ABSTRACT
Hincmar, a native born into a noble family of Northern Francia, was appointed archbishop of Rheims in 845 and from 840 onwards was an adviser to Charles the Bald. Hincmar links the royal power with the priestly authority; he fashions kingly professions for West Frankish royal consecrations on the model of existing professions for episcopal ordinations. Hincmar made direct reference to Augustine as the prime authority in the struggle against heresy, and as a moral authority. Hincmar argues along the lines with the aims of establishing peace and order and promoting the Christian faith in Carolingian society; his goal was that everyone should understand the urgency of participating in the affair. The De rectoribus Christianis of Sedulius Scottus is a very different ‘mirror for princes’ influenced by the insular tradition. Charlemagne’s military success is seen as God’s reward for the Christian piety of the Franks. Sedulius’ notion of ‘state-church’ relations did not rely on Gelasius or Fulgentius.
