as at London at Terms and Parliament times in Oxford at the Act in Cambridg at the times of Commencement and Sturbridge-fair and also more particular and Provinciall Synods and at Classes or Conferences of certain selected Ministers in one or moe places of sundry severall shires as Warwick Northampton Râ—tland Oxford Leicester Cambridge Norfolke Suffolke Essex and others 27. Item that at such Synods and Conferences it hath been concluded that all the Ministers which should be received to be either of the said generall Synods or of any more particular and Provincial or of a Classis or Conference should subscribe to the said Discipline that they did allow it would promote it practise it and be governed by it And according to the form of a schedule hereunto annexed or such like both he the said Thomas Cartwright and many others at sundry or some generall Assemblies as at Provincial and at several conferences have within the said time subscribed the same or some part thereof 28. Item that at such Synods and all other Assemblies a moderator of that meeting was first by him and them chosen according to the prescription of the said book And at some of such meetings and Assemblies amongst other things it was resolved and concluded that such particular conferences in severall Shires should be erected how many persons and with what letters from every of them should be sent to the generall Assembly and that one of them at their coming home to their Conference should make known the determinations of the generall Assembly to be by every of them followed and put in practice which course in sundry places of this Realm hath within the time aforesaid been accordingly followed and performed 29. Item that he with others in some such Classis or Conference or in a Synod Anno Dom. 1590. Anno Regin Eliza. 33. or more generall Assembly holden did treat and dispute among other points these six Articles conteined in another schedule annexed and set down their resolution and determination of them 30. Item that he with others assembled in such a generall Assembly or Synod at Cambridge did conclude and decree as in another schedule annexed or in some part thereof is conteined which decrees were made known afterwards at Warwick to sundry Classes there by his means assembled and allowed also by them then met together in the same or like form 31. Item that all such severall meetings Synods and Conferences within the said time many other determinations as well what should be done and performed or omitted as also what should be holden consonant to Gods word or disagreeing from it have been set down by the said Thomas Cartwright and others As namely that all admitted to either Assembly should subscribe the said book of Discipline Holy and Synodicall that those who were sent from any Conference to a Synod should bring letters fiduciarie or credence that the last Moderator should write them that the superscription thereof should be to a known man of the Assembly then to be holden that no book made by any of them should be put in print but by consent of the Classis at least that some of them must be earnest and some more milde and temperate whereby there may be both of the spirit of Elias and Elizeus that all admitted amongst them should subscribe and promise to conform themselves in their proceedings administration of Sacraments and of Discipline to the form of that Book and that they would subject themselves to the censuring of the Brethren both for doctrine and life and lastly that upon occasion when any their brethren shall be sent by them upon affairs of the Church as to the great meetings Parliament c. they all would bear their charges in common that there might be no superiority amongst them and that the Moderatorship as it happ'ned is not a superiority or honour but a burden that no profane writer or any other than Canonical Scripture may be alledged in Sermons that they should all teach that the ministry of those who did not preach is no ministry but a meer nullity that it is not lawfull to take any oath whereby a man may be driven to discover any thing penal to himself or to his brother especially if he be perswaded the matter to be lawfull for which the punishment is like to be inflicted or having taken it in this case need not discover the very truth that to a Bishop or other Officer ecclesiasticall as is used now in the Church of England none obedience ought to be given neither in appearing before them in doing that which they command nor in abstaining from that which they inhibit that in such places as the most of the people favoured the cause of sincerity Eldership should warily and wisely be placed and established which Consistory in some places hath been either wholy or in part erected accordingly yea in some Colledges in the University as he knoweth hath heard or verily beleeveth These Articles were tendered to M r. Cartwright in the Consistory of Pauls before John Almare Bishop of London the two Lord Chief Justices Justice Gawdy Sergeant Puckering afterwards Lord keeper and Attorney-Generall Popham 28. Mr. Cartwright refuseth to answer an oath These Commissioners did move him to give in his answer the rather because the chief points in the Jnterrogatories were delivered in general terms unto him and they severally assured him on their credits that by the Laws of the Realm he was to take his oath and to answer as he was required But M r. Cartwright desired to be born withall pleading that he thought he was not bound by the laws of God so to do Hereupon he was sent to the rest of his brethren to the Fleet where he secretly and silently took up his lodging many admiring at the pannick peaceableness and so quiet a calm where so violent a tempest was feared to arise 29. Wigington his ridling words Some soon after expected the appearance of the Presbyterian party Nov. 6. accounting it more valour to free than to keep their friends from prison The rather because of a passage in a letter of M r. Wigingtons to one M r. Porter at Lancaster M r. Cartwright is in the Fleet for the refusall of the oath as I hear and M r. Knewstubs is sent for and sundry worthy Ministers are disquieted who have been spared long So that we look for some Bickering ere long and then a Battle which cannot long endure Words variously expounded as mens fancies directed them Some conceived that this Bickering and Battle did barely import a passive conflict wherein their patience was to encounter the power of their adversaries and to conquer by suffering Parallel to the Apostles a 2 Cor. 7. 5. words Without were fightings meaning combats to wrastle with in many difficulties opposing their proceedings Others expounded the words literally not of a tame but wilde Battle and of some intended violence as if shortly they would
then the value of the gift To the City of Zurich a Present which they converted into a piece of Plate with Jewells Arms thereon To severall Scholars large Legacies To the Church of Salisburie a fair Library and another to the Church of England I mean his learned APOLOGIE It is hard to say whether his soul or his Ejaculations arrived first in Heaven seeing he prayed dying and died praying He was buried in the Quire by Bishop Wivill Two Champions of the Church lying together one who with his sword proffered to maintain the Lands The other who with his penn defended the Doctrine thereof In the absence of Doctor Humfreys designed for that service M r. Giles Laurence preached his Funeralls who formerly being Tutor to the Children of S r. Arthur Darcy by Algate in London in Queen Maries dayes preserved Jewells life and provided accommodation for his flight beyond the Seas 3. Hitherto Subscription why now more rigorously urged the Bishops had been the more sparing in pressing and others more daring in denying subscription because the Canons made in the Convocation 1563 were not for 9. years after confirmed by act of Parliament But now the same being ratified by Parliamentall authority they began the urging thereof more severely then before which made many dissenters keep their private meetings in a Bp. Bancrost in his English Scottizing 3. Book 1. Cap. woods fields their friends houses c. b Tho. Cartwrights second reply Pag. 38. I say private meetings for Conventicles I must not call them having read what one hath written that name which agreeth to Anabaptists is too light and contemptuous to set forth such assembles where Gods Word and Sacraments are administred even by the confession of their adversaries 4. Indeed no disgrace is imported in the notation of the word Conventicle The true notion of a Conventicle sounding nothing else but a small Convention And some will say can the Infant the diminative be a tearm of reproach where the mother the privitive is creditable in the acception thereof However Custome the sole mint-master of currant words hath took of Conventitles from signifying a small number to denote the meeting of such how many soever in a clandestine way contrary to the commands of the present lawfull Authority 5. And now Thomas Cartwright chief of the nonconformists presents the Parliament with a Book cal'd an admonition T. C. presents to the Parliament an distrasted admonition some members taking distaste at the Title thereof For seeing Admonition is the lowest of Ecclesiasticall censures and a preparative if neglected to Suspension and Excommunication such suggested that if the Parliament complied not with this Admonitors desires his party whereof he the speaker would proceed to higher and lowder Fulminations against the Parliament Whereas admonition is a soft word in the Common but especially in the scripture acception thereof and may with humility on just occasion be tendered from Inferiours to any single Persons or Christian Corporation This Admonition contained their grievances who presented it with a declaration of the only way to redress them viz. by admitting that platforme which was there prescribed This not finding the entertainment it expected was seconded by another more importunate to the same effect 6. It will not be amiss to set down what writings Bandying of books betwixt two learned men chief of their parties pro and con passed on the occasion of this Booke between two eminent Authors of opposite parties 1. The Admonition first and second made by M r. Cartwright 2. The Answer to the Admonition by D r. John Whitgist 3. The reply to the answer of the Admonition by M. Tho. Cartwright 4. The defence of the answer by D r. John Whitgift This last kept the field and for ought I can finde received no solemn refutation 7. Sundry reasons are assigned of M r. Cartwrights silence Severall reasons of Mr. Cartwrights not replying again all beleeving as they are affected and most being affected as led by their interest Some ascribed it to his weakness who having spent all his powder and shot in former fights was forced to be quiet for the future Others to his pride undervaluâ—ng what he could not over-come counting Whitgifts last answer no answer but a repetition of what was confuted before Others imputed it to his Patience seeing otherwise multiplying of Replies would make brauls infinite and whilst women strive for the last word men please themselves with the lost reason Others to the policy of that party resolving to go a new way to waâ—k and to turne their serious books into Satyricall pamphlets Some few attributed it to M r. Cartwrights modest respect to his Adversary who had gotten the upper ground of him Whitgist being soon after made BP and Arch Bishop though in my minde this would more heighten then abate their opposition 8. The Nonconformists though over-powred for the present in Parliament The first Presbytery in England set up at Wandsworth in Surrey yet found such favour therein that after the dissolution thereof they presumed to erect a Presbitery at a Bp Bancrost English Scottizing 3. Book cap. 1. Wandsworth in Surrey Eleven Elders were chosen therein and their Offices and generall rules by them to be observed agreed upon and described as appears by a bill indorsed with the hand of M r. Field the Lecturer as I take it of that place but living in London M r. Smith of Micham and M r. Crâ—ne of Roughampton neighbouring villages are mentioned for their approbation of all passages therein This was the first-born of all Presbytâ—ries in England and secundum usum Wandesworth as much honoured by some as secundam usum Sarum by others 9. It may seem a wonder that the Presbyterian discipline The chief non-consormitis in London should ripen sooner in this countrey Village then in London it self whereas yet they were not arrived at so formall a constitution though we may observe two sorts of Ministers First M r. 1 Field 2 Wilcox 3 Standen 4 Jackson 5 Bonhim 6 Sâ—intloe 7 Crane 8 Edmonds Afterwards M r. 1 Charke 2 Travers 3 Barber 4 Gardner 5 Cheston 6 Crooke 7 Egerton 8 The former of these were principally against Ministers attire and the common prayer booke The later indeavoured the modelling of a new discipline and it was not long before both streams uniting together Non-conformity began to bear a large and great Channell in the City of London 10. This same year happened a cruell massacre in Paris the French Protestants being bidden thither under the pretence of a nuptiall solemnitie The massacre in Paris But never were such black favours given at a wedding Admirall Coligny the pillar of the reformed Church being slain in his bed on Bartholomew-eve whose day then and for some years after was there remarkable for wet weather Bartholomeus flet quia Gallicus occubat Atlas Bartholomew bemoans with rain The Gallicke Atlas thereon slain William Cecill
22 and instantly his own Eyes fell out of his Head so that he could not see the Vilany which he had done Presently after the former Convert-Executioner who refused to put Alban to death was put to death himself baptized no doubt though not with Water in his own Bloud The Body of Alban was afterwards plainly buried that Age knowing no other 〈◊〉 Saints Dust then to commit it to the Dust Earth to Earth not acquainted with Adoration and Circumgestation of Reliques as ignorant of the Manner how as the Reason why to do it But some hundred yeares after King Offa disturb'd the sleeping Corps of this Saint removing them to a more stately though lesse quiet Bed enshrining them as God willing shall be related hereafter 6. Immediately followed the Martyrdom of Amphibalus Amphibalus Difference about his name Alban's Guest Septemb 16 and Ghostly Father though the Story of his Death be incumbred with much Obscurity For first there is a Quaere in his very Name why called Amphibalus and how came this compounded Greek word to wander into Wales except any will say That this mans British Name was by Authours in after-Ages so translated into Greek Besides the Name speaks rather the Vestment then the Wearer signifying a Cloak wrapt or cast about Samuel was mark't by such a Mantle and it may be he got his name hence as Robert Curt-hose Sonne to William the Conquerour had his Surname from going in such a Garment And it is worth our observing that this good man passeth namelesse in all Authours till about 400 yeares since when Ieffery Monmouth was his Godfather and a Usher de Brit. Eccl. Primord p. 159. first calls him Amphibalus The cruel manner of his Martyrdome for reasons concealed from us and best known to himself 7. But it matters not for Words if the Matter were true being thus reported A thousand Inhabitants of Verulam went into Wales to be further informed in the Faith by the Preaching of Amphibalus who were pursued by a Pagan Army of their fellow-Citizens by whom they were overtaken overcome and murthered save that one man only like Iob's Messenger who escaped of them to report the Losse of the rest And although every thing unlikely is not untrue it was a huge Drag-net and cunningly cast that killed all the Fish in the River Now these Pagan Verolamians brought Amphibalus back again and being within ken of their City in the Village called Redburn three Miles from Verulam they cruelly put him to death For making an Incision in his Belly they took out his Guts and tying them to a Stake whipt him round about it All which he endured as free from Impatience as his Persecuters from Compassion This died Amphibalus and a b Thomas Redburn who wrote 1480. Writer born and named from that Place reporteth that in his dayes the two Knives which stabbed him were kept in the Church of Redburn The heat and resplendent lustre of this Saints Suffering wrought as the Sun-beams according to the Capacity of the matter it met with in the Beholders melting the Waxen Minds of some into Christianity and obdurating the Hard Hearts of others with more madnesse against Religion 7. Tradition reports Vain Fancies concerning the Stake of Amphibalus that the Stake he was tied to afterwards turned to a Tree extant at this very c I mean Anno 1643. day and admired of many as a great Piece of Wonder though as most things of this nature more in Report then Reality That it hath Green Leaves in Winter mine Eyes can witnesse false and as for it standing at a stay time out of mind neither impaired nor improved in Bignesse which some count so strange be it reported to Wood-men Foresters whether it be not ordinarie I think the Wood of the Tree is as miraculous as the Water of the VVell adjoining is medicinall which fond people fetch so farre and yet a credulous Drinker may make a Cordiall Drink thereof 8. At the time of Amphibalus his Martyrdome The Martyrdom of another thousand Britans variously reported another d Vsher de Brit. Eccl. primord pag. 160. Thousand of the Verulam Citizens being converted to Christ were by command of the Iudges all killed in the same Place A strange Execution if true seeing e In his Book of the Bishops of Worcester Iohn Rosse of VVarwick layes the Scene of this Tragedy farre off and at another time with many other Circumstances inconsistent with this Relation Telling us how at Litchfield in Staffordshire this great multitude of People were long before slain by the Pagans as they attended to the Preaching of Amphibalus This relation is favoured by the name of Litchfield which in the British tongue signifies a Golgotha or place bestrewed with Skulls In allusion whereto that Cities Armes are a Field surcharged with 〈…〉 He needs almost a miraculous Faith to be able to remove Mountains yea to make the Sunne stand still and sometimes to go back who will undertake to accord the Contradictions in Time and Place between the severall Relatours of this History 9. The Records of VVinchester make mention of a great Massacre Severall Places pretend to and contend for the same Martyrdome where by at this time all their Monks were slain in their Church whilest the Chronicle of VVestminster challengeth the same to be done in their Convent and the History of Cambridge ascribeth it to the Christian Students of that University killed by their British Persecuters Whether this hapned in any or all of these Places I will not determine For he tells a Lye though he tells a Truth that peremptorily affirms that which he knows is but Uncertain Mean time we see that it is hard for men to suffer Martyrdom and easie for their Posterity to brag of their Ancestours Sufferings yea who would not intitle themselves to the Honour when it is parted from the Pain When Persecution is a coming every man posteth it off as the Philistins did the a 1 Sam. 5. Ark infected with the Plague and no place will give it entertainment But when the Storm is once over then as seven Cities contended for Homer's Birth in them many Places will put in to claim a share in the Credit thereof 10. Besides Amphibalus The impersect History of these times suffered Aaron and Iulius two substantiall Citizens of Caer-lion and then Socrates and Stephanus forgotten by our British Writers but remembred by forreign Authours and Augulius Bishop of London then called Augusta Besides these we may easily believe many more went the same way for such Commanders in Chief do not fall without Common Souldiers about them It was Superstition in the Athenians to build an Altar to the b Acts 17. 23. UNKNOWN GOD but it would be Piety in us here to erect a Monument in memorial of these Vnknown Martyrs whose Names are lost The best is God's Kalender is more compleat then man's
best Martyrologies and their Names are Written in the Book of Life who on Earth are wholly forgotten 11. One may justly wonder The Cause of the great Silence of the primitive times that the first four hundred yeares of the Primitive Church in Britain being so much observable should be so little observed the Pens of Historians writing thereof seeming starved for matter in an Age so fruitfull of memorable Actions But this was the main Reason thereof that living in Persecution that Age affording no Christians Idle Spectators which were not Actors on that Sad Theatre they were not at leisure to Doe for Suffering And as commonly those can give the least account of a Battel who were most ingaged in it their Eyes the while being turned into Armes their Seeing into Fighting So the Primitive Confessours were so taken up with what they endured they had no vacation largely to relate their own or others Sufferings Of such Monuments as were transmitted to Posterity it is probable most were martyred by the Tyranny of the Pagans nor was it to be expected that those who were cruel to kill the Authours would be kind to preserve their Books 12. Afterwards it pleased God to put a Period to his Servants Sufferings Constant Chlorus gives the Christians Peace and the Fury of their Enemies 304 For when Diocletian and Maximian had layed down the Ensigns of Command Constantius c Eusebius de vita Constantini lib. 1. c. 12. Orosius lib. 7. cap. 25. Chlorus was chosen Emperour in these VVestern Provinces of France Spain and Britain whose Carriage towards Christians Eusebius thus describeth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that he preserved such Religious people as were under his Command without any Hurt or Harm So that under him the Church in these Parts had a Breathing-time from Persecution But Iam affraid that that Learned d Camden Brit. in description of York Pen goes a little too farre 305 who makes him Founder of a Bishoprick at York and stileth him an Emperour surpassing in all Vertue and Christian Piety seeing the later will hardly be proved that Constantius was a through-paced Christian except by our Saviours Argument e Mark 5. 40. He that is not against us is on our part And Constantius did this Good to Christianity that he did it no Harm and not only so a Privative Benefactor to Piety but positive thus far that he permitted and preserved those who would rebuild the decayed Christian Churches But the greatest Benefaction which he bestowed on Christians was that he was Father to Constantine Thus as Physitians count all Sudden and Violent Alterations in mens Bodies dangerous especially when changing from Extremes to Extremes So God in like manner adjudged it unsafe for his Servants presently to be posted out of Persecution into Prosperity and therefore he prepared them by Degrees that they might be better able to manage their future Happinesse by sending this Constantius a Prince of a middle disposition betwixt Pagan and Christian to rule some few yeares over them 13. At York this Constantius Chlorus did die He dieth at York as is witnessed by Hieronymus ◠in Chronico and Eutropius Hist lib. 18. and was buried And therefore Florilegus Anno Dom. 305 or the Flower-gatherer as he calleth himself understand Matth. of Westminst did crop a Weed instead of a Flower when he reports that in the year 1283 the Body of this Constantius was found at a Compare M r. Camden's Brit. in Caernarvonshire with him in the description of York Caer-Custenith in VVales and honourably bestowed in the Church of Caer-narvon by the command of King Edward the first Constantius dying bequeathed the Empire to Constantine his eldest Sonne by Hellen his former Wife and the Souldiers at York cast the Purple Robe upon him whilest he wept and put Spurs to Horse to avoid the importunity of the Army attempting and requiring so instantly to make him Emperour 307 Febr. 27 But the Happinesse of the State overcame his Modesty And whereas formerly Christians for the Peace they possessed were onely Tenants at will to the present Emperours Goodnesse this Constantine passed this peaceable Estate to the Christians and their Heires or rather to the immortal Corporation of Gods Church making their Happinesse Hereditary by those good Lawes which he enacted Now because this Assertion that Constantine was a Britan by Birth meets with Opposition we will take some pains in clearing the Truth thereof 14. Let none say Worth the Scrutiny to cleare Constantine a Britan by Birth the Kernel will not be worth the Cracking and so that Constantine were born it matters not where he was born For we may observe Gods Spirit to be very punctual in registring the Birth-places of Famous men b Psal 87. 6. The Lord shall count when he writeth up the People that this man was born there And as c 2 Sam. 1. David cursed Mount Gilboa where Godly Ionathan got his Death so by the same proportion though inverted it follows those Places are blest and happy where Saints take their first good Handsel of Breath in this World Besides Constantine was not onely one of a Thousand but of Myriads yea of Millions who first turned the Tide in the whole world and not only quenched the Fire but even over-turned the Furnace of Persecution and enfranchised Christianity through the Roman Empire and therefore no wonder if Britain be ambitious in having and zealous in holding such a Worthy to be born in her 15. An unanswerable Evidence to prove the point in Controversy The main Argument to prove the point that Constantine the Great was a Britan is fetch 't from the d Panegyric 9. Panegyrist otherwise called Eumenius Rhetor in his Oration made to Constantine himself but making therein an Apostrophe to Britain O fortunata nunc omnibus beatior terris Britannia quae Constantinum Caesarem prima vidisti O happy Britain and blessed above all other Lands which didst first behold Constantine Caesar Twist this Testimony with another Thread spun of the same e Panegyr 5. Hand Liberavit pater Constantius Britannias Servitute tu etiam nobiles illic oriendo fecisti Your Father Constantius did free the British Provinces from Slavery and you have ennobled them by taking thence your Originall The same is affirmed by the Writer of the Life of S t. Hellen Mother to Constantine written about the year of our Lord 940 in the English-Saxon Tongue as also by VVilliam of Malmesbury Henry Huntingdon Iohn of Salisbury and all other English Writers And least any should object that these writing the History of their own Country are too light-fingered to catch any thing right or wrong sounding to the Honour thereof many most learned forreign Historians Pomponius Laetus Polydor Virgil Beatus Rhenanus Franciscus Balduinus Onuphrius Panvinius Caesar Baronius Anthony Possevine and others concurre with them acknowledging Hellen Constantine's Mother a Britan and
him born in Britain 16. But whilest the aforesaid Authors in Prose softly rock the Infancy of yet little Constantine the Great in Britain and whilest others in Verse especially f In Antiocheide sua Ioseph of EXETER and g See his Tetrastichon in Bishop Usher de Brit. Eccles primord pag. 76. Answers to the objections of the contrary Party Alexander Necham sweetly sing Lullabies unto him some Learned men are so rough and uncivil as to over-turn his Cradle yea wholly deprive Britain of the Honour of his Nativity Whose Arguments follow with our Answers unto them 1. Object The Panegyrist speaking how Britain first saw Constantine Caesar h Joannes Livineius not in Panegyr 5. refers not to his ordinary Life but Imperial Lustre Britain beheld him not first a Child but first saw him Caesar not fetching thence his natural being Anno Dom. 307 but honourable Birth first saluted Caesar in Britain Ans Even a Not. in Admiranda lib. 4. cap. 11. Lipsius Britain's greatest Enemy in this point confesseth that though Constantine was first elected Emperour in Britain yet he was first pronounced Caesar in France in the life and health of his Father Caesar was a Title given to the Heir-apparent to the Empire ◠and therefore the words in the Panegyrist in their native Construction relate to his natural Birth 2. Object Constantine Porphyrogenetes the Grecian Emperour about 700 yeares since in his Book of Government which he wrote to his Son confesseth Constantine the Great to have been a FRANK by his Birth whence learned Meursius collecteth him a French-man by his extraction Ans It is notoriously known to all Learned men that the Greeks in that midle-Age as the Turks at this very day called all VVestern Europeaans FRANKS Wherefore as he that calleth such a Fruit of the Earth Grain a general name denyeth not but it may be VVheat a proper kind thereof so the terming Constantine a Frank doth not exclude him from being a Britan yea strongly implieth the same seeing no VVestern Country in Europe ever pretended unto his Birth 3. Object Bede a grave and faithfull Authour makes no mention of Constantine born in Britain who as b In his Epistle to M r. Camden Non Beda ille antiquus fidns an gloriae gentis suae non savet Lipsius marketh would not have omitted a matter so much to the honour of his own Nation Ans By the leave of Lipsius Constantine and Bede though of the same Country were of severall Nations Bede being a Saxon was little zealous to advance the British Honour The History of which Church he rather toucheth then handleth using it onely as a Porch to passe through it to the Saxon History And Saxons in general had little Skill to seek and lesse Will to find out any Worthy thing in British Antiquities because of the known Antipathy betwixt them 4. Object c In lib. ◠de aedisiciis Iustiniani Procopius maketh Drepanum a haven in Bithynia so called because there the Sea runnes crooked in forme of a Sicle to be the place where Constantine had his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or first Nursing very near to his Birth Nicephorus Gregoras makes him born in the same Country Ans The former speaks not positively but faith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 men say so reporting a Popular Errour The latter is a late VVriter living under Andronicus junior Anno 1340 therefore not to be believed before others more ancient 5. Object But Iulius Firmicus contemporary with Constantine himself an Authour above Exception maketh this Constantine to be born at Naisus in printed Books Tharsus a City of Dacia Ans An excellent d Camden in his letter to Lipsius printed in Usher de Prim. Eccl. Brit. p. 188. Critick hath proved the Printed Copies of Firmicus to be corrupted and justifieth it out of approved Manuscripts that not Constantine the Great the Father but Constantine the younger his Sonne was intended by Firmicus born in that Place Thus we hope we have cleared the Point with ingenuous Readers in such measure as is consistent with the Brevity of our History So that of this Constantine a kind of outward Saviour in the World to deliver People from Persecution we may say with some allusion to the words of the e Mica 5. 2. Prophet but with a humble Reservation of the infinite Distance betwixt the Persons AND THOU BRITAIN ART NOT THE MEANEST AMONGST THE KINGDOMS OF EUROPE FOR OUT OF THEE DID COME A GOVERNOUR WHICH DID RULE THE ISRAEL OF GOD GIVING DELIVERANCE AND PEACE TO THE SAINTS 17. Now see what a Pinch a In his Epistle to this Nation Verstegan whose teeth are sharpned by the difference of Religion gives M r. Fox M r. Fox defended against the Cavils of Verstegan What is it other then an Absurdity for an English Authour to begin his Epistle to an huge b He meaneth his Books of Acts and Monuments Volume with Constantine the great and mighty Emperour the Sonne of Hellen an ENGLISH Woman c. VVhereas saith he in truth S t. Hellen the Mother of Constantine was no English but a British VVoman And yet Fox his words are capable of a candid Construction if by English VVoman we understand by a favourable Prolepsis one born in that Part of Britain which since hath been inhabited by the English Sure in the same Dialect S t. Alban hath often been called the first Martyr of the English by many Writers of good esteem Yea the Breviary of c In officio Sancti Albani Sarum allowed and confirmed no doubt by the Infallible Church of Rome greets S t. Alban with this Salute Ave Proto-martyr Anglorum Miles Regis Angelorum O Albane flos Martyrum Sure Hellen was as properly an English VVoman as Alban an English Man being both British in the Rigid Letter of History and yet may be interpreted English in the Equity thereof Thus it is vain for any to write Books if their words be not taken in a courteous Latitude and if the Reader meets not his Authour with a Pardon of course for venial Mistakes especially when his Pen slides in so slippery a Passage 18. And now having asserted Constantine a Britan Three Cities contend for Constantine born in them we are ingaged afresh in a new Controversy betwixt three Cities with equall Zeal and Probability challenging Constantine to be theirs by Birth d William Fitzstephens in the description of London London e Oratores Regis Angliae in Concil Constant York and f Camden's Brit. in Essex Colchester We dare define nothing not so much out offear to displease though he that shall gain one of these Cities his Friend shall make the other two his Foes by his Verdict but chiefly because little Certainty can be pronounced in a matter so long since and little evident Let me refresh my self and the Reader with relating and applying a pleasant Story Once at
Virginity another of the Celebration of Easter And about this time the Libraries of Monasteries began to be replenished with Books many being written in that Age. 5. By the way Multitude of books created by a mistake one Mistake I could not have discerned it my self had not a learned b Spelman in Conciliis pag. 210. Writer discovered it unto me makes Books of this Age more numerous and the Kings therein more Learned then indeed they were Namely because every Latine Charter granted by any King to a Monastery is termed by the Saxon Writers Liber or Libellus a Book Wherefore when they tell us of such and such Books made by the Saxon Kings understand we most of them of their Charters of Donation In which sense King Edgar who some two hundred yeares after this time founded as many Monasteries as Weeks in the year and consequently made as many Charters was a voluminous Writer of no lesse then fifty two Books And yet this large acception of Books will not make up the Number which Bale and Pitz pretend they have seen in this Age. A Vanity in them to affect a Title-learning though a Stationers Apprentice after some weeks Experience might excell them therein and the greater because many imaginary Authours which they make as if they had seen either were never extant or long since extinguished 6. But the multitude of Books encreaseth not our Marvel so much The numerosity of noble Saints in this Age. as the Numerosity of Saints such as they were in this Age whereof four parts of five according to the Herauldry of such who wrote their Lives were of Royall or Noble Extraction It addeth to the wonder because S t. Paul c 1 Cor. 1. 26. saith Not many Noble are called except any confine that Observation of the Apostle to times of Persecution whereas Christianity now in England flourished in all Peace and Prosperity But to render their noble Parentage at this time the more probable know that under the Saxon Heptarchy Royalty was encreased seven-fold in England which must beget a proportionable multiplication of Nobility attending them Yet when all is done as the Iewish Rabbins on their bare Tradition without ground from Scripture make Ruth the Daughter to Eglon King of Moab merely to make the Descent of their King David from her the more illustrious so it is suspicious that to advance the Temporall Reputation of these Saints such Monks as wrote their Lives causelesly â—â—arified and refined many of their Blouds into Noble Extraction However if truely pious indeed such Saints have the best Nobility in the Scripture-sense d Acts 17. 11. These were more noble because they received the word with all readinesse of mind 7. Of these noble Saints 708 S t. Guthlake a Benedictine Monk S t Guthlake the first Saxon Heremite was the first Saxon that professed an Heremitical life in England to which purpose he chose a Fenny place in Lincolnshire called Crowland that is the raw or crudeland so raw indeed that before him no man could digest to live therein Yea the Devils are said to claim this place as their peculiar and to call it e Flores Sanctorum written by Hierome Porter in the life of St. Guthlake pag. 348. their own land Is any place but the Prison of Hell properly theirs Yet wonder not at their Presumption pretending this Spot of ground to be theirs whose Impudence durst affirm that God had given them f Matth. 4. 8. all the World and the Glory thereof Could those infernal Fiends tortured with immateriall Fire take any Pleasure or make any Ease to themselves by padling here in Puddles and dabling in the moist dirty Marishes However Guthlake took the Boldnesse to enter common with them and erect his Cell in Crowland But if his prodigious Life may be believed Ducks and Mallards do not now flock thither faster in September then Heards of Devils came about him all whom he is said victoriously to have vanquished Anno Dom. 708 But whom Satan's Power could not foil his Policy had almost destroyed by perswading Guthlake to fast fourty dayes and nights together after the Example of Moses a Idem P. 347. and Elias till finding this Project destructive to Nature he was forced in his own Defence to take some necessary but very sparing Refection He died in his own Cell and Pega his sister an Anchoritesse led a solitary life not far from him 8. Doves also Aswinish conceit of a Monk a poor plain man was eminent in this Age a Shepheard say some a Neatheard others Swineheard say the third sort and that most probable For whilest he lived in Worcestershire not far from the River Avon the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared unto him even where fare well all good Tokens he found a lost Sow b Godwin in Catalogo Episcoporum pag. 301. with seven Piggs sucking upon her and to have given order that in that very place a Monastery should be erected to her Honour The beastly Monk who made this Vision had e'ne learned as far as Virgil's Aeneids whence he fetched the Platform of this pretty Conceit a place so marked being foretold fortunate to Aeneas to found Alba since Rome therein c Aeneidosl 3. Litories ingens inventa sub ilicibus Sus Triginta capitum faetus enixa jacebit Alba solo recubans albi circum ubera nati Hic locus Vrbis erit requies ubi certa laborum Where under Oakes on Shore there shall be found A mighty Sow all white cast on the ground With thirty sucking Piggs that place is ' sign'd To build your Town and ease your wearied Mind Here the Monk mutatis mutandis but principally shrinking the Number of the Pigs from thirty to seven as more mystical he applies the Apparition to his Purpose A pretty Parallel that Pagan-Rome and Popish Superstition if Hue-and-cry should be made after them might be discovered by the same Marks This gave the first motion to the Foundation of Eovesham Abbey so called from Eoves aforesaid first built in that Sow-place 9. But the Building thereof was hastened by a second The first Synod for Image-worship in England more neat and cleanly Apparition of the Virgin Mary in the same place who is pretended to have shewed her self with two Maiden-attendants to Egwin Bishop of Worcester prompting him to expedite a Structure therein d See Sir Henry Spelman's Councils pag. 210. Egwin posts presently to Rome and makes faith of this Vision to Constantine the Pope who convinced in his judgement of the truth thereof dispatcheth his Commands to Brightwall Arch-bishop of Canterbury 709 to assemble a Synod at Alncester in VVorcestershire to promote the building of an Abbey in that place which was done accordingly and the same was bountifully endowed by Offa and other Mercian Kings with very large Revenues And not long after another Synod saith my c Magdeburgenses Cent. sed ex
living at Walgrave in Northamptonshire and possessed of that Mannour before the Conquest The other a Walloon of that name coming over with the Conquerour and employed by him in many Services The later of these on the former his consent that he should marry his onely Daughter procured from the Conquerour a Pardon for his Father in Law that he might quietly enjoy his Lands and Livings descending on this Walloon VValgrave after the other his Death Which Pardon legible in French was Anno 1612. in the possession of the a Attested by Iohn Raven Richmond Herald See Weavers Funerall Monuments pag. 7. 5. 8. After the Conquest severall recruits of French in England Walgraves still flourishing in Suffolk Fifth Coroll Let none wonder if some names of VVorshipfull and Honourable Families undoubtedly of French Originall but since the Conquest have not appeared in the aforesaid Catalogues For know that after the Conquest sundry French-men of signall Worth entred England at severall times chiefly At the Marriage First of King Henry the second to Queen Eleanor who brought the Dukedome of Aquitain Earledome of Poictiers for her Dowrie Secondly of Edward the second to Isabella Daughter to Philip the Fair King of France when three thousand French came over with her complained of as a great Grievance and many settled here Not to speak of the Conquests of King Edward the third and Henry the fifth in France causing such an Intercourse of the Nations that then England and France may be said to have born counterchangeably each others Natives Sixth Coroll Tradesmen not mentioned in this Roll came over with them Many will admire no mention of Tradesmen in all these Catalogues being of absolute necessity both in War and Peace For soon would the Head of the best Monsieur ake without a Capper Hands be tanned without a Glover Feet be foundred without a Tanner Currier Shoemaker whole Body be straved cold without VVeaver Fuller Tailour hungry without Baker Brewer Cook harbourless without Mason Smith and Carpenter Say not it was beneath the French Gallantry to stoup to such mean Employments who found all these Trades here amongst the English their Vassallâ— For besides that nothing is base which is honest and necessary for humane Society such as are acquainted with the French both ancient modern finicall humour know they account our Tailours Botchers Shoemakers Coblers Cooks Slovens compared to the exactnesse of their Fancy and Palate so that certainly such Trades came over with them Seventh Coroll As appears by Dooms-day Book But hear what our great b Camden his remaines pag. 234. Antiquary faith herein In that most authenticall Register Doomesday Book in the Exchequer ye shall have Cocus Aurifaber Pictor Pistor Accipitrarius Camerarius Venator Piscator Medicus Cook Goldsmith Painter Baker Falconer Chamberlain Huntsman Fisher Leach Marshall Porter and others which then held land in capite and without doubt left these Names to their Posterity albeit haply they are not mentioned in those Tables of Battel Abbey of such as came in at the Conquest Eighth Coroll The sad case of the English Now let me bespeak the Readers Pity though possibly his ingenuous Sympathie hath given it before it was requested for those poor English-men who were to find Free-quarter for all these French Where could their Land-lords lodge them or rather how could they long continue Landlords when such potent Guests came to their Houses O the severall wayes which their Necessities dictated unto them Some fought as the Kentish who capitulated for their Liberty some fled as those in the North into Scotland some hid themselves as many in middle England in the Isle of Ely some as those of Norfolk traversed their Title by Law and that with good Successe in the Old age of King William the Conquerour Most betook themselves to Patience which taught many a Noble Hand to work Foot to travel Tongue to intreat even thanking them for their Courtesie who were pleased to restore a Shiver of their own Loaf which they violently took from them FINIS THE Church-History OF BRITAINE The Third Book FROM THE COMING IN OF THE NORMANS Untill the appearing of IOHN WICLIFFE SIC OMNI TEMPORE VERDO LONDON Printed in the Year M.DC.LV. To the Right Honourable WILLIAM Lord Beauchampe c. GRAND-CHILDE AND HEIR APPARENT To the Right Honourable WILLIAM Marquiss of Hertford SOme there are who exact of every Christain as a Touchstone of their sincerity to render an account of the exact time of their Conversion with the Circumstances thereof how when and where performed I must crave leave to enter my self a Dissenter herein conceiving such a Demand unreasonable as generally required esential to all true Believers I confess some may return a satisfactory Answer thereunto namely such whose Souls suddenly snatch'd out of Errour and Vitiousness were immediately wrought upon almost in an instant by the Spirit of God Thus of those * Acts 22. 41. three thousand gained on Many-Saints-day by Saint Peter at Jerusalem with the preaching of one Sermon each one might punctually and precisely tell the very Moment of their true Conversion and generally the WORSE men have been the BETTER they can point at the accurate date thereof And thus as Kings count their actions by the years of their Reign Bishops formerly of their Consecration so these may use the stile In the year of our Conversion first or second c. And as * Mar. 14. 6. Herod kept a Festivall of his Natural Birth-day such if so pleased may duly and truly observe an Anniversary Solemnity of their Regeneration A Priviledge not granted to all true Believers God to shew his Power that he Can and Pleasure that he VVill vary the manner of Mens Conversion though going the same path by his VVord and Spirit useth a â—lower pace in the hearts of others in whom Grace is wrought sensim sine sensu modeled by degrees In such no mortal man can assign the minutary juncture of Time when preparing grace which cleared the ground ended and saving grace which finish'd the fabrick of Conversion did first begin Observable to this purpose are the words of our Saviour * Mark 4. 26. So is the Kingdom of God as if a man should cast feed into the ground and should sleep and rise night and day and the â—eed should spring and grow up HE KNOWETH NOT HOW That grace is sown and is grown Men know but when and how in the persons aforesaid GOD KNOWS Besides these adult Converts there are a second sort of Christians unable to discover the Date of grace dawning in them namely such who with * 2 Tim 1. 5. and 3. 15. Timothy may be said to be good time out of minde sucking in grace with their milk extracted from and educated under a pious Parentage I hope and trust that your Honour may truly be ranked in this latter Form that as many ancient deeds written before the Reign of King Henry
Now though the said Sir Reginald did modestly decline the Pope's Honour for want of Maintenance yet had he at that time no fewer then forty three Knights Fees held of his Castle of Dunstar I have nothing else to adde herein save that the ancient Armes of the Mohuns viz. a hand in a Maunch holding a Flower de luce in that Age more fashionable then a Rose in Heraldry seems to relate to this occasion which their Family afterward changed into a Sable Crosse in the Atchievements in the Holy land born at this day by the truely honourable the Lord Mohun Baron of Oakehampton as descended from this Family 28. This year died Robert Grouthead 38 Bishop of Lincoln 1254 born at Stodebrook in Suffolk The death of Bishop Grouthead Natalibus pudendis saith my c Bishop Godwin in Catalogue of Linc. Bish. Authour of Shamefull extraction intimating suspicion of Bastardy though the parents rather then the child have caused a blush thereat He got his Surname from the greatness of his head having large Stoage to receive and store of Braines to fill it bred for a time in Oxford then in France a great and generall Scholar Bale reckoning up no fewer then two hundred books of his making and a great opposer of the Popes oppression which now grew intolerable 29. For it appeared by inquisition made the last year The Popes fume against this good Bishop that the Ecclesiasticall Revenues of Italians in England whereof many were Boyes more Blockheads all Aliens amounted per annum unto threescore and ten thousand Marks whereas the Kings Income at the same time was hardly d Matthew Paris in Anno 1552. twenty thousand Bishop Grouthead offended thereat wrote Pope Innocent the fourth such a Iuniper Letter taxing him with extortion and other vitious practices that his Holiness brake out into this expression VVhat meaneth this doting old man surdus absurdus thus boldly to controll our actions By Peter and Paul did not our innate ingenuity restrain us I would confound him and make him a prodigie to the whole world Is not the King of England our Vassall yea our Slave to imprison and destroy what persons we please to appoint 30. The Pope being in this pelt quenched by a Spanish Cardinall Aegidius a Spanish Cardinall thus interposed his gravitie It is not expedient my Lord to use any harshness to this Bishop We must confesse the truths which he saith He is a holy man of a more Religious life then any of us yea Christendome hath not his equall a great Philosopher skilled in Latine and Greek a constant reader in the Schools Preacher in the Pulpit lover of Chastity and loather of Simony 31. Thus the Pope took wit in his anger Grouthead the peoples though not the Pope's Saint and Grouthead escaped for the present though Bale reporteth that he died excommunicate and deprived of his Bishoprick Popish e Iohn Burie Mat. Paris Mat. Westminster Mr. Fabian Authours confidently report a strange vision or rather a passion of Pope Innocent the fourth whom Grouthead appearing after his death so beat with many blows it seems he had a heavy hand as well as a great head that the Pope died thereof soon after No wonder therefore if his successours would not Canonize this Robert who notwithstanding was a Saint though not in the Popes yet in the peoples Calendar many miracles being ascribed unto him and particularly f Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops Discontents begin in England that a sweet oyl after his death issued out of his monument which if false in the litterall may be true in a mysticall meaning Solomon observing that a good name is as oyntment poured out 32. England began now to â—urfet of more then thirty yeares Peace and Plenty which produced no better effects then ingratitude to God and murmuring at their King Many active spirits whose minds were above their means offended that others beneath them as they thought in Merit were above them in Employment Anno Dom. 1254 cavilled at many errours in the Kings Government Anno Regis Henrici 3. 38 being State-Donatists maintaining the perfection of a Commonwealth might and ought to be attained A thing easie in the Theory impossible in the Practice to conform the actions of mens corrupted natures to the exact Ideas in mens Imaginations 33. Indeed they had too much matter whereon justly to ground their Discontents Grounded on too much occasion partly because the King distrusting his Natives imployed so many French Forrainers in places of power and profit partly because he had used such indirect courses to recruit his Treasuries especially by annihilating all Patents granted in his Minority though indeed he was never more in his Full-age then when in his Non-age as guided then by the best counsell and forcing his Subjects to take out new ones on what Terms his Officers pleased In a word an a Roger Wendover Authour then living complaineth that Iustice was committed to men unjust the Laws to such who themselves were Out-laws and the keeping of the Peace to injurious people delighting in Discords 34. After many contests betwixt the King and his Subjects which the Reader may learn from the Historians of the State four and twenty prime persons were chosen by Parliament to have the supreme inspection of the Land A Title without power onely lest to the King which soon after to make them the more cordiall passed a decoction and were reduced to three and they three in effect contracted to one Simon Mountfort Earle of Leicester the Kings Brother in Law The King himself standing by as a Cypher yet signifying as much as his ambitious Subjects did desire These to make sure work bound him with his solemn Oath to submit himself to their new-modelled Government 35. Here the Pope charitable to relieve all distressed Princes interposed his power The Pope freely gives his curtesies for money absolving the King from that Oath as unreasonable in it self and forced upon him His Holinesse was well paid for this great favour the King hereafter conniving at his Horse-Leeches Legates and Nuncioes sucking the bloud of his Subjects with intolerable Taxations Thus was it not altogether the Flexibility of King Henry but partly the Flexion of his Condition I mean the altering of his occasions which made him sometimes withstand and otherwhiles comply with the Popes extortion Thus alwayes the Popes Curtesies are very dear and the Storm it self is a better Shelter then the Bramble fleecing such Sheep as fly under the shade thereof 36. Mean time the King having neither Coyn nor Credit Sad case when the Royall Root is no better then a sucker having pawn'd his Iewels mortgag'd all his Land in France and sold much of it in England wanting where withall to subsist lived on Abbeys and Prioreys till his often coming and long staying there made what was welcome at the first quickly to become
particularities of their own Foundations then the exactest Historian who shall write a generall description thereof Masters Io. Fodering hay Robert Twaits Io. Abdy Io. Wickleffe Rob. Burley Ric. Burningham Will. White Geo. Cootes Will. VVright Fran. Babington Rich. Stubbs Ia. Gloucester Anth. Garnet Rob. Hooper Ia. Brookes Io. Piers Adam Squier Edm. Lilly Rob. Abbots Doct. Parkhurst Doct. Laurence Doct. Savadge Bishops Roger VVhelpdale Fellow Bishop of Carlile Geor. Nevill Chancellour of the University at twenty yeares of Age afterwards Arch-bishop of York and Chancellour of Engl. VVill. Gray Bishop of Ely Io. Bell Bishop of VVorcester Ioh. Piers Archbishop of York Rob. Abbots Bishop of Salisbury Geo. Abbot Fellow Arch-bishop of Canterbury Benefactours Philip Somervile Marg. his wife Ella de Long-Spee Countesse of Salisbury Rich. de Humsnigore L. VVill. Fenton Hugh de Vienna Knight Iohn Bell Bishop of VVorcester VVil. Hammond of Gilford Esq Peter Blundill of Teverton L. Eliz. Periam of the County of Buck. Tho. Tisdale of Glymton Com. Oxon. Esquire Mary Dunch Iohn Brown Learned Writ Io. Duns Scotus first of this then of Merton Colledge Humfrey Duke of Glocester commonly called the good VVill. VValton Fellow Chancellour of the Vniversity Tho. Gascoign Fellow Chancellour of the Vniversity a See more of him in our dedication to the second book Iohn Tiptoft Earle of VVorcester Rob. Abbots That Iohn VVickleffe here mentioned may be the great VVickleffe though others justly suspect him not the same because too ancient if this Catalogue be compleat to be the fourth Master of this House except they were incredibly vivacious Nothing else have I to observe of this Foundation save that at this day therein are maintained one Master twelve Fellows thirteen Scholars four Exhibitioners which with Servants Commoners and other Students lately made up one hundred thirty and six 50. Nor must we forget that besides others two eminent Iudges of our Land were both Contemporaries and Students in this Foundation A paire of Learned Iudges the Lord chief Baron Davenport and the Lord Thomas Coventry Lord Chancellour of England whose Father also a Iudge was a Student herein So that two great Oracles both of Law and Equity had here their Education 51. The other was Vniversity Colledge Vniversity Col. founded whereof I find different Dates and the founding thereof ascribed to severall Persons Founder 1 King Alfred 2 VVilliam de S to Carilefo Bishop of Durham 3 VVilliam Bishop of Durham though none at this time of the name 4 VVilliam Arch-deacon of Durham whom others confidently call VValter Time Anno 882. 1081. the 12. of King VVilliam the Conquerour 1217. in the first of Henry the 3. uncertain Author 1 Vniversall Tradition 2 Stow in his Chronicle Page 1061. to whom Pitz consenteth 3 Iohn Speed in his History pag. 817. 4 Camd. Brit. in Oxfordshire I dare interpose nothing in such great differences onely observe that Master Camden no lesse skilfull a Herald in ordering the antiquity of Houses then martialling the precedency of men makes Vniversity the third in order after Merton Colledge which makes me believe the founding thereof not so ancient as here it is inserted Masters 1 Roger Caldwell 2 Richard Witton 3 M. Rokleborough 4 Ranulph Hamsterley 5 Leonard Hutchinson 6 Iohn Craffurth 7 Richard Salvaine 8 George Ellison 9 Anthony Salvaine 10 Iames Dugdale 11 Thomas Key 12 William Iames 13 Anthony Gates 14 George Abbot 15 Iohn Bancroft 16 VValker 17 Hoile 18 Bishops St. Edmond Archb. of Cant. George Abbot Arch. of Cant. Iohn Bancroft Bishop of Oxford Benefactours VValer Shirlow Archdeacon of Durham 3 Fellowsh Henry Percey Earle of Northumberland 3 Fellowsh R. Dudley Earle of Leicester 2 Exhibitions each 20. pou per Annum Iohn Freistone 2 Exhibitions 20. pounds in all per Annum Gunsley 2 Exhibitions Mistris Payn 1 Exhibition 8 pounds Mr. Aston Sir Simon Bennet who hath bequeathed good lands after the decease of his Lady to encrease the Fellows and Scholars Mr. Charles Greenwood sometimes Fellow of this Colledge and Proctour to the Vniversity gave a thousand pounds to the building thereof Learn Writ Some charitable and able Antiquary fill up this vacuity So that at this present are maintained therein one Master eight Fellows one Bible-Clark which with Servants Commoners and other Students amount to the number of threescore and nine 52. Sure it is Iews damnable extortioners at this time Oxford flourished with multitude of Students King Henry conferring large favours upon them and this amongst the rest That no Iews a Claus 22. of Hen. 3. memb 9. in dorso living at Oxford should receive of Scholars above two-pence a week interest for the loan of twenty shillings that is eight shillings eight-pence for the interest of a pound in the year Hereby we may guesse how miserably poor people in other places were oppressed by the Iews where no restraint did limite their Usury so that the Interest amounted to the half of the Principall 53. Secondly A second priviledge whereas it was complained of That Iustice was obstructed and Malefactours protected by the Citizens of Oxford who being partiall to their own Corporation connived at offenders who had done mischiefs to the Scholars The King ordered that hereafter not onely the Citizens of Oxford but also any Officers in the Vicinage should be imployed in the apprehending of such who offered any wrong to the Students in the University 54. Lastly The third priviledge he enjoyned the Bailiffs of Oxford solemnly to acquaint the Chancellour thereof of those times when Bread and other Victualls were weighed and prized But in case the Chancellour had timely notice thereof refused to be present thereat then the Bailiffs notwithstanding his absence might proceed in the foresaid matters of weight and measure 55. We will conclude this Section with this civil and humble submission of the Dean and Chapter of S t. Asaph The submission of the Dean and Chapter of S. Asaph sent to the King in the vacancy as it seems of their Bishoprick though dislocated and some yeares set back in the date thereof Pat. 33. H. 3. M. 3. Universis Christi fidelibus ad quos presens scriptum pervenerit De recognitione Decani Capit de Sancto Asapho Decanus Capitulum de Sancto Asapho salutem in Domino Consuetudini antique dignitati quas Dominus Henricus illustris Rex Angl. progenitores sui habuerunt in Ecclesia Anglicana de petenda licentia eligendi vacantibus Episcopatuum Sedibus de requirendo assensu Regio post factam electionem obviare nolentes protestamur recognoscimus nos quotiens Ecclesia nostra Pastore vacaverit ab illustri Domino Rege Angl. Heredibus suis debere reverenter petere licentiam eligendi post electionem factam assensum eorum requirere Et ne super hoc futuris temporibus dubitetur presenti scripto Sigilla nostra fecimus apponi Dat. apud Sanctum Asaph Anno Domini M o.
