Conformity to be held with that Church which is spread over the whole world Apostles sent all the world over by the Pope Recourse to the Pope in Ecclesiastical affairs Our English Authors say Mellitus his going was to obtain priviledges for Westminster Abbey then built Decrees of Councels to be follow'd as sure rules A Church dedicated to our Lady and all Martyrs which yet is to be seen at Rome and whether were brought saith Spondan the Reliques of many Martyrs from places without the City Persecutors of this Faith punished Saying of Mass Communion under one kinde S. Peter prince of the Apostles He owns his Successors the Popes deeds The miraculous effect of St. Peters apparition A Church in honour of our Lady St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Our Primats of England still work miracles A place it seems dedicated to the crowned Martyrs Authority of 〈◊〉 Bishops from the Pope Noâ—e Mr. Baâ—ter how unlike the Pope then seemed to Anâ—ichrist Our Primats invested with the Pall by the Pope The Nâ—â—thumbers miraculously converted Baptizing Intants Note Mr. Baâ—ter how unlike the Pope then seem'd to Antichriâ—t The Pope an enemy to Idol worship St. Peter stiled Prince of the Apostles and our Protector His blessing sent from the Pope The Pope still sollicitous to further our conversion St. Peter stiled chiefest and Prince of the Apostles and our Protector The Faith then taught commended from Heaven I would those of our Country would imitate this Prince Paulâ—â— knows what is in the Kings brâ—ast Altars of stone Monasteries Abbots Altars sacrifice Miracles wrought at certain places A Pall sent by the Pope who still investeth our Archbishops The Pope a true Father even to Kings Efficacy of Saints Prayers The Pope exerciseth his Supremacy in England The Pope doth this in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Decrees of the Church to be followed Golden crosses and Chalices consecrated to the use of the Altar yet to be seen Our Church musick from Rome Yet Idolatry highly hated An. 642. Veneration of holy places and crosses Miracles hence ensuing The very chips of that Crosse work miracles untill this day Prayers and sacrifice for the Dead The Moss of the Cross works miracles upon one as yet living Monks Monasteries Religious different in habit Purity of dâ—ctrine from Rome Churches dedicated to Saints Monasteries Strict followers of onely scripture erre for many years together Shaving of Monks Strict Fast on Wednesday and Friday among the Laity Miraculous reward of Alms Veneration of Relicks miraculously uncorrupt to this day The Apostle of the tumultuous sent from the Pope Transgressors of the Fast of forty dayes punished Vowed Nuns espoused to the heavenly bridegroom Such Nuns graced with the gift of Miraclâ—â— The Habitation of men separated from Women Vow'd 〈◊〉 dear 〈…〉 〈…〉 by 〈◊〉 Ouâ— Historyes say he was slain at Oswistry in Shâ—opshire the very â—ligh test 〈…〉 woâ—k 〈…〉 Strange Miracles by Râ—liks Miracles by Reliks Translation of Reliks 〈◊〉 to be held in 〈◊〉 vâ—neration by all faithfuâ—l This confirm'd from Heaven as is testiâ—ied by wittnesses yet living Abbesses The â—odgings of men apart from the Nunnery Exorcisms Relikâ—chase away the Devill Miracles at Saints Tombs The person yet alive saith Bede on whom the Miracle was dâ—â—e Power of Saints Prayers That speech God have mercy on their soules of what Antiquity Our unworthiness supplied by intercession of Saints Cures wrought by Relikes Water hallowed An. 644. Good works Satisfactory Daily prayers for the dead Hallowed Oile doth Miracles How authenticall this is A Miracle Translation of Reliks Altars Churches dedicated in the honour of the Prince of the Apostles Thus then they called St. Peter Miracles By Relikes Our Kings became Monks Monks graced with Visions How authentical this is Altars Miracles at Saints Tombs A prophesie of the ruine of such as converse with those who are excommunicated Antâ—quity of Godfathers Kings confide in the Prayers of religious men Lents forty days fast The laudable custome of fasting Monks Monasteries Religious rules Churches in honouâ— of our Lady Altars Intercession of Saints Vows made to God Nuns Monasteries perpetual Virginity God approveth this coutse of life Prayers of religious men in what esteem Dayly prayer for the dead The Fast of Lent Bishop Wilfrid instructed at Rome Clergy men wear shaven Crowns This Synod was at Whitby in Yorkeshire St. Peter and Paul lived preacht and suffered at Rome The strong plea of Tradition Errour then damnable when the Authority of the Church is rejected By the Prince of the Apostles Peter still understood Mat. 16. 