after Octo. 6. the King gave in his answer The Kings rejoynder to the Parliament Divines to this first paper of the Divines Wherein he acknowledged that the word Episcopus denoting an Overseer in the generall sense agreeth as well to Presbyters as Ministers in which respect they are sometimes in Scripture confounded both meeting in the joynt-function of overseeing Gods Flock But soon after Common usage the best Master of words appropriated Episcopus to the Ecclesiastical Governor leaving Presbyter to signifie the Ordinary Minister or Priest as in the antient Fathers and Councils doth plainly appear 10. As to the Extraordinarie Calling of the Apostles he confessed their Vnction extraordinary consisting in their miraculous gifts which soon after ceased when Churches were planted but he urged their mission to govern and teach to be ordinary necessary and perpetual in the Church the Bishops succeeding them in the former the Presbyters in later Function 11. Their Evasion that Timothy and Titus were Evangelists and not Bishops is clearly refuted by Scultetus Gerard and others yea as his Majesty is informed is rejected by some rigid Presbyters as Gillespee Rotherford c. Besides that Timothy and Titus were Bishops is confirmed by the consentient Testimony of Antiquity S. Hierome himself recording them made by S. Pauls Ordination as also by a Catalogue of twenty seven Bishops of Ephesus lineally succeeding from Timothy as is avouched by D. Reinolds against Hart. 12. If the Angels mentioned in the Revelations were not singular persons who had a Prelacy over the Church whether were they the whole Church or so many individual Pastors therein or the whole Colledge of Presbyters or singular Presidents of those Colledges for into so many opinions these few are divided amongst themselves who herein divide themselves from the ancient Interpretation of the Church Government 13. Concerning Ages succeeding the Apostles his Majesty confesseth it but a humane Faith which is begotten on humane Testimonies yet so that in matter of Fact it may be infallible as by the Credit of History we infallibly know that Aristotle was a Greek Philosopher 14. The objected obscurity of Church-History in primitive Times is a strong Argument for Episcopacy which notwithstanding the darkness of those times Anno Dom. 1648. is so clearly extant by their unquestionable Catalogues Anno Regis Carol. 24. 15. It is plain out of Clement elsewhere even by the Confession of * Vedelius exeâ— 8. In. Ignat. cap. 3. one not suspected to favour the Hierarchie that he was accounted a Bishop as distinct from a Presbyter As for Ignatius his Epistles though some out of partial disaffection to Bishops have indeavoured to discredit the whole Volume of them without regard of Ingenuity or Truth yet sundry of them attested by antiquity cannot with any forehead be denied to be His giving Testimony of the Prelacy of a Bishop above a Presbyter 16. As for the difference between Primitive Episcopacy and present Hierarchie his Majesty did not conceive that the Additions granted by the favour of his Royall Progenitors for the enlarging of the power and priviledges of Bishops did make the Government substantially to differ from what it was no more then Arms and Ornaments make a body really different from it self when it was naked and devested of the same 17. Whereas they besought his Majesty to look rather to the Original then succession of Bishops he thought it needful to look at both the latter being the best Clue in such intrinsick cases to finde out the former 18. Lastly he professed himself unsatisfied in their answer concerning the perpetual and unalterable substantials of Church Government as expecting from them a more particular resolution therein then what he had received 19. Eleven dayes after the Parliament Divines put in their answer to his Majesties last paper The return of the Parliament Divines to the King Herein they affirmed Octo. 17. they saw not by what warrant this Writ of partition of the Apostles office was taken forth that the Governing part should be in the hands of the Bishops the Teaching and Sacramentizing in the Presbyters Scripture making no such Inclosure or Partition-Wall Besides the challenge of Episcopacy is grown to more then it pretended to in ancient times some * S. Chrysost S. Hierom and of modern Bp. Bilson Fathers acknowledging that Bishops differed from Presbyters only in matter of Ordination 20. The Abetters say they of this challenge that they might resolve it at last into Scripture ascend by the scale of succession going up the River to finde the head which like the head of Nile cannot be found Such who would carry it higher endeavour to impe it into an Apostolical Office and at last call it a Divine institution not by force of any express precept but implicite practise of the Apostles 21. They also returned that his Majesties definition of Episcopal Government is extracted out of the Bishops of later date then Scripture-times 21. Concerning the Ages succeeding the Apostles However Episcopal Government was generally current yet the superscription thereof was not judged Divine by some of those which were themselves Bishops or lived under that Government 22. As they firmly believed as to matter of fact that Chrysostome and Augustine were Bishops as that Aristotle was a Philosopher so they would rather call such a beleef grounded upon humane Testimonies uncontroled certain than infallible 23. The darkness of the History of the Church in the times succeeding the Apostles had an influence on the Catalogue-makers who derived the Series of the succession of Bishops taken much from tradition and Reports And it is a great blemish of their Evidence that the nearer they come to they Apostles times wherein this should be most clear to establish the succession firme at the first they are most doubtfull and contradictory one to the other 24. They granted that a succession of men to feed and govern those Churches which by Ecclesiastical Writers in compliance with the language of their own times were called Bishops but not distinct from Presbyters So that if such a succession from the Primitive times Seriatim were proved they would either be found more then Bishops as Apostles and extraordinary persons or less as meerly first Presbyters not having the three Essentials to Episcopal Government insisted on by his Majesty 25. As for Ignatius he cannot distinctly be known in Ignatius his Epistles such their Insincerity adulterate mixture and Interpolations and take him in gross he is the Patron of such Rites as the Church in that Age never owned 26. They professed that in their last Answer they related not to a School-Nicety Utrum Episcopatus sit Ordo vel Gradus the question being stated by Popish Authors to whom they had no Eye or Reference 27. They humbly moved His Majesty that the Regiments of Humane Testimonies on both sides might be discharged the field and the point of dispute tried alone by dint of holy Scripture 28. They
do much unto whom Christ gave the i Speeds Chro. in H. 8. p. 766. Keys of the Kingdom of heaven hath no power to give a dispensation to any man to contract such Marriage In witness whereof we confirm this our judgment both under the Seal of our University as also with the Seal of our Colledg of Doctors of Divinity and have subscribed it in the Cathedral Church of Bonony this tenth of June in the year of our Lord 1530. 21. k De schismate Anglic. p. 60 61. Sanders hath little to say against so many and clear decisions of the Universities The Recusancy of other Universities onely he tels us that all the Kings Agents had not equal success in their Negotiations and particularly that one Hutton the Kings instrument herein could not bow those of Hamborough and Lubeck to express themselves against the Marriage But surely these two places were onely Gymnasia for I finde them not mentioned amongst the Dutch Universities Also he saith that Richard Crook another of the Kings Emissaries prevailed nothing on many Germane Professors and particularly he praiseth the University of Colen for their recusancy therein As for such who subscribed on the Kings side he pretends that Bribes bought their judgments as if our King Henry had learnt from King l Eccles 10. 19 Solomon that Money recompenceth all things The best is the cleanly hands of the Court of Rome had never no doubt any bribes sticking to their fair fingers But though that Englsh Angels flew over to foraign Universities yet there lieth a real distinction betwixt a Bribe and a Boon freely bestowed not to bow and bias their opinions but to gratifie their pains and remunerate their industry in studying of the point 22. As for our English Ambassadours at Rome Cranmer travelleth into Germany finding themselves onely fed with delaies no wonder if they were sharp set to return home All came back again save D r. Cranmer who took a journey to the Emperours court in Vieâ—â—a Here he grew acquainted with Cornelius Agrippa who had written a Book of the Vanity of Sciences having much of the Sciences but more of the vanity in himself Here also he conversed with many great Divines and satisfied some of them out of Scripture and Reason which formerly were unresolved in the unlawfulness of the Kings Marriage 23. A Parliament was now called The Clergy 〈…〉 praemunire wherein the Clergie were found guilty of a Praemunire 1531 because they had too much promoted the Papal interest and acted by vertue of his power to the damage and detriment of the Crown of England whereupon being willing to redeem their whole estates forfeited by 〈◊〉 they were glad to commute it into a summe of money the Clergy of the Province of Canterbury alone bestowed on the King one hundred thousand pounds to be paid by equal portions in the same year say some in four years say others and that in my opinion with more probability 24. But the King would not be so satisfied with the payment of the money Acknowledg the 〈…〉 of the Church except also they would acknowledg him to be Supreme Head of the Church This was hard meat and would not easily down amongst them however being thoroughly debated in a Synodical way both in the upper and lower houses of Convocation they did in fine agree on this expression cujus Ecclesiae Anglicanae singularem Protectorem unicum supremum Dominum quantum per Christi leges licet supremum caput ipsius Majestatem recognoscimâ—s 25. This thus consented unto Confirmed by Act of Parliament and subscribed by the hands of the Clergie as appears at large in the Records and Acts of the Convocation and so presented to the King in the name of his Clergie was afterwards confirmed by Parliament and incorporated into a solemn Act for the ratification thereof 26. During these transactions The death of Arch Bishop Warham William Warham 1532 Arch-Bishop of Canterbury ended his life 23. Aug. 23. A politick person well learned in the Laws generally reputed a moderate man though specially towards his latter end a still and silent persecutor of poor Christians He was first Parson of Barly in Hertford-shire as appears by an a Weavers Funeral Mon. inscription in that Church thence rising by degrees to great preferment In his Will he requested his Successour not to sue his b Antiq. Brit. pag. Executors for Dilapidations as having expended some thousands of pounds in repairing his several Palaces We verily believe his request was granted seeing Cranmer was free from all exacting in that kinde Sede vacante John Stokesly Bishop of London was President in the Convocation 27. Messengers are sent into Germany for Thomas Cranmer Cranmer sent for and unwilling accepteth the Arch-Bishoprick to finde him out and fetch him home with all possible speed the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury waiting his acceptance thereof The Post easily doth the first but Cranmer prolonged his journey by c Fox Acts Mon. p. 1703. seven weeks at the least hoping that in the mean time the King might forget him and confer the place on another being really unwilling to imbrace the preferment having aliquid intus something within him which reluctated against those superstitions through which he must wade in the way thereunto But there lieth no Nolo Episcopare against King Henry his Volo te Episcopum esse It being as mortal to refuse favours from him as to offer injuries to him Cranmer therefore now come home must in his own defence be Arch-Bishop who to serve the King and salve his own conscience used the expedient of a Protestation whereof hereafter 28. The Philosoper gives us this note of direction A preparative to Cranmers just defence whereby to finde out a vertue viz. that it is accused by both Extremes Thus Liberality is charged by Prodigals to be Covetousness by Covetous men to be Prodigality By the same proportion Cranmer appears a worthy Prelate taxed by Papists to be an Heretick by others no Papists as guilty of Superstition We will endeavour his just defence conceiving the Protestants cause much concerned therein the Legality of his Consecration having an influence on all the Bishops made by him Anno Regis Hen. 8 23. that of the Bishops making an impression on the Priests and Deacons by them ordained Anno Dom 1532 and their rightful ordination deriving validity to the Sacraments by them administred to all the members of the Church of England 29. A Papist a Becan contro Angl. c. 4. q. 9. n. 6. objects Cranmer lawfully consecrated non fuit consecratus ab ullo Episcopo sed à solo Rege intrusus that he was consecrated by no Bishop but thrust in by the King alone The falseness whereof doth appear on publick Record still to be seen in the Register being solemnly consecrated by John b Regist Cramn fol. 5.
