A new history of ecclesiastical writers containing an account of the authors of the several books of the Old and New Testament, of the lives and writings of the primitive fathers, an abridgement and catalogue of their works ... also a compendious history of the councils, with chronological tables of the whole / written in French by Lewis Ellies du Pin.

CHAP. XVI. (Book 16)

The History of the Popes, that enjoyed the Holy See during the Ninth Century.

LEO the III, who had been rais'd to the Holy See, about the end of the foregoing Century, Dying in the year 816. he was succeeded by Stephen the IV. soon after his Exaltation he * 1.1 imposed an Oath of Fidelity upon the People of Rome, to be true to Lewis the Godly, and then went into France to visit this Emperour, where he was very honourably receiv'd: and after he had obtaind liberty for some Prisoners, and a return for some Persons that were then in Banishment, he returned to Rome, where he dyed a little while after, in the seventh Month of his Pontificate.

Paschal the first of that name, who succeeded him, was rais'd to the See of Rome in the year * 1.2 817. He immediately gave notice of his Elevation to Lewis the Godly, according to the custom of those times. Having received Letters from Theodorus Studita, and other Defenders of Images Persecuted in the East; he writ them back a Letter, to comfort them in their Sufferings. There are three Letters which go under his Name, but which are very faulty, and much to be suspected. The first is about a Privilege granted to the Church of Ravenna. The second is an account of the Invention of the Reliques of St. Cecilia. By the third he grants the Pall to the Arch-Bishop of Vi∣enna. The two first are not worthy of credit, and the third is doubtful: [They are extant in Tom. VII. of the Councils.]

Eugenius the II. succeeded Pope Paschal in the year 824. There goes under his name a Bull, sent to * 1.3 the Bishops and Lords of the Army of the Huns, which does not seem a very Authentick Monument. There are also attributed to him some Canons, but without doubt they belong to a Council of Rheims, and not to this Pope. There is also a Letter under his name to Bernard, Arch-Bishop of Vienna, which has little more to be said for it than the former. [This with another Letter attributed to him, is extant Tom. VII. of the Councils.]

Valentinus who succeeded Eugenius in the year 827. having lived but few Months, Gregory the IV. * 1.4 was raised to this Dignity, at the beginning of the following year. He came into France to favour the Undertakings of the Children of Lewis the Godly, against their Father; threatning to Excom∣municate the Bishops that would not be of his side. But the Bishops answered him boldly, that if he came to Excommunicate them, he should return Excommunicated by them. We have spoken of an Extract of a Letter, which this Pope writ upon this Subject, which is to be found amongst Agobard's Works. There are also two other Letters of this Popes, one upon the Affair of Adlricus Bishop of Mans, whose cause he would have had brought before him, and in the mean time his Title of Bishop to cease: And the other upon the Deposing of Ebbo, which he disapproves of, and condemns of Violence. This Pope's Letters are in Tom. VII. of the Councils.]

Sergius the II. succeeded Pope Gregory the IV. in the year 844. We have but one Letter of this Pope's, by which he makes Drogo Bishop of Mets his Vicar general in the Countries, on the other side * 1.5 of the Alps, in consideration that he was Uncle to the Children of Lewis the Godly, and besides was very fit for that Office. He gives him power to Assemble the National Councils of all that Country; to examine the Cases of those that shall appeal to the Holy See, and to prepare those of Abbots and Bishops. He forbids any to Appeal to Rome, that have not first had their Case Exa∣mined in a Provincial Synod, or in that of the Vicar General; because an Affair may be better un∣derstood in a place where it is Transacted, than any where else. This Letter is Directed to all the Bishops on the other side the Alpes; 'tis written with a great deal of weight and worth. [This Letter is Printed in Tom. VII. of the Councils, p. 1799.]

Leo the IV. was chosen Pope, after the death of Sergius the II. the twelfth of April, in the year 847. He Governed the Church of Rome eight years, three Months, and some days; during this * 1.6 time he wrote divers Letters, but there are but two of them come to us entire, and it is not very certain they are his.

The first is a short Letter Directed to Prudentius Bishop of Troyes, by which he commands him to Consecrate an Abbey for Ademarus and his Monks, which was to depend upon the Holy See.

The second is sent to the Bishops of England, who had consulted him upon many Articles, and par∣ticularly about Simoniacal Bishops; he orders, that such should be tryed in a Council. He after∣wards gives them a satisfactory Answer to their other Questions: Concerning the first he says, 1. That the Hierarchy consists of Bishops and Clergy-men: 2. That every Bishop is to govern his Diocess, by his Priests and other Clergy, and make his Visitations: 3. That Priests ought not to be obliged by

them to carry the Eulogies to the Councils: 4. That Charms are a sort of Witchcraft: 5. That no Body ought to Marry his Kinswoman: That the Bishops ought to regulate their Judgments, by the Canons of the Councils, and the Decrees of the Popes, Silvester, Fericus, &c. but might also make use of the Authorities of St. Jerom, St. Austin, and St. Isidore.

We have some Fragments of a Letter of Leo, against Nomenocus Duke of Britain; of another to Lotharius, in which he refuses the Pall, to the Bishop of Autun; and of a third to Hincmarus, con∣cerning the Council of Soissons.

Lastly, There is a Discourse attributed to this Pope, Directed to the Priests and Bishops, contain∣ing a great many Instructions relating to their Ministry and Duty. [All these Letters of Pope Leo, are put into the VIII. Tome of the Councils, p. 30.]

Benedict the III. of that name, was chosen in July, 855. after the death of Leo the IV. His Ele∣ction * 1.7 was opposed by a Priest, called Athanasius, who through the favour of the Commissioners of the Emperour, possest himself of the See and Palace of Rome; he also put Benedict into Prison: But at last, such as espous'd Athanasius's Cause, were forc'd to yield, and to Depose him them∣selves, and to acknowledge Benedict. This Pope was but two years and an half in the Papal Seat, and we have but two Letters of his; One to Hincmarus, concerning the Council of Soissons, and the Pri∣vileges of the Church of Rheims; and the other to the Bishops of Charles's Kingdom, by the which he Cites to Rome, Hubert Son of Boson, who had quitted his Profession of a Clergy-man, and liv'd a lewd and irregular Life.

There are also two other Letters attributed to this Pope; One to confirm the Privileges of the Ab∣bey of Corbey; and another to ratifie those of the Abbey of S. Denis. But since these Writings are doubtful, and particularly the last, we shall insist no longer upon them. These four Letters are prin∣ted together in Tom. VIII. of the Councils.

Nicholas the first, Son of Theodorus a Roman, was Ordain'd Sub-Deacon by Pope Sergius, and Dea∣con by Pope Leo the fourth. He acquired a great Reputation under the Pontificate of Benedict the * 1.8 third. He was chosen after the death of this Pope by the Clergy and Grandees of Rome to his See in the Year 858. and was Consecrated in presence of the Emperour Lewis, the 22th of April. He had at the beginning of his Pontificate a Difference with John Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, against whom many had brought Complaints to the Holy See. He cited him three several times to a Synod of Rome. But this Arch-Bishop not appearing, he Excommunicated him. John upon this had immediate re∣course to the Emperour, who was then at Pavia, and afterwards came to Rome with some Officers, which that Prince sent to accompany him. The Pope told those Officers, That they ought not to joyn themselves with one that was Excommunicate; and at the same time cited John to the Synod that was to be held in November. But instead of obeying, John immediately left Rome. The Senators of Ravenna, and the People of Aemilia prayed the Pope to come himself in Person to Ravenna to re∣form the Disorders that John had caused there. He went and restored to the People of Aemilia and Pentapolis the great Riches that John and his Brother had got into their possession. John fled to Pavia to beg the assistance of the Emperour Lewis, but this Prince counselled him to submit to the Pope, and to reconcile himself to him. Which he did; and the Pope gave him Absolution from the Here∣sie of which he cleared himself, and received him again into his Communion. And upon the Com∣plaints of the Bishop and People of Aemilia, he order'd him to come every year to the Synod at Rome: To Ordain no Bishops but such as were chosen by the Duke, Clergy, and People, and whose Election was first confirm'd by the Holy See. To permit the Bishops of Aemilia to come to Rome when they pleased. To exact nothing of them, and not to seize upon any Revenues, under pretence that they belong'd to him, till it was plainly determined by the Holy See, or Commissioners from it, that they did really belong to him. This Decree of the Pope was approv'd of by the Synod.

This Affair was follow'd by many others of greater Consequence, which Nicholas maintain'd with a great deal of Courage and Vigour. The principal are the Intrusion of Photius, and the unjust De∣posing of Ignatius; The Divorce of Thietberga; The Deposing of Rolhadus, and the Conversion of the Bulgarians. Which are not necessary to be any farther spoken of here, because I have treated of them in other places of this Volume. And this is also the reason that I have but little to say of his Letters, which are near an hundred; because the Course of our History about these Affairs, hath ob∣liged us to make an Extract of them upon other occasions. The first sixteen are a Collection, which he made himself of those, which related to the Case of Ignatius and Photius. The rest concern the Affairs of France, the Peace between the Kings, the Divorce of Thietberga, of Lotharius, the Excom∣munication of Waldrada, the pardoning of Count Baldwin, the affair of Ingletruda and Boson, the Judgment pronounc'd against Rothadus Bishop of Soissons, the affair of Ebbo, the Privileges of some Abbeys, the Promotion of Hilducius to the Bishoprick of Cambray, the Dispute between the Bishop of Mans and the Monks of S. Kallais, the Pall granted to Egilo Arch-Bishop of Sens, the Bishopricks of Brittany, which the Dukes of that Country had a mind to take away from the Metropolis of Tours, and the Objections of the Greeks against the Church of Rome, about which he consults the Bishops of France.

