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.

FULCUS Arch-Bishop of Rheims.

FULCUS succeeded Hincmarus in the Arch-bishoprick of Rheims, in the Year 882. He was * 1.1 a Person of Quality, who had been a long time at Court. Immediately he sent to Pope Mari∣nus his Confession of the Faith, according to Custom, and receiv'd the Pall from him. In a Se∣cond Letter he demanded a Confirmation of the Privileges granted by the Popes to his Predecessors, and made Complaints to him of the Estate bequeath'd by his Brother Rampo, for the building of a Monastery, of which Ermenfroy, who had married his Widdow, had taken Possession. Marinus wrote on this last point to to Gerard Arch-bishop of Sens, in whose Diocess this Monastery was; and to John Arch-bishop of Roan, to whose Diocess Ermenfroy did belong, giving him orders to enjoyn him to relinquish the Estate which he had so unjustly possess'd himself of; and if he would not do it, to make use of Canonical Punishments against him. Fulcus wrote likewise to Pope Adrian the Successor of Marinus, to Congratulate his Advancement to the Popedom; and at the same time sent him some Copies of the Privileges granted by the Popes, Leo, Benedict, and Nicholas to the Church of Rheims, to which he desires him to grant a Confirmation. In the same Letter he intreats him to send a Commission to the Arch-bishops of Sens and Roan, to adjust the business of the Mo∣nastery, which Ermenfroy had taken possession of, and writes in favour of Frotarius Arch-bishop of Bruges, who was accus'd by a Monk of his Diocess; assuring the Pope, that he had been Elected by the Bishops of his Province, by the Clergy and Laity of his own Diocess, and Confirm'd by Pope Marinus. He sent another very submissive Letter to Pope Stephen, wherein he thanks him for the Honour he did him in writing to him, and in treating with him as a Friend and Brother; Ti∣tles which he could not pretend to, thinking it an Honour to be his Servant and Subject. He as∣sures him, that if he were not surrounded, and as it were Besieged by the Barbarians, who were not above five Leagues off his City, and who Beleaguer'd Paris; he would have undertaken a Jour∣ney to Rome. He informs him of the part he bore in the Snares which were laid against him, and makes his acknowledgments for the favour shew'd by the Pope to his Son Guy, who was the Arch-Bishop's Kinsman. He promises Obedience to the Pope, and exalts the Dignity of the Church of Rheims, which he pretends had been Founded by Saint Sixtus, who was sent by S. Peter, and was the chief of the whole Kingdom. He adds, that Pope Hormisdas had established the Arch-Bishop of Rheims, his Vicar in Gaul; and desires him to confirm the Privileges granted by his Predecessors. He presses him to order Ermenfroy to be Excommunicated by the Arch-Bishops of Sens and Roan; and intreats him to write to King Charles, to oblige him to restore in full to the Church of Rheims the Revenues which belong'd to it.

The Pope answer'd Fulcus, that he was glad to see he had such good thoughts of the Holy See; * 1.2 he assur'd him, that he look'd upon Guy as his own Child; that he was deeply affected with the De∣solation of France, caus'd by the Barbarians; that he pray'd God to deliver that Kingdom out of all its Trouble: And Lastly, he acquainted him, that he had sent Letters according to his desire, to the Arch-bishops of Sens and Roan.

Fulcus wrote a Second Letter to this Pope, wherein he renews his complaints against Ermenfroy, who would not obey the Injunctions of the Two Arch-Bishops, and intreats the Pope to cause him to be Excommunicated. At the same time he asks his Advice, whether it be lawful to ordain Bishops every Festival day.

The Pope sent him afterwards several Letters.

The first is a Letter of Consolation, for the Miseries he under-went.

The Second is a Recommendatory Letter, in behalf of a Man who was oppress'd by his Children * 1.3 and Relations.

The Third is directed to the Bishops of France against Frotarius, who had seized upon the See of Bruges, after he had been turn'd out of the Bishopricks of Bordeaux and Poitiers. He in∣joyns him under the Penalty of Excommunication, to relinquish Bruges, and return to Bor∣deaux.

