Cap. XII - Nicolinus … Pope Sixtus V

Summary

Nicolinus his Epistle to Pope Sixtus. His contempt of the Fathers. He beginneth to confess the Epistle of Melchiades to be dubious, if not altogether Spurious. He overthrows the Legend about Constantines Donation.

That you may know the Genius of the Man a little better, how much he was devoted to the service of the Pope, and how little he valued the Authority of Councils and Fathers, I have thought it meet to give you his Epistle, and his Admonition to the Reader, recorded by him in the words following.

To our Most Soveraign Lord,

Sixtus V. High-Priest.

‘It fell out conveniently for me, Most Blessed Father, in the Universal Joy of the Christian World, for your Elevation to the Sublimity of the Apostleship, that in so great a multitude flowing from every place to honour you, I also, among the Oldest Servants of your Holiness, had something near at hand, which is unworthy neither of the Ma[je]sty of your Name, or Authority; and yet very fit for my Occasions to offer at your feet, as suitable to the Office of my Gratitude and Veneration. It is a new Edition of the Councils: for the remarkable addition of two Councils especially, the Nicene and the Ephesine, never published so entire and full, as now.

‘For to whom may the Councils of the Church, aided by the Inspiration of the H. Ghost, according to the seasonableness of various times, for the repairing of her Ship, more fitly be Dedicated, than to her Chief Master, to whom it is given from Heaven to call and confirm them? especially him, who is so well versed in all Scholastical Disciplines, and Ecclesiastical History!

‘I have used all diligence, according to my weak ability, sparing no cost, omitting no labour; the most Catholick and Learned Divines of our Age, being assembled also from every Quarter, especially the most Excellent Father Dominicus Bollanus, a Noble-Man of Venice, of the Order of Preachers, never enough commended for his excellent parts; who by his Industry, Care, and Learning, was a vast help both to me, and to the Work.