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.

ARNULPHUS Bishop of Lisieux. * 1.1

ARNOUL or ARNULPHUS, Bishop of Lisieux, Arch-deacon of Seez, was install'd in the Bishoprick of Lisieux, A. D. 1141. and in 1147. accompany'd Lewes sirnam'd the Young King of France in his Expedition to the Holy Land. In 1160. he was sent into England by Pope Alexander III. in quality of his Legate, and afterwards employ'd in the Negotiations be∣tween King Henry II. and Thomas Becket Arch-bishop of Canterbury; but having too obsti∣nately taken part with the latter, he incurr'd the King's displeasure, and was oblig'd to retire in 1180. to the Monastery of St. Victor near Paris, where he died August 11. A. D. 1182.

This Arnulphus made a Collection of his own Letters at the request of Gilles Arch-bishop of Roan, to whom he Dedicates them by his first Letter. These are written in a fine Style, being full of ingenious Notions and moral Sentences, which render them both useful and de∣lightful. There are many that contain only Compliments, or relate to certain private Con∣cerns; but there are others about Ecclesiastical Affairs, comprehending divers Points of Disci∣pline▪ particularly, those directed to Pope Adrian IV. in the First of which, this Bishop re∣commends to him the doing Justice to a certain Person, who had recourse to the See of Rome, to get satisfaction for the ill treatment he had receiv'd in his own Country, where he could not obtain any relief of his Diocesan. Arnulphus observes in that Letter, that People began

not to have the same Respect for the Holy See as formerly, and that those who appeal'd to it, were so far from getting their Grievances redress'd, that they were more injuriously treated than before, which befel him in whose favour he wrote, who had no sooner enter'd an Ap∣peal, but he was put in Prison; neither could he procure his liberty, but by paying a Sum of Money to his Persecutor, and by submitting to the Bishop's Sentence. Therefore he ex∣horts the Pope to revenge the Indignity, by reason that if they were suffer'd thus to elude the Decisions of the Holy See, its Protection would become altogether unprofitable.

In another Letter directed to the same Pope, he entreats him to send back the Bishop of Baieux, whose presence was much wanted in his Diocess, where he had done a great deal of good.

He wrote again to that Pope, about the Contest that arose between the Abbot and the Monks of Jumieges. Those Monks had accus'd their Abbot of many Crimes, and more especially of Incontinency, and divers Witnesses had made Depositions against him, but they gave their Testimony about different matters of Fact, so that there was not any compleat positive Proof against him, because every Fact was prov'd only by one single Witness. Whereupon Arnul∣phus admitted him to clear himself by his own Oath, and by that of three Abbots and three Monks of known Probity. The Monks appeal'd from his Court to the See of Rome, and de∣manded Letters of Reference, which he calls Apostolos (this is the first time I met with this Term in that Signification.) He acquaints Pope Adrian, that he had granted their Request, and that in the mean while, he order'd both Parties to do nothing, that might tend to the pre∣judice of the Appeal.

He likewise wrote to the Abbot of St. Evrou, that he was oblig'd to discharge the Debts that were actually contracted by his Predecessors, and threatens to suspend him, unless he gives satisfaction to his Creditors before Whitsontide. He enjoins that Abbot by another Let∣ter, under pain of Suspension, to re-admit a certain Monk, whom he had turn'd out of his Monastery, without hearing what he alledg'd in his own Defence.

In another Letter to William Bishop of Mans, he desires him to appoint another Place in stead of Poitiers, for the Trial of the Treasurer of Rouen; because he would be oblig'd to take a much longer Journey thither, than his Adversary, who was nearer that City.

Arnulphus being at variance with a certain Lord, who refus'd to acknowledg his Jurisdiction, it was order'd by the Legates of the See of Rome, That the said Lord should restore what he had taken from him; that he should cause satisfaction to be made by those of his Vassals, who were excommunicated; that he should make a due presentation of a Priest to govern that Church and People, under his Authority, as belonging to his Diocess. The Nobleman offer'd Arnulphus to present a Priest to him by the Hands of Hugh Arch-bishop of Rouen; but Arnul∣phus reply'd to that Arch-bishop, who made him the Proposal, That if matters were so order'd, it might be taken for granted, that the possession of that Place was not adjudg'd to him, but only resign'd by way of sequestration, which would be prejudicial to his Right, when the † 1.2 Claim should come to be debated: Besides that 'twas not sufficient to present a Priest to him, but that 'twas requisite that every thing which was ordain'd, should be effectually put in Exe∣cution: Lastly, as for the rest, that if they were willing to come to such an Agreement, as would entirely put an end to the Difference, he would readily take such Measures, as should be judg'd most expedient; but that 'twas not reasonable, for him to supply his Adversary with Arms, who was preparing with all his might for the Encounter.

