well_o as_o priest_n and_o make_v prince_n the_o supreme_a never_o intend_v to_o give_v his_o minister_n any_o power_n to_o disturb_v the_o public_a peace_n or_o oppose_v the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o prince_n have_v not_o power_n to_o hinder_v such_o unjust_a sentence_n they_o can_v not_o govern_v their_o kingdom_n nor_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o when_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o clergy_n strive_v with_o king_n for_o the_o supremacy_n it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o they_o to_o check_v these_o dangerous_a attempt_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o have_v sit_v any_o long_o in_o their_o throne_n than_o the_o pope_n please_v but_o all_o this_o be_v now_o out_o of_o door_n and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o our_o protestant_a bishop_n exercise_v this_o authority_n because_o they_o yield_v the_o king_n the_o supremacy_n in_o all_o cause_n as_o the_o primitive_a bishop_n do_v and_o even_o in_o popish_a time_n though_o the_o king_n do_v prohibit_v the_o abuse_n of_o this_o power_n yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o own_v the_o right_a to_o be_v sole_o in_o the_o bishop_n for_o edward_n the_o three_o who_o mr._n selden_n instance_n in_o do_v by_o his_o letter_n request_v john_n stratford_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o excommunicate_v all_o notorious_a malefactor_n and_o disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o church_n and_o state_n which_o request_n they_o grant_v in_o a_o council_n at_o london_n 581._o london_n an._n 1342._o ap_fw-mi spelm._n council_n tom._n ii_o p._n 581._o and_o whatever_o other_o objection_n mr._n selden_n have_v raise_v relate_v to_o the_o time_n before_o the_o reformation_n they_o can_v imply_v what_o he_o intend_v because_o it_o be_v the_o general_n opinion_n that_o the_o clergy_n who_o he_o confess_v consent_v to_o many_o of_o these_o limitation_n have_v a_o right_n from_o god_n to_o excommunicate_v and_o absolve_v hence_o in_o the_o charter_n of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n he_o that_o be_v prosecute_v for_o a_o offence_n according_a to_o the_o bishop_n law_n shall_v come_v and_o give_v satisfaction_n according_a to_o the_o canon_n to_o god_n and_o his_o bishop_n 14._o bishop_n an._n 1085._o ap_fw-mi spelm._n tom._n ii_o pag._n 14._o and_o matth._n paris_n affirm_v robert_n de_fw-fr marmiun_n who_o die_v excommunicate_a to_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o damnation_n 80._o damnation_n an._n 1143._o matth._n paris_n pag._n 80._o and_o the_o form_n of_o excommunication_n use_v about_o this_o time_n be_v general_o prefaced_a thus_o we_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o almighty_n god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o by_o the_o authorty_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n etc._n etc._n do_v excommunicate_a 158._o excommunicate_a an._n 1215._o matth._n paris_n p._n 270_o an._n 1217._o constit_fw-la ric._n sarum_n spelm._n tom._n ii_o p._n 158._o of_o which_o there_o be_v very_o many_o form_n 456._o form_n an._n 1222._o council_n oxon._n spelm._n tom._n ii_o p._n 181._o item_n anno_fw-la 1276._o constit_fw-la dunelm_n spelm._n ib._n p._n 319._o et_fw-fr an._n 1308._o ibid._n p._n 456._o which_o do_v manifest_o prove_v that_o the_o bishop_n do_v open_o claim_v this_o as_o a_o divine_a right_n which_o appear_v also_o from_o their_o public_a declaration_n one_o of_o which_o shall_v suffice_v here_o the_o prelate_n of_o the_o church_n who_o carry_v saint_n peter_n key_n must_v consider_v how_o great_a the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v which_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o they_o as_o s._n chrysostom_n say_v man_n bind_v but_o the_o power_n be_v give_v by_o christ_n the_o lord_n give_v man_n this_o honour_n and_o since_o excommunication_n be_v a_o condemn_v to_o eternal_a death_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v but_o for_o mortal_a crime_n etc._n etc._n 383._o etc._n an._n 1287._o syn._n exon._n cap._n 43._o spelm._n tom._n ii_o pag._n 383._o which_o with_o very_a many_o evidence_n of_o like_a kind_n do_v show_v that_o whatever_o consent_n the_o clergy_n give_v to_o any_o limitation_n of_o this_o power_n it_o can_v only_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o in_o unjust_a cause_n or_o manner_n of_o proceed_v but_o can_v be_v expound_v of_o their_o intend_v to_o divest_v themselves_o of_o this_o divine_a right_n which_o they_o always_o claim_v and_o open_o declare_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o excommunication_n and_o that_o our_o ancient_a king_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o prohibit_v the_o bishop_n from_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o any_o just_a cause_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n belong_v to_o they_o may_v appear_v from_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o charter_n of_o prohibition_n which_o be_v answer_n to_o certain_a grievance_n of_o the_o clergy_n present_v to_o that_o king_n and_o his_o parliament_n wherein_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o if_o a_o prelate_n impose_v corporal_a penance_n only_o for_o sin_n commit_v and_o the_o offender_n will_v commute_v it_o the_o king_n prohibition_n in_o that_o case_n have_v no_o place_n and_o whereas_o some_o have_v get_v the_o king_n letter_n to_o require_v the_o ordinary_a to_o absolve_v such_o as_o he_o have_v excommunicate_v by_o a_o certain_a day_n or_o else_o to_o appear_v and_o show_v cause_n why_o they_o have_v excommunicate_v such_o a_o person_n it_o be_v declare_v such_o letter_n shall_v never_o be_v grant_v hereafter_o but_o where_o the_o excommunication_n be_v find_v to_o hurt_v the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o whereas_o when_o those_o who_o hold_v of_o the_o king_n be_v cite_v before_o the_o ordinary_a out_o of_o their_o parish_n and_o excommunicate_v for_o their_o contumacy_n the_o king_n writ_n to_o arrest_v they_o after_o 40_o day_n be_v sometime_o deny_v the_o king_n declare_v such_o a_o writ_n never_o be_v deny_v nor_o never_o shall_v be_v deny_v hereafter_o 484._o hereafter_o an._n 1316._o ap_fw-mi spelm._n tom._n ii_o pag._n 484._o all_o which_o be_v print_v in_o our_o statute_n book_n for_o law_n 98._o law_n an._n 9_o edvard_n 2._o an._n 1315._o pag._n 98._o and_o before_o that_o time_n it_o be_v enact_v in_o parliament_n that_o excommunicate_a person_n imprison_v at_o the_o bishop_n request_n shall_v not_o be_v repleviseable_a by_o the_o common_a writ_n nor_o without_o writ_n 27._o writ_n an._n 3_o edu._n primi_fw-la an._n 1275._o cap._n 15._o pag._n 27._o soon_o after_o be_v the_o statute_n of_o circumspectè_fw-la agatis_fw-la make_v which_o charge_v the_o temporal_a judge_n not_o to_o punish_v the_o clergy_n for_o hold_v plea_n in_o the_o court_n christian_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v mere_a spiritual_n viz._n of_o penance_n enjoin_v by_o prelate_n for_o deadly_a sin_n as_o fornication_n adultery_n and_o