History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600, Ecclesiastical epoch 100-1300 · Century 13 · Chapter 1

History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600 · Ecclesiastical epoch 100-1300 · Century 13 · Chapter 1

p. 385CHAP. I. Of POPES.

I Begin this Century at the Popes, becauſe the times are changed, and I muſt change with the times; in the former Century the Popes were firſt exalted above the Emperors.

1. INNOCENTIUS the III. being thirty years old, was choſen Pope Ian. 3. 1198. In his time the Empire was weak, and a great Schiſm in Germany, as followeth; whereupon the Pope made his More advantages for the Pope.advantage; and the Authority of the Papal Chair, and errors in doctrine waxed then wonderouſly. Frederick was yong; Kings and Princes every where were at variance, ſo that there was none to ſtay the ambition of Innocentius. From the Empire he took Romandiola, Ravenna and other Lands, pretending that theſe did belong unto St. Peter. Io. Naucler. At that time he obtained two Decrees, which did much ſerve unto the advancement of the man of ſin; one, So oft as Princes are at variance, or ſhall endammage one another, the cogniſance of their cauſe ſhall appertain unto the high Prieſt of Rome. Another, So oft as the ſuffrages of whatſoever Electors ſhall be equal, and no greater agreement interveening, the Pope may determine as he pleaſeth. Theſe two were regiſtred in the Decretals, lib. 1. tit. 6. de elect. c. Venerabilem. The former was made upon occaſion of variance betwixt France and England, and the other in favor of Otho, Duke of Brunſwick. P. Mornay in Myſter. Unto theſe a third may well be joyned; When the Imperial ſeat is vacant, the Roman high Prieſt ſhall have the adminiſtration, and exerciſe the Imperial power until another Emperor be choſen. Clement. Paſtoral. de ſent. & re judic. near the end. Out of theſe the Canoniſts do conclude, that the Pope is Lord of Chriſtendom. But the Jeſuits ſay, Not ſo; for the Pope ſucceedeth not into the Empire in all things, but only in diſcerning in ſuch cauſes as appertain unto the Emperor, and may not be delayed, Bellarm. de Rom. Pont. lib. 5. cap. 5. The works and writings of Innocentius, ſhew yet more of his pride. In his firſt Sermon on the feaſt of p. 386St. Silveſter, he ſaith, The Roman high Prieſt, in token of Empire, weareth a Globe, and in token of Prieſthood, a Mitre; but he weareth the Mitre at all times, and every where, but not ſo the Globe, becauſe the Prieſtly Dignity is firſt, and worthieſt, and largeſt; for the Prieſthood went before the Kingdom among the people of God, as Aaron was before Saul. God ſpeaking of Prieſts and Kings, calleth the Prieſts, gods, and the Kings, Princes, ſaying, Thou shalt not rail on the gods, nor ſpeak evil of the ruler of the people, Exod. 22. And whereas he ſaith of the King, Be ſubject unto all ordinance of man, whether the King, &c. he ſaith of Prieſts unto Jeremiah, I have ſet thee over Nations and Kingdoms, to pull up and to caſt down, to plant and to build; and unto Peter in the ſingular number, Thou art Cephas; that is, Thou art the HEAD, in which are all the ſenſes. The deep Sea, of which Chriſt ſaid to Peter, Lanch into the Sea, is Rome, which had and hath the primacy of all the world; as if he had ſaid, Go to Rome. On the anniverſary day of his Coronation, Sermon III. ſpeaking on theſe, He is the Bridegroom who hath the Bride; and ſpeaking unto his Cardinals, ſaith, Am not I the Bridegroom, and each one of you the Bridegroom's friend? certainly I am the Bridegroom, for I have a noble, rich, high, comely, chaſte, lovely and ſacred Bride, the Roman Church; which, as God hath ordained, is the Mother and Miſtreſs of all believers: She is older then Sara, wiſer then Rebeca, more fertile then Lea, more aimable then Rachel, more devout then Anna, more chaſte then Suſanna, more couragious then Judith, and fairer then Ediſſa; many daughters have purchaſed riches, but ſhe ſurmounteth them all; with her is my ſacramental marriage—Have ye not read, that Abraham had a wife Sara, and ſhe brought in her maid Agar unto him? nor did he for that commit adultery, but diſcharged his duty: ſo the Pope hath his wife, the Roman Church, which bringeth unto him other Churches that are ſubject unto her, that they may receive from him due proviſion, becauſe how much is paid, the more is owed; but this is done in the ſpirit, and the other was done in the fleſh; becauſe the ſpirit quickeneth, the fleſh profiteth nothing, &c. In another place he ſaith, The Church of Rome ſhould give the debt of reverence unto none, but unto the Prieſt of Rome, who under God hath none above him [Behold the Beaſt, and the Roman diſtinguiſhed] The high Prieſt of Rome hath the Roman Church for his Spouſe, who bringeth unto him other Churches, that are ſubject unto her. Thus of all the Popes, Innocentius would be the firſt corrival of Chriſt. Bellarmin would excuſe this blaſphemy, by a diſtinction of the principal, and the ſubaltern husband. De Ro. Pon. lib. 2. cap. 31. But he conſidered not what Thomas de Corſellis (as Ae. Sylvius reporteth de Concil. Baſil.) ſaid publickly in that Councel, We call the Church the Spouſe of Chriſt, and the Pope his Vicar; but none appointeth ſuch a Vicar, that he will ſubject his Spouſe unto his Vicar. And the Author of the Book, De ſqualore Ro. Curiae [Oraeus calleth him Lurgius] printed with Petrus de Alliaco at Baſil An. 1551. ſaith, The Church hath not two heads, but one, and this is Chriſt, and not his Vicar; whom Chriſt hath appointed to be an attendant on his Spouſe, and not the husband. Vſſer. de Eccleſ. ſtatu. cap. 9. Behold yet the novations of his doctrine: In the year 1215. he aſſembled a Councel at Lateran; there were (as Garanza ſaith) the Patriarchs of Conſtantinople and Jeruſalem, Metropolitans 70, Biſhops 400, Abbots 12, Priors 800, the Ambaſſadors of the Greek and Roman Empires, Orators of Spain, England and Cyprus: Here the Pope intended to eſtabliſh many particulars, ſome good, and ſome bad; but (ſaith Platina) nothing could be openly eſtabliſhed, becauſe when the Canons were read, ſome called them tolerable, and others called them grievous. Mat. Pariſien. (who was living p. 387as that time) ſaith, The general Councel, which at the firſt had great ſhew after the Papal maner, ended in laughter and deriſion, and all that came thither were deluded. Theſe Canons were inſerted among the Decrees of the five Books of Decretals, after they had been reformed by himſelf, as Jo Cochleus teſtifieth in his Epiſtle before the Acts of this Councel; he collected them, and firſt ſent them to be printed by P. Quintel An. 1537. as if they had been the Acts of the Councel; but there he ſheweth, that theſe Acts were framed, or at leaſt reformed after the Councel; which (ſaith he) any man of