A.D. 1119. THE EMPEROR'S CONTEST WITH THE POPE. 211 begins, ' Let no bishop, • no priest, no member of the clergy whatsoever, part with ecclesiastical dignities or benefices to any one, as though of hereditary right.' This, also, we do enjoin in addition thereto, that no payment shall be demanded for receiving baptism, chrism, holy oil, and burial. To priests, deacons, and subdeacons, we do utterly forbid the society of wives and concubines. And if any persons of this character shall be found, let them be deprived both of their ecclesiastical offices and benefices ; and if they do not even then correct their uncleanness, let them be deprived of all communion with Christians."60 These decrees were sent to the emperor Henry, as he was not far distant, first from the council by persons of rant, and then by the successor of the Apostles himself, in order that, before the breaking up of the council, it might be ascertained whether, in the churches throughout his kingdom and each province subject to him, he would consent to canonical elections, that is to say, bishops and abbats being chosen by the church ; and whether, to free consecrations, as is the case where those who are elected are consecrated where and by whom it is befitting;61 and whether he would also consent that no lay person whatsoever should claim a right to the investiture in ecclesiastical matters, so that those elected might, through investiture with the pastoral staff and ring, enter through the door, that is, through Christ. To these requests he made answer, that he would give up none of these particulars that belonged to him of right, and which the ancient customs of his ancestors had conferred upon him. At length, however, being prevailed upon by the authority of the general council, he conceded the first three points ; but ttie last, namely, the right of investiture in ecclesiastical matters, he would not concede ; in consequence of which, on the pope returning to the council, sentence of excommunication was pronounced against him. Some who were present at the council being indignant at this, the successor of the Apostles gave his commands that those who were offended thereat, should go forth and separate themselves from the society of their brethren, quoting the example of those seventy who, being offended as to eating the flesh of our Lord and 60 Under the penalties of anathema. 61 According to the rules of the church. p 2