THE LIFE Of the Late Pope Innocent XI.
INNOCENT the XI. (whose name was Benedictus Odescalchi) was born at Como, a City in the Dukedom of Milan in Italy, Anno 1611. his Father was called Livio, and his Mother Paula Castella, both of Noble and Patrician Families in that City, of Thirty thousand Crowns yearly Revenue, belonging to the House of Odescalchi. He had his Education among the Jesuites for Grammar and Humane Learning, and after studied the Civil and Canon Laws at Rome and Naples; and tho he was never esteemed for a Polemical Divine, yet he had the reputation of one that knew the World, and understood the nature of Mankind, and the art of Government well; being withal a Man of great sincerity and honesty, very innocent in his Life and Coversation, and discovering no inclination to side with any Party or Faction whatsoever; because he esteemed it better to be a general friend to all, than a particular one to some, while he must stand expos'd to the hatred and envy of others. These qualifications prepar'd the way to his several Advancements, and at length rais'd him to the highest dignity in the Romish Church. It is true, it hath been reported of him, that he was extreamly ignorant in all the parts of Learning, and that he scarcely understood Latin, insomuch that Cardinal Albici, who oppos'd his Election, should say, in the Conclave, to those that were for promoting him, For the love of God, let us at least have a Pope that is so Learned, that he may be able to read the Gospel in the Mass. But the same [Page 2] Cardinal expressed no greater esteem for his Judgment, for when some others in his commendation said, That he digested things well, he scurrilously repli'd, That nothing could be expected from his digestion but a— Altho the contrary hath very much appear'd, as will be found in the sequel of this Discourse.
In the time of Urban the VIII. he was made one of the Prothonataries of the Apostolick Chamber, and suddenly after President of the same: he was also made chief Commissary for gathering the Taxes and Duties arising in the Province of Marchio, which were laid on the People at the time of the Wars in Italy. When this business was over, he was constituted Governor of Macerata, and the Province thereunto adjoyning. By Innocent the X. he was made one of the Clarks of his Chamber, and in the Year 1645. by him also made Cardinal; which dignity is conferred by the Pope only by delivery of a Paper (wherein the Names of such as are to be promoted are written) into the Consistory of Cardinals, with these words Habetis fratres.
The Romanists say, That St. Peter constituted a College of twenty four Presbyters, with Authority to decide and determine matters of difficulty arising in the Church; these in the time of Pope Sylvester the I. were called Cardinals or Princes in the Church. Innocent the IV. at the Council of Lions bestowed upon them the red Hat, as a mark or badge of their Dignity; anciently these were a check upon the Pope, and a sort of a Council without whom he could do nothing in Temporals; yet now they have quite lost that, and they have no other share in affairs than that to which the Pope thinks fit to admit them. It is true as to Spirituals they retain still a large share, so that in Censures and Definitions the Pope can do nothing regularly without their concurrence; tho some think they have not so good a Title to that as to share in the Temporal Principality. For if the Pope derives any thing from St. Peter, all that is singly in himself, and how else, also, can the Infallibility (so much pretended to) rest in him? yet because there was not so much to be gotten by acting arbitrarily in those matters, and a summary way of exercising this Authority, might have tempted the World to have enquired too much into the grounds on which it is built: Therefore the Popes have let the Cardinals retain still a share in this supremacy over the Church, tho they have no claim to it either by Divine or Ecclesiastical Warrant, further, at least, than within the City and Diocess of Rome where they were Presbyters, if that be true of Saint Peters constituting such a College of them to assist him in the Government of that Church. But as for the endowments of the See of Rome, to which they may justly lay claim, as being in a manner the Chapter of that See; there is so much to be got by this, that the Popes have engrossed it wholly to themselves and to gratifie and advance their Creatures by. However the Cardinals are great Princes, make a considerable Figure in Rome, and respect is paid them accordingly; and that People might do it, as they passed in the City, a Bell used to be rung before them, that all might know them; but [Page 3] this hath been left off, their Purple and Equipage sufficiently notifying them.
There are three different Classes of Cardinals, viz. six entituled Cardinal Bishops, fifty Priests, and fourteen Deacon-Cardinals.
In the Year 1631. That the Grandeur of the Apostolical Chair might be advanc'd Pope Urban VIII. bestowed the title of Eminence upon them, and it was entred into the Records of the Congregation of Ceremonies, That they should be styl'd Most Eminent and most Reverend.
But to return to our Cardinal; He had presently the Deaconry of the Saints Cosma and Damianus bestowed upon him; and taking Priests Orders, he had the title conferr'd upon him of St. Onuphrius, and by Innocent X. sent Legate to Ferrara, wherein he acquitted himself with honour, and was made Bishop of Noverase, where he resided for some years, but afterwards removed through dislike of the Air. And being at Rome he was employ'd in many affairs of the Church, and appointed to serve in divers Congregations of Cardinals, and made Protector of several Colleges and Monasteries; in all he behaved himself with singular prudence, modesty and vertue, which with the Endowments before mention'd were good Ingredients to capacitate him for the Papal Chair, to which (as we shall shew) he was Elected the 21st of September 1676. and was Crowned with the usual Ceremonies on the 4th of October following.
But before we come to shew his Election, it will not be impertinent to set forth the manner of Electing Popes, being a thing in it self not only worth the Reading, but also relating so nearly to this History that it might seem imperfect without it.
Popes were anciently chosen by the Nobility, Clergy and People of Rome, tho the Book of Sacred Ceremonies used in the Church of Rome tells us, That Saint Peter named Clemens to be his Successor, if it seem'd good to the Senators, that is, the Presbyters, who were twenty four, appointed by Saint Peter before his death, to determine matters of difficulty in the Church, and that they chose Linus, whereby it might appear that Popes had not right to Elect their Successors; that afterward, Schisms and Dissentions arising among the Senators, the Clergy and People of Rome were present at the Elections, but had no voice; and that after this the force and violence of the People was such, that they would have a Voice, and joyned in their Votes. This popular way of Election, caused such heats and disturbances, that the Emperors were constrained, for keeping the Peace, to interpose by their Authority, and order'd that no Election should stand good, until it was confirmed by the Imperial approbation. Charles the great assumed the Power of Electing, or, which is all one, of confirming of Popes.
The truth is, as the Power was, sometimes the Emperors made Popes, and sometimes the Popes made Emperors.
Some Emperors, after Charles's time, transferred the Election wholly to the Roman Presbyters, Clergy and the People; which the Romans would have to be done out of Piety, because the Pope was to be a Shepherd to the Emperor.
This popular manner of Election produced Parties, Schisms and Contentions, which often ended with blood, so that there was scarce a regular Election for some years; the strongest possessing the Chair till he was undermin'd by another, so that there were often two or three Popes at one time, and a great many in a few years, until Nicholas II. Anno 1051. to prevent the Confusion which happened at every Popes death, did establish a Law, that the Elections should wholly rest in the Cardinals, which Law or Canon was since confirm'd by Popes and Councils. And as a rule to be observed herein, Alexander III. instituted at a general Council, that he only should be esteemed to be Canonically Elected, who was chosen by at least two thirds of the College of Cardinals.
This Power of Election hath ever since rested in the Cardinals, who appoint Octaves for solemnizing the Funeral of the deceased Pope, and have on the ninth or tenth day after entred the Conclave to proceed to a new Election.
The Conclave is held in the Vatican Palace, where, in a long Gallery, are erected small Apartments or Cells, made of Boards covered with Purple Cloth, for every Cardinal, whereby they may have convenient conference one with another. It has been endeavour'd in a hot season (because the Vatican is ill air) to Elect in another place, but none was found convenient. Each Cardinal hath two Servants, and no more, to attend him, which are called his Conclavists, unless in case of sickness or infirmity, and then three may be admitted.
The Cardinals being entred, the Conclave is strictly guarded by the City Militia, to hinder all commerce or intercourse by Letters from without. The Gallery is also very closely watched, being kept by a Master of the Ceremonies, who inspects their Meat, lest any Letters be conveyed with it. According to this first Institution, for the first three days the Cardinals have free use of divers dishes of Meat; whilst they are eating or doing any thing else in their Cells, the outward Curtains are to be open, and undrawn, unless in the Night when they sleep, or at other time repose themselves, and then great care is taken that no noise or disturbance be given.
It hath been customary of late years for the Cardinals to premise certain particular Points, or Articles, necessary for the Government of the Church, which are subscribed by the whole Community, and every one takes an Oath to observe them, in case he should prove to be the person chosen, and promoted to the Pontifical Dignity. After which matters are performed they proceed to an Election.
There have been three ways used in the Election. 1. By Scrutiny. 2. By Access. 3. By Adoration. The Scrutiny is, When every Person writes in a Schroll of Paper, the Name of that Person whom he gives his Voice for, folding it into five several Pages or Colums; on the first of which he writes these words, Ego eligo in summun Pontificem Reverendissimum Dominum meum Cardinalem—which is written by the hand of the Conclavist, that the Cardinal may not be discovered by his own writing. On this Fold two others are doubled down, and some Wax dropped thereon, and sealed with some private Seal, made for that purpose. On the Fourth, the Cardinal [Page 5] writes his own Name, and covers the same with the Fifth Folding. Then all the Cardinals sitting in their order on Benches in the Chappel, with the Schrolls they have prepared in their Hands, take their turns to ascend to the Altar, before which a Table is placed, covered with a Purple Cloth, and a Chalice with a Patina, or Plate set thereon; on the right side of which sits the first Cardinal Bishop; and on the left, the first Cardinal Deacon; then every one kneeling makes a short Praver, and arising, puts his Schroll into the Chalice; which being done, and all the Cardinals returned to their Places; the first Cardinal Bishop takes the Chalice with his Right Hand, and turns out all the Schrolls upon the Patina, or Plate, which he holds in his Left Hand; then setting the Chalice again on the Altar, he takes the Schroll which comes first to hand, and gives it to the Deacon Cardinal, who reads it with an audible Voice, the Cardinals noting with their Pen and Ink, or Table-Book, how many Voices every Person hath; and the Papers being read, the Master of the Ceremonies comes in with a Pan of Coals, and burns all the Papers or Schrolls, so that no Man is known for whom he gave his Vote. In case any Person hath gained two thirds of the number there present, then the Election is good, and he is presently declared Pope; and this way is most commonly practis'd in the choice of Popes. When by reason no one hath two thirds, the Election is not determined, its then tryed by Access in this manner: All the Cardinals sitting in their Places, one arises and goes to the Cardinal he would have elected, and saith, Ego accedo ad reverendissimum Dominum meum—and so all the rest, the which is noted by the Cardinals, both the Names of those that made the Access, and the Persons to whom. If two thirds agree in their Access to one Person, then the Election is determined; if not, then the next day they proceed again to Scrutiny, for it cannot be made twice in one day.
The third way, by Adoration, is almost like that of Access: The Cardinal approaching him whom he desires to have created Pope with a profound Reverence and low Obeisance: But both the Access and Adoration are to be proved, if they hit, and confirmed by the Scrutiny, wherein they often differ from what they did by the former, and so make it Null.
There was anciently another way of Election, which was called Compromise; and it was when the Divisions were high, and scarce determinable by the Conclave, that then the Cardinals with common consent refer'd all their Votes to the choice of three or five Cardinals, giving them Power to elect any Person, whom all or the Major part should chuse, obliging themselves to rest satisfyed with the Choice made by them, provided, That their Election were concluded while a Candle did last burning; and if Election were made in that time, the Person so chosen was acknowledged Pope by all the rest; but in the choice of Commissioners, every Cardinal must agree.
There is another way of Election, called by Inspiration, that is, When the Cardinals are assembled in the Chapter, and every one hath taken his Place according to his Degree and Order: Then the first Bishop Arises, and in a short Speech exhorts the Fathers to provide such a Person for [Page 6] Government of the Church, as by his Wisdom and Sanctity may be capable to sustain so great a burden. Then he demands of them the manner by which they intend to proceed, whether by Compromise or Scrutiny; telling them, if his Opinion or Vote might prevail, he would choose no other than—and accordingly did elect him for Supream Bishop, and Head of the Universal Church. If all then present, without one opposing, did agree, this was looked on as by Inspiration, and he was then without further Trouble or Scrutiny canonically Elected, which was anciently frequently practised.
The Pope being legally chosen by any of the foregoing Methods, he is conducted into the Sacristia, or Vestry; where, being disrob'd by the Cardinal Deacons of his own Habit, he is cloathed in his Pontificalibus, or Papal Vestments; and being thence brought forth, with his Mitre on his Head, adorned with Gold and Jewels into the Chappel, is Seated on the Altar; where the Cardinals perform the Ceremony of Adoration to him, every one in his Order, kissing his Feet, Hands and Mouth.
While these Ceremonies are performing, all the Doors and Gates of the Conclave are opened; at which a multitude of People appearing, the Pope shews himself, and blesseth them. And then the first Cardinal Deacon proclaims with a loud voice these words to the People, Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum, Papam habemus: Reverendissimus Dominus Cardinalis—Elect us est in Summum Pontificem, & elegit sibi nomen—This being said, the Pope descends into St. Peter's Church, the Cardinals leading the way with a Cross born before them; and going directly to the High Altar, he takes off his Mitre, kneels and prays a while, and then returns Thanks to God, and the Blessed Apostles; and rising, seats himself on the Altar; and the first Bishop kneels and sings Te Deum. And then again the Cardinals perform the Act of Adoration as before, which, with the short Office for that Solemnity being finished, the Pope again blesseth the People; and in the same Order they return to his Apartment, where he takes his Repose, and the Cardinals go to their respective Lodgings.
The Pope ever since Sergius's time (who was the first that did it) Anno 843. change their Baptismal Name for such other as liketh them best. This Sergius's Name was Bocca di Porco, or Hog-snout, which for shame he changed; and so it hath continued ever since, unless some few that would not do it. Others give a more favourable Account, viz. That his Name was Peter, and out of his profound respect to that great Apostle, he would not bear his Name in the Chair.
Generally there are great Intriegues and Divisions about the Elections of Popes, partly occasioned by the endeavours that Great Princes use to have one of their Friends or Favourites set up; and partly through the aspiring of the Cardinals unto the Chair, where they are not only great themselves, but seldom sail (though their Reign be short) to raise their Families exceedingly; so that many of the great Houses in Italy are beholden for their Fortunes to the Favour and Bounty of the Bishops of Rome, who did originally advance them to such Places of Trust and Employments, [Page 7] whereby they gained that State and Dignity they, or their Posterities now enjoy; and considering how short a time they may have to make their Fortunes, which generally depends on the uncertainty of an Old Man's Life, the People are heavily oppressed, all Preferments bestowed upon them that will give most, and the Welfare of the Commonweal lightly regarded; so that the People are become extreamly miserable that live in the Pope's Dominions.
It is time now to return to the principal Subject of this short History.
Clement X. having breathed his last, Altieri the Cardinal Chamberlain gave Notice thereof to the Chief Officers of the Houshold; whereupon all the Prelates and Grooms of the Bed-chamber in decent and mourning Habits repair to the Palace of Monte Cavallo, and found their late Master laid upon a Pallet, covered with Crimson Velvet: In their Presence Altieri, whose Office it was to do it, brake the Sigillum Piscatorium, or the Pope's Seal in pieces, which is presently done, to prevent the use of it after his Death. The Notaries of the Camera took an Inventory of the Goods found in the Palace, which remain to his Successor; and therefore when a Pope draweth near his end, his Relations carry away and possess themselves of what they can, during his Life.
The Body of the Pope was then deliver'd to those who were to embalm it; and then the Bell of the Capitol was rung out, that the City might all be assur'd of his Death.
During the time that the Funeral Obsequies were Solemnizing, the Cardinals began to work in forming Parties against the Election. The Second of August several Cardinals assembled in St. Peter's, and two by two in grave Order, in form of Procession, entred the Conclave; more coming in next day, they make up the number of Fifty Two; and on the Third of August the Conclave was shut, and Guards set by the Marshal of the Conclave. On the Fourth the Mass of Veni Creator was sung, and the Cardinals began the choice by way of Scrutiny.
The Persons nominated were Vidone, Barberigo, Odescalchi, Spinola, and Cerri, wherein appeared near an equality of Votes; Odescalchi had Eleven, but proceeding towards the Evening by way of Access, Seven only drew unto him.
On the Sixth day a second Scrutiny being made, Corsini had 27 Votes, and at the Access in the Evening 14 only appeared for him: However Chigi, who managed it for him, did not doubt of carrying it, till Cardinal Nitardo, Ambassador for Spain, opposing it, drew off the Spanish Party, and the Grand Duke of Corsini's Faction followed.
Chigi then endeavours to gain the French Party, but was countermined by Altieri, and the Flying Squadron; things appearing thus, a Party of Cardinals united, being called the New Squadron, who pretended Zeal for the Church, and to be solely moved by a Principle of Piety to promote one eminent for Learning and Wisdom, without regard to Secular Interest. Cardinal Pravina was a chief among these, and at his first entrance into [Page 8] the Conclave had fixed upon our Odescalchi, for whom he used all his Endeavours, and would not be drawn off; and Scrutiny being again made, he had so wrought, that 36 Voices were in his Favour, enough to secure the Election; insomuch that it was given out, That the Election was made, and People came flocking to the Gates; so that the Guards were doubled to keep off the Crowd, who pressed into the Precincts of the Conclave. Yet at the Access some fell off; for Altieri and Chigi laboured underhand, seducing some in hopes of being preferr'd: The Spaniards also were willing (on further consideration) to spin out the time of giving a final dermination, expecting to hear from the Court of Spain.
The French Cardinals were chiefly for Rospigliosi; but in case his Interest should fail, they approved best of Odescalchi; who, though he were a Subject of Spain, yet his Vertues and sincere Intentions reconciled him to well-meaning Men, and made others shy of opposing him, unless they could carry it as their respective Interests lead them, which none else could form a Party to do; because the New Squadron (who were firm to him) were 16 in number, and with their Adherents could always make above a third part, which was enough to prevent any other of his Complement, though they could not carry it themselves.
Barberin and Chigi had a Negotiation for Jachenetti, that ballanced the New Squadron, and were probable to succeed; for on Scrutiny he had 22 Votes; but on Access in the Evening, 11 only: Whereupon the New Squdron renewed the Scrutiny, and found 29 in their Candidate's favour. By these several Scrutinies it appeared the Conclave were inclined most to Odescalchi, which again occasioned a rumour in the Town, That he was chosen; and the other Parties finding they could not prevail, were likely to joyn; and indeed the Conclave had then proceeded to have compleated the Choice, and by Accession created him Pope, had not the Cardinal d' Estree suspended the Proceedings by a Request made, That their Eminences would for some time suspend their final determination, until the Arrival of some French Cardinals, who, by that Kings Order, were on their Journey towards the Conclave; which, he said, was not to hinder the choice of so worthy a Person, for whom he also concurr'd, but that his Christian Majesty might have opportunity thereby to joyn with them in so sacred an Election, by the consent and approbation which he was ready to yield unto.
The Conclave in the mean time would be practising, and set up others; every one being willing to leave no stone unturn'd that might any wise conduce to advance one to the Chair, that they propos'd to themselves Interest in, or at least to gain it by being the Instruments for their Advancement. Azzolino promoted Conti, whose Interest being small, he with Chigi, the Spanish Party, and the Great Dukes, sets up Piccolomini; and to allure Altieri, engaged to advance his Friend Bichi to be Cardinal Nephew; but Altieri had other designs; Chigi failing herein, sets up Spinola, but no more than 7 Votes could be procured in his Favour on the Scrutiny. Then some propos'd Crescentio; but the Duke d' Estree, Ambassador for the French King, esteem'd him an Enemy to France, whereby [Page 9] that Party was too great for his Promoters: Then on a new Scruti Odescalchi had 14 Voices, Carpegna 7. Alberici 9. Gastaldi 9. Albici 5. and Crescentio 3.
After this manner divers designs and Intreagues were working, till the arrival of the four French Cardinals, which was the 13th of August, and then a speedy Election was expected; but those hopes were soon blasted; for still they were embroiled, and Arbritio by the dextrous management of Altieri and others, was in a fair way; but the several designs of others were enough to oppose any one, that still they thwarted, and no one party could gain his Complement.
On September 1. the French Cardinals entred the Conclave, with a great train and concourse of People after them, crying out for a speedy Election, and naming Rospigliosi and Odescalchi. And the French Party seem'd to encline to the later. But their King being greater in the Conclave, as well as in other Princes Councils, they would not joyn a sufficient number to conclude the matter, until they had his approb [...]tion; and an express is sent with their Informations, and for Instructions; and so still the time was delayed, and the Cardinals began to quarrel among themselves on slight matters, since they could not carry their designs in the greater, nor so well vent their Gaul about it. Colonna and Maldachino could not refrain giving one another such reproachful Words, as Fool and Beast, upon a small account; but with others concerned in it, grew a contest between Buglion and Howard, for that the former had not return'd a Visit that the latter had made him. Buglion, to excuse himself, frankly told him, That it was the King's express Command not to acknowledge the Cardinals of the last promotion. Howard would not allow his Excuse, alledging divers particular respects that the French King had made him, and caused him to be treated in all parts of France, as he passed through it from London to Rome as a Cardinal; and now the others of the same promotion joyn him; but the French opposing, the Conclave feared that disorder and confusion would ensue, and therefore procured the French Cardinals to subscribe a Letter to their King, beseeching him to give Orders to his Embassador and Cardinals to visit and own those Cardinals of Clement the Tenth's Promotion, which otherwise might cause a Schism, and many Inconveniences to the whole Conclave, to the disturbance of the present affair, until Answers were return'd to the Dispatches. Such an Ascendent had this Monarch (though at such distance) over this great Council, that though they pretend to the Conduct of God's good Spirit, and sing the Veni Creator, yet the Spirit of France must direct them, that they would not joyn in an Election till they heard thence; which, though by making Parties they could somewhat obstruct, yet they could not prevail for any other, and in divers Scrutinies it was always most favourable for our Odescalchi; and though they must waste time for his Answers, yet they could not be free from Trials of Skill, and made several Scrutinies in favour of Massini, Cerri, Jachinetti, and others, in which, though there was fervor and ardency in the interested Persons, yet the favour of the whole Conclave was faint and insignificant; so that for a long time many paid [Page 10] reverence and respect to Odescalchi, as the only man who was likely to carry it.
The Courier return'd from France on the 19th of September; on the 20th the Ambassador was introduced into the Conclave, who presented his Majesty's Letters, and in an eloquent Speech represented the necessity of a speedy Election, (though the delays had been procured by him) the present concern of Christendom, not bearing the inconvenience of an Interregnum, or a Vacancy in that Government: That they had an ample Field for their Election, the College of Cardinals consisting of so many vertuous Persons, all fit to Reign. Yet considering the Vicar of Christ ought to transcend in all the Vertues and Graces of Religion, to be such an one as would reform the Abuses and Corruptions, which to the Scandal of the Christian Church, were crept into the Court of Rome; if there was any one that did excel others for a publick Spirit, sincere, and disinterested, he ought to be the Man, and did (though without naming) decipher the very Person of Odescalchi. And having praised and applauded Barberino, and giving God thanks for the great Piety and Zeal of that Man, he retired, leaving the Conclave to their Election, after he had delivered forth the Inspiration from France, which the Major part received, and therefore now there was no difficulty to be expected.
That Evening a great number of Cardinals went to the Cell of Odescalchi, and gave him the kiss of Covenant, who with Tears in his Eyes desir'd them to find a Subject more fit, and able to bear such a Load and Burden of so great weight, and shewed some unwillingness and reluctancy; but being overcome by Arguments and Entreaties, he consented, on condition, they would assent unto, and subscribe certain Articles for reformation of Ecclesiastical Government, which he then proposed to them; which the Cardinals approving, a great part Subscribed it that Night, and swore to maintain them, as did the others in like manner the day following.
