but one miracle truly related or but one vision truly divine the doctrines would remaine unquestionable 28. Yea I may adde further In case that upon an impossible supposition all such stories could be demonstrated to have been false they would notwithstanding proove such doctrines to be true For such a world of Miracles having been pretended call it so by severall persons in all ages to have been frequently and publickly perform'd and beleived without any censure of them upon the ground of inconsistence with the received faith of the Church it must necessarly follow that the Church held such Doctrines as points of her common beleif what ever becomes of the stories or Miracles themselves 29. For my part therfore I cannot conceive any possible way left for any of our present Sectaries to invalidate the generall result of this History unlesse each Sect dissenting from all the rest as well as from Catholick faith could luckily find out some old bookes or records of more authority then these out of which to frame for each of them a Church History to shew that not the Roman Catholick but their peculiar tenents have been the beleef of Gods Church from the beginning confirmed in Councils attested by Miracles Martyrdoms c. And indeed it would be a pleasant entertainment to read a Presbyterian Church History compiled by such a flowing penne as M. Prinnes with large Margins full charged yet hundreds of quotations and according to his custome not one of them pertinent ages confidently pretending to prove by Presbyterian Councils Fathers Miracles c. that the Church of God ha's been alwayes governed by Lay-Elders and ha's reiected Episcopacy as anti-Anti-christian Or an Independent Church Historie in like manner demonstrating that there was anciently no subordination of Congregations either to Bishops or to Classes of Presbyters c. 30. Now such an impossible taske as this they are in reason obliged to undertake if they will hope to make any iudicious considering person who has no design upon Church-lands to beleive against the pretention of this Historie that besides the Roman Church our Lord had alwayes from the begining another Glorious Church of a quite contrarie beleif sett aloft upon a hill to which all nations flowed For it is not here as in Doctrinall controversies in which after that Catholicks have heaped together a world of texts out of the Fathers to iustifie their beleif their adversaries will think to escape either by devising forced interpretations of those Texts or by opposing a few obscure passages out of the same Fathers which they hope some will imagine not unfavourable to them Whereas heere in Narrations concerning matters of fact and externall practises a thousand times renewed and never censured the wits and inventions of our Sectaries must needs be miserably at a losse they having no matter upon which to exercise their subtilty in framing disadvantageous sences and being utterly unprovided of Authours or Records to tell storyes favourable to their pretentions 31. Indeed what will be the fate of Church Histories written by Vncatholick Authours we have seen in the voluminous work of four not unlearned Primitive Lutherans called the Centuriators of Magdeburg who conspired together with infinite labours to frame an Historicall Collection of the Doctrines professed and Rites practised in each age out of all ancient Fathers Councils and Ecclesiasticall Writers For the bulk of it it is not an unusefull work for there we read disposed in common places the substance of what the father 's taught in every Century of yeares touching the propagation of the Church not the Lutherans Church I assure you notwithstanding its persecutions the manner of its Government Rites Synodes Principall Doctours as likewise the Heresies opposing and contaminating it c. In all which there is found little pertinent to their quarrells with the Catholick Church therefore in each Century there is moreover assigned a peculiar Chapter for that purpose the title whereof is this A DECLINING OF DOCTRINE containing the peculiar and incommodious opinions the stubble and Errours of Doctours in each age which errors have been openly delivered by them in their writings Now what incommodious opinions and errours were these it is very commodious that we should briefly declare 32. In the very first Century and in the writings of the Apostles themselves these Germans find opinions very incommodious to them For not to insist upon many disgracefull phrases applied by them to S. Peter imputing unto him great imbecillities ignorances Errours c. Touching S. Paul they say It was certainly no small sliding in him that he yeilded to S. Iames to be purified in the Temple for therin he shewed that he had not a right understanding or made not a Iust account of the abrogations of Moses his law And againe treating of the Epistle of S. Iames they feare not to write thus The Epistle of Iames does not in a small measure swerve from the Analogie of Apostolick Doctrine whilst it ascribes Iustification not to faith alone as our master Luther teaches us but to works Moreover it stiles the law a law of libertie whereas it is a testament which generates to servitude Neither doth the author of that Epistle observe an Apostolicall manner in teaching c. Let us not wonder at the choller of these men against this holy Apostle for it cannot be deny'd but his opinions are very incommodious to them and to their new fanaticall Doctrine of Iustification 33. In the second Centurie we have but few monuments left of those Apostolick Fathers onely a few Epistles and short treatises of those Glorious Martyrs S. Ignatius S. Irenaeus and S. Iustin yet not any of these in the Centuriatours iudgment have wanted their Errours that is incommodious opinions condemning both the teaching and life of their Patriarck Luther In the Epistles of S. Ignatius say they there are certaine passages which seem to decline to foule blemishes For he speakes incommâ—diously touching Virginitie Yea moreover out of his Epistles it appeares that generally in that age Christians began some what more earnestly to love and esteeme the care of preserving Virginitie These are foule blemishes indeed but yet these are not all For besides these there are other passages which are dangerous and as it were seeds of Errours for he talks of a Christian sacrifice as if he were a very Papist Next touching S. Ireneus we may perceive by his writings say they that he had severall incommodious opinions and those of no small moment for he admitts Free-will even in spirituall things Likewise that passage savours of Novelty which we find in the published Copies where speaking of the Roman Church he sayes To this Church by reason of its more potent principality it is necessarie that every other Church that is all beleivers who soever they are should have recourse in asmuch as the tradition which came from the Apostle has been entirely preserved in it Lastly touching S. Iustin the Martyr
Rudborn in the greater Chronicle of the Church of Winchester further shews the speciall affection that King Lucius bore to that Church and the Immunities which he bestowd on it The glorious and most Christian King Lucius saith he perceiving how by the two holy men Fugatius and Duvianus his Kingdom did wonderfully increase in the Worship of God taught by true Faith and being therfore replenishd with great ioy he converted to a better use the possessions and territories formerly possess'd by the Temples of the Flamens transferring them to the Churches of the Faithfull and he not only added more and larger Mannors and lands but advanced them likewise with all sorts of Priviledges And particularly touching the Church of Winchester which in his affection he in a speciall manner preferd before others he raisd it from the very foundations And before he had perfected the whole work he built a little habitation an Oratory Dormitory and Refectory for the Monks design'd by him to dwell there Having finishd the entire building in the fifth year after his Conversion the foresayd Prelats and Monks Fugatius and Duvianus dedicated it to the honour of our holy Saviour on the fourth of the Calends of November in the year of Grace one hundred Sixty nine and filld it with Monks who devoutly served our Lord there constituting the Abbot of the place a certain Monk called Denâ—tus The same excellent Prince likewise resolved to conferr on the Bishop and Monks of that Church of Winchester all the possessions and farms which anciently belonged to the Flamens of the same Citty together with all their Priviledges and Immunities 5. What those Priviledges were the same Authour a little after thus declares saying The foresaid most Christian King Lucius bestow'd on the said Church newly founded by him the Suburbs of the Citty of Winchester together with the Priviledge of Dunwallo Molmutius Which Dunwallo as Moratius Gildas and Geffrey of Monmouth also testify was the sixteenth King of the Brittains And being extremely zealous in his Heathenish Superstition he enacted Lawes famous till the dayes of King William the Conquerour under the Title of Molmutian Lawes by which he ordained That the Citties and Temples of their Idoll-Gods as likewise the high wayes leading to them together with the Farms of their Tenants and husbandmen should enioy the immunity of Sanctuary Insomuch as if any Malefactour should seek refuge there he might safely depart though his adversary were present Now by means of such endowments and Priviledges the Church of Winchester enioyd its possessions in all tranquillity dayly singing the praises of God the space of one hundred and two years to wit from the first year of the most Christian King Lucius his Conversion to the second year of the Tyrant Diocletian Thus writeth this Authour though he faile somewhat in his Chronology Which defect is rectified by the ancient Authour of the Book of Antiquities of the Church of Winchester who numbers exactly one hundred years from King Lucius his Conversion to the first year of Diocletian during which time the said Monks quietly served God in their Monastery 6. If any one have the curiosity to enquire what the Rule and Institut of these ancient Monks were the foresaid Thomas Rudburn will satisfy him presently adding That S. Faganus and Duvianus filld that Church with Monks devoutly serving and praising God and profess'd according to the Rule delivered by S. Mark the Evangelist 7. Now the order and manner of the Rule prescribed by S. Mark is thus declared by Cassianus an ancient Writer of the Church In the beginning of the Christian Faith saith he a very few and those of approved sanctity were dignified with the Title of Monks Which men as they receiv'd their Rule of living from S. Mark the Euangelist first Bishop of Alexandria of blessed Memory they did not content themselves with retaining the order of living practis'd by the Primitive Christians concerning which wee read in the Acts of the Apostles That all the multitude of beleivers were of one soule Neither did any one esteem that which he possessed to be his own but they had all things common For those who were possessors of lands or houses sold them and brought the price laying it at the Apostles feet Which was divided to every one according to their need But besids this the ancient Monks aspired to other practises more sublime For retiring themselves into the most secret places of the suburbs there they lead a life so austere and with such rigorous abstinence that even those who were strangers to Christian Religion were astonish'd at it For with so wonderfull fervour they attended day and night to the reading of holy Scripture prayer and labouring with their hands that neither the appetite nor so much as thought of meat did interrupt their abstinence except every second or third day and then they received food not to satisfie their desire but meer necessity And neither did they this till after Sun-set so dividing their time as to make the Light accompany the exercise of their spirituall Meditations and darknes the care of their Bodies These and besides these many other more perfect and sublime were the practises of the Ancient Monks Thus Cassianus 8. Such were the Monks who first possess'd the Church of Winchester and in such holy exercises they continued till the Tempest of the persecution raised by the Tyrant Diocletian dissipated them After which in a short time they were restored and the Church consecrated by Constantius Bishop of Winchester in the year of Grace three hundred and nine taking its new name from S. Amphibalus who together with Saint Alban was crow'nd with Martyrdom at which time the Abbot was named Deodatus Hence it is that Gildas the most ancient of all our Historians mentions it under that Title where he relates how the sons of Mordred to avoyd the cruelty of Constantin fled thither But in vain For the Tyrant not regarding the Sanctity and Priviledge of the place took the sons of Mordred and murdred one of them before the Altar of the Church of S. Amphibalus at Winchester whither he had fled for Sanctuary 9. The same Church afterward suffred another Ecclipse when the barbarous Infidell-Saxons profan'd and layd wast all the sacred places of this Island But not long after the same Saxons having by Gods mercy embraced that Faith which they formerly persecuted repaired with advantage all the ruins they had made And particularly this Church and Monastery of Winchester called afterwards de Hida was restored with far greater splendour and magnificence then ever before And thus it with the rest continued for many Ages fortified with the Charters of Kings encreased by the Devotion of the people secured by the Bulls of Popes and the Curses of Prelats against all tyrannous usurpations till by the schism avarice lust and fury of King Henry the eighth more fatall to the Church then the savage cruelty of heathenish
ruine Those who escaped the slaughter he gave for captives to the Brittains who affectionatly ioynd with him But afterwards he thought it more secure to remove those barbarous strangers into Gaule where he dispers'd them into severall Provinces as Amiens Beauvais Troyes and Langres 7. After this Victory it is incredible with what universall ioy Constantius was receiv'd by the Brittains who for the space of almost nine years had been oppress'd by Tyrants suffring all manner of indignities in the violation of their wives and daughters the slavery of their sons and losse of all their subsistence and at last by this Victory were restored to the Roman Government now most acceptable to them under Constantius not only a Prince of great moderation and Clemency but allied to them by his mariage with Helena and affording them a Prince of their own blood 8. Which young Prince Constantin at this time accompanied Diocletian into Egypt where he gave egregious proofs of his excellent disposition For thus writes Paulus Diaconus of him There was with Diocletian in Egypt Constantin the Son of Constantius who being then a very young man shewd illustrious marks of his courage in battells and in his heart also favoured the Christians Whose progresse in all endowments of mind and body Diocletian with envy observed and foreseeing that he would prove the ruine of his Tyranny and a destroyer of his Pagan Errours he had a design by subtilty to take away his life But Almighty God beyond all expectation saved him from the others cruelty and restored him to his Father The Tyrant no doubt knew that he had been from his infancy nourish'd with Christian milk and could not but observe that he lookd on his cruelties against poore Christians with unwilling eyes therfore he detain'd him under strict guards intending probably greater mischief to him 9. It is not here to be omitted that this young Constantin at this time took to wife Minervina of whom he begott his eldest Son Crispus who was twelve years old when his Father married his second wife Fausta Zosimus according to his costum slanderously calls Minervina Constantius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 strumpet or concubine whereas both Eusebius and the Authour of the Panegyrick pronounc'd at his second mariage highly commend him for his chastity in that saith he imitating the continence of his Father he would not admitt into his unstained breast any wandring lusts nor so much as those pleasures which custom allows to youth but was a new miracle a young man uxorious Which encomium could not without extreme and most ridiculous impudence have been spoken at such a time in such an assembly if either Helena had been his Fathers Concubine or Minervina his own XXIV CHAP. 1.2 Persecution ceases in Brittany by Constantius his clemency contrary to the the assertion of Lesley and Hector Boethius 3. S. Nicholas a Brittish Bishop and Martyr 4. No Scots yet in Brittany 1. WHat a happy change the oppress'd Christians in Brittany found in their condition after this Victory of Constantius over the Tyrant Allectus is further declared from the testimony of our ancient Brittish Historian Gildas who says that nine years of persecution being ended they began to repair Churches demolish'd and to build new ones to the honour of Martyrs that they publickly celebrated divine Mysteries and solemne Festivities c. The which is confirmed by Eusebius who says That wheras there were fower persons ioynd in the government of the Roman world Constantius only having entred as it were into a covenant of freindship with God the supreme Governour was utterly averse from the practises of the other three For wheras they wasted the Churches of God and defil'd their Provinces with the blood of innocent Christians shed with utmost cruelty Constantius on the contrary was Authour of most perfect tranquillity to his subjects like an indulgent father allowing them a free pover of exercising the duties of the true Christian Religion without any molestation 2. Which Testimonies so ancient and authentick doe manifestly disprove the assertion of Lesley the Scottish Historian and Hector Boethius who uniustly impute cruelty against Christians to Constantius For thus Hector writes concerning him The fame of Constantius though otherwise a worthy Prince was much tainted with posterity because he imitating Diocletian endeavoured the ruine of Christian Religion Vpon which occasion great numbers of pious Brittish Christians flying the rage of persecutours came to the Scots and Picts The King Crathlintus receiv'd them with great kindnes permitting them to reside in the Isle of Man where having overthrown the Temples of Pagans and exterminated the profane Rites of the Druids which till this time had continued there he built for the reâ—ug'd Christians at his own cost a Church called by the name of our Saviour c. 3. The Scottish Writers likewise about this time to wit in the year of Grace two hundred ninety sixe doe place the Martyrdom of a famous Brittish Bishop call'd S. Nicholas and for his piety stil'd Culdeus or a worshipper of God Of whom Dempster thus writes S. Nicholas Culdeus one of the first Bishops of the Scottish Church during the rage of persecution rais'd by Maximianus in Brittany was crown'd with Martyrdom The holy Relicks of his Body cutt in peices were put into an Vrn of Stone and together with a venerable Crosse were buried in the earth Afterwards being digg'd up they were found with this Inscription Of S. Nicolas Bishop To whose honour in succeeding time King Alexander the third at the request of the Bishop of Glasco built a sumptuous Church at Pebles which whilst Catholick Religion flourished among us became illustrious for the grace of Miracles and was frequeÌ„ted with great concourse of devout Christians He suffred Martyrdom in the year two hundred ninety six and his Sacred body was found known by the inscription and together with the Crosse exalted on the seaventh of the Ides of May in the year of our Lord one thousand two hundred sixty two 4. These three Writers doe confidently mention the Scotts as inhabitants of those Nothern Provinces Where as not any ancient Authours doe as yet take Notice of their name Indeed Eumenius the forecited Panegyrist says that the Brittains in those times were molested with two people their Enemies the Picts and the Irish and he is the first Writer who calls the Caledonian Brittains by the name of Picts because their arms and leggs which were naked were usually painted with the figures of beasts by which may be collected that that Name was given them about the time of Constantius And as for the Irish who also were termed Scots though probably at this time many of them came over to assist the Picts or Caledonian Brittains yet that they took possession of any part of the Countrey or however that the Name of Scotts was given thus early to the whole countrey cannot out of any approved Authours be
