they give money, &c. And so goeth on, naming his imposing men that cannot preach, or strangers of other languages as Pastors on the people, and his covetous and greedy devouring all the wealth he could get, concluding

Ejus avaritiae totus non sufficit orbis,

Ejus luxuriae Meretrix non sufficit omnis.

And that he drew Kings in for his own ends, making them partakers of the prey. Prophecying [that the … will not be freed from Egyptian servitude, but by the mouth of …. These things are small, p. 413but worse will follow within three years] sighing and weeping out these words, his speech failed him and he died.

And ibid. Mat. Paris saith, that the same night that he died wonderful Musical sounds and Ringings were heard near in the Air by several friars, and by Fulk Bishop of London (then not far off) who said when he heard it, that he was confident their reverend Father, Brother and Master, the Venerable Bishop of Lincoln was passing out of the World to Heaven.

The Bishop being dead,Id. ibid. the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and the Dean and Chapter of Lincoln fell out in striving, who in the vacancy had the power of giving Prebends: wherein the Arch-Bishop by Power utterly oppressed them.

And M. Paris p. 880. affirmeth that Miracles were done after the death of this Bishop by his virtues at Lincoln, and yet confesseth some of his faults and his sharp thundring against Monks and Nuns,☜ &c.

§ 199. The same Author tells us, p. 883. anno 1254. that the Pope was so unmeasureabley wrathful against this holy Learned Bishop, that when he was dead, he would have taken up his bones and cast them out of the Church, and purposed to precipitate him into so great infamy, that he should be proclaimed a Heathen, a rebel and disobedient to the whole world; and he commanded a Letter to that purpose to be written to the King of England, knowing that the King would be mad enough against him**The Bishop was for Magna Charta and the countreys liberties. and ready enough to prey upon the Church: But the next night the said Bishop of Lincoln appeared to him in his episcopal attire, with a severe countenance, an austere look and terrible voice, he came and spake to the Pope that was restless in his bed, pricking him in the side with a violent thrust with the point of his pastoral staffe which he carried, and said; miserable Pope Senebald! Dost thou purpose in disgrace of me, and the Church of Lincoln to cast my bones out of the Church, Whence did this timerity befal thee. It were better that thou, advanced and honoured by God, should honour those which are zealous for God; even when they are dead: Henceforth God will give thee no more power over me: I wrote to thee in the spirit of humility and love; that thou shouldst correct thy many errours: But with a proud eye and a bewitching heart thou hast despised wholesome warnings: Wo to thee that despispest: Shalt thou not be despised.] And the Bishop Robert departing, striking as with a lance, the Pope, who when as is said he was pricked, groaned aloud, he left him half dead, and with a mournful voice groaning with sighs; His Chamberlains hearing him, being astonished asked him, what the matter was. The Pope answering with sighs and groans, said; The terrours of the night, have vehemently troubled me; nor shall I ever be well again as I was! Oh, alas, how great is the pain of my side! A ghost hath pierced me with a lance: An he neither eat nor drank that day, feigning that he was inflamed with feavours that streightened his breath; And Gods revenge and wrath did not so leave him.

Not long after the Pope, not sensible of Gods warnings by his Servants, but setting about warlike and secular matters, he prospered not in them, though he laid out great care and labour and cost: But Wars, yea, the Lord of hosts being against him, his army which at great charges he had sent against the p. 414Apulians, under the conduct of his Nephew William, being scattered, conquered and confounded, perished with their Captain mortally wounded. They say there were there slain of Souldiours and valiant stipendiary's of the Pope, four thousand men: And the whole Countrey of the Romans lamented the shedding of so much Christian blood. The Pope then went to Naples, though weakened as with a plurisie in his side, or as wounded with a lance: And Cardinal Albus physick could not help him. For Robert of Lincoln spared not Sin…bald of Genoa, And he that would not hear him warning him when alive, felt him peircing him when dead Nor did the Pope ever after enjoy one good day till night, nor one good night till day, but sleepless and molested. Thus M. Paris.

§ 200. M. Paris, p. 896 anno 1254. saith that Henry the third of England obliged himself and his Kingdome unjustly **Quod tamen (saith he) nec face…e potuit, nec debuit.to the Pope, under pain of being disinherited, to pay all the treasure which the Pope should lay out in his War for the King (that is, to have made him King of Sicily) And that the Pope having no mercy on England prodigally wasted its money, but those vast sums got by rapine were all lost.

§ 201. The same Author saith p. 897. that when Pope Innocent lay dying (after the stroke of the Bishop of Lincoln and the loss of his Army) and his followers lay crying about him, he opened his dying eyes, and said, what do you mourn for you wretches? Do I not leave you all rich? what would you have more? And so he died.

§ 202. CCCCXLIV. Anno 1245. Innoncent calls a Council called General (their 13th. Approved) at Lyons of 140 Bishops, where he heaped up accusations against the Emperour, whom Thaddaeus his agent defended: And at last pronounced himself an excommunication and deposition, absolving all his Subjects from their Oaths and Allegiance,☞ and excommunicating all that should own and help him.

Here you see that more than one of their approved General Councils are for Rebellion and perjury, and the Popes deposing Christian Emperours.

In the same Council sad Complaints were made from England of the pillaging or woful impoverishing of the land by the Pope and King, but the Pope heard all silently and would give no answer.

§ 203. At this Council the Pope importuned the Electors to choose another Emperour: some refused and stuck to the Emperour, saying that it belonged not to the Pope to make or unmake Emperours: Others obeyed him, and set up Henry of Hassia. **Or Nassau or Holland, as they diversly called him.But the Emperour while he lived kept up his possession, so far as to make the Pope repent, and saith Trithemius was a weary of his life: But all Germany, Italy, &c. were confounded by the schim, or contention, one half (as is aforesaid) called Guelphes following the Pope and Henry, the other called Gibelines cleaving to the Emperour Frederick, to the shedding of abundance of Christians blood and the desolation of Countreys, and the shame of Papal tyranny.