18. The Roman Tradition preferr'd The Clergy weare shaven Crowns Abboâ—â— Monasteriâ—â— The distinct Habit of Râ—ligious and Clergie men I'heir blessings craved given by hand that is by the sign of the Crosse Works of Superogation vowed Canonicall Houres Vows of Austerity approved from heaven Lent The antiquity of the holy Feast of Christmass The Church of Rome the Catholike and Apostolike Church Still recourse unto Rome concerning 〈◊〉 Primaâ—â— The Pope Father even to Kings Peter twice here understood by the Prinâ—â— of the Apostles 〈…〉 Kings Crosses Reliques An Indulgence granted thereunto as to Medals say our Divines Abbotâ— Monks Nuns The Pope still invests our Primates Shaving of Clergy men Shaving of Clergy men Our Bishops Monks and of great sanctity The Cathedral at Leiâ—chfield now dedicated to St. Chad. Good works done out of hope of reward done with pure intention A prophetical vision Good works a preparation to death The blessing of men St. Peter still â—alled Prince of the Apostles Translation of Reliques Miracles by them Monks Pilgrimages to Rome The See Apostolike appoints out Primats Our Bishops still Monks Erconwald was first Abbâ—â— of Chertsey in Surrey Miracles Reliques Nuns They doe Miracles Their habitation seemed from men Virgins consecrared to Chrâ—st A prophetical Vision By patience we satisfie for our sins Good works the golden cords which life usup to heaven Holy Nuns We pray to Saints as to these who hear us Visions Abbesses Miracles Nuns Efficacy of prayers to Saints at their Reliques Monastical life prefer'd before Kingdomes Religious habit different from Sceular This King became a Monk in the Monastery of St. Peter and St Paul in London A prophetike Vision A Miracle very publike Our Kings turn Pilgrims Our Bishops Monks Godfathers Monks Our Faith confirmed from heaven Monks A prophetical Vision Masses Intercession of Saints approved from heaven Masses commanded by the Apostles Intercession of Saints avouched by the Apostles St. Peters Ecclesiasticall Tonsure Sacrifice Communion under one kinde Masses Yearly Feasts of Martyrs The Isle of Wight last converted Wilfrid their Apostle The faith of all the Bishops and Doctors of England The Antient English blessed Church received more than the first four Councells Abbots and Monks By prince of the Apostles still St. Peter understood Priviledges of Popes admitted in England Abbiâ—s How antient our Church Musick is above that of the Protestants Celebration of Feasts
1. c. 4. did not pretend any cause of division from Augustines Doctrine about Mass use of the Crosse and Images worship of Saints and Relicks or any other point wherein we and Protestants differ A demonstrative argument that none of these things brought in by Augustine were contrary to what was delivered to the Britans not a full hundred years after the Apostles time So that as long as Augustines Religion was kept in England the Apostles Religion was kept Chap. 3. Augustine ordain'd two Bishops Mellitus Justus Mellitus he sent to preach to the Province of the East Saxons whose chief City is London As soon as the Province by Mellitus preaching had receiv'd the word of Truth King Ethelbert built St. Pauls Church in London where Mellitus and his successors ever after were to hold their Bishops Seat Justus was ordain'd by him Bishop of Rochester in Kent where Ethelbert built St. Andrew the Apostles Church After this the dearly beloved Father in God Augustine dyed and his body was laid by the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Canterbury which after it was finisht was brought in and honourably buried in the North-part thereof where also were interred the bodies of all the Archbishops following as long as there was room This Church hath an Altar in it dedicated to the honour of St. Gregory Pope at which Altar every Saturday the Commemoration of these departed Bishops is celebrated by the Priest of the place Upon St. Augustines Tomb is written Here resteth Augustine the first Archbishop of Canterbury who being sent hither by blessed Gregory Bishop and by working of Miracles supported by God brought King Ethelbert and his People from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ He dyed the 26. of May CHAP. 4. Laurence succeeded him in the Bishoprick whom Augustine yet living ordain'd least after his death the State of the Church rude as yet and newly converted might have wavered and faln if it had lackt a Pastour and guide never so little Wherein he followed the example of the first Pastour of the Church the most blessed Prince of the Apostles Peter who having laid at Rome the foundation of Christs Church consecrated Clement his Coadjutor and Successor Laurence seeing the ground-work of his Church to enlarge which was well and throughly laid endeavoured to raise the same to a perfect height by frequent exhortations and continual example of pious works He earnestly laboured as a true Shepheard not onely for the modern Church of the English but also for the Church of the old Inhabitants