our leave of this Bishop whosoever considers the vast buildings and rich endowments made by this Prelate besides his expence in repairing the Cathedral at Winchester will conclude such atcheivements unpossible for a Subject until he reflect on his vast Offices of preferments being Bishop of Winchester Rector of S t Martins Le Grand holding twelve Prebends in Comendam with it Anno Dom. 1392. Lord Privy-Seal Chancellor and Treasurer of England besides other places of meaner consequence Anno Regis Ric. 2. 16. Wardens Rich. Toneworth Nich. Wickam Tho. Cranely Rich. Malsorde Jo. Bouke Will. Escot Nich. Osylbury Tho. Chaundler Walt. Hill Will. Porter Jo. Reade Jo. Younge Jo. London Hen. Cole Ral. Skinner Tho. White Mart. Culpepper George Rives Arth. Lake Pink. Stringer Marshal Benefactors M r Rawlins S r Rich. Read K t. D r Newman D r Reeve Ward D r Martin Rob. Bell. D r Smith Bishops Will. Warham Arch-Bish of Cant. Will. Wainffet Bish of Winchester Jo. White Bish of Winchester Tho. Bilson Bish of Winchester Will. Knight Bish of Bath Wells James Turbervil Bish of Exeter Rob. Sherbourne Bish of Chichester Arth. Lake Bish of Bath and Wells Learned Writers Tho. Harding Tho. Nele Nich. Sanders Nich. Harpsfield Will. Reynolds * He was brother to Doct John Reynolds the great protestant Tho. Hide Jo. Marshall Tho. Stapleton Jo. Fenne Rich. White * He wrote a History of England Jo. Pits All violent maintainers of the Popish Religion S r HEN. WOOTTON D r Tooker Dean of Lichfield D r James Cook Arch-Dec of Winch. S r. Tho. Rives besides other elegant works for his VICARS PLEA S r James Hassee S r Hen. Martin D r Merideth Dean of Wells ARTHUR LAKE Bish of Bath and Wells William Twisse John White One may defie the suspicion of flattery if adding D r Harris the reverend Warden of Winchester D r Rich. Zouch not beholden to his Noble extraction for his Repute founded on his own worth and Books reprinted beyond the Seas D r Merick late Judg of the Prerogative but it is better to leave the characters of their worth to the thankfullness of the next Age to describe 32. Lately the Popes usurpation was grown so great Good Laws in due season in intrenching on the Crown that there was an absolute necessity seasonably to retrench his usurpation For albeit the Kings of England were as absolute in their demeans their Prelacy and Clergie as learned their Nobility as valiant and prudent their Commons as free and wealthy Anno Dom. 1393. as any in Christendom Yet had not some Laws of Provision now been made England had long since been turned part of S t Peters Patrimony in demeans Yea the Scepter wrested out of their Kings hands her Prelates made the Popes Chaplains and Clerks Nobility his servants and vassals Commons his slaves and villaines had not some seasonable Statutes of Manumission been enacted 33. For now came the Parliament wherein the Statute was enacted The Maul-Popes Statute of premunire which mauled the Papal power in England Some former laws had pared the Popes nailes to the quick but this cut off his fingers in effect so that hereafter his hands could not grasp and hold such vast summes of money as before This is called the Statute of PREMUNIRE and let not the Reader grudg the reading therof which gave such a blow to the Church of Rome that it never rcovered it self in this Land but dayly decayed till its finall destruction VVHereas the Commons of the Realm in this present Parliament have sued to our redoubted Lord the King grievously complaining that whereas the said our Lord the King and all his liege people ought of right and of old time were wont to sue in the Kings Court to recover their Presentments to Churches prebends and other benefices of holy Church to the which they had right to present the Conisance of Plea of which Presentment belongeth onely to the Kings Court of the old right of his Crown used and approved in the time of all his Progenitors Kings of England And when judgment shall be given in the same Court upon such a Plea and Presentment the Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Spiritual persons which have Institution of such Benefices within their jurisdictions be bound and have made Execution of such Judgments by the Kings commandements of all the time aforesaid without interruption for another Lay person cannot make such execution and also be bound of right to make execution of many other of the Kings commandements of which right the Crown of England hath been peaceably seised as well in the time of our said Lord the King that now is as in the time of all his Progenitors till this day But now of late divers Processes be made by the Bishop of Rome and censures of Excommunication upon certain Bishops of England because they have made execution of such commandements to the open disherison of the said Crown and destruction of our said Lord the King his Law and all his Realm if remedie be not provided And also it is said and a common clamor is made that the said Bishop of Rome hath ordained and purposed to translate some Prelates of the same Realm some out of the Realm and some from one Bishoprick into another within the same Realme without the Kings assent and knowledg and without the assent of the Prelates which so shall be translated which Prelates be much profitable and necessary to our said Lord the King and to all his Realme By which translations if they should be suffered the Statutes of the Realm should be defeated and made void and his said liege Sages of his Councel without his assent and against his will carried away and gotten out of his Realm and the substance and treasure of the Realm shall be carried away and so the Realm destitute as well of Councel as of substance to the final destruction of the same Realm And so the Crown of England which hath been so free at all times that it hath been in no earthly subjection but immediately subject to God in all things touching the realitie of the same Crown and to none other should be submitted to the Pope the Laws Statutes of the Realm by him defeated avoided at his will in the perpetual destruction of the Soveraigntie of the King our Lord his Crown his Regalitie of all his Realm which God defend And moreover the Commons aforesaid say that the things so attempted be clearly against the Kings Crown and Regality used and approved of the time of all his Progenitors Wherefore they and all the liege Commons of the same Realm will stand with our said Lord the King and his said Crown and his Regalitie in the cases aforesaid and in all other cases attempted against him his Crown and his Regalitie in all points to live and to die And moreover they pray the King and him require by way of justice that he would
last Bishop of Rochester Bishops John Stokesley Bishop of London 1530. Thomas Cooper Bishop of Winchester 1584. John Longland Bishop of Lincoln 1521. Tho. Bentham Bishop of Covent and Lichfield William Overton Bishop of Covent and Lichfield 1609. Accept Frewen Bishop of Covent and Lichfield 1643. Henry Cotton Bishop of Salisbury 1598. Tho. Godwin Bishop of Bath and Wells 1584. Thomas Wolsey Arch-Bish of York 1515. John Peirce Arch-Bish of York 1588. John Voâ—sey Bishop of Exeter 1520. William Bradbridg Bish of Exeter 1578. Richard Mayo Bishop of Hereford 1504. John Harley Bishop of Hereford 1553. Thomas Bickley Bishop of Chichester 1585. Jo. Warner Bishop of Rochester 1637. Jo. Bullingham Bishop of Bristoll and Glocester holding both together 1581. John Cotes Bishop of Chester 1556. William Downham Bishop of Chester 1561. Owen Oglethorpe Bishop of Carlile 1556. Writers John a Pitz. de Brit. Script p. 688. Clarmund afterwards President of Corpus Christi John b Idem p. 730. Hocker Mich. c Bale p. 755. Reniger John Fox Author of the Book of Martyrs Thomas Cooper who wrote the great Dictionary Robert d Idem p. 728. Crowley Peter e Pitz. q. 755. Morving Alan e Brian Twine Ant. Ac. Ox. in Catal. Procuratorum Cope Proctor of the University 1558. Julius Palmer Mart. D r Laurence Humfride John Budden D r of Law who wrote many mens lives in Elegant Latin D r Hen. Hammond D r Peter Heylyn Give me leave to suspect this Catalogue of Presidents not compleat though set forth by their great f Vide in calce libri Antiquarie both because D r Higden avowed g Vide Scots Tables President in the List of Benefactors is therein omitted as also D r Walt. h L. Humfrid in the Life of Bishop Jewel p. 71. Haddon whom we finde President hereof in the beginning of Queen Mary At this day there are therein a President Anno Dom. 1408. fourty Fellows Anno. Regis Ed. 4. thirty Demies or Scholars four Chaplains eight Clerks sixteen Choristers one School-master and an Usher three Readers of Divinity Natural and Moral Philosophie besides divers Officers and Servants of the Foundation with other Students being in all two hundred and twenty 26. King Henry being Conquered in a fatal Battle at Touton in Notingham-shire Edward the fourth gaineth the Crown by Conquest fled with his Queen into Scotland 1461 and to make himself the more welcome 1. resigned Berwick to the King thereof Edward Duke of Yorke his Adversary Reigned in his stead by the name of Edward the fourth who next to God and his own right had just cause to thak Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick for his Crown This was that Nevil who for Extraction Estate Alliance Dependents Wisdom Valour Success and Popularity was superiour to any English Subject since the Conquest Peoples love he chiefly purchased by his Hospitality keeping so open an House that he was most welcome who brought the best stomach with him the Earl charitably believing that all who were men of teeth were men of Armes Any that looked like a man might have in his house a full half yard of roast meat namely so much as he could strike through and carry away with his a Stows Annals pag. 421. Dagger The Bear was his Crest and it may be truly said that when the Bear roared the Lions of the Forest trembled the Kings of England themselves being at his disposal 27. This Kings Reign affordeth very little Church-Storie Why little Church-Hist in this Kings Reign and therefore M r Fox whose industrie would have found out Church-matter if above ground is fein to fill it up with foreign passages or domestick relations of our civil differences Indeed now the sound of all bells in the steeples was drowned with the noise of Drums and Trumpets And yet this good was done by the Civil Wars it diverted the Prelates from troubling the Lollards so that this very storme was a shelter to those poor souls and the heat of these intestine enmities cooled the persecution against them 28. Thomas Bourchier Synod priviledges broken and repaired Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1462 kept a Synod of his Clergie at London 2. when Geoffery Longbrooke a member thereof as Proctor for Peter Courtney Arch-Deacon of Exeter was at the suite of Simon Nottingham arrested by the Bailiffs of the Lord Major Antiq. Brit. pag. 293. complaint being made hereof to the Convocation they sent the Prior of Canterbury to the Major and Sheriffs to restore the aforesaid Geoffery to his liberty threatning them else with Excommunication to prevent which the party was released The Parliament sitting at the same time bestowed many priviledges on the Clergie As for the other Synods in this Kings Reign being six as I account them little more then granting of Subsidies was propounded and concluded therein 29. King Henry returned out of Scotland King Henry returned routed and imprisoned furnished with sufficient forces from James the third 1463 to recover his Crown 3. had success befriended him But King Edward marched against him in person one means of his being so fortunate in his fights seeing in peace the master his eye maketh the fat horse as the Princes in war the valiant horse-rider totally defeated took and imprisoned him in the Tower Here whilest Church-men observe how tender-eyed the charity States-men admire how blinde the policy of that Age in keeping King Henry alive No such sure Prison for a Captive King as a Grave whose life though in restraint is a fair mark for the full aim of male-contents to practice his enlargement As here it fell out in King Henry who either slighted for his simplicity that he could do not mischief or reverenced for his sanctity that he should suffer no ill was preserved alive and reserved thereby to be a future trouble to King Edward who though valiant to repel was not wise to foresee dangers and now conceiving himself secure was viciously disposed and given over to too much licenciousness 30. Richard Nevil The Earl of Warwick takes just distaste at King Edward Earl of Warwick 1465 is sent over into France to obtain the Lady Bona Daughter to the Duke of Savoy Wife to King Edward 5. So powerful a spokesman could not but speed and all things are concluded save the meeting of the Parties and a Priest to marry them Anno Regis Ed 4. 5. Mean time King Edward marrieth the Lady Elizabeth Grey Anno Dom. 1463 the first English King who since the Conquest wedded his Subject I might also add and the first that match'd with a Widow seeing Elinor Wife to King Henry the second divorced from Lewis the yonger King of France was properly neither maid nor widow Warwick stormeth hereat that he had taken so much pains about nothing highly sensible of the affront seeing a potent Arme is not to be employed about a sleeveless errand He
Catalogue of the Benefactors of S t. John's Colledg in Cambridg understand it by his Executors otherwise the first Brick of that House was laid nine years after the Arch-Bishops death Now as this was a sad year at Canterbury wherein their good Arch-Bishop departed so was it a joyful year at Rome for the coming in of that Jubilee which brought men and money there yet many went to Rome in effect which staied in England by commuting their journey into money which was equally meritorious the Popes Officers being come over to receive the same The End of the Fifteenth CENTURY THE Church-History OF BRITAINE The Fifth Book CONTAINING THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE EIGHTH SIC OMNI TEMPORE VERDO LONDON Printed in the Year M.DC.LV. To the Right Honourable LIONEL CRANFIELD EARL of MIDDLESEX Anno Regis BARON CRANFIELD OF CRANFIELD c. Anno Dom. SAint PAUL gave a great charge to * 2 Tim. 4. 13. Timothy to bring the Cloak which he left at Troas but especially the Parchments Here we have the Inventory of a Preachers estate consisting of a few Cloathes and Books what he wore and what he had written But the Apostles care was not so much concerned in his Cloathes which might be bought new as in his Writings where the damage could not be repaired I am sadly sensible though far be it from me to compare Scribling with Scripture what the loss of a Library especially of Manuscripts is to a Minister whose Books have passed such hands which made riddance of many but havock of more Was it not cruelty to torture a Library by maiming and mangling the Authors therein neither leaving nor taking them intire Would they had took less that so what they left might have been useful to others Whereas now mischievous Ignorance did a prejudice to me without a profit to its self or any body else But would to God all my fellow Brethren which with me bemoan the loss of their Books with me might also rejoyce for the recovery thereof though not the same numerical Volumes Thanks be to your Honour who have bestow'd on me the Treasure of a Lord-Treasurer what remained of your Fathers Library Your Father who was the greatest Honourer and Disgracer of Students bred in Learning Honourer giving due respect to all men of merit Disgracer who by his meer natural parts and experience acquired that perfection of invention expression and judgment to which those who make learning their sole study do never arive It was a Gift I confess better proportioned to your Dignity then my deserts too great not for your Honour to bestow but for me to receive And thus hath God by your bounty equivalently restored unto me what the Locusts and the Palmer worme c. have devoured so that now I envy not the Popes Vatican for the numerousness of Books variety of Editions therein enough for use being as good as store for state or superfluity for magnificence However hereafter I shall behold my self under no other notion then as your Lordsships Library-keeper and conceive it my duty not onely to see your Books dry'd and rubb'd to rout those moaths which would quarter therein but also to peruse study and digest them so that I may present your Honour with some choice Collections out of the same at this ensuing History is for the main extracted thence on which account I humbly request your acceptance thereof whereby you shall engage my daily prayers for your happiness and the happiness of your most Noble Consort I have read how a Roman Orator making a Speech at the Funeral of his deceased Mother in law affirmed that he had never been Reconciled unto her for many years Now whilest his ignorant auditors condemned their mutual vindicativeness the wiser sort admired and commended their peaceable dispositions because there never happened the least difference between them needing an agreement as that bone cannot be set which was never broken On which account that never any reconciliation may be between your self and other self is the desire of Your Honours most bounden Beadsman THOMAS FULLER THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITAINE BOOK V. 1. GOD hath always been ambitious to preserve and prefer little things Poor professours still preserved by Gods providence the Jews the least of all Nations Hen. 7. 17. DAVID their King 1501 least in his fathers family little Benjamin the Ruler little Hill of Herman the Virgin Mary the lowliness of thy handmaiden Gods children severally are stiled his little ones and collectively make up but a little flock And surely it renders the work of grace more visible and conspicuous when the object can claim nothing as due to it self A pregnant proof hereof we have in Divine Providence at this time preserving the inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors against most powerful opposition This handful of men were tied to very hard duty being constantly to stand Sentinels against an Army of enemies till God sent Luther to relieve them and the work was made lighter with more hands to do it as in the sequel of our story God willing will appear Mean time we must remember that Henry Dean succeeded in the place of Arch-Bishop Morton lately deceased and enjoyed his honour but two years then leaving it to William Warham one well qualified with learning and discretion 2. Now it is no small praise to Buckingham-shire 22. that being one of the lesser Counties of England 1506 it had more Martyrs and Confessors in it Some burnt some branded for the profession of the truth before the time of Luther then all the Kingdom besides where William Tylsworth was burnt at Amersham the Rendezvous of Gods children in those dayes and Joan his onely daughter Anno Dom. 1506 and a faithful woman Annos Regis Hen. 7 22. was compelled with her own hands to set fire to her dear a Fox his Acts and Monuments I. Volume p. 1010. father At the same time sixty professors and aboue did bear fagots for their penance and were enjoyned to wear on their right sleeves for some years after a square piece of cloath as a disgrace to themselves and a difference from others But what is most remarkable a new punishment was now found our of branding them in the cheek The b Fox 1011. manner thus Their necks were tied fast to a post with towels and their hands holden that they might not stir and so the hot Iron was put to their checks It is not certain whether branded with L for Lollard or H for Heretick or whether it was onely a formless print of Iron yet nevertheless painful this is sure that they c Gal. 6. 17. bare in their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus And no doubt they had so well learned our Saviours d Mat. 5. 39. precept that rather then they would have revenged themselves by unlawful means to them that smit them on the one cheek they would have turn'd the
do much unto whom Christ gave the i Speeds Chro. in H. 8. p. 766. Keys of the Kingdom of heaven hath no power to give a dispensation to any man to contract such Marriage In witness whereof we confirm this our judgment both under the Seal of our University as also with the Seal of our Colledg of Doctors of Divinity and have subscribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony this tenth of June in the year of our Lord 1530. 21. k De schismate Anglic. p. 60 61. Sanders hath little to say against so many and clear decisions of the Universities The Recusancy of other Universities onely he tels us that all the Kings Agents had not equal success in their Negotiations and particularly that one Hutton the Kings instrument herein could not bow those of Hamborough and Lubeck to express themselves against the Marriage But surely these two places were onely Gymnasia for I finde them not mentioned amongst the Dutch Universities Also he saith that Richard Crook another of the Kings Emissaries prevailed nothing on many Germane Professors and particularly he praiseth the University of Colen for their recusancy therein As for such who subscribed on the Kings side he pretends that Bribes bought their judgments as if our King Henry had learnt from King l Eccles 10. 19 Solomon that Money recompenceth all things The best is the cleanly hands of the Court of Rome had never no doubt any bribes sticking to their fair fingers But though that Englsh Angels flew over to foraign Universities yet there lieth a real distinction betwixt a Bribe and a Boon freely bestowed not to bow and bias their opinions but to gratifie their pains and remunerate their industry in studying of the point 22. As for our English Ambassadours at Rome Cranmer travelleth into Germany finding themselves onely fed with delaies no wonder if they were sharp set to return home All came back again save D r. Cranmer who took a journey to the Emperours court in Vieâ—â—a Here he grew acquainted with Cornelius Agrippa who had written a Book of the Vanity of Sciences having much of the Sciences but more of the vanity in himself Here also he conversed with many great Divines and satisfied some of them out of Scripture and Reason which formerly were unresolved in the unlawfulness of the Kings Marriage 23. A Parliament was now called The Clergy 〈…〉 praemunire wherein the Clergie were found guilty of a Praemunire 1531 because they had too much promoted the Papal interest and acted by vertue of his power to the damage and detriment of the Crown of England whereupon being willing to redeem their whole estates forfeited by 〈◊〉 they were glad to commute it into a summe of money the Clergy of the Province of Canterbury alone bestowed on the King one hundred thousand pounds to be paid by equal portions in the same year say some in four years say others and that in my opinion with more probability 24. But the King would not be so satisfied with the payment of the money Acknowledg the 〈…〉 of the Church except also they would acknowledg him to be Supreme Head of the Church This was hard meat and would not easily down amongst them however being thoroughly debated in a Synodical way both in the upper and lower houses of Convocation they did in fine agree on this expression cujus Ecclesiae Anglicanae singularem Protectorem unicum supremum Dominum quantum per Christi leges licet supremum caput ipsius Majestatem recognoscimâ—s 25. This thus consented unto Confirmed by Act of Parliament and subscribed by the hands of the Clergie as appears at large in the Records and Acts of the Convocation and so presented to the King in the name of his Clergie was afterwards confirmed by Parliament and incorporated into a solemn Act for the ratification thereof 26. During these transactions The death of Arch Bishop Warham William Warham 1532 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ended his life 23. Aug. 23. A politick person well learned in the Laws generally reputed a moderate man though specially towards his latter end a still and silent persecutor of poor Christians He was first Parson of Barly in Hertford-shire as appears by an a Weavers Funeral Mon. inscription in that Church thence rising by degrees to great preferment In his Will he requested his Successour not to sue his b Antiq. Brit. pag. Executors for Dilapidations as having expended some thousands of pounds in repairing his several Palaces We verily believe his request was granted seeing Cranmer was free from all exacting in that kinde Sede vacante John Stokesly Bishop of London was President in the Convocation 27. Messengers are sent into Germany for Thomas Cranmer Cranmer sent for and unwilling accepteth the Arch-Bishoprick to finde him out and fetch him home with all possible speed the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury waiting his acceptance thereof The Post easily doth the first but Cranmer prolonged his journey by c Fox Acts Mon. p. 1703. seven weeks at the least hoping that in the mean time the King might forget him and confer the place on another being really unwilling to imbrace the preferment having aliquid intus something within him which reluctated against those superstitions through which he must wade in the way thereunto But there lieth no Nolo Episcopare against King Henry his Volo te Episcopum esse It being as mortal to refuse favours from him as to offer injuries to him Cranmer therefore now come home must in his own defence be Arch-Bishop who to serve the King and salve his own conscience used the expedient of a Protestation whereof hereafter 28. The Philosoper gives us this note of direction A preparative to Cranmers just defence whereby to finde out a vertue viz. that it is accused by both Extremes Thus Liberality is charged by Prodigals to be Covetousness by Covetous men to be Prodigality By the same proportion Cranmer appears a worthy Prelate taxed by Papists to be an Heretick by others no Papists as guilty of Superstition We will endeavour his just defence conceiving the Protestants cause much concerned therein the Legality of his Consecration having an influence on all the Bishops made by him Anno Regis Hen. 8 23. that of the Bishops making an impression on the Priests and Deacons by them ordained Anno Dom 1532 and their rightful ordination deriving validity to the Sacraments by them administred to all the members of the Church of England 29. A Papist a Becan contro Angl. c. 4. q. 9. n. 6. objects Cranmer lawfully consecrated non fuit consecratus ab ullo Episcopo sed à solo Rege intrusus that he was consecrated by no Bishop but thrust in by the King alone The falseness whereof doth appear on publick Record still to be seen in the Register being solemnly consecrated by John b Regist Cramn fol. 5.