The Fourth is in favour of Teutboldus, whom he had ordain'd Bishop of Langres. He therein tells him, that after the Death of Isaac Bishop of that Church, Aurelian Arch-Bishop of Lions had or∣dain'd in his room a Monk call'd Egilon, without being Elected by either Clergy or Laity, who had Elected Teutboldus, and desir'd the Pope that he might be Consecrated; that being willing to main∣tain the Privileges of all Churches, he had sent to Aurelian to ordain Teutboldus, provided it appear'd to him, that he had been unanimously elected by Clergy and Laity: That he had sent a Bishop to be upon the spot, to see that this Order were duly put in Execution; but that Aurelian had put a trick upon him, by sending him before to Langres, with a promise that he would be there soon after him; and that instead of being so good as his word, he suffer'd the Bishop to wait for him to no purpose: That the Clergy and Laity had sent an Act of the Election to Rome, and pray'd that Teut∣boldus might be Consecrated; that he had writ again to Aurelian, requiring him to ordain him; but that instead of obeying his Order, he made it his Business to bring the other into Possession; Lastly, That upon the fresh Instances of the Clergy and Laity of Langres, he had ordained Teu••bol∣dus;

he enjoyns Fulcus to put him into Possession. Fulcus reply'd to him, that he was very willing to put his orders touching Teutboldus into Execution, but that he had been obliged to defer it upon the Instance of King Eudes, who would send his Ambassadors to him, to know his Resolution. He adds, that the Bishops were very glad at his declaring, that he was willing to maintain the Rights and Privileges of Bishops in their full force. He desires to know of him, whether it be lawful for any of his Suffragans to execute the Orders of the King, or of any other without his leave, or to under∣take any thing contrary to his Prohibitions.

The same Pope confirms the Privileges of the Church of Rheims, and prohibits all Persons whatso∣ever * 1.4 from seizing or detaining any of the Revenues which belong to it. He likewise wrote to Ful∣cus about the difference which happen'd between Herman Arch-Bishop of Cologn, and Aldegairus Bi∣shop of Hamburg and Breme. They had both written to the Holy See upon that Subject, and had been cited thither. Aldegairus came to Rome accordingly, but Herman did not appear. However, the Pope being unwilling to determine a matter of that Consequence, without hearing both Parties, he orders Fulcus to call a Synod in his Name at Worms, with the Bishops his Suffragans and Neigh∣bours; and to cite thither Herman and Aldegairus, with the Arch-bishop of Mayence and his Suffra∣gans, to examine strictly the Pretensions of both Parties. He invites him to come to Rome upon that Affair and others, or at least to send thither some able Person, with the Parties concern'd, that so he might be fully inform'd of all things.

The Pope being dead before this Affair was adjusted, Fulcus wrote about it to his Successor For∣mosus, * 1.5 praying that he would continue him in the same Commission. He thank'd him at the same time for the Complements he had sent him by the Abbess Bertha; and asks his advice, what ought to be done against one who had a mind to seize on the Estate which his Brother-in-Law Count Eve∣rard, had bequeath'd to a Monastery, which he had built in Honour of Saint Calixtus, whose Body he had brought from Rome. He withal declares to him, that he was very sorry to hear that there were some Persons, who gave disturbance to the Church of Rome, and he was ready to stand in its defence. In the Conclusion he gives the Pope to understand, that several Bishops of France requir'd the Pall, which they ought by no means to have, since it would cause them to despise their Metropo∣litans; and that he ought to take special care about it, because this abuse might be the Cause of a great deal of trouble in the Church of France.