But there is one of these Letters, in which he Answers Rodulphus Arch-Bishop of Bourges, about se∣veral Points of Discipline, which we cannot pass over in silence. It contains seven Articles. The first relates to the Ordaining of Priests and Deacons by Suffragans. Some Bishops of France Deposed those they had Ordained; and others Re-ordained them. Because, says he, Suffragans were created in imitation of the Seventy Disciples, who might perform Episcopal Functions. But because the Ca∣nons forbid Suffragans to execute these Functions, he orders the Canons for the future to be ob∣serv'd.

The second is upon the Complaint the Arch-Bishop of Narbonne made, That the Arch-Bishop of Bourges forc'd his Clergy to Commence their Differences in his Courts, and be tried by him; and that he disposed of several Matters that belong'd to his Diocese, without consulting him about it. Nicho∣las admonished the Arch-Bishop of Bourges of this, and told him, that his Quality of Primate and Patriarch did not allow him that Privilege. And that he ought to content himself to be Judge of Appeals of Causes which had been tried before by the Arch-Bishop of Narbonne. He repeats anew, upon this occasion, the Canons that constitute the Rights of Patriarchs and Primates.

In the third he declares, That in the Church of Rome they never anoint the Hands of those Priests and Deacons that are Ordain'd with the Chrism: Adding, that he never read that it was practi∣sed.

The fourth permits the Arch-Bishop of Bourges to moderate the Penance, and relax something of the rigour of Canons made against such, as having undertaken a state of Penance, return again to the World.

The fifth is about those that are obliged to bring to Confirmation such Children as their Wives have had by a former Husband. He says, That if they have been guilty of the neglect of it thro' Ignorance, they ought not to be parted from their Wives, but only made to do Penance.

The sixth orders, That such as have kill'd their Wives, unless they have taken them in Adultery, shall be made to undergo the Penance of Homicides.

The seventh intimates, That the Bishops ought to repeat the Gloria in Excelsis, on Holy-Thursday at Mass. But it is not permitted to any to wear the Pall on this day, unless they have leave from the Holy See.

F. Dacherius in the Twelfth Tome of his Spicilegium, has publish'd another Canonical Letter of Ni∣cholas the first, sent to Harduicus Arch-Bishop of Besançon, in which the Pope prescribes the following Rules.

First, he proves by the Canons, That such as have married two Sisters, may not marry any more for the future.

Secondly, That those that have married their Relations, and are upon that account divorc'd, can∣not marry as long as either of them lives; but that it is not forbidden when one of them dies.

Thirdly, he also believes, That Marriage ought not to be absolutely forbidden to such as have committed the Crime of Sodomy, provided they repent of their Sin, and have left off that cursed habit.

Fourthly, he shews, That the Election of a Bishop by the Clergy and chief Men of the Diocese, ought to stand good.

In the fifth Article he says, That it is forbidden Suffragans, not only to Ordain Priests and Deacons, but also to Consecrate Churches and Confirm Children, which only belongs to the Bishops, as we∣may observe, not only by the Customs of the Church, but also by the Acts of the Apostles.

The last shews, That a Priest that is once fall'n into, and convict of a foul Crime, can no more be restored to his Function.

There is another Work of Nicholas the first, concerning Church Discipline, yet more considerable than the former. 'Tis his Answer to the Questions of the Bulgarians, which contains ** 1.9 above 100. Articles.

In the first he says, That the Religion of Jesus Christ consists in Faith and Good Works.

The second is concerning the Spiritual Affinity between God-fathers and their God-children, which hinders their ever marrying together.

The third is about the Ceremonies of Marriage. He says, that after the betrothing, the Priest ought to cause the Persons to come into the Church with their Offerings, and there give them his Benedi∣ction and the Voil, which is not to be given in second Marriages. That being gone out of the Church, they should wear Crowns upon their heads. These are the ordinary and solemn Ceremonies, which, as the Greeks say of theirs, need not nevertheless always be observed. That consent, accord∣ding to the Laws, might suffice; and that if that be wanting, the rest signifies nothing.

The fourth sets down the Fasts which are observed in the Church of Rome; 1. Lent; 2. The Fast after Whitsunday; 3. That before the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin; 4. That before Christmas; 5. The sixth day of every Week; and 6. All the Vigils or Eves of great Feasts.

In the fifth he says, That the Fast on Wednesday is not commanded, but that of Friday is.

In the sixth, That it is not forbid to bathe on those days.

In the seventh and eighth he approves of the Custom of Carrying and Kissing the Cross, and of the Reliques in Lent.

In the ninth he extolls the Custom of Communicating every day in Lent, provided the Communi∣cant be engaged in no Sin, nor has any Mortal Crime lying upon his Conscience.

The tenth is about the Celebration of Sunday.

The eleventh sets down the Feasts in which we must forbear working, to assist at Divine Ser∣vice.

In the twelfth he says it is to be wisht that Men would on those days forbear also trying Civil and Criminal Affairs.

In the thirteenth he excuses himself for not sending them Civil Laws.

In the fourteenth he aggravates the Cruelty which was us'd towards a Greek, who had his ears and nose cut off for pretending to be a Priest, and baptizing a great many People.

In the fifteenth, he says that such Persons ought not to be re-baptized in the Name of the Holy Tri∣nity.

In the sixteenth he says, That those that did thus abuse this Priest ought to be put to Penance.

In the seventeenth he blames the King for executing the principal Leaders of a Rebellion raised against him by the Bulgarians, whom he had caused to be baptized. And he says that he has com∣mitted a great Sin, and particularly in the murthering their Infants who were innocent. But since he did it thro' a violent Zeal for Religion, and a blind ignorance, he hopes he may obtain mercy, if he repent.

In the eighteenth he says, That those that have been baptized, and after forsake Christianity, ought to be first admonished by them, that held them to the Font, that if they do not reform, they ought to be accused to the Church; and that if they refuse to obey the Church, they should be punish'd by the Prince's Authority.

In the nineteenth he says, They may make use of the rigour of their Laws against those, as would take away the lives of their Princes. Nevertheless, he exhorts the King to pardon such Offenders. This, and the following Articles relate more to Civil Policy than Church Discipline.

In the 41st he forbids forcing Infidels to the Faith, and advises them to avoid communicating with them.

In the 44th, and those that follow, he forbids Hunting, Examining Causes, Playing, Marrying, or Feasting in Lent; and in the 50th leaves it to the prudence of the Bishop or Priest, who have the care of Consciences, to determine after what manner a man should live with his wife during that time.

In the 51st he expresly forbids men to have two wives at a time. In the 53d he says that it is per∣mitted to all Believers to make the sign of the Cross upon the Table, and to give a Benediction there∣upon in the absence of the Priest. In the 54th he does not disapprove of the Custom of the Greeks, who thro' humility used always to wash their hands before they went into the Church; but nevertheless, he does not command it. In the 55th he says he does not think it needful to force People newly convert∣ed to pay their debts, that they may be received into Communion. In the 56th he approves of the Custom of ordering Prayers and Fasts for Temporal Necessities, as in a time of Drought, &c. In the 57th he rejects the Superstition of the Greeks, who would not eat any Beasts kill'd by Eunuchs. In the 58th he orders, according to the Precept of the Apostle, that women should have their heads covered in the Church. The 59th and 60th relate to their Habits and the Hours of Eating. In the 61st he recommends continual Prayer to them. In the 62d he forbids them to make use of a certain Stone that they believ'd would heal or cure a Disease. The 63d and 64th shew the time when it is most proper to abstain from use the of Marriage. The 65th commands to receive the Eucharist fasting, and allows those to come to the Communion, who have bled much at the nose or mouth; for which he makes use of the example of the Woman in the Gospel, who being sick of a Bloody-flux touch∣ed Christ's Garment; which makes it credible, that he doth not debar Women from it that are un∣der the like inconvenience. In the 66th he forbids them to enter their Church with their Turbans on their Heads. In the 67th he forbids the Bulgarians to swear by their Sword, or by the name of any Creature. The 68th allows Women newly brought to bed to enter into the Church: In the 69th he says, That the solemn times of administring Baptism are the Feasts of Easter and Whit∣suntide; but that it is not necessary to observe this in regard of the People newly converted, no more than in respect of such as are in danger of death. The 70th directs that they ought not to depose a Priest who hath a Wife; and that it is not lawful for Lay-men to judge of Priests. The 71st shews that Priests, how wicked soever they are, cannot defile the Sacraments; and that they may be re∣ceived from them with security. The 72d is about the question propounded to him concerning a Patriarch. He says he cannot answer whether he shall grant them one, till he knows their number of Christians That a Bishop may serve their turn in the mean time; and that if their numbers of Believers encrease, and that there be divers Churches and divers Bishops, he will make choice of one of them for their Patriarch, or rather Arch-Bishop. In the 73d he says that their Patriarch, Bishop, or Arch-Bishop must not be Ordained but by the Supreme Bishop; and then he that is Ordained by him, having receiv'd the Privilege of Metropolitan from the Holy See, may Ordain other Bishops. That after this there would be no more need of coming to Rome for the Ordination of their Arch-Bishop, who then might be Ordained by the other Bishops, upon condition that he doth not execute any part of his Office till he has receiv'd the Pall. The 74th asserts that men may pray any where. The 75th and 76th, That the Bishops that he will send them, shall bring the Rules of Penance which they de∣sired, together with a Missal. In the 77th he forbids them to have any thing to do with Lots, by putting a Pin into a Book to find out any thing they are in suspicion of. The 78th declares that Pe∣nance ought to be refus'd to none. In the 79th he forbids superstitious Ligatures made use of to cure men. The following Articles relate to Peace, Agreements or Bargains. Judgments and Civil Punish∣ments. In the 87th he forbids forcing Widows to become Nuns. The 88th says that it is not lawful to pray for such as dy'd in their Infidelity. The 89th recommends to them the Custom of Offering the First-fruits of the Earth. The 90th says that it is lawful to eat Birds which have not been bled in killing them. The 91st forbids Christians to eat Beasts kill'd or hunted by Infidels. In the 92d he declares that they are the proper Patriarchs who govern the Churches founded by the Apostles, which are only Rome, Alexandria and Antioch. That the Bishops of Constantinople and Jerusalem are also called Patriarchs; but they have not so great Authority as these three. In the 93d he declares