§ 204. Anno 1254. Alexander the 4th. was Pope. Matth. Paris tells us of a terrible dream that he had of Pope Innocents damnation, or misery: p. 415But the fault of his writing is that he was too credulous of dreams and visions. He tells us also of twenty Miracles done at Lincoln for the sake of the late Bishop Robert. And that at a Parliament in London, the greatest which hath been seen, all the Nobles Ecclesiastical and Civil, demanded of the King that the choice of the Lord Chief Iustice,☜ the Lord Chancellor, and the Lord Treasurer should be in the Parliament (or their common Council) as of old was usual,Mat. Paris p. 904. 905. and just; and that they should not be removed without notorious faults, which the Kings secret Councellours perswaded him to deny. Prelates and Nobles being grieved by exactions express it, &c.

§ 205. Here the said Monk, Matth. Paris, exclaimeth O the steril solicitude of the Roman Court! their blind ambition! Though holy, yet often deceived by the Council of bad men: Why dost thou not learn to moderate by the bridle of discretion, thy violence, being taught by thing past, and so often chastised by experience. In thy losses we are all punished, &c.

Thou now endeavourest to make two German Emperours, which must cost inestimable treasure whence soever taken, and both uncertain of the dignity, &c.

§ 206. At that time the Lords and Prelates of England crying out of the King Hen. 3d. as false and oppressive, and pillaging Churches and People to maintain his profuseness, the Bishop of Hereford laid a Plot which the King accepted, that getting the hands and seals of a few Bishops he would go to Rome, and get power from the Pope to gather the King as much money as he needed. So to Rome he went, and there found the Pope in great grief and care himself for money, to pay vast debts that his Wars had cost him: The Bishop told him that the King who had engaged his Kingdom to be forfeited, if he paid not the Popes debts, would help him to money if he would be ruled by him, and write to the Bishops and Churches to grant the King such help as they could well do. The Pope gladly gave leave to the Bishop to write what he would; And home he went, and Eustandus a Legate was sent from Rome to see all done: saith, M. Paris, p. 911. anno 1255. The Legate was prepared and ready in all things to the destruction of all England to obey the will of the King which was tyrannical, and to bind the oppressed contradictors in the bonds of Anathema. Rustandus cometh with the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of Hereford is empowred by the Pope to gather moneys, for the Pope or King: A Parliament is called at Westminster: They refuse and go home. The Popes Letters press the Collection: A Council of Bishops is called at London, so much money is demanded, saith M. Paris, as would have enslaved or undone all the Kingdome. The Bishop of London protested he would lose his head rather than consent: The Bishop of Worcester said he would be hang'd first: The rest follow them. The King is angry and threatneth. The Earl Marshal in anger, when the King called him Traytor, answered, thou liest, I never was a Traytor nor will be: The King threatned to send men to thresh out his corn and fell it to humble him: The Earl told him, if he did so he p. 416would cut off the threshers heads and send them him: some interposed for the time: The Lords refused to meddle with the Kingdomes business, or to impoverish themselves, and were dissolved.

Rustandus again Congregateth the Bishops at London. They did nothing again: saith M. Paris, too boldly, p. 917. [Si enim sive juste sive injuste per dictum Magistrum Rustandum suspend…retur quis, vel excommunicaretur, Rex quasi Leo in abscondito, quaerens quem devoraret post 40 dies omnia direperit infiscata: Papa & Rex v…lut Pastor & Lupus, in ovium exterminium confoederati, omnibus ruinam minabantur. And then saith he, like blind men groping for the wall, the Council were divided, and as English men are used to do, every one shifteth for himself (or seeketh to save himself.) Tithes are now paid by the Clergy to the Laity; They are granted for the Magna Charta which was not kept: They are granted as for the holy land and turned against Christians in Apulia: Many lies and false oaths are imposed, saith M. Paris, p. 919.

The next year the Clergy were called again, 1256. Rustandus the Legate said, All Churches are the Popes: Leonard the Prolocut r… answered, yes, to defend;☞ not to enjoy and appropriate; as we say, All things are the Prince's; that is to defend; and not to disperse; And this was the intent of the founders. The Legate angry at this answer, commanded that henceforth without a Prol…cutor every man should speak for himself, that they might be known; which astonished and silenced all. He commanded them to subscribe a Lie, that they had received such sums of money of forreign Merchants and Vsurers; which they said, it wa… good Martyrdome to die for the refusing of. Pag. 920.

Here is annexed by M. Paris, A charter of King Iohn confirmed by Pope Innocent 3d. ordering that all Bishops be freely elected without the Kings hinderance by the Church vacant, and cursing all that otherwise come in, pag. 921.

§ 207. At that time the Romans imprisoned a great Citizen Beaucales for his justice.But Platina saith this was done in Victor the 4ths. days. The Bononians detain many Romans pledges for him: The Bononians are interdicted sacred things: but they yield not, till Beaucalco is delivered. M. Paris anno 1256.

The Letters of Pope Alexander and his many exactions, see farther in M. Paris this year.

§ 208. Anno 1257. saith M. Paris, some went to Rome for the Bishoprick of Ely, and the Church of St. Edmunds, and gave and promised so vast sums of money as astonished men with wonder. Whereupon the Pope made a new Law that every Elect Bishop should come personally to Rome, hoping to have the like prey from others.

§ 209. Anno 1258.☞ saith M. Paris, p. 910. The Pope that claimed the Kingdomes of the World was mastered in Rome, by the foresaid Senator Braucaleo, who being delivered from Prison was beloved of the people, executed the Malefactors and his enemies; forced the Pope to stay his excommunication and humble himself, and beg his mercy.

§ 210. The same year the Pope pretends anger to the King of England p. 418for not temperating his excesses; and threatneth to excommunicate him: The King is afraid, and sends him money, and stops his mouth, p 910.

§ 211. Against the Parliaments will the King again hearkeneth to the Pope, that offereth now the Kingdome of Apulia to Edmund his younger Son, as he did before to Edward the Elder. But the Parliament denieth him money, which he screweth from the Abbeys and Churches.