this be your errand you bring me no great newes for I have looked a long time for this message and I must humbly thank His Majesty that it pleaseth Him to rid me from all this worldly businesse Yet let me by your patience sleep an hour or two for I have slept very ill this night not for any fear of death I thank God but by reason of my great infirmity and weaknesse 7. The King's pleasure is farther said the Lieutenant that you shall use as little speech as may be Yet labours to preserve his life especially of any thing touching His Majesty whereby the people should have any cause to think of Him or His proceedings otherwise than well For that said he you shall see me order my self as by God's grace neither the King nor any man else shall have occasion to mislike of my words With which answer the Lieutenant departed from him and so the Prisoner falling again to rest slept soundly two hours and more And after he was awaked called to his man to help him up But first commanded him to take away his shirt-of-haire which customably he wore and to convey it privily out of the house and instead thereof to lay him forth a clean white shirt and all the best apparel he had as cleanly brushed as might be And as he was arraying himself his man seeing in him more curiosity and care for the fine and cleanly wearing of his apparel that day than was wont demanded of him What this sudden change meant saying That his Lordship knew well enough that he must put off all again within two hours and lose it What of that said he Doest not thou mark that this is our marriage-day and that it behoveth us therefore to use more cleanlinesse for solemnity thereof 8. About nine of the clock the Lieutenant came again Prepareth himsef for his death and finding him almost ready said He was now come for him Then said he to his man Reach me my furred-Tippet to put about my neck Oh my Lord said the Lieutenant what need ye be so careful for your health for this little time being as your self knows not much above an hour I think no otherwise said he but yet in the mean time I will keep myself as well as I can For I tell you truth though I have I thank our Lord a very good desire and willing minde to die at this present and so trust of his infinite mercy and goodnesse he will continue it yet will I not willingly hinder my health in the mean time one minute of an hour but still prolong the same as long as I can by such reasonable waies and means as Almighty God hath provided for me And with that taking a little book in his hand which was a New Testament lying by him he made a crosse on his forehead and went out of his prison-dore with the Lieutenant being so weak as that he was scant able to go down the stairs wherefore at the stairs-foot he was taken up in a chair between two of the Lieutenant's men and carried to the Tower-gate with a great number of weapons about him to be delivered to the Sheriffe of London for execution 9. And He advanceth to the place of his execution as they were come to the uttermost precinct of the liberties of the Tower they rested there with him a space till such time as one was sent before to know in what readinesse the Sheriffs were to receive him During which space he rose out of his chair and standing on his feet leaned his shoulder to the wall and lifting his eyes towards Heaven he opened a little Book in his hand and said O Lord this is the last time that ever I shall open this book let some comfortable place now chance unto me whereby I thy poor servant may glorifie thee in this my last houre And with that looking into the Book the first thing that came to his sight were these words Haec f Ioh. 17. 3 c. est autem vita aeterna ut cognoscant te solum verum Deum quem misisti Jesum Christum Ego te glorificavi super terram opus consummavi quod dedisti mihi c. and with that he shut the Book together and said Here is even learning enough for me to my lives end And so the Sheriffe being ready for him he was taken up again among certain of the Sheriffs men with a new and much greater company of weapons than was before and carried to the Scaffold on the Tower-hill otherwise called East-Smithfield himself praying all the way and recording upon the words which he before had read 10. When he was come to the foot of the Scaffold The manner of his mounting the scaffold they that carried him offered to help him up the stairs but said he Nay Masters seeing I am come so farre let me alone and ye shall see me shift for my self well enough And so went up the stairs without any help so lively that it was a marvell to them that before knew his debility and weaknesse But as he was mounting the stairs the South-east Sun shined very bright in his face whereupon he said to himself these words lifting up his hands Accedite ad eum illuminamini facies vestrae non confundentur By that time he was upon the Scaffold it was about ten a clock where the Executioner being ready to doe his office kneeled down to him as the fashion is and asked him forgivenesse I forgive thee said he with all my heart and I trust thou shalt see me overcome this storm lustily Then was his gown and tippet taken from him and he stood in his doubler and hose in sight of all the people whereof there was no small number assembled to see the execution 11. Being upon the Scaffold His Speech to the people he spake to the people in effect as followeth Christian people I am come hither to die for the faith of Christ's holy Catholick Church and I thank God hitherto my stomack hath served me very well thereunto so that yet I have not feared death wherefore I desire you all to help and assist with your prayers that at the very point and instant of deaths stroke I may in that very moment stand stedfast without fainting in any one point of the Catholick Faith free from any fear And I beseech Almighty God of his infinite goodnesse to save the King and this Realm and that it may please him to hold his holy hand over it and send the King a good Councell These words he spake with such a cheerfull countenance such a stout and constant courage and such a reverend gravity that he appeared to all men not only void of fear but also glad of death 12. After these few words by him uttered His execution he kneeled down on both his knees and said certain prayers Among which as some reported one was the hymn of
Henry had already attained both by his partial Reformation Power by abolishing the Pope's usurpation in His Dominions Profit by seizing on the lands and goods of suppressed Monasteries And thus having served His own turn His zeal wilfully tired to goe any farther and onely abolishing such Popery as was in order to his aforesaid designes He severely urged the rest on the practice of His Subjects 16. Herein he appeared like to Jehu King of Israel Compared with King Jehu who utterly rooted out the forraign Idolatry of BAAL fetcht from the Zidonians and almost appropriated to the family of Ahab but still worshipped the CALVES in DAN and BETHEL the state-Idolatry of the Kingdome So our Henry though banishing all out-landish superstition of Papall dependance still reserved and maintained home bred Popery persecuting the Refusers to submit thereunto 17. For The six bloody Articles by the perswasion of Bishop Gardiner in defiance of Archbishop Cranmer and the L. Cromwell with might and main opposing it it was enacted 1. That in the Sacrament of the Altar after consecration no substance of bread or wine remaineth but the naturall body and blood of Christ 2. That the Communion in both kindes is not necessary ad salutem by the law of God to all persons 3. That Priests after Orders received may not Marry by the Law of God 4. That Vows of Chastity ought to be observed 5. That it is meet and necessary that private Masses be admitted and continued in Churches 6. That auricular Confession must be frequented by people as of necessity to salvation Laws bad as penned worse as prosecuted which by some Bishops extensive interpretations were made commensurate to the whole body of Popery 18. Indeed The L. Cromwel's designe miscarrieth the Lord Cromwell unable to right his own had a designe to revenge himself on the opposite party by procuring an Act That Popish Priests convict of Adultery should be subject to the same punishment with Protestant Ministers that were married But Gardiner by his greatnesse got that law so qualified that it soon became lex edentula Ann. Reg. Hē 8. 32. whilst the other remained mordax death being the penalty of such who were made guilty by the six Articles though Nicholas Shaxton of Salisbury Ann. Dom. 1540. and Hugh Latimer of Worcester found the especial favour to save themselves by losing of their Bishopricks 19. And now began Edmond Bonner 〈…〉 aliàs Savage most commonly called by the former but too truly known by the later name newly made Bishop of London to display the colours of his cruelty therein which here I forbear to repeat because cited at large by Mr. Fox For I desire my Church-History should behave it self to his Book of Martyrs as a Lieutenant to its Captain onely to supply his place in his absence to be supplemental thereunto in such matters of moment which have escaped his observation 20. Match-makers betwixt private persons seldome finde great love for their pains Cromwell fal's into the Kings displeasure and peoples hatred betwixt Princes often fall into danger as here it proved in the L. Cromwell the grand contriver of the King's marriage with Anne of Cleve On him the King had conferred Honours so many and so suddainly that one may say The crudities thereof lay unconcted in his soul so that he could not have time to digest one Dignity before another was poured upon him Not to speak of his Mastership of the Jewel-house he was made Baron Master of the Rolls the Kings Vicar-general in spiritual matters Lord Privie-Seale Knight of the Garter Earle of Essex Lord Great Chamberlaine of England And my b Camdens Brit. in Essex p. 454. Authour observeth that all these Honours were conferred upon him in the compasse of five years most of them possessed by him not five moneths I may adde and all taken from him in lesse than five minutes with his life on the scaffold 21. This was the cause why he was envied of the Nobility and Gentry Why Cromwel was deservedly envied being by birth so much beneath all by preserment so high above most of them Besides many of his advancements were interpreted not so much Honours to him as Injuries to others as being either in use improper or in equity unfit or in right unjust or in conscience unlawfull for him to accept His Mastership of the Rolls such who were bred Lawyers conceived it fitter for men of their profession As for the Earldome of Essex conferred upon him though the title lately became void by the death of Bourchier the last Earl without Issue-male and so in the strictnesse of right in the King 's free disposal yet because he left Anne a sole Daughter behinde him Cromwel's invading of that Honour bred no good blood towards him amongst the kinred of that Orphan who were honourable and numerous His Lord great Chamberlainship of England being an Office for many years Hereditary in the Antient and Honourable House of Oxford incensed all of all that Family when beholding him possessed thereof His Knighthood of the Garter which custome had appropriated to such who by three degrees at least could prove their Gentile descent being bestowed on him did but enrage his Competitours thereof more honourably extracted As for his being the King's Vicar-General in Spiritual matters all the Clergie did rage thereat grutching much that K. Henry the substance and more that Cromwell His shadow should assume so high a Title to himself Besides Cromwel's name was odious unto them on the account of Abbies dissolved and no wonder if this Sampson plucking down the pillars of the Popish-Church had the rest of the structure falling upon him July 9. These rejoiced when the Duke of Norfolke arrested him for Treason at the Councel-Table whence he was sent Prisoner to the Tower 22. And now to speak impartially of him Cromwell's admirable parts though in prison If we reflect on his parts and endowments it is wonderfull to see how one quality in him befriended another Great Scholar he was none the Latine Testament gotten by heart being the master-piece of his learning nor any studied Lawyer never long-living if admitted in the Inns of Court nor experienced Souldier though necessity cast him on that calling when the Duke of Burbone besieged Rome nor Courtier in his youth till bred in the Court as I may call it of Cardinal Wolsey's house and yet that of the Lawyer in him so helped the Scholar that of the Souldier the Lawyer that of the Courtier the Souldier and that of the Traveller so perfected all the rest being no stranger to Germany well acquainted with France most familiar with Italy that the result of all together made him for endowments eminent not to say admirable 23. It was laid to his charge Articles charged upon the Lord Cromwell First that he had exceeded his Commission in acting many things of high conseqsence without acquainting the King therwith dealing therein
installed Priors some voted as Barons in Parliament whereof formerly as the Prior of Canterbury and Coventrie But when the Abbot was Superintendent there the person termed Prior was his subordinate who in his absence in mitred Abbeys by courtesie was saluted the Lord Prior. 3. Secondly The Sub-Prior the Sub-Prior as Hugo Balciam Sub-Prior of Elie Founder of Peter-House Quaere whether any complement descended so low as to Lord the Sub-Prior in the absence of the Prior and Abbot As for the third Prior and fourth Prior for such Diminutives c In the subscri of the Chron. of the August of Cant. p. 2294. appear they come not within the suspition of so much favour 4. Thirdly The Secretary the Secretary who was the Register Auditour and Chancellour of the Covent it being proper to his place to write and return Letters and manage the most learned employments in the Monastery 5. With him the Camerarius The Chamberlain or Chamberlain may seem to contest for precedency as keeping the keyes of the Treasury issuing out and receiving in all considerable summes of money in which notion the Chamberlaine of London holdeth his name 6. Fiftly The Cellerer the Cellarius or Cellerarius a Place of more power and profit than the name may seem to import He was the Burser who bought in all provisions and appointed the pittances for the severall Monks and in some Houses he was d John Brakeland Secundus Pater in Monasterio as in the Abbey of Burie where a large part of the Buildings was assigned for his Residence and Lands for his Maintenance These Cellerers were brave blades much affecting Secular gallantry For I finde it e Burchard inde Index Gâ—s 8. Gal. complained of that they used to swagger with their swords by their sides like lay-Gentlemen 7. The remaining Officers are best reckoned up by the Canonical rooms as I may term them in an Abbey The Gate-house each giving denomination to him who had the inspection thereof I begin with the Gate-house and its relative the Porter an office I assure you of some trust in an Abbey to know what guests and when especially at the postern are to be admitted thereunto The Refectory 8. The next room is the Refectorium and Refectorius the f Chron. August Cant. p. 2294. Controller thereof It was the Hall wherein the Monks dined together and sometimes the Abbot on great solemnities graced them with his presence when he had g In Vitis p. 141. Vastellum that is not common bread but vastell bread h See Glossarie of Will. Somner or simnels for his diet 9. Adjoyning to it was the Locutorium The Parlour or Parlour because there leave was given for the Monks to discourse who were enjoyned silence elsewhere Thus we read how Paul the fourteenth Abbot of S. Albans made it penal for any to talk in the Cloister Church Refectory or Dormitory 10. The Oriol Oriolium i In Vitis p. 100. or the Oriol was the next room Why so called some of the name-sake Colledge in Oxford are best able to satisfie Sure I am that small excursion out of Gentlemen's Halls in Dorcetshire respect it East or West is commonly called an Orial The use hereof is known for Monks who were in latitudine morbi rather distempered than diseased to dine therein it being cruelty to thrust such into the Infirmarie where they might have died with the conceit of the sicknesse of others 11. Dormitorium The Dormitorie the Dormitorie where they all slept together it being ordered in the Councel k Sub Ludov. Imp. Au. 816. cap. 134. of Aquisgrane Nisi in Dormitorio cum caeteris absque causae inevitabili nemo dormire praesumpserit 12. Lavatorium succeeds The Laundry generally called the Laundrey where their clothes were washed Haply it was also the place such in the West-side of Westminster-cloysters where all the Monks at the Conduit washed their hands there being as much good fellowship in washing as eating together 13. Scriptorium remains a room where the Chartularius was busied in writing especially employed in the transcribing of these Books Their 1. Ordinals containing the Rubrick of their Missal and Directorie of their Priests in Service 2. Consuetudinals presenting the antient customs of their Covents 3. Troparies 4. Collectaries wherein the Ecclesiastical Collects were fairly written 14. Next this the Librarie The Library which most great Abbeys had exactly furnished with variety of choice Manuscripts 15. All is marred if the Kitchin be omitted The Kitchin so essential a requisite in an Abbey with the Larder and Pantrey the necessary suburbs thereof 16. Come we now their Abbey-Church The severall parts in the Church where we first meet their 1. Cloisters consecrated ground as appeares by their solemne Sepultures therein 2. Navis Ecclesiae or Body of the Church 3. Gradatorium a distance containing the ascent out of the former into the Quire 4. Presbyterium or the Quire on the right side whereof was the Stall of the Abbot and his on the lefe side the Prior and his moiety of Monks who alternately chaunted the Responsals in the Service 5. Vestiarium the Vestiarie where their Copes and Clothes were deposited 6. A Vaulta l In Vitis pag. 225. a Vault being an arched-room over part of the Church which in some Abbeys as S. Albans was used to enlarge their Dormitorie where the Monks had twelve beds for their repose 7. Concameratio being an arched-room betwixt the East-end of the Church and the m In Viâ—â—s pag. 521. High Altar so that in Procession they might surround the same founding their fancie on n Psal 26. 6. David's expression and so will I compass thine Altar O Lord. As for the other Rooms of the Church Cerarium where their wax candles were kept Campanile their Steeple Polyandrium the Church-yard and sometime the Charnel-house let such be consulted with who have written large Volumes on this subject who will also inform them of the Dignities and Duties of the Praecentor Sacrist Sub-sacrist Capellane Ostiarie Vestiarie Ceroferarie c. belonging thereunto The remaining Rooms of an Abbey stood a distance from the main structure thereof To begin with the best first Eleëmosynaria or the Almorie being a building neer or within the Abbey wherein poor and impotent persons did live maintained by their Charity 17. Secondly The Centurie Sanctuarium of the Centurie wherein Debtours taking refuge from their Creditours Malefactours from the Judge lived the more the pity in all security 18. Thirdly The Firmorie Infirmarium or the Firmorie the Curatour whereof Infirmarius wherein persons down-right sick trouble to others and troubled by others if lodging in the Dormitorie had the benefit of Physick and attendance private to themselves No Lent or Fasting-dayes came ever the threshold of this roome Sicknesse being a Dispensation for the eating of Flesh It was punishable for any to eate therein
downfall of these Covents some years before it came to passe For when it was in the intention and designe of Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester to have built a Monasterie Hugh Oldham Bishop of Exeter disswaded him affirming That such Covents possessed more already than they would long a Godwin in the Bishop of Winchester enjoy He advised him rather to bestow his bounty on founding some Colledge in the University as which was likely to last longer and certain to doe more good promising also his own utmost assistance in so pious an undertaking This was done accordingly Fox being the first Founder of and Oldham a liberall Benefactour to CORPUS CHRISTI Colledge in Oxford 2. Adde to this Seconded by Abbot Whitgift a Speech of Robert b Sir George Paul in Whitgift's life p. 3. Whitgift Abbot of Wellow nigh Grimsbey in Lincoln shire Uncle to Archbishop Whitgift who was wont to say That they and their religion chiefly in relation to Monasteries could not long continue because said he I have read the whole Scripture over and over and could never finde therein that our religion was founded by God And for proof of his opinion the Abbot would alledge that saying of our Saviour Every planting which my heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up And that he proved a true Prophet herein the next Book will sufficiently evidence 3. We will conclude with their observation as an ominous presage of Abbies Ominous burning of Abbeys often by lightning ruine that there was scarce a great Abbey in England which once at the least was not burnt down with lightning from heaven 1. The Monastery of Canterbury burnt Anno 1145. And afterward again burnt Anno c Ex Hist Gerâ—afâ—i 1174. 2. The Abbey of Croyland twice d Ex Histor Ingulphi burnt 3. The Abbey of Peterborow twice set on e Ex Chron. Peterb Walteri Weeks Hovedeni Gualteri Coventr Fabiani fire 4. The Abbey of S. Maryes in Yorke burnt 5. The Abbey of Norwich burnt 6. The Abbey of S. Edmonds-bury f Ex Ghron S. Edmond Guil. Malmeâ—b burnt and destroyed 7. The Abbey of Worcester burnt 8. The Abbey of Glocester was also burnt 9. The Abbey of Chichester burnt 10. The Abbey of Glastenbury burnt 11. The Abbey of S. Mary in South-warke burnt 12. The Church of the Abbey of Beverley burnt 13. The Steeple of the Abbey of Evesham burnt I will not with Master Fox inferre from such casualties that God was more offended with Abbeys than other buildings a naturall cause presenting it selfe of such accidents namely because the highest structures whatever they are are the fairest marks for lightning and thunder As if those active Meteors took the usurpation of such aspiring buildings in distaste for entring their territory and for offering without leave to invade the marches of the middle region of the aire And if mountains of Gods own advancing thither and placing there pay dear for their honour and frequently feel the weight of thunder-bolts falling upon them feriunt summos fulmina montes no wonder if artificiall buildings of mens making whatsoever they be Palaces or Castles or Churches or Covents have their ambition often humbled with thunder and lightning which casually melt and consume them 4. Onely we will adde Bells no effectuall charm against lightning that such frequent firing of Abbey-Churches by lightning confuteth the proud Motto commonly written on the Bells in their Steeples wherein each Bell intituled it self to a sixfold efficacie 1. Funera plango Men's deaths I tell By dolefull knell 2. Fulgura Fulmina frango Lightning and thunder I break asunder 3. Sabbata pango On Sabbath all To Church I call 4. Excito lentos The sleepy head I raise from bed 5. Dissipo ventos The winds so fierce I doe disperse 6. Paco cruentos Men's cruell rage I doe asswage Whereas it plainly appears that these Abbey-steeples though quilted with Bells almost cap a pee were not of proof against the sword of God's lightning Yea generally when the heavens in tempests did strike fire the Steeples of Abbeys proved often their tynder whose frequent burning portended their finall destruction which now God willing we come to relate Of the Essaies and Offers to overthrow Abbeys before they took effect GReat buildings commonly crack before they fall Orders of Friers alterable according to the pleasures of their Founders to give the dwellers therein warning to depart so was it here in Abbeys But may we here first premise as an Introduction that it was placed in the power and pleasure of Princes and great persons their Founders to displace exchange particular Orders as sometimes Monks for Nuns and reciprocally Nuns for Monks white for gray Friers and gray for white as their fancie directed them whereof we have plenty of instances But all this made nothing to the losse of Monkery in generall though sexes or colours of Friers were altered the same Bells did hang still in the steeple though rung in changes to content severall people 2. Secondly Particular Covents on misdemeanour dissolvable particular Covents might be wholly dissolved upon their misdemeanour as in Berklie Nunnery Here a young man left out of designe by Earl Godwine dissembled himself to be sick who in short space so acquitted himself amongst the Votaries there that all of them with their Abbesse whose age might have been presumed a protection for her honesty were got with a De honestis onustas de agnis lupus Cambdens Brit in Glocester-shire out of Walterus Maâ—aeus childe upon complaint and proof whereof unto King Edward the Confessour they were all driven out and their Nunnery with large revenues bestowed upon Earl Godwine by the aforesaid King who was then accounted Patron of all Abbeys which now fallen into His hands by this foule lapse He bestowed as a Lay fee upon this new Owner wholly altering the property thereof 3. Thirdly Whole Orders routed out by the Pope for their faults whole religious Orders might by order from the Pope be totally and finally extirpated Here I passe by the Fratres Flagelliferi or scourging Friers religious Bedlams who used publickly to whip themselves in the Market-place making velame of their own skins thereon to write their follies in legible characters I say I omit them afterwards put down by the Pope himself the rather because I finde them not in England or elswhere endowed with considerable revenues I will insist on the Templers whose numerous and wealthy fraternity was for their vitiousness by the Pope in the Councell of Vienna dissolved all over Europe and in England all or most of their land was given to the Knights b See Supplemoâ—t of the Holy Warre chap. 1 2 3. Hospitallers This was a great shaking of all religious Orders the plucking out of these chief threads made a in the whole cloth men conceiving that in processe of time the whole sheafe may be broken as
the Ignorant with much Veneration Now at the dissolution of Abbeys it was brought up to London and burnt at the Gallows in Smithfield with Fryer Forrest executed for a Traytor 13. A Prophecie was current in the Abbey of Glassenborough Haret Delphinus in ulmo That a Whiting should swim on the top of the Torr thereof which is a steep hill hard by and the credulous Countrey people understood it of an eruption of the Sea which they suspected accordingly It happened that Abbot Whiting the last of Glassenbury was hanged thereon for his Recusancy to Surrender the Abbey and denying the King's Supremacy so swimming in aire and not water and waved with the winde in the place 14. We will close all with the Propheticall Mottoes at leastwise as men since have expounded them of the three last successive Abbots of Glocester Propheticall Mottoes inscribed in Glocester Church because much of modesty and something of piety contained therein 1. Abbot Boulers Memento memento that is as some will have it Remember remember this Abbey must be dissolved 2. Abbot Sebruck Fiat voluntas Domini that is if it must be dissolved the will of the Lord be done 3. Abbot Mauborn Mersos reatâ— suscita Raise up those which are drowned in guiltiness Which some say was accomplished when this Abbey found that favour from King Henry the eighth to be raised into a Bishoprick But I like the Text better than the Coment and there is more humility in their Mottoes than solidity in the Interpretations That many precious Books were embezeled at the dissolution of Abbeys to the irreparable losse of learning THe English Monks were bookish of themselves English Libraries excellently furnished and much inclined to hoord up monuments of learning Britain we know is styled Another world and in this contradistinction though incomparably lesse in quantity acquits it self well in proportion of famous Writers producing almost as many Classical School-men for her Natives as all Europe besides Other excellent Books of forraign Authors were brought hither purchased at dear rates if we consider that the Presse which now runs so incredibly fast was in that Age in her infancie newly able to goe alone there being then few Printed Books in comparison of the many Manuscripts These if carefully collected and methodically compiled would have amounted to a Librarie exceeding that of Ptolomie's for plenty or many Vaticans for choicenesse and rarity Yea had they been transported beyond the seas sent over and sold entire to such who knew their value and would preserve them England's losse had been Europe's gain and the detriment the lesse to Learning in generall Yea many years after the English might have repurchased for pounds what their Grand-fathers sold for fewer pence into forraign parts 2. But alas The miserable martyrdome of innocent Books those Abbeys were now sold to such Chap-men in whom it was questionable whether their ignorance or avarice were greater and they made havock and destruction of all As Broakers in Long-lane when they buy an old suit buy the lineings together with the out-side so it was conceived meet that such as purchased the buildings of Monasteries should in the same grant have the Libraries the stuffing thereof conveyed unto them And now these ignorant owners so long as they might keep a Lieger-book or Terrier by direction thereof to finde such stragling acres as belonged unto them they cared not to preserve any other Monuments The covers of books with curious brasse bosses and claspes intended to protect proved to betray them being the baits of covetousness And so many excellent Authors stripp'd out of their cases were left naked to be burnt or thrown away Thus Esop's cock casually lighting on a pearl preferr'd a grain before it yet he left it as he found it and as he reaped no profit by the pearl it received no damage by him Whereas these cruell Cormorants with their barbarous beaks and greedy claws rent tore and tatter'd these inestimable pieces of Antiquity Who would think that the Fathers should be condemn'd to such servile employment as to be Scavengers to make clean the foulest sink in mens bodies Yea which is worse many an antient manuscript Bible cut in pieces to cover filthy Pamphlets so that a case of Diamond hath been made to keep dirt within it yea the Wisemen of Gotham bound up in the Wisdome of Solomon 3. But hear how John Bale John Bale lamentably bemoaneth thâ—â—massacre a man sufficiently averse from the least shadow of Popery hating all Monkery with a perfect hatred complained hereof to King Edward the sixt a In his Declaration upon Leland's Journall Anno 1549. Covetousnesse was at that time so busie about private commodity that publick Wealth in that most necessary and of respect was not any where regarded A number of them which purchased those superstitious mansions reserved of those Library-books some to serve their jakes some to scour their candlesticks and some to rub their boots some they sold to the Grocers and Sope sellers and some they sent over sea to the Book binders not in small number but at times whole ships full Yea the Universities of this Realme are not all clear in this detestable fact But cursed is that belly which seeketh to be fed with so ungodly gains and so deeply shameth his naturall Countrey I know a Merchant-man which shall at this time be namelesse that bought the contents of two noble Libraries for fourty shillings price a shame it is to be spoken This stuffe hath he occupied instead af gray paper by the space of more than these ten years and yet he hath store enough for as many years to come A prodigious example is this and to be abhorred of all men which love their Nations as they should doe Yea what may bring our Realm to more shame and rebuke than to have it noised abroad that we are despisers of learning I judge this to be true and utter it with heavinesse that neither the Britains under the Romans and Saxons nor yet the English people under the Danes and Normans had ever such damage of their learned monuments as we have seen in our time Our posterity may well curse this wicked fact of our Age this unreasonable spoil of Englands most noble antiquities 4. What soul can be so frozen Learning recelveth an incurable wound by the losse of books as not to melt into anger hereat What heart having the least spark of ingenuiry is not hot at this indignity offered to literature I deny not but that in this heap of Books there was much rubbish Legions of lying Legends good for nothing but fewell whose keeping would have caused the losse of much pretious time in reading them I confesse also there were many volumes full fraught with superstition which notwithstanding might be usefull to learned men except any will deny Apothecaries the priviledge of keeping poison in their shops when they can make antidotes of them But be
Abbey-Lands so dye other lands when in the hands of a riotous person Thus Lands as well as goods and chattels are moveables though not from their Center yet from their Owner Yea our draught lately presented doth prove that many Mitred Abbeys have survived the dangerous Climactericall of the third Generation 14. For mine own part Sir Hen. Spelman's Observations on Abbey-lands my tongue is so farre from bespeaking such lands with any ill successe that I wish to all lawfully possessed of them either by the bounty of their Prince their own or Ancestors fair purchase that peaceably and prosperously they may enjoy them Et nati natorum ut qui nascantur ab ipsis However it will not be amisse to insert the observation of a most worthy Antiquary in the County wherein he was born and best experienced who reporâ—eâ—h â—hat in Norfolke there were an hundred houses of Gentlemen before the Dissolution of Abbeys possessed of fair estates of whom so many as gained accession by Abbey-lands are at this time extinct or much empaired bemoaning his own familie under the latter notion as diminished by such an addition 15. Hear also what his son faith to the same purpose * Clement Spelman in his Preface to his Father's Book Denon temerandis Eccl fâ—is King Henry exchanged Abbey-lands His Son 's on the same and by this means like the dust flung up by Moses they presently disperse all the Kingdome over and at once become curses both upon the Families and Estates of the Owners they often vitiously spending on their private occasions what was piously intended for publick devotion insomuch that within twenty years next after the Dissolution moe of our Nobility and their children have been attainted and died under the sword of Iustice than did from the Conquest to the Dissolution being almost five hundred years so as if thou examine the List of the Barons in the Parliament of the 27 of Henry the eighth thou shalt finde very few of them whose Sons doe at this day inherit their Fathers titles and estates and of these few many to whom the King's favour hath restored what the rigorous Law of Attainder took both Dignity Lands and Posterity And doubtlesse the Commons have drunk deep in this cup of deadly wine but they being more numerous and lesse eminent are not so obvious to observation 16. As for the report of Reynerus * Apostolatus Benedict in Ang. fol. 227 228. A Papist his observation the Reader may believe the lesse thereof for his known ingagement to Rome thus expressing himself At the Dissolution Henry the eighth divided part of the Church-spoils among two hundred and sixty Gentlemen of families in one part of England and at the same time Thomas Duke of Norfolk rewards the service of twenty of his Gentlemen with the grant of forty pounds a year out of His own inheritance and while not sixty of the Kings Donees had sons owning their fathers estates every one of the Dukes hath a son of his own loines flourishing in his fathers inheritance and I could have set down their several names had conveniencie required it 17. But it is high time for me to put a period to this subject The Conclusion lest as the Abbeys were complained to grow so great that they engrossed the third part of the Land so my discourse of them infected with the same fault will be condemned by the Reader for the tedious prolixity thereof The rather because this old and trite subject is now grown out of fashion men in our Age having got a new object to fix their eyes and observation thereon taking notice how such Church-lands doe thrive which since hath been derived into the hands of new possessors The end of the Sixt Book THE Church-History OF BRITAIN THE SEVENTH BOOK CONTAINING THE REIGNE OF KING EDWARD THE SIXT To the Right Honourable LEICESTER DEVEREUX VISCOUNT HEREFORD Lord FERRARS of Chartley c. My lord GReat was the difference betwixt the breeding of Adonijah and Solomon though sons to the same father The former tasted not of Reproof much lesse of Correction it being never said unto him Why a 1 kings 1. 6. hast thou done so Solomon had his education on severer Principles He was his Parents Darling not their b Prov. 4. 3. Fondling It was after sounded in his ears What c Prov. 31. 2. my Son and what the Son of my womb Our English Gentry too often embrace the first course in breeding their Children whereby they become old-Men before they are wise-Men because their Fathers made them Gentlemen before they were Men making them too soon to know the great Means they are born to and too long to be ignorant of any good quality whereby to acquire a maintenance in case their Estates as all things are uncertain should faile or forsake them Hence it is they are as unable to endure any hardship as David to march in Sauls armour for he f I Sam. 17. 39. had never proved it utterly unacquainted therewith But your discreet Parents though kinde were not cockering unto you whom they sent very young into the Low-Countreys where in some sort you earned what you eat in no lesse honourable than dangerous employment This hath setled the sinewes of your Soule and compacted the ioynts thereof which in too many hang loose as rather tackt than knit together Since being returned into England partly by your Patrimony partly by your Matrimony an antient and fair Estate hath accrewed unto you Yet it hath not grown as S. Basil fancieth roses in Paradise before Adams fall without thorns and prickles Many molestations attended it through which you have waded in a good measure having had TRIALS indeed wherein on what side soever the Verdict went you gained Patience and Experience Indeed there is an experience the MISTRESSE of FOOLS which they learn by their losses and those caused by their own carelesness or wilfulness in managing their affairs But also there is one the MASTER-PIECE of VVISE-MEN to attain wherein they observe the events of all things after their utmost endevours have submitted the success to Divine Providence Yours is of the last and best kind whereby you are become a skilfull Master of Defence Knowing all the advantageous postures and guards in our Lawes not thereby to vex others but save your self from vexation Thus having born the Yoke in your youth you may the better afford ease and repose to your reduced age and having studied many Men in Armes more in Gowns you now may solace your self and entertain the time with perusing of Books amongst which I humbly request this may have the favour of your Honours eye to whom on a double motive it is Dedicated First because containing the Life of that PRINCE who for His Piety may be exemplary to all persons of quality Secondly because it was He who conferred the highest still remaining Honour on your Family advancing it formerly very
with the Church of St. Mary le Strand were pluckt down to make room for it The stones and timber were fetcht from the Hospitall of S. Johns This Somerset house is so tenacious of his name that it would not change a Dutchie for a Kingdome when solemnly proclaimed by King James Denmarke-house from the King of Denmarke's lodging therein and His Sister Queen Anne her repairing thereof Surely it argueth that this Duke was wel belov'd Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 6. because his name made such an indelible impression on this his house whereof he was not full five years peaceably possessed Ann. Dom. 1552. 47. We lately made mention of Barnaby Fitz-Patrick The Kings Instructions to Fitz-Patrick for his behaviour in France to whom the King directed His Letter as who was bred and brought up with Him from His infancy though somewhat the older He was Prince Edward's PROXIE for CORRECTION though we may presume seldome suffering in that kinde such the Princes generall innocence and ingenuity to learn His book Yet when such execution was done as Fitz-Patrick was beaten for the Prince the Prince was beaten in Fitz-Patrick so great an affection did He bare to His Servant Towards the end of His Reign He maintained him in the Court of France both to learn fashions there and send intelligence thence And it will not be amisse to insert the King's private Instructions unto him how he should behave himself in the French Court partly for the rarity partly for the certainty thereof having it transcribed out of the Originall of the King 's own hand as followeth 1. First he shall goe in the Lord Admirals Company and at the same Lords departing he shall have a Letter to the French King which the Lord Admirall shall deliver and present him to the French King and if it shall chance that the French King will give him any Pension entertainment or reward at his being there for the time he tarrieth there he shall receive it and thank His Majesty for it and shall serve when he shall be appointed Neverthelesse when he is out of the Court he shall be most conversant with Mr. Pickering * Afterwards Knighted and supposed suâ—â—er to Qâ—liz 2. And at his setting forth shall carry with him four Servants and if the wages amount to any great summe more than I give him that the French King giveth him to live there after that proportion advertising Me of the same 3. Also all this Winter he shall study the Tongue and see the manner of the Court and advertise Me of the occurrences he shall hear and if he be desirous to see any place Notable or Town he may goe thither asking leave of the King And shall behave himself honestly more following the company of Gentlemen than pressing into the company of the Ladies there and his chief pastime shall be Hunting and Riding 4. Also his Apparell he shall wear it so fine as shall be comely and not much superfluous And the next Sommer when either the King goeth or sendeth any man of name into the Warres to be His Lieutenant or to lead an Army he shall desire to goe thither and either himself or else shall will Mr. Pickering to declare to the French King how he thinketh not himself to have fully satisfied nor recompensed neither His Majesties good entertainment nor Mine expectation who had sent him over if he should return having so delicately and idlely almost spent the time without he did at this time of service be desirous to goe himself into the Warres by the which thing he might at this time doe His Majesty service and also learn to doe Me service hereafter yea and His Majesty to if the case so required And therefore seeing this Nobleman shall now goe that his request is to have leave to goe with him 5. Having said this to the French King he shall depart into the Warres waiting on this Nobleman that shall be sent and there he shall mark the divers fortifications of places and advantages that the enemy may take and the ordering and conduct of the Armies As also the fashion of the skirmishes battles and assaults and the plats of the chief Towns where any enterprises of weight have been done he shall cause to be set out in black and white or otherwise as he may and shall send them hither to Me with advertisement of such things as have passed 6. Furthermore he shall at all times when he taketh money advertise Me of it and I shall send him And so the next year being well spent upon further advertisement and taking leave of the French King he shall return 7. And if there arise or grow any doubt in any matter hereafter in the which be shall need advise he shall advertise by the Post and shall have Anser thereof This Barnaby Fitz-Patrick after his return out of France was created by the King Baron of upper Ossery in Ireland and died a most excellent Protestant as hereafter we shall shew in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 48. On the 15 th of April Little Church-work in this Parliament the Parliament ended which had sate three Moneths at Westminster April 15. though therein nothing of Church-matters determined save a Penalty imposed on such who should strike or draw weapon in Church or Church-yard with the abolishing of the generall Holy daies of S. Mary Magdalen and S. Geroge yet so that it should be lawfull for the latter to be solemnly celebrated by the Knights of the Right honourable Order of the Garter The Orders of which Order were about this time reformed and purged from some antient superstitions An ill presage 49. Six k Bishop Godwins Annals in this year Dolphins were taken in the Thames three neer Quinborough and three above Greenwich where the Thames is scarce tainted with brackishnesse in so much that many grave men dispensed with their wisdome and beheld them with wonder as not seen before on our shores A fish much loving man and musick swifter than all other fishes and birds too yea than the Swallow it self if Pliny l Nat. Hist l. 9. cap. 8. say true though all their celerity besteaded them not here to escape the nets of the fisher-men Their coming up so farre was beheld by Mariners as a presage of fowl weather at Sea but by States-men as a prodigious omen of some tempestuous mutations in our Land And particularly they suspected the Kings death though for the present He was very pleasant and merry in His progresse about the Countrey Aug. 22. as by his ensuing Letter to His former favourite written in the next August doth appear EDWARD THE cause why we have not hitherto written unto you have partly been the lack of a convenient Messenger partly because we meant to have some thing worthy writing ere VVe would write any thing And therefore being now almost in the midst of Our journey which VVe have undertaken this Sommer VVe have thought
were some earnest determination against them and at length they were brought before the King Himself there being present all the whole Council And the King demanded of them why they had not made His Book according to His commandment and refused that to doe with sharp words and angry countenance and the said Sr. Edward opened unto His Highnesse the cause why they did it not and he and other had before declared and opened to the Councill that if the writings were made they were of no effect nor force but utterly void when the King should decease and the Statute of Succession not impaired nor hurted for these will not be taken away but by the same authority they were made and that was by Parliament To that said the King we minde to have a Parliament shortly not telling when which was the first time that the said Sr. Edward heard of any Parliament to be 〈◊〉 Whereunto he said if His pleasure were so all might be deferred to the Parliament and all dangers and perils saved Whereunto the King said he would have this done and after ratifie it by Parliament And after commanded them very sharply upon their allegiance to make it and there were divers of the Lords that stood behind the said Sr. Edward said and if they refused to do that they were traitours And the said Sr. Edward was in great fear as ever he was in all his life before seeing the King so earnest and sharpe and the said Duke so angry the day before who ruled the whole Councill as it pleased him and were all affraid of him the more is the pitty so that such cowardnesse and feare was there never seen amongst honourable men as it hath appeared The said Sr. Edward being an old weak man and without comfort began to consider with himself what was best to be done for the safeguard of his life which was like to chance in that fury and great anger presently And remembring that the making of the said writing was not presently treason by the Statute of Anno primo because this word Successour would take no place while the King was living and determined with himself not to meddle nor execute any thing concerning the same after the death of the King which he hath truly kept hereunto And also remembring that the Queens Highnesse that now is should come by Act of Succession as a purchaser by the law might not lawfully punish treason or contempt committed in the Kings life he said unto the King that he had served His most noble Father many yeers and also His Highnesse during His time Anno Dom. 1553 and loth he would be to disobey His commandment Anno Regin Mar. 1. for his own part he would obey it so that His Highnesse would grant to them His commandment license and commission under His great Seal for the doing making and executing of all things concerning the same and when the things were done that they might have a general pardon All which Commission and pardon was as much as the said Sr. Edward could invent to help this danger over and besides the things above remembred which Commission and pardon the King granted them saying it was but reason that they should have them both and the Commission is passed the Great Seal and the Pardon was signed and as far as he knew sealed All the said matters considered the said Sr. Edward said for his part he would obey the Kings commandment and so did M. Bromley say the same and the King said to Sr. John Baker what say you you said never a word today who as I take it agreed to the same Mr. Gosnold required a respite for he was not yet perswaded to do the thing required How the said Duke and the Earl of Shrewsburie handled him he can tell best himself And after upon the said Sr. Edwards motion the King gave him licence to be advised untill upon the morrow who of himself being in great fear was content to obey the Kings commandment and so the doers and makers of the said Book with sorrowfull hearts and with weeping eyes in great fear and dread devised the said Book according to such Articles as were signed with the Kings proper hand above and beneath and on every side And their said Commission with Articles so signed with the Kings hand and the Book drawn in paper were conveyed from the Court to the Lord Chancelors to be ingrossed in parchment and to passe the great Seal which was done accordingly And on the morrow next after the last Terme ended the said Sr. Edward and all the Judges were sent for he puts his hand to the Book in parchment sealed with the Great Seal and so did many others The said Book of Articles so signed remaineth with the Lord Chancellour Bishop of Eely but who conveyed the said Paper Book into the Chancery or who wrot them or who set their hands to the same Book the said Sr. Edward till he see them he cannot tell but he will not denie but he was privie to the making of them as he hath before said and that he came to the knowledge of the matter by the Articles unsigned and by the Articles signed with the Kings hand and both delivered unto him by the Kings own hands Who put the King in minde to make the said Articles or whowrote them or any of them or by whose procurement or counsell they were made or by what means he and others were called unto this matter he knoweth not but he thinks in his conscience the King never invented this matter of Himself out by some wonderfull false compasse he prayeth God the truth may be known as he doubts not it will be And further he and all his company as well before the King as before the Lords at all times said that their writings before they were made and after they were made were of no value force nor effect to any intent constitution or purpose after the Kings death and there is no remedy to help this but by Parliament And that after the said Thursday being the morrow after the Terme last past that he by any writing printing overt deed or act never did any thing sithence the same day in the Kings life ne sithence the death of the King for he determined with himself to be no executour of the said devise whatsoever should chance of it nor ever medled with the Councill in any thing nor came amongst them untill the Queens Grace that now is was proclaimed Queen in London nor never executed Commission Proclamation or other commandment from the Ladie Jane nor Her Councill but commanded my son to serve the Queens Grace that now is and to go to Sr. Thomas Tresham and Buckingham-shire-men that went to her Grace to defend Her which he so did to my no little cost The case thus stated these notes follow written with the same hand Now that it is to be considered the great fear the said Sr. Edward was
credit is to be given to their conceit who ascribe the following tranquillity of this Diocess to Bishop Watson Whites successour therein because he was a man so buried in the speculations of School-Divinity that it unactiv'd him to be practical in persecution I say again both these reasons amount not to any partiall cause of the peace of this Diocess For we know full well that after the coming in of Queen Elizabeth this White and this Watson discovered keenness and fiercenesse of spirit against Her more then any other Bishops in so much that they threatned Her with an excommunication I conceive the true cause was this Lincolne Diocess in the Reign of Henry the eighth had borne the heat of the day when Buckingham-shire alone as we have formerly a Lib. 4. Cent. 16. Parag. 2. observed afforded more Martyrs then all England beside God therefore thought it fit that other Diocesses should now take their turnes that this of Lincolne harraged out before should now lie fallow whilest other Countries like rest-ground should suffer persecution whereon indeed the plowers plowed and made long furrows 17. The Diocesses of Oxford Quiet in foure Diocesses Glocester Hereford and Worcester under their respective Bishops Robert Kinge James Brook Robert Parfew and Richard Pates enjoyed much quiet It being true of them what is said of Judea Galilee and Samaria after the conversion of b Acts. 9. 31. Paul Then hid the Churches rest throughout all those places This principally flowed from Gods gracious goodnesse who would not have all places at once equally embroyled It is not fit that all the rooms in the house should onely be chimney furnace or oven but that it should also afford some other places for quiet repose And yet I wonder much that we finde no fire and very little smoke in Glocester-shire seeing Brook the Bishop thereof is c Isaaâ—sons Chronologie of Bishops pag 477. charactered to be A great Persecutor of Protestants Indeed his fury spent it self most abroad who either being or accounting himself a great Scholar stickled much at Oxford against Arch-Bishop Cranmer pretending himself to be a Commissioner immediately Delegate from the Pope and venting his malice against that good Prelate in two Orations onely remarkable for their length and bitterness 18. Ralph Baynes was Bishop of Coventrie In the Diocess of 〈…〉 and Lichfield late Professour of Hebrew in Paris who also a 〈…〉 pag 759. wrote a Comment on the Proverbs and dedicated it to Francis the first King of France Sure I am he forgat a passage of Solomons therein Prov. 14. 21. But he that hath mercy on the poor happy is â—e This Baines proving a blodie persecutour of Gods poor servants in his Jurisdiction The gentile birth and breeding of Mrs. Joyce Lewes was not too high for him to reach at and the poor condition of Joan Wast a blinde woman in Darbie was not too low for him to stoop to condemning them both to death In the Diocess of Yorke with many other faithfull witnesses of the truth 19. The Arch-Bishoprick of Yorke enjoyed much peace and tranquillity under D r. Nicolas Heath a meek and conscientious man It is enough to intimate his moderate temper equal and disingaged from violent extremities that Primo Elizabethae in the Disputation between the Papists and Protestants he was chosen by the Privie Councel one of the Moderatours And as he shewed mercy in prosperity he found it in adversity in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth though depos'd from his dignity repos'd in a peacable quietnesse So that his impotent age might rather seem seasonably eased of troublesome greatnesse than abridged of any requisites for his comfortable supportation 20. D r. Cotes was Bishop of Chester In the Diocess of Chester who washed his hands in the blood of M r. George March burnt at Chester At whose execution I understand not the addition of a pitch'd barrell placed above his head certainly to enflame the flame but whether out of kindnesse to hasten his death or cruelty to encrease his pain I dare not decide Sure I am Cotes died soon after and Cuthberi Scot succeeded in his Bishoprick one very busie about the burning of Buâ—â—rs body in Cambridge but otherwise I finde no persecution raised by him in his own Diocess 21. The Bishoprick of Durham had Halcyon dayes of ease Peace in the Bishoprick of Durham and quiet under God and good Cuthbert Tonstall the Bishop thereof A learned man of a sweet disposition rather devout to follow his own than cruel to persecute the conscience of others Indeed he being present in London at the examination of divers Martyrs would sometimes flie out in base and unbeseeming language as when he called Bishop Hooper beast for being married yet his passion herein may the rather be pardoned because politickly presumed to barke the more that he might bite the lesse as appeared by his courteous carriage in his own Diocess For I meet with the marginal note in b Volum 3. pag. 9581. M r. Fox which indeed justly deserved even in the fairest letters to be inserted in the body of his book Note that Bishop Tonstall in Queen Maries time was no great bloody persecutor For M r. Russel a Preacher was before him and D r. Himner his Chancellour would have had him examined more particularly The Bishop slayed him saying Hitherto we have had a good report among our neighbours I pray you bring not this mans blood upon my head But more of this Cuthbert Tonstall hereafter And of Carlile 22. The Diocess also of Carlile was not molested with any great troubles under Owen Oglethorp the Bishop thereof one qualified with a moderate temper It argueth no lesse because afterward he crowned Queen Elizabeth an office which all other Bishops then stiffly denied to performe But to speak plain English though the peaceableness of these northerne Bishopricks procceded partly from the mildeness of those that sate in the Episcopal chairs thereof yet it must be remembred that even want of matter for persecution to work on conduced much to the peace of those places The beams of the Gospel being neither so bright nor so hot in these parts where ignorance and superstition generally prevailed 23. The same may be said of all Wales The singulaâ—rity of the B. of Landaffe where casting over our eye we discover no considerable persecution under the Bishops of Asaph and Bangor But as for the Bishop of Landaffe his proceedings against good Raulins White whom he caused to be burnt at Cardiffe was remarkable as standing alone without precedent For He caused his Chaplain to say a mass the first I beleeve that found out and last that used that way for the conversion of the said Rawlins though the same proved ineffectuall 24. But D r. Morgan The cruelty of the B. of Bangor Bishop of S t. Davids is paramount for his cruelty passing the sentence of condemnation on Robert
forged leases are countenanced under the pretence of this passing the same 22. As for the number of Recusants which forsook the land at this time A list of persons deprived the prime of them were Henry Lord Morley S r. Francis Inglefield Thomas Shelly and John Gage Esqrs As for the Nuns of Sion and other Votaries wasted over we have formerly treated of them in our History of Abbies Nor were there moe then eighty Rectours of Churches fifty Prebendaries fifteen Masters of Colledges twelve Arch-Deacons twelve Deans with six Abbots and Abbesses deprived at this time of their places thoroughout all England 23. Now the Queen and Her Councell Matthew Parker designed Arch-Bishop his due commendation accounted it high time to supply the Church of Canterbury which hitherto had stood * Counted from Pooles death to Parkers consecration Vacant a yeer Anno Dom. 1559. and three weeks with an Arch-Bishop Anno Regin Eliza. 2. D r. Matthew Parker is appointed for the place borne in Norwich bred in Cambridge Master of Benefactour to Bennet-Colledge there Chaplain to Queen Anne Bollen a relation which next his own merits befriended him with Queen Elizabeth for such high and suddain advancement then to King Henry the eighth Deane of the Colledge of Stoke juxta Clare a learned and religious Divine He confuted that character which one gives of Antiquaries that generally they are either superstitious or supercilious his skill in antiquity being attended with soundnesse of doctrine and humility of manners His Book called Antiquitates Britanicae hath indebted all posterity to his pen. Which work our great a Mr Selden of Tithes cap. 9. pag. 256. Critick cites as written by M r. Joscelin one much employed in the making thereof But we will not set the memories of the Patrone and Chaplaine at variance who loved so well in their lives time nor needeth any Writ of partition to be sued out betwixt them about the authorship of this book though probably one brought the matter the other composure thereof 24. The Queen had formerly sent order to D r. Wotton The Queen Her letter for his consecration Dean of Canterbury an exquisite Civilian July 18. Aug. 1. and therefore one who may be presumed critical in such performances and to the Chapter there to choose Matthew Parker their Arch-Bishop which within fourteen dayes after was by them accordingly performed This done She directeth Her Letters-Patents in manner and forme following Elizabetha b Registrum Parker 1. Iom 1 fol. 3. Dei Gratia c. Reverendis in Christo Patribus Antonio Landavensi Episcopo Will Barlow quondam Bath Well Ep. nunc Cicestrensi electo Joh Scory quondam Cicestrensi Episcopo nunc electo Heâ—esor Miloni Coverdalio quondam Exoniensi Episcopo Johanni Surffaganeo Bedford Johanni Suffraganeo Thetford Johanni Bale Osserensi Episcopo Quatenus vos aut ad minus quatuor vestrûm eundem Matthaeum Parkerum in Archiepiscopum Pastorem Ecclesiae Cathedralis Metropoliticae Christi Cantuariensis praedictae sicut praefertur electum electionemque praedictum confirmare eundem Magistrum Matthaeum Parkerum in Archiepiscopum Pastorem Ecclesiae praedictae consecrare caeteraque omnia singula peragere quae vestro in hac parte editorum provisorum velitis cum effectu c. Dat sexto Decembris Anno secundo Elizabethae But the old Bishop of Landaffe appeared not at the Consecration Dece 6. terrified say the Papists by Bonners threats so as to absent himself which others do not believe For he that feared not the Lion out of the grate would he be frighted with the Lion within the grate If Bonner when at liberty could not deterr him from taking the oath of Supremacy improbable it is that when now detain'd prisoner in the Tower he could disswade him from his obedience to his Soveraigne More likely it is that his absence as also Bishop Bale's and the Suffragans of Thetford was occasioned by their indisposition of body and infirmity of old age 25. But the other four Bishops appeared The manner thereof William Barlow John Scory Miles Coverdal and John Hodgskins by whom Matthew Parker was solemnly consecrated in manner and forme following The East part of the Chappel of c Regist Parker Tom 1. fol. 9. Lambeth was hung with tapestry the floore spred with red cloth chairs and cushions are conveniently placed for the purpose morning prayer being solemnly read by Andrew Peerson the Arch-Bishops Chaplaine Bishop Scory went up into the d Ibid. fol. 10. pulpit and took for his text The e 1 Pet. 5. 1. Elders which are among you I exhort who also am an Elder and a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ c. Sermon ended and the Sacrament administred they proceed to the Consecration the Arch-Bishop had his Rochet on with Hereford and the Suffragan of Bedford Chichester wore a silke cope and Coverdal a plain cloth-gown down to his ancles All things are done conâ—ormable to the book of Ordination Letanie sung the Queens Patent for Parkers consecration audibly read by D r. Vale Dece 17. he is presented the oath of Supremacy tendred to him taken by him hands reverendly imposed on him and all with prayers begun continued concluded In a word though here was no Theatrical pompe to make it a Popish pageant though no sandals gloves ring staffe oyle pall c. were used upon him yet there was ceremony enough to cloth his consecration with decency though not to clog it with superstition 26. This his consecration is avowed most legal The legality of his consecration both according to Canon and Common Law In the latter it was ordered by King Henry a Anno Regin 25. the eighth that an Arch-Bishops should not be consecrated but by an Archbishop and two Bishops or by four Bishops in case an Arch-Bishop was wanting as here it was performed Object not that one of these foure was but a Suffragan seeing such by the b 26. of Henry 8 cap. 14. laws of the land though not able to vote as Barons in Parliament had Episcopal power to all purposes and intents Neither cavill that Coverdale henceforward led a private life being always a Bishop quoad characterem and for the present quoad jâ—es â—itulum Exeter his former Bishoprick being actually void by the deprivation of Turbervile though refusing to be so quoad possessionem As for the canonical part of his consecration six of the most eminent Doctours of that faculty England then afforded gave it under their hands that the same was exactly observed 27. Yet notwithstanding all circumstances so solemnly performed The impudent lie of the Naggs-head some impudent Papists have raised a lie that Matthew Parker was consecrated Ad caput manni At the Naggs-head a tavern in Cheapside Indeed they shew a place therein just against the barr so anciently arched that an active phansie which can make any thing of
Anthony his fire that it is mortall if it come once to clip and encompasse the whole body So had the North-East Rebels in Norfolke met and united with the South-East Rebels in Devonshire in humane apprehension desperate the consequence of that conjuncture 61. The second forme of Homilies As also those in Q Eliz. are those composed in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth amounting to one and twenty concluding with one against Rebellion For though formerly there had been one in King Edwards dayes for obedience yet this was conceived no superfluous tautologie but a necessary gemination of a duty in that seditious age wherein dull schollers needed to have the same lesson often taught unto them 62. They are penned in a plain stile The use of Homilies accommodated to the capacities of the Hearers being loth to say of the Readers the Ministers also being very simple in that age Yet if they did little good in this respect they did no harme that they preached not strange Doctrines to their people as too many vent new darknesses in our dayes For they had no power to broach Opinions who were only employed to deliver that liquor to them which they had received from the hands of others better skilled in Religion then themselves 63. However some behold these Homilies Their authenticall necessity questioned as not sufficiently legitimated by this Article to be for their Doctrine the undoubted issue of the Church of England alledging them composed by private men of unknown names who may probably be presumed at the best but the Chaplains of the Arch-Bishops under whom they were made Hence is it that some have tearmed them Homely Homilies others a popular * Mr. Mountuga in his appello Caesarem discourse or a Doctrine usefull for those times wherein they were set forth I confesse what is necessary in one age may be less needfull in another but what in one age is godly and wholsome Doctrine characters of commendation given by the aforesaid Article to the Homilies cannot in another age be ungodly and unhealthfull as if our faith did follow fashions and truth alter with the times * 2 Sam. 17. like Aâ—hitophell his Counsell though good in it self yet not at some seasons But some are concerned to decry their credits as much contrary to their judgement more to their practise especially seeing the second Homily in the second book stands with a spunge in one hand to wipe out all pictures and a hammer in the other to beat down all Images of God and Saints erected in Churches And therefore such use these Homilies as an upper garment girting them close unto or casting them from them at pleasure allowing and alledging them when consenting denying and disclaiming them when opposite to their practise or opinions 64. The Religion in England being setled according to these Articles which soon after were published Rastall writes against Bp. Jewel the first Papist that fell foule upon them was William Râ—stall Nephew to S r. Thomas More by Elizabeth his Sister and a great Lawyer Yet we beleeve not him * Pitzaeus de Ang. Scriptor pag. 764. that telleth us he was one of the two Chief justices as knowing the * See Sr. Henry Spelmâ—n his glâ—â—sary in Indic contrary However he was very knowing in our common law Witnesse his collections of statutes and comments thereon with other works in that faculty But this veteranus Jurisconsutus was vix Tyro Theologus shewing rather zeal to the cause then ability to defend it in those Books which he set forth against BP Jewell 65. No eminent English Protestant died this yeer The death of Dr. Smith but great grief among the Romanists for the loss of D r. Richard Smith Kings professour of Divinity in Oxford till outed by Peter Martyr Whereupon he forsook the land returned in the Raign of Queen Mary went back after her death into the Low-Countries where he was made Dean of S t. Peters in Doway and appointed by King Philip the second first Divinity professor in that new erectd Vniversity His * Pitzaeus de Ang. Script pag. 761. party much complain that his strong parts were disadvantaged with so weak sides and low voice Amo Regin Lliza 5. though indeed too loud his railing against the truth as appears by his Books 66. The English Bishops conceiving themselves impowered by their Canons The Original of Puritans began to shew their authority in urging the Clergy of their Diocess to subscribe to the Liturgie Ceremonies and Discipline of the Church and such as refused the same were branded with the odious name of Puritanes 67. A name which in this notion first began in this yeer The Homonymie of the tearm 1564 6. and the grief had not been great if it had ended in the same The Philosopher banisheth the term which is polysaemon that is subject to several senses out of the Predicaments as affording too much Covert for cavill by the latitude thereof On the same account could I wish that the word Puritan were banished common discourse because so various in the acceptions thereof We need not speak of the ancient Cathari or Primitive Puritans sufficiently known by their Hereticall opinions Puritan here was taken for the Opposers of the Hierarchie and Church-service as resenting of Superstition But prophane mouths quickly improved this Nick-name therewith on every occasion to abuse pious people some of them so far from opposing the Liturgie that they endeavoured according to the instructions thereof in the preparative to the Confession to accompany the Minister with a PURE heart and laboured as it is in the Absolution for a life PURE and holy We will therefore decline the word to prevent exceptions which if casually slipping from our pen the Reader knoweth that only Non-conformists are thereby intended 68. These in this age were divided into two ranks Mr. Fox a moderate Nonconformist Some milde and moderate contented only to enjoy their own conscience Others fierce and fiery to the disturbance of Church and State Amongst the former I recount the Principall Father John Fox for so Queeu Elizabeth termed him summoned as I take it by Arch-Bishop Parker to subscribe that the generall reputation of his piety might give the greater countenance to Conformity The old man produced the new-Testament in Greek to this saith he will I subscribe But when a subscription to the Canons was required of him he refused it saying I have nothing in the Church save a Prebenâ— a Salisbuâ—y and much good may it do you if you will take it away from me However such respect did the Bishops most formerly his Fellow-Exiles bear to his age parts and pains that he continued his place till the day of his death who though no friend to the Ceremonies was otherwise so devout in his carriage that as his nearest relation surviving hath informed me he never entred any Church without expressing solemn reverence therein 69.