to him Hereto may be added an argument invincible in that he built a Church dedicated to the honour of the holy Crosse Yea and Prudensius in another place says Vexillumque Crucis summus Dominator adorat that is The Supreme Governour of the Empire adores the Ensign of the Crosse. 9. This honour was not onely acknowledged by Constantin himself to be due to this Sign of our Salvation but he signified his will that all the world should doe the same This he did by raising his Statue in Rome holding the Crosse in the right hand with this inscription By this saving sign the true Emblem of fortitude I deliver'd your Citty from the Yoke of Tyranny And having given perfect liberty to the Senat and people of Rome I restored them to their ancient greatnes and splendour 10. All these things are farther confirm'd by another Inscription which according to a Decree of the Roman Senat was engraven in stone To the Emperour Flavius Constantinus the great the Senat and people of Rome For that by instinct of the Divinity and his own magnanimous courage he at once with his army avenged the commonwealth of the Tyrant and his whole faction therfore we have dedicated to him this triumphall Arch. In which Inscription the Victory is ascribed contrary to the Roman custome to one true God and not to those many Gods adored there XII CHAP. 1.2 3. Constantin procures from Licinius and Maximinus a cessation of persecution 4. Three of his Mothers Vncles chosen Senatours 1. AFter this so signall a Victory Constantin to confirm peace in the Empire sent for Licinius the Emperour to Milan where he gave him to wife his Sister Constantia and obtain'd of him to subscribe to an Edict in which free liberty was given to all to make profession of Christian Religion and moreover all Churches belonging to them which had been seised on were restor'd The form of which Edict is recorded by Eusebius By which is manifest that even in the times of persecuting Emperours the Christian Churches enjoy'd lands and possessions So that what hath been formerly written touching the endowing our Brittish Churches by King Lucius c. may more iustly challenge beleife 2 And to make this grace universall he persuaded the same Licinius to ioyn with him in a letter to Maximinus Emperour of the Eastern Provinces to grant the same freedom to Christians within his dominions To which request Maximinus though with great unwillingnes and repugnancy yeilded The absence of Diocletian who though invited refused to meet Constantin at Milan was a great cause that these Priviledges were more easily granted to Christians 3. It is affirmed by Mathew of Westminster who stiles himself Florilegus that at this time Constantin chose into the Senate among other strangers the three Vncles of his Mother Helena Traherius or Traërnus Marius and Leolinus And this perhaps might give occasion to Iulian the Apostat as Marcellinus writeth to endeavour to blacken the memory of Constantin as an innovatour and perverter of the ancient Roman Lâ—wes for he expressly accuses him for being the first Emperour who adorned barbarous strangers with Senatoriall and Consular robes VIII CHAP. 1. Benediction of Bread not unleavened instituted by Pope Silvester 2. Troubles in Brittany by Octavius 3 4. A new frame of Government in the Empire 6. A Synod assembled at Arles 1. IN the beginning of the year of Grace three hundred and fourteen the Holy Pope Silvester succeeded Melchiades concerning whom the ancient Book of Roman Bishops records that he ordain'd that of the oblations offred by the people in the Church the Bishop or Preist should blesse or consecrate loaves of bread cutt into small particles and kep'd in a pure and convenient vessel to the end that after the solemnity of Masse such as had not communicated should partake of them on all Sundays and Festes These morsells of bread thus blessed were called Eulogiae and were intended to be Symbols of Vnity in Faith and Charity among Christians Which holy custome continues to this day in the Church notwithstanding some have sâ—erved and degenerated from the first institution by giving this Benediction on unleavened bread wheras in the Constitution of S. Melchiades it is expressly call'd Formentum or common bread 2. This year whilst Constantin made an expedition into France where he fought prosperously against the Germans there was rais'd a sedition in the western parts of Brittany where a certain King of the Gevissi call'd Octavius made an insurrection against the Pro-Consul entrusted by Constantin with the Government of the countrey who having advice therof sent Traherius or Traâ—rnus his Mothers Vncle with three Legions who landing at Kaâ—rperis or Portcestria now called Portsmouth took the town within two days Which Octavius hearing came against him with strong forces and in a battell putt Traërnus to flight who retiring into Albania began to wast the Provinces After which a second battell was fought in Westmerland where Octavius was utterly vanquish'd and deprived of his crown being forced to fly into Norway to begg aid of King Humbert or Gunbert as some call him This relation is given by Florilegas with whom Simeon of Durham and others agree 3. That which probably gave an occasion to these troubles in Brittany was the change in the Government therof now introduced by Constantin who is accused by Zosimus for disordring the former well constituted frame of the Empire though it cannot be denyed that in the alterations made by him he imitated the ordonnances of the Emperour Hadrian 4. In this manner rhen was the Empire now administred He divided it into four Prefectures governed by so many Praetorian Praefects The first was call'd the Prefect of the East to whom was subject all Eastern Provinces as far as Mesopotamia the Cilicians Cappadocians Armenians with many other Provinces in those countreys and likewise Egypt together with Pentapolis of Lybia The second was the Pretorian Prefect of Illiricum who governed that countrey and with it Macedonia Thessalia Epirus all Greece with the Island of Creta and other Islands adiacent The third was the Prefect of Italy to whose iurisdiction was subject Sicily with all the Islands neer and likewise Africa The fourth was the Prefect of Gaule and all other Transalpin Provinces as Spain Germany Brittany c. 5. By which new frame of Government Brittany being no longer administred immediatly by the Emperours Lievtenant but by a Vicar of the Prefect of Gaule by which means it was esteemed as an accessory Province of Gaule no wonder if this new yoke of servitude was displeasing to the Brittains who upon that occasion might easily be moved to sedition by their Prince Octavius or any other ambitious and discontented persons the ill successe wherof we have before declared 6 Concerning which the relation of Scottish writers scarce deserve to be taken into examination Who tell us that Octavius being vanquish'd by Traërnus
condemnation of Donatus Bishop of Casaenigrae by the Sentence of all the Iudges for by his own Confession he had rebaptised some who ioynd in Communion with him and impos'd his hands on Bishops who in persecution had renounced the Faith On the other side Caecilianus was pronounced innocent because the witnesses brought to accuse him protested that they could say no crime at all to his charge 11. But notwithstanding this Iudgment the Donatists without any consideration of justice or truth most impudently appeald from these Iudges to the Emperour himself who upon the first hearing mention of such an Appeale cryed out O the rabide impudence of these mens fury They have presumed to interpose an Appeale as the custom is among Heathens in secular causes Yet after all this the Donatists were so shameles as to boast that Constantin had adjuged the cause to Donatus and condemn'd Caecilianus And moreover to extenuate the iudgmeÌ„t of Pope Melchiades against them they endeavour'd to defame his memory by imputing to him that he had been a Traditor 12. The Donatists still continuing their tumults in Africa and directing their malice principally against Felix Bishop of Aptungis the Ordainer of Caecilianus whom they accused to have been a Traditor Constantin gave commission to Aelianus Proconsul of Africa to determin that cause who in the examination detecting many lyes and frauds of the Donatists pronounced in a legall manner the innocence of Felix But once more they appealed from his iudgment to the Emperour to whose Court likewise many of their Bishops repaired protesting that many of their allegations of greatest weight had not been taken into coÌ„sideration in the former iudgments Whereupon Constantin not daring as S. Augustin saith to become a Iudge of the iudgment given by Bishops at Rome refer'd the matter to a Synod of all the Western Bishops appointed to meet in the Citty of Arles because his abode was then in Gaule And for that purpose he directed his letters to the Metropolitans to send their Bishops and to the Proconsull of Africa Ablavius and other Magistrats to defray the charges of such Bishops of both parties as took their iourneys to the Councill Examples of which letters are still extant in Eusebius c. X. CHAP. 1.2 Councill of Arles condemns the Donatists 3 4.5 Severall Canons there of 6. The names of Brittish Bishops in it 1. IN the Councill of Arles there metâ— above two hundred Bishops from all parts of the Western Provinces as far as Brittany who in the first place examining again the cause of Felix Bishop of Aptungis the Ordainer of Caecilianus declared him innocent of the crime of Tradition impos'd on him by the Donatists so confirming the iudgment formerly given in Africa 2. This cause being concluded it seem'd good to the Fathers to frame certain Canons touching Ecclesiasticall Discipline to be uniformly observed through the whole Church And first they ordained that the solemn Feast of Easter should be celebrated the same day through all Churches This they did in opposition to the Quartadecimani who observed it according to the Iewish custom on the fourteenth day of the first Moon in March which practise began now more and more to prevayl in the East To this Canon the Brittish Bishops in this Councill subscribed so that the controversy afterward arising about its observation in Brittany was not whether the Eastern practise should be kept here but only whether in case the fourteenth day of the first Moon should fall on a Sunday Easter should then be observed or no The Scottish Prelats affirming and the others denying 3. Another Canon of this Councill which is the thirteenth deserves our particular consideration in which it is ordain'd that all those should be removed from the Order of the Clergy who in time of persecution had delivered up to Pagans the holy Scriptures or Vasa Dominica our Lords Vessells which Vessells that they were deputed for the Christian Sacrifice appears in the twentieth Canon which commands that a place to offer Sacrifice should be afforded to a stranger Bishop Restitutus therfore our then Brittish Bishop subscribing to this Councill did offer Sacrifice and could not be denyed that priviledge in a strange countrey which now would be refused him in his own with death if he perform'd it 4. Some Protestants doe much boast of a pretended Canon in this Councill prescribing that if Deacons at their Ordination shall protest their resolution to marry it might be lawfull for them to doe so and yet remain in the Ministery But Sir Henry Spelman ingenuously observes that in ancient Copies he could not find this Canon among the rest And however if such a Priviledge had then been allowed to Deacons since Preists are not mention'd it argues that they were forbidden mariage 5. At the conclusion of the Synod Marinus Bishop of Arles in the name of the whole Assembly wrote a letter yet extant to Pope Silvester wherto he annexed a Copy of the Canons ordain'd there desiring that by his care and diligence the said Decrees should be observed in all Churches Here wee find likewise among the rest our Brittish Bishop Restitutus professing the Vnity of our Holy Mother the Catholik Church with the most Religion Pope Silvester whom with due reverence they all salute They iudge likewise all those who reiect Tradition to be persons of an unbrideled mind burdensom and perniciâ—us to our Christian Law Lastly they professe their acknowledgment that the Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul nâ—t only sate Bishops at Rome but likewise doe without intermission still glorify God by their blood shed there Such Professions as these made by our Primitive Brittish Bishops doe much vary from the modern stile Let the Readers conscience iudge to whether party it is most safe to adioyn himselfe 6. It is observed by persons learned in Ecclesiasticall Antiquities that through the negligence or mistake of Transcribers the Names of the Bishops present and subscribing to this Council are wrongfully transfer'd to the End of the Second Synod assembled some years after at the same Citty of Arles Among whom those Bishops which came from Brittany and for whose sake it was our obligation to insist on this Synod were according to the most corrected Copies these which follow and according to this Order The first among the Brittish Subscribers was Eborius Bishop of the Citty of York in the Province of Brittany The Second was Restitutus Bishop of the Citty of London in the same Province Concerning whom the Protestant Centurists of Magdeburg give this testimony that he was a man considering the age wherin he liv'd many wayes learned and most modest in his conversation who among other things wrote one Book to his own Countreymen touching this Council of Arles and severall Epistles to Hilary Bishop of Poiâ—tiers He was famous in the year of Grace three hundred and fifty The third Brittish Bishop was Adelfius stiled Bishop of the Citty call'd The Colony of the
Columba into Brittany Ceaulin and Cutha mov'd a Civill war against Ethelbert But Malmsbury and Huntingdon acknowledge Ethelbert King of Kent to have been the aggressour For it seems being vex'd to see the Dominions and power of Ceaulin King of the West-Saxons so much encreas'd for besides his own Territoryes immediatly subiect to him the other Saxon Princes in the East and South acknowledged a dependance so that Ceaulin assum'd the Title of Monark Hereupon Ethelbert a valiant Young Prince being mindfull of the glory of his Ancestours who first had establish'd a Kingdom in Brittany and had always enjoyd a preeminence above other Princes resolved to enlarge the bounds of his Empire and not to content himself with the only Province of Kent 2. In pursuance of which design he rais'd an Army and with it march'd out of his own confines into the Province of the Regni or Surrey where passing unwarily over a little River calld Vandalis he was rudely repuls'd by Ceaulin and again endeavouring to march forward the Armies mett at a Village calld Wibbandun now Wimbledon where he was with a great slaughter of his army compelld to fly back into Kent having lost in the combat his two Cheif Captains Oslaf and Knebban Near the place where the battell was fought remains still a Monument of it to wit a rampire rais'd in a round form as encompassing a Camp which is at this day calld Knebensbury or the Burg of Kneben 3. Ethelbert after this losse sought to strengthen himself by forrain aid for which purpose he treated a freindship and confederacy with the neigbouring powerfull Kingdom of the Franks to make which confederacy more lasting he desired to joyn it more strictly by mariage which accordingly was effected 4. Hitherto when we had occasion to mention that Kingdom we calld it Gaule which was its ancient Primitive name But afterward a Nation out of Germany calld Franks invading it and under King Pharamond possessing the greatest part of it changed the name of it from Gaule into France and so hereafter we shall call it The Successours of Pharamond for severall generations were Pagans till by the Apostolick zeale of Saint Remigius Bishop of Rhemes in the year of Grace four hundred ninety nine King Clodovéus was converted to the Christian Faith and with him the greatest part of his kingdom Which Faith ever after continued and encreased there 5. At this time that Kingdom was divided into four parts each of them severally governed by four Kings Sons of Clotharius and Grandchildren of Clodovéus Charibert the Eldest Son had the seat of his Kingdom at Paris Chilperic at Soissons Gunthram at Orleans and Sigebert at Rhemes Now a daughter of one of these did Ethelbert King of Kent marry but of which of them particularly is not mention'd in our Story Saint Beda indefinitly writes that she was daughter of a King of the Franks 6. The name of this Lady according to S. Beda Malmsburiensis c. was Berta But S. Gregory who liv'd in this age and had entercourse by letters with her more rightly calls her Aldiberga and adiudges great praise due to her in the conversion of the Saxons 7. The parents of this Lady made a difficulty to deliver a daughter professing the Christian Faith to the bed of a Pagan But Ethelbert engaging himself to allow her and her family an entire freedom publickly to professe her Religion and to exercise all the Sacred Rites belonging to it the mariage was concluded and the Lady sent into Brittany 8. She was attended by a prudent and devout Christian Bishop called Lethardus by Harpsfeild said to have been Bishop of Salvanort but he doubts there is an errour in the Copies where this unknown name is found This Bishop is in Capgrave stiled the Precursor of S. Augustin and one who opened the dore by which he brought in Christianity 9. There were then in Dorobernia the prime Citty of Kent since calld Canterbury severall Churches which had been built many ages before by Christians in the times of the Romans and which had not been utterly demolish'd by the Saxons Among which the Queen made choice of that which was dedicated to the honour of Saint Martin a holy Bishop in wonderfull veneration through all France For thus writes Saint Beda There was near to the Citty toward the East a Church anciently consecrated to the memory of S. Martin whilst the Romans inhabited Brittany In which Church the Queen who as hath been said was a Christian usually perform'd her devotions 10. What those Devotions were is thus more particularly express'd by the Authour of the life of the Holy Bishop Lethardus in Capgrave who writes thus In the most ancient Church of the Holy Bishop S. Martin situated near the Citty the Queen together with her Christian family did frequent the Sacraments of Masses and Prayers in the celebrating whereof the Blessed Bishop Lethardus was President or Cheif Prelat For the saying or singing of Masses were indeed the Solemn Devotions of the Church in those times as appears for as much as concerns France particularly the Native countrey of this Queen by the Councils of Orleans and Tours celebrated in these very times And this is acknowledged to have been the generall practise of this age by the Centuriators of Magdeburg who write thus The reader hereby may observe that the Solemnities of Masses did now fill all places And for as much as concerns Brittany we have already shewd that among the Northern Picts S. Columba knowing by revelation the death of S. Brendan in Ireland celebrated a Solemne Masse for his soule XIV CHAP. 1.2 King Ceaulins conquests and death 3. c. The Kingdom of the East Saxons Erected 1. THE two Saxon Kings in Kent and the Western parts did not prosecute their hatred against one another but esteemd it more for their advantage to enlarge their Dominions by invading the Provinces as yet in the possession of the Brittains In order whereto Ceaulin King of the West-Saxons who had hitherto employ'd his forces in the conquest of places bordring especially on the Sea sent his Brother Cutha or Cuthwolf with an army into the inland Provinces The Successe of which expedition is thus described by Florentius and which saith he was undertaken in the year of Grace five hundred seaventy one 2. Cuthulf the Brother of King Ceaulin fought with the Brittains in a place calld Bedanford or Bedford And having obtaind the Victory he took from them four Royal Citties to wit Linganburgh a place now unknown Egelesburgh now calld Aylsbury in Buckinghamshire Bensingtun or Benson in Oxfordshire and Egnesham where placed is uncertain After which victory he the same year departed this life 3. In the year five hundred seaventy five was erected the Kingdom of the East Angles in Norfoll Suffolk and Cambridgshire together with the Isle of Ely The name of the first King raigning there was Vffa from whom his