such_o like_a and_o in_o divers_a case_n there_o relate_v the_o king_n declare_v his_o prohibition_n shall_v not_o lie_v 70._o lie_v an._n 13_o ed._n prim_fw-la an._n 1285._o pag._n 70._o these_o i_o think_v be_v manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v a_o divine_a right_o to_o excommunicate_v for_o impiety_n and_o immorality_n and_o all_o that_o mr._n selden_n have_v heap_v up_o to_o intimate_v the_o contrary_a for_o these_o time_n be_v sufficient_o answer_v hereby_o and_o as_o to_o all_o his_o objection_n relate_v to_o the_o time_n since_o our_o reformation_n without_o go_v out_o of_o my_o own_o profession_n or_o meddle_v with_o his_o law_n case_n i_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n abroad_o and_o our_o own_o at_o home_n have_v hold_v and_o maintain_v that_o the_o clergy_n have_v power_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o excommunicate_v scandalous_a offender_n the_o helvetian_a confession_n cite_v the_o place_n of_o matth._n xuj_o about_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n and_o john_n xx_o of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o declare_v the_o minister_n authority_n to_o admit_v or_o to_o exclude_v out_o of_o the_o church_n be_v ground_v thereon_o 18._o thereon_o confess_v poster_n helu._n art_n 18._o the_o bohemian_a confession_n be_v very_o large_a in_o profess_v their_o belief_n that_o christ_n have_v give_v his_o minister_n power_n to_o sever_v sinner_n from_o the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n and_o from_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o shut_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o they_o and_o final_o to_o deliver_v they_o to_o satan_n 14._o satan_n confess_v bohem_n cap._n 14._o the_o belgic_a confession_n also_o do_v affirm_v that_o they_o retain_v excommunication_n and_o other_o appendix_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n as_o necessary_a by_o the_o precept_n of_o god_n word_n 32._o word_n confess_v belg._n art_n 32._o and_o when_o they_o correct_v this_o article_n as_o mr._n selden_n pretend_v 233._o pretend_v seld._n the_o syned_a lib._n 1._o cap._n 10._o pag._n 233._o they_o still_o
divine_v right_o to_o excommunicate_v be_v despise_v and_o the_o imperial_a authority_n so_o oft_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o shield_n against_o it_o do_v manifest_o show_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v put_v this_o power_n into_o the_o bishop_n hand_n and_o that_o no_o external_n force_n can_v wrest_v it_o from_o they_o or_o hinder_v its_o due_a effect_n to_o proceed_v the_o canon_n of_o divers_a council_n do_v declare_v that_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_a be_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o privilege_n which_o other_o christian_n enjoy_v and_o therefore_o as_o jew_n and_o pagan_n testimony_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v against_o the_o bishop_n and_o clergy_n so_o the_o second_o general_n council_n at_o constantinople_n forbid_v those_o who_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n or_o excommunicate_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o accuse_v a_o bishop_n 6._o bishop_n an._n 381._o council_n 2._o constantinop_n can._n 6._o where_o we_o may_v note_v the_o distinction_n between_o the_o great_a and_o the_o lesser_a excommunication_n those_o who_o be_v cast_v out_o be_v such_o as_o be_v for_o ever_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o the_o excommunicate_a such_o as_o be_v separate_v for_o a_o time_n 〈◊〉_d time_n zonara_n in_o loc_n ap_fw-mi bever_n tom._n i._o p._n 95._o the_o signif_n verb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o zonaras_n expound_v the_o phrase_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v admit_v to_o bear_v witness_n against_o a_o bishop_n as_o be_v suppose_v unworthy_a of_o credit_n and_o inclinable_a to_o be_v revenge_v on_o their_o censurer_n which_o law_n be_v revive_v in_o divers_a other_o succeed_a council_n 1063._o council_n cod._n can._n eccl._n african_n can._n 128._o capit_fw-la tom._n i._o l._n 7._o cap._n 181._o p._n 1063._o and_o as_o they_o do_v take_v away_o their_o external_n privilege_n so_o they_o also_o deprive_v they_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o religious_a office_n which_o be_v not_o only_o signify_v by_o the_o phrase_n before_o mention_v but_o express_o decree_v for_o first_o the_o council_n of_o antioch_n declare_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_a and_o if_o these_o person_n after_o their_o exclusion_n from_o the_o church_n prayer_n go_v into_o any_o house_n or_o other_o church_n to_o pray_v whoever_o pray_v with_o they_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v of_o the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v 2._o excommunicate_v an._n 341._o council_n antiochen_n can._n 2._o which_o canon_n be_v renew_v in_o the_o four_o council_n of_o carthage_n 73._o carthage_n an._n 398._o council_n 4._o carthag_n can._n 73._o and_o as_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o former_a canon_n and_o a_o constant_a usage_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n so_o it_o be_v repeat_v in_o almost_o every_o succeed_a council_n so_o that_o the_o particular_n need_v not_o to_o be_v cite_v now_o can_v any_o have_v so_o hard_a a_o opinion_n of_o these_o holy_a father_n who_o live_v so_o near_o the_o apostle_n to_o imagine_v they_o arbitrary_o assume_v this_o power_n of_o exclude_v criminal_n from_o holy_a office_n and_o retain_v it_o even_o after_o the_o emperor_n be_v christian_n and_o have_v make_v secular_a law_n to_o punish_v they_o or_o that_o they_o pretend_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o it_o if_o he_o leave_v they_o no_o such_o power_n the_o first_o council_n of_o toledo_n ordain_v that_o if_o any_o layman_n be_v excommunicate_v none_o of_o the_o clergy_n or_o religious_a shall_v converse_v with_o he_o or_o come_v at_o his_o house_n and_o a_o clerk_n deprive_v shall_v be_v avoid_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o if_o any_o be_v find_v to_o discourse_n or_o to_o eat_v with_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v also_o excommunicate_v if_o they_o know_v they_o to_o be_v under_o the_o censure_n 15._o censure_n an._n 400._o conc._n 1._o tolet._n can._n 15._o the_o same_o council_n decree_v that_o a_o profess_a virgin_n offend_v shall_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n till_o she_o have_v do_v ten_o year_n penance_n and_o none_o may_v pray_v or_o eat_v with_o she_o till_o she_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n 16._o church_n ibid._n can._n 16._o not_o long_o after_o this_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o accustom_a form_n of_o excommunication_n use_v in_o that_o age_n which_o show_v both_o the_o original_a and_o effect_n of_o this_o sentence_n and_o the_o word_n be_v these_o follow_v the_o canonical_a sanction_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o holy_a father_n we_o excommunicate_a ......