A solemn contestation of diverse popes, for the advancing of their supremacyA solemne contestation of diuerse popes, for the aduaunsing of theyr supremacie
A solemn contestation of diverse popes, for the advancing of their supremacy: quoted and collected faithfully out of their own canon law, according to the very words, stile, and tenor of the same their own canons, decrees, decretals, clementines, extravagantes, bulls, epistles, and common gloss upon the same. Histories and stories of Romane bishops [et]c. In form and words, as their are to be seen, and found by the quotations here unto annexedA solemne contestation of diuerse popes, for the aduaunsing of theyr supremacie: quoted and collected faithfully out of their own canon law, according to the very wordes, stile, and tenor of the same theyr own canons, decres, decretales, clementines, extrauagantes, bulles, epistles, and commen glose vpon the same. Histories and stories of Romane bishops [et]c. In forme and wordes, as their are to be seane, and found by the quotations here vnto annexed
John Foxe 1516–1587London: printed by John Daye, 1560London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1560
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
ANo man must dispute or doubt of. Byea & if my judgment statute or yoke seam scarcely tolerable, ⟨image 20⟩yet for remembrance of s. Peter it must be humbly obeyed. Cyea and moreover obedience is to be given not only to such decrees set forth by me in time of my Popedom, but also to such as I do foresee & commit to writing, before I be Pope.D And although it be thought by some writers, to be given to all men to ere, and to be deceived, Eyet nether am I a pure man, Fand again the sentence of my Apostolic seat is always conceived with such moderation, is concoct and digested with such patience, and ripeness, and delivered out with such gravity of ⟨image 21⟩deliberation, that nothing is thought in it necessary to be altered or retracted. GWherefore it is manifest, & testified by the voice of holy bishops, that the dignity of this my seat is to be reverenced through the whole world, in that all the faithful submit themselves to it, as to the head of the whole body: HWhereof it is spoken to me by the Prophet, speaking of the arch: if this be humiled, whether shall you run for succour, & where shall your glory become? Seeing then this is so, that so holy Bishops & scriptures do witness with me, what ⟨image 21⟩shall we say then to such as will take upon them to judge of my doings, to reprehend my proceedings, or to require homage and tribute of me, to whom all other be subject:
Against the first sort the Scripture speaketh Deutero. thou ought not to put thy sith in an other mans corn. Which thing to attempt against me what is it but plain sacrilege.
According to my canonists, which thus define sacrilege to consist in three things, either when a man judgeth of his princes judgement: or when the holy day is profaned, or when reverence
Against the second sort maketh the place of the book of kings, where we read, the arch of God was brought from Gabaa to Jerusalem, and in the way the Arch inclining by reason of the unruly oxen, Uzziah the Levite put to his hand to help, and therefore was stricken of the Lord. By this Arch is signified the Prelates, by the inclination thereof, the fall of Prelates,
He bowed down the Heavens and came down &c: By Uzziah, and by the unruly Oxen are meant our subjects.
ANo man muste dispute or doubt of. Byea & if my iudgment statute or yock seame scarsly tolerable, ⟨image 20⟩yet for remēbrāce of s. Peter it must be humbly obeyd. Cyea and moreouer obediēce is to be geuē not only to such decrees sette forthe by me in time of my Popedome, but also to suche as I do foresey & commit to writing, before I be Pope.D And although it be thought by some writers, to be giuen to all men to ere, and to be deceauid, Eyet nether am I a pure man, Fand again the sentence of my Apostolike seat is alwaies cōceauid with such moderation, is concocte and digestid with suche pacience, and rypenes, and deliuered out with such grauitie of ⟨image 21⟩deliberation, that nothing is thought in it necessary to bee alterid or retractid. GWherefore it is manifest, & testified by the voyce of holy bishops, that the dignitie of this my seat is to be reuerenced thorow the whole world, in that all the faithfull submit themselfes to it, as to the head of the whole body: HWherof it is spoken to me by the Prophet, speaking of the arche: if this bee humiled, whether shall you runne for succour, & wher shal your glory become? Seyng then this is so, that so holy Bishops & scriptures do witnesse with me, what ⟨image 21⟩shall we saye then to suche as wil take vpon them to iudge of my doynges, to reprehend my procedinges, or to require homage and tribute of me, to whome all other be subiecte: IAgainste the firste sorte the Scripture speaketh Deutero. thou ought not to putte thy sithe in an other mans corne. Whiche thinge to attempt against me what is it but plain sacrilege. KAccordinge to my canonists, which thus define sacrilege to consiste in three thinges, eyther when a man iudgeth of his princes iudgement: or whan the holy daye is prophaned, or when reuerence ⟨image 22⟩is not giuen to Lawes and Canons. LAgaynste the second sort maketh the place of the boke of kinges, where we reade, ye arch of God was brought from Gabaa to Hierusalem, and in the waye the Arch inclinyng by reason of the vnruly oxen, Ozias the Leuite put to his hand to help, and therefore was stroken of the Lord. By this Arch is signified the Prelates, by the inclination therof, the fall of Prelates,M whiche also be signified by the Angels, that Iacob did see goyng vp & comming doune the lader. NAlso by ye Prophet, wher he saith: ⟨image 22⟩He bowyd down the Heauēs and came down &c: By Ozias, and by the vnruly Oxen are mente our subiectes.
APope Innocentius 2. Art. 17. q. 4• Si quis.
BDist. 19. cap. In memoriam.
CSextus Decret. Tit. 7. De renunciat. Quoniā. Glosa.Sextꝰ Decret. Tit. 7. De renunciat. Quoniā. Glosa.
OThen like as Uzziah was strucken for putting his hand to the Arch inclining, no more must subjects rebuke there Prelates, going awry, PAlbeit here may be answered again, that all be not Prelates which so be called, for it is not the name that maketh a bishop, but his life. QAgainst the third sort of such as would bring us under the tribute and exactions of secular men, maketh the new Testament, where Peter was bid to give the groat ⟨image 23⟩in the Fishes mouth but not the head, nor the body of the fish: No more is the head or body of the Church subdued to Kings, but only that, which is in the mouth, that is, the extern things of the church And yet nor they nether: RFor so we read in the book of Genesis, that Pharaoh in time of dearth subdued all the land of the Egyptians, but yet he ministered to the Priests, so that he toke nether there possessions from them, nor there liberty. If then the prelates of the Church must be nether judged, nor reprehended, nor exacted, how much more ⟨image 23⟩ought I to be free from the same,S which am the Bishop of bishops, & head of prelates For it is not to be thought that the case betwixt me and other prelates, betwixt my sea,T & other churches be like. VAlthough the whole catholic and apostolic Church make one bridechamber of christ: yet the cathol. & Apost. church of Rome, had the preeminence given over all other, by the mouth of the lord him self saying to Peter: Thou art Peter. &c?X Thus a discretion and difference must be had in the church, as it was betwixt Aaron and his Children,Y betwixt ⟨image 24⟩72. disciples, & the 12. Apostles: betwixt the other apostles and Peter.Z Wherefore it is to be concluded, that their must be an order & difference of degrees in the Church betwixt powers, superior and inferior, without which order, the university of the whole can not consist.