follow thereof such success as may be to your liking that then you would be content to permit him to repair hither to London to be further dealt with as I shall take order for upon his coming for which purpose I have written a letter to the Sheriff if your Lordship shall like thereof And so I bid your Lordship right heartily farewell From the Court at Westminster this 21. of April 1581. Your Lordships very loving friend W. B. Brown being thus brought up to London by the advice of his friends was wrought to some tolerable compliance and being discharged by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was by the Lord Treasurer sent home to his father Anthony Brown at Tolethorp in Rutland Esquire One I assure you of ancient and right worshipfull extraction having my self seen a charter granted by King Henry the eighth the 16 th of July in the 18 th of his reign and confirmed by act of Parliament to Francis Brown father to the aforesaid Anthony giving him leave to put on his cap in the presence of the King or his heirs or any Lord Spirituall or Temporall in the land and not to put it off but for his own ease and pleasure But let us see and the Lord Treasurers letter in the behalf of Brown to his father AFter my very hearty commendations understanding that your son Robert Brown had been sent for up by my Lord Bishop of Canterbury to answer to such matters as he was to be charged withall conteined in a Book made by him and published in print as it was thought by his means I thought good considering he was your Son and of my blood to send unto my Lord of Canterbury in his behalf that he might finde what reasonable favour he could shew him before whom I perceive he hath answered in some good sort and although I think he will not deny the making of the Book yet by no means will he confess to be acquainted with the publishing or printing of it He hath besides yielded unto his Lordship such further contentment as he is contented the rather at my motion to discharge him and therefore for that he purposeth to repair to you I have thought good to accompany him with these my letters and to pray you for this cause or any his former dealings not to withdraw from him your fatherly love and affection not doubting but with time he will be fully recovered and withdrawn from the Reliques of some fond opinions of his which will be the better done if he be dealt withall in some kinde and temperate manner And so I bid you very heartily farewell From my house neer the Savoy this eighth of October 1585. Your loving friend and Cousin William Burghley But it seems Browns errours were so inlaid in him no conference with Divines could convince him to the contrary whose incorrigibleness made his own father weary of his company Men may wish God only can work children to be good The old gentleman would own him for his Son no longer then his Son owned the Church of England for his Mother desiring to rid his hands of him as by the insuing letter will appear AFter my very hearty Commendations I perceive by your letters that you have little or no hopes of your sons conformity as you had when you received him into your house and therefore you seem desirous that you might have liberty to remove him further off from you as either to Stamford or some other place which I know no cause but you may very well and lawfully do where I wish he might better be perswaded to conforme himself for his own good and yours and his friends comfort And so I very heartily bid you farewell From the Court this seventeeth of February 1585. Your very loving friend and cousin William Burghley Thus to make our Story of the troublesom man the more entire we have trespassed on the two following years yet without discomposing our Chronologie on the Margin 3. With his assistant Richard Harrisen Brown his opinions a petty Pedagogue they inveighed against Bishops Ecclesiasticall Courts Ceremonies Ordination of Ministers and what not fancying here on earth a platform of a perfect Church without any faults understand it thus save those that are made by themselves therein The Reader if desirous to know their opinions is referred to the large and learned Treatises written against them particularly to the pains of D r. Fulke proving that the Brownists so named from this Brown their ringleader were in effect the same with the ancient Donatists only newly reviv'd Thus there is a circulation as in fashion of clothes so of opinions the same after some years return Brownisme being no more than Donatisme vamped with some new additions The Queen and Her Councell seriously set themselves first by gentleness to reduce and that not succeeding by severity to suppress the increase of this faction Brown himself used to boast that he had been committed to thirty two prisons and in some of them be could not see his hand at noon day Yet for all this he came off at last both with saving his life and keeping his living and that none of the meanest Achurch in Northampton-shire untill the day of his death 4. One may justly wonder Extraordinary favour indulged unto him when many meaner Accessaries in this schism were arraigned condemned executed how this Brown the Principal made so fair an escape yea enjoyed such preferment I will never believe that he ever formally recanted his opinions either by word or writing as to the main of what he maintained More probable it is that the promise of his genéral compliance with the Church of England so far forth as not to make future disturbance therein met with the Arch-Bishops courteous acceptance thereof both which effectually improved by the countenance of Thomas Cecil Earl of Exeter Brown's near kinsman and patron procured this extraordinary favour to be indulged unto him His Parsonage he freely possess'd allowing a sufficient salary for one to discharge the cure and though against them in his judgement was contented and perchance pleased to take the tithes of his own parish 5. For my own part whose nativity Providence placed within a mile of this Brown his pastorall charge The authors observation on him I have when a youth often beheld him He was of an imperious nature offended if what he affirm'd but in common discourse were not instantly received as an oracle He was then so far from the Sabbatarian strictness to which some preciser Brownists did afterwards pretend that both in judgement and practise he seemed rather libertine therein In a word he had in my time a wife with whom for many years he never lived parted from her on some distaste and a Church wherein he never preached though he received the profits thereof 6. As for his death in the prison in Northampton The occasion of his late death many years after in the reign of King Charles
this promoted to be Bishop of Worcester then succeeded Grindal in London and Yorke an excellent and painfull preacher and of a pious and Godly life which increased in his old age so that by a great and good stride whilst he had one foot in the Grave he had the other in Heaven He was buried in Southwell and it is hard to say whether he was more eminent in his own Vertues or more happy in his Flourishing Posterity 26. The next year produced not any great Church matters in its self 32. but was only preparatory to the ripening of business 1589. and raising the charges against the principall Patrons of Nonconformity Arch-Bishop Whitgift his discretion Indeed Arch-Bishop Whitgift according to his constant custome and manner repaired daily to the Councell-Table early in the morning and after an usuall apprecation of a Good-morrow to the Lords he requested to know if there were any Church business to be debated and if the answer were returned in the Affirmative He stayed and attended the issue of the matter But if no such matter appeared he craved leave to be dispensed withall saying Then my Lords here is no need of me and departed A commendable practise clearing himself from all aspersions of civill-pragmaticallness and tending much to the just support of his reputation 27. On the first of September M r. Cartwright 33. Batchelor in Divinity 1590. Sept. 1. was brought before Her Majesties Commissioners Articles objected against Mr. Thomas Cartwright there to take his oath and give in his positive answer to the following Articles 1. IMprimis a a The copy of these Articles â—ere 〈…〉 after his death who as kindly communicated as 〈◊〉 have 〈◊〉 â—nscribed them We do object and articulate against him Anno Dom. 1590. that he Anno Regin Eliza. 33. being a Minister at least a Deacon lawfully called according to the godly laws and orders of this Church of England hath forsaken abandoned and renounced the same orders Ecclesiastical as an antichristian and unlawfull manner of calling unto the Ministry or Deaconship 2. Item that he departing this Realm into forraign parts without license as a man discontented with the form of Government Ecclesiasticall here by law established the more to testifie his dislike and contempt thereof and of the manner of his former Vocation and Ordination was contented in forraign parts as at Antwerpe Middeburgh or elsewhere to have a new Vocation Election or Ordination by imposition of hands unto the Ministry or unto some other order or degree Ecclesiasticall and in other manner and form than the laws Ecclesiasticall of this Realm do prescribe Let him declare upon his oath the particular circumstances thereof 3. Item that by vertue or colour of such his later Vocation Election or Ordination becoming a pretended Bishop or Pastor of such Congregation as made choice of him he established or procured to be established at Antwerp and at Middleburgh among Merchants and others Her Majesties Subjects a certain Consistory Seminary Presbytery or Eldership Ecclesiastical consisting of himself being Bishop or Pastor and so President thereof of a Doctor of certain Ancients Sentours or Elders for government Ecclesiastical and of Deacons for distributing to the poor 4. Item that the said Eldership and the authority thereof certain English-born Subjects were called elected or ordained by imposition of hands to be Ministers or Ecclesiastical Doctors being not of that degree before as Hart Travers Grise or some of them and some that were also Ministers afore according to the orders of the Church of England as Fenner Acton were so called and other English Subjects were also called and likewise ordained Elders and some others were ordained Deacons in other manner and form than the laws Ecclesiasticall of the Realm do prescribe or allow of 5. Item that such Eldership so established under the Presidentship of him the said Thomas Cartwright had used besides this authority of this Vocation and Ordination of Officers ecclesiasticall the Censures and keyes of the Church as publick admonition suspension from the Supper and from execution of offices ecclesiastical and the censures of excommunication likewise authority of making laws degrees and orders ecclesiastical and of dealing with the doctrine and manners of all persons in that Congregation in all matters whatsoever so far as might appertain to conscience 6. Item that he the said Thomas Cartwright in the publick administration of his Ministry there among Her Majesties Subjects used not the forme of liturgie or Book of Common-Prayer by the laws of this land established nor in his government ecclesiasticall the laws and orders of this land but rather conformed himself in both to the use and form of some other forraign Churches 7. Item that since his last return from beyond the Seas being to be placed at Warwick he faithfully promised if he might be but tolerated to preach not to impugne the laws orders policy government nor governours in this Church of England but to perswade and procure so much as he could both publickly and privately the estimation and peace of this Church 8. Item That he having no Ministry in this Church other then such as before he had forsaken and still condemneth as unlawful and without any license as Law requireth he hath since taken upon him to preach at Warwick and at sundry other places of this Realm 9. Item That since his said return in sundry private conferences with such Ministers and others as at sundry times by word and letter have asked his advice or opinion he hath shewed mislike of the Laws and Government Ecclesiastical and of divers parts of the Liturgie of this Church and thereby perswaded and prevailed also with many in sundry points to break the orders and form of the Book of Common-Prayer who observed them before and also to oppose themselves to the Government of this Church as himself well knoweth or verily believeth 10. Item That in all or most of such his Sermons and Exercises he hath taken occasion to traduce and enveigh against the Bishops and other governours under them in this Church 11. Item That he hath grown so far in hatred and dislike towards them as that at sundry times in his prayer at Sermons and namely Preaching at Banbury about a year since in such place as others well disposed pray for Bishops he prayed to this or like effect Because that they which ought to be pillars in the Church do bend themselves against Christ and his truth therefore O Lord give us grace and power all as one man to set our selves against them And this in effect by way of emphasis he then also repeated 12. Item that preaching at sundry times and places he usually reacheth at all occasions to deprave condemn and impugn the manner of Ordination of Bishops Ministers and Deacons sundry points of the Politie Government Laws Orders and rights Ecclesiastical and of the publick Liturgie of the Church of England contained in
