Excommunicating a Prince
Luke 3:18-20
And many other things in his exhortation preached he to the people.…


William IX., Duke of Aquitaine and Earl of Polctiers, was a violent and dissolute prince, and often indulged himself in improper behaviour at the expense of religion. Though he had contracted a very suitable marriage, and one with which he was satisfied for some time, he parted from his wife without reason, to marry another who pleased him better. The Bishop of Polctiers, by name Peter, could not brook so great a scandal; and having employed all other means in vain, he thought it his duty to excommunicate the duke. As he began to pronounce the anathema, William furiously advanced, sword in hand, saying, "Thou art dead if thou proceedest." The bishop, as if afraid, required a few moments to consider what was most expedient. The duke granted it, and the bishop courageously finished the rest of the formula of excommunication. After which, extending his neck, "Now, strike," said he, "I am quite ready." The astonishment which this intrepid conduct produced in the duke disarmed his fury, and saying, ironically, "I don't like you well enough to send you to heaven," he contented himself with banishing him.



Parallel Verses
KJV: And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people.

WEB: Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people,




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