Some time after Honorius I. had been exalted to the dignity of the Roman chair, it was found that he did not maintain the doctrines of the Roman church, but was opposed to them, although he seemed to ingratiate himself with her in some external things. Concerning this, the following words are given by a certain author: Honorius I. added the invocation of the saints to the litanies: he built many temples, and decorated them with great magnificence; but this pope was afterwards condemned as a heretic, together with six prelates, by the sixth council of Constantinople. Compare Hist. Georg. lib. 4. Franc. Ala. fol. 44. Platin. Regist. Pap. fol. 130. with the last mentioned Chronicle, edition of 1617, for the year 622, page 218. col. 1.
In addition to the evil testimony which is given of John XXIV., P. J. Twisk gives the following account: “This pope John, as some say, forcibly took possession of the papal chair, and is styled by the ancient writers a true standard-bearer of all heretics and epicures. He was a man better fitted for arms and war, than for the service of God.” Chronijk, P. J. Twisk, 15th Book, for the year 1411. p. 768. col. 2.
[63] 2,800,000 guilders, or $784,000.
[64] But, after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; who will render to every man according to his deeds. Rom. 2:5,6.
[65] Notwithstanding, the examples related in the body of the work are recorded by P. J. Twisk, it is proper to state, that they were extracted from various papistic writers.
[66] John XI. was put for John XXII.; by the author from whom this was taken, but this is an error.
[67] This Benedict VI. was also put for his successor, Benedict IX.; which error we have corrected.
[68] Our author relates, that before the death of pope Innocentius IV. a voice was heard in the papal court, saying, “Come, thou wretched man, to the judgment of God!”
[69] Many more such examples might be related here, but, since by these few our aim is sufficiently understood, we deem it unnecessary to enter more deeply into this subject, and shall, therefore, let this suffice.
[70] “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men,” saith the Lord. Matt. 15:9.