The Schism that happen'd in the Church of Rome after the Death of Pope Adrian IV. be∣tween Alexander III. and Octavian, gave occasion to Arnulphus to write many Letters; the First of which is directed to Alexander III. to congratulate his Election. He assures him in that Letter, That God, who never abandons his Church, altho' he suffers it to be sometimes Persecuted; would give him the Victory over his Enemies, and put him in the peaceable possession of the Holy See, as he had done Pope Innocent, altho' he had a more formidable and a more potent Antagonist than Octavian: He expresses the great Joy he had at his Promo∣tion, and gives him to understand, that he had taken care to prepossess the King his Master (meaning Henry II. King of England) with respect to that Affair, and to make him sensible of the validity of his Election, and of the Deficiency of that of his Adversary; That upon his Testimo∣ny that Prince had declar'd for him, and had promis'd with a great deal of satisfaction, that he would not acknowledg any other Pope; That having afterwards receiv'd a Letter from the Em∣peror, who entreated him to defer the declaring in his favour, he had superseded the publishing of his Declaration; but that he still persisted in his former Resolution, and that whatever course the Emperor might take, he would not follow him, if he did not find it expedient.

Pope Alexander reply'd to Arnulphus, That he was very sensible of the Affection that he express'd towards him in his Letter; that he had caus'd it to be read publickly as a proof of the sincerity of his Intentions and of his Eloquence; that he was not ignorant by what means an end was put to the Schism which arose in the time of Pope Innocent; that he hop'd that thro' the divine Assistance, the Storm which at present disturb'd the tranquillity of the Church of Rome, would ere long be dispers'd; that he gave Thanks to God, that King Henry continu'd strenuously to maintain the Unity of the Church; that he entreated him to use his best Inte∣rests with his Majesty to hinder the frequent sollicitations of the Emperor from obliging him to alter his Mind; and that to that purpose he thought fit to nominate him his Nuncio in the

Court of that Prince, with Authority over the Bishops of his Dominions. He acquaints him, That the Emperor Frederic never ceas'd, since his accession to the Imperial Crown, to perse∣cute and oppress the Church of Rome; that in Adrian's Life-time he caused the Prelates, who were returning from Rome, to be taken Prisoners; that he misus'd the Legates of the Holy See; that he seiz'd on the Revenues belonging to the Church of Rome; and that he us'd his utmost efforts to expel Adrian, and to cause Octavian to be made Pope in his stead: That what he was not able to put in execution, whilst that Pope was yet living, he endea∣vour'd to compass, after his death, by favouring the intrusion of that Man, who attempted to get possession of the Holy See, and whose usurpation was abetted only by three Prelates, to the prejudice of the Canonical Election of himself, which was carry'd on by the others in due Form: That to maintain it, he call'd an Assembly of the Prelates at Pavia, and that Octavian resign'd the Marks of the Papal Dignity in his Presence: That the Emperor after∣wards restor▪d 'em to him, invested him with the Pontifical Habits and Ornaments, parti∣cularly with the Ring and Crosier-staff, and by force constrain'd the Bishops of that Council to own him as Pope. Lastly, he further informs Arnulphus, that he had actually excommu∣nicated Frederic and his Adherents.

Arnulphus having receiv'd this Letter, wrote one to the Arch-bishops and Bishops of England, to make 'em sensible of the Justice of Alexander's Cause. He says, That if the Persons of the two Competitours be compar'd, it will appear, that Alexander is endu'd with all the accom∣plishments of Learning and Vertue, that can be wish'd for in a Prelate; whereas his Adver∣sary has no other personal Merits to recommend him but his Quality; and if the two Elections be duely examin'd, one may be soon convinc'd, that that of Alexander, is regular, solemn and reasonable, and that that of the other, on the contrary, is rash and altogether unreasonable.

