holy King extended the bounds of his banishâ—ment further and visitted the shrines of the Holy Apostles beyond the Alpes and afterwards retired himself into other uninhabited places to the end he might more freely there attend to God At length after a long continued exile after many internall combats after frequent and painfull suffrings by hunger thirst and cold all his conflicts ended in the Province of Italy and Citty of Lucca there he received his rewards thence his soule was received into heaven and his Sacred members were placed near the Body of S. Frigidianus in a Church dedicated to his honour where his glorâ— shines abroad by many miracles His Festivity 〈◊〉 solemnized on the seaventh day before the Ides of February 3. The observations made by the illustrious Cardinall Baronius in his Annals this year upon this Inscription particularly to disprove the Title of King of the English attributed to S. Richard doe not seem to mee concluding For though it be true that his name is not found in the Catalogue of the Saxon or English Kings that is no sufficieÌ„t proof against him Since wee read very many examples or the like So in S. Beda mentioned is made of Edilward son of Oswald King of the Dierâ— likewise of Elbuin and of Osri King of the Wiccians And Cissa in his Charter in Harpsfeild calls himself King of the West-Saxons S. Boniface also mentions Sâ—gâ—â—ald King of the same Province and Ina a King called Balred Lastly in the Life of S. Botulph wee read of one Ethelmunâ— King of the South-Saxons yet not the name of any of these appear in the Catalogues oâ— the Kings of those severall Kingdoms And whereas he affirms that Philip of Eyslat a German is the first Authour who gives the Title of King to S. Richard it is a mistake For Wolfhard an Authour much more ancient who lived in the next Century to this and with great fidelity wrote the Life of Saint Walburga affords him the same Title and Stuartius in his Notes upon the same Life affirms that all Authours almost with one consent make him a King of England insomuch as none in his sound witts will deny it And indeed hereto agree the Roman Martyrologe Philip Bishop of Eystat Trithemius Molanus Yepes Gualter and very many others Yea Gretser in his observations on the Life of Saint Wilibald son to this Saint Richard prooves by many arguments the same as from common Tradition from ordinary Images of him from severall Missals Breviaries and Authours Notwithstanding that he did not actually at least not long enioy this Title and power may be granted Now the right which he had thereto may be shewed out of our Ancient Monuments 4. For wee have before declared how Lothere King of Kent succeeded to his Brother Egbert to the prejudice of his Brothers son Edric And after eleaven years raign being dispossessed and slain his son was also debarred the Succession never mounted the Throne Now this Prince Richard according to the opinion of some Writers and particularly of the learned Annalist R.F. Alford was that disinherited son of Lothere who content with the security and sweetnes of a private Life never sought nor desired soveraignty though iustly due to him 5. But more probable it is that this Richard was a King of the West-Saxons immediately after King Ina. For though Ethelard be the the onely King named his Successour Yet Saint Beda sayes expressely that King Ina left his Kingdom to severall young Princes among whoÌ„ this S. Richard probably was one This is confirmed by what we read in the life of this Prince that he recommended his children Winnebald and Willebald to S. Boniface because he was of his kingdom Now it is certain that S. Boniface was born at Kirton near Exceter in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons But Ethelard being a Prince of high spirits seems to have excluded the rest and S. Richard whose ambition lay another and better way was willing to employ his thoughts and endeavours in pursuing the hopes of an Eternall Kingdom to be obtained by peaceablenes and neglect of temporall Glory 6. And God was pleased to reward this his love with a far greater Blessing in giving him three children worthy of eternall memory S. Willibald S. Winibald and S. Walburga These three children in the year of Grace seaven hundred twenty five were sent by their Father to S. Boniface in Germany because he was born in his kingdom as the Authour of S Richards Life writes twenty years before the said S. Boniface was Arch-bishop of Mentz neither did their Father accompany them at that time as the Authour of the Inscription mistaking writes But severall years after followed them thither out of a desire to enioy their happy conversation and end his Life in the society of so many Saints Notwithstanding out of a Motive of Devotion very fashionable in that age he undertook a Pilgrimage in a mean habit to visit the Shrines of the Blessed Apostles at Rome After which in his return this year through Etruria or Tuscany God was pleased in the Citty of Lucca to putt an end to his iourney and restore to him with advantage a heavenly Crown And we are obliged to that Noble Citty for preserving his Memory in so Noble a Monument His name is both in the Roman and English Martyrologe recited among the Saints on the seaventh of February Where likewise he is stiled S. Richard King of the English because perhaps he had a right though never any possession of the Kingdom 7. The same year dyed the Holy Virgin Tecla Abbesse of the Monastery of Kirzengen at Ochnafort in Germany for so doe the Centuriators of Magdeburg stile the place And write concerning her and her holy companions in this manner This age or Century likewise had women famous for their learning some of which Boniface sent for out of England into Germany to preach the Gospell namely Chunitâ—ude Tecla Lioba Waldoburga Chunilda and Beragytha We doe indeed acknowledge that these Holy Virgins were sent for out of England into Germany but not to be Preachers It is no Catholick custom to make women overseers and disposers of Ecclesiasticall matters The end for which they were invited out of England was indeed to teach German Virgins the Instituts of a Religious Conversation As touching S. Tecla in particular she had her devout education in the Monastery of Winborn wherein she proffited so well that S. Boniface thought her fitt to teach others what she had so well learnt and to govern others having been so perfect in Obedience her self This Office after she had piously and diligently exercised fifteen years she was called to the embraces of her heavenly Bridegroom on the fifteenth day of October on which day she is commemorated among the Saints in the Roman Martyrologe 8. Our Martyrologe likewise mentions a certain English man a Bishop called German who went over Sea to preach
at Granta or Cambridge 1. TOward the beginning of the Emperour Hadrian's raign dyed the Brittish King Coellus Leaving for his successour his Son Lucius a child then of ten years old who imitating the acts of his Father possess'd the affections of his subiects being esteem'd as a second Coellus The reverence and love which his Father bore to the Romans seems to have been the cause that he gave him a Roman name which being derived from Lux Light hence the Brittains called him Lever Maur or a great Brightnes by reason of the ioy he brought to his Father being born to him in his old age in the thirty seaventh yeare of his raign as likewise to the whole Kingdome which esteemd it a great happines to enjoy a successour to their most beloved King 2. But Divine Providence seems to have had another design in the appointment of this Kings name intending it for an Omen of that heavenly Light which in this Princes time and by his procurement was communicated to the whole Kingdom But this most signall blessing arrived not suddenly Though King Lucius imitating his Fathers benignity express'd much kindnes to the Christians yet he quitted not the superstition of his Forefathers till after many Vocations sent him from God and many invitations and preparations which by Divine Providence occurring in his time disposed him by little and little to submit his neck to the easy and most happy Yoke of Christ. What those preparations were we shall set down in their due place 3. Our Brittish Historians Gildas and Nennius mention a message sent to the Brittains by Pope Evaristus in the latter end of Traians raign exhorting them to the embracing of Christian Faith An occasion and advantage for such a message may seem to have been taken from Traians mitigating the persecution formerly rais'd by him against the Christians for which purpose he sent his Edicts into all Provinces No wonder therfore if that Holy Bishop layd hold of this opportunity to recommend that Religion whose innocence was approved by its greatest persecuters 4. Yea moreover Albertus Krantzius a late German Writer from what Monuments it does not appeare affirms that King Lucius obtained from Pope Alexander the successour of Evaristus that the Christian Faith should be preached in this Isle Which if it be true we may reasonably impute the occasion of it to the Emperour Hadrians Edict published for the ceasing of persecutions against the Christians Now that this Holy Bishop did readily comply with so desirable a request and consequently send Apostolicall men to propagate the sacred Verities of our Christian Faith some Writers doe hence collect because about these times our Ecclesiasticall Annalls doe take notice of the coming of S. Timotheus and S. Marcellus with others into Brittany concerning whom we shall treat shortly 5. Moreover in the most ancient Monuments of Burton Abbey we find that in the yeare of our Lord a hundred forty and one there were baptised in Granta afterward call'd Cambridge nine Doctours and schollars Now whether this so memorable publicka Ceremony was performed by any of the Preachers sent by Pope Alexander is not mention'd in these Monuments However this is confidently aveâ—â—ed by Gildas That the Christian Faith did from the beginning entirely remain in Brittany till Diocletians persecution Which saying of Gildas as Bishop Vsher well observes was seasonably recorded by him least any one should thinke that before the conversion of King Lucius Christian Religion brought into Brittany by the Apostles and their Disciples had been utterly extinguished X. CHAP. 1. Antoninus Pius succeeds to Hadrian in the Empire who sent Lollius Vrbicus to represse the rebellious Caledonians in Brittany 2.3 The Brigantes in Brittany rebell and are pacified For which the Emperour is stiled Britannicus 1. TO the Emperour Hadrian succeeded Antoninus Pius adopted by him In the beginning of whose raign the Northern rude Brittains took the boldnes to break through the wall rais'd by Hadrian for their restraint and after a hostile manner made in roads into the Roman Provinces For the repressing of whom Lollius Vrbicus was by the New â—mperour sent into Brittany to govern the Roman Army who easily quietted those commotions and moreover drove back the Brittains within their former bounds at Edinborough where he rais'd a new Wall in the same narrow space between the Eastern and Western seas where formerly Iulius Agricola had for the same purpose built severall forts at convenient distances From which wall the Emperour Antoninus in his Itinerary reckons the utmost limits of the Empire 2. A few years after the Brigantes in Yorkshire upon what provocations it is uncertain began â—umults and both by Sea and land invaded the Ordovices in Northwales a Roman Province Which injury the others likewise repayd in the like manner Hereupon Lollius Vrbicus the Roman Pretor least this flame of dissention should spread further timely put both his army and Navy in readines Himselfe lead his Army by land and Seius Saturninus commanded at Sea Thus in a short time all differences were composed and the Brigantes who first began the sedition received condign punishment 3. Though these two Tumults in Brittany are by the Writers of those times only sleightly and summarily described yet it seems they were full of danger and hazard to the Romans otherwise the Emperour Antoninus by whose directions and authority the war was managed would not have assumed the Title of Britannicus as a conquerour of Brittany which Title notwithstanding we find ascrib'd to him XI CHAP. 1. Succession of Popes Pope Pius establishes the observation of Easter to whom the Brittains conform 2 3 4. Of S. Marcellus a Brittain Bishop of Tiers and the first Brittich Martyr he suffred out of Brittany 1. IN the nineteenth year of the Emperour Antoninus being the one hundred fifty eighth yeare of our Lord Pope Pius the first of that name succeeded Higinus the Successour of Pope Alexander He was the first who by a Decree establish'd the observation of Easter or the Feast of our Lord's Resurrection on a Sunday in opposition to the Iudaizing Christians in the East who pretending a Tradition from S. Iohn the Evangelist kepd it precisely on the fourteenth day of the first Moon in March This we mention here because some Modern Protestants pretending that our ancient Brittish Christians conform'd themselves to the Eastern not Roman custome doe therfore infer that this Island received the Christian Faith not from Rome but the East Which controversy shall be examined in due place 2. Our Ancient Ecclesiasticall Monuments make mention about this time of S. Marcellus a Brittain born and a zealous Apostâ—licall Preacher of the Faith in Brittany Concerning whom our English Martyrologe testifies that he gathered into a flock the remainders of those who had been converted by S. Ioseph of Arimathea and his companions confirming them in the same Faith 3. This S. Marcellus was
year of his raign sent him a Successour Clodius Albinus upon whom likewise he confer'd the Title of Caesar. Whose abode in Brittany was but short for presently after Iunius Severus was sent Generall thither and Commodus us'd all his endeavours to kill Albinus But dying shortly after Pertinax who succeeded him sent back once more Albinus into Brittany THE FIFTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAP. 1. The Conversion of Brittany celebrated by Origen 2. The Picts and Caledonian Brittains follow their Example 3. Their King Donaldus c. brought to the Faith by Fulgenius a Brittain 4.5 c. Dempsters fabulous narration 1. THE Conversion of Brittany was so famous in the Church of God that Origen who flourished in Egypt not long after these times in his commentary on Ezechiel thus celebrates it When did the Countrey of Brittany before the coming of Christ consent in the Worship of the only true God But now the whole Earth doth with ioy glorify our Lord for the Churches there erected in the utmost bounds of the world so that in all its limits it doth aspire to celestiall happines And in another place The power of the Divine Grace of our Lord and Saviour is present likewise both to those Nations in Brittany which are divided from our world and likewise those in Mauritania yea with all People under the Sun which have beleived in his name 2. And as the fame therof was largely spread among Churches far remote from Brittany so the Example also had a happy influence on the neighbouring Nations For in the Northern regions of Brittany divided from the civilis'd part by the Emperour Hadrians wall and which always liv'd in hostility with the Romans the Faith of Christ within two years after the death oâ— King Lucius was not only preach'd but effectually subdued the minds both of the Princes and generally of their subjects which gave occasion to Tertullian who liv'd in these times to say that those Provinces of Brittains to which the Roman Armies could not gain accesse were yet conquered by our Saviour submitting themselves to his Faith 3 Concerning this Conversion thus writes Hector Boethius The like mind did Christ our Lord the Prince and Authour of peace give to King Donaldus insomuch as rejecting the worship of Devills he addicted himselfe to solide Piety For when Severus was Emperour of the Romans the sayd King obtained of Pope Victor the fifteenth after S. Peter to whom he sent his Embassadours that severall men illustrious for learning and Religion should be sent into Scotland to baptise himselfe together with his wife and children who profess'd the name of Christ. The Scottish Nobility following their Kings example renounced their former impiety and embracing the Religion of Christ were likewise purified by Baptism The year wherin the Scots by the mercy of Almighty God were call'd and receiv'd the light of true Piety was the two hundred and third after the incarnation of our Lord. To same purpose write Duraeus Gordonus and generally all the Scottish Authours 4. As touching the manner of this Conversion Dempster citing an Ancient Scottish Historian Fordonus saith That is was effected by Paschasius a Sicilian sent into Scotland by Pope Victor who instructed the Nation in the rudiments of Christianity And the same saith he he proves out of an ancient Book of the Church of Lismore which is the most ancient among the Scottish Records The same Authour adds that never any people was with lesse trouble converted to Christ for so great a concourse there was unto those Holy Teachers that there were not Preists enow to baptise them Moreover the sayd Fordonus delivers that this Paschasius leaving behind him his Companions to instruct that rude people more diligently in the Mysteries of Christianity return'd back to Rome to give thanks to that most holy Pope in King Donaldus his name for so singular a blessing confer'd on his Nation But before he arriv'd there Victor was departed this life whose Successour was Zephirinus Whence it manifestly appears â—hat Scotland was converted to the Faith in the last year of Pope Victor Notwithstanding in the Scottish Menology publish'd by the same Dempster this Paschasius is sayd not to have been sent into Scotland by Pope Victor but to have been Donaldus his Messenger to the Pope as Elvanus and Medwinus were sent by King Lucius to Pope Eleutherius for there it is thus written At Dorn in Southerland on the twelfth of December is celebrated the memory of Paschasius who was sent a Messenger to the Holy Pope Victor by King Donald and obtain'd of him Christian Teachers to instruct the Nation 5. This is the account given by Dempster as he pretends out of Fordonus But so little to the satisfaction of the learned Bishop Vsher that he professes In those Copies of Iohn Fordon which I have perused not any of these things related by Dempster are extant so that I begin to suspect the truth of them aswell as of the rest which he quotes out of a namelesse Book of Lismore and I know not what other Manuscripts 6. The person to whom Dempster ascrib's the glory of having first inclin'd the mind of King Donaldus to embrace Christianity was one called Fulgentius or Fulgenius whom he will have to be the Authour of a Book entitled of the Faith of Christ which Book says he if it were now extant Scotland would be furnish'd with a Monument to declare the Antiquity and fervour of its Primitive Faith wherin it would yeild the preeminence to few Kingdoms in Europe and would be superiour to many This Fulgentius saith he was sirnamed the Bold and in the raign of Septimius Seâ—erus dyed at York in England He it was whose faithfull assistance King Donaldus made use of being the first King who stamp'd his Coyn in brasse gold and silver with the sign of the Crosse. II. CHAP. 1.2.3 Confutation of Dempster 4. Who Fulgenius was 5. A Message sent by King Donaldus to Pope Victor 6. More concerning Fulgenius 1. THIS relation made by Dempster though for the substance of it it be agreable to ancient Records yet to embellish it he employs so much of his own inveÌ„tion moved therto by a partiall affection to his own countrey that to a Reader not altogether ignorant he rather disgraces the whole story and renders Truth it selfe suspected then gains beleif to his own impudent additions 2. And first wheras he makes Donaldus to be a King of the Scotts and Fulgentius to be of the same Nation he cannot alledge for this the least ground in any ancient Authours who wrote of these times The Name of Scots was not yet heard of any where much lesse in Brittany The Roman Historians acknowledge no other inhabitants in this Island but only Brittains That is the Common name though in the severall Provinces they be distinguished by severall Titles And particularly touching those Northern Brittains by Hadrians
this controversy is well determin'd by the learned Bishop Vsher though an Irishman who says Dempster is the first and onely Writer that ever dreamt that Melanius was a Scott XVI CHAP. 1. The Emperour Valerianus first favours afterward persecutes Christians 2. He is taken Captive by the King of Persia. 3. Many Tyrants and Vsurpers in the Empire 4. Gallienus Son to Valerianus slain 5.6 Claudius a Worthy Emperour succeeds His raign short but his posterity in the following age possesses the Empire VAlerian in the beginning of his raign showd not any disfavour to Christians but in his fifth year he raised a furious persecution which was the eighth against them in which the holy Pope Stephanus was crowned with Martyrdom to whom succeeded S. Sixtus the second of that Name who the same year tasted of same the Cup. And in his place sate S. Dionysius To the same Emperours cruelty the glorious Martyr S. Cyprian became a Sacrifice and at Rome S. Laurence though inferiour in degree yet excelling all other Martyrs in his magnanimously suffring with contempt most exquisite torments 2. But almight God speedily and heavily visited all this precious blood upon the Emperour Valerian who being taken prisoner in a battell against Saporeâ— King of the Persians lived many years in a most miserable slavery being made that Kings footstoole when he mounted his horse and at last his body was excoriated and salted with salt to be an eternall monument of the instability of human glory Neither was it a small aggravation to his unhappines that his Son Gallienus left sole Emperour never attempted either by treaty or war to redeem him 3. Notwithstanding though Gallienus was by iust title Sole Emperour yet never was there in so few years so many Vsurpers of the Empire as during his raign for in severall Provinces of the Roman world no fewer then thirty Tyrants assumed the Title of Emperours Among which those who had the Government of Gaule as Posthumius Tetricus c. were always favoured and assisted by the Armies in Brittany which was a portion of that Prefecture This is testified by a world of ancient Medalls inscrib'd by their names and faces which have been diggd up in severall places in this Island 4. At last after more then five years luxuriously and sluggishly spent Gallienus was by the treachery of Claudius his next Successour slain together with his Brother and children 5. Within lesse then three years Claudius dyed an Emperour highly esteem'd by the Romans for his courage wisdome and morall vertues but yet he was a persecutour of Christians After his death his Brother Quintillus took the Name of Emperour but within seaventeen days was slain by his own soldiers either for his austerity or because they had heard that Aurelianus was chosen Emperour by the Eastern Armies who therfore in history is esteemed the immediate Successour of Claudius 6. Notwithstanding the family of Claudius which was Flavian was sufficiently recompenced for the misfortune of his Brother Quintillus in that a daughter of his other Brother Crispus called Claudia being maried to Eutropius an eminent person of the Dardanian Nation bore to him Constantius Chlorus who established the Empire in his family for severall generations XVII CHAP. 1. Aurelianus the Successour of Claudius overcomes Zenobia and leads her Captive 2. He marches against the Tyrant Tetricus 3.4 He his accompanied by Constantius who makes himself illustrious 5 6.7 The Emperour Aurelianus his just Sentence in a controversy among Christians 1. AMong all the late Vsurpers of the Empire there remained only two in the beginning of Aurelianus his raign Zenobia in the East Queen of Palmyrene and Tetricus in the West Against these two therfore the Emperour turn'd his Arms beginning first with Zenobia a Lady of most masculin courage whom at last notwithstanding he with much difficulty subdued and lead with him in triumph to Rome where she and her off spring lived in a private but splendid fortune 2. After this Aurelianus march'd against Tetricus who had severall years acted the Emperour in Gaule with whom likewise conspired the Brittish Army But not dating to oppose the Emperour in battell he retired into Catalonia whither being pursued he voluntarily surrendred himself to him and was permitted not only to live but to live in esteem with him being trusted with the government of a Province in Italy 3. In this expedition Aurelianus was accompanied by Constantius Chlorus who here layd the foundations of bringing the Empire into his own family For behaving himself with admirable courage and conduit in freeing the Citty call'd Augusta Vindelicorum or Ausburg from a streit seige with which the barbarous Germans had surrounded it and afterward defeating the Enemies forces in a battell near the said Citty he gained so great a share in the Emperours favour and opinion that he made choice of him to be trusted with a Army into Brittany a Province then unquiet and ill affected 4. In this voyage of Constantius were layd the grounds of strange revolutions not only in regard of his own family but of the whole Church of God For now it was that he maried the so famous Brittish Lady S. Helena of whose birth we have already spoken Now it was that the glorious Emperour Constantin the Great was born and educated by his holy Mother in at least a love if not a Profession of Christian Religion by whom in a few years the Catholick Church was not only freed from the most heavy persecution it ever had groand under but made to triumph over Hell it selfe and the Kingdom of Hell Pagan Idolatry But a more full account of these things deserving our most exact inquiry we will referre to the following Book 5. And we will conclude this with relating a memorable passage out of Eusebius touching a most just and impartiall iudgment given by the Emperour Aurelianus alhough a Heathen in a controversy among Christians by which he acknowleged the authority and dignity of the Bishop of Rome contradicted and despis'd by Modern Sectaries The busines in debate was this 6. Paulus Samosatenus having broached a most execrable Heresy by which he denyed the Divinity of the Son of God was in a Synod of Eastern Bishops reduced from his Errour But upon his relapse he was by them excommunicated and deposed from his Bishoprick of Antioch But the obstinate Arch. heretick refused to relinquish either his opinion or his See Hereupon the said Bishops gave an account both of their iudgment and his perversenes to Dionysius Bishop of Rome and other Bishops in the West Now this controversy coming to the Notice of secular Magistrates the Emperour himselfe was desired to pronounce sentence therin which he performed in a manner that might have become a good Christian Prince related thus by Eusebius 7. When Paulus saith he refused to depart out of the house belonging to that Church of Antioch the Emperour Aurelian being desired to