By this time Alticri, (who had all along been the Intreaguing Man) finding it was a folly to contend any longer, became the forwardest of any to make the Scrutiny, and had Nineteen of his Creatures to follow him. The Choice was therefore immediately determined by Access; and on the 21st of September, 1676. the whole Conclave, with one Voice and Mind, declared Odescalehi to be the Pope of Rome, and the Vicar of Christ, and the true and undoubted Successor of St. Peter. And then the Dean of the College, according to his Duty, lead the way to Adoration, and the other Cardinals followed, according to their Places and Seniority.
He was next vested in his Pontificalibus, and took the name of Innocent XI. in remembrance of his Benefactor Innocent X. (as some others have us'd to do, bestowing likewise their Cap on some relation to such their Benefactor). Then he was conducted to the Chappel with the usual Ceremonies, and at the Altar received the second time Adoration. After which the Master of the Ceremonies demanded, Whether it were his Holiness's pleasure, that the Nobility attending without, desirous to kis his Feet, should be admitted in, to pay that duty and devotion which [Page 11] they owed to Saint Peter? which being granted, the Queen of Sweden was first introduced to pay her devoir; and then the Embassadors of the Crowned Heads, and after them the Princes, Prelates and Nobles, who kissed his Feet, testifi'd their great joy for so worthy a Man's being advanced to the Papal Chair.
After which a door was opened over the great Porch of Saint Peter's Church, into which the Master of the Ceremonies led the way, carrying a Cross before the new Pope and Cardinals, which the People (tho at great distance) reverenced, and the Cardinal Deacon, presenting the Pope before them, pronounced with a strong voice the accustomed words, Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum: habemus Pontificem Eminentissimum & Reverendissimum Dominum, Cardinalem Benedictum Odescalchum, qui sibi nomen imposuit Innocentii XI.
Great Joy the City expressed on this Popes advancement, and demonmonstrated it by ringing Bells, firing Cannon, vollies of Small shot, Drums and Trumpets; and the Soldiers seized the Coach, Horses, and Coach-mans Cloak as their Fees. The Popes resentment during the Ceremonies, and singing Te Deum, was rather Pensiveness and Mortification than Joy or Loftiness, which many of his Predecessors could not conceal, and it was observ'd that he blessed and crossed the People with tears in his Eyes.
He was Elected the twenty first of September 1676. and Crowned the fourth of October following, with the usual Ceremonies; and as you had an account of the manner of Elections, it will not be amiss here to lay down the form and manner of the Coronation of Popes.
The whole Ceremony takes up a days time, and for refreshment (the better to support the labour and toil) in the midst of the day the Cardinals take a short repose, and it is but necessary, considering their years, most being aged Persons, and sometimes it happens in a hot season; it is remembred of one Pope, that the toyl thereof cost him his life.
It would be tedious to set down or read every particular Ceremony, I shall therefore only give a summary account, yet omitting nothing that is material.
In the Morning early the Pope goes from his Bed chamber into the Chamber called Papagalli, where he is clothed by the Cardinal-Deacons, Sub Deacons, and other Officers, with a white Cassock girt about with a long Girdle: Over it he wears his Stole and Pluvial, or a robe of a Scarlet colour, with a rich Mitre on his head, set with many pretious Stones In this Habit, having the train of his Robes carried up by the Emperor▪ or some King then present, or in their absence by one of the chiesest, Princes attending at the Ceremony; a Canopy of State over his Head supported by Eight Ambassadors or Nobles, and the Cardinals in their Habits walking before with a Cross for their Banner, they orderly proceed to Saint Peters Church: where being entred, and having laid aside his Mitre, and prayed a while, he arises and goeth into the Chappel of Saint Gregory, by some called Saint Andrew, and being sat in a Chair placed [Page 12] there for that purpose; he receives all the Cardinals with their Caps on their Heads to kiss his Hand, and other Prelates his Feet: Then the Pope arising stands up and blesseth the People. After which the Sub-Deacon reads the Epistle, and all the rest of the Office for the Coronation, which being performed, the Pope vests himself with the Pontifical habit, according to the method prescribed in this case. By ancient constitution it belonged only to the Bishop of Hostea to Consecrate the Pope; of late years the first Cardinal Bishop performs that function: in Consecrating a Pope, he is anointed with Oyl on his Head, and the Palms of his Hands; his Consecration is not always the day of his Coronation. This Preludium being over, and the Pope himself having celebrated Mass, he goes to the stairs ascending to the Altar of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, where a Throne is erected for him, on which being seated, and encompassed by his Prelates, and the People order'd to keep distance; the Dean-Cardinal takes the Mitre off the Popes Head, and placeth it on the left Hand, and having the Triple-Crown ready, he sets that on his Head, the People crying out Lord have mercy upon us.
Then the Dean publisheth the Pardons and Indulgences which the Pope grants them, proclaiming them on the right Hand in Latin, on the left in the vulgar Language; So the People pray and the Pope answers them.
The Pope and his Cardinals then go and dine at the Palace of the Arch-Presbyters of Saint Peters, and the other Prelates at the Houses of the Canons. After Dinner, the Cardinals mount their Mules, and the Pope his Horse, and march in solemn Procession to the Lateran, attended with a very great Train of the Nobles and Officers in due rank and order; the Pope being alighted, is met by the chief Canon of the Church, who offers the Cross to be kissed by him, which the Dean-Cardinal taking from his Hands, holds to the Popes Mouth: Then they take the Triple Crown from off his Head, for the burden of it, (consisting of Gold and Jewels) is too heavy for an old Man to bear long, and deliver it to the custody of the Auditor of the Rota, and the Mitre is again placed on the Popes Head: Then he is conducted to the Sedes Stercoraria, on which he seems rather to lye then to sit, from which he is honorably raised by the Cardinals, and this Hymn is sung. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and hath exalted the humble and meek; (tho some have been the proudest Men in their Age.) He hath raised the needy from the dust, that he may set him among the Princes of his People: tho he were never so rich a Prince before.
After this several short Ceremonies are perform'd, and Adoration again paid by the Cardinals and Prelates; and by this it is Evening and the Pope returns to his Palace of Monte Cavallo; commonly, sufficiently tired with the Fatigues of the Day.
The buisness the French Cardinals came for being over, they prepare for their return; and if the French King had then known how this Pope would have acted, they would have had no thanks for their labour, as will sufficiently appear in the sequel of this History. But to make all fair with [Page] the Court of Rome, before their [...], they (by the Kings Order) paid their Visits to the Cardin [...] [...] the last Promotion, and so a good Correspondence was renewe [...] established.
The Pope no sooner [...] upon the affairs of Government, but he cast in his thoughts how to [...] a Reformation of several abuses and grievous Corruptions that [...] both in the Court and Church of Rome: For the later the Power [...] Interest of the Traffiking Religious, whose chief gain lies in the [...]rruptions of the Christian Religion, he had little hopes of doing [...] in it, at least wise at his first entrance, and if ever he could it must [...] gradually effected: But as to his Court, that lay in his own Pow [...], and therefore in the first place he declares against Nepotism, and [...]used to receive his Nephew Don Livio into any part of the Government, forbidding him to receive or return Visits under the notion of Nephew to the Pope. Had a Pope a mind to flatter or gain upon the Clergy and People of Rome, he could not have pitcht upon one thing so much to oblige them: For these Nephews having the management of the affairs, bestow'd all Benefices, Offices, &c. on them that bid most, exercising a Tyrannical Power over great and small, rich and poor, for the agrandizing themselves and heaping up riches for their posterities; tho for that end they also exhausted the Treasure of the Apostolical Chamber, without any regard to the Weal-publick, or the oppression of the People, or damage the Church sustain'd. But it was hop'd this Pope did it in sincerity, which made it the more grateful. And that his Nephew might not complain of the severity of his Uncle, and look upon himself more unfortunate than any had been, who were so nearly allied to the Papal Chair, he relinquish'd unto him, in present, all his Temporal Estate, amounting unto thirty thousand Crowns of yearly Revenue.
He was not satisfi'd in denying himself that in which his Predecessors were extreamly solicitous, I mean their advancing their Kindred and Nephews, (many of their Families being still known by the Princes they advanced) but to continue it to Posterity, he drew up a Bull perpetually to abrogate Nepotism, which yet he could never procure the Conclave to pass, tho it hath been long experienced to be grosly scandalous among them; so hard a matter it is to reform Rome, so that he hath only left his Example and Endeavours herein to be admired by Posterity. I have here inserted it in English as followeth,
The Minutes or preparation of a Bull which our most holy Father Innocent XI. was about making, for the moderating some abuses in the Apostolick See.
Innocent Pope, Servant of the Servants of God, for a perpetual memory hereof.
HAving often considered in our mind, that the holy Synod of Trent, treading in the steps of the holy Fathers, does altogether forbid, that any one should study to enrich their Relations or Friends, out of the Revenues of the Church; and doth admonish them as much as may be, that they absolutely lay aside all worldly affections to Brothers, Nephews, and other of their kindred, which has occasioned many mischiefs in the Church. And the same holy Synod decreeing, That these things which are spoken in relation to Bishops, ought to be observed not only by all having Ecclesiastical Benefices, as well Secular as Regular, but even by the Cardinals of the Church of Rome themselves, who being of Council to the Pope, for the administration of the affairs of the Ʋniversal Church, ought above all to excel in those eminent vertues, and regularity of living, which may deservedly turn the Eyes of all upon them: But the reason holding much stronger, that the Pope himself who is placed by the most High in his House, as a shining light on a Candlestick, should keep the wholsom Constitutions of the Fathers, in such manner as to provoke by his Example all other Prelates to the observing of them.
Having seriously considered these things, among the manifold and weighty cares of our Pastoral Charge, which (as far as our frailty permits) we dayly sustain for the Church, in order to the Salvation of Souls, and the promoting the Works of Piety: We have observed this wholsom discipline, establisht by the Fathers, all along from the beginning of our Popedom, and with the Lords help shall observe it as long as we live. But to declare to our Successors what we think unlawful, we have forever firmly Decreed, to establish the same Discipline in this holy See, from which Bishops and other Prelates of Churches ought to take Examples of Truth; being partly led to it by the present Exigencies and narrowness of the Pontifical Treasury, which we do not doubt but is sufficiently known to our Brethren.
Therefore for the glory of Almighty God, the honour of this Apostolical See, and the good example of Prelates and Governors in the [Page 15] Church, and also that the Apostolical Chamber may have no damage. We do for ever Establish and Decree, That it shall not be lawful, neither for Ʋs, nor for any of our Successors, Popes of Rome, by any manner of pretext or colour, directly, or indirectly, or by any sort of Title of Bounty or Free-Gift, or for Gain and Advantage in whole, or in part, to dispose of Monies, Places of the Montes, void or not void, set to Sale, and dispos'd of in consideration of their Price, or any manner of Rights that do any ways belong to the Apostolical See and Chamber, in favour of Brothers, Nephews, or others related by Blood or Marriage, or the intimate Acquaintance or Favourites, as well of Our Self, as of every Roman Bishop Our Successor for the time being respectively; and likewise that nothing of this shall be done in favour of those that may be any ways made choice of, and taken into the Family of any Pope in the room of Nephews, or other near Relations.
Moreover We Decree, That it shall not be lawful neither for Ʋs, nor for any of the Popes of Rome Our Successors by Apostolical Grant to enrich Brothers, Nephews, and Relations by Blood or Marriage, or any that may be received, or chosen in their place, or Favourites aforesaid, with Churches, Monasteries, or any other Benefices or Pensions, of what kind or quality soever; nor with any manner of Ecclesiastical Incoms, Fruits, Revenues, Perquisites, Rights or Profits beyond the merits of any one of them, and the decent maintenance of that Dignity they obtain in the Church; that so a due moderation, and the Rules of distributive Justice being in all things observed, there may be no occasion of complaining or cavilling left to any one, but the Ecclesiastical Revenue may be distributed to those that labour in the Church of God, according to every ones merit. But if the aforesaid Brothers, Nephews, and other Relations by Blood or Marriage, or those that are chosen and received in their Place, should fall into want, the Pope for the time being, in his tender concern, may relieve their Poverty out of the Revenues of the See and Chamber aforesaid, in the same manner as he relieves poor Strangers out of the Goods of the Church, which are God's; but so as the Goods of the See and Chamber may not be bestowed on those, or havock't or imbezel'd for the sake of those. But if (which God forbid) the measure of kindness equally here, and wholsomly prescribed, should be exceeded towards Brothers, Nephews, and other Relations by Blood or Marriage, and Favourites, the Bishops of Rome successively may and ought, either at the Instance of any one, or by their own proper motion, to take away those things that were unduly obtained from them, and to revoke and annul what is given [Page 16] or freely granted in the way above-mentioned; and herein must be no place for ill-will or favor, but all things must be reduced to the rule of Apostolical Equity, besides other Punishments, which may be inflicted at the Will of the Pope. And that as little damage as is possible may accrue to the Apostolical Chamber, We do suppress and abolish the Office of General of the Roman Church, and the Stipend or Emolument of the Superintendent of the State of the Church, and also of the Government of the City Beneventum, which was used to be paid by the said Chamber; adhering in this both to the sense of the College of Cardinals our Brethren, in a late Conclave, wherein We, by the Grace of God, were raised to the Popedom; and also by a Secret Decree, made by Ʋs in Our Consistory, the 16th of December, 1676. And do We also Establish and Decree, That other Military Offices, which have been estimated according to the changes of the times, and as we at this present do estimate them, shall not be bestowed with a Salary or Stipend.
And that all things as is aforesaid may for ever remain in their full strength, We will and command, That as all and singular the Cardinals present have promised and sworn, as much as in them lies, to observe this Bull, and never to withstand it, nor to consent to any Pope's acting against it; so likewise that this shall be done by the Cardinals now absent from the Consistory and Court of Rome, whensoever they shall repair to the said Court, and shall be promised and sworn to by all future Cardinals when they receive the Hat; and this Oath shall be added to that which is taken of course by all the Cardinals. And we Decree, That those that do otherwise, shall thereby incur the pain of Perjury, and perpetual Infamy Juris & Facti. Moreover We Decree and Ordain, the Cardinals, in the Vacancy of the Apostolical See, promise by Oath the Observation of the Bull of Pius V. of happy memory, our Predecessor, De non infoedandis, &c. and of Sixtus V. concerning the aforesaid Monies, reposited in the Castle of St. Angelo; and likewise the Constitutions of other Roman Bishops our Predecessors. So every one that shall be Elected Pope, after he is elected to the Papl Dignity, shall promise and swear inviolably to observe this our present Bull, according to the express form and tenor of the aforesaid Bull of Sixtus V. our Predecessor, in the 11th Section.
And We will, that these Our Letters be drawn into a Libel, and added to the aforesaid Decrees of Pius and Sixtus V. &c. for Entry and Publishing, &c.
But since Princes are not able to undergo the Burthen of Government, without Officers and assistants, and that as these are, so must they expect the eyents of their Governments: This Pope without any respect to his own Relations, chose such as he thought were Men of Sincerity, and adequate to the Imployments he intrusted them with. In the first place he made Cardinal Cibo his Secretary of State, being a person endued with a great and generous Soul, a clear Understanding, Zealous for the welfare of the Church, and dexterous in the management of Publick affairs. The Family of the Altieri having before enjoy'd it, he continued in their Military Employments, as he did the other Officers. But since they were at Peace with all the World, for ease of the Chamber (much indebted) he caus'd the Officers of the Papal Army to satisfie themselves with the honour thereof without pay. Yet intending to do such things that would render himself obnoxious to ill Men, he encreas'd his number of Archers; wherein he took all the care he could to have such Men listed as were discreet and sober, not given to quarrels, or apt to commit Insolencies, as the Corsi had done in Pope Alexander VII. time, which gave him great trouble; for upon affronting the French Kings Embassador, he sent an Army into Italy, which oblig'd that Pope to disband them, and erect a Pillar with an Inscription of their Banishment, and for what Cause.
In the next place, for due administration of Justice, that Criminals might no longer secure themselves in priviledg'd places, which were many and very large, and for long time had been the common shelters of Villains and the worst of Men; he would not allow such places for the future to be Sanctuaries, tho they were the Houses of Ambassadors and great Princes in Rome; and in pursuance thereof caused a famous Bandito to be seized at Riccia, a Seat of the Prince Chigi, which was done without any opposition, tho afterward the French and this Pope had great contests about it.
The Pope also confirmed the seventeen Articles which were signed in the Conclave of Cardinals, a little before the time of the Election, (which other Popes in the like case have failed to do.) These for the most part tended to a Reformation of Manners, and to amendment of those abuses which were crept into the Church. That himself might be a pattern of Temperance and Sobriety, he retrencht the expences of his House, and lived so frugally, that his own Table diet exceeded not five shillings a meal; he reproved the vanity of the Cardinals in their fine Cloaths and Liveries and outward Gaities, not becoming the gravity of Men of their Order (contrary to other Popes who labour'd to dignifie 'em with honours.)
And because the Corruption of the Church, as it began, so continued by ill Men's being in it, who were commonly preferr'd by Friendship or Mony, and not for deserts; he appointed four Cardinals, and four other Clergy-men, to examine the Lives and Manners of such who aspired to the Degree of Bishops, ordering them to admit none thereto suspected, or in the lest blemished with ill Fame, or debauched Conversation, or taxed with Ignorance. And to shew his dislike of such debaucheries, and prevent [Page 18] Temptations, he drove out of Rome the Curtesans and Strumpets, and persons openly Scandalous and Dissolute in their Manners and Behaviour; and in particular banisht a Gentleman of Quality into Germany, for endeavouring to ravish a Lady. He put down Gaming-Houses, and forbad all lewd and unlawful Assemblies; wherefore those sort of Men did account this Popes reign but a dull time, and were weary of it long before it expir'd. Tho in truth Conversation hath been free and unlimited; for tho at Rome there is no Printed News, yet in the Anti-chambers of Cardinals, Ambassadors, Princes, and particularly at the Queen of Swedens, all the News of Europe was usually discours'd (not without animadversions or reflections upon it:) And tho Learning be not much in Vogue there; yet those that would apply themselves to it, might meet with no discouragements, and a general outward Civility (according to the Italian way) was practis'd over the City, and strangers kindly receiv'd (being not obnoxious in their Speeches) so that they may live there without any molestation, and discourse freely enough of any thing that is the common subject of Civil Conversation.
And for the rights and properties of the meaner people, in regard the Barons of Rome, by the priviledge of their Nobility, were above the reach of their Creditors; the Pope ordered Cardinal Cibo to take an account of such Creditors as would bring it in, what any of these priviledg'd persons owed them, and to pay their dues out of the Chamber; causing such persons to assign the Debts due to them to the Chamber, which could better deal with them by proceedings out of the Exchequer.
Many have accounted him Covetous, and one that made it his buisness to heap up Wealth, and probably there might be more reason to lay that to his charge rather than other vices; and one thing they take notice of is, That he hath not rais'd any publick Structure or Building for the glory of the City, as other Popes have done, who advancing their Families at publick expence, if not oppression, were willing to do somthing of that Nature to stop the Peoples Mouths, or else for vain-glory, and to perpetuate their memories to Posterity. But this Pope found the Chamber greatly in debt, by the ill management of affairs before him, and also did not know what occasion he might have to defend his Dominions, if the Turk had prevail'd at Vienna, or the French King should have invaded a people long accustomed to ease and luxury. But he hath parted with great store of Mony to carry on the War against the Turk. And one particular Act of generosity, in this first year of his Reign, is observable, Christina Queen of Sweden having the greatest part of her Revenue from Sweden stopt, (through the necessities of the Times) the Pope in recompence thereof, for her comfortable livelyhood, allowed her a Pension of 3000 l. per Annum.
Having done these things at home, he now looks abroad, and considering the Turk, as the Common Enemy of Christendom, he writes Letters to the Emperor, the Kings of France and Spain to be at Peace, offering himself for Mediator, and to assist in it in Person, provided the place appointed for [Page 19] the Treaty were some City of the Catholick Religion; and animated the King of Poland, to continue his War against the Turk, for the recovery of Kaminiec, and to be reveng'd on the Vizier Kuperlee for taking Contribution from the City of Leopolis, and remitted to him the Sum of 50000 Crowns to assist him therein.
1677. Whilst the Pope labour'd for Peace abroad, the better to repose himself, and advance the Affairs of the Church, which never have thriven in War, unless in some Cases to divert War from Italy, the Popes have been incendiaries to raise it in others places, and thereby may be said to get advantage; I say, while he labour'd for Peace among others, those very persons whose good he design'd thereby, did make but an ill requital, tho no advantage could accrue to some of them. The first accident that had like to set Rome in a Tumult was this, The King of Spains Embassador without the Popes leave, (pretending the French for his Example) knowing his Master wanted Soldiers in Sicily, adventured to make some levies of Men at Rome: People knowing the hardship his Soldiers used to endure, came in slowly to list themselves, and a rumour was spread, that he had hid Men in Cellars, which getting wind among the Vulgar, glad, of a pretence to be tumultuous, and egg'd on by a secret malice they had entertain'd against that Nation; they affronted them in all places, which ended sometimes in scuffles and fightings, so that several were kill'd and some wounded; against such a torrent, there was no resistance to be made by a few Spaniards, but they were forced to retire and keep close. The Pope used severity against such as were found guilty of these Riots, tho the Spaniards not thinking that sufficient satisfaction, refused or durst not appear at Court; and the Vice-Roy of Naples refused to give Audience to the Popes Nuntio there, without any colour or ground. The Pope was hereat disturbed, and in pursuing of his Decree for depriving all places and persons of the priviledge of harbouring Outlaws and Criminals; he publishd an Edict forbidding all Persons to affix the Arms of any Ambassador, Prince, or Noble Man over their Shops, looking upon it as a Mark, or Sign that they had renounced his Protection, and put themselves under the Persons whose Arms they had so affixed; and declared he would Govern at Rome, as other Princes did in their Dominions. This his courage and resolution surprized many, who thought it, as indeed it was, no small thing to take away that which had been allow'd by his Predecessors, wherein were so many great Persons concern'd; besides the incensing of those Desperadoes who were hereby covered from Justice.
The Circumstances of the Spaniard would not admit him to contend, but desires Audience, which the Pope denies till his Nuntio were heard at Naples; which being done, and the Spaniard desiring by Letter that his Ambassador might have Audience on some emergent Occasion, at the perswasion of Cardinals Cibo and Barbarino it was at last granted, and the Ambassador departed well satisfy'd with the proceedings of the Court. And this had better issue for Rome, than the contest between Paul V. and the Venetians; for he intending to make all Kingdoms truckle to him, [Page 20] begins with the States of Venice, who he thought would not stand upon Points of honour, as Crowned Heads might do; but he took wrong measures, for neither his Spiritual nor Temporal weapons could bring them to recede from their rights, and so with shame he desisted.
The Contests between Popes and Princes have been the troubles of the Court and City of Rome; but tho this Pope hath had some share in them, yet he hath held his own without War or Bloodshed. And it was no mean concern to enter the lists with one that then appear'd, and ever since until now, the greatest Monarch in Europe, I mean the French King who stil'd himself Lewis le Grand.
The Contest was about the Regalia wherein I shall follow Sir Paul Rycaut's History of this matter (who hath for the most part extracted it from the now Bishop of Sarum's tract on that Subject) so far as he carries it.
