Difficult Church Edicts and Benefice Penalties in 18th Century Debate
A letter questions the rigour of the 1665 Edict and the 1730 Declaration affecting ecclesiastics and benefices. It argues the church’s infallibility is not implicated in non doctrinal matters and warns against approving harsher penalties that could threaten bishops and lay estate. The tone pleads for royal clarification on the pleasure and danger to the realm.