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Protestantism in Sweden and Denmark - James Aitken Wylie

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prebends <strong>and</strong> ecclesiastical immunities?" "From<br />

the donation of pious k<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>and</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ces,"<br />

responded Dr. Gallus, "liberally bestowed,<br />

accord<strong>in</strong>g to the Word of God, for the sustentation<br />

of the Church." "Then," replied the k<strong>in</strong>g, "may not<br />

the same power that gave, take away, especially<br />

when the clergy abuse their possessions?" "If they<br />

are taken away," replied the Popish champion, "the<br />

Church will fall,[3] <strong>and</strong> Christ's Word, that the<br />

gates of hell shall not prevail aga<strong>in</strong>st it, will fail."<br />

"The goods of the Church," said the k<strong>in</strong>g, "go <strong>in</strong>to<br />

the belly of sluggards,[4] who know not to write or<br />

preach any useful th<strong>in</strong>g, but spend the hours, which<br />

they call canonical, <strong>in</strong> s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g canticles, with but<br />

small show of devotion. S<strong>in</strong>ce therefore,"<br />

cont<strong>in</strong>ued the k<strong>in</strong>g, "it cannot be proved from<br />

Scripture that these goods are the absolute property<br />

of the clergy, <strong>and</strong> s<strong>in</strong>ce they manifestly do not<br />

further the ends of piety, is it not just that they be<br />

turned to a better use, <strong>and</strong> one that will benefit the<br />

Church?"<br />

On this, Doctor Gallus held his peace.<br />

Thereupon, the k<strong>in</strong>g ordered the archbishop to<br />

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