_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n from_o the_o bosom_n of_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n and_o from_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o christian_n until_o they_o repent_v and_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n gratian._n god_n an._n 441._o council_n 1._o araus_n apud_fw-la gratian._n which_o form_n show_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o authority_n be_v from_o god_n and_o their_o direction_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o lay_v on_o this_o censure_n and_o that_o the_o person_n so_o censure_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o all_o civil_a and_o religious_a commerce_n with_o other_o christian_n and_o that_o this_o opinion_n prevail_v even_o in_o these_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n may_v be_v see_v by_o those_o ancient_a synod_n hold_v in_o these_o island_n under_o s._n patrick_n where_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o none_o who_o be_v excommunicate_v shall_v come_v into_o the_o church_n till_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o penance_n 53._o penance_n an._n 456._o synod_n patric_n can._n 18._o spelm._n tom._n i._o p._n 53._o and_o if_o a_o clergyman_n be_v excommunicate_a he_o must_v pray_v alone_o and_o neither_o presume_v to_o offer_v or_o consecrate_v 28._o consecrate_v ibid._n can._n 28._o and_o again_o hear_v the_o lord_n say_v if_o he_o hear_v thou_o not_o let_v he_o be_v to_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a and_o a_o publican_n do_v not_o curse_v the_o excommunicate_a but_o repel_v he_o from_o the_o communion_n from_o the_o table_n from_o the_o prayer_n and_o from_o the_o blessing_n spelm._n blessing_n alter_fw-la syn._n ejus_fw-la can._n 4._o item_n ap_fw-mi spelm._n where_o ground_v the_o censure_n upon_o our_o saviour_n word_n they_o charitable_o condemn_v all_o dreadful_a anathematise_v and_o allow_v only_o the_o separation_n which_o be_v more_o primitive_a and_o more_o agree_v to_o the_o gospel_n spirit_n for_o in_o this_o age_n they_o consider_v the_o dreadful_a effect_n of_o excommunication_n even_o of_o the_o mild_a sort_n and_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o proceed_v that_o way_n in_o light_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v about_o this_o time_n that_o pope_n leo_n i._o in_o one_o of_o his_o decretal_a epistle_n say_v let_v not_o the_o communion_n light_o be_v deny_v to_o any_o christian_a neither_o let_v that_o sentence_n be_v utter_v by_o any_o priest_n in_o anger_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v lay_v on_o unwilling_o and_o with_o grief_n as_o a_o punishment_n for_o the_o great_a crime_n for_o we_o know_v some_o who_o for_o little_a offence_n or_o slight_a word_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o communion_n so_o that_o the_o soul_n for_o which_o christ_n blood_n be_v shed_v by_o the_o inflict_a of_o this_o dreadful_a punishment_n be_v expose_v naked_a disable_v and_o without_o any_o defence_n to_o the_o devil_n assault_n so_o that_o he_o may_v take_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n 469._o pleasure_n an._n 450._o leon._n decret_a epist_n 89._o ad_fw-la omnes_fw-la episc_n provenc_n pag._n 469._o where_o we_o see_v he_o suppose_v the_o excommunicate_a to_o be_v deliver_v into_o satan_n power_n and_o in_o extreme_a danger_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o those_o holy_a bishop_n be_v so_o loath_a to_o inflict_v this_o dreadful_a sentence_n till_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n live_v the_o author_n of_o the_o apostolical_a constitution_n as_o they_o confess_v who_o dispute_n against_o that_o pretend_a antiquity_n which_o the_o romanist_n attribute_n to_o this_o work_n and_o all_o do_v grant_v it_o contain_v a_o true_a scheme_n of_o the_o church_n discipline_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o century_n and_o in_o this_o book_n we_o find_v divers_a passage_n to_o confirm_v this_o opinion_n as_o where_o it_o be_v order_v that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v sit_v down_o when_o he_o preach_v as_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v sinner_n for_o to_o you_o o_o bishop_n it_o be_v say_v whatever_o you_o bound_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatever_o you_o lose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n 11._o heaven_n an._n 400._o const_n apostol_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 11._o again_o the_o bishop_n be_v command_v when_o he_o know_v any_o one_o to_o have_v sin_v to_o order_v he_o to_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o church_n with_o indignation_n
a_o discourse_n concern_v excommunication_n by_o thomas_n comber_n dd._n precentor_n of_o york_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavell_n at_o the_o peacock_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o st._n paul_n church_n the_o introduction_n the_o notorious_a increase_n of_o atheism_n faction_n and_o debauchery_n in_o this_o and_o the_o last_o age_n be_v too_o evident_a to_o be_v deny_v and_o too_o mischievous_a to_o be_v mention_v without_o sad_a reflection_n but_o while_o many_o express_v their_o piety_n in_o bewail_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n few_o do_v exercise_v their_o consideration_n either_o in_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o deplorable_a evil_n or_o inquire_v into_o the_o proper_a remedy_n for_o it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v many_o cause_n of_o so_o complicate_v and_o spread_v a_o contagion_n and_o divers_a method_n contrive_v for_o its_o cure_n but_o there_o be_v one_o great_a and_o eminent_a occasion_n of_o this_o universal_a corruption_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v peculiar_a to_o our_o time_n and_o the_o mother_n or_o the_o nurse_n to_o most_o of_o those_o vice_n and_o error_n which_o be_v the_o reproach_n of_o this_o age_n viz._n the_o contempt_n of_o excommunication_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n that_o the_o church_n have_v to_o punish_v these_o crime_n which_o the_o secular_a tribunal_n seldom_o or_o never_o take_v cognizance_n of_o if_o man_n by_o ignorance_n or_o evil_a principle_n can_v arrive_v at_o impudence_n enough_o to_o despise_v this_o sacred_a and_o salutary_a penalty_n they_o have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o commit_v and_o open_o abet_v these_o offence_n which_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v grow_v so_o general_a and_o so_o dare_v that_o they_o be_v the_o scandal_n of_o our_o reformation_n the_o ruin_n of_o many_o thousand_o poor_a soul_n and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o that_o judgement_n which_o upon_o earth_n they_o never_o meet_v withal_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o schismatic_n and_o the_o profane_a the_o atheistical_a and_o those_o who_o be_v of_o most_o profligate_v conversation_n do_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v the_o church_n discipline_n contemptible_a weak_a and_o ineffectual_a and_o all_o strive_v to_o deprive_v she_o of_o that_o power_n which_o they_o