Faith of the Brittish Church was S. Kebius sirnamd Corâ—nius Son of Salomon Duke of Cornwal who is reported to have undertaken a iourney into Gaule to S. Hilary newly return'd from Exile to be more perfectly instructed by him in the Catholick Faith Which iourney Pitseus says was occasion'd by the unhappy springing upp of the Arian Heresy in Brittany 2. Capgrave in the Life of S. Kebius says that he abode severall years with S. Hilary improving himself in learning and Sanctity whereto God gave testimony by conferring on him the Grace of Miracles so that he gave sight to the blind cleansed the Leprous and healed those who were dumb sick of the palsey and possess'd with Devills 3. The same Authour together with our other Historians Leland Pitsaeus Spelman c. affirm that after some years the Holy man was admonish'd by an Angell to return into his own countrey whereupon being coÌ„secrated a Bishop by S. Hilary he placed his See in the Isle of Anglesey or Mona and by his holy example and sound Doctrin instructed the Venedotae and Monudes northern people of Wales It is said likewise that being arriv'd in Brittany he was requested to come and undertake the Principality of Cornwall but utterly refused to accept any worldly authority or power 4. After these things saith Capgrave Kebius with ten of his Disciples who were Monks descended into the meadow of King Ethelic pitching his tent there Whereupon the King sent to enquire who they were that durst presume to enter into his meadow The Messenger returning told him that they were Monks Wherupon the King presently arose with all his family intending to cast those Monks out of his countrey but in the way he fell from his horse which dyed and the King with all his followers were struck with blindnes Then did the King prostrate himself on his face before S. Kebius devoting himself entirely to God and his servant Kebius and immediatly by the holy mans prayer they were all healed After this the King gave to the man of God two Churches who having given the King his benediction retired to Menevia afterward calld S. Davids from whence he sailed over into Ireland where having built a Church in a certain Island he remained there four years 5. Very probable it is that this S. Kebius was the fame Brittish Preist who baptis'd the Irish S. Albeus For in the Life of that Saint recorded by Bishop Vsher we read this passage Lachanus gave the Holy Child to certain Brittains who brought him upp with great cure giving him the Name of Albeus because he was found alive under a rock and the Grace of God was with him After these things there came thither a certain Brittish Preist sent by the See Apostolick into Ireland many years before S. Patrick to sow the Faith of Christ there But the Irishmen being Pagans would not receive him nor beleive his Doctrin except a very few He came then to the Inhabitants of Munster where he found the Holy child Albeus praying in the open aire with his eyes rais'd up to heaven that the true Faith might be reveal'd to him and saying My desire is to know the Creatour of all things and to beleive in him who made heaven and earth and all creatures in them For I know that the Elements were not made without a skillfull Workman neither could any man produce these things When the holy child had thus prayd the said Preist who over-heard him saluted him and according to his hearts desire instructed him in all things which having done he baptis'd him continuing the same name of Albeus to him 6. Besides S. Albeus the Ecclesiasticall Monuments of Ireland record severall other persons converted and baptis'd by the same Holy Brittish Preist as Meclarus and Kiaxanus persons eminent in Sanctity and illustrious for the number of their Disciples All which moreover were exalted to Episcopall dignity before S. Patricks arrivall there Which they esteeme no disparagement to his Apostleship which began in the year four hundred and thirty 7. After some years abode in Ireland the Holy Bishop Kebius returned to his See in Anglesey where he dyed in the year of Grace three hundred and seaventy The place of his buriall seems to have been among the Ordovices in Denbighshire For in the Story of S. Winefred written by Robert Abbot of Shrewsbury we read that the Holy Virgin was buried neer to the Sepulchers of Chebaeus and Senanus at a place call'd Gwethern Witheriacum in the western part of Denbigh-shire Which S. Chebaus was no doubt the same with this our S. Kebius An illustrious Monument of whose Memory is still remaning in Anglesey where saith Camden the Holy Promontory looking towards Ireland Vulgarly call'd Holy-head is by the Natives nam'd Caër-Gubi from Kebius à Holy man and Disciple of S. Hilary Bishop of Poictiers Neither is S. Hilary himself forgotten there his memory being preserved by another Promontory call'd Hilary-point IX CHAP. 1.2 c. Of S. Patrick the place and time of his Birth His Parents c. 1. THE same year in which S. Hylary retun'd into Gaule from banishment at which time S. Kebius repair'd to him was illustrious likewise for the Birth of the great Apostle of Ireland S. Patrick True it is that among our Ecclesiasticall Historians there is great Variety as in the number of the years of his life so consequently in fixing the year of his Nativity But the series of his Life and Gests seems to be more exactly computed by William of Malmsbury Adam of Domerham and Iohn a Monk who have written his life more accuratly then any out of the Ancient Records of Glastenbury and Probus who wrote the same presently after his death And by their account ascribing to S. Patricks life one hundred and eleaven years and fixing his death in the year of our Lord four hundred seaventy two his birth must fall on this year three hundred sixty one 2. Now though some Historians and among the rest Mathew of Westminster and Baronius likewise doe affirm that he was born in Ireland yet the greater number and those externs also doe acknowledge him a Brittain neither is this denyed even by the Irish Writers themselves 3. But there seems some difficulty in assigning the particular Province in Brittany where he was born Bishop Vsher is of opinion that the place of his Nativity was a Town call'd Kirck-patrick situated between the Castle of Dunbritton and Glasco where the Romans anciently cast up a rampire to exclude the barbarous Caledonians and Picts And hereto he adds this observation At this day saith he the ancient limits of the Provinces being chang'd so as that the Castle of Dunbritton does not now as formerly belong to the region of the Brittains but Scotts hence probably it has hapned that some have affirm'd S. Patrick to have been a Scott 4. This conjecture of so learned a Writer though it confirms our position
consecrated Bishop by S. Siricius Successour to Pope Damasus sent back into his own countrey to preach the Gospell to the Picts shall be shew'd in due place 8. There are not wanting besides our own some forraign Authours also who affirm that the famous Bishop Moyses the Apostle of the Saracens was born in Brittany by name Notgerus Bishop of Liege Henry Fitz-Simon a learned Irish Iesuit Certain it is that he was in a speciall manner commemorated his Festivall observ'd in the Brittish Martyrologe compos'd by S. Beda where we read these words In Brittany in the Citty Augusta London is on the seaventh of February celebrated the memory of S. Augulus Bishop and Martyr Likewise of the Venerable Bishop S. Moyses Who first of all leading a solitary life in the desart became famous for many miracles He was afterward by his illustrious merits vertues and glorious miracles made Bishop of the Saracens at the request of Mauvia their Queen He preserv'd the Communion of the Catholick Faith without blemish and after he had converted to the Faith of Christ the greatest part of that Nation he rested in peace A larger narration of his Gests may be read in Theodoret Socrates and Ruffinus which are omitted by reason of the uncertainty whether they pertain to our present History XIII CHAP. 1. Fraomarius a Tribune in Brittany 2. Gratianus succeeds Valentinian 1. VAlentinian the year before his death sent over into Brittany a certain German King of the Bucinonantes call'd Fraomarius to exercise the Office of Tribune over the Alemanni a powerfull sqadron of the Brittish army And the reason was because the little territory pagus of which he was King lying neer to Moguntiacum Mentz had been wasted and impoverish'd by occasion of his Predecessour Macrianuâ— his rebellion saith Marcellinus Where we may observe how in those times the Title of King was attributed to such as govern'd a very small Territory So that our Legendaries are not much to be blam'd when they so frequently bestow that Title on petty Princes 2. To Valentinian succeeded his Son Gratianus who nine years before had been named Augustus or Emperour by his Father And six dayes after his younger Brother Valentinian also was saluted Emperour by the Soldiers which election Gratianus meekly approv'd XIV CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Patrick in his childhood made a Captive His wonderfull piety c. 5. He is freed 1. THE Picts Scots and other Enemies of the Brittains though they had been repress'd by Theodosius the Emperour Valentinians Generall yet were not so enfeebled but that they made frequent incursionâ— into the Roman Provinces there And particularly in one of them they led captive with them the child of Calphurnius Socher call'd afterward Patrick in the sixteenth year of his age whom they sold to a Noble man in the Northern parts of Ireland call'd by Florilegus Nulcu by Capgrave Miluch or rather as Malmsburiensis reads the name Milchu who employ'd the holy youth in keeping his swine 2. Iocelinus the most exact writer of his life thus relates the matter Inasmuch saith he as according to Scripture gold is tryed in the furnace and a just man by tribulation S. Patrick that he might be better fitted to receive a crown of glory was first exercis'd with tentations For the illustrious child entring into his sixteenth year was snatch'd away captive by Pirats which wasted that countrey and was caried by theÌ„ into Ireland There he was sold a slave to a certain Pagan Prince called Milcho whose territory lay in the Northern parts And herein his condition was parallell to that of the Holy Patriark Ioseph who at the same age was sold into Egypt And as Ioseph after his humiliation was exalted to the Government of all Egypt so likewise did S. Patrick after his captivity obtain a spirituall principality over Ireland Again as Ioseph by his providence nourish'd the Egyptians with corn during a long famine so S. Patrick in processe of time fed the Irishmen ready to perish by their Idolatry with the saving nourishment of Christian Faith So that on both of them affliction was brought for the advancement of their soules in piety for affliction had the same effect on them that the flaile has on corn the furnace on Gold the file on iron the wine-presse on grapes and the Olive-presse on Olives Now Saint Patrick by the command of the foresaid Prince was deputed to the keeping his hoggs 3. Six whole years the devout youth spent in this slavery during which time what wonderfull miracles God wrought by him are at large recited by the same Authour as likewise by Capgrave Bishop â—sher c. to whom I refer the curious reader for as much as a particular account of all the Gests or Saints would swell enormously our present History And in selecting their principall actions it seems more proffitable to recount their vertues which may and ought to be imitated by all then their Miracles which exceed the power of nature and some times of beleif 4. S. Patricks employmens therefore withdrawing him from the conversation of men afforded him space enough to attend to God Insomuch as Iocelinus testifieth that a hundred times a day and as oft in the night he address'd his prayers to God And to Prayer he added Fasting for the mortification of his Sences So that with these two Wings he mounted to such perfection as he enjoy'd a frequent conversation with Angells And particularly in Capgrave we read how an Angel calleâ— Victor frequently visited him and said to him Thou doest very well to fast Ere long thoâ— shalt return to thy countrey Now the Reader needs not wonder at the unusuall Name of this Angel For as S. Gregory observes Angels are therfore design'd by particular names that they may signify their speciall vertues and operations Therfore S. Patrick who was to conquer first his own tribulations and afterward the power of the Devill in that Idolatrous Nation was properly visited by an Angel named Victor or Conquerour 5. The Piety devotion Fasting patience in labours other heavenly vertues of this holy young man at last moved the divine Goodnes miraculously to free him as he had the Israëlites out of his captivity For as Malmsburiensis relates after six years slavery S. Patrick by the admonition of an Angel found under a certain â—urf a Summe of Gold which he gave to his Lord and so was deliver'd from captivity and returned to his parents and countrey which he gloriously illustrated with the admirable sanctity of his life The prosecution of his Gests we remit to the following age XV. CHAP. 1 Valens the Emp. burnt 2 Theodosius made partner of the Empire 3 4. c. Maximus Governour of Brittany Caries all the forces out whence came the Destruction of the Island 10. Mistake of those who place the Martyrdom of S. Vrsula c. here 1. ABout this time the
from whence Capgrave hath extracted the following Narration 2. In the primitive times of Christianity the Apostles Doctrin being dispers'd through all the regions of the world Brittany was likewise converted from Paganism to Christianity and of that Nation many beleiving in our Lord and in their lives conforming themselves to the Apostles precepts shined gloriously by many miracles Of which number we are confidently assured that Blessed Melorus was He was descended from a Noble family of the Brittains for his Father call'd Melianus enjoyd the Dukedom of Cornwall In the seaventh year of whose Rule an Assembly of the nobility being mets to consult about the generall affairs of the Province Rinaldus brother to the Duke coming with force upon him slew him and invaded the Dukedom 3. Now Melianus had then a young Son a child of seaven years old named Melorus Him also after his Fathers death his Tyrannous Vncle sought to kill fearing least being come to mans estate he should deprive him of the Principality With this deliberation he brought the child with him into Cornwall Where at the same time was assembled a Synod of Bishops Who all interceded for the life of the child so that the Tyrant contented himself with cutting off his right hand and left foot in place whereof there was framed for the child a hand of silver and a foot of brasse After this Melorus was educated in a certain Monastery of Cornwall till he was fourteen years old spending his time in the reading Holy Scripture every day growing in innocence vertue and piety 4. But then Rinoldus by many gifts and promises of large possessions tempted and obtain'd from Cerialtanus to whose care the child was committed an assurance of his death Which he impiously accomplished by cutting off his head which he sent to Rinoldus challenging his promis'd reward The person employ'd for carrying the Martyrs head was a Son of Cerialtanus who by a just iudgment of God fell from the Castle wall with the head in his hands and broke his neck 5. After this the Holy childs Nurse came to the house where the Body lay and there she saw a Vision of Heavenly Angells and lights gloriously shining And having buried the Body in a decent place the day following they saw it laid above ground Three severall times they buried it and still the same accident arrived By common advice therefore they laid the Sacred Body upon a Cart to which were tyed two young Bulls never used to the Yoke These they permitted to goe at liberty without any leader whither Gods Providence should direct them The Bulls then on a sudden becoming tame caried it to a certain place where being arrived they stood still But the company attending the Cart not liking the place which they thought unfitt for his buriall employ'd their hands arms and shoulders against the wheeles to force them to roule forward But they found the Cart by divine vertue so fixed that by no strength or art it could be moved After diverse attempts made to no purpose at last giving thanks to God they buried the Sacred Body with great solemnity in the same place There many devout people repairing and imploring the Martyrs help and intercession in their afflictions and infirmities frequently with ioy obtain'd their desired remedy 6. The Head of the Martyr was caried to the Tyrant Rinoldus which he having touch'd died miserably three days after After whose death the Bishops and Clergy caried the Head and buried it together with his Body Severall dayes after this certain Preachers not of Brittish blood took the Coffer wherin the Sacred Relicks repos'd which they caried in Procession through many places and at last according as they were enjoyn'd they arriv'd at Ambrisburg where they layd the Holy Relicks upon an Altar Thus find we related the Gests of S. Melorus in Capgrave 7. Now Ambrisburg is a well known town among the Belgae in Wiltshire in the Territory of Winchester so call'd from Ambrose the Son of Constantinus the late mention'd Vsurper of the Empire concerning whom we shall hereafter treat M Camden adds out of an ancient Book called Eulogium that there was erected a Monastery of three hundred Monks which afterward was pillaged by a certain barbarous Tyrant call'd Gurmundus Moreover that at Ambrisburg S. Melorus and his Sacred Relicks were in a speciall manner venerated Bishop Vsher affirms saying The solemnity of the celebrating the Relicks of S. Melorus by the inhabitants of Ambrisburg obscured in time the memory of Ambrius or Ambrosius XXVII CHAP. 1. Victorinus Governour in Brittany recalled 2.3 c. Brittany poyson'd with Pelagianism by Agricola a Bishop 4. Severall Arch-Bishops of London 1. AFter Constantins death severall other Tyrants arose in France as Maximus Iovinus and Sebastian but by the courage of Constantius they were quickly subdued As for Brittany it again return'd to the Obedience of the Roman Empire Constantius therefore sent Victorinus Governour thither a man gratefull to the Brittains and formidable to the Picts and Scotts whose violences he easily repress'd as the Poet Rutilius testifies But being too soon recall'd by Honorius and the Roman Legion with him the Brittains in a short time became miserably and iâ—remediably expos'd to their barbarous cruelties 2. Pope Innocentius dying after he had the space of fifteen years governed the Roman Church Zosimus succeeded him who with the like care endeavoured to preserve the Church from the infection of Pelagianism In whose place after two years was chosen Pope Bonifacius who saith Prosper made use not only of Apostolick but also Imperiall Edicts against the same Enemies of Divine Grace 3. In his time this Island of Brittany became poyson'd with their presumptuous Doctrines The unhappy instrument of which calamity was one Agricola the Son of a Bishop call'd Severianus Bale is mistaken when he affirms this Agricola to have been a Brittain a Monk of Bangor and companion of Pelagius for he was by Nation a Gaul And the same Authour with the like Errour confounds Agricola with Leporius who infected Gaule with the same Heresy But afterward going into Africa was there rectified in his iudgment by S. Augustin 4. In Brittany there were at this time severall Bishops full of piety and learning who oppos'd themselves against this Heresy Among whom the most celebrated was Fastidius Priscus Archbishop of London highly commended by Gennadius and Trithemius as a man skillfull in Holy Scripture and a Zealous Preacher of Divine Truth moreover illustrious in holy conversation and famous for his sharpnes of iudgment and elocution Bale adds that he left behind him a Book entitled Pious Admonitions which probably contain'd an Antidot against the contagion of that Heresy It is uncertain what year he dyed and consequently when it was that Voadinus succeeded him in that Bishoprick XXVIII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Brittains begg help of the Romans a Legion is sent and call'd back
casa 3. Here the Reader may observe that this Bishop was by the confession of these Lutheran Protestants famous for his Sanctity and miracles and withall one who dayly studied the Holy Scriptures Yet he was very devout in giving respect and Veneration to Gods Saints to whose honour he likewise built Churches S. Martin dyed not above thirty years before S. Ninianus ended his life and yet we find a Church built by S. Ninianus and dedicated to S. Martin Yet the same Protestants make sharp invectives against the Roman Church for imitating these Saints magnified by themselves 4. The Example of S. Ninianus was imitated by the Brittish Church neer the same age for when S. Augustin the Monk came into Brittany to convert the Saxons he found saith S. Beda in the Citty of Canterbury a Church dedicated to the honour of S. Martin which had been anciently built in the times when the Romans inhabited this Island 5. S. Ninianus before he dyed divided the Provinces of the Picts into Parishes he ordained Preists there and consecrated Bishops This he did by the authority of the Roman Bishop from whom as hath been related he received his Mâ—ssion 6. As touching the Miracles which God wrought by his servant S. Ninianus although my intention be to be spating in relating such things yet since the foremention'd Lutheran Writers acknowledge this Saint to have been famous for them it may be expedient in this place to record one as followeth 7. In the Region of the Picts saith the Authour of S. Ninianus life there was a certain Prince named Tudwal a proud high-spirited man who contemning the admonitions of this man of God and derogating from his doctrin and life resisted him openly On a certain day having been more then ordinarily troublesome and rude to him God the Supreme heavenly Iudge would not suffer any longer the iniuries offred to his holy Servant to passe unrevenged but strook this proud man with an intolerable pain in his head by the violence of which those lofty eyes of his became utterly blind So that he which had before impugn'd the Light of Divine Truth deservedly lost the light of this world But upon beâ—ter consideration he sent a message to the holy Bishop humbly beseeching him in imitation of our Lords benignity to return to him good for ill and love for hatred The Venerable Bishop hereupon first sharply reprov'd the Prince and then touching him imprinted on his eyes the sign of the Crosse when immediatly his pains ceased his blindnes was dissipated and afterward the Prince highly honoured the Holy Bishop and readily granted whatsoever he ask'd of him 8. As touching the place of his Buriall and Episcopall See call'd Candida casa and by the Saxons Wit-hern Malmsburiensis thus writes of it Candida casa is the name of a place in the confines of England and Scotland where is the sepulcher of the Blessed Confessour Ninias by nation a Brittain who there first preached the Gospel of Christ. That name was given to the place by occasion of a Church which the holy Bishop there built of hew'n stone which to the rude Brittains seemd a wonder This Holy man Ninias is celebrated by Antiquity for his many miracles 9. There is extant in Bishop Vshers Brittish Antiquities an Epistle of our Learned Countreyman Alcuinus not printed among his works wherin he testifies the great fame of the Sanctity and Miracles of this Blessed Bishop It is directed to the Religious Preists then living at Candida Casa And Paschasius Radbertus recounst a Miracle in the same age wherin Alcuinus who attended on the Emperour Charles the Great liv'd which miracle hapned to a devout Preist celebrating Masse at the Saints monument There was a certain Religious Preist saith he nam'd Plegils who frequently solemnis'd Masse at the Body of S. Ninias Bishop and Confessour Who living a vertuous and holy life began frequently to beseech our Lord that he would please to shew visibly to him the nature and verity of the Body and Blood of Christ in the most Blessed Sacrament This Prayer he made not from want of Faith in the truth of the Mystery but meerly out of an affection of devotion and piety Consequently the Authour declares how to his great consolation our Lord appeard to him in the Sacrament in the form of a young child XII CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Germanus his second coming into Brittany 6.7.8 He Ordains Bishops here Of Landaff 10.11 He instituts the Vniversity of Oxford 1. THree years after the death of S. Ninianus S. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre was once more invited into Brittany to perfect the good work which he had formerly begun in rooting out the Pelagian Heresy there spreading it self again The relation we must borrow from the same Authour the learned Preist Constantius to whom Baronius gives this Character that he was a Writer of those times of most perfect integrity and sincerity in all things 2. In the mean time says he a Message from Brittany comes declaring that the perversity of the Pelagian Heresy by the impious diligence of a few Authours began to enlarge it self there Hereupon once more the prayers of all are again address'd to S. Germanus that he would maintain the cause of Divine Grace which by his diligence formerly prevayl'd The Holy Bishop made no delay to comply with their petition for his delight was to labour and even spend his strength in the service of Christ. The Devills envy began now to languish as the Holy mans vertues encreas'd neither durst he so much as tempt him whom by experience he knew to be a freind of God 3. There was adjoyn'd to him for his companion Severus Bishop of Triers a person of consummate Sanctity who had long preach'd the word of God to the Nations of Germania Prima In his way he pass'd by Paris where he is received with great joy and acclamations of the people as the presence of so eminent a Saint well deserved 4. In the mean time infernall Spirits flying through the whole Island foretold the return of Saint Germanus being forc'd to doe so against their wills Insomuch as that one nam'd Elaphius a principall person of the countrey without any notice given of the Holy Bishops journey came in hast to meet them He brought with him his Son upon whom from the flower of his youth a lamentable infirmity had seis'd For all his members were withred and the hamm of his leggs so drawn together that by reason of the drynes of his thigh he could not sett his foot to ground Elaphius was attended by almost the whole province which assembled together though no advice had been given them of the Holy Bishops coming By whom assoon as they mett together an Episcopall Benediction was confer'd on the people and the words of Truth preach'd to them S. Germanus perceives that the generality of the people persever'd constant in the doctrin which he had left
his aid the barbarous warlick Saxons prostituted it to their rapines and tyranny This Character we read of him in Malmsburiensis At that time Vortigern was King of Brittany a man voyd both of courage and counsell yea addicted wholly to carnall pleasure and the slave of almost all vices particularly of avarice pride and luxury He as we read in the Gests of the Brittains solicited and with the hope of making her a Queen deflourd his own daughter and of her gott a Son Who notwithstanding his incestous birth was by a miracle of Divine Grace a Saint his name being S. Faustus 3. His wife was a Lady equall to him in blood but most unlike in disposition By her he had three Sons Vortimer Catigern and Pascentius Whilst she lived he governed his Principality with moderation but after her death he loosed the rains to all vices For which having been reproved by S. Germanus and upon his impenitence in a Synod excommunicated he revenged himself by inflicting the fore mentioned iniuries and calumnies upon the Holy Bishop But in the end was severely punish'd by fire from heaven 4. Before his Election to the Vniversall Government of Brittany he was Prince of the Danmonij or as others write Consul of the Gevisses inhabitants of the South-western parts about Cornwall or South-wales Which Principality it seems he had governed well enough to be esteemd not unworthy to be preferr'd above his formerly fellow Princes though indeed that age the men of which Gildas calls atramentum aetatis the inke of their age afforded it seems so little choice that a Prince not absolutly vicious deserved reputation However this unworthy King is recorded a restorer of the Citty of Oxford We will awhile suspend a relation of the Gests of this unhappy King to the end we may interpose some affairs touching the Churches of Brittany at this time occurring XIV CHAP. 1.2 c S. Dubricius ordained Bishop of Landaff by S. Germanus The place of his Birth c. 1. AMong the actions beneficiall to Brittany done by Saint Germanus the election and consecration of Saint Dubricius to the Bishoprick of Landaff was deservedly reckoned This Dubricius say the Centuriatours of Magdeburg sirnamed Gainius Vagiensis from the place where he was born was peradventure the Son of a Monk by Euedila a Noble Virgin and grew afterward famous among tâ—e English Thus write they without all authority from antiquity desirous to faign one Example at least to be a president for their Master Luthers incest 2. But from more authentick Testimonieâ— it appears that Saint Dubricius was by nation a Brittain born in the Province of the Dimeta or West Wales he was sirnamed Gainius from the River which runs by the place where he was born His Fathers name is not mentioned among Authours his Mother was Euedila a woman of a clear fame for her vertues Thus write Bale Picts Powel and the Authour of his life in Capgrave 3. It is there moreover related how being a child care was taken to imbue his mind with litterature And having attained a few years more he made such proficiency in learning that not the ignorant only but such also as had acquired a good degree in knowledge repaired to him to encrease their skill among whom were Saint Theliaus Saint Sampson Saint Aidanus and others In the soile of his Nativity neer the River Vaga from whence he was called Vagiensis he chose a fitt seat for his own and his Disciples studies and there he spent many years in the charitable employment of communicating his learning to others Afterward having by command of an Angel built a Church there he preached and taught the people wholesom Christian Doctrin Moreover by imposing his hands he often cured many infirmities insomuch as those which came to him sad and unsound returned joyfull and in health And therefore he was qualified fitt to be advanced by S. Germanus to the Degree of a Bishop 4. The period of his life is uncertain Yet certain it is that he lived to a very old age for many years after this he was transferr'd by Aurelius Ambrosius then raigning to the Arch-Bishoprick of Caër-Leon in the Province of Monmouth So that he will once more occurre in our History As for his Disciples Saint Theliaus Saint Iâ—tutus c. eminent Saints and Doctours which therefore could not likewise escape the calumnious pens of the Lutheran Centuriators we shall treat of them in the following age 5. But here we must not omitt what a learned French writer Andrew Saussay in his French Martyrologe relates of another famous Disciple of Saint Germanus named Saint Briocus a Brittain who was afterward Bishop in Armorica or lesser Brittany so illustrious for his Sanctity that the See of his Bishoprick is to this day from his name called S. Brieu a suffragan Bishoprick to Tours 6. Saint Briocus saith he was by countrey an Englishman he should have said a Brittain of the Province of Corticia descended of a Noble Stock He was by Saint Germanus of Auxeâ—â—e preaching the Orthodoxe Faith there brought out of Brittany into Gaule and here by him instructed happily in the Discipline of Piety After he had enriched his mind with saving Doctrins he returned into his Native countrey and there informed his parents in the true Faith which he likewise preached with great successe in the countrey about After this being desirous to employ our Lords Talent yet more copiously he came over into Armorica where having shed the beams of Evangelicall Light on the minds of his kinsman Conanus Count of Triguâ—er Trecorensem he afterward cleansed him with the Laver of Baptism Then assembling severall devout persons aspiring to the perfection of a Religious life he built a Monastery and there by the liberality of the said Count he layd the foundations of an Episcopall See and being consecrated Bishop by the Archbishop of Tours Metropolitan of that countrey he with an admirable splendour of vertue ad piety governed the said Diocese the space of thirty years Afterward making a journey to Angiers to furnish himself with Ecclesiasticall ornaments he there breathed forth his spotlesse soule From thence his Body was caried back and with great honour buried in the Church which himself had built where frequent miracles were wrought at his Relicks Thus as he gave his name to the Monastery Town and Mother-Church of that Diocese so he likewise afforded continuall protection to them 7. Certain Irish Historians would challenge S. Briocus to their countrey as having been born in the Territory of Cork But his having been a Disciple of Saint Germanus who had nothing to doe with Ireland proves him a Brittain And whereas Bishop Vther conjectures that the Master of Saint Briocus might have been another Saint Germanus Bishop of Paris who lived in the following age His living with Conanus and relation of kinred to him demonstrate him both a Brittain and more ancient then the