judgement may perceive by the XXIX, XXXIII, and LXI Chapters, where is a reference unto the Lateran Councel. We have ſeen, that under Pope Nicolaus the II. it was decreed, that the body of Chriſt is corporally preſent in Tranſubſtantiation.the Sacrament. Whence it was queſtioned, Whether the bread evacuateth, or the ſubſtance of it be changed into Chriſt's body? Lombard could not define the queſtion, and ſheweth the different opinions of others. Lib. 4. Diſt. 11. Innocentius ſetteth it as an Article of faith, that the bread and wine are tranſubſtantiated into Chriſt's body and blood, cap. 1. In cap. 2. the doctrine of Joachim is condemned, but not himſelf. In cap. 3. all men are curſed, who hold not the faith which is in cap. 1. and they are ordained to be puniſhed by the Magiſtrate; and if they be Laicks, their goods ſhall be confiſcated; or if they be Clerks, their goods ſhould return to the Church where they had their Benefice. He ordained, that all Magiſtrates ſhould ſwear at their admiſſion, to baniſh all who are diſcerned Hereticks by the Church; which if they be ſlack to do, they ſhould be accurſed; and if after excommunication, any ſhall continue a year, the Metropolitan ſhould give notice unto the Pope, who ſhall abſolve all the ſubjects from obedience, and give his Land unto others who will expel the Hereticks. Item, He who is declared an Heretick, ſhould not be admitted unto the Sacrament, nor unto Chriſtian burial; nor ſhould alms nor oblations be received from ſuch. Item, All Biſhops ſhould twice, or at leaſt once in the year, viſit all their Diocy, where is any ſuſpicion of hereſie, and cauſe three or more men of beſt account, or if need require, all of the bounds ſhould be compelled to ſwear, whether they know any Hereticks there, or if there be any privy meetings, or any perſons different in maners from the common converſation of others. Cap. 10. Becauſe the food of God's word is neceſſary unto Chriſtian people, and Biſhops are hindered by many occaſions from teaching their people, therefore they ſhould employ ſufficient men to preach and viſit, and they ſhould provide neceſſaries unto ſuch. This was a ſafe-guard unto unqualified and non-reſident Biſhops. Cap. 13. There ſhould be no more religions or ſociety of Monks, becauſe there are too many already; if any will be a Monk, let him go to one of thoſe ſorts that are approved: and if any will found a new Monaſtery, let him take one of the former rules. Cap. 19. We will not let this paſs without correction, that ſome of the Clergy adorn the Churches with their own and other mens goods, that they are more like to Laicks houſes, then to the Churches of God. Ca. 21. All believers, when they come to the Auricular confeſsion.years of diſcretion, ſhould confeſs all their ſins unto his own Prieſt once a year, and accompliſh the pennance that ſhall be enjoyned; and ſhould communicate at leaſt at Eaſter, unleſs his own Prieſt think good that he ſhould abſtain—Neither may a Prieſt reveal unto others, what hath been confeſſed. Theſe private confeſſions were in uſe before, but then made neceſſary; as alſo here it appeareth, that before were no confeſſaries but the Prieſts, until afterwards the Monks obtained this priviledge. Ca. 22. Becauſe when one is ſick, and the Phyſician biddeth ſend for a Prieſt, the patient often deſpaireth of health, and ſo falleth into greater danger, therefore the Phyſician ſhall at p. 388the firſt bid ſend for the Phyſician of the ſoul. Ca. 29. Plurality of Benefices is forbidden, unleſs the Pope think good to diſpenſe with ſome perſons, who are to be honored. Ca. 31. Becauſe Patrons detain the Church-revenues, ſo that in theſe Countreys ſcarcely is found any Pariſh-Prieſt that hath but the leaſt knowledge of letters; therefore we ordain, that a ſufficient portion be aſſigned unto the Pariſh-Prieſt, who ſhould ſerve not by a Vicar, but perſonally, &c. Ca. 42. As we would not that Laicks uſurp the power of Clerks, ſo we will that Clerks uſurp not the power of Laicks. Ca. 46. Magiſtrates ſhould not exact taxations from the Clergy, unleſs the Clerks will willingly contribute, when they ſee the neceſſity of common burthens, and even then not without the advice of the Pope. Ca. 50. The prohibition of marriage ſhould not exceed the fourth degree of blood, or alliance, becauſe there are but four humors in mans body, or it conſiſteth of four elements. This is a fair pretence; but it was a remedy (ſaith Po. Virg. de inven. lib. 5. cap. 5.) againſt the Decree of Pope Julius, who had ordained, that marriage ſhould not be within the ſeventh degree; by which ſeverity it came to paſs, that men could not finde marriage within their City; and this Decree is obſerved, ſaith he; but he might have added, unleſs men will pay for a diſpenſation; and ſo no degree hindereth marriage, as I have touched elſewhere, and experience ſheweth. Likewiſe Pope Celeſtin the III. gave a judicial ſentence, If a married perſon fall into hereſie, the other ſpouſe may marry another. But this Innocentius ordained contrarily, that hereſie ſhould not be a cauſe of divorce, Extra. de divort. c. Quanto. The election of the Pope was reſtrained unto the Cardinals, by Pope Celeſtin the II. and this Innocentius confirmed that Act; and added, that the holy Colledge of Cardinals ſhould have juriſdiction in all places, and have authority over all men, and power of judging the cauſes of all Princes, and of bringing them into their Kingdoms, or depriving them. Cumi Ventura in Theſor. Politic. pag. 388. printed at Frankford An. 1610. Peter King of Arragon, made his Realms of Arragon and Sardinia, tributary unto the Chair of St. Peter, for the ſalvation of his ſoul (forſooth) in the days of this Innocentius. He ſat eighteen years and ſeven moneths. After his death he appeared unto Ludgardis; when ſhe ſaw him compaſſed with ſo great fire, ſhe asked, Who he was? He anſwered, I am Innocentius. She groaned and ſaid, How is it, that our common father is ſo tormented? He anſwered, I am ſo tormented for three cauſes, which moſt juſtly had condemned me unto eternal puniſhment, if by the interceſſion of the moſt holy Mother of God, I had not repented at the laſt gaſp; I have indeed eſcaped eternal death, but until the day of judgement I am tormented with moſt cruel puniſhments: and that I could come unto thee to ſeek thy prayers, the Mother of mercy hath obtained it from her Son: And having ſpoken ſo, he vaniſhed. The Nun declared his neceſſity unto her ſiſters, that they would help him; and lamenting his caſe, ſhe afflicted her ſelf wonderouſly. Let the reader underſtand (ſaith my Author) that I am not ignorant of thoſe three cauſes, which Ludgardis told me, but for reverence of ſo great an high Prieſt, I will not report them. Bellar. de gemitu. col. lib. 2. cap. 9. ex Suri. in vita Ludgar.