OThen like as Ozias was strucken for putting his hand to the Arch inclining, no more must subiectes rebuke there Prelates, goynge awry, PAlbeit here may be answered again, that all be not Prelates whiche so be called, for it is not ye name that maketh a bishop, but his life. QAgaynst the thirde sort of suche as would brynge vs vnder the tribute and exactions of seculare men, maketh the newe Testament, where Peter was bid to giue ye grot ⟨image 23⟩in the Fishes mouthe but not the head, nor the body of the fishe: No more is the heade or body of the Churche subduid to Kings, but only that, whiche is in the mouthe, that is, the externe things of ye church And yet nor they nether: RFor so we reade in the booke of Genesis, that Pharao in time of darth subduyd all the land of thegiptians, but yet he ministred to the Priestes, so that he toke nether there possessions from them, nor there libertie. If then the prelates of the Churche muste be nether iudged, nor reprehendid, nor exacted, howe muche more ⟨image 23⟩ought I to be free from the same,S which am the Bishop of bishops, & head of prelates For it is not to bee thought that the case betwixt me and other prelates, betwixte my sea,T & other churches be like. VAlthough the whole catholike and apostolike Churche make one brydechamber of christ: yet the cathol. & Apost. church of Rome, had the preeminence giuen ouer al other, by the mouth of the lord him self sayng to Peter: Thou art Peter. &c?X Thus a discretion and difference must be had in the church, as it was betwixt Aaron and his Children,Y betwixt ⟨image 24⟩
AFor as amongst the Angelical creatures above in heaven there is set a difference and inequality of powers & orders, some be Angels, some Archangels, some Cherubin Seraphims:B So in the Ecclesiastical Hierarchy of the Church militant in the earth ⟨image 24⟩priests must not be equal with Bishops. Bishops must not be like in order with Archbishops with Patriarchs or Primates.C Who contain under them three Archbishops, as a King containeth three Dukes under him. In the which number of patriarchs cometh in the state also of DCardinals or Principals, so called because as the door turneth by his hinges, so the universal church ought to be ruled by them. EThe next and hiest order above these is mine, which am Pope, differing in power and majority, and honour reverential from ⟨image 25⟩these and all other degrees of men.F For the better declaration whereof, my Canonists make 3. kinds or power in earth, Immediata, which is mine immediately from God. Derivata, which belongeth to to other inferior prelates from me. GMinistralis, belonging to Emperors and Princes to minister for me, for the which cause the anointing of princes and my consecration doth differ: for they are anointed only in the arm or shoulders, & in the head to signify the difference of power betwixt princes and me.H This order therefore of Priests, Bishops, ⟨image 25⟩Archbishops, Patriarchs & other, as a thing most convenient, my church of Rome hath set, & institute through all churches following therein not only the example of the Angelical army in Heaven, but also of the Apostles.I For amongst them also there was not an uniform equality or institution of one degree, KBut a diversity or distinction of authority and power, albeit they were all Apostles together, yet it was granted not withstanding to Peter, (them selves also agreeing to the same) that he should bear dominion and superiority over all the ⟨image 26⟩other apostles.L And therefore had his name given him Cephas, that is, head or beginning of the apostlehood.M where upon the order of Priesthood first in the new Testament began in Peter, to whom it was said, Thou art Peter, & upon thee I will build my church. NAnd I will give the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And thou being converted confirm thy brethren. OI have prayed for thee, that thy faith shall not fail.
AFor as amongst the Angelicall creatures aboue in heauen there is set a differēce and inequalitie of powers & orders, some be Angels, some Archangels, some Cherubin Seraphines:B So in the Ecclesiasticall Hierarchie of the Church militant in the earth ⟨image 24⟩priestes must not be equall wt Bishops. Bishops must not be like in order with Archebishops with Patriarches or Primates.C Who cōteyne vnder them three Archbishops, as a Kynge conteineth three Dukes vnder him. In the whiche nūber of patriarches cometh in the state also of DCardinals or Principales, so called bicause as the dore turneth by his hinges, so the vniuersall churche ought to be ruled by them. EThe nexte and hiest order aboue these is mine, whiche am Pope, differyng in power and maiorite, and honor reuerentiall from ⟨image 25⟩these and al other degrees of men.F For the better declaration whereof, my Canonistes make 3. kindes or power in earth, Immediata, whyche is mine immediatly from God. Deriuata, which belongeth to to other inferiour prelates frō me. GMinistralis, belongyng to Emperours and Princes to minister for me, for ye which cause the anointing of princes and my cōsecration doth differ: for they are anoynted only in the arme or shoulders, & in the head to signify the differēce of power betwixt princes and me.H This order therfore of Priestes, Bishoppes, ⟨image 25⟩Archbishops, Patriarches & other, as a thyng moste conuenient, my churche of Rome hath set, & institute through all churches folowing therin not onlye the example of the Angelicall army in Heauen, but also of the Apostels.I
AIbidem.
BDist. 89. cap. Singula.
CEx Citatione Bull. Decr. 5. Ser. 3.
DDe officio Archipresby•. in Glosa.
E[…]〈…〉
FEx 3. Parte. Summae maioris. b. Antonini.Ex 3. Parte. Sūmae maioris. b. Antonini.
GPope Innocent. 3. De sacra unctione. Qui venisset.Pope Innocēt. 3. De sacra vnctione. Qui venisset.
Wherefore seeing such power is given to Peter, Pand to me in Peter, being his successor,Q who is he then in all the world, that ⟨image 26⟩ought not to be subject to my decrees, which have such power in heaven, in hell, in earth, with the quick and also the dead,R commanding and gram ting in my Bull of lead sent to Vienna, unto all such as died in there peregrination to Rome, that the pain of hell should not touch them: And also that all such as toke the holy cross upon them should every one at his request not only be delivered himself, but also deliver three or iiij. souls whom so would, out of purgatory. SAgain having such promise and assurance, that my faith shall not fail, who ⟨image 27⟩then will not believe my doctrine? For did not Christ him self first pray for Peter that his faith should not fail. TAlso have not I a sure promise of Paul his own mouth, writing to my Church by these words. God is my witness whom I serve in my spirit, in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers? Rom. 1. VWherefore as I condemn all such worthily, which will not obey my decrees, to be dispossessed of all their honour with out restitution: XSo all they that believe not my doctrine, ⟨image 27⟩or stand against the privilege of the church especially of the Church of Rome, I pronounce them heretics. YAnd as the other before is to be called unjust, so this man is to be called an heretic. ZFor why he goeth against the faith, which goeth against her, who is the mother of faith.