§ 212. saith M. Paris, Sewale Arch-bishop of York now died a Martyr (though without blood as many do) having constantly fought against the Tyranny of the Roman Court oppressed by the Pope, wrote earnestly as Rob. of Lincoln had done to the Pope to cease his tyranny. In his sickness (sath M. P.) he called for water which was fetcht out of the Well, and it was turned into excellent Wine. p. 969.

§ 213. How the Parliament of Barons at Oxford this year 1258. entered their Confederacy and resolution to stand against the King for their Liberties, Charter and Justice, M. Paris, p. 972 and many others tell you. And p. 974 how the Londoners joyned with them; and how many of the Lords were poysoned.

§ 214. Braucaleo the Roman Senator having humbled the Pope, pull'd down the Castles of the Tyrants and Rebels, put to death the kindred of many Cardinals, and died. The Pope forbade the Citizens choosing another without his consent. They laugh at him and choose Braucaleo's unkle▪ M. P. p. 984.

§ 215. This Pope Alexander of whom M. Paris speaketh so much evil, saith Binnius post obitum suavem sui memoriam reliquit, dying 1260. And Pl…tina praiseth him, in whom you may see more of his life, and Wars against Maufred, &c.

§ 216. Next cometh Vrban 4th. Patriarch of Ierusalem: of whom no great matters are recorded. He ordained Corpus Christi day.

217. Next cometh Clem. 4th. a French Lawyer a Widdower, and then Bishop. His first good work was to go to Perusium in the habit of a beggar: His life is praised by Platina, Onuphius, Binnius, &c. How he made a Frenchman Charles King of Scicily, and Apulia, and how Maufred was kill'd and conquered, &c. I need not trouble the Reader in reciteing.

§ 218. CCCCXLV. In his daies Canisius hath found a small Council at Vienna for reforming some things in the Clergy, Bin. p. 1492.

§ 219. Next cometh Gregory 10th. ☜But the Seat was vacant first almost three years: So long the Church of Rome was extinct, if the Pope be an essential part (as they would have him even of the Universal.)

§ 220. CCCCXLVI. In his time a Council at Lyons (called the the 14th. Universal approved one by them) was held: in which the poor Emperour of Constantinople, Michael▪ Paleologus being in danger at his wits end came in person to flatter the Pope in hope of help. There also was decreed the shutting up of the Cardinals at Elections for fear of vacancies p. 418as had happened by discord and delays. The Pope interdicted the Florentines, because the Guelphes refused to receive the Gibelines, which quarrel still cost bloody Wars. Rodulph is made Emperour, and the Pope dieth.

Onuphrius further openeth the Reasons and Rules of the Cardinals being shut up; viz. Clem. the 4th. being dead, the Cardinals (as is aforesaid) were all so desirous to be Popes themselves, that they were two years and nine months contending, and could not possibly agree. Philip King of France and Charles King of Sicily came themselves to Rome to intreat them, but departed without success. Yet they invoked the Holy Ghost every day to help them. At last the Cardinal Bishop Ioh. Portuensis deridingly prayed them to uncover the houses, for the Holy Ghost could not come in through so many covered roofs: At last by Bonaventures intreaty, they chose Theo…ald a Viseount and Archdeacon that was with our Prince Edward going to fight in Palestine: And the …aid Cardinal Portuens. made these Verses on their choice, anno. 1271.

Papatus munus tulit Archidiaconus Vnus,

Quem Patrem patrum fecit discordia fratrum.

§ 221. Innocent the 5th. cometh next; the first after the shutting up of the Conclave. He sought to end the Italian Wars, but died before six moneths reign.

§ 222. CCCCXLVII. A Council at Sal…zburge is published by Conisius, as in Greg. the 10ths. days, but it seemeth liker to be after▪ which condemned Pluralities, nonresidence of Priests, and their being in Taverns (or Alehouses) and playing at Dice, and their wearing long Hair and sine Cloaths, and restrained supernumerary begging Schollars, and ordered that the Bishop should imprison such as prophaned holy things after they were excommunicated or suspended: It seemeth that Bishops had by this time got coercive power; but they used it not to bring the unworthy to the Sacrament, but to keep the unworthy from it and from other profanations.

§ 223. Next Ottobonus, that was Pope Innocent the 4ths. Nephew, and Legate of England at the Barons Wars, is chosen Pope, but died before his Consecration, within forty dayes, but got the name of Hadrian the 5th.

§ 224. Next cometh Pope Iohn the 22th. as Platina, the 19th. as Binius, and the 21st as most, the 20th. by Onuphrius, 1276. He was a Physitian, made Bishop,☞ inverecundi & socordis ingenii, saith Platina, so foolish that he boasted how long he should live, when presently the house fell on his head, and he died by it in seven days after. Suffridus (saith Binius) saith that he was writing an heretical perverse book, when the room fell, and cryed out after, O, what is become of my book? Who will finish it? which saith Binius, if true,He died the first year. sheweth the wonderful Providence of God for his Church. But had this Pope been infallible, had he been in a Council?

p. 419purposed to revoke the decree for shutting up the Cardinals in Conclave, and this man finished the revocation, and till the dayes of Celestine 5th. that renewed it, it stood revoked, saith Onuphrius.

§ 225. Next came Nicholas 3d. after six months contention and vacancy. King Charles as Senator presiding and pleading for a French Pope. He is commended much, save that he set up all his own Kindred too much.

§ 226. After three years reign, eight months and fifteen dayes of Nicholas came M…rtin 2d. vulgo 4th. saith Binius and Onuphrius a Frenchman: In his time, the Greek Emperour Paleologus (not keeping his promise to the Pope) joyned with Peter King of Arragon, who claimed Sicily as his Wives inheritance; and though the former Pope had set him on, this was against him, restoring King Charles to be Senator at Rome, and siding with him, because he was a Frenchman: But the fatal Sicilian Vespers killed all the French, and Peter overcame Charles and took his Son, and Charles and the Pope shortly died of Fevers.