2. HONORIUS the III. confirmed the Order of Dominicks, and gave them priviledge of preaching, and hearing confeſſions, albeit they had not cure of ſouls, or pariſhes. He confirmed alſo the Orders of Franciſcans, Auguſtinenſes and Carmelites. He ordained, that every one ſhould bow their knee at the lifting up of the bread of the Maſs; and that the Euchariſt ſhould be carried with lighted candles unto the ſick. De celebrat. Miſſ. lib. 3. tit. 41. c. Sanè. It followeth to ſpeak of his pride. He ſat eleven years.

p. 3893. GREGORY the IX. (ſo ſoon as he was ſet in his Chair) ſent a Nuntio, Steven, into England, to crave the tenth part of all movables, both of the Nobility and Clergy, for maintenance of his wars againſt the Emperor, but under the name of wars againſt the Infidels. Becauſe they refuſed, he excommunicateth them all, until they obeyed. P. Mornay in Myſter. The next year he ſent his Legates through Europe, who by preachings, entreatings, and excommunications, purchaſed great ſums of money, as if it had been for aid of the holy Land; but it could not be known into what gulf ſo vaſt ſums were hid; but the care of the holy Land was forgot, and the charity of men grew cold, Mat. Pariſ. Behold the iſſue; it was to repreſs the Emperor Frederick; who is more execrable (ſaid the Pope) then Pharaoh, Nero, or any Tyrant. He ſent his Legate, Albert Beham, into Germany, to deprive all Biſhops, and to excommunicate all Laicks adhering unto the Emperor, or who wiſhed him well. But at that time none of the Biſhops, nor Abbots, regarded that commiſſion; and being aſſembled, they openly proteſted, That the Prieſt of Rome had no power in Germany, without conſent of the Biſhops there: Let the Prieſt of Rome feed his Italians, ſaid they; we who are the dogs of this flock, will beat away the wolves lurking under lambs skins; what he will do to others, ye may know, ſeeing this diſguiſed Vicar ſo dealeth with us. The Pope accurſed Frederick Duke of Auſtria, as the chief of that Aſſembly; and Eberhard Biſhop of Salzburgh preſently abſolved him. And all the Biſhops, with one conſent, accurſed the Pope, as the enemy of Chriſtian peace, a moſt damnable Arch-Heretick, and more peſtiferous then the Turks, Jews or Tartars, ſeeing he doth ſuch things, as thoſe had never done the like. Mornay in Myſter. ex Avent. lib. 7. Annal. Boio. Then Gregory ſent unto the Canons and Monks, charging them to chooſe other Prelates. They would not. Therefore he charged ſome of them to compear before him for their rebellion. They contemned his ſummons. Then the Princes and Clergy of Germany aſſembled again: but the Pope died. This oppoſition had he abroad; neither wanted he enemies at home; for in his firſt year was ſo great variance between him and the Citizens, that he fled out of Rome about Eaſter to Viterbio, and then to Piruſio; and having no other means of revenge, he excommunicated them all. The cauſe of this ſedition was, the Citizens claimed an ancient cuſtome and law, that the Pope ſhould not excommunicate any of them, nor ſuſpend the City with any interdiction for any exceſs. He anſwered, The Pope is leſs then God, but greater then any man, conſequently greater then a Citizen, yea, greater is he then any Emperor; and ſeeing he is their ſpiritual father, he may chaſtiſe his children, and reduce them ſo oft as they go aſtray. Moreover the Romans alledged, that their Biſhops were tied to pay unto the Senate yearly tribute, both by ancient and late laws, of which they have been in uſe and poſſeſſion until theſe days. Gregory replied, Albeit in time of perſecution, the Church for her defence and cauſe of peace, had gratified the heads of the City with kindely rewards, yet that ſhould not now be pleaded as a debt. This ſtrife was not ſoon ended. Mat. Pariſ. ad An. 1234. It would ſeem incredible (almoſt) to read how vaſt ſums of money this Pope did rake together by exactions, voluntary offerings, confirmations of Biſhopricks, removing variances betwixt Biſhops and Magiſtrates, and other Church-men, and eſpecially for diſpenſing with oaths: by all which, what inconveniences did ariſe, it cannot be told, ſaith Matth. Pariſien. ibid. for as there was nothing ſo hard or abſurd, wherewith the Pope could not diſpenſe for money; ſo the people, truſting to diſpenſations, did little regard how great evil they did; As for example, Henry King of England, being deſirous of a taxation, did ſwear in Parliament, p. 390that he would ratifie ſome ancient Liberties which they were ſuing; and after the tax was granted, he paſt from his oath by a diſpenſation. At another time the ſame Henry did ſign himſelf with the croſs, pretending and ſwearing that he would go into the holy Land againſt the Infidels; when the money was amaſſed for his journey, he gave over his journey, being aſſured that the Pope would acquit him for 100. or 200. pounds. From this ſink of diſpenſations, did more and more abound the plurality of Benefices in one mans perſon; Biſhopricks were beſtowed on men without literature; children were made Parſons; kinsfolks were married within degrees; in a word, what kinde of iniquity was not committed under ſure confidence of diſpenſations? Matth. Pariſien. This Gregory made truce with the Emperor An. 1240. and within a few moneths he calleth for the Cardinals, John de Columna and Raymond, and ſaid, I am aſhamed of the truce made with the enemy of the Church; go therefore unto the Emperor, thou John who waſt mediator betwixt us, and ſhew him, that I will not accept the articles, and that I am his enemy. John anſwereth, Far be that inconſtancy from ſuch an one; I will not conſent unto this counſel, yea I earneſtly contradict it. Gregory ſaith, Then from this forth, I will not hold thee for a Cardinal. John anſwereth, Nor will I have thee for a Pope. Thus they were parted with mutual defiance. Ibid. When the King of France heard of this, he commandeth to hold up all the moneys that the Legate had amaſſed, under the name of relief for the holy Land; and then the Pope was content to keep the truce. Ibid. He was the Author of that hymn, Salve Regina, &c. in which he giveth unto the bleſſed Virgin the proper worſhip of Chriſt. In his name were publiſhed the Books of Decretals, that were collected by Raymond a Dominican. He ſat fourteen years, and died An. 1241. When the Cardinals came together for election, Robert Somerſet, an Engliſh Cardinal, was likely to have carried it, and in the mean time he, and ſome others who did incline that way, were poiſoned, to the great infamy of the Roman Clergy, ſaith Mat. Pariſ.