know_v she_o will_v use_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o vice_n which_o they_o indulge_v and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o but_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a charity_n to_o these_o our_o enemy_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o let_v they_o see_v that_o excommunication_n be_v not_o real_o less_o dreadful_a because_o some_o man_n for_o vile_a end_n do_v false_o represent_v it_o as_o brutum_fw-la fulmen_fw-la and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o happy_a mean_n of_o reform_v the_o age_n to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a original_a the_o sacred_a authority_n and_o the_o fatal_a efficacy_n of_o these_o church_n censure_n which_o if_o they_o be_v right_o understand_v reverence_v as_o they_o deserve_v and_o prudent_o dispense_v will_v contribute_v extreme_o towards_o the_o root_n out_o of_o evil_a principle_n and_o wicked_a practice_n and_o prevent_v the_o damnation_n of_o many_o great_a offender_n who_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o despise_v their_o remedy_n and_o trample_v on_o the_o mean_n of_o their_o reformation_n if_o man_n true_o discern_v the_o terrible_a consequence_n of_o live_v and_o die_v under_o a_o deserve_a excommunication_n they_o will_v careful_o avoid_v those_o sin_n which_o pull_v it_o on_o their_o guilty_a head_n or_o if_o unwary_o they_o do_v offend_v and_o fall_v under_o this_o censure_n they_o will_v as_o of_o old_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n never_o rest_v till_o by_o prayer_n and_o fast_v charity_n and_o mortification_n they_o have_v make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n and_o by_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o some_o salutary_a penance_n obtain_v the_o absolution_n of_o their_o spiritual_a governor_n and_o how_o far_o this_o will_v go_v towards_o the_o prevent_n or_o heal_v these_o damnable_a and_o destructive_a offence_n every_o man_n may_v discern_v impunity_n be_v the_o great_a incentive_a to_o sin_n and_o while_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v invisible_a and_o distant_a and_o those_o which_o christ_n authorize_v the_o church_n to_o inflict_v in_o this_o be_v false_o think_v insignificant_a faction_n and_o impiety_n must_v grow_v and_o increase_v without_o remedy_n or_o redress_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n and_o frequency_n of_o the_o crime_n will_v harden_v the_o bad_a and_o infect_v the_o better_a sort_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o religion_n itself_o if_o indeed_o these_o bold_a and_o merry_a sinner_n who_o be_v under_o the_o church_n censure_v for_o their_o real_a crime_n be_v as_o safe_a as_o they_o be_v secure_a it_o will_v be_v less_o necessary_a to_o give_v they_o the_o trouble_n of_o conviction_n but_o alas_o the_o sentence_n be_v as_o weighty_a and_o more_o fatal_a when_o it_o be_v despise_v as_o when_o it_o be_v revere_v and_o shall_v final_o fall_v more_o heavy_a on_o these_o arrogant_a wretch_n because_o the_o contempt_n of_o a_o divine_a institution_n be_v add_v to_o all_o their_o other_o iniquity_n and_o the_o slight_n of_o that_o remedy_n which_o god_n himself_o appoint_v for_o their_o cure_n come_v in_o as_o well_o for_o a_o reason_n as_o a_o occasion_n of_o their_o condemnation_n i_o be_o sure_a all_o age_n and_o place_n all_o religion_n and_o country_n have_v reverence_v this_o sacred_a rite_n and_o why_o we_o alone_o shall_v trample_v on_o it_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o what_o will_v import_v we_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n turk_n or_o pagan_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v more_o liberty_n leave_v to_o sin_n or_o that_o the_o penalty_n inflict_v for_o it_o be_v of_o less_o weight_n to_o christian_n than_o under_o those_o explode_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o therefore_o if_o excommunication_n be_v dread_v there_o and_o all_o the_o crime_n which_o cause_v it_o be_v it_o fit_a that_o either_o the_o fault_n or_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v light_o regard_v here_o whoever_o be_v of_o this_o temper_n have_v take_v his_o measure_n from_o false_a guide_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o disparage_v this_o holy_a institution_n because_o they_o have_v do_v some_o crime_n to_o deserve_v it_o and_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o for_o their_o soul_n health_n to_o rectify_v this_o dangerous_a mistake_n in_o order_n whereunto_o we_o will_v clear_o plain_o and_o impartial_o show_v first_o the_o divine_a original_a of_o it_o second_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o it_o three_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v institute_v which_o will_v give_v all_o unprejudiced_a person_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o this_o useful_a and_o weighty_a matter_n a_o discourse_n concern_v excommunication_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o original_a of_o excommunication_n §_o i._o although_o we_o consider_v excommunication_n as_o it_o be_v now_o use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v not_o first_o practise_v there_o we_o must_v dig_v deep_a to_o discover_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o and_o it_o will_v add_v much_o to_o the_o veneration_n of_o it_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v ever_o reverence_v as_o well_o by_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o gentile_n before_o it_o be_v adopt_v into_o christianity_n by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wherefore_o we_o will_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o sacred_a rite_n have_v its_o original_a from_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o from_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n second_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n three_o from_o the_o express_a institution_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n first_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n show_v we_o that_o no_o society_n ever_o do_v or_o can_v subsist_v without_o governor_n nor_o can_v those_o governor_n do_v their_o duty_n or_o preserve_v the_o society_n commit_v to_o their_o care_n without_o a_o power_n to_o punish_v such_o as_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o this_o society_n and_o commit_v offence_n tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o the_o society_n itself_o must_v be_v precarious_a and_o will_v soon_o come_v to_o ruin_v as_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o preserve_v itself_o now_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o jesus_n have_v institute_v a_o society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v real_o distinct_a from_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v appoint_v for_o other_o end_n and_o govern_v by_o other_o measure_n rule_v by_o distinct_a officer_n and_o guide_v by_o peculiar_a law_n a_o society_n which_o do_v subsist_v when_o the_o civil_a state_n oppose_v it_o and_o must_v continue_v whatever_o change_v human_a government_n suffer_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o ruler_n of_o this_o society_n the_o church_n must_v have_v