of Britany and Scots in Ireland whose profession as soon as hâ— knew to be lesse Ecclesiastical and not well ordered in many points especially about Easter they not celebrating it in due time He wrote unto them beseeching them to receive and keep the society of Catholike observance with the Church of Christ spread over the whole world To our dearest brethren the Bishops and Abbots in Scotland Laurence Mellitus c. When the See Apostolike according to the usuall manner of sending to all parts of the world directed us hither to preach the word of God We c. About this time Mellitus Bishop of London went to Rome for advice of the Apostolike Pope Boniface and for necessary causes of the English Church This Pope call'd a Councel of Bishops to appoint some order concerning the life of Monks Mellitus sate among them to the end that what there was legally decreed he confirming might bring with him to the English Church as precepts and rules to be observed He brought also letters from the Pope to Laurence Archbishop to the Clergy and the King This Pope cleansed the Temple Pantheon converting it into a Church in honour of our Lady and the Martyrs Chap. 5. In the year 613. Ethelbert King of Kent after he had raigned six and fifty years entred into eternal blisse the one and twentieth year after he had receiv'd the Faith and was interr'd in St. Martins Porch within the Church of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul Edbald his son much harm'd the tender sprigs of the Church but Gods scourge was not wanting for both an unclean spirit and a frâ—nzie possest him Moreover the death of Sabereth King of the East Saxons and Nephew to Ethelbert much encreased the persecution of the Church who going hence to the everlasting kingdome left three sons who all fell to Idolatry These Princes seeing the Bishop in the Church after he had said Mass giving to the people the Sacrament said unto him Why doest thou not give us also of that white bread To whom he answered If you will be washt in that wholesome Font wherein your Father was you may also eat of this blessed bread but if you contemn the laver of life you may not tastâ— the bread of life Hereupon the King commanded Mellitus and all his company to depart the Realm so he and Justus went over into France Chap. 6. Laurence the Archbishop being now ready to forsake Britany and follow Mellitus and Justus commanded the night before he was to go that his bed should be laid in the Saints Peter and Paulâ— Church where after many prayers and tears powr'd out to God for the State of the Church the blessed Prince of the Apostles appearing in his sleep unto him scourged him a good while and with Apostolicall Authority asked him Why he meant to forsake the flock which he himself had committed unto him and to what Shepheard running now away he would leave the sheep of Christ beset with ravening Wolves By these stripes and the words of St. Peter Laurence the servant of God imboldned came and presented himself to the King and throwing open his garment shew'd him how pittifully he had been beaten When the King all amazed demanded who durst inflict such stripes upon a man of his dignity when he understood it was for his salvation and that by the Apostle of Christ he became afraid and abandoning the worship of Idols and his unlawfull wedlock embraced the Faith of Christ and was baptized promoting the good of the Church to the utmost of his power He call'd home Mellitus and Justus commanding them to return to their Churches and instruct their flock Thus the King with all his Subjects from that day that he was converted submitted himself to the Precepts of God He built a Church in honour of our Lady the blessed Mother of God within the Abbey of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles which Mellitus hollowed Chap. 7. Relates How the holy Archbishop Laurence departing hence to heaven his body was buried in the Abbey-Church of St. Peter the Apostle Mellitus of London succeeded in the See of Canterbury the third after Augustine who by birth was noble but nobler by his singular virtue It chanced that the City of Canterbury was set on fire and great part consum'd and the raging flames drew nigh
