This office is found in the Church at an early period. Bishops were often appealed to in civil causes, especially when both parties agreed to refer any dispute to them; and in this case their sentence was valid, but its execution was left to the civil power. When civil causes began to multiply, the bishops were compelled to devolve some part of this service on others, in whose fidelity and integrity they could confide. Some bishops selected laymen for this purpose, and this, according to Bingham, probably originated the office of lay chancellor.