of this Meeting I mislike your sudden interruption of Doctour Reynolds whom you should have suffered to have taken his liberty For there is no Order nor can be any effectuall Issue of Disputation if each party be not suffered without chopping to speak at large Wherefore either let the Doctor proceed or frame your Answer to his Motions already made although some of them are very needlesse BP of Lond. Upon the first motion concerning falling from Grace may Your Majesty be pleased to consider how many in these dayes neglect holinesse of Life presuming on persisting in Grace upon Predestination If I shall be saved I shall be saved A desperate Doctrine contrary to good Divinity wherein we should reason rather ascendendo than descendendo from our Obedience to God and Love to our Neighbour to our Election and Predestination As for the Doctrine of the Church of England touching Predestination it is in the very next Paragraph viz. We must receive Gods Promises in such wise as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture and in our doings the will of God is to be followed which we have expresly declared unto us in the Word of God His Majesty I approve it very well as consonant with the place of Paul Work out your salvation with feare and trembling Yet let it be considered of whether any thing were meet to be added for clearing of the Doctors doubt by putting in the word often or the like Mean time I wish that the Doctrine of Predestination may be tenderly handled lest on the one side Gods Omnipotency be questioned by impeaching the Doctrine of his eternall Predestination or on the other side a desperate presumption arreared by inferring the necessary certainty of persisting in Grace B. of Lond. The second Objection of the Doctors is vain it being the Doctrine and Practice of the Church of England that none but a Licensed Minister may preach nor administer the Lords Supper His Majesty As for Private Baptisme I have already with the Bishops taken order for the same Then came they to the 2 d. point of Confirmation and upon the perusal of the words of the Article His Majesty concluded the pretended Contradiction a Cvaill Bp. of Lond. Confirmation is not so much founded on the place in the Acts of the Apostles but upon Heb. 6. 2. which was the opinion besides the judgement of the Fathers of Mr. Calvin h On Heb 6. 2. and Doctour Fulk i On Act. 8. 27. neither needeth there any farther proof seeing as I suppose he that objected this holds not Confirmation unlawfull but he and his Party are vexed that the use thereof is not in their owne hands for every Pastor to confirme his owne Parish for then it would be accounted an Apostolicall Institution if Dr. Reynolds were pleased but to speak his thoughts therein D r. Reyn. Indeed seeing some Diocesse of a Bishop hath therein six k Here the Bishop of London thought himself touched because about 609 in his Diocess hundred Parishes it is a thing very inconvenient to permit Confirmation to the Bishop alone and I suppose it impossible that he can take due examination of them all which come to be confirmed BP of Lond. To the matter of fact I answer that Bishops in their Visitations appoint either their Chaplains or some other Ministers to examine them which are to be confirmed and lightly confirme none but by the testimony of the Parsons and Curates Ecclesiae Salus in sumi sacerdotis dignitate pendet cui si non exors quaedem ab omnibus eminens data potestos tor in Ecclesis efficientur Schismata quot Sacerdotes where the Children are bred and brought up To the Opinion I answer that none of all the Fathers ever admitted any to confirme but Bishops alone Yea even S. Jerome himselfe otherwise no friend to Bishops confesseth the execution thereof was restrained to Bishops onely BP of Winch. Dr. Reynolds I would fain have you with all your Learning shew where ever Confirmation was used in antient times by any other but Bishops These used ait partly to examine Children and after Examination by Imposition of Hands the Jewish Ceremony of Blessing to blesse and pray over them and partly to try whether they had been baptised in the right forme or no. For in former ages some baptised as they ought in the name of the Father Son and Holy-Ghost Some as the Arrians in the name of the Father as the greater and the Sonne as the lesse Some in the name of theFather by the Sonne in the Holy Ghost Some not in the name of the Trinity but onely in the Death of Christ Whereupon Catholick Bishops were constrained to examine them who were baptised in remotis concerning their Baptisme if right to confirme them if amisse to instruct them His Majesty I dissent from the judgement of S. Jerome in his assertion that Bishops are not of Divine Ordination BP of Lond. Unlesse I could prove my Ordination lawfull out of the Scriptures I would not be a Bishop four hours longer His Majesty I approve the calling and use of Bishops in the Church and it is my Aphorisme No Bishop no King nor intend I to take Confirmation from the Bishops which they have so long enjoyed Seeing as great reason that none should confirme as that none should preach without the Bishops License But let it be referred whether the word Examination ought not to be added to the Rubrick in the title of Confirmation in the Communion-book And now Dr. Reynolds you may proceed D â— Reyn. I protest I meant not to gall any man though I perceive some took personall exceptions at my words and desire the imputation of m It seemes the Bishop of London jealous that he was reflected on as is aforesaid called the Doctor Schismatick Schisme may not be charged upon me To proceed on the 37. Article wherein are these words The Bishop of Rome hath no authority in this Land These are not sufficient unless it were added nor ought to have any His Majesty Habemus jure quod habemus and therefore in as much as it is said he hath not it is plaine enough that he ought not to have Here passed some pleasant discourse betwixt the King and Lords about Puritants till returning to seriousnesse There began the BP of Lond. May it please your Majesty to remember the Speech of the French Embassadour Mounsieur Rognee upon the view of our solemne service and Ceremonie viz. That if the Reformed Churches in France had kept the same order there would have been thousands of Protestants more than there are D r. Reyn. It were well if this proposition might be added to the Book of Articles The Intention of the Minister is not of the Essence of the Sacrament the rather because some in England have preached it to be essentiall and here againe I could desire that the nine Orthodoxall Assertions concluded at Lambeth may be
in the main agreeing together Quod duo stent Libri clausi Anglis Regiâ in ARA Lumina caeca duo Pollubra sicca duo An clausum caecúmque Dei tenet Anglia cultum Lumine caeca suo sorde sepulta suâ Romano ritu dum Regalem instruit ARAM Purpuream pingit * aliâ—s Religiosa Luxuriosa Lupam 42. Mr. George Herbert of Trinity-Coll in Cambridge made a most ingenious retortion of this Hexastick which as yet all my industry cannot recover Yet it much contenteth me that I am certainly informed that the posthume Remains shavings of Gold are carefully to be kept of that not lesse pious than witty writer are shortly to be put forth into Print when this his Anti pelvi Melvi But now at last Melvin his liberty was procured by the intercession of the chief of the Reformed in France Ann. Reg. Jac. 13 Ann. Dom. 1615. and being released he afterwards became Professour at Sedan in the Duke of â—ovillion his Countrey Here he ceased not to traduce the Church of England against which he wrote a scroale of Saphicks entituled TAMICHAMI-CATEGERIA 43. This year Thomas Bilson The death of Bishop Bilson Bishop of Winchester who carried Prelature in his very aspect ended his life first School-Master then Warden of Winchester afterwards Bishop of Worcester and lastly of Winchester A deep and profound Scholar excellently well read in the Fathers principally shewed in his Defence of Christ his descent into Hell 44. By the way Campian his falshood it is a falshood what Campian writes confidently that Cheney Bishop of Gloucester had affirmed unto him Namely that concerning this Article it was moved in a Convocation at London Quemadâ—odum sine tumultu penitus eximatur de Symbole How it might without any noise be wholly taken out of the Creed For no such debate appeateth upon Record in our Convocations and as for Campian his single affirmation is of no validity 45. Marcus Antonius de Dominis 1616. Dec. 6. Archbishop of Spalato Archbishop of Spalato came over into England was here courteously welcomed and plentifully preferred of whose hypocrisie and ingratitude largely b viz anno 1622. hereafter 46. King JAMES went into Scotland to visit His native Countrey Mar. 14. The King goes into Scotland with a Princely train In his passage thither He was much affected with a Sermon which one of his Chaplains preached upon this Text c Gen. 13. 2 3. Gen. 13. 2 3. And Abraham was very rich in cattell in silver and in gold And he went on his journeys from the South even to Bethell to the place where his Tent had been at the beginning As for His entertainment in Scotland we leave it to their Historians to relate For may my pen be plindered by the Borderers or Mosse-Troopers if offering to crosse Tweed into another Countrey 47. This year died Doctor William James The death of Bishop James born in Cheshire Master first of the University-Colledge then Dâ—an of christ-Christ-Church in Oxford Chaplain to Robert Dudley Earle of Leitester and Confessour to him at his death and at last made Bishop of Durham He expended much on the repairing of the Chappel of Durham-house in the Strand and in his younger daâ—es was much commended for his hospitality 48. Two other prime Prelates accompanied him to the other world Bishop Robinson and Bishop Bennet Dr. Henry Robinson Provest of Queen-Colledge in Oxford Bishop of Carlisle of great temperance milde in speech but weak in constitution The other Robert Bennet Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge Chaplain to the Lord Burleigh termed by a great Divine Eruditus Beneâ—ictus Bishop of Hereford well-deserving of his See whose Houses he repaired 49. Doctor Mocket Doctor Mocket his Translation of our English Liturgie Warden of All-Souls in Oxford Chaplain to George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury set forth a Book in pure Latine containing The Apologie of the Church of England The greater and lesser Catechisme The nine and thirty Articles The Common Prayer The Ordination of Bishops Priests and Deacons The Politie or Government of the Church of England As for the Homilies too tedious to be translated at large he epitomized them into certain Propositions by him faithfully extracted 50. No sooner appeared this Book in print Cavilled at by many but many faults were found therein Indeed it fared the worse for the Authour the Authour for his Patron the Archbishop against whom many Bishops began then to combine Some accused him of presumption for undertaking such a task without d Yet â—um Privilegio is prefixt on the first page Commission from the KING it being almost as faâ—all for Private persons to tamper with such Publick matters Ann. Dom. 1617 Ann. Reg. Jac. 15 as for a Subject to match into the blood-Royal without leave of his Soveraigne Others complained that he enlarged the liberty of a Translatour into the licence of a Commenter and the Propositions out of the Homilies by him collected were made to lean to the judgment of the Collectour James Montague Bishop of Winchester a potent Courtier took exceptions that his Bishoprick in the marshalling of them was wronged in the method as put e In his Politica Ecclesiae Angl. cap 5. p. 314. The pinching accusation after any whose Bishop is a Privie Counsellour 50. But the main matter objected against it was That this Doctor was a better Chaplain than a Subject contracting the Power of his PRINCE to enlarge the Priviledge of his Patron allowing the Archbishop of Canterbury's power to confirm the Election of Bishops in his Provinces citing f ibid. pag. 309. for the same the 6â— Canon of the first Nicene Councell established by Imperiall authority If any be made a Bishop without the censent of his Metropolitan he ought not to be a Bishop 51. This was counted an high offence to attribute an obliging authority either to Canon or Civil Law Imperiall Decrees command not in England both which if crossing the Common Law of the Land are drowned in their passage as they saile over from Callis to Dover and K. JAMES justly jealous of his own Prerogative approved not such a confirming power in the Archbishop wich might imply a Negative Voice in case he disliked such Elects as the KING should recommend unto him 52. Hereupon On the burning of his Book Dr. Mocket dyeth Doctor Mocket his Book was ceasured to be burned which was done accordingly Now although the imperfections and indiscretions of this Translatour might be consumed as dross in the fire yet the undoubted truth of the Articles of the English Church therein contained as Flame-free and perfectly refined will endure to all eternity The Doctor took this censure so tenderly especially so much defeated in his expectation to finde punishment where he looked for preferment as if his life were bound up by sympathy in his Book he ended his daies soon after 53.