Wherfore seyng such power is geuen to Peter, Pand to me in Peter, beyng his successor,Q who is he then in all the world, that ⟨image 26⟩ought not to be subiect to my decrees, which haue such power in heauē, in hell, in earth, with the quicke and also the dead,R cōmanding and graū ting in my Bulle of leade sent to Vienna, vnto all suche as died in there peregrinatiō to Rome, that the payne of hell should not touche them: And also that all suche as toke the holy crosse vpon them should euery one at his requeste not only be deliuerid himself, but also deliuer three or iiij. soules whome so would, out of purgatory. SAgayn hauing such promise and asserance, that my faith shall not fayle, who ⟨image 27⟩then wil not beleaue my doctrine? For did not Christ him selfe firste pray for Peter that his faithe shoulde not fayle. TAlso haue not I a sure promise of Paul his own mouth, writinge to my Churche by these wordes. God is my witnes whom I serue in my •pirit, in the gospel of his sonne, that without ceasing I make mention of you alwayes in my prayers? Rom. 1. VWherefore as I condemne all suche worthely, whiche will not obey my decrees, to be disposessid of al their honour with out restitution: XSo all they that beleue not my doctrine, ⟨image 27⟩or stand agaynst the priuilege of the church especially of the Church of Rome, I pronoūce them heretikes. YAnd as the other before is to be called vniust, so this mā is to be called an heretike. Z
PPope Leo. Dist. 19. c. Ita Dominus.
QPope Nicolaus In tantū. Dist. 22.Pope Nicolaꝰ In tātū. Dist. 22.
RPope Clemens. in Bulla Viē nae, in scruiiis privilegiorū.Pope Clemēs. in Bulla Viē nae, in scruiiis priuilegiorū.
SDist. 21. cap. Decretis.
TPope Anacletus. Dist. 22. c. Sacrosancta. Scripture well applied, and like a Clerk.Pope Anacletꝰ. Dist. 22. c. Sacrosancta. Scripture well aplied, and like a Clerke.
VPope Damasus. 25. q. 1. c. Omnia. Item, Pope Gregor. Dist. 19. Nulli.
ABut here may rise percase a doubt or scruple, that if my faith and knowledge stand so sure by the promise of Christ, and by the continual prayer of s. Paul: whether is it true, or is to be granted, that any other should excel me in knowledge or interpretation of holy ⟨image 28⟩scripture. BFor look whose knowledge is grounded of most reason, his words should seam to be of more authority. CWhereunto I answer, and grant, that many there be and have ben more abundantly endued with fuller grace of the holy ghost, and greater excellence of knowledge, And therefore that the tractationes of Augustine, Hierome & others ought to be preferred before the constitutions of diverse popes: yet I say in determination of causes, because they have not the virtue & height of that authority, which is given to me, therefore in expounding of scriptures ⟨image 28⟩they are to be preferred, but in deciding of matters they stand inferior to my authority. By virtue of which authority, Dboth they themselves be allowed for doctors, and there works approved, and also all other matters be ruled, through the power of the keys which be given to me immediately of Christ. Although I deny not but the same keys be also committed to other Prelates, as they were to other Apostles, besides Peter:E yet it is one thing to have the keys, an other thing to have the use of the keys. FWherefore here is to ⟨image 29⟩be noted, a distinction of keys, after the mind of my School-doctors, one key which is called Clavis ordinis, having authority to bind & lose, but not over the persons whom they bind & lose, & this authority they take not immediately of Christ, but mediately by me the vicar of Christ. The other key is called Clavis jurisdictionis, which I the vicar of Christ take immediately of him, having not only authority to bind & lose, but also Dominion over them on whom this key is exercised. By the Jurisdiction of which key, the fullness of my power is so great, that ⟨image 29⟩where as all other are subjects, Gyea and Emperors themselves ought to subdue there executions to me.
ABut here may rise percase a doubt or scruple, that if my faith and knowlege stand so sure by the promise of Christ, and by the continuall prayer of s. Paul: whether is it trew, or is to be graunted, that any other shuld excel me in knowlege or interpretation of holy ⟨image 28⟩scripture. BFor looke whose knowlege is groūdid of most reason, his wordes shoulde seame to be of more autorite. CWherunto I aunswere, and graunt, that manye there be and haue ben more abundātly indued with fuller grace of the holy gost, and greater excellence of knowlege, And therfore that the tractationes of Augustine, Hierome & others ought to be preferrid before ye constitutiōs of diuerse popes: yet I saye in determinatiō of causes, bicause they haue not ye vertue & height of that autoritie, which is giuen to me, therfore in expoūding of scriptures ⟨image 28⟩they are to be preferred, but in dissising of matters they stād inferiour to my autoritie. By vertue of whiche autoritie, Dbothe they themselfes be alowed for doctors, and there workes approued, and also all other matters be ruled, through the power of the keyes whiche be giuen to me immediatly of Christ. Although I denye not but the same keyes be also cōmitted to other Prelates, as they were to other Apostels, besides Peter:E yet it is one thing to haue the keyes, an other thing to haue the vse of the keyes. FWherefore here is to ⟨image 29⟩be noted, a distinctiō of keys, after the mind of my Schole-doctors, one key which is called Clauis ordinis, hauing autoritie to bind & lose, but not ouer the persones whom they binde & lose, & this autoritie they take not immediatly of Christ, but mediatly by me ye vicare of Christ. The other keye is called Clauis iurisdictionis, which I ye vicare of Christ take immediatly of him, hauinge not onlye autoritie to bind & lose, but also Dominiō ouer thē on whom this keye is exercised. By ye Iurisdictiō of whiche key, the fulnesse of my power is so greate, that ⟨image 29⟩
Only I am a subject to no creature, Hno not to me self, except if I list, In foro paenitentiae, to my Ghostly father submitting me self as a sinner, but not as Pope, so that my Papal majesty ever remaineth undiminished, Superior to all men, Iwhom all persons ought to obey, Kand follow, Lno man must judge, nor accuse of any crime either of Murder, Adultery, Simone, or such like. MNo man depose ⟨image 30⟩but I me self. NNo man can excommunicate me, yea though I communicate with the excommunicate, for no Canon bindeth me. Whom no man must lay to. OFor he that layeth to me is a churchrobber. PAnd who obeyeth not me is an heretic, and an excommunicate person.Q For like as all Jews were commanded to obey the hey priest of Levitical order, of what state or condition so ever they were: So are all Christen men more and less bound to obey me Christs Lieutenant in earth concerning the obedience of whom or disobedience we have in ⟨image 30⟩Deuter. 17. RWhere the common gloss sayeth that he who denieth to the hey priest Obedientiam, lieth under the sentence of condemnation, as much as he that denieth God his Omnipotentiam. Thus then appeareth the greatness of my Priesthood, Sbegun in Melchizedek, solemnized in Aaron. Continued in the Children of Aaron : perfectionated in Christ: Represented in Peter: Exalted in universal jurisdiction, And manifested in Sylvester. &c? So that through this Preeminence of my priesthood, having all things subject to me, Tit may seam well verified in ⟨image 31⟩me, that was spoken of Christ.13Psal. 8. Omnia subiecisti sub pedibus eius, oves, & boves, & universa pecora campy. Volucres caeli & pisces Maris. &c. i. Thou haste subdued all things under his feet, Sheep and Oxen, and all cattle of the field: The birds of Heaven, and Fish of the sea &c. VWhere it is to be noted, that by oxen Jews and Heretics, by Cattle of the field, Pagans, be signified. For although as yet they be out of the use of my keys of binding and losing, yet they be not out of the jurisdiction of my keys, but if they return, I may absolve ⟨image 31⟩them.X By sheep and all cattle, are meant all Christen men both great and less, whether they be Emperors, Princes, Prelates or other.