The point of the Regalia had been an ancient dispute for many Ages in France, which was in some sort determined in the Year 1431. by the Council of Basil, where it was ordained that Cathedral Churches and others should have a freedom of Elections: This afterwards was confirmed by a general Assembly of French Clergy at Bourges, and address'd to King Charles the Seventh, desiring him to protect that Council. At that time the Council of Basil sent to the King an Abstract of their Decrees, consisting of Thirty Seven Articles, by which Decennial Councils, and the Authority of the Councils above the Pope was established, &c. together with an Abstract of the Decree they had made concerning Elections. All which were considered at that Assembly at Bourges, where the Dauphin and the chief Nobility of France were present, and by their Advice the famous Pragmatick Sanction was made in Confirmation of those Articles, which was observed during the Reign of Charles the Seventh. But Lewis the Eleventh esteeming it the Interest of France to maintain a good correspondency with the Pope, was inclinable to wave the advantage of this Sanction. In the beginning of Charles VIII. an Assembly of States being called at Tours, the Third Estate petition'd, that the Pragmatick Sanction might be again renewed and confirmed; calling those which were preferred by the Court, Court-Bishops; so it was again put into force and practice, much to the displeasure of the Pope; notwithstanding which Lewis XII. made a perpetual Edict in confirmation of it: Francis I. succeeding to the Crown, and having vast Designs in Italy, thought it not his Interest to stand at a distance with the Pope, and therefore was willing to treat with him about the Abolition of the Pragmatick Sanction on such terms, as might reconcile his own Prerogative with the Popes Authority. This Design occasion'd an Interview between the King and Pope at Bologna, and thence the Concordat was produced, which was afterward put into the form of a Bull, and confirmed by the Council of Lateran: The Sum of which was, The King and the Pope agreed to divide the Promotion to all Prelacies between them; for the King was to nominate the Person within Six Months after a Vacancy, and the Pope was to confirm him, if no lawful exception [Page 21] did lie against him. When the Emperors were low by adverse Fortune, the Popes forced them to be beholding to them, and not without some far-fetch'd Notion would make advantage for themselves; and sometimes Emperors and Princes have retaliated the like measure to Popes.
Lewis XIV. in the year 1673. being high and Prosperous in his Fortune, resolved to put a Period to the Process for the Regale, which had continued near Thirty years, and made this Declaration:
That the King had Right of Regale in all his Dominions, except only in those Sees, that had purchased their Exemption from it: And therefore all Bishops who had not yet Registred their Oaths of Fidelity in the Chamber of Accounts, were required to do it, and to take out a Writ upon it for closing the Regale, otherwise their Bishopricks were still to be looked upon as under it.
All the Bishops of France, unwilling to incur the Displeasure of their successful Monarch, submitted; excepting the Bishops of Alet and Pamiers.
It was now under the Reign of Clement X, an old doting Pope, who committed the management of the Pontificate to Altieri, a Person from his beginning distastful to the Court of France. This was the time for France to move the Pope, who knew not his own Interest; and Altieri was not able to contend in so litigious a case against so powerful a Prince.
In January 1676. The Kings Right was claimed in disposal of the Deanry of Alet; the Dispute was left to the Bishops to maintain, neither the Pope nor his Cardinals taking cognizance of it. This Pope dying in August following, left the Contest to our Innocent XI. more able to maintain it than his Predecessor. Another Case also happened; one Pawcet was provided in right of the Regale to be Arch-Deacon of Pamiers, but was rejected by the Bishop and Chapter; howsoever the Regale prevailed; for the Archbishop of Tholouse gave Judgment in favour of the Regalist; but on the contrary, the Bishop of Pamiers acquiesced not in this Sentence, but appealed to the Pope, who was now engaged in the Controversie, and the matter lodged in his Hands.
1678. Wherefore the Pope writ his Brief to the French King, and in soft, and yet pressing Terms, complained of the Innovations made on the Liberties of the Church, and the Authority of the Council of Lions: And after several Arguments to perswade him to desist from this Enterprize, he concludes, He cannot forget those Popes his Predecessors, whom, upon the like Occasion, had endured long and great Afflictions.
But these Allegations satisfy'd not the King, who pretended, That the Rights of the Regale were inherent in the Crown, and had been enjoyed by his Ancestors, and by them derived down to himself. The Pope on the other side replyed, That the Secular Power had no Right to things Sacred, but as it was derived to them by the Authority of the Church, and that the Church had not granted any such Right, having expresly limited it by the Council of Lyons, which hath now been observed 400 years.
This Controversie seemed to lie dormant from September 1678. unto December 1679. when it was again revived in the See of Pamiers, in that [Page 22] point which concerned the Vacant Benefices, and the mean Profits; for the Kings Officers seized on them, so that the good old Bishop had nothing to live on the last twenty Months of his Life, but the Oblations and Charity of his People. This occasioned the Pope to write to Cardinal D'Estree to interpose in this Affair, as being a Person more than ordinarily concerned in the Dignity of the Apostolical See, to which the Cardinal answer'd in the Style of a Court-Bishop, extolling the Kings Merit, his Zeal for the Faith, and respect for the Apostolical Chair; what he had done for the suppressing of Calvinists and Heresie within his Dominions, and how bravely he had defended the Christian Cause against the Turks; and in fine, he laid down the dangers which would follow, if any Dissention should arise between that King and the Church.
At length Cardinal D'Estree was dispatched to Rome with a Letter of Credence, and Orders to treat immediately with the Pope himself; but it seems his Negotiation produced little Alteration; for the Pope continued steady and constant to his Principles: And on the other side, the Parliament of Paris became as zealous for the Kings Right and Authority, for which the Kings Attorney General pleading, made little esteem of the Popes Censures in respect of the Kings Orders.
The Church (said he) may indeed have an Authority to punish Men for Heresie and an ill Life; but the World was now too well enlightned, not to discern, that the Thunders of Rome had been for several Ages vainly employed, for extending its Authority beyond all due Bounds, the Limits whereof were to be found in the Canons of the Church, by which the Pope, as well as others, ought to govern himself. And therefore desired that the last Brief sent by the Pope might be suppressed, which was accordingly done by a Judgment of the Court of Parliament on the last of March, 1681.
And to give a farther Authority to this Judgment, an extraordinary Assembly was called of all the Bishops then residing at Paris, where were present Six Archbishops, Twenty Six Bishops, and Six that were named to Bishopricks, to whom the Agents of the Clergy represented the Invasions made on the Liberties of the Gallican Church by the Popes Briefs, both in general, concerning the Regale; and in particular, in the Affair at Pamiers, and the Nunneries, and concerning a Book of Gerbais, a Doctor of the Sorbonne, De Gausis Majoribus, which were equally contrary both to Church and State, to the Canons, and the Concordate, by which the Pope, upon a simple Complaint, without any Appeal, did by the plenitude of his Power judge at Rome concerning the validity of Elections, and the Authority of Arch-Bishops and Primates, &c. The issue of this Assembly was, They asserted the Authority of National Churches, for judging all matters both of Faith and Manners; and in the conclusion agreed to make an Address to the King, praying him to give leave either for a National Counsel, or an Assembly General, the later of which was consented unto by his Majesty, and summoned to meet the first of October following, which met accordingly, and at the opening thereof, the Bishop of Meaux preached a most eloquent Sermon with much Applause; after which, the point [Page 23] of the Regale was put to the Question, and argued learnedly on both sides, and in conclusion, the greatest part were of opinion, that the Rights unto the Regale were inherent in the Crown, and that the pretensions thereunto were Usurpations by the Church, as appears by this following Declaration.
The Declaration of the Clergy of the Gallican Church concerning Ecclesiastical Power.
WE the Archbishops and Bishops, Representatives of the Gallican Church, being by Command of His Majesty Assembled at Paris, together with others of the Clergy, in the same manner delegated with us, after long Debate, and mature Consideration, have thought fit to declare and determine these several particulars following:
I. That a Power is given by God to St. Peter, and his Successors, who are the Vicars of Christ, and to the Church to Order and Regulate all Spiritual Matters, but not to intermeddle in Civil or Temporal matters, according to that Saying of our Lord, My Kingdom is not of this World. And again, Give unto Caesar the things which are Caesars, and unto God the things that are Gods. And Agreeable hereunto is that of the Apostle, Let every Soul be Subject to the Higher Powers, for there is no Power but of God; the Powers which are, are ordained of God; and whosoever resisteth the Power, resisteth the Ordinance of God. Wherefore Kings and Princes by the Law of God are not liable in temporal matters to the Ecclesiastical Power, nor by the Power of the Keys can they be deposed, either directly or indirectly; or can their Subjects be absolved from their Fealty and Obedience to them, or from their Oaths of Allegiance, the which We confirm and determine, as Principles not only necessary for conservation of the Publick Peace and Tranquility, but for the better Government of the Church, and as Truths agreeable to the Word of God, the Tradition of the Fathers, and to the Example and Practice of Saints and Holy Men.
II. That the Apostolical See, and the Successors of St. Peter, who are the Vicars of Christ, have a full and plenary Power, in all Spiritual matters, in such manner as is given to them by the Oecumenical Synod of Constance, which is received by the Apostolical See, and in such manner as hath been confirmed by the constant use and practice of the Popes of Rome, and the whole Church, and observed by the Religion of the Gallican Church, and Decreed by the Authority of the [Page 24] General Councils, in the Fourth and Fifth Sessions: And the Gallican Church doth condemn the Opinion of those, who esteemed those Decrees of doubtful Authority, and do endeavour to restrain their Obligations only to a certain time of Schism, and to invalidate the present Power thereof.
III. Hence it is that the third exercise of the Apostolical Power is to be regulated by Canons established by the Spirit of God, and thereunto all the World is to bear Respect and Reverence; likewise the Rules, Manners, and Institutions received by the Kingdom, and Church of France, as also the Customs of our Fore-fathers are to remain unalterable; the which is a clear Demonstration of the greatness of the Apostolical See, that the Statutes and Ordinances thereof are established and confirmed by and with the consent of the Churches.
IV. In Questions of Faith the Pope is chief Judge, and his Decrees extend themselves to the Churches in general, and to every one in particular; nor can his Judgment be repealed, unless by the consent and determination of the Universal Church.
V. These Particulars received from the Doctrin of our Fore-fathers, we have by the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost, Decreed to send unto all the Gallican Churches, and the Bishops residing over them; and we do all concur in the same Sense and Meaning of them.
Subscribed by Archbishops and Bishops and Clergy, as before related, and Registred as required by the Kings Attorney General, March 23. 1681/2.
The French King used all means to gain this point of the Pope; and thinking that the very bruit of any part of his Army marching into Italy, might have a considerable Influence, he sent a Protestant General, Marshal Schomberg, with an Army into Italy, and the Fourth of October, 1681. he entred Cazal. The pretence was, That the French King had bought that place of one of the Duke of Mantua's Ministers for three Millions, which the Duke disown'd, as done without his privity, and would not receive the Mony; and the Pope and all Italy by fortifying this place, and several other apparent Designs of the French King, were frequently Alarm'd, so that in 1687. his Holiness durst not send his Gallies to assist the Venetians, but was put to the charge of raising Forces for his Security.
The King caused the Declaration of the Clergy, and his Edict for conforming it to be registred both in the Chamber of Accounts in France, and in the Sorbonne, without the Doctors Assent, who shew'd their resentment of it; and therefore the Parliament of Paris summoned twelve of the Doctors before them, and gave them a sharp Reprimand; and in June, 1682. the King commanded several of the Doctors of the Sorbonne to leave the Society, and repair to certain places distant which he appointed: He also sent several of the Clergy to the Bastile, who had spoke or wrote freely on this occasion.
The Pope was not idle in the mean time. In January 1681. he did by several Briefs require the Jesuits to expel Father Maimburg, a French Jesuit, out of their Society, for having wrote a Book offensive to his Holiness, but the King took him into his protection. In April 1682. He sent a Decree to the Carmelites at Paris to suspend one of their Members for publishing certain Theses Offensive to the Court of Rome, which they performed; but the Parliament of Paris commanded the Prior to take off the Suspension, and forbad all the Religious Orders to execute any Mandates, Letters, or Orders which did not concern the internal Ordinary Discipline of their Convents. The Assembly at Paris wrote to the Pope the third of February 1682. in unpleasing Terms touching the Regalia. And the Pope by his Brief of April the 6th. 1682. directed to his Venerable Brethren, the Archbishops, Bishops, &c. assembled at Paris, check'd them for their Letter, and argued his Cause in answer to theirs, and reproved them for departing from their Rights; and lastly, rescinded and annull'd what had been done in their Assembly in the Affair of the Regale; and withal excommunicated the Archbishop of Tholouse.
The Clergy of France before this Brief was made publick to them, May the 6th. made their Protestation against several Letters that the Pope had wrote into France to the Bishop of Pamiers, &c. and against all Acts done thereupon; and were considering of ordaining, that no Appeals should be made to Rome, and of setting up a Patriarch of their own.
Hereupon the Pope sent a Bull of Excommunication of the Deputies of the Clergy of France, to be published in their Assembly; which the King having notice of, stopt their meeting, and a little after commanded them to repair to their several Charges; and on the Doctors of the Sorbonne's Petition to the Parliament, they are restor'd, and order'd to give their Opinion on the Propositions of the Clergy, wherein they spent much time, even to May 1683. and still continued divided in their Opinions.
Cardinal D'Estree had spent his time in vain at Rome, prevailing nothing upon the Pope. In the Assembly, before they separated, the Archbishop of Paris offered several Proposals to accommodate the matter between the Pope and his Eldest Son, which with many other things were debated upon.
1. That those to whom the King in right of his Regalia shall give any Ecclestical Benifices, shall in the Vacancy of the Sees have Approbation and Mission from the Vicars General.
[Page 26] 2. That the Chapters that are in possession of bestowing Prebends and other Dignities, shall as formerly dispose of them in the Vacancy of the See.
3. That in those Vacancies where the Collation is alternative, between Bishops and the Chapters, the same shall be observed during the Vacancies of the Sees that are under the Regality, the King having the turn which the Bishops should have had.
4. That where the Bishop, joyntly with the Chapter, disposes of the Prebends, the King may in the Vacancy of the See appoint a Commissioner, who shall have the same power and place in the Chapter as the Bishop had.
In January 1682. The French King order'd the Sieur Prior to visit the Monasteries, &c. where any Divinity Schools are kept, and to require the Professors to teach the Propositions of the Clergy in their Assemblies; several Books also were seized in France, which asserted the Popes Authority; and divers Ecclesiasticks and others suspected to be concerned therein, were imprisoned thereupon, and the Abbot of Meuard was committed to the Bastile for holding correspondence with some persons at Rome.
After this the French Kings Superintendant forbad the Professors of Divinity at Doway to teach or exercise their Functions, because they had refus'd to subscribe the Propositions of the Clergy, which so dissatisfied the Pope, that the Bulls for confirmation of several Persons nominated by the King to Vacancies, were not dispatched, tho they were such as the Pope had no pretence against; and as to the Abbot of Maupeau, whom the King had named to be Bishop of Gastres, he absolutely refus'd his Bull, because he had signed the Declaration of the Clergy.
The Pope sent to divers Princes, desiring them to cause their Clergy to assemble, and to consider of, and give their Opinions touching the French Clergy's Propositions. Those of Poland and part of Hungary met and condemned them.
And thus the Pope's Thunder having frighted the Clergy, the Assembly was dissolved, and these high Contests began to cool: Nevertheless, both Parties held their own pretences, neither yielding to the other; but while the two Heads strive, many Churches remain vacant, and that notwithstanding the cry and pretence that a vast number of new Converts stood in need of Instruction, to be confirmed in their pretended Orthodox Belief.
And here I shall leave off this Affair, untill the business of the Franchises comes together with it to be treated on, having proceeded further than I ought to have done, because I was willing to continue the Relation of this Affair with as little interruption by other matters as was possible.
1681. The Colledge of Cardinals being diminished to twenty six and those in being many of them very Aged, the Pope resolved to create sixteen new ones, and reserve the other Ten, either to gratifie Princes, or please himself as he should afterwards see necessary occasion, though he was backward to encrease the Number, but rather lessen [Page 27] them, looking on many to be a burthen to the Church: And this was his first Creation, tho many empty Pallaces in Rome craved Inhabitants; and herein he shewed he would not fawn upon, or flatter the French King, by raising any of his Kingdom to that Dignity, but chose Italians, whose Names are as follow:
- 1. John Baptista Spinola a Genoese, aged Sixty Seven, Governor of Rome, and Secretary of the Congregation of Regulars.
- 2. Anthony Pignatelli a Neapolitan, Sixty Six years of Age, Bishop of Lecca and Master of the Popes Chamber.
- 3. Stephen Brancaccio a Neapolitan, aged Sixty Four.
- 4. Stephen Agostini, Archbishop of Heraclea, aged Sixty Five.
- 5. Francis Bonvici of Lucca, Archbishop of Thessalonica, aged Sixty Three.
- 6. Savo Mellini, a Roman, Archbishop of Cesarea, aged Thirty Seven years.
- 7. Frederick Visconti of Milan, aged Sixty Three, Archbishop of Milan
- 8. Marco Gallio of Como, Bishop of Rimini, aged Sixty Nine.
- 9. Flaminio del Tayo, of Siena, aged Eighty years.
- 10. Raymond Capizucci a Roman, aged Sixty Nine.
- 11. John Baptista de Luca a Neapolitan, aged Sixty Four.
- 12. Laurentio Brancati, of Laurea in Calabria, aged Sixty Four years, Library-keeper of the Vatican.
- 13. Urbano Lachetti of Florence, aged Forty Four, Auditor of the Apostolical Chamber.
- 14. John Francisco Ginetti a Roman, aged Sixty years, Treasurer of the Chamber.
- 15. Benedict Pamphilio, aged Twenty Eight, Grand Prior of Rome.
- 16. Michael Angelo Ricci, aged Sixty five years.
All these took their Promotions patiently, and without much reluctancy, only Tayo and Ricci were hardly brought to it.
The Pope being sensible that the Cheat of Indulgences was apparent to many of the common People, and the first thing Luther made use of to encline great numbers to protest against the Encroachments and Superstitions of the Roman Church; and also how ridiculous they are esteem'd by Protestants, and scandalously made use of by their own Priests, especially in remote Countries; and particularly disliking that Indulgence of the Immaculate Conception, (a Controversie among the Dominicans and Franciscans) thought it the best way in Reforming his own Church, to begin with such things as the Reformers justly took offence at, and therefore suppressed divers of them.
In the first place, The Office of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, approved by Paul the First, who granted, That whosoever should devoutly recite the same, should have an hundred days Indulgence, as may appear by his Bull of July the 10th. 1615. printed at Milan. The Pope therefore now Decreed, That no Person, of what Order, Degree or Condition soever, should dare to keep, read, print, or cause to be printed the said [Page 28] Book; and requiring that whosoever should have the said Office in his keeping, should forthwith deliver the same to the Ordinary, or to the Inquisitors of the place; which Decree was published Febr. 9. 1678.
Then he set upon others, and suppressed a multitude of idle and foolish Indulgencies, which many cheating Priests raised Mony upon, from the ignorant People; of which kind were those Indulgencies granted by John the Second, Sixtus the Fourth, to those who should recite the Prayer of Charity of our Lord Jesus Christ; by Eugenius the Third, to the Revelation made to St. Bernard, of a blow on the Shoulder of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By John the Twenty Second to those who kiss the measure of the Soal of the Foot of the Blessed Virgin.
By Leo the Tenth, to those who wear the Cord of St. Francis, printed first at Rome, then at Milan, 1663. To them that shall say the Angelical Prayer (when the Clock strikes) to the Image of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, printed in a Circle, with the Moon under her feet.
By Paul the Fifth, and Gregory the Fifteenth, to those who say, Blessed be the Holy Sacrament.
Likewise those Indulgences for fourscore thousand years, copied out of the Ancient Table, which is said to be kept in the Lateran Church, to those who say this truly pious Prayer, O God, who for the Redemption of the World, &c.
He also suppressed many others, and declared, That though according to the Doctrin of the Council of Trent, the use of Indulgencies may be useful to the People, and doth Anathematise such as shall deny, that there is not a Power in the Church to grant them, yet he is desirous that the Doctrin thereof be rightly understood, and a Moderation used in granting them, lest by too great facility or easiness, the Discipline of the Church be corrupted and enfeebled.
It was indeed one of the main businesses that the Council of Trent should have handled, that and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in both Kinds, being two principal matters then contested in the German Churches; but that Council's Inspiration being brough from Rome in a Cloak-bag, the Spirit of the Papacy would not allow it; and withal they could not but see that this Doctrin was not solid, and would not hold water; therefore they slightly touched thereon, and nothing was determined in it, than only, That Indulgences be used with such moderation, as was approved by the ancient Custom of the Church of God.
As this Pope endeavour'd to remove all Remora's of Justice that might hinder the due execution thereof, in suppressing the pretended and long abused Priviledges of the Franchises; and (to take away those Temptations and seeming Encouragements to Vice, which had been given by licensing of Stews) had suppressed those places, and expell'd both Strumpets and other debauch'd Persons out of the City; and also had appointed such Magistrates for the due execution of Justice, that [Page 29] Rome was become very regular, and no publick Vice or Disorders to be seen or heard therein; so considering that Men of evil Principles might yet act such things which no positive Law in being could reach: That he might (at least in some measure) eradicate some of those Positions and Doctrins in Morality, which had by the subtil distinction of the Casuists and Jesuits been scattered and maintained in several of their Writings, tending to the Debauchery of Manners, and to the Encouragement of a loose and dissolute Life: He especially deputed certain Cardinals to be the general Inquisitors: And having gather'd out of several Writings divers Doctrins which appear'd to be pernicious in practice, and scandalous to the Profession of Christianity, frequently and exactly discuss'd before his Holiness; on mature Consideration, it was on the Second of March, 1679. appointed and decreed, That the following Propositions, and every one of them, shall be damn'd and prohibited; not intending by this Decree to approve other Propositions of the like Nature not here expressed.
1. That it is not unlawful in the Administration of the Sacraments to adhere to a probable opinion touching the Validity of the Sacraments, rather than one that is more safe, unless some Law or Agreement, or the hazard of some grievous damage to be sustained thereby may prohibit it.
Hence it appears, That an Opinion only probable is not to be follow'd in conferring Baptism, or Ecclesiastical Orders.
2. That a Judge may give Sentence according to an Opinion less probable.
3. When we do any thing, relying upon its probability, whether it be intrinsical, that is, grounded on reason; or extrinsical, viz. grounded on Authority, be it never so little, so we do not go beyond the bounds of probability, viz. to that which is apparently false, we act always prudently.
4. That an Infidel that will not believe, led by an Opinion less probable, shall be excused from his Infidelity.
5. That a Man is not to be condemned of Mortal Sin, that never had any act of Love to God, but one alone, in his whole Life.
6. That it is probable that the Command of loving God doth not of it self oblige, no not every fifth year rigorously.
7. Its only obliging to us when we must of necessity put our selves into a state of Justification, and have no other way by which we can be justify'd
8. It is not a sin to eat and drink for pleasure, even to Satiety, if it be not prejudicial to our Health; for the natural Appetite may enjoy lawfully its proper Acts.
9. The use of Marriage for pleasure alone is free of all fault, even of a venial failure.
10. We are not oblig'd to love our Neighbour by an internal and formal Act.
11. By external Acts only we may satisfie the Command of loving our Neighbour.
12. Secular Persons (tho Kings) can hardly be said to abound; so that [Page 30] if one is only bound to give out of their abundance, there is scarcely any one obliged to give Alms.
13. Without mortal Sin one may be troubled for the Life of another, so it be done with moderation; and one may rejoyce at his natural Death, and wish and desire it with inefficacious desires, if it be not out of dislike of his Person, but for some worldly advantage that may accrue thereby.
14. It is lawful absolutely to desire the Death of ones Father, so it be not desir'd for his hurt, but for the good of him that wisheth it, that he may have thereby possession of a good Inheritance.