shewed to the New Saxon-Converts by permitting mariage in the third and fourth degrees gave occasion of murmuring and complaining to other Churches particularly those of Sicily Whereupon Felix Bishop of Messana wrote to S. Gregory desiring to be satisfied upon what grounds he dealt so favourably with the Saxons whereas both custom and the Decrees of ancient Popes the resolutions of Ancient Fathers in the great Councill of Nicéa and other Synods forbad Mariage to the seaventh degree This satisfaction he demanded not by way of accusing or calumniating S. Gregory as some Protestant Writers have done but proposing reverently his and his Fellow-Bishops difficulties and desirous to be taught by him who saith he we know does undergoe the care of the Vniversall Church and specially of Bishops who in regard of Contemplation are called the Eyes of Gods Church as the Prelats of the Holy See first the Apostles and afterward their Successours always have done 13. Hereto S. Gregory answered That by the indulgence granted to the Saxons he had no intention to innovate or establish a generall Law but only for a time to qualify the rigour of it least that Nation as yet imperfect and incapable of solid food should relinquish the Christian Profession which they had lately undertaken But as for all other Churches his intention was that the former Laws forbidding Mariage between kinred to the Seaventh generation should remain unalterable This says he which we write in answer to thee and the other Bishops in Sicily who is thou sayst have by thee consulted us we command to be observed generally by all Christians And this Decree renewed by S. Gregory the Catholick Church observed diligently till Pope Innocent the third in the Council of Lateran upon just and necessary causes contracted this amplitude of Degrees to the fourth as is now observed But quitting this diversion let us return to the rest of the Questions proposed by S. Augustin to S. Gregory 14. The eighth Question was Whether in case Bishops by reason of their great distance from one another could not meet together a Bishop might not be ordaind by him in their absence Hereto Saint Gregories Answer was That in the English Church where himself was then the onely Bishop Ordinations must needs be celebrated by him alone unlesse some Bishops out of France would vouchsafe to come But for the future Saint Gregory enjoyned Saint Augustin to ordain Bishops at a reasonable distance that the Canons of the Apostles and Councils might be duly observed which in all Ordinations doe require the presence of at least three Bishops By which resolution it seems S. Gregory was informed of the perversenes of the Brittish Bishops who were unwilling to afford any assistance in the establishing of Saxon Churches 15. His ninth Question was How he was to treat with the French and Brittish Bishops Whereto Saint Gregory answers that he gave him no authority to iudge the Bishops of France whose Metropolitan the Arch-bishop of Arles onely was in token whereof he had from precedent Popes received the Pall. In case therefore that he should goe into France he might assist the said Arch-bishop in reforming the Clergy or if he were negligent he might in cite him thereto but not assume any iurisdiction over any Bishop there But as for the Brittish Bishops saith S. Gregory we committ them all to thy Fraternity to teach the ignorant by perswasion to strengthen the infirm and by authority to correct the perverse If the Pall which is the sign of Metropoliticall Iurisdiction had remained among the Brittish Bishops as it did at Arles in France S. Gregory doubtlesse would as well have pronounced them free from S. Aug. Iurisdiction There were besides these nine two Questions more with their Answers which for their length and the Readers ease I omitt the curious may read them in Saint Gregory S. Beda or Sir H. Spelman c. 16. To these Questions we find in the late Edition of Paris adjoyned in the last place a Request That S. Gregory would please to send him of the Relicks of S. Sixtus Martyr The Motive of which request it seems was because he had been informed that somewhere in Kent a Body of a pretended Martyr of that name had been held in veneration This Petition S. Gregory granted but withall enjoyned him to repose the true Relicks of S. Sixtus which he sent him in some place apart And in case no Miracles appeared to have been wrought at the Body of the pretended Martyr nor any sufficient Tradition concerning the Story of his passion he required him to damme up the place where it lay and forbid the people to venerate an uncertain Relick 17. Another Epistle S. Augustin likewise received from S. Gregory at the same time in which he signifies to him that he had sent him a Pall the use whereof he allows him only during the solemn celebratiō of Masse and with this condition that he ordain twelve Suffragan Bishops in convenient places which were to be subject to his Iurisdiction He tells him withall that the Bishop of the Citty of London should ever after be consecrated by a Synod of that Province and receive the Pall of honour from the Apostolick See He advised him likewise to send a Bishop to York and in case that Citty and Province should be converted his will was that twelve Bishops likewise should be there ordained over whom the Bishop of York was to be Metropolitan to whom likewise he promised to send a Pall. And as for the two Provinces of London York neither of the Arch-Bishops should have iurisdiction over the other and that they should take place according to their Antiquity of Ordination Only S. Augustin as long as he lived should have authority to exercise Iurisdiction through both the Provinces and over all the Brittish Bishops likewise 18 Here it is worth our observation that in all this Epistle the See of Canterbury is not named as an Archiepiscopall See Whereas that of London is expressly decreed to be one And yet if we consult all our Ecclesiacall Histories after these times we shall not find that ever the Bishop of London enjoyed that Priviledge and authority but was always subject to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury notwithstanding that during the ages before whilst the Brittish Churches flourished London as the Prime Citty of the Island had been the Seat of the Prime Arch-bishop 19. We must therefore conclude that the orders prescribed in this Letter never took effect but that upon a following request from Saint Augustin the Metropoliticall authority was transferred from London to Canterbury The Motives of which request probably were because though London was the most Noble Citty for merchandise of the whole Island yet then Canterbury was the Royal Citty and place of residence of Ethelbert the Christian King and withall the most potent Now that this Translation was actually made by S. Gregory we read testified by the Letters
lyes saith he notwithstanding he made good his threatning to S. Swibert when he was cast out of a person possessed by him That he would take a course to drive him out of the Province For two years after that an illustrious man called Bruno one of the principall Nobility among the Saxons coming into the Province of the Boructuarians with a great retinue took up his lodging in a village named Ratigen Where being entertained by one of principall authority there there hapned a quarâ—ell between them after they had been inflamed with drink and in this dissension the Saxon through the Devils instigation killed the other with two of his servants Which being known through the village the freinds and kinred of those who had been slain betook themselves to â—rms and to revenge their death putt to the sword the said Noble man of Saxony and almost all his followers 4. A true report of this being spread through Saxony presently the Saxons in great rage with a powerfull army entred the borders of the Boructuarians where they killed great numbers with the sword besides other horrible mischeifs which they did to the rest as for the village of Ratigen they with an implacable fury utterly destroyd it On the other side the Boructuarianâ— and principally such as had relation to the men who had â—een slain there having likewise assembled strong forces of armed men with fire and sword demolished many towns and fortifications of the Saxons 5. Such violences and depopulations on both sides having continued a long time the Boructuarians and specially such Christians among them as had been converted by Saint Swibert considering that they were not able to resist the power and insolence of the Saxons they took leave of Saint Swibert and having received his benediction they were forced to remove themselves into remoter Provinces to the end they might there with more security serve our Lord. 6. In the mean time the glorious Prelat S. Swibert perceiving his flock to be dispersed up and down and that no truce could be procured between the two Nations nor any fruit by his preaching by reason of the stony hearts of the Saxons he made his prayers earnestly and assiduously to God that he would please to shew him some convenient place where he might dwell quietly in his old age At last by the admonition of an Angel he was commanded to goe to Colen where the Noble Duke Pepin and his wife Plectrude would bestow on him a fitt place for his habitation 7. Now saith Baronius how when the Holy Bishop came to Colen he was there kindly and respectfully entertained by Plectrude the Wife of Pipin how likewise after he had done many things beseeming his Apostolicall Office and by her recommendation obtained from her husband a village called Werda seated in an Island of the Rhene where he built a Noble Monastery is at large recounted by the same Marcellinus That establishment proved a strong bulwark to expugne the infidelity of the Saxons And thus it hapned that wheresoever this Apostolicall Bishop went his presence proved advantageous and healthfull to soules and that dispersion of Christians became a mean for the further spreading of the Gospell as it hapned in the Primitive Church when by occasion of a violent persecution of Christians at Ierusalem the dispersion of the Disciples round about became proffitable to the salvation of infinite multitudes 8. Thus writes Baronius out of Saint Marcellin But let us heare the relation from the Holy mans penne The Noble and devout Princesse Plectrudis saith he with great devotion received the Holy Bishop in the Palace of the Dukes of Colen and Lorrain a great part of which she had changed and consecrated into a Cloister of Religious Virgins intitled the Church of the glorious Virgin Ad Capitolâ—um And awhile after she directed the holy man attended by a Noble person of Ardenna named Gerald who had been healed by Saint Swibert a little before of a pestilent disease with commendatory Letters to her husband Prince Pinpin earnestly requesting him that he would bestow on the holy Bishop the village of Werda seated in an Isle of the Rhene to the end that there he and his Disciples attending him might take care and doe good to the soules of the Pagan Saxons living near Pipin being at that time well stricken in years received S. Swibert with great honour detaining him a good space of time with him In the end with great chearfulnes as one who thirsted after the Conversion of the Infidell-Saxons he with a Regall magnificence not only bestowed on him the said village but withall out of his own copious Treasure offred and added great store of gold and silver to enable him for the building a Church and Monastery to the glory of God and the nourishing with the word of life that barbarous people utterly ignorant of the Faith 9. Now this Pipin was not the younger Pipin who was son to Charles the Great but Pipin firnamed de Herstallo Father to Charles Martel who was founder of this Monastery So that the Centuriators of Magdeburg relating otherwise doe shew great want of exactnes in distinguishing times and great ignorance in citing Saint Beda for a witnes who was dead above forty years before the younger Pipin raigned who was so far from being a founder of the Monastery of Werda that he changed into a Castle and fortification against the Saxons But let us return to S. Marcellins Narration 10. The holy Bishop saith he having taken leave of the Prince returned to Colen to Saint Plectrudis By whose assistance and authority he being attended by many Masons and other workmen went to Werda where he presently began to found a Monastery near the Rhene to the honour of the glorious Virgin Mary and there he collected a Congregation of Monks devoutly serving our Lord. After which it can hardly be expressed with what humility devotion and reverence he preached the Faith of Christ to that rude Pagan people and especially with what purity of mind and body he celebrated Masses and performed all other Ecclesiasticall duties XV. CHAP. 1.2 c. Saint Swibert raises to life a dead man c. 1. AFter two years preaching there saith Baronius the foundations of the Saxon-Church began to be layd by the most holy Apostolick Bishop S. Swibert who came to them in abundance of benedictions with signs and Miracle raising a dead man to life being powerfull in all things both deeds words Let us attend therefore to what S. Marcellinus has delivered coÌ„cerning these things 2. In the seaven hundred and eleaventh year of our Lords Incarnation saith he when S. Swibert not only in Werda but also in the towns and villages preached the Gospell of Christ with great fervour to the profane Saxons it hapned on a certain day being Teusday that he went into a certain neighbour-village attended by a venerable Preist called Willeic to celebrate Masse and a certain
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
absolute Reprobation predestination to sin impossibility of loosing grace c. as opposed to the Roman faith have thereby given the Presbyterians advantage to brand all moderate Protestants with the unpardonnable crime of Popery These are who though they will not or dare not themselves undervalue the Challenge made by the Church of England of a legitimate succession of Ordinations yet have rendred such succession uselesse to them and indeed ridiculous by giving the right hands of fellowship to Calvinisticall Congregations abroad In which those who call themselves Ministers of Gods word and dispensers of his Sacraments have no more right to such titles than their wives or daughters have Lastly these Prelats have been the persons who not onely favouring but by their own writings promoting the Fanatick position That the Pope is Antichrist have hereby put a sword into the hands of Presbyterian Gladiators by which they can cutt mangle destroy every way whom soever they please as easily as they think they can Catholicks themselves Bishops they can destroy with it as being proud Prelats who by their own confession have received their character and Iurisdiction from Anti-christ And kings they can with a safe conscience destroy in case they will not deliver up unto them anti-Anti-christian Bishops anti-Anti-christian Litanies sober prayers or Ceremonies yea and Anti-christian Lord-ships or mannners too Indeed so advantageous has this Engin of Popish Anti-christianisme been to every Sect which would destroy another that we have seen even the Presbyterians themselves wounded almost to death with it by the Independents Anabaptists c. who confidently charged their Classes and Synods with Anti-christian tyranny 7. Ecclesiasticall matters being reduced to these termes in England can any one esteeme it a wonder if malicious and unquiet Sectaries being shadowed under such Rochets are so securely busy both to encrease their esteeme and credit amonst the ignorant multitudes by their zeale against Popery and withall at the same time closely pursue their old designs upon Church livings and for that end make use of such credit to pluck down that Church which now they would seeme to support Whilst they snarle and grin against Catholicks they bite and hope shortly to devoure Prelatical Protestants and whatsoever Power shal maintain them 8. Such being the present state of Controversie-writings To what purpose should any Catholick interesse himselfe in confuting bookes in which if there be any thing material it is the undermining of that Church which in the frontis-peice is pretended to be asserted for generally it is agreed on by the late Authours that the English Church has no authoritie to oblige any one in conscience to beleive doctrines proposed by her From whence followes necessarily that no man can be obliged to be a member of it and therefore that she can not iustly excommunicate or otherwise punish any one for not yeilding obedience to her or for deserting her and choosing another communion And yet lesse are we concerned in what is written by them directly against us and the faith which we professe since not a word of sober reasoning can be found but what the last age had heard a hundred times obiected and refuted If there may be any thing new it is a Texture of new invented calumnies phrases of foule language And what a folly and pitty likewise is it by contesting to open yet wider such noysom Flood-Gates 9. Yet notwithstanding all this the Cause of Gods Church must not be deserted Therefore far be it from mee in so miserable a distraction of Iudgments and affections to entertain any resolution of surceasing endeavours to promote Catholick vnity and Peace And our Lord be blessed it seemes to mee that this desireable and never more than at this time seasonable duty may be performed without any quarrelling controversie at all And one healthfull meane for this purpose I have here made use of which is a sincere simple relation uncontested by any of the state of our Brittishs Churches since from the Primitive times both as to the Doctrines of faith received by them and externall practises in use among them For I suppose that any sober and rational Christian will not unwillingly grant That that Church which in these times shall appear most conformable to those Primitive Apostolical doctrines and practises ought unquestionably to be esteemed most safe and Orthodoxe Now for a Triall of this there will be no use of sylloziging or disputing The simplest Readers eyes will resolve him that those very points of faith and discipline for which the Roman Catholick Church is so cruelly assaulted on all sides by Sectaries are the very same which Apostolick Doctours at first taught our forefathers and which by their Successours have been so carefully transmitted to us that during the space of more than a thousand yeares comprehended in this History not any congregation at all nor any persons except a few dispersed known Hereticks did ever appear to contradict what we still beleive and practise nor did ever teach any of those opinions which now constitute any of our later English Sects 10. Now this way and Method of arguing implicitely without disputing seems to me of force inexpugnable as being not obnoxious to the peevish Cavils of quarrelsom spirits and efficacious to extort the assent of such as are truly desirous to find the truth For though among all our Sectaries as antiently among professed Hereticks the pretence of each one be to admitt no other Rule of faith but onely his own sence of Scripture the chime whereof seems to every one of them to accord to the tune framed by himselfe though each of them has a tune utterly discordant from all the rest Yet surely that man must renounce his reason forgett his Creed yea he must covertly blaspheme Christ himselfe who shall continue to impute most horrible superstitions and Idolatries to the Catholick Church after that he shal have discovered plainly that she teaches the very same Doctrines and Observances which were at first delivered by Apostolick Preachers For since there never was anciently any other Church in Brittany and the like may be said of other Countries but that which taught the same doctrines such blasphemers of Gods Church must consequently affirm That so many Holy Apostolical Doctours have taught so many glorious Martyrs have shed their blood and so many Blessed Saints have wrought most stupendious Miracles for confirming most damnable superstitions and Idolatries 11. Now what other consequence can flow from hence but this most execrable yet by them unavoydable one that Iesus Christ was not the true Messias for how can they esteeme him the Messias who it seems failed in the principal End for which the Messias was sent which was by shedding his blood to redeem and by the effusion of his spirit to sanctifie a Church and such an one as is prophetically described to be a spiritual kingdom which should never be destroyed a Church in which God would place Pastours till
afterward ordained Bishop of Tongres and Triers For before Constantins time saith Miraeus those two Citties were govern'd by one Bishop In the Annals of which Church we read that Saint Lucius King of Brittany was made a Christian and baptised by this Marcellus a Teacher of the inhabitants of Triers Indeed it is not unprobable that King Lucius might have been instructed in the verities of Christian Religionâ— and well disposed to the Profession of it by this Saint but there are far more authentik testimonies demonstrating that he was baptised by Fugatius and Damianus sent from Rome by Pope Eleutherius as shall be demonstrated herafter 4. This holy Bishop was the first Brittain which suffred Martyrdom out of the Island as S. Alban was the first that suffred within it He is commemorated in our Martyrologe on the fourth of September and in the Gallican Martyrologe he is celebrated with an illustrious Elogy This his Martyrdom hapned many years after this time in a great persecution rais'd against Christians during the raign of Antoninus his Successour Marcus Aurelius when he was absent from Rome and gone into the Eastern parts then in commotion after he had finished the German warr XII CHAP. 1.2 S. Timothy the son of Pudens preaches in Brittany 3. Of his Sister S. Pudentiana 4. Who Priscilla was 1. TOgether with S. Marcellus there came from Rome another illustrious Saint of Noble Birth and plentifull fortunes all which notwithstanding he despis'd and relinquish'd that with more freedom he might preach Christ crucified This was S. Timotheus the son of Pudens a Roman Senatour and of his wife suppos'd by many to have been the famous S. Claudia the Brittish Lady concerning whom we have already treated He was Brother to Novatus and to S. Pudentiana and S. Prâ—xedes whose memories are anniversarily celebrated by the Catholick Church 2. The coming of S. Timotheus is a considerable proof that his Mother was a Brittain and for that reason the whole family may iustly challenge a place in this History And because he survived the rest we will breifly set down what we find in the Ecclesiasticall Office touching the two Holy Sisters 3. Pudentiana a Virgin daughter of Pudens a Roman Senatour with admirable piety practising the duties of Christian Religion together with her sister Praxedes sold her patrimony and distributed to the poore the monâ—y arising from thence giving her selfe wholly â—o fasting and prayer By her endeavours and zeale her whole family consisting of ninety six persons was converted to the Faith and baptised by Pope Pius And wheras by an Edict of the Emperour Antoninus publick Sacrifices of Christians were forbidden the Holy Pope celebrated the Divine Mysteries together with other Christians in the house of Pudentianâ— who kindly entertained them all affording them all things necessary for their sustenanâ—e Thus continually employing herselfe in these offices of Piety she departed out of this life and on the fourteenth of the Calends of Iune in the year of our Lord one hundred sixty and one she was buried in the Sepulcher of her Father in the Coemitory of Priscilla situated in the Salarian way 4. Priscilla here mention'd by whom a Coemitory or common place of buriall for Christians had been bestow'd was the Mother of Pudens and Grand-mother of this holy Virgin From her probably it was that her Mother Claudia took her name For as she being a Captive attending King Caractacus when he was taken prisoner by Ostorius she changed her Brittish name into Claudia out of regard to Emperour Claudius so being maried to Pudens she it seems once more changed it for another peculiar to her husbands family XIII CHAP. 1.2 The death of Novatus Brother of S Timothy and S Pudentiana signified in a lâ—tter from the Holy Preist Pastor S. Timothy in Brittany 3. S. Timothy's Answer who leaves to the disposall of his Sister S. Praxedes the state left by their Brother 4 5. She dedicats the Bathes of Novatus or Timothy into a Church where Christians assembled 6. Why Churches in Rome call'd Tituli 1. THe next yeare followed the death of Pudentiana's Brother Novatus Concerning which the ancient Ecclesiasticall Monuments have still preserved a letter written by the Holy Preist called Pastor directed to S. Timotheus then absent from Rome and employed in the Apostolick Office in Brittany the tenour of the Letter is as follows 2. Pastor a Preist to his follow Preist Timotheus health in our Lord. The Venerable Virgin Praxedes was in great affliction for the death of her Sister Pudentiana Whereupon many honourable Christians together with our Holy Pope Pius came to her to comfort her There came likewise to her for the same purpose Novatus your Brother who is also our Brother in our Lord and gave her much consolation and moreover by his liberality he greatly refreshed many poore Christians ministring to them plentifully of his wealth Being with his Sister he earnestly desired that by her prayers he might obtain mercy from our Lord. He likewise together with our most blessed Bishop Pius doth frequently commemorate you at the Altar of our Lord. About a month and twenty eight days days after he was departed from the Virgin Praxedes he fell sick Now our Bishop Pius together with the Virgin Praxedes having a solicitude for all Christians they enquired where the Man of God Novatus was since he appeared not in the Congregation And they were informed that he was detained thence by sicknes then were all very sorrowfull Hereupon the Blessed Virgin Praxedes sayd to our Bishop Pius If it be your Holines pleasure let us goe to him for by your visitation and prayers I doe assure my selfe our Lord will save him Vpon this her proposall it was resolved accordingly and at night wee together with our Bishop Pius and the Virgin of our lord Praxedes went to the Man of our Lord Novatus And when this Holy man heard that this assembly was come to see him he gave thanks to our Lord for the comfort he received by the Visitation of the Holy Bishop Pius together with the Virgin of our Lord and all the rest of us Thus wee remained in his house eight days and nights And during the time we were with him he expressed his Will and pleasure to be to bequeath to your selfe and the Blessed-Virgin Praxedes all his estate and on the thirteenth day following he departed to our Lord. Of these things we together with holy Pius Bishop of the Apostolick See and the Virgin Praxedes thought meet to give you an account by these our letters to the end you might acquaint us with your pleasure how you would have the estate of your Brother Novatus disposed that your appointment may in all things be observed Sent by Eusebius a Subdeacon of the holy Roman Church 3. To this Letter S. Timotheus his Answer follows though short yet full of piety and perfum'd with the simplicity and Christian Charity of that age