that of Alexandria to be the second Patriarch. In the 94th he declares the Cheat of the Greeks, who said that Chrism came first from their Country. The 95th says that they ought not to be taken from the Church who have fled thither for Sanctuary. In the 96th he forbids Husband to be divorced from their Wives, if it be not for Adultery. In the 97th he exhorts Masters to pardon their Slaves that have offended them. In the 98th he is willing that such as kill themselves should be buried, for fear their pu••rid Bodies should occasion Infection; but he would have no Obsequies bestowed upon them, nor any Sacrifice or Prayer offer'd for them. In the 99th he permits such to be buried in the Church as have liv'd well. The 100th approves of the Custom of carrying dead Bodies into their own Countries. In the 101st he commends Alms. In the 102d he forbids doing violence to Pagans to convert them. In the 103d he command; them to burn the Books of the Sarazens. The 104th is concerning the validity of Baptism administred by a Jew, who had no Religion. Nicholas the first answers, That such ought not to be Re-baptized, if he did confer it upon them in the name of the Tri∣nity. In the 105th he speaks of those that preach'd a Doctrine contrary to that of the Apostles. He answers that they ought not to be heard: But that it doth not belong to the Bulgarian Lay-men to judge whether the Doctrine be true, or not. In the last he exhorts them to take Instructions from none but the Church of Rome, which always delivers the Truth to such as desire it.

These are the Decisions or Answers of Nicholas the first in this Work. This Pope was a great Cano∣nist. He wrote readily and with Authority. He often quoted the Canons and Decretals of the Popes. He maintain'd the Grandeur of his See with vigour, and manag'd the most difficult Matters he was concern'd in with Honour. M. de Marca observes, That he had done some Injuries to the Discipline and Liberties of the Church by maintaining that it was not lawful to assemble a National Synod with∣out the consent of the Pope: In attributing to himself the Appeals of the Clergies Cases determined in National Synods; and also after a Review brought, in Citing the Persons and Causes to Rome to be there determined anew, instead of appointing Judges on the places; and affirming, that the Causes of Bishops wholly belong'd to his Cognizance. But these Pretensions have not been acknowledg'd by the Church, and particularly by that of France, who have always kept to their Liberties without the least diminution of Respect and Submission due to the Holy See. [These Epistles are all put out in Tome VIII. of the Councils.]

After the death of Nicholas the first, which hapned the 13th of November in the year 867. Adrian * 1.10 the second, who was about 76 years of age, was chosen in his place. He was a Roman, the Son of Talanius, related to the Popes Stephen the fourth and Sergius the younger. Gregory the fourth Ordain∣ed him Priest, and gave him the Title of St. Mark. His Liberality gained him a great repute in Rome, and he was proposed to be chosen Pope after the death of Leo the fourth, and Benedict the third. And after the death of Nicholas he obtain'd it both by the Votes of the People, who lov'd him, and by the joynt consent of both Parties of Grandees. Lewis the Emperour approved of his Election; and he was Ordained the 14th of December. He was at first suspected not to favour much the Memory of his Predecessor Nicholas the first, because he seem'd not so severe towards Lotharius and Waldrada, as he had been. But he freed himself from this suspicion, and re-united those to him that before had forsaken his Interest upon this account.

The beginning of his Pontificate was disturb'd by the Invasion of Rome, which the Duke of Spoleto seiz'd on, and harrass'd with Robberies and Plundering of his Soldiers. But Rome was deliver'd both by the Authority of the Emperour, who depriv'd the Duke of Spoleto of his own Dominions, and the Thunderbolts of Excommunication which the Pope sent out against these Robbers. A Peace was no sooner granted to the Church of Rome, but the Affair of Photius was brought before Pope Adrian. The Emperour Basilius having restored Ignatius, sent some of his Officers to Rome to accompany the Deputies of Ignatius and Photius. Those of Photius's side were drown'd for the most part, and there appear'd in his behalf but one inconsiderable Monk call'd Methodius, who durst not maintain his Cause, and who suffer'd himself to be cited thrice, and was at last condemn'd for Non-appearance. But the Officer of the Greek Emperour, and John Metropolitan of Caesaria in Cappadocia, having presented to Pope Adrian the Transactions of the pretended Council which Photius had assembled against Pope Nicholas the first, he caused them to be examined and condemned in a Council which pronounced an Anathema against Photius, and had the Book burnt which he wrote against Pope Nicholas. After this Adrian sent Legates to Constantinople to assist in his name at the eighth General Council. They had at first all the sati•…•…ction they could wish, but after the Council, they enter'd upon the Affair of Bul∣garia, and after it was debated in their hearing, judged that it ought to be subject to the Patriarch of Constantinople, which troubled the Legates extreamly. Wherefore having protested against, and declared this Judgment null, they immediately left the City dissatisfied. And being but very meanly accompanied they fell into the hands of the Sclavonians, who robbed them, and took them Prisoners. They soon after made an escape, and came to Rome at the end of the year 870.

There are five Letters of this Pope concerning the Affair of Ignatius and Photius in the Version of the Acts of the eighth Council done by Anastasius. The three which follow, relate to the Affairs of France, and the Churches of Brittany, to Lotharius and Weldrada, Actardus, Wulfadus, and the other Clergy-men Ordained by Ebbo. To the Kingdom of Lotharius, on which Charles the Bald seiz'd af∣ter his death, and which Adrian would have had been left to Lewis the Emperour. To the pretended Privileges of Caroloman, and to the Quarrel of Hincmarus Bishop of Laon, with his Uncle. It is not necessary to give any Extracts of these Letters in particular, having spoken of them particularly else∣where. Adrian dyed the first of November in the year 872. He was naturally good and well tem∣per'd, zealous for Peace, and for the welfare of the Catholick Church. His Letters are written in a

Style mixt with Gravity and Modesty, Zeal and Humility; he maintaining in every part of them his Authority, without Affectation or Contempt of any Body. He behaves himself towards those he had Business with, according to the Rules of Honesty and Charity; not Flattering them by a base Complaisance, or Offending them by high Words, nor Enraging them by his extraordinary Claims.

John the VIII. was Arch-Deacon of Rome, when he was rais'd to the Holy See; it was in Decem∣ber 872. that he came to this Dignity, at a time when all Italy began to be very much molested by the inroads of Barbarians, and Divisions between the Dukes and Lords. He was obliged to make a Treaty with the Sarazens, to hinder their Invasions. After the death of the Emperour Lewis the II. he set the Imperial Crown upon the Head of Charles the Bald, in the year 875. and supported him∣self by his Protection, as long as this Prince lived: But having a mind after his Death to let the Em∣pire fall into the Hands of his Son, he was opposed in his Design by the Lords of Rome, and by Lam∣bert Duke of Spoleto, who seized both upon that City and the Pope in it. But he escaping some time after, fled into France, where he held the Council of Troies: After this, returning into Italy with some succours, he drove out the Barbarians, and to procure himself a quiet Life, Crowned Charles the Gross Emperour, in the year 880. and dyed at the beginning of the year 882. He has writ many Letters concerning the Ecclesiastical and Civil Affairs of his time.

The first is Directed to Count Boson; he thanks him for the good Service he had done his Legates with Charles the Emperour, and acquaints him, that he expected those Succours from that Prince with a great deal of Impatience, which he promised him against the Sarazens.

The second to King Lewis, is about the Differences between that Prince and the Emperour Charles the Bald: He tells him, that he cannot hope to make them Friends, till he has heard them both, and Exhorts him in the mean time to think of a Peace.

In the third he advises Jeoffry Prince of Salern, that he has received Power from the Emperour to Conclude and Swear the Treaty made with him, and that he will shortly give him a Visit upon that Occasion.

In the fourth, sent to the Clergy and Faithful of the Church of Valva, he condemns a certain Person, who would have seized upon that Church, during the Life of Arnoldus, who was the Bi∣shop of it. He commends them for not being willing to receive him; he forbids them to do it, and threatens them with Excommunication if they should, as also he that undertook to settle him, if he persisted in it.

In the fifth he commands him that he writes to—which it may be was the Bishop of Naples, to separate himself from the Duke of Naples, who would not submit to the Holy See, and threatens him with Excommunication, if he does not do it.

In the sixth he orders his two Legates, which he had at the Emperours Court at Pavia, to return immediately.

In the seventh he complains of Boson's retaining his Legates, and begs assistance of him against the Sarazens, to prevent the Besieging of Rome, which they threatned.

The eighth is written to Charles the Bald; in it he allows of the Translation of Frotarius, from the Arch-Bishoprick of Bourdeaux to that of Bourges, upon the Testimony and Remonstrances of the Bishops of that Province, having delayed to grant it till he was acquainted with their Senti∣ments, as he observes in that Letter.