But what if Worcester were also the better Bishoprick and so the warmer seat for his old age 29. William Bradbridge bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford Bishop of Exeter was snatcht away with a sudden death And in the same year Edmond Guest BP of Salisbury bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge who wrote many books reckoned up by J. Bale bought and bestowed more on the library of Salisbury Anno Regin Eliza. 21. Anno Dom. 1578. the case whereof Bp. Cheyney a great Lu heran wrongfully accused to die a Papist was built by BP Jewell 30. Richard Cheyney Bishop of Bristol holding Glocester therewith in dispensation bred in Cambridge of whom M r. * Camd. in his Eliz. 1559. Camden giveth this character that he was Luthero addictissimus Most addicted to Luther Bishop * In his Catalogue of the Bishops of Glocester Godwin saith Jun. 27. Feb. 28. Luthero addictior fortasse quà m par erat Perchance more addicted to Luther then was meet Adding moreover that in the first convocation in the reign of Queen Mary he so earnestly opposed Popery that he wonde reth how he escaped with life But I wonder more how since his death the scandalous rumour is raised that he died a Papist suspended by Arch-Bishop Grindall from his Episcopall function and this one his successour in that See will perswade others to believe 31. However the words of Mrs. Goldsborrough widdow to BP Goldsborrough of Glocester a grave Matron prevail'd with me to the contrary His vindication Who at a publick entertainment in the presence of many and amongst * All my search cannot finde out such an Instrument in any office them of my judicious friend Mr. Langley the worthy Schoolmaster of St. Pauls gave a just check to this false report and avowed that to her knowledge he died a true and sincere Protestant Eliz. 22. June 1. 1579. 32. Robert Horne succeeded Borne in the Bishoprick of Durham bred in S t. Iohns in Cambridge * Camdens Eliz. in Anno 1559. one valido faecundo ingenio saith my Author Of a spritefull and fruit full wit One who would go thorough whatsoever he undertook be it against Papists or Nonconformists and his adversaries playing with his name as denoting his nature hard and inflexible nothing moved him to abate of his resolution 33. Thomas Bentham followed him Bishop of Coventry Followed by Bp. Bentham and Leichfield bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford Feb. 21. of whose christian valour in that Colledge against superstition in Queen Maries reign we have spoken before 34. Richard Cox Bishop of Ely The death of Bishop Cox concludes this Bill of Mortality Tutor to King Edw. the 6. of whom largely before in the troubles at Frankford I am sorry so much is charged on his memory and so little can be said in his vindication and would willingly impute it not to his want of innocence but ours of intelligence It moves me much his accusation of * Said to seed his servants with poudered venison shrewdly hurt to save other meat St. I. Harring. in his additions to B. G. covetousness dilapidating or rather delignating his Bishoprick cutting down the woods thereof for which he fell into the Queens displeasure But am more offended at his taking if true the many ancient manuscripts from Oxford under the pretence of a visitation He was an excellent poet though the verses written on his own tombe are none of the best and scarce worth our translating Vita caduca vale salveto vita perennis Corpus terra tegit spiritus alta petit In terra Christi Gallus Christum resonabam Da Christe in Coelis te sine fine sonem Frail life farewell welcome life without end Earth hides my corps my soule doth heaven ascend CHRISTS COCK on earth I chanted Christ his name Grant without end in Heaven I sound the same It seems some took exceptions at the Epitaph as parcell-Popish because though supposing his possession praying for the perpetuation of his happinesse and on that account twenty years after his death it was partly demolished 35. This year also S r. Thomas Gresham ended his life Gresham Col. founded by St. T. Gresham whose Royall-Exchange in London with all the Magnificence thereof could not properly intitle him to a mention in this our Church-History Anno Dom. 1580. had he not also by his will bequeathed maintenance Anno Regin Eliza. 23. for the erecting of a Colledge in Bishops-gate-street allowing an annuall Salary of fifty pound to severall Professors in Divinity Civill Law Physick Astronomie Geometry Musick and Rhetorick It is therefore no mistake in * In his Atlas pag 66. Mercator when counting three Universities in England Cambridge Oxford and London seeing the last may be so esteemed both in relation to the Inns-of-Court and this Colledge 36. The Family of love The obscure Original of the Familists began now to grow so numerous factious and dangerous that the Privy Councell thought fit to endeavour their suppression Being now to deduce the Originall of this Sect we desire that the Clock of Time on the margin of our Book may stand still intending not to discompose the method of years therein though we go backward for awhile in our History to fetch in the beginning of these Familists Most obscure was their Originall according to the Apostles a Jude 4. words There are certain men crept in unawaâ—es Crept in shewing the slownesse of their pace and the lownesse of their posture The later proceeding partly from their Guiltiness not daring to go upright to justifie avouch and maintain their doctrine partly out of Policy to worke themselves in the b Isa 30. 6. more invisibly But these Creepers at first turn'd Plyers afterwarde flying Serpents no contradiction so that the State accounted it necessary to cut down their arrogancy and increase whose beginning with the means thereof we come now to relate 37. One Henry Nicholas born in Amsterdam Hen. Nicholas their first founder first vented this doctrine about the year 1550. in his own country He was one who wanted learning in himself and hated it in others and yet was conceived which at first procured pitty unto him though of wilde and confused notions with absurd and improper expressions yet of honest and harmless intentions Men thought him unable both to manage his Apprehensions whole as to make sense of them and too weak by distinctions to parcel and divide them wanting Logick for that purpose and yet they charitably conceived his minde might be better then his mouth and that he did mean better then he could interpret his own meaning For meeting with many c John 17. 21 22 23. c. places in Scripture which speak the union and communion of Christians with Christ Christ with God how quickly are mysteries made blasphemies when unskilfull hands meddle with them he made of them a most carnall-spirituall
to return into his native Land and died quietly neere the City of London 6. The second The death of Nicholas Harpsfield Nicholas Harpsfield bred first in Winchester School then New Colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Doctor of Law and afterward became Arch-Deacon of Canterbury Under King Edward the 6 th he banished himself under Queen Mary he returned and was advanced And under Queen Elizabeth imprisoned for denying Her Supremacy Yet such was his milde usage in restraint that he had the opportunity to write much therein and amongst the rest his Ecclesiastical History no less learnedly then painfully peformed and abating his Partiality to his own Interest well deserving of all posterity He wrote also six dialogues in favour of his Religion but because in durance he durst not set it forth in his own but under the Name of Alan Cope Yet lest truth should be conceal'd and friend defraud friend of his due praise he caused these Capitall Letters to be ingraved at the end of his Book A. H. L. N. H. E. V. E. A. C. Hereby mystically meaning Auctor Hujus Libri Nicholaus Harpesfeldus Edidit Verò Eum Aalnus Copus He died this year at London in prison after 20. years restraint leaving behind him the general reputation of a Religious man 7. The third The death of Gregory Martin Gregory Martin born at Macfield in Sussex bred with Campian in St. Iohns Colledge in Oxford Tutor to Philip Earl of Arundel eldest son to Thomas Duke of Norfolke Afterwards he went over beyond Sea and became Divinity Professor in the Colledge of Rhemes died there October 28. and is buried with a large Epitaph under a plain monument 8. I shall now withdraw my self Letter History best History or at leastwise stand by a silent spectator whilst I make room for far my betters to come forth and speak in the present controversie of Church Government Call it not Cowardize but count it Caution in me if desirous in this difference to lie at a close-guard and offer as little as may be on either side Whilst the Reader shall behold the Masters of Defence on both sides engaged therein in these following letters of State Baronius the great Roman Annalist was wont to say Epistolaris Historia est optima Historia that is the best History which is collected out of Letters How much of the Acts of the Apostles especially for the regulation of time is contained in the Epistles of S t. Paul Of the Primitive History the most Authenticall part is what is gathered out of the letters of the Fathers and in like manner the true estate of Ecclesiasticall affairs in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth may be extracted out of the following despatches and their returns exhibiting the inclinations of their Authors in pure Naturalls without any adulterated addition and therefore the surest for others instruction and safest for my own protection 9. But one thing I must clear in our entrance thereon Objection against Letter want of Date answered in excuse that these Letters are Dateless as to the day and moneth a great omission which I have seen in many Originalls whose Authors so minded the matter that they neglected the time the present dispatching of them being date enough to their purpose though now the want thereof leaves Posterity at a loss A Blew Coat without a Badge is but a white Coat in effect as nothing informing the Beholder to what Lord the Bearer thereof doth relate And as little instructive will some say are these Letters as to the point of Chronologie But be it known that no Readers stomack can be so sharp set on Criticalness of Chronologie Anno. Dom. 1583. but that being fed with the certainty of the year He will not be famisht with the uncertainty of the moneth or day Anno Regin Eliza. 26. Indeed as such whose names are casually omitted in the Register may recover the truth of their age by a Comparative Computation of their years who were born about the same time so by the mixture and comparing of these dateless Letters with those having date of secular affairs I could Competently have collected and inserted the time save that I loath to obtrude any thing conjecturall on the readers belief But we must begin with the ensuing Petition as the ground-work of all the rest The Ministers of Kent to the Privie Councel MAy it please your Honours of your great and wonted favour towards the distressed The petition of the Kentish Ministers to consider these following Whereas we have been called to subscribe in the County of Kent to certain Articles propounded by my Lords Grace of Canterbury unto the Ministers and Preachers The first concerning Her Majesties authority The second concerning no contrariety to the word of God in the Book of Common-Prayer and administration of the Sacraments the book of ordering Bishops Priests and Deacons And the third that we beleeve all things in the book of the Articles of Religion to be agreeable to the word of God Whereupon all have most willingly offered to subscribe unto the other two And being pronounced in the open Court Contumaces reservata poenâ and so refer'd to answer at Law the 11 and 13 of February Which we feared would be prosecuted with much trouble and no resolution to our consciences we amongst the rest repaired with that carefull avoiding that we could of offence to his Lordships Grace to whom when we had the first day made known some of our doubts concerning the first book only many moe in number and as great in weight concerning the first and second and some concerning the third remaining beside we have upon our refusall and record taken by publick notary of one point only from every particular refuser which moved him thereunto and one place of Scripture adjoyned without collection or the reason of the same been suspended from our Ministery by which occasion as we fear that that account which hath been made of the consequence of our cause both in publick sermons and pronouncing of sentence against us namely that in denying to subscribe to the two aforesaid Articles we separated our selves from the Church and condemned the right service of God in prayer and administration of the Sacraments in the Church of England and the Ministry of the same and disobeyed Her Majesties Authority hath been intimated to your Honours So we think it our bound duties most humbly on our knees to beseech your Honours to know and make manifest in our behalf to Her Majesty that which we before the Lord in simplicity protest we in all reverence judge of the authority which is established and the persons which were Authors of those books that they did not only speak but also did highly to the glory of God promote the true Religion of God and the Glorious Gospell of Jesus Christ and that we so esteem of those books and there is nothing in them to cause us to separate our selves
from the unity of the Church which in the execution of our ministry in participation of the publick prayers and Sacraments we have in our own example testified and by publick doctrine maintained And that the ministery of the word preached and publick administration of the Sacraments exercised in this land according to Authority is as touching the substance of it Lawfull and greatly blessed of God And lastly that we have and always will shew our selves obedient to Her Majesties authority in all causes Ecclesiasticall and civil to whomsoever it be committed and therefore that as poor but most faithfull subjects to Her Majesty and Ministers of Jesus Christ the great cause we have in hand and which consequently as we under your Honours correction judge the necessary reformation of many things in the Church according unto Gods word may have that sufficient hearing as all causes of our refusall to subscribe may be known and equally out of Gods word judged of and the lamentable estate of the Churches to which we appertain with the hard condition of us may in that manner that your Honours most excellent wisdom shall finde expedient in the pitty of Jesus Christ for the mean time be relieved the Lord Almighty vouchsafe for Jesus Christ his sake long to continue and bless your Honours wisdom and Councell to the great glory of God and the happy government of Her Majestie and flourishing estate of this Church of England Your Honours daily and faithfull Orators the Ministers of Kent which are suspended from the execution of their Ministery The Lords of the Councell sent this Petition with another Bill of complaint exhibited unto them against Edmond Freak Bishop of Norwich unto the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury What his answer was thereunto the reader may informe himself out of the following letter To the Lords of the Councell Most Honorable UPon Sunday last in the afternoon The Arch-Bishops letter in answer thereof M r. real brought unto me in your Lordships names two supplications or Bills of complaint exhibited unto your Lordships The one by certain Ministers of Suff. against their Diocesan there The other by some of Kent against my self with this further message that it was your desires I should come to the Court on Sunday next It may please your good Lordships to be advertised that it seemeth something strange to me that the Ministers of Suffolk finding themselves aggrieved with the doings of their Diocesan should leave the ordinary course of proceeding by Law which is to appeal unto me and extraordinarily trouble your Lordships in a matter not so incident as I think to that most honourable Board seeing it hath pleased Her Majesty Her own self in express words to commit these causes Ecclesiasticall to me as to one who is to make answer to God to her Majesty in this behalf my office also and place requiring the same In answer of the complaint of the Suffolk men of their Ordinaries proceeding against them I have herewith sent to your Lordships a Copie of a letter which I lately received from his Lordship wherein I think that part of their Bill to be fully answered and his doings to have been orderly and charitable Touching the rest of their Bill I know not what to judge of it neither yet of what spirit it cometh but in some points it talketh as I think modestly and charitably They say they are no Jesuits sent from Rome to reconcile c. True it is neither are they charged to be so but notwithstanding they are contentious in the Church of England and by their contentions minister occasion of offence to those which are seduced by Jesuits and give the arguments against the forme of publick prayer used in this Church and by law established and thereby encrease the number of them and confirm them in their wilfullnesse They also make a Schism in the Church and draw many other of her Majesties subjects to a misliking of her Laws and Government in causes Ecclesiasticall so far are they from perswading them to obedience or at least if they perswade them to it in the one part of her authority it is in causes civill they desswade them from it as much in the other that is in causes Ecclesiasticall so that indeed they pluck down with the one hand that which they seem to build with the other they say that they have faithfully traveled in perswading to obedience c. and have therein prevailed c. It is but their own testimony I think it were hard for them to shew whom they converted from Papistry to the Gospell But what stirrs and discentions they have made amongst those which professed the Gospel before they were taught by them I think it to be apparent It is notorious that in King Edwards time and in the beginning of her Majesties Reign for the space of divers years When this self same book of publick prayers was uniformally used c. by all learned Preachers maintained and impugned by none the Gospell mightily prevailed took great increase and very few were known to refuse to communicate with us in prayer and participation of the Sacraments But since this Schism and division the contrary effect hath fallen out and how can it otherwise be seeing we our selves condemn that publick form and order of prayer and administration of the Sacraments as in divers points contrary to the word of God from which as in like manner condemning the same the Papists do absent themselves In the later part of their Bill conteining the reasons why they cannot submit themselves to observe the form prescribed by the book in all points I wonder either at their ignorance or audacity They say that the Learned writers of our time have shewed their mislikings of some of our Ceremonies The most learned writers in our times have not so done but rather reproved the mislikers those few that have given contrary judgement therein have done more rashly then learnedly presuming to give their Censures of such a Church as this is not understanding the fruits of the cause Nor alledging any reason worth the hearing especially one little Colledge in either of our Universities containing in it more learned men then in their Cities But if the authority of men so greatly move them why make they so small account of those most excellent and learned Fathers who were the penners of the Book whereof divers have sealed their Religion with their Blood which none yet have done of the impugners of the Book The Pope say they hath changed his Officium B. Mariae c. And so it is neither is there any man that doubteth but the Book of Common-Prayer may also be altered if there appear good cause why to those in Authority But the Pope will not suffer that Officium B. Marie c. to be preached against or any part thereof till it was by publick order reformed neither will he confess that he hath reformed it in respect of any errours but such only
as did creep in to the said Book through private mens affections without authority Therefore that argument is against them and only used by them as it seemeth in contempt the rest is frivolous and argueth their presumption in writing this to so honourable a Board of so worthy and godly a Book which hath an hundred learned men to justifie it for one that will impugne it And thus much concerning them which I have written rather to satisfie your Lordships then that I thought the matter worthy my labour The complaint which those of Kent being of my own Diocess and by oath bound to me in Canonicall obedience have exhibited unto your Lordships doth make me more to wonder that they most of them being unlearned and young such as I would be loath to admit into the Ministry if they were not already admitted thereunto much less to allow as Preachers dare presume to bring my doings against them into question before your Lordships seeing I have done nothing but that which God the Law her Majesty and my duty forceth me unto dealing with them not as an Arch-Bishop with the Inferiour sort of the Clergy nor as a master of a Colledge with his fellows nor as a Magistrate with his inferiours but as a Friend and a Brother which as I think hath so puffed them up and caused them to be so presumptuous They came to me unsent for in a multitude which I reproved because it imported a conspiracy and had the shew of a Tumult or unlawfull Assembly Notwithstanding I was content to hear their complaint I spent with them the whole afternoon from two of the clock till seven and heard their Reasons whereof some were frivolous and childish some irreligious and all of them such as gave me occasion to think that they rather sought quarrel against the Book then to be satisfied which indeed is true as appeareth by some of their own confessions which I am able to shew when I shall be thereunto urged The two whole dayes following I spent likewise for the most part in dealing severally with them requiring them to give unto me the Chief and principal of their Reasons which moved them not to subscribe meaning to hear them in the rest if I could have satisfied them in it or else not to spend any further time which reasons if I may so term them they gave unto me and I have and mean to make known when occasion shall serve Whereas they say in their bill that the publick administration of the Sacraments in this Land is as touching the substance of it lawfull c. They say no more then the Papists themselves do confess and in truth they say nothing in effect to that wherewith they are charged And yet therein they are contrary to themselves for they have pretended matter of substance against the Book But of what spirit cometh it that they being no otherwise then they are dare to the greatest Authority in this land next to her Majesty so boldly offer themselves thus to reason and dispute as in their bill they vaunt against the State established in matters of Religion and against the book so learnedly and painfully penned and by so great Authority from time to time confirmed It is not for me to sit in this place if every Curate within my Diocess or Province may be permitted so to use me neither is it possible for me to performe forme the duty which her Majesty looketh for at my hands if I may not without interruption proceed in execution of that which her Highness hath especially committed unto me The Gospell can take no success neither the number of Papists be diminished if unity be not procured which I am not in doubt in short time to bring to pass without any great adoe or inconvenience at all if it be not hindred The number of those which refuse to subscribe is not great in most parts of my Province not one in some very few and in some none whereof many also and the greater part are unlearned and unwornthy the Ministry In mine own little Diocess in Canterbury threescore Preachers and above have subscribed whereas there are not ten worthy the name of Preachers which have as yet refused and most of them also not allowed Preachers by lawfull Authority and so I know it to be in all other Diocesses within my Province the Diocess of Norwich only excepted Wherein nevertheless the number of disordered is far less then the number of such as are obedient and quietly disposed Now if these few disordered which the Church may well spare having meeter men to place in their rooms shall be countenanced against the best the wisest in all respects the worthiest and in effect the whole state of the Clergy it will not only discourage the dutifull and obedient persons but so encrease the schism that there will never hereafter be hope of appeasing the same This disordered flocking together of them at this time from divers places and gadding from one to another argueth a Conspiracy amongst them and some hope of incouragement and of prevailing which I am perswaded is not meant nor shall ever be by me willingly consented unto Some of them have already as I am informed bruted abroad that your Lordships have sent for me to answer their complaints and that they hope to be delivered wherein I know they report untruly as the manner is for I cannot be perswaded that your Lordships have any such intent as to make me a party or to call my doings into question which from her Majesty are immediately committed unto me and wherein as I suppose I have no other Judge but her self And for as much as I am by God and her Majesty lawfully without any ordinary or extraordinary or unlawfull means called to this place and function and appointed to be your Pastor and to have the greatest charge over you in matters pertaining to the soul I am the more bold to move and desire you to aid and affist me in matters belonging to my office namely such as appertain to the quietness of the Church the credit of religion established and the maintenance of the laws made for the same And here I do protest and testifie unto your Lordships that the three Articles whereunto they are moved to subscribe are such as I am ready by learning to defend in manner and form as they are set down against all mislikers thereof in England or elsewhere And thus desiring your Lordships to take this my answer in good part and to forbear my comming thither in respect of this advantage that may be taken thereof by these wayward persons I beseech Almighty God long to prosper you Your good Lordships in Christ John Cantuar. Who this M r. Beal was who brought these letters is worthy our inquiry I finde his Christian name Robert his office Clark of the Councell his abilities very great The character of Mr. Beal who brought the Bills as may appear by the publick
negotiations wherein he was imployed for he was joyned with S r. William Winter Anno 1576 in a Commission to the Zealanders about their reprisalls And again Anno 1583 he was sent to the Queen of Scots Sharply to expostulate with her concerning some querulous letters Well knew Queen Elizabeth what tools to use on knotty timber our a Camden in his Elizabetha pag. 359. Author giving M r. Beal this Character that he was Homo vehemens austerè acerbus a Eager man and most austerely bitter His affections were wholy Presbyterian and I behold him as one of the best friends of the second Magnitude that party had What he wanted in authority he had in activity on their sides And what influence sometimes the Hands have on the Head I mean Notaries on the Judges themselves at Councell Board others may conjecture He either compiled or countenanced a Book made against the Bishops and the reader may receive a further confirmation of his Character herein from the following Complaint To the Lord Treasurer My singular good Lord I have borne much with M r. Beals intemperate speeches Arch Bishop Whiâ—gift his Letter complaining of Beals insolent carriage towards him unseemly for him to use though not in respect of my self yet in respect of her Majesty whom he serveth and of the laws established whereunto he ought to shew some duty Yesterday he came to my house as it seemed to demand the book he delivered unto me I told him that the book was written to me and therefore no reason why he should require it again especially seeing I was assured that he had a Copie thereof otherwise I would cause it to be written out for him whereupon he fell into very great passions with me which I think was the end of his coming for proceeding in the execution of his Articles c. and told me in effect that I would be the overthrow of this Church and a cause of tumult with many other bitter and hard speeches which I heard patiently and wished him to consider with what spirit he was moved so to say for I said it cannot be by the spirit of God because the spirit of God worketh in men humility patience and love and your words declare you to be very Arrogant proud impatient and uncharitable Moreover the spirit by God moveth men to hear the word of God with meekness c. And you have alomst heard with disdain every sermon preached before her Majesty this lent gibing and jesting openly thereat even in the sermon time to the offence of many and especially at such sermons as did most commended her Majesty and the State and moved the Auditory to obedience which he confessed and justified accusing some of the Preachers of false Doctrine and wrong allegations of Scripture c. Then he began to extol his book and said we were never able to answer it neither for the matter of Divinity not yet of Law I told him as the truth is that there was no great substance in the book that it might be very soon answered and that it did appear neither his Divinity nor Law to be great I further wished him to be better advised of his doings and told him indeed that he was one of the principall causes of the waywardness of divers because he giveth incouragement to divers of them to stand in the matter telling them that the Articles shall be shortly revoked by the Councell and that my hands shall be stopped c which saying is spread abroad already in every place and is the only cause why many forbear to subscribe which is true neither could he deny it All this while I talked with him privately in the upper part of my Gallery my Lord of Winchester and divers strangers being in the other part thereof But M r. Bâ—al beginning to extend his voice that all might hear I began to break off then he being more and more kindled very impatiently uttered very proud and contemptuous speeches in the justifying of his book and condemning of the orders established to the offence of all the hearers whereunto being very desirous to be rid of him I made small answer but told him that his speeches were intolerable that he forgat himself and that I would complain of him to her Majesty whereof he seemed to make small account and so he departed in great heat I am loth to hurt him or to be an accuser neither will I proceed therein further then your Lordships shall think it convenient but I never was abused more by any man at any time in my life then I have been by him since my coming to this place in hardness of speech for doing my duty and for all things belonging to my charge Surely my Lord this talk tendeth only to the increasing of the contention and to the animating of the wayward in their waywardness casting out dangerous speeches as though there were likelihood of sometumult in respect thereof Whereas in truth God be thanked the matter growth to greater quietness then I think he wisheth and will be soon quieted if we be let alone and they not otherwise encouraged It seemeth he is some way discontented and would work his anger no me The tongues of these men tast not of the Spirit of God your Lordship seeth how bold I am to impart unto you my private causes Truly if it were not that my conscience is setled in these matters and that I am fully perswaded of the necessity of these proceedings in respect of the peace of the Church and due observation of Gods laws and that I received great comfort at her Majesties hand as I did most effectually at my last being at the Court and that I were assured to your Lordships constancie in the cause and of your unmoveable good will towards me I should be hardly able to endure so great a burden which now I thank God in respect of the premises seemeth easie unto me neither do I doubt but God will therein prosper me Thus being desirous to impart this matter to your Lordship to whose consideration I leave it I commit you to the tuition of Almighty God John Cantuar. Nor have I ought else to say of this M r. Beal but that afterwards I finde one of his name and quality a Robert Beal Esabque Stow his survey of London pag. 183. dying 1601 and buried in London at Athallows in the wall who by all probability should be the same person Now that the Presbyterian party was not unfriended at the Councell Board but had those there which either out of Dictates of their conscience or reasons of State or reflections on their private interests endeavoured to mitigate the Arch-Bishops proceedings against them Let their ensuing letter to him be perused AFter our hearty commendations to both your Lordships although we have heard of late times sundry complaints out of divers Countries of this Realm of some proceedings against a great number of Ecclesiasticall persons
any of its Ancestors which went before it Let me add also and no unhappier than its successors that shall come after it It being observed that meetings of this nature before or after this time never produced any great matter on persons present thereat who generally carry away the same judgement they brought with them And yet the Lords were pleased to say their judgements were satisfied in the point on the Bishops behalf not conceving their adversaries arguments so slight and triviall as now they appeared This was in some of them but a Court-Complement who afterwards secretly acted against the Arch-Bishop in favour of the other party 14. Whitgift finding this first way unsuccessfull Subscription severely pressed fell from other reasoning to a flat argument from Authority enjoyning all admitted to the Ecclesiasticall Orders and Benefices the subscription of the following Articles 1. That the Queen had supream authority over all persons born within Her Dominions of what condition so ever they were and that no other Prince Prelate or potentate hath or ought to have any jurisdiction Civil or Ecclesiasticall within Her Realms or Dominions 2. That the Book of Common-Prayer and the Ordination of Bishops Priests and Deacons containeth nothing contrary to the Word of God but may lawfully be used and that they will use that and none other 3. That the Articles of Religion agreed in the Synod holden at London in the year of our Lord 1562. and published by the Queens authority they did allow of and beleeve them to be consonant to the Word of God The severe inforcing of subscription hereunto what great disturbance it occasioned in the Church shall hereafter by Gods assistance be made to appear leaving others to judge whether the offence was given or taken thereby 15. Now came forth the Rhemish Translation of the New Testament The Rhemish Translation comes forth A Translation which needeth to be translated neither good Greek Latine or English as every where bespeckled with hard words pretended not renderable in English without abatement of some expressiveness which transcend common capacities Besides it is taxed by our Divines as guilty of abominable errours therein It was printed in large paper with a fair letter and margent all which I have charity enough to impute to their desire to do it for the more dignity of Gods word whilest others interpret it that thereby purposely they inhaunced the price to put it past the power of poore mens purses to purchase it Another accident raised the dearness thereof because so many books being seized on by the Queens Searchers the whole price of the Edition fell the more heavie on the remainder But suppose a poor Lay-Catholick so rich through his industry as secretly to purchase one of these Rhemish Testaments he durst not avouch the reading thereof without the permission of his Superiors licensing him thereunto 16. Secretary Walsingham Cartwright invited to answer it by his letters solicited M r. Thomas Cartwright to undertake the refuting of this Rhemish Translation and the better to enable him for the work sent him an-hundred a See â—he preface to Cartwrights book pounds out of his own purse A bountifull gift for one who was though a great Statesman a man of small estate contracting honourable b Camdens Elizabeth Anno 1590. poverty on himself by his expence on the publick as dying not so engaged to his private creditors as the whole Church and State was indebted to his endeavours Walsingham his letters to Cartwright were seconded by another from the Doctours and Heads of Houses and D r Fulke amongst the rest at Cambridge besides the importunity of the ministers of London and Suffolk solliciting him to the same purpose Hereupon Cartwright buckled himself to the employment and was very forward in the pursuance thereof 17. No sooner had Whitgift gotten notice Whitgift stoppeth his book what Cartwright was a writing but presently he prohibited his farther proceeding therein It seems Walsingham was Secretary of State not of Religion wherein the Arch-Bishop overpowred him Many commended his care not to intrust the defence of the Doctrine of England to a pen so disaffected to the Discipline thereof Others blamed his jealousie to deprive the Church of so learned pains of him whose judgement would so solidly and affections so zealously confute the publick adversary Distastfull passages shooting at Rome but glancing at Canterburie if any such were found in his book might be expunged whilest it was pity so good fruit should be blasted in the bud for some bad leaves about it Dishartened hereat Cartwright desisted but some years after encouraged by a Honourable Lord resumed the work but prevented by death perfected no further then the fifteenth chapter of the Revelation Many years lay this worthy work neglected and the copy thereof mouse-eaten in part whence the Printer excused some defects therein in his edition which though late yet at last came forth Anno 1618. A book which notwithstanding the foresaid defects is so compleat Anno Dom. 1584. Anno Regin Eliza. 27. that the Rhemists durst never return the least answer thereunto 18. Mean time whilest Cartwright his refutation of the Rhemish was thus retarded D r. William Fulke Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge entered the list against them judiciously and learnedly performing his undertaking therein His daughter and as I take it the only surviver of his children lately set forth the fourth and fairest edition of this his Confutation and dedicated it to King Charls 19. The Rhemists profess in their preface to the New Testament that the Old Testament also lieth by them for lack of good means to publish the whole in such sort Dr. Fulke first effected it as a work of so great charge and importance requireth which seemeth strange to a judicious consideration For had a voluminous legend of Saints-lives with pictures as costly as superstitious been to be set forth a mass a mint a mine of mony could easily be advanced to defray the expences thereof Thus Papists can be poor or rich as they please themselves Some behold this their promise to set forth the Old Testament as not really intended A promise never performed but given out to raise mens expectations which in process of time would fall of it self and the profer by degrees be forgotten Others interpret their resolutions real but purposely revoked seeing the ill success of their New testament so canvassed and confuted by the Protestant Divines Perceiving that their small pinace which they first set forth met at sea with such boisterous weather wisely they would not adventure a greater vessel after it but rather left it to rot on the dock than they would lanch it forth in such danger A third sort behold this their promise as a modest and manerly alià s a crafty and cunning begging of a contribution of the Catholick party for setting forth of the same which never as yet came into publick view Yea the Old
And yet in way of recovering health by changing of Aire of study for a time in thâ— Vniversity of mortall enmity borne by some in the parish of prosecution of Law or of being imployed in publick Affairs they cannot be wholy abrogated That there were in England foure thousand five hundred Benefices with Cure not above ten and most of them under eight pounds in the first fruits-book which cannot be furnished with able Pastors as the Petitioners desire because of the smallness of their livings Moreover he affirmed that what ever was pretended to the contrary England at that time flourished with able Ministers more then ever before yea had more then all Christendome besides 3. The Lord Grey rejoyned to this Assertion of more learned Ministers in the Church of England then ever heretofore The Lord Gray his rejoynder nay then in all the reformed Churches in Christendome this That it was not to he attributed to the Bishops or their actions but to God who now opened the hearts of many to see into the truth and that the Schools were better observed 4. The Lord Treasurer Burghley seeming to moderate betwixt them The Lord Treasurer his moderation after a long and learned oration concluded that he was not so scrupuleus as absolutely to like of the bill against Pluralities without any exception for he did favour both learning and wished a competent reward to it And therefore could like and allow a learned man to have two Benefices so they were both in ene parish that is to say in one Diocess and not one in the Diocess of Winchester and another in the North where the severall Diocesans would have no regard of them whereas being both in one Diocess the Bishop would look unto them 5. Here it was signified that her Majesty was acquainted with the matter Others interpret and that she was very forward to redress the faults and therefore required the Bishops not to binder her good and gracious purpose for that her Majesty would conferr with them 6. The Lord Gray again said The Lord Grays quere whether of Withen or what most probable of Ruthen afterwards Earl of Kent replyed he greatly wondred at her Majesty that she would make choice to conser with those who were all enemies to Reformation for that it meerly touched their freeholds and therefore he thought it good the house should make choice of some to be joyned with them Also he wished the Bishops might be served as they were in in King Henry the 8 th dayes when as in the case of praemunire they were all thrust out of doores 7. Then the Lord Treasurer said that the Bishops if they were wise would themselves be humble suiters to her Majesty to have some of the Temporall Lords joyned with them 8. The Lord Chamberlain utterly disliked the Lord Grayes motion alledging that it was not to be liked of that the Lords should appoint her Majesty any to confer withall but that it should be left to her own election 9. Matters flying thus high the Arch-Bishop with the rest of the Clergy The Bishops providently petition the Queen conceived it the safest way to apply themselves by Petition to the Queen which they presented as followeth To the Queens most excellent Majesty THe wofull and distressed state whereinto we are like to fall forceth us with griâ—f of heart in most humble maner to crave your Majesties most soveraign Protection For the pretence being made the maintenance and increase of a learned ministry when it is throughly weighed decryeth learning spoâ—leth their livings taketh away the sâ—t form of prayer in the Church and is the means to bring in confusion and Barbarisme How dangerous innovations are in a setled estate whosoever hath judgemeâ—t perceiveth Set dangers apart yet such great inconviniences may ensae as will make a state lamentable and miserable Our nâ—ighbours miseries might make us fearfull but that we know who tales the same All the reformed Churches in Europe cannot compare with England in the number of learned Ministers These benefits of your Majesties most sacred and are fall Government with hearty joy we feel and humbly acknowledge senceless are they that repâ—ne at it and careless wâ—o lightly regard it The respect hereof made the Prophet to say Dii estis All the faithfull and discreet Clergy say ô Dea certè Nothing is impossible with God Requests without grounded reasons are lightly to be rejected We therefore not as directors but as humble Remembrancers beseech your Highness favourable beholding of our present state And what it will be in time to come if the Bill against Pluralities should take any place To the Petition were annexed a catalogue of those inconveniences to the State present State to come Cathedrall Churches Universities to her Majesty to Religion in case pluralities were taken away here too large to be inserted So that in effect nothing was effected as in relation to this matter but things left in staâ—u quo prius at the dissolution of this Parliament 10. Amongst the mortalities of this year The death of Bp Barns most remarkable the death of Richard Barnes Bishop of Durham one commendable in himself but much suffering for the * See the life of Bernard Gilpin p. 190. corruption and viciousness of John Barnes his brother and Chancellour This Bishop was bred in Brasen-nose Colledge made Suffragan of Nottingham the last I beleeve who wore that title and behaved himself very gravely in his Diocess A great friend at last to Bernard Gilpin though at first by some ill instruments incensed against him and seeing they were loving in their lives their memories in my Book shall not be divided though I confess the later died some three years before 11. This Bernard Gilpin And of Bernard Gilpin born of a right worshipfull family at Kentmirâ— in Westmerland had Cuthbert Tonstali Bishop of Durham for his great Vncle he was bred first in Queens Colledgs then Christs-Church in Oxford and no doubt the prayers of Peter Martyr conduced to his conversion to be a Protestant For he hearing this Gilpin dispute cordially on the Popish party desired of God that so good affections might not be misguided and at last obtained his desire 12. He Weathered out the Raign of Queen Mary Hardly escaped in Queen Maries dayes partly with his travels beyond the seas Anno Dom. 1587. chiefly residing at Lovain Anno Regin Eliza. 30. and Paris partly after his return by the favour of his Uncle Tonstall Before whom he was often cited chiefly about the Eucharist but was discharged by confessing the reall presence and that the manner thereof transcended his apprehension Tonstall not inforcing him to the particularity of Transubstantiation as using himself to complain on Pope Innocent for defining de modo to be an article of faith However his foes so hardly beset him that once he ordered his servant to provide for him a long shroud not for his