15. A Son may lawfully rejoyce for the Murder of his Father, tho committed by himself, if he were drunk when he perpetrated it, in respect of the increase of his Wealth by gaining his Inheritance.
16. Faith doth not seem to be under any particular or absolute command.
17. One act of Faith is sufficient for ones whole Life.
18. Upon examination before a Magistrate, I advise the party ingenuously to confess the Faith, both for the Glory of God and that; but I do not condemn silence as sinful in it self.
19. It is not in the power of the Will to make the Assent to Faith more firm in it self, than the strength of Reasons which inforce its assent, doth require.
20. A Man may with prudence reject a Supernatural Assent which he had formerly.
21. An Assent of Faith that is supernatural and available for Salvation, may consist with a probable knowledg only of Revelation; nay, with a fear that God hath not spoken it.
22. The Faith of one God seems requisite alone by an indispensible necessity, but the explicit belief that God is a Rewarder, doth not appear necessary.
23. Faith in a large sense, only from the testimony and evidence of the Creation, or some such like motive, is sufficient for Justification.
24. To call God to witness a Lie in a light matter, is so great a dishonour or irreverence to him, as that therefore he will, or can condemn one for it.
25. Whether it be about a small or great matter, if a man have cause for it, he may lawfully take an Oath, without any intention of swearing.
26. If any one, either alone, or before others, either when he is asked, or of his own accord, or for his diversion, or any other end, shall swear that he did not do a thing, which he really did, reserving a meaning to himself, either of some other thing which he did not do, or of doing it another way, or by adding any other Truth to it; in this case he is indeed neither a Lyar nor perjur'd.
27. A secret meaning may be used justly as oft as it is necessary or profitable for preservation of Life or Honour, or saving ones goods, or for any other Act of Vertue, so that the concealment of Truth seems in that case to be expedient or desirable.
[Page 31] 28. One that is promoted to be a Magistrate, or to some Office, either by recommendation or bribery, may with a mental reservation take the Oath required in such cases, not regarding the intention of him that exacts it, because the Party is not bound to confess himself guilty of a Crime that is secret.
29. Great and urgent fear is a just cause of dissembling in the Administration of the Sacraments.
30. A Person of Honour may lawfully kill a Man that designs to calumniate him, if he cannot otherwise avoid the reproach; the same may be said, if one give another a Box on the Ear, or strikes him with a Cudgel, and when he hath done so, runs away.
31. For the saving the value of a Crown, I may regularly kill a Thief.
32. We may not only lawfully defend Goods in our Possession by killing such as would take them, but also such things to which we have only a right begun or imperfect, and which we have hopes to possess hereafter.
33. An Heir or Legatee may defend himself against him that unjustly hinders him to take Possession of his Inheritance, or from receiving his Legacy, by the same means a Professor or Prebend may use against one that hinders them from their possession.
34. It is lawful to endeavour or procure an Abortion before the Infant is quickned, to hinder the Womans being kill'd or defam'd, by the discovery of the Womans being with Child.
35. All Conceptions as long as they are in the Womb, its probable are without a reasonable Soul, and when they are born begin to have one, and then it follows in any Abortion there is no Murder committed.
36. Its not only lawful in extream, but also in great and heavy necessity to steal.
37. If a Servant of either Sex have not a Salary answerable to their service, it is lawful to steal from their Masters to the value of their services.
38. It is not mortal Sin not to restore that which one stole by many Thefts, how great soever the Total may be.
39. He that perswades another to do a mischievous thing to a third Person, is not bound to make up the damage which is thereby sustained.
40. The Contract of Mohatra is lawful, tho made with the same Person, and with the refelling the same thing, before agreed on, with an intention of gain.
41. Since Mony laid down in present is more esteemed than Mony remaining due yet unpaid, and all Men value it more than that they look for hereafter, a Lender may require more than his Stock from him that borrows, and be hereby excused from Usury.
42. It is not Usury when something above the Principal is requir'd as due by way of Benevolence and Gratitude; but 'tis only so when exacted as due of right.
43. Why may it not be accounted only a Venial Sin in any one, to charge a Man with a false Crime, thereby to lessen his great Authority, which is prejudicial to himself?
[Page 32] 44. Probably it is not a Mortal Sin, to fix a false Crime on another, in defence of our own Honour and Justice; and if this be not probable, there is scarce any Opinion in Divinity so.
45. To give a temporal thing for a spiritual, is not Simony, when it is not given as the price, but only as a mo [...]ive for bestowing or doing the spiritual thing; or when the temporal i [...] only a gratuitous recompence for the spiritual, or that the spiritual be a compensation for the temporal.
46. And this also takes place, altho the temporal thing be the principal motive for giving the spiritual; nay, altho it be the end of the very spiritual thing, and be higher esteem'd than the spiritual.
47. When the Council of Trent doth say, That they partake in other mens sins, and are guilty of mortal sin, who do not prefer to Churches those whom they shall judge to be more worthy, or more useful to the Church; the Council either first of all by more worthy, seems to mean nothing else but the worthiness of those that are to be chosen, the Comparative Degree being put for the Positive. Or Secondly, it puts down more worthy improperly, that it may exclude the unworthy, but not such as are worthy. Or 3ly. It means the more worthy should be chosen, when there is a competition.
48. It seems so plain, that Fornication has nothing of evil in it self, and is only evil, because it is forbidden to think otherwise, is contrary to reason.
49. Voluntary Pollution is not prohibited by the Law of Nature, from whence it follows, That if God had not forbidden it, it might have been often good, and sometimes obligatory under the pain of mortal sin.
50. Copulation with a married Woman, her Husband consenting, is not Adultery; and therefore in this case it may suffice a man to say in Confession, that he has been guilty of Fornication.
51. A Servant who knowingly helps his Master upon his Shoulders to get in at a Window to deflowr a Virgin, and does many times serve him that way, by bringing a Ladder, opening a Door, or any thing like this, does not sin mortally, provided it be done for fear of some considerable prejudice may otherwise happen to him, as, lest he should be ill used by his Master, ill look'd upon or turn'd out of doors.
52. Setting aside the Scandal, the precept for observing the Festivals, does not oblige under the pain of mortal sin, provided there be no contempt.
53. That Person satisfies the command of the Church, in hearing Mass, that hears two, yea, even four parts of it from divers Priests that celebrate.
54. He that cannot recite his Matines and Lands, but can say the rest of his Hours, is bound to nothing, i. e. is excusable, because the greater part draws the lesser along with it.
55. The Precept of receiving the Sacrament yearly, is satisfied by a sacrilegious eating our Lords Body.
56. Frequent Confession and Communion, even in such as live like Heathens, is a sign of Predestination.
57. Its probable that natural Attrition is sufficient, provided it be honest.
58. We are not obliged to confess the custom of any sin to a Confessor that asks it.
[Page 33] 59. 'Tis lawful Sacramentally to absolve those that by reason of a great Crowd of Penitents have made but half Confession; for instance, this may happen on some great Festival-Day or time of Indulgence.
60. Absolution is neither to be denied, nor deferr'd, to a Penitent, that has got a custom of sinning against the Law of God, of Nature, or the Church, though there appear no hope of his Amendment; if he does but say, he is Sorry, and purposes Amendment.
61. He that is Conversant in the nearest occasions of Sin, which he can, and will not avoid, but directly and purposely seeks and thrusts himself into them, may sometimes be absolv'd.
62. The nearest occasion of Sin is not to be avoided, when some profitable or honest cause, for our not avoiding it, does occur.
63. It is lawful to seek directly the nearest occasion of Sinning, for the Spiritual or Temporal good, either of our Selves or Neighbours.
64. A Man is capable of Absolution, however ignorant he may be of the Misteries of Faith, and though, by negligence that deserves blame, he does not know the Mistery of the Holy Trinity, and of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.
65. It may suffice to have once believed these Misteries.
At the end of these Propositions, was a Declaration, That whosoever should defend, publish, or treat of them, though by way of Dispute, except it were to confute them, should ipso facto stand Excommunicated, and never receive Absolution, (unless in the hour of Death) but from the Pope himself for the time being.
There was also a strict Prohibition to all faithful Christians, in vertue of their holy Obedience to the Apostolical See, and under the pains of the Judgments of God, to forbear reducing any of these Opinions into practice.
And lastly, All Doctors and Schoolmen were commanded to abstain from censuring or reproaching one another in Controverted Points, which are not here determined, and to wait peaceably for the Judgment of the Holy See about them.
It was observ'd his Holiness was very favourable in the Character that he gave of these Impious and Immoral Tenets, calling them, Ad minus scandalosas & in praxi pernitiosas, at least Scandalous and Pernicious in Practice; not charging them with any sinfulness in themselves, as contrary to the Laws of God and Nature, for the Title prefixt to the Decree for condemning these Propositions runs thus:
The Decree of our most holy Lord Innocent the XI. by Divine Providence Pope, by which he hath condemned 65 Propositions of Casuists, as at least scandalous and pernicious in practice, and hath forbidden the defending and publishing of them by any one under the pain of Excommunication, ipso facto, and that to be reserved to the Holy Apostolical See.
This Decree was publisht at Rome in the usual places, on the 4th of March, 1679. by Francis Perin Cursor to the Pope and Court of Inquisition.
In December 1682, an Imperial Envoy arrived at Rome, to give the Pope an account, that the Turks were making very great preparations for a War in [Page 34] Hungary; the Pope very readily gave assurance of his Assistance both against the Turks and Count Teckeley, who had been some time in Arms in Upper-Hungary; and January the 8th a Congregation was held to consider of the best way to give assistance to the Emperor, and resolved, That the Tenths of all Ecclesiastical Benefices in Italy and Spain, and where the Popes Power is acknowledged, (except in France) shall be employed for carrying on this War; and in the mean time for present Occasion, remitted 200000 Crowns to the Emperor at Vienna.
He also wrote to the French King to agree the Differences with his Neighbours, and assist against the Turks; and the French King's Envoy at Vienna declared his Master desired a lasting Peace between him and the Emperor, and that he would be ready to assist with his Forces against the Turks: But at the same time a Domestick of the Envoy's was found to have Correspondence with Count Teckeley, and secur'd; the French Troops had about a year before forced in upon the Magistrates, and seiz'd Strasburgh, which he refused to re-deliver. And the French King both now and for some time after so alarm'd the German princes, that they could not assist the Emperor, promoting in many ways the Turks Invasion of the Empire, and assisting Teckeley with Money; This last the Pope charged him with, and urged it as one ground for his displeasure, when the Disputes were about the Regale, which suspicion the King endeavoured to remove, though with little satisfaction to the Pope.
And since it will be my part to give an account of the large Assistances the Pope gave both to the Emperor, the King of Pol [...]nd, and the Venetians, in carrying on the War, it will not be impertinent to give yearly a short account of the Success that ensued thereupon.
The Turk published his Declaration of War against the Emperor, containing many Blasphemous Reproaches of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, which in the Consequence was the occasion of his own Deposing, though by his own Soldiers.
May the 8th, 1683, his Holiness had an account, that according to his desire, the King of Poland had entred into League with the Emperor, for assisting in the War, which was to be Sworn to by each of their Cardinal Protectors at Rome; for every Prince and State (that own the Pope for their Head) hath a Cardinal at Rome, (who joyns with his Ambassador, if there be any residing there, or else alone) to take care of the Affairs of that Country at Rome, and is call'd the Protector of such a Realm or State, Cardinal Pio was for the Empire, and Barbarin for the King of Poland.
In June the Pope sent to the States of Venice, to persuade them to enter into the same League, with all the Encouragements he was able.
In the latter end of July, this year, the Turks besieged Vienna, much sooner than was expected, the Emperor, Court, and many Inhabitants speeded out of it, almost surprized; Count Staremberg, the Governor, made a very brave Defence, notwithstanding the many violent Assaults of the Turks, and before Relief came kill'd near 20000 of them; The Duke of Lorraine lay with the Emperor's Forces not far off, expecting the King of Poland, and other [Page 35] Succors, to raise the Siege; the Turks therefore sent a Body of 15000 Turks and Tartars against him, but he kept his Ground, killing many of them, and foreing the rest to return to their Camp; General Dunewald possessed himself of a considerable Post on the Forest near Vienna, which if the Turks had been possessed of, it might have been difficult for the Christian Armies to have joyn'd. September the 9th, the King of Poland with his Army, and and other Forces came, and the whole Christian Army amounted to 64400 fighting Men. On the 12th of September they attack'd the Turks in their Camp, and in a short time totally routed them, the Turkish Horse fled, and there were about 25000 Foot kill'd in the Camp, their Baggage, two millions of Money, 60000 Tents, and vast Riches were taken; the Garison was brought to its last extremity, their Bombs being spent, many Cannons burst, the Turks were lodg'd in their Ditches, so that the Shot from the Garison could not annoy them, and the Soldiers within were reduced, brought from 15000 to 5000, these sallied out and assisted at the Fight also; It was said the Turk lost during the Siege, and at the raising, 70000 Men. The Christians Chiefs at this Battle were, the King of Poland, the Electors of Saxony and Bavaria, the Duke of Lorraine, Prince Waldeek, two Princes of Baden, Prince D'Anhalt, Duke of Croy, Prince de Salme, Margrave of Brandenburgh, the Landgrave of Hess, the Prince of Hanouer, two Princes of Newburg, four Princes of the House of Saxony, three Princes of Wirtemberg, the Prince of Hobenzeller, &c.
In May, this year, the Emperor sent to the Pope to desire to grant him the Tenths of the Ecclesiasticks in the Hereditary Countries, and for leave to turn Church-Plate into Money towards carrying on the War against the Turks. The Pope for the present returned Answer, That he would see the War first begun: But in August following he called a Congregation, and it was resolv'd that a Tax after the Rate of 6 l. per Cent. should be laid on all the Ecclesiastical Revenue per Annum for 10 years in Italy, and that the Emperor might renew the Imposition of One pound per Centum upon the Clergy in the Hereditary Countreys for the War. The King of Spain in Answer to the Popes Request sent One hundred and seventy thousand Crowns to the Emperor on the same account.
In November the Pope having notice of the taking of Gran by the Duke of Lorrain, receiv'd it with Joy, and remitted Money to his Nuncio at Lintz for the Emperors use, and sent 30000 Crowns to the Vice-Roy of Croatia, to encourage and enable him to assist in the War. And being desirous to have the War carried on effectually, he not only renew'd his Perswasions to the Venetians to enter into the League, offering them the Tenths of the Ecclesiasticks within their Dominions for their assistance, but labour'd a Peace between France, and Spain, and the Empire, and was very much troubled he could not effect it then.
In February the Venetians entred into League for six years with the Pope, the Emperor, and the King of Poland, to join in War against the Turk, and that no Truce or Peace should be Treated of, or Concluded with the Turks, but by joint Consent: By this the Pope engaged himself to pay the Venetians [Page 36] 50 thousand Crowns a month, and to maintain six Galleys at Sea during the War. The Pope hereupon borrowed 3 millions of Crowns of the States of Genoua.
This year died Cardinal Caesar Fachenetti, and also Cardinal Arch-Bishop of Bologne, whereby 21 places were vacant in the Colledge of Cardinals.
In April 1683, the Pope sent his Brief to France, wherein he consents, that the Revenues of the Abbies of St. Denis and St. German shall be employed towards the maintenance and for the use of the New-Converts in France.
The Dauphiness having been last year deliver'd of a Son, Created Duke of Burgundy, the Pope was desired to be Godfather, which he consented unto, and promised to send some Blest Clouts for the Child; but this was delay'd from time to time until May the 3d 1683, and then the Bishop of Fano was sent as Nuncio Extraordinary with the Present: When he landed, he was forbid to come to the Court or Paris, but ordered to stay at Orleans until the King returned from Alsace, which he did, so that it was the 22d of July before he could have private Audience of the King.
1684.
For the carrying on the War this year against the Turks, the Pope sent the King of Peland 300 thousand Crowns, and a considerable Sum to the Cossacks, to encourage them to join with the said King. To the Emperor he sent 100 thousand Crowns, and also granted the States of Venice the Tenths of all Ecclesiastical Revenues within their Dominions. And June the 5th the Popes Nuncio by his Order distributed 200 thousand Florius, the one half for such Hungarians as had forsaken Count Teckeley, the other half for a Field Hospital for sick and wounded Soldiers; He sent also his Galleys to assist the Venetians in the Levant.
August the 26th, the Venetian Ambassador gave the Pope an account, that they had this Summer taken the Island of Sancta Maura, and what Councils were agitated for further Designs; whereat the Pope much rejoyced, and told him, that his Galleys should Winter in some convenient Port in the Adriatick, to be ready to join theirs the sooner next year, but in the beginning of December they arrived at Civita Veccbia, not being able to Winter abroad without Recruits, having lost in this years Expedition 100 Soldiers, and 200 Seamen and Slaves. They took this year also Prevesa from the Turks.
In September the Pope sent another Supply of Money to his Nuncio at Vienna, to be employed in the War, the Emperor having sent several times Auxilliaries to his Army that had besieged Buda; which was most vigorously defended by the Garison, notwithstanding the many Assaults and violent Attempts made by the Dukes of Lorrain and Bavaria, with the loss of many Men on both sides; They continued the Siege (although the Sarasquier with a potent Army of the Turks had attempted several times to raise it) until November, when (in regard of the Season of the year, loss of 12 or 14 [Page 37] thousand Men, and near 8000 sick and wounded, and the Serasquier continuing so near the Camp as to hinder their Foraging, they were forced to raise it, and put the Foot in Boats on the Danube, while the Horse stood in Battalia, lest the Turks should attempt them, and so carried off their Men and Artillery without the loss of a Man. However the Emperors Forces in Upper Hungary made some progress by beating some small Parties, and taking in some Fortresses.
The King of Poland appear'd with his Army in the Tartars Territories, but return'd without doing any thing considerable.
On a Letter from the French King to desire it, the Pope granted a Dispensation for a Marriage between the Duke of Savoy and Madamoiselle, and in August the Popes Nuncio had Audience of the same King touching the business of the Regale, and after presented the King from the Pope with a Sable set with Diamonds and Pearl, and to the Queen a Rose of Diamonds of great value, for he took all occasions to be obliging and respective to the King, save wherein he thought the Rights of the Romish Church were concern'd, or his own Government, and therein he would never (notwithstanding many applications) be brought to yield in the least.
In October a certain Printer was taken out of the French Ambassadors Quarter, which he (as others) claimed as Franchises, exempt from the Popes Officers; of which the Ambassador complain'd, and declared he would not go to Court, until the Printer were restor'd to his liberty; nevertheless the Pope continued him in Prison till he had sufficiently suffer'd for his Offence.
In December, at the Request of the Ambassador for the Republick of Venice, the Pope gave leave to that State to buy Corn in his Territories; so willing was the Pope to advance the War, for in yielding thereto, he lost his Income that he should have received, for so much as they bought, which was very considerable, as will better appear by the great Imposition that lies upon all Corn that grows in St. Peters Patrimony, of which it cannot be impertinent to give this short account;
Donna Olimpia, who rul'd the Church and State of Rome, during the greatest part of the Pontisicat of Innocent the Tenth, began this Tax or Impost on Corn, and all the Popes who have Reigned since, have found so great advantage by it, that it hath been still continued; and it is at present a very considerable part of the Ecclesiastical Revenne. The Substance of the Law or Ordinance is this: That no Person whatsoever is suffered to sell Corn to any Strangers; but all those that raise any, are obliged to sell it at a price certain, to the Ecclesiastical Chamber; which is not above one moiety of the real value; and then the Chamber sells it again at double the price, and at a lesser measure, so that what comes in at 5 Shillings, is sold out at 12 Shillings: In the Popes Dominions there is no Person either in City or Country, who is permitted to make his own Bread, but every one is obliged to buy it of the Bakers, who are appointed by the Chamber; In each Village there is but one Baker establisht, in Rome and the great Cities are several; They are all obliged to buy a certain quantity of Corn of the Ecclesiastical Chamber for one [Page 38] whole year to come, which they pay for at the delivery of the Corn, at the Rate of ten Crowns the Salme or Measure, whereas the Chamber bought it in, of the Owners, for 5 Crowns the large measure; and although the Bakers may not have vended all, they were obliged to take in, the year before, yet must they take out the like quantity again, and return what they had spare, at 5 Crowns the Salme into the Chamber; And this brings in a very great yearly Incomb, but is a very great Oppression, both to the Occupiers of Lands, and so to the Landlords, and also to the Poor, who if they have Bread cheap, can make better shift to live upon the less of other Sustenance, and this in 33 years time, has been almost the ruine of the Ecclesiastical Estate, so that the Country is much unpeopled, and a great part of the Land lies uncultivated, because it is not worth while to manure it, and to raise Corn, when the Price will not answer the Cost and Rent of the Lands. It was moved to this Pope a little before he died, to release this Tax, he answer'd to this purpose, That it would not be thankworthy for him to do it when he could not live to enjoy profit by its continuing, and therefore he would leave it for his Successor.
October the 5th, Cardinal Francesco Albizzi died at Rome in the 92 year of his age, and two days after Cardinal Basadonna died, by which there were 23 Vacancies in the Colledge of Cardinals; and the Pope was moved to add more Cardinals to the Sacred Colledge, which he did not seem to deny, but disliked Persons propos'd to him for that Advancement; He was now very much indisposed in his Health, of which he was always very careful, so that upon the least indisposition he presently kept his Chamber, and sometimes his Bed; of this illness he soon recovered, but afterward fell very ill of the Gout, and kept his Bed 3 weeks.
In December the Pope wrote Letters both to the Emperor, King of Poland, and States of Venice, earnestly exhorting them to make good Preparations for the War against the Turk the year ensuing; and his Nuncio assured the Emperor, that the Pope was raising a great Fund to assist him and the other Princes in the War, in which (if there should be occasion) his Holiness would employ the Treasures of the Church; and the Pope gave Absolution to all such as should contribute to the carrying on the War.