The ninth is Directed to Landulphus Bishop of Capua, to whom he sends word, that the Legates whom he had dispatched to the Emperour, had obtained of him, a Confirmation of all the Privi∣leges anciently belonging to the Church of Rome, and particularly a Power to conclude such a Trea∣ty, as he himself should think best, concerning the Territory of Capua. He informs this Bishop, that he design'd to be in that City shortly, that so he might make preparations to receive him.

In the tenth, he writes to Adelard Bishop of Verona, to come to Rome in December, to assist at the Council which was to be held there; and threatens him with Excommunication in case of a failure.

In the eleventh, he desires the Emperour to pardom Emmenius, and take him into favour, altho he owns him to have been justly Condemned.

In the twelfth, he begs of him to Pardon a Man that had killed another, and who was come to Rome ad limina Apostolorum, to expiate his Crime.

The thirteenth is Directed to the People of Bourges, whom he exhorts to receive Frotarius for their Arch-Bishop, by reason of the Desolation of the Province of Bourdeaux, because the Pagans having cruelly ravaged it, he was now become unserviceable in his first Diocese. In the following Letter, he commands the Bishops of that Province to acknowledge him.

In the fifteenth, he orders the Bishop of Chartres, to restore to his Goods and Offices, the Mur∣therer of whom mention is made in the twelfth Letter, who had been at Rome ad limina, to make Atonement for his fault.

The sixteenth and the four following, are about an Affair wherein Peter Arch-Bishop of Grado was concern'd. It seems two of his Suffragan Bishops had revolted from him; and one Dominicus Abbot of the Monastery of Altino, had got himself to be Elected Bishop of Toricelli in spite of him. The Arch-Bishop of Grado having brought this Affair to Rome, the Pope cites both these Bi∣shops, and the Bishop Elect, to make their Appearance at the Council which he held there; but they failing to obey the first Citation, he was forced to threaten them with Excommunication if they did not come in Person, to a Council which was to meet in February. Then he wrote to two of

the neighbouring Bishops, to see this Sentence put in Execution, in case they did not obey; to the Duke of Venice, to send them to him; to two Bishops called Felix and Peter, that he interdicted them, till such time as they came to his Synod; and that if they fail'd of coming thither, he would certainly Excommunicate them. He blames Dominicus for his Carriage, and Summons him likewise to his Synod under pain of Excommunication; and he returns his thanks to the Duke of Venice for his good Inclinations to the Holy See; requesting him to cause those Bishops to repair to the Sy∣nod which was to be Celebrated in February. He directed these Letters to a certain Bishop, whom he desires to Distribute the rest, to those Persons to whom they belong'd, as it appears by the twenty fifth Letter, which is addrest to that Bishop.

In the twenty first, he desires help of the Emperour Charles, against the Insults of the Sarazens; representing to him, the terrible Devastations they made among the Christians.

The twenty second is directed to Count Lambert, whom he severely reproves for not hindering the violent Oppressions of some of his Subjects, and threatens to Excommunicate him if he did not take care to regulate these Disorders for the future.

In the twenty third, he thanks the Emperour Charles the Bald, for the kind Reception he gave the Legates of the Holy See; as also, because he sent Ansegisus and Adalgarius to Rome, with Com∣missioners to repress the Insolence of those Persons that were troublesome to the Holy See. He in∣forms him, That they could not be Punished according to their deserts, because they were fled to a certain Marquesse, and some great Lords, who took them into Protection: he prays the Emperour to find them out, and to Condemn them to Banishment; and humbly entreats him, not to suffer them in his Kingdom. In the following Letter he complains of the Conduct of Ansegisus, whom he ac∣cuses of maintaining a secret Correspondence with Count Lambert. He commends the Fidelity of Adalgarius, upon whom he had bestowed a Pall, by way of Recompense.

The greatest part of the following Letters relate to the Wrongs which the Holy See Suffered by the Sarazens and other Enemies of the Church; against all which he begs the Assistance of Charles the Emperour: And Exhorts the Bishops and Princes of Italy, to break the Treaties made with them; and animates them to declare War against them.

The thirty fourth Letter is an answer to Bishop Ansbert, who had Consulted him about the Promo∣tions of Bishops and Abbots. He sends him word, That he must follow as much as he can the Dire∣ctions of the Canons; nevertheless, he thinks it convenient, he should wait for the coming of the Emperour, that he may Act according to his Will and Pleasure. He says in particular, as to those Persons he had been Consulted about, that an Exile may be favoured without doing any thing contra∣ry to the Canons. That with Permission of the Prince, the Abbot that was put out of a Royal Mo∣nastery, might be Re-established, if he hath never been Convicted of any Crime: And that a Mur∣therer, or any Accomplice in such a Crime, ought to be deprived of all Spiritual Authority.

The thirty seventh is a Letter about the Translation of Frotarius Arch-Bishop of Bourdeaux, to the Arch-Bishoprick of Bourges.

In the forty second, he Exhorts King Charles the Gross to restore the Revenues he had taken from a Nunnery at Bresse, and threatens him with Excommunication if he does not do it within sixty days.

In the forty seventh, he acquaints the Emperour Charles the Bald, that he had Excommunicated Adelard Bishop of Verona, because he had seized upon the Monastery of Nonantula. He sends the same thing to the Arch-Bishops of Ravenna, Milan, and Aquileia, in the following Letter: and in the forty ninth to the Clergy of Verona.

By the fifty third, he commands the Arch-Bishop of Milan, and the Bishop of Bresse, to meet at a General Synod of the Bishops of Italy, which was to be held at Ravenna in June.

In the fifty fifth, he Cites Vitus Duke of Venice, and the Bishops of his Country to it. By the following Letter he commands the same thing to be done by the Bishops Peter and Leo.

In the fifty seventh, he requires the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna and his Suffragans, to be present at the General Synod of the Bishops of Italy, which was to be held at Ravenna.

The fifty eight is written to the Patriarch of Aquileia, to end his Affair in this Synod.

By the fifty ninth, he acquaints the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, that this Synod was Prorogued to the nineteenth of July; and he signifies to him in the following Letter, that he has Summoned thither all the Bishops of Italy, and especially those of Venice. The foregoing Letters are Dated on the tenth Indiction, that is to say, that they were written between September 876. and the same Month in 877. The following Letters are of the eleventh Indiction.

In the sixty second, he sent a Man-slayer to his Bishop, that had been enjoyn'd Penance, and who was come to Rome; but he nevertheless Exhorts and Intreats this Bishop, to mitigate the ri∣gour of his Penance.

The sixty third is Addrest to Carloman. He acquaints him with his concern for the Death of Charles the Emperour, Exhorts him to Protect the Church of Rome, promises to send him Legates very speedily, grants him the Pall for Theodemarus the Arch-Bishop, and desires him to secure him in the Possession and Enjoyment of the Revenues, which the Church of Rome has in Bavaria.

The sixty fifth is written to the English Arch-Bishop, where after he hath commended his Zeal for the Holy See, and Exhorted him to discharge his Duty with Constancy, he warns him not to suffer Husbands to forsake their Wives and Marry others. He Confirms the Privileges granted by St. Gregory to the Bishops of his See.

In the sixty sixth Letter, he thanks Athanasius Bishop of Naples, for Excommunicating his Bro∣ther Sergius who was an Enemy to the Church. He desires him to continue his Labour and

Vigilance for his Church, and recommends to him the Deacon Peter. In the following one, he commends the Neapolitans for driving out Sergius, and giving the Government of their City to the Bishop his Brother.

By the sixty Ninth, he sends to Landulphus Bishop of Capua, to joyn with the Bishop of Naples in the Defence of the Church of Rome, and requires him to observe the Treaty made with the A∣malphitans.

In the Seventieth, He reproves the Bishop of Ambrun, for Ordaining another Bishop of Venice than him, that had been chosen by the Clergy and People, and whose Election had been con∣firmed by the Consent of Charles the Emperour. He enjoins him to come to Rome, together with him that was Elected, and him that had been Ordained.

The 68, 72, and 73. are Letters written to Lambert Duke of Spoleto, an Enemy to Rome, to prevent his acting those Hostilities, which he intended against it.

The seventy fifth and the six Letters following, are written about the Affairs of Bulgaria to that King, to the Patriarch of Constantinople, and the Greek Emperour.

The following Letters are written against Lambert Duke of Spoleto, who had Invaded the Ter∣ritories of the Holy See, and being possest of the City of Rome, had placed a Garrison in it, abu∣sed the Bishops and Priests, and hindered them from performing Divine Service in St. Peter's Church.

These Outrages obliged the Pope to retire into France, to implore aid of Charles, of Carloman, Lewis the Stammerer, of Engelberga, and Berengarius, as it appears by these Letters.

In the ninety first, he acquaints the Empress Engelberga, that he will compose the Service for the Anniversary of the Emperour Lewis her Husband, as she had desired him: He Conjures her to con∣tinue her care of the Affairs of the Holy See, and to act so, that he may return as soon as possible to Rome; he informs her also, that he will hold a Council at Troyes the first day of August.

In the following Letter he tells her, that he is come to Arles, and that he hath met Boson and Her∣mengarda, whom he wishes preferred to some higher Dignities, that they might be more able to defend the Roman Church.

He Exhorts the Empress to favour him in the Design he hath for them, and to write to the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna to pray for him, and to send Legates to Rome to Comfort his Faithful Friends.