winding but burning sheet as expecting at last he should be brought to the stake for his religion But men may make cloaths either for mirth or for mourning whilst God alone orders whether or no they shall wear them 13. After the coming of Queen Elizabeth to the Crown A single man yet a true father he with more earnestnes refused a Bishoprick then others affected it His parsonage at Haughton as it might seem a Bishops Palace for building so was it no less for hospitality Fourteen Villages belonging to that mother Church the poor whereof besides many others were daily relieved at his door twenty Scholars he commonly boarded in his house which seemed a little Colledge In a word he was commonly called Father Gilpin and well deserved it for his paternall affections to all Making his yearly progress into Rheadsdale and Tinsdale in Northumberland where people sat in darkness of ignorance and shaddow of death and instructing them by his heavenly preaching 14. Now began that fatall yearl generally foretold that it would be wonderfull as it proved no less The brave coming forth of the Spanish Armado Whence the Astrologers fetcht their intelligence hereof 1588 whether from Heaven 31. or Hell from other Stars or from Lucifer alone is uncertain this is most sure that this prediction though hitting the mark yet miss'd their meaning who both first reported and most believed it Out comes their invincible Navie and Army perfectly appointed for both Elements Water and Land to Sail and March compleat in all warlike Equipage so that formerly with far less provision they had conquered another new world Mighty was the bulk of their ships the sea seeming to groan under them being a burden to it as they went and to themselves before they returned with all manner of artillery prodigious in number and greatness so that the report of their guns do stil and ought ever to sound in the ears of the English not to fright them with any terrour but to fill them with deserved thankfulness 15. It is said of Senacherib The shameful sight and return thereof coming against Hierusalem with his numerous army by a 1 Kings 19. 33. the way that he came shall he return and shall not come into this City saith the Lord as the later part of his threatning was verified here no Spantard setting foot on English ground under other notion then a prisoner so God did not them the honour to return the same way who coming by South-East a way they knew went back by South-West a way they sought chased by our ships past the 57 th Degree of Northen Latitude then and there left to be pursued after by hunger and cold Thus having tasted the English valour in conquering them the Scotch constancy in not relieving them the Irish cruelty in barbarous butchering them the small reversion of this great navie which came home might be look'd upon by religious eyes as reliques not for the adoration but instruction of their nation hereafter not to account any thing invincible which is less then infinite 16. Such as lose themselves by looking on second causes impute the Spanish ill success This deliverance principally wrought by Gods arm partly to the Prince of Parma who either mind-bound or wind-bound staying himself or stopt by the Hollander would or could not come to their seasonable succour and partly to the Duke of Medina's want of commission to fight with the English save on the defensive till joyned with Parma Anno Regin Eliza. 31. Thus when God will have a designe defeated Anno Dom. 1588. amidst the plenty yea superfluity of all imaginable necessaries some unsuspected one shall be wanting to frustrate all the rest We will not mention save in due distance of helps the industry and loyalty of the Lord Hâ—ward Admirall the valour of our captains the skill of our pilots the activity of our ships but assigne all to the goodness of God as Queen Elizabeth did Leave we her in the Quire of Pauls church devoutly on her knees with the rest of her Nobles in the same humble posture returning their unseigned thanks to the God and giver of all victory whilst going abroad we shall finde some of her subjects worse employed in implacable enmity about Ecclesiasticall discipline one against another And let not the mentioning of this deliverance be censured as a deviation from the Church-History of Britain Silence thereof being a sin for had the designe took effect neither Protestant Church in Britain had remained nor History thereof been made at this present 17. But bullets did not fly about so much at sea Scurrilous Pamphlets dispersed as bastardly Libels by land so fitly call'd because none durst father them for their issue They are known though not by their Parents by their names 1 The Epitome 2 The demonstration of discipline 3 The Supplication 4 Diotrephes 5 The Minerals 6 Have you any work for the Cooper 7 Martin Seignior 8 Martin Junior Marprelate 9 More work for the Cooper c. The main drift and scope of these pamphlets for know one and know all these foule mouth'd papers like Blackmoors did all look alike was to defame and disgrace the English Prelates scoffing at them for their garb gate apparel vanities of their youth naturall defects and personall infirmities it is strange how secretly they were printed how speedily dispers'd how generally bought how greedily read yea and how firmly beleeved especially of the common sort to whom no better musick then to hear their betters upbraided 18. Some precise men of that side thought these jeering pens well employed Their reasons for the lawfulness of such pamphlets For having formerly as they say tried all serious and sober means to reclaim the Bishops which hitherto proved uneffectuall they thought it not amiss to try this new way that whom they could not in earnest make odious in sport they might render ridiculous Wits will be working and such as have a Satyricall vein cannot better vent it then in lashing of sin Besides they wanted not a warrant as they conceived in Holy Writ where it was no soloecisme to the gravity of Eliah to mock a 1 Kings 18 27. Baals priests out of their superstition chiefly this was conceived would drive on their designe strengthen their party by working on the peoples affections which were marvelously taken with the reading thereof 19. But the more discreet and devout sort of men These Books disclaimed by the discreet sort and why even of such as were no great friends to the Hierarchy upon solemn debate then resolved I speak on certain knowledge from the mouths of such whom I must believe that for many foul falsehoods therein suggested such Books were altogether unbeseeming a pious spirit to print publish or with pleasure peruse which supposed true both in matter and measure charity would rather conceal then discover The best of men being so conscious of their own badness
that they are more carefull to wash their own faces then busie to throw durt on others Any man may be witty in a bitting way and those that have the dullest brains have commonly the sharpest teeth to that purpose But such carnall mirth whilst it tickles the flesh doth wound the sâ—ul And which was the main these base books would give a great advantage to the generall foe and Papists would make too much use thereof against Protestant religion especially seeing an a Jude 9. Arch-Angell thought himself too good to bring and Sathan not bad enough to have railing speeches brought against him 20. Buâ— leaving private men to abound in their own sense how highly the state as it then stood distasted these books The instruments embyed in making thâ—se Books heavily punished will plainly appeâ— by the heavie censures inflicted on such as were but accessatie thereunto To pass by John Henry and John Vdall ministers accused for making some of them of whom in due place together with the Printers and Humphry Newman a Cohler chief disperser of them The Starâ—-Chamber deeply sined S r. Richard Knightly and S r. 〈◊〉 Wigstow for entertaining and receiving the Press Gentlemen whom their b Sr. G Paâ— in the liâ—e of Arch Bishop Whitgist pag. 40. adversâ—rtâ—s allow qualified with piety gravity and wisdome which made many admire how their discretion could be deluded and more bemoan that their goodness should be abusedâ—y others who had designes upon them Here â—rch-Bishop Whitgist bestirr'd himself to improve his interest with the Queen c Camdens Elizabeths in Anno 1588. till his importunity had angred her till his importunity had pleased her again that they might be delivered out of prison and eased of their fines which upon their submission was performed Whose mildness to mediate for his adversaries as it was highly commended by some so there wanted not those who imputed his moderation therein to declining of envie gaining of applause and remorse of his own conscience for over rigorous proceedings it being no charity to cure the wound he hath caused and solicit the remitting of those fines which he had procured to be imposed Thus impossible it is to please froward spirits and to make them like the best deed who dislike the doer thereof and if any desire to know the motions and stages of the Press which printed these books know it was first set up at d Sr. G. Paul pag. 39. Moulâ—y near Kingston in Surrey thence conveyed 〈◊〉 Fausly in Northamotonshire thence to Norton and afterwards to Coventry Hence it was removed to Welstone in Warwick-shire whence the Letters were sent to another Prâ—ss in or near Manchester and there discovered by Henry Earle of Daâ—by in the printing of more work for the Câ—oper No wonder then if many 〈◊〉 were committed by this call it as you please Pâ—lgrâ—me or Vagabond Press when it self was ever in a wandring and stragling condition 21. A 〈◊〉 of the Prâ—shyterians of the Warwick-shire Classes Acts of the Synod of Coventry was call'd at Coventry aiâ— oectmo quartâ— that is on the 10 th of April wherein the questions brought the last year from the Brethren of Cambridge Synâ—d were resolved in manner as followeth 1. That e e Transcribed out of Bp. Bancrofts book called Englands Scotizing for Discipline by practise p 86. and 87 who may seem have had the orignall in latin private Baptisme was unlawfull 2. That it is not lawfull to read Homilies in the Church 3. That the signe of the Cross is not to be used in Baptisme 4. That thâ— faithfull ought not to communicate with unlearned Ministers although they may be present at theiâ— service if they come of purpose to hear the sermon the reason is because Laymen as well as Ministers may read publick service 5. Thaâ— the calling of Bishops c. is unlawfull 6. That as they deal in causes Ecclesiasticall there is no duty belonging unto nor any publickly to be given them 7. That it is not lawfull to be ordained Ministers by them or to denounce either â—uspensions or excommunications sâ—nt from them 8. That it is not lawfull to rest in the Bishops deprivat on of any from the Ministry except upon consultation with the neighbour Ministers adjoyning and his flock it seems so good unto them but that he continue in the same untill he be compell'd to the contrary by civill force 9. That it is not lawfull to appear in a Bishops Court but with protestation of their unlawfulness 10. That Bishops are not to be acknowledged either for Doctors Elders or Deacons as having 〈◊〉 ordinary calling 11. That touching the restauration of their Ecclesiasticall Discipline it ought to be taught to the people as occasion shall serve 12. That as yet the people are not to be solicited publickly to the practise of the Discipline till they be better instructed in the knowledge of it 13. That men of better understanding are to be allured privately to the present embracing of the Discipline and practise of it as far as they shall be well able with the peace of the Church Likewise in the same assembly the aforesaid Book of discipline was approved to be a draught essentiall and necessary for all times and certain articles devised in approbation and for the manner of the use thereof were brought forth treated of and subscribed unto by M r. Cartwright and others and afterwards tendered far and near to the severall Classes for a generall ratification of all the Brethren 22. Now if Rebeccah found her self strangely affected when a Gen. 25 22. The English Church distracted bâ—twiâ—â— contrary disciplines twinns strugled in her wombe the condition of the English Church must be conceived sad which at the same time had two disciplines both of them pleading Scripture and Primitive practise each striving to support it self and suppress it's rivall The Hierarchy commanded by authority established by law confirmed by generall practise and continued so long by custome in this land that had one at this time lived the age of Methuselah he could not remember the beginning thereof in Britain The Presbytery though wanting the stamp of authority claiming to be the purer metall founded by some Clergie men favoured by many of the Gentry and followed by more of the Common sort who being prompted with that naturall principle that the weakest side must be most watchfull what they wanted in strength they supplied in activity But what won them most repute was their Ministers painfull preaching in populous places It being observed in England that those who hold the Helme of the pulpit alwayes steere peoples hearts as they please The worst is that in matters of fact all relations in these times are relations I mean much resent of party and interest to the prejudice of truth Let me minde the Reader to reflect his eye on our Quotations the Margin in such cases being as materiall as the Text as conteining the authors
but the curing of consciences I am credibly a By my own father Mr Thomas Fuller who was well acquainted with him A great instrument of the good keeping of the Lords-day informed he in some sort repented his removall from his Parish and disliked his own erratical and planetary life which made him fix himself Preacher at last at Christ-Church in London where he ended his dayes 69. He lived Sermons and was most precise in his conversation a strict observer of the Lords-day and a great advancer thereof thorough the whole Realm by that Treatise which he wrote of the Sabbath No book in that age made greater impression on peoples practice as b Mr Joseph Hall one then a great wit in the University now a grave wisdome in our Church hath ingeniously expressed On M r Greenhams book of the Sabbath While Greenham writeth on the Sabbaths rest His soule enjoyes not what his penn exprest His work enjoyes not what it self doth say For it shall never finde one resting day A thousand hands shall toss each page and line Which shall be scanned by a thousand eine That Sabbaths rest or this Sabbath's unrest Hard is to say whether's the happiest Thus godly Greenham is fallen asleep we softly draw the curtains about him and so proceed to other matter SECTION VIII To the Lady Anne Archer of Tanworth in Warwickshire Anno Regis Eliza. Anno Dom. Madam YOu beeing so good a Houswife know far better then I how much strength and handsomness good hemming addeth to the end of a cloath I therefore being now to put a period to this long and important Century as big as the whole Book besides but chiefly containing her Reign the Honour of your Sex and our nation have resolved to prevent the unraveling thereof to close and conclude it with this Dedication to your Ladiship On which account alone you are placed last in this Book though otherwise the first and freest in incouraging my weak endeavours 1. OF M r Vdals death come we now to treat The uncertain date of Mr. Vdals death thorough some defect in the a Records transposed o Searched by me and my friends in the office of the Clerk of Assise for Surrey or lost we cannot tell the certain day of M r Vdals condemnation 35. and death 1592. But this appears in the office that two years since viz. 32. of Eliz. July 23. he was indicted and arraigned at Craydon for defaming the Queen Her government in a book by him written and intituled A Demonstration of the Discipline which Christ hath prescribed in his Word for the government of his Church in all times and places untill the worlds end But the mortal words as I may terme them are found in tho preface of his book written to the supposed governors of the Church of England Arch-Bishops Bishops c. and are inserted in the body of his Indictment as followeth Who can without blushing deny you to be the cause of all ungodliness seeing your government is that which giveth leave to a man to be any thing saving a sound Christian For certainly it is more free in these dayes to be a Papist Anabaptist of the Family of love yea any most wicked whatsoever than that which we should be And I could live these twenty years any such in England yea in a Bishops house it may be and never be much molested for it so true is that which you are charged with in a Dialogue lately come forth against you and since burned by you that you care for nothing but the maintenance of your dignities be it to the damnation of your own soules and infinite millions moe To this indictment he pleaded not guilty denying himself to be the Author of the Book Next day he was cast by the Jurie and submitted himself to the mercy of the Court whereby he prevailed that judgement against him was respited till the next Assises and he remanded to the Marshalsey 2. M r. Vdal his supplication to the Lords of the Assises March following the 33 d of Queen Elizabeth he was brought again to the Bar before the Judges to whom he had privately presented a petition with all advantage but it found no entertainment Insomuch that in this moneth of March the day not appearing in the Records he at the Assises held in Southwark was there condemned to be executed for a felon 3. Vâ—rious censures on his condemnation Various were mens censures on these proceedings against him Some conceived it rigorous in the greatest which at the best is cruel in the least degree considering the worth of his person and weakness of the proof against him For he was a learned man blameless for his life powerfull in his praying and no less profitable than painfull in his preaching For as Musculus in Germany if I mistake not first brought in the plain but effectual manner of preaching by Vse and Doctrine so Vdal was the first who added reasons thereunto the strength and sinews of a Sermon His English-Hebrew-Grammar he made whilst in prison as appears by a subscription in the close thereof The proof was not pregnant and it is generally believed that he made only the preface out of which his indictment was chiefly framed and not the body of the book laid to his charge Besides it was harsh to inflict immediate and direct death for a consequential and deductory felonie it being pen-housed out beyond the foundation and intent of the Statute to build the indictment thereupon Others thought that some exemplary severity was necessary not only to pinion the wings of such pamphlets from flying abroad but even thereby to crush their eggs in the nest Surely the multitude of visits unto him during his durance no whit prolonged his life For flocking to popular prisoners in such cases is as ominous a presage of their death as the flying and fluttering of Ravens near and about the house and chamber of a sick body 4. He died peaceably in his bed But an higher Judge had formerly passed another sentence on Vdals death that his soul and body should not by shamefull violence be forced asunder but that they should take a faire farewell each of other How long he lived after his condemnation we know not there being a tradition that S r Walter Rawleigh procured a Reprieve in a fair way to his pardon this is certain that without any other sickness save heart-broken with sorrow he ended his dayes Right glad were his friends that his death prevented his death and the wisest of his foes were well contented therewith esteeming it better that his candle should goe than be put out lest the snuff should be unsavoury to the survivers and his death be charged as a cruel act on the account of the procurers thereof 5. Anno Regin Eliza. 36. Anno Dom. 1593. The Ministers of London flocked to his funeralls His solemn buriall and he was decently interred
consequence thereof which encreased the Secular Opposition against this leading case of Jurisdiction 17. He will not stand to the determination of a grave priest chosen Umpire About this time came to Wisbich an aged Priest who had given great Testimony of the Ability of his judgement and ardency of his affections to the Catholick Cause being the Generall Collector of the charitable contributions unto the Prisoners In which place he had been so diligent in gathering secret in conveying faithfull in delivering unpartiall in dispensing such sums committed unto him that deservedly he had purchased reputation to himself Who as he had been a Benefactor to both Parties so now he was made an Arbitrator betwixt them with promise of both sides to rest satisfied with his decision He condemneth the Jesuits guilty of a scandalous separation and that Weston ought to desist from his Supriority But the Jesuits would not stand to his sentence confessing their separation Scandalous but only per accidens and therefore not to be left off And whereas the aforesaid Priest had determined that that separation could not be continued without sin the Jesuits in derision demanded of him whether he meant a venial sin or a mortall and so the whole business took no effect 18. At last is forced by letters from his provincial to leave off his Agency Some moneths after two reverend Priests often sent for by both sides were by joynt consent made Judges in this Cause who resolved that Westons Agency should be abolished as the original of evill and seminary of much discord and because Weston refused to obey their order these two Priests posted up to London where Garnet the Jesuits Provincial did lodge and from him with much adoe obtained peremptory letters to Weston presently to leave off his pretended superiority A message which went to the proud Jesuits heart who was formerly heard to say that he o Declaratio motuum ac c. pag. 20. had rather throw himself headlong from the Castle wall then desist from his office But now there was no remedy but he must obey desiring only he might make a speech to his society exhorting them to unity and concord and in the midst of his Oration as if he would have surrendred his soul and place both together he fell speechless into a p Ibidem swoond and hardly recovered again so mortall a wound it is to a proud heart to part with Authority Thus ended Westons Agency the short continuance whereof was the best commendation of his command 19. The Schism notwithstanding continues and increases But this was but a palliate cure to skin the sore over which festered within the enmity still continued Seculars complaining that the Jesuits traduced them to Lay-Catholicks as cold and remiss in the cause only dull to follow beaten paths not active to invent more compendious wayes for the advance of Religion Anno Regin Eliza. 38. Anno Dom. 1595. The Jesuits also boasted much of their own merit how their order though last starting had with its speed overtook and over-run all before them Indeed they are excellent at the art of self-praising not directly but by certain consequence for though no man blazed his own praise for one to be a herauld to commend himself the same on the same is false blazon as well against the rules of modesty as prudence yet every one did praise his partner laying an obligation on him to do the like who in justice must do as much and in bounty often did more gratefully repaying the commendations lent him with interest And thus mutually arching up one another they fill'd the ears of all Papists with loud relations of the transcendent Industry Piety Learning of the men of their society to the manifest derogation of all other orders But more of these discords in the year following 20. The strickt keeping of the Sabbath first revived About this time thorowout England began the more Solemne and strickt observation of the Lords day hereafter both in writing and preaching commonly called the Sabbath occasioned by a Book this year set forth by one P. Bound Doctor of Divinity and enlarged with Additions Anno 1606. wherein these following opinions are maintained 1. That the commandement of Sanctifying every seventh Day as in the Mosaicall Decalogue is morall and perpetual 2. That whereas all other things in the a Dr Bounds BOOK of the Sabbath p. 91. Jewish Church were taken away Priesthood Sacrifices and Sacraments this Sabbath was so changed that it still remaineth 3. b pag. 247. That there is a great reason why we Christians should take our selves as streightly bound to rest upon the Lords day as the Jews were upon their Sabbath it being one of the morall Commandements where all are of equall Authority 4. c pag. 124. The rest upon upon this day must be a notable and singular rest a most carefull exact and precise rest after another manner then men are accustomed 5. d pag. 163. Schollers on that day not to study the liberall Arts nor Lawyers to consult the case nor peruse mens evidences 6. e pag. 164. Sergeants Apparitours and Sumners to be restrained from executing their offices 7. f pag. 166. Lustices not to examine Causes for the conservation of the peace 8. g pag. 102. That ringing of more bell's then one that day is not to be justified 9. h pag. 206. 209. No Solimâ— feasts nor wedding dinners to be made on that Day with permission notwithstanding of the same to i pag. 211. Lords Knights and Gentlemen of Quality which some conceive not so fair dealing with him 10. k pag. 102. All honest recreations and pleasures lawfull on other dayes as shooting fencing bowling on this day to be forborn 11. l pag. 272. 275. No man to speak or talk of pleasures or any other worldly matter It is almost incredible how taking this Doctrine was partly because of it's own Purity and partly for the eminent piety of such persons as maintained it so that the Lords Day especially in Corporations began to be precisely kept people becoming a Law to themselves forbearing such sports as yet by statute permitted yea many rejoycing at their own restraint herein On this day the stoutest fencer laid down the buckler the most skillful Archer unbent his bow counting all shooting besides the Marke Mâ—y-games and Morish-dances grew out of request and good reason that Bells should be silenced from gingling about mens leggs if their very Ringing in Steeples were adjudged unlawful some of them were ashamed of their former pleasures like children which grown bigger blushing themselves out of their rattles and whistles Others forbear them for fear of their Superiors and many left them off out of a Politick Compliance least otherwise they should be accounted licentious 21 Yet learned men were much divided in their judgements about these sabatarian Doctrines some embraced them as ancient truths consonant
Colledge in Oxford living and dying a single man of whom largely before His innocency survived to triumph over those aspersions which the malice of others advantaged by his own dove-like simplicity had cast upon him I am informed S r Edwin Sands hath erected a monument over him in his Parish-Church in Kent where he lieth interred 41. An over-politick act disliked I cannot omit what I finde in this year in M r Camden his * Which shortly will be set forth in a new edition manuscript-life of Queen Elizabeth A report was cast out by our polititians in the midst of Harvest of the danger of a present forrain invasion done out of designe to prevent the Popularity of the Earl of Essex and to try the peoples inclinations Instantly all were put into a posture of defence mowers reapers all harvest folke left their work to be imployed in musters This afterwards appeared but a Court-project whereat the country took much distast so ill it is to jest with edged tools especially with Sythes and Sickles My Author addeth that people affirmed that such May-games had been fitter in the spring when sports were used amongst the Romans to Flora and not in the Autumn when people were seriously imployed to fetch in the fruits of the earth But by his leave these Expressions flow from Criticks and fly far above the capacities of Country-men 42. This Century Concluded the lives of two eminent Roman Catholicks John Sanderson born in Lancashire 43. 1600. The death of I. Sanderson and T. Case bred in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge where he set forth an excellent Logick called Sandersons Logick fourty years ancienter then that which his worthy name-sake of Oxford of a different judgement in religion hath since printed on the same subject From Cambridge he fled to Cambray in Artois where he lived with good comfort and died with great credit with those of his own perswasion The other Thomas Case of S t Johns in Oxford D r of Physick it seems always a Romanist in his heart but never expressing the same till his mortal sickness seized upon him The end of the sixteenth Century THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN THE TENTH BOOK Containing the Reigne of KING JAMES TO THE HONOURABLE ROBERT Lord BRUCE SOLE SON TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THOMAS EARLE of ELGIN HAving by Gods assistance drawn down my History to the death of Queen Elizabeth some disswade me from continuing it any further Because that as Saint Peter out of warinesse alias cowardlinesse followed Christ who was the Truth * Mat. 26. 58. afarre off so they lay this down for a Maxime That the Story of Modern Times must not be written by any alive A Position in my poor opinion both disgracefull to Historians and prejudiciall to Posterity Disgracefull to Historians as if they would make themselves like unto the beasts of the Forrest as charactered by David Psal 10â— 20 22. Who move in the Darknesse till the Sun ariseth and they get them away loving to write of things done at distance where Obscurity may protect their Mistakes from Discovery but putting up their pens as soon as the day dawns of Modern Times and they within the reach of reputation Prejudiciall to Posterity seeing intentions in this nature long delayed are at last defeated * Plutarch in his Morals The Young man moved by his Mother to Marry returned That as yet it was too soon and some yeares after pleaded That now it was too late So some say Truth is not ripe enough to be written in the Age we live in which proveth rotten too much for the next Generation faithfully to report when the Impreses of memorable matters are almost worn out the Histories then written having more of the Authors hand than footsteps of truth therein Sure I am the most informative Histories to Posterity and such as are most highly prized by the judicious are such as were written by the Eye-witnesses thereof As Thucidides the reporter of the Peloponesian Warre However one may observe such as write the Story of their owne Times like the two Messengers which carried tydings to David Of these Ahimaaz sent the rather by permission than injunction onely told David what he knew would please him acquainting him with his Victory But being demanded of his Sons death he made a Tale of a * 2 Sam. 18. 29. Tumult no better than an officious Lye for himself the issue whereof was to him unknown Cushi the other Messenger having his carriage lesse of cunning and more of conscience informing the King of his Sons death but folding it up in a faire expression * 2 Sam. 18. 32. The Enemies of my Lord the King and all that rise against thee to doe thee hurt be as that young man is Ahimaaz is imitated by such Historians who leave that unwritten which they suspect will be unwelcome These following the rule Summa Lex salus Authoris when they meet with any necessary but dangerous Truth passe it over with a Blank flourished up with some ingenious evasion Such Writers succeed to plain Cushi in their Relations who give a true account of actions and to avoid all exasperating terms which may make a bad matter worse in relating it use the most lenitive language in expressing distastfull matter adventuring with their own danger to procure the information of others Truly one is concerned in conscience to transmit to the next Age some short intimations of these Times out of feare that Records are not so carefully kept in these so many and sudden Changes as they were in former Ages I know Machiavel was wont to say That he who undertakes to Write a History must be of no Religion if so he himselfe was the best qualified of any in his Age to be a good Historian But I believe his meaning was much better than his words intending therein That a Writer of Histories must not discover his inclination in Religion to the prejudice of Truth Levi-like who said to his Father and Mother I have not seen them owning no acquaintance of any Relations This I have endeavoured to my utmost in this Book knowing as that Oyle is adjudged the best that hath no tast at all so that Historian is preferred who hath the least Tangue of partial Reflections However some Candour of course is due to such Historians wherein the Courtesie not so great in giving as the Injury in detaining it which run the Chiding of these present Times in hope that after-Ages may excuse them And I am confident that these my Labours shall finde the same favour which may be in meer men should be in all Gentlemen must be in true Christians the rather because this Booke appeareth Patronized by a Dedication to Your Honour I have selected your Lordship for a Patron to this part of my History wherein the Reign of King JAMES is contained under VVhose peaceable Government your Grandfather was His Privie Counsellour and Master of
generally received His Majesty I utterly dislike the first part of your motion thinking it unfit to thrust into the Book of Articles every position negative which would swell the book into a volume as big as the Bible and confound the Reader Thus on M. Craig in Scotland with his I renounce and abhorre his multiplyed detestations and abrenuntiations so amazed simple people that not able to conceive all their things they fell back to Popery or remained in their former ignorance If bound to this forme the Confession of my faith must be in my Table booke not in my head Because you speake of intention I will apply it thus If you come hither with a good intention to be informed the whole work will sort to the better effect But if your intention be to go as you came whatsoever shall be said it will prove the intention is very materiall and essentiall to the end of this present action As for the nine Assertions you speak of I cannot sodainly answer not knowing what those Propositions of Lambeth be BP of Lond. May it please your Majesty this was the occasion of them by reason of some Controversies arising in Cambridge about certain points of Divinity my Lords Grace assembled some Divines of speciall note to set down their opinions which they drew into nine Assertions and so sent them to the University for the appeasing of those quarrels His Majesty When such questions arise amongst Scholars the quietest proceedings were to determine them in the University and not to stuff the Book of Articles with all Conclusions Theologicall Secondly the better course would be to punish the Broachers of false Doctrine than to multiply Articles which if never so many cannot prevent thecontrary opinions of men till they be heard Dean of Pauls May it please your Majesty I am neerely concerned in this matter by reason of a Controversie betwixt me and some other in Cambridge upon a Proposition which I there delivered namely that whosover though before justified did commit any grievous sinne as Adultery Murder c. doe become ipso facto subject to Gods wrath and guilty of Damnation quoad praesentem statum untill they repent Yet so that those who are justified according to the purpose of Gods Election though they might fall into grievous sin and thereby into the present Estate of Damnation yet never totally nor finally from Justification but were in time renewed by Gods spirit unto a lively Faith and Repentance Against this Doctrine some did oppose teaching that persons once truly justified though falling into grievous sinnes remained still in the state of Justification before they actually repented of these sinnes yea and though they never repented of them through forgetfulnesse or sudden death they neverthelesse were justified and saved His Majesty I dislike this Doctrine there being a necessity of conjoyning repentance and holinesse of Life with true Faith and that is Hypocrisie and not justifying Faith which is severed from them For although Predestination and Election depend not on any qualities actions or works of Man which are mutable but on Gods eternall Decree Yet such is the necessity of repentance after known sinnes committed that without it no Reconciliation with God or Remission of Sins Dr. Reyn. The Catechisme in the Common-Prayer-book is too brief and that by Mr. Nowel late Deane of Pauls too long for Novices to learne by heart I request therefore that one Uniform Catechisme may be made and none other generally received His Majesty I think the Doctour's request very reasonable yet so that the Catechisme may be made in the fewest and plainest affirmative termes that may be not like the many ignorant Catechismes in Scotland set out by every one who was the Sonne of a good man insomuch that what was Catechisme-Doctrine in one Congregation was scarcely received as Orthodox in another and herein I would have two rules observed First That curious and deep questions be avoided in the Fundamentall instruction of a People Secondly That there should not be so general a departure from the Papists that every thing should be accounted an Errour wherein we agree with them Dr. Reyn. Great is the Prophanation of the Sabbath day and contempt of your Majestie 's Proclamation which I earnestly desire may be reformed This motion found an unanimous consent Dr. Reyn. May your Majesty be pleased that the Bible be new translated such as are extant not answering the Originall and he instanced in three particulars Gal. 4. 25. Psal 105. 28. Psal 106. 30. In the Originall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They were not disobedient Phinehas execut judgement Ill translated Bordereth They were not obedient Phinehas prayed B. of Lond. If every mans humour might be followed there would be no end of translating His Majesty I professe I could never yet see a Bible well translated in English but I think that of all that of Geneva is the worst I wish some speciall pains were taken for an uniform translation which should be done by the best learned in both Universities then reviewed by the Bishops presented to the Privy Councell lastly ratified by Royall Authority to be read in the whole Church and no other Bp. of Lond. But it is fit that no marginall notes should be added thereunto His Majesty That Caveat is well put in for in the Geneva Translation some notes are partiall untrue seditious and savouring of traiterous conceits As when from Exodus 1. 19. Disobedience to Kings is allowed in a Marginall note And 2 Chron. 15. 16. King Asa taxed in the Note for onely deposing his Mother for Idolatry and not killing her To conclude this point let Errours in matters of Faith be amended and indifferent things be interpreted and a gloss added unto them For as Bartolus de Regno saith that a King with some weaknesse is better than still a change so rather a Church with some Faults than an Innovation And surely if these were the greatest matters that grieved you I need not have been troubled with such importunate Complaints D r. Reyn. May it please your Majesty that unlawfull and seditious Books be suppressed such as Ficlerus a Papist De Jure Magistratus in Subditos applyed against the late Queen for the Pope Bp. of Lond. There is no such licentious divulging of those Books and none have Liberty by Authority to buy them except such as Dr. Reynolds who was supposed would confute them And if such Books come into the Realme by secret conveyances perfect nottce cannot be had of their importation Besides Ficlerus was a great Disciplinarian whereby it appeares what advantage that sort gave unto thei Papists who mutatis personis apply their owne arguments against Princes of their Religion though for my part I detest both the Author and Applyer alike The L d. Cecil Indeed the unlimited liberty of dispersing Popish and Seditious Pamphlets in Paul's Church yard and both the Universities hath done much mischief but especially one called Speculum Tragicum His