on both sides and at last they came to a battell which was fought saith Ethelwerd in the feild of Egelestirpe now call'd Alesford a town in Kent wash'd by the River Medway On the Brittains side were three Cheif Captains who lead each a third part of the Army Ambrosius Aurelianus lead the first division Vortimer the second and Catigern a younger Brother of Vortimer lead the third The Saxon army was conducted by the two Brethren Hengist and Horsa 3. The order and successe of this battell is thus describ'd by Huntingdon In the seaventh year after the arrivall of the Saxons in Brittany a Battell was fought at Alestrew At the beginning whereof Horsa set upon the army of Catigern with such Vigour that it was dispers'd like dust before the wind and Catigern the Kings son was slain But his Brother Vortimer a Prince of admirable courage falling in sidewayes into Horsa's squadrons routed them and kill'd Horsa the most valorous of the Saxons the remainder of his forces fled to Hengist who then was fighting with invincible courage against Ambrosius By this means the whole Weight of the combat lay upon Hengist who being assalted and brought into great straits by the accession of Vortimers forces after he had a good while sustain'd the impression of the whole Brittish army was at last overcome and compell'd to fly which he had never done before Yet this victory cost the Brittains very deare for great numbers of them were slain 4. With this account given by Huntingdon agrees likewise Mathew of Westminster Yet Wigorniensis expressly affirms that Hengist after the death of his Brother Horsa obtained the Victory And with him Ethelwerd seems to agree 5. Horsa's body was buried in a place not much distant from that of the battell which to this day continues a Monument of his Memory being from him called Hâ—rsted As for Catigern the Son of Vertigern his body is suppos'd to have been buried at Aylsford by the Saxons call'd Eglesford by Henry of Huntingdom Ellestre and by the Brittains Saissenaeg-haibail because the Saxons were over come there To testify which victory there still remain four great stones standing upright over which others are crossewise layd after the manner of Stone-heng in Wiltshire which from Catigern are vulgarly and imperfectly call'd Keith-coty-house Thus writes Camden 6. Horsa being dead the Saxons exalted Hengist to the Title of King of Kent saith Mathew of Westminster And the same year he is reported to have fought three battells against the Brittains But being unable to resist the valour of Vortimer he was forced to retire himself into the Isle of Thanet where likewise he was dayly assalted by the Brittish ships At last the Saxons leaving their wives and children in that Island returned into Germany to call in new and greater forces 7. The year after Hengists return into Germany dyed the glorious King Vortimer in the fourth yeare after he was assumed to a participation of the regall authority Some Writers affirm that he dyed a naturall death by a disease Others say he dyed by poyson administred to him by the fraud of his late Mother-in-law Rowena to which effect thus writes Sigebert with whom agree Geffrey of Monmouth Mathew Westminster Richard White c. The Devill envying the goodnes of Vortimer suggested to the mind of his Step-mother to cause poyson to be given him by one of his servants Which he having drunk and perceiving that death approach'd he divided his treasures among his soldiers earnestly exhorting them to fight courageously for their countrey Moreover he commanded a Pyramid of brasse to be made and placed in the Haven where the Saxons usually landed Vpon which Pyramid his body was to be layd to the end that the Enemies seeing the Monument of so great and valorous a Prince might be frighted back into their own countrey 8. But it is more probable that it was only his statue which he intended should be so placed on the Pyramid For being a Christian Prince he was no doubt buried after the Christian manner with decent solemnity Moreover the same Sigebert acknowledges that he was buried in the Citty of the Trinobantes now called London And with him saith Henry Huntingdon was buried the flower and glory of the Brittish Nation 9. Besides Vortimers courage he is celebrated by ancient Writers for his Piety and other Vertues Chamber a Writer formerly cited by Richard White affirms that in his war against the Saxons be bore in his Ensign the Image of our Lord Iesus Christ to which devotion of his we may impute his Victories In like manner a few years after the famous King Arthur yet more prosperously bore against the same Enemies the Image of our Blessed Lady Sigebert likewise testifies of the same King Vortimer that he restored the Churches destroyed by the Saxons and possessions wrested by them from his Subjects 10. The same year after Vortimers death Hengist return'd out of Germany with greater forces and took a firmer possession of his Kingdom of Kent and for the better establishment of his family therein he joyn'd in his regall power his son Aescae To oppose him therin the Brittains invaded the countrey with a great army the successe of which invasion is thus related by Henry of Huntingdon Hengist and his son Aesca having received auxiliary forces from their own countrey and being more confident of victory by reason of the death of the Young Prince Vortimer prepar'd themselves for war at Creganford The Brittains army consisted of four great Bodies conducted by four valiant Captains But when the conflict was begun they found themselves too weak for the Saxons whose numbers were much more encreas'd then formerly For those that came last were chosen robustious soldiers who with their swords and battle-axes did horribly cleave asunder the bodies of the Brittains Yet did they not give ground till they saw their four Captains slain But after that they were so incredibly terrified that they fled from the feild of battell as far as London and from that time never had the courage to bring an army into Kent again So that Hengist and his son Aesca quietly enjoy'd that Kingdom having their Palace fixed at Canterbury Thus began this new Kingdom of Kent in the eighth year after the coming of the Saxons into Brittany VI. CHAP. 1.2 Hengist persecutes Christians 3 4 c. The Martyrdom of Voadinus Arch-bishop of London 1. IT is not probable that when Vortimer was rais'd to the throne of Brittany this was done by the deposition of his Father Vortigern for we find that when Vortimer was dead his Father afterward continued King for some years and for a while gave proofs of his courage in endeavouring to represse the ambition and violence of his Father in-law Hengist though afterward he returnd to his former slouthfull licentious manner of living 2. Now during the warrs between the Brittains and Saxons in the third year of Vortimers
is commemorated the day preceding Some doubt may be made whether this were the same Paternus who subscribed the Synod of Paris assembled in the year of Grace five hundred fifty nine X. CHAP. 1. c. Of S. Darerca Sister to S. Patrick And her children S. Rioch S. Menni S. Sechnal and S. Auxilius 1. THE Irish Historians refer to the year of Grace five hundred and eighteen the death of S. Darerca sister of S. Patrick and born likewise in Brittany from whence she repaired to her Brother in Ireland She was by another name calld Monynni and erroneously confounded by some Writers with S. Moduenna a Holy Virgin of whom hereafter 2. S. Darerca was a maried woman and by two husbands enrich'd the Church with a numerous and holy off spring By her husband named Conis she is sayd to have brought forth three children Mel Rioch and Menni all which accompanied S. Patrick in his journeys and preaching and in severall places were exalted to the Episcopall function 3. Concerning S. Rioch we read in Iocelin that he was by Nation a Brittain near kinsman to the Holy Bishop S. Patrick that he was a Deacon when he attended S. Patrick into Ireland and that in beauty and comeâ—ines of body he excell'd all others of that Nation But the beauty of his soule was much more valuable He seems to have been ordain'd Bishop by S. Patrick and to have fixed his Seat in a small Island which according to S Beda's description is situated at some good distance from the Western coasts of Ireland and in the Scottish that is Irish tongue is called Inis-bounide or The Isle of the White Calfe In this Island S Colman in succeeding times bâ—ilt a Monastery inhabited in common both by English and Scotts and vainly sought for in modern Scotland by Dempster 4. In the Ecclesiasticall Annals of Ireland many things are related touching other Sons of S. Darerca famous for their Sanctity But in this place we will only take notice of two more illustrious then the rest The former is vulgarly called Sechnallus in Latin Secundinus And he it was who wrote the Alphabeticall Hymn in praise of S. Patrick The others name was Auxilius who was by S. Patrick ordained Bishop of the Province of Leinster Laginensium and who as we read in the Tripartite Work quoted by B Vsher after many miracles wrought by him ended his holy life in his own Citty call'd Cealusalli seated in the plains of Leinster XI CHAP. 1.2 c. A Welsh Synod to which S. David is brought who preaches 5 c. S Davids Monasteries his Monasticall Instituts 1. IN the year of Grace five hundred and nineteen there was assembled a Brittish Synod the occasion and order whereof is thus describ'd by Giraldus Cambrensis in the life of Saint David The detestable Heresy of the â—elagians which by S. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre and Saint Lupus Bishop of Troyes had been extinguish'd now again being revived to the ruine of the Catholick Faith gave occasion of collecting a generall Synod of all Cambria An Assembly therefore being gathered at Brevy in the Province of Cardigan in Ceretica Regione of Bishops Abbots and other Religious men of severall Orders at which were present likewise diverse Noble men and other Lay-persons out of the whole countrey many Exhortations and Sermons were made by severall persons in the pullick audience to conâ—ute the 〈◊〉 Heresy But the people were so deeply and mâ—â—iâ—ably poysond generally there with that no reasons or perswasions could reduce them to the right path of Catholick Faith At length therefore Paulin a Bishop with whom S. David had in his youth studied the literall Sciences earnestly perswaded the Fathers there present that some persons should be sent in the name of the Synod to the said â—aint David lately consecrated Bishop by the Patrâ—ark a 〈◊〉 discreet and eloquent man to desire him to afford his presence and assistance to Gods Church now in danger to be corrupted by Heresy Hereupon Messengers were sent accordingly once and again but could not perswade him to come For the Holy man was so 〈◊〉 taken up with Contemplation that he could not attend to externall or secular matters unles some very â—â—gent necessity compell'd him At last therefore there were sent to him two Holy men of greatest authority to wit Daniel and Dubricius 2. By the entreaties or command of these two Holy Bishops S. David was at last brought to the Synod And what follow'd is thus related by Capgrave When all the Fathers assembled enjoyned S. David to preach he commanded a child which attended him and had lately been restor'd to life by him â—â—â—spread a Napkin under his feet And standing upon it he began to expound the Gospell and the Law to the Auditory All the while that his oration continued a snow-white Dove descending from heaven sate upon his shoulders and moreover the earth on which he stood rais'd it selfe under him till it became a hill from whence his voyce like a trumpet was clearly â—eard and understood by all both near and farr off On the top of which 〈◊〉 a Church was afterward built which remains to this day 3. Now what effect his Sermon accompanied with these Miracles had is thus declared by the foremention'd Giraldus Cambiensis When the Sermon was finish'd so poweâ—full was the Divine Grace cooperating that â—he said Heresy presently vanish'd and was extinguish'd And the Holy Bishop David by the generall Eleâ—ction and acclamation both of the Clergy and people was exalted to be the Arch-bishop of all Cambria 4. It is much to be lamented that by reason of the mâ—series and confusions of those times the Decrees of that and other Synods are lost for by them we might have been more perfectly informed of the then State of the Church in Brittany By reason of which defect the summe of what may be jâ—dg'd of that age is contain'd in these generall words of the Authour of S. Davids life in Capgrave Heresy being thus expell'd all the Churches of Brittany receiv'd their order and Râ—â—e from the authority of the Roman Church Whence appears how great the Errour of some late Protestant Writers is who will needs affirm that the Brittish Churches before the Conversion of the Saxons in their Faith and Discipline were framed according to the Model of the Eastern Church 5 Moreover to secure and establish the wholesom Roman Order settled by this Synod which Spelman calls Pan-britannicam the foresayd Authour addes immediately Then were Monasteries built in severall places and the Holy Bishop David became the cheif Protectour and Preacher from whom all men receiv'd a rule and form of holy living This expedient the Holy Spirit suggested to the ancient Fathers wherby to fortify and promote the Catholick Faith once establish'd namely to build Monasteries out of which did proceed Lights to instruct beleivers in Faith and Holines of Life And consequently
Cornubia or Cornwall so calld because it stretcheth it self like a horn into the Sea in Demetia which is Southwales and in Venedotia which is calld Northwales With these narrow limits they were forc'd to be contented nevertheles they never departed from the true Faith of Christ. One thing indeed there is for which they are iustly to be reprehended which is the mortall hatred which even to this day they bear to the English Nation by whom they were expelld their ancient Territories which hatred is so irreconcileable that they will lesse willingly communicate with them then with dogs 7. By what hath here been transcrib'd out of our ancient Historians the discreet Reader may iudge how vainly and groundlesly our Modern Protestant Writers doe boast of their conformity with the Religion of the ancient Brittains in opposition to Writers doe boast of their conformity with the Religion of the ancient Brittains in opposition to that which S. Augustin the Monk shortly after taught the Saxons and how impudently some of them affirm that the Saxons were instructed in Christianity by the Brittains and not from Rome XVI CHAP. 1.2.3 A preparation for the Conversion of England erroneously denyed by B. Parker 4 5. c. How S. Gregory seing pretty English slaves was moved to seek the Conversion of our countrey 1. THE Saxons were no sooner in a secure possession of this Island but Almighty God began so to dispose the effects of his Divine Providence as to prepare the way for their conversion to him in order to their eternall Happines as if an Earthly kingdom had not been a reward answerable to their merits in destroying an ungratefull people abandond to all filthines and impiety 2. The instrument of this felicity shortly to approach was the Blessed man S. Gregory as yet a privat Preist and Monk but presently after a most worthy Successour of S. Peter in the Chair Apostolick at Rome And the occasion moving him to interesse himself in so pious and glorious a design is thus breifly declared by our learned Selden There having been brought to Rome saith he a number of young English children to be expos'd to sale in the publick market Gregory then a Monk excited by a Zealous affection to propagate the name of Christ and moved to a tender compassion by seeing the amiablenes and beautifull features of those youths and being inform'd that the Nation from whence they came was destitute of the knowledge of Christ he took a resolution to sow amongst them the Divine seeds of Christian Faith And being afterward exalted to the Pontificate in order to the effecting his pious design he sent a certain Monk calld Augustin to lay the foundations of a Christian Church in the Island adioyning to him other auxiliaries devout companions of his labours 3. Notwithstanding B. Parker the generally supposed Authour of the Brittish Antiquities out of envy and indignation to acknowledge any obligation to Rome pronounces this to be a mere Fable His argument is for that in his iudgment there was no probability that the Saxons for gain should sell their children Whereas Tacitus recounting the manners of the ancient Germans sayes that they would out of greedines of gaining by dice-playing even sett their own liberty to stake and Malmsburiensis affirms that it was a familiar and almost naturally inbred custome among the Saxons to sell their Children Which custom continued many ages in our Nation insomuch as in the days of our King Henry the second by the testimony of Giraldus Cambrensis a Synod at Armagh in Ireland was obliged to make a Decree for the redeeming of such English youths as had been sold for slaves in that Island And before that time among the Laws of Inas King of the West-Saxons there is more then one which under great penalties forbid this horrible and unnaturall commerce Lastly with regard to Saint Gregories own time he himself is a witnes beyond all exception that the Angli were accustomed to sell their children for in an Epistle to Candidus a Preist his Procurator in France he gives him order to redeem such English children as he mett with sold for slaves in that Kingdom and having bought them to send them to Rome to be there instructed in the Christian Faith 4. This difficulty therefore being sufficiently cleared we will here more particularly and circumstantially set down that passage of Story which gave occasion to S. Gregory to extend his charitable care towards our Nation Wee find it related by almost all our ancient Historians and by forrainers too when they treat of the Gests of S. Gregory Yet in some of them and particularly in Malmsburiensis and Ioannes Diaconus one Errour is to be observed touching Chronology For they referr this passage of Story to the times of Pope Benedict wheras most certain it is that it hapned toward the latter end of Saint Gregories immediate Predecessour Pope Pelagius For a good while pass'd after Pope Benedicts death before Saint Gregory was Prefect of the Citty after which he undertook a Monasticall Profession in a Monastery built by himself Ad clivum Scauri from whence he was shortly after calld and created Archdeacon of the Roman Church then sent Apocrisarius or Nuncio to Constantinople at his return from whence he saw these English youths with so much kindnes and compassion 5. The exact Narration of which passage is in this manner deliver'd by Saint Beda We must not passe in silence says he a relation which by Tradition from our Ancestours is brought down to us to wit upon what motive it was that Saint Gregory express'd so much care of the salvation of our Nation For they tell us how on a certain day when great variety of Merchandise was brought into the Market-place by forrain Merchants lately arrived and a world of people were mett to buy S. Gregory among the rest came and took notice cheifly of three young children of a pure complexion beautifull looks and hayre gracefully ordred Assoon as he saw them he enquir'd from what countrey they came and was told that they came from the Isle of Brittany where the inhabitants generally are so comely He demanded further whether those Islanders were Christians or Pagans and was told that they were Pagans Hereupon he deeply sighed saying Alas what pitty is it that the Prince of Darknes should possesse men of such lovely bright countenances and that persons so amiable in their looks should cary soules utterly voyd of inward Grace Again he askd what was the name of their particular Nation to whom it was replyed that they were called Angli Well may they be call'd so sayd he for they have Angelicall faces suitable to such as shall be coheyrs with Angells He enquired further how the Province was call'd from whence they were brought The answer was that the inhabitants of it were call'd Deiri They are well call'd Deiri said he importing by their Name that they shall be
deliverd from the ire of God de ira Dei eruti and call'd to partake his Mercy His last Question was How the King of that Nation was call'd And he was told that his name was Alle whereupon in allusion to that name he sayd Alleluia must be sung in those parts to the prayse of God the Creatour of all things 6. Afeer this discourse ended he went to Pelagius Bishop of the Roman and Apostolick See For as yet himself was not chosen Pope and humbly entreated him to send into Brittany some Ministers of Gods word to convert that Nation to Christ Adding That himself was ready to be employd with Gods assistance in such a work in case his Holines thought fit But his offer could not be taken for though the Pope would have granted his desire yet the Romans would not permit his absence so far from the Citty Notwithstanding a while after when himself was exalted to the Popedom he brought to perfection the work so long and so earnestly desir'd by him sending indeed other persons to preach the Gospell there but himselfe by his counsels exhortations and prayers contributing very much to make their preaching fruitfull and effectuall These things according to what our Ancestours have deliver'd we thought proper and fit to be inserted in our Ecclesiasticall History XVII CHAP. 1.2 S. Columban comes out of Ireland into Brittany and thence goes into France 3. Of S. Phara a Holy Abbesse to whom many Brittish Virgins repaire 1. BVT Alla King of the Deiri saith Malmsburiensis though by the selling of those children he gave occasion of bringing Christianity among the Angli yet was not so happy to hear any thing of it himself For the Divine Election regarded hiâ— Son Which Son was not his immediate Successour Edelric who the next year upon the death of his Father Alla possess'd his throne But Edwin a Prince who after many vicissitudes oâ— fortune came first to the Crown of the Northumbrians afterward to the Faith of Christ and lastly to the glory of Martyrdom as shall be shewd As for Ethelric his raign was short for it lasted onely five years and afforded nothing memorable 2. In the first year of King Ethelrics raign S. Columban after he had spent severall years in the Monastery of Benchor in Ireland came over into Brittany being mov'd with a desire of seing strange countreys saith Haraeus out of Ionas who largely wrote that Saints life The Venerable Abbot Comogel did much bewayle his departure but being unable to resist the Divine Will he dismiss'd him so that he with twelve Companions inflamed with the same desire took ship and came into Brittany from whence he afterward pass'd into France When he undertook this journey he was no more then twenty years of age In France he was very courteously receiv'd by King Sigebert or rather his Son Childebert who gave him the choice of any place for his abode These devout men therefore entring into a desart call'd Vosegus the Vauge found there a certain place encompass'd with old walls and watred with warm springs but time had ruind all the buildings The name of it was Luxovium 3. Whilst S. Columban lived in Austrasia a Province of France he was Spirituall Master and instructour to the Holy Virgin Phara reckon'd by the Centuriators of Magdeburg among the Brittish Nunnes Others say she was Neice to S. Columban himself From whomsoever she was descended certain it is that the sweet odour of her vertues and sanctity was so largely spread that many devout Virgins and some of them of Princely families out of Brittany repair'd to her to learn piety under her government in France as shall in due place be shewd XVIII CHAP. 1.2.3 War betwen the Scots and Picts 4. The South-Saxon King subject to the West-Saxons 5. S. Gregory consecrated Pope 1. IN the year five hundred and ninety a war was began in the Northern parts of Brittany between the Scotts and Picts which drew the whole Island into great factions In those parts Aidan or Edan son of the King of the Scotts then enioyd the principality who had been crownd King by S. Columba in the Isle Iona or Hy saith Adamannus 2. The cause of these commotions was the same which had formerly rais'd so long and furious wars between the Saxons and the Brittains For the Scots out of Ireland at first were invited by the Picts to assist them against the Brittains as the Saxons were by the Brittains against the Picts and Scots and these Irish Scots imitating the Saxons at first stayd in those parts upon courtesy but afterward grew insolent and new Aids from their own countrey dayly flocking to them they fix'd their habitation and not long after a Kingdom there Which being once establish'd their next attempt was to drive the Picts out of their own Provinces which at last they effected far more entirely then the Saxons had against the Brittains for the Scotts utterly rooted out of the world the very name and Nation of the Picts 3. It was for this Empire of the Northern parts of Brittany that Edan Prince of the Scotts now contended and the whole successe of the war though waged at a great distance from the Isle of Iona where S. Columba then was yet was divinely reveal'd to him For thus doe we read in his Life S. Columba being in the Isle of Iona on a certain day called his brethren together and kneeling down sayd Let us now pray fervently for this people and their King Aidan for this very hower the battell against their enemies begins A little while after he rose up and looking towards heaven sayd Now are the barbarous enemies put to flight and the victory is given to Aidan though dearly purchas'd for of his army there are slain three hundred and three This needs not seem incredible for many examples occurr in Ecclesiasticall story declaring how God has oft been pleas'd to reveale unto his servants events hapning in places far removed 4. The same year dyed Cissa King of the South-Saxons saith Mathew of Westminster and his Kingdom was devolved on Ceaulin King of the West-Saxons Yet so as that it was administred by his son Edelwalc who enioyd also the Title of King yet as Beneficiary to Ceaulin 5 But that which most illustrated this year was the advancement of S. Gregory to the Popedom who immediatly after the death of Pope Pelagius was with the wonderfull applause of all degrees and orders in Rome placed in S. Peters Chair to the great benefit of the whole Church but more especially to the incomparable felicity of our Island For his admirable Gests among which the most illustrious was the Conversion of the Angli and Saxons he was deservedly call'd S. Gregory the Great and the Apostle of England as our Martyrologes declare XIX CHAP. 1.2 Ceaulin King of the West-Saxons driven out of his Kingdom dyes 3 Ethelbert King of Kent becomes Supreme among the Saxons 1.