By Letter the ninety third, he makes the Arch-Bishop of Arles his Vicar in France, yet without prejudice to the Rights of the Metropolitans, for whichend he gives him the Pall; and Commands the Bishops that are obliged to go out of their Provinces, not to do it without his Consent; and if there should happen any Disputes concerning the Faith, or about other matters of any difficulty among the Bishops, he requires them, after they have given him an account of it, to Decide it with twelve Bishops which he shall Assemble, provided that if it cannot be Decided by these Judges, they shall content themselves with having fully instructed him, and refer the matter to the Holy See.

He Complains it is a great Disorder, that the Metropolitans of France Consecrate Bishops, before they have Received the Pall of the Holy See; he desires this Abuse may not be allowed to become Customary.

The Letter ninety four is to the same Person, and on the same Subject, 'tis a forged piece, Com∣posed of part of St. Gregorie's Letter, and part of the foregoing.

The ninety fifth is a Copy of one of St. Gregorie's Letters.

By Letter ninety six, he invites Isaac Bishop of Langres to the Synod to be held at Troyes.

By the ninety seventh, he Excommunicates those that had taken his Horses and Baggage at Châ∣lons, unless they return them in three days, and passes the same Sentence against Adurardus the Priest, whose Servants had taken a Silver Plate out of the Church of Rome.

By the following Letters, he invites and cites the Metropolitans and Bishops of France, to the Synod to be held at Troyes.

The 108 is sent to Luitbertus Arch-Bishop of Mayence, whom he orders to return to the Daugh∣ters of Boson and Engeltruda their Father and Mothers free Estate. And declares Godfrey and Engel∣truda uncapable of disposing of them; and in the following Letter, threatens Count Marfroy who was in possession of them, unless he presently restored them.

In the 110 he complains to the Arch-Bishop of Besançon, that he did not come to him to Condole his Persecutions: He Exhorts him to come as soon as he can, and forbids him to Consecrate a Bi∣shop in the Church of Lausanne, tho the Prince command it, or the People desire it, till he hath con∣sidered what will be most Expedient.

The four following Letters are in the Council of Troyes.

In the 115 he cites Count Bernard to the Council of Troyes.

In 117 and 118, he invites King Charles and Lewis to a Conference: King Lewis came, but not King Charles. The Pope complains of it in 119. Letter, and lets him know, that he had adopted Prince Boson for his Son.

The 120 is a Sentence of Excommunication against Count Bernard, who had deprived Frotarius Arch-Bishop of Bourges, of his Arch-Bishoprick and Revenues.

In the 121 he threatens those with Excommunication, that had seized upon the Revenues of the Church of St. Maurice of Tours, unless they speedily restore them; and admonishes those that owe their ninths and tenths, to pay them.

By the 122, he leaves to the Arch-Bishop of Arles the Decision of the Controversy, between the Bi∣shop of Usez and Avignon, which could not be determined at Troyes, the Bishop of Avignon being absent.

The 123 is an Excommunication of Hugh, the Natural Son of King Lewis, and Emmo Brother of Bernard, for Conspiring the Death of their King.

The 124 is Addressed to the Bishop of Dol, and the Bishop of Brittany, who had withdrawn themselves from the Jurisdiction of the Arch Bishop of Tours, he charges them to submit with me∣naces of Excommunication, if they fail.

In the 125, to Lewis the Stammerer, he tells, how great Obligations he lay under to Boson, who brought him safe to Pavia, and begs his assistance in reducing the Enemies of the Holy See, and recommends to him Agilmarus Bishop of Clermont.

In the 126th he accuses Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan of unkindness, in not sympathizing with him in his Sufferings. He commands him and his Suffragans to come next Thurday to meet him at Pavia. He gives the same Orders in the following Letter. He likewise Summons Count Beringari∣us by the 128th and 131st Letters, and Suppo by the 130th. In the 129th he presses King Lewis to restore to the Daughters of Boson and Engeltruda the Free-Estate of their Father and Mother, of which he was in Possession.

In the 135th he orders two Bishops to Excommunicate those that had stole Wipert's Son, and plun∣dered his Country.

In the 136th he advises Count Hugh to punish some Thieves.

In the 137th he exhorts him, and two other Counts, to keep their League made with Boson.

In the 138th he orders a Monk to obey Bishop Wipert, who had obtain'd him from his own Bishop and Abbot by Letters dimissory.

In the 139th he orders the Arch-Bishops of Milan and Ravenna to meet, when the Bishop of Pavia should require it.

In the 140 he Authorises the Bishop of Pavia to Excommunicate those that had taken away a Wo∣man.

In the 141st he acquaints the Bishop of Pavia that he shall shortly be at Turin, and prays him to come thither. He intimates to him that he ought not to adhere to the Arch-Bishop of Milan in Pre∣judice of the Roman Church's Interest; and desires him to forward his Letters to the Suffragans of the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna.

By the 142d he calls four Bishops to a Council to be held at Pavia.

The 143d is a Decree for the Confiscation of the Goods of an Abbey.

In the 144th he promises Salvation to all that are kill'd in Battel against Heathens and Infidels, and absolves them as much as is in his power.

By the 145th he Suspends the Bishop of Venice from Celebration of Divine Service, because he had Communicated with some Excommunicated Persons; till he and they appeared before him.

In the 146th he gives leave to promote to Sacred Orders, some Persons, who in their youth hapned to be in Company where one kill'd his Companion.

In the 147th he desires two Bishops to send home the Wife of Rostagnus, who deserting her Hus∣band, was fled into their Diocese; and orders them to Excommunicate all that Communicated with her.

In the 148th he advises the Bishop of Mets, that he should not force a Man to marry a Woman who was Contracted to him, who by her own Confession was with Child by another Man.

In the 149th he Orders the Bishop of Pavia to mitigate the Penance imposed by his Predecessor on a Man, for being in Company when another was kill'd.

In the 150th he orders the Bishop to cause Restitution to be made to some Persons he recommends that were robbed.

In the 151st he writes to the Bishop of Besançon that he had Absolved Fulcardus and his Wife; and that he is again to admit them into his Communion.

The 152d is an Exhortation to certain Bishops assembled in Council, to judge with Justice.

In the 153d he acquaints the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, That it being order'd by the Canons that Councils should be held twice a year, he appointed one to be at the end of March; and orders him and his Suffragans to be there.

In the 154th he writes to the same Arch-Bishop, and tells him, That he wonders he should design to Ordain to the Bishoprick of Sarsenne another Person than the Priest Lupo, whom he had command∣ed him to Ordain; and forbids him doing it.

In the 155th he writes to Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan, and he Commands him and his Suffra∣gans to come to a Council to be held at Rome the first of March, to choose an Emperour in the place of Carloman, whose Infirmities made him no longer able to bear the Burthen of Govern∣ment. He adds, That as it belongs to the Pope and Bishops of Italy to Consecrate the Emperour, so it is chiefly their Right to call and choose him.

In the 156th he Comforts the Duke of Beneventum for the loss he had sustained by the Agare∣nians.

The 157th is only a Letter of Complement and Thanks to a Bishop that was very zealous for the Roman Church, and had enquired of his Health; and Condolance for the Death of his Brother. Here end the Letters of the eleventh Indiction, and those of the twelfth begin.

The six first Letters contain nothing very remarkable, being chiefly about Civil Matters.

In the 163d he forbids certain Bishops to Excommunicate the Person that brought the Emperour's Letters Patents, till his Cause were examined.

In the 165th he Excommunicates a Count and his Wife for taking a Nun out of his Monastery, till they restored her.

In the 174th, 189th, 192d Letters he exhorts Michael King of Bulgaria, to submit himself to the Church of Rome.

In the 181st and 182d he sharply reproves Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan, for not coming to the Synod at Rome, after he had been thrice Summoned, and threatneth to proceed against him if he come not this fourth time. He forbids his holding any Assembly with any of the Kings of France that shall come into Italy.

In the 188th to the Bishop of Limoges, he decides, That a Man ought not to be parted from his Wife, because he had Baptized his Child himself in a Case of Necessity.

In the 190th written to the Bishops of Dalmatia, he exhorts them to acknowledge the Jurisdicti∣on of the Bishop of Rome, and to send thither their new chosen Bishop to be Consecrated, and Re∣ceive the Pall from him.

The 191st is to the Arch-Bishops of Arles, Narbonne and Aix. He orders them to conser with the Bishop of Nimes, to oblige him not to molest the Monks of a certain Monastery, and gives them power, if he does not do as he desires, to suspend him from all his Priestly Functions, till he com∣ply, or appear at Rome to give an account of his Conduct.

In the 194th he Exhorts a Sclavonian Lord to continue in the Faith of the Roman Church, and live in its Obedience. He saith he hath written to Arch-Bishop Methodius, who was Ordained by Pope Adrian his Predecessor, because he had heard he taught other Doctrines than what he had pro∣fessed in Presence of the Holy See.

The following Letter is to this Methodius Titular Arch-Bishop of Pannonia: he commands him to come to Rome and justifie his Doctrine. Forbids him to Celebrate Mass in the Sclavonian Tongue, but only in Latin or Greek; as, saith he, the Church of Jesus Christ dispersed over the whole Earth, practiseth in all places.

The 196th is to Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan, about his refusing to come to the Synod at Rome. The Pope had suspended him from Celebrating Divine Service, till he came to Rome to justifie him∣self: but not regarding of that Suspension, he continued to do all Episcopal Functions. The Pope peremptorily commands him to come to Rome, or send his Legates.

In the 197th he thanks King Lewis for his good will, and invites him to come speedily to Rome, promising to do his utmost to make him to be declared Emperour.