unlawful_a marriage_n warn_v all_o not_o to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n till_o he_o do_v repent_v but_o the_o king_n will_v not_o forbear_v visit_v this_o earl_n whereupon_o the_o bishop_n foretell_v the_o king_n that_o if_o he_o persist_v to_o converse_v with_o this_o excommunicate_a person_n he_o will_v be_v slay_v in_o that_o very_a house_n which_z according_o come_v to_o pass_v for_o that_o very_a earl_n and_o his_o complice_n slay_v sigebert_n there_o 22._o there_o an._n 638._o vel_fw-la an._n 660._o bedae_fw-la histor_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 22._o which_o remarkable_a judgement_n no_o doubt_n make_v the_o sentence_n of_o our_o venerable_a bishop_n to_o be_v much_o dread_v in_o those_o day_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n our_o old_a canon_n decree_v that_o a_o bishop_n shall_v not_o rash_o excommunicate_v any_o man_n no_o not_o though_o there_o be_v never_o so_o just_a a_o cause_n 263._o cause_n an._n 750._o egber_n excerpta_fw-la can._n 48._o spelm._n pag._n 263._o because_o of_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n then_o believe_v to_o follow_v upon_o this_o censure_n but_o to_o return_v to_o foreign_a country_n in_o this_o age_n be_v make_v those_o ancient_a law_n of_o the_o almain_n wherein_o beside_o the_o temporal_a penalty_n for_o sacrilege_n it_o be_v declare_v the_o person_n so_o offend_v shall_v incur_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o the_o excommunication_n of_o holy_a church_n 57_o church_n an._n 630._o leges_fw-la alem._n cap._n 1._o capital_a tom._n i._o pag._n 57_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v secular_a penalty_n make_v this_o useless_a in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o temporal_a law_n now_o begin_v to_o decree_v severe_a punishment_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n upon_o those_o who_o despise_v the_o authority_n of_o church_n censure_n a_o memorable_a proof_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o constitution_n make_v by_o king_n pepin_n father_n to_o charles_n the_o great_a with_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o bishop_n and_o baron_n wherein_o they_o ordain_v that_o whoever_o witting_o communicate_v with_o a_o excommunicate_a person_n he_o shall_v be_v excommunicate_v also_o and_o that_o all_o may_v know_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o excommunication_n they_o declare_v he_o who_o be_v thus_o under_o censure_n must_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n nor_o eat_v or_o drink_v with_o any_o christian_a none_o may_v receive_v any_o gift_n from_o he_o or_o give_v he_o a_o kiss_n or_o join_v in_o prayer_n with_o he_o nor_o salute_v he_o till_o he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o own_o bishop_n and_o if_o any_o think_v that_o he_o be_v excommunicate_v unjust_o he_o may_v complain_v to_o the_o metropolitan_a and_o have_v his_o cause_n try_v by_o the_o canon_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o must_v lie_v under_o his_o sentence_n and_o if_o any_o despise_v all_o this_o so_o that_o the_o bishop_n can_v amend_v he_o than_o he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o banishment_n by_o the_o king_n judgement_n 172._o judgement_n an._n 753._o pipin_n cap._n 9_o capitul_n tom._n i._o pag._n 172._o which_o law_n be_v repeat_v again_o by_o some_o of_o the_o successor_n of_o this_o pious_a prince_n 836._o prince_n capitul_n lib._n 5._o cap._n 62._o pag._n 836._o and_o indeed_o in_o those_o capitular_o of_o the_o ancient_a king_n and_o emperor_n of_o france_n there_o be_v many_o excellent_a canon_n of_o old_a council_n revive_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o royal_a authority_n which_o canon_n the_o bishop_n first_o make_v and_o decree_v in_o their_o synod_n and_o then_o to_o make_v the_o people_n more_o strict_o obey_v they_o the_o king_n with_o his_o bishop_n and_o baron_n confirm_v they_o and_o put_v they_o among_o their_o law_n which_o be_v not_o any_o exercise_n of_o ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n nor_o do_v with_o any_o intent_n to_o take_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o power_n of_o censure_n out_o of_o the_o bishop_n hand_n as_o mr._n selden_n pretend_v but_o rather_o to_o strengthen_v their_o divine_a right_n by_o a_o civil_a sanction_n for_o these_o very_a capitular_o do_v still_o own_o that_o the_o bishop_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o excommunicate_v which_o one_o instance_n out_o of_o very_a many_o there_o to_o be_v find_v shall_v suffice_v to_o prove_v the_o laity_n must_v know_v that_o the_o power_n of_o bind_v and_o loose_v be_v by_o the_o lord_n confer_v on_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o obey_v their_o admonition_n and_o humble_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o excommunication_n 1161._o excommunication_n addit_fw-la 3._o lud._n cap._n 23._o capit._fw-la tom._n i._n pag._n 1161._o i_o cite_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o mr._n selden_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o quote_v this_o very_a place_n in_o his_o margin_n as_o a_o proof_n that_o the_o french_a prince_n do_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o order_n the_o matter_n of_o excommunication_n and_o penance_n 192._o penance_n seld._n de_fw-fr synedrijs_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 10._o p._n 192._o whereas_o this_o as_o well_o as_o his_o other_o proof_n do_v only_o show_v that_o those_o prince_n believe_v the_o bishop_n have_v a_o divine_a right_o to_o excommunicate_v and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o compel_v the_o refractory_a to_o submit_v to_o their_o censure_n nor_o do_v those_o prince_n ever_o take_v this_o power_n out_o of_o the_o bishop_n hand_n but_o rather_o fix_v it_o there_o where_o god_n have_v place_v it_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o make_v these_o law_n if_o any_o layman_n of_o high_a or_o low_a degree_n have_v sin_v and_o be_v call_v by_o his_o bishop_n authority_n refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o penitence_n and_o amendment_n he_o shall_v be_v so_o long_o banish_v from_o the_o church_n and_o separate_v from_o the_o company_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n as_o he_o forbear_v to_o amend_v 936._o amend_v capitul_n lib._n 6._o cap._n 88_o tom._n i._o p._n 936._o and_o again_o he_o that_o be_v excommunicate_v shall_v be_v exclude_v not_o only_o from_o eat_v and_o discourse_v with_o the_o clergy_n but_o also_o from_o eat_v or_o talk_v with_o any_o of_o the_o people_n 946._o people_n capitul_n l._n 6._o cap._n 142._o pag._n 946._o also_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o christian_n shall_v not_o light_o esteem_v the_o excommunication_n of_o their_o clergy_n for_o even_o this_o contempt_n be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o excommunication_n 964._o excommunication_n