THE year following Brittany afforded a memorable example of the instability of worldly greatnes and power in the person of the hitherto prosperous King of the West-Saxons Ceaulin who after all his conquests was at last overcome in fight and expell'd his kingdom and life also Which is in this manner related by Malmsburiensis Ceaulin saith he in his last days was banish'd from his kingdom exhibiting to his Enemies a miserable spectacle of himself For such was the generall hatred born to him both by the Brittains and Saxons that they all unanimously conspir'd to destroy him Armies therefore being gathred on both sides a battle was fought at Wodensdike in the one and thirtieth year of his raign where his forces were utterly defeated after which he was compell'd to forsake his kingdom and a little after he dyed 2. The place where this battle was fought is in Wiltshire where a great fosse divides the Province in the middle saith Camden from East to West call'd by the inhabitants Wansdike and fabulously reported to have been made by the Devil upon a Wednesday for it takes its name from Woden or Mercury the Saxon Idol which gave the appellation to Wednesday The cause of the raising of that rampire seems to have been for a separation of the Kingdoms of the Mercians and West-Saxons And neer thereto is seated a Village call'd Wodensbury where Ceaulin fighting against the Brittains and Saxons was utterly broken 3. After the death of Ceaulin his Brothers son Cealric possess'd the Kingdom of the West-Saxons but being much inferiour in courage to his Predecessour he did not inherit that extent of power which Ceaulin had exercised over the other Saxon Princes Which opportunity was not omitted by Ethelbert King of Kent next in power to Ceaulin who without much hazard obtained that preeminence By which meanes a freer way was opened to communicate Christian Truthes to severall Provinces of the Kingdom after they had been once entertained by Ethelbert which hapned little above three years after the death of Ceaulin XX. CHAP. i. 2 c. The Irish Churches reduced from Schism by S. Gregory 1. SAint Gregory in the third year after he was Pope by his authority and wisedom restored the Churches of Ireland to Catholick Vnity from which they had been separated upon occasion of the quarrell about the Tria Capitula of which we treated before His Epistle to them concerning that subject is extant which that it had its full effect to their satisfaction may be proved by many arguments For presently after this time there is mention of severall of their Bishops and devout persons which undertook Pilgrimages to Rome to visit the Holy places and to expresse their duty to the supreme Bishop 2. Moreover another Epistle of the same Holy Pope is extant also in answer to certain doubts and questions which they had proposed to him touching the Rites and manner of Baptism what Form of Profession was to be administred to such as returned to the Church from the Nestorian Heresy c. But since those matters doe not concern the Ecclesiasticall affaires of Brittany the Reader if he be inquisitive may inform himself concerning S. Gregories resolutions in those cases from S. Gregory himselfe in his Works every where to be mett with 3. Onely we shall in this place observe that the Churches of Brittany were at this time free from any stain of Schism or Errours in Doctrines Yea probable it is that by them the Churches of Ireland were denounced to the See Apostolick as culpable It was about the year five hundred sixty six saith Baronius that they engaged themselves in the said Schism and now after twenty six years through Gods goodnes and by the endeavours of his servant S. Gregory they were restored XXI CHAP. 1.2 c. The death of severall Saxon Princes 4.5 The Death of the devout Queen Ingoberga Mother to Queen Bertha 1. IN the year of Grace five hundred ninety three Edelric King of the Northumbers dyed and his Son Ethelfrid succeeded him sirnamed the Cruel concerning whom Malmsburiensis gives this Character Thus being possessed of his Kingdom he began first vigorously to defend his own dominions then unjustly to invade the bounds of others and every where to seek occasions of exalting his glory Many combats were undertaken by him providently and executed gallantly for neither was he restraind by slouth when war was necessary neither in the exercising it did his courage impell him to temerity 2. About the same time Titillus King of the Eastangles being dead his Son Redwald possessed his throne who by some Writers is accounted the first founder of that Kingdom By the perswasion of the Holy King and Martyr S. Edwyn he was induced to give his name to Christ in Baptism But these and many other things concerning him which fill the Saxon Annalls hapned severall years after this time and shall in their due place be declared 3. This year was fruitfull in the deaths of our Saxon Princes for Crida King or Duke of the Mercians now likewise ended his life to whom succeeded his Son Wibba or Wippa not memorable in story for any thing so much as leaving behind him his illustrious children Penda Kenwalch and Sexburga of whom hereafter 4. About the year five hundred ninety four the pious and vertuous Queen Ingoberga received the reward of her patience by a holy and happy death She had been the wife of Charibert one of the Kings of the Franks and after she had born him a daughter was unworthily repudiated by him to make way for a Concubine called Meroflenda Her memory challenges a place in our History in as much as most probably she was Mother to Bertha or Aldiberga the Christian Lady above twenty years since maried to Ethelbert King of Kent whose piety and endeavours had a great influence in disposing her Husbands mind to embrace the Christian Faith very shortly to be proposed to him by S. Augustin the Monk 5. As touching the said Queen Ingoberga we receive a character of her vertues and an account of her happy death from a worthy French Bishop an eyewitnes of both to wit Gregory Bishop of Tours whose relation is as followeth In the fourteenth year of King Childebert Ingoberga Widow of Charibert departed this life A Lady she was of great sincerity and devotion diligent in watching prayers and Alms-giving She I suppose by direction of the Divine Providence sent messengers to mee desiring my counsel and assistance about her Last Will and disposing of matters which she intended for the good and remedy of her soule For which purpose she requested my personall presence that after advice between us her intentions might be committed to writing I could not refuse to come to her and at my entrance I mett with a Religious man who received mee courteously and presently called for a Notary Then we advised together after which she bequeathed some legacies and
testimony of S. Gregory 5.6 B. Parkers calumnies against S. Augustin answered 7. The place where this Baptism was performed 1. THese buildings and foundations did not withdraw the minds of S Austin and the other Missioners from their more necessary duty and solicitude for converting soules For this very year our Records inform us of very great numbers which by holy Baptism gave up their names to Christ insomuch as no fewer then ten thousand are said to have been baptis'd this year on the Solemnity of our Lords Nativity This appears also by an Epistle sent the year following by S. Gregory to Eulogius Patriark of Alexandria who had given him an account of great numbers of Hereticks in Egypt by his endeavours reduced to Catholick Vnity In answer whereto S. Gregory after congratulation with him for so great a harvest informs him of a greater accession then lately made in Brittany of Pagans there converted from their Idolatry His words are these 2. We give thanks to almighty God for that we see fullfill'd in you what is written Where the corn abounds there the Oxen's strength is manifested For if it had not been a strong Oxe which fixed the plough of his tongue in the hearts of his hearers so plentifull a harvest would not have followed But because by the merit of the good actions perform'd by you there is made an addition or encrease for which you ought also to congratulate I will in return to your courtesy give you an account of occurrents among us not unlike those you have told mee And that is that whereas there is a Nation of the world which till our times has remained Infidels enslaved to the worship of wood and stones by the means of your Prayers it hath pleased God to inspire mee to send thither a Monk of my Monastery to preach the Gospell to them He therefore by my permission having been consecrated Bishop by certain Prelats of the German Nation with the help of some assistants which they gave him was conducted to that barbarous countrey and but even now letters from him have acquainted us with the news of his safety and labours and how both himself and his companions have been so glorified in that Nation by the miracles wrought by them that in the wonders they seem to imitate the power of the Apostles 3. Moreover in the last Solemnity of our Lords Nativity which fell in the first Indiction more then ten thousand of the English Nation as we are informed were baptised by him our Brother and Fellow-Bishop This I have told you that you may see how much good your preaching has wrought in Alexandria and your prayers in the utmost ends of the Earth 4. Now whereas in this Epistle the baptising of ten thousand English on the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord is sayd to have been performed by S. Augustin Bishop and in the first Indiction since the Indiction is reckon'd from the eighth day before the Calends of October it follows that S. Augustin was then Bishop and consequently returned out of France We may likewise observe that Saint Gregory calls the French Bishops Geâ—mans because being Franks they came out of Germany 5. A late pretended Successour of S. Augustin B. Parker who studiously catches at all advantages to deprave this our glorious Apostle calls this an inverted and reciprocall Baptism and says that these were converted by others and not by him for we read no where that he preached on the contrary he loved his ease and lived an effeminate life If he had been truly Zealous for justice he should have required King Ethelbert to restore his Kingdom to the Brittains who were the true Lords of the Countrey c. 4. All which calumnies are manifestly disprov'd by all Antiquity For first S. Gregory in that Epistle sayes expressly that he sent S. Augustin to preach the Gospell and his assiduity in executing that Office is severall times magnified by S. Beda Again if S. Beda and Ethelwerd deserve credit S. Augustin was a man of a most pure life that in humility he always went on foot and never made use of a horse or waggon that he was patient of labour and a true Successour of the Apostles And whereas in B. Parkers iudgment King Ethelbert ought to have been required to restore his Kingdom to the Brittains He did not consider that that kingdom had been possessed by his family the space of one hundred and fifty years Which time if it be not sufficient to make a prescription and so legitimate his Title Woe be to all Christian Princes Lastly by his calling this an inverted and reciprocall Baptism he reflects on a passage of an obscure Writer that by reason of the multitudes of those who came to be baptised S. Augustin was forced after he had baptised some to teach them the Form and require them to baptise others But what inversion is here Since it is well known that Baptism being a Sacrament of such absolute necessity is valid and effectuall by whomsoever conferred since it does not require Iurisdiction in the Minister of it 7. As touching the place where this Baptism was celebrated it is commonly beleiv'd to have been not in Kent but in the Province of the Brigantes and County of Richmont belonging to the Kingdom of Deira where the River Swale in which it is supposed to have been performed was for that cause call'd the Holy River But the infancy and unsetlednes of the Churches of Kent the care of erecting Churches and Monasteries c. will not permit S. Augustins absence so soon It is not therefore to be doubted but that this solemn Baptism was celebrated in the Kingdom of Kent and the mistake of many of our Writers is grounded on the confounding this Baptism with another as solemn perform'd by S. Paulinus in the seaven and twentieth year of the following Century whose abode saith S. Beda was near to the said River of Swale in which he baptised many thousands because Oratories and Fonts could not so soon be built in the first beginnings of that Church Therefore Camden writing concerning that River of Sâ—ale says that it was call'd Holy from S. Paulinus his baptising in it more then ten thousand men besides women and children in one day VIII CHAP. 1.2 S. Augustin sends to Rome for a Supâ—ply c. 3. B. Godwins too sharpe Censure of S. Augustin 4 K. Ethelberts writings 1. IN the year of Grace five hundred ninety nine S. Augustin seing so plentifull a harvest and hoping for a yet greater encrease if more labourers were sent to cultivate the ground resolved to acquaint S. Gregory with the present state of affairs This respect his duty required from him For such an account of their Stewardship had S. Fugatius and Damianus given to Pope Eleutherius and the like was afterward done by S. Patrick In conformity therefore to such good Examples S. Augustin directed to Rome Laurentius a Preist and
will adventure to declare from an Ancient Writer Ealred Abbot of Rievall But because such things seem dreams to Protestants for mine own iustification or at least excuse I conceive fit to premise That the Tradition of this wonder has been confirmd moreover by Sulcard in his Chronicle of Westminster by William of Malmsbury in his second Book of English Bishops by Richard of Cicester in his Annals Yea moreover by other Witnesses of higher rank and authority Saint Edward the Confessour in his Charter given to that Church nine days before his death in the year of Grace one thousand sixty six and before him by King Edgar repairer of the same Church in his Charter dated in the year nine hundred sixty nine and lastly by Pope Nicholas the second in his Rescript to King Edward 7. The Narration of the foresaid Abbot Ealred in his life of S. Edward touching this Miracle is as followeth In the time when King Ethelred by the Preaching of Saint Augustin embraced the Faith of Christ his Nephew Sibert who governed the East-Angles rather East-Saxons by the same Holy Bishops Ministery also received the same Faith This Prince built one Church within the walls of London the principall Citty of the Kingdom where he honourably placed Mellâ—tus Bishop of the same Citty Without the walls likewise toward the West he founded a famous Monastery to the honour of S. Peter and endowd it with many possessions Now on the night before the day design'd for the dedication of this Church the Blessed Apostle S. Peter appearing to a certain Fisherman in the habit of a stranger on the other side of the River of Thames which flows beside this Monastery demanded to be wafted over which was done Being gone out of the boat he entred into the Church in the sight of the Fisherman And presently a heavenly light shone so clear that it turnd the night into day There was with the Apostle a multitude of heavenly Cittizens coming out and going into the Church a divine melody sounded and an odour of unexpressible fragrancy was shed abroad Assoon as all things pertaining to the Dedication of the Church were perform'd the glorious Fisher of men returnd to the pooâ— Fisherman who was so affrighted with his Divine splendour that he almost lost his senses But Saint Peter kindly comforting him brought him to himself Thus both of them entring into the Boat Saint Peter asked him if he had any provision Who answerd that partly being stupified with seeing so great a light and partly detaind by his return he had taken nothing being withall assured of a good reward from him Hereto the Apostle replied Let down thy Netts The Fisherman obeyd and immediatly the Nett was filld with a multitude of fishes They were all of the same kind except one Salmon Esocium of a wonderfull largenes Having then drawn them to shore Saint Peter sayd Cary from mee this gâ—eat Fish to Mellitus the Bishop and all the rest take for thy hire and moreover be assured that both thou all thy life time and thy children after thee for many years shall be plentifully furnish'd with these kinds of fishes Onely be carefull you fish not on our Lords days I who speak now with thee am Peter and I my self have dedicated this Church built to my fellow-cittizens and to my honour so preventing by mine own authority the Episcopall Benediction Acquaint the Bishop therfore with the things which thou hast seen and heard and the signs yet marked on the walls will confirm thy speeches Let him therefore surcease from his design of consecrating the Church and only supply what I have omitted the celebration of the Mystery of our Lords Body and Blood and the instruction of the people Let him likewise give notice to all that I my self will oftimes visit this place and be present at the prayers of the faithfull and I will open the gates of heaven to all who live soberly iustly and piously in this world As soon as he had sayd this he presently vanish'd from his sight 8. The next morning as the Bishop Mellitus was going in procession to the Church with an intention to dedicate it the Fisher-man mett him with the Fish and related to him whatsoever Saint Peter had enioynd him At which the Bishop was astonish'd and having unlock'd the Church-dores he saw the pavement mark'd with Letters and inscriptions both in Greek and Latin and the wall annointed in twelve severall places with holy Oyle He saw likewise the remainders of twelve torches sticking to as many Crosses and the Church every where yet moyst with aspersions All which being observ'd by the Bishop and people present they rendred praises and thanks to Almighty God 9. A further testimony and proof to this Miracle is afforded by the whole progeny of that Fisherman For his children according to the command receiv'd from their Father brought the tythes of all their gains by fishing and offred them to Saint Peter and the Preists attending Divine service in his Church But one among them having presum'd to defraud the Church of this Oblation presently was deprived of the wonted benefit of his trade till having confess'd his fault and restord what he had reserv'd he promis'd amendment for the future Thus wrote Ealred above five hundred years since The summ wherof was delivered some what before him by William of Malmsbury who adds this particular That the Fisherman who was very simple and as yet not a Christian described to the Bishop very exactly the shape and line aments of Saint Peter well known to the Bishop by his Picture publickly extant at Rome which long before this S. Silvester shewd to the Emperour Constantin 10. The beleif of this miraculous Story was the cause that this Church was wonderfully enrich'd by following Princes as King Offa and Kenulph mentiond in the fore nam'd Charter of King Edgar And for the same reason it was chosen anciently for the place of the inauguration of our Kings And a proof full of evidence demonstrating the Truth here related was S. Mellitus his forbearing to repeat the Ceremonies of the Dedication which by certain signs he perceived to have been performed before And moreover because going awhile after to Rome he related these particulars to a Synod there assembled and demanded their advice whether any more was to be done to the Consecration of the same Church These particulars being related by our Authours of the prime Classe it argues a great contempt of the authority of our Ancestors in Protestants who without any proof from Antiquity will confidently proscribe such Traditions as dreams and fables XXI CHAP. i. 2 c. The Church of S. Paul in London built and endowed 1. THE same year in the same Citty of London and by the piety of the same King Sebert another Noble Church was erected in the midst of the Citty to the honour of the other Prince of the Apostles Saint Paul Yet some Writers
against the Brittains at Beandune Bindon in Dorsetshire But at the first onsett the Brittains affrighted with their large swords and long bucklers were quickly putt to flight without any considerable losse on the Saxons side who upon a survay found the bodies of two thousand and six hundred Brittains slaine These large swords called by Huntingdon Secures and by Witechind large knives were in the Saxon tongue called Saxa from whence that Nation is sayd to have received its name 2. The year following according to Walsinghams account dyed the vertuous and devout Sebert King of the Trinobantes or East-Saxons and with great and general mourning was buried in the Church of Westminster built by himself which in succeeding times was magnificently enlarged and adorned and made the common Sepulcher of our Kings 3. How acceptable to God was the Sanctity and merits of this good King appeared by a lasting Miracle For in the days of King Edward the first of the Norman Race the Monks of Westmâ—nster having a resolution to translate his Body from the Old Church to the New assoon as with great devotion they had opened his Sepulcher they found his right hand to the middle of his arm entire in flesh skin nayles and bones compacted This was seaven hundred years after he had been there buried Thus writeth Walsingham In his place succeeded his three sons Sered Seward and Sigebert ioynd equally in the Government but much degenerating from their fathers piety VI. CHAP. 1.2 c. The death of King Ethelbert and of the Holy Bishop Lethard 4.5 The Sanctity of King Ethelbert acknowledged 6. 7. His Children 1. PResently after if it was indeed after dyed also Ethelbert glorious in piety and merits the first Protectour of the rising Christian Church of the Saxons His death befell in the fifty sixth year of his raign and the one and twentieth after he had embraced the Christian Faith He was the third King of the English Nation whose Empire extended over all the Provinces Southward from the River Humber saith S. Beda adding that he was the first of those who went to heaven By which clause is implyed that he dyed before King Sebert However certain it is that a very small space of time intervend between both their deaths He was buried in the porch of Saint Martin within the Church of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul where likewise the Body of his devout Queen Bertha or Aldiberga was layd And his memory is consecrated both in ours and the Roman Martyrologe on the sixth of the Calends of March. 2. King Ethelbert had also another blessed companion in the place of his Sepulture to wit S. Lethard the Holy B. of Senliâ— who came with Queen Aldiberga out of France into Brittany Concerning whom William of Malmsbury thus writes An ancient Authour called Gosselin celebrates the miracles of Saint Lethard who accompanied Queen Bertha into this Island particularly his readines to afford rain in times of drouth when his intercession is demanded a pleasant example whereof was shewd about the same Writers time For there having been a terrible fiery drouth about the height of Sommer the Sacred Body of the Saint was solemnly carried in Procession with Litanies But no rain succeeding thereupon the Cantor at his return with the Body with some indignation addressed his speech to the Holy Bishop saying Doest thou not see how great the tribulation of the whole countrey is by reason of this drouth and yet thou art negligent in succouring us These words of a seeming reproof were no sooner uttred but presently there fell such abundance of rain that the most greedy desires were satisfied 3. The vertues of King Ethelbert are comprised by the Authour of his Life in these words This blessed King though his power extended as far as Humber yet in his conversation he shewd himself as perfectly one of Christ beggars as if he had possessed nothing It was a blessed sight to see this glorious King humbly serving the poore to see him who terrified Kings to stand in fear of Gods Preists and to shew an humble respect to the meanest Ministers of the Church How brightly he shone in repressing vice exalting vertue fulfilling the Divine precepts and in all works of piety is so much more clearly to be read in Gods heavenly Book as human Writers have been negligent in expressing c. Antiquity and the favourable authority of former Saints is an irreproachable Witnes of his Sanctity since from the beginning his Solemnity has been celebrated by Gods Saints 4. Among which Saints devoted to this Holy Kings memory S. Dunstan was one who in a certain night watching in devotion at the sepulchers of this King of S. Augustin and other Holy Bishops his Successours heard on a sudden voyces of certain persons singing this Antiphone of the Ecclesiasticall Office Gaudent in coelis animae Sanctorum qui c. The soules of thâ—se Saints who have followed our Lords steps doe now reioyce in heaven c. Whereat being astonish'd he approach'd to the dore and looking through the clefts for it was lock'd he saw the whole Oratory shining with a wonderfull light and a quire of persons in white robes melodiously and ioyfully singing that Antiphone Such honour is due to holy Kings and Prelats c. This we read related by Osbern an ancient Compiler of the Life of Saint Dunstan In which Narration though Saint Ethelbert be not named yet without question he reposing there was principally intended 5. In proof of his acknowledged sanctity c. there were in S. Augustins Church set up dayly five cierges continually burning to wit before the Tomb of S. Augustin of S. Mâ—â—red of S. Adrian Abbot before the great Altar before the Monument of King Ethelbert and of S. Lethard Bishop and a sixth in the Grott before the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary where S. Dunstan was honourd with many visions of her as the Authour of S. Augustins liâ—e testifies And Polydor Virgil affirms that even to his days the Sacred body of King Ethelbert was illustrious by many Miracles 6. He left behind only two children by his Queen Adilburga Eadbald to whom he resign'd the Title of King after he had earnestly admonish'd him to be carefull in preserving and promoting the Christian Faith which admonition how he complyed with shall be shewd hereafter And Edelburga who was afterward married to Edwin King of the Northumbers and of whose Conversion she was a principall instrument To these two a third is added by Camden Speed and other Modern Writers namely the Holy Virgin Edburga who among Saxon Virgins was the first which undertook the Profession of a devout Nunne This holy Virgin saith the Authour of her life after she had received Sacred Baptisme gave praises to God day and night fervently begging of him the grace to be esteem'd worthy to enioy the spirituall rewards of her onely Bride-groom Iesus