In January, 1682, the King of Spain's Ambassador at Rome was made Vice-Roy of Naples, and shortly after took upon him the Government, wherein he hath acted very honourably for the King, and worthily for the Subjects, and was belov'd and esteemed by all sorts of People; for in few years he redressed such Abuses that seem'd past cure, or at least required an Age to correct them; He repressed the Insolence of the Spaniards so much at Naples, that the Natives had no occasion to complain of the haughtiness of their Masters; for he proceeded against the Spaniards with no less severity, when they gave cause for it, than against the Neopolitans. He took the Pay of the Soldiers so immediately into his own Care, that they, who, before his coming, were half naked, and robb'd such as pass'd on the Streets of Naples in day-light, were afterwards exactly paid, well disciplin'd, and so decently cloathed, that it was a pleasure to see them: He examined their Musters also so exactly, that [Page 39] he was sure never to be cheated by false Lists. He brought the Markets and Weights of Naples to a true Exactness; and whereas the Bread was generally too light, he sent for Loaves out of the Markets, and weighed them himself; and, by some severe Punishments on those that sold the Bread too light, he brought this matter to a just Regulation. He also retrieved the Reputation of the Courts of Judicature, that were before generally thought corrupt; and it is believed he had Spies to watch, in case the Trade of Bribes should continue to go on. He fortified the Palace, which was, before his time, so much exposed, that it would have been no hard thing to have made a descent upon it. But the two things that raised his Reputation most, were his extirpating of the Banditi, and the Regulation of the Coyn; it is well enough known, what a Plague the Banditi have been to the Kingdom, for, going in Troops, they not only robb'd the Country, but were able to resist an ordinary Body of Soldiers, if they had set on them: These travelled about seeking for Spoyl all the Summer long, but, in Winter, they were harbour'd by some of the Neopolitan Barons, who gave them Quarters; and thereby did not only protect their own Lands and Friends, but had them, as so many Instruments, ready to execute their Revenges on their Adversaries, (a thing very grateful to the Italians:) This was well enough known at Naples, and there was a Council, that had the Care of reducing the Banditi committed to them, who, as they catched some few, and hanged them, so they fined such Barons as gave them harbour, and it was believed that those Fines amounted to near 150 thousand Crowns a year; but still the disease went on, only now and then a little Blood let, which never went to the bottom of the Distemper. But when this Viceroy entred upon the Government, he resolved to extirpate all the Banditi, and he first let all the Barons understand, that if they harbour'd them any more, a little Fine would not save them, but that he would proceed against them with the utmost severity; and by this means the Banditi could find no Winter-quarters; so they betook themselves to some Fastnesses among the Hills, and resolved to make good the Passes, and to accomodate themselves the best they could amid'st the Mountains; the Viceroy sent a great Body against them, but they defended themselves, for some time, vigorously, and in one Sally kill'd 500 Men; but, at last, seeing themselves to be hard press'd, and hearing that the Viceroy intended to come against them in Person, they accepted of the Terms that he offered them, which was a Pardon for what was past, both for Life und Gallies, and Six pence a day for their Entertainment in Prison during Life, or the Viceroy's Pleasure; and so they rendered themselves: They were kept in a large Prison, and now and then, as he saw cause for it, he sent some few of them up and down to serve in Garisons, and some went to serve the Venetians against the Turks, and did good Service. And thus was this Country quieted, and in entire Security, which, for many Ages, (notwithstanding often vigorous Endeavours to suppress them,) had been continually infested with Robberies and Pillages, to the hazard, and frequent almost ruin of Travellers. As to the Coyn, it, as all other Spanish Money (being Square,) was so subject to Clipping, that the whole Money of Naples was become light, and far below the true value, [Page 40] which he resolved to redress; he considered that the crying down of Money, that had passed on the publick Credit, would be a robbing of those, in whose hands the Money happened to be when such Proclamations were put out, and therefore took a Method, that was more general, in which every one would bear his share, and no particular Person crushed more than other; he laid some Taxes on the whole Kingdom, and procured some to bring in Plate to be coyned; and when he had got such a quantity, as might serve for a necessary Circulation, he call'd in the old Money, and gave out new of full weight, according to the Sums that he received of the old light Money, not respecting its weight or real Value.
This Year in Sept. the Pope receiv'd the welcome News, that he had succeeded in his endeavours for an Agreement, betwixt the Emperor, King of Spain, Princes of the Empire and the French King, whereby he had hopes the War against the Turk would be carried on the better; which did succeed accordingly.
He had also another pacifick work to do at this time, which he earnestly laid his hands to, which was to compose the Breach between the French King and the States of Genoua, and since the Pope was concern'd in it, what he obtain'd will not well appear, unless there be a short Narration of the concern in which he engaged himself.
In May the 17th this year, without any apparent discord, or demand of any thing, the French King sent Men and Ships well provided, before Genoua, and after the usual salutes of Friendship between the French Ships and the Fort, the States sent six Deputies to complement the Admiral, and to know the occasion of their being come thither, who answered, That their King was not well pleased with the conduct of the States, and that he required them to quit the Protection of Spain, and joyn four new Galleys they had built to the French Fleet, and allow the French to have a Magazine for Salt in Genoua, and to send four Senators on board their Admiral to ask their Kings Pardon, &c. These demands (without any colour of right) did not a little surprize the Senators, but necessitated them to send in answer, that if they did not draw off, they should give orders to their Fort to fire upon them, and after two hours expectation of their going off, when they did it not, the Fort by order of the Senate, first fir'd Powder only, and a ter with Ball, which was presently return'd from 10 Galleys of the French (that continued in their Post) with shooting Bombs into the City day and night untill the 28th of May, and then they made a descent both on the East and West side of the City; but being beaten back, they return'd to their Ships, with the loss of 200 men slain, and 32 taken prisoners; and thus with their own cost and damage, and no manner of advantage (more then damaging others) they went off to Sea; tho' at their departure they threaten'd a return. It was reckon'd that in this time they had often shot 130 Bombs in one Night, and in the whole 14000. of which about 2000 might break in the Air, and 4000 fall short in the Sea; So that about 8000 might do Execution; the Dukes Palace was quite beaten down, and both he and the Senators forced to remove; It was accounted [Page 41] that the City, within the outermost wall 25000 Houses, whereof not less than 500 were broken down or spoil'd, tho' there was not above 120 persons kill'd by the Bombs or fall of Houses; some of these Bombs were shot two Miles, and weighed 150 English pound weight, and 57 pound weight of Charge.
The Pope made application in their behalf to the French King, and in the Truce lately made between that King and Spain, Genoua was comprehended, saving that the French King would reserve liberty to procure satisfaction of the Republick of Genoua; and in September following the French Fleet came before it again, but the Sea proved then so boisterous, that the Ships could not ride at Anchor, and were forced to put off to Sea, and afterwards they appear'd before it, but put off a second time; the Senate sent thereupon to desire the Popes further Mediation in their behalf, which he willingly embrac'd, and sent a Courier to his Nuntio in the French Court, to know what the King yet demanded; and in October he held a Congregation of Cardinals to Consider of the affairs of Genoua; at which time the Courier return'd, with Letters to the Pope and the French Ambassador at Rome, purporting that the French King expected that the Senate should send the Doge (or Duke) and four Senators to France, to ask the Kings Pardon. After several Messages, by the Popes mediation, (not without great reluctancy of the States of Genoua) an Agreement is made, and the 12th of February 1684. these Articles were signed, (viz.)
That the Doge and four Senators shall repair to some place in France, before the 10th of April next following, whence they shall continue their Journey to the place where the King is, and being admitted unto Audience in their Robes of Ceremony, the Doge shall in the name of the Republick, declare their great regret, for having displeas'd his Majesty; and shall use such other submissive and respective Expressions, as may best manifest the sincere desire the Republick has to deserve for the future his Majesties kindness; That on their return to Genoua they shall re-enter on the exercise of their respective places and functions: That the Republick shall dismiss within a Month, the Spanish Troops which they have received into any of their places; and do by the present Treaty renounce all Leagues and Associations made since the first of January 1683; That the Republick shall reduce their Galleys to the same Number they were three years agone, and shall disarm those they have sitted out since; That the Republick shall restore what can be found remaining of the effects taken from the French, and his Majesty in lieu of other reparations for the losses sustained by his Subjects, is content the Genoueses shall give such a sum of Money, as the Pope shall think fit, for repairing Churches and Convents at Genoua, that were ruin'd or damnify'd by the Bombs, &c. That the Republick shall pay 100 thousand Crowns to the Count de Fisque, but without prejudicing the reasons they have against the said Count; and his Majesty promises that he will not support with his Arms, &c. the Pretention of the said Count, but will leave them to be decided by the methods of Justice; the King will give the Doge and Senators such favourable reception, as may satisfy them of the return [Page 42] of his Royal kindness; and after they have perform'd the Function they were sent for, they may return to Genoua; His Majesty declaring that no other conditions or demands, shall be imposed upon them, but such as are agreed by this Treaty; all Acts of Hostility to cease in a Month, and all Prisoners to be set at Liberty. In April 1685. the Doge and Senators came to Paris, according to the abovesaid Articles.
1685.
March the 29th, the Popes Nuntio had Audience at the Dyet in Poland, wherein he did in the Popes name exhort them, to a vigorous prosecution of the War against the Turks, promising considerable supplys of Money from his Holiness for that service; and the Pope himself, assur'd Cardinal Cibo, that he would continue his assistance to the Emperour.
In June the Popes Galleys joyned the Venetian Fleet near Corfu, and about August they took Coron a very considerable place in the Morea; and in the end of the year the Venetian Envoy gave the Pope an account of the good success that their Fleet and Army had this year had, in gaining ground of the Turks in the Morea, to his great satisfaction, and in November the Popes Galleys return'd home to Civita Vecchia, without any considerable detriment.
The Duke of Lorrain, with the Imperial Army went on prosperously in Hungary, and took the strong Town of Newheusel from the Turk, which had been (in a manner blockt up) near twelve months, and also obtained a very considerable Victory over the Turkish Army, who had besieged the Imperial Garison of Gran, to make a diversion. The King of Poland made a great appearance this year but did little, it was suppos'd the French Kings Money overweigh'd the Popes.
The Republick of Venice, named four persons to the Pope, for his Holiness to choose one out of them to fill the place of the Auditor of the Rota, vacant by the death of Signior Palucci, that place being always held by a Venetian.
In September, Cardinal Paulo Savelli de Montalio dyed at Rome, in the 63d year of his Age, and 20th of his Cardinalship; whereby there became 27 vacant places in the Colledge of Cardinals.
The Pope (to encourage brave undertakings against the Turk) advanced one Dunstar an Englishman, to be Lieutenant of his Guards, as a reward or shewing his Valour lately at the siege of Coron, occasion'd by a lusty Turk who came forth out of the Garison, brandishing his Scymiter, and (Goliah like) sent a bold Challenge to the Venetian General, that he was there ready to fight any single man of his whole Army; for several hours none durst undertake the Combat, till it coming to the Ears of this Dunstar (whole pay was but 6 d. a day) he acquainted his Captain, that he would embrace it, and being brought before the General Morosini, he enquir'd of his [Page 43] name and Country, who told him that he was an Englishman, bred up near the Bear-Garden in Southwark; the General commended his resolution, and so he went forth, with a good Backsword in his hand, and engaged the Turk, who with his Scymiter made a stroke to cut off Dunstar's head, but he warded off the blow, and gave the Turk a cut on the Hamstring, which enrag'd him greatly, and at a second blow brought him down to the ground, and then cut off his head, searched his bosom (which the Turks use as a Pocket) and found 200 Chequins, and some Jewels, the Hilt of his Scymiter was set with precious Stones; the Conquerour bore them all off, and presented them with the Turks head at his Generals feet, who only accepted the head, and gave him the rest, with a reward suitable to his Merit, and afterwards his Captain presented him to the Pope with a relation of his Exploit, upon which he was advanced as aforesaid.
November the 21. Things being a little quiet betwixt the Pope and French King, his Ambassador at last had Audience of his Holiness, acquainting him that the King his Master had resolv'd to refer to his Arbitrement (with the approbation of the Duke and Dutchess of Orleans (the pretensions the Dutchess had, by the death of her late Brother the Elector Palatine) to certain Lands and the Moveables, for these the Dutchess claimed (as not belonging to her Brother, as Elector, but in his natural Capacity) and so to her after his decease as nearest ally'd; The Ambassador added that the chief motive that induc'd his Master thereunto, was to take all pretences from the Princes of the Empire of excusing themselves from assisting against the Turks, and that for that reason his most Christian Majesty would not do any thing that might disturb the Peace of the Empire. The Pope shew'd all tokens of his favourable acceptance of this Declaration, which, if it had been real, would have been the greatest satisfaction the French King could have given the Pope, but he too well knew the contrary, and that tho' he did not with his Arms at present molest the Empire, it was not out of good will, but while he prepar'd by building some new Forts, and fortifying others on or near the Rhine, for the better carrying on his work, when he thought it convenient for his purpose, which accordingly he did in 1688. by sending forces into the Palatinate, and taking several places and harrasing the Country, &c. However the Pope sent notice to the Emperour of the French Kings Declaration touching the Dutchess, &c.
And now preparations must be made for the next Campagne in December, therefore the Nuntio acquainted the Emperour that his Holiness had remitted to him 400 thousand Florins, to be employ'd for that purpose, and the Clergy of the Hereditary Countrys brought in their Contributions to the Popes Nuntio at Vienna; the Pope also sent a brief for raising an extraordinary Contribution on the Clergy in Spain, and desir'd his most Catholick Majesty to assist the Venetians with his Galleys, which tho' he did not consent unto, yet he ratified a Treaty the Venetians had made with the Governor of Milan for raising forces.
The Nuntio at Poland continued his applications to that King, assuring him to receive from the Pope 500 thousand Florins, and to provide cloaths [Page 44] for 6000 foot Soldiers, and Money towards a train of Artillery, and in February the King assur'd the Nuntio that he would be in the field before the end of May next, and command his Army in person; the Nuntio therefore employ'd 500 thousand Florins (which the Pope had remitted to him) in providing Magazines, &c. for the War, without putting it into the Kings Treasure, having for two years past, had experience that it never turn'd there to good account for the design it was intended; he sent also a considerable sum of Money for raising 12000 Cossacks to joyn the Polish Army.
1686.
In May, the Popes Forces were put on board his Galleys, and in June they joyn'd the Venetian Fleet, and directed their course to Old Navarino in the Morea, and soon became Masters of it, and then sate down before New Navarino, and having intelligence that the Serasquier of the Morea, was advancing towards them with 10000 Men and destroyed all the Country as he marched, General Conningsmark, leaving some Forces to maintain the Siege with 14000 men hasted to encounter him, and totally routed the Turkish Army, and return'd to the Siege, where the place was speedily surrendred to him, and having Garison'd both these considerable places, he set sail and made Modon, which was also surrendred unto him, and shortly after he obtained two considerable Victories over the Turks near Napoli di Romania. In August the Fleet blockt up 12 of the Turks Galleys, eight whereof they took, the other four escaping by Night; the Land Army also took in the Castles of Argos and Termini; and August the 29th Napoli di Romania, the chief City in the Morea, was surrendred unto the Generals Morosini and Conningsmark; and then the season of the year requiring it, the Auxilliaries return'd homeward, and the Popes Galleys arriv'd at Civita Vecchia October the 21th, his Troops much weakned by sickness, of whom the Pope took great care, and bestowed Medals on his Officers.
The Imperial Army set forward toward the Campagne this year in May; that part under the Duke of Lorrain's Command consisted of 55000, another under the Duke of Bavaria of 35000: The Muster-Rolls exactly taken in June in all parts of Hungary engag'd in the War, as well Field as Garrison was,
| Of Imperialists and Hungarians, | 75230. |
| Of Auxilliaries, | 28700. |
| Amounting in the whole to | 103930. |
The 17th of June, the Duke of Lorrain invested Buda in Hungary the second time; wherein was a very strong Garison being 12000 Foot, and 3000 Horse, with store of Ammunition and Provision, as expecting to be besieg'd, and having had time enough to provide, it being a year and half since the former siege was raised. In August the Turks came with a great [Page 45] Army to raise the Siege, and when they came near, 8000 were sent before to force their way into the City; the Duke of Lorrain, drew out a detachment, and met, fought, and drave them back with loss to their main Body, and before night return'd with his Men within the Line of Circumvallation. The Turks encamped not far off, and frequently parties, (that had advance Money given them) were sent to get in to the relief of the Garison, some whereof did obtain their Ends, but never attempted the Dukes Camp with their whole body. September the 2d, after two months and ten days close Siege, with the loss of a great number of Officers and Soldiers on both sides, this strong and eminent place was taken by Assault, in the sight of the Ottoman Army; in an hours time, the first entrance was on that side the Duke of Lorrain made the Attack; at the time of the Assault the Garison was reduc'd to 5000 men, whereof 3000 were kill'd and 2000 taken prisoners, who were employ'd in burying the dead and cleansing the ditches. It was now 158 years since the Turks first took this City, being led by Solyman the II. 1526. and it was gain'd back by the King of Hungary, 1527. but regain'd by the same Solyman, 1529, since which time it hath continued in the Turks possession, tho' it hath been divers times besieged before this in vain; this was very welcome news to the Pope, who caused 20000 Crowns to be distributed among the Soldiers wounded at the Siege, and gave 50000 more towards repairing the Fortifications of that place, and sent a further supply to the Emperour towards paying his Army.
The Duke of Lorrain marched after the Turkish Army (for they decamped quickly) but their march was so hasty also, that they got over Esseck Bridge before he could reach them, and the time drew on for such of his Army that were to have Winter Quarters in Germany to return, so that the main business of this Campagne ended; Nevertheless the Imperial Forces that remain'd in Hungary had considerable advantages against the Enemy, for in October the 23d, the Turks and Tartars coming to raise the Siege of Segedin were beaten by the Imperialists, and the Town yielded; the Town and Castle of Chonad was taken by General Wallis; and also the Castle of Five Churches and Syclos yielded to Prince Lewis of Baden, who marching towards Esseck the Garison of Darda quitted the Fort, leaving their Cannon, &c. behind them, and the Prince march'd on, and burnt 800 yards of Esseck Bridge, and taking Coposwar was satisfy'd in his this years success, and took up his Winter-Quarters.
June the 4th, the Popes Nuntio in Poland (assisted by four Bishops of that Country) gave the King the Benediction, and the King went immediately to head his Troops, his own Army consisted of 30000, the Lithuanians had 15000, and the Cossacks Auxilliaries near 10000, in all 55000 men; the Nuntio had provided a Magazine at Limberg and other Frontier places, and also a Field-Hospital for sick and wounded Soldiers. With this, Army the King marched toward the Black-Sea, and annoy'd the Turks and Tartars in those parts, and afterward obtained a great Victory over them; but want of Forage hindred his intended march toward the Danube, and the season requiring it he return'd to Winter-Quaruers.
The Muscovites enter'd into League with the King of Poland this year, and engaged to enter into the Crim of Tartars Country, but made only an appearrnce, for nothing of Action occurr'd; but the Nuntio to give his Holiness an account that the King of Poland had not only appear'd but done something, which he accordingly did, with a request of a further supply; and the Pope being willing to encourage and reward him for the least services, did in November remit to him 300 thousand Crowns.
And now the Pope having had an account from all places of the successes the Christians Arms had this year obtain'd against the Infidels, caused Te Deum to be sung in the Vatican Chappel, in testimony of his thankfulness to God for the same.
This year a differance happen'd between the French King and the King of Spain, as well by reason the Viceroy of Gallicia had seized a French Ship with Money at Guoyn, and for the seizure of other Ships at Malaga after the late Truce was concluded between the two Crowns, (but before the News of it arriv'd at those places) as also for that the Spaniards had rais'd 500 thousand Crowns on the French effects in the West-Indies; whereupon the French King sent 20 men of War, and blockt up the Port at Cadiz, so that no ships could pass in or out there. The Pope by his Nuntio's in both Courts apply'd himself to make up these breaches, and at last brought them to an accord; so that the Viceroy restor'd the Money to the Captain of the Ship, and the King of Spain entered into an Engagement, that as soon as the Ships came home from the West Indies, the 500000 Crowns should be repaid to the Fren [...]h Ambassadour in that Court; the other matters were likewise accommodated, and a peace of Commerce at the West-Indies setled between the two Crowns, whereupon the French Fleet sailed off from Cadiz, and at the return of the Spanish Fleet the Money was paid to the French Ambassador, and the seizures made by the French King on the Subjects of Spain, in the French New Conquests, were taken off.
Since the time of the Emperour Charles the V. by an agreement, the King of Spain yearly on St. Peters Eve, with a great deal of ceremony, is to present the Pope with a White Spanish Genet, by way of acknowledgment, for the Kingdom of Naples, this year it was not offer'd according to place and order of Ceremony, as it ought to have been, so that the Pope refus'd to receive it, looking upon it, that a breach in a small point, might be a president for a greater in future time: Notice being sent hereof to Spain, That King order'd it should be done in all respects as the Pope requir'd.
This year upon Easter-Eve the Earl of Castlemain, Ambassador from King James the II. of Great Brittain arriv'd at Rome, it being the Custom of Princes who own the Pope to be Head of the Church, on their first access to the Crown, to send an Ambassador to that Court, to notify the same to his Holiness Cardinal Howard met him on the way, conducted him to his Palace, and entertain'd him and his Family very magnificently about 10 days, while [...]amphilio's Palace was making ready; within a weak he had private audience of the Pope, being conducted by Cardinal Howard; he then fell upon preparations for his publick Entry, the splendor and magnificence whereof [Page 47] was such, that the Artizans were press'd to hasten it, yet it was about the beginning of November before every thing could be fitted, and then the Pope fell so ill of the Gout that he could not have audience before the 8th of January, and then not in the publick Hall where Ambassadors are usually (on such solemn Occasions) receiv'd, but in the Bed-Chamber. Take here a short account of it (which you may find at large in Mr Wrights Book on that Subject▪ with Figures of the Arms, Coaches, &c.)
In the Morning the Arms of the Pope, the King of England, and the Ambassadors (which had been set up some days before above the Gate of the Palace covered) were uncover'd with a Flourish of Trumpets, the whole was of a prodigious bigness, the wood-work whereon the Popes and the Kings Arms were painted being 24 foot in height each, and 16 in breadth, with supporters on each side, devises and Ornaments above, and Hieroglyphical figures underneath double the Life, one among divers others under the Pope, was a Woman clad in White, representing the Church, and one under the Kings was Britania as she is usually painted, the Ambassadors Arms were placed over the Gate, being in a round about 2 yards diameter.
About 2 of the clock in the Afternoon the Prelates with the Popes chief Officers came to attend the Ambassador, who received also at the same time the complement of the Cardinals, Princes, and great men of Rome, by their Relations or Gentlemen that brought their several Coaches to wait upon him to the Popes Palace. He set out about four in the Evening, having six Arch-Bishops in his own Coach, and Monsignior Barrolini; he had ten Coaches in his own Livery, all fill'd with Prelates, after which came their own Coaches and others that were sent to attend fill'd with Gentlemen that brought them. His first Coach was covered with Crimson Velvet, richly embroidered with Gold and lined with a Broccard of Gold, with a rich embroidery round the Cornish, and in all the void places, with abundance of Gold Lace Fringe and Embroidery. On the Curtains were embroidered Loops a foot long and eight inches broad; the Velvet for Coach, Cushions, Harness, Braces, &c. amounted to 120 yards, the four Vases or Knobbs at the corners of the Coach were three foot high above the roof; the body was supported by standards of large carved Images of Tritons, and besides divers other Images, all the Wood-work to the very spokes of the Wheels were all carved, representing Leaves of Oak and Ivy, gilt with Gold, insomuch that all the Carriage seem'd to be a Massy-piece of Gold. The second did almost answer the first, being of Blew Velvet. A third also very rich in Gold Lace and Gilt Brass-work, but covered with Leather, and all the rest of the Coaches were Noble and Rich. Before the first Coach went 30 Footmen, 20 in Cloaks, and 10 in close bodied Coats, by the side of it eight Pages, and the Dean or Chief of the Footmen in Black Velvet; The Gentleman of the Horse followed on a Managed Neapolitan Horse, richly Caparison'd; the Ambassadors other Coaches had each of them six Horses also, and a Groom to attend every one; The Livery men were 60 in Number, the Pages in Crimson Velvet, their Cloaks lin'd with Brocard Blue and Gold, laced with Gold Lace, mixt with a little White, Blew, and Black Silk, above half a [Page 48] yard deep, with rich trimmings of Gold and Blue Ribbons, with Feathers in their Hats, Poynt Crevats, and Cuffs, and every thing else very fine; The other Liveries were all of Scarlet, lined with Silk Brocard, and very richly laced; The weather was somewhat Rainy, yet this splendid shew drew abundance of spectators, and thus being come to Monto Cavallo where the Soldiers were drawn up to receive him, he was conducted to the Pope, and after some stay with him, he went to Cardinal Cibo's Aparment, and afterwards with the help of Flambeaux return'd to his Palace. The next day he visited Cardinal Ludovisio, Dean of the Colledge; the day after the Queen of Sweden and several others in the same Equipage. On the 14rh of January he gave a noble Entertainment to divers of the great Prelates at Rome in this manner; The Entrance was a great Hall, surrounded with long Tables furnished with Sweetmeats, Fruit and other Delicasies, at the upper end being a Cupboard of all kind of Plate, and another of Glasses; then passing through three Rooms richly furnished (in the last of which was a Cupboard under a Canopy of curious Gilt Plate) they entred the Dining-Room, where was a Table that held 80 Arm'd Velvet Chairs, with a space between every four Chairs for a Carver on the one side, and a Sewer on the other, so that there were eight persons to a Mess, with those two Officers and a Servant behind each person to attend. The breadth of the Table was eight foot, and through the middle ran a range of large Historical Figures, ten in number made of a kind of Sugar-Paste, sent afterwards as Presents to great Ladies; and to fill the vacancies betwixt them were variety of Birds and Beasts of the same make; On either side these stood two rows of Intermesses of all relishing bits, whether Salt, Sweet, or Sowr; only where the Carver and Sewer were to stand was a void place on each side the Middle range for two large Dishes of meat to stand, which were fresh brought in for twelve courses, being 24 Imperial Dishes to every Mess; but to avoid tediousness they were contracted to ten courses, and so but 20 Dishes; of which every one was served from the Carvers, whether they eat or not; and then the Triumphs and Ornaments being taken away, the whole table was covered with all kind of Sweetmeats imaginable, which at last the standers by snatch'd and carried away. The entertainment lasted 3 hours, each course was served up with loud Musick, and while they eat, they were entertain'd with soft Musick, as Voices, Lutes, &c. there was plenty of all sorts of delicate Wines and other Liquors, wherein the Ambassador about the middle of the Dinner began the Popes and the Kings Healths; on one side of the Room against the middle of the Table was the Kings Picture at large in his Royal Robes, and over against it, divers Hieroglyphick figures with the Kings Arms over them. The Ambassador having now done his part, he was complemented by several great Persons and Academies in Rome, being invited to splendid Entertainments, accompanied with Musick, Orations, Poems, Plays, Masks, Dances, and other Exercises, as every one thought sit to set forth the respect they bore to the King in the Person of his Ambassador; The first that invited him was the Queen of Sweden, then Cardinal Pamphilio, Cardinal Fran isco Barbarini, the Fathers of the Gregorian [Page 49] or Roman Colledge, the Clementin Colledge, the Academicks of the Infecondi; and lastly, he was entertain'd at the Popes Palace at the Ceremony of giving Cardinals Hats in open Consistory, for the Pope was prevail'd with at length to make a new creation of Cardinals, and four (that is) Ciceri, Petrucci, Caraffa, and Medici receiv'd their Hats the 24th of May 1687. Other Hats had been sent where the Cardinal resided, as to the Cardinal of Furstemberg, &c. and now the Ambassador takes his second leave of the Pope and had his Benediction again, (for his being present at this Ceremony, obliged him to see his Holiness, tho' he had before had his Audience of leave, the Benediction with a pair of Beads, at which hung a Gold Medal of our Saviour, and on the 23th of June 1687. he left Rome and return'd homeward.)