ibid._n cap._n 248._o pag._n 964._o and_o in_o another_o place_n that_o no_o excommunicate_a person_n shall_v be_v a_o godfather_n for_o those_o who_o by_o god_n law_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o out_o of_o the_o camp_n lest_o they_o bring_v a_o curse_n on_o the_o people_n these_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v keep_v off_o from_o these_o sacred_a duty_n 1135._o duty_n capitul_n additam_fw-la ii_o cap._n 1._o p._n 1135._o where_o beside_o the_o express_a and_o plain_a affirmation_n that_o excommunicate_a person_n be_v by_o god_n law_n to_o be_v exclude_v the_o church_n we_o see_v that_o from_o the_o history_n of_o achan_n bring_v a_o curse_n on_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n they_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o excommunicate_a to_o bear_v arm_n in_o their_o camp_n which_o be_v also_o intimate_v in_o those_o law_n which_o cite_v that_o place_n of_o joshuah_n there_o be_v a_o anathema_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o therefore_o thou_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o thy_o enemy_n 213._o enemy_n an._n 869._o car._n calv_n cap._n 20._o tom._n ii_o pag._n 213._o and_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o these_o capitular_o that_o the_o king_n authority_n do_v follow_v the_o bishop_n act_n and_o the_o temporal_a justice_n do_v punish_v he_o that_o be_v stubborn_a and_o refractory_a and_o will_v not_o obey_v the_o bishop_n sentence_n nor_o be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o his_o spiritual_a censure_n thus_o lhotharius_fw-la ordain_v that_o a_o obstinate_a person_n who_o be_v excommunicate_v shall_v be_v imprison_v by_o the_o high-sheriff_n or_o the_o count_n 323._o count_n an._n 824._o capit_fw-la lhothar_n cap._n 15._o tom._n ii_o pag._n 323._o and_o he_o that_o infringe_n the_o liberty_n of_o a_o church_n be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o notice_n to_o be_v give_v of_o it_o to_o other_o bishop_n and_o the_o high-sheriff_n be_v to_o make_v he_o pay_v his_o fine_a and_o if_o he_o despise_v all_o this_o be_v judge_v by_o law_n he_o be_v to_o be_v behead_v and_o his_o good_n confiscate_v 363._o confiscate_v an._n 367._o capit._fw-la lud._n 2._o cap._n 8._o ibid._n pag._n 363._o yea_o those_o who_o be_v excommunicate_a for_o fornication_n and_o do_v not_o submit_v be_v to_o be_v banish_v the_o kingdom_n and_o such_o as_o retain_v they_o be_v think_v to_o offend_v against_o god_n and_o the_o sacred_a authority_n yea_o and_o against_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o christianity_n 5._o
christianity_n an._n 862._o capit_fw-la car._n calv._n cap._n 4_o 5._o so_o that_o still_o the_o bishop_n exercise_v his_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n by_o the_o power_n he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v despise_v this_o as_o be_v a_o spiritual_a penalty_n the_o secular_a law_n of_o these_o pious_a prince_n do_v inflict_v outward_a punishment_n on_o such_o imprisonment_n banishment_n confiscation_n of_o their_o good_n and_o death_n itself_o and_o now_o when_o by_o these_o secular_a penalty_n annex_v excommunication_n be_v become_v so_o terrible_a and_o so_o grievous_a not_o only_o to_o the_o soul_n by_o christ_n ordinance_n but_o to_o man_n outward_a condition_n by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o prince_n do_v revive_v those_o old_a canon_n which_o forbid_v the_o bishop_n rash_o to_o excommunicate_v for_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o temporal_a damage_n to_o their_o subject_n that_o they_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o see_v that_o the_o bishop_n do_v use_v their_o power_n only_o in_o just_a and_o weighty_a cause_n and_o hence_o we_o find_v those_o law_n make_v that_o excommunication_n shall_v not_o be_v issue_v out_o rash_o and_o without_o cause_n 136._o cause_n an._n 803._o cap._n 2._o &_o capit._n lib._n 1._o cap._n 136._o and_o that_o no_o bishop_n or_o priest_n shall_v excommunicate_v any_o till_o the_o cause_n be_v prove_v sufficient_a by_o the_o canon_n and_o till_o the_o offender_n either_o confess_v or_o be_v convict_v and_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n precept_n have_v be_v warn_v to_o repent_v and_o amend_v but_o if_o after_o all_o this_o he_o despise_v the_o church_n censure_n the_o bishop_n shall_v then_o desire_v the_o royal_a power_n to_o compel_v he_o to_o submit_v etc._n etc._n 213._o etc._n an._n 858._o capit._fw-la tom._n ii_o pag._n 115._o &_o ibidem_fw-la anno_fw-la 869._o cap._n 10._o pag._n 213._o and_o again_o no_o bishop_n shall_v excommunicate_v any_o person_n without_o a_o certain_a and_o manifest_a cause_n but_o the_o anathema_n shall_v not_o be_v pronounce_v without_o the_o consent_n of_o his_o archbishop_n and_o fellow_n bishop_n after_o the_o evangelical_n admonition_n and_o for_o some_o cause_n allow_v by_o the_o canon_n because_o the_o anathema_n be_v a_o condemn_v to_o eternal_a death_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v but_o for_o mortal_a sin_n and_o on_o incorrigible_a offender_n 36._o offender_n an._n 846._o cap._n carol._n calv._n cap._n 46._o tom._n ii_o pag._n 36._o in_o which_o law_n those_o prince_n do_v not_o take_v upon_o they_o arbitrary_o to_o limit_v restrain_v or_o direct_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n as_o if_o their_o bishop_n have_v that_o power_n from_o they_o and_o not_o from_o christ_n only_o they_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o use_v that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v trust_v they_o with_o otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o scripture_n and_o the_o old_a canon_n have_v give_v for_o the_o more_o orderly_a exercise_n thereof_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o abuse_v their_o power_n now_o amplify_v by_o temporal_a accession_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o private_a subject_n or_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o this_o these_o christian_a prince_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v by_o their_o office_n and_o they_o do_v it_o without_o infringe_v the_o bishop_n divine_a right_n at_o all_o for_o though_o a_o parent_n by_o divine_a right_n have_v power_n over_o his_o child_n yet_o without_o take_v away_o that_o right_o the_o state_n may_v direct_v parent_n how_o to_o manage_v that_o power_n and_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n do_v ever_o pretend_v either_o to_o grant_v the_o bishop_n this_o power_n or_o whole_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o exercise_v it_o only_o they_o direct_v they_o to_o manage_v it_o wary_o and_o wise_o and_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v manage_v it_o if_o no_o such_o rule_n have_v be_v give_v they_o and_o thus_o mr._n selden'_v great_a argument_n take_v from_o these_o law_n as_o if_o they_o prove_v the_o power_n of_o excommunication_n to_o be_v in_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n §_o v._o against_o this_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n i_o know_v none_o that_o have_v