the beginning of the following year But the short remainder of his life he spent very proffitably for Gods Churches For not contenting himself with providing for the spirituall good of his own See he extended his zeale and care beyond the limits of the Island Insomuch as some Authours write that to procure an Vnion and charitable correspondance between the Churches of the Saxons Brittains Scotts and Irish he undertook a painfull voyage into Ireland to perswade them to a conformity with the Vniversall Church in celebrating the Paschall solemnity 2. But perhaps their meaning was that by his appointment a Conference or Synod was assembled in which certain Irish and Scottish Bishops met to compose differences about that point Which Synod according to the Centuriators of Magdeburg was celebrated in the Isle of Man in which S. Laurence earnestly contended for an uniformity with the Catholick Church in that Observation and wrote letters to the same effect to the Irish and Scottish Bishops who were absent 3. Neither were his endeavours vain for as the Authour of his Life in Capgrave relates By S. Laurence his preaching and exhortations in Ireland Scotia his fame was largely spread insomuch as S. Tenan an Arch-bishop of Ireland came to him A man of so great Sanctity that he is reported to have raised to life three dead persons Which Holy Bishop having heard S. Laurence disputing touching the Paschall observation and other Apostolick Institutions yeilded the Victory to Truth and endeavoured to â—eform the practise of his own Nation 4. And no wonder it is that Truth defended by such a man should prevayle since he by Gods assistance confirmed it with Divine Miracles Among which the restoring of a dead man to life at his return from the same Synod is recorded by the said Authour The man of God Laurence being returned saith he found the son of a man who had kindly entertained him dead and the parents in great sorrow Who with a loud voyce cryed to him O holy man restore our son to us that we may more firmly beleive in Iesus Christ whom thou hast preached to us Hereupon the Holy Bishop having first offred up his prayers to God said to the Child Arise who presently rose up and withall testified that being dead his soule was violently drawn by horrible spirits to the flames of Hell but upon the prayer of the holy man Laurence it was by Angels shining with brightnes brought back to the body Hereupon the child together with his Father mother whole family and kinred were baptised and the Holy Bishop passing through the whole region dispersed saving doctrine every where which he confirmed with Miracles 5. These are the last Gests recorded of S. Laurence who in the beginning of the following year of Grace six hundred and nineteen deposed his mortality and was buried in his own Church neer his Predecessour S. Augustin with an Epitaph inscribed which commemorated his forementioned scourging by S. Peter Not the English only but Roman Church likewise celebrates his memory on the second of February for thus we read in the Martyrologe At Canterbury in England is this day celebrated the commemoration of S. Laurence who after S. Augustin govern'd that Church and converted also the King to the Faith Vpon which passage Baronius thus writes In the Catalogue of the Writers of Brittany is signified that the Life of S. Laurence was compiled by Gâ—tzelin a Monk of S. Bertins in Flanders which probably is the same still extant in Capgrave 6. It hapned commodiously that S. Mellitus Bishop of London was returned into Brittany before the death of S. Laurence For since the Kings of the East-Saxons would not admit him neither could Eadbald whose power was not so great as his Fathers constrain them to it now upon the vacancy of the See also at the the request of Eadbald and no man opposing he succeeded S. Laurence therein whilst S. Iustus governed the See of Rochester These two Bishops as we read in the Antiquities of Brittany with an equall care and solicitude exercised their Episcopall function and received exhortatory letters from Pope Boniface who after Deusdedit governed the Roman Church Those to Mellitus are not now extant But the Letters directed to S. Iustus shal be mentioned in due place 7. King Eadbald the year foregoing this had begun the building a Chappel to the honour of the Blessed Mother of God in the Monastery of S. Peter which being now finish'd was consecrated by S. Mellitus S. Beda makes mention of it And how gratefull it was to the Blessed Virgin Mary was oftimes made manifest by praises sung to God in it by the glorified Saints and many Miracles saith the Authour of S. Mellitus his life XI CHAP. 1.2 c King Edwins Conquests 1. IN the mean time Edwin King of the Northumbers according to a Divine Oracle being exalted from a state of Exile to that Kingdom encreased his dominions For in the year six hundred and twenty he fought against Cadwan the Brittish King who had compelled King Ethelfrid to retire more Northward quitting certain Provinces of the Brigantes Yorkshire lying towards Wales Which Provinces Edwin now again recovered having overcome him in battell The Region thus recovered was anciently called Elmeâ— saith Camden and it is seated near Leeds a principall town in Yorkshire in the Saxon tongue called Loyds which became a Royal Town after the burning of Cambodunum Almonbury or Albanbury in this Kings days where S. Paulinus built a Church to the honour of our Proto-Martyr S. Alban 2. The year following the same King Edwin fought prosperously against the Scotts and Picts lead by their King Eugenius and recovering from them the Provinces of Galloway and Laudon added them to his own Dominions That Region was in the times of the Romans call'd Valentia belong'd to the Brittains Some Wrâ—terâ— say that the Scottish King Eugenius was at this time dead and that these Provinces were won from Ferquhard his Son and this with lesser difficulty by reason of civill dissentions between the said Ferquhard and his Nobles He is sayd to have been educated and instructed by Conan the Holy Bishop of Sodor in the Isle of Man and that afterward by means of frequent conversation with Brittish Preists he fell into the Heresy of Pelagius with which never any Scottish King before had been tainted Thus Hector Boëtius Although no other Historian does in this age impute that Errour to the Brittains 3. King Edwins conquests were the next year yet further extended For according to Saint Beda's relation he subdued the Islands called Mevaniae or Meneviae to the English Empire One of which Islands lying more toward the South namely Anglesey is both more happy in producing plenty of corn and other fruits and in quantity larger as containing according to the English estimation the measure of nine hundred and sixty families Whereas the other to wit
further danger by his Guards Neither could the Messenger whose name was Eumerus be dispatched before he had slain another of the Kings soldiers calld Forder 2. This wound brought everlasting health both to the King and Kingdom of the Northumbers The Queen Ethelbuga was then great with child and by the consternation caused by that dismal accident and the Kings danger was before her time the same night deliverd of a daughter Whereupon the King partly in gratitude to his Gods for his escape and partly for ioy of receiving issue obliged himself by certain vowes to them for he was naturally very devout and causing Publick Prayers to be appointed his intention was to sacrifise his young daughter to the vain Idol worshipped by him Which impious design of his being come to the knowledg of Saint Paulinus he very opportunely interposed himself and informed the King that he owed his present safety not to the false Deities adored by him but to the one onely true God from whom himself by Prayer had obtaind safety both to the Father and daughter and therefore that it was iust that the young child should be consecrated to Christ the Authour of his health 3. Vpon this remonstrance King Edwin was somewhat moved but yet replied What assurance canst then give mee that I owe mine own and my daughters life to the God worshipped by thee and not to mine own Deities Hereto Paulinus answerd by setting forth the impotency of Idols and omnipotency of the true God adding other considerations touching the Queens sanctity very acceptable to God and her Prayers also for his life and prosperity Well said the King who was then recoverd of his wound I will now putt it to the tryall whether I am to give thanks for my present safety and happy successes to thy God or no. I am resolved to invade this murdrous King If Christ whom thou adorest will give mee victory I engage my Faith here to serve and worship him alone In the mean time since Ethelburga earnestly desires it I resign my child to be disposed of by thee and initiated in the Mysteries of thine and her Religion And moreover I promise in case I return from this war with health and victory that I will seriously deliberate of the great affaire and will doe as thou advisest mee 4. S. Paulinus infinitly glad at these promises of the King departed from him and on the solemne day of Pentecost following baptised this first-born child of Ethelburga together with twelve others of the Kings family saith S. Beda who were the first fruits of that Nation And then was accomplish'd the Oracle pronounced by S. Gregory and Alleluia with great ioy sung among them The name imposed on the child was Eanfleda She was afterward a Queen and illustrious for Sanctity concerning whom more shall be related in due place 5. King Edwin deferd not the war but the same year gathering a great army saith S. Beda he marched against the West-Saxons and coming to a battell he gaind the victory after which he either killd or had surrendred to him all those whom he was informed had conspired his death Florilegus adds that Quichelm whom he calls Quinchelin was slain in the place of battell which place in testimony of his victory Edwin calld Quinchelines hame And so returnd with triumph into his own kingdom But William of Malmsbury affirms that both the West-Saxon Kings Kinegils and Quichelm escaped and not long after embraced the Christian Faith by the preaching of Berinus a holy Bishop likewise that they fought prosperously against Penda King of the Mercians XIV CHAP. 1.2 King Edwin wonderfully converted to Christianity 3.4 c. A Generall Assembly called in which Idolatry is renounced and the Christian Faith received 11. The place of this Assembly 1. CErtain it is that King Edwin obtaind an illustrious victory as shortly appeard by his acknowledgment of his obligation to discharge the Vow he had made to Almighty God Notwithstanding at the first he delayd partly upon a pretence of publick affaires and partly out of a desire to deliberate more maturely For being a man as S. Beda saith naturally of a peircing sagacious Spirit he would oftimes sitt alone silent but revolving in his mind many doubtfull thoughts what he should resolve upon and what Religion he should professe He was already unsatisfied in his own superstition but withall he had fram'd in his mind obiections against Christian Religion He thought it misbecoming a great victorious King to submit his neck to the yoak of one who had been crucified c. 2. On a certain day as he was agitated with such uncertain thoughts Saint Paulinus no doubt by divine Inspiration came suddenly to him and laying his hand on the Kings head severely asked him Whether he calld to mind that Sign of his Faith and promise formerly given when he was in a privat condition an exild person and in imminent danger of death And he bad him take heed how he continued longer a rebell against God since he who had raised him up so high could as easily depresse him The King was struck with this unexpected behaviour of Saint Paulinus but having recovered the freedom of his thoughts and perfectly remembring the forementioned Divine Oracle he presently fell at Saint Paulinus his feet acknowledging his guilty doubtfullnes and submitting himselfe to obey what soever he should command him from God whom by a new infused Light he perceived to have been his Guide through strange and wonderfull wayes to his Divine saving Truth Now all his doubts and obiections vanished and he is resolved not only himself to become a servant of Christ but to endeavour to make his subiects also companions with him in that happy servitude He perceives a compleat effect of all the promises formerly made by the invisible Messenger and he condemnes his own slownes in corresponding to the Divine Goodnes 3. But withall considering what inward suspicions and commotions in mens minds a sudden publick change of Religion would probably cause he with the advice and approbation of Saint Paulinus thought fitt to proceed with as much prudence and caution as might be and by calling a Generall Assembly of his Estates to endeavour to make the introducing of Christian Religion an Act of the Kingdom as well as of the King To this expedient Saint Paulinus the rather consented because since the Queen and her Christian families coming he saw a generall disesteem of their Idoll-Gods among the people 4. The great Assembly being convened the King in the first place signified to them the great and signal blessings he had received from God and how desirous he was to expresse his gratitude to his Benefactour But since severall Nations according to their fancy appropriated to themselves many peculiar Gods he could not perswade himself there could be any more then One Omnipotent God That therefore which he desired to propose to their serious considerations was Which
filthy Leper But Abbot Lasrean answerd him O Duke doe not speak ill of Saint Munnu for though he be absent in body yet in Spirit he is present here and no doubt wheresoever he is he hears what thou hast said and our Lord will avenge upon thee the injury of his servant Now the same day before even Saint Munnu came to the Council and the company went went to meet him And when Saint Lasrean and Saint Munnu saluted one another Duke Subne was likewise present and asked Saint Munnu his benediction To whom the Man of God said Why dost thou ask the benediction of a Leper I tell thee for certain that when thou spokest so vily of mee our Lord himself blushed at the right hand of his Father For I am a true member of Christ who is my head now the head is sensible of every injury done to any member Wherefore before this Month be ended some of thy kinred shall kill thee and cut off thy head and cast it into the River Berow which shall never appear more And so indeed it came to passe for the same Month his Brothers Son killed him near the River Blathach and his head was cast into the River according to the Prophecy of the Man of God 4. After these words S. Munnu said to Abbot Lasrean before the people It is time the Council were ended that every one may return to his own home We have a contention about the Order of the Paschal Solemnity let us dispatch it in a word and pronounce Sentence in the Name of our Lord. I here offer thee O Lasrean the choice of these three things Let two Books one of the old Order and one of the New be cast into the fire and we shall see which of them shall escape burning Or let one of thy Monks and another of mine be shutt up together in a house and fire sett to it we shall then see which of them shall be delivered Or let us goe to the grave of the Monk Iustus lately dead and restore him to life and he shall tell us which of the two practises is best and let that be observed this year 5. After these proposals of S. Manna S. Lasrean said We will not contend with thee being assured that so great are the merits of thy labours and Sanctity that if thou shouldst command that Mountain Marga to come into this White feild or this White feild to remove to that Mountain Marga God would not delay to doe it for thee Now they were in the White feild at that time over which the Mountain Marga hangs After this the people consenting to these Saints returned to their houses Or as it is more fully expressed in another Copy after they all had professed their consent to the Holy man Munnu they returned home joyfull 6. Which consent it is to be feared was to the Old erroneous Order although Cummian in his Epistle to the Abbot Segeni affirms that in the said Council the Bishops decreed that the year following the Paschal solemnity should be celebrated together with the Vniversall Church But it appears from Bishop Vshers observation that they kept Easter differently from the Roman practise for he addes That year in which the Council was assembled seems to have been the six hundred and thirtieth according to the Christian account which year the Irish following the Cycle of eighty four years kept Easter day being Sunday on the first of April which was an entire week before the time prescribed in the Alexandrine Cycle of Nineteen years Enneadecateride received by the Romans Whereas the year following there interceded a full Month between the two accounts for the Irish kept Easter on the one and twentieth of April and the Romans on the four and twentieth of March. 7 Notwithstanding the summary deciding of this Controversy in the foresaid Irish Synod called the Synod of Leny from the place where it was kept to which the White feild belonged and in which the Arch-bishop of Imelac presided yet many there were unsatisfied being desirous to explore the Order observed at Rome For the â—ore named Cummian in his Epistle to the said Abbot Segeni writes thus We sent to Rome certain persons of whose prudence and humility we had experience as Children to their Mother Who by the Divine Will had a prosperous voyage thither and three years after returned to us And there according as they had heard they saw all things to be yea they were now more assured having seen then they were before upon report There they observed the Paschall Solemnity in the Church of Saint Peter in the company of a Grecian converted Iew a Scythian and Aegyptian all which were their companions in the same â—odging Which Paschall Solemnity was a whole month distant from ours The same men before the Feast protested to us that upon their knowledge Easter was celebrated through the whole world the same day it was at Rome 8. The same Bishop Vsher moreover testifies that the foresaid Abbot Lasrean with fifty others went to Rome this year about the same affair immediatly after the Synod of Lechen or Leny where he was ordaind Bishop by the Pope and moreover constituted his Legat in Ireland Where after nine years he dyed So that probably he and his companions were the same mentioned in the Letter of Cummian XX. CHAP. 1. Erpenwald King of the East-angles converted and for that made a Martyr 2.3 c Letters of Pope Honorius concerning the Paschall Solemnity c. 1. ANother proof of the piety and zeale of King Edwin to propagate the Faith or Christ beyond the limits of his own kingdom was given by him in the year of Grace six hundred thirty two in which he dealt effectually with Erpenwald the Son of Redwald King of the East-Angles to renounce vain impure Idols and not only himself to receive the Faith and Sacraments of Christ but to induce his Subjects to doe the like Neither did his zeale want a good effect for Erpenwald saith William of Malmsbury embraced puâ—e incorupt Christianity But the propagating the same right Faith among his Subjects was hindred by his death for not long after his profession of Christianity saith S. Beda he was slain by a certain Pagan named Ricbert and thence it came that that Province continued three years longer in Heathenish Errour He is deservedly stiled a Martyr because it was for his Religion and his care to introduce it into his kingdom that he was slain by the procurement of that great Enemy of Christ Penda King of the Mercians as Huntingdon affirms 2. This year according to Baronius King Edwin sent Messengers to Rome desiring Pope Honorius to send Palls both to S. Paulinus Arch-bishop of York and to Honorius Arch-bishop of Canterbury To which request the Pope câ—ndescending returned an Answer by letters the King and with them sent the two Palls 3 These arrived in Brittany the year
Heathens and how impossible it was that there should be more then one Eternall Omnipotent God Governour of the world This foundation layd in his mind easily prepared it to admitt the Light of the Gospell which once kindled was never after extinguish'd He received Baptism from the said Felix stiled in his Life a Bishop who therby gave him a Title to a far better Kingdom 5. In the mean time King Erpenwald dyed having been slain by one of his Pagan Noblemen at the Instigation of Penda the cruel King of the Mercians as hath been sayd After whose death Sigebert succeeded in the kingdom Who assoon as he was King made it his prime care to introduce among his subiects the Christian Faith and civility of the French For which purpose he calld out of France his Spiritual Father Felix the Burgundian Who coming into Brittany first addressed himself to Honorius Arch-bishop of Canterbury by whom he was sent to preach the Gospel to the East-Angles Bo Parker says that Honorius first consecrated him Bishop and then directed him in that Mission But the Authour of his life affirms that he was a Bishop before his coming So that the reason why at his first coming he addressed himself to the Arch-bishop was because not having received his Mission immediatly from the See Apostolick he could not according to the Laws of the Church exercise iurisdiction within the Arch-bishops Province without his permission Now if any one shall obiect the coming of Aidan out of the Monastery of Hy without expecting orders either from within or without the Island Saint Beda will solve the difficulty by declaring that the said Isle of Hye or Iona did always enioy for its governour an Abbot who was a Preist to whose Iurisdiction that whole Province and even Bishops themselves were subiect the like example being no where else to be found But the reason of it was because the first Apostolick Teacher of that Nation was not a Bishop but only a Preist and Monk 6. Felix now Bishop of the East-Angles went to Sigebert by whom he was received with great honour and had assignd him for the See of his Bishoprick saith Saint Beda the Citty calld Dummoc situated in the Province of the Iceni or Suffolk It is now calld Dunwich saith Camden the greatest part wherof is swallowd by the Sea and almost reduced to a solitude the Episcopall See many ages since having been transferd At first it alone exercised the whole Iurisdiction over the Kingdom of the East-Angles But Bisus the fourth Bishop from Saint Felix growing old and sickly and uncapable to manage so large a Province divided it into two Dioceses constituting the other Episcopal See at North-Elmholm now a small town 7. The desire which Saint Felix had to serve our Lord in that Employment wanted not good successe saith Saint Beda for his labours produced manifold fruits in that Nation For according to the happy omen of his name he reduced the whole Province from its former infelicity and iniquity to the true Faith to the works of Christian Iustice and the rewards of eternall Felicity And as King Oswald assisted Saint Aidan by interpreting his speeches into a more intelligible language So did King Sigebert to Saint Felix being a stranger in the countrey For Huntingdon writes that Sigebert the Successour and Brother of Erpwald was a most Christian King and together with Felix the Biâ—hop brought others to Christianity 8. The same King whom S. Beda calls a most learned and most Christian Prince as by his example and command he lead his subiects to the true Faith and works of Iustice So to establish the same Faith more firmly he built Churches adorned Altars reverenced the Clergy and those who professed a more severe Christian austerity of life Besides the Church belonging to the Episcopal See he erected another at a town calld Babingley where Felix first entred that Province and a third a place calld Sharnburn Thus writes Camden 9. Moreover remembring the inconstancy of his subiects who had more then once deserted the Christian Profession the pious King Sigebert saith Saint Beda desirous to imitate the good orders which he had seen practised in France instituted a Schoole for the instructing of children Wherein he was assisted by his Bishop Felix who appointed Teachers and Masters according to the manner of Kent And though Saint Beda mentions a School in the singular number only which some interpret to be understood of the Vniversity of Cambridge Notwithstanding our other ancient Historians affirm that S. Felix instituted Schooles in severall opportune places and by little and little reformd the barbarousnes of the Nation by introducing the civility of the Latin tongue Which was a benefit much to be celebrated to bring a people formerly rude and fanatick to tast the sweetnes of human literature This is the testimony of William of Malmsbury in which Florilegus and Huntingdon doe ioyn And our modern Writers doe more particularly affirm that at this time a Schoole for the instructing young children was erected at Flixton a Town which took its name from Saint Felix 10. This same year Quichelm the Son of Kinegils and partner with him in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons followd the example of his Father in embracing the Christian Faith and receiving the Sacrament of Baptism but went before him to receive the crown of his Faith and innocence for he dyed the same year saith Huntingdon and Florentius of Worcester who adds that he was baptised by Saint Birinus in the Citty Dorice by which he seems to understand Dorchester the Episcopall See of S. Birinus 11. King Oswald likewise the same year maried Kineburga daughter to Kinegils by whom the year following he had a Son called Ethelwald VI. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests of S. Fursey 5.6 c. His wonderfull Visions 11.12 He builds a Monastery in Essex which he recommends to his Brother 13. He goes into France where he dyes His Memory celebrated at Peronne 1. IN the year of Grace six hundred thirty seaven Saint Felix Bishop of Dunwich received great comfort and assistance in his Apostolick labours by the arrival of a stranger out of Ireland This was Saint Fursey who having spent many years in preaching the Gospel in his own countrey came this year into Brittany saith Bishop Vsher. 2. Saint Beda relates the same more expressly saying Whilst Sigebert as yet held the raines of the Government in his hand there came out of Ireland a holy man named Fursey illustrious both for his teaching and piety who was desirous to spend the remainder of his life in a strange countrey wheresoever he could find opportunity the more perfectly to serve our Lord. This devout man coming into the Province of the East-Angles was honourably received by the said King and there he executed his usuall employment of preaching by which ioynd with his vertuous example he converted many Infidels
of the East-Angles 1. SAint Paulinus formerly Arch-bishop of York and afterward Bishop of Rochester happily and holily dying in the year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred forty four Honorius Arch-bishop of Canterbury saith Saint Beda ordaind in his place Ithamar a Native of Kent but in learning and piety equal to his Predecessours This was the first of a Saxon race who was exalted to an Episcopal degree in our Island Who after he had the space of seaventeen years with great sanctity governed the See of Rochester received the reward of his labours 2. The year six hundred forty seaven was illustrious for the birth of S. Suibert afterward the Holy Apostle of Westphalia Concerning whose original Haraeus from Marcellinus a Preist and S. Ludger Bishop of Munster who largely compild his Life thus more compendiously writes In the foresaid year in England was born the Blessed child Suibert His Fathers name was Sigebert Count of Nortingran in the Kingdom of the Northumbers and his Mother was the pious Countesse Bertha His birth was prevented by a Divine vision for a star of wonderfull brightnes appeard to his Mother in sleep from which two gloriously shining beames proceeded the one pointing towards Germany the other towards France and the star it self after she had a good while contemplated it seemd to fall from heaven into her bed When the child was arrived at the age of fifteen years he preferd a Religious life before a Secular and was graciously received into the Monastery of Bardeney Where having spent nine years in great austerity compunction prayer sacred Lection and other Menasticall Disciplines he attaind the dignity of Sacerdotall Order Of him more hereafter 3. In the year six hundred forty nine Foillan the Brother of S. Fursey and who had been left by him Superiour in his Monastery of â—noberbury in the Kingdom of the East-Angles seaven years after his departure following his example went to Rome and from Pope Martin obtaind an Episcopal benediction to convert Infidels Which having received he went into France where by the gift of the holy Virgin Gertrude he founded the Monastery of Fosse on the River Berven 4. The year following S. Birinus the Apostle of the West-Saxons dying as hath been declared there came very opportunely an Apostolicall man out of Ireland into those parts to succeed him Concerning whom S. Beda thus writes After that Kenwalk was restored to his kingdom there came into that Province out of Ireland a certain Bishop named Agilbert by Nation a Frenchman but who had abode a good space in Ireland for the opportunity of studying Scriptures This Holy Bishop came to the King and voluntarily took on him the employment of preaching The King therefore observing his abilities and industry desired him to accept the Episcopal See then vacant and to becom the Bishop of his Nation whereto he condescended and governed that Church many years 5. In the Gallican Martyrologe this S. Agilbert is said to have been born in the territory of Paris of a Royal Stock his Fathers name was Belfrid and his Mothers Aga. But wheras it is there added that the See of his Bishoprick was Winchester the Authour Andrew Sauâ—â—ay was mistaken for though in Agilberts time the Bishoprick of the West-Saxons was divided into two Sees one remaining at Dorchester and the other placed at Winchester S. Agilbert continued at Dorchester 6. The same year S. Felix the Apostle of the East-Angles also dyed Of whom William of Malmsbury thus writes S. Felix after governing his Bishoprick seaventeen years dyed and was buried in the Church of his See at Dunwich Thence he was translated to Seham a town seated near a Lake heretofore dangerous to such as would passe by boat into Ely but now a Caussey being made men passe thither commodiously on foot There still remain marks of a Church burnt by the Danes and in it were burnt the inhabitants likewise But the holy Bishops Body a long time after was sought for and with much adoe found and translated to the Monastery of Ramsey His Memory is celebrated both in the English Gallican and Roman Martyrologes on the eighth of March. And his Successour in the Bishoprick was Thomas his Deacon of the Province of the Girvians saith Saint Beda who was consecrated by Honorius Arch-bishop of Canterbury XIV CHAP. 1.2 c. War between King Oswi and King Oswin 4.5 King Oswin to spare his Subjects blood dispersâ—d his army Is murdred 6 His great Humility 7.8 c. The Translation of his Relicks c. 1. THE two Kings of the Northumbers Oswi King of the Bernicianâ— and Oswin King of the Deiri hitherto lived in good correspondence having passed nine years in their raign But in the year of Grace six hundred fifty one by the practises of wicked Sycophants this amity was disturbed and the mind of Oswi incensed against his kinsman Oswin Oswi a long time reverencing the Sanctity of Oswin by a principle of Christianity had kept himself free from ambition and discord but at last by suggestions of impious Parasites a quarrel was raised about the confines of each kingdom which not being decided by Messages and treaties a declared war broke forth this year 2. Oswi the feircer of the two and greedy of prey had gathered a very potent army But Oswin with inconsiderable forces came rather to deprecate a combat then to employ force more carefull to prevent the shedding of Civill Christian blood then to provide for his own safety Therefore saith Saint Beda perceiving that he was unable to stand in fight against the numerous army of his Enemy he judged it best not to proceed at that time in the war but to reserve himself for a better season He therefore sent his army home telling them that he would not expose them to slaughter by an Enemy much stronger then himself that the controversy should be decided with his single personal danger and in case he miscarried he advised them for their own safety to submitt to Oswi Thus he dismissed his soldiers in a place called Wilfares-Dun or the Hill of Wilfar situated ten miles westward from a Town called Cataract 3 Thus being left attended by one onely soldier named Tonder â—e retired to a Town called Gilmy or Gelingam near Richmond in Yorkshire which he had lately bestowed on a Count called Hudwald whom he much favoured There he supposed he might lye hid securely and that Oswi contenting himself with usurping his kingdom would not pursue his life or however that Hudwald so obliged by him would afford him a safe Sanctuary 4. But experience shewd that he every way deceived himself For Oswi knowing that he could not securely enioy the Kingdom as long as a Prince so beloved and reverenced by his subjects was alive sent the Steward of his house Ethelwin to search out and kill the King Ethelwin too too diligent makes enquiry through the whole Province