See for Paulin at whose request he built a large Cathedral enclosing that of Wood where he had been Baptiz'd Paulin henceforth preacht the word of God continually and they believ'd him and were Christ'ned And the fervour of Faith and desire of holy Baptism was so great that he was staid at Court 36. dayes busied in catechizing and instructing the people in the Faith of Christ In the Countrey of the Deiri he baptiz'd in the floud Swale for as yet there could not be built Oratories Fonts or Baptisteries Yet was there built a great Church in the planes called Downs which the Pagans that slew King Edwin burnt but the Altar escaped the fire being of stone and is kept in the Monastery of the reverend Abbot Trumvulse Chap. 15. King Edwins zeal and devotion was so great towards the Christian Faith that he perswaded Carpwell King of the East English to leave the vain superstition of Idols and with his whole Realm to embrace the true Faith and receive the Sacrament of Christs Church King Redwalls Carpwels Father was Christned before in Kent but he was quickly seduced again by his Wife He seem'd to serve both Christ and his false Gods for in one Temple he erected an Altar for the Sacrifice of Christ and another for his Idols Felix Bishop and a holy Preacher being sent by Honorius Archbishop to preach the Word of God to the East-English found plenty of fruit and encrease of Believers for he brought the whole Province unto the Faith Chap. 16. Relates How Paulin the Bishop preaching the word of God in the Province of Lindesi bulit a Church in the chief City where every year some miraculous Cures were wrought Chap. 17. Relates How Honorius Bonifacius his Successor was Bishop of Rome and sate in the See Apostolick who understanding that the King of Northumberland and all his Subjects were converted to the Faith by Paulinus his preaching sent him a Pall and Letters also to King Edwin exhorting him to go forward in the true Faith To the most Puissant and his most vertuous Son in our Lord Edwin King Honorius servant of the servants of God What are we better able to offer to God than by persisting in good works to worship and render him deserved praises We exhort you dearly beloved Son with Fatherly affection c. A little after he writeth Read St. Gregorie's your Apostles works and set his doctrine ever before your eyes that his prayers may advance your kingdome and people and represent you irreprehensible unto the Almighty We have provided those things which you wisht might be ordained for your Priests We have two Palls for the Primats Honorius and Paulinus commanding that when one of them is called out of this life the surviver substitute by this our Authority another in his place Chap. 18. About this time died Justus Archbishop and Honorius succeeding was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury by Pauline He was the Fifth after St. Augustine to whom Pope Honorius sent a Pall ordaining that when either the Bishop of Canterbury or Yorke died the surviver should have power to Consecrate another in the place of the deceased that so they should not need to travell and toile by Sea and Land to Rome as often as an Archbishop was to be ordained The Copy of the Popes letter to Honorius Labour in preaching the Gospel and follow the rule and steps of your Head and Master blessed Gregory c. As for the priviledges of your Churches we have not delay'd to grant you such things as We thought fit And now We in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles grant unto you Authority c. Here followeth the grant specified in the beginning of this Chapter Dated An. 633. Chap. 19. Pope Honorius sent letters to the Scots whom he understood to erre in the observation of Easter exhorting them that they would not esteem their small number wiser than the Churches of Christ either antient or newly converted in celebrating any other Easter than after the common account and according to the Uniform Decrees of all the Bishops of the world assembled in Councel Chap. 20. Relates How King Edwin was slain his Army defeated his Kingdomes over-run by Penda the Idolater and Carduëlla so that there was no safety but in flight Then Bishop Paulin return'd to Kent bringing with him a fair golden Cross and Chalice consecrated to the use of the Altar which are to be seen in the Cathedral of Canterbury There he govern'd the See of Rochester and left his Pall which he had receiv'd from the Pope of Rome James the Deacon left by Paulin at York set up a School for Church Musick according to the fashion of Rome and Diocess of Canterbury The Third Book Chap. 1. RElates how the Kings Osrich and Eandfrid fell to Idolatry whereupon they deserved not to be accounted to our Kings but their years are numbred to holy King Oswald next following Chap. 2. The place is shew'd untill this day and had in great veneration where Oswald who slew Carduëlla before the battell set up the signe of the holy Cross beseeching God humbly on his knees to succour them in their distress Having with his own hands set up the Crosse he said to the Army Let us all kneâ—l down and pray the Almighty to help us In the place where he made his prayer many miraculous Cures are known to be done in token of his Faith Untill this day many doe usually cut chips from the wood of that holy Cross which casting into water and giving the sick thereof both men and beasts to drink or sprinkling them therewith they are restored to health The place is called