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

But this is a Controversy handled by so many, that I shall refer the Reader to them: and whether the seven Electors only, or all the Feudatories chose.

Baronius and Binius maintain, that all came from the Authority of the Pope; that Greg. 5th. Ordained the choice of the Emperor to be by all the Feudatories of the Empire; that the Council at Lyons, under Innocent 4th. settled it upon Seven, but not all the same that are now Electors; and that the Princes after settled it on these same Seven, they know not who nor when.

Baronius and Binius maintain, that all came from the Authority of the Pope; that Greg. 5th. Ordained the choice of the Emperour to be by all the Feudatories of the Empire; that the Council at Lyons, under Innocent 4th. setled it upon Seven, but not all the same that are now Electors; and that the Princes after setled it on these same Seven, they know not who nor when.

For the right understanding of many such matters; I only mind the Reader of this one thing, that as the contention of Princes, and the superstitious fear of Anathematizing had made the Papal, and Prelatical Power then very great, in setting up, and taking down Princes; so it was usual for their Assemblies,¹ even those called Councils, to be mixed of Men Secular and Clergy; Kings and Princes, and Lords being present with the Bishops, as in our Parliaments; and usually the greatest Princes ruled all. Therefore, to ascribe all to the Pope and Prelates, ⟨p. 337⟩that was done in such conventions, and thence to gather their power to dispose of Empires and Kingdoms, is mere deceit.