only propagated the Faith but likewise illustrated it by building many Churches This is affirm'd by S. Gregory Nyssen who says that in those days many Churches and Altars were erected every where And particularly the holy Pope Fabianus commanded Churches to be built over the vaults where the bodies of the holy Martyrs had been buried which Churches were much frequented by the devotion of Christians No wonder then if in Brittany as yet free from all persecution there be so many testimonies of Churches Altars and Sacrifices Neither can it be doubted but that among others Obinus Bishop of London as likewise Conanus his next Successour about these times were carefull to imitate the zeale of other Bishops 4. We will not here omitt the taking notice of a Monument or Inscription found among the Brigantes being a Votive Table For the safety of M. Antonius Gordianus the Son of Publius the invincible Emperour and of Sabina Furia Tranquilla his Wife and their whole sacred Family Which Table was erected by the Emperours Wing of horse for their courage call'd Gordia the Prefect wherof was Aemilius Crispinus a Gentleman of Rome born at Tuidrus or Thisdrus in the Province of Africa under the command of Nonnius Philippus the Emperours Lieutenant Propretor of Brittany Atticus and Pratextatus being Consuls 5. In which Table we learn two particulars no where else to be found The first is That Nonnius Philippus was at this time Governour of Brittany And the other That the Daughter of Misitheus whom the Emperour married was called Sabinâ— Furia Tranquilla though Paulus Diaconus calls her Tranquillina XI CHAP. 1. The Emperour Gordianus slain by Philippus who succeeded 2.3 The Emperour Philippus and his Son become Christians The occasion of their Conversion 4. After seaven years raign they are slain by their soldiers and Decius succeeded in the Empire 1. IN the sixth year of his raign was the Emperour Gordianus slain by the treason of M. Iulius Philippus who succeeded him and within a few years gave a proof how instable Kingdoms are which are unlawfully purchased for by the like though lesse uniust treason he was depriv'd both of his Empire and life by his own Guards Yet thiâ— advantage did Philip enioy above any of his Predecessors that Almighty God gave him the Grace to wash away his sins by Baptisme and Pennance 2. The occasion of whose conversion to Christianity is thus declared in the Acts of S. Pontius the Martyr Pontius a person advanced to a high dignity was known and a particular freind of the two Philips the Father and the son who were Emperours Now in the year one thousand after the foundation of Rome they sayd to Pontius Let us goe and begg the favour of the Gods which have brought us to this thousandth year of the Roman City But Pontius used many excuses to avoyd this however they in a freeidly manner endeavoured to compell him to the Sacrifice Whereupon he conceiving this to be a good opportunity given him by God to advance his truth sayd to them O most pious Emperours since it is the only true God which has bestowed on you the Supreme dominion over men why doe you not rather adore Him by whom such power and majesty has been conser'd on you The Emperour Philip answered him For that cause it is that I desire to sacrifice to the great God Iupiter But Pontius smiling Be not deceiv'd O Emperour said he It is that Omnipotent God whose throne is in heaven who created all things by his Word and by his Spirit gave life to them which made you Emperour In a word by these and other like speeches and perswasions the Emperours received the Faith of Christ and were baptis'd by the holy Pope Fabianus 3. The two Emperour being thus perswaded of the Truth of Christianity gave a worthy example of Christian modesty and humility when they came to be baptis'd as Eusebius relates it The report is saith he that Philip who was then converted to the Christian Faith on the last Vigils before Easter coming to the Church with a desire to be partaker of the Prayer together with the Congregation was not permitted by the Bishop then presiding over the Church to enter till he had confess'd his sins and placed himselfe among those who were yet unabsolved and therefore were separated from the rest in a rank appointed for Penitents For the Bishop told him plainly that considering the many crimes publickly known to have been committed by him he could not upon any other condition receive him into the Church Whereupon the Emperour with a willing and chearfull mind submitted himselfe to the Bishops injunction thereby declaring an ingenuous modesty together with a Religious and pious affection proceeding from a reverent fear of God 4. These two Emperours raigned full seaven years and at the end were slain by their own soldiers The time and manner of their death is signified by an ancient Inscription and Monument at Verona where the Elder Philip was kill'd The Words of the Inscription are these In the two hundred fifty and third year of Christ the Emperour Philip the Elder was slain at Verona and the Younger at Rome by their own Guards incited thereto by Decius who succeeded in the Empire XII CHAP. 1. The birth of Helena Mother of Constantin 2.3 A Controversy about the Place of her birth c. 1. THE Raign of the two Philips is rendred to us more illustrious by the Mother of Constantin the Great She was the daughter of a Brittish Prince called Coëllus or Coelus who exercised a Dominion among the Trinobantes the Regni and the Iceni that is Essex Middlesex Surrey Sussex Norfolk c. For though after the death of King Lucius not any Brittain was allow'd the name of King yet certain it is there were severall Princes of the Brittish blood which under an inferiour Title exercised a kingly Iurisdiction in their respective Provinces 2. There is a controversy among Writers in which of these Provinces S. Helena was born The more common opinion is that it was among the Trinobantes in Essex and particularly in Colchester which saith M. Camden was in those days the prime Citty of that Province as a world of ancient Coyns there dayly digg'd up doe testify And that she was indeed born there the same Authour prooves by an argument of some weight for says he The inhabitants of Colchester doe confidently affirm that Flavia Iulia Helena the Mother of Constantin the Great and daughter of King Coâ—llus was born in their Citty And therefore in memory of the Holy Crosse found by her they bear for their Arms in a Scutcheon a knotty Crosse placed between four Crowns 3. Notwithstanding severall Historians of the Greek Church doe challenge S. Helena to themselves affirming that she was born in Bithynia in a town rais'd by her son Constantin to the dignity of a Citty and from her called Helenopolis Moreover
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
used to speak in it remaining mute only being able to signify that the Body of the holy Martyr Babylas hindred his speech Iulian caused the Sacred body to be removed from thence into the Citty which the Christians perform'd with great solemnity singing Psalms all the way specially those wherin Idolatry is derided to the infinit indignation of the Emperour who thereupon caused many of them to be tortured but by the intercession of the Holy Martyr their torments were miraculously converted into pleasure The same Story is confirm'd likewise by S. Chrysostom 7. But a war against the Persians interrupted his rage against Christians who at his first setting forth threatned that when that Expedition was finish'd he would destroy all who profess'd the name of Christi A threatning very acceptable to the Pagans but greivous to the afflicted Christians Whilst he was busy in the prosecution of this war Libanius a Heathen Sophister in derision of Christ ask'd a certain Christian What the Carpenters Son was then doing Who answerd He is preparing a Coffin for Iulian. And the event made these words propheticall for the wicked Emperour receiv'd from an unknown hand a wound mortall to him self but healthfull to all the world beside 8. In his place the Army chose Iovian Emperour though he refus'd that honour professing that being a Christian he neither would nor could govern an Army poysond with heathenish Idolatry Whereupon all the soldiers cryed out that they also were Christians those who were ancient among them having been train'd up in the piety of Constantin and the younger imbued with the precepts of Constantius So that the two years raign of Iulian could not extirpate the good seeds sown in their hearts 9. Iovian thus chosen restored the Christian Faith reducing the Church to its former splendour He also publish'd a Law by which in all Cittie 's a certain proportion of Wheat was contributed to Sacred Virgins by vow consecrated to God And another which inflicted death on any who should ravish or but attempt their Chastity He likewise ordain'd that all Catholick Bishops who had been formerly banish'd should return to their Sees There is extant an Epistle of S. Athanasius in answer to one from the Emperour who had desir'd to be inform'd by him who among the divided Sects of Christians retain'd the Orthodox Faith Which Epistle challenges a mention in this History because among the severall Nations constantly persevering in the Faith of our Saviours Divinity establish'd in the Councill of Nicéa he expressly names Brittany Whence appears that hitherto the Brittish Churches were pure in their Faith however some particular persons there might have been infected 10. This pious Emperour lived but one year to whom succeeded Valentinian a Prince equally Orthodox But who unhappily made partner in his Empire his Brother Valens infected with the Arian Heresy and impiously zealous in the promoting of it XI CHAP. 1.2.3 Picts Scotts and Attacotti infest the Brittains Who these last were 4.5 c. Theodosius Governour of Brittany His Victories there 8. Brittany divided into five Provinces 9. Theodosius recall'd 1. IN Brittany during Iulians raign the Prefect was Alipius the Successour of Gumoharius Where quietnes continuing the Picts and Scotts securely multiplied both in numbers and strength Of which presently after they showd terrible proofs For as Marcellinus relates in the first year of Valentinians raign the barbarous Nations on all sides of the Roman Empire as if universally excited by a trumpet broke their limits made furious incursions into the Roman Provinces The Alamanni wasted Gaule and Rhetia The Sarmatians and Quadi made irruptions into Pannonia and the Picts Saxons Scotts and Attacotti vexed the Brittains with incessant calamities 2. By which appears that the Enemies of Brittany were multiplied For to the Picts Scotts here is an addition of the Saxons and the Attacotti never mention'd before in Story with relation to Brittany As for the Saxons a Germā Nation who now first made thēselves known by their cruelty to the Brittains within a few years they will be too well known not by their piracies on the Seacoasts as at this time but by an invasion of the whole Island so successfull to them that they gott almost an entire possession of it leaving only a barren mountainous corner to the fearfull Brittains 3. But who were the Attacotti S. Hierom will tell us What shall I say of the immanity of other Nations I my selfe in my youth saw in Gaule the Attacotti a Brittish Nation who nourish'd themselves with human flesh These men in the forrests meeting with heards of beeves sheep and swine neglected them and cutt off the hanches of the Pastours breasts of the woemen and fed upon them accounting these to be their principall delicacies It seems therefore that these Attacotti were a Savage people in the Northern mountains of Scottland living without all Law or Government who likewise had promiscuous wives ad common children This rude multitude were invited by the Picts Scotts ioyn with them in the invasion of the Civill Brittains 4. Vpon this occasion the Emperour Valentinian leaving his Brother Valens to govern the East made an expedition into Gaule where he compos'd the troubles rais'd by the Alamanni This being done as he was in a hasty march from the Province of the Ambiani or Amiens toward Triers he was stopp'd by an astonishing message out of Brittany which informed him how by a conspiracy of severall barbarous Nations the Brittains were reduc'd to the utmost extremity How Nectaridius Admirall Comes of the Sea coasts had been slain by the Enemies and Bulchobaudes the General circumvented by their ambushes Vpon which horrible reports the Emperour dispatch'd into Brittany Severus one of his cheif Officers to remedy those disorders But shortly after recalling him he sent Iovinus thither making a suddain provision of ammunition and store preparing strong armies to assist him according to the instant urgent necessities In conclusion fresher and more horrible rumours encreasing he made choice of Theodosius to goe General thither a man famous for many martiall exploits happily atchiev'd who being attended with courageous Legions and cohorts made up of lusty youth prosecuted the expedition with a noble confidence 5. At the same time the Franks and Saxons had infested the coasts both of Gaule and Brittany and into this latter they had made an impression as far as London where they drove all the countrey about To remedy which injuries the vigilant Generall Theodosius took shipping at Boloyn in Gaule and passing the Sea landed at Rutupiae Richborough in Kent neer Sandwich Which is a secure Station for ships Whither as Soon as his Cohorts call'd Herculij Iovij Victores Fidentes c. aborded he marched from thence streight to London an ancient town afterward call'd Augusta and dividing his Army into severall squadrons he set on the stragling Enemies loaden with
thy fury from this Citty and this thy Holy house Alleluia Thus the Holy Crosse once more took possession of the place from which it had been banished and thus the oraculous speech pronounced by S. Gregory began to be accomplished that Alleluia should be sung in that Pagan countrey 11. Let us now observe how these Holy Missioners employed their time Of this the same S. Beda will inform us That assoon as they were entred into the Mansion which the King had given them they began to imitate the Apostolick life of the Primitive Church by attending to assiduous prayers watching and fasting by preaching the word of life to all they could by despising all worldly things as if they belonged not to them by receiving from their Disciples only such things as were meerly necessary for their subsistence by practising themselves according to the preceps which they taught others and lastly by having minds prepar'd to suffer any adversities even death it self for that Truth which they preached Insomuch as not a few beholding the simplicity of their innocent lives and admiring the sweetnes of their celestiall doctrine beleived and were baptis'd 12. The same Authour further declares that the Church of S. Martin deputed for the Queens devotions as hath been said was the first publick place where they met together sung prayd celebrated Masses preach'd and baptis'd till after the Kings conversion they received a great liberty to preach and build Churches every where 13. Here we may see what manner of entring these our Apostles had among us and how they turn'd our Ancestours from Idols to serve the living and true God Neither was their Gospell in speech only but in power and in the Holy Ghost and a plenitude of his Gifts and miracles as shall be shewd The Preachers are Monks they are sent by the authority of the Bishop of Rome they carry the banner of the Holy Crosse and the Image of our Saviour before them they celebrate Masses they work miracles For all which they are honour'd their memory is precious through all Gods Church almost a thousand years together But now one Apostat Monk can perswade a great part of Christians that it was not Christ which these men preach'd One Calvinisticall Bishop dares call these men Apostles to the English not of the Christian Faith or Word of God but of Roman ceremonies and Rites who taught them to become not Christians but Romanists and Papists To such blasphemous accusations as these no answer ought to be given Quia meliùs eas committo fidelium gemitibus quà m sermonibus meis V. CHAP. 1.2 Many Converted 3.4 S. Augustin goes to Arles to be ordained Bishop and why 1. BY the life and preaching of these Holy men no small number of Converts were gathered to the Church which were baptis'd on the day of Pentecost in the forementioned Church of S. Martin But shortly after far greater multitudes follow'd their Example Whether King Ethelbert was one of those then baptis'd does not expressly appear in any of our ancient Records 2. That which S. Beda relates touching him in particular is thus express'd Among others King Ethelbert was much delighted with the purity of these Saints lives and with the comfortable sweetnes of their promises the truth and certainty whereof they confirmed with many evident miracles So that in the end he also beleived and was baptised After which very many others dayly began to flock together that they might heare the word of God by which they were perswaded to relinquish their Gentile Superstitions and to unite themselves to the holy Church of Christ. Which the King perceiving he much congratulated their Faith and Conversion and embraced them with more ardent Charity as being fellow cittizens with him of the Kingdom of Heaven but yet he compelled none to the profession of Christianity For he had learnt from the Teachers and Authours of his salvation that the service of Christ must be voluntary and not by compulsion 3 Saint Augustin seeing a Harvest so plentifull and ripe according to the instructions formerly given him by Saint Gregory went back into France there to be ordained Bishop because besides the power of administring Baptisme the other Sacrament of Confirmation was requisite by which these tender plants might be strengthned in the Faith Which Sacrament could not be administred but by the hand and power of a Bishop This is testified by the same Saint Beda saying In the mean while the man of God Augustin went to Arles in France where by the Arch-bishop of that Citty Etherius or rather Virgilius he was Consecrated Arch-bishop of the Nation of the Angli according as he had received commands from Saint Gregory This was performed the sixteenth day before the Calends of December saith Sir H. Spelman 4. It may be demanded why Saint Augustin should receive his Episcopal consecration from the Bishop of Arles the furthest distant from him in France and not rather from the Prelat of Lyons or some other nearer to Brittany The reason hereof doubtles was because such a Prerogative belonged to the Church of Arles which Saint Gregory who was most observant of Ecclesiasticall rights would by no means infringe This prerogative that See challenged and enjoyed because that was the first Church in those parts which had received a Bishop S. Trophimus ordained by the Apostle S. Peter himself as appears by an Epistle of the Bishops of that Province to S. Leo in which they iustify their rights and priviledges of Ordination against the pretentions of their neighbour Church of Vienna 5. It was a great prejudice to the New Saxon Church that the year before S. Augustins coming into Brittany the Holy Bishop Saint Asaph Successour to S. Kentigern in the Bishoprick of Elwy in wales should dye as likewise S. Columba the same year that Saint Augustin arrived For doubtles the authority and piety of two such eminent Saints would have prevented the contestations petulancy of the Brittish Bishop which followed VI. CHAP. 1.2 c. Saint Augustin consecrates an Idol-Temple near Canterbury into a Church dedicated to S. Pancraece 6. A prodigy caused by the Devill there against S. Augustin 7.8 He builds a Church and Monastery to Saint Peter and Saint Paul near the Citty 9. And another in the Citty to our Saviour 10. He places a Suffragan Bishop in the Church of S. Martin 1. SAint Augustin having been consecrated by Virgilius Arch-bishop of Arles returned into Brittany in the year of Grace five hundred ninety eight where he was received by King Ethelbert with greater reverence then before who assigned to him an Episcopal See in the same Citty which he afterward enriched with great possessions as S. Beda testifies 2. This New Episcopall Church was not that of S. Martin where the Queen was formerly wont to pray But it was a Temple anciently frequented by the King whilst he was a Pagan and was situated in the
BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAPTER 1.2 c. Osric and Eanfrid succeed King Edwin Their Apostacy from Christianity 6. Oswald succeeds his Brother Eanfrid 7.8 Letters of Pope Honorius 1. RETVRNING to the Kingdom of the Northumbers we shal see nothing but spectacles of misery a Nation desolated a Church torn in peices and nothing but horrour and confusion Yet in a short time all these tempests will be asswaged and so great a peace and order will return both to the Kingdom and Church by another pious King that even the losse of King Edwin will be fully recompenced But first let us view the present calamities thus sett down by S. Beda 2. After that King Edwin was slain in battell saith he Osric the Son of his Vncle Elfric who by the preaching of S. Paulinus had been imbued with the Sacraments of our Faiâ—h took upon him the Kingdom of the Deiri As for the Kingdom of the Bernicians for anciently the Nation of the Northumbers was divided into these two Provinces that was possessed by Eanfrid the Son of Edilfrid born in the same Province Now we have already declared that during the whole course of King Edwins raign the Sons of his Predecessour Edilfrid attended by great numbers of the Nobility retired themselves among the Scots and Picts where they lived in banishment And they were instructed in Christian Religion professed by the Scots and purified by the Grace of Baptisme 3. Assoon therefore as their Enemy King Edwin was dead they were permitted to return into their countrey and there the elder of them Osric became King of the Province of the Deiri and the Second Eanfrid of the Bernicians But both of them were no sooner invested with the marks of a temporall Kingdom but they renounced the Sacraments and badges of the Heavenly kingdom with which they had been initiated and to their eternall ruine polluted themselves with the filth of their former Idolatry 4. But divine iudgment quickly overtook them both for they were slain in a short time by the impious hand of Cedwalla King of the Brittains whom Almighty God made the instrument of his iust severity For the elder of them Osric having rashly besieged the said King in a certain town the summer following the King made an unexpected furious sally and in a moment destroyd both him and his whole army After which Cedwalla possessed the whole kingdom of the Northumbers not as a victorious King but a furious Tyrant for he tore it in peices with the tragicall slaughters committed by him At length after about a year was passed the other Prince Eanfrid accompanied only with twelve soldiers unadvisedly coming to him to demand conditions of peace was in like manner slain by him 5. This was an unhappy year and the memory of it remains still in execration with all good men as well for the Apostacy of these two Saxon Kings who had abjured the Sacraments of their Faith as for the barbarous Tyranny of the Brittish King And therefore by a generall consent in the computation of the times and succession of our Kings the memory of these two perfidious Princes was abolished and this year assigned to the raign of the pious King Oswald who succeeded them 6. This Oswald brother to Eanfrid was the son of Ethelfrid and Nephew to the Holy King Edwin by his sister Acca so that his Title to the Kingdom of the Northumbers was sufficiently valid He after his Fathers death retired also among the Scots where understanding the vanity of Idols he embraced the Christian Faith Seaventeen years he continued in banishment But now hearing the desolation of his countrey the ruine of Christianity and death of his Brother armed with zeal and charity he took the courage though attended with very unconsiderable forces to hasten to the rescew of his kingdom and the Church of God in it almost become in visible With what successe this attempt was undertrken S. Beda will inform us the year following 7. It seems by the Letter of Pope Honorius to Honorius Arch-bishop of Canterbury dated this year and recorded only by William of Malmsbury that the miseries of the Northumbrian Church and Kingdom were come to his knowledge for therin he comforts and encourages the same Arch-bishop not to faint in the midst of so many and greivous calamities but to fix his trust in the promises of God to his Church and those who sustain the care of it In the same letter he likewise confirms the authority and Primacy of the Church of Canterbury over all the Churches of Brittany c. This Epistle found in the Archives of Canterbury was by S. Lanfranc directed afterwards to Pope Alexander the Second as a proof of the ancient Priviledges of his See 8. There is another Letter of the same Pope produced by Caius the Defender of the Antiquity of Cambridge in which the said Pope exempts that Vniversity from the Iurisdiction of all Arch-bishops Bishops Arch-Deacons c. and their Visitations or Censures giving the sole authority over Students to the Chancellour and Rectors of the same with power to excommunicate c. In the granting of which Priviledges he professes to follow the examples of his Predecessours Pope Eleutherius Fabian Simplicius Felix and Bonifacius But what grounds there are to suspect fraud in the compiling this Grant may be read in Brian Twyne the Advocat for Oxford and since him in the learned Bishop Vsher to whom I refer the Reader II. CHAP. 1.2 c. King Oswalds miraculous Victory over the Brittains 5.6 c. The Crosse Venerated by all Christians This approved by Miracles 1. IN the year six hundred thirty five Oswald King of the Northumbers fighting against the Tyrants happily triumphed And because our gravest Authours S. Beda William of Malmsbury and others affirm that encountring them Faith was his strongest armour we will endeavour more diligently and largely to recount the order and manner of the Combat by which he restored the Crown to himself security and Faith to his Subjects and the Churches to God 2. S. Beda's summary Narration of it is this Assoon as Ceadwalla had slain the two Kings Osrich and Eanfrid Oswald attended with an army weak for their numbers but fortified with Divine Faith came upon him and in the combat that execrable King of the Brittains was slain together with his immense army which he thought no power could resist This combat hapned in a place in Northumberland called in the English tongue Devils-burn or the Devils-brook It is at this day saith Camden called Dilston but in ancient Records Divelston the Seat and Mansion of the Noble family of Ratcliff Yet Bâ—omton calls the place Denysbourn or River of Denys and adds that from this combat it took the appellation of Slaughter of the Ceâ—wallians 3. Oswald preparing himself for the fight coÌ„sidered no doubt by Gods inspiration that victory was not to be expected
1. BY the death of Penda King of the Mercians that Kingdom â—ogether with that of the East-Angles whose Kings he had slain became an accession to the Dominions of the Victorious Oswi King of the Northumbers Notwithstanding in the year of Grace six hundred fifty six he permitted Peoda the Son of Penda on whom he had bestowd his daughter Alefleda to raign over the Southern Mercians and likewise Edelwald the Brother of Ethelhere to govern the East-Angles 2. By this indulgence of King Oswi the Christian Faith became spread through severall Provinces For he built many Churches and Monasteries in the Kingdom of the Mercians among which the principall was that which was founded in an Island called the Isle of the Hart in which as a testimony of gratitude to God for his Victory he enclosed his daughter So that within the space of two years the Mercians following his example were converted to the Faith and baptised 3. And for a firmer establishment of Christianity among them he erected an Episcopall See common to the Mercians and Midland Angli in the Citty of Lichfeâ—ld saith Bishop Godwin Though more probable it is that as yet there was no certain place affixed for the Bishops residence For severall years after this we read how Wuifer King of the Mercians offred Lichfeild to S. Wilfrid that he might there either build a Monastery or erect an Episcopall See The first Bishop of the Mercians was Diuma a Scottish Preist of whom we have already made mention 4. This is testified by S Beda in this passage When Oswi the most Christian King of the Northumbers having slain King Penda took possession of his Kingdom Diuma one of the four forementioned Preists was ordainen Bishop both of the Midland Angli and Mercians by Fâ—nan Bishop of Lindisfarn For by reason of the Scarcenes of Preists they were compelled to sett one Bishop over two Nations Now Diuma having in a short time converted great multitudes dyed To whom in the year of Grace six hundred fifty eight succeeded Cellach who was likewise a Scotch-man Who after he had a few years governed that Province voluntarily relinquished his Bishoprick and returned to his Native countrey the Island of Hu or Hy. 5. At this time Ithamar who had succeeded S. Paulinus in the Episcopall See of Rochester dyed He was not inferiour to his Predecessours in Sanctity and learning saith Harpsfeild who adds That many years after his death by reason of frequent Miracles wrought by his intercession his Body was translated to a more honourable place Which translation was made on the fourth day before the Ides of Ianuary on which day his Anniversary Solemnity is celebrated in the Church of Rochester In our Martyrologe his Commemoration is made on the Tenth of Iune which was the day of his death And his Successour was Damian descended of the South-Saxons saith S. Beda 6. This year Merevald a Prince among the Mercians built a Monastery for Religious Virgins at a Town called Lemster in the Province of Hereford He is said to have been the Son of Penda and Brother of Peoda and of his Successour Wolfer Kings of the Mercians But he is more illustrious by his Holy Offspring his son Merefin and his daughters Milburga Mildreda and Milgitha born to him by his Wife S. Ermenburga â— King Peoda likewise the Son of Penda first King of the Mercians this same year for propagating Christian Religion layd the foundation of the Mâ—nastery of Medeshampsted in the Region of the Girvians or Northamptonshire But having been the next year slain by the treason of his Wife Alcfleda the naturall daughter of Oswi King of the Northumbers he could not perfect it Thus writes Camden from Robert Swapham an ancient Authour And Ingulphus adds That he left his fervour and devotion to his Brother Wulfer his Successour in that Kingdom and to Saxulph a man of great power there who finished the said Monastery eight years after The place anciently called Medeshampsted afterward took the name of Peterborough illustrious in regard of this Monastery II. CHAP. 1.2.3 The Brittains overthrown by the King of the West-Saxons 1. IN the year of Grace six hundred fifty eight the Brittains received a great overthrow from Kenewalch King of the West-Saxons which is thus described by Huntingdon Cenwald so he calls him King of the West-Saxons in the seaventeenth year of his raign fought against the Brittains at Pennum For they knowing that he had been overcome by the stouâ— King Penda and almost driven out of his kingdom imagined that he was unable to sustain the burden of a battell Whereupon having gathered a numerous army they with great pride invaded his Dominions At the beginning of the fight the Brittains feircely setting on the Saxons made them give ground But the Saxons with great courage and constancy resisting them for they preferred death before flying at last so wearied the Brittains that their forces melted away like snow so that they turned their backs to the pursuers and fled from Pennum as far as Pedredan The wound which the Progeny of Brutus received this day was incurable 2. The place where this battell was sought was an obscure Village in Somersetshire at this day called Pen but anciently famous for this Victory over the Brittains and another which in after ages King Edmond Ironside gaind there against the Danes From thence the Brittains fled to the River Pedreâ— now called Parret where was seated the town called by the Saxons Pedridan but now Pederton and it was sometimes the Royal Seat of Ina King of the West-Saxons 3. After this combat and Victory the Saxons became so terrible to the Brittains that they never afterward descended from their mountains to encounter them Besides this their State became divided among severall petty Princes each of which sought to secure and enlarge his own territory so that they never combind in any generall design against the Saxons or English III. CHAP. 1.2 Wolfer King of the Mercians His wife S. Erminilda Trumhere Bishop of the Mercians 1. KING Peoda as hath been declared having been slain by the treachery of his Wife in the time of the Paschall Solemnity that Kingdom of the Southern Mercians returned to the Dominion of King Oswi But three years after the Princes of the Nation of the Mercians rebelled against him their names were Immin Eaba and Eadbert These exalted to the throne Wulfer the Son of Penda then a young man whom they had preserved and kept conceald among them And so with their new King they ioyfully persevered in Profession of Christianity 2. The wife of this King Wulfer was S. Erminilda Whose parents were Ercombert King of Kent and S. Sexburga By their pious instructions she became so zealous in promoting the Christian faith that by her perswasions kindnes and holy example that perverse and rude Nation of the Mercians was brought
for us and I desired that those Chapters might with a more particular diligence and care be observed 6. The first Chapter was That we should all uniformly keep the Holy Feast of Easter on the Sunday following the fourteenth day of the first Month of March The Second That No Bishop should usurp or invade the Diocese of another but content himself with governing the people entrusted to his Charge The third That it should not be lawfull for any Bishop to disquiet any way the Monasteries in his Diocese consecrated to God nor violently take from them any thing belonging to them The fourth That Monks should not be permitted to goe from Monastery to Monastery except by dismission of their own Abbot but remain in that Obedience which they promised as the time of their Conversion and Profession The fifth That no Ecclesiasticall person shall leave his own Bishop and wander abroad nor be entertaind by any other Bishop without the commendatory Letters of his own Prelat But in case such on one shall be received by any and shall refuse being summoned to return both he who receives him and is so received shall be lyable to Excommunication The sixth That Bishops and Preists travelling out of their own precincts be contented with such hospitality as shall be given them and that it shall be unlawfull for them to exercise any Sacerdotall Office without the permission of the Bishop in whose Diocese they are known to be The Seaventh That a Synod shall be assembled twice every year Notwithstanding because there may be divers impediments hereof It was thought fitt by them all that such a Synod should meet every year once the first day of August at a place called Clofeshooh The Eighth That no Bishop shall ambitiously preferr himself before another but that all take place according to the order and antiquity of their consecration The Ninth Chapter containd a common debate that since the number of Christians was augmented therefore also more Bishops should be ordained But of this for the present we concluded nothing The Tenth regarded Mariages That no mariages should be allowd but such as were according to the Canons That incest should be strictly forbidden That none should forsake his own wife except for the cause of fornication as the Gospell teacheth And in case any one shall so reiect his own wife lawfully ioynd to him such an one if he will shew himself a true Christian must not ioyn himself to another but remain so or be reconciled to his own wife 7. After wee had in common treated and defind these Chapters or Canons it was thought good to the end that no scandalous contention should heâ—eafter arise and to prevent the publishing false Transcripts of them that they should be confirmd by every Bishops Subscription And this Resolution of the Synod I dictated to the Notary Titillus who wrote it down This was done in the Month and Indiction before mentiond Whosoever therefore shall any wayes endeavour to infringe these our Definitions conformable to the Decrees of ancient Canons confirmed by our unanimous Subscriptions Let such an one know that he is separated from our Communion and from the Exercise of all Sacerdotall Offices May the divine Grace preserve us in safety living in the Vnity of Gods Holy Church 8. These were the Acts of this Synod as they are recorded by S. Beda who subioyns these words This Synod was celebrated in the year six hundred seaventy three from our Lord Incarnation in which year Egbert King of the Cantuarians had dyed in the month of Iuly to whoâ— his Brother Lothere succeeded in the kingdom which he held eleaven years and seaven Monthes XV. CHAP. 1. 2. 3. The Province of the East-angles divided into two Dioceses Dumwich and Elâ—ham 4. 5 c. The Gests of S. Editha Virgin and Martyr 1. WHereas in the ninth Canon of the forementioned Synod it had been treated but not fully concluded at least not putt in execution that the number of Bishops and Episcopal Sees should be encreased presently after by the care and authority of the Arch-bishop Theodore the Church of the East-angles hitherto governed by one Bishop was divided into two Dioceses 2. This is thus particularly related together with the occasion of it by S. Beda Bisi Bishop of the East-angles saith he who is said to have been present in the forementioned Synod was the Successour of Boniface of whom we spoke before He was a man of great Sanctity and Religion For Boniface dying after he had administred that Bishoprick seaventeen years Bisi was by the Archbishop Theodore ordained Bishop in his place Who though being yet alive but by a greivous infirmity rendred incapable to execute his Episcopall function there were in his room elected and consecrated two Bishops Aecca and Beadwine the Episcopall See of Aecca being placed at Dumwich and that of Beadwine at North-Elmham And from that time to this the said Province has been administred by two Bishops 3. These were the two Prelats mentioned in the life of Ositha Queen and Martyr Whose gests therefore are unduly referred to the year of Grace six hundred fifty three by Alberic the Writer of her life in which errour he is followd by Haraeus in his Martyrologe c. 4. S. Ositha was daughter of a Mercian Prince named Frithwald and of Wilteburga daughter of Penda King of the Mercians She had her education in vertue and piety in a certain Monastery governed by the Holy Abbesse Movenna Out of which she was afterward recalled by her parents and notwithstanding she had in resolution of mind consecrated her Virginity to God yet by their authority she became wise to Sighere Companion of S. Sebb in the Kingdom of the East-angles And following the example of S. Ediltrudis Queen of the Northumbers she preferred the love of her heavenly Bridegroom before the Embraces of a King With which devotion of hers her husband likewise piously complied and moreover not only permitted her to consecrate her self to our Lord but bestowd on her a village situated near the Sea called Chic where building a Monastery she enclosed her self And after she had spent some time in the service of God it hapned that a Troop of Danish Pirats landed there Who going out of their ships wasted and burnt the countrey there about using all manner of cruelty against the Christian inhabitants Then he who was the Captain of that impious band having learne the condition and Religious Life of the Blessed Virgin S. Ositha began by entreaties and presents to tempt her to Idolatry adding withall threats of scourging and other torments if she refused to adore the Gods which he worshipped But the Holy Virgin despising his flatteries and not fearing his threats made small account of the torments attending her Whereupon the said Capptain enraged at her constancy and scorn of his Idols pronounced sentence of death against her commanding her to lay down her head to be cutt off And