Heavenfield signifying that in that place a heavenly memorial should be set up and heavenly miracles be wrought even till our daies The Religious of Hagulsden Church for a long time have us'd to come every year upon the Eve and Day that King Oswald was slain to keep Dirges for his soul and in the morning after Psalms solemnly to offer for him the Sacrifice of the holy Oblation By continuance of this custome the place is become more holy and is now honored by all for the Church dedicated in the same place We shal relate one of many miracles wrought at this Crosse One of the Religious of Hagulsden by name Bothelmus who liveth yet when by chance going on the Ice by a fall broke his Arm in so much that he could not lift it to his mouth prayed one of the brethren to bring him a piece of that blessed wood saying that by Gods grace he might finde help thereby He did so giving the party some of the Moss wherewith the wood was covered which putting into his bosome in the night he found himself soon after whole and sound Chap. 3. Relates how Aidan the Bishop being sent from the Scots to King Oswald the King himself became
command of Preists they declared both the manner of the tempest they raised and the danger like to have ensued confessing they were overcome by their merits and command Upon their arrivall they filled the Island with their good name preaching and vertues and the word of God was taught by them as well in Churches as in the open streets and in the Countrey so that in all places the found and Faithful Catholikes were confirmed and they that before swarved from truth were reduced Thus in short time through their authority vertue and learning the whole Country was brought under obedience to their Doctrine The Authors of Heretical errour lay lurking all this while and like the wicked spirits were vext to see the people daily fall from them At length they undertook to try the matter by open disputation which being consented to they come forth richly and sumptuously apparell'd attended by a number of flatterers chusing rather to commit their cause to open contest than seem to the People whom they had subverted to have nothing to say in defence thereof Thither flockt a great number of people with their wives and children The blessed Priests German and Lupus gave their Adversaries leave to speak first who vainly entertain'd the people with naked words Then the reverend Bishops poured forth their Eloquence confirm'd with sacred Texts from the Gospel and Apostles Thus vanity was convinced falsehood confuted and in effect at every objection their Adversaries were forced to confesse their errour not being able to answer The people could hardly hold their hands from them yet shewed they their judgement by their acclamations Chap. 18. This done a certain Colonel cometh forth offering them his daughter of ten years old to be cured who was blinde They bad him carry her to their Adversaries but they their own conscience frighting them from such an enterprise joyn with the girls Parents desiring the Priests to doe the cure who seeing their Adversaries dismaid made their Prayer Then Germanus full of the holy Ghost calling upon the blessed Trinity looseth from his neck a little bag full of Reliques of the holy Saints and in the sight of them all applyed it to the eyes of the Maid VVhereupon she strait receiv'd her sight to the great joy of her parents and the amazement of the people at the Miracle From that day the said errours were so rooted out that with most earnest desire they all imbraced the doctrine of the Bishops Thus damned falshood being supprest the Authors confuted and all mens minds instructed in purity of Faith they went to St. Albans to give God praise and thanks by him Where Germanus having Reliques of the Apostles and divers Martyrs making his prayer commanded the Tomb to be opened with intent there to deposite those precious treasures thinking it good that the members of the Saints gotten in divers Countries might be shrin'd together in one Tomb who like in Merits rejoyced with God in Heaven Which being done with much honor he took some of the dust of the place where the holy Martyrs blood was shed and carried it away with him and a great number were that day converted Chap. 19. As they were returning back it happened by the Devils procurement that Saint German by a fall brake his leg that so by the affliction of the body the merits of the holy man might be more encreased VVhilest by reason of his weakness he was fain to tarry still in one place the next house to his lodging was by chance set on fire which having consumed all neer it drew nigh where this good man lay But that the power of God might appear the fire spoiled whatsoever the people sought to save except what the sick man lying in his bed preserv'd for in the midst of the raging flames