Majesty That is a dangerous Book indeed L. H Howard Both for Matter and Intention L d. Chancel Of such Books some are Latin some are English but the last dispersed do most harm Secret Cecil But my Lord of London and no man else hath done what he could to suppresse them His Majesty Dr. Reynolds you are a better Colledge man than a States-man if meaning to tax the Bishop of London for suffering those Books betweene the Secular Priests and Jesuits to be published which he did by warrant from the Council to nourish a Schisme betwixt them L d. Cecil Such Books were tolerated because by them the Title of Spaine was confuted L d. Treasurer And because therein it appeares by the Testimony of the Priests themselves that no Papists are put to death for Conscience onely but for Treason Dr. Reyn. Indeed I meant not such Books as were printed in England but one ly such as came from beyond the Seas And now to proceed to the second generall point concerning the planting of learned Ministers I desire they be in every Parish His Majesty I have consulted with my Bishops about it whom I have found willing and ready herein But as subita evacuatio is periculosa so subita mutatio It cannot presently be performed the Universities not affording them And yet they afford moe learned men than the Realme doth Maintenance which must be first provided In the mean time ignorant Ministers if young are to be removed if there be no hope of amendment if old their death must be expected because Jerusalem cannot be built up in a day BP of Winch Lay-Patrons much cause the insufficiency of the Clergy presenting mean Clerks to their Cures the Law admitting of such sufficiency and if the Bishop refuseth them presently a Quare impedit is sent out against him BP of Lond. Because this I see is a time of moving Petitions * This he spake kneeling may I humbly present two or three to your Majesty First That there may be amongst us a praying Ministery it being now come to passe that men think it is the onely Duty of Ministers to spend their time in the Pulpit I confesse in a Church newly to be planted Preaching is most necessary not so in one long established that Prayer should be neglected His Majesty I like your Motion exceeding well and dislike the Hypocrisie of our Time who place all their Religion in the Eare whilest Prayer so requisite and acceptable if duly performed is accounted and used as the least part of Religion Bp. of Lond. My second motion is that untill Learned men may be planted in every Congregation godly Homilies may be read therein His Majesty I approve your Motion especially where the Living is not sufficient for the maintenance of a learned Preacher Also where there be multitudes of Sermons there I would have Homilies read divers times Here the King asked the assent of the Plantiffs and they confessed it A preaching Ministry is best but where it may not be had godly Prayers and Exhortations do much good L d. Chancel Livings rather want Learned men Egcrtor L. Elsemcr than Learned men Livings many in the Universities pining for want of Places I wish therefore some may have single Coats one Living before others have Doublets Pluralities And this method I have observed in bestowing the King's Benefices Bp. of Lond. I commend your honourable care that way but a Doublet is necessary in cold Weather L d. Chancel I dislike not the Liberty of our Church in granting to one man two Benefices but speak out of mine own purpose and practise grounded on the aforesaid reason BP of Lond. My last motion is that Pulpits may not bemade Pasquils wherein every discontented Fellow may traduce his Superiours His Majesty I accept what you offer for the Pulpit is no place of personall Reproof let them complaine to me if injured BP of Lond. If you Majesty shall leave your self open to admit of all Complaints hour Highnesse shall never be quiet nor your under-Officers regarded whom every Delinquent when censured will threaten to complain of His Majesty I mean they shall complaine to Me by degrees first to the Ordinarie from him to the Arch-bishop from him to the Lords of the Council and if in all these no remedy be found then to my Self Dr. Reyn. I come now to Subscription * This concerned the fourth generall head viz. the Communion Book as he first propounded it however here he took occasion to urge it as a great impeachment to a learned Ministerie and therefore intreat it may not be exacted as heretofore for which many good men are kept out though otherwise willing to subscribe to the Statutes of the Realme Articles of Religion and the Kings Supremacy The reason of their backwardness to subscribe is because the Common-prayer enjoyneth the Apocripha books to be read in the Church although some Chapters therein contain manifest Errours repugnant to Scripture For instance Ecclus 48. 10. Elias in person is said to come before Christ contrary to what is in the New * Mat 11. 14. Luke 1. 17. Testament of Elias in resemblance that is John the Baptist BP of Lond. Most of the Objections against those Books are the old Cavills of the Jewes renewed by S. Jerome who first called them Apocripha which opinion upon Ruffinus his challenge he after a sort disclaimed BP of Winch. Indeed S. Jerome saith Canonici sunt ad informandos mores non ad confirmandam fidem His Majesty To take an even order * Viz. in the Dominical Gospels betwixt both I would not have all Canonicall Books read in the Church nor any Chapter out of the Apocripha wherein any errour is contained wherefore let Dr. Reynolds note those Chapters in the Apocripha-books wherein those offences are and bring them to the Arch-bishop of Cant. against Wednesday next and now Dr. proceed Dr. Reyn. The next Scruple against Subscription is because it is twice * Here we omit Mr. Knowstub his exception against the interrogatories in Baptisme because he spake so perplexedly that his meaning is not to be collected therein set down in the Common-prayer-book Jesus said to his Disciples when by the Text in the Originall it is plain that he spake to the Pharisees His Majesty Let the word Disciples be omitted and the words Jesus said be printed in a different Letter Mr. Knewst I take exceptions at the Crosse in Baptism whereat the weak Brethren are offended contrary to the counsel of the Apostle Romans 14. 2 Corinth 8. His Majesty Distingue tempora concordabunt Scripturae Great the difference betwixt those times and ours Then a Church not fully settled Now ours long established How long will such Brethren be weak Are not FORTY FIVE years sufficient for them to grow strong in Besides who pretends this weaknesse We require not Subscriptions of Layicks and Ideots but of Preachers and Ministers who are not still I trow to be
advising Your Royall Son as is most meet to punish them if they refuse to obey the Law and will not cease to stir up Rebellion Now most gracious Soveraigne because it is meet that your Highnesse should understand by their supplication and declaration of the truth herein by themselves of whom Your Majesty hath been thus informed prostrate at Your Princely Feet at true faithfull loyall and obedient Subjects to all your Lawes and Ordinances Civill Politique Spirituall Temporall They with humble hearts doe beseech Your Princely Majesty to understand and that the people of the Family of Love or of God doe utterly disclaime and detest all the said absurd and selfe-conceited opinions and disobedient and erroneous sorts of the Anabaptists Brown Penty Puritans and all other proud-minded Sects and Heresies whatsoever protesting upon paine of our lives that we are not consenting nor agreeing with any such brain-sick Preachers nor their rebellious and disobedient sects whatsoever but have been and ever will be truly obedient to your Highnesse and your Lawes to the effusion of our Blood and expences of our Goods and Lands in Your Majesties service Highly laâ—ding Almighty God who hath so graciously and peaceably appointed unto us such a Vertuous Wise Religious and Noble King and so carefull and impartiall a Justiciar to governe over us beseeching him daily to blesse Your Highnesse with his godly wisdome and holy understanding to the furtherance of his truth and godlinesse and with all honour happinesse peace and long life and to judge rightly between Falshood and Truth And because Your Majesty shall have a perfect view or an assured perswasion of the truth of the same our Protestation if theâ—efore there be any indifferent man of the Kingdome that can justly touch us with any such disobedient and wicked handling of our selves as seemeth by Your Majesties Book it hath been informed unto Your Highnesse unlesse they be such mortall enemies the disobedient Puritans and those of their heady humours before named who are much more Zealous religious and precise in the tything of Mint Annis and Cummin and in the preferring of such like Pharisaicall and selfe-chosen outward traditions and grounds or hypocriticall righteousnesse than in the performing of Judgment Mercy and Faith and such like true and inward righteousness which God doth most chiefly require and regard Mat. 15. 15. c. and whose malice hath for twenty five yeeres past and upwards and ever since with very many untrue suggestions and most foule Errors and odious Crimes the which we could then if need were prove sought our utter overthrow destruction But that we have behaved our selves in all orderlinesse and peaceablenesse of life where we dwell and with whom we had to deale or if we doe vary or swerve from the established Religion in this land either in Service Ceremonies Sermons or Sacraments or have publiquely spoken or inveighed either by word or writing against our late Soveraign Princess government in cases spirituall or temporall then let us be rejected for Sectaries and never receive the benefit of Subjects Only * * Henry Nicholas Right Gracious Soveraigne we have read certaine Books brought forth by a German Author under the Characters of H. N. who affirmeth therein that he is prepared chosen and sent of God to minister and set forth the most holy service of the love of God and Christ or of the Holy Ghost unto the children of men upon the Universall earth out of which service or writings we be taught all Dutifull Obedience towards God and Magistrates and to live a Godly and honest life and to love God above all things and our neighbours as our selves agreeing therein with all the Holy scriptures as we understand them Against which Author and his bookes we never yet heard or knew any Law established in this Realme by our late Gracious Soveraigne but that we might read them without offence whose writings we suppose under your Highness correction your Majesty hath yet never seene or perufed heard of by any indifferent nor true information For the said H. N. in all his doctrine and writings being as we are credibly informed as much matter in volume if they were all Compiled together as the whole Bible contoineth doth neither take part with nor write against any particular party or company whatsoever as naming them by their names nor yet praise or dispraise any of them by name But doth only shew in particular in his said writings as saith he the unpartiall service of love requireth what is good or evill for every one wherein the man hath right or wrong in any point whether it be in the State of his Soul towards God or in the State of his body towards the Magistrates of the world and towards one another to the end that all people when they heare or read his writing and doe thereby perceive their sinne and estranging from God and Christ might endeavour them to bring forth the due fruits of Repentance which is reformation and newnesse of life according as all the Holy Scriptures doth likewise require the same of every one And that they might in that sort become saved through Jesus Christ the only Saviour of all the world Notwithstanding deare Soveraigne yet hath the said Author and his Doctrine a long time and still is most shamefully and falsely standered by our foresaid adversaries both in this land and in divers others as to be replenished with all manner of damnable Errors and filthy liberty of the flesh And we his well willers and favourers in the upright drift of his doctrine as aforesaid have also been of them complained of accused unto our Late Gracious Soveraign and the Magistrates of this land both long time past and now lately againe as to be a people so infected and stained with all manner of detestable wickednesse and errors that are not worthy to live upon the earth but yet would never present any of his Bookes unto his Majesty to peruse nor yet set them forth in any indifferent or true manner to the view of the world lest their malicious and standerous reports and accusations against the same and us should thereby be revealed and disproved to their great shame Through which their most odious and false complaints against us the Magistrates did then and also have now lately cast divers of us into Prison to our great hinderance discredit But yet have never proved against us by sufficient and true testimony any one of their foule accusations as the Records in such cases and the Magistrates that have dealt therein can testifie but are so utterly void of due and lawfull Proof thereof that they have framed divers subtile Articles for us being plain and unlearned men to answer upon our Oath whereby to urge and gather some things from our selves so to prove their false and unchristian accusations to be true or else will force us to renounce recant and condemne that which we doe not wilfully maintaine nor
justifie much like as it was practized in the Primitive Church against the Christians yea they are not ashamed to lay their owne and all other men disobedient and wicked acts of what profession soever it be upon our backs to the end cunningly to purchase favour and credit to themselves and to make us seeme monstrous and detestable before the Magistrates and the common people every where for that we and the doctrine of H. N. might without any indifferent tryall and lawfull or orderly proceedings as heretofore hath been used in the Christian Church in such eases for confuting and condemning of Heresie be utterly rooted out of the Land with divers other most cruell practices proceeding out of their bitter and envious hearts towards us tending to the same unchristian and mercilesse purpose the which we will here omit to speak of because we have already been overâ—tedious to your Highnesse and most humbly crave your most gracious pardon and patience therein in respect we speak to cleare our selves of such matters as may touch our lives and liberties which are two of the chiefest jewels that God hath given to Mankinde in this world and also for that we have few friends or any other meanes than this to acquaint your Highnesse with the truth and state of our cause whereof we think your Majesty is altogether ignorant but have very many Enemies whom we do greatly suspect will not be slack to prosecute their falfe and malitious purpose against as unto your Highnesse even like as they have accustomed in times past to doe unto our late Soveraign Queen through which prevailing in their slanderous defacing of us and our cause divers of us for want of friends to make is rightly known unto her Majestie have sundry times been constrained to endure their injurious dealing towards us to our great vexation and hindrance Wherefore most gratious Soveraign this is now our humble suit unto your Highness that when your Kingly affairs of importance which your Majestie hath now in hand shall be well overpast for the prosperous performance whereof we will as duty bindeth us daily pray unto Almighty God that then your Highnesse will be pleased because we have alwaies taken the same Authors work aforesaid to proceed out of the great grace and love of God and Christ extended towards all Kings Princes Rulers and People upon the universal earth as he in many of his works doth witness no lesse to their salvation unity peace and concord in the same Godly love to grant us that favour at your Majesties fit and convenient time to peruse the Books your self with an impartiall eye conferring them with the holy Scriptures wherein it seemeth by the Books that are set forth under your Highnesse name that you have had great travell and are therefore better able to judge between Truth and Falshood And we will whensoever it shall please your Highnesse to appoint the time and to command and licence us thereto doe our best endeavours to procure so many of the Books as we can out of Germany where they be Printed to be delivered unto your Majestie or such Godly Learned and indifferent men as it shall please your Majestie to appoint And we will also under your Highnesse lawfull Licence and commandement in that behalf doe our like endeavour to procure some of the Learned men in that Countrey if there be any yet remaining alive that were well acquainted with the Authour and his Works in his life time and which likewise have exercised his works ever since to come over and attend upon your Majestie at your appointed time convenient who can much more sufficiently instruct and resolve your Highnesse in any unusuall words phrase or matter that may happily seem dark and doubtfull to your Majestie that any of us in this your Land are able to doe And so upon your Highnesse advised consultation and censure thereupon finding the same Works hereticall or seditious and not agreeable to Gods holy Word and testimonies of all the Scriptures to leave them to take them as your Majesties Laws shall therein appoint us having no intent or meaning to contend or resist there-against however it be but dutifully to obey thereunto according to the Counsel of Scriptures and also of the said Authors work And our further humble suit unto your Highnesse is that of your gracious favour and clemency you will grant and give order unto your Majesties Officers in that behalf That all of us your faithfull loving Subjects which are now in Prison in any part of this your Realme for the same cause may be released upon such Bail or Bond as we are able to give and that neither we nor any of that company behaving our selves orderly and obediently under your Highnesse lawes may be any further persecuted or troubled therein untill such time as your Majestie and such Godly learned and indifferent men of your Clergie as your Highnesse shall appoint thereto shall have advisedly consulted and determined of the matter whereby we may not be utterly wasted by the great Charge of Imprisonment and Persecution and by the hard dealing of our Adversaries for we are but a People few in number and yet most of us very poor in worldly wealth O sacred Prince we humbly pray that the Almighty will move your Princely heart with true judgment to discerne between the right and the wrong of our cause according to that most certain and Christian Rule set down by our Saviour Christ unto his Disciples Matth 7. 12. Ye shall know the tree by the fruit and in our obedience peaceable and honest lives and conversation to protect us and in our disobedience and misdemeanour to punish us as resisters of Gods Ordinance of the Kingly Authority and most high Office of Justice committed to your Majestie to that purpose towards your Subjects Rom. 13. And gracious Soveraigne we humbly beseech your Highnesse with Princely Regard in equity and favour to ponder and grant the humble suit contained in this most lowly supplication of your loyall true hearted faithfull subjects And to remember that your Majestie in your Book of Princely grave and fatherly advice to the happy Prince your Royall Son doth conclude Principis est parcere subjectis debellare superbos and then no doubt God will blesse your Highnesse with all your Noble Off-spring with peace long life and all honours and happinesse long to continue over us for which we will ever pray with incessant prayers to the Almighty I finde not what effect this their Petition produced whether it was slighted and the Petitioners looked upon as inconsiderable or beheld as a few frantick folk out of their wits which consideration alone often melted their Adversaries Anger into Pity unto them 19. The main design driven on in the Petition is to separate themselves from the Puritans as persons odious to King JAMES that they might not fare the worse for their Vicinity unto them The Familists will in no wise
But a Vagari took the Lord Ross to go to Rome His sad Dilemmâ— though some conceive this motion had its root in more mischievous brains In vain doth Mr. Molle disswade him grown now so wilfull he would in some sort govern his Governour What should this good man doe To leave him were to desert his trust to goe along with him was to endanger his own life At last his affections to his charge so prevailed against his judgment that unwillingly willing he went with him Now at what rate soever they rode to Rome the fame of their coming came thither before them so that no sooner had they entred their Inne but Officers asked for Mr. Molle took and carried him to the Inquisition-House where he remained a prisoner whilest the Lord Ross was daily feasted favoured entertained so that some will not stick to say That here he changed no Religion for a bad one 9. However His constancy in the 〈…〉 such Mr. Molle's glorious constancy that whilest he look'd forward on his cause and upwards to his crown neither frights nor flattery could make any impression on him It is questionable whether his friends did more pity his misery or admire his patience The pretence and allegation of his so long and strict imprisonment was because he had translated Du Plessis his Book of The Visibility of the Church out of French into English but besides there were other contrivances therein not so fit for a publick relation In vain did his friends in England though great and many endeavour his enlargement by exchange for one or moe Jesuits or Priests who were prisoners here Papists beholding this Molle as a man of a thousand who if discharged the Inquisition might give an account of Romish cruelty to their great disadvantage 10. In all the time of his durance His death in durance he never heard from any * So am I informed by a Letter from Mr. Hâ—n Molle his Son friend nor any from him by word or letter no English-man being ever permitted to see him save onely one viz Mr. Walter Strickland of Botnton-house in York shire With very much desire and industry he procured leave to visit him an Irish Frier being appointed to stand by and be a witnesse of their discourse Here he remained thirty years in restraint and in the eighty first year of his age died a Prisoner and constant Confessour of Christ his cause God be magnified in and for the sufferings of his Saints 11. In this year Richard Vaughan The death of Bishop Vaughan Doctor of Divinity bred in S. John's Colledge in Cambridge successively Bishop of Bangor Chester and London ended his life A corpulent man but spiritually minded such his integrity not to be bowed though force was not wanting to any base connivance to wrong the Church he was placed in His many virtues made his losse to be much bemoaned 12. Greater was the grief Mr. Brightmans birth and breeding which the death of Master Thomas Brightman caused to the disaffectors of the Church-discipline of England He was born in the Town of Nottingham bred in Queens-Colledge in Cambridge where a constant opposition in point of judgment about Ceremonies was maintained between him and Doctor Meryton afterwards Dean of Yorke Here he filled himselfe with abilities for the Ministerie waiting a call to vent himselfe in the Countrey 13. It happened this very time A Patron paramount that Sir John Son to Mr. Peter Osborne both lovers of learned and godly men not onely bought and restored the Rectorie of Haunes in Bedford shire formerly alienated to the Church but also built thereon from the ground a fair House which he furnished with fitting utenfils for the future Incumbent thereof This done at his desire of an able Minister Doctor Whitakers recommended Master Brightman unto him on whom Sir John not onely freely conferred the Living but also the profits of two-former years which the Knight inned at his own cost and kept in his possession 14. Here Mr. Brightman employed himself both by preaching Exceptions against Master Brightman's Book and writing to advance Gods glory and the good of the Church witnesse his learned Comments in most pure Latine on the Canticles and Revelation though for the latter greatly grudged at on severall accounts 1. For the Title thereof conceived too insolent for any creature to affix A Revelation of The Revelation except immediate Inspiration which made the lock had given the key unto it 2. For being over-positive in his interpretations The rather because the Reverend Mr. Calvin himself being demanded his opinion of some passages in the Revelation as a learned * Bodin in his Method of History cap. 7. man reporteth answered ingenuously That he knew not at all what so obscure a writer meant 3. For over-particularizing in personal expositions applying severall Angels mentioned therein Chap. 14. v. 18 He maketh Arch-bp Cranmer the Angel to have power over the fire and Ch. 16. v. 5. He makes Hillâ— Cecil Ld Treas of England the Angel of the waters if Lord Admirall it had been more proper justifying the pouring out of the third viall to the Lord Cromwell Archbishop Cranmer Cecill Lord Burley c. Such restrictiveness being unsuitable with the large concernment of Scripture as if England half an Island in the Western corner were more considerable than all the world besides and the theater whereon so much should be performed 4. In resembling the Church of England to luke-warm Laodicea praising and preferring the purity of forrain Protestant-Churches Indeed his daily discourse was against Episcopal Government which he declared would shortly be pulled down He spake also of great troubles which would come upon the Land of the destruction of Rome and the Universall calling of the Jewes affirming That some then alive should see all these things effected 15. However His angelical life his life was most angelicall by the confession of such who in judgment dissented from him His manner was alwaies to carry about him a Greek Testament which he read over every fortnight reading the Gospels and the Acts the first the Epistles and the Apocalyps the second week He was little of stature and though such commonly cholerick yet never known to be moved with anger and therefore when his pen falls foul on Romish superstition his friends account it zeal and no passion 16. His desire was to die a sudden death His sudden death if God so pleased surely not out of opposition to the English Liturgie praying against the same but for some reasons best known to himself God granted him his desire a death sudden in respect of the shortnesse of the time though premeditated on and prepared for by him who waited for his change and being a watchfull souldier might be assaulted not surprized For riding in a Coach with Sir Iohn Osborne and reading of a Book for he would lose no time he fainted and though instantly taken out
shine on Earth as long as the Sun that faithful Witness endureth in Heaven Being more confident that my desire herein will take effect considering the Honourable Governous of this Hospital are Persons so Good they will not abuse it themselves and so Great they will not suffer it to be abuâ—ed by others 22. England at this time enjoying abundance of Peace Nov. 6. The death and prayâ— of Pr. HENRY Plenty and Prosperity in full speed of her Happiness was checkt on a soddain with the sad News of the death of Prince HENRY in the rage of a malitious extraordinary burning-Feaver He was generally lamented of the whole Land both Universities publishing their Verses in print and give me leave to remember four made by Giles Fletcher of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge on this PRINCES plain Grave because wanting an Inscription and it will be Honour enough to me if I can make thereof a Translation Si sapis attonitus sacro decede Sepulchro Nec cineri quae sunt nomina quaere novo Prudens celavit Sculptor nam quisque rescivit Protinus in lachrymas solvitur moritur If wise amaz'd depart this holy Grave Nor these New-ashes ask what Names they have The Graver in concealing them was wise For who so knows strait melts in tears and dies Give me leave to adde one g Made by Mr. George Herbert more untranslatable for its Elegancy and Expressivenesse Vlteriora timens cum morte paciscitur Orbis And thus we take our leave of the Memory of so Worthy a PRINCE never heard by any alive to swear an Oath for which Archbishop Abbot commended Him in his Funerall Sermon the PRINCE being wont to say That He knew no Game or Value to be won or lost that could be worth an Oath 23. One generation goeth and another generation cometh Feb. 14. The Marriage of the Palatine but the earth remaineth for ever the Stage stands the Actors alter Prince HENRY's Funerals are followed with the Prince PALATINE's Nuptials solemnized with great State in hopes of happiness to both Persons though sad in the event thereof and occasioning great revolutions in Christendome 24. Expect not of me an account of the Divorce of the Lady Fra Howard from the Earl of Essex 11. 1613. Essex his Divorce discussed and of her re-marriage to Robert Carre Earl of Somerset which Divorce divided the Bishops of the Land in their judgments Against it George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury John King Bishop of London Alledging the common same of Incontinency betwixt Her and the Earl of Somerset For it Thomas Bilson Bishop of Winchester Lancelot Andrews Bishop of Elie. Rich Neale BP of Coventry and Litchfield These proceeded secundùm allegata probata of the Earls inability quoad hanc and the Ladies untainted Virginity 25. Onely I will insert one passage A memorable Speech of Bishop King Bishop Overall discoursing with Bishop King about the Divorce the later expressed himself to this effect I should never have been so earnest against the Divorce Ann. Dom. 1613. Ann. Reg. Jac. 11 save that because perswaded in my conscience of falshood in some of the depositions of the Witnesses on the Ladies behalf This sure I am from her second Marriage is extracted as chaste and virtuous * Anne Countess of Bedford a Lady as any of the English Nation 29. Nicholas Wadham Wadham-Colledge sounded Esquire of Merryfield in the County of Somerset did by his last Will bequeath Four hundred pounds per annum and Six thousand pounds in money to the building of a Colledge in Oxford leaving the care and trust of the whole to Dorothy his Wife One of no lesse learned and liberall than Noble extraction A Sister to John Lord Peters and Daughter to Sir William Peters Secretary to four Kings and a worthy Benefactour to All-Souls Colledge In her life-time she added almost double to what her Husband bequeathed whereby at this day it is become one of the most Uniform buildings in England as no additionall result at severall times of sundry fancies and Founders but the entire product all at once of the same Architect 30. This year the same was finished Where formerly a Monastery of Augustineâ—s built in a place where formerly stood a Monastery of the Augustine Friers who were so eminent for their abilities in disputing that the University did by a particular Statute impose it as an Exercise upon all those that were to proceed Masters of Art that they should first be disputed upon by the Augustine Fryers which old Statute is still in force produced at this day for an Equivalent exercise yet styled Answering Augustines The Colledge hath from its beginning still retained something of its old Genius having been continually eminent for some that were acute Philosophers and good Disputants Wardens Bishops Benefactors Learned Writers Doctor Wright admitted 1613. Dr. Flemming admitted 1613. Dr. Smith 1616. Dr. Escott 1635. Dr. Pitt 1644. Dr. Joh. Wilkins 1648. Robert Wright Bishop of Bristoll then Coventrie and Lichfield Philip Bisse Doctor of Divinity Canon of Wells and Arch-deacon of Taunton gave 1849 Books for their Librarie valued at 1200 pounds Humphrey Sydenham a very eloquent Preacher So that very lately r viz. An. 1634. there were in this Colledge one Warden fifteen Fellows fifteen Scholars two Chaplains two Clerks besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation with many other Students the whole number 120. As for Dr. John Wilkins the present Warden thereof my worthily respected friend he hath courteously furnished me with my best intelligence from that University 31. A Parliament was called A Parliament suddenly called soon dissolved wherein many things were transacted nothing concluded In this Parlament Dr. Harsenet Bishop of Chichester gave offence in a Sermon preacht at Court pressing the word Reddite Caesari quae sunt Caesaris as if all that was leavied by Subsidies or paid by Custome to the Crown was but a redditum of what was the Kings before Likewise Doctor Neale Bishop of Rochester uttered words in the House of the Lords interpreted to the disparagement of some reputed Zealous Patriot in the House of Commons both these Bishops were questioned upon it and to save them from the storm this was the occasion chiefly as was supposed of the abrupt breaking up of the Parliament 32. Anthony Rudde The death of Bishop Rudde Bishop of S. Davids ended his life He was born in Yorkshire bred in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where he became Fellow A most excellent Preacher whose Sermons were very acceptable to Qu. ELIZABETH Hereon dependeth a memorable Story which because but defectively delivered by Sir John Harrington I request the Readers Patience and require his Belief to this large and true Relation thereof 33. Bishop Rudde preaching in his course before Queen ELIZABETH at White-hall Ann. Reg. Jac. 12 Ann. Dom. 1614. A remarkable 〈◊〉 Her Majesty was highly affected with his Sermon in so
in the main agreeing together Quod duo stent Libri clausi Anglis Regiâ in ARA Lumina caeca duo Pollubra sicca duo An clausum caecúmque Dei tenet Anglia cultum Lumine caeca suo sorde sepulta suâ Romano ritu dum Regalem instruit ARAM Purpuream pingit * aliâ—s Religiosa Luxuriosa Lupam 42. Mr. George Herbert of Trinity-Coll in Cambridge made a most ingenious retortion of this Hexastick which as yet all my industry cannot recover Yet it much contenteth me that I am certainly informed that the posthume Remains shavings of Gold are carefully to be kept of that not lesse pious than witty writer are shortly to be put forth into Print when this his Anti pelvi Melvi But now at last Melvin his liberty was procured by the intercession of the chief of the Reformed in France Ann. Reg. Jac. 13 Ann. Dom. 1615. and being released he afterwards became Professour at Sedan in the Duke of â—ovillion his Countrey Here he ceased not to traduce the Church of England against which he wrote a scroale of Saphicks entituled TAMICHAMI-CATEGERIA 43. This year Thomas Bilson The death of Bishop Bilson Bishop of Winchester who carried Prelature in his very aspect ended his life first School-Master then Warden of Winchester afterwards Bishop of Worcester and lastly of Winchester A deep and profound Scholar excellently well read in the Fathers principally shewed in his Defence of Christ his descent into Hell 44. By the way Campian his falshood it is a falshood what Campian writes confidently that Cheney Bishop of Gloucester had affirmed unto him Namely that concerning this Article it was moved in a Convocation at London Quemadâ—odum sine tumultu penitus eximatur de Symbole How it might without any noise be wholly taken out of the Creed For no such debate appeateth upon Record in our Convocations and as for Campian his single affirmation is of no validity 45. Marcus Antonius de Dominis 1616. Dec. 6. Archbishop of Spalato Archbishop of Spalato came over into England was here courteously welcomed and plentifully preferred of whose hypocrisie and ingratitude largely b viz anno 1622. hereafter 46. King JAMES went into Scotland to visit His native Countrey Mar. 14. The King goes into Scotland with a Princely train In his passage thither He was much affected with a Sermon which one of his Chaplains preached upon this Text c Gen. 13. 2 3. Gen. 13. 2 3. And Abraham was very rich in cattell in silver and in gold And he went on his journeys from the South even to Bethell to the place where his Tent had been at the beginning As for His entertainment in Scotland we leave it to their Historians to relate For may my pen be plindered by the Borderers or Mosse-Troopers if offering to crosse Tweed into another Countrey 47. This year died Doctor William James The death of Bishop James born in Cheshire Master first of the University-Colledge then Dâ—an of Christ-Church in Oxford Chaplain to Robert Dudley Earle of Leitester and Confessour to him at his death and at last made Bishop of Durham He expended much on the repairing of the Chappel of Durham-house in the Strand and in his younger daâ—es was much commended for his hospitality 48. Two other prime Prelates accompanied him to the other world Bishop Robinson and Bishop Bennet Dr. Henry Robinson Provest of Queen-Colledge in Oxford Bishop of Carlisle of great temperance milde in speech but weak in constitution The other Robert Bennet Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge Chaplain to the Lord Burleigh termed by a great Divine Eruditus Beneâ—ictus Bishop of Hereford well-deserving of his See whose Houses he repaired 49. Doctor Mocket Doctor Mocket his Translation of our English Liturgie Warden of All-Souls in Oxford Chaplain to George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury set forth a Book in pure Latine containing The Apologie of the Church of England The greater and lesser Catechisme The nine and thirty Articles The Common Prayer The Ordination of Bishops Priests and Deacons The Politie or Government of the Church of England As for the Homilies too tedious to be translated at large he epitomized them into certain Propositions by him faithfully extracted 50. No sooner appeared this Book in print Cavilled at by many but many faults were found therein Indeed it fared the worse for the Authour the Authour for his Patron the Archbishop against whom many Bishops began then to combine Some accused him of presumption for undertaking such a task without d Yet â—um Privilegio is prefixt on the first page Commission from the KING it being almost as faâ—all for Private persons to tamper with such Publick matters Ann. Dom. 1617 Ann. Reg. Jac. 15 as for a Subject to match into the blood-Royal without leave of his Soveraigne Others complained that he enlarged the liberty of a Translatour into the licence of a Commenter and the Propositions out of the Homilies by him collected were made to lean to the judgment of the Collectour James Montague Bishop of Winchester a potent Courtier took exceptions that his Bishoprick in the marshalling of them was wronged in the method as put e In his Politica Ecclesiae Angl. cap 5. p. 314. The pinching accusation after any whose Bishop is a Privie Counsellour 50. But the main matter objected against it was That this Doctor was a better Chaplain than a Subject contracting the Power of his PRINCE to enlarge the Priviledge of his Patron allowing the Archbishop of Canterbury's power to confirm the Election of Bishops in his Provinces citing f ibid. pag. 309. for the same the 6â— Canon of the first Nicene Councell established by Imperiall authority If any be made a Bishop without the censent of his Metropolitan he ought not to be a Bishop 51. This was counted an high offence to attribute an obliging authority either to Canon or Civil Law Imperiall Decrees command not in England both which if crossing the Common Law of the Land are drowned in their passage as they saile over from Callis to Dover and K. JAMES justly jealous of his own Prerogative approved not such a confirming power in the Archbishop wich might imply a Negative Voice in case he disliked such Elects as the KING should recommend unto him 52. Hereupon On the burning of his Book Dr. Mocket dyeth Doctor Mocket his Book was ceasured to be burned which was done accordingly Now although the imperfections and indiscretions of this Translatour might be consumed as dross in the fire yet the undoubted truth of the Articles of the English Church therein contained as Flame-free and perfectly refined will endure to all eternity The Doctor took this censure so tenderly especially so much defeated in his expectation to finde punishment where he looked for preferment as if his life were bound up by sympathy in his Book he ended his daies soon after 53.
and nice-conscienced Elects scrupled to be consecrated by him He gave during his own life Twenty pounds a year to the Man's Widow which was not long a Widow as quickly re-maried He kept a Monethly-Fast on a Tuesday as the day whereon this casualty befell in a word this Keeper's death was the Archbishop's mortification 18. A project against the Clergy to get money At this time the KING's Exchequer grew very low though Lionel Cransield Lord Treasurer and Earl of Middlesex neglected no means for the improving thereof In order whereunto Reader let this Story passe into thy belief on my credit knowing my selfe sufficiently assured thereof a Projector such necessary evils then much countenanced informed His MAJESTY of a way whereby speedily to advance much Treasure And how for sooth was it Even that a new Valuation should be made of all Spiritual preferments which now in the King's Books passed at Under-tates to bring them up to or near the full value thereof This would promote both the casual fines as I may term them of First-fruits and the Annual rent of Tenths to the great advantage of the Crown The KING sent to the Lord Treasurer demanding his judgment thereof 19. Declined by the Lord Treasurer The Treasurer returned His MAJESTY an Answer to this effect so near as I can remember from the mouth of a Noble person then present Sir You have ever been beheld as a great Lover and Advancer of Learned men and You know Clergy-mens education is chargeable to them or their friends Long it is before they get any preferment which at last generally is but small in proportion to their pains and expences Let it not be said that You gained by grinding them other waies lesse obnoxious to just censure will be found out to furnish your occasions The KING commended Cranfield as doing it only for triall adding moreover I should have accounted thee a very knave if encouraging Me herein and so the project was blasted for the present as it was when it budded again propounded by some unworthy instrument in the Reign of King CHARLES 20. Who is truly excused I know some will suspect the Treasurer more likely to start than crush so gainful a design as who by all waies means sought to encrease the royal Revenue I know also that some accuse him as if making his Master's wings to molt thereby the better to feather his own nest Indeed he raised a fair estate and surely he will never be a good Steward for his Master who is a bad one for himself Yet on due and true enquiry it will appear that though an High power did afterwards prosecute him yet his innocence in the main preserved him to transmit a good estate to his posterity So that much of truth must be allowed in his * Frequent in his House at Copâ—hall Motto PERDIDIT FIDES he was lost at Court for his fidelity to K. JAMES in sparing His Treasure and not answering the expensivenesse of a great Favourite 21. The L. Bacon outed â—or Bâ—ibery A Parliament was call'd Jan. 20. wherein Francis Bacon L d Chancellor was outed his Office for Bribery the frequent receiving thereof by him or his was plainly proved Yet for all his taking just and unjust he was exceedingly poor and much indebted Wherefore when motion was made in the House of Commons of Fining him some thousand of pounds Sir Fr. S. a noble Member standing up desired that for two Reasons his Fine might be mitigated into fourty shillings First because that would be payed whereas a greater summe would onely make a noise and never be payed Secondly the shame would be the greater when such his prodigality that he who had been so large a taker in his Office was reduced to such penury that forty shillings should be conceived a sufficient Fine for his Estate But it was fine enough for him to lose his Office remitted to a mean and private condition 22. None can character him to the life An 〈…〉 his character save himself He was in parts more than a Man who in any Liberal profession might be whatsoever he would himself A great Honourer of antient Authors yet a great Deviser and Practiser of new waies in Learning Privy Counsellor as to King JAMES so to Nature it self diving into many of her abstruse Mysteries New conclusions he would dig out with mattocks of gold silver not caring what his experience cost him expending on the Trials of Nature all and more than he got by the Trials at the Barre Posterity being the better for his though he the worse for his own dear experiments He and his Servants had all in common the Men never wanting what their Master had and thus what came flowing in unto him was sent flying away from him who in giving of rewards knew no bounds but the bottome of his own purse Wherefore when King JAMES heard that he had given Ten pounds to an under-keeper by whom He had sent him a Buck the KING said merrily I and He shall both die Beggars which was condemnable Prodigality in a Subject He lived many years after and in his Books will ever survive in the reading whereof modest Men commend him in what they doe condemn themselves in what they doe not understand as believing the fault in their own eyes and not in the object 23. Bishop Williams made Lord Keeper All stood expecting who should be Bacon's Successour in the Chancery Sure he must be some man of great and high abilities otherwise it would seem a valley next a mountain to maintain a convenient and comely level in that eminent Place of Judicature Now whilst in common discourse some made this Judge others that Sergeant Lord Chancellor King JAMES made Dr. Williams lately and still Dean of Westminster soon after Bishop of Lincolne Though the KING was the principal July 10. the Duke of Buckingham was more than the instrumental advancer of him to the title of Lord Keeper in effect the same in Place and Power with the Lord Chancellor 24. Some causlesly offended The KING's choice produced not so much dislike as general wonder Yet some cavilled at Doctor Williams his Age as if it were preposterous for one to be able for that Office before antient and as if one old enough for a Bishop were too young for a Chancellor Others questioned his abilities for the Place Could any expect to reap Law where it was never sown who can apply the remedy whilst he is ignorant in the malady Being never bred to know the true grounds and reasons of the Common Law how could he mitigate the rigour thereof in difficult cases He would be prone to mistake the severity of the Common Law for cruelty and then unequal equity and unconscionable conscience must be expected from him Besides the Place was proper not for the plain but guarded Gown and the Common Lawyers prescribed for six * Yet Sir Ch.