raise_v any_o considerable_a objection_n but_o only_o the_o learned_a selden_n who_o have_v turn_v over_o all_o his_o author_n and_o record_n with_o great_a diligence_n to_o pick_v up_o something_o to_o oppose_v this_o ancient_a and_o almost_o universal_a opinion_n who_o instance_n when_o i_o have_v examine_v and_o answer_v i_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o great_a matter_n out_o of_o antiquity_n because_o he_o have_v a_o personal_a quarrel_n to_o the_o position_n i_o maintain_v and_o a_o vast_a stock_n of_o learning_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o manage_v it_o to_o the_o best_a advantage_n his_o objection_n be_v not_o put_v into_o any_o method_n but_o i_o shall_v collect_v they_o into_o the_o best_a order_n i_o can_v and_o with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o so_o great_a a_o antiquary_n unfortunate_a only_o in_o the_o cause_n he_o undertake_v i_o shall_v consider_v they_o first_o he_o pretend_v that_o constantine_n do_v absolve_v eusebius_n of_o nicomedia_n and_o theognis_n of_o nice_a two_o arrian_n bishop_n who_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v excommunicate_v and_o this_o he_o will_v prove_v by_o the_o phrase_n of_o a_o arabic_a historian_n who_o live_v long_o after_o this_o time_n 188._o time_n seld_o syne_v l._n i._o cap._n 10._o p._n 187_o 188._o but_o sozomen_n a_o more_o authentic_a author_n give_v we_o a_o copy_n of_o their_o petition_n or_o recantation_n offer_v to_o the_o bishop_n in_o the_o end_n of_o which_o they_o desire_v upon_o their_o repentance_n that_o these_o bishop_n will_v put_v the_o emperor_n in_o mind_n of_o they_o and_o let_v he_o know_v their_o intention_n and_o that_o they_o will_v please_v speedy_o to_o determine_v what_o they_o shall_v think_v expedient_a concern_v they_o 242._o they_o sozem._n histor_n lib._n 2._o cap._n 15._o p._n 242._o so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bishop_n alone_a who_o can_v absolve_v they_o from_o the_o excommunication_n only_o since_o they_o be_v banish_v by_o the_o emperor_n authority_n he_o be_v to_o be_v request_v to_o take_v off_o that_o penalty_n which_o he_o lay_v on_o and_o to_o let_v they_o return_v to_o their_o church_n when_o the_o bishop_n have_v accept_v their_o repentance_n and_o take_v off_o the_o ecclesastical_a censure_n second_o he_o take_v much_o pain_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a emperor_n from_o constantine_n time_n till_o gratian'ss_n viz._n for_o about_o 60_o year_n have_v the_o title_n and_o office_n of_o pontifices_fw-la maximi_fw-la and_o the_o supreme_a power_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n and_o consequent_o he_o suppose_v the_o bishop_n must_v excommunicate_v by_o delegation_n from_o the_o emperor_n 188._o emperor_n seld._n ibid._n p._n 178._o ad_fw-la p._n 188._o for_o the_o title_n i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v that_o they_o bear_v it_o but_o his_o inference_n from_o it_o i_o must_v utter_o deny_v since_o there_o be_v not_o in_o all_o mr._n selden'_v read_v one_o line_n produce_v out_o of_o antiquity_n to_o show_v that_o the_o emperor_n do_v delegate_v this_o power_n to_o the_o bishop_n no_o edict_n no_o law_n nor_o rescript_n no_o historian_n ever_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n no_o council_n no_o bishop_n be_v ever_o so_o grateful_a as_o to_o own_o this_o great_a favour_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a chimaera_n the_o bishop_n do_v excommunicate_a before_o constantine_n government_n and_o under_o it_o and_o after_o it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o as_o have_v be_v show_v even_o then_o declare_v their_o power_n be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a the_o admit_v they_o to_o sit_v as_o judge_n in_o temporal_a cause_n be_v by_o delegate_v power_n from_o the_o emperor_n and_o therefore_o mr._n selden_n have_v produce_v many_o rescript_n to_o grant_v they_o that_o power_n but_o not_o one_o can_v he_o or_o any_o man_n â—â—se_n find_v wherein_o the_o emperor_n give_v they_o power_n to_o excommunicate_v wherefore_o they_o have_v that_o power_n by_o a_o commission_n from_o christ_n three_o he_o mention_n those_o phrase_n in_o the_o imperial_a law_n wherein_o the_o heretic_n who_o deny_v the_o nicene_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v drive_v and_o remove_v from_o the_o threshold_n of_o all_o church_n and_o not_o to_o be_v permit_v to_o meet_v in_o any_o church_n to_o be_v forbid_v the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o exclude_v the_o public_a meeting_n etc._n etc._n 172._o etc._n seld._n synedr_n l._n i._o cap._n 10._o p._n 172._o which_o he_o will_v have_v to_o signify_v a_o imperial_a excommunication_n but_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n know_v that_o the_o bishop_n in_o council_n have_v first_o decree_v this_o excommunication_n and_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o express_a divine_a precept_n titus_n
cap._n 11._o §._o 1._o and_o so_o do_v our_o reform_a bishop_n wherefore_o i_o be_o not_o concern_v how_o the_o papal_a encroachment_n be_v tolerate_v or_o restrain_v because_o excommunication_n be_v right_o manage_v before_o they_o be_v in_o be_v and_o be_v now_o after_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o and_o now_o a_o brief_a review_n of_o these_o objection_n will_v sufficeâ—y_v wherefore_o we_o will_v here_o represent_v they_o all_o together_o he_o allege_v many_o particular_n to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n that_o eadmerus_n say_v concern_v william_n the_o conqueror_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o of_o his_o baron_n or_o minister_n to_o be_v prosecute_v or_o excommunicate_v for_o incest_n adultery_n or_o any_o other_o capital_a crime_n 197._o crime_n seld._n de_fw-fr synedr_n lib._n i._o cap._n 10._o pag._n 197._o which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o odious_a representation_n of_o a_o monk_n who_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o controversy_n between_o anselm_n and_o the_o crown_n for_o eadmerus_n author_n of_o this_o charge_n be_v one_o of_o anselm_n monk_n the_o truth_n therefore_o i_o suppose_v be_v that_o king_n william_n expect_v to_o have_v notice_n before_o any_o of_o his_o court_n be_v excommunicate_v for_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o father_n which_o the_o english_a nobility_n get_v to_o be_v enact_v for_o a_o law_n in_o the_o statute_n of_o clarendon_n 100_o clarendon_n statut._n clarend_a matth._n paris_n an._n 1164._o p._n 100_o but_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o any_o christian_a king_n shall_v presume_v to_o forbid_v discipline_n to_o be_v exercise_v in_o such_o case_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n require_v it_o shall_v be_v use_v and_o if_o king_n william_n have_v forbid_v any_o such_o thing_n his_o prohibition_n have_v be_v impious_a and_o unjust_a as_o be_v against_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n but_o for_o that_o custom_n of_o the_o bishop_n acquaint_v the_o king_n first_o before_o any_o such_o sentence_n