An abridgement of the book of acts and monuments of the ChurchAn abridgement of the booke of acts and monumentes of the Church

After him succeeded Stephen the 9. by the election of the Clergy of Rome, contrary to their oath made to the Emperor. By this Stephen the Church of Milan was first brought under the subjection of the Romish Church: and shamed not to accuse the Emperor of heresy, for minishing the authority of the Roman sea: and at that time it was counted simony, to enjoy any spiritual living at a temporal mans hand. Which Stephen hearing to reign in diverse churches, especially of Burgundy and Italy, sent forth the Cardinal Hildebrand to reform the matter, he himself also earnest therein. In the mean while Stephanus tasting of Brazutus cup, fell sick: whereof Hildebrand hearing, hasted to Rome, & assembling the orders of the Clergy together, made them swear, that they should admit none bishop, but such as should be by the consent of all. This done, Hildebrand taketh his journey to Florence, belike to fetch the B. of Florence to install him: the clergy having sworn unto him, that none should be chosen B. before his return: but the people in his absence, elected one of their own city called Benedictus the 10. Whereof Hildebrand hearing, was greatly offended, & returning without Gerardus B. of Florence, caused the clergy to proceed to a new election: whereupon (they being afraid to do it at Rome) went to Seen, and there elected Gerardus bishop of Florence, named Nicolaus 2. who holding a council at Sutriū, through the help of duke Godfride and Gilbert, and other bishops in Italy, deposed the other Pope. Benedictus understanding himself to be set against by Hildebrand, unpoped himself, and went and dwelt at Velitras.

After him succéeded Stephen the 9. by the election of the Clergie of Rome, contrary to their othe made to the Emperour. By this Stephen the Church of Millain was first brought vnder the subiection of the Romish Church: and shamed not to accuse the Emperour of heresie, for minishing the authoritie of the Romane sea: and at that time it was counted simonie, to enioy any spirituall liuing at a temporall mans hand. Which Stephen hearing to raigne in diuerse churches, especially of Burgundie and Italy, sent foorth the Cardinall Hildebrand to reforme the matter, hée himselfe also earnest therein. In the meane while Stephanus tasting of Brazutus cup, fell sicke: whereof Hildebrand hearing, hasted to Rome, & assembling the orders of the Clergie together, made them sweare, that they should admit none bishop, but such as should be by the consent of all. This doone, Hildebrand taketh his iourney to Florence, belike to fetch the B. of Florence to enstall him: the clergy hauing sworne vnto him, that none should be chosen B. before his returne: but the people in his absence, elected one of their owne citie called Benedictus the 10. Whereof Hildebrand hearing, was greatly offended, & returning without Gerardus B. of Florence, caused the clergy to procéed to a new election: whervpon (they being afraid to doo it at Rome) went to Sene, and there elected Gerardus bishop of Florence, named Nicolaus 2. who holding a councell at Sutriū, through the helpe of duke Godfride and Gilbert, and other bishops in Italie, deposed the other Pope. Benedictus vnderstanding himselfe to be set against by Hildebrād, vnpoped himselfe, and went and dwelt at Velitras.