I do not find that this Ambassadour was much caressed by the Pope, but rather slighted, for on his telling the Pope, that if he were not better used he would leave Rome; the Pope reply'd, You are Master of that as you please; Whether it were because (as some say) the Pope was a Protestant in his Heart, and did not favour the designed Perversion of England, or (as others with more probability) out of his covetous temper, because it was look'd upon, that little profit was like to accrue from England to that See (at least for his time) Or rather because the King of England was link'd in alliance with France, betwixt whom and the Pope there were continual differances; Or lastly (which is chiefly insisted upon) because the King of England was altogether influenced by the Jesuits, and the Ambassador now there gave himself intirely up to their conduct; whose Mortification this Pope always endeavour'd, and not without reason, for as to their Religion he liked not their Morals, and as to their Power in all Christian Princes Courts it exceeded his, and they were got into such a condition, that if differences should arise between him and them, they were likely enough to give him some check; and in the mean time lessen'd him in that Grandeur of Government which he aspir'd unto, by their interposing in the State Affairs of most Nations, without concerning themselves with him at all therein; He looked upon them as a distinct and Independant Society, Subject to none but their General, from whom alone they receive all their prefrements, and to whom therefore they pay an absolute Obedience without reserve; and that they had got great riches in all places, and only us'd it for the advantage of the Society.
This year 1686. November the 5th, the River Tyber swell'd to that prodigious height, that it not only drown'd the Neighbouring Country, but put several quarters of Rome under water, which continued to the 7th, and then the waters began to decrease; this Inundation was not so high as one that happen'd in the year 1657. yet did an unspeakable damage, drowning several people, and a great number of Cattle, and overthrowing many houses, and part of the wall of the Castle of St. Angelo, and damnifying one of the Bassions so much, that it was in danger to fall, the Pope took care to have the People assisted with Boats and Provisions, and what else they should want; 300 Men were employ'd suddenly to build up the wall of St. Angelo's Castle, and assistance was given to people towards their losses.
The Pope now to give some ease to his Subjects took off the Impositions upon Provisions which was farm'd at 65 thousand Crowns per annum.
In the beginning of December, Father Charles de Noyeles, General of the Jesuits dyed, and in July following the Society chose Father Thyrso Gonsales a Spaniard, for their General, who had a contest in himself whether he should visit the French or Spanish Ambassador in the first piace, he would willingly have wav'd visiting either, but that could not be admitted; he at length resolves it, and visited the French first; at which the King of Spain ordered the Jesuits in his Dominions not to own the new General, and the French King in retaliation, forbade several Religious Orders to obey their Generals being Spaniards.
On January the 30th 1686. The Duke D'Estrees who had resided 15 years at Rome in the Quality of Ambassador from France, dyed of an Apoplexy. The Pope now resolv'd to take the opportunity to put the Bull effectually in Execution, for regulating of the Franchises (which hitherto he had been easy in) and accordingly did abolish the Franchises of the Palace of Farnese, where the late Ambassador had had his residence, and caus'd the Sbirris, or Officers of Justice to appear therein; of which the Nuntio at Paris acquainted that King, who seem'd not willing to quit that point; He afterwards let him know also, that the Queen of Sweden had voluntarily quitted the Franchises, of that quarter adjoyning to her Palace at Rome, admitting the Sbirris to execute what belong'd to their Office therein; the King notwithstanding shew'd an unwillingness to admit it, and hence grew another Controversy between the Pope and the French King, as shall be shew'd hereafter.
And now its time to be making preparations for the next years War. In February, the Popes Nuntio in Poland undertook to provide Magazines with Provisions, &c. for the Army of that King; and in March the Prince of Lubmirki, Great Marshal of Poland, came to Court, where the Muscovite Ambassadour gave their reasons why they did not advance further the last Campagne, and promised for the next year with their Auxilliaries to have a brave Army in the Field. Another Ambassador from thence was also at Vienna, who went away well satisfy'd; yet in the latter end of June they return'd to the borders of Muscovy, after they had made some little incursions into the Tartars Country, without ever seeing an Enemy.
The Pope, Emperor, and King of Poland had formerly sent Envoys to the Sophy of Persia at Hispahan, who were there a year before they could be admitted to audience, to have answer to the Letters they brought, which were to set forth the advantage the Christians had gained over the Turks in the late Wars, and to encourage him to bring an Army, at so considerable a juncture of time as this was, which if omitted he might expect not only to be frustrate of such another opportunity, but be also set upon by the Turk (if he should prevail against the Christians) when he had strengthned himself and had more leisure; The Sophy at length gave answer in seven Letters, two to the Pope, two to the Emperor, and three to the King of Poland, the result of all was, That the Sophy is in Peace with the Turks, and [Page 51] that his Conscience will not permit him to violate his Oath, (by which he had confirm'd it) in declaring War against the Turk.
In March, the Pope remitted a 100 thousand Crowns to his Nuntio at Vienna, for the service of the next Campagne.
Cardinal D'Estrees told the Pope that the French King would religiously observe the Truce and good correspondence with the Emperor; yet went on to Fortify places on the Rhine.
In February, the Pope resolv'd to maintain 1000 Men at his own charge, to assist the Venetians in Dalmatia, and Signior Imperiale Treasurer General of the Chamber, went to Civita Vecchia, to give orders and hasten the fitting of the Galleys against May, that Month being appointed for the Rendezvous of the Popes Galleys and those from Malta and Tuscany, who had all along heretofore joyned the Popes, to assist in the Morea.
1687.
In July, the Popes, Maltese, and Tuscany Galleys did not think fit to joyn the Venetian Fleet, for fear of infection (the Plague having been amongst them) tho' it was assur'd that now the Fleet was clear; however they fear'd there might be some remains in Napoli di Romania; but his Holiness wrote to the Senate, That in case his Galleys could be serviceable to them towards Dalmatia, they should have Orders to Sail thither.
Towards the end of July, the Venetian Fleet in the Gulph of Lepanto Landed some Soldiers, and beat the Turkish Army, found Lepanto, and several other places presently abandoned by the Turks, which they made themselves Masters of, with some Guns; at Sea they took almost all their Naval Force, being 14 Galleys. The Popes Galleys, &c. at length having adventur'd to joyn the Venetian Fleet; with the assistance of these they also took Castle-Novo in Albania, and discomfited the Turks Army there; the Vessels from this place used much to infest the Adriatique Sea, which made the gain of it the more considerable; there were found in it 700 Christian Slaves, who had been taken by the Turks this year, which the Conquerors released, getting besides a very considerable booty, which had been taken by Pyracy.
This year the Venetians likewise took Athens, and the Turks having abandon'd Corinth and set fire to it, the Venetians entred it, and had the Keys of the Castle of Totnes deliver'd to them. Thus in a little time the Venetians became Masters of all the Morea, (being 500 Miles in Circuit) but the Fortress of Malvasia; and now the Season of the year requiring it, the Popes Galleys, &c. return'd homewards, and in the beginning of November arriv'd at Civita Vecchia.
On the 10th of August the Dukes of Lorrain and Bavaria, Generals of the Imperial Army, obtained a very great Victory over the Turks Army, near Siclos; It was said the Turks Army consisted of 100000, of which between 8000 or 10000 were kill'd on the place, and as many drown'd; the [Page 52] Imperialists also took all their Cannon, Tents, and Baggage, of very great value, with the loss of not above 500 Men. After this the Duke of Lorrain passed the Danube, but found the Country so scarce of Provision and Forage, that he was forced in October to retire towards his Winter-Quarters to refresh his Men, but General Dunewalt, with some of the Imperial Army that were left with him, and the assistance of the Croatian Militia, took Buezin, and Walpo, and surprised Esseck, where at the Imperialists entrance at the one end of the Town, the Turks fled out at the other, Mines were ready charg'd to have blown up the Castle at their departure, but their haste to be gone prevented firing them, and the Imperialists being speedily by the Inhabitants directed to them, took out the Powder. And thus was this Campagne compleated with the possessing the chief Passage the Turks had into Hungary.
The Arch-Duke, Joseph, Son of the Emperor, was by consent of the Dyet, December the 9th, Crowned King of Hungary. On the 18th of December, that considerable place, Agria was surrendred to the Imperialists that stayed in Hungary; It was taken by the Turks 1596, and had continued in their possession until this time.
The Pope had formerly taken the Assignments of several Noblemens Creditors, because he could better deal with them than others, as is noted before; This year in June, He gave Orders for seizing the Estate of the Duke of Bracciano for payment of his Debts, notwithstanding the great Sollicitations of his Relations and Friends to the contrary; The Dutchess, who was Sister to the Duke of Noirmonstier, parted the latter end of this Month for Paris, hoping to find out some means, whereby to prevent the absolute sale of their Estate, and consequently the ruine of that ancient Family, which is a Branch of the House of Ursini.
In the beginning of July several Congregations were held in presence of the Pope, upon occasion of the Quietists, whom he was thought to favour, and was reproach'd in France as though he had suffer'd a Heresie to grow up under his Nose, and spread it self through the whole Church.
In August another Congregation was held on the same account, where it was Decreed, that Dr. Molinos should publickly Recant several Propositions drawn out of his Books, his Letters, and the Confessions of some that had been apprehended and imprison'd by the Inquisitors for those Opinions; But this business of the Quietests is so considerable, that this History would be imperfect, if I do not give a farther account of it; for in February and March (before this came so home on Dr. Molinos) there were imprisoned by order of the Inquisitors, 200 Persons, some whereof, for their Rank, Learning, and Piety, were very much esteem'd at Rome, who were supposed to have imbibed the Doctrine of Molinos, it will be therefore necessary to begin with some account of him.
Michael de Molinos was a Spaniard of a good and wealthy Family; He entred into Priests Orders, but had never any Ecclesiastical Benefice; so that he seemed to have Dedicated himself to the Service of the Church, without designing Temporal Advantage to himself; He passeth in Italy for a Man [Page 53] both of Learning and good Sence, but hath to good way of Reasoning to maintain his Opinion; His course of Life hath been exact, so that the Pope, who looked chiefly at the practice of Men, (not well indeed understanding or concerning himself in the Mystery of Divinity) said of him, That though he might err, yet he was a good Man; and therefore to depress him in the Popes favour, and calumniate him to others, the Jesuits (who became the Prosecutors of him and his Followers) suggested, that he was of a Vicious Life and Conversation: It is true, he never practised those Austerities that are so much magnified in the Church of Rome, and among Religious Orders; neither did he recommend them to others, nor was he sond of those poor Superstitions, that are so much magnified by the Trafficking Men of that Church; and indeed when he was accused as neglecting Confession, so that, to clear himself, he was forced to write a Tract, wherein he commends it, he doth it with such ridiculous Stories to prove its usefulness, that it makes it nauceous to all considerate Persons, who are not bound up to a blind belief of all the Forms and Orders of that Church.
He gave himself up to the Study and Reading of Mystical Divines, and to the Practice of that Sublime, Mysterious Devotion, which in Writings appear'd first in the middle of the Fifth Century; as Cassiaus Collations, Denis the Areopagite, since then St. Bernard, Thauler, Rusbrachius, Horphius, Suso, and chiefly Thomas a Kempis, and one Walter Hilton in England wrote a Tract, called, The Seal of Perfection, inferior to none of those beforementioned, and in the last Age St. Feresa, Beltasar Alvares a Jesuit; also of late Father Cress [...]y has published out of F. Bakers Paper, a whole Body of that Method of Divinity and Devotion: Dr. Molinos himself hath wrote some things hereupon, one Book is publick, Intituled, Il Guida Spirituale, which is a short Abstract of the Mystical Divinity; the substance of the whole is reduced to this, (as a Learned Writer sets it forth) That in our Prayers and other Devotions, the best Methods are to retire the Mind from all gross Images, and so to form an act of Faith, and thereby present our selves before God; and then to sink into a silence and cessation of new Acts, and to let God act upon us, and so to follow his Conduct.
There is also this account given of this Mystical Divinity, That they consider Man in three Degrees or Estates, first, the Animal or Imaginative State, in which Religion may work strongly on the Fancy and Sensitive Powers, but is but a low form, variable, and of no great force; the second is the Rational, in which those Reflections are made on Truths, which convince the Reason, and puts a force upon the Will, but as they say is only dry, and without motion; the third and highest is the Contemplative, in which the Will is so united to God, and overcome by that union, that in one single act of Contemplation, it adores God, loves him, and resigns it self up to him, and herein feels a secret Joy in God, and an acquiescing in his Will; in which (say they) the true elevation of Devotion lies, which is far above either the heats of Fancy in the first State, or the strength of Reasoning in in the second. Molinos having it seems drank in the Principles of the Contemplative Devotion in Spain, where the great Veneration that is paid to [Page 54] St. Teresa gives it much reputation, he brought over to Italy a great Zeal for propogating it, and being setled at Rome, writ his Book, and entred into Conversation with Men of the best Apprehensions, and the most elevated thoughts, that were to be found there; several concurr'd with him, though it may be on different Principles; as, some sincerely to elevate the Mankind above those poor and trivial Superstitions, that are so much in vogue among all the Bigots of the Church of Rome; some perhaps from an aversion to the Regulars, that they might lead Mens Devotions into other Channels; others of sincerity and prudence saw the necessity of Correcting many things in their Worship, which they durst not yet attack as simply unlawful; but thought it more safe and likely to prevail, by raising Men above them, whereby their vain Superstitions would fall of themselves, and so hoped to introduce a Reformation of many Abuses, without seeming to do it; and perhaps some tired out with the Forms and Ceremonies they had been so long accustomed unto, were ready to catch at a thing that appear'd new and more refin'd, especially being Opinions favour'd by Men of their own Religion, who were in great Esteem for Learning and Sanctity among them.
The Book which Molinos wrote was published in the year 1675, with several considerable Mens Approbation before it, by which and his Letters he gained a great Acquaintance and Correspondence in many different places, so that several adhered to his Doctrines, and some Secular Priests both at Rome and Naples declared themselves openly for it; three eminent Fathers of the Oratory, who were advanced at the last promotion of Cardinals, Coloredi, Ciceri, and Petrucci, joyned themselves to him with great heartiness and sincerity; some other Cardinals were observed to court his Acquaintance; the Pope (who is chiefly the Subject of this Discourse) lodged him in an Apartment of the Palace, and divers Priests not only began to form themselves according to his Method, but to dispose their Penitents to follow it, and it grew so much in vogue, that several Nuns (who had not Jesuits to be their Confessors) began to lay aside their Rosaries and other Devotions, and to give themselves much to exercise Mental Prayer; In France there was a Book also wrote on the same Subject, so that it appear'd these Opinions had gained much ground both in Italy, Spain, and France.
And now the Jesuits and Dominicans began to be allarm'd at its progress, and found their Trade begin to decay, and that it would more and more, if some stop were not put to this new Method; first therefore they decry the Authors as Hereticks, and to fasten a name upon them, they called them Quietists, Books were also written against them; and these Disputes raised so much noise, that the Inquisition took notice of the whole Matter; Molinos and his Book, and F. Petrucci's Treatises and Letters, were brought under a severe Examination, and the Jesuits were their Prosecutors; One of that Society had subscribed the approvement of Molinos's Book, in order to the Printing of it, but they took care he should be no more seen at Rome, for he was either sent away or shut up, so careful are they that all their Order speak the same Language; Upon this Trial both Molinos and Petrucci justified themselves so well, that their Books were again approved, and the Answers [Page 55] which the Jesuits had writ, were censured as Scandalous, and the others Credit was raised, and Petrucci soon after made Bishop of Jessi, which was a new Declaration of the Popes Favour.
The Jesuits finding they could not ruine them hereby, prevailed (by the Interest their Order hath with the French King) that he should (by his Minister at Rome) interpose and represent to the Pope the danger of such Innovations, and it was said that by his Order Cardinal D'Estrees had appear'd very vigorous both to the Pope and the Inquisitors against the People now appearing numerous, and having the Name of Quietists conferr'd upon them; and though they had lain still a great while, yet in February this year 1687, the Count Vespiani and his Lady, Don Paulo Rochi, with others, to the number of 70, were clapt up by the Inquisitors, as Molinos and some of his Followers had been in the year 1685, upon which Pasquin was made to speak pleasantly, That in one week one Man had been condemn'd to the Gallies for somewhat he had said, another had been hanged for somewhat he had writ, and Molinos was clapt in Prison for standing Quiet: What must we do then? But to return to our present time, the things laid to the Churchmens charge, was their neglecting to say their Breviary; and for the rest, they were accused for going sometimes to Communion without Confession, and that they neglected all the Exterior parts of their Religion; being brought to answer, the Countess Vespiniani's case made some noise, for she said, she had never revealed her Method of Devotion, to any Mortal, but to her Confessor, and so it was not possible that it should come to their knowledge any other way, but by his betraying that secret, and, she said, it was time for People to give over going to Confession, if Priests made this use of it, to discover those who trusted their most secret thoughts to them, and therefore for time to come, she would make her Confessions only to God; This had got vent, so that the Inquisitors thought it more fitting to dismiss her and her Husband, than to give such an occasion to lessen the Credit of Confession; but that which more immediately concerns this History, and is the most surprizing part of this account is, that on the 13th of February some were deputed by the Court of Inquisition to Examine the Pope himself, (suspected to be guilty of this Heresy) not in the Quality of Christ's Vicar, or St. Peters Successor, but as Benedict Odescalchi; what was done in it, is too great a secret to penetrate into, but it procur'd Discourses at Rome, touching his pretended Infallibility, and the power of his own Court to Examine him. A Circular Letter was now sent by the Inquisitors to Cardinal Cibo, as chief Minister, to be sent by him about Italy, to all Prelates, That whereas many Schools and Fraternities were formed, in which some persons under pretence of leading People into the way of the Spirit, and to the Prayer of Quietness, they instilled into them many abominable Heresies; therefore a strict charge was given to dissolve all these Societies; and requiring the Bishops to oblige all the Spiritual Guides to tread in the known Paths; And particularly, that care be taken, that none of that sort should be suffered to have the Direction of the Nunneries, and the Books tending thereto were sent for out of the Nuns Hands, and they were requir'd to return to the use of their Beads.
The Inquisitors then drew up 19 Errors, which they said they had abstracted out of the Quietists Books, Writings and Letters, (though some were unjustly ascribed unto them, to calumniate them to the People;) these were refuted and condemned.
After two years gentle Imprisonment of Dr. Molinos, on the third of September, 1687. he was brought into the Dominicans Church, the Minerva, and set upon a Scaffold erected on purpose, and the whole Process read against him, wherein he was taxed of many Enormities in Life, as well as Errors in Doctrine, digested into 68 Propositions, and then his Sentence was also read, condemning him to close Imprisonment during his Life, and to say his Credo, and the fourth part of his Rosary every day: All that he was heard to say, was, That they saw a Man that was defamed, but was penitent; he was chained, and a Wax-light put into his hand, and some Persons were prepared to cry, Fire, Fire; he was carried then to his little Cell, which he entred with great Tranquility, and had in all his Deportment, appeared free and calm, and took leave of his Priest in these words, Adieu Father, we shall meet again at the Day of Judgment, and then it will appear on which side the Truth is, whether on my side or on yours.
As to what concern'd Cardinal Petrucci, it was accommodated thus, That upon his arrival at his Bishoprick, he should write a Letter to the Pope, acknowledging, That he was unhappily enclined to Molinos's Doctrine; and therefore desired his Books, treating of that Subject, might be prohibited; submitting himself to such Penance the holy Office should think sit to impose; and promising, in a short time, to publish a Book in Refutation of their Errors.
And now, since the Doctrines had been condemn'd, and Books and Writings call'd in, several came in, and abjured their Errors; and the Pope, either out of Kindness to them, as Persons he liked well, or, willing to shew Mercy to Offenders, grants a general Pardon, remitting such as are in Prison to their Liberty, and a Discharge from further Prosecution; the Errors being supposed to be dead by the Inquisitors condemning them, and Molinos's Imprisonment. Yet many of his Followers, says he, abjured nothing of his own Doctrine considerable, but such false things as were put upon him: And, as to his Defamation, touching a scandalous Life, they believed not a word of it, both because they never were assured any such thing was proved, neither had those of both Sexes, that conversed with him, any ground to believe him Guilty of such Scandal or Hipocrisie, as he was charged with; and also the Bull, that condemns his Books and Doctrines, makes no mention of his ill Life, which it would very probably have done, if the matter had been well proved. And it is known, that People do yet follow his Method of Devotion in Rome it self.
On July the 7th Cardinal Sluze, Native of Liege, after a long Sickness, in the 60th year of his Age, died: And also in August Cardinal Nicolo Albergeti Ludovish died, in the 79th year of his Age, which made five Places void in the College of Cardinals; he had been 43 years a Cardinal, his Generosity and Piety having drein'd his Coffers, he coyn'd his Plate, when the Turks besieged Vienna, and sent it unto the Emperor.
In the end of October, the Pope bestowed the long expected Provisions, or Benefices, on the Cardinals of the late Promotion.
In December he ordered the 40 hours Prayers to be reviv'd for the Peace of the Church.