Only I am a subiect to no creature, Hno not to me self, except if I liste, In foro paenitentiae, to my Gostlyfather submitting me selfe as a sinner, but not as Pope, so that my Papall maiestie euer remayneth vnminished, Superior to all men, Iwhome all persones ought to obey, Kand folowe, Lno mā must iudge, nor accuse of any crime eyther of Murder, Adultery, Symone, or suche like. MNo man depose ⟨image 30⟩but I me selfe. NNo man can excōmunicate me, yea though I cōmunicate with the excō municate, for no Canon bindeth me. Whom no man must ley to. OFor he that leyth to me is a churchrobber. PAnd who obeyth not me is an heretike, and an excōmunicate persō.Q For like as al Iewes were commandid to obey the hey priest of Leuiticall order, of what state or condition so euer they were: So are all Christen men more and lesse bounde to obeye me Christes Leauetenant in earth concerning the obedience of whom or disobedience we haue in ⟨image 30⟩Deuter. 17. RWhere the commen glose saieth that he who denieth to the hey priest Obedientiam, leyth vnder the sentence of condēnation, as much as he that denieth God his Omnipotentiam. Thus then appeareth the greatnesse of my Priesthod, Sbegon in Melchisedech, solemnized in Aaron. Continued in the Children of Aarō : perfectionated in Christ: Representid in Peter: Exalted in vniuersall iurisdictiō, And manifestid in Syluester. &c? So that throughe this Praeemiance of my pristhod, hauing all thinges subiect to me,
HGabriel. lib. 4. Dist. 19.
IPope Nicolaus. Dist. 19. cap. Si Romanorū in Glosa.Pope Nicolaus. Dist. 19. cap. Si Romanorū in Glosa.
KItem. 24. q. •. Hae• est.
LDist. 40. cap. Si Papa.
M2. q. 7. Nos si. in Glosa.
NExtrau. De elect. Innotuit.
ODe penitentia. Dist. i. c. Serpens in Glosa.De penitētia. Dist. i. c. Serpēs in Glosa.
By birds of the air you may understand the Angels and potestates of Heaven, who be all subject to me, in that I am greater than the Angels, and that in four things as is afore declared, & have power to bind & lose in heaven,Y and to give heaven to them that fight in my wars. ZLastly by the Fishes of the sea are signified the souls departed in pain or in purgatory, as Gregory by his prayer delivered the soul ⟨image 32⟩of Traianus out of hell, and I have power to deliver out of purgatory whom I please. ZLastly by the Fishes of the sea are signified such as be in purgatory. Inasmuch that they stand in need and necessity of other mens help, & yet be in their jorney Viatores, & de foro papae, i. passengers, & belong to the court of the pope, therefore they may be relieved out of the storehouse of the church, by the participation of indulgences.4 And forasmuch as some do object, that my pardons can not extend to them that be departed, for that it was said to Peter: what so ever thou ⟨image 32⟩shalt lose upon earth, & therefore seeing they are not upon earth, they can not be loosed of me. Here I answer again by my Doctors, that this word Super terram, i. upon the earth may be referred two manner of ways, first to him that is the loser, so that he which shall lose shall be upon the earth. And so I grant that the pope being dead can loose no man. Also it may be referred to him that is loosed, so that who so ever is loosed must be upon the earth or about the earth. And so the souls in Purgatory may be loosed which albeit they are not upon the earth ⟨image 33⟩yet they are about the earth, at lest they be not in heaven. And because oft times one question may rise upon an other,5 and heads of men now a days are curious, a man hearing now that I can deliver out of Purgatory, will ask here a question,6 whether I be able also to empty all purgatory at once, or not? To whom my Canonist August. de Ancho. doth answer by a triple distinction, Quantum ad absolutā meam jurisdictionem, quantum ad ordinatam executionem, quantū ad divinam acceptationem:7 First touching my absolute jurisdiction he saith I am able to ⟨image 33⟩ride out all purgatory together, for as many as be under my jurisdiction, as be all, except only infants unbaptized In limbo, And men departed only cum baptismo flaminis. That is with the Baptism of spirit.
By byrdes of the ayer you maye vnderstande the Angels and potestates of Heauen, who be all subiecte to me, in that I am greater than the Angels, and that in foure thinges as is afore declared, & haue power to binde & lose in heauē,Y and to giue heauē to them yt fight in my warres. ZLastly by the Fishes of the sea are signified the soules departid in peyne or in purgatory, as Gregory by his prayer deliuered the soule ⟨image 32⟩of Traianus out of hell, and I haue power to deliuer out of purgatory whome I please. ZLastly by the Fisshes of the sea are signified suche as be in purgatory. In asmuche that they stande in neade and necessitie of other mens helpe, & yet be in their iorney Viatores, & de foro papae, i. passingers, & belong to the court of ye pope, therfore they may be relieued out of the storehouse of the church, by the participatiō of indulgēs.4 And for asmuch as some do obiect, yt my pardons cā not extende to thē that be departed, for that it was said to Peter: what so euer thou ⟨image 32⟩shalt lose vpō earth, & therfor seyng thei are not vpō earth, they can not be losed of me. Here I aunswere agayne by my Doctors, that this worde Super terram, i. vpon the earth may be referred two manner of wayes, first to him that is the loser, so that he whiche shal lose shal be vpon ye earth. And so I graūt that the pope beyng dead can loose no mā. Also it may be referrid to him that is losed, so that who so euer is loosed must be vpō the earth or about the earth. And so the soules in Purgatorye maye be losed whiche albeit they are not vpon the earth ⟨image 33⟩yet they are about the earth, at lest they be not in heauen. And bycause oft times one question may rise vpon an other,5 and heades of men now a dayes are curious, a manne hearyng nowe that I can deliuer out of Purgatory, will aske here a question,6 whether I be able also to emptie all purgatory at once, or not? To whom my Canonist August. de Ancho. doth answer by a triple distinction, Quantum ad absolutā meam iurisdictionem, quantum ad ordinatam executionem, quantū ad diuinam acceptationem:
Y23. q. 5. cap. Omnium.