For can it be affirm'd (says he) that an Election manag'd by a single Bishop and two Car∣dinals, ought to be set up in opposition to the Authority of the whole Church? Or that a precarious Consecration made by a few private Persons, ought to be preferr'd to that which was perform'd with the requisite Solemnities, and with the general approbation of all the People? Can Octavian's Proceedings be justify'd, who assum'd the Pontifical Habits, who by an unheard of rashness plac'd himself in St. Peter's Chair, and seiz'd on the Palace, whilst Alexander chosen with an unanimous Consent refus'd, thro' Humility and Modesty, to accept of that Dignity? Or can the violence that Octavian afterwards offer'd, in be∣sieging Alexander and his Electors with armed Men give him any manner of Right or Title? Or could he under that pretence averr, that he was in possession of the Holy See nine Days before Alexander? Indeed the latter was chosen by the Senate, and conducted to the Ward-robe, where the Pontifical Habits were kept: He was also ordain'd by the Bishop of Ostia, to whom the Right of consecrating the Popes legally belongs; he was ac∣knowledg'd by the Legates, who resided in different Countries; and the whole Church would have continu'd in Peace; if his Adversary had not fled for refuge to the Emperor, whom he knew to be ready to afford him his Assistance.

He adds, That that Prince was glad to meet with so fair an opportunity, which he sought for after the example of his Predecessours, who had long ago form'd a Design to bring the Church of Rome under subjection to their Do∣minion, and upon that account favour'd the Schismaticks, and excited Divisions in that City: That Octavian had absolutely made him the Master of his Fortune; that he laid the Marks of the Pontifical Dignity at his Feet; and that he afterwards receiv'd from him the Investiture of the Church of Rome, by the Ring and Staff, causing the Imperial secular Power to triumph over the Priesthood: That the Emperor call'd a Council to confirm that Choice, and compell'd the Bishops by force to sign a Writing, by which they own'd Octavian as lawful Pope: That that Writing was full of manifest Untruths, and that the Bishops could not by their definitive Sen∣tence render an Election valid, that was null in its Original. Besides that the Gallican Church which always had the good fortune to maintain Justice and Truth, and to afford a Sanctuary to the Popes when persecuted by the German Princes, after having examin'd the Elections of Alexander and Octavian in a Council call'd by the King's Order, for that purpose, had deter∣min'd in favour of the former; but that the King had prudently defer'd the Publication of that Resolution, by reason of the union between him and the King of England, to the end that they might act jointly together: That the latter had in like manner sufficiently declar'd on Alexan∣der's behalf, in regard that he receiv'd his Letters, and more especially protested, that he would not own any other Pope, having also rejected those of Octavian. In the mean while, he admonish'd them to take care that Injustice might not prevail over the Truth, through the sinister practices of some English Noble-men, who gave it out, that they were related to Octavian, and exhorted them, when ever they met together, strenuously to maintain the Truth without fear of offending those Opponents.

In another Letter written to the Cardinals, he gives a particular account of divers re∣markable Circumstances of the Elections of Alexander and Octavian, viz. That the Bishop of Frascati, who was the first of the three Electors of the latter, being a voluptuous Man, took great delight in Feasting, and soon retir'd from the Conclave because Dinner-time drew near: That one of the two others took it ill, that he was deny'd the Office of Chancellor, and that the third was Octavian's Kinsman: That as soon as those three had given their Votes