Cathedrals and Colledges Impropriated as Lay-fees to private persons as formerly belonging to Abbies The redeeming and restoring of the latter was these Feoffees designe and it was verily believed if not obstructed in their end â—â—vours within fifty yeers rather Purchases then Money would have been wanting unto them buying them generally as Candle-rents at or under twelve yeers valuation My Pen passing by them at the present may safely salute them with a God speed as neither seeing nor suspecting any danger in the Designe 7. Richard Smith titulary Bishop of Calcedon taking his honor from Greece The Bishop of Calcedon his hyiscopizing in England his profit from England where he Bishoped it over all the Romtsh Catholiques was now very busie in his imployment But when where and how oft he acted here is past our discoverie it being never known when Men of his profession come hither till they be caught here Now if any demand why the Pope did not intitle him to some English rather then this Grecian Bishoprick the grant of both being but of the same price of his Holyness his breath and the confirmation equally cheap in wax and parchment especially seeing that in Ireland he had made Anti-Bishops to all Sees it is easie for one though none of his Comclave to conjecture For in Ireland he had in every Diocesse and Parish a Counter-Part of People for number and quality which he had not in England and therefore to intitle Bishops here had but rendered it the more ridiculous in the granter and dangerous in the accepter thereof 8. Nicholas Smith a Regular June 1 Opposed by Nicholas Smith and perchance a Jesuit much stomacked the advancement and activitie of Richard Smith Bishop of Calcedon and wrote bitterly against him the hammer of one Smith clashing against another He fell foul also on Dr. Kellison President of the Colledge of Dowag who lately set forth a Treatise of the Dignitie and necessity of Bishop and Secular Clergy generally opposing his Doctrine and particularly in relation to the English Bishops instancing in the following exceptions 9. First a Bishop over the English was uselesse Alleadging a Bishop over English Catholiques uselesse in persecutiou and might well be spared in times of persecution there being but two pecuâ—iar performances of a Bishop viz. Ordination and Confirmation For the former it might be supplyed by Forreigne Bishops the Priests of our English nation being generally bred beyond the Seas As for confirmation of the Children of English Catholiques he much decryed the necessity thereof though not so far as to un-seven the Sacraments of the Church of Rome affirming it out of St. * 3. p. q. 79. art 21. ad 1. Thomas of Aquin and other Divines that by commission from the Pope a Priest though no Bishop might confirme To this Dr. Kellison his Scholar or himselfe under the vizard replyed that in the definition of St. Ciprian A Church was a people united to its Bishop and therefore an absolutenecessity of that function 10. Secondly he was burthensome to the Church And burthensome considering the present pressures of poor English Catholiques needing now no unnecessary exspences for the maintenance of the Bishop and his Agents To this it was answered that Mr. Nicholas Smith and his Bretheren Regulars dayly put the Catholiques to farre greater charges Reply to Mr. N. Smith pag. 294. as * Gen. 49. appeareth by the stately Houses Purchases c. Indeed generally the little finger of a Jesuit was conceived in his entertainment heavier than the Loines of a Secular Mean time in what care were our English Lay Catholiques with Issachar couching down between two burthens bearing the weight of both Regulars and Seculars But who need pity them who will not pity themselves 11. Thirdly And this Bishop no Ordinary he took exceptions at the person of this Bishop of Chalcedon as not lawfully called in Canonical Criticisme First because not estated in his Episcopall inspection over England during his life as a Bishop ought to be but onely constituted ad beneplacitum Papae at the pleasure of the Pope which restriction destroyeth his being a Lawfull Ordinary Secondly he carpeth at him as made by Delegation and Commission and therefore a Delegate not an Ordinarie To which the other replyed that even Legates have that clause in their Commission limited to the Popes pleasure and yet no Catholique will question them to be Lawfull Ordinaries As to the second exception the same saith he doth not destâ—â—â—y his Ordinary-ship but onely sheweth he was made an Ordinary in an extraordinary manner which distinction how farre it will hold good in the Canon Law let those enquire who are concerned therein 12. Notwithstanding Dr. Kellison his confutation Regulars pride proposition condemned the insolency of the Regulars daily increased in England so that they themselves may seem the most seculars so fixed were they to the wealth and vanity of this world The Irish Regulars exceeded the English in pride maintaining amongst other printed propositions that the Superiours of Regulars are more worthy than Bishops themselves because the honor of the Pastor is to be measured from the condition of the Flock quemadmodum Opilio dignior est subulco as a Shepheard is of more esteem than a Hoggard In application of the first to themselves the last to the Seculars it is hard to say whether their pride was more in their owne praise or charity lesse in condemning of others It was therefore high time for the Doctors of Sorbone in Paris who for many ages have maintained in their Colledge 1630-31 January 15 30. the hereditarie reputation of learning to take these Regulars to taske Sixty of the Sorbone Doctors censured the aforesaid proposition and the Archbishop of Paris condemned the Booke of Nicholas Smith as also another tending to the same subject made by one Daniel a Jesuit 13. On what tearms the Regulars and Seculars stand in England at this day Quere whether now reconciled I neither know nor list to enquire Probably they have learned wit from our woes and our late sad differences have occasioned their reconcilement Only I learn this distinction from them the Catholiques * Reply to Mr. N. Smith preface p. 20. as Catholiques agree alwayes in matters of faith but the best Catholiques as men may varie in their opinions I hope they will allow to us what liberty they assume to themselves March 14. Dr. Bishop Davenant his Sermon at Court John Davenant Bishop of Salisburie preached his course on a Sunday in Lent at White-Hall before the King and Court finishing a Text Rom. 6. 23. the former part whereof he had handled the yeer before In prosecution whereof it seems he was conceived to fall on some forbidden points in so much that his Majestie whether at first by his own inclination or others instigation is uncertain manifested much displeasure there at Sermon ending his Adversaries at
backward in Time to make our History the more entire Die Martis August 19. 1645. Directions of the Lords and Commons after advice had with the Assembly of Divines for the election and chusing of Ruling Elders in all the Congregations and in the Classical Assemblies for the City of London and Westminster Anno Regis Carol. 22. and the several Countries of the Kingdom Anno Dom. 1646. For the speedy setling of the Presbyteriall Government Die Lunae Oct. 20. 1645. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons together with Rules and Directions concerning suspension from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper in cases of Ignorance and Scandal Also the names of such Ministers and others that are appointed Triers and Judges of the ability of Elders in the twelve Classes with the Province of London Die Sabbathi March 14. 1645. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for keeping of scandalous persons from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper the enabling of the Congregation for the choice of Elders and supplying of defects in former ordinances and directions of Parliament concerning Church Government Die Veneris June 5. 1646. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the present setling without further delay of the Presbyterial Government in the Church of England Die Veneris August 28. 1646. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the Ordination of Ministers by the Classical Presbyters within their respective bounds for the several Congregations in the Kingdom of England Die Sabbathi Jan. 29. 1647. An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons for the speedy dividing and setling of the several Counties of this Kingdom into distinct Classical Presbyteries and Congregational Elderships 34. Great now was the clamorous importunity of the Wives and Children of Ministers sequestred An order for the fift part for Ministers Wives and Children ready to starve for want of maintenance I had almost called them the Widdows and Orphans of those Ministers because though their Fathers were living to them their Means were not living to their Fathers and they left destitute of a livelihood Indeed there was an Ordinance of Parliament made 1644 impowring their Commissioners in the Country to appoint means not exceeding a fift part to the Wives and Children of all sequestred Persons but seeing Clergie-men were not therein expressed by name such as enjoyed their Sequestrations refused to contribute any thing unto them Whereupon the House of Commons compassionately reflecting on the distresses of the foresaid complainers made an Order in more particular manner for the Clergy and seeing it is hard to come by I conceive it a charitable work here to insert a Copy thereof Die Jovis Nov. 11. 1647. That the Wives and Children of all such Persons as are or have been or shall be sequestred The Copy thereof by Order of either Houses of Parliament shall be comprehended within the Ordinance that alloweth a fift part for Wives and Children and shall have their fift part allowed unto them and the Committee of Lords and Commons for sequestration and the Committee of plundered Ministers and all other Committees are required to take notice hereof and yeeld Obedience hereunto accordingly H. Elsing Clericus Parliamenti Domus Communis 35. But Covetousnesse will wriggle it self out at a small hole Several ways endeavoured to srustrate this order Many were the Evasions whereby such Clergie-men possest of their livings do frustrate and defeat the effectual paiment of the fift part to the aforesaid Wives and Children Anno Dom. 1647. Some of which starting-holes we will here present Anno Regis Carol. 23. not to the intent that any should unjustly hide themselves herein but that for the future they may be stopped up as obstructing the true performance of the Parliaments intended Curtesie 36. First they plead that Taxes being first deducted First evasion Tythes are so badly paid they cannot live and maintain themselves if they must still pay a fift part out of the remainder Such consider not if themselves cannot live on the whole Grist how shall the Families of such sequestred Ministers subsist on the Tole 37. Secondly Second evasion if the foresaid Minister hath a Wife without Children or Children without a Wife or but one Child they deny paiment as not within the Letter though the Equity of the Order though one Child is as unable to live on nothing as if there were many more 38. Thirdly Third evasion if the sequestred Minister hath any temporal means of his own or since his sequestration hath acquired any place wherein he officiateth though short of a comfortable subsistence they deny paiment of a fift part unto him 39. Fourthly Fourth Evasion they affright the said sequestred Minister threatning to New article against for his former faults Whereas had he not been reputed a malignant not a fift part but all the five parts were due unto him 40. Fiftly Fift Evasion many who have livings in great Towns especially Vicarages disclaim the receiving of any Benefits in the nature of Tithes and accept them only in the notion of Benevolence Then they plead nothing due to the sequestred Minister out of the free gratuities which only are bestowed upon them 41. Sixtly Sixt Evasion they plead that nothing can be demanded by vertue of the said Ordinance longer then the sitting of the said Parliament which made it which long since is dissolved now though this be but a dilatory plea themselves enjoying the foure parts by vertue of the same Order yet though it doth not finally blast it doth much set back the fift part and whilst the same groweth the Ministers Wives and Children starve 42. Lastly Seventh Evasion of late since the setting forth of the Proclamation that all who disquiet their peaceable possession who are put into livings by the Parliaments Order should be beheld as enemies to the State Such sequestred Ministers who only sue the refusers to pay the fift part unblameable in all things else are threatned though they humbly conceived contrary to the true intent of the Proclamation with the foresaid penalty if they desist not in their suite Many more are their subterfugies besides vexing their wives with the tedious attendance to get Orders on Orders so that as one truly and sadly said the fifts are even paid at sixes and sevens 43. I am sorry to see the pittiful and pious intentions of the Parliament Remember the Poor so abused and deluded by the indirect dealings of others so that they cannot attain their intended ends for the relief of so many poor people seeing no doubt therein they desired to be like the best of beings who as closely applieth his lenitive as corrasive plasters and that his mercy may take as true effect as his justice Sure if the present Authority when at leisure from higher imployment shall be pleased to take the groans of these poor souls into its confideration the voice of their hungry bowels will quickly be turned to