ZIdē Antoninus mi•i.Idē Antoninus mi•i.
ZIbidem.
4Antoninus. August. de Ancho. Thomas. Part. 4.Antoninus. August. de Ancho. Thomas. Parte. 4.
And such as have no friends, to do for them that, wherefore pardons be given. These only excepted, for all other besides, the pope, he sayeth, hath power to release all purgatory at once, as touching his absolute jurisdiction. Albeit Thomas Aquine part .4. denieth the same, forasmuch as Christ him self, he saith, when he came down did not ⟨image 34⟩utterly at once release all purgatory.1 As touching my ordinary execution this they hold that I may if I will,2 but I ought not to do it. Thirdly as concerning the divine acceptation, that is, how God would accept it if I did it, that they say, is unknown to them, and to every creature, yea & to the pope himself.
And such as haue no frendes, to do for them that, wherfore pardones be giuen. These only exceptid, for all other besides, the pope, he sayeth, hath power to release all purgatory at once, as touching his absolute iurisdictiō. Albeit Thomas Aquine part .4. denieth the same, for asmuche as Christ him selfe, he sayth, when he came downe did not ⟨image 34⟩vtterly at once release al purgatory.1 As touching my ordinary execution this they hold that I maye if I will,2 but I ought not to do it. Thirdly as concernyng the diuine acceptation, that is, how God wold accept it if I did it, that they say, is vnknown to thē, and to euery creature, yea & to the pope himself.
1Doctors disagree in purgatory.Doctors disagre in purgatory.
2August. De Ancho. Antoninus. Or••nata ex […] Divina acceptatio.August. De Ancho. Antoninus. Or••nata ex 〈…〉 Diuina acceptatio.
AAnd to the intent I would all men to see and understand that I lack not witnesses moo besides these, if I list bring them out,B you shall hear the whole quire of my divine Clergy brought out with a full voice testifying in my behalf, ⟨image 34⟩in their books, tractations, Distinctions, Titles, Glosses, and Summaries,C as by their own words here followeth. The Pope, say they, being the vicar of Jesus Christ through out the whole world,D in the stead of the living God, hath that Dominion and lordship, which Christ here in earth would not have, although he had in habitu, but gave item to Peter in Actu Ethat is the universal jurisdiction both of spiritual things and also of temporal, which double jurisdiction was signified by the two swords in the Gospel: And also by offering of the ⟨image 35⟩wise men,F who offered not only Incense, but also God, to signify not only the spiritual Dominion,G but also the temporal to belong to Christ & to his vicar. For as we read, the earth is the Lords, and the fullness thereof, and as Christ saith all power is given to him both in heaven, and earth, so it is to be affirmed, Inclusivè, that the vicar of Christ hath power on things celestial,H terrestrial, and infernal. Which he toke immediately of Christ, all other take mediately by Peter and the Pope. Wherefore such as say that the Pope hath Dominion only on Spiritual ⟨image 35⟩things in the world,I and not of temporal, may be likened to the counsellors of the king of Syria .3. Reg. 20. Which said, The Gods of the mountance be their Gods, and therefore they have overcome us,L but let us fight against them in the low meadows, and in vales, where they have no power, & so we shall prevail over them: So evil counsellors now a days through there pestiferous flattery deceive Kings and Princes of the earth, saying:M Popes & prelates be Gods of Montance, that is, of spiritual things only, but they be not Gods ⟨image 36⟩of vales, that is, they have no dominion over temporal things,N And therefore let us fight with them in the vales that is, in the power of temporal possessions, and so we shall prevail over them.O But what sayeth the sentence of God to them let us hear. Because, saith he, the Syrians say, that the God of Mountance is there God, and not the God of vales,P therefore I will give all this multitude into your hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord.
AAnd to the intent I wold all men to se and vnderstand that I lack not witnesis moo besides these, if I liste bringe them out,B you shall heare the whole queare of my diuine Clergy broughte out with a full voice testifiyng in my behalf, ⟨image 34⟩in theyr bokes, tractations, Distinctions, Titles, Gloses, and Sūmares,C as by theyr owne wordes here foloweth. The Pope, say they, beyng ye vicare of Iesu Christ thorow out the whole world,D in ye steade of the liuing God, hath that Dominiō and lordshippe, whiche Christ here in earth woulde not haue, although he had in habitu, but gaue item to Peter in Actu Ethat is the vniuersal iurisdictiō both of spirituall thinges and also of temporall, which doble iurisdictiō was signified by the two swordes in the Gospell: And also by offering of the ⟨image 35⟩wisemē,F who offered not only Incense, but also God, to signify not only the spirituall Dominion,G but also ye tēporal to belōg to Christ & to his vicare. For as we reade, ye earth is the Lordes, and the fulnes therof, and as Christ sayth al power is giuē to him both in heauen, and earth, so it is to be affirmed, Inclusiuè, that the vicare of Christ hath power on things celestiall,H terrestial, and infernall. Which he toke immediatly of Christ, al other take mediatly by Peter and the Pope. Wherfore suche as saye that the Pope hath Dominion onlye on Spirituall ⟨image 35⟩thinges in the world,I and not of temporall, may be likened to the counsellors of the king of Syria .3. Reg. 20. Which said, The Godes of the mountāce be theyr Godes, and therfore they haue ouercome vs,
AAntoninus in Summulis. Augustinus de Ancho. in Decret. Astesanus Minorita.
BBaptista de Salis. in sua Batistiniana. Bonavetura.Baptista de Salis. in sua Batistiniana. Bonauetura.
GGabriel Biel. ex Spica. Gaspar. Gratianus in Decr•tis. Gerson doctor Illuminatissimus. De ecclesiastica potestate.Gabriel Biel. ex Spica. Gaspar. Gratianus in Decr•tis. Gerson doctor Illuminatissimꝰ. De ecclesiastica potestate.
HHugo Cardinalis in postilla. Hostiensis. Holkot. Hosius.
IJoannes Andreae. Innocentius. Joā. de Turr• Cremata de ecclesia S• ̄ma.Ioannes Andreae. Innocentius. Ioā. de Turr• Cremata de ecclesia S• ̄ma.