to Himself to be deceived by him and humoured into a peace to His own disadvantage 31. Once King James in an Afternoon was praising the plentifull provision of England King Iames his return to Gondomer especially for flesh and fowle adding the like not to be had in all Spaine what one County here did afford Yea but my Master quoth Gondomer there present hath the gold and silver in the East and West Indies And I by my Saule saith the King have much adoe to keep my men from taking it away from Him To which the Don 's Spanish gravity returned silence 32. His judgment was most solid in matters of Divinity Judicious bountifull and mercifull not fathering Books of others as some of His Predecessours but His Works are allowed His own by His very adversaries Most bountiful to all especially to Scholars no King of England ever doing though His Successour suffered more to preserve the revenues of the English Hierarchy Most mercifull to Offendors no one person of Honour without parallel since the Conquest being put to death in His Reign In a word He left His own Coffers empty but His Subjects Chests full the Land being never more wealthy it being easier then to get than since to save an estate The end of the Reign of King JAMES THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN THE ELEVENTH BOOK Containing the Reign of KING CHARLES excepted who in due time may be happy in their Marriage hopefull in their Issue These five have all been of the same Christian Name Yet is there no fear of Confusion to the prejudice of your Pedigree which Heralds commonly in the like cases complain of seeing each of them being as eminent in their kinde so different in their eminency are sufficiently distinguished by their own character to Posterity Of these the first a Judge for his gravity and learning famous in his Generation The second a worthy Patriot and bountifull House-keeper blessed in a numerous Issue his four younger Sonnes affording a Bishop to the Church a Judge and Peer to the State a Commander to the Camp and an Officer to the Court. The third was the first Baron of the House of whose worth I will say nothing because I can never say enough The fourth your Honourable Father who because he doth still and may he long survive I cannot doe the right which I would to his merit without doing wrong which I dare not to his modesty You are the fift in a direct Line and let me acquaint you with what the world expected not to say requireth of you to dignifie your self with some select and peculiar desert so to be differenced from your Ancestours that your memory may not be mistaken in the Homonymie of your Christian Names which to me seemeth as improbable as that a burnning-Beacon at a reasonable distance should not be beheld such the brightnesse of your parts and advantage of your education You was bred in that Schoole which hath no superiour in England and successively in those two Vniversities which have no equall in Europe Such the stock of your native perfection before graffed with the forraigne accomplishments of your travells So that men confidently promise themselves to read the best last and largest Edition of MERCATOR's ATLAS in your experience and discourse That good God who went with you out of your Native Countrey and since watched over you in forraign parts return with you in safety in due time to his Glory and your own Good which is the daily desire of Your Honour 's most devoted Servant THOMAS FVLLER THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN XVII CENTURIE 1. THe sad newes of King James his death was soon brought to White-hall Anno Regis Caroli primi 1 Anno Dom. 1625 News of the Kings death brought to White Hall at that very instant when D r Land Bishop of S t Davids was preaching therein This caused him to a See his own Diatie on that day March 27 Sunday May 14 break off his Sermon in the middest thereof out of civil complyance with the sadness of the congregation and the same day was King Charles proclaimed at White-Hall 2. On the fourteenth of May following King James his funeralls were performed very solemnly His solemn funeralls in the Collegiate-Church at Westminster his lively statue being presented on a magificent Herse King Charles was present thereat For though modern state used of late to lock up the chief Mourner in his Chamber where his grief must be presumed too great for publique appearance yet the King caused this ceremonie of sorrow so to yeeld to the substance thereof and pomp herein to stoop to pietie that in his person he sorrowfully attended the funerals of his Father 3. D r. Williams Dr. Williams his text Sermon and parallel betwixt K. Solomon and K. James Lord Keeper and Bishop of Lincolne preached the Sermon taking for his Text 2 Chron. 9. 29 30. and part of the 31 verse containing the happy reign quiet death and stately buriall of King Solomon The effect of his Sermon was to advance a parallel betwixt two peaceable Princes King Solomon and King James A parallel which willingly went not to say ran of its own accord and when it chanced to stay was fairly led on by the art and ingenoitie of the Bishop not enforcing but improving the conformitie betwixt these two Kings in ten particulars all expressed in the Text as we read in the vulgar Latin somewhat different from the new Translation King Solomon King James 1. His eloquence the rest of the words of Solomon 2. His actions and all that he did 3. A well within to supply the same and his wisedome 4. The preservation thereof to eternitie Are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon made by Nathan the Prophet Ahijah the Shilonite and Iddo the Seer 5. He reigned in Jerusalem a great Citie by him enlarged and repaired 6. Over all Israel the whole Empire 7. A great space of time full fourtie years 8. Then he slept importing no sudden and violent dying but a premeditate and affected kinde of sleeping 9. With his fathers David especially his Soul being disposed of in happiness 10. And was buried in the City of David 1. Had b Tacitus of Augustus profluentem quae Principem deceret eloquentiam 2. Was eminent in his actions of Religion Justice War and Peace 3. So wise that there was nothing that any c pag. 59. would learn which he was not able to teach 4. As Trajan was nicknamed herba parietaria a Wal-flower because his name was engraven on every wal so King James shall be called herba chartacea the paper-flower and his glory be read in d pag 61. in all writers 5. He reigned in the capital City of London by him much augmented 6. Over great Britain by him happily united and other Dominions 7. In all fiftie eight though over all Britain but two and twenty years reigning as
c pag. 6â— better so also longer than King Solomon 8. Left the world most resolved most prepared embracing his Grave for his Bed 9. Reigning gloriously with God in Heaven 10. Whilest his body was interred with all possible solemnitie in King Henry the seventh his Chappell Be it here remembred that in this Parallel the Bishop premised to set forth Solomon not in his full proportion faults and all but half-faced imagine lusca as Apelles painted Antigonus to conceal the want of his eye adding that Solomons vices could be no blemish to King James who resembled him onely in his choicest vertues He concluded all with that verse Ecclesiasticus 30. 4. Though his Father die yet he is as though he were not dead for he hath left one behinde him that is like himself in application to his present Majestie 4. Some Auditors Exceptions taken at his Sermon who came thither rather to observe than edifie cavill than observe found or made faults in the Sermon censuring him for touching too often and staying too long on an harsh string three times straining the same making eloquence too essentiall and so absolutely necessary in a King that the want thereof made Moses in a manner f pag. 16. refuse all Government though offered by God that no g pag. 5. man ever got great power without eloquence Nere being the first of the Caesars qui alienae facundiae eguit who usurp'd another mans language to speake for him Expressions which might be forborn in the presence of his Sonne and Successor whose impediment in speech was known to be great and mistook to be greater Some conceived him too long in praising the passed too short in promising for the present King though saying much of him in a little and the Bishops Adversaries whereof then no want at Court some took distaste others made advantage thereof Thus is it easier and better for us to please one God than many men with our Sermons However the Sermon was publiquely set forth by the Printer but not the express command of his Majestie which gave but the steddier Mark to his enemies noting the marginall notes thereof and making all his Sermon the text of their captious interpretations 5. Now began animosities to discover themselves in the Court Discontents begin in the Court. whose sad influences operated many years after many being discontented that on this change they received not proportionable advancement to their expectations Anno Regis Car. 1. 1 Anno Dom. 1625 It is the prerogative of the King of Heaven alone that he maketh all his Sonnes Heires all his Subjects Favourites the gain of one being no losse to the other Whereas the happiest Kings on Earth are unhappy herein that unable to gratifie all their Servants having many Suitors for the same place by conferring a favour on one they disoblige all other competitors conceiving themselves as they make the estimate of their own deserts as much if not more meriting the same preferment 6. As for Doctor Preston he still continued Dr Preston a great favourite and increased in the favor of the King and Duke it being much observed that on the day of King James his death he h Sâ—e his Life pag. 503. rode with Prince and Duke in a Coach shut down from Theobalds to London applying comfort now to one now to the other on so sad an occasion His partie would perswade us that he might have chose his own mitre much commending the moderation of his mortified minde denying all preferment which courted his acceptance verifying the Anagram which a i Mr Ayâ—â— of Lincolns Inn. friend of his made on his name Johannes Prestonius Enstas pius in honore Indeed he was conceived to hold the Helme of his own partie able to steere it to what point he pleased which made the Duke as yet much to desire his favor 7. A booke came forth called Appello Caesarem made by M. Mountague He formerly had been Fellow of Kings Colledge in Cambridge Mr. Mountague his character at the present a Parson of Essex and Fellow of Eaton One much skilled in the Fathers and Ecclesiasticall Antiquity and in the Latin and Greek Tongues Our great k Mr. Selden in his book De Diâ—s Syris pag. 361. Antiquarie confesseth as much Graecè simul Latinè doctus though pens were brandished betwixt them and vertues allowed by ones adversarie may passe for undeniable truths These his great parts were attended with tartnesse of writing very sharp the neb of his pen and much gall in his inke against such as opposed him However such the equability of the sharpnesse of his style he was unpartiall therein be he antient or modern writer Papist or Protestant that stood in his way they should all equally taste thereof 8. Passe we from the Author to his Book Settâ—th forth his Appellâ— Caesaâ—em whereof this was the occasion He had lately writen satyrically enough against the Papists in consutation of The Gagger of Protestants Now two Divines of Norwich Dioces M r. Yates and M r. Ward informed against him for dangerous errours of Arminianisme and Poperie deserting our cause in stead of defending it M. Mountague in his own vindication writes a second Book licensed by Francis White Dean of Carlile finished and partly printed in the reign of James to whom the Author intended the dedication But on King James his death it seems it descended by succession on King Charles his Sonne to whom M r. Mountague applyed the words which Ockam once used to Lewes of Bavier Emperour of Germanie Domine Imperator defende me gladio ego te defendam calamo Lord Emperour defend me with thy Sword and I will defend thee with my Pen. Many bitter passages in this his Book gave great exception whereof largely hereafter 9. On Sunday being the twelfth of June Queen Mary her first arrival at Dover about seven of the clock at night June 12. Queen Marie landed at Dover at what time a piece of Ordinance being discharged from the Castle flew in fitters yet did no bodie any harm Moe were fearfull at the presage than thankfull for the providence Next day the King coming from Canterburie met her at Dover whence with all solemnitie she was conducted to Sommerset-House in London where a Chappell was new prepared for her devotion with a Covent adjoyning of Capuchin-Friers according to the Articles of her Marriage 10. A Parliament began at London The King rescueth Mr. Mountague from the House of Commons wherein the first Statute agreed upon was for the more strict observation of the Lords-day Which day as it first honoured the King His Reign beginning thereon so the King first honoured it by passing an Act for the greater solemnitie thereof Anno Regin Caroli 1 The House of Commons fell very heavie on M r. Mountague for many bitter passages in his Book who in all probability had now been severely censured but that
the King himself was pleased to interpose in his behalf July 7 Thursday 9. Saturday signifying to the House That those things which were then spoken and determined concerning Mountague without his Privitie did not please Him who by his Court-friends being imployed in the Kings Service his Majesty signifiyed to the Parliament that he thought his Chaplains whereof M r. Montague was one might have as much protection as the Servant of an ordinary Burgess neverthelesse his bond of two thousand pounds wherewith he was tailed continued uncancelled and was called on the next Parliament 11. The Plague increasing in London The Parliament removed to Oxford and brake up in discontent the Parliament was removed to Oxford But alas no avoiding Gods hand The infection followed or rather met the Houses there whereof worthy D r. Challenor died much lamented yet were the Members of Parliament not so carefull to save their own persons from the Plague as to secure the Land from a worse and more spreading contagion the daily growth of Poperie In prevention whereof they presented a Petition to his Majesty containing sixteen particulars all which were most graciously answered by his Majesty to their full satisfaction Thus this meeting began hopefully and cheerfully proceeded turbulently and suspiciously brake off suddenly and sorrowfully the reason whereof is to be fetch'd from our Civil Historians 12. The Convocation kept here Dr. James his motion in the Convocation is scarce worth the mentioning seeing little the appearance thereat nothing the performance therein Dean Bowles the Prolocurour absented himself for fear of infection D r. Thomas Good officiating in his place and their meeting was kept in the Chappell of Merton-Colledge Here D r. James that great Book-man made a motion that all Manuscript-Fathers in the Libraries of the Universities and elswhere in England might be perused and that such places in them as had been corrupted in Popish editions much superstition being generated from such corruptions might faithfully be printed according to those ancient Copies Indeed though England at the dissolving of Abbies lost moe Manuscripts than any Countrey of Christendome of her dimensions ever had yet still enough were left her if well improved to evidence the truth herein to all posteritie This designe might have been much beneficiall to the Protestant cause if prosecuted with as great endeavour as it was propounded with good intention but alas this motion was ended when it was ended expiring in the place with the words of the mover thereof 13. The King according to his late answer in the Parliament at Ox. The insolence of Papists seasonably restrained Nov. 11. issued out a Commission to the Judges to see the Law against Recusants put in execution This was read in all the Courts of Judicature at Reading where Michaelmas Terme was kept and a letter directed to the Arch-bishop of Cant. to take speciall care for the discovery of Jesuits Seminary Priests c. within his Province A necessary severity seing Papists presuming on Protection by reason of the late Match were grown very insolent And a Popish Lord when the King was at Chappell was heard to prate on purpose lowder in a Gallery adjoyning then the Chaplain prayed whereat the King was so moved that he sent him this message Either come and doe as we doe or I will make you prate further off 14. In this Severall Writers against Mr. Mountague and the next yeer many Books from persons of severall abilities and professions were writen against M r. Mountague By 1. D r. Sutcliffe Dean of Exeter One who was miles emeritus age giving him a Supersedeas save that his zeale would imploy it self and some conceived that his choler became his old age 2. M r. Henry Burton who then began to be well as afterwards wards too well known to the World 3. M r. Francus Rowse a Lay-man by profession 4. M r. Yates a Minister of Norfolk formerly a Fellow of Emmanuel in Cambridge he intitles his Book Ibus ad Caesarem 5. D r. Carleton Bishop of Chichester 6. Anthonie Wootton Divinitie-Professour in Gresham-Colledge In this Armie of Writers the strength is conceived to consist in the rere and that the last wrote the solidest confutations Of these six Dean Sutcliffe is said to have chode heartily M r. Rowse meant honestly M r. Burton wrote plainly Bishop Carleton very piously M r. Yates learnedly and M r. Wootton most solidly 15. I remember not at this time any of Master Mountague's partie engaged in print in his behalf Mr. Mountague left to deâ—end himself Whether because they conceived this their Champion sufficient of himselfe to encounter all opposers or because they apprehended it unsafe though of the same judgment to justifie a Book which was grown so generally offensive Insomuch as his Majesty himself sensible of his Subjects great distaste thereat sounded by the Duke of Buckingham to that purpose was resolved to leave Mr. Mountague to stand or fall Jan. 19. 1611-16 according to the justice of his cause The Duke imparted as much to Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids who conceived it of such ominous concernment that he entred the same in his Diarie viz. I seem to see a cloud arising and threatning the Church of England God for his mercie dissipate it 16. The day of the Kings Coronation drawing neer A maim on the embleme of Peace his Majesty sent to survey and peruse the Regalia or Royal Ornaments which then were to be used It happened that the left wing of the Dove on the Scepter was quite broken off by what casualty God himself knows The King sent for Mr. Acton then his Goldsmith commanding him that the very same should be set on again The Goldsmith replied that it was impossible to be done so fairly but that some mark would remain thereof To whom the King in some passion returned l His Son succeeding his Father in that place and then present attested to me the truth hereof If you will not doe it another shall Hereupon Mr. Acton carried it home and got another Dove of Gold to be artificially set on whereat when brought back his Majesty was well contented as making no discovery thereof 17. The Bishop of Lincolne A Dilemma well waved Lord-Keeper was now dayly descendant in the Kings favour who so highly distasted him that he would not have him as Dean of Westminster to perform any part of His Coronation yet so was it a favour or a triall that it was left to his free choice to prefer any Prebendary of the Church to officiate in his place The Bishop met with a Dilemma herein To recommend Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids and Prebendary of Westminster for that performance was to grace one of his greatest enemies to passe him by and prefer a private Prebendary for that purpose before a Bishop would seem unhandsome and be interpreted a neglect of his own Order To avoid all exceptions
himself how humble hospitable painfull in preaching and writing may better be reported hereafter when his memory green as yet shall be mellowed by time He sate Bishop about twenty yeers and died of a Consumption anno 1641. to which sensiblenesse of the sorrowfull times which he saw were bad and foresaw would be worse did contribute not a little I cannot omit how some few hours before his death having lyen for a long time though not speechlesse yet not speaking nor able to speak as we beholders thought though indeed he hid that little strength we thought he had lost and reserved himself for pupose he fell into a most emphaticall prayer for half a quarter of an hour Amongst many heavenly passages therein He thanked God for this his fatherly correction because in all his life time he never had one heavie affliction which made him often much suspect with himself whether he was a true Child of God or no untill this his last sicknesse Then he sweetly fell asleep in Christ and so we softly draw the Curtains about him 54. The whole Bodies of Cathedrall Churches Deans and Chapters first opposed by Parliament being of too great a bulk to be blown up by their adversaries at once they began with the Quires accusing the members thereof for uselesse and unprofitable The Prelaticall Court Clergy were not so active and diligent in defending these foundations as it was expected from their interest and relations Whether because they were disheartned at the imprisonment of their chief the Archbishop of Cant. or because some of them being otherwise obnoxious to the Parliament were loath therein to appear or because they vainly hoped that this heat once over all things would continue in their pristine condition or because they were loath to plead in that Suit wherein they despaired to prevaile as foreseeing those places destined to dissolution 55. Yet some of the same side causelesly complained of the backwardnesse of other moderate Cathedrall men An unjust charge that they improved not their power with their Parliament friends so zealously as they might in this cause as beginning too late and proceeding too lazily therein who should sooner have set their shoulders and backs to those tottering Quires so either to support them The Cathedrall men endeavour to preserve their foundations or to be buried under the ruines thereof Whereas they did whatsoever good men could or wise men would doe in their condition leaving no stone unturned which might advantage them herein 56. Indeed it was conceived inconsistent with their gravity to set themselves to fight against the shadow of common rumour and so to feign an enemy to themselves whilest as yet no certainty of the Parliaments intentions to destroy Deanes and Chapters What had this been but perchance to put that into their brains which otherwise they charitably beleeved would not enter therein But no sooner were they certified of the reality of their designe but they vigorously in their callings endeavoured the prevention thereof By Appointing one in each Cathedrall Church to sollicite their friends on this behalf Drawing up a Petition the same mutatis mutandis to House of Lords and Commons which because never formally presented I forbear to insert Retaining and instructing learned Councell to move for them in the House Untill they were informed that the Orders of the House would not bear any to plead for them but that they must personally appear and viva voce plead for themselves 57. Lest therefore their longer silence should by posterity be interpreted May 12. either Sullennesse Dr. Hacket his Speech in the defence of Deans and Chapters that they would not or guiltinesse that they durst not speak for themselves by their friends they obtained leave to be admitted into the House of Commons and to be heard what they could alledge in their own behalf They made choice of Dr. John Hacket Prebendary of Pauls and Archdeacon of to be the mouth in the behalf of the rest The brief heads of whose speech copied by his leave out of his own papers are here inserted 58. First he craved the favour of that Honourable House to whom he was to speak on a double disadvantage One caused from the shortnesse of time this employment being imposed on him but in the afternoon of the day before The other because he had not heard what crimes or offences were charged on Deanes and Chapters that so he might purge them from such imputations reports only flying abroad that they were accounted of some of no use and convenience the contrary whereof he should endeavour to prove reducing the same to two heads quoad res quoad Personas in regard of things of great moment and divers Persons concerned in such Foundations 59. To the first It is fit that to supply the defects of prayer committed by private men the publick duty thereof should be constantly performed in some principall place in imitation of the primitive practice and this is dayly done in Cathedrall Churches And whereas some complain that such service gives offence for the super-exquisitenesse of the Musick therein so that what was intended for Devotion vanished away into Quavers and Aire he with the rest of his Brethren there present wished the amendment thereof that it might be reduced to the form which Athanasius commends ut legentibus sint quà m cantantibus similiores And here he spake much in prayse of the Church-Musick when moderated to Edification 60. Hence he passed to what he tearmeth the other wing of the Cherubin which is Preaching first planted since the Reformation in Cathedrall Churches as appears by the learned Sermons which Dr. Allens afterwards Bishop of Excester preached in the Church of St. Pauls and since continued therein Where by the way he took occasion to refell that slaunder which some cast on Lecture-Preachers as an upstart-Corporation alledging that the locall Statutes of most or all Cathedrall Churches doe require Lectures on the week dayes And in the name of his Brethren he requested that Honourable House that the godly and profitable performance of preaching might be the more exacted 61. In the third place he insisted on the advancement of learning as the proper use and convenience of Cathedralls each of them being a small Academie for the Champions of Christ his cause against the Adversarie by their learned pens Here he proffered to prove by a catalogue of their names and works which he could produce that most excellent labours in this kinde excepting some few have proceeded from persons preferred in Cathedralls or the Universities Now what a disheartning would it be to young Students if such promotions were taken away witnesse the fewnesse of such admitted this last yeer into the Universities and the deadnesse of the sale of good Books in St. Pauls Church yard meerly upon a timorous imagination abroad that we are now shutting up learning in a case and laying it aside But if the bare threatening make such a stop
is a good quickner of Attention hearing their own power enlarged thereby Anno Dom. 1644. and making use of their Erastiens for a Check Anno Regis Carol. 20. to such who pressed conformity to the Scotch Kirke in all particulars 58. Indeed once the Assembly stretched themselves beyond their own line The Assembly shrewdly checkt in medling with what was not committed by the Parliament to their cognizâ—nce and consultation for which they were afterward staked down and tied up with a shorter tedder For though the wise Parliament made use of the Presbyterian zeal and activity for the extirpation of Bishops yet they discreetly resolved to hold a strickt hand over them as not coming by their own power to advise but called to advise with the Parliament Nor were they to cut out their own work but to make up what was cut to their own hands and seeing a Praemunire is a rod as well for a Presbyter as a Praelate if either trespass on the state by their over activity though they felt not this rod it was shewed to them and shak'd over them and they shrewdly and justly shent for their over-medling which made them the wiser and warier for the time to come 59. Indeed the major part of the Assembly endeavoured the setling of the Scotch Government in all particulars that though Tweed parted their Countries The Scotch discipline in vain itrived for nothing might divide their Church Discipline and this was laboured by the Scotch Commissioners with all industry and probable means to obtain the same But it could not be effected nor was it ever setled by Act of Parliament For as in Heraldry the same seeming Lions in colour and posture rampaâ—t and langued alike are not the selfe-same if the one be armed with nails and teeth the other deprived of both so cannot the English be termed the same with the Scotch-Presbytery the former being in a manner absolute in it self the latter depended on the State in the Execution of the power thereof 60. Insomuch that the Parliament kept the Coercive power in their own hands Coercive power kept in the Parliament not trusting them to carry the KEYS AT THEIR GIRDLE so that the power of excommunication was not intrusted with them but ultimately resolved into a Committee of eminent persons of Parliament whereof Thomas Earl of Arundel presumed present because absent with leave beyond the seas is the first person nominated 61. A Treaty was kept at Vxbridge betwixt the Commissioners of the King and Parliament Vxbride fruitless Treaty many well meaning people promising themselves good success thereby whilst others thought this Treatie was born with a dying countenance 1544. Ann Regis Carol Feb. 5. saying there wanted a third to interpose to make their distances up by powerfull perswasion no hope of good in either without condescention in both parties One may smile at their inference who presumed that the Kings Commissioners coming to Vxbridg two parts of three to meet those of the Parliament would proportionably comply in their yieldings A weak Topical conjecture confuted by the formerly going of the Parliaments Commissioners clean through to Oxford and yet little condescention to their propositions 62. Here M r Christopher Love waiting on the Parliament Commissioners in a general relation gave great offence to the Roialists in his Sermon Mr Loves indisâ—retion shewing the impossibility of an agreement such the dangerous errors and malicious practiseâ— of the opposite party many condemned his want of charity more of discretiâ—n in this juncture of time when there should be a cessation from Invectives drives for the time being But mens censures must fall the more lightly upon his memory because since he hath suffered and so satisfied here for his saults in this or any other kinde 63. with the Commissioners on both sides The conference of Diviues certain Clergie-men were sent in their presence to debate the point of Church-government For the King D r Benjamin Henry Henry Steward Shelden Laney Hammond Ferne For the Parliament M r Steven Marshall M r Richard Vines These when the Commissioners were at leasure from civil affairs were called to a conference before them 64. D r Laney proffered to prove the great benefits which had accrewed to Gods Church in all Ages by the Government by Bishops Dr Laney might not be heard but the Scotch-Commissioners would in no wise heare him whereupon the Doctor was contentedly silent Some discourses rather then disputes passed betwixt D r Steward and M r Marshal leaving no great impressions in the memories of those that were present thereat 65. Only M r Vines was much applauded by his own party An argument ad homines if not ad causas for proving the sufficiency of ordination by Presbiters because Ministers made by Presbyterian Government in France and the Low-Countreys were owned and acknowledged by our Bishops for lawfully ordained for all intents and purposes both to Preach and Sacramentize and no reordination required of them Thus the goodness of Bishops in their charity to others was made use of against themselves and the necessity of the Episcopal function 66. To return to the Assembly the Monuments which they have left to posterity of their meeting Books made by the Assembly are chiefly these Articles of Religion drawn up by them and a double Catechism one the lesser the other the greater whereof at first very few were printed for Parliament men meaner folk not attaining so great a Treasure besides their Directory whereof hereafter 67. As for the conclusion of this Assembly it dwinled away by degrees The Assembly rather sinketh then endeth though never legally dissolved Many of them after the taking of Oxford returning to their own cures and others living in London absented themselves as disliking the managing of matters Such as remained having survived their great respect and being too few to maintain the dignity of an Assembly contented themselves with the notion of a Committee chiefly employed to examine their abilities and good affections who were presented to livings Till at last as in Philosphy accidentia non corrumpuntur sed definunt they vanish with the Parliament and now the execution of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury comes next under our pen whose triall being most of civill concernment is so largely done in a book of that subject that by us it may be justly omitted 68. Next followed the execution of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury The Arch-Bishop prepares for death Sherif Chambers of London bringing over night the warrant for the same Anno Dom. 21. Anno Regis Carol. 1645. Jan. 10. and acquainting him therewith In preparation to so sad a work he betook himself to his own and desired also the prayers of others and particularly of D r Holdsworth fellow prisoner in that place for a year and half though all that time there had not been the least converse betwixt them On the morrow he was
unto him D r Williams waving and slighting all mony requested foure Books being the collections of the Lord his industry learning and experience concerning 1. The Prerogative Royall 2. Priviledges of Parliaments 3. The proceedings in Chancery 4. The power of the Starr-Chamber These were no sooner asked then granted and the Doctor afterwards copied out these foure Books into his own brains Books which were the foure elements of our English State and he made an absolute Master of all the materials that is of all the passages therein seeing nothing superfluous was therein recorded 16. By the Duke of Buckingham whom he had married to the daughter of the Earle of Rutland he presented these Books to King James The means of his speedy and great preferment Then did His Majesty first take notice of his extraordinary abilities soon after preferring him by the Dukes mediation to the Deanry of Westminster Bishop of Lincolne and Keepers place of the Great Seal till he lost the last in the first of King Charls as hath formerly been related 17. I dare confidently avouch what I knowingly speak The original breach betwixt the Duke and Lord Keeper that the following passage was the motus primò primus of the breach betwixt him and the Duke There was one D r Theodore Price a Welsh man highly beloved both by Bishop Williams and BP Land so that therein the rule did not hold Those that agree in one third agree among themselves these two Prelates mutually mortal enemies meeting in the love of this Doctor Now the Archbishoprick of Armagh in Ireland falling vacant Bishop Williams moved the Duke for D r Price his country man to whom the Duke answered that King James had by promise fore-disposed the place on the Bishop of Meath D r James Vsher one whose deserts were sufficiently known Not satisfied herewith Bishop Williams by his own interest endeavoured to bring D r Price into the place The Duke understanding that he who formerly professed a subordination to at the least a concurrence with his desires should now offer to contest with him resolved that seeing the Lord-Keeper would not own himself to stand by his love the world should see he should fall by his anger and this ministred the first occasion to his ruine And when once the Alarum was sounded of the Dukes displeasure no Courtier so deaf and drowsie but did take the same And all things concurred to his disadvantage This is that D r Theodore Price afterwards died a professed Catholick reconciled to the Church of Rome 18. Yet after his resigning the Seal Not contented with his own wish faire preferment was left unto him could he have consined his large heart thereunto I meet with a passage in a * Cabala or Scrinia Sacra part 1 p. 59. letter from this Lord-Keeper to the Duke wherein he professeth calling God to witness that the Lord-Keeper troubled with many miseries wherewith suddain greatness is accompanied envied the fortunes of one D r Williams late Dean of Westminster Be this a truth or a complement what he formerly envied now he enjoyed returned to a plentifull privacie not only of the Deanry of Westminster but Bishoprick of Lincoln which he held with the same But alass when our desires are forced on us by our foes they do not delight but afflict The same step is not the same step when we take it aseendendo in hopes to higher preferment and when we light upon it descendendo or are remitted unto it as falling from higher advancement The Bishop is impatient for being less than he had been and there wanted not those secret enemies to improve his discontents to his disgrace almost destruction as fining in the Star-Chamber and long imprisoning in the Tower 19. Now came that Parliament so much wished for Enlarged out of the Tower and made Arch-Bishop of York that many feared it would never begin 1640. and afterwards oh the mutability of desires or change of things desired the same feared it would never have an end Then is Bishop Williams sent for out of the Tower brought to Parliament advanced to the Arch-Bishoprick of York and is the Antesignanus of the Episcopal party to defend it in the House of Lords as best armed with his power and experience against a volly of affronts and oppositions 20. Once when His Majesty saw him earnest in the defence of Episcopacy then opposed by Parliament His pleasant answer to the King My Lord saith the King I commend you that you are no whit daunted with all disasters but are zealous in defending your Order Please it your Majesty returned the Arch-Bishop I am a true Welshman and they are observed never to run away till their Generall do first forsake them No fear of my flinching whilest your Highness doth countenance our cause But soon after he was imprisoned about the Bishops Protestation to the Parliament and with great difficulty obtained his liberty as was afore observed 21. Retiring himself into North-Wales where his birth Retires into North-Wales and sinks by degrees into disfavour estate alliance but chiefly hospitality did make him popular he had a great but endeavoured a greater influence on those parts It gave some distast that in all consultations he would have his advise pass for an oracle not to be contested with much less controled by any But vast the difference betwixt his Orders in Chancery armed with power to enforce obedience and his counsell here which many Military men as in their own element took the boldness to contradict Buff-coats often rubb'd and grated against this Prelats silk Cassock which because of the softer matter was the sooner fretted therewith Indeed he endeavoured as much as might be to preserve his country from taxes an acceptable and ingratiating designe with the people but sometimes inconsistent with the Kings present and pressing necessities All his words and deeds are represented at Oxford where his Court-interest did daily decline to his disadvantage and some jealousies are raised of his cordialness to the Royal Cause 22. At last some great Affronts were put upon him increased with his tender resenting of them Incensed with great affronts being himself as I have been informed put out of Commission and another placed in his room A disgrace so much the more insupportable to his high Spirit because he conceived himself much meriting of his Majesty by his loyalty industry ability and expence in his Cause who hitherto had spared neither care nor cost in advancing the same even to the impairing of his own estate 23. But now he entereth on a designe Takes a Commission from the Parliament which had I line and plummet I want skill to manage them in measuring the depth thereof He sueth to the Parliament for favour and obtained it whose General in a manner he becomes in laying siege to the Town and Castle of Abercon-way till he had reduced it to their service and much of the Town to
this Col. John Whitgift Arch. of Canterbury Fellow Walter Curle Bishop of Winchester Fellow Matth. Wren Master of this Coll. Bishop of Ely Roger Marshal well skild in Mathematicks whereof saith Pitz in his Appendix he wrote many Books and collected more which he gave to the Library d Bale Cent. nonae p. 721. George Joye who flourished annò 1547 translated part of the Bible Edw. Simmons who wrote many good Treatises 1547 1 Cherry-Hinton Vicaridge in Ely Diocess valued in the Kings Books at 9 l. 14 s. 6 d. 2 Ellington in the Diocess of Lincoln a Vicatidge valued at 6 l. 9 s. 3 Triplow Vic. in Ely Diocess valued 9 l. 4s 2d 4 St. Maries the less in Cambridge valued 0l 0s 0d 5 Statberne Rec. in Lincoln Dioc. valued 16l 3s The Reader wil pardon the shortness of this out catalogue of Masters not touching the top of the foundation by fifty yeers which looks like the blunt Tower of a Steeple whose spire or shaft hath been burnt down with lightning or broken with thunder as indeed some such casualty hath caused this imperfection For in the year 1420 a sad fire consumed the muniments of this Colledge which caused Caius to begin his list of Masters but at Thomas de castro Bernardi and the six Seniors before him are recovered by the care of Mr. R. e In his Scelatos Cantabrigiensis M S. Parker out of Ely-Records Yet this catalogue stil remaineth incomplete O that it were as easy to rectify as reprove faults guilty I am afraid not onely of transposition in the order but omission in the number thereof For I have * Maâ—â—script in 10. read that John Botsham was admitted Master 14 yet he appears not in Caius or any other printed Author 29. Amongst the Benefactors many who onely gave plate smal summs A generall rule about our catalogue of Benefactors and books are for Brevity sake omitted and not any slighting of their bounty for the smalness thereof For if our Saviour beheld the Widow as the best benefactor to the Corban who endowed it only with two mites and if a cup of cold water warm comfort to a thirsty Soul shall receive its reward surely such as give the cup also deserve their due commendation and shall have a requiral thereof Anno Dom. 1282 I have ordered some blank lines at the end of that Catalogue Anno Regis Edw 1. 11 as a reserve to register the bounty of posterity which shall not complain that they are paper bound in my book where room on purpose is left to enter their names who shall be charitably disposed I hope also that those void intervals and spaces in the List of Learned Writers which as so many open mouths invoke the industry of the Reader wil have their emptiness filled by several mens observations whose pens may at their leasure supply what the Press hath left unperfect 30. Know also I could have more particularly specified the value and place of Founders and Benefactors bounty what land they gave Cautela non nocet how much worth where lying but thought better to forbear as ignorant in these dangerous dayes what ill use might be made of my well intended endeavours 31. Condemn not our Tautology if the same Bishop often recur in several Colledges Repetition of Bishops why necessary perchance Scholar of one Fellow of another Master of a third because rather than I would wrong any House with the omission I would right them all with the repetition of the same person Such Bishops as passed through many Seas successively are for shortness entitled only from the last and highest dignity 32. To return to Peter-house A commendable custome of this Colledge I cannot but commend one peculiar practise of this Colledge which in their Parlour preserveth the Pictures of all their principall Benefactors For although the bounty of the Judicious is grounded on more solid motives than to be flattered thereinto by the fancy that their Effigies shall be kept yet such an ingenuous Memoriall may be an encouragement to a Patrons Liberality Besides under such Pictures a Distich commonly is written and I will instance in one of the latest date Haeredem voluit SLADUS conscribere PETRUM Clauderet extremum ne sine prole diem SLADE PETER chose and for his Heir assign'd him Lest he should die and leave no Child behinde him At this day the Colledge maintaineth one Master nineteen Fellowes twenty nine Bible-clerks eight poor Scholars besides other officers and Students amounting lately viz. anno 1634 to an hundred and six 33. We Cambridge men behold this Colledge as the first foundation endowed in England The eldest English endowed Colledge which our corrivals at Oxford wil not allow For I finde it inscribed in Rotchester Church on the monument of Walter de Merton that the Colledge by him founded and named is the example of all in that kinde t Britannia page 381. M r Gamden in his description of Oxford affirmeth that Ballol and Merton Colledges therein are the two first endowed for Students in Christendome And some alledge that Merton Colledge must needs be the Mother and Peter house but the Daughter because Spâ—on de Montagu Bishop of Ely did prescribe the Statutes of Merton to be observed by the Students of Peter-house 34. All this scarce moveth Exception to the contrary answered nothing removeth us from our former Opinion being almost as confident of the Seniority of Peter-house before all other Colledges as Romanists are of the Priority of St. Peter before the rest of the Apostles And first as for the inscription in Rotchester both it and Mertons Monument are modern as set up by S t Henery Savil anno 1598. That passage of the great Antiquary is only extant in the English translation not Latin Britannia and so may justly seem to have more of Philemon Holland than William Caâ—den therein It is confest that Simon Montagu the 17 Bishop of Ely more then sixty yeares after Balshaâ—s death Anno Regis Edw. 1. enjoyned our Petreans the observation of Merton Colledge Statutes Anno Dom. finding them more convenient than such which their Founder had left them But this makes nothing to the matter of most antiquity the point in controversy In requitall of this eurresie if Cambridge hath ought the imitation whereof may be acceptable to Oxford she is right glad for the welcome occasion as lately Oxford in choise of her Procters hath conformed herself to Cambridge custome by way of a Circular Combination of Colledges as a Course most quiet and freest from faction 35. The Crisis of the Controversie depends p The truth unpartially slated if I mistake not on the clearing of the different dates of Peter-house its foundation and comparing it with others Peter-house first founded 1257. the 41 of Hen. the third by Sub prior Hugh Balsham Peter house first endowed 1282 the 11 of Edw. the first by Hughâ—â— Balsham