The 198th Letter is to Herard Arch-Bishop of Auch, and to the Bishops of Comminges, Conserans, and Bigores, concerning the Disorders in their Dioceses, which they could neither restrain by Exhor∣tations nor Excommunications. They had written to the Pope to joyn his Authority to theirs, to put a stop to them. The Pope writes to them to use their utmost Endeavours to rectifie the Disor∣ders of the People committed to their charge. And because the greatest were in the Marriages of Kindred, he saith, 'tis not permitted to Christians to marry their Kindred so long as they can make out any Relation. He declares all those, that are so married, and will keep their Wives, or those that shall so marry for the future, to be subject to the Churche's Anathema by Apostolick Authori∣ty, and forbids all Priests to give them the Sacrament, till they have done Penance. He also de∣clares it unlawful to have two Wives, to forsake one Wife and marry another for no cause whatso∣ever, or to have a Wife and a Concubine at the same time. He forbids the Laity to meddle with the Church Goods. He orders Priests and Clerks to submit to their Bishops, and to do nothing without their consent; and that the Laity do obey their Bishop under pain of Excommunica∣tion.

The following Letters concern the Affair of Photius, which we have spoken of in the History of the Eighth Council.

In the 204th Letter he writes to the Empress Engelberga, who had desired him to Absolve Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan, and humbly represents to her, That he could not do it without the con∣sent of his Brethren the Bishops, with whose concurrence he had Excommunicated him. That he must either come or send Deputies to the Synod to be held the eleventh of October at Rome, to answer such things as are laid to his Charge: and after Satisfaction given, he will Absolve him, and Re∣ceive him into his Communion. He saith he will Celebrate the Anniversary of the Emperour her Husband; and that he prays for the Soul of her Brother Suppo, that God would forgive his sins.

The four following Letters are concerning the Troubles about the Election of Landulphus to the Bi∣shoprick of Capua.

The 216 Letter is written to King Charles, whom, he saith, he hoped to raise to the Dignity of Emperour, that therefore he was come to Ravenna: That he hoped he would labour all he could to Re-establish the Honour and Dignity of the Roman Church, and subdue its Enemies. That at his Return he found its Enemies more violent; having not only seized and carried away the Pos∣sessions, but the Persons, that belonged to the Church of Rome. He desires him to send him three Persons before he comes, that he may concert with them concerning what belongs to the Honour and Good of the Holy See.

In the next Letter he prays the same Prince to protect the Church of Rome against its Ene∣mies.

The 218th is addrest to the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna; he wonders he had not recourse to the Holy See, to redress the Injury done him; he intimates, that he had sent a Prudent Person to Ravenna, whom he Impowred to inform himself of all had been done to him, he orders him to be at Rome by the beginning of October at the Synod, and promises all manner of Assistance, but finds fault with his quitting his Church to live elsewhere.

In the 219th, he orders him to refer it to the Bishop of Pavia, whom he had Commissioned to Excommunicate those that deserve it.

The 221st Letter is to the Clergy of Milan, whom he orders to proceed to the Election of a new Arch-Bishop instead of Anspert, whom he had deposed in his Synod, and tells them, that he sends the Bishop of Pavia and Rimini to joyn with them in this Election: This Letter is the first of those that were written in the 11th Indiction, beginning in September 879. In the following Letter, he acquaints King Charles with the Deposing of Anspert and Joseph, whom the former had Ordained Bishop of Vercelli, and that he had put another Bishop into Vercelli, whom he desires him to maintain.

In the 223d he enjoyns the People of Vercelli to Receive the Bishop he had Ordained.

In the 224th, he threatens to Excommunicate Nottingus Bishop of Novara, unless he restored to the Empress Engelberga the Goods belonging to her.

In the 225th he Declares the Amalphitains Excommunicate, till they separated from the Heathens, with whom they maintained too familiar a Correspondence.

The 226th is written to four Bishops, whom he appoints to judge the Business of a Lady called Theodrona, the Widow of Tresigius. She came to Rome to complain, that after the Death of her Husband, her Brother-in-law had forced her to become a Nun, and that without the Bles∣sing of a Priest; and that she had often declared and protested against the Veil, and had worn it but fifteen days: The Pope orders them to Assemble and Examine this Affair, and if they find these things true, then to declare her discharged of her Vow.

In Letter the 227th, he Commands the Bishop of Naples and Magistrates of Amalfi, to break their League with the Sarazens; and threatens to Excommunicate them, unless they do it by the first of December.

In 228th, he reproves a Bishop for not coming to his Synod, and Summons him to appear on the eighth of December, to give his Reasons why he had Excommunicated a certain Noble-man.

He gives the same Reproof to another Bishop in the following Letter, and Cites him to come and Answer the Accusations brought against him by all his Clergy.

In 230th, written to King Charles, he wonders that he did not acquaint him with his Arrival at Pavia; and prays him if he be there, to send him Ambassadors with Honourable Letters, that he might come and meet him.

In the 231st, he thanks this Prince for leaving the Church of Vercelli, in Possession of the Bishop he had Ordained. He Excuseth himself, that he could not absolve Anspert as he had desired, be∣cause the Sentence given against him was in these Terms, That he should be Suspended and Ex∣communicated, till he had appeared and justified himself before the Holy See.

By the 232d, he enjoyns the Bishop of Regio to Rebuild a Church lately Burned, to put in a Priest, and to send thither the Holy Chrism; which the Bishop neglecting, he in the following Letter or∣ders the Bishop of Pavia to do it.

In the 234th. he reproves Bishop Egilbert for Communicating with Excommunicated Persons, and forbids him to Communicate with Luitfredus and Odebricus Excommunicated Persons; because they detain'd Goods of the Empress Engelberga.

In Letter the 237 he Excommunicates Luitfredus, for Receiving a Nun which was gotten out of his Nunnery, and detaining the Empresses Goods.

In the following Letter he threatens to Excommunicate Count Lambert, for Detaining the Goods of the Empress, and of the Church of Rome.

By the 239th, he commits to the care of Abbot Gisulphus, the Empresses Monastery.

In the 240th, he Congratulates the Grecian Emperours Officers, concerning their Victory over the Sarazens, and Exhorts them to come to Rome to assist him against the Agarenians.

In the 241st, he commends the Bishop of Naples's Zeal for the Church of Rome; he Exhorts him to break his League with the Sarazens; and declares, that he will Excommunicate the Amalphitains if they do it not, of which he gives them Notice in the next Letter.

Letter the 243d, is to intreat King Charles the Gross, to leave the Bishop of Lausanne in the free Possession of his Bishoprick, and to oblige Count Hubo, to restore what he hath taken from the Church of Besançon: In the following Letter, he recommends the affair of the Church of Langres to the Bishop of Vercelli, and in the 245th, to Thierricus Arch-Bishop of Besançon.

In the 246th, he commends the Zeal of King Charles toward the Church of Rome, and desires him to send some Body with Authority, to see that all be restored to the Roman Church, which has been taken from it.

The 247th is to Sfentopulcher, an Earl of Sclavonia; he Congratulates his Faith and Piety, and his Submission to the Holy See, of which he had been informed by Methodius Bishop of Moravia, whom he had sent to Rome: He saith, he had questioned him concerning his Creed, and found it the same with the Roman; and whether his Sentiments were Orthodox, and found him to be found in all points of Catholick Doctrine; upon which Account, he sends him to Govern his Church, with the Quality of Arch-Bishop, which he confirms for ever. He adds, that he had Consecrated

Wichinus Bishop of Nitria, and desires him to send some other Priest, that he may Ordain him Bi∣shop of some other Town, and that these three Bishops may regulate Affairs as need shall require: He orders all Priests and Clergy-men to submit to the Arch-Bishop; then he repeats what he had before said, about the Celebration of Divine Service in the Sclavonian Tongue; and first, he approves of Prayer in that Tongue; secondly, he saith, 'tis not contrary to Faith nor sound Doctrine, to say or sing Mass, the Gospel, or the Lessons of the Old or New Testament, or the Hours of other Ser∣vice in the Sclavonian Language, provided that they be well Translated; for God is not only Au∣thor of the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, but also of all other Languages which he hath made to Praise him with. Thirdly, he thinks it fit to read the Evangelists in Latin, for the greater Reverence, and afterwards in the Sclavonian Tongue, in respect of the People who understand it not, as 'tis Practised in some Churches. Fourthly, he writes, that if it pleases the Prince and his Judges to hear Mass in Latin rather than in the Sclavonian Language, it may for them be Celebrated in that Tongue.

In the 248th he reproves a Bishop, for having violated a Treaty made with the Bishop of Capua in his Ordination; he orders him to go on with it, and in Case of default, threatens him with Ex∣communication: He permits him to come to him, if he have any Complaint or Excuse to make.

The 249th is to King Charles the Gross, he thanks him for the good Offices he does to the Church of Rome; and particularly that he commanded all the Counts and Bishops his Neighbours, to defend the Territories of St. Peter, against the Assaults of all Enemies, not only bad Christians but Sarazens, who are always Pillaging the Roman Church. He saith, he would have Conferred with Wibodus, Son of Count Lambert, but he failed of Meeting at the place appointed: He promises that Count Boson shall find no Refuge or Asylum at his Court; and Rejoyceth, that King Charles will quickly come and beg of him, to send Commissioners that may do him Justice.

The two following Letters are about Photius's Affair, which hath been spoken of elsewhere.

The 252d is also to King Charles, he acquaints him, that he waits his Arrival with Impatience, and complains that he had not sent him Commissioners according to his desire, and that an Excom∣municated Person called Georges, being come from him, had seized upon certain Revenues in the Possession of the Church, pretending they belonged to him, and also, that he very much mole∣sted his Neighbours. He desires him to remedy this disorder, and to remove the Enemies of the Holy See; this, and the following Letters, are written in the XIVth Indiction, which begins at the Month of September 880.