Pope Formosus return'd him this Answer, that he was oblig'd to him for the Concern he shew'd at * 1.6 the unhappy state of the Church of Rome: That the Eastern Churches were likewise disturb'd by an∣tient Heresies and new Schisms: That the Bishops of Africa had sent their Deputies to Rome, for the adjusting and making up a Schism, which was then on foot between the Bishops of that Country; and that there were several other Deputies at Rome, from divers parts, who requir'd Answers upon several distinct Subjects: That he had resolv'd to hold a Synod the first of March, to which he in∣vited him. He had already invited him to another Synod by a former Letter, whereby he confirm'd the Privileges granted to the Church of Rheims, and prohibited any seizure to be made of the Re∣venues which belong'd to it. By the same Letter he likewise acquainted him of the Coronation of Guy perform'd by him that same Year.

By another Letter of the Year ensuing, he confirm'd the Donations granted to the Church of Rheims, and gave Fulcus to understand, that he had Crown'd Lambert the Son of Guy Emperor. He like∣wise reprimands several Laicks who would not be subject to their Arch-Bishop.

Formosus wrote likewise several Letters in favour of Charles the Simple, against Eudes. He sent for Fulcus to Rome upon that Subject, desiring all Acts of Hostility might cease, till his return. Fulcus excus'd himself from this Journey, and tells the Pope that he ought to write to Arnulphus King of Germany, requiring him to assist Charles, and to threaten Eudes with Excommunication if he continued to ravage France. The Pope wrote to each of them; but it could not hinder Eudes from carrying on his Design: And Arnulphus was so far from favouring Charles, that he entred the Kingdom, laid Siege to the City of Rheims; ravag'd the Country, and particularly rifl'd the Re∣venues which belong'd to the Church. Fulcus made his complaints of this to the Pope. A while after he likewise wrote another Letter to him, wherein he takes Notice, that it was expedient that * 1.7 Lambert should enter into an Alliance with King Charles, and that the Pope should write to Eudes to inform him, that it was highly reasonable, that Charles should enjoy part of his Father's Dominions. At the same time he advises him, about three Persons who lay under perpetual Excommunication, because of the ill usage they shew'd to Teutboldus Bishop of Langres, and to Gautier Arch-Bishop of Sens; viz. whether he might admit them to Penance: and about Heriland Bishop of Teroüane, turn'd out of his Diocess by the Normans; whether he might give him another Bishoprick, and place in his stead a Person who might be more agreeable to the People of the place, and who could speak the Language of the Country. The Pope return'd him this Answer, that he was oblig'd to him for what he wrote with Relation to Lambert; that the three Persons he spoke of, had been con∣demn'd * 1.8 to a perpetual Excommunication, for having put out the Eyes of Teutboldus, and for having cast Gautier into Prison, and that they ought still to lye under that Sen∣tence.

The last Letter which Pope Formosus wrote to Fulcus, related to Berchairus, whom the Laity and Clergy of Chalons had elected their Bishop by the Consent of King Eudes. He complains of the unwillingness of Fulcus to Consecrate him; and that after the Decease of the late Bishop, he had by way of Prevention, caus'd this Bishoprick to be govern'd by Heriland Bishop of Teroüane, who

had been turn'd out of his own Diocess: that afterwards he had ordain'd Mancian, a Man of a pro∣fligate Life; and that Berchairus intending to go to Rome, had been Arrested by Conrad the Creature of Fulcus, and sent into Banishment. For this he cites the Archbishop to Rome, with Mancion, Con∣rad, and several other Bishops.

Fulcus return'd no reply to Formosus, but wrote a Letter of Compliment to Stephen VI. his Succes∣sor. However this did not prevent that Pope from citing him to a Synod, to be holden the latter * 1.9 end of September. He excus'd his going thither, and sent several of his Clergy in his room. He gave the Pope to understand, that he wonder'd at the hard Expressions of his Letter; and the more because he had been always very submissive to the Holy See, and had received nothing from it but Kindnesses and Civilities. He imputes this harshness of the Pope to the false Reports he had receiv'd of him. To justifie himself, he shews how he had been Educated from his Childhood, in all that an Ecclesiastick ought to know: How afterwards he was call'd to Court by King Charles the Son of Lewis, and continued in it till the Reign of Charlemagne; that he had been elected Archbishop of Rheims by the Bishops of the Province, and by the Clergy and Laity of that City; and how indu∣strious he had been in promoting the interest of that Church. Lastly he adds, that if King Eudes would give him leave, he would go to Rome when the way was open, for he was then enclosed by Zuentibold the Son of Arnulphus, who had basely us'd and rifled his Church. In fine, he pray'd the Pope to free him from that Tyranny, and not to oblige him to relinquish his Church, at a time where∣in his presence was so necessary. These are all the Letters of Fulcus to the Popes, and of the Popes to that Archbishop, of which Flodoard gives us an Extract, in the four first Chapters of the fourth Book of his History.