What can be more effectually spoken to set forth the majesty of my jurisdiction which ⟨image 36⟩I received immediately of the Lord, of the Lord I say, and of no man.1 For where as Constantine the emperor gave to Sylvester, enduing him with this possession and patrimony,R that is so to be expounded and taken not so much for a Donation, as to be counted for a restitution made of it, which tyrannously was taken from him before. And again where as I have given at sundry times to Ludovicus and other Emperors of my temporal lands and possessions, yet that was done, not so much for any recognising of homage to them as for keeping peace with them. ⟨image 37⟩For I owe to Emperors no dew obedience that they can claim,S but they owe to me as to their superior. And therefore for a diversity betwixt there degree and mine, in their consecration they take their unction on the arm, I on the head.T And as I am superior to them, so am I superior to all Laws, and free from all constitutions. Which am able of my self, and by my interpretation to prefer equity being not written, before the law written.V Having all laws within the chest of my breast, as is aforesaid. And what so ever this ⟨image 37⟩my sea shall enact, approve or disprove all men ought to approve or reprove the same, with out either judging, disputing, doubting, or retracting. Such is the privilege given of Christ in behalf of Peter to the church of Rome, Xthat what Country so ever, kingdom or province, choosing to them selves Bishops & ministers, although they agree with all other christs faithful people in the name of Jesus, that is, in faith and charity, believing in the same God, and in Christ his true Son, and in the holy ghost, having also the same Creed, the same Evangelists and ⟨image 38⟩scriptures of the Apostles, yet not withstanding unless their Bishops and Ministers take their origin and ordination from this Apostolic seat, they are to be counted not of the Church. So that succession of faith only is not sufficient to make a church, except the Ministers take their ordination by them, which have there succession from the Apostles. So their faith, supremacy, the chair of Peter, keys of heaven, power to bind and loose, all these be inseparable to the church of Rome, so that it is to be presumed, that God always providing, ⟨image 38⟩and saint Peter helping the bishopric & diocese of Rome shall never defayle from faith.
What can be more effectually spoken to set forthe the maiestie of my iurisdiction whiche ⟨image 36⟩I receaued immediatly of the Lord, of the Lord I saye, and of no mā.1 For where as Constantine themperour gaue to Siluester, induyng him with this possession and patrimonie,R that is so to be expoundid and taken not so muche for a Donatiō, as to be coūted for a restitution made of yt, which tyrānously was takē frō him before. And agayn where as I haue giuen at sondry times to Ludouicus and other Emperours of my temporall landes and possessions, yet that was donne, not so muche for anye recognising of homage to thē as for keping peace with thē. ⟨image 37⟩For I owe to Emperours no dewe obediance that they cā cleame,S but they owe to me as to theyr superiour. And therefore for a diuersitie betwixt there degree and mine, in theyr consecratiō they take theyr vnction on the arme, I on the head.T And as I am superiour to them, so am I superior to all Lawes, and fre from all constitutions. Which am able of my self, and by my interpretation to preferre equite beyng not wryten, before the lawe wryten.V Hauinge all lawes within the chiest of my breste, as is aforesayd. And what so euer this ⟨image 37⟩my sea shal inacte, approue or disproue all men ought to approue or reproue the same, wt out either iudging, disputing, doubting, or retracting. Such is the priuilege giuē of Christ in behalf of Peter to ye church of Rome, Xyt what Countre so euer, kingdom or prouince, cheusing to them selfes Bisshops & ministers, although they agree with al other christes faithful people in ye name of Iesu, that is, in faith and charitie, beleuing in the same God, and in Christ his trewe sonne, and in the holy gost, hauyng also the same Crede, the same Euangelistes and ⟨image 38⟩scriptures of the Apostels, yet not withstāding vnlesse their Bishops and Ministers take theyr origine and ordination from this Apostolike seate, they are to be counted not of the Churche. So that succession of fayth only is not sufficient to make a church, except the Ministers take theyr ordination by thē, whiche haue there successiō from the Apostels. So theyr fayth, supremacie, the chayre of Peter, keyes of heauē, power to bind and loose, all these be inseperable to the church of Rome, so that it is to bee presumed, that God always prouiding,
1Alexander de A•es.
RRaymundus in Summa de Ca••sibus. Richardus. Rabanus super Math. cap. 16. Rupertus Tu•itiensis.Raymūdus in Sūma de Ca••sibus. Richardus. Rabanus super Math. cap. 16. Rupertus Tu•itiensis.
SScotus Doctor Subtilis.
TThomas Aquin.
VUlricus. Waldemus cō fessionate, & De Sacramē tis.Vlricus. Waldemꝰ cō fessionate, & De Sacramē tis.
XJoan. Dreido. De Dogmatibus va•iis, lib. 4.Ioan. Dreido. De Dogmatibus va•iis, lib. 4.
And likewise it is to be presumed & presupposed that the bishop of that Church is always good and holy. yea & though he be not always good, or destitute of his own merits, yet the merits of S. Peter predecessor of that place be sufficient for him, who hath bequeathed and left a perpetual dowry of merits, with inheritance of innocency to his posterity. Yyea & though he fall into Homicide or adultery, he may sin, but yet he can not be accused, but rather ⟨image 39⟩excused by the Murders of Sampson, the thefts of the Hebrews, the adultery of Jacob. ZAnd likewise if any of his clergy should be found embracing a woman, it must be expounded and presupposed that he doth it to bless her.
And likewise it is to be presumed & presupposed that the bishop of that Churche is alwayes good and holy. yea & though he be not alwayes good, or destitute of his owne merites, yet the merites of S. Peter predecessor of yt place be sufficient for him, who hath bequethed and lefte a perpetuall dewrie of merites, with inheritance of innocencye to his posteritie. Yyea & though he fall into Homicide or adultery, he may sinne, but yet he can not be accused, but rather ⟨image 39⟩excused by the Murders of Sampson, the theftes of the Haebrues, the adultery of Iacob. ZAnd likewise if any of his clergy should be foūd embrasing a woman, it muste be expoūdid and presupposed that he doth it to blesse hyr.
Furthermore the Pope, say they, hath all the dignities & all power of all Patriarchs. In his primacy he is Abel, In government the Arch of Noah, In Patriarchdō Abraham, In order Melchizedek, In dignity Aaron, In authority Moses, In seat judicial Samuel. In zeal Elijah, In meekness David, In power ⟨image 39⟩Peter, In unction Christ. (Du bist das Antichrist.) My power they say is greater than all the saints. For whom I confirm no man may infirm. I may favour & spare whom I please,A to take from one, and to give to an other. And if I be enemy to any man, all men ought to eschew that person forthwith, and not to tarry and look while I bid them so to do. All the earth is my diocese, and I the ordinary of all men, having the authority of the King of all kings upon subjects. I am all in all & above all, Bso that God him self & I the vicar ⟨image 40⟩of God have both one Consistory, Cand am able to do almost all that God can doe, Clave non errante. DItē it is said of me, that I have an heavenly arbitrement, and therefore am able to change nature of things, Substantialia unius applicando alteri. And of nothing to make things to be, and of a sentence that is nothing, to make it stand in effect. In all things that I list, my will to stand for reason. For I am able by the law, to dispense above the law,5 and of wrong to make Justice, in correcting Laws, & changing them. You have herd hitherto sufficiently ⟨image 40⟩out of my Doctors, now you shall hear greater things out of mine own decrees. ERead there Dist. 96. c. Satis. Falso, Caus 11. q. 1. ca Sacerdotibus. GAlso, 12. q. 1. cap. Futurā. Do not you find there expressed how Constantinus the Emperor sitting in the general Council of Nice, called us Prelates of the Church all Gods. HAgain read my Canon Decretal. De transl. episc. cap. Quanto. Do you not see their manifestly expressed, how not man, but God alone separateth that which the Bishop of Rome doth dissolve & separate. Wherefore ⟨image 41⟩if those things that I do be said to be done not of man, but of God, what can you make of me but God? Again if Prelates of the Church be called and counted of Constā tinus for Gods, I then being above all Prelates,10 seam by this reason to be above all Gods. Wherefore no marvel, if it be in my power to change time and times, to alter and abrogate Laws, to dispense with all things yea with the precepts of Christ.