a more pleasant tune from barking for food to the blessing of those who procured it Nor let any censure this a digress from my History for though my estate will not suffer me with * Job 29. 15. Job to be eyes to the blind and feet to the Iame I will endeavour what I can to be a Tongue for the Dumbe SECTION XI To the Noble Lady Elianor Roe relict to the Honorable Sr. Thomas Roe Madam I finde that my name-sake * * Hackluits voyages 3. part pag. 825. Thomas Fuller was Pilot in the ship called the Desire wherein Captain Cavendish surrounded the world Far be it from me to compare these my weak undertakings to his great adventures Yet I may terme this my Book the Desire as wherein I desire to please and profit all justly to displease none Many rocks and storms have I passed by Gods blessing and now am glad of so firme an Anchorage as a Dedication to your Ladiship I believe Madam none of your Sex in our Nation hath travelled farther them your self Yet this Section of our History may afford you a rarity not seen before I know you have viewed the Tombe of St. Polycarpus but here the Herse is presented unto you of one whose death cannot be paralell'd in all particulars 1. LAtely certain Delegates from the Vniversity of Oxford pleaded their Priviledges before the Committee of Parliament Anno Regis Carol. 24. that they were onely Visitable by the King Anno Dom. 1648. and such who should be deputed by him Great alterations by the Visiters in Oxford But their allegations were not of proof against the Paramount power of Parliament the rather because a passage in an Article at the Rendition of Oxford was urged against them wherein they were subjected to such a visitation Whereupon many Masters were ejected their Places new Heads of Houses made and soon after new Houses to those Heads which produced great alteration 2. Come we now to the Church-part of the Treaty in the Isle of Wight Clergiemen meeting in the Isle of Wight as the sole Ecclesiastical matter remaining Anno Dom. 1648. Here appeared of the Divines chosen by the King Anno Regis Eliza. 24. James Vsher Arch-Bishop of Armagh Brian Duppa Bishop of Salisbury Doctor Sanderson Doctor Shelden Doctor Henry Ferne As for Doctor Brounrig Bishop of Exeter when on the way he was remanded by the Parliament because under restraint and it was reported that D. Prideaux Bishop of Worcester wanted the more the pitty wherewith to accommodate himself for the journey M r Steven Marshall M r Joseph Caryll M r Richard Vines and M R Lazarus Seaman were present there by appointment from the Parliament 3. It was not permitted for either side All matters managed in writing personally to speak but partly to prevent the impertinencies of orall debates partly that a more steddy aime might be taken of their mutual Arguments all things were transacted in scriptis His Majesty consulted with his Chaplains when he pleased The Kings Writings were publickly read before all by M r Philip Warwick and M r Vines read the Papers of his Fellow-Divines the substance whereof we come here to present 4. His Majesty began The effect of his majesties first paper the effect of whose first Paper was to prove Octo. 2. that the Apostles in their own persons by Authority a Joh. 20. 21. derived from Christ exercised their power in Ordinations giving Rules and Censures 2. That Timothy and b Tit. 1. 5. Titus by Authority derived from the Apostles did or might actually exercise the same power in the three Branches specified 3. That the Angels of the seven Churches Rev. 2. 3. where so many persoae singulares of such as had a Prelacy as well over Pastors as People From the premises his Majesty inferred that our Bishops succeed to the function of the Persons afore named The rather because the same plainly appeareth out of the History of the Primitive Church the writings of Ignatius and other ancient Authors In conclusion his Majesty desired to be satisfied from them what were the Substantials of Church-government appointed by Christ and his Apostles and in whose hands they are left and whether they binde to a perpetual observation thereof or may upon occasion be altered in whole or in part 5. The next day the Parliament-Divines put in their Answer to the Kings Paper The Parliament-Divines answer thereunto wherein they confessed Octo. 3. that the places of Scripture cited by him proved in those Persons by him named a power respectively to do the three things specified But they utterly denied that the foresaid Persons were Bishops as distinct from Presbyters or exercised the Government in that sense 1. To the Instance of the Apostles they answered that they had an extraordinary calling and so nothing thence can be inferrred to prove modern Bishops 2. That Timothy and Titus were Evangelists and the f 2 Tim. 4. 5. first is expressly so termed nor could they be Bishops who resided not in one Diocess but often removed from place to place 3. That the denomination of the Angels of the Churches being Allegorical no firme Argument can be taken thence nor weight laid thereon Besides those Epistles of S. John though directed to One were intended to the whole body of the Church They denyed that the Apostles were to have any successours in their Office affirming but two standing Officers in the Church Presbyterians Deacons They cited Philippians I. I. I Tim. 3. 8. for the proof thereof where there is no mention of Bishops as distinct from Presbyters but of the two Orders only of Bishops or Presbyters and Deacons 6. As for the succeeding ages to the Apostles seeing Scripture reacheth not unto them they can but beget a humane Faith which is uncertain and fallible Besides such the darkness of those Times in respect of Church-History that little certainty can be thence extracted Yet it appeareth in Clement himself that he useth the same word for Bishop and Presbyter and as for Ignatius his Epistles little credit is to be given unto them 7. Lastly there is a great difference between Primitive Episcopacy and the Present Hierarchie as much enlarged in their Power and Priviledges by many Temporal accessions whereof no shaddow or pretence in Scripture In conclusion they humbly besought his Majesty to look rather to the Original of Bishops in holy Writ then to their succession in Humane History 8. As to the point of Substantials in Church Government appointed by Christ wherein his Majesty desired satisfaction the return was short and generall that such Substantials were in the Scripture not descending to any particulars Whether out of policy foreseeing it would Minister matter of more debate or obedience to the Parliament as aliene from the work they were designed for who were only to oppose Episcopacy as qualified in the Bill presented to his Majesty 9. Three days
Venerable Bede 167 14 Henry of Erphurt 169 15 Annals of Lichfield 175 16 Marianus Scotus 177 17 Ralph de Balduâ— 178 18 Iohn Bale 179 19 Polydor Virgil. Anno Dom. 108 182 20 Chron. Brit. Abbrev. 183 21 Roger de VVendover 184 22 Matth. Paris Westminster 185 23 Hector Boethius 187 24 Martin Polonus 188 25 Saxon Annals 189 26 Iohn Harding 190 Here is more then a Grand-Iury of Writers which neither agree in their Verdicts with their Fore-man nor one with another there being betwixt the first the last Paulus Iovius Iohn Harding ninetie years distance in their Account This with other Arguments is used not onely to shake but shatter the whole reputation of the Story And we must endeavour to clear this Objection before we go farther which is shrewdly pressed by many For if the two Elders which accused Susanna were condemned for Liars being found in two Tales the one laying the Scene of her Incontinency under a a Susanna verse 54. and 58. Mastick-tree the other under an Holme-tree why may not the Relation of Lucius be also condemned for a Fiction seeing the Reporters thereof more differ in Time then the forenamed Elders in Place seeing when and where are two circumstances both equally important and concerning in History to the Truth of any action 3. But we answere The History of K. Lucius not disproved by the dissension of Authors concerning the time thereof That however Learned men differ in the Date they agree in the Deed. They did set themselves so to heed the Matter as of most moment being the Soul and Substance of History that they were little curious not to say very careless in accurate noting of the Time which being well observed doth not onely add some lustre but much strength to a relation And indeed all Computation in the Primitive time is very uncertain there being then and a good while after an Anarchy as I may terme it in Authours their reckoning of years because men were not subject to any one soveraign Rule in accounting the year of our Lord but every one followed his own Arithmetick to the great confusion of History and prejudice of Truth In which age though all start from the same place our Saviour's Birth yet running in severall ways of account they seldome meet together in their dating of any memorable Accident Worthie therefore was his work whoever he was who first calculated the Computation we use at this day and so set Christendome a Copy whereby to write the date of actions which since being generally used hath reduced Chronology to a greater Certainty 4. As for their Objection Lucius might be a British King under the Roman Monarchy That Lucius could not be a King in the South of Britain because it was then reduced to be a Province under the Roman Monarchy It affects not any that understand how it was the Roman b Veâ—us jampridem recepta populi Romani consuetudo ut haberet instrumenta â—ervitutis Reges Tacitus in vita Agricolae custome both to permit and appoint Pettie Kings in several Countries as Antiochus in Asia Herod in Iudea Dtotaurus in Sicilie who under them were invested with Regal Power Dignity And this was conceived to conduce to the state and amplitude of their Empire Yea the German Emperour at this day Successour to the Roman Monarchy is stiled Rex Regum as having many Princes and particularly the King of Bohemia Homagers under him As for other inconsistents with truth which depend as Retainers on this Relation of King Lucius they prove not that this whole Story should be refused but refined Which calleth aloud to the Discretion of the Reader to fan the Chaffe from the Corne and to his Industry to rub the Rust from the Gold which almost of necessity will cleave to matters of such Antiquity Thus conceiving that for the main we have asserted King Lucius we come to relate his History as we finde it 5. He being much taken with the Miracles which he beheld truly done by pious Christians Lucius sendeth to