The Coliection of Tithes, ^09 



(Translation.) 



John XXI to the archbishop of Drontheim : 



Having received, by apostolic brief, the commission to collect 

 tithes in the kingdom of Norway for the Holy Land, and having 

 been expressly commanded in the same brief to visit personally 

 all the countries of the said kingdom for this purpose, thy fra- 

 ternity informs us that such visitation seems in a measure im- 

 possible, for the diocese of Gardar, which belongs to thy province 

 and kingdom, is so far from the metropolitan see and the diffi- 

 culties of navigation are so great that five years are scarcely 

 sufficient for the round journey ; hence thou hast reason to 

 doubt whether the apostolic mandate or thine will reach the 

 aforesaid country within the period named for the payment of 

 the tithes. Accordingly thou hast had recourse to the wisdom 

 of the apostolic see for a remedy in this matter. We therefore, 

 in our desire that the collection of the said tithes be diligently 

 attended to, do wish and by apostolic letters do command thy 

 fraternity, the above facts being true, to appoint certain capable 

 and faithful persons, regarding whom we charge thy conscience, 

 who shall go to that country and shall see to and diligently 

 superintend the said collection. Thou shalt also zealously pro- 

 vide whatsoever shall seem expedient in the said matter, that 

 thou mayest obtain thy reward of the Lord and merit for th}^- 

 self more abundantly the favor of the apostolic see. 



Given at Viterbo December 4th, in the first 3^ear. 



To the same : 



Having received by apostolic brief the commission to collect 

 tithes in the kingdom of Norway for the Holy Land, and having 

 been expressly commanded in the same brief to visit personally 

 all the countries of the said country for this purpose, thy fra- 

 ternity has informed us that several of the dioceses in that 

 kingdom and belonging to thy province are so widely scattered 

 over the sea and so extensive in territory that it would be diffi- 

 cult for thee to visit personally all the districts of the aforesaid 

 dioceses within a period of about six years and without most 

 serious expense to thy see, and since thou wouldst have to travel 

 for some five or more seasons (?) through countries wdiere, because 

 there are no houses, thou wouldst be compelled to carry tents, 

 thou hast asked to be authorized to depute, notwithstanding the 



28— Nat. ftKOfi. Mao., voi,. V, 189::. 