man of excellent disposition and well deserving the Title of King was by his Father sett over that part of the Kingdom He went to Oswi King of the Northumbers to desire his daughter Alâ—fleda in mariage but could not obtain his request except himself and Subjects would receive the Faith of Christ and Baptism Whereupon he having given eare to the preaching of Truth the promise of a heavenly Kingdom the hope of a glorious resurrection and future immortality professed his resâ—lution to be a Christian though the Virgin should be denyed him He was hereto perswaded most effectually by a Son of King Oswi named Alchfrid his kinsman and freind who had also maried his Sister a daughter of King Penda called Kineburga He therefore together with all his freinds and attendants and their servants was baptised by the Bishop Finan in a village belonging to the King called The Village at the Wall Ad murum And having received four Preists men who for their learning and piety of life were esteemd fitt to teach and baptise his Nation he returned home with great ioy The names of these Preists were Cedda and Adda and Betti and Diuma of whom the last was by Nation a Scott the rest were English Now Adda was the Brother of Vetaâ— a famous Preist and Abbot of the Monastery called At the Goats-head Ad Capreae caput 4. These coming into the Province with the foresaid Prince diligently preached the Gospel and were willingly hearkned to by the people so that very many both of the Nobles and of inferiour degree dayly renounced Idolatry and were washed with Baptism the Fountain of Faith Neither did King Penda though an Idolater forbid it yea moreover he gave free leave to the preaching of the Gospel in his own Kingdom of the Mercians so that all who had a mind might heare it He likewise hated and scornd such as having been imbued with the Faith of Christ did not bring forth fruits suitable thereto saying That those wretches deserved contempt who neglected to obey their God in whom they beleived These things began about two years before the death of the said King Penda 5. The same year the Christian Faith was also restored among the East-Saxons who had formerly rejected it when the Holy Bishop Mellitus was expelled from thence It was saith Saint Beda by the instance of King Oswi that they now received it For Sigebert King of that Nation who raignd there after a former Sigebert sirnamed The little being a great freind to King Oswi frequently came to visit him in his Kingdom of the Northumbers who was wont to exhort him to consider that those could not be Gods which were made by mens hands c. Such exhortations being frequently and in a brotherly manner inculcated at last had their effect for Sigebert by the counsell of his own freinds who were likewise perswaded of the vanity of Idolatry was baptised with them by the Bishop Finan in the Royal village seated twelve miles from the Eastern Sea near the Wall which the Romans built athwart Brittany 6. Sigebert therefore become a Cittizen of the Kingdom of heaven returned to the seat of his Temporal Kingdom having requested King Oswi to give him some Teachers who might convert his Nation to the Faith of Christ and cleanse their soules in the saving Font of Baptism Oswi therefore sending to the Kingdom of the Midland-English recalled the man of God Cedde and adioyning to him another Preist sent them to preach the word to the East-Saxons These two going from place to place gathered a numerous Church to our Lord 7. This holy Preist Cedde was born at London in the same Province but had his education in the Monastery of Lindesfarn among the Scotts by whose recommendation he was first sent to preach among the Midland-English and now to the East-Saxons Where after he had spent about three years he returnd to the Church of Lindesfarn saith the same Saint Beda to speak with Finan the Bishop Who being informed by him how the work of the Gospel had prospered under him consecrated him Bishop of the East-Saxons having calld to him two other Bishops to assist in the ordination Cedde having thus received the Episcopal Degree returnd into his Province and prosecuting his employment with greater authority he erected Churches in several places and ordaind Preists and Deacons to assist him in preaching the word and administring Baptism Especially in the Citty by the Saxons calld Ithancestir a Citty in the Romans time nam'd Othona but now swallowd by the Sea it was seated on the bank of the River Pente He did the like in another Citty calld Tilaburg now Tilbury neer the River Thames In both these places he gathered communities of devout servants of our Lord whom he instructed in the Discipline of a Regular life as far as their rude minds were capable 8. Of this Holy Bishop Cedde we shall hereafter treat further as like wise of his three Brethren in Sanctity as well as blood Ceadda or Chadd Celin and Cimbert The seat of S. Cedds Bishoprick among the East Saxons was not Tilbury as Camden imagins but London the Metropolis of the Kingdom 9. The same year wherein began the Conversion of the East Saxons Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury ended his life the last day of September after he had administred that See the space of six and twenty years and was buried with his Fathers in the Monastery of S. Peter and S. Paul That See saith S. Beda was vacant eighteen monthes after which time Deus-dedit descended of the Nation of the West-Saxons was elected Arch-bishop and ordaind by Ithamar Bishop of Rochester on the seaventh day before the Calends of Aprill he governd that Church nine years four months and two days XVIII CHAP. 1.2 c. Of S. Wilfrid his Descent education c. 4.5 c. At twenty years of age he goes to Rome c. 8. He lives with Dalfin Bishop of Lyons who was murdred 1. IN this same year of Grace six hundred fifty three S. Wilfrid began to appeare in the world being now twenty years old and to give evident signs of those many graces which afterward eminently shone in him We shall oft be obliged in the pursuit of this History to meÌ„tion his Gests In this place therefore we will from S. Beda relate his descent manner of life during his child hood and till at the age of twenty years he undertook a Iourney to Rome to inform himself in certain Ecclesiasticall and Religious Observances which he could not approve in Brittany 2. He was born in the year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred thirty fower of a Noble English family when Eadbald raignd in Kent and Oswald over the Northumbers Being a child of a towardly disposition and innocent manners he behaved himself in all things with that modesty and circumspection that he was beloved and respected by those who were more aged as if he had been of ripe
Iudoc and S. Winoc Anchorets and Preachers were sons of a King of England But the Saxon Annalls exact enough in recounting their Kings names mention no such King as Iudicail Most probable therefore it is that they were children of some Brittish Prince of this age For many examples we have of Brittains which for devotion passed over into Little Brittany or Belgick France but scarce any of the Saxons 3. Saint Winoc having spent severall years in great fervour under the government of Saint Bertin was commanded to sett his Light of piety on a Candlestick to enlighten others by his Doctrine and example This he admirably performed in severall places At last being sent to a Town of Heremare then called Wormholt but now Womholt he there layd the foundation of a Monastery where to his death serving God with great purity he was by him glorified by many Miracles He his supposed saith Iperius to have dyed in the same Monastery about the year of Grace seven hundred and seaventeen where he was likewise buried His Memory is in benediction For in the year nine hundred and twenty the same place was fortified and became a pleasant Town which to this day takes its name from S. Winoc being seated in the confines of France and Flanders 4. Some doubt whether that passage in Gregory Bishop of Tours be to be understood of this S. Winoc where he says At that time Vinoc a Brittain a man of admirable abstinence came out of Brittany to Tours having a desire to goe to Ierusalem He wore no other Vestment but one made of Sheep-skins without wooll And because he seemd to us a man of great piety to the end we might detain him amongst us more easily we honoured him with the dignity of Preist-hood If this be the same person we must conclude that Iperius places him much too late For Baronius refers that Narration of Gregory of Tours to the year of our Lord five hundred and eighty XVI CHAP. 1 2. c. The Gests of Saint Wilfrid continued 4.5 c. Controversy touching the Observation of Easter 1. IN recounting the rudiments of Saint Wilfrids piety we have already declared how in his younger years undertaking a iourney of devotion to Rome in his passage through France he was with great benignity received and for some time detaind by the Holy Bishop Ennemond or Dalfinus Bishop of Lyons likewise how in his return from Rome he again visited him and remaind with him to his death and Martyrdom by the cruelty and injustice of Ebroinus Maire of the Palace to Clodovaeus Second of that name King of France 2. Now according to the best Chronology it was in the year six hundred sixty two that the said Holy Bishop was martyrd after which Saint Wilfrid having nothing to detain him longer in France returned into his own Native Countrey of Brittany Where being arrived the fame of his vertues and abilities was quickly spread abroad whereupon saith William of Malmsbury Alfrid the son of Oswi and by his permission King of the Province of the Deiri or Yorkshire sent for him and with great kindnes received him taking great pleasure to hear him discourse of the occurrenâ—s of his iourney and dangers the Elegance of France the Roman pompe as likewise of the Lawes and Orders of Ecclesiasticall Discipline Many dayes he continued in this Kings Court and for his vertuous conversation industry preaching profound learning and copiousnes of elocution he was admitted into a near freindship with him Now this Alfrid was natural son of King Oswi born to him of a Concubine and when Edilwald the same Kings legitimate Son was dead whom he had made King of the Deiri Alfrid succeeded him in the same Kingdom 3. What followed after this is thus related by Saint Beda Wilfrâ—d saith he being returned to Brittany was ioynd in freindship with King Aldfrid who had been taught to love and obey the Catholick Rules of the Church Wherefore finding Wilfrid to be a perfect Catholick he shortly gave him a possession of ten families in a place called Stanford And not long â—fter he added a Monastery of thirty families in a place called Inrhypum now Rippon in Yorkshire Which place he had â—ormerly bestowed for building a Monastery on certain Monks who conformed to the Scottish discipline But because they having the choice given them would rather quitt the place then conform to the Catholick customes of the Roman and Apostolick Church in the celebration of Easter and other Canonicall Rites the King conferred upon Wilfrid the said Monastery perceiving that he was imbued with better disciplines and manners At which time by command of the said King he was in the same Monastery ordained Preist by Agilbert who had been Bishop of the Gevissi among the West Saxons For the King was very desirous that a man of so great erudition and piety as Wilfrid and one admitted to so near a freindship should be made a Preist and Doctour 4. S. Wilfrids fame was presently after much enlarged by occasion of a great Controversy then renewd and with greater heat then ever agitated between him and the Scotts cheifly about the Celebration of Easter In which Controversy not only the Monks and Ecclesiastick persons were engaged but great partialities and divisions were by occasion of it caused among the Laicks and even in the Princes Courts where some celebrated the Solemnity of our Lords Resurrection on one Sunday and some on another so that when one Company reioyced another were in Pennance and fasting The order how this Question was agitated is thus accuratly described by Saint Beda 5. In those days saith he a Notable Question was raised touching the celebration of Easter For all those who were come into those Northern parts either out of Kent or from France resolutly affirmed that the Scotts observed the Feast of our Lords Resurrection contrary to the custom of the Vniversall Church There was among them one named Roman a zealous defender of the true Observance he was by Nation a Scott but had been taught the Rule of Ecclesiasticall Truth in France and Italy This man in former time had had many conflicts with Finanus Bishop of Lindesfarn and many persons were reduced by him to the right way and many were incited by him to a more diligent inquisition of the Truth Yet he could never perswade Finanus to yeild on the contrary being a man of a rude feirce nature the more he was reprehended the more sullen he grew insomuch as he declared himself a professed Enemy of the Truth 6. Besides this Roman Iacob the forementioned Deacon of the late Venerable Arch-bishop S. Paulinus observed Easter after the true Catholick way together with all those whom he could instruct and perswade thereto The like did the Queen Eanfleda with all that attended her out of Kent from whence she brought a Preist named also Roman a man zealous for the Catholick Observance And hence it oft fell
mutuall charity and Humility After which she happily departed to our Lord on the third day before the Ideâ— of Iuly and was both durâ—ng her life and after her death powerfull in Miracles 5. Her Body was with great honour enterred in the said Monastery of Menstrey where it reposed near four hundred years illustrious by the Veneration of pious Christians and the glory of frequent Miracles From thence about the year of Grace one thousand and thirty it was translated to Canterbury Alstan being Abbot there as shall be declared Concerning which Translation William of Malmsbury thus writes In following time the Sacred Body of Saint Mildred was translated to the Monastery of Saint Augustin in Canterbury where it is with great devotion venerated by the Monks and for the fame of her piety and sweetnes answerable to her Name honoured by all And although all the corners of the said Monastery are full of Saint Bodies eminent for their Sanctity and Merits insomuch as any one of them might suffise to give a luster to the whole Kingdom yet the Relicks of none are with more affectionate honour venerated then hers She is present to all that love her and ready to hear and fullfill the requests of every one c. At London likewise there remains to this day a Church dedicated to her honour 6. Moreover her Memory is celebrated in the Belgick Provinces For as Aubert Miraeus testifies part of her Relicks was transported to Daventry and reposed there in the Cathedral Church Mention is also made of the same Relicks in the Gallican Martyrologe on the thirteenth of Iuly in these words At Daventry in Belgium is the Veneration of the Relicks of S. Mildreda an English Virgin consecrated to God in the Monastery of Chelles in the Territory of Paris which are reposed in the Cathedral Church of S. Lebuin together with the Bodies of the same Saint Lebuin and also of S. Marcellinus Her departure out of the world have given luster to this day Saint Mildreda was conveniently associated to these two Saints Lebuin and Marcellinus for her agreement with them both in her faith and countrey For they were English-Saxons likewise who together with Saint Willebrord preached the Faith to the inhabitants of Friseland and Geldres of whom we shal treat hereafter 7. The determinate year of the death of these two Holy Virgins Saint Milburga and Saint Mildreda is uncertain Certain only it is that it is wrongfully ascribed by some Writers to the year of Grace six hundred sixty four For since the same Authours affirm that they were consecrated by Saint Theodore Arch-bishop of Canterbury who came not into Brittany till after that year it is evident that in their computation there is an Antichronism 8. We may therefore more commodiously ascribe it to this year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred seaventy six In which year on the six and twentieth of February our Martyrologe commemorates the Deposition of their youngest Sister Saint Milgitha or Saint Milwida Concerning whom a very shhort account is given by our ancient Authours For of her wee read only that she entred into the Monastery of Estrey built by the Penitent King Egbert in Kent where she so well imitated the Sanctity of her Sisters that she likewise deserved a place in the Catalogue of our Saints 6. From these we must not separate a young Brother of theirs called Mereâ—in Concerning whom Mathew of Westminster and Florentius testify this only that he was a child of eminent Sanctity XX. CHAP. 1. 2. c. The death and Miracles of Saint Ethelburga daughter of Anna King of the East angles 5. 6 Of S. Thoritgitha 7. Of S. Hildelida 1. TO the same year is referred likewise the death of Saint Ethelburga daughter to Anna the pious King of the East-angles and Sister to Saint Erconwald She was as hath been said Abbesse of the Monastery of Berking founded by her Brother 2. Concerning her death hapning the fifth day before the Ides of October thus writes Saint Beda When Edilburga the proâ—â— Mother of that devoâ—â— Congregation was to be taken out of the world a wonderfull vision appeared to one of the Religious Sisters named Theorethid who had lived many years in the Monastery serving our â—ord with all humility and sincerity and had been an assistant to the Holy Abbesse in promoting the observance of Regular Disciplin her charge being to instruct and correct the younger Sisters Moreover to the end that her spirituall strength might be perfected by infirmity as the Apostle saith she was suddenly assaulted by a most sharp disease and for the space of nine years greivously tormented with it This hapned to her by the mercifull Providence of her Saviour to the end that by this furnace of divine tribulation whatsoever defects or impurities through ignorance or negligence had insinuated themselves into her soule might be cleansed away and consumed 3. Now on a certain night towards the dawn of the morning this Religious Virgin upon some occasion going out of her chamber saw manifestly as it were a human body more bright then the Sun enwrapped in linnen which being transported out of the Dormitory of the Religious Virgins was caried up to heaven And whilst she observed diligently by what force the said body should be raised upwards she saw that it was so lifted up by certain ropes more resplendent then gold by which it was drawn higher and higher till at last the heavens opening it was received in after which she could see it no longer 4. Considering this Vision she did not at all doubt but that it imported that some one of that devout Congregation should shortly dye whose soule by good works formerly done should as by certains cords be raised up to heaven And indeed so it fell out For a few days after Saint Edilburga the devout Mother of the said Congregation was freed from the prison of her body who had lead her life in such perfection that none who knew her could doubt but when she left this world the entrance into her heavenly countrey would be opened to her 5. S. Ethelburga was buried in the same Monastery and after her death likewise was not wanting to procure comforts and blessings to her Religious Sisters For as the same S. Beda relates There was in the same Monastery a Devout Virgin of Noble descent but more ennobled by her Piety called Thorithgida who for many years had been so utterly deprived of the use of her limbs that she could not stirr any one of them She being informed that the Body of the Venerable Abbesse was caried to the Church where it was exposed some time before the buriall desired she might be transported thither and placed leaning toward it in the posture of one that prayes This being done she addressed her petition to her as if she had been alive beseeching her to obtain from her mercifull Creatour that she might at length be freed from her
selected therefore and assembled out of diverse Monasteries twelve Apostolicall men firmly established in the Faith to preach Catholick Doctrine to the Germans 3. Now the names of those zealous Missioners were these Willebrord Swibert Acca Wigbert Willibald Winnibald Lebwin two Brethren called Ewald Werenfrid and my self the meanest of all called Marcellin who am the Writer of this History as likewise of the Gests of S. Willebrord All these forenamed were Preists and to them was adioyned the holy Deacon Adelbert Son of the King of the Deirs or Yorkshire who for the love of Christ quitted his Royall Patrimony and refused not a voluntary banishment in the company of the foresaid holy Preists having been elected thereto by S. Egbert 4. And because these Holy Doctours born in England were descended from Progenitours who were Frisons and Saxons by that means they were enabled to preach the Gospell of Christ in the German tongue Some of these were afterward crownd with Martyrdom others persisted to their death in laborious preaching among Barbarous Nations and some were substituted Bishops in Episcopall Sees when they were vacant 5. When all necessaries therefore were prepared the foresaid Twelve Apostolicall Missioners after they had taken leave of their freinds and kinred and received the holy Prelats benediction took ship and by Gods blessing having a prosperous wind they made a quick voyage and landed safely at Wiltemberg or Vtrect Traiectum in the year six hundred and ninety after our Lords Incarnation which was the third year of the Pontificat of Pope Sergius Iustinian then being Emperour and the most glorious King Alfrid then raigning over the Northumbers a Prince zealously affectionat in observing the Laws of Holy Church 5. Cornelius Kempius in his Treatise concerning the Writers of Friseland affirms that those Twelve Apostles were elected out of the whole English-Saxon Nation being the most eminent for learning and piety that could be found But most of them were furnished out of the Kingdom of the Northumbers which certainly was the Native soyle of S. Egbert as likewise of Saint Willebrord S. Swibert and S. Adelbert III. CHAP. 1.2 c. The rudiments of S. Swibert 1. THese were the names of the Twelve English Missioners and glorious Apostles of the German Nation whose memorieâ— remain in benediction in many Provinces of that vast Continent and are moreover celebrated in most of the Martyrologes of the Western Church It would be a blameable ingratitude to neglect the recording whatsoever particular actions or occurrents pertaining to any of them have hitherto escaped the injury of time Since therefore our Ecclesiasticall Monuments have delivered to us very little concerning any of them before they laboured in this Mission except of Saint Willebrord and Saint Swibert wee must of force content our selves with an account of the birth descent and Gests of these two glorious Prelats 2. Of these S. Swibert was the elder whose Life and actions have been recorded by his companion in the Mission S. Marcellin as likewise by Saint Ludger Bishop of Munster From both whose relations Haraeus thus breifly recounts his descent and wonderfull birth In the year of Grace six hundred forty seaven the blessed child Swibert was born in the Kingdom of the Northumbers His parents were Sigebert Count of Nortingraâ— and the pious Countesse Bertha who before she brought him forth was favoured with a Divine Vision and heavenly light 3. Assoon as he was come to the fifteenth year of his age preferring a Religious before a secular life he was gratiously received into the Monastery of Berdeney In which having spent nine years in great continence and mortification having by the grace of compunction his mind elevated to celestiall â—hings employing himself withall in Sacred Lections and Monasticall Disciplines and thereto adioyning rigorous Fasts Prayers and unwearied watchings he was advanced to the dignity of Preisley Order Thus breifly writes the said Authour 4. But as touching the wonderfull prodigy attending his birth by which was portended his future Apostolicall employment it is thus more particularly related by S. Marcellinus S. Ludger The pious and Noble countesse Bertha frequently meditating with inward ioy how that the children of severall Princes adorned with the luster of many vertues had made the people partakers of the fruits of their piety to the great happines and peace of the whole kingdom she became inflamed with an incredible desire of enioying the like favour and thereupon with dayly prayers she solicited our Lord to bestow upon her a Son whom she promised to consecrate to his service 5. Not long after it hapned on a certain night when she was falln into a quiet sleep she seemed to behold in the firmament a star of a wonderfull magnitude and luster from â—he â—ast side of which proceeded two beams of admiâ—able brightnes one of which regarded Germany and the other France At last after she had with great wonder contemplated this star it seemed to her that it fell from heaven into her bed At which being extremely affrighted she shreekd out aloud with the noyse awaked her husband Sigebert who trembling all over at this unusuall clamour of his wife with great solicitude demanded of her the cause of her fear which she plainly declared to him The next morning they sent for Aidan Bishop of Lindesfarn to whom they discovered the manner and order of the Vision At the relating of which he by a celestiall Light illustrating his mind gave them a confident hope of a child which by the luster of his learning and piety should enlighten the soules of many with the beams of Divine Truth 6. The event proved him to be a true interpreter of the Vision for the child whose coming into the world was attended with so prodigious a sign from his very infancy gave proofs of most sublime vertues And being arrived at the fifteenth year of his age out of a care least worldly tentations and alurements should draw him among the dangerous rocks of vice and errour he took refuge in the secure port of Religion And after he had spent nine years in the dayly contemplation of divine things he attained the Degree of Preist-hood Which he administred the space of seaven years with so great sanctity that he drew severall Kings and Princes into a great admiration of him Such were the rudiments of S. Swiberts sanctity concerning whose admirable actions and miracles we shall frequently be obliged to treat hereafter VI. CHAP. 1.2 Of S. Wilgis the Father of S. Willebrord 3. 4. c. The Nativity and rudimenâ—s of S. Willebrord 1. ELeaven years after the birth of S. Swibert S. Willebrord by divine Providence designed his companion in the Apostolick Office was born whose Nativity likewise was attended by the like celestiall prodigies His life has been written by S. Marcellin and also by our learned Alcuin in the preface where of he thus describes the quality and piety of his Parents 2. In the
