Note 33 — Chapter I · ORIGIN OF THE TEMPORAL POWER OF THE POPES

This portion of the history of the eighth century, has been perfectly elucidated, by Bossuet. Def, Cler. Gall, “The time was not yet come, I shall be told, to display the pontifical power; and before resorting to violent remedies, the means of mildness and conciliation should be attempted.” “Very well,” replies Bossuet, “but if charity and Christian prudence did not yet permit Gregory to make use of all his power, should they not, at least, have made a diversion, to afford a glimpse to this proud prince of its extent, in order to intimidate him, and prevent the execution of his criminal projects. For, behold the style of the menaces of the emperor, as we learn from this sainted pope: I will go to Rome and break the image of St. Peter, and I will take Pope Gregory away, in order to transport him hither loaded with chains, as Constantius did with Martin.—He proposed to imitate, then, the example of the heretical emperors and persecutors of the Holy Pontiff. Let us see what Gregory conceived it his duty to reply to a prince, who formed such impious projects, and who flattered himself he could execute them, by putting forth the full extent of the imperial power. Did Gregory say, he could, when he wished, deprive him of this power? He dreamed not of it; and for his whole defence, he declared he desired earnestly to receive the crown of martyrdom, as did the blessed Pope Martin, whose memory all believers honoured. How far then was he from thinking of revolt, of taking up arms, of repelling force by force, in fine, from pronouncing sentences of deposition! Perhaps our adversaries will make the trifling reply, that the Church, as yet too feeble, was not in a state to display all its powers. But it was the Empire, not the Church, which was weak in Italy.—See also Natalis Alex, in sec. 8th dissert. 1. Libeaus History of Low Empire, vol. 83, p. 368, 369.