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A Censure of Simony

A Censure of Simonie, or A Most Important Case of Conscience concerning Simonie

1624·Early Modern English·153 pages PDF (106.1MB) Source

A treatise against simony — the buying and selling of ecclesiastical offices and spiritual goods — by Henry Burton, Puritan divine and Rector of St. Matthew Friday Street, London. Burton defines simony broadly, drawing on canon law, scholastic theology, Scripture, and common law, to argue that contemporary practices of purchasing and selling church livings, tithes, and patronage rights are condemned by the church universal. Addressed to Prince Charles (later Charles I) and printed in London by William Stansby for Edmund Weaver and John Smethwicke, 1624.

Author

Henry Burton

Henry Burton

Henry Burton

1578–1648

Readings

A Censure of Simony

A Censure of Simonie

A complete transcription and translation of Henry Burton's 1624 treatise against simony — the buying and selling of ecclesiastical offices and spiritual goods. Comprising fourteen chapters, Burton systematically defines simony from canon law and Scripture, examines its various forms (in presentation, institution, and ordination), refutes objections, and concludes with a protestation addressed to Prince Charles, calling for legal reform. The work draws on Gratian, scholastic theologians, and civil law to argue that contemporary English practices of purchasing church livings, tithes, and patronage rights stand condemned by the universal church.

Henry Burton Henry Burton·1624·Early Modern English·Complete treatise·p. 1–134