of this sacrament. It is curious that this question was more than once submitted to the papal decision, for we find again, in 1241, Gregory IX. writes an almost similar letter to Archbishop Sigurd, and lays down the same rule as his predecessor.

Another question was submitted to Gregory IX. with respect to the elements in the Holy Communion. The archbishop inquired whether, when the Eucharist was wanting (deficiente eucharistia), owing to the lack of corn and wine, they might communicate the people with any other sort of bread, along with beer or any other drink. The pope replied that neither one nor the other was to be done under any circumstances (quod neutrum est penitus faciendum), but that the form should be "visibilis panis de frumento et vini de uvis." He concludes by saying that, as had become the custom in other places, "panis simpliciter benedictus" could be given to the people.* The meaning of this suggestion seems to be that the poor faithful in the remote dioceses would have to be contented with the "oblata," or the pain béni of France.

With reference to the long-standing question of the celibacy of the clergy, and the supposed permission of Cardinal Nicholas Breakspeare for the priests to contract matrimony, Gregory IX. wrote (in May, 1237) to Archbishop Sigurd to sternly forbid the practice. In his letter he says that they could show no documentary evidence whatever for this, and that his predecessor of blessed memory could not have granted permission for such an enormity. The plea of ancient custom urged by the clergy, instead of improving, made matters worse-" peccatum non minuat sed augmentet."

The reign of Haakon was on the whole a very prosperous time for Norway, and after the death of Duke Skule, in

The pope's letter will be found in Norges Gamle Love, Vol. IV., page 108, and in "Diplomatarium Norvegicum," Vol. I., No. 16.

1240, when his power was fully established, he became a person of great importance in the North. He was in very great favour with the Popes Gregory IX. and Innocent IV., and the latter tried to induce him to join in an attack on Frederick II., and also to be a candidate for the Imperial crown ; but Haakon had no intention of entertaining such a project, and shrewdly declared that "he was ready to fight against the enemies of the Church, but not all of the Pope's."* His alliance was esteemed by many of the princes of Europe, and his daughter Christina was married to Prince Philip of Castile, the brother of Alfonso the Wise. It was this marriage which led to the building of a church dedicated to St. Olaf in Spain, as the princess begged her husband to erect a church to the honour of the patron saint of her native land, which it seems he did.

"This, the said king declared to me, Matthew, who wrote this, and attested it with a great oath."-Matthew Paris (Bohn's edition, Vol. II., page 415).

From a Wooden Figure (15th Century) originally in Fjeld Church, Sondhordland, now in Bergen Museum.

[To face p. 208.

CHAPTER XIV.

MAGNUS LAGABØTER AND THE TØNSBERG CONCORDAT -ERIK PRESTEHADER.

Jon Raude, Archbishop-Magnus's Codification of the Law-The Tønsberg Concordat-Its Terms-Death of Magnus-Erik Prestehader Succeeds-Conflict between the Regents and the Archbishop -Jon Flies to Sweden and Dies there-The Pope Appoints, per provisionem, Bishop Jørund as Primate-The Provincial Council of Nidaros-Disputes in the Church-Death of Erik.

No more striking proof of the wisdom of Haakon Haakonssøn's legislation respecting the succession to the crown could have been shown, than the peaceable way in which his son Magnus succeeded his father on the throne. The new monarch had been accepted as his father's successor during Haakon's lifetime, and, unlike any former king of Norway, had already received his crown. Magnus was at home when his father died, having been left in charge of the country when the expedition to Scotland started. The new king inherited much of the ability of his race, but was of a more yielding disposition than his father, and above all things wished to live in peace with those around him. His early education, which had proceeded almost on the same lines as if he were intended for holy orders, had made him a man of very considerable learning, and also inclined to listen most favourably to the demands of the Church. Above all things, the desire to promote the welfare of his people and fulfil the responsibilities of his royal office was the ambition of his life. He is known in history as Magnus Lagabøter (the improver of the laws), a title of which any king might well be proud.

C.B.N.

P