for him, he himself took the Cope, and thr••w it over his Shoulders with so great Precipita∣tion, that that part which ought to lie on the Neck, fell to the Ground; that he got upon the Papal Throne in that Equipage; and that having caus••d the Doors of the Church to be set open, it was immediately fill'd with his Guards, who conducted him to the Pa∣lace: That the King of France call'd an Assembly of the Estates of the Realm, as well of the Clergy as of the Nobility, to determine which of the two Elections ought to be ratify'd: That some were of Opinion, that nothing should be done in a hurry about an Affair of that importance, and that it ought to be deferr'd for some time longer, because it was dangerous to excite a mis-understanding between the King and the Emperor upon that account: That they also added, that the Church of Rome was always burdensome to Princes; that 'twas re∣quisite to shake off the Yoke, since so fair an Occasion offer'd it self to that purpose; that the Death of the two Competitors would put an end to the Contest; and that the Govern∣ment of the Bishops might be sufficient, till God should more clearly make known his Will: Lastly, that the Respect due to the Emperor's Ambassadors, who were present, and to the King of England, whose Sentiments the King of France declar'd himself ready to follow, caus'd those Measures to be taken in the Assembly. Arnu••phus, in the end of this Letter, advises the Cardinals not to exasperate the King of England by their Threats, but to pacifie him, since the Obedience of the Kingdoms of England, France, Spain, Ireland and Norway depended on his Declaration.

Although Arnulphus had done such notable Services to Alexander III. nevertheless that Pope, upon the Accusations brought against him by Sylvester, Treasurer of his Church, and by John, Nephew to the Bishop of Seez, did not forbear to nominate the Bishops of Mans and Avranches Commissioners, to take cognizance of that Cause. Arnulphus appear'd before them, and William Bishop of Paris and Cardinal, was present at the Tryal. The Trea∣surer own'd before the Judges, the Falshood of the Complaints that he had made against his Diocesan, and promis'd that he would not renew them for the future. John still maintain'd what he had averr'd, but the Sentence not being favourable to him, he appeal'd from that Court to the See of Rome, although the Pope gave Commission to the two Bishops to pass Judgment without any Appeal. However Arnulphus, who upon that account might have exempted himself from going to Rome, and might have refus'd to suffer his Cause to be tried again there; after having inform'd the Pope of the manner of the Proceedings, as∣sur'd his Holiness, that he would repair to Rome, as soon as it was possible, and entreated him to detain John till he arriv'd, to shew how that Person and the Bishop of Seez his Uncle, have committed a Trespass against the Church and the Holy See.

He explains this in the following Letter directed to Alexander. One of his Relations was sometime Bishop of Seez, who substituted Regular Canons in that Church in the room of Secular. This Reformation was approv'd by the Popes Honorius II. Eugenius III. and Adrian III. and by Henry II. King of England, who made them a Donation. These Canons were to have all their Goods in Common, according to their Original Institution, and the Bi∣shops his Successors were likewise oblig'd, before they were install'd, to maintain that Settle∣ment. The Bishop then incumbent, design'd to ruine it, or at least to obtain a License of the Pope, to confer the Arch-deaconries on Lay-men, that he might have wherewithal to be∣stow on his Nephews and Relations. Arnulphus sent word to the Pope, That that Bishop pal∣liated his Carnal Affections with the pretence of Piety; giving it out, That there was not any Person in that Diocess, capable of performing those Functions; as if the Simplicity of the Canons were not to be preferr'd to the worldly Wisdom of others; or in case there were none to be found at Seez, worthy of possessing those Benesices, some might not be taken out of the Church of St. Victor and St. Rufus. He adds, that having been Arch-deacon of Seez, and educated in that Church, he thought himself oblig'd to maintain its Rights and Privileges, and that for that reason, he judg'd it expedient to certifie his Holiness thereof by a Letter.

Notwithstanding this Information, the Pope granted to the Bishop of Seez a License to Se∣cularize his Arch-deaconry; but Arnulphus wrote a very smart Letter to him on that Subject, in which he remonstrates, That he had no Authority thus to abolish an Institution made by his Predecessors, under colour that they could not impose Laws on their Successors: He main∣tains, That that Maxim is false, and that it tends to the ruin of all the Establishments of the Saints: That the Privileges of the Popes of Rome, are as it were Testaments, which are not made void, but rather confirm'd by the death of the Testators: That 'tis true indeed, that the Errors of Predecessors may be corrected by their Successors, and that the latter may make some alteration for the better in the Sanctions of the others, when 'tis requisite for the publick Advantage, and when it may be done without any detriment to Religion: That for that very reason, Secular Canons may be chang'd into Regular, because the Or∣der of the latter is more perfect; but a more strict Institution cannot be chang'd into one less perfect; by which means Remissness in Discipline would be authoriz'd: And lastly, that there are some Persons so prodigal of Dispensations, that they retain no∣thing as an unalterable Law, and Sacrifice every thing to the Interests and inordinate Passions of private Men. He reproves the Pope for not shewing sufficient Constancy in main∣taining the Rights of the Church; and gives him to understand, that he had scandaliz'd it by