4. CELESTIN the IV. a very old man, attaineth the Chair by promiſes. He ſat eighteen days, and was poiſoned. Then the See was vacant twenty and one moneths, becauſe the Emperor had ſome Cardinals under arreſt; whom at laſt he diſmiſſed by interceſſion of Baldwin Greek Emperor, and Raymund Earl of Tolouſe.

5. Here it ſhall not be amiſs to inſert the compariſon of theſe former Popes A parallel of preceeding and following Popes.with others following, as it is in Io. Bale Catal. From Silveſter the Il. until this year 1242. (that is, for the ſpace of 240. years) Antichriſt did reign in the Roman Church like ſome accurſed Lucifer; for in all deceiving, tyranny, fraud, and oppreſſion of truth (I will not ſpeak of their filthineſs more then Sodomitiſh) did theſe high Prieſts employ their times; ſo that then Rome did deſerve to be called the ſynagogue of Satan, or ſeat of the Divel; and juſtly might be reputed, the habitation of foul ſpirits, and the ſink of all uncleanneſs, Revel. 2, & 18. Wherefore when they went to their general Councels, or their Legates were ſent unto the Nations, under colour of reconciliation and reformation, it may ſeem, that ſo oft did Satan come out from the preſence of the Lord to ſmite Job; for whatſoever he is ſaid in the Scriptures to have done, the ſame did theſe his hooded Vicars; nor did their helliſh madneſs ſpare the moſt puiſſant, Princes—but hereafter ſhall the Kingdom of Abaddon (which is the King of Locuſts, or Friers of the begging Order) by their ſophiſtry, lay waſte and deſtroy all things, until Pope Julius the II. that is, the ſpace of 260. years; but that the Lord will have ſparks of honeſty to be ſeen here and there.

6. So many Cardinals were poiſoned at the laſt election, that they which p. 391were alive would not conveen, until the Emperor did charge them to go on with the election, with certification, that if they would not, he would cauſe his Soldiers to plunder their Lands, Cities and houſes; and until the French King told them, that he would chooſe a Pope for the Church of his own Kingdom, Mat. Pariſ. INNOCENTIUS the IV. was then choſen; he was one of theſe whom the Emperor had under arreſt, and had been familiar with him; but now he forgot his kindeneſs, and without delay did confirm the ſentence of Pope Gregory againſt the Emperor; ſo the wars did continue He profered the Kingdom of Italy unto Edmund for a certain ſum of money; but his father Henry, King of England, was ſcant of money (ſaith Mat. Par.) that he could not perform what was required, becauſe he had fooliſhly tied his Kingdom unto the Popiſh Merchants. In the Councel at Lions (which Bellarmin calleth the thirtieth general Councel) he would not delay his curſe three days againſt the Emperor, albeit he underſtood that the Emperor was upon his journey to come before him and ſatisfie. He ordained the feaſt Octava feſtivitatis Mariae. And that Cardinals ſhould ride with foot-mantles, … … … garments.and red hats, and red clokes, for honor of their Order, ſaith Platina; or in imitation of the Jewiſh Prieſts, ſaith Po. Virg. de inven. rer. lib. 4. cap. 9. or rather it came ſo paſs, that the prophecy might be fulfilled, and the Beaſt be cloathed in ſcarlet, Revel. 17. 3. He added unto the Decretals; and honored the Dominicks with apoſtatical (they ſay Apoſtolical) honors and priviledges, and advanced them unto Biſhopricks; and in favor of Curates, he diſcharged all begging Friers, to exerciſe any of their function. Mortous Appeal lib. 5. cap. 4. §. 6. ex Azor. Ieſui. Thus he did ramverſe the priviledge granted by Pope Honorius the III. After the Councel, when he heard that the Imperial forces did prevail in ſundry places, he, like a lion robbed of his whelps, rageth, and leaveth no means uneſſayed to cut off the Emperor; eſpecially he enticeth ſome of his domeſticks, Theobald Francis, James de Mora, Pandulf de Faſanellis, and William de S. Severino to lie in wait for his life, either by poiſon ſecretly, or by weapons violently; it was made known unto the Emperor, and yet he could not be ſo watchful, but he was poiſoned in Pulia, as appeareth by his Letters unto his Brother in law Henry the III. King of England. The doers of this fact (ſaith he) being accompanied with a number of Friers Minorites, do openly avow, that they are about the affairs of the Mother Church of Rome; and that they are ſigned by Apoſtolical Letters againſt us; and the Pope is the Author of our death and disinheriting, Matth. Pariſien. So ſoon as the Pope heard of the Emperor's death, he taketh his journey into Italy; when he went from Lions, the Biſhop and other chief men of the City did accompany him; and unto them he ſaid, I have done much good in this City ſince I came into it: At that time were but three or four Stews in it, & now is but one, howbeit a large one, from the Eaſt-gate to the Weſt-gate. Idem. ad An. 1251. He coming into Italy, ceaſed not to draw the Cities cleaving unto the Emperor, from his Son Conrade; yea, at the ſame time, when Lewes the French King and his Navy were in great peril of the Turks in Syria, he cauſed to proclaim greater pardon unto all who would fight againſt Conrade, then he or any Pope had profered to fight againſt the Turks; for he cauſed it to be preached in all the pulpits of Italy, If any will fight againſt Conrade, both the ſigned (that is, the fighter under the ſign of the Croſs) and his father and mother, ſhall have pardon of all their ſins. When he heard of Conrades death, he laughed loudly, and ſaid, I am glad, and let all the Church of Rome rejoyce, for now our two greateſt enemies are out of the way, Conrade King of Siciles, and Robert Biſhop of Lincoln. And immediately he went unto Naples, to take poſſeſſion of that Kingdom. Not long thereafter he directeth p. 392Letters into England, to take up the dead body of the before named Robert, and cauſe him to be proclaimed an Heathen: the ſame night after this direction, he thought that the ſame Robert did ſmite him on the ſide, and for his impiety did threaten him with the judgement of God; the next day his ſide was very ſore, and within few days he died. Matth. Pariſ.