University of Cambridge against all the Regents of This University as to Oppositions Anno 1407. Let froward Spirits who delight in contesting cavil at the doubtfulnesse of the Pronoun hujus Vniversitatis which might relate to the Vniversity of Oxford where Master Twine met with the Manuscript of this VVilliam VVorcester And then the sense will be that Iohn Argentine being a Cambridge-man of which name a worshipfull Family then flourished at d Camd. Brit. in Cambridge-shire Horsheth within ten miles of Cambridge did in Cambridge keep an Act in Opposition to all Oxford-men who commonly at the Commencement repair thither I say let such as delight in cavilling turn the Tables by this sleight whilst I can willingly allow Argentine an Oxonian and his daring Act kept at Cambridge Only I add that the words of VVorcester barely import the Boldness of his Challenge no Bravery of his Conquest not acquainting us with any great Applause ensuing thereupon 30. Having done with the Prose Anno Regis Henrici 4. 2 Anno Dom. 1407 After Prose now in verse Master Twine proceeds to the Poetry of this performance whose words are these Tum ipsius Cantiones subjungit cum hoc Exordio Neu sis turba Regens nostros tacitura per annos et hoc quoque Epilogo Et velit huc conferre pedem sacra turba regentum Vt fer at an motis sociem bene carmina nervis Haec Gulielmus Worcestrensis Still we are in the twi-light it being again questionable to whom the pronoun ipsius doth relate If to Argentine he was both the Achilles and Homer of his own praise and then the lesse credit is to be given to his own Relation But if ipsius which is more proper and probable referres to VVilliam VVorcester I wonder that Master Twine priviledged no doubt to peruse the whole Poem gives us onely the Beginning and End thereof or if you will the Prologue and Epilogue of this Tragi-Comedy It leaveth it suspitious that the intermediate Verses had no great matters of moment of this Champion his performance because passed over in Silence But I will not blast his victorious Bayes Let Argentine be challenger combatant and conquerour sure I am when he came to Cambridge he left many behind him at Oxford of more learning who did smile at and modesty who did blush for his bold undertaking Onely I wonder that this Scholar-Errant after his return from his great adventures was not wedded to some fair Lady I mean that he got no great preferment I never after finding this man so much meriting advanced in Church or Common-wealth But enough of this great Champion his bare memory being able to affright my single self who when alive durst challenge an whole Vniversity Eudo de Zouch third time Chancellour 14 1412 Richard de Billingsford Chancellour Hen. 5. 1 1413 31. He obtained many Priviledges for the Vniversity The Chancellour sent to Rome He a MS. Mat. Wren was sent from the King with the Bishop of Ely and Chancellour of Oxford to Rome to tell the two Popes striving for the Place that except one would yield England would acknowledge obedience to neither In Billingsford's absence Friar Tho. Ashwell is called President of the Vniversity A statute this year was made for wearing Hoods either of Budge or Lambs-kin Steven de Scroope 2 1414 Doctour of Law Chancellour Iohn de Riken d g p ale 3 1415 so many wayes his name is written Chancellour He was afterward Bishop of Chichester Henry Stockton 5 1417 Vice-Chancell Thomas Ferkhill Thomas Markant Proctours 32. The Chancellours of Cambridge being lately either persons of noble birth or great Employment The Original of Vice-chancellours whose occasions often caused their absence it was fashionable henceforward to substitute Vice-Chancellours in their room 33. Thomas Markant the â—unior Proctor was Fellow of Peter-House Tho. Markant his excellent book and a great lover of Antiquity he gave a Book to the University of his own Collection concerning the Priviledges thereof This though by the Will of the Donour carefully kept in a lock'd Chest was lost by negligence or purloyned by dishonesty till falling into the hands of Master Robert Hare that great Antiquary it was restored to the University 34. Since it hath been lost again Lost and found lost and found lost when Master Matthew VVren since Bishop of Ely casually going into Sussex found it in a Friends house and being a great preserver of ancient Monuments carefully procured the solemn restitution thereof Anno Dom. 1417 Anno Regis Henrici 5. 5 But who can stay that which will away I am informed it is lost again which third Relapse I suspect mortall that the Book will never be recovered to the University 35. A difference hapning betwixt the University and the City of London Difference betwixt the University and Londoners about the oversight of Victuals Measures and Weights in Sturbridge-fair the a Rob. Hare iâ— Archivis The Original of Sturbridge-fair care of all three pendente lite was referred to Sir VVilliam Asenhull Knight high Sheriff of Cambridge-shire I find not the issue of the Contest 36 This Sturbridge-fair is so called from Stur a little Rivolet on both sides whereof it is kept on the East of Cambridge whereof this Original is reported A Clothier of Kendale a Town b Camd. Brit. in Westmorland charactered to be Lanificii gloria industria praecellens casually wetting his Cloath in that water in his passage to London exposed it there to sail on cheap termes as the worse for the wetting and yet it seems saved by the bargain Next year he returned again with some other of his Towns-men profering drier and dearer Cloath to be sold so that within few years hither came a Confluence of Buyers Sellers and Lookers on which are the three Principles of a Fair. In Memoriall whereof Kendale-men challenge some priviledge in that place annually chusing one of the Town to be Chief before whom an antick Sword was carried with some mirthfull Solemnities disused of late since these sad times which put mens minds into more serious Imployment 37. It is at this day the most plentifull of Wares in all England Sale of the Priviledges thereof seasonably prevented most Fairs in other places being but Markets in comparison thereof being an Amphibion as well going on Ground as swimming by Water by the benefit of a navigable River Nothing else have I to observe hereof save that in the last year of Queen Mary the Vniversity necessitated for Money were about to contract with the Towns-men for a small Sum to sell unto them all the Priviledges in that Fair had not Doctor c D. Hatchers Ma. of the Provost of Kings Colledge A beneficiall grant to University-men Robert Brassey Provost of Kings by the stout denying of his consent preserved the same to the Vniversity 38. A Synod being kept
was now leaving Kings Colledge A strange speech pretended of K. Henry the sixth when 't is pluckt back again by the feathers thereof casually lighting on the following passage That when William Wankefleet Bishop of Winchester afterwards founder of Magdalen Colledge perswaded King Henry the sixth to erect some monument for learning to Oxford the King returned Imò potiùs Cantabrigiae ut duas si fieri possit in Anglia Accademias habeam Yea rather said he at Cambridge that if it be possible I may have two Universities in England As if Cambridge were not reputed one before the founding of Kings Colledge therein 23. An improbable passage Considering then Cambridge equall with Oxford in number of Colledges which filled me with wonder for although none beheld King-Henry as a profound person to utter Oracles all acknowledge him of ability to expresse himself in proportion to truth Who could not be ignorant that Cambridge had been an University many hundreds of yeers before these words were pretended to be spoken and vieing indowed Colledges un indowed Halls coming not under this consideration with Oxford it self as by the ensuing parallel will appear In Cambridge 1 Peter House 2 Michael House 3 Clare Hall 4 Kings Hall 5 Pembrooke Hall 6 Bones Colledge 7 Trinity Hall 8 Gonvil Hall In Oxford 1 University Colledge 2 Merton Colledge 3 Baliol Colledge 4 Exeter Colledge 5 Orial Colledge 6 Queenes Colledge 7 New Colledge 8 Lincoln Colledge All these houses were extant in Cambridge Anno Dom 1443 Anno Regis Henr. 6. 21 before the reign of King Henry the Sixth equalling those in Oxford for number All Soules therein not being fully finished and Kings Colledge being an Embryo whilst All Soules was but an Infant which plainly proveth Cambridge a most flourishing University before the reign of King Henry the sixth 24. This made me consider with my self The speech avouched by no Historian what Authenticall Authors had attested the Kings words aforesaid finding it first printed by Brian Twine Oxford Antiquarie and afterwards by Dr. Heylyn a member of that University but neither relating to any Author by quotation in their Editions which I have seen which in a matter of such moment might justly have been expected During these my thoughts the following passages came very seasonably to reconcile what to me seemed a contradiction 25. Mr. Hubbard my much esteemed friend A memorable tradition late Fellow of Kings Colledge and Proctor of Cambridge told me that Mr Barlow Fellow of the same house informed him how he had heard from Mr. Matthew Bust the worthy School-master of Eaton familiarly conversing with Sr. Henry Savill Warden thereof that the said Sr. Henry Savill in the presence of Sr. Isaac Wake at an Oxford Act being pleasant at the entertainment of Cambridge men in meer merriment to try whether he could make Cousens of his Aunts Children herein devised the story far from any love of falshood or mischievous intent to deceive posterity but onely for present delight Which since it seemes how soon are great mens jests made meaner mens earnests hath passed for currant some confirming more crediting none opposing it and from going in talk comes now to fly in print and if not timely checkt will in the next age acquire to it selfe a peaceable possession of a generall beleife 26. I confess this is heare-say at the third mouth And a necessary conclusion losing much of the lustre thereof because removed three descents from the originall However I conceive my private resolutions just and equall who will condemn it for falshood in that very minute when the aforesaid speech of King Henry the sixt shall be avouched out of a warrantable Author till which time I shall account that no serious speech of a King but the Knights joculary expresssion I say again this my AUDIVI from my friend shall prevaile with me till confuted with the INSPEXI of a credible Historian to the contrary 27. Pass we now from Kings Colledge The Originall of the Schools in Cambridge but stay still on Kings Colledge ground for such were some part of the Schooles advanced at severall times by sundry Benefactors First the Schooles were kept in private houses hired from ten years to ten yeares by the University for that purpose during which terme they might be diverted to no other use Such we conceive the Schoole of Tyrannus wherein St. Paul kept his disputation and the house of John Goldcorn since inclosed in Caius Colledge served the University a long time in that nature 28. Afterwards the publick Schooles were built at the cost of the University The old Schools a mean structure in or near the place where now they stand But alass it was a little and low Structure more eminent for the Learning within than the building without Yet every whit as good as anciently the Artists Schools of Padua kept at St. Blass or as the Schools in Venice near the Steeple of St. Marke where Baptista Egnatius some hundred years since professed the liberall Arts. 29. Last of all the present Quadrant of the Schools was erected of brick and rough stone in fashion as it standeth at this day First The severall Founders of the modern Schools a Caius Hist Cant. pag. 80 The west side opposite to the entrance built by the University Charges on ground bought of Benet Colledge Containing Beneath the Philosophy commonly cald the Bachelors Schools Above the Physick and Law Secondly The North side on the right hand finished An. Dom. 1400 by Sir Will. Thorpe a Lincolnshire Knight Containing Beneath the Divinity Schools Above the Regent and Non-Regent houses having something of Chappell character and consecration in them as wherein some University devotions are performed Thirdly The South side on the left hand built by b vide infrà anno 1456. Laurence Booth Bishop of Durham Chancellor of the University but on the cost of Graduats and others Containing Beneath the Logick or Sophister Schools where in Term time dayly Disputations the Bachelors Commencement is kept Above the Greek Schools Fourthly The East side where one entreth at a beautifull Porch built anno 1475 by Rotheram Archbi-shop of York Containing Beneath on the Right hand a Vestiary where the Doctors robe themselves and have a convenient inspection into the Divinity Schools Left hand the Consistory where the Vice-chancellor keepeth his Courts Above a fair Library This Library formerly was furnished with plenty of choice books partly at the costs of the aforesaid Archbishop Rotheram partly at the charges of Cuthbert Tonstall Bishop of Durham bred in our University and quietly allowed unto us by Bishop Godwin though c Brian Twine some since on what unjust pretence I know not have drawn him unto Balioll Colledge in Oxford But these books by the covetousness of some great ones and carelesness of the Library Loosers for Library Keepers I cannot call them are for the most part imbezelled to the
Herbert fellow of Trin. Col. 1618 21 Robert Crection fellow of Trin. Col. 1627 22 Henry Molle fellow of Kings Col. 23 Ralph VVitherington fellow of Christs Col. True it is that before the solemn founding of the Oratours office some were procured on occasion to discharge the same Thus we find one Cajus Auberinus an Italian for that Age indifferently learned who some 20. yeares since had twenty a Manuscript Coll. Corp. Christi pence a piece for every Latin Letter which he wrote for the University Henceforth we had one standing Oratour whose place was assigned unto him next unto the Doctours of Physick Henry Bullock 16 Vice-Chan 1523-24 Rob. Aldriche Ant. Maxwell Proct. Thomas Brakin Major Bac. Theol. 12 Mag. Art 28 Bac. Leg. 9 Art 40 Thomas Bilney Fellow of Trinity Hall Bilney his scruple in conscience b Fox Acts and monum zealously advanced true Religion To the study of Canon and Civil Law wherein he was graduated he added a third worth both the former his study in Gods Law and the Holy Scriptures Once travelling in the Country he chanced to come to a poor Cure belonging to Trinity Hall where the people unprovided of a Preacher pressed him to give them some Instruction Bilney had Ability but no Authority to teach them as then prohibited by the Church Yet their Want so wrought on his Charity that for the present he gave them a Collation This good man afterwards a Martyr the most tender to sin are the most hardy to suffer was c Fox Acts and Mon. pag. 1013. much troubled in conscience for his contempt of Church-order How many now adayes without any regret turn Praters-Preachers without any Commission from the Church It is suspicious on the like occasion some would scarce follow Bilney to the Stake who run so far before him into the Pulpit Edmond Nateres Anno Dom. 1524-25 Vice-Chan Anno Regis Henrici 8. 17 Edm. Stretey Tho. Briggs Proct. Rich. Woolf Major Doct. Theol. 7 lu Can. 1 lu Civ 2 Mag. Art 25 Bac. Leg. 13 lu Civ 3 Art 40 33. Now was there high and stiffe banding in the Schools and Pulpits betwixt the Opposers of the Protestant Religion Two opposite parties for and against superstition 1. Henry Bullock his friend Erasmus calls him Bovillum of Queens Colledge 2. M r. Hugh Latimer of Christs Colledge the Cross-keeper of the University which he solemnly brought forth on Procession-dayes He exhorted the Scholars not to believe one word of what M r. Stafford did read or preach 3. Edmund Nateres Vice-Chancellour Master of Gon. Hall and generally all the Heads of Houses and Advancers of the same 1. Doctour Foreman of Queens Colledge who therein conceal'd and kept Luther's Books when sought for to be burnt 2. M r. Stafford Divinity Reader Let me conjecture him for the Founders Name-sake of Buckingham Colledge 3. Doctour Thissel as M r. Fox writes him of Pembrook Hall The same no doubt with Iohn Thixtil chosen fellow there 1 5 1 9. whom Cajus calls hominem singularis eruditionis nostra memoria Insomuch that his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was authenticall in the Schools Edm. Nateres 1525-26 Vice-Chanc Gud. Duplake Tho. Harwood 18 Proctours Thomas Saye Major Doct. Theol. 2 Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 2 Mag. Art 23 Bac. Leg. 3 lu Civ 3 Art 42 34. Bilney observing in Latimer misguided Zeal Latimer converted by Bilney repaired to his Chamber and desired him to hear his Confession The hearing whereof improved by Gods Spirit so wrought on Latimer that of almost a Persecutour he became a zealous Promoter of the Truth Then going to M r. Stafford he solemnly asked him a Fox Acts and monum pag. 1731. Idem pag. 1860. Forgivenesse for his former fierce and causeless Fury against him 35. Thomas Cranmer was outed of his Fellowship in Iesus Colledge for being married His wife was Kinswoman to the Hostess at the Dolphin which causing his frequent repair thither gave the occasion to that impudent Lie of ignorant Papists that he was an Ostler Indeed with his learned Lectures he rubb'd the galled Backs and curried the lazy Hides of many an idle and ignorant Frier being now made Divinity-Reader in Buckingham Colledge But soon after his Wife dying within the year being a VViddower he was re-elected into Iesus Col. I know the Statutes of some Houses run thus Nolumus Socios nostros esse Maritos velmaritatos It seems this last barbarous word was not or was not taken notice of in Iesus Colledge Statutes Cranmer herein is a Precedent by himself if that may be Precedent which hath none to follow it Iohn Edmunds 1526-27 Vice-Chan Nin. Shafto Iac. Hulton Proctours Henry Gilson 19 Major Doct. Theol. 5 Ju. Can. 2 Ju. Civ 1 Doct. Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 5 Mag. Art 21 Bac. Leg. 14 Art 32 36. Richard Crook Vniversity Oratour and Greek Professour Crook out-bought departeth to Oxford invited with more large and liberall Conditions leaving Cambridge removed to Oxford Yet this honourable Proviso is entered in our Oratours Book Anno Regis Henrici 8. 19 that in Case Crook should ever be pleased to return Anno Dom. 1526-27 he for the good service by him performed should have the precedency of all Cambridge Oratours Great the Antipathy betwixt Crook and Leland the Antiquary whose differences began with generous emulation betwixt two eminent competitors of learned Honour but festred into Envy not to say malicious Detraction 37. D r. Cliffe Chancellour of Nicholas West B p. of Ely The priviledge of the University humbly submitted himself and craved pardon a Manuscript Col. Corp. Christi for his Rashness because he had excommunicated a Bachelour of Arts contrary to the expresse Priviledges of the Vniversity The familiarity betwixt Bilney and Latimer daily encreased their meeting-place nigh Cambridge being called the Hereticks walk My enquiry can discover no footsteps thereof on which side of the Town it lay Iohn Edmunds 20 Vice-Chan 1527-2s8 Tho. Smith Iohn Brewer Proctours Edw. Slegg Major Doct. Theol. 1 Ju. Can. 1 Ju. Civ 4 Doct. Medic. 1 Bac. Theol. 6 Mag. Art 20 Bac. Leg. 5 Art 26 Gram. 2 38. Now many and fierce the conflicts of Friers against M r. Latimer Latimer his Sermon of Cards especially after he had preached at S t. Edwards the Sunday before Christmas on the Question of the Priests to the Baptist parcel of the Gospel appointed for the day Iohn 1. 19. Tu quis es VVho art thou It seems he suited his Sermon rather to the Time then the Text thereby taking occasion to conform his discourse to the playing at Cards making the Heart b See it at large in Mr. Fox Triumph and exhorting all to serve God in sincerity Truth not in the glistering show of mens Ceremonies Traditions Pardons Pilgrimages Vows Devotions c. Now shew me not the Sermon but shew me the Souls converted thereby This blunt
of the Town of Cambridge two offices which never before or since met in the same person Thus as Cambridge was his verticall place wherein he was in height of honour it was also his verticall where he met with a suddaine turn and sad catastrophe And it is remarkable that though this Duke who by all means endeavoured to engrand his posterity had six Sons all men all married none of them left any issue behind them Thus far better it is to found our hopes of even earthly happinesse on goodnesse then greatnesse 43. Doctor Sandys The hard usage of Dr. Sandys hearing the Bell ring went according to his custome and office attended with the Beadles into the Regent-House and sate down in the Chaire according to his place In cometh one Master Mitch with a rabble of some twenty Papists some endeavouring to pluck him from the Chaire others the Chaire from him all using railing words and violent actions The Doctor being a man of metall gâ—oped for his dagger and probably had dispatched some of them Anno Dom. 1552 3 had not Doctor Bill Anno Regin Mariae 20 and Doctor Blythe by their prayers and intreaties perswaded him to patience How afterwards this Doctor was spoyled of his goods sent up prisoner to London how with great difficulty he was enlarged and great danger escaped beyond the seas is largely related by Master Fox 44. Some two yeares since Cambridge had her Sweating-Sicknesse Masters placed and displaced but now began her hotfit or fiery-tryall indeed For on the execution of the Duke of Northumberland Stephen Gardiner Bishop of VVinchester was restored Chancellour of Cambridge then followed an alteration of Masters in most Houses However let us give unto Doctor Pern his deserved praise that he quenched the fire of persecution or rather suffered it not to be kindled in Cambridge saving many from the stake by his moderation and let us give in a list of the great alteration In the Masters of Houses which the first year of this Queen did produce Masters put out Colledges Masters put in 1 Ralph Ainsworth because he was married 2 Doctor Iohn Madeu who had been three times Vice-Chancellour 3 Nic. Ridley still holding his Mastership with the Bishoprick of London 4 Matthew Parker Deane of Lincoln 5 William Mouse Doct. of Law and a Benefactour 6 S r. Iohn Cheek Knight Tutour to King Edward the sixth 7. William May D r. of Law Chancellour to Nic. West B p. of Ely 8 Edwin Sands Vice-Chancel in this year 9 Edward Pierpoint D r. of Divinity 10 Rich VVilkes M r. of the Hospital of S. Iohns Mary Magdel in Ely 11 Tho. Leaver B. D. a Confessour in the Reign of Q. Mary at Arrough in Switzerland 1 Peter House 2 Clare Hall 3 Pembrook Hall 4 Bennet Colledge 5 Trinity Hall 6 Kings Colledge 7 Queens Colledge 8 Catharine Hall 9 Iesus Colledge 10 Christs Colledge 11 S t. Iohns Colledge 1 Andrew Pern Dean of Ely 2 D r. Rowland Swinburn Rector of little Shelford in Cambridgeshire 3 Iohn Young Fellow of S t. Iohns a zealous Papist and opposite to Bucer 4 Laurence Maptyde Fellow of Trinity Hall 5 Steven Gardner then Bp. of VVinch and L. Chancel of England 6 Richard Adkinson Doctor of Divinity 7 VVilliam Glyn D r. of Divinity afterward Bishop of Bangor 8 Edmund Cosins born in Bedfordshire 9 Iohn Fuller Prebend of Ely Vicor generall to Th. Thurlby Bp thereof 10 Cuthbert Scot afterwards Bishop of Chester 11 Thomas VVatson afterward Bishop of Lincoln I find but two continuing in their places namely Thomas Bacon Master of Gonvil Hall and Robert Evans Master of Magdelen Colledge then so poore a place that it was scarce worth acceptance thereof Iohn Young Anno Regin Marlae 2 Vice-Chanc Anno Dom. 1553 4 Tho. Gardner Hen. Barely Proctours Tho. Woolf Major Doct. Theol. 4 Bac. Theol. 16 Mag. Art 19 Bac. Art 48 VVilliam Glynne 3 Cuthb Scot. 1554 5 Vice-Chan Tho. Baylie Greg. Garth Proct. Iohn Richardson Major Doct. Theol. 1 Leg. 1 Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 3 Mag. Art 33 Bac. Leg. 4 Art 43 Cuthbert Scot 4 Vice-Chanc 1555 6 George Boyse Iohn Gwyn Proct. Richard Brassay Major Doct. a That was the last Dr. that ever commensed in Cambridge of Canon-Law alone which as a destinct faculty was banished by King Henry the eight and it seems for a short time was restored by Queen Mary Can Leg. 1 Bac. Theol. 6 Mag. Art 27 Bac. Art 37 Andrew Pern 5 Vice-Chanc 1556 7 Nic. Robinson Hugo Glyn Proct. Thomas Smith Major Doct. Theol. 4 Leg. 2 Bac. Theol. 4 Mag. Art 27 Bac. Leg. 5 Medic. 1 Art 27 Robert Brassey 6 Vice-Chanc 1557 8 VVilliam Golden VVilliam Day Proct. VVilliam Hasell Maj. Doct. Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 1 Bac. Mag. Art 22 Leg. 1 Art 41 45. Iohn Cajus Doctor of Phisick improved the ancient Hall of Gonvil into a new Colledge Dr. Cajus foundeth Cajus Colledge of his own name He was born in Norwich but Son of Robert Cajus a Yorkshire-man spent much of his time in the Italian Vniversities there making many translating moe learned books and after his return was Phisitian to Queen Mary He bestowed a fivefold favour on this his foundation 46. First Giveth it good Land Land to a great proportion So untrue is his Cavill Nescio quid b Rex platonicus p. 216. in margine panxillum as if it was some small inconsiderable matter whereas indeed he conferred thereon the Demesnes of Crokesly in â—ixmonsworth in Hartfordshire Bincomb Manor in Dorcetshire with the Advowsance of the parsonage Rungton and Burnhams-Thorp in Norfolk the Manor of Swansly at Caxton in Cambridgeshire 47. Secondly building And good building Adding a new Court of his own charge and therein three Gates of Remark the Gate of Humility low and little opening into the Street over against S t. Michaels-Church The Gate of Vertue one of the bestpieces of Architesture in England in the midst of the Colledge Thirdly the Gate of Honour leading to the Schools Thus the Gates may read a good Lecture of Morality to such who goe in and out thereat He ordered also that no new windowes be made in their Colledge new lights causing the decay of old Structures 48. Thirdly Good statutes he bestowed on them Cordiall statutes as I may call them for the preserving of the Colledge in good health being so prudent and frugal It must needs thrive in it's own defence if but observing the same thence it is this Society hath alwayes been on the purchasing hand having a fair proportion annually deposited in stock and indeed oweth it's Plenty under God unto it's own Providence Anno Dom. 155 7 8 rather then the bounty of any eminent Benefactour Anno Regin Mariae 6 the Masters onely excepted Who for so many successions have been bountifull unto it that the Colledge in a manner may now prescribe for their
Thomas Miriall John Williams Proct. 10. Thomas Smart Major Clemens Corbet Vicecan 1612-13 Richard Tompson Stephen Paget Henry Bird Proct. 11. Edward Cropley Major Samuel Harsenett Vicecan 1613-14 Arthur Iohnson Richard Anguish Proct. 12. Iohn Wicksted Major Owen Gwin Vicecan 1614-15 Tho Kitchin Iohn Dod Proct. Thomas French Major 13. Iohn Hill Vicecan Ann. Reg. Jac. 15. Andrew Pern Thomas Smith Proct. Robert Lukin Major 44. Edward Sympson a very good scholar Fellow of Trinity Coll Mr. Sympson his Sermon and Recantation preached a Sermon before King Iames at Royston taking for his Text Iohn 3. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh Hence he endevoured to prove that the commission of any great sin doth extinguish grace and Gods Spirit for the time in the man He added also that S. Paul in the 7 th Chapter to the Romans spake not of himself as an Apostle and Regenerate but sub statu Legis Hereat His Majesty took and publickly expressed great distaste because Arminius had lately been blamed for extracting the like exposition out of the works of Faustus Socinus Whereupon He sent to the two Professours in Cambridge for their judgment herein who proved and subscribed the place ad Romanos 7 mo to be understood of a Regenerate man according to S. Augustine his later opinion in his Retractations and the Preacher was injoyned a publick Recantation before the King which accordingly was performed Nor doth such a Palinodie sound any thing to his disgrace having S. Augustine himself for his precedent modestly retracting what formerly he had erroneously written therein John Richardson Vicecan 16. John Browne George Ramsey Proct. 1617-18 Henry King Major Will Branthwait John Goslin Vicecan 17. Iohn Smithson Alex 1618-19 Read Proct. Sir Edw Hinde Knight Major 45. The neighbouring Gentry of Cambridge The first and last Knight Major of Cambridge being very pleasant at a merry-meeting resolved in a frolick to be made Free-men and so successively to take their turns in being Major thereof The Towns men promised themselves great matters hereby betwixt whom and the University some petty animosities at present when persons of such state and quality should Head their Corporation Sir Edward Hinde of Madingley Knight lead the dance and kept His Majestie in Cambridge expecting others in order to follow him who considering the expensivenesse of the place with some others no lesse politick than thrifty considerations receded from the resolution and let the good Knight alone to possesse that honour by himself Towns-men as formerly succeeded him therein SECT VIII Anno Dom. THOMAE PLAYER Armigero Anno Regis Jacob. Camerarii LONDINENSIS primogenito TAndem aliquando DEO Duce post varios anfractus vias in vias ad Historiae finem perventum est Nec diffiteor me non fessum modò sed lassum cùm mihi ita deficiant vires ut nunc cùm pes sit figendus vix possim me continere ne pronus corruam Opus mihi igitur jam concludenti PATRONO non forti minùs qui possit quà m miti qui velit me nutantem sustentare vel fortè labascentem erigere Hîc Tu mihi Occurris exoptatissimus qui tam mentis quà m corporis dotibus es spectabilis Spero igitur Finem Opus meum certus scio Nomen Tuum finem Operis Coronaturum HEre we have omitted to confesse and amend a fault Henry Howard Chancellour of Cambridge is pardonable how after the decease of Robert Cecil Earle of Salisbury one no lesse willing than able on all occasions to befriend the University dying Anno 1612. Henry Howard Earl of Northhampton was chosen Chancellour of Cambridge He was Son to Henry Earle of Surrey beheaded 1546. for a meer State-nicety and succeeded as to his name to his excellent parts and industry being bred in Kings Colledge where he attained to a great degree of eminency for learning 2. He told his intimate * Mr. George Penny Secretary who related it to me that his Nativity at his Fathers desire was calculated by a skilfull Italian Astrologer Sometimes it hiâ—s who told him That this his infant-son should tast of much trouble in the midst of his life even to the want of a Meals meat but his old age should make amends for all with a plentifull estate which came to passe accordingly For his Father dying in his Infancy no plentifull provision was made for him and when his eldest Brother Thomas Duke of Northfolke was executed his condition was much impaired insomuch that once being in London not overstockt with money when his Noble Nephews the Earle of Arundle and the Lord Thomas Howard were out of the City and loath to pin himself on any Table univited he was sain to dinâ— with the chaire of Duke Humphrey Anno Dom. 1616-17 but other not to say better company viz Anno Regis Jacob. 15. reading of Books in a Stationers shop in Pauls Church-yard But K JAMES coming to the Crown and beholding the Howards as His Mothers Martyrs revived them with His favours and this Lord attained under Him to great wealth honour and command 3. However this Lord gave little credit to His Learned Book and placed lesse confidence in such Predictions as appeared by a Learned Worke he hath written of that subject He died Anno 1614. and his Nephew Thomas Howard Earle of Suffolke succeeded him in the Chancellours place of the University John Richardson Vicecan 1617-18 John Smithson Alexander Read Proct. 16. John Durant Major 4. On the 29 of January died Mr. William Butler The death of Dr. Butler the Aesculapius of our Age as by the Inscription on his Marble Tombe in the Chancel of St. Maries will appear Nil proh marmor agis Butlerum dum tegis illum Si splendore tuo nomen habere putas Ille tibi monumentum iudigner is ab illo Butleri vivis munere marmor iners Sic homines vivus sic mirâ mortuus arte Phoebo chare Senex vivere saxa facis But the Prose is higher than the Verse and might have served for Joseph of Arimathea to have inscribed on the Monument of our Saviour whereof this is a part Abi Viator ad tuos reversus dic te vidisse Locum in quo salus jacet He gave to Clare Hall whereof he was Fellow a Chalice with a cover of beaten-gold weighing and worth three hundred pounds besides other Plate and Books to the value of five hundred pounds Will 1618-19 Branthwait John Goslin Vicecan 17. Henry Goch Tho Horseman Proct. Richard Foxton Major 5. The Title of the Earledome of Cambridge which as we have formerly observed The Marquesse of Hamilton made Earle of Cambridge was onely conferred on Forreigne Princes or those of the English blood-Royall had now lyen dormant since the death of Richard Plantagenet Duke of Yorke and eighth Earle of Cambridge It was now
from cruelty covetousness and Popish inclinations 44. 45 46. his crossing a Court project 47. BANGOR the Monks therein massacred b. 2. ¶ 9. Peter BARO why leaving his Professours place Hist. of Cam. p. 125. ¶ 21. different judgements about his departure ¶ 22. William BARRET Fellow of Cajus Coll. His solemn recantation Hist of Cam. p. 150. BARDS their powerfull practices on the Pagan Britans Cent. 1. ¶ 94. BARNWELL nigh Cambridge the Original of Midsummer fair therein Hist of Cam. p. 3. ¶ 9. a Priory therein founded by Paine Peverell p. 7. ¶ 16. BASIL Councill English Ambassadours sent thither b. 4. p. 178. observations on their Commission p. 179 180. John BASTWICK his accusation b. 11. p. 151. ¶ 58. his plea 152. ¶ 64. his speech on the Pillory p. 155. ¶ 71. BATTEL ABBEY founded by King Will. the Conquerour b. 3. ¶ 1. the large Priviledges thereof Ibidem and ¶ 15. Thomas BECKET b. 3. p. 32. ¶ 57. Arch-bishop of Canterb. 58. stubborn in defending the Clergy 59 c. slain by 4 Knights in his own Church ¶ 66 67. the great supper stition at his shrine p. 36. ¶ 70. Biob BEALE Clark of the Councill zealus against Bishops b. ¶ p. 47. Arch-bishop Whitgift complains of his insolent carriage ibidem BEDE though sent for went not to Rome C. 8. ¶ 15. yet probably went out of his Cell ¶ 16. why ssur-named VENERABLE ¶ 17. the last â—laze going out of the Candle of his life ¶ 18. BENNET COLL in Cambridge the foundation thereof Hist of Cam. p. 43 44 c. Archb. Parker a par amount benefactor thereunto p. 46. ¶ 11. BENEDICTINE Monks b. 6. p. 266. ¶ 2. most anâ—cient of all orders in England p. 267 268. BERKLEY Nuns all with child at once c. 11. c. 19. and b. 6. p. 301. ¶ 2. BERKLEYS their Armes relating to their service in the Holy Land b. 11. p. 43. ¶ 23. their great Bonefaction to Abbeys Hist of Abb. p. 326. sers by their dissotution 327. Tho. L. BERKLEY Patron to John de Trevisa b. 4. p. 151. ¶ 43. at whose command he translated the Bible into English ¶ 44. BERTHA the Christian Wife of King Ethelbert as yet a Pagan a great Promoiresse of Religion b. 2. c. 6. ¶ 9. St. John of BEVERLEY his Miracles c. 8. ¶ 11. Theodorns BEZA his letter to Mr. Travers to crave contribution for the City of Geneva b. 9. p. 136 137. why coldly resented ibid. BIBLE three severall Translations thereof b. 7. p. 387. a fourth and best by the appointment of King James b. 10. p. 45 c. Vide Translatours BIRINUS converts the West-Saxons C. 7. ¶ 65. breaketh his promise yet keepeth it ¶ 66. made Bishop of Dorchester ¶ 67. BISHOPS their judisdictions first severed from the Sheriffs b. 3. p. 5. ¶ 10. BISHOP Sin the late long Parliament being charged with a Premunire for making the late canons b. 11. p. 183. ¶ 6. legally defend themselves ¶ 7. acquit themselves from Feculencie of Extraction wherewith a Lord aspersed them ¶ 8 9. symptomes of their dying power in Parliament p. 184. ¶ 10. being petitioned against p. 185. ¶ 12. and assaulted ¶ 13. twelve of them subscribe and present a protest p. 186. ¶ 16. forwhich they are imrisoned p. 188. ¶ 18. enlarged on bayle p. 196. ¶ 34. BISHOPRICKS when and why removed from small Towns to great Cities b. 3. ¶ 21. Five on the destruction of Abbies erected by King Henry the eighth b. 6. p. 338. ¶ 3. BLACKFRIERS the dolefull downfall or fatall Vespers thereof b. 10. p. 102. ¶ 29 30 c. Q. Anna BOLLEN hath amatorious Letters written unto her from king Henry the eighth b. 5 p. 175 ¶ 49. preserved as some say in the Vatican ibidem her character p. 206. ¶ 20. solemnly divorced from King Henry the eighth p. `207 ¶ 2. Robert BOLTON an eminent Divine his death b. 11. p. 143. ¶ 25. EDMUND BONNER Bishop of London begins to bonner it b. 5. p. 231. ¶ 19. deprived under Ed. 6. b. 7. p. 414. his cruell articles Hist of Walth p. 18. whom allgenerations shall call Bloudy b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 11. why imprisoned in the Marshalsey b. 9. ¶ 17. traverseth a suite with Horn Bishop of Winchesters S. 4. ¶ 1. his Counsells plea in his behalf ¶ 2 34. A drawn Baitel betwixt them occasioned by a provisoe in a new Statute ¶ 7. BONNES HOMMES why so called b. 6. 273 ¶ 24. Rich Eremites in pretended povertie ¶ 25. BOOKS embezeled at the dissolution of Abbies b. 6. p. 334. to the great lasse of learning ibidem BOOKS preparatory to reformation set forth by King Henry the eighth b. 7. p. 375. Gilb. BOURN Bishop of Bath and Wells why milde in the dayes of Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 3. his death b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 32. Theoph. BRADBURN his sabbatarian fancies b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 32. Thomas BRADWARDINE a great Schoolman c. 14. p. 98. ¶ 23. his just praise ibidem afterwards Arch-bishop of Canterbury BRANDONS Brothers successively Dukes of Suffolk die of the sweating sicknesse Hist of Cam. p. 128. ¶ 70. Bishop Parkhurst his Epitaph on them ibidem Thomas BRIGHTMAN his birth breeding b. 10. p. 49. ¶ 12. preferment ¶ 13. writings ¶ 14. good life ¶ 15. and sudden death ¶ 16 17. BRITANS their dolâ—full case whilst Pagans C. I. ¶ 1. their principall Idols ¶ 2. in vain they crave help of the Roman Emperour against the invasion of the Picts C. 4. ¶ 22. and C. 5. ¶ 14. 15. BRITAIN the causes hastning the Conversion thereof before other Countries nearer Palestine C. 1. ¶ 6. why the first Planters of Christianity therein are unknown ¶ 8. not beholden to Rome for her first Preachers ¶ 18. not divided into five Roman Provinces as Giraldus Cambrensis mistakes untill the time of Flavius Theodosits C. 2. ¶ 10. Christianity continued therein after the death of King Lucius C. 3. ¶ 2. by the Testimony of Gildas Tertullian and Origen ¶ 3. in defiance of Dempster a detracting writer ibid. Why so little left of the primitive Church-History thereof ¶ 6. and C. 4. ¶ 11. BRITISH CLERGIE refuse submission to the Pope of Rome C. 7. ¶ 3. the Dialogue betwixt them and an Anchoret ¶ 6. BRITISH LANGUAGE the commendation thereof C. 7. ¶ 17. vindicated from causlesse cavils ¶ 18. Robert BROWN his gentile Extraction b. 9. p. 166. ¶ 2. deserted by his own Father p. 167. his opinions p. 168. spared when his Followers were executed ¶ 45. the odd occasion of his imprisonment and death ¶ 46. BRUXELS Benedictine rich Nunnery for English Gentle-women with good portions b. 6. p. 363. Martine BUCER called to Cambridge History of Camb. p. 128. ¶ 32 33 34. the various dates of his death p. 130. ¶ 37. belyed by Parsons to die a Jew ¶ 38. his bones burnt by Card. Poole p. 135. ¶ 54. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE paramount for Martyrs b. 5. p. 163. ¶ 2. Dr.
pursued by the Scholars p. 62. ¶ 15. whereupon be interdicteth the university ¶ 17. but at the Bishops intercession ¶ 19. and the Scholars solemn penâ—ance ¶ 20. 〈◊〉 is reconciled ibidem John OVER ALL carryeth the Kings Professours plâ—oe from Mr. Wotton Hist. of Camb. p. 125. ¶ 20. Dean of St. Pauls b. 10. p. 7. gives King James an account of Lambeth Articles p. 13. his death p. 86. ¶ 10. OXFORD Vniversity if not founded restored by King Alfred C. 9. ¶ 30. the Armes of the Vniversity â— 40. the Scholars there of harshly used by King William â—he Conquerour b. 3. p. 6. ¶ 16. killed the brother of Otho the Popes Legate p. 61. ¶ 13. for which â—e interdicteth the Vniversity p. 62. ¶ 17. till the Scholars make their solemn submission ¶ 20. the great and suddain alterations therein in the Reign of Q. Mary b. 8. p. 7 8 9. a strange Mortality Anno 1577. aâ— the Assizes b. 9. p. 109. ¶ 22. counted by â—aunders a greâ—â— miracle ¶ 24. though a natural cause be assigned thereof ¶ 25. discontents therein about innovations b. 11. p. 141 ¶ 18 c. P. APALL what it iâ— with the my steries thereof C. 7. ¶ 38. PANDULPHUS his proud 〈◊〉 b. 3. p. 53. ¶ 22. Katharine PAR marryed to King Henry the eighth b. 3. p. 243. ¶ 48. her enemies 〈◊〉 against 〈◊〉 defeated by Gods providence ¶ 49 50 the form of publick prayer for her b. 7. p. 374 â—â—letter of Edward the sixth while Prince unto her p. 423 424. PARISHES in England first divided by Pope Honourâ—â—â— 7. ¶ 68. Matthew PARKER almost looseth his own life to convert the Rebells b. 7. p. 394. ¶ 7. made Archb. of Cant. b. 9. p. 60. ¶ 23 most legally consecrated ¶ 25 c. in defiance of all Popish Calumnies ibidem his death p. 108. ¶ 17. and defence against Mr. Prin ¶ 18. see Bennet Coll. Margaret PARKER the Arch-bishop his exemplary wife b. 9. p. 108. ¶ 19. St. PATERN a pattern for all Bishops C. 6. ¶ 10. St. PATRICK falsly reported living and dying at Glassenbury C. 5. ¶ 18 19 20. a distinct person from Sen Patrick ¶ 20. St. PAUL by a Poeticall Hyperbole onely made to preach in Britain C. 1. ¶ 8. PAULINUS his death C. 7. ¶ 79. The PAX what it was and the original thereof Hist of Walt. p. 17. in the third Item PEADA first Christian Prince of Mercia C. 7. ¶ 83. PELAGIUS a Britan by birth C. 5. ¶ 1. his principal Errours ¶ 3. condemned by many Councels under the name of his Scholar Caelestius ibid. PEMBROOK HALL in Cambridge founded by Mary de St. Paul Hist. of Camb. p. 41. PEMBROOK Colledge in Oxford founded b. 11. ¶ 41 42. John PENRY with others executed for libelling against the Bishops b. 9. p. 223. ¶ 6. Rob. PERSONS Jesuit cometh over into England b. 9. p. 114. ¶ 41. his three strange escapes p. 118. ¶ 44 45. returns to Rome ¶ 46. Master of the English Colledge there p. 86. the Secular priests bitterly complain of him p. 233. ¶ 30. St. PETER he never preached in Britain not withstanding Persons his arguments to the contrary C. 1. ¶ 7. PETER-Pence first granted to the Pope by King Ina C. 8. ¶ 13. amounting at least to seven thousand five hundred pounds per ann b. 15. p. 197. ¶ 46 47. PETER-HOUSE founded by Hugo Balsham Subprior of Ely Hist of Camb. p. 12. ¶ 44. endowed many years after by the same Hugo when Bishop of Ely p. 30 31 32 33. St. PETROCK captain of the Cornish Saints C. 6. ¶ 11. J. PHILPOT stoutly defendeth the truth in the convocation b. 8. ¶ 22. against railing Weston ¶ 23. sealeth it with his blood ¶ 24. John PIERCE Arch-bishop of York his death and commendation for exemplary temperance b. 9. p. 223. ¶ 9. Thomas PIERCY Earle of Northumberland his Rebellion against Q. Elizabeth b. 9. p. 83. ¶ 15. in maintenance of Popery ¶ 16. routed by the Queens forces ¶ 17. beheaded at York ¶ 19. James PILKINTON the false report of ten thousand pound given with his daughter b. 5. p. 253. ¶ 55. the truth thereof b. 9. p. 109. ¶ 21. his death ibidem Pope PIUS the fourth his letter and proposalls to Q. Elizabeth b. 9. p. 68. ¶ 40. Pope PIUS the fifth his sentence declaratory against Q. Elizabeth b. 9. p. 93. PLAYERS prohibited by proclamation of King Edward the sixth b. 7. p. 391. Thomas PLAYFER his ranting Epitaph Hist of Camb. p. 158. ¶ 40. PLEGMUND of an eminent Eremitâ— made Arch-bishop of Canterbury C. 9. ¶ 43. consecrateth seven Bishops in one day C. 10. ¶ 4. PLUNDER whence derived and when first used in England b. 11. p. 196. ¶ 33. Reg. POOLE Cardinall why so much favoured by Q. Mary b. 8. ¶ 39. Godfather to â— Tremelius ¶ 40 consecrated Archb. of Cant. ¶ 41. his dry Sermon of the Pall ibid. reconcileth England unto Rome ¶ 42. his death b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 49. well inclined to be a Protestant ¶ 50. leaveth all his estate to Italians 51. Chancellour both of Cambridge and Oxford Hist of Camb. p. 135. ¶ 53. Sr. Tho. POPE vide Trinity Colledge Oxford The POPE in England in his Rising improveth his power on five sorts of Princes C. 10. ¶ 2. The POPE in England in his Reigning a conjectural estimate of his yearly revenues in England b. 5. p. 197. The POPE in England in his Ruine how his usurped power at the abolition thereof was restored to several persons to whom it did belong b. 5. ¶ 199. All PREACHERS for a time inhibited by a Proclamation of King Edward the sixth b. 7. p. 388 389. PREMUNIRE-statute why made b. 4. p. 145. the form thereof p. 146 c. why so named p. 148. ¶ 35. Thomas PRESTON Master of Trinity Hall Queen Elizabeth her Scholar History of Camb. p. 139. ¶ 2. John PRESTON his great favour at Court b. 11. ¶ 6. imployed in a double conference ¶ 35 36. temporizeth with the Duke of Buckingham ¶ 43 44. his death and buriall ¶ 66. William PRIN b. 11. p. 152. ¶ 56. accused for libelling against Bishops ¶ 57. his plea rejected p. 152. ¶ 6â— and answer refused ¶ 63. his speech on the Pillory ¶ 73. and behaviour therein ¶ 74. good employment in his exile 75. brought book with triumph p. 172. ¶ 32. False PROPHECYES a great trade driven with them in Abbeys Hist of Abb. p. 333. ¶ 11. PROPHECYINGS in England how ordered b. 9. P. 121. ¶ 2. their inconveniences p. 122. ¶ 3. Arch-bishop Grindal his large letter to Q. Elizab. in their defence p. 123 c. PROVISIONS of the Pope their nature b. 3. p. 8. and b. 4. p. 115. ¶ 25. redressed by a statute ¶ 26. yet complained of many years after p. 147. ¶ 43. PSALMS of David by whom translated into English meeter b. 7. p. 406. ¶ 31. the mean doing thereof endeavoured to be defended ¶ 32.
Though his death much affected his friends in Oxford The death of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury Mar. 2. yet farre greater the grief of that University for the decease of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury who died this year One of the honours not onely of that See but of the Church of England born at Guilford in Surrey of religious Parents as persevering in the Truth though g Abel Redivivus pag. 540. persecuted for the same in the Reign of Queen MARY Whose two younger Brothers George and Maurice the one came to be Archbishop of Canterbury the other was Lord Mayor of London and the first Knight of King CHARLES his dubbing This good Bishop his deserts without any other Friend or Spokesman preferred him to all his Promotions For Upon his Oration made on Queen ELIZABETH her Inauguration he was chosen Scholar and afterwards Fellow and Master of Baliol-Colledge Upon a Sermon preached At Worcester he was made Lecturer of that City At Paul's Crosse Master John Stanhoppe preferr'd him to the rich Benefice of Bingham in Nottingham-shire Before King JAMES he was nominated Successour to Doctor Holland in the Kings-Professour his place in Oxford Upon the same of his incomparable Lectures de potestate Regiâ and other labours he was made Bishop of Salisbury In conferring which Place the KING conquered all opposition which some envious persons raised against him witnesse His MAJESTIES pleasant speech Abbot I have had much to doe to makeâ— thee a Bishop but I know no reason for it unless it were because thou hast written a Booke against a Popish Preâ—â—â—e meaning William Bishop entituled by the Pope the Nominall Bishop of the Aâ—reall Diocesse of Calcedon which enraged the Courâ— Papists against him to obstruct his preferment The hour-glass of his life saith my h Dr. Fealty in the Life 〈◊〉 Bp. Abbor p. 549. Authour ran out the sooner for having the sand or gravel thereof stopt so great his grief of the stone though even whilst his body was on the rack his soule found ease in the assurance of salvation 54. About this time The Imp. stuâ—e of the Boy of Bilâ—on a Boy dwelling at Bilson in Stafford-shire William Perry by name not full fifteen years in age but above forty in cunning was practised on by some Jesuits repairing to the house of Mr. Gifford in that County to dissemble himself Possessed This was done on designe that the Priests might have the credit to cast out that Devil which never was in so to grace their Religion with the reputation of a Miracle 55. But now the best of the jest or rather the worst of the earnest Found ouâ— by Bishop Moâ—cton was the Boy having gotten a habit of counterfeiting leading a lazie life thereby to his own ease and Parents profit to whom he was more worth than the best Plough-land in the shire would not be undeviled by all their Exorcisms so that the Priests raised up a spirit which they could not allay At last by the industry of Dr. Moreton Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield the jugling was laid open to the world by the Boyes own confession and repentance who being bound an Apprentice at the Bishops cost verified the Proverb That an untoward Boy may make a good Man 56. Indeed all this KING's Reign was scattered over with Cheaters in this kinde Cheaters of several kindes Some Papists some Sectaries some neither as who dissembled such possession either out of malice to be revenged on those whom they accused of Witchcraft or covetousnesse to enrich themselves seeing such who out of charity or curiosity repaired unto them were bountifull in their relief But take a few of many Papists No Papists i See Bp. Harsnet his Book on this subject pag. 81. Sarah Williams lying past all sense in a Trance had a Devil say the Roma nists slipt up into her leg k John Gâ—â—'s Foot out of the snare pag. 53. Grace Sourebuts of Salmisbury in the County of Lancaster was perswaded by Southworth a Priest to dissemble possession to gain himself credit by Exorcising her l Idem pag. 54. Mary and Amie two Maids of Westminster pretended themselves in raptures from the Virgin Mary and Michael the Arch-Angel m Idem p. 55. Edward Hance a Popish Priest born at Lutterworth in Leicester-shire gave it out that he was possessed of the Blessed Trinity Rich Haydok Fellow of New-Colledge in Oxford preached in his dreams Latine Sermons against the Hierarchie He afterwards recanted lived in good esteem to a great age in Salisbury practising Physick being also an excellent Poet Limner and Ingraver Anne Gunter a Maid of Windsor gave it out she was possessed of a Devil was transported with strange Extaticall Phrensies A Maid at Standon in Hartfordshire which personated a Demoniack so lively that many judicious persons were deceived by her See we this Catalogue consists most of the weaker sex either because Satan would plant his Battery where easiest to make a Breach or because he found such most advantaged for dissembling and his Cloven-foot best concealed under Long coats Indeed some Feminine weaknesses made them more strong to delude the ruines of the Disease of the Mother being the best Foundation to build such Impostourie thereon 57. K. James remembring what Solomon n Prov. 25. 2. King James his dexterity in detecting them Ann. Dom. 1618. Ann. Regis Jac. 16 saith It is the honour of a King to search out a matter was no lesse dexterous than desirous to make discovery of these Deceits Various were His waies in detecting them awing some into confession with His presence perswading others by promise of pardon and fair usage He ordered it so that a Proper Courtier made love to one of these be witched Maids and quickly Cupid his Arrows drave out the pretended Darts of the Devil Another there was the Tides of whose Possession did so Ebbe and Flow that punctually they observed one hour till the KING came to visit her The Maid loath to be so unmannerly as to make His MAJESTY attend her time antedated her Fits many houres and instantly ran through the whole Zodiack of tricks which she used to play A third strangely-affected when the first verse of S. John's Gospel was read unto her in our Translation was tame and quiet whilst the same was pronounced in Greek her English Devil belike understanding no other language The frequency of such forged Possessions wrought such an alteration upon the judgement of King JAMES that he receding from what he had written in his Demonologie grew first diffident of and then flatly to deny the workings of Witches and Devils as but Falshoods and Delusions 58. K. James having last year in His progress passed through Lancashire The Kings Declaration for liberty on the Lords day May 24. took notice That by the preciseness of some Magistrates and Ministers in severall places of this Kingdome in hindring people from