In his fifth Chapter the same Author mentions the Letters of this Archbishop, directed to the Kings and Princes. * 1.10

The first is to Charles the Gross, the Son of Lewis of Germany, after the Death of Charles the Bald, wherein he pray'd him to protect France against the Normans, who had ravaged the Coun∣try, and laid Siege to the principal Towns thereof.

In a second Letter to the same Emperor, he intreats that he would procure the Pall for him from the Pope, and the Confirmation of the Privileges granted to the Church of Rheims.

The third is directed to Arnulphus King of Germany, wherein he gives him the reason why he had anointed Charles the Simple King. He gives him to understand, that upon the Death of Charles the Bald, the French immediately made their Application to him, to be accepted under his Protecti∣on: but that having received no Protection nor Countenance from him, they were obliged to choose Charles for their King, who was the only Man next him of the Royal Blood, and whose Brothers and Predecessors had been Kings: That the reason why they did not choose him sooner, was, because being too young he was not capable of governing the Kingdom, especially at a time when the Nor∣mans were ready to rifle and pillage the whole Kingdom: and that they had done it at last without consulting Arnulphus in the Case, according to the Custom of France, which always was, when one King was dead, to put up in his place one of the Royal Family, without consulting any Foreign Power. He likewise answer'd that which they accus'd him of, viz. that he had never Crown'd Charles the Simple, but that he might with the more ease bestow the Kingdom on Guy; and makes it appear, that it was only a Calumny invented by his Enemies. And whereas some were pleased to raise a Report, that Charles was not the Son of Lewis the Lisper; he says, that the very sight of him would be a sufficient Evidence to convince them of the contrary; because any one might easily discern in him, the very Air and Features of his Father. Lastly, he intreats Arnulphus to do Justice to this innocent King, and his own Kinsman: To consider that the Kingdom of France had al∣way been an Hereditary Kingdom; and to believe that the French had no other design, than that Charles should be lead by his Counsels, and bound to him in a firm Bond of Amity and Al∣liance.

In the fourth Letter which is likewise directed to Arnulphus, he assures him of the Fidelity where∣with King Charles and himself had observed the Treaties made with that Prince. He informs him, that this King being minded to Attack Eudes, had writ to Guy and the Pope, to engage them on his side.

The fifth was written to King Eudes. He intreats him to grant the Church of Laon liberty to choose a Bishop, in the room of Didon lately Deceas'd.

The sixth was directed to Charles, whom he very sharply reproves for his intention of making a League with the Normans, and of making use of them to reinstate him in his Kingdom. He re∣monstrates to him, that it was a piece of Idolatry, thus to enter into the Alliance and Interest of Pa∣gans: That the Kings his Predecessors were Servants of the true God; and that he had renounced him, by joyning with Infidels; that this was not the way to reascend the Throne of his Ancestors, but rather to loose it, by pulling on his Head the Wrath of an angry God: That those who gave him this advice were his Enemies, and that if he followed it, he knew not how to continue Loyal to him, nor how to prevent himself from drawing off as many as he could from obeying him, but that he must be forced to Excommunicate him, and condemn him with a perpetual Anathema. He adds, that he wrote these things with extreme grief and concern, because it was his desire, that he might be had in honour both with GOD and Man, and that he might regain his Throne by the help of the Lord, and not by the Assistance of the Devil; because the Kingdoms which God bestows are firm and lasting; whereas those which are acquir'd by Injustice and Rapine are uncertain, and of a short standing.