Furthermore the Pope, say they, hath all the dignities & all power of all Patriarches. In his primacie he is Abell, In gouermente the Arche of Noe, In Patriarchdō Abraham, In order Melchisedech, In dignitie Aaron, In autoritie Moses, In seat iudiciall Samuel. In zeale Helias, In mekenes Dauid, In power ⟨image 39⟩Peter, In vnction Christ. (Du bist das Antichrist.) My power they saye is greater than all the sainctes. For whome I confirme no manne maye infirme. I maye fauour & spare whome I please,A to take frō one, and to giue to an other. And if I be ennemy to anye man, al men ought to eschew that person forthewith, and not to tary and loke whyle I bid them so to do. All ye earth is my diocese, and I the ordinarie of al meune, hauing the autoritie of the Kinge of all kinges vpon subiectes. I am all in all & aboue all, Bso that God him selfe & I the vicare ⟨image 40⟩of God haue both one Consistorie, Cand am able to do almoste all that God can doe, Claue non errāte. DItē it is said of me, that I haue an heauē ly arbitrement, and therfore am able to chaunge nature of thinges, Substantialia vnius applicando alteri. And of nothing to make thinges to be, and of a sentence that is nothing, to make it stande in effect. In all thinges that I liste, my wyll to stand for reason. For I am able by the lawe, to dispense aboue the lawe,5 and of wrōg to make Iustice, in correcting Lawes, & chaūgyng thē. You haue herd hytherto sufficiētly ⟨image 40⟩out of my Doctors, nowe you shal heare greater things oute of mine owne decrees. EReade there Dist. 96. c. Satis. Falso, Caus 11. q. 1. ca Sacerdotibus. GAlso, 12. q. 1. cap. Futurā. Do not you finde there expressed how Constātinus the Emperour sitting in the generall Councel of Nice, called vs Prelates of the Churche all Gods.
AGlosa. in c. 11. q. 3. Si inimicus.
BHostiensis in cap. Quanto. D• transl. praeb.Hostiensis in cap. Quāto. D• trāsl. praeb.
CEx summa casuum fratris Baptistae.
DEx Citatione Hen. Bulling. De fine seculi. Orat. Prima. Item ex citatione Jacobi Andreae, aduersus Hosiū. lib. 5. Item ex citatione Hierom. Marij. in Actis 2. Diei.Ex Citatione Hen. Bulling. De fine seculi. Orat. Prima. Item ex citatione Iacobi Andreae, aduersus Hosiū. lib. 5. Item ex citatione Hierom. Marij. in Actis 2. Diei.
5De concessione praeb. ca. Proposuit.De cōcessione praeb. ca. Proposuit.
EPope Nicol• us• Dist. 96. c. Satis.
F11. q. 1. Sacerdotibus.
G12. q. 1. c. Futuram.
HDecretal. De Transl. episc• cap. Quanto.
10Thus ye may see i• veri•ide that s. Paul prophesieth of y• adversary setting in the temple as God, & boasting him above all that is named God. &c. 2. Thess. 2.Thus ye may se i• veri•ide that s. Paul prophesieth of y• aduersarye settyng in ye temple as God, & bostyng him aboue al that is named God. &c. 2. Thess. 2.
For where Christ biddeth Peter put up his sword, monishing his disciples not to use any outward force in revenging themselves, ⟨image 41⟩Ido not I pope Nicolaus writing to the Bishops of France, exhort them to draw out there material swords in pursuing their enemies, and recovering their possessions, setting against the precept of Christ, the prophet saying:2 Dissolve colligationes impietatis &c? Item where Christ was present himself at that marriage in Cana Galileae, Kdo not I Pope Martinus in my distinctions inhibit the spiritual clergy to be present at marriage feasts, and also to marry themselves? Item where matrimony by Christ can not be loosed but only for whoredom ⟨image 42⟩LDo not I Pope Gregorius Junior, writing ad Bonifacium, permitte the same to be broken for impotency or infirmity of body? MItem against the express caution of the Gospel doth not Innocentius 4. permit vim vi repellere? NLikewise against the old testament I do dispense in not giving tithes.O Item against the new Testament in swearing, & that in these six causes:
PPax, & fama, fides, reverentia cautio Damni
Defectus veri, poscunt sibi magna caveri.
Wherein two kinds of oaths ⟨image 42⟩is to be noted whereof some be promissoria, some be assertoria. &c? QItem in voves & that ex toto voto. Where as other Prelates can not dispense ex toto a voto, but I can deliver ex toto a voto, like God himself. RItem in perjury if I absolve my absolution standeth. SWhere also note that in all swearing, always the authority of the superior is excepted. TMore over where Christ biddeth to lend without hope of gain, do not I pope Martinus give dispensation for the same, not withstanding the council of Thuron enacted the contrary, yet with two Bulls I disannulled ⟨image 43⟩that decrement. VWhat should I speak of Murder making it no Murder nor homicide, to s•aye them that be excommunicate. XLikewise against the law of nature, YItem against the Apostle, Zalso against the canons of the Apostles I can and do dispense. For where they in their Canon command a priest for fornication to be deposed, I through the authority of Sylvester alter yt rigour of the constitution. AConsidering the minds & bodies also of men now to be weaker than they were then. BBriefly against the universal state of the Church I have ⟨image 43⟩dispensation, sc• quando status ecclesiae non decoloratur.
