FRom mine Altar. This sheweth that the Temple and Altar, as also the Cities of refuge were privi∣leged places for some kinde of offenders, though not for wilfull murtherers. Here then somewhat would be inserted concerning the great abuse of Sanctuaries and privileged places in times past.
1. Concerning the beginning and first occasion of them, it is grounded upon, and derived from the ju∣diciall constitutions of Moses, who by Gods appointment, assigned certaine Cities of refuge, for some offenders to flee unto, but not for all malefactors: from Moses the Gentiles seemed to borrow the like custome, in giving immunitie and privilege to some places: As in Athens, Hercules nephewes builded the Temple of Mercie, and obtained for the same this privilege, that they which fled thither for succour, should not by violence be taken thence. In Rome, Remus and Romulus betweene the tower and the Ca∣pitol,* 1.1 appointed a place of refuge (called intermontius) betweene the hilles: after that the Temples and Altars, and then the images of the Emperours were privileged to give protection to those, which fled thi∣ther for succour: And from this example came the like immunities, which were given afterward to the Churches of Christians, which was afterward enlarged unto Church-yards, and Monasteries: As this rea∣son is alleaged in the Imperiall constitutions of Theodos. and Valentin. that because the Gentiles gave such honour to their Idoll temples, &c. Quantum oportet praesidii ad sacratissimas aras confugientibus prae∣stare? How much reliefe ought we to yeeld to those, which flie to the most holy Altars? The same rea∣son is yeelded, Concil. Matiscin. 2. can. 8. Simundani Principes suis legibus censuerunt, &c. If worldly Princes have decreed by their lawes, that whosoever did flee unto their images, should be without hurt, how much should he remaine undemnified, qui suae gremium matris Ecclesia petierit, &c. which goeth to the bosome of his mother the Church?
2. Now for the convenient and necessarie use of such Sanctuaries and privileged places, these reasons are brought: 1. That they which were innocent, as in the case of involuntarie killing, might rescue them∣selves from the rage of the pursuers. 2. They which were oppressed by unequall Judges, might finde shel∣ter here, till either the Judges wrath were appeased, or a more indifferent Judge found. 3. Such places served for the reliefe of servants, that were cruelly handled of their masters. 4. And for such as were en∣debted, and were pursued of their cruell creditours and exactours. 5. And in time of warre, such places were of speciall use, that they which fled thither, might be preserved from the sword: As Allaricus, when Rome was taken gave commandement, that all they, which fled to the Churches of S. Paul, and S. Peter, should have their lives, Simler.