the house which this weak man kept remain'd untouch'd all wondring at the Miracle Before the Cottage of this poor Prelate lay a multitude of people without number some to be cured of the maladies of their souls others of their bodies It cannot be exprest what Miracles Christ wrought by his Servant and what cures this sick man did In the mean time suffering no remedy to be applyed unto himself one night he saw a beautifull young man all in White at his bed side who stretching forth his hand seemed to lift him up and bid him stand and from that houre his pains were asswag'd and he restor'd to health Chap. 20. About this time the Saxons and picts waged war against the Britans who fearing they should not be able to match them implored the help of the holy Bishops who coming to the Camp filled their hearts with such confidence as if a mighty Army had been come to aide them This hapned about the holy time of Lent which was more devoutly observed through the presence of the Priestâ— In so much as being instructed by continual preaching many of the Countrey were daily Christned and the greatest part of the Army required Baptism On Easter-day they made in the Campe the form of a Church adorning it with boughes where they were solemnly Baptized by virtue whereof they became fervent in Faith and bold in hope of Gods strength The Enemy having intelligence of their sober demeanour and order of their Campe thinking to surprize them being unarm'd and obtain the victory marcht in great speed towards them Now the holy-dayes of Easter being past the Army goeth fresh from Baptism to their weapons S. German making himself their Captain pickt forth a choice Troup of souldiers placing them covertly in a Valley where it was thought the enemy would passe giving them all warning that as they heard him say they should all answer the same Thus suddenly breaking out of Ambush where they lay the enemy being not aware of them the Priest of God cryed aloud thrice together Alleluja all the Troop repeating answered the same The eccho from the hils resounded as though they had been thrice as many whereat the Enemy was so amaz'd as though heaven had fought against them Whereupon with all speed they fled casting away their weapons thinking it enough if they could escape with life The British souldiers gathered up the spoiles and with great joy acknowledg'd God onely to be the giver of that overthrow The Island being thus set in good order the Bishops returned home to whom God gave a prosperous passage both for their own vertues sake as also at the Intercession of the blessed Martyr Alban CHAP. 21. Not long after word was brought out of the same Island that the Pelagian Heresie was reviv'd Again therefore are directed to the Bishop the entreaty of all the Priests that he would go through with the Cause of God which he had taken in hand So he return'd again into Britany with Severus who was disciple of the most blessed Father Lupus ordain'd Bishop of Trevers preaching first unto that part of Germany the word of
to the house where Mellitus lay sick of the Gout but putting his confidence in God he commanded them to carry him out to meet the flames Now where it most raged was at the crowned martyrs The sick man being brought thither represt with his prayers those flames which no power of man could quench Having govern'd the Church five years he past to Heaven Chap. 8. Justus succeeded Mellitus in the Bishoprick who having receiv'd authority from Pope Bonifacius to ordain Bishops consecrated Romanus Bishop The Popes Letter to Justus To our dearest beloved brother Justus How piously and earnestly you have laboured for the Gospel of Christ the perfection and end of your actings fully declare c. We understand you have brought the King to the belief and instructed him in the undoubted Faith We have sent you a Pall which we give you leave to use onely in celebrating the holy mysteries granting you the ordaining of Bishops as occasion shall require that so the Gospel of Christ may by the preaching of many be dilated c. Having regard to the Authority received from the See Apostolike use this our reward towards the gaining of souls Chap. 9. About this time the King and People of Northumberland receiv'd the Faith by the preaching of Paulinus The occasion was this King Edwin desirous to marry Edilburge the King of Kents Daughter sent his Embassadours to effect it but they made answer that it was not lawfull for a Christian to be married to a Pagan least the Faith and Sacrament of the King of Heaven might become prophan'd Hereupon the King entred covenant to do nothing contrary to the Christian Faith this Virgin profest but gave way that she and all the Priests and servants with her should keep and observe after the Christian manner their Faith and Religion Paulinus Bishop came along with her to