Harpsfeild writing of S. Kineburga affirms from Marianus and Mathew of Westminster that she founded another Monastery at Winburn But he seems to be mistaken For there were at this time two Holy women called Kineburga This who was Wife to King Alfrid and Mother to his Successour Osred and another Kineburga Sister to Ina King of the West-Saxons a Virgin of whom we shall treat in the next Century 10. The present S. Kineburga is said to have been Mother to another child called Rumwold who immediatly after he was born is reported to have made coÌ„fession of his Faith and demanded Baptism after which he presently dyed Thus writes Capgrave whose credit though it may be questionable yet certain it is that anciently in the Church of Brackley in Northamptonshire a child named Rumwold was had in great veneration to which Church his Body was translated three years after his death where his Monument remained an illustrious Mark of the peoples Love and Reverence to his Memory His name is in our Martyrologe commemorated among the Saints on the Second of November XII CHAP. 1.2 c. Saint Willebrord ordained at Rome Arch bishop of Vtrecht His Name changed into Clement c. 1. BVT relinquishing a while Brittany the affaires happily succeeding with our English Apostolick Missioners in Germany require our care and attendance to them and that wee should contemplate the wonderfull goodnes of God to that Nation Wee have before related how considering the multitude of Converts there it was thought expedient by our holy and zealous Preists to compose and settle the Church there in good Order by ordaining Bishops to govern it And how for this purpose Saint Swibert and Saint Willebrord were chosen by them as most meet to sustain so sublime and weighty an Office For this purpose Saint Swibert was sent into Brittany to receive consecration from Saint Wilfrid the rightfull Arch-bishop of the Northumbers though at this time living in exile among the Mercians After which Consecration performed he returned the same year into Germany where how executed his Episcopall charge and how wonderfully God assisted him hath been declared 2. As for Saint Willebrord who six years before this had been at Rome from whence he received authority of preaching Christ to the Pagans how this same year by the counsell and recommendation of the Pious Prince Pipin he undertook a second voyage thither to receive Episcopall Ordination Saint Beda in his History declares He might have received Ordination either in Brittany or France but New Episcopall Sees were to be erected which by the ordinary Iurisdiction of Bishopâ— could not be done and therefore authority to effect that was to be obtained from the Supreme Bishop Now how this was performed â— Beda thus â—elaâ—est 3. After that the foresaid English-Preists bad for the space of siverall years preached the Gospell in the countrey of the Frisons by the generall consent of them all Pipin sent the Venerable man Willebrord to Rome the Pontificat whereof was still administred by Pope Sergius to the end he might be ordained Arch-bishop of that Nation Which according to his request was fullfilled in the year six hundred ninety six after our Lords Incarnation Now he was ordained in the Church of the Holy Martyr Saint Cecily and on the day of her Feast and the Pope who ordained him imposed on him the Name of Clement and presently after to witt fourteen dayes after his arrivall at Rome he dismissed him that he might return to his Episcopall See 4. The which See by the munificence of Pipin was established in his illustrious Castle which in the old German language was called Wiltaburg that is the Town of the Wilâ—â— but in the Gallick language was called Vtrecht In this place a Church was built and the most Reverend Bishop preaching the Word of Faith far and wide and recovering much people from their Pagan Errours erected in those Regions many Churches and some Monasteries For not long after the said Venerable Arch-bishop ordained severall other Bishops out of the number of his Brethren the prime Missioners who attended him at his first coming of which some are falln asleep in our Lord but Willebrord himself sirnamed Clement is yet alive that is in the seaven hundred and one and thirtieth year of Grace in which Saint Beda ended his History A Prelat he is Venerable for his old age for this is the thirty sixth year since he was Bishop and after manifold labours and dangers sustained in this Christian Warfare he with his whole mind and a longing desire expects a heavenly retribution 5. To this Narration of Saint Beda touching the Ordination of Saint Willebrord Albinus Flaccus who has compiled the Gests of this Holy Prelat addes one particular very memorable to witt that it was not performed without a Prophecy Revelation from heaven preceding it for thus he writes On the fourth day before Saint Willebrords arrivall at Rome the Holy Pope Sergius was in sleep admonished by an Angell to receive him with great honour as being a man appointed by God to enlighten many soules who came thither to receive the supreme honour of Preist-hood and therefore that he should deny him in none of his requests The Pope thus admonished entertaind him with wonderfull honour and ioy and by conversation with him observing in him great Fervour devotion of Religion and plenitude of wisedom having appointed a convenient day and assembled great numbers of Prelats to ioyn with him in the Ordination to which there was a wonderfull concourse of people he publickly ordained him Arch-bishop with great solemnity after an Apostolick manner in the Church of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles and when he was ordained he imposed on him the name of Clement Moreouer he vested him with his own Pontificall Robes adding likewise the Pall an ensign of the plenitude of Archiepiscopall dignity Whatsoever he desired whether Sacred Relicks of Saints or Ecclesiasticall ornaments he with all chearfullnes bestowed upon him and having conferred on him his Apostolicall Benediction with wholesome precepts and admonitions he sent him back to the Work of the Gospell XIII CHAP. i. 2 c Saint Willebrord arrives at Vtrecht Their preaching A Synod assembled there câ— 1. SAint Willebrord or Clement having thus prosperously performed his iourney to Rome arrived not at his Archiepiscopall See till the year following When the News of his approach thither was divulged Saint Swibert saith his companion Marcellin attended by his Disciples and many other Christians made hast as far as Embrica to meet him where with much honour and ioy in our Lord they received him And Saint Willebrord having been informed that Saint Swibert had been consecrated Bishop and that by his preaching the County of Teisterband with almost all Batâ—a and a great part of Lower Friseland had been converted to our Lord he with great devotion gave infinite thanks to God Being thus mett they returned together
Swibert should be sought out and humbly entreated to visit the said unhappy person 4. This being accordingly done Saint Swibert moved with great compassion and Charity went to the house attended by his Preists and other Disciples and being yet in the way thither the Devill presently caused the possessed person to fome and gnash his teeth and to cry out in a far more horrible manner then before at which all that were present were much greived and astonished But assoon as Saint Swibert approached the house the clamours ceased the Demoniack lay still in his bed as if he had been asleep 5. Assoon as the Holy Bishop saw him lying in this posture he commanded all us who attended him to betake our selves devoutly to our Prayers And he himself likewise with fervent zeale besought almighty God that he would vouchsafe to free the Demoniack from the Devills power to the end that his Holy Name might be glorified and those Infidels converted to the Faith Having thus prayed we all rose up and he signed the Demoniack with the sign of the Saving Crosse saying In the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ I command thee O unclean Spirit that thou depart from this Creature of God that he may acknowledge his true Creatour and Saviour Immediatly hereupon the Wicked Spirit departing with a noysom stink began to crye out aloud O thou servant of the Great God thou shalt not abide long in this Province for as thou hast driven mee from this my habitation so will make thee to be driven out of this countrey 6. As for Ethelhere who was thus freed from the Devills power he presently arose in the sight of all and casting himself at the Holy Bishops feet he begged pardon for the injuries he had done him and earnestly besought him that he might be baptized in the Name of Iesus Christ in whose Name he had been delivered In like manner many Pagans and two Idoll Preists there present cast themselves at S. Swiberts feet desiring to be instructed in the Mystery of the Christian Faith Whom the Saint raised up and taught them how the Eternall Wisedom descended from Heaven to Earth that by his Blessed Death and Blood shed on the Altar of the Crosse he might restore life to mankind dead in sins Thus he continued three whole weeks instructing and confirming them in the Faith and yet baptised only two and forty of them besides woemen and children or both sexes 7. Two years he spent among them constantly preaching the faith whereby he converted great numbers which with their own hands broke their Idols and built Churches in which the Holy Bishop constituted Preists and Deacons to assist him Many likewise having been informed of the Miracles done by him came to see and hear him of whom he converted and baptized not a few He gained the affection and veneration of all cheifly by the tendernes of his love which he shewd to the poor and afflicted whom he meekly visited in their necessities and infirmities and these not only Christians whom he confirmed in their Faith but Pagans also who by his charitable assistance were withdrawn from their Superstitions and Idolatry Notwithstanding how aâ—ter two years the Devill by Gods permission made good his threatning that he would shortly expell him out of that Province shall hereafter be declared III. CHAP. 1.2 c. The death of S. Adelbert and of S. â—erenfrid Apostolick Missioners in Germany 4.5 S Decumanus a Holy Hermite murdred A miracle after his death 1. TO this year is assigned in our Martyrologe the death of S. Adelbert who as hath been declared was one of the twelve English Apostolick Missionners into Germany Concerning whom in the Gallican Martyrologe on the five and twentieth of Iune we read this Testimony 2. At Egmond in Holland is the same day celebrated the Memory of S. Adelbert Confessour and Deacon Who being descended from the Royall stock of the Kings of the Deiri in Brittany for he was the Son of Edilbald son of S. Oswald King and Martyr and by S. Willebrord constituted Arch-deacon in the Provinces of the Batavi and Frisons did notably promote the Christian Faith For he was made choice of among the most excellent Disciples of that Holy Prelat and sent into the utmost confines of that Diocese to preach the word of life to that pagan people in Knemaria where he gathered a plentifull harvest to our Lord. And after he had confirmed his New plantation in the Faith he was called by Almighty God to receive his eternall reward After his death he received Divine Testimonies of his celestiall Happines For at Egmond where he was buried in his own Oratory he became illustrious by such Miracle â—as afforded great security and protection to the inhabitants and invited a wonderâ—full concourse of strangers to perform veneration to him and to begg his intercession 3. This same year likewise another associate in the same Mission S. Werenfrid a Preist received an eternall reward for his labours His memory is also celebrated in the same Martyrologe on the fourteenth of August with this Elogy At Elst in Gelderland is this day commemorated the Deposition of S. Werenfrid an illustrious fellow-worker with Divine Grace He was associated with S. Willebrord in the busines of Piety and heaped up the gain of many soules to our Lord. Thus loaden with such precious spoiles he was received into Glory His body reposes honourably in a Collegiat Church consecrated to his honour and name in the foresaid town seated on the Rhene between Nimegen and the Sand. He is by others said to have dyed at a Town called Westervert and afterwards to have been buried at Elst And that he sowed the precious seed of the Gospel at Medemblick Durâ—stad Elst and other towns in Batavian 4. The year following wee find commemorated in our Martyrologe the Martyrdom of S. Decumanus born of Noble parents in the South-Western parts of Wales who forsaking his countrey the more freely to give himself to Mortification and devotion passed the river Severn upon a hurdle of rodds and retired himself into a mountainous vast solitude covered with shrubbs briars where he spent his life in the repose of Contemplation till in the end he was slain by a murderer 5. The place so described by the Authour of his life in Capgrave is seated in the County of Somerset where a Castle in after times called Dorostorum now Dunstor was built by the family of the Mohuns To this Castle saith Camden are adiacent two Villages consecrated to two Saints The one is called Caranton from a Brittish Saint Carantac and the other Decombes from S. Decumanus who out of Southwales arrived here renouncing all wordly vanity and by a murderer was peirced through with a sword For which saith he he obtained in the esteem of the ignorant common people divine honour Thus writes this Authour skillfull indeed in places but ignorant in the Faith of his Ancestours who
and piety that his father was first astonished and after displeased with it so that he spared not severe reprehensions and endeavours to induce him to mind worldly cares But the holy Child not abating his solicitudes after heavenly things his Father by a sudden sicknes from God was admonished not to resist any longer the good inspirations of his child Whereupon changing his former rigour he sent him being then thirteen years of age to a Monastery called Adestancester but more truly Exceter commending him to Wolfhard the Venerable Abbot thereof Vnder whose government and direction he remained severall years with great perfection practising all the Disciplin of a Regular life and incessantly meditating on the Holy Scriptures Notwithstanding by reason of the penury of learned Teachers not finding full satisfaction to his desires of spirituall knowledge by the permission of the said Abbot and Religious Brethren he betook himself to another Monastery at this day called Huntcell or Nutcell where he submitted himself to the direction of the Abbot thereof called Winbert who at first refused to admitt him but seeing his perseverance in his earnest desire and supplications at last through Gods Providence yeilded to him Now where this Monastery was seated it does not appear And no wonder since by the succeeding invasions and fury of the Danes the memory of many Monasteries is lost 3. In this Monastery he proffited so much in learning and piety that he became a Master and Teacher to others And his fame was so great that a Synod being assembled to compose certain differences in the Churches of the West-Saxons he was made choice of by the recommendation of his own Abbot Wintred or Winbert Wintra Abbot of Tisselbury and Beerwaldt Abbot of Glastenbury to goe into Kent and consult the Arch-bishop Brithwald about the present affairs which employment he discharged with so much sufficiency and prudence that to the great satisfaction and ioy both of the West-Saxon King and Bishops all debates ended 4. After this he burning with charity and zeale for the conversion of Infidels and having received the Order of Preisthood after much importunity he obtained from his Abbot permission to follow S. Swibert into Germany where by the Testimony of S. Marcellin he became Canon of the Church of Vtrecht under the Blessed Arch-bishop S. Willebrord But by reason of a furious persecution raised against the New-planted Churches of the Frisons by the Tyrant Radbode all those Apostolick Missionners being dispersed he returned into his own countrey and Monastery Where with great greif he found his beloved Father the Abbot Winbert sick who also dyed shortly after And S. Winfrid or Boniface by the unanimous consent of the Monks was chosen Abbot But that Prelature he utterly refused being designed by almighty God for a far more laborious employment and in his place procured the election and institution of a pious Monk called Steven in the Office of Abbot 5. In this Monastery he remained only two years after which the zeale of Gods house consuming all desire of rest in his mind he once more resolved to attempt the Apostolick Office of converting the Infidel Germans Which that he might perform with more security and order he being now forty nine years old undertook a voyage to Rome to receive from the Holy Pope Gregory second of that Name his Benediction and a Missionary authority His proceedings in this iourney we will consequently relate out of the Narration of his Disciple S. Willebald VI. CHAP. i. 2 c. S. Boniface his iourney to Rome where he receives authority to preach the Gospell to Infidels 1. IN order and preparation to his voyage to Rome S. Winfrid not yet called Boniface repaired to the Reverend Bishop Daniel Bishop of Winchester desiring of him with his blessing letters of recommendation to the See Apostolick To this request the good Bishop willingly condescended And exercising the Office of a Provident Pastour after he had preferred to the government of the foresaid Monastery a good Religious Monk called Steven he dismissed the man of God Winfrid with commendatory letters to his voyage towards the places much desired by him 2. The Letters of recommendation given him by that good Bishop Daniel by which he demanded in his behalf the charity and favour of all Kings Princes Bishops Abbots and all devout Christians in the way are to this day extant among S. Boniface's Epistles In which he declares to them by the examples of Blessed Abraham and Loth how acceptable to almighty God charity and hospitality to strangers is since for the merit thereof they were honoured with the presence of Angels Consequently he promises to them eternall rewards if they would in the Religious Preist the bearer of those Letters charitably entertain Christ himself 3. S. Winfrid saith the same Holy Authour encouraged with the good Bishops benediction presently took leave of his Brethren and began his iourney through far remote countreys and wayes hitherto unknown to him Now there ioynd themselves as companions of his redious voyage a good number of Gods devout servants who with great fervour and devotion visiting many Churches of Saints by the way begged the Divine assistance that they might without danger passe the terrible precipices of the Alpes and afterward find the feirce minds of the Lombards civill and kind to them 4. This Prayer Almighty God mercifully granted for without any harm or incommodity they travelled through the regions inhabited by that savage Nation and arrived safely at the Monuments of the Blessed Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul where after due thanks to Christ their Protectour they by Pennance and Confession begged Absolution of their sins and a prosperous successe of the cheif design of their voyage 5. Neither were they frustrated of their desires For assoon as the Holy man S. Winfred was admitted to the presence and speech of Gregory the second then Prelat of the See Apostolick and had declared to him the occasion of his voyage and the Zeale with which his heart was enflamed immediatly the holy Pope looking on him with a chearfull countenance asked him whether he had any commendatory letters from his Bishâ—p Whereupon he presently presented to his Holines the Epistle folded and seald according to the due form Which being read by him and thereby the holy mans design more fully discovered the Pope had afterwards free and frequent discâ—urse with him entertaining him with much respect all the time of his abode at Rome and moreover he bestowd on him whatsoever sacred Relicks of Saints he desired In the end he gave him commission and authority to preach the Gospell through all Germany exemplified in Apostolick Letters yet extant and directed to him in which moreover he signifies to him that he was obliged to administer the Sacrament of Baptism towards such as by Divine Grace should be converted according to the Form and Order prescribed in the Roman Church contained in the Offices of the See
place to manifest the sincere veracity of so learned and pious an Authour wee will from his penn declare upon how well grounded an authority he built the whole frame of his History as likewise what diligent search he made for true information in all things as well such as hapned in former ages as during his own age in the other regions and kingdoms of Brittany and forrain countreyes And lastly wee will conclude with a particular Narration of Saint Beda's own life and happy death 2. As touching the first thus he writes At this present time to witt in the year of Grace seaven hundred thirty one the Bishops governing the severall Episcopall Sees of Brittany are these following The Province of Kent is administred by Tatwine Arch-bishop oâ— Canterbury and Aldulf Bishop of Rochester That of the East-Saxons by Inguald Bishop of London The East Angles by Eadbert or Aldbert Bishop of Dumwich and Hadulac Bishop of Helmham The Province of the West-Saxons by Daniel Bishop of Winchester and Forthere Bishop of Shirborn In the kingdom of the Mercians Alduin is Bishop of Lichfeild Walstod Bishop of Hereford and the region beyond the Severn Wilfrid Bishop of Worcester and Cymbert or Kinebert Bishop of the Lindisfari or Lincoln as for the Isle of Wight it was annexed to the See of Winchester The Province of the South-Saxons of late has been vacant and therefore has recourse to the Bishop of the West-Saxons that is Winchester for such necessities as require Episcopall Ministery And all these together with other Southern Provinces though governed immediatly by particular Kings yet both they and their Kings also from the South Sea as far as the Humber Northwards are subject to Edilbald King of the Mercians Lastly the large Province of the Northumbers of which Ceolulf is now King is administred by four Bishops the Church of York by Wilfrid the younger that of Lindeâ—â—arn by Edilwald Hagustald or Hexham by Acca and Candida Casa or Witehern by Pectheâ—m This last Episcopall See has been lately erected by reason that the number of Christians there has been greatly multiplied and Pecthelm was consecrated the first Bishop thereof Thus are the severall Episcopall Churches of Brittany administred 3. As touching the severall Nations inhabiting it that of the Picts is ioynd in league with the English and to their great ioy with the Vniversall Church in the Orthodox Faith Communion and peace The Scotts inhabiting the Northern parts of Brittany are quiet and make no attempts or fraudulent designs against the English The Brittains although for the most part out of a Nationall hatred they have an iâ—â—econcileable aversion from the English and likewise doe erroneously and impiously oppose the Catholick Church in the Paschall Observance yet in neither of these regards can they attain their purpose and prevaile both divine and human power resisting their designs For though a great part of that Nation be independent on any other yet in some places they are subject to the Empire of the English And again the times at present being peaceable very many of them in the Northern parts called Cumbers both Nobles and of inferiour condition doe more frequently receive the Monasticall Tonsure in English Monasteries and consecrate their children to the same Profession then exercise themselves in arms and warlike exploits And what good issue may come from hence the succeeding age will see 4. Such at present is the state of all Brittany in this year which is the two hundred eighty fifth since the coming of the English into this Island and the seaven hundred and one and thirtieth after our Lords Incarnation I will conclude with this prayer That the earth may all ways reioyce in the kingdom of our God and many Islands with ioy confesse to the memory of his Holines the constancy of Brittany in his Faith Thus does S. Beda conclude his History XXIII CHAP. i 2. c. The names and qualities of such persons from whom S. Beda received information in his History 1. IN the next place for a proof of his veracity in his History wee will produce his Epistle to the illustrious and learned King Ceolulf then raigning over the Northumbers to whom S. Beda presented the same desiring not so much his protection as iudgment and censure of it In which Epistle to the end he might approve his care and diligence to inform himself in the truth he produces the names and characters of the principall persons from whom he received information and assistance persons of such abilities piety and esteem that no man can reasonably suspect in them either want of knowledge or of sincerity Thus therefore he writes 2. The principall Authour and assistant in this work saith he was Albinus the most reverend Abbot of Canterbury a man of eminent learning in all kinds of litterature having been educated therein by those two most venerable and learned men Theodore Arch-bishop of the said Church of happy memory and Hadrian Abbot This worthy Abbot Albinus was pleased to communicate to mee partly in writing and partly by the Religious Preist of the Church of London Nothelm whom he sent to acquaint mee with all particular occurrents worthy memory which had after diligent enquiry come to his knowledge either in the Province of Kent or adiacent Regions concerning the Gests of the Disciples of the Blessed Pope S. Gregory or whatsoever he could find in ancient Record or receive from the Tradition of Ancestours The said Nothelm likewise afterward going to Rome by permission of Pope Gregory searching the Archives of that Church found and copied out certain Letters both of the said Pope and some of his Predecessours touching the affaires of Brittany which at his return by the advice of the most Reverend Abbot Albin he brought to mee to be inserted in this History 3. In the which those things which are related from the beginning thereof to the times in which the English Nation receiued the Christian Faith wee collected principally out of such Writings as we could here and there meet with Then from that time to the present age all the Gests performed in the Province of Kent by the Disciples of S. Gregory and their Successours and under what Kings they were performed all these came to my knowledge by the industry of the foresaid Abbot Albin and the relation of Nothelm sent by him The same persons likewise informed mee in severall things touching the Conversion of the West and East-Saxons the East-Angles and Northumbers by the preaching of what Bishops and in the raign of what Kings those Provinces received the Christian Faith In a word it was principally by the advice and perswasion of the same Albinus that I had the courage to sett upon this work 4. Besides these the most Reverend Bishop of the West Saxons Daniel who is yet alive gave mee an account in writing of many things regarding the Ecclesiasticall History of that Province and that of the South-Saxons confining
place to succeed nothing but tumults rage and treasons His young son Osulf to whom he had surrendred the kingdom in the space of one year saith Hoveden held it and lost it For on the ninth day before the Calends of August the year after his Father had instituted him in it he was impiously slain by his own family His tender age and innocence rendring him obnoxious and exposed to treachery His Successour was his Vncle Edilwald sirnamed Mul or Mollo mentioned before who is sayd to have contributed to his Nephews murder And though he was a man of great courage and prudence yet he found there could be no security in power obtaind by crimes for not long after he likewise came to a tragicall end 2. But among the Mercians a far more prosperous fate attended the new King Offa who had driven the Tyrant Beorâ—red out of the kingdom and was by the unanimous consent of the people placed in his Throne which he held the space of thirty nine years His Royall descent is thus described by Huntingdon The most Noble Prince Offa saith he was the son of Wingferd the son of Eanulf the son of Osmod the son of Epus the son of Wippa the son of Creada the son of Kinewal the son of Knibba the son of Icel the son of Eomer the son of Agelthen the son of Offa the son of Weremond the son of Withald the son of Woden Mathew of Westminster stops not here in his Genealogy but goes on till he brings him up to Adam 3. As for Mathew a Monk of Saint Albans his fictions either contrived or beleived by him wee will neglect who out of a partiall affection to Offa the founder of his Monastery recounts how he being the only son of his Father was born blind and dumb for which cause he was at first called Pinered But afterward God miraculously restored his sight and gave liberty to his tongue moreover bestowing on him a beautifull wife happy children and great triumphs over his enemies In acknowledgment for which blessings he founded the said Monastery 4. As soon as King Offa was crownd and established in his Throne saith Mathew Paris peace and prosperity flourishd again among the Mercians the people were eased of their former pressures the Regal Blood was restored Laws for publick tranquillity were enacted and the Nobles formerly banished out of the Kingdom by Beornred were recalled 5. We shall have occasion very frequently to treat of the actions of this Noble King Therefore at present we will only adioyn the Character in generall given to him by William of Malmsbury King Offa saith he the great grand child of Penda was a man of mighty courage and magnanimity who resolutely undertook whatsoever design he once conceived in his mind and he raigned the space of nine and thirty years When I revolve in my mind his Gests in which there was great variety I am in great doubt whether I should recken him among the Good or evill Kings such an interchangeable vicissitude there was of vertues and vices in him who like another Proteus was always changing his form and features VI. CHAP. 1.2.3 Cuthred Arch-bishop of Canterbury dying gave order that his body should be buried in the Archiepiscopall Church to the prejudice of Saint Augustins Monastery 4. Bregwin succeeds him 5.6 S. Eadburga Abbesse Six Saints of the same name 1. THE same year Cuthred Arch-bishop of Canterbury after he had administred that See seaventeen years dyed When he was ready to dye saith William of Malmsbury he commanded his servants to bury him privatly in his Archiepiscopall Church which was built within the walls of the Citty And because the Monks of S. Augustin whose Monastery was seated without the said Citty by an Ancient custom which they were stubboraly constant to observe did challenge as their vndoubted right that the Bodies of the Arch-bishops should be buried in their Church in so much as they would probably endeavour even by violence to take away with them his Body after he was dead therfore he enioynd his family as soon as he was dead to abstain from any noise in bewayling his death both in the Citty and Palace so that no notice of his death being given abroad there might be no concourse of people and by that means they might without disturbance bury him in the Archiepiscopall Church and not apprehend any danger that the Monks would take him out of the ground when they should perceive how they had been overreached by cunning 2. But B. Godwin relates that the Tradition was that the Body of Arch-bishop Cuthbert was not buried in the Archiepiscopall Church it self called Christ-Church but in another lesser Church seated near it and dedicated to S. Iohn which he had built on purpose for baptizing infants and which both himself and his successours vsed in their life time for a Consistory and for a place of buriall after they were dead Moreover that this Church in after ages having been consumed by fire together with the Cathedrall Church was never after rebuilt 3. The motive inducing the Arch-bishop to make this change was in the iudgment of Sir Henry Spelman a kind of indignation that his Cathedrall Church should be deprived of the honour of being a sepulcher of eminent persons and particularly of Arch-bishops who had performed all Episcopall duties in it Therefore in as much as till that time there had no buriall places been permitted within Citties he had recourse to the Pope for a dispensation from that obligation and to the King for a change of the place of buriall both for Arch-bishops and Kings Notwithstanding if the foregoing relation be true what need was there of that subtilty to circumvent the Augustinian Monks who doubtlesse would not have had the boldnes to contradict the Orders both of the Pope and King 4. The year following there was substituted to Cuthbert in the Archiepiscopall See Bregwin who was consecrated on the Feast of S. Michael the Archangel This Bregwin according as we read in the Antiquities of Brittany was born in old Saxony of noble parents After he had passed his childhood he betook himself to the study of sacred learning to which he had so great an affection that for advantaging himself in his studies he passed over into Brittany quite forsaking his native soile After some abode in Brittany he was for his modesty and vertue so much in generall esteem and favour that he had the priviledge of naturalization And he made so great progresse in sacred knowledge that he alone was esteemed worthy to be the successour to Cuthbert in the Archbishoprick After which he did so excell in all good works that not any in his time approached within many degrees to him 5. At that time the Holy Virgin and Abbesse Eadburga sirnamed Buggan also dyed It is no wonder there should be some confusion in Writers touching her and other Saints of