At that time saith he to witt in the year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred seaventy five Sebbe and Sighere Kings of the East-Saxons constituted Earconwald Bishop in the Citty of Londen whose life and conversation both whilst he was Bishop and before is reported to have been full of Sanctity as the Miracles to this day wrought by his intercession doe demonstrate For the horse litter in which during his sicknes he was wont to be caried and which is preserved by his Disciples does still continue to cure many persons afflicted with feavers and other infirmities Neither doth it work this effect only upon such as are placed under it or leane against it but likewise chipps sliced from it and caried to the sick doe restore them to health 5. We will adioyn hereto the testimony even of B. Godwin likewise Erconwald saith he a man eminent for learning and Sanctity bestowed his whole Patrimony in erecting and endowing Monasteries One he founded for himself at Chertsey and another for Religious Virgins at Barking over which he appointed his Sister Edilburga Abbesse He employed wast summs of money in the structure of the Church dedicated to S. Paul the revenews whereof he much encreased and obtained from the Princes of that age great Priviledges thereto He addsi That his Body was layd in a Coffin of great price and buried in the East part of S. Pauls Church above the high Altar where it continued till about fourscore years agoe at which time it disappeared Concerning this Holy Bishop occasion will offer it self to say more hereafter THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAPTER 1.2 c. A debate between Saint Wilfrid and Saint Theodore raised by the covetous Queen of the Northumbers Saint Wilfrids Appeal and banishment 1. IN the year of Grace six hundred seaventy eight Pope Donus dying Pope Agathon succeeded him in the Chair Apostolick whom we shall have occasion frequently to mention by reason of a great controversy this year begun in Brittany between the two Supreme Prelats of this Island S. Wilfrid Arch-bishop of York and S. Theodore of Canterbury which lasted many years sometimes composed by the said Popes authority and again breaking forth to the great disturbance of the peace of our Saxon Churches though it pleased the Divine goodnes by occasion thereof to enlarge his Church by the happy câ—nversion of severall Nations both within and out of Brittany 2. A breif account of this dissention foresignified by a prodigious Comet appearing the same year it thus recorded by S. Beda In the year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred seaventy eight saith he which was the eighth year of the raign of Egfrid King of the Northumbers there appeared in the month of August a Comet or blazing star which for three months together arose every morning representing a great pillar of wonderfull light The same year a dissention arising between the said King Egfrid and the most Reverend Prelat Wilfrid the Holy Arch-bishop was driven from his See and in his place were substituted two Bishops to govern the Nation of the Northumbers to witt Bosa who administred the Episcopall Office in the more Southern parts of the Deiri or Yorkshire c. and Eata in the Nation of the Bernicians or Northumberland c. The former had his Episcopall See at York the other in the Church of Hagulstad Hexham or Lindesfarn Both of them were taken out of a Convent of Monks and thence promoted to the Episcopall degree And together with these a third person named Eadhed was ordained Bishop over the Province of the Lindesfars or Lincolnshire which a short time before King Egfrid having defeated Wulfere King of the Mercians had gott the possession of This Eadhed was the first peculiar Bishop of the said Province the prime Seat of his Bishoprick was Sidnacester a place whose memory is now worn out by age Yet some esteem it to be the same that is now called Gainsborow or at least situated near it from whence in after times the See was translated to Dorchester and last of all to Lincoln where it still remains 5. Thus writes S. Beda of S. Wilfrids expulsion and of a new distinction and institution of Episcopall Sees Saint Ceadda before he was translated to Lichfeild had been the only Prelat of the whole Kingdom of the Northumbers governing both the Churches of York and Lindesfarn He by the sentence of Arch-bishop Theodore surrendred that whole Province to Saint Wilfrid Now Saint Wifrid by the displeasure and Violence of King Egfrid being expelled in his place Bosa administers the See of York and Eata that of the Province of the Bernicians who is reckoned the fifth Bishop of Lindesfarn and first of Hagulstad 4. The Institution of these New Bishopricks was ordered in vertue of the ninth Canon of the fore-mentioned Synod of Hertford assembled by Arch-bishop Theodore five years before this where it was ordained that the number of Christians encreasing Bishopricks likewise should be multiplied From hence issued the first spark of dissension this year between the two Holy Arch-bishops S. Wilfrid and S. Theodore which afteward was raised to a great flame The progresse of which dissension we will consequently relate from William of Malmsbury which indeed took its first originall from the Court of King Egfrid and the malicious envy of his new Queen Ermenburga For it has been fatall to the Brittish Saxon and Norman Churches of this Island that generally disorders and Schisms have been begun by woemen 5. As long as the glorious Virgin Saint Ediltrudis enioyd the Title of Queen and Consort to King Egfrid all things succeeded happily to the Kingdom and Church of the Northumbers and Saint Wilfrid by the great esteem and reverence which his piety and zeale had obtained was well enabled to promote the affairs of the Church But assoon as the said Holy Virgin by Saint Wilfrids assistance had gained her husbands consent to exchange a temporal for a celestiall mariage and to retire into a Religious Solitude enriched with poverty and a want of all sensuall contentments there more freely to enioy the Spirituall embracements of her heavenly Bridegroom King Egbert received into her place a Second Consort Ermenburga a Lady of a disposition much different from the former and particularly tainted with the vices usually enough attending that Sex Covetousnes and Envy 6. By the piety of the former King Oswi and severall of the Nobility so wonderfull an accession of possessions and riches had been made to the tender growing Churches of the Northumbers under the care of Saint Wilfrid that the Sacred Vessels pertaining to Gods Altars were many of them of pure gold and not any of a lower mettall then Silver and the Vestments and other ornaments of a suitable magnificeÌ„ce This splendour dazeled the eyes of the New Queen who with a malignant aspect began to look upon the Holy Arch-bishop by whose zeale such riches had been
consecrated to Gods service 7. This Envy corroding thus the Queens heart she endeavoured to impart to her husband whose eares she incessantly filled with malicious suggestions against the Holy Prelat insomuch as by little and little his affection and respect to him diminishing at length his Love was turned into hatred and he began to persecute him by whose prayers he had formerly obtained so many great Victories 8. Notwithstanding though this credulous King hearkned too willingly to his wives malicious suggestions yet he would not assume to himself a power to dispose of Ecclesiasticall revenews or to deprive the Holy Bishop of that wealth with which his Predecessour and others had entrusted him Therefore he consulted Saint Theodore Arch-bishop of Canterbury suggesting to him that Saint Wilfrid did abound with an immense superfluity of wealth which might be sufficient for the maintenance of many Bishopricks of which so large a Province did stand in need 9. By so fair a pretence of extending piety the King drew the Arch-bishop S. Theodore into his faction who without any delay and without consulting Saint Wilfrid presently introduced into his Province three New Bishops pretending a ground of iustice that three Bishops might sufficiently be maintained by those revenews which being in one mans disposall nourished in him arrogance and pride and moreover the Province being so vast and the number of Christians so multiplied it was necessary that the care of them should be committed to many Governours These allegations may indeed appeare rationall and just But there was no shew of justice in despoyling a worthy Bishop of all the possessions which by his industry he had procured to the Church and without demanding his consent imparting them to others This injustice on Saint Theodore's part was much aggravated in that he was sayd to be induced to so hasty and violent proceedings against Saint Wilfrid by Gifts sent him from the King and Queen 10. That the Arch-bishop of Canterbury should assume to himself such a power and iurisdiction over so great a Province not in an ordinary way subject to him we need not wonder seeing as hath been declared that Power was conferred on him not only by the Pope but by vertue of the Late Nationall Synod of Hertford which ordained an encrease of the number of Bishopricks Notwithstanding the manner of exercising this extraordinary jurisdiction was unexcusable and Saint Theodore himself a little before his death was sensible of the injury done by him acknowledging his fault and desiring pardon of it 11. S. Wilfrid understanding well enough that this violence and oppression was brought upon him by the Kings command repaired to him and complained of the injury done him alledging that the Ecclesiasticall Laws forbade any deminution or change to be made in any Episcopall See before permission was given to the Bishop to alledge and defend his own rights That Kings were the Patrons and Defenders of the Patrimony of Christ and not dissipatours thereof If any fault or demerit could be imputed to him he desired his accusers might be produced and space allowd him for his defence All the answer that the Holy Bishop could obtain hereto from King Egbert was this We lay no crime to your charge but what we have ordained touching your Bishoprick we will see ratified 12. S. Wilfrid perceiving that a Legall and Canonicall debate of this matter was refused him replyed to the King with a constancy beseeming a worthy Prelat in maintaining the Rights of his Church I see said he that Your Majesty has been wrought upon to my prejudice by certain factious and malignant persons about you I appeale therefore from them to the See Apostolick 13. This conference passed between King Egbert and S. Wilfrid in a full assembly of Nobility and other attendants The Courtiers therefore assoon as they heard the Holy Bishop mentioning an Appeal broke forth into open laughter and derision of him But he presently repressed their irreverent Scorn with this sad denunciation and prophecy Vnhappy men you laugh now to see the Churches ruind but on this very day the next year you shall with teares bewayl your own ruine Having said this he departed from the Kings presence and presently after forsook both his See and the Kingdom of the Northumbers retiring into the next Kingdom of the Mercians II. CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Wilfrid passes through the Mercian Kingdom 3. He is by tempests cast among the Frisons whom he converts to the Faith 4.5 c. His enemies seek to murder him by the means of Ebroin He comes safe to Rome 1. SAint Wilfrid being thus expelled his See took his iourney towards Rome through the Kingdom of the Mercians where by King Ethelred he was honourably received The said King at that time had finished the Monastery of Medeshamsted afterwards called Peterborow which had been begun by his Predecessours King Peada and King Wolfer And he took this opportunity of our Holy Bishops voyage to Rome to send by him a request to Pope Agathon that he would by Apostolick authority confirm the Liberties Priviledges and Exemptions of that Monastery which by Kingly authority had been granted Mention is made of this Request in an Ancient Manuscript of the said Monastery of Peterbortw in Sir Henry Spelmans Councils And what Answer Pope Agathon gave to it shall be declared two years hence at Saint Wilfrids return from Rome where he gaind his cause 2. S. Wilfrid made no stay in the Kingdom of the Mercians but continuing his iourney to the Sea assoon as he took ship saith S. Beda he was by a South-west wind driven to the Countrey of the Frisons where he was honourably received by that barbarous Pagan Nation and their King Adalgise to whom he preached Christ and having instructed many thousands of them in the Word of Truth he washed away the stains of their sins with the saving water of Baptisme Thus he was the first Preacher of the Gospell in that Nation and that Doctrin which he taught was afterward with great devotion perfectly planted among them by the most Reverend Bishop S. Willebrord In this Apostolicall employment Saint Wilfrid happily spent the Winter succeeding among that new converted people and the spring following resumed his iourney towards Rome 3. Herein as Baronius well observes the mercifull Providence of God did manifestly shine forth in permitting a most holy Bishop to be violently thrust from his See to the end he might derive the fresh springs of the Gospell to a Nation ready to dye with thirst insomuch as with regard to this his Apopostolick Office those Propheticall words of Scripture may be applied to him Who are those which flye abroad like clowds c For he by a blast of wind was caried into a dry and barren land which he presently watred and rendred fruitfull by heavenly showrs poured upon it 4. Whilst S. Wilfrid busied himself in reducing to the purity of Christian Faith the Nation of the Frisons from their
Synodall Letters c. The Subscriptions c. 8.9 10. Iohn a Roman Abbot present there His vertues In his return he dyes in France 1. WHilst these things were agitated at Rome the Roman Abbot Iohn Arch-Cantour or the Church there of S. Peter being now in Brittany and commissioned to explore the Faith of the English Churches and give an account thereof to the See Apostolick diligently executed his commission By his suggestion no doubt it was that this same year as Saint Beda testifies the Holy Arch-bishop Theodore being informed that the Faith of the Church of Constantinople was much disturbed by the Heresy of Eutyches and desirous to preserve the English Churches committed to his care free from that contagion he assembled a Synod of Venerable Bishops and very many learned men in which he diligently inquired what the Beleif of each person was after which enquiry he found amongst them an unanimous agreement in the Orthodoxe Catholick Faith 1. This Synod saith he was held in a place called Heatfeild But there being severall places in Brittany of the same name he leaves it uncertain in what Province it was Most probable it is that it was the same which at this day is called Bishops-hatfeild in Hertfordshire so called rather from this Synod there held then as Camden would because it belongs to the iurisdiction of the Bishop of Ely 3. The Synodall Letters dictated by S. Theodore Archrbishop of Canterbury who presided therein were according to the same S. Beda of the tenour following In the name of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ In the tenth year of the Raign of our most Religious Lord Egfrid King of the Northumbers on the fifteenth day before the Calends of October and the eighth Indiction and in the sixth year of the raign of Edilred King of the Mercians in the seaventeenth year of the raign of Adulfus King of the East-angles and in the seaventh year of the Raign of Lothair King of Kent Theodore by the Grace of God Arch-bishop of the Isle of Brittany and Citty of Canterbury presiding and the rest of the Bishops of the Isle of Brittany sitting with him the most Holy Gospells being honourably placed among them in a town according to the Saxon tongue named Hedtfeild Wee there after common advice have unanimously declared the true and Orthodox Faith according as our Lord Iesus Christ incarnate delivered to his Disciples who saw him and heard his words and as is contained in the Symbol of the Holy Fathers and generally all Saints Vniversall Synods and particular Orthodox Churches have delivered Wee following these faithfull Guides according to their doctrine divinely inspired doe unanimously beleive and professe according to the Holy Fathers in truth and propriety of speech confessing the Father Son and Holy Ghost the Trinity consubstantiall in Vnity and Vnity in Trinity that is One God in three Subsistences or Persons Consubstantiall of equall glory and honour 4. And after many other speeches added to the like effect which pertain to the Confession of the Orthodox Faith this Holy Synod hath to its common Letters added this Profession Wee receive the five Holy Vniversall Synods of the Blessed Fathers that is of the three hundred and eighteen Bishops assembled at Nicaea against the impious Heretick Arius and his Dogmes and of the hundred and fifty Bishops assembled at Constantinople against the madnes of Macedonius and Eudoxius and their Errours and of the two hundred Bishops mett at Ephesas against the impious Nestorius and his dogmes and of the six hundred and thirty Bishops assembled at Chalcedon against Eutyches and Nestorius and their Dogmes and again they were assembled in the fifth Council at Constantinople in the time of Iustinian the younger against Theodorus Theodoret and the Epistles of Ibas and their dogmes against Cyrill Likewise in the Synod held at Rome in the time of Blessed Pope Martin in the eighth Indiction and ninth year of the Religious Emperour Constantin Wee receive all these and glorify our Lord Iesus Christ as the said Holy Fathers glorified him neither adding any thing nor diminishing from their Decisions Wee with heart and tongue anathematize those whom they have anathematized and we receive those whom they have received glorifying God the Father without beginning and his Only begotten before all ages and the Holy Spirit unexpressibly proceeding from the Father and the Son as the forementioned Holy Apostles Prophets and Doctours have taught And hereto we all subscribe who together with the Arch-bishop Theodore have declared the Catholick Faith 5. Such was the tenour of the Synodall Letters of this Council at Hatfeild but the names of the Bishops subscribing for brevities sake were omitted by S. Beda Yet in the forementioned Saxon Manuscript produced by Sir H. Spelman and translated into Latin we read that the Apostolick Breif touching the Priviledges of the Monastery of Medeshamsted or Peterborough was read publickly in the said Synod and approved there Witnesses whereof by the Authour cited are there mentioned 6. Moreover King Ethelred in the foresaid Synod said I doe immoveably ratify and confirm whatsoever gifts my Brethren Penda and Welfere and my Sisters Kyneburgh and Kineswith have given and by will conferred on S. Peter and this Abbot And my will is that in the Anniversary dayes of their deposition they be commemorated for the good of their soules and mine And this day I my self give to S. Peter and his Church of Medeshamsted the lands here under named with their appurtenances to wit Bredune Hreâ—pingas Cedenac c. These lands I give to S. Peter with the same liberty as I my self now possesse them forbidding my Successours in any thing to prejudice this my Gift And if any shall doe contrary hereto the Anathema of the Pope and all other Bishops fall upon him Of these things all here present are Witnesses I Ethelred doe confirm these things with the sign of the Crosse of Christ. †I Theodore Arch-bishop of Canterbury am Witnes of this Writing of Meleshamsted and I excommunicate all who so ever shall violate any thing of it and give my benediction to all who observe it ✚ I Wilfrid Arch-bishop of York am witnes and confirm the same with an Anathema †I Saxulf formerly Abbot and now Bishop doe in mine own name and of all my Successours inflict an Anathema against all infringers of this †I Ostritha Queen to King Ethelred confirm this ✚ I Adrian legat decree the same †I Putta Bishop of Rochester have written this †I Waldhere Bishop of London doe ratify this †I Cuthbalâ— Abbot doe so confirm it that whosoever shall violate it may he bear the malediction of all Bishops and of Christians in the world Amen 7. If this Writing be indeed authentick we are to suppose that all the subscriptions were not made at once but successively for certain it is that S Wilfrid was absent during the Session of this Council and therefore subscribed it after this