the Bishop of Rome to be instructed in Christianity fell in admiration of 167 and love with their Religion and sent Elvanus and Meduinus men of known Piety and Learning in the Scriptures to Eleutherius Bishop of Rome with a Letter requesting several things of him but principally that he might be instructed in the Christian Faith The reason why he wrote to Rome was because at this time the Church therein was she can ask no more we grant no less the most eminent Church in the World shining the brighter Anno Dom. 167 because set on the highest Candle-stick the Imperial City We are so far from grudging Rome the Happiness she once had that we rather bemoan she lost it so soon degenerating from her primitive Purity The Letter which Lucius wrote is not extant at this day and nothing thereof is to be seen save onely by reflection as it may be collected by the Answer returned by Eleutherius which such an one as it is it will not be amisse here to insert 6. Ye require of us the Roman Laws This translation of the letter of Eleutherius is transcribed out of Bishop Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops and the Emperours to be sent over unto you which you would practice and put in ure within your Realm The Roman Laws and the Emperours we may ever reprove but the Law of God we may not Ye have received of late through Gods mercy in the Kingdom of Britain the Law and Faith of Christ Ye have with you within the Realm both parts of the Scriptures out of them by Gods grace with the Councell of the Realm take ye a Law and by that Law through Gods sufference rule your Kingdome of Britain There is some variety between this and that of M r. Fox For you be God's Vicar in your Kingdom The Lords is the Earth and the fulness of the world and all that dwell in it And again according to the Prophet that was a King Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity therefore God hath anointed thee with the Oile of gladness above thy fellows And again according to the same Prophet O God give Iudgement unto the King and thy Righteousness unto the Kings Sonne He said not the judgement and righteousness of the Emperour but thy Iudgement and Righteousness The Kings Sonnes be the Christian people and folk of the Realm which be under your Government and live and continue in peace within your Kingdome As the Gospel saith Like as the Hen gathereth her Chickens under her wings so doth the King his people The people and the folk of the Realm of Britain be yours whom if they be divided ye ought to gather in concord and peace to call them to the Faith and Law of Christ to cherish and a In the Latin it is Manu tenere maintain them to rule and govern them so as
Catalogue of the VVorthies of this Island so that neither Lucius Constantine nor Arthur are once named by him But the best evidence that once Arthur lived in Britain is because it is certain he died in Britain as appeared undeniably by his Corps Coffin and Epitaph taken up out of his Monument in Glassenbury in the reign of King Henry the second whereof a Giraldus Cambrensis an eye-witnesse Camden ' s Brit. in Somersetshire Caer-lion a principall Staple of Learning Religion many Persons of Quality were eye-witnesses 3. The entire Body of the British Church at this time was in VVales where Banchor on the North and Caer-lion on Vsk in Monmouthshire on the South were the two Eyes thereof for Learning and Religion The later had in it the Court of King Arthur the See of an Arch-Bishop a Colledge of b Thomas James out of Alexander Elsebiensis 200 Philosophers who therein studied Astronomie and was a Populous place of great extent But Cities as well as their Builders are mortall it is reduced at this day to a small Village But as Aged Parents content and comfort themselves in beholding their Children wherein their Memories will be continued after their Death so Caer-lion is not a little delighted to see herself still survive in her Daughter c Camden's Brit. in Monmouthshire Newport a neighbouring Town raised out of the Ruines of her Mother Whil'st the other stood in Prime there was scarce an Eminent man who did not touch here for his Education whom we will reckon in order the rather because all the Church-History of this Age seems confined to some principall Persons Dubritius afore-mentioned was the Father and Founder of them all late Bishop of Landaffe now Arch-Bishop of Caer-lion a great Champion of the Truth against Pelagius and he had the honour here to crown two Kings Vter and Arthur Being very old 516 he resigned his Arch-bishoprick to David his Scholar and that he might be more able and active to wrastle with Death he stript himself out of all worldly employment and became an Anchoret in the Island of d Fra. Godwin in Episc Menevensibus pag. 600. Bardsey Six hundred yeares after namely May the 20 1120 his Bones were translated to Landaffe and by Vrban Bishop thereof buried in the Church towards the North side thereof 4. David S. David an advancer of Monastick life the next Arch-Bishop of Royall Extraction was Uncle to King Arthur He privately studied the Scriptures 10 years before he would presume to preach 519 and alwayes carried the Gospels about him He kept a Synod against the Pelagian Errour a second Edition whereof was set forth in his time and confirmed many wavering Souls in the Faith By leave obtained from King Arthur he removed the Archiepiscopall Seat from Caer-lion to Menevea now called S t. Davids in Pembrokeshire In which exchange his Devotion is rather to be admired then his Discretion to be commended leaving a Fruitfull Soile for a bleach Barren e Giraldus Cambrensis place though the worse it was the better for his purpose being a great promoter of a Monasticall life And though the place was much exposed to the Rapine of f Camden's Brit. in Pembrokeshire Pirats yet this Holy man laid up his heavenly Treasure where Thieves do not break through nor steal 5. Yet I am sensible that I have spent to my shame so much precious time in reading the Legend of his Life One paramount miracle of S. David that I will not wilfully double my guiltinesse in writing the same and tempt the Reader to offend in like nature This g Flowers of the English Saints p. 222. Miracle I cannot omit David one day was preaching in an open Field to the Multitude and could not be well seen because of the Concourse though they make him four h Balaeus Cent. prima Nu. 55. Cubits high a man and half in Stature when behold the Earth whereon he stood officiously heaving it self up mounted him to a competent Visibility above all his Audience Whereas as our a Matth. 5. 1. Saviour himself Anno Dom. 519. when he taught the people was pleased to chuse a Mountain making use of the advantage of Nature without improving his Miraculous Power He died aged 146 yeares on the first of March still celebrated by the Welsh with * Several reasons hereof assigned by Authours wearing of a Leek perchance to perpetuate the memory of his Abstinence whose contented mind made many a savoury Meal on such Roots of the Earth 6. A wonder it is to see how many Methusalahs extreme Aged men these times did produce Reasons why men in this Age lived so long S t. Patrick b See Balaeus in their general lives died aged 122 Sampson aged 120. David 146. Gildas Badonicus 90 c. Some Reason whereof may be alleaged because living Retired in a Contemplative way they did not bruise their Bodies with embroiling them in Worldly Affairs or it may be ascribed to their Temperate Diet whil'st many of our Age spill their Radicall Moisture through the Leaks of their own Luxury Nor is it absurd to say that God made these great Tapers of a more firm and compacted Wax then ordinary that so they might last the longer in burning to give Light to his Church and bestowed on them an especiall strong naturall Constitution 7. About the same time Accurateness in computing years is not to be expected The discreet devotion of Cadocus for never were more Doublings and Redoublings made by a hunted Hare then there are Intricacies in the Chronology of this Age going backward and forward flourished Cadocus Abbot of Llancarvan in Glamorganshire Son of the Prince and Toparch of that Countrey This godly and learned man so renounced the World that he c Ioan. Tinmuthensis in ejus vitae reteined part of his paternall Principality in his possession whereby he daily fed three hundred of Clergy-men Widows and Poor people besides Guests and Vistants daily resorting to him He is equally commended for his Policy in keeping the Root the Right of his Estate in his own hands and for his Piety in bestowing the Fruit the Profits thereof in the relieving of others It seems in that Age wilfull Poverty was not by vow entail'd on Monasticall life Nor did this Cadocus as Regulars in after-times with open hands scatter away his whole Means so foolishly to grasp his First full of Popular Applause He is said afterwards to have died at Beneventium in Italy 8. Iltutus comes next into play Iltutus abused with Monkish forgeries a zealous man and deep Scholar who not far from Cadocus at Llan-lwit in Glamorganshire contractedly for Llan-iltut preached Gods Word and set up a Colledge of Scholars being himself a great observer of a Single Life It is reported of him that when his Wife repaired to him for due Benevolence or some ghostly Counsell he d Balaeus de
Script Britan. centur prima put out her Eyes out of Anger for interrupting him in his constant course of Chastity But surely some blind Monk having one of his Eyes put out with Ignorance and the other with Superstition was the first founder of this Fable Thus godly Saints in that Age were made Martyrs after their Death persecuted though in their Commendation with impudent and improbable Lies It is reported also of the same Iltutus that he turned e Idem ut prius Men into Stones Had it been Stones into Men converting stupid Souls into Christians by his Preaching it had been capable of an Allegoricall Construction whereas as now told it is a Lie in the literall and Non-sense in the mysticall meaning thereof 9. Sampson succeeds 521 Scholar to Iltutus Sampson Archbishop of Dole made by Dubritius Bishop at large f Armach de Brit. Ec. prim pag. 1130. sine titulo It seems in that Age all Bishops were not fixed to the Chair of a peculiar Church but some might sit down in any Vacant place for their Cathedrall and there exercise their Episcopall Authority provided it were without Prejudice to other Bishops Afterwards this Sampson was made Arch-Bishop of Dole in French Britain and in those dayes such was the Correspondency betwixt this Greater and that Lesser Britain that they seemed to possesse Learned men in common betwixt them Scarce am I reconciled to this Sampson Anno Dom. 521 for a Balaeus de Script Britan. in Sampson carrying away with him the Monuments of British Antiquity Had he put them out to the Bank by procuring severall Copies to be transcribed Learning thereby had been a Gainer and a Saver had he onely secured the Originals whereas now her Losse is irrecoverable Principall and Interest Authenticks and Transcripts are all imbezzelled Nor is the matter much whether they had miscarryed at home by Foes Violence or abroad by such Friends Negligence 10. It were a Sin to omit S t. Patern Paternus a Patern for all Bishops for three and twenty yeares a constant Preacher at Llan-Patern in Cardiganshire 540 His fatherlike Care over his Flock passeth with peculiar Commendation that he b Camden's Brit. in Cardiganshire govern'd his people by feeding them and fed his people by governing them Some yeares after the Place continued an Episcopall See and was extinguished upon Occasion of the Peoples barbarously murdering of their Bishop 11. St. Petrock comes in for his share Petrock the Captain of Cornish Saints from whom Petrock-stow 548 contracted Padstow in Cornwall is denominated One of great Piety and Painfulness in that Age. Afterward he is said to have gone to the East Indies all far Countreys are East Indies to ignorant people and at his return to be burried at Bodman in Cornwall That County is the Cornu-copia of Saints most of Irish extraction and the names of their Towns and Villages the best Nomenclator of the Devoutmen of this Age. If the people of that Province have as much Holinesse in their Hearts as the Parishes therein carry Sanctity in their Names Cornwall may passe for another Holy Land in publick reputation 12. Next S t. Petrock comes S t. Teliau The piety of S. Telian for it is pity to part two such intimate Friends 550 He was called by allusion to his Name c Harpâ—field his Ecc. Ang. pag. 41. c. 27. Helios which in Greek signifieth the Sun because of the Lustre of his Life and Learning But the Vulgar sort who count it no fault to miscall their Betters if they have hard Names called him Eliud one of that d Math. 1. 