About December, the Cardinal of Furstemberg, by the French King's Interest, (in opposition to what the Pope or the Emperoror could effect,) was chosen to the Coadjutorship of Cologne, whereupon the Pope delay'd his Confirmation.
In January, the Pope was indisposed by a strong Des [...]uction, so that he kept his Bed, admitting none to speak with him, but his Nephew Don Livio, and the Treasurer.
In the later end of this year, about November, began the great Revolution at Constantinople, which, considering what has pass'd before, will not be impertinent to this History.
The Ottoman Army, having received so great a defeat this Summer, and their Arms succeeding no where, the Soldiers, in stead of being ashamed, that they had done no better, began to mutiny against the Great Men of the Port, complaining, that they had not been well paid, and that the Visier wanted Conduct, &c. The Grand Signior promised their Arrears should be paid, and, that not contenting them, sent the Seal to a Chiaus Bassa, their Leader in this Mutiny, (which made him Grand Visier,) and afterwards the Head of the late Visier; but neither would this satisfie, though, withal, word was sent them, that the Treasurer, and other Great Men, (of whom they complained,) were kept alive only to discover their Estates, which should be confiscated for pay of the Army, whereby Four or Five hundred thousand Crowns were raised, and several of them were strangled soon after: The Mutiniers not satisfied, declare then against the great Expence of the Port; whereupon 1000 Women, Attendants at the Court, and divers others, were turn'd off, and Ibrahim, a former Visier, was strangled, and several Great Men were sent to the Army, that they might see them executed, who, upon their arrival, would not wait for that, but in great Rage cut them to pieces, and with them an Officer in the Army, of their own Accomplices, for desiring to forbear killing one, only until he should give an account, which way the Revenue was wasted; and the same day the confiscated Estates were sent them, with Orders to stay at Adrianople, and come no nearer: But nothing of this could quell their Fury, they insist upon having the Grand Signior deposed, and the setting up his Brother Solyman in his place; but Mahomet, to prevent this, resolved the death of his Brother and Sons, and went accordingly to their Apartments, but there he found Resistance, and the very Officers he took with him would not obey him, and so he returned to his own Apartment, where was presently a Guard put upon him, and his Brother and Sons were conducted to the Old Serail, and had a Guard for their Security: The Army (notwithstanding the former Command,) marcheth on-ward, and some Officers, with 1500 Men, came in haste to Constantinople, and, early in the morning, met with others in the chief Mosk November 18, and put this Question to the new Mufti (viz.) Whether, for the good of the Empire, Mahomet the [Page 58] Fourth might not be deposed, and Solyman set on the Throne, who answered in the affirmative; Thereupon Solyman was Proclaimed; Mahomet knew not of this until Noon, when, asking for Horses, he was told he must ask leave of Sultan Solyman, who soon after sent an Order under his own hand-writing to this effect; That as Mahomet had kept his Brother in Prison 40 years, it was but just that he should be shut up as long himself, to do Penance for his sins, and ordered him to be secur'd. Of those that came to seize him, he asked, What have I done to deserve this usage? To which was answer'd; That if there were no more in it, he had now Reigned 40 years, and that might content him. All this was done without Blood, or so much as disturbance to the Shop-keepers in the City; and now he that so vaunted himself, in his Declaration, as above Christ and his Followers, was thus easily deposed by his own Soldiers, which he rais'd against the Christians.
The present Sultan is a person of strong Complexion, fair Stature, and belov'd by the Priests and Lawyers, having much addicted himself to the study of their Law during his confinement. His first entrance was easy, but the Janizaries and Spahies coming to Town, became very tumultuous, and committed great Insolencies and Violencies, which the Grand Signior could not restrain, until they had their Arrears paid, and their Donative (usual at the setting up a new Sultan) given them, and notwithstanding that, seeing themselves now to be Masters, there was no bridling their Appetites, for in March following they began again to be mutinous, and kill'd the Grand Visier and others, plundering both theirs and the best Shop-keepers Houses: This they did twice, and were suppress'd both times by the Grand Signior's setting up the Standard of Mahomet, and the Priests making Proclamation for all true Musselmen to repair to it; which they must do, or else they are ipso facto divorced from their Wives; and withal, they look upon themselves obliged in Conscience to do it, so that all sorts of People (even to the aged and decrepid,) resorted with Arms to defend it; and by them were many of the Mutineers taken, and presently cut in pieces, and the rest fled and hid themselves; and afterwards a Quarrel began between the Horse and Foot, wherein many were kill'd, and thereby (the time of the year also calling them into the Field,) they were at last appeased.
The Grand Signior, presently after, consulted how to bring them to their ancient Discipline, and to live according to their Law, in not drinking Wine, &c. And in January this year, 1687/8, the strong and very considerable place of Mongatz was surrendered to the Imperialists by the Princess Ragotski, (Count Teckeley's Wife) who, with her Children, were brought to Vienna, where they remain, having the whole City for their Prison.
This year the French King sent the Marquess de Lavardin to be his Ambassador at Rome, who came into the City, with a very great Train, upon the 16th of November, although the Pope had forbid, that any Notice should be taken of him as an Ambassador in his Journey through Italy, because the King had not consented to allow the Bull about the Franchises; and the Marquiss knowing it, to avoid any disrespect that might be shewed to him, came incognito till his arrival near Rome, where he was met, guarded, and attended [Page 59] very splendidly unto the Palace of Farnese. The Pope had some notice before his coming, that divers strange Persons had resorted to the City, and therefore had ordered an account to be taken of what Strangers were lately come into the City, and what was their business. Before the end of December the Ambassador had twice demanded Audience of the Pope, and was denied it until his Master had so far own'd his Holiness Authority as to admit his Bull; whereupon the Popes Nuncio in France had the like usage. In the mean time the Ambassador caused twelve Men to go the rounds every night about his Palace, changing them upon the ringiag of a Bell, in the same manner as Sentinels are relieved in time of war; some said it was to hinder the City Officers of the Watch from coming near the Palace, though the pretence was to hinder Malefactors from taking Sanctuary in his Excellency's Quarters; both the Ambassador and the Marchioness his Wife, frequently pass'd through the Streets visiting the Churches, and places of Devotion.
St. John of Lateran's Church was endowed in part by Henry the Fourth of France, and the French Ambassador residing at Rome usually joined there in the Church Service on the 13th of December, being the Feast of St. Lucy, celebrated with great solemnity; This year the Pope caused it to be omitted to prevent the difficulties that might ensue if the Ambassador should come as formerly, for the Pope in his Bull touching the Franchises, had declared such as should not conform thereunto, to stand ipso facto Excommunicated, and therefore the Marquiss de Lavardin, and the principal persons of his Retinue, on Christmass-Eve following, being admitted to midnight-Mass (as other French Ambassadors used to be) at the Church of St. Lewis, about two days after there was found affixed on that Church the following Sentence of Interdict.
By the Apostolical Authority, and the special Command of our holy Lord the Pope, the Parish Church of St. Lewis, is declared to be under an Ecclesiastical Interdict, for that the Rector, Officials and Members of the said Church have rashly presumed, on the Eve of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, to admit to Divine Service, and the Participation of the Sacrament, Henry de Beaumonoir, Marquis of Lavardin, who is notoriously Excommunicated. Given at Rome, this 26th day of December 1687.
Jaspar, Cardinal-Vicar.
Let none dare to take this down, upon pain of the greater Excommunication to be incurr'd by a Sentence reserved to our holy Lord.
On the morrow after the affixing the aforesaid Interdict, the Ambassador published the following Protest.
Henry Charles Sire de Beaumonoir Marquiss of Lavardin, Ambassador Extraordinary from the Most Christian King to Pope Innocent the Eleventh, cannot believe that a Printed Placard that is spread abroad, vended and affixed in Rome, supposing Notorious Excommunication against him, by virtue of a certain pretended [Page 60] Bull unknown to him, and not published in France, can have proceeded from his Holiness himself; and there are few Rational People in all Christendom, exempt from passion and animosity against France, that can imagine, that at a time when his Majesty does with so much success employ all his Care and Authority to reduce his Subjects into the Bosom of the Church, and to cause God to be served and adored in all places where his Dominion reaches, in the purity of the Catholick Apostolical and Roman Religion, a Pope, whose advancement he desired, through the esteem he had of his Virtue, should of his own proper Motion refuse all Audience to the Ambassador of so great a King, the eldest Son of the Church, who hath deserved as much and more of it than his August Ancestors, to whom it is indebted for the most considerable part of its Temporal Greatness, and who, even in this conjuncture of continual Occasions of Discontent given him by the Popes Ministers, has recommended nothing more expresly to the said Ambassador, than to make manifest to his Holiness the Filial Respect he shall ever have for him, and use his utmost care to restore a perfect understanding between the Pope and himself; It seems much farther from all probability, that his Holiness should without any Form, Cause, Reason, and without having allow'd him a Hearing, Interdict the Church of St. Lewis, and term him notoriously Excommunicated, before that he had done any thing that might incur the least Censure, nay and without their being able to know what his Orders are with which he is encharged, which coming from the Wisdom and Piety of a most Christian King, can never expose him to the penalty of Excommunication, from which also his Character representing the Sacred Person of so great a Monarch, ought ever to Skreen him; God forbid also, that the said Sieur de Lavardin should suspect his Holiness of so unmaintainable, and so extraordinary a Procedure. He plainly perceives that he hath only occasion to complain of the Insolence and Temerity of those, that abusing the Confidence which the Infirmities of so great an Age as is that of his Holiness, obliges him to put in persons about him, and whom he makes use of to be eased of part of his care, and make advantage of his relianceon them to make him enter into Engagements directly contrary to the sentiment of Paternal Affection, which the most holy Popes have ever had for the Kings of France, and giving false Colours to all that passes through their Hands, impose upon his Holinesse's Judgment, and make it their Business to let him see nothing, but what must exasperate him against France. This has made them redouble all their▪ Efforts to hinder his Holiness from being undeceived by all that the Marquess de Lavardin is to represent to him in his Majesties Name, and it would be easie for him to make it appear to his Holiness, that the pretexts they make use of are without any ground; for not only the said Ambassador is not come to disturb his Holiness's Temporal Jurisdiction, but on the contrary he can with Truth protest on the behalf of the King his Master, that if the Pope were attack'd by any one whatsoever, his Majesty would employ the Forces and Power that God hath put into his hands to maintain the Holy See, after the Example of the Kings his Predecessors, in its Prerogatives and Possessions, to whose Augmentation they have ever contributed; This is also what ought to oblige his Holiness to hinder, as a Sovreign Prince, that in his Territories there should not be any Diminution made in the Respect which hath ever been observ'd towards the Ambassadors of France; And as the Marquis de Lavardin does not pretend to extend it beyond the Immemorial possession, which the said Ambassadors have ever had, [Page 61] and which the Duke de Crequi, de Chaulnes, and D'Estrees have retain'd, as his Holiness himself hath seen and known, not only by Vertue of that ancient Prerogative of the Crown of France, in the common Country of all Christendom, of which it hath ever been the firmest support, but also in Consequence of the Treaty of Pisa, for whose performance the Pope is no less bound than he that contracted it. There is not a person of good sence that can presume that this pretended Excommunication can regard the said Ambassador; and without entring into all the reasons that have been so often said upon the Bull, in Coena Domini, against which the whole Gallican Church assembled at Tours in 1510. has reclaimed, as being unmaintainable in regard of France, and publish'd by a Pope who had declared himself its Capital Enemy, nor in all that can be said against the other Bulls, which serve for a Foundation to that which is pretended to be from his Holiness, which can never be publish'd nor receiv'd in the Realm: It is sufficient to say, that the Marquis de Lavardin is his most Christian Majesties Ambassador, and by Consequence exempt from all Ecclesiastical Censures, as long as he shall be invested with that Character, and shall Execute the Orders of the King his Master. Therefore he doth not think it necessary to appeal from his pretended Excommunication of the Pope ill inform'd, to his Holiness himself, when he shall be undeceived, in the Audience he shall grant him, of the false Impressions which turbulent Spirits, and such as are Enemies of France, who make it thelr whole business to break the good understanding that ought to be between the Holy-See and his Majesty, have made upon him.
He also reckons it to be useless to appeal to a future Council lawfully assembled; and nevertheless from this present, and as far forth as shall be needfull, he protests the Nullity of all that may hitherto have been done, or may hereafter be pronounc'd, publish'd, or affixed against his Person, Family, Domestiques or others, and to provide himself as shall be found reasonable, declaring that if any one of whatsoever Quality he may be, is wanting to the respect and regard due to his Character, he shall become responsible both to God and Men, for all the mischiefs that may result from the offence done to his Majesty, by violating the right of Nations, in the Person of his Ambassador. Given at Rome, Dec. 27th, 1687.
And in January following, in France, the King's Council having in a large Harangue laid the business open to the Parliament of Paris, where was read the Bull concerning the Franchises, and the Orders of the 26th of December, for the interdicting St. Lewis's Church, together with the Act of Appeal, put in to a future Council by the King's Attorney-General; The Court of Parliament admitted of the said Appeal, and declared the said Bull and Ordinance as Null and Abusive; Prohibited all persons whatsoever to vend them in the Kingdom, on pain, of being proceeded against according to the severity of the Law; enjoyned those that had Copies of them to bring them to the Regi [...]ter of the Court, there to be suppressed. Ordered, that the Act of Appeal put in by the Atturney-General to a future Council, should be Registred in the Registry of the Court, and that the King should be most humbly desired to employ his Authority for the maintaining the Franchises and Immunities of the Quarter of his Ambassadors in the Court of Rome, in [Page 62] the whole extent they had hitherto enjoy'd them. And the Kings Council having alledged, that the Pope had refused to grant his Bulls to confirm Ecclesiasticks, which the King had nominated to vacant Benefices, so that a third part of the Churches of the Kingdom were destitute of Pastors; the Court did further Order, that the King should be most humbly desired to order the holding of Provincial Councils, or even of a National Council, or an Assembly of the Nobles of his Kingdom, so to advise about the most suitable means for the remedying the Disorders which the long Vacancy of several Arch-Bishopricks and Bishopricks, had therein introduced, and to prevent the progress and encrease of them; and in the mean while, to forbid his Subjects in such manner as the said Lord the King should judge convenient to have any Commerce, or remit any Money into the Court of Rome. And this present Arrest to be affix'd in the publick and usual places of Paris, and every where as should be needfull. Done in Parliament, the 23th of January, 1687/8,
Signed,
Jacques.
Hereupon in February 1687/8, the Pope resolved to give Audience to several Cardinals apart, upon the differance betwixt France and that See, after this manner, (viz.) unto two in one day, as he should name them, one in the Morning, the other in the Afternnon, and on the 15th of February he began with Cardinal Cibo, and so went on. And after these Debates he took off the Interdict of the Church of St. Lewis, for which Te Deum was sung in that Church; and withal Cardinal Cibo had leave to receive from, and pay Visits unto Cardinal D'Estrees; and all exasperating Books and Writings, which reflected on France in the handling these Controversies were prohibited.
In March following, the Pope appointed Cardinal Cibo to Negotiate the matter, with the Auditor of the Rota a Frenchman, who was thereto appointed by the Marquis de Lavardine, and the Envoy of Venice, then residing at Rome, was to be Mediator betwixt them: But the Pope would not grant that they should make any accord, unless there were a previous surrender of the Franchise, which the Ambassador would not grant, and so it came to nothing.
1688.
In February 1688, the Pope granted leave to the Venetians to raise 40000 pound Sterling on the Clergy within their State; and that there might be 1000 men Enlisted, in the Ecclesiastical State, to help to man their Galleys of Malta; and prevail'd with the Duke of Mantua to lend the Venetians 500 men, all this was for carrying on the War, for as to his own [Page 63] Galleys he durst not venture to send them into the Morea this year, the suspition daily encreasing that the Erench King had a design upon Italy; it appear'd that the Marquis de Lavardin had not less than 600 Men, lodg'd in his Quarters, and it was whisper'd that he design'd to make a publick Entry, maugre the Popes good will and pleasure; beside the French at this time fortify'd Montferrat and Cazal. The Pope was not willing to take notice of either, that there might be no pretence for a disgust, yet raised Land Soldiers, that he might not be surpriz'd, and his Galleys cruised about Italy, under pretence of meeting with the Corsairs of Barbary, whereby they were near at hand, if the French should attempt to make a Descent upon Italy.
The Venetians (with the assistance the Pope gave and procur'd for them) landed Men on the Isle of Negropont, and took the Castle of Carambaba there, and a Fort near Negropont, which also they closely besieged, and the 2 [...] th of August they took the Outworks, and many very furious assaults were made, and divers men kill'd on both sides, in particular 25 Knights of Malta; and a body of Turks were beaten that came to relieve it, but after all, the season of the year requiring it, and the Army weakned, the 20th of October the Siege was rais'd, and the greatest advantage of this years Campagne, was that the strong Fortress of Clin was surrendred unto General Cornaro, General Conningsmark, by reason of sickness, could not Act in the Campagne this year, and toward the end thereof dyed; and it may be remark'd that since he left the Field, the success in the Morea never was answerable to what it had been, the several years whilst he was General.
This year the Doge of Venice dyed, and Captain General Morosini was chosen in his place, chiefly for his Merit and the Service he had done against the Turk.
This years Campagne in Hungary began with the surrender of Alba Regalis to the Imperialists, which had been block'd up a great while, and was surrendred in May. In it was found good store of Arms and Ammunition; and it was follow'd with a very considerable thing, (viz.) An Act of Submission of the Prince and States of Transilvania to the Emperour, as their Father and Sovereign, offering to deliver up their Fortresses unto him, and promising their Obedience & Assistance, provided they might have that Liberty in Religion as was heretofore granted unto them, tho' it had not been duly observed with them; yet upon some disputes, the submission was not fully made till some time after.
The Deputies of the States of Wallachia concluded also a Treaty, to put themselves under the Emperors Protection, saving their Privileges to the Hospoda [...] or Prince, and to the States their just Rights.
The Duke of Lorrain being ill of a Feavor, orders were sent to General Caprara to open the Campagne, who soon had the Fortresses and Castles of Lippa, Solmes, Lugos, Illock, Bret, Peter-Waradin, surrendred unto him, either upon Summons or approach of Forces.
In the beginning of August, the Elector of Bavaria pass'd the Drave, and coming near Belgrade, the Turks who were there encamped, retired, and putting [Page 64] 4000 recruits into the Castle of Belgrade, set fire to the outward Town, which the Imperialists entred, and soon quenched the Fire. The Castle made a very vigorous defence, for about 3 weeks, and then was taken by Storm, not without the loss then and during the Siege to the Emperour of 2000 men, and to the Turks 7000. It's a place of a very great concern, being not only a security for the places already taken in Hungary, but is the passage or way for the Imperialists into Servia, Bulgaria, Romania, even to the Gates of Constantinople. When it was formerly in the Christians hands, it was besieged by Amurath the Second, in the year 1442, and by Mahomet the Second, 1456. without success, but Solyman the Second, at length, in the year 1521. gain'd it, since which time, it remain'd in the hands of the Turks untill this time, tho' the Christians had formerly made several attempts to retake it.
In the mean time, Prince Lewis of Baden, with the Forces under his Command, took the City of Casta-Novitza and Gradisk [...]; and having notice where the Bassa of Bosnia was, with about 5 or 6 thousand men, he hasted with 4000 Horse and Dragoons to attack him at unawares; but when he came within view he was better inform'd, and found there were a body of Turks, Horse and Foot, consisting of about 15 thousand; He then told the Officers and Forces he had, that they were misinform'd, but that there was more danger in retreating, then in assailing, and they must now fight for their Lives; They chearfully receiv'd it, and with great courage charged the Enemy, and obtained a very great Victory, killing about 5000, and taking 2000 Prisoners, with the loss not of above 150 of his own men; and suddenly after he took Bagnaluca, by which means all Bosnia was in a manner gain'd: And thus ended this years very successfull Campagne, with the Emperours Forces; and the Bulgarians, and Servians sent to desire the Emperours protection, and some Troops to shelter them.
The King of Poland, notwithstanding the continual assistance and encouragement he had receiv'd from the Pope, did very little in the year 1687, and in the Winter the Tartars made an Incursion into his Country, and kill'd or took into Slavery (as it was computed) about 100 thousand Souls. The King for shame could not stand looking on his Country, thus wasted and harassed any longer, but this year he appoints his Army to Rendezvous, and in the mean time, a body of Cossacks, were appointed to march on to observe the Tartars, for whose encouragement the Popes Nuntio remitted them a good sum of Money. In June, the Nuntio pressed the King to go to his Army, according to his Agreement made with the Muscovites, promising in that case to furnish necessaries and pay for 3000 Horse, besides 30000 Crowns he had before advanced by the Popes Order, in the preparation for the Campagne. The Tartars began again to make Incursions, and at length the First of August, the King goes in person to his Army, and besieged Caminieck; but upon the Tartars and Turks drawing near with 40 [...]00 Men, he drew off, and permitted the Enemy to put in 300 Wagons laden with Provisions into the place; whereupon the King returned without ever giving them Battle.
In April 1688. The Pope gave a Dispensation to the Prince of Conti, to Marry with Madamoiselle de Bourbon.
June 3. The Arch-bishop of Cologne died, one of the Electors of the Roman Empire, whereupon the Government was pro tempore committed by the Chapter to the Cardinal of Fustenburg, the Coadjutor of that See; and now the Choice of an Elector was a Matter of great Consequence, for the French King had in prospect at least three of the Seven in his Power, and if he could prevail to get in the fourth Place one for his Interest, he would be able to out-ballance the other, in case the Emperor should dye, and there should be a new Election; wherefore he useth all his Endeavors with the Chapter, to obtain it for the Cardinal of Fustenburg, his Creature, and causeth some Troops to advance that way to be a check upon them, and requires the Dutch not to intermeddle therein, or send Forces towards it, that the Election might be Free; though it appear'd that he only offer'd a Force upon the Electors: However, by the Pope's and Emperor's Interest, Prince Clement of Bavaria was set up also for a Candidate, and on the 19th of July, the Chapter proceeded to an Election, and both the Cardinal and Clement pretended themselves fairly chosen, and the French urged that it was clear for the first, he having thirteen Voices, and the later having but Nine; and the Matter being in Suspence, it was referred to the Pope, to consider which of the two was duly elected, who referred it to a Congregation of Cardinals to be examined, and the Pope's Confirmation, pursuant to the Congregations Decree, was published in these words.
The Sacred Congregation, appointed for Consistorial Affairs, having examined the Authentick Instrument, which the Canons and Chapter of the Metropolitical Church of Cologne delivered, by their Syndick, to the Arch-bishop of Damascus, Apostolick Nuntio on the Rhine, by which it appears, that the most Eminent and most Reverend Cardinal of Fustenburg, Bishop of Strasburg, was postulated by thirteen of the four and twenty Canons: And the most Serene, and most Reverend Joseph Clement Prince of Bavaria, and Bishop of Ratisbone and Frisingen, was by virtue of an Apostolical Indult of Eligibility (previously granted him) chosen by Nine of the said Canons, to be Arch-bishop and Elector of Cologne, the other two Voices having been conferred on others: After a mature and most diligent Consideration of the whole Matter, hath, by unanimous consent of the Fathers, thought fit, if it shall so seem good to our Holy Father the Pope, that the aforesaid Postulation of the Cardinal being rejected, the Election made of the Person of the said Joseph Clement be confirmed, with the Clause supplying, &c. as far as may be necessary. And Report hereof being made, his Holinss favourably approved the Sentence of the Sacred Congregation. Given at Rome the 15th of September, 1688.
Signed
Cardinal Cibo Arch-bishop of Ostia. Laurentius Cassanus, Secretary.