But before he died the Pope played the old Game, excommunicating and cursing King Peter, ☜and gave his Kingdom for a prey to any one that would get it, and absolved all his Subject from their Oath of Allegiance, and signed Croisado's (Soldiers under the sign of the Cross) to fight against him.

§ 227. Honorius the 4th. cometh next (his Brother being Senator at Rome) He confirmed the same Anathema against Peter King of Arragon, who shortly after died of a wound received in fight by the French. The Pope dieth (and the seat is void ten moneths) 1287. after two years Reign.

§ 228. Anno 1287. CCCCXLVIII. A Council was held at Herbipolis by the Popes Legate, endeavouring to have got the tenth penny of the Estates of the Clergy for the Pope, and of the Laity for the Emperour (by their joynt consent.) But Siphridus Arch-Bishop of Colen, and Henry Arch-Bishop of Trevers stoutly opposing, frustrated both their Conciliary designs.

§ 229. Anno 1288 came P. Nicolas 4th. a Religious Man, General of the Minors, when he had four years together laboured in vain to stay the blood in Italy, between the Guelphes and Gi…ellins, and to reconcile the French and English, and to relieve the Christians in Palestine, he died: And the Cardinals, though for liberty they went to Perusium, kept the Church headless two years and three months by contention, though Princes in vain endeavoured to perswade them to agreement. (Are these no intercessions of the Succession?)

In this time died Mich. Paleologus Emperour of Constantinople, and the Clergy and Monks would not suffer him to be buried in holy ground,☜ because in the Council at Lyons, he had consented to the Church of Rome, Platina. Was this a true Reconciliation of the …reek Church?

§ 230. Anno 1286. CCCCXLIX. A Council at R…v…nna (in Honorius time) made some Canons for Reformation.

§ 231. Anno 1291. CCCCL. A Council at S…lts…urg for reconciling some Christians.

p. 420§ 232. Anno 1292. CCCCLI. The Arch-bishop of Mentz held a Council at Aschaffenburge which they say did many good things; It is not known what.

§ 233. Anno 1294. After two years and four months vacancy Caelestine the 5th. a Religious man of solitary life is chosen Pope▪ If ever there was a good Pope it is likely this was one: But he was no sooner setled by common applause, but the Cardinals, especially Bened. Cajetaenus a subtile man perswaded him that his simplicity and unskilfulness would undo the Church, and urged him to resign. King Charles and the people disswade him, and are only for him: But the Cardinals prevailed, and he resigned; And going to his solicitude again, the Cardinal Ben. Cajetaue that got him to resign, sent him Prisoner to the Castle of Fumo, where (at best) he died of grief: Some write that Cardinal Cajetane got a way to speak through a Pipe put into the Wall as if it were some Angel, to charge him to resign; He was too good to be a Pope.

§ 234. The deceiver that got him out, succeeded him, called Boniface the 8th. (by Bin. 7th.) 1294. This is he of whom it is said, Intravit ut vulpes, regnavit ut Leo, exivit ut Canis. He raised Wars to prosecute some Cardinals and the Gibelines: While he lived wickedly he set up a Jubilee, proclaiming Pardon of all sins to them that would visit limina Apostolorum, that is, himself: A terrible Earthquake made him for fear set up a hut of boards in an open Meadow, lest the houses should fall on him: He digg'd up the body of one Hermane, that had twenty years been honoured as a Saint, and burnt it as a Hereticks. He sent a Bishop to Philip… King of France to intreat him to go fight in Palestine, and threatened him when he could not intreat him. The King imprisoned the Bishop. The Pope sent to require him to release him, saying openly, that the Kingdome of France was divolved to the Church,☞ for the contumacy of Phillip and his violating the Law of Nations; and bid him Anathematize him, and absolve all Frenchmen from the Kings Oath. The King let go the Bishop, but forbad all his Subjects going to Rome or sending any money thither, and not enduring his insolency, he assembled his Nobles and declared the Popedome void by Usurpation and unjust enterance of Boniface, and appealed to a Council; He Coyned money with this Inscription [Perdam Babilonis nomen] The Pope called a General Council, where he gave the Kingdom of France to Albert the Emperour, Anathematizing the King. The King would not play with him, but sends Sciarra and Nogarete to Italy to proclaim his Appeal: But Sciarra in a mean habit… gets together many friends, that the Pope had oppressed and surprizeth him in his Fathers house, breaketh open the doors, carrieth him from Avignia to Rome a Prisoner, where the thirtieth day he died of grief, of whom saith Platina [Thus died Boniface, who endeavoured more to put terrour than Religion into Emperours, Kings, Princes, Nations and People; and to give Kingdomes and take them away to expel men and reduce them at his pleasure, unspeakably thirsting for gold, which way ever to be gotten. Let all Princes Ecclesiastical and Secular (saith he) learn by this mans p. 421example to go before the Clergy and people, ☜not proudly and contumaciously, as, he did, but holily and modestly as Christ and his disciples, and true imitators, and choose rather to be loved than feared, from whence the ruine of Tyrants deservedly cometh.☜

§ 235. Anno 1297. CCCCLII. Bin. saith, a Council (Lugdunense) decreed that Princes should not tax their Clergy, nor the Clergy pay them without the Popes Consent.

§ 236. Anno 1302, CCCCLIII. The Popes General Council at Rome excommunicateth the King of France as aforesaid. His Army follow their Captain Pope.

§ 237. Benedict the 11th. alias the 10th. alias the 9th. is next chosen Pope, (much praised): who excommunicated Sciarra, and absolved King Philip, and died before nine Moneths.