be_v issue_v out_o against_o his_o chief_a officer_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o reason_n for_o it_o first_o because_o the_o king_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v these_o to_o amendment_n without_o any_o severity_n second_o in_o that_o age_n many_o thing_n be_v annex_v to_o excommunication_n by_o prince_n bounty_n to_o the_o church_n so_o that_o if_o this_o person_n be_v one_o of_o who_o the_o king_n have_v great_a need_n in_o his_o affair_n he_o may_v thus_o have_v become_v useless_a to_o he_o on_o the_o sudden_a to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o his_o government_n three_o the_o prince_n himself_o may_v thus_o unwary_o become_v liable_a to_o excommunication_n by_o converse_v with_o the_o excommunicate_a so_o that_o this_o custom_n require_v notice_n be_v give_v to_o the_o prince_n first_o and_o with_o his_o leave_n the_o offender_n may_v be_v excommunicate_v nor_o ought_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o christian_a prince_n who_o see_v a_o good_a bishop_n only_o design_v reformation_n of_o some_o scandalous_a officer_n or_o servant_n of_o he_o will_v deny_v his_o leave_n for_o the_o bishop_n to_o censure_v he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v i_o dare_v venture_v to_o say_v may_v overcome_v right_o for_o i_o be_o not_o of_o mr._n selden'_v opinion_n that_o secular_a law_n and_o custom_n be_v always_o just_a but_o i_o believe_v pious_a bishop_n have_v often_o for_o peace_n sake_n submit_v to_o unjust_a law_n and_o custom_n both_o rather_o than_o disturb_v their_o country_n or_o raise_v sedition_n against_o their_o prince_n again_o he_o object_n divers_a sentence_n of_o excommunication_n denounce_v in_o parliament_n against_o the_o infringer_n of_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o other_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n and_o people_n i_o reply_v mr._n selden_n grant_v this_o be_v not_o proper_o excommunicate_v but_o only_o a_o threaten_v of_o this_o sentence_n in_o general_n and_o a_o declaration_n that_o they_o all_o believe_v the_o person_n so_o offend_v deserve_v to_o be_v accurse_a and_o excommunicate_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o since_o so_o many_o bishop_n be_v present_a in_o parliament_n the_o sentence_n be_v they_o proper_o and_o the_o rest_n only_o express_v their_o agreement_n to_o it_o and_o withal_o excommunication_n be_v by_o the_o consequent_n attend_n it_o even_o as_o to_o a_o man_n outward_a condition_n become_v one_o of_o the_o most_o grievous_a penalty_n of_o all_o other_o in_o this_o age_n and_o so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o prince_n who_o have_v annex_v these_o consequence_n to_o it_o do_v oblige_v the_o clergy_n to_o pronounce_v it_o with_o general_a assent_n on_o solemn_a occasion_n to_o make_v their_o law_n the_o better_a to_o be_v observe_v though_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v well_o do_v to_o use_v it_o to_o such_o secular_a purpose_n we_o have_v indeed_o one_o statute_n since_o the_o reformation_n object_v also_o by_o mr._n selden_n 173._o selden_n stat._n 5_o &_o 6_o edvard_n 6._o cap._n 4._o vide_fw-la seld._n ut_fw-la supr_fw-la pag._n 173._o which_o decree_v excommunication_n for_o strike_v in_o the_o church_n or_o church-yard_n but_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o law_n make_v by_o the_o bishop_n consent_n but_o also_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o confirmation_n of_o divers_a ancient_a canon_n which_o they_o suppose_v will_v be_v better_o observe_v if_o the_o whole_a parliament_n do_v assent_v to_o they_o and_o pass_v they_o into_o a_o secular_a law_n as_o be_v often_o do_v by_o the_o primitive_a emperor_n in_o the_o civil_a law_n and_o by_o the_o french_a king_n in_o the_o capitular_o but_o neither_o they_o nor_o our_o parliament_n ever_o intend_v hereby_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o the_o clergy_n power_n or_o to_o assume_v this_o power_n into_o their_o own_o hand_n yea_o the_o statute_n cite_v express_o say_v the_o ordinary_a shall_v issue_v out_o the_o sentence_n again_o mr._n selden_n say_v the_o king_n of_o france_n spain_n and_o england_n etc._n etc._n do_v allow_v appeal_n from_o the_o bishop_n consistory_n in_o many_o case_n i_o reply_v that_o many_o case_n be_v try_v in_o that_o court_n by_o the_o pious_a favour_n of_o christian_a prince_n who_o true_o believe_v bishop_n fit_a to_o judge_v in_o cause_n concern_v testament_n legacy_n guardianship_n divorce_n etc._n etc._n now_o in_o these_o matter_n which_o be_v judge_v by_o bishop_n not_o by_o any_o express_a law_n of_o god_n but_o by_o favour_n of_o the_o prince_n he_o may_v see_v that_o bishop_n judge_v right_o and_o therefore_o the_o king_n do_v of_o old_a grant_n prohibition_n on_o great_a occasion_n and_o call_v some_o of_o these_o matter_n into_o his_o temporal_a court_n where_o ancient_o he_o sit_v himself_o which_o custom_n be_v confirm_v by_o time_n be_v practise_v to_o this_o day_n but_o this_o no_o way_n concern_v the_o bishop_n authority_n which_o christ_n give_v he_o and_o if_o the_o sentence_n be_v for_o heresy_n or_o any_o other_o scandalous_a offence_n for_o which_o of_o old_a excommunication_n be_v inflict_v or_o if_o it_o only_o tend_v to_o reformation_n of_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o criminal_n soul_n no_o appeal_n lie_v so_o that_o our_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o excommunication_n be_v not_o disprove_v by_o these_o proceed_n but_o he_o argue_v further_a that_o the_o king_n of_o england_n have_v some_o time_n send_v out_o their_o writ_n to_o command_v bishop_n to_o revoke_v their_o excommunication_n of_o which_o he_o give_v some_o instance_n etc._n instance_n seld._n synedr_n lib._n i._o cap._n 10._o pag._n 201._o etc._n etc._n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o all_o the_o case_n he_o specify_v be_v notorious_a violation_n of_o that_o power_n which_o christ_n have_v entrust_v the_o bishop_n with_o tend_v to_o the_o hinder_v the_o king_n precept_n from_o be_v execute_v and_o to_o the_o oppression_n of_o his_o loyal_a subject_n now_o since_o the_o king_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v supreme_a in_o all_o cause_n as_o well_o ecclesiastical_a as_o civil_a no_o doubt_n it_o be_v his_o office_n and_o duty_n to_o see_v that_o all_o person_n do_v right_o use_v the_o power_n they_o have_v and_o if_o they_o abuse_v it_o he_o may_v hinder_v they_o or_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o and_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o power_n itself_o from_o those_o who_o use_v it_o well_o nor_o deny_v it_o to_o come_v original_o from_o christ_n as_o if_o a_o king_n do_v imprison_v or_o banish_v a_o priest_n for_o preach_v sedition_n none_o will_v say_v that_o he_o thereby_o deny_v any_o priest_n to_o have_v a_o power_n from_o christ_n to_o preach_v good_a doctrine_n and_o true_o if_o the_o clergy_n do_v abuse_v their_o power_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v correct_v for_o it_o for_o our_o saviour_n who_o set_v up_o king_n as_o