The Synodal Decrees of Wichboldus Archbishop of Colen, in 1300. * 1.1
WICHBOLDUS Archbishop of Colen, and Chancellor of the Empire, Composed certain Consti∣tutions for his Diocess in 1300. which were comprised in 22 Articles.
The First forbids, that Cures of Souls should be given to Infants, or Persons who have not attained to the Age of Twenty one Years.
The Second enjoins the Rural Deans to return the Names of such Curates, as did not reside upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 C••arge, or were not ordained.
The 3d. forbids Curates employing Clergymen, who wandered up and down, or were unknown, who had ••ot 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Letters from their Bishops, and have not been examined by the Deans.
The 4th. forbids having more than One Benefice in the same Church.
The 5th. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, T••••t the Clergy at their Deaths cannot dispose of such Goods, and Revenues of the Church, as they have gathered for themselves, to their Relations; but only of such, as arise from their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 faln to them by Succession, or which they have Purchased.
The Five fol••owing Canons concern the Wills of Laymen.
The 11th. is against such as seize upon the Goods of Clergymen after their Death.
The 12th. is against Usurers, and against Questors▪ i. e. those Hucksters, who undertake to preach up, and distribute Indulg••••ces.
The 13th. is ••lso against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••alse Preachers.
The 14th. is against those, that keep the Gifts appropriated to the Fabrick of the Church of Colen.
The 15th. enjoins all the Clergy to advance, as m••ch as they can, the Profit of that Fabrick.
The 16th. forbids the Churchwardens to dispose of any thing without the consent of the other Parishioners.
The 17th. orders, that the Singers of the Parishes should be able to read, that they may assist a•• Mass, when others are 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
The 18th. is against the Coiners of Bad Money, and those that conceal them.
The 19th. fo••bids the Ex•…•…on of the Writs o•• the Per••ons appointed Judges in such cases, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not comprised in the •…•…, or approved by the Ordinary or his Officials.
The 20th. denounces them Excommunicated, who publish certain Bills, in which they threaten M••n, unless they give them a Summ of Money.
The 21st. orders the Payment of the Tribute due to the Church.
The Last enjoins the Deans to take Copies of these Constitutions.