§ 238. Anno 305. Entreth Clemens the 5th. the Bishop of Bourdeaux, ☜who called the Cardinals to France, and setled the Popes Court there, where it continued seventy years, till the Church and great buildings at Rome were desolate and ruinous, saith Platina. In his time Albert the Emperour was kill'd by his Nephew: Italy confounded by Wars: The Pope curseth and interdicteth the Venetians, the Florentines, the Lucenses: Requireth the new chosen Emperor of Luxemburge to come to Rome for Coronation; He entereth Italy; some Cities fight against him, some yield: At Rome demanding money, they resist, and it cometh to force, and he is driven back: After many bickerings and Cities taken, he dieth, as is said (saith Plat.) Poysoned in the Eucharist by a Monk. Two fight for the Empire, Lodovic. Bavour and Frederec▪ Austriae: Lodovicus conquereth and maketh himself Emperour. Clement burneth two as Hereticks, maketh P. Caelestine the 5th. a Saint▪ ☜writeth his Clementinus, and dieth, and again there was no Pope, for two years, three months and seventeen dayes.

§ 239. CCCCLIV. A Council at Saltzburge to get money (Tenths) for the Pope.

§ 240. CCCCLV. Another there Anno 1310. declaring some penalties.

§ 241. CCCCLVI. Another at Mentz to extirpate the Templats, where some of them rusht in and appealed to the next Pope, protesting they were killed and burnt wrongfully, without being heard speak for themselves.

§ 242. CCCCLVII. But the great Council called by them the 15th. General Council approved, was at Vienna near France, on this occasion. King Philip having got the Popedome, for Clem. the 5th. made him promise to condemn Pope Bonif. the 8th. and all his Acts: When he had possession, he found himself in a streight, and Nicholas Cardinal Pratensis advised him to please the King with the hopes that a General Council would do it most effectually, and to get the Council out of his Country and power: which being done the Council frustrated the Kings expectations: The King accused Pope Boniface of Simony, Heresie, and Perjury, in forty Articles. p. 422His crimes were not denyed, but they justified him to be a true Pope, and found him not an Heretick.

In this Council the Templars were condemned and put down, and their Lands given to the Ierusalem Hospitalers, or Knights of Rhodes (which they say King Philip thought to have got) some say the Templars were falsly accused of Heresies (and the Masters and others burnt): Others say, truely. The most probable, is that some particular Men of them (no new thing among Soldiers) committed many Villainies, and the rest suffered for their sakes.

In this Council the Heresies of Petrus Ioan…is a Disciple of Abbot Ioachim, were condemned, which were three. 1. That the rational Soul, as rational, is not the form of humane bodies. 2. That habitual grace is not infused in Baptism (that is alwayes and to Infants). 3. That Christs side was pierced with the Launce before he was dead.

In this Council the Fratricelli and Dulcinists were Condemned, and also eight Heresies of the Beguines and Beguards; which were these (all for perfection, which Quakers and some Fryars now seem to be too much for in profession, as we all are in desire)

1. That man in this life, may get such a degree of perfection, as that he may become impeccable (or sinless) and so to rise to no higher a degree of grace: Else, say they, if one might still increase he might grow better than Christ.

2. That when one hath atteined that degree, he ought not to fast or pray: Because then sensuality is perfectly subject to the Spirit and reason, so that a man may then freely grant his body what pleaseth him.

3. That they that have got this degree of perfection and the Spirit of liberty, are not subject to humane obedience, nor bound to any precepts of the Church, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

4. That thus a man may get final beatitude in all degrees in this life, as well as in that to come.

5. That every intellectual nature is naturally blessed in it self, and the soul needeth not the light of glory for the seeing and enjoying of God.

6. That to exercise virtues is a note of imperfection.

7. That to kisse a Woman is sin, because nature needs it not; but copulation is not, because nature requireth it, when one is tempted.

8. That one ought not to rise and to reverence at the elevation of Christs body, because he must not descend from the altitude of his contemplations so as to to think of the Sacrament or Christs humane body.

It seems these were such fanatiks as some Fryers are.

In this Council the decrees called Clementines were passed; in which are specially noted by Binius, some things de fide, as followeth.

I. That it is heresie to call in doubt, or assent that the substance of the rational or intellective soul is not truly and perfect the form of mans body.

II. That whereas Divines differ about the effect of Baptisme, some saying that to Infants sin is remitted, but not Grace conferred; others saying that the fault is remitted and virtues or informing Grace infused as to the Habit, p. 423though not yet for use, we attending the general Efficacy of Christs death, which by Baptisme is equally applyed to all, judge the second opinion more probable and agreeable to the sayings of the Saints and modern Doctors of Theologie, the sacred Council approving this, which saith, that both to adult and infants in baptisme informing grace and virtues are given.

III. If any one fall into this errour that as pertinaciously to affirm that Vsury is no sin, we decree that he be punished as an Heretike, and the ordinaries and inquisitors for heresie may proceed against such as against hereticks.

IV. And it is decreed that if any Communities or Officers shall presume to write or dictate that usury should be paid, or being paid should not be fully and freely restored, let them be excommunicate, and they shall incurr the same sentence that do not as far as they can blot out such statutes out of the bookes of the said Companies, that shall keep such customes.

Also that Usurers be compelled to shew their books of accounts.

§ 243. Here the Pope and the Bishops in a General Council have judged divers points to be heresie, and consequently their contraries to be Articles of faith: And for Heresie they curse, burn and damne men.

1. I overpassed their Article that Christ was dead before his side was pierced, which is true: But whether an Article of our Creed necessary to be understood to Salvation, let the Church Creed be witness.

2. Its well, that the possibility of sinless perfection is made a heresie by them (for we must daily pray for pardon): But why then do they talk so much of the possibility of keeping all Gods Law, that is of never sinning; and talk of perfection, and works of Supererogation?

3. Do not they make an Article of Faith of a Logical Arbitrary Notion (that intellectual Souls being the Bodies form) who knows not how ambiguous the word form is? An Aristotle supposeth a Corpus organicum, besides the Soul; and that Corpus hath its form qu… Corpus. I imagine, that these Bishops meant the same thing, that I do, and that our difference is but of the fitness of words; but …will so far venture on their heretication as to say, that forma Corporis, forma Animae, and forma Hominis, are divers: That Corpus organicum quà tale hath its proper form, which denominateth it such; which is not the Soul: That the Soul being a substance hath its proper from which denominateth it, and which it retaineth, when separated from the Body: And that the intellectual Soul is forma Hominis, but improperly called forma Corporis: I will venture on their Heretication, to tell them my opinion, and I think their Errour and Presumption to thrust such things on Men under the penalties of cursing, burning, and damnation,

4. Their Article of Faith about the effect of Baptism (That all that are bapti…ed at Age and Infants have both pardon and infused inf…rming habitual Grace, I take for unproved, and have elsewhere proved it to be false in all probability, as universally taken.