7. ALEXANDER the IV. was choſen at Naples, when the See had been vacant two years. His firſt exploit was, to follow the wars moved by his Predeceſſors againſt Manfred, then King of both Sicilies; to this effect he ſent his locuſts the Friers to preach, that every one ſhould ſend Subſidy unto the holy wars, againſt the enemy of the Church. Some did ſee the Pope's inſatiable greedineſs, and others were perſwaded, and ſo all Italy was in an uproar. He rewarded his Friers with red hats, and cornered caps. He gave the Kingdoms of Sicily and Pulia unto Edmund, Son of Henry III. King of England, for the conquering; and for this effect, he ſent Legate Roſtand to collect all the tenths of England and Scotland (againſt Manfred, ſtill prevailing not onelyonly in Naples, but in Hetruria and Lombardie) and many abominable things (ſaith Matth. Pariſ.) did flow from the ſulphurous fount of the Roman Church (fie for ſorrow!) to the dammage of many. Such an exaction was not heard, as the Pope craved at that time. Roſtand ſaid in the Aſſembl… at London, All the Churches belong unto my Maſter the Pope. One Leonard in name of the Biſhops, ſaid, It is true, for defence, but not for poſſeſſion nor diſſipation, as all things belong unto the King. In a word, at three ſeveral meetings he received a univerſal nolumus. Therefore the Pope ſent two Minorites, Arlotus and Manſuetus, with ſome Biſhops, and with full power to exact tenths of Benefices, to abſolve for money all perjured perſons, all convicted of adultery, ſodomy, &c. Whereupon an old woman, in the Church o… St. Alban, is ſaid to have ſeen a fearful viſion, and heard a voice crying thrice, Wo, wo unto the inhabitants of the earth. Matth. Pariſ. ad An. 1259. ſaith, This was not a dream, but a fearful threatning from heaven. This Alexander added unto the Decretals; and turned the ancient Temple of Bacchus, to the ſervice of St. Conſtantia. He ſat ſeven years.

8. URBAN the IV. (Patriarch of Jeruſalem, a French man) never entered into Rome, becauſe of factions. Becauſe the Anceſtors of Conradin King of Sicilies, had been adverſaries unto former Popes, he ſent unto Lewes King of France, requiring to ſend his brother Charles, Duke of Aniow, with an Army to expel Manfred and his pupil Conradin; and he will give him and his heirs to the fourth generation both Sicilies in fee, as the inheritance of the Church. Lewes prepareth an Army, but Urban ſaw it not. He ordaineth the feaſt of the Rood or Croſs, Pol. Virg. de inven. rer. lib. 6. cap. 8. as alſo The feaſis of the Croſs, and Corp Chriſti.the feaſt of Corp. Chriſti upon this occaſion, as Onuphrius writeth; A Prieſt was ſaying Maſs in urbe vetere (where Urban was reſiding) and doubted of the tranſubſtantiation, as he was holding the hoſtie in his hand, hot blood dropped down and coloureth the Corporale; Urban taketh this as a true miracle, and ordaineth the ſecond Thurſday after Whitſunday to be kept holy, for confirmation of tranſubſtantiation; as alſo he commandeth the bread ſhould be adored, and the Corporale ſhould be carried in the proceſſion that day. It is no wonder to ſee men believe lyes, and deceive others. Onuphrius teſtifieth in the ſame place, that a Nun Eva did bleed in that Maſs; he ſaith, It was a common report, and calleth it a fable. Io. Bale (ex Arnol. Boſt. & pe. premonſtrat.) ſheweth, how Urban appointed that feaſt at the requeſt of a Nun Eva, which had been acquainted with him, and did alledge that ſhe had ſeen a viſion for inſtitution of ſuch a feaſt. And the ſame Bale hath an Epiſtle of Urban unto her concerning that feaſt, both long and impious. p. 393Whatſoever was the occaſion, we may ſay with Po. Virg. lo. cap. 1. feaſts were heaped upon feaſts for very ſmall cauſes, and we ſcarcely know whether it was profitable, ſeeing it is manifeſt, the maners of Chriſtians are become ſuch, that if it was profitable unto Religion in former times to appoint them, it is now more profitable to aboliſh them. Urban ſat three years.

9. CLEMENS the IV. of a Lawyer in the Court of France, was made Biſhop of Podio, and at laſt Pope. In his time Charles Duke of Anjow, overthrew Manfred and Conradin, as followeth; and at Rome was Crowned King of both Sicilies and Jeruſalem, upon theſe conditions. 1. He ſhall pay yearly four thouſand crowns to St. Peter. 2. He ſhall never accept the Empire, although it were offered unto him, unleſs he be preſſed by the Pope. Whereby the intention of the Conclave is manifeſt, that they ſought by all means to bring the Empire low, to the end they might the more eaſily lift up their heads. The Guelphs then did inſult over the Gibelines. Clemens ſat three years, and died in Viterbio, and had given order to bury him in a Cloiſter of the black Friers; and ſo would many of his Succeſſors, for the honor of that Order. The Cardinals could not agree in the election for the ſpace of two years and nine moneths: many ſtrove for it; and ſo great was their prertinacy (ſaith Naucler.) that neither the fear of God, nor prayers of men could move them: at laſt, by procurement of Princes, eſpecially of Philip King of France, they agree to chooſe one not as yet named. So Theobald Viſcount of Placentia, and Biſhop of Leodium (being then Legate with Edward Long-ſhanks in Syria) was choſen; upon advertiſement, he made haſte into Italy. This was