related by Sir H. Spelman out of an ancient Manuscript of the Life of S. Alban in this manner King Offa having then assembled at Verulam a Council of his Bishops and Nobles by their unanimous consent and out of his great affection to Saint Alban he conferred on that Monastery very large possessions considering that great hospitality was to be kept there Because near thereto lyes the broad high way called Watlingstrete by which men came from the Northern parts and returned Therefore he esteemed it a pious thing that travellours might find there a house to be entertaind freely For this reason he addicted that place to the Monastery which he dignified with many Priviledges and immunities Moreover he gathered a Congregation of Monks out of severall houses where Regular Observance was kept with best care especially from the Monastery of Becc in Neustria or Normandy in France and ordained an Abbot over them named Willigode a man who was indeed according to his Name of good Will He was descended of the Royall family being near of kin to King Offa. 7. The particular possessions given by the King at this time to the said Monastery are specified in his Charter which remains to this day And besides the Priviledges before related he added these that what soever exactions or for feytures due to the King from any criminall person within the liberties of the same Monastery should be payed thereto That the Abbot or Monk who was Arch deacon under him should exercise Episcopall Iurisdiction over all persons both Preists and Laymen living within their possessions and that they should pay subiection neither to Archbishop nor Legat but to the Pope alone In a word the said Church as it had all Royall rights from the King so did it likewise enioy Episcopall ornaments from the Pope 8. This Charter the King sent to Rome to be confirmed by Pope Hadrian and this seems to have been one of the last actions performed by the same worthy Pope Who having sate in S. Peters chair twenty three years ten months and seaventeen days was notwithstanding esteemed by all good men to have quitted the government of the Church immaturely Particularly King Charles for the respect which he bore him distributed alms not only through the Churches in Provinces subiect to him but also in forrain countreys for his soule as we have declared in his Letter sent to King Offa. 9. The same year Higbert or Humbert the first Archbishop of Lichfeild dying there succeeded him Aldulf to whom a Pall was sent from Rome notwithstanding before he dyed he was obliged to lay aside that Archiepiscopall ornament and to content himself with the simple Title of Bishop Likewise to Eadbald Bishop of London the same year succeeded Heathobert and to Egbald Bishop of Winchester Dudda IX CHAP. 1.2 c. The death of King Offa and his Children 4.5 c. Egfrid his pious Successour dyes shortly after him being ready to restore the Rights to the See of Canterbury 9. Eanbald Archbishop of York dyes to whom another Eanbald succeeds 1. THE year of Christ seaven hundred ninety six was the last of the raign life of Offa the illustrious King of the Mercians after he had raigned thirty nine years He left a noble memory of his courage in three victories obtained against the Kings of Brittany the King of Kent of the West-Saxons and Northumbers And of his Piety in founding the famous Monastery of S. Alban and charitable contribution to the See Apostolick besides many other Monuments of his Charity and devotion 2. The memory of his name he left to severall places For in Warwickshire having built a Church a town thereto adioyning was called Off-Church and in Suffolck another town was called Offton Lastly he dyed in a village named Offley From whence his Body was removed to the Town of Bedford where it was buried in a Chappell without the Citty-walls with Royall solemnity But in processe of time his Sepulcher was swept away by a violent inundation of the River Vsk. 3. He left behind him by his Queen Quendreda severall children His eldest son and Successour was Egfrid who succeeded to his Fathers vertues but not the years of his raign for he governed the Kingdom not a full half year In Capgrave we read of another Son of his called Fremond slain afterward by the Danes but the story related of him does so disagree from Chronology that it is manifest the Authour of it mingled together the Occurrents of severall ages He had two daughters the one named Ethelburga who in her vices ressembled her impious Mother Queen Quendreda for she not only left a stain upon her own countrey by poysoning her husband King Brithric but upon France also as wee shall declare The other much unlike her sister truly the daughter of her fathers Piety 〈◊〉 Alfleda whom the Holy Martyr King Etheâ—â—â—rt had demanded for his wife and who after his deâ—th preferred the fenns of Croyland before her Fathers Palace 4. His eldest son Egfrid had been assumed by his Father into a society in his Throne nine years before this yet this is called the first and only year of his raign for he did not out-live his Father more then five months Yet in that short time he left many and lasting Monuments of his piety wholly employing the few days of his raign in adorning and amplifying Monasteries and Churches He was a Prince saith William of Malmsbury who studiously avoyded the steps of his Fathers cruelty He restored all the Priviledges of Churches which had been preiudiced by his Father Moreover a possession which his Father had taken from the Monastery of Malmsbury he willingly returned into the hands of Cuthbert then Abbot thereof upon the exhortation of the worthy and courageous Archbishop of Canterbury 5. Above all he most favoured the Monastery of S. Alban to which he not only confirmd all the possessions and liberties given by his Father but himself added new in a place called Pinnelesfeld as appears by his Charter recorded at the end of Mathew Paris and subscribed by the Queen Cynedrida his Bishops and Nobility In a second Charter likewise to the same Monastery in like manner subscribed he added another possession called Thyrefeld The place where this was written and confirmed in a Synod is named Celchyed 6. Athelard Arch-bishop of Canterbury perceiving the pious disposition of this young King suggested to him his obligations to repair the iniuries done by his Father to the Mother-Church of Brittany Canterbury which by all Princes since the beginning of Christianity had been esteemed the only Metropolitan Church of that part of Brittany but lately had been diminished by the uniust exaltation of the See of Lichfeild With which suggestion of the worthy Archbishop King Egfrid was mollified and had restored the honour of the Archiepiscopall See of Canterbury if death had not too hastily taken him away But what Athelard could not
point of his sharp stile against one named Câ—neglas by interpretation Yellow Lyon whom he accuses of all sorts of crimes impiety againâ—â— God and savage cruelty to his subjects repudiating his lawfull wife and violating her Sister who after her widdow-hood had vowd chastity to God and lastly by many injuries afflicting holy men and Preâ—â—â— which ceased not to offer up to God their sight and prayers for him Whom he exhorts to change his life that he might reap benefit by the Prayers of those who had power to bind in heaven whan they had bound in this world and to loose likewise such as were penitent 4. Now by a view of the impieties of all these last Princes of Brittany the Reades will observe the justice of Gods severity against so wicked a Nation from which he took the Spirituall Kingdom of Christ and bestowd it on a people which few years after brought fruits worthy of it And again out of this dunghill of vices some pearles may be gathered for here we find the Wise Gildas commending a perpetuall vow of Chastity made not only by Virgins but Widows also the infringing of which vow he bitterly inveighs against And again he acknowledges in Gods Preists a power of retaining and absolving sinners not by way of declaration but authority and iurisdiction 5. In the year five hundred fifty nine dyed Ida King of the Northumbrians to whom succeeded his Son Alla whose Empire extended both over the Deiri and Bernicians This is that King Alla to whose name Pope Gregory alluded when he said prophetically that in the Province of King Alla there should be sung Alleluia But we must observe that though he had the authority paramount over all the Kingdom of the Northumbrians yet there were in some of the Provinces Brittish Princes with dependance on him which called themselves Kings So we mentioned lately Mâ—â—ken King of the Cumbrians For these Northern Saxons having obtaind their dominion not by absolute conquest but in many Provinces by Treaty they left the Princes there still invested with their former authority yet with dependance and deference to them VIII CHAP. 1.2 c. Saint Theodoric a Brittish Prince retires into solitude And comes out to fight with the Saxons In which fight he is mortally wounded 6.7 c. His Son Monric censured by a Synod at Landaff 1. THis Age afforded us more then one Example both of the vigour of Episcopall Authority and zeale exercised by a Holy Bishop Synodically and likewise of submission to the said Spirituall Authority by Princes otherwise of little devotion on the contrary staind with many vices and crimes But before we relate these particulars we will first declare who this Bishop and Princes were 2. The Bishops name was S. Oudoceus the Son of Anaumeda Sister to S. Theliau and Budic a Prince in Lesser Brittany S. Oudoceus from his infancy was addicted to piety He was assidileus in fasting watching and prayer for an everlasting reward In devotion he visited the Monument of S. Peter at Rome and at his return he went to the place of S. David and from thence he diverted to the Church of S. Theliau taking with him certain Relicks which during his Pilgrimages he had obtaind Afterward he succeded Saint Theliau the next Bishop of Landaff after Saint Dubricius and was an heyr not only of his dignity but of his vertue doctrin and miracles He is commemorated on the sixth day before the Nones of Iuly 4. Next as touching the Prince his name was Mouric Son of Theodoric Prince of Glamorganshire in the Province of the Silures who being weary of worldly vanities undertook a Monasticall Profession and served Almighty God in solitude having transferr'd his Pricipality on his son Mouric Into which his Son was no sooner entred but the Saxons broke into his countrey and began to wast it Whereupon the inhabitants had recourse to their former Prince Theodoric whom they even compelled to quitt his desart and to be their Generall in the war He full of Divine courage encountred the infidell Enemies whom he putt to flight at Tintern nere the River Vaga But having received a dangerous wound in the combat he returned homeward and perceiving that it would prove mortall he gave charge to his Son Mouric that in what place soever he should end his life he should there build a Church to God and a Sepulcher for himself After this proceeding in his journey he had not passed above five miles but at a place where the Rivers Vaga and Severn meet he gave up his Spirit 5. There did his Son Mouric erect a Church in which he layd his Fathers body whom posterity venerated as a Saint calling the place from his name Merthir-Tendric that is The place of the Martyr-Theodoric At this day it is more contractedly called Merthirn In the same place saith B. Godwin is seated the house and possessions of the Bishops of Landaff adding That Mouric first of his own accord gave to that Church a farm called Mochros lying on the banks of the River Vaga together with Portheassegg and the Church of Gurvid And afterward for expâ—â—â—ion of a murder committed by him on a person called Cynetu contrary to a league by oath contracted between them he added other possessions as Ringranauc Nantana and Kansulvim with other lands besides He had two Sons Arthruis and Frior and by Arthruis or Athruis he had a grandchild called Morcant 6. This is that Prince Mouric this the crime against which the Holy Bishop Oudoceus exercised his spirituall authority the order and manner we read expressly declared in the Acts of a Synod of Landaff lately rescued from darknes and worms by our diligent Antiquary Sir Henry Spelman the tenour whereof is as followeth The Synod of Landaff assembled by Oudoceus third Bishop of that Church about the year of Grace five hundred and sixty in which Mouric King of Glamorgan for his perfidious murdring of Cynetu was excommunicated c. 7. King Mouric and Cynetu mett together at Landaff and in the presence of Oudocâ—us Bishop swore before the Relicks of Saints lying before them that they would observe a firm peace between them Some space after this solemn Oath thus made King Mouric by treachery slew Cynetu Whereupon Bishop Oudoceus called together all Ecclesiasticks from the mouth of Taratyrin-Guy to Tyvi together with three Abbots Consen Abbot of the valley of Carban Cargen Abbot of Ildute and Sulgen Abbot of Docquinni and in a full Synod excoÌ„municated King Mouric for the murder by him committed and for perjury in transgressing the Covenant made in his presence and on the Altar of S. Peter the Apostle and of S. Dubricius and S. Theliau moreover inclining the Crosses toward the ground he interdicted the countrey of Mouric and so dismissed the King The Christian Communion also cursed the King with his progeny the whole Synod confirming it and saying Let his days be few his children
Orphans and his wife a Widow And the King with his whole Region remaind the space of two years more under the same Excommunication 8. After that the King seing the perdition of his own soule and damnation of his Kingdom could no longer sustain an Excommunication of such continuance but humbly beggd pardon at Landaff of Bishop Oudoceus Who thereupon in the presence of three Abbots imposed on him the yoke of Pennance proportionated to the quality and heynousnes of his crimes the King all the while humbly inclining his head shedding teares abundantly The Pennance was that he should three wayes make satisfaction to God and the Church of Landaff namely by Fasting Prayer and Almes 9. King Mouric accepted this Yoke of Pennance And for the redemption of his own soule and for the soule of Cynetu he gave to the Church of Landaff and into the hand of Oudoceus Bishop and all his Successours four villages with their entire liberty to be held free from all service for ever and with absolute enjoyment of Common through his countrey to the inhabitants abiding in the said lands in feilds woods pastures and Water The first is called Ringracnauc the second Nantavo the third a village beyond Kadava where Cynetu was slain the fourth a village beyond Nadava where the Kings Son committed adultery it reaches from the Fenn called Elleti to Nandava and it is called the village Gudberdh These four villages contain four and twenty Modij of Land 10. Witnesses hereto of Clergy men were Oudoceus Bishop Consen Abbot of the vale of Carban Carbam Abbot of Ildute Sulgen Abbot of Docuni And of Laicks were present King Mouric with his Son Frioc and Morrant the Son of Arthruis c. This is the form of the first Synod of Landaff in which the discreet Reader will observe severall passages which will give light to see both the Religion and Discipline of that age IX CHAP. 1.2 c Severall Welsh Synods and the occasions of them 6. S. Oudoceus his death 1. THE Complaint of Gildas touching the Princes living in his time was very just that Brittany had Kings but those Kings were bloody Tyrants often times swearing and as oft forswearing ready enough to make vows and promises but presently breaking those promises sanguinary proud parricids c. For besides the fore-cited Synod the same Bishop Oudoceus was obliged upon the very like causes to collect two more which are extant also in Sir H. Spelman Which to avoyd tediousnes shall not here be set down at length being both of them parallel to the former It will suffise therefore breifly and summarily to sett down the occasions of collecting thē the proceedings in them 2. The occasion of the former of them was this King Morcant and his Vnkle Frioc in the presence of S. Oudoceus Bishop and the three forenamed Abbots at the podium Church of S. Ildutus took their oaths at the Holy Altar on which were placed the Relicks of Saints that they would observe peace and amity together without any guile adding this convention That if either of them should kill or commit treachery against the other he should not redeem his crime by money or lands but should be obliged to quit his kingdom and spend his whole life in pilgrimage in forrain countreys A good while after which Covenant made King Morcant by the Devils instigation slew his Vncle. After which crime committed he came to the Holy Bishop Oudocéus to Landaff humbly desiring pardon of those his two crimes of Homicide and perjury The Bishop thereupon assembled a Synod at the Monastery of the Vale of Carban whereto came all the Clergy and forenam'd Abbots as likewise King Morcant attended with the principall persons of Morcannuc or Glamorganshire 3. The Synod being assembled and consulting on this affaire gave their judgment that to avoyd the depriving the land of the protection of its naturall Lord the King should be permitted to redeem a pilgrimage by fasting prayers and Almes Which Pennance the King laying his hand on the four Gospells and the Relicks of Saints undertook to perform promising moreover that for ever after he would in all things mercifully execute justice Which Pennance being finish'd accordingly and Christian Communion restor'd to him he proclam'd the Churches of Catoc Ildut and Docunni free from all Regall service discharging likewise the Church of S. Ildutus of a bagg of Honey and an iron-caldron which formerly were to be presented to the King 4. The Third Synod which for affinity of the matter shall be adjoyn'd here though it was celebrated probably many yerrs after was assembled on this occasion A certain Brittish Prince named Guidnerth in a contention for the Principality slew his Brothe Merchien For which he was excommunicated by S. Oudoceus in a full Synod in testimony of which Excommunication the Crosses were taken down and layd on the ground and the Cimbals were turned Thus he remain'd excluded from Christian Communion the space of three years At the end of which demanding pardon he was sent into Lesser Brittany to S. Sampson Arch-bishop of Dole from him to receive iudgment and suitable pennance This was done partly because of the great amity between those Bishops but cheifly because the same language being spoken in both countreyes he could more freely discover his fault and require indulgence from the said Arch-bishop This voyage was undertaken by Guidnerth who having obtain'd absolution he return'd with Letters sealed by S. Sampson before the year was ended But because he had not according to the injunction given him remain'd a whole year in Exile the Bishop would not take off his Excommunication Presently after S. Oudoceus dyed to whom Berthgiun succeeded in the Bishoprick of Landaff To him King Morcant and Guednerth made an earnest request to take off the Excommunication from Guednerth and to raise again from the earth the Crosses and Cimbals with the Holy Relicks Whereupon after a promise made by him to make satisfaction for his crime by fasting prayers and alms he was at last with great devotion and many tears shed by him absolv'd by the Bishop After which the said Guednerth to testify his gratitude gave to the Church of Landaff these Lands Lann Catgual and Tye with all the woods Sea-coasts and liberties c. Witnesses whereof were these Clarks c. 5. B. Godwin affirms that this third Synod was celebrated not by S. Oudoceus but by a Bishop of Landaff call'd Grecielus the seaventh from S. Oudocéus to whom Berthguin succeeded and that the fratricide Guidnerth to shew his gratitude gave to the foresaid Bishop and his Successors of his free liberality Lancadwallader now call'd Bishton or Bishopston which saith he is the only Mannour now left to that See 6. As touching S. Oudocéus the Authour of his life in Capgrave relates that he quitted his Pastorall Cure and built a Monastery nere the River Weye Vaga where assembling a great multitude of Brethren he spent
years When he was arrived at the fourteenth year of his age he in his affection preferd a Monastical life before a secular Which having discovered to his Father for his Mother was then dead he willingly approved his vertuous and heavenly desires advising him to pursue his good beginnings 3. He went therefore to the Isle of Lindesfarn where he committed himself to the direction and government of the Monks and was carefull to learn and practise such duties of Chastity and piety as belonged to that Profession And being of a sharp witt he quickly learnt the Psalms and other Books before he had yet received the Tonsure but in the vertues of Humility and Obedience he excelled those who had long before received it For which he was deservedly loved and reverenced both by his equals and seniours 4. It seems that whilst he lived in that Monastery he had not engaged himself in a Monasticall Profession for it follows in the same Authour Having spent some years in the said Monastery in Gods service he being of a peircing iudgment observed is young as he was that the way of vertue and piety taught by the Scots was not perfect therefore he resolved in his mind to undertake a iourney to Rome there to see what Ecclesiastical and Monasticall Rites were observed at the See Apostolick This his intention he having discovered to his Brethren they commended his purpose perswading him effectually to accomplish it 5. Thereupon without delay he went to Queen Eanfleda the Wife of King Oswâ— and daughter of Edwin by Ethelburga Sister of Eadbald King of Kent to whom he was well known for by her counsel and assistance he had been recommended to the foresaid Monastery To her therefore he made known his desire to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostles She was much pleased with the good purpose of the young man and sent him to her Kinsman Earcombert King of Kent desiring him to assist him honourably in his iourney to Rome At that time the Arch-bishop there was Honorius one of the Disciples of Blessed Pope Gregory a man profoundly skillfull in Ecclesiasticall affairs 6. During the short time of his abode in Kent where he began studiously to inform himself in the things he cheifly desird there arrived another young man calld Bishop whose Sirname was Benedict born of Noble English parents who also had a desire to goe to Rome To his company therefore the King associated Wilfrid commanding him to take him along with him When they were come to Lyons Wilfrid was there detaind by Dalfâ—n Bishop of that Citty so that Benedict dispatched the rest of the iourney alone For that pious Prelat was much delighted with Wilfrids prudence in speech comelines of countenance alacrity in behaviour and maturity of iudgment insomuch as he supplyed both him and his companions as long as they stayd with him with all things plentifully and moreover offred him if he pleased to accept it a good part of the countrey to be governed by him and his Neice a virgin to be his wife so that he would account of him as his adopted son But he rendring him most humble thanks for the extraordinary goodnes shewed to him being a stranger told him that he had resolved upon a quite different state of life and that for that reason having left his countrey he had undertaken a iourney to Rome The Bishop having heard this dismissed him to his iourney furnishing him with a guide and all things necessary thereto but withall earnestly desired him in his return to his countrey to visit him once more 7. Being arrived at Rome he with wonderfull diligence applied himself to his Devotions and to the study of Ecclesiasticall matters as he had purposed and had the happines to attain to the freindship of a very holy man called Bonifacius who was Arch-deacon and one of the Popes Counsellors By his direction he learnt the four Gospells by heart likewise the true Method of the Paschall Computation and many other things pertaining to Ecclesiasticall Discipline which in his own countrey none could have taught him 8. After he had spent some monthes happily in these studies he returned back to the Bishop Dalfin in France with whom he remaind three years receiving the Ecclesiasticall Tâ—nsure of him and was so tenderly loved by him that he had a design to make him his heyr But this design was interrupted by the cruell death of the good Bishop and Wilfrid reserved to a Bishoprick at home For the Queen Brunichildâ— sending soldiers coÌ„manded the Bishop to be slain whom Wilfrid his clark attended to the place where he was beheaded desiring to dye with him though the Bishop earnestly desired him to leave him But the Executioners knowing him to be a stranger born in Brittany spared him and would not kill him with his Bishop XIX CHAP. 1. Saint Bathildis excused from the murder of Dalfin Bishop of Lyons 2. Ebroin Maire of the Palace guilty of it 3. Saint Bathildis her Piety she founded two Monasteries and retired into one 4. c. She came out of Brittany of a Saxon race 1. THVS writes S Beda But whereas in most of the printed Copies the death of this holy Bishop is imputed to Queen Brunichilda it is certain that cannot consist with Chronology for though she was infamous for the murders of severall Princes and Bishops as Desiderius Bishop of Vienna c. yet about forty years before this time she had received her condign punishment for her cruelties Therefore in the ancient Manuscripts and one ancient printed Copy we more correctly read in stead of Brunichildis Baldhildiâ— or Bathildis who was indeed at this time Queen of France But withall a Queen of such admirable piety and Sanctity that it is a wonder how S. Beda and severall of our Historians following him could be so misinformed as to brand her memory with a crime of so high a nature who in the story of her life is said to have been obedient to her Husband King Clodoveus the second as her Lord to have behaved her self to the Princes as a Mother and to Bishops as a daughter 2. To rectify this mistake therefore we are to observe from Sigebert and the French History that in this age the Kings of France had suffred their whole Regall Power to remain in the hands of their cheif Officer called Maâ—r of the Palace so that the Kings lived idlely and voluptuously within dores only on the first of May they came abroad in ceremony to salute and be saâ—uted to receive and bestow Gifts c. only enjoying the Name of Kings Now at this time the Mair of the Palace was Ebroinus a man of horrible cruelty and injustice and who was indeed Authour of this sacrilegious murther though in appearance done by the Royal authority in whose name the command issued The King of France at present was Lothaire a child and therefore no wonder if Bathildis the Queen his Mother who either knew not or