5. The Article of Faith, That Vsury is a Sin, doth hereticate many great Divines, more Lawyers, and most Cities, Corporations, and Companies in the p. 424World: No doubt, but all Usury is a sin that is against either Mercy or Iustice: But that some Usury may be an Act of great Charity, many wise men think past doubt: We have known some get estates of many thousand pounds a year by trading with money taken upon Usury, when perhaps some that Leant that money, had nothing but the Use to buy them bread and course cloathing, and keep them from perishing. How many thousand Great Men, Lawyers and Citizens are to be cursed, burnt, and damned by this Canon, for holding some Usury to be Lawful: Nay, how many for not restoring it when taken; when perhaps, an Orphan took it of a rich man to save them from famine. This is the benefit of hereticators.

§ 244. Anno 1311. Was a Council at Ravenna CCCCVIII. for Discipline and Reformation of the Churches manners, with many superstitions.

§ 245. CCCCLIX. Anno 1314. Another at Ravenna, was like the former.

§ 246. Next cometh Pope Iohn the 20th alias 21th. alias 22th. alias 23th. He lived at Avinion: He thought souls were kept in some receptacles from the …ight of God till the Resurrection: He damned those that held that Christ and his Apostles possessed no Propriety (Platina thinks contrary to the Gospel.) He tormented to death Hugo Bishop of Cature for being against him. He cursed and excommunicated the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria, and many other great men: Italy was all in Wars in his days. The Emperor set up another Pope in Italy against him, Nicol. the 5th. which was saith, Onuph. 28th. Schism at Rome, was not he that was at Rome liker to be Bishop of Rome, than he that was in France.) But the Pope Nicolas after three years Reign was catched by one that would merit of Pope Iohn, and sent to him, and put in Prison, where he soon died: and Iohn died at Ninety years Old after Nineteen years Reign, leaving more money behind him, than any Pope that ever went before him.

His process against Lodov. the Emperor,They forbad any below a Bishop to examine or judge a Priest as his ordinar…. you …ay see in Freherus History Rer. Bohem. and others more at large.

§ 247. CCCCLX. Another Council at Ravena, Anno 1317. to the same purpose with the former, where the manners of those times may be noted in the crimes forbidden: The 3d. Can. sheweth that men had then the place of Archdeacons before they were ordained Deacons, and the places or benefices of Abbots, Deans, Archpresbyters, Prelates, (Praepositi) before they were ordained Priests: And the Cannon requireth such to be after ordained within a year.

Can. 18. Excommunicateth all Lay Magistrates, that take a Priest or Clerk in arms or in any excess or sin, and keep him, (that is imprison him or punish him) and do not send him to his Bishop; or that sending him to the Bishop do openly shame him, by sending him with trumpets or armed men, or with his arms hang'd about his neck.

§ 248. CCCCLXI. Anno 1322. A Concilium Sabinense had many of the p. 425like orders to restrain the vicious Clergy, and yet Can. 3. excommunicate secular Judges that compel them to answer at their Bar. Especially they are large in imposing penalties on those that publickly keep Concubines in their houses (and have not the modesty to fornicate more secretly.) If they put not away their Concubines in two Moneths they must lose the third part of their tythes, and after other two months another third part, and at last the other third part, and after be uncapable of preferment, &c. These are gentler penalties than a differing opinion is punished with under the name of a heresie.

§ 249. CCCCLXII. Anno 1324. A Council at Toletane to the like purposes.

§ 250. CCCCLXIII. The two Popes called two Councils against each other as Hereticks (were neither in the right.)☜ Iohn in a Council at Avignion proved Nicolas the 5th. a heretick for holding that Christ possessed nothing as Proprietor; Nicolas called a Council in Italy which condemned Iohn as a heretick for holding the contrary: Thus the hereticators were hereticated.

§ 251. The French now got the Power of the Papacy,☜ and another French man was chosen Pope Anno 1334. called Benedict. 11. alias 12th. He renewed the excommunication and deposition of the Emperor Ludov. and claimed the Empire to himself, concluding that being vacant it fell to the Church (see to whom Kingdomes escheat): whereby he set all Italy in Wars in all the Cities, giving them to the Rulers as the Popes Leiutenants, and perswading the Romans also to depose the Senatorean power as of the King, and to exercise it themselves under the Church: He lived above seven years Pope.

This Pope contrary to his Predecessor defined that souls sufficiently purged enjoy the clear vision of God before the resurrection.

§ 252. CCCCLXIV. Anno 1339.☜ A Toletane Council decreed among other things that every Rector of a Church and their Vicars under pain of excommunication do every year write the names of all their Parishioners that come to years of discretion, and consign (confirm) all that are confessed, and excite them to come to the Sacrament; But if they have not received it, let them abstain unless it be by the Counsel of their own Priest. And those that confesse not, after a year to expel from the Church, and deny them ecclesiastical burial.

§ 253. Anno 1342. Another Frenchman (Bishop of Roven) is made Pope at Avignion: Clem. 6. All Italy and Naples was put into the flames of Wars. He forced the Germanes to set up another against the Emperor Lodov. Bavarus, which was Charles Son of Iohn the 11. of Bohemia. Charles sends bound to the Pope, a new Senator Nicolas Rentii that ruled all at Rome. He made a new Jubilee; he laboured in vain to reconcile King Edward of England to the French, the English conquering their Navies and taking Calis, &c. The Colenses and Trevinuses having contributed money as to a Turkish expedition, that Pope liberally rewarded them, by granting them licence to eat Eggs and Milk-meats on any fasting dayes out of Lent.