Prince Clement being but Seventeen years of Age, the Congregation made the following Sentence, which the Pope confirmed.
The Sacred Congregation, for Consistorial Affairs, after a mature Discussion, in what manner the Church of Cologne may be provided for, till such time as the most Serene, and most Reverend Joseph Clement Prince of Bavaria, Canonically chosen thereunto, shall attain to a lawful Age, hath thought fit, if it shall so seem good to our Holy Father the Pope, that the Administration of the Temporalties of the said Church, be given to the aforesaid Joseph Clement, and that the Administration of the Spiritualties be likewise committed to him, on this Condition, that he exercise the same joyntly with the Bishop of Hierapolis, Suffragan and Canon of the said Church, who shall be understood to be deputed to this Co-administration, during the pleasure of his Holiness and the Apostolick See. And Report being hereof made, his Holiness favourably approved the Sentence of the Sacred Congregation. Given at Rome the fifteenth of September 1688.
Signed as the former.
In December following the Emperor's Minister, by order of the Pope, required the Cardinal of Fustenburg, and his Party of the Canons, to own Prince Clement of Bavaria, as their Arch-bishop and Elector of Cologne, on pain of Excommunication.) And afterward six of the Canons (who had taken part with the Cardinal) not appearing upon Summons of the Official of Cologne, were by publick Sentence deprived of their Benefices and Ecclesiastical Dignities.
May 7. Cardinal Crescentio, and on the Ninth Cardinal Felice Rospiglosi died at Rome; whereby there were eight places void in the College of Cardinals.
In June there was a terrible Earth-quake in Naples, and other Towns thereabout, even perceived at Rome; many Persons were destroyed by the fall of Buildings, Palaces, and eminent Structures; A Famous Church of the Jesuits, one of the finest in all Italy tumbled down; and the neighbouring Town of Benevento, was quite demolished: The Pope therefore sent large Sums of Mony, in particular 50000 Crowns unto Naples, for the relief of People that suffered by this sad Calamity. This Earthquake continued several days, more or less, with some Intervals; the People feared it would last a whole Moon, as one did in December 1456. and therefore many retired into the Country, in hopes of more Security, but by the violent Storms and Rain which followed the Earth-quake, such sudden Floods arose that several were drowned, and all People extreamly terrified by the frequent and violent Shakings of the Earth, mighty Thunder and Lightning, great Hail-stones. Besides which, a Mountain also split in sunder, the Earth opened, and out of it issued black Vapors and Flames of Fire, the Sun appeared incircled with a Flame about it, the Sea (though at Calm) strangely retired in, three times: All which Prodigies so terrified the Inhabitants of Naples, that scarcely a third part of the People remained therein.
July 25. being St. James's day, began publick Rejoycings at Rome for the Birth of the Queen of Englands Son: There was held a Chappel of eighteen Cardinals, who assisted at High Mass; and Te Deum was sung with rare Musick in the English Church, which was richly adorned, and the Cardinal of Norfolk made great Expressions of Joy at his Palace. Sir John Lydcot, Agent at Rome then for King James the Second, shewed all the Demonstrations of Joy usual on such extraordinary Occasions, viz. A very large Picture or Emblem was set up over his Palace-gate, relating to the Subject, which consisted of an Effigies of a Child, adorned as a Knight of the Garter, and about it several Trophies relating to the Prince of Wales, Kings of England, and Warlike Exploits, with the then King and Queen of England's Pictures on each side, and the Pope's over it: Not only the Windows of his House were illuminated, but he had divers Pots of combustible Matter flaming, set upon Posts before his House, and distributed 1100 Lanthorns, with the King's Arms upon them, to be hung up with Lights in them before the Neighbouring Houses, and a Fountain of Wine ran for three days; upon the second day he provided a whole Ox, the Belly whereof was fill'd with Fowls, &c. to be roasted for the common People, and entertained divers Persons of Quality in his Palace with all Rarities. The Wine and good Cheer had so fill'd the common Peoples Bellies and Heads, that they made returns with shouting and noise, so that it was said not only the Musick in the Palace was deaded by it, but the Drums, Trumpets, yea, the very Chambers and Mortars were not to be heard. The Pope was God-father to this Child (whose Baptism was defer'd to October 15. 1688.) and was represented by his Nuntio in England; for as King James had sent an Ambassador to complement the Pope, so the like in return was done by him, and his Nuntio made his publick Entrance at Windsor in the beginning of July 1687. but the Pope knew how to use his Mony otherwise than to be at so great Charge as the King of England's Ambassador had been at in Rome, for his Nuntio had only four Pages, twelve Footmen and three Coaches of his own, when he made his publick Entry.
The Pope made Cardinal Pallavicino Legat of St. Ʋrban, and upon his Creation, he is reported to have made a learned Speech in the Consistory, in relation to the Queen of England's Son, and gave a piece of Mony to all that would fetch it at St. Peter's Church, where there resorted about 30000 Persons.
In August the Lord Thomas Howard, Envoy Extraordinary from the King of Great Britain, had Audience of His Holiness.
The Pope confirmed the Election of the Baron of Plettenbergh to the Bishoprick of Munster.
1689. The Difference between the Pope and the French King not being yet composed, April 30. the Marquis of Laverdin left Rome and returned to Paris in July following, and the 26th of the same Month the Pope's Nuntio left Paris, in order to return to Rome: And the Pope's Apprehensions encreasing, that the French King might make some Attempt [Page 68] on Italy, he made great Preparations to be in a Posture to defend himself, by daily enlisting more Men, providing Ammunition, fortifying and reinforcing his Garisons; and denying Audience to the Cardinals d'Estrees and d'Este, they and the Duke of Savoy's Minister at that Court, prepared themselves for their Departure: The Pope resolved also to make use of his Spiritual Weapons, and threw his weightiest Thunderbolt, Excommunicating in the severest manner, all Persons of what Degree or Quality soever, that shall usurp, possess, or separate from the State of the Church, any part of its Lands, Dominions, &c. or that shall seize upon any part of its Revenue; or that shall interrupt or hinder the Commerce on the Coasts and Seas of the Ecclesiastical Estate; as likewise those who shall attempt the calling or appealing to future Councils, or that shall write against the Pope or Church. Which Bull was affixed at all the usual publick Places in Rome; and was ordered to be sent into France, that so that Crown might not pretend Ignorance.
At this time the French King declares War against Spain, and before, or since, against the Emperor and some of the German Princes; as likewise against England, Scotland, Holland, &c. So that though the Pope had all his Life-long laboured Peace among Christian Princes, yet now he liv'd to see them all engag'd; but he had this to solace himself with, that there was so much work cut out for France, that his Arms were like to be diverted from him, so that he might dye in Peace, which he did accordingly. And he had yet greater satisfaction, since he had a fair prospect, that as he had been instrumental to free a great part of Christendom from the Slavery of the Grand Seignior, so now he saw so many great Princes joyn'd together to rescue their Countries from the Tyranny and Usurpation of France, which two had design'd to share Christendom between them, and none but himself had before so couragiously and vigorously (according to the Methods of the Papal See) opposed the Encroachments of France as he had done: He was sensible that this was not a Religious War, as the Jesuits would insinuate, who have laboured the Exaltation of France, but that the French King had ravish'd something from most of his Neighbours, as well Papists as Protestants; and that none of them were able to cope with him singly, but upon any Fraction that he made with any particular Prince, he would give Laws to them, and they were forced to truckle and submit to him, who would be Judge as well as Party in all Differences betwixt them; and that it had long been his Method, that if any Princes were at Variance, to side with one of them, and force the other to a Peace upon what Terms he pleased, wherein (on pretence of his Arms assisting) he would not fail to be a considerable Gainer by the Bargain: He saw also that he never observed any Peace or Truce, (though ratified by the most solemn Oaths) further than it was for his own Interest. All these Perfidious and Tyrannical Actions the Pope detested, and therefore had he lived, would in all Probability as well have assisted the French King's Enemies, as he had done the Grand Seigniors.
I have already given an account of what pass'd as Matter of Fact in the Differences between the French King and the Pope, wherein sometimes the French Allegations were more publick than the Popes, as by the Marquess of Laverdin's Protestation, &c. for which reason I shall here insert a short Account of what was alledged on the Pope's side, whereby the unreasonableness of the French King's Demands, will farther appear; especially considering his pretended Zeal for the Roman Catholick Religion, and his affecting to be called the Eldest Son of the Church.
First, That the French King was so far from having a true cause to complain of the Pope's unfair Dealings towards him, that the Pope hath shewed him, on divers Occasions, the most effectual Marks of particular Esteem and paternal Affection, that he might or could do without giving up the Churches Rights; whereas the Pope received from the French King and his Subjects, on his account, and by his allowance (witnessed by his Protection of them) divers and several Injuries, Contumelies, Reproaches as well as Slights, and Oppositions both by Words and Writings.
Secondly, In the Matter of the Regale, The French King extended his Power over more than half the Churches and Parishes of his Kingdom, contrary to the express Dispensation of the second General Council of Lyons, and the immemorial Possession and Rights of those Churches, confirmed and authorized by the Acts and Ordinances of his Royal Predecessors, and the Sentiments and Arrests of the Parliament of Paris, the Registers of the Chambers of Accounts, and the uniform Judgments and agreeing Opinions of the most famous and celebrated French Lawyers. He endeavoured to subject divers Monasteries to his Nomination, where they were Elective, even to the almost Destruction of some of them, and where he did suffer others to elect, by his uncontrolable Power and absolute Authority; he forced the Electors to choose whom he pleased, and disinvested the Bishop of Pamiers of his Revenues, because he defended the Canonical Liberty of the Church, and persecuted the Canons and other Ecclesiasticks, by Imprisoning and Banishing them, because they would not obey the Schismatical Vicars, which the Arch-bishop of Tholouse named, in opposition to those Canonically elected and confirmed by the See of Rome, with divers other Obtrusions on Religious Houses and Churches, contrary to all Rules of Right and Justice.
Thirdly, He suffered Books Dedicated to him and Licensed, to be published both at Paris, and by his Ambassador at Rome, contrary to the Apostolical See, and injurious to the Pope's Person.
Fourthly, By his Edicts he confirmed the Propositions made by his Assembly, in Derogation of the Pope's Authority, and forced them to be Registred in the Sorbon, against the Doctor's Will. As to the Pope, he was always ready for an Accommodation, but that the King ever insisted upon having his Demands first accurately satisfied. That the Pope never refused his Bull of Confirmation, where the King regularly Nominated, unless to such Persons (of whom he is the sole Judge) that were Court-Church-Men, and had signed the Propositions, which were Diametrically [Page 70] contrary to the Apostolical See, or were notoriously Scandalous: That the Pope denied not Audience to the French King's Ambassador, if he would have communicated his Commission to Cardinal Cibo, as the French King hears no Ambassadors, &c. before they have conferred with his Secretary or chief Minister of State; but withall the French King had never returned answer to the Pope's Brief touching the Regalia, which had been presented eight Years before the Ambassador was refused the immediate Access to the Pope he required.
And, Lastly, As to the business of the Franchises, they have been found to be so great an Evil in the Government, that the Pope was resolved to Extirpate their pretended Priviledges, and that he is the sole Judge of what concerns his Temporal Government, and no one ought to intermeddle therein, but leave it to himself, who is resolved to be Master in Rome, as other Princes are in their Dominions. And thus the Pope left these Differences undertermined: What may further occur therein, we must expect in the new Pontificate.
In the beginning of this year the Turkish Envoys came to Vienna to Treat of Peace: The Diet in Poland ordered an Ambassador to be sent thither to Treat on their King's part, notwithstanding the French Ambassador in that Court had laboured the contrary: The Venetians had one there also, and on the twelfth of March 1688/9. the Emperor's Commissioners having before received the Envoys Proposals, gave their Answer by way of Demand, viz. That the Turks should yield the Emperor to enjoy all the Countries, Towns and Fortresses that he had gained during the War. That Transilvania and Wallachia, which have put themselves under the Emperor's Protection, shall be freed from the Annual Tribute they formerly paid the Port. And that Count Teckely be deliver'd up to the Emperor. The Envoys declar'd they had no Instructions to intermeddle in the last Demand.
The Venetians demanded the Island of Negropont, and the Dutchy of Athens, and the Fortresses of Dulcigno and Maona, with all the Morea, and that the Turks should pay the Venetians 400000 Ducats towards the Charge they had been at in the War.
The Poles demanded Caminiec to be deliver'd up to them.
The Envoys gave answer, That they were tied up to the Propositions they had made, and could not recede from them, or give any answer to their Propositions, until they had sent to inform the Port of them; and had receiv'd thence further Instructions. It was discoursed of offering them fifty days, and that if a Peace were not after that concluded, the Envoys should be sent to Raab, and detain'd there during the War, in return for that the Grand Seignior had secured Count Caprara, when he resided in quality of the Emperor's Ambassador at Constantinople.: No Peace ensued, for the French Minister at the Port represented to the Divan or Council, That his Master was entred into the heart of the Empire with an Army, and that he had put all the Princes and the Estates thereof into a great Consternation, wherefore the Emperor had withdrawn his Forces out of Hungary for the defence of the Empire; and that his Master being now actually in War [Page 71] with him, the Grand Seignior would have a favourable opportunity (by continuing the War) to recover the ground he had lost, and promised on his Masters part a powerful Diversion to the Empire. Upon which the Divan resolved to continue the War, and gave orders for new Levies, &c.
As to the War against the Turk, little can be said of it in the time I am limited to, (viz.) the Pope's Death; the Venetians had then made but little Progress in this years Expedition.
April 17. Prince Lewis of Baden was appointed by the Emperor to command his Army against the Turks, which consisted of 32000 Germans, besides Hungarians and Croats that should joyn him on his march: He pursued the War with very great Success.
The Tartars, in the beginning of this year, made an Incursion into Russia, from whence they carried a great number of People into Slavery, having defeated some Troops that got together in hast, without due order or conduct to oppose them. And since I have often mentioned the Tartars and their Incursions, take this short Account of them; They are a Savage sort of People, that have few Towns or Villages in their Country, but live for the most part in the Fields and Woods, removing from place to place with their Children and Cattle in great Troops or Bands, where they can find Sustenance: They breed up Horses with great Difficulty for their use, practising them to live two or three days without Meat or Water, so that in the training of them to it, they loose many; when they go into a neighbouring Country to Pillage, they ride on one of these Horses, and lead another to carry away their Plunder, or change in riding as they see occasion; and for themselves, they provide a good piece of raw Flesh, of a Horse or other Beast, and putting it under their rude Saddles, they ride upon it, and in a days time the heat of the Horses back will have stew'd it sufficiently, and then as they are hungry, they tear or draw out a piece of the Flesh, and devour it without any Let or Hinderance in their Journeys; but they that have Milch'd Mares, sustain themselves by drinking their Milk: And thus they will, with great speed, travel 2 or 300 Miles, till they meet with People or Spoil, which they take and carry away, before Troops can be assembled to attack them: Their Arms are only a kind of Sword or Scimiter, with which they spare not to cut off the Heads of such as will not yield to them: When they joyn the Turk, they march in the Van, without any order, Robbing and killing as they please. Those of them in Caminiec, this year, did often ride forth, Robbing and Spoiling the King of Poland's Country, and 2000 of them brought in 300 Wagons laden with Provisions into the Town, which did formerly belong to the King of Poland, and he hath often attempted (as he did this year) to regain it, but without Success.
In June the Moscovites met and engaged a very great Body of them, and on the place and in pursuit kill'd 3000 of them.
April 19. Christina Queen of Sweden died at Rome. In the year 1655. she renounced both her Religion and her Kingdom, she had been educated in and own'd the Protestant Religion, but after she was Queen, she was [Page 72] perswaded to change it for the Roman Catholick, and considering her Subjects could not bear the Propagation hereof, which her new Principles obliged her unto, she resign'd her Kingdom unto her Kinsman Charles Gustavus; and apparelling her self in the Habit of a Man, she stole away, and passed through Denmark and the Lower Germany, and came by way of Holland into Brussels, where she changed her Habit, and in the Privy-Chamber of the Arch-Duke Leopold, then Governor of the Low-Countries, made her self and Design known, and on Christmas-Eve in the presence of him and several of his Nobles, she abjur'd the Heresies of Luther, and made Profession of the Roman Catholick Faith. She resolved to spend her days at Rome, where she might live and enjoy her Religion in the most pompous and splendid manner, and not only delight her self in the Conversation of Grave Cardinals, and Learned Men (which she loved) but also gain Favour of the Pope, and have recourse to him for Pardons, Indulgences, and his paternal Benediction. But the Plague raging that year at Rome, she defer'd her Journey thither almost a Twelve-month, until the City and Country were restored unto Health. Alexander the Seventh was then Pope, and she signified her Intentions to him, who gave her License to come, but desired she would make another solemn Abjuration at Inspruck, to prepare and dispose Italy for her more solemn Reception: When she was on her way in Germany, the Pope sent Luke Holstein the Keeper of the Vatican Library, to make her Majesty a Complement in his Name; which Person he thought would be very acceptable to accompany her in her Journy, being accounted one of the Learnedst Men of that Age. When she approached near Rome, he sent four Nuntio's to meet her; at her entrance into the City, she was met by two Legates a Latere, who, with a pompous Train, conducted her to the Vatican Palace, where she was lodged with the Royalty appertaining to a Queen. Many and various were the Ceremonies which passed at the Reception of this Great Person; after which, on Christmas-day, she was confirmed by the Pope in St. Peter's Church, who superadded the name of Alexandra to Christina. She continued her abode at Rome to the day of her Death, and out-lived that Pope, and Clement the Ninth and Tenth, and died a little more than a quarter of a year before Innocent the Eleventh, in whose time, by reason of Wars in Sweedland, the yearly Stipend of one hundred thousand Crowns (which she reserved on her Resignation) falling short, he allowed her a Pension; she lived not like a mortified Woman, but in Splendo so that the Bishop of Salisbury in his Letter from Rome, of December 8. 1685, saying, That the Conversation at Rome is generally upon News, and though none is Printed there, yet in the Anti-chambers of Cardinals, the News of Europe and Reflections upon it may be had, among the Persons that daily assemble there. adds, That at the Queen of Swedens, all that relateth to Germany or the North is ever to be found; and that that Princess (who must ever Reign among all that have a true tast of Learning or Wit) hath still in her withdrawing Room the best Court of all Strangers, and her Civility, together with the vast Variety with which she furnisheth her Conversation, maketh her to be the chief [Page 73] of all the living Rarities one sees in Rome. Her own words to him were, That she now grew to be one of the Antiquities of Rome. September 10. 1687. In compliance with the Pope's Bull about the Franchises, she suffered two of her ordinary Domesticks to be taken by the common Officers of Justice within the Precinct of her Palace, and carried away. In December before she died, she withdrew her Mony and Jewels out of the Mount of Piety, and deposited them in her own Palace under a Guard.
In the beginning of August the Pope fell ill of an Ague, and sometimes pains in one of his Sides, and on the eleventh day was so very Ill, that his Friends suspected he could not hold out long; wherefore the Prisoners in the night time were removed to the Castle, and Don Livio his Nephew caused two Cannons and a Mortar to be removed from the Castle to Villa Pamphilla: He likewise caused to be carried out of the Palace, all the Mony that properly belonged unto the Pope and his Nephews, and took out of the Vatican all his Cloaths, and the curious Image of our Saviour presented him formerly by the Queen of Sweden, and employed Carts a whole day to carry away all his Moveables, which were his own proper Goods; and also took away his Horses out of his Stables.
On the Twelfth about three of the Clock in the Afternoon, he told those about him, That he found the Signs of Death upon him, and therefore desired the Extream Ʋnction, which was performed accordingly.
He then sent for the Generals of several Orders, and spent much of the night with them, and in the Morning Cardinal Colrado, Chief Father Confessor, gave him the Benediction in Articlo Mortis; afterward he called for other Confessors, and two Monks of each Order, who gave him their Benediction: He took Absolution from the Regulers, and then recommended his Soul.
About twelve of the Clock his Fit returned more violently than formerly, and the pain on his Side shot up to his Back: Then again he called for the Cardinal Confessor to assist him at the hour of Death, and desired him to acquaint the Sacred College, how much troubled he was, that he was not in a State to call them together; and desired that they would supply his Defects in chusing such a Successor as would rectifie his Miscarriages; declaring yet, That he had never err'd willingly, and always believ'd he did well: And further requested, That the Mony he had left might be employed for the Ease of the Subject: And declar'd, That he had thoughts in the time of his Sickness, to take off the Tax imposed upon Corn, but being now near his End, his Successor could do it with more Honour. And thus between the twelfth and thirteenth of August, S. N. he departed this Life.
Cardinal Alteri Chamberlain, went immediately (on notice given) to his Chamber; whereupon the Standers by, calling aloud three times Benedicto Odescalchi (according to the Custom) and no answer being given, it was a publick Confirmation of his Death; upon which the Chamberlain took off the Fishers Ring, and brake it in the presence of all, and gave the Corps to the Father Confessors of St. Peter, commanding them to resign it up to the Canons of [Page 74] the Chapel of Paaliness, and caused the accustomed Bell to be rung out: Then the Officers of the Militia went to the Prisons and discharged all the Prisoners, and the several Princes, Ambassadors, Cardinals and Foreign Ministers, had Guards set for the Security of their Palaces from the Mobile, who use at such times to be Outragious, and in a short time all concerned went into Mourning.
The Treasurer and Commissioners disposed of 120000 Scaddies in Alms; he left in the publick Treasury one Million and a half in Mony. At his Death there were ten Vacancies in the College of Cardinals.
It will now perhaps be needless to give a Character of him, so many of his Actions already mentioned, better shewing what he was, than Mens Opinions: Only in short, he was a great Prince, an Excellent Governor, a Lover of Peace and Truth, and resolute and couragious to maintain the Rights of the Church; insomuch, that he declared (when he was threatned by the French King) that he would look upon it as a special Grace of God, to suffer on that Occasion for Righteousness-sake, and even, if there were necessity for it, to terminate his Life in Martyrdom: Yet he would not fail to take all those Measures that Wisdom and Prudence could suggest to avoid it. And certainly if the French King durst have attempted him, he would never have brook'd those Oppositions the Pope gave him.
It plainly appeared the Pope endeavoured all that in him lay, to reform Mens Morals, and the Success was such, that for many Ages the like Regularity had not been observed in Rome as was in his time: As for the Discipline and Worship of his Church, and the external Pomp and Splendor of it, he never appeared very Zealous for it, and by his favouring Molinos, Patrucci, &c. it was likely he would not have been ill pleased with a Reformation: But he well knew the Number and Power of the Trafficking Divines, and the Inquisitors, and that the Disease was so deeply rooted in their Natures, and become so Epidemical, that sharp Corrosives would but exasperate, and the Cure must be the long and almost insensible work of Time, and that the course Molinos had taken, was the most probable way to effect it. And of the truth of this he had sufficient Testimony in the beginning of his Reign, when he could not get the Bull passed against Nepotism, though the evil Effects of it had been so long manifest to all the World, that none could approve it, but those that either were or expected to be Gainers by it. He was a Man of extraordinary Probity, and of a very severe and rigid Temper, which inclined him to think, as well of the Jansenists and Quietists, as he did ill of the whole Order of the Jesuits. His way of living was very Mean and Sparing, for 'tis said his Meals did not ordinarily amount to the value of a Crown a time; and this may with better reason be imputed to his great Abstemiousness and Temperance, than to any thing of a covetous Temper, with which I know he has been charged; though his large Contributions, for carrying on the War against the Turks, render him fairly excusable as to that Point. In short, his Piety and Vertue, and continual care for the common Good was such, that it may be truly said, The World for many Ages has not seen a better Pope than Innocent XI.