revoking the Sentence of Excommunication, denounc'd by his Predecessors against Laicks who shall attempt to get themselves admitted into the Chapter of Seez; by adjudging to a Lay-man all the Revenues of the Arch-deaconry that the Regular Canons enjoy'd in Common, and part of which they distributed to the Poor; and by permitting a Man, adorn'd with gor∣geous Apparel to take place amongst the Canons cloath'd in Sack-cloth. He adds, That 'tis further to be fear'd, lest the Arch-deaconry should be left vacant, by reason that it is already appointed for another young Nephew, when he shall be of Age: That in the mean while, the Bishop has turn'd out the Prior of the Canons, and substituted a Per∣son of no Repute in his Place, to the end that he might make himself Master of the Church-Revenues. Therefore he exhorts the Pope to revoke what was extorted from him by surprize, in order to re-establish the Rule in that Chapter, and to put an end to the Complaints and Mur∣murings occasion'd by that Innovation.

The four following Letters are directed to the same Pope, and contain an account of par∣ticular Affairs. In the last he accuaints him, That the King of England was dissatisfied with his Holiness, because he deny'd him those Favours he su'd for at Rome.

He congratulates in another, Gilbert Bishop of London, in regard that the Pope had or∣dain'd, that his Cause should be decided without an Appeal, and observes that Appeals to Rome often put false Accusers in a Capacity to oppress innocent Persons, and give them an opportunity to avoid the Punishment due to their Crimes,

In another Letter, he reproves a certain Abbot for leaving his Monastery to sollicit Law-suits at Court, and enjoyns him to return thither.

In a Letter that he wrote to Henry Cardinal Bishop of Pisa, sending him the Works of Ennodius; he passes a very disadvantageous Judgment on that Author.

In his Letter to the Bishop of Angoulesme, he determines that the Engagements that a cer∣tain Child was under, whom his Uncle had bound to a Clerk, upon Payment of a Sum of Money, ought not to be ratify'd, and that that Bishop cannot suffer the said Child to be de∣tain'd by him.

In a Letter written to Arnold Abbot of Bonneval, he treats of the Usefulness of the Sacri∣fice of the Mass.

Nothing (says he) can be offer'd up more precious than JESUS CHRIST; nothing more efficacious than this Sacrifice; nothing more advantageous both to him who offers it, and to him for whom 'tis offer'd, if the unworthiness of the Persons doth not render it unprofitable: 'Tis requisite that he who offers it have pure Hands, and that he, for whom it is offer'd, should know the Value of it by Faith; that he should earnestly desire it; and that he should embrace it with a perfect Charity. Oh, how great is this Benefit, which is sufficient for the Person who receives it, and for him that admini∣sters it! For how extensive soever the Priest's Charity may be towards certain Persons, this Sacrifice remains altogether entire for every one in particular. It is communicated to many, so as its Efficacy is not diminish'd, with respect to every Individual; and altho' different Persons partake of it, yet it does not suffer any Division.

Quoscunque enim Sa∣cerdos effusa charitatis latitudine complectatur, totum simul omnium, totum uniuscujusque est Si∣gillatim, nec integritatem dividit communicatio plurium, nec soliditatem minuit participatio diversorum.

