Wilfrid, bishop of Lindisferne, the sole prelate of the Northumbrian kingdom, increased this subjection in the eighth century, by his making an appeal to Rome against the decisions of an English synod, which had abridged his diocese by the erection of some new bishoprics.[***] Agatho, the pope, readily embraced this precedent of an appeal to his court; and Wilfrid, though the haughtiest and most luxurious prelate of his age,[****] having obtained with the people the character of sanctity, was thus able to lay the foundation of this papal pretension.
[* Append, to Bede, numb.

10, ex edit.

1722.
Spehn.

Concil p.108, 109.] [** Bede.lib.v.cap.

7.] [*** See Appendix to Bede, numb.19.Higden, lib.
v.] [**** Eddius, vita Vilfr.sect.24, 60] The great topic by which Wilfrid confounded the imaginations of men, was, that St.Peter, to whos custody the keys of heaven were intrusted, would certainly refuse admittance to every one who should be wanting in respect to his successor, This conceit, well suited to vulgar conceptions, made great impression on the people during several ages, and has act even at present lost all influence in the Catholic countries.