By the 253d, he Summons the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna to the Synod, which had been Prorogued to November, to determine with other Bishops some Ecclesiastical Affairs. He acquaints him, That in this Assembly, they will go upon the Affair of Count Deus Dedit, whom the Arch-Bishop of Ra∣venna had Excommunicated, for Contracting Marriage with one of his Relations; adding, that tho' indeed it was in his Power to absolve him, yet since the Council was so nigh, he thought it conve∣nient to defer the Conclusion of it to the Synod, where he would be present. He tells him, That the Earls Wife had presented a Petition to him, wherein she says, that he was made Privy to her Marriage, and soon after she was Married, he had admitted and invited them to his Communion; he also gives him an account of another Affair.

The 254th is a Circular Letter to the Bishops of Italy, to call them to the Synod which was to be held the seventh of November.

The 255th is addrest to King Charles, he acquaints him, that the Sarazens were defeated by the Greeks, but that those Barbarians were yet very troublesome, and desires his Succours against them.

It appears by Letter the 256th, Directed to Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan, that John the VIIIth did once pardon him, and received him into his Communion; but that the Arch-Bishop having again offended him, by Apprehending two Monks of the Roman Church, and putting them in Prison: The Pope commands him to release them. In the next Letter, he threatens the Proctor of Pavia that had Arrested them.

By the 258th he absolves the Marquesse Adelbert, because he found him faithful to the Church of Rome, and his Subjects, provided they make satisfaction to the said Church within fifteen days. In the next he writes, that he hath sent Legates with Instructions to treat with him; and Exhorts him to Compliance with his desires, and not to come to Rome.

In the 260th to Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan, he approves of the Ordination of Joseph to the Bishoprick of Ast, tho he had been before Ordained Bishop of Vercelli: But his Ordination being found faulty, he was deprived and put in the same State and Condition he was before.

In the 261st, he threatens the Arch-Deacon of Milan with Excommunication, unless he submits to his Arch-Bishop, and return to his Church.

The 262d is to a Private Church-man of Milan, whom Anspert had Excommunicated, for raising troubles in the Church, and detaining some of his Goods: he Exhorts him to his Duty, and to give full satisfaction to his Arch-Bishop, or else he Confirms the Excommunication against him.

In the 263d he Entreats Lewis and Carloman to joyn their Consent with Charles, that Engelberga may retire to Rome. where he promises to have such an Eye over her Actions, that she shall undertake nothing against them, nor the Emperour for the future.

The 264th is a Bull, by which he puts under the Protection of the Holy See, the Monasteries and other Benefices belonging to one Harderick.

In the 265th, he complains of the Bishop of Naples, for not breaking the Treaty with the Sara∣zens.

The two following Letters are about a difference between the Bishop of Trent and Verona, about some Ecclesiastical Revenues, he writes about it to the Bishop of Trent, in Letter 266th, and appoints them Judges in Letter 267th.

The 268th is Directed to Methodius Arch-Bishop of Sclavonia, he comforts him under some Perse∣cutions, which he suffered from a certain Bishop; assuring him, that he had neither Contributed to it, nor Privately Written against him: He Exhorts him to be Zealous for Religion, and promi∣seth him Justice against his Enemy.

By the 269th, he begs a speedy Relief of Charles the Emperour against the Sarazens.

In the 270th, he Pronounces Athanasius Bishop of Naples Excommunicate, for not breaking the Treaty made with the Sarazens.

The 271st is to the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, who had brought Aldericus into his City from the Emperour. He blames his Carriage, and pretends 'tis contrary to his Oath. He promises him, that returning from Naples, he will come to Ravenna, and do Justice to that Church. He in∣joyns him to Ordain Dominicus Arch-Deacon, Bishop of Fayance, whom he had nominated to that end.

In the 272d written likewise to the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna, he reproves him for having obliged a married Woman to leave her Husband, and marry her Ravisher; and Accuses him of Disobe∣dience to the Church of Rome: Therefore forbids him Ordaining any, till he had appeared at the Synod to be held at Rome in October.

In the 273d he commands the same Arch-Bishop to dismiss the Clerks belonging to the Bishop of Playsance, that had retired to Ravenna, whom the Arch-Bishop had received without Letters of leave from their own Bishop; and commands him to Absolve the Clerks of Playsance, whom he had Excommunicated. We see by these Letters, that this Arch-Bishop had frequent Contests with Rome. This more plainly appears by the following Letter, which sheweth that this Prelate had Ordained another Person Bishop of Fayance than him whom the Pope had nominated. The Pope by this Letter Excommunicates him, and forbids him taking Possession of this Bishoprick, or ex∣ercising any Function, till he had presented himself to the Synod at Rome.

He Cites a second time the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna by Letter 274. intimating to him, That he stands Accused of several Crimes, and chiefly of Perjury.

In the 276th he determines the Affair of one Deus Dedit, an Inhabitant of Ravenna. His Arch-Bishop had Excommunicated him as Convicted of Incest: He appeals to the Holy See, and came to Rome to clear himself; but no Body appearing from the Arch-Bishop, the Pope would not Ab∣solve Deus Dedit, till he had written to the Arch-Bishop to send Accusers and Witnesses to Rome. He sent a Priest and a Deacon with an Accusation in writing: Deus Dedit answer'd, and proved his Marriage to be according to Ecclesiastical and Civil Laws. The Pope and the Synod declar'd him Absolved, and confirmed his Marriage.

In the 277th he writes to Charles the Emperour to send him two Legates, that he might regulate the Wrong and Injustices the Church suffers under his Reign.

The Arch-Bishop of Ravenna not appearing at the Synod, was Excommunicated. The Pope Advises those of Ravenna by Letter 278, and forbids them to Communicate with him.

By the 279th Letter he Congratulates the Emperour Charles his intended Journey into Ita∣ly. He exhorts him to Succour the Church of Rome, and to expel Guy out of the Possession of the Lands of the Church.

In 280. he thanks the Bishop Luitwardus for having procured the Emperour's Journey into I∣taly.

By the 281st he commands the People of Geneva to obey Optandus, whom he had Ordained their Bishop.

In the 282d he prays the Bishops and Counts of Italy to intercede with the Emperour, that Engel∣berga might come to Rome.

The 283d is directed to the Arch-Bishop of Cologne, touching a Priest long since Excommu∣nicated by Pope Nicholas, for having Communicated with Ingeltrude, and had undergone ele∣ven years Penance; the Pope Absolves and Restores him at the Request of the Arch-Bishop of Cologne. He likewise writes to this Arch-Bishop to Judge concerning the Divorce of Gideon, whose Wife had committed Adultery with her Brother, according to what St. Austin writes on that Matter in his Book of Adulterous Marriages; and what is ordered by Pope Innocent.

In the two following Letters he praises several Lords for their Zeal to the Holy See.

In the 286th he expresseth his Joy for the Emperour's coming to Ravenna, and begs him to hasten his Journey.

The 287th is to the King of Bulgaria: He expresses his admiration, that he hath not sent Ambassadours to Rome, and Exhorts him to do it, and acknowledge the Holy See.

In the 288th he reproves the Arch-Bishop of Vienna for favouring the Allies of Boson, and Cites him to Rome.

The 292d is written to the same Arch-Bishop, and blames him for causing Optandus Bishop of Geneva to be apprehended, and Ordaining another in his place. He Cites him a second time to Rome.

In the 293d he complains to the Emperour, that the Marquess Guy had seized on the Goods of the Church of Rome, and refused to do him Justice; desiring him to come in Person and do him right.

By the 294th he Absolves the Bishop of Naples, provided he break the Alliance made with the Sarazens, and strangle the most Guilty of those that are in his hands, and send him the rest.

The 295th is an Answer to Oteran Arch-Bishop of Vienna, who to clear himself, writ to the Pope, That he had Ordained a Bishop for Geneva before the Arrival of Optandus. The Pope answered, That 'twas well known to the World how long that Church had been with∣out a Bishop; and that 'twas for that Reason, and the Necessity of that Church, that he had Ordained Optandus Bishop of that place. That he ought not to object this against him, that he was not of that Church; since he himself was neither a Clerk, nor Instructed nor Bap∣tized in the Church of Vienna, of which he was now Bishop. He Cites him to the Synod at Rome with Adalbart Bishop of Maurienne, who was Accused of having injured the Bishop of Grenoble; 'tis to him that the following Letter is directed.

The 297th is to Michael King of Bulgaria, whom he often Exhorts to send Ambassadors, and sub∣mit to the Holy See.

In Letter the 298th, written to the Empress and Luitwardus Bishop of Vercelli, he entreats her to press the Emperour to assist him against the Infidels, and to send Engelberga to Rome.

By Letter the 299th, Directed to Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan; he Confirms the Privileges of the Church of Milan, and Exhorts him to Labour and Pray for the Church of Rome: Here end the Letters of the XIVth Indiction, and begin those of the XVth, beginning in September 881.

In the 300th Letter, he enjoyns the Arch-Bishop of Ravenna to restore to Dean John all he had taken away from him.

In the 301st, he orders the Clergy of Ravenna to Apprehend Maimbert, whom he had Excom∣municated, and send him to him.

By the following, he adviseth his firm Friend to do it with Expedition; he enjoyns the same thing to Duke John, in Letter 303.

The 304th is a Condoling Letter, written to the People of Ravenna for the Death of their Bishop: He Confirms the Election they had made of an Other, and charges them to re∣spect him. He recommends to them the Dukes Deus Dedit and John, together with their Estates.