10. GREGORY the X. who never ſaw Rome. In his firſt year he ſummoneth a Councel (which they call, the XIV. general Councel) at Lions, and was held An. 1274. He calleth four Biſhops from Germany, four from France, four from England, two from Spain; from Sicily, the Kingdom of the Church, Hungary, Dacia, Bohem, Poland, Suionia, Norway and Scotland, from each of theſe one. Biſhop Spotſwood in Hiſt. lib. 2. (ex Scon. lib. 10. cap. 34.) ſaith, There were two Patriarchs, Cardinals 15, Biſhops 500, and 1000 mitred Prelates, beſides the King of France, the Emperor of Greece, and many other Princes. The firſt propoſition was for the holy war; and for it they decree, that a tenth part of all Benefices in Chriſtendom (the priviledged Churches not excepted) ſhould be paid for ſix years; that all Penitentiaries or Confeſſors, ſhould urge offenders to aſſiſt that holy buſineſs with their wealth and riches; and that every Chriſtian, without exception of ſex or quality, ſhould pay a peny yearly during that ſpace, under pain of excommunication. 2. For remedying abuſes in the Church, it was ordained, 1. That no procurations to Biſhops nor Arch-Deacons, unleſs they do viſit the Churches in their own perſons. Here is ſtill a poſtern for the Biſhops. 2. No Church-man ſhould poſſeſs more Benefices then one, and ſhould reſide at the Church he retaineth. 3. None of the Clergy ſhall without the Pope's licence, anſwer the impoſitions which ſhall be laid upon them by any Prince or State. 4. The Mendicant Friers ſhall be reduced to four Orders, the Minorites, Predicants, Carmelites, and Hermites of St. Auguſtin, who ſhall continue in their preſent eſtate, until the Pope ſhall otherwiſe think good. 5. A prohibition was made, to adviſe or admit any new order, beſides theſe named. Some other Acts of leſs moment were paſſed, whereof the extract under the hands of the publick Notaries, were ſent unto this Church, ſaith he; but all theſe Statutes, turned in a ſhort time into ſmoke; pluralities being of new diſpenſed, with the clauſe of Non obſtante, which then firſt came in uſe. The Orders of Friers and Monks were reſtored one by one; the Ciſtertians p. 394redeemed their liberty by payment of 500000 marks; the Bernardines paid 600000 crowns; and other Orders made their compoſition. Whereby it appeareth, that the Statutes which were enacted, were onelyonly deviſed to raiſe ſums of money, and not of any purpoſe to redreſs theſe abuſes. They did profeſs at that time, that upon theſe charges alone they would redeem Aſia, and Africa, from the Turks, Saracens, and Barbarians; and for this effect, the Emperor Rodulph gave unto the Pope Bononia, and the revenue of Romandiola, which paid yearly 700000 drach. of gold. Howbeit Gregory died the next year, yet theſe taxes were paid. In that Councel alſo Canons were preſcribed for the maner of electing the Pope; eſpecially, that the Cardinals ſhould continue in a chamber, and not come forth, nor have a diſh of meat but one, until they agree. But neither were theſe obſerved. He advanced the Dominicans to high Dignities, even to red hats.

11. INNOCENTIUS the V. was the firſt Pope of the Order of Dominicans; for Gregory had advanced ſo many of them, that then the locuſts had power to chooſe their own King. He procured peace betwixt the Hetrurians and Piſanes, and abſolved them from the curſe of Pope Gregory. He had a purpoſe to abrogate the Canons of the election of the Pope, but he died in the fifth monethmonth.

12. HADRIAN the V. in his ſhort Papacy of forty days, ſent Letters unto the Emperor Rodulph, enviting him to come into Italy, and take the Kingdom of both Sicilies from Charles Duke of Anjow.

13. JOHN (ſome call him XX. ſome ſay XXI. and others XXII. as appeareth by what is ſaid before of the Johns) ſat but eight moneths, and did many things ſmelling of folly and levity, ſaith Platina; to wit, he made theſe Articles againſt the begging Friers; 1. Chriſt, as he was man on earth, by lapſe of time, had proper and immediate right of garments, ſhoes, and other things, partly by donation of believers, and partly he bought them. 2. Chriſt never commanded his diſciples to renounce their right and poſſeſſion of temporal things. 3. Chriſt gave no other law of life to his Apoſtles then to his other diſciples. 4. Chriſt commanded not his Apoſtles ſimply, that they ſhould poſſeſs neither ſilver nor gold, except onelyonly in that journey, when they were going to preach, and thereafter they might have theſe things again. 5. The Apoſtles had their own propriety and right of clothes, ſhoes and ſwords; and after the holy Ghoſt was ſent on them, theſe words, We have left all things, are not to be underſtood, as if they renounced their propriety, ſave onelyonly in affection. 6. The Apoſtles might have had their particular dominion of Caſtles, or Villages, or any other temporal goods. 7. The Apoſtles, notwithſtanding their Evangelical perfection, might have had immoveable goods in common, as Lands; but they had no ſuch things in Judea, becauſe in the Spirit they foreſaw, that they muſt go among the Nations. 8. The Apoſtles never made a vow to renounce temporal things. Catal. …eſt. ver. lib. 17. Theſe Articles were againſt the profeſſion of the Friers; but experience ſheweth whether they were againſt their affection. He revoketh the conſtitutions of Pope Gregory concerning the chamber; and after him the election went not in that maner, but was more weighed by the purſe, until Pope Celeſtin the V. renewed the ſame Canons. He canonized Lewes Biſhop of Tolouſe, and Son of Charles King of France; and Thomas Aquinas the black Frier. He dreamed of long life, and ſaid, he knew ſo by the ſtars; but as he was walking under a vault (which he had made for his pleaſure at Viterbio) it fell upon him, and the next day he was found among the rubbiſh. Platina.

14. NICOLAUS the III. a Roman, of the family of Urſini, was p. 395of as great authority as any Pope before him Pope. Clemens had given the government of Rome unto Charles Duke of Anjow, under the Title of Senator; and Nicolaus took this office unto himſelf: and he inciteth Peter King of Arragon▪ to claim the right of both Sicilies (becauſe he had married Conſtantia, the onelyonly childe of Manfred) and take that Kingdom. He was the Author of that famous Decretal in 6. in c. Fundamenta. tit. de Election. & electi poteſtate; to wit, God hath aſſumed Peter into the ſociety of individual unity; the Lord would have him to be called that that he was himſelf, ſaying, Thou art Peter; that from him as the head, he might pour his gifts on his body the Church. Thus they became more arrogant and blaſphemous. He took in Bononia, Flaminia, and other Cities into the Papal See. He made a Law, that no King, nor Kings Son, ſhould be Senator of Rome. He began to talk of making two Kings of his own kinred, one of Hetruria, and another of Lombardie; but he was prevented by death. Platina ſaith, He is reported to have loved his kinsfolks too much; and to have robbed from others to give unto them, without all reaſon. He had a Park for hares at Rome; and ſat almoſt four years.

