Church-history of the government of bishops and their councils abbreviated including the chief part…

§. 29. Next cometh this same Man, Anno 912 John 10. saith Platina and others, the Son of Pope Sergius (by the Whore Marozia say some, but its not like, because Marozia killed him.) But its more probable▪ as Onuphrius noteth, that it was not this John, but the next that was Son to Sergius and Marozia. This Pope saith Baron. and Bin. is he that the famous Whore Theodora for great comeliness of person doted on; and saith Luitpraud, got him made Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, and after Pope of Rome,¹ that she might not lye with him so seldom, as the distance between Rome and Ravenna would necessitate. So [say they, this impudent Man being powerful at Rome, by the strength of a Whore, is made a false Pope and wicked invader of the Seat] where they show how this Whore obtained her power. But was this no interruption of the succession neither, nor a nullifying of the Papal Church, while he sate 13. or as Onuphrius, 14. Years and more. No saith Baron. (and Bin.) He that was an Invader, Thief, and Robber, by the after Consent of the Roman Clergy, became the lawful Pope of Rome. 1. We see then, what the Roman Clergy were, that would have such a Pope. 2. But they give no proof of any such Consent; but say, It is verisimile. 3. And where was the Church till that Consent, or at least its Holiness. 4. Can such Mens Consent make a Pope of an uncapable person? Will no Wickedness incapacitate?

§. 29. Next cometh this same Man, Anno 912 Iohn 10. saith Platina and others, the Son of Pope Sergius (by the Whore Marozia say some, but its not like, because Marozia killed him.) But its more probable▪ as Onuphrius noteth, that it was not this Iohn, but the next that was Son to Sergius and Marozia. This Pope saith Baron. and Bin. is he that the famous Whore Theodora for great comeliness of person doted on; and sa•th Luitpraud, got him made Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, and after Pope of Rome,¹ that she might not lye with him so seldome, as the distance between Rome and Ravenna would necessitate. So [say they, this impudent Man being powerful at Rome, by the strength of a Whore, is made a false Pope and wicked invader of the Seat] where they shew how this Whore obtained her power. But was this no interruption of the succession neither, nor a nullifying of the Papal Church, while he sate 13. or as Onuphrius, 14. Years and more. No saith Baron. (and Bin.) He that was an Invader, Theif, and Robber, by the after Consent of the Roman Clergy, became the lawful Pope of Rome. 1. We see then, what the Romane Clergy were, that would have such a Pope. 2. But they give no proof of any such Consent; but say, It is verisimile. 3. And where was the Church till that Consent, or at least its Holiness. 4. Can such Mens Consent make a Pope of an uncapable person? Will no Wickedness incapacitate?