282 SIXTH PAPAL ASSUMPTION ORDINATION. This was suggested by Pope Leo and his adherents to the young emperor; but it signifies no more but that, in the judgment of priests, as of faith, he was to have his share, or at most to be a leading per- son therein. Theodosius, a mature, grave, pious prince, did not regard that pre- tence of Leo, nor the appeal of Flavianus.1 ITL To the sovereign of any state belong the choice, constitution, confirmation, commissionating of all inferior magistrates, that none incapable, unworthy, or unfit for offices, or disaffected to the state, be intrusted with the management of affairs. Wherefore, the pope claims and exercises these prerogatives so far as he can; pretending, at least, that no bishop can be constituted with- out his designation, or his licence, and his confirmation of the nomi- nation, collation, or election. And these privileges, by the great advocates, are upon highest terms asserted to him.' In this matter may be distinguished,- 1. The designation of the person by election, or otherwise. 2. The confirmation of that. 3. The ordination or consecration of him to his office, which con- fers on him his character and authority. 4. The authority by which he acts. Into all these the pope has intruded himself, and he will have a finger in them. 1. He gladly would have drawn to himself the collation and dis- posal of all benefices, challenging a general right to dispose of all at his pleasure ;3 but not havingbeen able wholly to deprive princes and patrons of their nomination and corporations of their election, he has yet, by reservations, provisions, collations of vacancies aped sedem, resignations, devolutions and other such tricks, extremely encroached on the rights of all, to the infinite vexation, damage, and mischief of Christendom. 2. He pretends that no bishop shall be ordainedwithout his licence. 3. He obliges the person ordained to swear obedience to him. 4. He pretends that all bishops are his ministers and deputies. But no such privileges have any foundation or warrant in holy Scripture, in ancient doctrine, or in primitive usage. They are all encroachments upon the original rights and liberties of the church, 1 "Iva ó xPaltxhis ouvax9ivaar lx erá,,ee shç eixovlaivnç xai itpimv, &c. Ibid, p. 28. 2 Bell. iv. 24. 3 Licet ecclesiarum, personatuum, dignitatum, aliorumquebeneficiorum ecclesiastico- rum plenariadispositio ad Romanum noscatur pontificem pertinere, &c.Clem. IV., in Sexto, lib. iii. tit. 4, cap. 2 ; Vid. ibid., cap. iv. 10, xii. 20. " Although the plenary disposal of all churches, parsonages, dignities, and other ecclesiastical benefices, be known to belong to the pope of Rome," &c.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=