§ 254. CCCCLXV. Anno 1347. A Toletane Council against Simony, &c.

p. 426§ 255. Anno 1352. Innoc. the 6th. is made Pope of Avignion: The Emperour Lodovi… ▪ died.All Italy was still kept in blood: One Barnacellus Lorded it as Ruler at Rome: The Pope craftily lets Nicolas Gencii out of Prison to set up against him; Nicolas gets the better and killeth him: but domincering too much is next kill'd himself. 1347. The new Emperor Charles is Crowned in Italy. The Romans put the power into seven Citizens called Reformers of the common wealth. The Pope sets Hugo King of Cyrus against the Reformers, and bids him pull them down. But trouble came near him: Our King Edward conqer…d the French, and took the King and his Son Philip Prisoners, nobly releasing the Prisoners upon promise that they would fight against him no more, which they presently brake; The Pope dieth.

§ 256. Having long said nothing of the Greek affairs, I here only briefly say, that the utter confusion of their imperial Successions by murders and Usurpations, and the continued confusions of their Church affairs ever since the divisions of the Orthodox Nestorians, Entychians, Monothelites, &c maketh it both a hard and unpleasant task to give any exact account of their Bishops, Synods and manifold contentions, which furthered the ruine of the Empire. Their divisions gave the Latines opportunity to take Constantinople 1204. which they kept 58 years, and then lost it. Baldwin was the first Latine Emperour whom the Bulgarians conquered, and took Prisoner Anno 1205. and kept sixteen months, and then put him to death. Henry his brother succeeded him 1206 and died 1216. Peter succeedeth him that married his sister (or daughter) and is quickly slain by Theodorus Lascaris. Robert succeedeth his Father Peter 1261. Theodore Lascaris was Emperor chosen by the Greeks and kept Court at Nice: He def…ated the Turks, and slew their Sultan, and died, 1222. Iohn Ducas his Son in Law succeedeth him, and 1255. his Son Theodore Lascaris succeedeth him and died 1259. leaving a Son Iohn of six years old: Michael Paleologus putting out Iohns eyes at ten years old, usurpeth the Empire, and by a stratagem of Alexius Caesar with 800 men taketh Constantinople; and feigned a reconciliation with Rome, and died 1282, and for his seeming reconciliation with Rome his Son Andronicus and the Clergy denied him Christian burial. Andronicus succeeded: His Son Michael dying, his Grandson Andronicus deposeth and banisheth him, and taketh the Throne: he reigned 8 years, and died 1341. He committed his two Sons to Ioh. Cautacuzenus: The Eldest Son Iohn reigned 27 years, and Manuel his brother succeeded him 1384. and his Son Iohn succeeded him 1419. Constantine the 8th. began 1445, and Anno 1453, May 29th. the Turks took Constantinople; and set up their Empire.

§ 257. Anno 1355. Under Innocent the 6th. was another Toletane Council: short and sweet; worth the noting: (by authority of Blastus Arch-Bishop of Toletan. Viz. [Lest faithful Christians should be burdened with the weight of sin (or faultiness) by transgressing provincial Constitutions, when Divine piety hath mercifully put them under an easie yoke and light burden, we ordain, the holy Council approving it that the Provincial constitutions of our Predecessors p. 427and that shall be made hereafter, unless it be otherwise expresly ordained in such as shall be made, shall oblige the trangressours only to the penalty of them, but not (ad culpam) to faultiness (or sin)

Its worth the Inquiry how far all other Canons and humane penal Lawes are thus to be expounded.

§ 258. Anno 1362. Another French man is made Pope, called Vrban the 5th. He sent Aegidius to fight for him in Italy (still broil'd in Wars,) and died.

§ 259. Anno 1370. Petrus Bellfortis that was made Cardinal before he was 17 years old is made Pope of Avignion, and called Greg. the 11th. So far was all the world from obeying the Pope, that Italy still fought against him: Thither he sends an Army, bloodshed and misery overspreadeth the Country. The Pope at last saw that his absence gave his Enimies advantage, and not daring to let the French know lest they should have stopt him, he slipt away to Rome, and thither removed his Seat, that had been at Avignion 70 years, to the great joy of the City, impoverished by the absence of the Court.

§ 260. Anno 1378. Gregory the 11th being dead, the People of Rome flock to the Cardinals, and cry to them to choose no more Frenchmen least the Seat be again removed, but an Italian, and the best man that could be found, least all should run to utter confusion. Thirteen Cardinals were Frenchmen and four Italians: The French were for a French Pope; but they fell out among themselves, while part of the French were for one, and part for another, by which it fell out that Barthol. Episc. Barensis, a Neapolitane was chosen, an extraordinary good Pope. The Cardinals cryed out that the People of Rome had by tumult, force, and arms constrained them to the choice of this man (Vrban 6.) and they fled to strong holds; but at last came to Rome and owned the Pope: But when he told them, that he would not go to France, and reproved their wickedness, and told them how severely he resolved to punish them if they amended not, they got away and declared, that Vrban was a false Pope, chosen by the Peoples tumults and force, where the Cardinals were not free, and that the Seat was void, and they chose another (Cardinal Gebennensis) and called him Clement 7th; And so whereas for seventy years there had been a Pope at Avignion, and none at Rome, now for forty years more there were two, one at Avignion, and one at Rome (and sometimes three). And indeed it passeth my skill to know how the Avignion Popes were Bishops of Rome, who never saw Rome, nor any of the People, any more than he is a true Schoolmaster that never saw the School or Scholars.

And now the two Popes fall to fighting for it; and the French Pope sending an Army of Britons against the Italian Pope; at first they beat the Romans, but next were so destroyed by them, that few scaped home to bring the news.

The Italian bloody Wars still continue, especially between the Venetians and Geno…eses. Then had the Venetians the first Guns: The Neapolitans p. 428also were ruined by Wars, their Queen siding with one Pope (Clement) was destroyed by Charles that was for the other (justly strangled, as she had used her own Husband). The Duke of Anjou also came with a great Army into Italy from Pope Clement to destroy Pope Vrban; but the General died, and the Souldiers scattered and returned home: The Pope then desired of King Charles that his Nephew might be Prince of Naples; and being denied, threatned Charles, and cited him to Nucena, who came at his Summons, but with an Army: The Pope escaped to Genoa; and King Charles upon his Fathers death called home to Hungary, was murdered.