15. MARTINE the IV. a French man, reſtoreth (contrary to the Law of Nicolaus) Charles to his office of Senator of Rome, and government of Hetruria. Whereas many Popes had their ordinary reſidence at Viterbio, he was forced to flee (becauſe of ſedition betwixt the Italian and French Cardinals) and be Crowned at Vrbe Vetere, or Orvieto. Now Charles thought to have ſubdued Michael Paleologus, Emperor of the Eaſt; but Michael and Peter of Arragon had ſecret correſpondence, and levy an Army upon common charges. The Pope underſtanding this, ſent unto Peter, asking, Why he was amaſſing ſuch an Army? Peter anſwered, If I knew my ſhirt were privy to my intention, I would burn it. So Peter paſſeth over with his Army unto the coaſt of Africa; there he took ſome prey, and returned into Sardinia, awaiting his opportunity to come into Sicily. The Sicilians hated the Vigiliae Siculae.French, and they all conſpired, that on Eaſter day, when the bell was tolling to the evening Maſs, they ſhould kill all the French; it came ſo to paſs, that they ſpared not a woman with childe: That night was thereafter Vigiliae Siculae. Then John Prochyta, the chief author of that conſpiracy, advertiſeth Peter, and brought him in. Charles was in Italy; and then were continual wars betwixt the two Sicilies, until Charles died: and Peter took his Son, and held him captive. The Pope ſent his Legate unto Naples, to hold that Kingdom in name of the captive Charles; and he excommunicated Peter for ſacriledge, and gave his Kingdoms of Caſtil and Arragon, unto any who would enter and occupy them: Behold the contrariety of the Popes! Peter was not afraid of the vain curſe of the pretended Peter, who died in ſorrow in the third year of his Papacy. Martin gave unto the begging Friers, liberty to hear confeſſions, and adminiſter the Sacraments.

16. HONORIUS the IV. was elected at Peruſio, when his Brother Pandolf was Roman Senator. He made haſte to Rome, and dwelt on the hill Aventine. He ratified the excommunication of Peter. In his time was wars betwixt Peter and Charles, betwixt the Genoways and Venetians, and betwixt the Pope and Guido Feltrenus, for the Province of Flaminia. Then ſickneſs was ſo riſe, that ſo many Cardinals died, that the remanent ſaid, God was againſt the election; therefore it was delayed ten moneths.

17. NICOLAUS the IV. hired Soldiers to go unto the defenſe of Ptolemais, which onelyonly remained of all the late Conqueſt; when they came thither, they did no leſs dammage to the Chriſtians then to the Saracens: by diſſention, or rather ambition of theſe Papalines, Ptolemais was loſt 196. years p. 396after the firſt Conqueſt. Contrary unto Pope John XXII. did Nicolaus teach, that Chriſt both by word and example, had taught his Apoſtles perfect poverty; that is, to renounce and forſake all goods, and reſerve no right either in common or perſonal; and that ſuch poverty is holy and meritorious. Bellarm. de Ro. Pon. lib. 4 cap. 14. He abode at Reate, becauſe of factions at Rome. He had been a Dominican; but then preferred he no Order to another (Platin.) and made Cardinals of all ſorts, and gave them equal priviledges. When he was ſick, he called all the Cardinals together, and diſcharged them of all power and authority, that they all ſhould live a private life. They ſaid, he was phrenetick, and left him. Then he ſent for a certain number of Minorites, and gave them all red hats, in ſign that they were all Cardinals; and he cauſed them all to ſwear, that after his death they ſhould ſuffer none to be choſen Pope, but one of their own Order. He ſat four years. P. Morn. in Myſt. Then was ſuch competition, that the Cardinals could not agree the ſpace of two years and three moneths. At laſt Peter an Eremite, and Father of the Celeſtines, or

18. CELESTIN the V. was preferred for conceit of his godlineſs. It was ſo great a wonder, that a man was preferred for conceit of godlineſs, that 200000 perſons went to Peruſio, to ſee his coronation. His reſidence was at Aquileia, Platin. In his firſt Conſiſtory he began to reform the Clergy of A reformation is attempted by … Pope.Rome; and he ſaid, he would make it a pattern unto other Churches. Hereby he procured ſuch hatred of his Clergy, that they ſought to depoſe him; and he was willing to renounce his ſeat. The Princes were earneſt that he would not quit his Chair; and Charles King of Sicilies conveyed him to Naples, and exhorted him that he would abhor ſo great indignity, ſeeing the people every where were ſo prone towards him, Platin. But the Cardinals, eſpecially Benedict Caietan, cauſed it to be broached, that the Pope was a doating old man, and unfit for ſuch a place; and cauſed ſome of his own chamber to tell him, that he would loſe his life, if he did not renounce the Papacy: alſo Benedict ſpake thorow a reed into his chamber, as if it had been a voice from heaven, telling him, that he ſhould forſake the Papacy, as being too weighty a burthen for him. So when he had ſat ſix moneths, by the craft of Benedict (who deceived the holy man, ſaith Platin.) he was perſwaded to dimit, if it were lawful. Then they made an Act, that it was lawful for the Pope to renounce his place: this Act was by his Succeſſor inſerted into the Decretals, ca. Quoniam. Then Benedict left nothing undone, by ambition and fraud, to advance himſelf, ſaith Platin. and was called