He has also inserted amongst his Letters, a Discourse that he made in the Council of Tours, A. D. 1163. in the presence, and by the Order of Pope Alexander III. In the beginning of it he says, that there are three Qualities requisite in a Preacher, viz. Sanctity of Life, to pro∣cure respect for what he delivers; a perfect Knowledge, to be capable of teaching the neces∣sary Truths; and Elcquence to cause them to be approv'd, to the end that his Sermons may be Holy, Learned and Sublime. In the Body of this Sermon, he treats of the Unity and Liberty of the Church, shewing that those two Qualities are necessary therein, and that the Ministers ought to use their utmost endeavours to maintain them, more especially at a time when both are attack'd; that is to say, the former by the Ambition of Schismaticks, and the other by the Oppression of Tyrants: That nevertheless, 'tis impossible that either should compass their Design: For although the former separate themselves from the Communion of the Church, yet it is not divided by that means, but the Chaff is only separated from the Wheat; and although the latter seizes on the Temporal Revenues of the Church, neverthe∣less it does not cease to be free, and to exercise its Power with Spiritual Authority. However, that the Bishops ought to make use of all possible means to re-unite the former to the Communion of the Church, and to oblige the others to quit their unjust Claim to the Ecclesiastical Revenues. This is the Subject of a long and very pathetical Exhortation made by him to the Bishops of the Council; and in the sequel of the same Discourse, he wishes that the Emperor would humble himself under the Almighty Hand of God; that he would acknowledge that the Dominion of the Church is above his, and that he would submit to the See of Rome, which conferr'd the Empire on his Predecessors. He observes that Bishops may possess large Revenues, provided they do not take themselves to be the Proprietors, but only the Dispensers of them, and are persuaded that the Patrimony of JESUS CHRIST is the Inheritance of the Poor, which ought to be distributed to them, and that they who put it to another use are to be look'd upon as Robbers.

This Discourse is follow'd by another, pronounc'd in a Synod held for the Ordination of a Bishop. He begins with the Commendation of the Church, and afterwards rejects the Per∣son of Girard, who was propos'd, alledging, That although there was a form of Election in his favour, nevertheless he ought not to be ordain'd, by reason that it is not to be endur'd that the Liberty of Elections, which was introduc'd for the Benefit of the Churches, should be made prejudicial to them, and therefore that the Election of Girard was null as having been carry'd on only by some few Persons devoted to his Interest.

He acquaints that Pope in another Letter, That he had pass'd Sentence in favour of Hugh Abbot of Senlis, in a Cause that was depending between that Abbot and Garnier a Priest, concerning the Church of Marine, for the Tryal of which he was nominated a Commissioner with Henry Bishop of Senlis. He likewise gave him notice in the following Letter, that the King of England had favourably receiv'd his Letters and Nuncio's, and that he had re-instated the Arch-bishop of Canterbury; but he complains that the Nuncio's did not promote the making of Peace, and entreats the Pope to do it.

In another Letter, he informs the same Pope, That he had put an end to the Con∣test between the Abbot of La Couture and Hermier the Priest, about the Church of Breule.

In one of the Letters directed to the Pope's Legates, Albert and Theodin, he determines, That it is not expedient to bestow Altars, that is to say, Benefices on the Sons of Priests, lest it should occasion disorders.

Afterwards he writes to Pope Alexander against those Monks, who refuse to obey their Bi∣shop, and claim a right to retain Cures and Tithes.

He complains in particular of the Abbot of St. Evrou, who presum'd to celebrate Divine Service; notwithstanding the Sentence of Suspension he had pronounc'd against him.

The Poems of this Author are not very considerable as to the Subjects, but they are ex∣act in reference to the Rules of Poetry, and the Verses are very fine. The first is on the Nativity of Jesus Christ, the second is an Encomium of the Bishop of Windsor; and the rest on the alteration of the Seasons, and on some other profane Subjects. There are also two Epitaphs of Queen Mathilda, one of Algarus Bishop of Coutances, and another of Hugh Arch-bishop of Roan.

Father Dachery has publish'd in the second Tome of his Spicilegium, an excellent Discourse dedicated to Geffrey Bishop of Chartres, and compos'd by Arnulphus, when as yet Arch-dea∣con of Seez, against Peter de Leon the Antipope, and Gerard Bishop of Angoulesme his Legat. It is written with a great deal of earnestness and energy, so that the Author gives us a very lively description of the Irregularities and Vices of that Antipope and of his Legate; main∣tains the Election and Proceedings of Innocent II. and makes it appear that the latter is the true Pope.

Father Dachery has likewise set forth in the end of the Thirteenth Tome of the Spicile∣gium, a Sermon upon the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, and five Letters by the same Author.

The other Works of Arnulphus, Bishop of Lisieux, were printed at Paris, from a Manu∣script of Adrian Turnebus's Library, A. D. 1585. and afterwards in the Bibliotheca Patrum.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Arnul∣phus Bi∣shop of Lisieux.
• † 1.2

  Petitoire.