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

§ 10. By the way it is worthy enquiry whether Hildebrand being neither Bishop, Priest, nor Deacon, but a sub-Deacon only, was any of the Clergy or Church-Pastors to whom Christ gave the power of the Keys (Yea,¹ if he had been a Deacon.) And therefore whether he had any power from Christ to preside before Arch-Bishops and Bishops in in Councils, and to depose and excommunicate Bishops. If it be said that he did it by the Pope's commission, the question recurreth, whether God ever gave Pope or Prelate power to make new Church-officers whom he never instituted de specie, that should have the power of the Keys, yea, and be above the Bishops of the Church? And whether Popes or Prelates may commit preaching or Sacraments to Lay-men? if not, how can they commit the Keys of Church-Government to them, or to any as little authorized by Christ? Indeed baptizing is but using the Key of Church-entrance; And therefore he that may so let men into the Church may baptize them (which Papists unhappily allow the Laity.) And if per se or per alium will salve all, whether Priests may not preach, pray, and give Sacraments by Lay-men: And so Lay-men at last put down both Prelates and Priests as needless?

1. 1lindx;

§ 11. CCCXXXIX. An. 1055. They say that this great Subdeacon Hildebrand (the grand advancer of the Roman Kingdom) did call a Council at Tours, which cited poor Berengarius and forced him to recant (whether it be true I know not.)

§ 12. To this Council the Emperor Henry sent his Agents to complain that Ferdinand the great, King of Castile, refused subjection to the Emperor, and claimed some such title to himself, and (now ignorance, superstition, and interest having made the Clergy the Rulers of Kings and Kingdoms) the Emperor desireth that King Ferdinand may be excommunicate unless he will submit and surcease, and all the Kingdom of Spain be interdicted (or forbidden Gods worship.)