confirm her and her attendants whom that they might not be polluted by conversing with Pagans he daily strengthned by exhortations and administring the blessed Sacrament unto them labouring earnestly to keep them that came with him from falling and endeavouring by preaching to reconcile others In the same Chapter is mentioned how Paulinus obtain'd by his Prayers that the Queen was safely delivered and that the King might obtain a victory against the West Saxons Whereupon renouncing Idols he granted that Bishop Paulin should Christen his Daughter who born at Faster was Christned at Whitsontide with twelve others of the Kings Court yet for himself the King took longer time to deliberate Chap. 10. Relates How Edwin receiv'd letters from Bonifacins Bishop of the See Apostolike exhorting him to the Faith wherein are these words We have thought good to extend our Priestly care and duty in proposing unto you the rich magazin of our Christian belief c. We exhort you in all affection to abandon Idols and to detest the worship of them c. Knowing how great an offence they commit that worship them c. It behoves you to receive the signe of that Crosse by which mankinde was redeem'd I send you the blessing of St. Peter your Protector Prince of the Apostles Chap. 11. The holy and Apostolike Pope Bonifacius sent letters from Rome to Queen Edilburge wife to King Edwin To Queen Edilburge his dear daughter c. My heart rejoyceth for the benefit of the Lord unto you having vouchsaf'd to enkindle in you the right Religion c. We understand you shine forth in good works Wherefore as it becometh a Father we send unto you as our Daughter in Christ exhorting you not to delay calling upon your Husband till he also be conjoyned with you in the number of Christians And our Fatherly love requires that you declare unto us what the power of God shall work in his and his subjects conversion that so we may render due thanks to God and to St. Peter chiefest of the Apostles We send you the blessing of St. Peter your Protector and prince of the Apostles Chap. 12. The summe of this Chapter briefly is That by a vision from Heaven King Edwin is forced to receive the Faith for being put to flight by King Edilfrid after a world of shifts he findes entertainment with King Redwall who notwithstanding at the threats of Edelfrid resolved to deliver him up to his enemies Edwin having secret intelligence thereof and being greatly perplext in mind in the depth of the night saw an unknown man come to him telling him that he knew well the cause of his grief and that he would ease him of it and make him King and Conquerour of his Enemies and that in power he should surpasse all his Progenitours and all the Kings of the English Lastly He told him that he would give him more profitable Counsel for his souls health than any of his Predecessours ever had so that he would promise to hearken thereunto All which he joyfully promised Then this stranger laid his right hand upon Edwins head saying When these things shall happen remember this our discourse and perform your promise so he vanisht that Edwin perceived it was no man In the morning he understood that King Redwall had changed his minde of betraying him into a purpose of giving him an Army to restore him whereby he conquered King Edilfrid In this battel King Redwals son was slain and so besides the recovery of his own Kingdome he was made Heir apparent to King Redwall For all this he still remain'd slack to embrace our Faith though Paulin earnestly preacht the word of God unto him Yet he us'd to retire himself to think what Religion was best Once as he was in this retirement Paulin entring the Palace and as if he had known in spirit what vision the King in his banishment had received comming to him he laid his right hand upon his Head asking him Whether he remembred that signe or no The King trembling for fear would have faln down at Paulins feet but he lifting him up said You have escape the hands of your Enemies you have obtaind the height of soveraignty be now mindfull of the last thing you promised and defer it no longer Chap. 13. The King hearing these words answered he was bound to receive the Faith which Paulin Preacht But yet he desired to confer thereof with the Nobility and Peers of his Realm whereunto Paulin assenting the Assembly is call'd the abandoning of Idolatry resolv'd upon Coify Chief Priest of the false gods offers himself to be the first to demolish them so clad in Armour and mounted on the Kings horse he casts a spear at the Idol commanding the Idolatrous Altars to be fired which was performed Chap. 14. King Edwin with all the Nobility and most of the Commons received the Faith and were Baptiz'd on Easter-day An. 627 in Saint Peters Church at York which he had set up of wood whilest he was Catechiz'd Here the King assigned a Bishops