The Pope putteth seven of his old Cardinals in five Sacks,☞ and drowneth them in the Sea: But to be strong enough, he maketh no fewer than twenty nine new ones in one day. He went to Naples, thinking to surprize and deject the Kings two Sons, but was defeated. Italy still flamed with War: He made 54 Cardinals, of which he killed five, and deposed seven, and died, saith Platina, little lamented, as his Epitaph sheweth, as being rustick and inexorable, though one of their best: He died after eleven years, An. 1389.

§. 261. CCCCLXVI. An. 1388. A Council is held at Palentine in Spain, under the Cardinals of the Antipope Clement, about Shavings and Church-Orders.

§. 262. An. 1389. Boniface 9. alias 8. is chosen at Rome, and Clement dead in France, Pet. de Luna is chosen there, called Benedict 13. The Italians were still the furthest from Unity and peace, all the Cities almost in war against each other: so far were they from Eminency in Religious love and concord, that they had not the common quietness of Heathens. The Pope went to Perusium to reconcile them there; where to shew what his power was over them, the people killed fourscore of the Nobles before the Popes face, which he took ill, and departed. He got possession of the Government of Rome; he required Annals, that is, half a years value of every Benefice of him that received it: All, saith Platina, save the English granted it, and they would yield it of no Benefices but Bishopricks. Had the Pope indeed been Head of all the World, Annals would have come to a considerable Rent: But going so far as the Antipodes to gather it, would have made it come shorter home than the Spanish Gold and Silver doth from the West-Indies.

Instead of winning men by Preaching, the Popes Arms now subdue Perusium and many Italian Cities to him: Platina saith, that his own Father that saw the man, told him, that a Priest cloathed in white, carrying a Crucifix, with certain Hymns to the Virgin Mary, came from the Alps with a grave and pious look, so preaching, that all the people followed him, even Nobles as well as others; and that he pretended that he went to visit the Holy Fathers at Rome; ☞but the Pope suspected that he meant to be Pope, or get too much interest, and sent Souldiers and took him, and burnt him to death; some saying that he had some errour, others saying no such thing was ever proved by him, but it was reported by the Pope to hide his cruelty.

p. 429In these times, saith Platina, Chrysoloras Byzantinus brought Greek Learning into Italy, that had been silent five hundred years.

§. 263. An. 1404. Boniface dying, Innocent 7. is chosen at Rome, one part of Europe being for him, and another for the Avignion Pope. Tumultuante tota Italia, saith Platina, Tota Italia ad arma respiciebat: Five and twenty Cities revolted from the Vicecomites, and set up new Governments. (What Concord did the Pope keep in the World?)▪ Platina saith he was not only slothful, but could not endure to be told of his duty. The Citizens of Rome petitioned him to endeavour the ending of the Schisme, the King of France and the Avignion Pope being inclined to peace:☜ For answer he sent them to his Nephew Ludovicus to be murdered, who presently killed eleven that came to consult with him, casting them out at a window, saying that was the only way to cure Sedition and Schisme: Upon this the City takes Arms for revenge; the Pope and his Nephew fly to Viterbium; Ladislaus King of Apulia helps the Citizens, they fall upon the Courtiers, take the Capitol, and other places, &c. The Pope sends an Army against them that overcometh them, and forceth them to beg his return: He dieth 1406. after two years and 23 days Reign; and so there was only the Avignion Pope.

§. 264. An. 1406. Gregory 12. is chosen at Rome, taking an Oath (as Innoc. 7. did) to resign, if the Unity of the Church required it: The Princes of France had made their Pope Benedict 13. take the like Oath: The Princes and Cardinals ashamed of two Popes, and two Churches, prest them both to summon a Council; they cunningly would not agree of the place, and so forced the doing it without them.

§. 265. CCCCLXVII. To put a shew on the business, Greg. calleth a Council at Aquileia, whether by long delays he creepeth with a few to do nothing.

§ 266. CCCCLXVIII. And the other Pope, Bened. 13. Anno 1409, also calleth his Council in Arragone of his Subjects: which calleth it self a General Council, and pronounce him the true Pope, and no Schismatick or Heretick, and Greg. to be the Usurper, but exhort him to endeavour Unity.

§. 267. CCCCLXIX. The two Popes giving no better hopes, some of the Cardinals of both sides slipt from them, and by the Countenance of the Florentines and King Ladislaus, chose Pisa for a General Council, where they met and summoned both the Popes, who scorned them; and they deposed them both as Hereticks and Schismaticks, ☜saith Binius, forbidding all Christians to obey them, and they chose a third, Alexander 5. and the two old ones kept up still; and so there were three Popes at once.

§. 268. An. 1409. Alex. 5. is chosen, much commended, but died in eighteen Months, some say; saith Antoninus, poysoned by a Clyster: But to shew himself a Pope, in that little time he deposed King Ladislaus, and gave his Kingdome to Lewis Duke of Anjou.

§. 269. Balthasar Cossa is next chosen, called by some Ioh. 21. by others 22. by others 23. and by Platina Ioh. 24. (so little are they agreed of their p. 430succession) Platina saith the Cardinals of Greg. were yet poor, and he hired them with Money to Create him: He got Sigismund King of Bohemia chosen Emperour, and would have had the Council to be at Rome. Italy continued still in blood, the Popes having parcelled it into so many small Principalities, to secure it against the Emperours; no part of the whole World lived from Age to Age in such continual War and confusion. This Pope, saith Onuphrius Panvinus, viz. fuit bello & armis quam Religioni aptior, utpote qui neque fidem norat neque Religionem, rebus profanis magis quam Divino cultu accommodatus. How he was accused, deposed, imprisoned; how the other two Popes Greg. 12. and Bened. 13. were all deposed with him, and Martin 5. chosen; the next Chapter sheweth.