By means of which frequent taking away the dust a trench of no small depth and largenes was made in the place His name therefore is deservedly commemorated in our Martyrologe and the Roman likewise among the Saints on the Nones of Iuly 2. S. Hedda being dead the Bishoprick of that Province saith the same Authour was divided into two Dioceses one whereof was given to Daniel who governs the same to this day that is to the year of Grace seaven hundred thirty one in which S. Beda concluded his History and the other to S. Aldelm who worthily administred the same the space of four years Both these men were eminently skilfull in Ecclesiasticall affairs and in the doctrine of Holy Scriptures 3. S. Beda does not mention the name of the Episcopall See assigned to Daniel but other Authours doe generally agree that it was Winchester which he governed forty years As for S. Aldelm the Seat of his Bishoprick was Shirburn in the Province of the Durotriges or Dorsetshire in which a few of his Successours continued till the Episcopall See was afterward translated to SaruÌ„ or Salisbury 4. These were two Prelats of eminent learning and illustrious starrs of the West-Saxon Kingdom As touching Daniel we shall shew hereafter how S. Boniface the glorious Apostle of the Germans frequently consulted him in difficulties occurring about the discharge of that sublime office Hence it is that Bishop Godwin gives this Character of him Daniel was a man excellently learned and wrote many volumes amongst others these following Of the affairs of the Province of the South-Saxons Of the Life of the Holy Bishop Cedda Of the affairs of the Isle of Wight All which are now lost 5. As for S. Aldelm he was froÌ„ his youth bred up in learning and piety by S. Maâ—dulf a Scottish Hermiâ— from whom the famous Monastery of Malmsbury received its name for many devout persons moved with the fame of his Sanctity had recourse to him in that solitude by whom they were coenobitically governed and a Monastery was there erected by Kenwalch King of the West-Saxons In the year six hundred and seaventy S Maidulfus dying Saint Aldelm succeeded Abbot in his place And five years after the said Monastery was endowed by the liberality of Leutherius Bishop of the West-Saxons upon the suggestion of S. Aldelm For before that time the Monks lived there only upon courtesy Thirteen years after he attended King Cedwalla to Rome where he obtained from Pope Sergius a Breif of Priviledges and immunities to his Abbey How in the year of Grace six hundred ninety two he was appointed by a Synod to write to a certain Prince of Cornwall called Geruntius a Book in confutation of the Brittains erroneous observation of Easter and other miscariages hath heretofore been declared At last this year he was upon the death of S. Hedda ordained a Bishop of the West-Saxons and as hath been said kept his Episcopall residence at Shireburn 6. Being thus made a Bishop he gave a full and free authority to his Monks of Malmsbury to chuse their Abbot But their duty and affection to him was such that during his life they would acknowledge no other Spirituall Father Only they humbly petitioned him to grant them the Priviledge after his death to elect their own Abbot And that such Election should not pertain to the Bishop as the custom was in Kent by the Ordinance of King Withred but descend to the Monks This Priviledge S. Aldelm granted not only to them but to all other Monasteries which he had founded And moreover caused his Indult to be confirmed by the Subscription of K. Ina and of Daniel Bishop of Winchester Authentick Copies are still extant of this Indult and Priviledge granted both by S. Aldelm and King Ina in the Register of the said Abbey of Malmsbury Concerning this holy Bishop S. Aldelm more remains to be said when we come to speak of his death In the mean time the affairs of Germany happily managed by S. Swibert and his blessed companions recall us thither II. CHAP. i. 2 c. Swiberts Preaching and miraculous freeing a man possessed by the Devill 1. SAint Swibert after he had successfully preached the Gospell to the Inhabitants of Brunswick and other neighbouring Nations directed his steps to a people called Boructuarians or Prussians lying more Northerly and yet more savage then the former Concerning his progresse in their conversion we have this account from his companion S. Marcellinus Assoon as he was entred that Province saith he he instilled the saving Mysteries and precepts of the Gospell into their foolish and blind hearts and enlightned their savage minds with the luster of divine Truth being glorious among them in his preaching and holy in his actions So that turning them from their profane superstitions to the Faith of Christ he confirmed them in the same Faith by many wonderfull miracles But the multitude oâ— Converts encreasing the Devils envy likewise encreased who enraged to see so many escape his snares earnestly endeavoured by his malicious instruments either to kill him or expell him from that Province 2. On a certain day therefore as he was preaching to a great multitude of Pagans their sacrilegious Preists drunk with the Idolatrous cupp of Babylon sett violently upon him and after they had beaten him with their fists rodds and stones they endeavoured to drive him out of their coasts But by the industry of certain courageous Christians he was taken out of their hands and for a few days was concealed by them for they durst not kill him out of fear least their Governour should be offended But presently after the Holy Bishop renewd his preaching among them and dayly baptized great numbers which despising their Idols publickly confessed the Name of Christ. 3. Consequently the same Holy Writer declares how by occasion of the Devills malice the Faith of Christ became more illustrious among that people For saith he on a certain time in a village of the Boructuarians a Rich and potent man named Ethelhere was possessed by the Devill insomuch as they were forced to bind him with chains because he endeavoured to bite all that came near him and tore his own cloaths Now the same Ethelhere was one of those who had persecuted and incited others to persecute the Holy Bishop and was the first that had the boldnes to smite him with a staff This man being thus dayly in a horrible manner tormented by the devill it hapned on a certain day in the presence of severall Pagan Preists and others who came to visit and condole with him that the Devill cryed out Except Swibert servant of the living God and Bishop of the Christians come hither I will not depart out of this man And when he oft more and more loudly repeated the same words the Idolatrous Preists and other freinds of the Demoniack went away in great confusion and perplexity what they should doe At last they all agreed that Saint
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
without delay denounce them to his Holines But if it should happen which God forbid that I should hereafter attempt or any way doe any thing contrary to the tenon of this my Vow may I in the last dreadfull Iudgment incurr the Sentence and punishment of Ananias and Saphira who presumed to deale unfaithfully with you in disposing their goods This form of Oath also I Boniface humble Bishop have written with mine own hand and having layd it upon the most sacred Body of S. Peter I have in the presence of God who is my judge taken this my oath accordingly which I doe promise to keep 6. After this the Pope studiously assisted and respected him in all things for he gave him a Book containing all Ecclesiasticall Decrees which had been Synodically made by his Predecessours enioyning him that both his Clergy and people should be ordered according to the said Instituts He likewise by a Priviledge in Writing promised and confirmed to him and all that depended on him the favour and Protection of the See Apostolick 7. To conclude at his departure he gave him severall Letters to the illustrious Duke Charles Mair of the French Kings palace to all Bishops Preists Nobles c. requiring their assistance and defence of the said holy man in the execution of his Apostolick Office among the Nations feared on the Eastern parts of the Rhene With these he adioynd a Letter also to the Clergy and people peculiarly subject to this Holy Bishop requiring them to shew all reverence and obedience to him acquainting them withall that among other Iniunctions given him he had commanded him not to presume to make any unlawfull Ordinations not to permitt any one who had two wives or one which had not been a Virgin no illiterate man or deformed and vitiated in any of his members none which had been in publick Pennance or obnoxious to Iustice to be promoted to Holy Orders That he should not receive to the same Orders any Aegyptians or Africans because many such were Manicheans and often rebaptized That he should be carefull not to diminish but rather encrease the revenews or ornaments of his Churches And that the Rents and Oblations should be divided into four portions of which one he should reserve to himself a second should be distributed to the Clergy proportionably to their Offices a third to the poor and strangers and a fourth to be reserved for maintaining the fabricks of Churches Of all which he was to give an account in the Iudgment of God That Ordinations of Preists and Deacons should be celebrated onely in the Fasts of the fourth and tenth Monthes at the beginning of Lent and on the Vespers of Saturday after Whitsontide Lastly that except in danger of death the Sacrament of Baptism should not be conferred but only on the Solemnities of Easter and Pentecost 8 To these Letters were added others full of pious exhortations and Catechisticall Instructions to the people of the Province of the Thuringians and also the Alt Saxons both Idolaters and new converted Christians And lastly whereas among the Thuringians there were some courageous persons who in defence of their Faith had suffred greivous persecutions from the Pagans he addressed a particular letter to them by name to these Noble persons Altolph Godolas Wilary Gunthar Albold c. in which he highly exalted their constancy giving humble thanks to God for the same and encouraging them to persevere in their constancy to have recourse to the See Apostolick in any of their necessities and to be obedient to their new consecrated Bishop XIV CHAP. 1.2 c. S Boniface returning into Germany constantly exercises his Apostolick Office He destroye Idolatry c. 4. He excommunicates Hereticks and licentious Christians 5. He is encouraged by S. Michaël to whom he builds a Church 6.7 8. He by Letters beggs the Prayers of severall Devout persons 1. SAint Boniface encouraged and secured by the authority of so many recommendations began his iourney towards Germany the beginning of the year following and being come to the Noble Prince Charles sirnamed Martel he presented to him the Holy Popes Letters and recommending himself to his protection with his consent he proceeded in his iourney to the Region of the Catti now called Hassians to whom he had already begun to preach the Gospell and to secure him both there and in the way thither the Prince gave him likewise Letters of safe-guard directed to all Bishops Dukes Counts c. signifying to them that it was his will that the Apostolick Father and Bishop Boniface the bearer of those should without any molestation or iniury goe or remain in the said countreys as being one whom he had received into his favour and Protection which he calls Mundiburde 2. When he was come into the Province of the Catti he found there very many who had cast off the Profession of Christianity Some Sacrifised to trees and fountâ—ins at least privatly some followed sooth saying and cousening divinations and many were addicted to abominable Sacrifices so that a very small number remained constant in the way of Truth which they had been taught 3. By the advice of these the Holy Bishop with their assiâ—tance attempted to cutt down a certain Tree of a prodigious vastnes which grew in a place called Geâ—smer and had been for many ages called the Tree of Iupiter Whereupon a great multitude of Pagans ran thither with an intention to kill him as an Ennemy of their Gods But at the same instant the Tree though not at all deep cutt as if it had been agitated by a Divine force was torn into four peices This when those Pagans saw they gave glory to God and embraced the Faith 4. Neither did he find greater opposition from Pagans then from Hereticks and licentious Christians For going from that Province to the Thurigians he found there a great decay of the Catholick Faith occasioned by the death of some of their Princes which had been converted The principall Authours of severall Heresies among them had been these infamous persons Dorthuvia Berther Eanbert and Humed Others there were horribly defiled with scandalous lusts and adulteries All which after sharp reprehensions he cutt off from the Churches Communion by Excommunication 5. In the mean time the famâ— of his Preaching being spread great accessions were made to the number of Beleiveâ—s Many Churches were erected and Monasteries built Among which one of the most Notable was founded at Ordorf to the honour of the Blessed Archangel Saint Michael who had appeared with great glory to the Holy Bishop on a certain night sleeping in his Tent near the River Oraham where he had been employed in preaching and baptizing and with many comfortable words encouraged him to be constant in that holy employment The morning following he celebrated Masse in the same place after which he commanded that dinner should be prepared But being told that there was no meat Is it so answered he How many
and Martin the fourth And Polydor Virgil an Italian acknowledges that he was sent into England to perform the Office of Collectour for the Pope 8. This liberality begun by our Saxon Kings was imitated by other Extern Princes in succeeding times Thus Pope Gregory the ninth of that Name in an Epistle to his Legats declares that in the Archives of S. Peter in three severall places it is fâ—und that Charles the Emperour collected yearly for the service of the Apostolick See twelve hundred pounds besides what every one offred in his particular devotion And in the year of Grace one thousand forty six by a Generall Assembly of the States of Poland under King Casimir a promise was made of a half penny yearly to be payed by every person in that kingdom to the Pope And in the year of our Lord one thousand seaventy six Demetrius Duke of Dalmatia Croatia in a Synod assembled at Salona obliged himself to pay to the See of Rome an annuall Tribute of two hundred peices of Gold called Byzantins The like Pensions we read to have been given by the Dukes of Brittany c. Thus much wee thought fitt to adde upon occasion of this charitable Liberality to the See of Rome begun by the devout Saxon King Ina. Wee will prosecute his iourney the year following XVIII CHAP. 1. Death of Tobias Bishop of Rochester 2 3 S. Boniface consults the Pope about severall Questions which are resolved by him 1. THE same year Tobias Bishop of Rochester dyed He was saith S. Beda Disciple of Theodore Arch-bishop of Canterbury of happy memory and of Adrian Abbot of S. Augustins Monastery And to a great perfection of learning both Ecclesiasticall and secular he added so accurate a skill in languages both Greek and Latin that they were as familiar to him as his Native countreys tongue He was buried in the Porch of S. Pauls which himself had built within the Church of S. Andrew to be a place for his sepulcher From this passage of S. Beda the great Cardinall Baronius inferrs that the English Nation received from the Roman Church not the Catholick Faith only but likewise all good literature To Tobias there succeeded in the See of Rochester Aldulfus who was the tenth Bishop of that Church 2. But the incessant labours of S. Boniface wil oft interrupt our Narration of the affaires of Brittany and require our attention to them This year as appears by an Epistle or Pope Gregory to him he sent his Preist Denuaâ— to the said Pope to onsult him about certain difficulties occurring in the discharge of his Apostolick Office As 1. within what degrees of propinquity Mariage may be permitted to which the Resolution was that the utmosâ— strictnes ought not to be exercised to such new converted Nation and therefore thaâ— beyond the fourth degree of affinity or consanguinity Mariage might be allowd Again 2. that in case a woman have an incurable infirmity before Mariage be accomplished it may be lawfull for the husband to marry another 3. That if a Preist be defamed by an accusation of the people and no certain Witnesses be produced against him the Preist by oath making God witnes of his innocence shall remain in his degree 4. That it is no fitt that more Chalices then one should be upon the Altar at celebration of Masse 5 That concerning eating meats consecrated to Idols it may be allowd after making the sign of the Crosse over them except in case oâ— scandal mentioned by S. Paul â—â— at one shoulâ— say This was offred to Idols 6. That childrenâ—o â—o either sex offred by their parents to God in their infancy to a Regular Discipline may not afterward in ripe age leave that state and contract matrimony 7. That persons baptized by adulterous and scandalous Preists ought not therefore to be rebaptized But in case there be a doubt whether infants have been baptized or not then according to the Tradition of the Holy Fathers they ought to be baptized 8 That the holy Sacrament of Christs body and blood ought not to be denyed to persons infected with Leprosy or other like contagious disease but they must not be admitted to eat and drink with others 9. That in case the Pestilence should rage in Monasteries oâ— Churches it would be a folly to flye since no man can scape Gods hands 10. That he ought sharply to reprove scandalous and licentious Bishops or Preists but was not obliged to refuse eating or conversing with them For this may be a mean to gain them 3. Some of these doubts also S. Boniface proposed to his learned freinds in Brittany and particularly to the holy Prelat Daniel Bishop of Winchester who returned him the like answers and comforted him being much afflicted with his perverse and obstinat German Clergy Both his Epistle and the Answer to it are still extant XIX CHAP. 1.2 c. King Ina at Rome builds the Schoole of the English â—hâ—re it was seated 6 7 He there takes a Monasticall Habit. his happy death 1. IN the year of Grace seaven hundred twenty seaven the devout King Ina finished his iourney to Rome At his leaving Brittany he resigned his kingdom to his kinsman called Ethelard a worthy Successour of so Noble a Prince And being thus discharged of so great a burden of secular solicitudes he performed his iourney more chearfully 2. Being arrived at Rome saith Mathew of Westminster he by the consent and will of Pope Gregory built in the Citty a certain house which he would have to be called The Schoole of the English To the said house the following Kings of this Nation the Princes Bishops Preists or any other Ecclesiasticks were to come to be instructed in the Catholick Faith and learning to prevent the teaching any perverse doctrine contrary to Catholick Vnity and when they were become well established in the Faith they returned home again 3. It seems that not only the Popes in these times but the Saxon Princes in Brittany thought more convenient that the youth of this Nation should be taught learning and vertue at Rome rather then publick Schooles should be erected at home And the reason is given by the same Authour saying From the time of S. Augustin our Apostle to this Publick Schooles and Professours of Teaching were by the Bishops of Rome straitly forbidden to the English by reason of the many Heresies which at the coming of the English into Brittany at which time the Pagans were mixed with the Christians did much corrupt the doctrines and Discipline of Christianity So that the Censure given by the Apostat Bale touching this Foundation does well become him who affirms That it was erected to the great mischeif of the English state 4. Besides this house the same King Inas built near to it a Church to the honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary in which the Divine Mysteries might be celebrated by and for such
England being the son of a Prince called Richard son to king Lothere as some affirm seems to have been placed in the third See though commonly in Writers he be called Bishop of Eystad 4. The year following Saint Boniface received an Answer to his Letter from Pope Zacharias wherein after expressing much ioy for the wonderfull successe of his preaching he 1. Confirms the three Bishopricks newly erected by him in Germany adding that he had sent to the three Bishops Epistles of Confirmation which they were to receive from his hands 2. Whereas Carloman Duke of the French had desired Saint Boniface to assemble a Synod in France and preside in it to correct the infinite disorders of the Clergy hapning by reason they had no Archbishop neither had any Synod been convoked there of fourscore years S. Boniface answered the Duke that Fâ—ance not being within the district of his Iurisdiction he had no authority without order from the Pope to call a Synod there Hereupon Pope Zacharias gives him authority to assemble a Synod and in his name to preside there 3. The speciall disorders which he would have rectified were to exclude from Preist-hood or if they were already Bishops or Preists to prohibiâ—e the exercises of their office to all such persons as were guilty of adultery or had had many wives or cohabited after they were Preists with the wives they formerly had or had shed the blood of any Christians or Pagans 4. Whereas Saint Boniface had petitioned for leave to constitute one who might be his Successour in his Archiepâ—scopall authority the Pope absolutely refused him as being contrary to Ecclesiasticall Canons Yet he permitts him at the hower of his death to design a Successour upon this condition notwithstanding that such his Successour shall repair to Rome and receive Ordination there and no where else 5. Whereas a certain person of quality had maried his Vncles wife who likewise formerly had been the wife of her cousen german and in his life time was separated from him and had received the Sacred Veyle of Religion and the New husband pretended but falsely that he had a dispensation for this Mariage from the the See Apostolick Pope Zacharias commands Saint Boniface that he should take order to dissolve so abominable a Matrimony telling him withall that he had sent a Commonitory Breif to the same purpose 6. To a certain admonition which Saint Boniface had sent to the Pope desiring him to prohibite certain Superstitions said to be practised at Rome near Saint Peters Church on New-years day or the night before at which time there were publickly in the streets dancing after a Pagan manner with loud acclamations neither would any one then out of a Heathenish Superstition lend his neighbour any thing out of his house not so much as fire and more over women wore about their arms and leggs ligatures phylacteries and superstitious knotts which also they made to sell to others that they observed auguries incantations c. All which superstitions caused great Scandall among the Germans who thought every thing to be lawfull which they saw or heard to be practised at Rome Hereto the Pope answered that indeed such things had been some times done at Rome but assoon as he was consecrated Pope he utterly forbad them as most detestable and pernicious practises commanding Saint Boniface to doe the like 7. Whereas certain Bishops or Preists formerly guilty of adultery and fornication pretended that they had a dispensation from the See Apostolick to exercise their charges notwithstanding the Pope bids Saint Boniface by no means to beleive them but to execute against them the rigour of the Canons 8. To conclude he tells him he had sent other Letters to Carloman desirâ—ng his assistance to him in the execution of these Ordonnances XI CHAP. 1.2 c A Synod at Ratisbon convoked by King Carloman in which S. Boniface presided 4. The Decrees of it confirmed by the Pope 5.6 c. S. Boniface his Letter to Câ—thbert Arch bishop of Canterbury taxing the disorders of the English 1. AFter the receit of these Letters the proceedings of S Boniface and his suâ—â—â—a an Bishops are thus described by Cardinall Baronius out of the Authour of Saint Bonifac'es Life At that time sayes he when the Noble Duke Charles Martel had finished the course of his life and his Sons Caroloman and Pipin had succeeded in his Government of which Caroloman as being the eldest disposed all publick affairs of the Kingdom S. Boniface went to him and presenting Pope Zacharias his Letters earnestly besought him for the Love of God the establishment of his Dominion and the salvation of his Subjects to advance the Orthodox Faith therein imitating the zeale of his Illustrious Father Vpon which request Caroloman as if he had received a command from heaven used his utmost endeavours to recall to the way of iustice and piety all persons Ecclesiasticks and Secular who had swerved from the duties to which Christian Religion obliged them for this purpose employing both his Kingly authority and the Ecclesiasticall likewise He commanded moreover a Synod to be assembled at Ratisbon by the prescript whereof all abuses should be corrected The Decrees of which Synod being full of edification doe here follow 2. In the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ I Caroloman Duke and Prince of the French in the year after our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred forty two on the eleaventh day before the Calends of May have by the Counsell of the Servants of God and of my Nobles in the fear of Christ assembled to a Synod the Bishops which â—â—e in my Kingdom together with their Preists namely Boniface Arch-bishop Burchard Rinfrid Wittan and Willebrord Dadan and Adan with their Preists to the end they may give mee advice how the Law of God and Christian Religion which in our Predecessours days has been much dissipated may be restored and the Christian people hitherto seduced by false Preists may be brought back into the way of salvation Therefore by the counsell of the said Religious Prelats as likewise of my Nobles order has been taken for consecrating Prelats in our Citties over whom wee have constituted Arch-bishop Boniface who is Legat of the See Apostolick Wee have appointed likewise that every year a Synod be assembled in our presence for restoring the ancient Canons and Discipline of the Church and correcting abuses 3. More particularly wee command that restitution be made of all moneys fraudulently taken from Churches 2. Wee have deprived of all participation of Church-revenews all false Preists Deacons and other Clarks who have been adulters or fornicatours moreover degrading them and constraining them to Pennance 3. Wee have utterly forbidden all the Servants of God Ecclesiasticks to fight or wear arms yea or to be present in our Armies excepting only those who are purposely chosen for the Divine Ministery the Celebrating of Masse or carying Sacred Relicks that is one or two to attend the
