The first-[third] tome of an exact chronological vindication and historical demonstration of our British, Roman, Saxon, Danish, Norman, English kings supreme ecclesiastical jurisdiction from the original planting, embracing of Christian religion therein, and reign of Lucius, our first Christian king, till the death of King Richard the First, Anno Domini 1199 ... / by William Prynne, Esq.

INNOCENTIUS Episcopus, &c. Dilectis filiis Clericis & Laicis per Cantuariensem* 1.1 Provinciam constitutis, salutem & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Ad communem volumus notitiam pervenire, quod nos suspensionis sententiam quam Venerabilis frater noster P. Wintoniensis Episcopus, & dilectus filius P. Subdiaconus, & familiaris noster Nor∣wicensis electus, in Stephanum Cantuariensem Archiepiscopum authoritate Apostolica

protulerunt, ratam habemus, & praecipimus inviolabiliter observari, donec idem Archi∣episcopus, qui eam humiliter servat, mereatur ipsam juxta formam Ecclesiae Canonice prae∣stitam relaxari, uno vinculo in aliud commutato. Quocirca universitati vestrae per A∣postolica scripta mandamus quatenus & vos ipsi praescriptam sententiam firmiter observetis, cum interim nullam debeatis eidem obedientiam exhibere. Datum Laterani, 2. nonas Novembris. Pontificatus nostri Anno xviij.

Here we cannot but with admiration consider, the just retaliation inflicted by Gods wonderfull providence on this Arch-traytor to King John. 1. The whole Kingdom must be Interdicted by the Pope at this Arch-prelates instigation, for the Kings not admitting him to the actual possession of the See of Canterbury, against the rights of his Crown and Kingdom. 2ly. The King himself must be personally Excommunica∣ted and not conversed with. 3ly. All his Subjects absolved from their allegiance and obedience to him, till his humiliation to the Pope: And now this Pope even at Rome it self, not only suspends, but ratifies this Archbishops actual suspension from his Arch∣bishoprick, absolves all Clerks & Laymen in his Province from their obedience to him, and commands them to yeild him no obedience at all, till he should humble himself to, and give satisfaction and caution to him for his future good behaviour. 2ly. That this Archbishop (the Popes chief instrument to humble, depose K. John, & set up the Pope in his Throne) should become the greatest stickler against this Pope, the contemner, slighter of his Interdicts, Excommunications, Censures, wherewith himself so much terrified the King and Kingdom before. 3ly. That this Pope who had been the Kings professed Enemy and Dethroner, should now become his prime Protector against those Bishops and Barons which himself first engaged to Rebell against him; though not upon King Johns own account as their lawfull King, yet as his Vassal and Tributary to the Church of Rome, much against his will, which providenti∣ally proved his greatest advantage in some respects, though most prejudicial and dishonourable to him in others. 4ly. The just punishment inflicted by God and this Pope upon Simon the Archbishops Brother, a great stickler for him, and pro∣fessed Enemy to the King, and that at this very time, upon this occasion.

The Archbishoprick of York becoming void, the King by his Letters Patents granted the Chapter of York a License to elect a new Archbishop, in the presence of five Commissioners, therein specially named, and with their consents, to prevent the election of this Simon Langhton, the Archbishops Brother, a great Enemy to the King, this being the first License granted by him, after his * 1.2 forecited Charter to the Archbishop and Bishops for the freedom of Elections.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Claus. 17 Joh. Regis, m. 17. dorso.
• * 1.2

  Her•• p. 336, 337.