14 name was one of our Saviours Ancestors turning the Greek into an Hebrew word and understanding both alike He was Scholar to Dubritius and succeeded him in the Bishoprick of Landaffe A pious man constant Preacher and e Balaeus centuria prim num 58. zealous reprover of the reigning Sins of that time This is all the certain truth extant of him which some Monks counting too little have with their fabulous breath f In the book of his life extant in the Church of Landaffe blown up the Story of his Life to such a Bigness that the Credit thereof breaks with it's own Improbability Witnesse his Journey to Ierusalem full of strange Miracles where he had a Cymball given him excelling the sound of an Organ and ringing every hour of it's own accord No doubt a Loud one Loaden with Merits saith the g Flowers of the Saints pag. 151. Author I had thought nothing but Sin could burthen a Saint he departed this Life having his Memory continued in many Churches of South-VVales dedicated to him and is remembred in the Roman Kalender on the ninth of February 13. I had almost forgotten Congel Several other Worthies of the same Age. Abbot of Bangor who much altered the Discipline of that Monastery 580 Kentigern the famous Bishop of Ellwye in North VVales S t. Asaph his Successour in the same place In whose mouth this Sentence was frequent h Godwin in his Catal. of Bishops of S t. Asaph Such who are against the preaching of God's VVord envy the Salvation of Mankind As for Gildas surnamed the VVise their Contemporary wereserve his i Vide our Librar of British Histor num 1. Character for our Library of British Historians Many other worthy men flourished at the same time and a Nationall Church being a large Room it is hard to count all the Candles God lighted therein 14. Most of these men seem born under a Travelling Planet Pastours in this Age why in constant motion seldome having their Education in the place of their Nativity oft-times composed of Irish Infancy British Breeding and French Preferment taking a Coule in one Countrey a Crosier in another and a Grave in a third neither bred where born nor beneficed where bred nor buried where beneficed but wandring in severall Kingdomes Nor is this to be imputed to any humour of Inconstancy the running Gout of the Soul or any affected Unsetlednesse in them Anno Dom. 580 but proceeding from other weighty Considerations First to procure their Safety For in time of Persecution the surest place to shift in is constant shifting of Places not staying any where so long as to give mens Malice a steady aime to level at them Secondly to gain Experience in those things which grew not all in the same Soile Lastly that the Gospell thereby might be further and faster propagated When there be many Guests and little Meat the same Dish must go clean through the Board and divine Providence ordered it that in the Scarcity of Preachers one Eminent man travelling far should successively feed many Countries 15. To most of these Authours many written Volumes are assigned Books falsly fathered on British writers the Titles and Beginnings whereof you may find in our Country-men Bale and Pits who will perswade you
consider how in that Age the Elegancy of Poetry consisted in Rhythme and the Eloquence of Prose in Allusions And which was the main where his Pleasant Conceits did end there his Pious Endeavours began which did not terminate in a Verball Jest but produce Reall Effects which ensued hereupon 2. For repairing to Pelagius Bishop of Rome Gregory would convert England in his person but doth it by his proxy he imparted his Discoveries unto him 586 desiring that some might be sent to endeavour the Conversion of the English Nation tendering his Personall Service thereunto But Pelagius was unwilling to expose Gregory to so dangerous a Design and the People of Rome accounting him a precious Jewell to be choicely kept for his own wearing would not cast this Pearle before Swine by hazarding him to the Insolency of the Pagans Now Pelagius not long after being called into another VVorld Gregory succeeded in his place who rising to new Greatnesse did not fall from his old Goodnesse but prosecuting his Project with more Earnestnesse sent Augustine the Monk with Mellitus and Fourty more to preach the Gospell in Britain He himself tarrying behind in Body went with them in his a 1 Corinth 5. 3 Spirit accompanying them with his effectuall Prayers and none will deny but that b Exod. 17. 11. Moses in the Mount contributed as much to the conquering of Amalek as Ioshua in the Valley 3. These men had not gone far Augustine and his fellows shrink for fear when they were surprised with a Qualm of Feare and sending Augustine back again to Gregory requested to be excused from going to so Barbarous a Nation not as yet converted to Civility whose Language they did not understand Here some will be ready to deride them for Cowards who more seriously considering with how many Excuses Moses c Exod. ch 3. and 4. being sent by God himself declined the going to Pharaoh and how loth d Ior. 1. 6. Ieremy was to preach to his Countrey-men the stiffe-necked Iews will presently change their Censuring into Commiserating the Frailty of Flesh and common Condition of Mankind But those make short Miles who looking through a Window travell a Dayes-journey in an instant whil'st Wayfaring men must honestly pay for every Step and dearly earn it with their Industry It is facile for men in their pleasing Speculations to project the Conversion of a Kingdome and with themselves to discourse a Heathen Nation into Christianity whil'st those must encounter many Difficulties who really go about to perform it Gregory perceiving them to tire in their Undertakings spurr'd them on with his Exhortatory Letter the Copy whereof is here inserted to acquaint us with the Stile of the Bishops of Rome in that Age. e Bede's History of the Church of England 1 Book 23. Chap. translated by Stapleton GRegory the Servant of the Servants of God c. For somuch as better it were never to begin a Good Work then after it is once begun to go from it again you must needs my dear Sons now fulfill the Good VVork which by the help of God you have taken in hand Let therefore neither the Travell of the Iourney neither the Talk of evill-tongued Men dismay you But with all Force and Fervour make up that you have by the motion of God begun assuring your selves that after your great Labour eternall Reward shall follow Be you in all points obedient unto Augustine whom I have sent back unto you and appointed him to be your Abbot Anno Dom. 586 knowing that shall much profit your Souls which you shall do upon Obedience to his Commandment Our Almighty Lord defend you with his Grace and grant me to see the Fruit of your Labours in his Kingdome of Heaven And though I cannot Labour my self with you yet I may enjoy part of your Reward for that I have a Will to labour God keep you healthy my dearly beloved Children Dated the 23. of July our Lord MAURICIUS TIBERIUS reigning our most Vertuous Emperour in the 14. year of his Empire the 13. year after his Consulship Indictione 14. As yet we see the Chaplain had not lorded it over his Patron as yet the Popes Crown was not built three stories high but observed a Distance of Submission towards the Emperour as appeares by his respectfull Expressions Yea this Bishop measured the time by the yeares of the Emperours Reign whose Successours have learn't a new Arithmetick in their modern dates of Charters onely reckoning by the yeares of their own Consecration without relating to any Imperiall Account Gregory by the way was the first which in Humility used the Stile of Servus Servorum Dei But as in the Method of Nature a Low Valley is immediately seconded with an Ambitious Hill so after this Humble Gregory a submissive Soul within two yeares followed Boniface the third in whom was the Pitch of Pride and Height of aspiring Haughtinesse to be term'd the Vniversall Bishop of the World 4. Besides the aforesaid Letter Augustine troubled with mocking Michals in his Passage through France Gregory wrote many others a Gregor lib. 5. Epist 58 one to Theodorick and Theodebert Kings of France and severall Epistles to sundry French Bishops to accommodate and assist Augustine and his Companions in so pious a Design And which must not be forgotten with them he sent over b Idem lib. 5. Epist 10. Candidus a Priest into France to receive the Profits and long-detained Arreres of the Popes c Idem lib. 5. Epist 57. Patrimoniolum as he terms it the Diminutive is well increased at this time and with the Mony to buy Cloaths for the Poore and also to buy English-Pagan-captive Youths in France of 17 or 18 yeare old that they might be brought up in Christianity in Monasteries so at once bestowing both Liberty Religion and Learning upon them A Transcendent degree of Charity an Almes worthy Gregorie's hands to give it And now Augustine with his Partners well encouraged effectually prosecute their Project passing quietly through France save onely at the Village of Saye in Anjou where some gigling Huswives Light Leaves will be wagg'd with Little Wind causelesly fell a flouting at them But in after-Ages the People of the same Place to repaire this Wrong erected a Masculine Church Women being interdicted the Entrance thereof to the Memory of S t. Augustine and how soundly one Woman smarted for her Presumption herein take it on the trust of d Alexander Elsebiensis in his Annall of Saints and Iohn Capgrave my Authour Plebs parat Ecclesiam mulieribus haud reserandam Introitum tent at una sed illa perit They build a Church where Women may not enter One try'd but lost her life for her adventure Yet Augustine himself found courteous Usage from the Weaker Sex witnesse the kind Carriage of Brunichilda the Queen of France unto him for which Gregory in an e Lib. 7. Ep. 5. Epistle returned her solemn Thanks