19. BONIFACE the VIII. and by ſome others NERO the II. So ſoon as he was Crowned, he ſaid, he would preveen ſedition, leſt a Schiſm be made, and ſome take Celeſtin for their head, who was returning into his Eremitiſh life; ſo he thruſt the old man into the Caſtle of Famo of Henrici. Celeſtin was ſenſible of the fraud, and ſaid unto Boniface, Thou haſt entered like a fox, thou wilt reign like a lion, and ſhalt die as a dog. The old man died in ſorrow; and was canonized under the name of Peter the Confeſſor, by Pope Clemens the V. and his feaſt is kept Iunii 17. Platin. Boniface took part with the Minorites, and gave them ſpecial authority (without licence of Biſhop or Prieſt) to preach, hear confeſſions of all whoſoever would come unto them, nihil obſtante. He did firſt of all the Popes bear two ſwords; and The Pope hath two ſwords.endeavored to move fear, more then piety, unto Emperors, Kings, and Nations; to give or take away Kingdoms; to baniſh men, and bring them home again at his pleaſure. Idem. He excommunicated Philip King of France, becauſe he would not obey his command, in the complaint of Edward King of England, and Guido Earl of Flanders. Then the King would ſuffer no p. 397money to be carried out of France. Boniface curſeth him and his ſeed to the fourth generation. The Emperor Albert ſought confirmation twice or thrice; but Boniface ſaid, He was unworthy of the Crown, who had killed his Lord. Then having ſet a diadem on his own head, and a ſword by his ſide, he ſaid, I am Caeſar. Nevertheleſs, thereafter he did confirm Albert, but on condition to take arms againſt France. I. Naucler. Of all others, he was the greateſt fire-brand betwixt the Gibelines (which were called Albi) and the Gwelphs (or Nigri) and deſtroyed all the Gibelines ſo far as he could. He augmented unto the Decretals with another book, where are theſe conſtitutions; The high Prieſt of Rome ſhould be reproved by none, albeit he caſt down innumerable ſouls to hell. Another, We declare, pronounce and define, that upon neceſſity of ſalvation, all humane creatures ſhould be under the Pope of Rome. Extrav. c. unam ſanctam, de Maior. & obed. Bellar. de. Ro. Pon. l. 1. c. 9. confeſſeth that this is contrary unto the order of the primitive Church, ſeeing at that time all the Apoſtles, and firſt Teachers, had equal power. And lib. 2. cap. 12. he ſaith, The Church, which is but one, ſhould at all times keep one and the ſame government. Therefore Boniface brought into the Church a ſtrange and grievous innovation. He proclaimed the firſt Jubilee to be The first Iubilee at Rome.kept An. 1300. and promiſed full remiſſion both of ſin and puniſhment, unto all who came that year to viſit the Churches of the Apoſtles; in ſolemniſing of which, he ſhewed himſelf one day in his Pontificals, and according to his promiſe, he gave remiſſion unto all who came that year; the next day he came forth in the Imperial ornaments, and cauſed a naked ſword to be carried before, and the Herauld cried, Behold two ſwords. Bellarm. de Ro. Pon. lib. 5. ca. 5. teacheth, that in theſe words, Behold two ſwords, and in the anſwer of Chriſt, It is enough, is no ſyllable of ſpiritual nor temporal power; but onelyonly that Chriſt forewarneth his diſciples, that in the time of his paſſion they were to be in ſuch fear, as they who ſell their coat to buy a ſword: this he writeth not of his own invention, but according to the ancients. Albert Crantzius commendeth the Popes every where almoſt; but in Saxo. lib. 8. cap. 35. when he is writing of this pomp of Boniface, he cannot contain himſelf from crying, Behold, Peter, thy Succeſſor! and thou, Savior, behold thy Vicar! behold whither the pride of the Servant of ſervants hath climbed! Pol. Virgil. de inven. rer. lib. 8. cap. 1. ſaith, This feaſt was in imitation of the Jewiſh Jubilee, or to draw away the people from remembring the ancient heatheniſh ſecular Plays. Whatſoever was the pretext, it appeareth the aim was to bring gain unto Rome, and glory unto the Pope. In the year 1301. he ſent Boniface Biſhop of Apamea, or of Openham, unto Philip King of France, requiring him to go into the holy Land: when the Biſhop ſaw no appearance of obedience, he threatened the King, that the Pope would deprive him of his Kingdom. Wherefore the Biſhop was charged of arrogancy and treaſon, and caſt into priſon. The Pope ſent another, and commanded the King to ſet the Biſhop at liberty, and to take voyage into the Eaſt againſt the Infidels, and not to meddle with the tenths of the Clergy. Philip anſwered, His difficulties at home did both hinder him from going into the Eaſt, and brought a neceſſity of Subſidy from the Clergy; and he was willing to diſmiſs the Biſhop. The Legate ſaid, You know not the Pope's authority, which is not onelyonly the Father of all Chriſtian ſouls, but Lord and Prince in temporal things; and therefore by that authority I do excommunicate thee, and I declare thee unworthy to reign, and thy Realm forefeited unto the Church of Rome. And he did acquit all French from their oath of obedience unto Philip; and he diſannulled all indulgences, grants and priviledges, that had p. 398been granted by any of his Predeceſſors unto any King of France. I. de Secres. Then Philip by advice of his Councel, did cauſe it to be proclaimed, That none of his ſubjects go unto Rome, nor ſend money thither; and he beſtowed vacant Benefices without leave of the Pope. Wherefore the Pope wrote unto him thus; Boniface the Servant of God's ſervants—fear God, and keep his commandments. We will thee to underſtand, that thou art ſubject unto us in ſpiritual and temporal things; and that no gift of Prebends or Benefices belongeth unto thee; if thou haſt the cuſtody of any Prebend, keep it unto the uſe of the Intrant; if thou haſt preſented any, we diſcern that gift null, and do revoke all that hath been done by thee; and whoſoever thinketh otherwiſe, we judge him to be blockiſh. Philip conveeneth the Peers and Biſhops at Paris, and by their advice replieth in this maner; Philip by the grace of God King of France, unto him who is called Boniface, and is not ſuch indeed, little friendſhip or none. Let thy blockiſhneſs know, that in temporal things we are ſubject unto no man; and that the gift of Prebends and Benefices (being void) belongeth unto us by our royal prerogative, the which we will defend with the ſword; and we think them fools and mad who judge otherwiſe. Io. Secres. Thereafter the King had another meeting of his Nobles and Clergy at Paris, where ſundry perſons of both ſtates gave in their grievances, accuſing the Pope of many crimes, as hereſie, ſimony, and others, ſaith Io. Naucler. And others write, they undertook to prove, that the Pope was an uſurer, inceſtuous, having known two of his Neeces, a Simoniack, an Heretick, that he had a familiar ſpirit, he denied the reſurrection, &c. And that theſe things may be the better qualified, they propound that a general Councel may be called. There a National Aſſembly againſt the Pope, and calleth for a general Councel as his ſuperior. When Boniface heard theſe things, he gave the Kingdom of France unto the Emperor Albert. Philip levieth an Army in Naples (which was then under the French) under the conduct of Siarra Columna (an Hetrurian, whom with all his kinred the Pope had excommunicated, and razed their Caſtles and houſes for writing againſt him) and ſent William Nogaret (a French Gentleman, and one of the Albigenſes) to publiſh the foreſaid appellation at Rome. They came to the gates of Aruagio (Platina calleth it Anagnia) with the aſſiſtance of ſome Gibelines. The Pope hid himſelf, with his Nephew a Marqueſs, and two Cardinals; theſe two eſcape by a privy door; the Marqueſs rendered himſelf in hope of favor; they ruſh in, and gave the Pope in option, whether he will preſently quit his life or Papacy? He ſaid, he would never renounce his Papacy. Wherefore Siarra would have killed him; but Nogaret ſaid, they had not that commiſſion. They carried him to Rome, where grief turned him into madneſs, and he died on the thirty fifth day thereafter, in the eighth year of his Papacy, and An. 1304. Platina addeth this exhortation (it ſeemeth from Faſc. tempo.) By his example, let all Princes, both of Church and Commonwealths, learn to rule their people and Clergy not arrogantly and contumeliouſly, as he of whom we are ſpeaking did, but holily and modeſtly, as Chriſt our King, and his diſciples and true followers; and let them endeavor to be loved rather then feared; which is the cauſe of the fall of many Tyrants. In his days were many and fearful earthquakes, that many houſes fell; and the Pope with all his Court was once afraid, and dwelt in a ſpacious meadow under pavilions, about Anderſmes.