Prince and to every Prefect one Preist to hear Confessions and enioyn Pennances 4. Likewise wee have interdicted the same persons to hunt with doggs or to keep hawks 5. Moreover wee have decreed according to Holy Canons that all Preists in their Parishes be subiect to their proper Bishops and every Lent give him an account of their Ministery of the order observed by them in Baptism celebrating of Masse reciting Prayer and Cathechising And that whensoever the Bishop according to the Canons shall make his Vâ—â—itation for administring Confirmation to the people every Preist be ready to receive and entertain him at the charges of the people to be confirmed As also that every Maundy Thursday they receive new â—hrism of the Bishop â— receiving likewise from him a testimony of their chastity unblameable Life and soundnes of Faith 6. Wee have also ordained according to the circumspection enâ—â—ynd by the Canons that no stranger-Bishops or Preists from whence soever they come shall be admitted to the Ecclesiastical Ministery before they have received an Approbation from the Synod 7. Likewise we have decreed that every Bishop shew great solicitude to withdraw the people of God from all Heathenish Superstâ—tions all Sacrifices over the dead all Soâ—â—ileges Divinations Phylacteries Auguries and Incantations exercised after a Pagan manner by some foolish Christians near their Churches under the name of Holy Martyrs and confessours so provoking the wrath of God and his Saints Particularly wee require them to forbid earnestly those Sacrilegious Fires called Meefres And for the rooting out of all such Pagan Superstitions wee command our Magistrates Graphiones every where to give their assistance to the Bishops 8. Also wee have ordained that whatsoever Ecclesiasticall person or Religious woman shall after this Synod fall into the crime of fornication shall be putt in prison and doe pennance in bread and water And if he be a Preist he shall be scourged and remain a Prisoner two years If an inferiour Clark or Monk be guilty of the same sin he shall be whipped thrice and continue in prison a year there to doe Pennance 9 Wee have decreed moreover that no Preists or Deacon shall we are Cassacks like Lay-men but Ecclesiasticall robes casulis as becomes the servants of God And that not any of them permitt a woman to live in his house 10. Lastly that all Monks and Religious Virgins be carefull to order their Lives as becomes their Profession according to the Rule of S. BENEDICT 4. When this Synod was concluded Saint Boniface transmitted to Rome a Coppy of its Decrees to be approved by the See Apostolick Which being perused by the Pope he likewise called a Synod in which the said Decrees were read and confirmed Of all which Pope Zacharias gave information in an Epistle directed to all Bishops Preists Deacons Abbots and likewise to all Dukes Counts and all Gods servants in the Dominions of the French Particularly enioyning all due respect and obedience to their Arch-bishop Boniface This he did because many of the French Clergy looked with envious eyes upon him as being an extern and a Religious man for which reason his preeminent Legantin Authority was displeasing to them 5. Of all this S. Boniface likewise gave an account in an Epistle to Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury who the year before had written and sent some presents to him In which Epistle he gave him a breif of the foresaid Decrees Adding this moreover That in that Synodall Meeting all the Bishops present made a Confession of the Catholick Faith and protested their resolution to their deaths to preserve Vnity and subiection to the Roman Church and that they would be obedient to Saint Peter and his Vicar That every year they would assemble a Synod That all Metropolitans would demand from the See Apostolick Archiepiscopall Palls and that in all things their desire was to be Canonically obedient to the Precepts of S. Peter that so they might be reckond in the number of the Sheep commended to him To this Confession sayd he we all consented and subscribed directing it to the Body of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles Which the Pope and Roman Clergy received gratefully 6. Therto he adds many grave Instructions and Advices beseeming an Apostolick Prelat As That all Bishops should denounce to their Metropolitan such abuses as they could not amend in their Dioceses and in like manner the Metropolitan to the Pope for so doing thay shall free their own soules from the guilt of the blood of such as perish Moreover he signified to him that most of the servants of God with him were much scandalized and displeased upon occasion of a great stain and ignominy cast on the English Church and Nation which he adiures him to wipe away by a solemn prohibition made in a Synod of the Clergy and Nobility to hinder that frequency of their womens going and coming back from Rome considering that few of them returned uncorrupted A proof whereof is that there were few Citties in Lombardy or France in which there wâ—re not Harlots of the English Nation He advised him likewise severely to reprehend and if they amended not to excommunicate both alive and dead any of their Princes and Great men who sacrilegiously invaded Monasteries possessing their revenews and governing the Monks as if themselves were Abbots And lastly with his utmost endeavours to hinder the intolerable superstition and excesse of cloathing raigning in Brittany where their vestments were as they thought adorned but indeed defiled with embroidery of Purple and silk Which vanity sayd he is a sign of the coming of Antichrist and an occasion of bringing luxury and uncleannes even into Monasteries 7. It is probable that admonitions so severe and earnest from a person of so great authority as S. Boniface being the Popes Legat in so great a kingdom might be the occasion of celebrating a Synod in Brittany at Cloveshove in which a remedy was found against sacrilegious invasions of Church-revenews and Priviledges For after diligent search the formerly mentioned Law and Priviledge made by Withred the pious King of Kent was found and recited in this Synod whereupon Ethelbald King of the Mercians by a New-Law confirmed the same in his Kingdom also Notwithstanding as shall be declared King Ethelbald himselâ— became a transgressour of his own Law for which he was sharply reprehended by S. Boniface and repenting his iniustice made satisfaction for it XII CHAP. 1.2 c. Another Synod at Liptin In which Adalbeâ—t and Clement Hereticks are censured and emprisoned 5.6 S. Boniface imputes Simony to the Pope who cleares himself 7. Iurisdiction over all France given to S. Boniface 1. THE year following S. Boniface celebrated another Synod at a place called Liptin not far from Cambray whither Caroloman who kept his Court there called him In which Synod besides a Confirmation of the Decrees of the former it was ordained that a Petition should be made to the Pope
the Gospell to the Brabanters and Frisons Which Office having performed in an Apostolick manner he received an Apostolick reward which was a Crown of Martyrdom this year Rosâ—eydâ—s a learned Iesuit mentions him in the Calendar on the second of May. Whether this were a person distinct from him who was Brother to S. Ediltrudis is uncertain Concerning whom William of Malmsbury makes mention saying In the Church of S. Edmundsbury these lye the Bodies of two Saints German and Botulf whose Gests I cannot find in the Antiquities of that Church nor any where else Only this I find of them that the former was Brother to Saint Etheldritha and the second a Bishop XXIII CHAP. 1.2 Edilhun a Valiane Consul rebells against the King of the West Saxons and is subdued 3.4 The King of the Northumbers persecutes a holy Bishop 1. THE same year there were commotions both in the Western and Northern Provinces of our Island For in the West-Saxons Kingdom as Huntingdon relates Cuthred in the eleaventh year of his Raign fought a furious combat against Edelhun a Noble man Consulem of a most bold courage Who raising a sedition against his Lord and both their Armies meeting in the feild though Edilhun was far inferiour to the King in number of soldiers yet he maintaind the combat a long time with admirable courage for his single valour supplied the place of many bands of soldiers And when the victory was ready to declare it self for him an unfortunat wound peircing his body made the Kings iust cause to triumph over his perjury and infidelity 2. Edelhun with the blood issuing out of this wound expelled likewise Pride and contumacy out of his heart So that voluntarily submitting himself to his King and repenting his rebellious Treason he not only found pardon but was admitted into his Lords favour and freindship 3. But in the Kingdom of the Northumbeâ—s wee find a vertuous King persecuting a worthy Bishop and another innocent person and what the offence or provocation was not any of our Historians mention The Story is thus breifly touched by Mathew of Westminster and Hoveden Eadbert or Egbert King of the Northumbers took Renulphus Bishop of Lindesfarn Prisoner and lead him Captive into the Citty called Bebba where he was cast into chains in that state remained a long time Likewise he commanded the Church of S. Peter in Lindesfarn to be besieged The motive of which siege is further declared by the same Houeden saying Offo the son of Alfred an innocent young man was compelled for avoyding the fury of King Eadbert to seek sanctuary at the Relicks of the Holy Bishop S. Cuthbert where he remained till being almost starved to death by famin he was without armes taken out from thence As touching the Citty where the said Bishop was so straitly imprisoned and which in this Narration is called Bebba it is seated in the Province of Northumberland near the Isle of Farne and is at this day called Bamborow 4 Now though wee find expressed in no Historian the cause of the Kings displeasure against the said Bishop yet wee may perhaps probably collect it from other actions of the same King performed this year To which purpose the Authaur of the Epitome at the end of S. Beda's History relates how King Eadbert this same year by force annexed to his Dominions the territory of Cyel with other regions Now this Territory at this day called Keile or Coyle was possessed by the Scotts and was seated at the Frith of Cluid Glottae aestuarium where the Citty Alcuit and the Castle now called Dunbritton lyes Notwitstanding since the King of the Northumbers pretended to all the right which the Romans formerly enioyed in those parts which extended as far as the said Frith King Eadbert might think he had iust cause to recover it Now it is probable that the pious Bishop Renulf opposed the Kings ambition and avarice and so incurred his displeasure XXIV CHAP. 1.2 c. Pope Zacharias resolves severall Doubts of S. Boniface c. 1. THE following year nothing occurrs to furnish our History either in the Ecclesiasticall or Civill state of Brittany but only the death of two Bishops in the Kingdom of the Mâ—rcians of Witta Bishop of Lichfeâ—ld to whom succeeded Hemel And of Alwy Bishop of the Lindesfari whose place was supplied by Aldulf 2. But in Germany S. Boniface affords sufficient matter For he this year sent Lul or Lullo in a message to Pope Zacharias to desire of him a resolution of certain difficulties occurring in his Province and also a confirmation and Priviledges to his Archiepiscopall See of Mentz and his new founded Monastery of Fulda 3. As touching the Doubts proposed to the said Pope the Resolution of them is found in his Answer where he tells him 1. That he could not condemn him for refusing to communicate with the French Bishops who refused to keep the Promises made by them 2. That Christians ought to abstain from eating the flesh of Choughs Crows Storks and much more of wild horses 3. That the Roman Rite was upon Maundy Thursday after the making of Chrism to cause three Lamps to be lighted capacious enough to burn three days that upon Saturday the Vigil of Easter other Lamps to be lighted froÌ„ thence for the ceremony of blessing the Font. As for the making use of fires taken from burning glasses they had no such Tradition at Rome 4. Concerning such as had the falling-sicknes if it came from their birth they were not to be admitted into the Church for fear of infecting others But the same rigour was not to be used to such as had it afterwards those might be admitted to the Communion yet so as that they must come when all others had communicated 5. That there was no prohibition for Religious Virgins to wash one anothers feet as well as men 6. That it is more congruous not to admitt to Preisthood any till they be of good years and such as have a good testimony and that the age prescribed by Canons is thirty years Notwithstanding in case of want and necessity such may be taken as have passed five and twenty 7. As touching the Question how long men are to stay from eating Lard after the beast is skilld this was not found in Tradition yet his counsell was not to eat of it till it had been dryed well in smoke and then boyld Yet in case any desired to eat it unboyld let him at least abstain till after Easter 8. That concerning the revenews of the Church he need to make no scruple to require a shilling of every house solidum de casa and that would suffise 9. That in case any had been received into the Clergy who at their Ordination had conceald such Capitall sins as they had formerly been guilty of and such sins came afterward to be discovered such were to be deprived and condemned to Pennance 10. That in
other things and places is by the great antiquity conceal'd from posterity Some Writers imagine that it was called Sodorensis because it was by Amphibalus dedicated to our Saviour called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Soter 3. This Narration for as much as concerns Amphibalus if this be the Brittish Martyr Amphibalus seems to be of doubtfull credit since he could scarce be so timely a Bishop For almost fifty years must yet passe before we introduce him ascending the Episcopall throne offring himselfe a Champion and Sacrifice for the Christian Faith IX CHAP. 1. The Sixth Persecution rais'd by the Emperour Maximinus Martyrdom of Pope Pontianus 2. Of Cyriacus a Brittain falsly suppos'd to be the Successour of Pope Pontianus 3.4.5 The Martyrdom of S. Vrsula and the eleaven thousand Virgins falsly refer'd to this age Fictions concerning them 1. AT this time S. Pontianus Bishop of Rome governed the Church of God whose Predecessour was S. Vrban who succeeded S. Calistus Now the Tyrant Maximinus raising the sixth Persecution sharpned it especially against Bishops and Teachers of the Christian Flock By his command therfore S. Pontianus who by the Emperour Alexander had been banish'd into Sardinia was crown'd with Martyrdom being beaten to death with clubbs To him succeeded S. Anterus by NatioÌ„ a Grecian who the year following was likewise put to death by the same Tyrant 2. Hence it appears that those Writers are manifestly disprooved who after S. Pontianus place in the Chair of S. Peter a person unknown to Antiquity called Cyriacus The Patrons of this Errour are the Authour of the â—asciculus temporum Bergomensis Nauclerus c. Hereto some Modern Writers add that Cyriacus was by birth a Brittain and appointed by S. Pontianus going into banishment his Vicar at Rome to exercise there in his absence the Papall offices for which cause he was by some called Pope 3. A yet greater Errour is that by which certain Authours refer the Martyrdom of S. Vrsula and many thousand Virgins her companions to these times Concerning whose particular Gests things are reported beyond all bounds of probability or even possibility Hermanus Crombachius who has written a book of the Martyrdom of those Virgins pretends that S. Vrsula was the daughter of a certain Prince in Ireland a Christian called Dionethus or Dionothus and that all her companions came out of the same Countrey These holy Virgins saith he the Emperour Maximinus beseeging and winning by assault Colonia most barbarously murdred Wheras it is most certain both by Tradition and all ancient Monuments that before S. Patricks time the first Apostle of Ireland there was in that Island no Prince that was Christian and much lesse could it afford eleaven thousand Christian Virgins Which by what miracle they should in those times be brought to Colen no man can rationally imagin 4. A yet more absurd fancy is entertain'd by some others concerning these Virgins who affirm that they in devotion undertook a pilgrimage to Rome accompanied by severall Princes and in their retinue the foremention'd Cyriacus and returning by Colen were there martyred Indeed a proper time is found by these Writers for a Pilgrimage to be perform'd by such an Army of Virgins c. when the persecuting Tyrant Maximinus so cruelly raged against Christians Notwithstanding besid's pretended Revelations there is produced an eye-witnes of all this a certain companion of S. Vrsula call'd Vetena who it seems escaped the slaughter that she might acquaint posterity with the story of her Fellows The tale reported by her is as followeth When we were at Rome there were at that time two wicked Princes whose names were Maximinus and Africanus Yet Maximinus though then Consul with Africanus never was at Rome who seeing our great multituds and how many Romans associated themselves to us conceived great indignation against us fearing least by our means Christian Religion might encrease and gather strength Hereupon having by â—heir Spyes learnt out what way we intended to â—ourney they sent with great hast messengers to a certain kinsman of theirs called Iulius who was Prince of the Nation of the Hunns exhorting him to bring forth his Army to persecute and destroy us Who readily complying with their desire rush'd violently upon us when we were at Colen and there shed our blood 5. Such dreams as these the inventions of vain and idle witts which gain no beleif to themselves and disgrace Truth reported by others deserve not to be confuted but with indignation to be rejected and conteâ—â—'d And as for the true Story of S. Vrsula's Martyrdom with her companions we shall herafter in due time and place about the middle of the fifth Century give a sober and rationall account of it shewing that she was indeed the daughter of one Dionothus a petty Christian Prince not in Ireland but Cornwall and that those holy Virgins being destin'd for spouses to great multituds of Brittains not long before placed in Gallia Armorica from them named lesser Brittany they were on the Sea surpris'd by a Navy of Hunns and by them led captives up the Rhine to Câ—len where they received a glorious Martyrdom X. CHAP. 1. Maximinus the Emperour slain by his Army His Successours 2. Of Pope Fabianus and his pretended Bull to confirm the Priviledges of Cambridge 3. Peace of Gods Church and many Churches built 4. An Ancient Monument touching the Emperour Gordianus and his Wife 1. MAximinus having raign'd not full four years was slain by his own soldiers at Aquileia to whom succeeded Maximus and Balbinus chosen by the Roman Senat to oppose Maximinus who after a few months were likewise slain by the Soldiers and in their place they advanced to the Empire Gordianus the grandchild of a former Gordianus who in a sedition against Maximinus had been proclamed Emperour in Africk and approved by the Senat and people of Rome but presently after was deprived both of his Empire and life 2. During the Raign of Maximinus as likewise of the Younger Gordianus the Holy Pope Fabianus sate in the Chair of S. Peter being the Successour of Pontianus There is produced by Caius the Advocat of the Vniversity of Cambridge a Bull of Pope Honorius dated the six hundred twenty fourth year of our Lord in which this Pope Fabianus is sayd to have approv'd and confirm'd the sayd Vniversity In case the said Bull be authentick it shall not here be inquired what Proofs those who obtain'd it from Pope Honorius could alledge for their pretending to such a Confirmation by S. Fabianus This is however certain that this Holy Pope was not only watchfull over the affairs of the whole Church but a favourer of learning and learned men To him did the famous Origen give account in an Epistle of the orthodoxe soundnes of his doctrin as Eusebius testifies 3. At this time the Christian Church enioyed great tranquillity saith Baronius Of which occasion many Bishops making good use not