The seventh was directed to the Emperour Lambert, whom he Congratulated upon the Popes De∣claration, that he would look upon him as his own Son. He exhorts him always to bear a due re∣spect and honour to the Holy See, because that was the only way of securing himself an Interest in Heaven, and of obtaining a superiority over all his Enemies. He wish'd him to remember that his Uncle Lambert, who had been an Enemy to the Holy See, Perish'd miserably; and he intreated him to intercede with the Pope for their Kinsman Rampon, who had been Excommunicated.

The eighth was Dedicated to Albrade, or Alfrede, the King of Great Britain, whom he Congra∣tulates for the choice he made of a worthy Person to fill the See of Canterbury; because he heard that in his Country they advanced such a sort of Men, as permitted the Bishops and Priests to have Women among them, and the Laicks to Marry their Kindred, as well as those Virgins who were De∣dicated to God's Service; and to have a Wife and a Concubine at the same time.

The ninth was directed to Richilda, a Queen or Empress, whom he inform'd of the ill Reports which went about of her Conduct, and exhorts her to lead a Life more conformable to Christianity, and to her state of Widowhood, which she had devoted to God.

In the sixth Chapter Elodoard makes mention of the Letters which Fulcus sent to several Bishops.

In the first directed to Frotharius, Archbishop of Bordeaux, he desires that Archbishop to preserve * 1.11 the Revenues of the Church of Rheims, which were in his Diocess, and to Excommunicate such as should seize on them.

The Second is Directed to Rostaing, Archbishop of Arles, on the same Subject.

In the third directed to Herman Archbishop of Cologn, he declares that he had a great desire to hold a Conference with him, and the Bishops of his Province, but that he was prevented by the Incur∣sions of the Normans: And he prays him to do him Justice with relation to some of the Revenues belonging to his Church, of which several Persons had made a Schism; the Cognizance of this Af∣fair having been referr'd to Wilbert his Predecessor, and now laid before him.

The fourth written to the same Person, relates likewise to the Interest of the Church of Rheims, for some Revenues which were Embezell'd from it.

The fifth is directed to Gontier, Archbishop of Sens, about the business of the Abbess Hildergarda. He intreats this Archbishop not to be so False as he had been, to the Assignments made upon this Account, and to do right to that Abbess.

In the sixth he Congratulates Pleonicus a Bishop of England, for his endeavouring to root out those Disorders of which he had made mention in his Letter to Alfrede, and he exhorts him to continue in his Design.

The Seventh was directed to John a Roman Prelate, whom he put in mind of some Ancient To∣kens of Friendship, which he had shewn to him; and intreats him to assure Pope Stephen of his Sub∣mission to him, and begs he would stand his Friend in that Affair.

The Eighth, Ninth and Tenth were directed to Dodilon, Bishop of Cambray. By the two first he calls him to the Synod, which was to meet about determining the business between Hildegarde and Hermingard: and by the last wrote in his own Name, and in the Name of the Bishops his Suffra∣gans, he enjoyns him to compel Count Baldwin to make due Restitutions of the Church Revenues which he had seiz'd on, to send him the Letter which they wrote to him upon the same Subject; and to go and meet with Bishop Hetilon at Arras.

The eleventh was writ to this Hetilon, upon the account of Dodilon's having caus'd the Body of Saint Calixtus to be taken away; which had been bequeathed by Radulphus to the Church of Rheims whither it was brought.

The Twelfth was directed to Didon Bishop of Laon, whom he reproves for having refused the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, at the point of Death, to one Walcher, who was Execu∣ted for High Treason; and for denying him Burial, and forbidding any Prayers to be made for him.

In the Thirteenth he desires Peter a Roman Prelate to obtain the favour of Pope Formosus, that he might put Heriland, turn'd out of his own Diocess of Teroüane, into Possession of the Bishoprick of Chalons putting him in mind of what had been done in the Case of Actardus Bishop of Nants, who had been Translated to Tours.