In Letter the 305th to the Abbot Hugh, he desires him to Exhort King Lewis to come to Rome, and warns him to shun the Communion of Formosus, of John Arch-Bishop of R••uen, Adelard Arch-Bishop of Tours, and Frotarius Arch-Bishop of Bourges.

Letter 306 is Directed to King Charles, whom he entreats to Confirm King Carloman in his good Intentions toward the Roman Church.

In the 307th he sends to Suppo to meet him at Mount Cenis, and to bring thither to him the Princess Engelberga, Anspert Arch-Bishop of Milan, Wibodus Bishop of Parma, and some other Persons of Trust.

In 308th, he commends to a Bishop the Care of a Vacant Church, till it be provided of a Pastor.

The following Letters are not set down according to the Order of their Dates.

In Letter the 309th, written to Aldephonsus King of Gallicia, and all the Christians of that Country: he makes the Church of Oviedo a Metropolitan Church, with Authority over the Kingdom of Gallicia. In the next he advises that Prince to have the Church of S. Jame's Consecrated by the Spanish Bishops, and desires some Moor-Cavaliers to serve against the Ene∣mies of the Church of Rome.

In the 311th he grants the Communion to some Priests of Salerno, who tho Excommunicated by Pope Nicholas his Predecessor, yet were suffered to Exercise their Functions, on condition they should Fast every Monday and Friday for three years.

The 312th is a Fragment of a Letter written to the King of the Bulgarians, accusing him of Schism, because he Received the Sacrament of such People as the Church of Rome counted Excommunicated.

In the 313th, he Creates Ansegisus his Vicar in France and Germany with Power to Assemble Synods, if need required, and to regulate the Affairs of that Country: He orders him also, to Publish the Decrees of the Holy See, and to refer to him all Affairs of Difficulty or Conse∣quence.

In the 314th, he gives leave to Hincmarus Arch-Bishop of Rheims, to Ordain in the Church of Laon, him that was chosen in the place of his Deposed Nephew; this Letter is Dated on the fifth of January, Indiction IX. that is to say the year 876.

Letter the 315th, Directed to the Bishops and Arch-Bishops of the Kingdom of Lewis of Bavaria; he smartly reproves them, for not hindering their King from Entering into the Kingdom of Charles the Emperour; and he acquaints them, that he hath sent two Legates to Compose the Differences between those Princes, and to Excommunicate him that shall not agree to their Decisions.

He writes the same thing to the Counts of the Kingdom of Bavaria in the following Let∣ter: On the contrary, he praises the Prelates and Counts of the Empire, because they conti∣nued faithful to him: and reproves in Letter the 318th, those that had abandon'd him.

Letter 319th is directed to all the Arch-Bishops, Bishops, Abbots, Priests, Judges and People of France and Germany. He gives them to understand, That Gregory Nomenclator and George his Son-in-law, having been Impeached before the Roman Church, and Accused in two Wri∣tings, he had Cited them by two Bishops, and by his Secretary, who had delivered them Copies of the Accusations against them; that they had put off their Appearance from day to day, and in the mean time had conspired to Introduce the Sarazens into Rome. That not being able ••o affect their Designs, and the Day of their Trial approaching, they had by Night opened a Gate of the City, and fled with Bishop Formosus, and some others, that had con∣spired against the Emperour Charles. That he had sent two Bishops to Cite them, but not finding them; and having put off their Trials to another Day, and sent again without success to seek them, he had assembled a Council, and pronounced against them the following Sen∣tence: That Formosus Bishop of Porto, heretofore sent Ambassadour by Pope Nicholas to the King of Bulgaria, had engaged that Prince to receive no other Bishop sent by the Holy See but himself: Also being Convicted of having done his Endeavours to pass from his Bishop∣rick to that of Rome; of having quitted his Church; fled out of Rome, and Conspired against Charles the Emperour; should be Excommunicated and Deprived of his Priestly Office, if he did not appear to justifie himself within Fifteen days, that is to say, by the Second of May, and that without hopes of Restoration, if he past Twenty days without appearing. That Gre∣gory, Stephen, George, Sergius and Constantine, Authors and Accomplices of the said Conspiracy, and Guilty of divers other Crimes, should be also Excommunicated unless they appeared with∣in Ten days, and be for ever Anathemized, if they do not do it in Fifteen. He adviseth by this Circular Letter all Prelates and Believers not to Communicate with them; and declares those that do so, Excommunicated as well as they.

Letter the 320th is directed to Photius, and written concerning the Addition of the Filioque added to the Creed: Pope John the Eighth disapproves of it.

These Letters are followed by some Fragments of others, written by John the Eighth, ga∣thered out of Gratian.

In the first, taken out of a Letter written to the Bishop of Vannes, he determins, that a Bi∣shop having committed Manslaughter, can never perform Priestly Functions afterwards.

In the Second, out of a Letter written to Rostagnus Arch-Bishop of Arles, That the Sacrament cannot be given to a Person ravished, till she hath quitted her Ravisher.

In the third, cited out of a Letter to the Arch-Bishop of Narbonne, he submits to the Judg∣ment of this Metropolitan, an Excommunicated Priest who had been put to Penance by some Bishops of his Province, and advises him to take six Bishops with him to judge of it.

In the fourth he writes to the Arch-Bishop of Cologne, That he cannot grant him the Pall, because in the Letter by which he desired it, he neither spoke according to the Custom of U∣niversal Councils, nor the Decrees of the Popes, and that he had not signed the Letter, nor sent any one to testifie the Truth of it by Oath.

Lastly, There is a Fragment of a Constitution concerning the Cardinals, attributed to Pope John the VIIIth; which orders, that they shall be present at least twice a Month in the Churches, to which they are entituled, that they may inform themselves of the demeanour of the Clergy, prevent disorders, and judge of all differences between the Clergy and Laity in Ecclesiastical Affairs; he also commits to their Charge, the care of Monasteries; he likewise commands them to be twice a Week at the Palace, according to the Command of Leo the IVth, to regulate Affairs there. In fine, He grants them half the Revenues and Contribution of the Parishes of Rome, upon Condition that they perform Divine Service there. These Constitutions do not appear to be so ancient as John the VIIIth.

Father Labbe hath made an Addition of some Letters, which he supposes to belong to Pope John the VIIIth: but either they are forged as the three first, or they are Grants of Privileges, which are not of John the VIIIth's, only as the fourth and the sixth; or they are found else∣where as the fifth, which differs not from Letter 113th, and the seventh, which is a Paper of In∣struction, given to the Legates sent to Constantinople, about the Affair of Photius. [These Letters of Pope John's are Extant in Tome IX. of the Councils, with the Fragments.]

After John the VIIIth, the See was held by Marinus, and afterwards by Adrian the IIId, they lived but a short time, and did nothing considerable. Stephen the Vth who Succeeded, writ two Letters into the East; one to the Emperour Basilicus, and the other to the Oriental Bishops, about the Affair of Photius. There is also a little Letter that bears his Name, to Robert Bishop of Mets, in which 'tis Decided, that a Clerk having lost one Finger, might be Promoted to Holy Orders.

A Fragment of another Letter to Fulke Arch-Bishop of Rheims, in favour of Teutboldus chosen Bishop of Langres; which Commands him to put him in possession of that Bishoprick. I do not mention another in favour of the Church of Narbonne, against the rights of the Church of Tarragon, which is a supposititius Monument full of falsities. [His Epistles are in Tom. IX. of the Councils]

At the end of this Age, the Church of Rome was troubled by the Election of Formosus Bishop of Ostia, Translated to the Bishoprick of Rome; This Man had been Deposed by Pope John the VIIIth: But being returned under the Papacy of Marinus, he used all arts and interest to obtain the Holy See; but finding himself hated and rudely used by the Romans, he procured the Emperour Arnol∣dus to come to Rome, who Beheaded several of the Chief of that City, who came to meet him. After his Death, which happened in the year 896, about the fifth or sixth of his Popedom, the Holy See was Disputed between Boniface and Stephen.

This last being an Enemy to Formosus's Memory, dug up his Corps, drest him, and stript him of his Pontifical Habit, and after having cut off his Fingers, threw him into the Tyber; and Decla∣red, that all whom he had Ordained should be Ordained anew; and made this cruel and un∣reasonable Proceeding be approved of by a Council held at Rome: But Pope Romanus that suc∣ceeded him in the year 900, revok'd what his Predecessor had done: And his Papacy, and that of his Successor Theodorus lasting but few Months, John the IX in a Council, Disannulled all that had been done against Formosus, declared all his Ordinations good, Condemned to the Fire the Acts of the Council, held under Stephen the IVth, Excommunicated those that had dug up Formosus's Body, and forbid for the future all such like Proceedings.

These last Popes have written very little: There are two Letters of Formosus's; one to Stilianus about the Affairs of the East, another to the Bishops of England; but the latter which is likewise attributed to Pope Leo the Vth belongs to neither of them, being writ at a Council, supposed to be held the year 905. which neither agrees with the time of Formosus's being Pope, nor with the Reign of King Edward, in whose time this Council is placed. They Attribute to Stephen the VIth, two Letters to the Arch-Bishop of Narbonne, but both seem to be Supposititious. As to the Letters of John the IXth, we shall speak of them in the History of the following Age.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Stephen IV.
• * 1.2

  Paschal I.
• * 1.3

  Eugenius II.
• * 1.4

  Valentinus. Gregory IV.
• * 1.5

  Sergius II.
• * 1.6

  Leo IV.
• * 1.7

  Benedict. III.
• * 1.8

  Nicholas I.
• * 1.9

  Viz. 106.
• * 1.10

  Adrian II.