For where Christ biddeth Peter put vp his sworde, monishyng his disciples not to vse any outward force in reuēging themselues, ⟨image 41⟩Ido not I pope Nicolaus wryting to the Bishops of Fraunce, exhorte them to drawe oute there materiall swordes in persuyng theyr enemies, and recouering theyr possessions, setting agaynste the precept of Christ, the prophet sayng:2 Dissolue colligationes impietatis &c? Item where Christ was present himself at yt mariage in Cana Galileae, Kdo not I Pope Martinus in my distinctions inhibite the spirituall clergye to be present at mariage feastes, and also to mary thēselues? Item where matrimonie by Christ cā not be losed but only for horedom ⟨image 42⟩LDo not I Pope Gregorius Iunior, wrytynge ad Bonifacium, permitte the same to be broken for impotēcie or infirmite of bodye? MItem against the expresse caution of the Gospel doth not Innocētius 4. permitte vim vi repellere? NLikewise against the olde testament I do dispense in not gyuing tithes.O Itē against the newe Testament in swearing, & that in these sixe causes:
PPax, & fama, fides, reuerentia cautio Damni
Defectus veri, poscunt sibi magna caueri.
Wherin two kindes of othes ⟨image 42⟩is to be noted whereof some be promissoria, some be assertoria. &c? QItem in voues & that ex toto voto. Where as other Prelates can not dispense ex toto a voto, but I can deliuer ex toto a voto, like God himselfe. RItem in periury if I absolue my absolutiō stādith.
IPope Nicolaus Caus. 15. q. 6. c. Autoritatē.Pope Nicolaꝰ Caus. 15. q. 6. c. Autoritatē.
2The Prophets mind well expoū did.The Prophets minde well expoū did.
KPope Martinus. Dist. 34. cap. Lector.
LPope Gregorius Junior. 32. q. 7. cap. Quod proposuisti.Pope Gregorius Iunior. 32. q. 7. cap. Quod proposuisti.
MPope Innocē tius. 4. Sext. Decretal. De sententia excō. cap. Dilecto.Pope Innocē tius. 4. Sext. Decretal. De sentētia excō. cap. Dilecto.
NPope Alexander. 3. De Decimis. cap. Ex parte.
OPope Nicolaus. 15. q. 6. Autoritatem.
PDe elect. & elect. Potestate. Significasti in Glosa.
QBaptista de Salis. in Sū ma casuum ex PavormitanoBaptista de Salis. in Sū ma casuum ex Pauormitano
RPope Innocē tius. 4. De elect. Venerabilem.Pope Innocē tius. 4. De elect. Venerabilem.
SExt. De Jure jurando. cap. Venientes. Itē. De Elect. Significasti• in Glosa.Ext. De Iure iurando. cap. Venientes. Itē. De Elect. Significasti• in Glosa.
1And for marriage in the second degree of consanguinity and affinity, In collateralibus equally linea, that is betwixt brethren children: although not inaequali linea, so that the uncle may not marry his nice, unless for an urgent & weight cause. As for all such contracts betwixt party and party, where that matrimony is not yet consummate by carnal copulation, it is but a small matter for me to dispense with all. In summa, if ye list briefly to here the whole nun ber of all such cases as properly appertain to my Papal ⟨image 44⟩dispensation, which come to the number of one and fifty points, that no man may meddle with all, but only I my self alone, I will receipt them first in Latin, then in English, as they be set forth in my Canonical Doctors.
1And for mariage in the second degree of consanguinite and affinite, In collateralibus aequali linea, that is betwixt brethern children: although not inaequali linea, so that the vncle may not mary his nice, vnles for an vrgēt & weyght cause. As for all such cōtractes betwixt party and party, where that matrimonie is not yet consummate by carnall copulation, it is but a small matter for me to dispēse with all. In summa, if ye liste briefly to here the whole nū ber of al such cases as properly apperteine to my Papall ⟨image 44⟩dispensation, whiche come to the number of one and fiftie pointes, that no manne maye meddle with all, but onlye I my selfe alone, I will receite them firste in Latin, then in English, as they be set forthe in my Canonicall Doctors.
Casus Papales .51. Apud Fratrem Astesanum, sine de Ast. Doctorē solemnem in Summa confessionis. Item apud Hostien•em. De offic. legat. reperti & his versibus comprehensi.
Casus Papales .51. Apud Fratrem Astesanum, sine de Ast. Doctorē solemnem in Summa confessionis. Item apud Hostien•em. De offic. legat. reperti & his versibus comprehensi.
Wherfore it is to be cōcludid, that their must be an order & difference of degrees in the Churche betwixt powers, superiour and inferiour, without which order, the vniuersite of ye whole can not consist.
For amongst them also ther was not an vniforme equalite or institution of one degree,
But a diuersitie or distinctiō of autorite and power, albeit they were all Apostels together, yet it was graunted not withstanding to Peter, (thē selfes also agreyng to ye same) that he should beare dominiō and superioritie ouer all the
wher vpon the order of Priesthod first in the newe Testament began in Peter, to whome it was said, Thou arte Peter, & vpon thee I will builde my church.
Psal. 8. Omnia subiecisti sub pedibus eius, oues, & boues, & vniuersa pecora campi. Volucres caeli & pisces Maris. &c. i. Thou haste subduyd all things vnder his feete, Sheape and Oxen, and all cattell of the fielde: The birdes of Heauen, and Fish of the sea &c.
Where it is to be noted, that by oxen Iewes and Heretikes, by Cattell of the fielde, Paganes, be signified. For although as yet they be oute of the vse of my keyes of binding and losing, yet they be not out of the iurisdiction of my keyes, but yf they returne, I maye absolue
Firste touchyng my absolute iurisdiction he saith I am able to
⟨image 33⟩
ride out all purgatory together, for as many as be vnder my iurisdiction, as be all, except only infantes vnbaptised In limbo, And menne departed only cum baptismo flaminis. That is with ye Baptisme of spirit.
but let vs fighte agaynst them in the lowe medowes, and in valles, where they haue no power, & so we shall preuaile ouer them: So euill counsellors nowe a dayes throughe there pestiferous flattery deceaue Kinges and Princes of the earth, sayng:
But what sayeth the sentence of God to them let vs heare. Bicause, sayth he, the Syrians say, that the God of Mountance is there God, and not the God of valles,
Agayn reade my Canon Decretal. De transl. episc. cap. Quanto. Doe you not see theyr manifestlye expressed, howe not manne, but God alone separateth that which the Bisshoppe of Rome doth dissolue & separate. Wherfore
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if those thinges that I do be said to be done not of manne, but of God, what canne you make of me but God? Agayn if Prelates of the Churche be called and counted of Constā tinus for Gods, I then beyng aboue all Prelates,
seame by this reason to bee aboue all Gods. Wherefore no meruell, if it be in my power to chaūge time and times, to alter and abrogate Lawes, to dispense with al thinges yea with the precepts of Christ.
More ouer where Christ biddeth to lende without hope of gaine, do not I pope Martinus giue dispensation for the same, not withstanding the councell of Thuron enactid the cōtrary, yet with two Bulles I disamillid
also againste the canones of the Apostels I can and do dispēse. For where they in their Canō cōmaūd a priest for fornication to be deposed, I thorow ye autoritie of Siluester alter yt rygor of ye constitutiō.