The Fourteenth was directed to Honoratus Bishop of Beauvais: He complains, that this Bishop was his open and profess'd Enemy; Exhorts him to a Reconciliation, and gives him to understand, that he was accus'd of Rapines: He takes Notice to him of the Excommunication of one nam'd Aldramus, which the Bishop of Beauvais had thunder'd out, and which he said that the Archbishop of Rheims was bound to put in execution: As to this point he tells him, that he was always ready to follow the advice and opinion of other Bishops, but that he knew of no Power which the Church of Beauvais had to command the Church of Rheims; and that this Excommunication was not groun∣ded on a Lawful and Canonical Reason, but only because this Man had left the Interest of Eudes, and embraced that of King Charles. He likewise Summoned him to appear at the Ordination of the Bishops of Senlis and Chalons, and gave him to understand that Pope Stephen had order'd him to send him to Ravenna.

The Fifteenth is a Letter of Compliment to Teuthaldus, Bishop of Langres.

The Sixteenth was directed to Radulphus Successor to Didon Bishop of Laon, whose Promotion to that Dignity he Congratulates, and advertis'd him that he had too rashly Excommunicated one

of his Diocesans, hinting withal that he gave him his advice as a Friend to a Friend, not being wil∣ling to make use of that Authority and Priviledge which the Church of Rheims had from all Antiqui∣ty, of succouring all those who made their Application to it, and thought themselves injur'd by their Bishops.

We might likewise to these Letters joyn that of Mancion Bishop of Chalons, directed to Fulcus, and publish'd by Father Mabillon in the third Tome of his Collections, wherein he asks the Arch-bishop's Advice, how he ought to behave himself with relation to a Priest who was solemnly be∣trothed to a Woman, and would marry her publickly.

In the seventh Chapter Flodoard speaks of several Letters of Fulcus, directed to Abbots, and to * 1.12 Persons of Note.

The first was directed to an Abbot called Stephen, whom he comforts upon his having been de∣priv'd of a Bishoprick to which he had been elected.

In the second he reprov'd Baldwin Count of Flanders, for the many Injuries he offer'd to the Churches of his Country: and among others for having caus'd a Priest to be whip'd; for having turn'd out several Parochial Priests out of their Churches, in order to make room for others of his own choosing; for having unjustly seiz'd upon an Estate which the King had bestow'd on the Church of Noyon; for having seiz'd upon a Monastery, &c. he threaten'd to Excommunicate him, in case he did not forthwith make Restitution, and leave off his Cruelties to the Church.

The third is directed to the Clergy and Laiety of Senlis upon the Election of a Bishop.

The fourth to the Clergy of Laon upon the same Subject.

The fifth to the Monks of Corby, whom he severely reproves for their having cruelly turn'd out their Abbot.

These are all the Letters of Fulcus, which are mention'd in Flodoard; the very Extracts of which shew us, that this Archbishop wrote with a great deal of Strength and Authority; That he was zea∣lous for the welfare of the Church, for the Dignity of Bishops, and particularly for the Rights and Prerogatives of the Church of Rheims. He was assassinated by Win••mare and others of Count Baldwin's Creatures in the Year 900, which Count was incens'd against him for having taken away from him the Abby of S. Wast, and the Castle of Arras.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Fulcus Arch-Bi∣shop of Rheims.
• * 1.2

  A Letter of Stephen V. to Fulcus.
• * 1.3

  Other Let∣ters of Ste∣phen V. to Fulcus.
• * 1.4

  Other Wri∣tings of Stephen in favour of the Church of Rheims.
• * 1.5

  The Letters of Fulcus to Formosus.
• * 1.6

  The Letter of Formo∣sus to Ful∣cus.
• * 1.7

  The Letter of Fulcus to Pope Formosus.
• * 1.8

  The Letter of Formo∣sus to Ful∣cus.
• * 1.9

  The Letters of Fulcus to Stephen VI.
• * 1.10

  The Letters of Fulcus to the Kings and Princes.
• * 1.11

  The Letters of Fulcus to the Bishops.
• * 1.12

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Fu•…•… to the A••∣b••ts