On what ground have the bishops of Rome claimed chief civil jurisdiction in England?
Partly on the ground of their claim of chief ecclesiastical jurisdiction, partly on the ground of a cession made to them by a former king of England.
How do they build a claim of civil jurisdiction on that of spiritual jurisdiction?
They assert that civil rulers being Christians, are subject to censure and punishment, if they use their power to the detriment of the Church.
In what way has this taken effect?
They have claimed the power to absolve subjects from their obligation of allegiance, and to give them authority to depose and murder their princes.
Prove that they have no right to any such power.
It was never heard of in the Church for more than 600 years; and St. Peter and St. Paul require all Christians to be subject to the king, or chief civil ruler. Rom. xiii. 1; 1 St. Pet. ii. 13.
What other peculiar ground of claim had the bishops of Rome to the chief civil power in England?
Because John, king of England, surrendered the kingdom to the Pope on behalf of himself and his successors.
Show that this constitutes no rightful claim.
King John had no authority to do such an act without the consent of parliament; and no such act could bind his successors.
When it is said that " the bishop of Rome hath no