daily trample 8. Besides these All these antiquated by Christianity they had other Lesser Gods of a Lower Form and Younger House as Helmsteed Prono Fridegast and Siwe all which at this day to use the a I saiah 2. 20. Prophets Expression are cast to the Moles and the Bats fit Company for them which have Eyes and see not Blind to the blind like all those which put Confidence in them And as the true and reall b Exod. 7. 12. Serpent of Aaron did swallow up and devour the seening Serpents which Iannes and Iambres the Aegyptian Inchanters did make so long since in England the Religion of the true God hath out-lived and out-lasted consuted and confounded all false and â—eigned Deities To conclude this Discourse I have heard of a man who being Drunk rode over a Narrow Bridge the first and last that ever passed that Way as which in likelyhood led him to imminent Death and next morning viewing how he had escaped he fell into a Swound with acting over again the Danger of his Adventure in his bare Apprehension So should England now thanks be to God grown sober and restored to her self seriously recollect her sad Condition when Posting in the Paths of Perdition being intoxicated with the Cup of Idolatrie she would fall into a Trance of Amazement at the consideration of her desperate state before Christianity recovered her to her right Senses the manner whereof we now come to relate 9. When Augustine the Monk as is afore said landed in Thanet The character of King Ethelbert Ethelbert was then King of Kent One who had very much of Good Nature in him of a Wild Olive well civilized and a Stock fit to be grafted upon Yea he was already with c Acts 26. 28. King Agrippa though not in the same sense almost a Christian because his other half d Bede Hist Eccles lib. 1. cap. 25. Queen Berhta daughter to the King of France was a Christian to whom he permitted the free use of her Religion allowing her both Luidhard a Bishop for her Chaplain and an old Church in Canterbury formerly dedicated by the Romans to S t. Martin to exercise her Devotion therein Besides at this time this Ethelbert was in effect Monarch of England whilest his Person had Residence chiefly in Kent his Power had Influence even to Humber all the rest of the Saxon Kings being Homagers unto him which afterward much expedited the passage of the Gospel in England Thus each officious Accident shall dutifully tender his Service to the advance of that Design which God will have effected 10. Then Augustine acquainted this Ethelbert with his Arrivall Augustine's addresses and Ethelbert's answer informing him by his Messengers that he brought the best Tidings unto him which would certainly procure eternall Happinesse in Heaven and endless Reigning in Bliss with the true God to such as should entertain them Soon after Ethelbert repaired into Thanet to whom Augustine made his addresse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with a deal of spiritual carnall Pompe e Beda ut prists having a Silver Cross carried before him for a Banner the Image of our Saviour painted in a Table and singing the Letanie in the way as they went King Ethelbert desired all things betwixt them might be transacted in the open Aire refusing to come under a Roof for fear of Fascination And indeed a Stranger who had never seen the like before beholding Augustine with such abundance of Trinkets about him being formerly jealous might hereby have his Suspicion encreased that he went about some strange Machination However Ethelbert returned him a civil Answer That their Promises were fair and good but because new and uncertain he could not presently assent unto them and leave the ancient Customes of the English which had been for so long time observed But because they were Strangers coming from Far Countries to communicate to him and his such things as they conceived were good and true he would not forbid any Converts whom their Preaching could perswade to their Opinion and also would provide them Necessaries for their comfortable Accommodation 11. Hence Augustine 597 with his Followers Ethelbert and others converted to the Christian Faith advanced to Canterbury to the aforesaid old Church of S t. Martin's Here they lived so piously prayed so fervently fasted so frequently preached so constantly wrought Miracles so commonly that many people of Inferiour Rank and at last King Ethelbert himself was baptized and embraced the Christian Religion The same Ethelbert also ordered that none should be a Bede Hist Eccles lib. 1. cap. 26. forced into Religion having understood that Christs Service ought to be voluntary and not compelled And if his Courtiers had been as cautious not to embrace Religion for Fashion as the King was carefull they should not receive it for Fear there had not at that time been made so many Christians for Conveniency probably rather then for Conscience who soon after returned again to Paganisme However as it is rendered a reason in the dayes of Hezekiah why the Iews at so short warning so unanimously kept the Passeover God had prepared the People for the thing was done suddenly so on the same account it came to passe that in so little a time besides temporary Believers so many true and sincere Converts embraced the Christian Faith 12. Then Augustine by his Letters informed Gregory of the Progresse Gregorie's answer to Augustine's letters and Proficiency of his Paines in England Gregory returned him a discreet Answer rejoycing with him and advising of him not to be puffed up by Pride for the great Miracles wrought by him but timendo gaudere gaudendo pertimescere He minded him how when the Disciples triumphed at their b Luke 10. 17 casting out of Devils Christ more spirituallized their Joy rather to rejoyce that their Names were written in Heaven And indeed as some eminent in Piety never attained this Honour c Iohn 10. 41. Iohn Baptist did no miracle so many finally disavowed of God as unknown unto him shall plead for themselves and truly no doubt d Matt. 7. 22. in thy Name have we cast out Devils Yet this Admonition of Gregory is with me and ought to be with all unprejudiced persons an Argument beyond exception that though no discrect man will believe Augustine's Miracles in the latitude of Monkish Relations he is ignorantly and uncharitably peevish and morose who utterly denies some Miracles to have been really effected by him About the sametime S t. Gregory sent from Rome Mellitus Iustus Paulinus and Ruffinianus to be Fellow-labourers with Augustine in the English Harvest 13. Thus was Kent converted to Christianity 600 For such as account this a Conversion of all England Conclusion of this Century to make their words good do make use of a long and strong Synecdoche a Part for the Whole farre more then Half of the Land lying some yeares after
in the Darkness of Paganisme which others afterward enlightned with the Beams of the Gospel But as he is esteemed the Architect or Master-workman not who builds up most of the Wall but who first designeth the Fabrick and layeth the Foundation thereof in the same respect Augustine carrieth away the Credit of all that came after him because the primitive Planter of the Gospel amongst the Saxons And it is observeable that this Conversion was done without any Persecution yea considerable Opposition costing some Pain no Torture some Sweat no Bloud not one Martyr being made in the whole managing thereof Mean time the poor Christian Britans living peaceably at home there enjoyed God the Gospell and their Mountains little skilfull in and lesse caring for the Ceremonies al a mode brought over by Augustine and indeed their Poverty could not go to the Cost of Augustine's Silver Crosse Anno Dom. 600 which made them worship the God of their Fathers after their own homely but hearty Fashion not willing to disturb Augustine and his Followers in their new Rites but that he had a mind to disquiet them in their old Service as in the sequele of the History will appeare THE SEVENTH CENTURY Anno. Dom. AMICO SVO GR. B. SOcrates interrogatus quo Philtro Natura Sympathias conciliaret quidve esset in causa ut alii hominum primo occursu ament medullitus alii sibi mutuò sint infensi hanc rationem reddidit Deus inquit ab aeterno quicquid futurum esset animarum creavit creatas per immensum temporis spatium in uno cumulo collocavit collocatas corporibus prout indies generantur infundit Hinc est si contingat vel fortuitum consortium inter eos homines quorum animae in hoc acervo propinquiores quòd primo visu quasi veteris vicinitatis memores se invicem diligant dum isti primo intuitu antipathiae stimulis urgeantur quorum animae adversantes diametricè opponebantur Fateor commentum hoc Socraticum à Theologia abhorrere in Philosophia plurimis asystatis laborare Quod si ei subesset tantum veritatis quantum ingenii sanct ssimè voverem in hoc animarum cumulo Tuam Meam contiguas olim jacuisse cum Te primum conspectum animitus amarem à Te redamarer 1. MUch about this time Pope Gregory sent two Arch-Bishops Palls into England 601 the one for a Rog. Wendover Matth. Florileg and Roff. Histor London Why the Arch-bishops See was removed from London to Canterbury the other for York The former of these Cities had been honoured with an Arch-bishop's See some hundred yeares since King Lucius But at the instance of Augustine and by a new Order of the foresaid Gregory this Pall sent to London was removed thence to Canterbury whereof Augustine was made Arch-Bishop and there for the future fixed and confirmed for severall Reasons First London already had Lustre enough being the biggest City in Britain and it was needlesse to adde new Spirituall to her old Temporall Greatnesse which conjoyned might cause Pride in any one place whilest divided they might give Honour to two Cities Secondly London by reason of the Receit thereof was likely to prove the residing place for the English Monarch and it was probable that the Archiepiscopall Dignity would there be eclipst and out-shined by the Regall Diadem Thirdly had Augustine been Arch-Bishop of London he might have seemed to succed the British Arch-Bishops and to have derived some Right from them contrary to his Humour Anno. Dom. 601 who would Lead All but Follow None and therefore would not wear an Old Title but have a span-New Arch-Bishops Chaire carved out for himself Lastly Canterbury was the place wherein Christianity was first received by the Saxons and therefore deserved to be honoured to perpetuate the Memory thereof Thus London hereafter must be contented with the plain Seat of a Bishop the Mother being made a Daughter and must come behind Canterbury which did much wrong and perchance something trouble her But Churches have more Discretion and Humility then to break their Hearts about earthly Precedency and the matter is not much which See went first when living seeing our Age hath laid them both alike levell in their Graves 2. Augustine thus armed with Archiepiscopall Authority Augustine summons a Synod of Saxon and British Bishops to shew a Cast of his Office by the Aid of Ethelbert King of Kent called a Councill for the Saxon and British Bishops to come together in the Confines of the Wiccians and West-Saxons An indifferent Place for mutuall Ease in mid-way betwixt both haply presaging that as their distant Persons met on equall termes so their opposite Opinions might agree in some Moderation The particular Place was called AUGUSTINES AKE that is his Oak in our modern Dialect which a In his Translation of Bede 2 Book 2 Ch. Stapleton mistaken by the affinity of Wiccii or Veccii with Vectis the Latine name for the Isle of Wight seeketh near Southampton where indeed he may find many Oaks in the New Forest and yet misse the right one For this Oak stood in the Confines of b Camden's Britannian in Worcestershire VVorcester and Herefordshire though at this day Time hath confounded it Root and Branch and therefore this Meeting is in Latine called Synodus c Spelman in Concilus Anno 601. pag. 107. Vigorniensis Many solemn Entertainments we know were anciently made under d Gen. 18. 4. Trees and a Palm-tree served Deborah for her VVestminster-Hall wherein she judged e Iudges 4. 5. Israel But severall reasons are assigned why Augustine kept this Council under an Oak First so publick a place was free from Exceptions whereunto none were debarred Accesse Secondly being congregated under the view of Heaven and not pent within the Walles of a private House they were minded of clear fair and open Proceedings without secret Ends or sinister Intents Thirdly perchance some Pagan Saxons allured with Novelty would repair to the Council whose Icalousy was such as in no case they would come under a Roof for fear of f This reason is given by Sir Henry Spelman ut prius Fascination as hath been formerly observed Lastly Augustine knowing that the Pagan Britans performed their Superstitions under an g See first Century 3. Parag. Oak celebrated his Synod under the same in some Imitation and yet a Correction of their Idolatry As in a religious Parallel Pagan Temples had formerly by him been converted into Churches of Saints But when all is done the matter is not so clear but that the place called Augustine's Oak may as well be a Town as a Tree so called from some eminent Oak in at or near it as the Vine in Hampshire so named from Vines anciently growing there is a beautifull House and principall Seat where the Barons Sandes have their Habitation And what is most apposite for our purpose Sozomen calleth the Place where
Theophilus kept a Synod against S t. Chrysostome the Oak which notwithstanding is notoriously known to have been a populous Suburb of the City of Chalcedon 3. At the first Sessions of this Synod there was a very thin Appearance of the Britans The British Clergy refuse submission to the Pope of Rome of whom Augustine demanded that they should mutually contribute with him their Paines to convert the Heathen in Britain and that they should submit to the Pope and embrace an Uniformity with the Romish Rites especially in the Celebration of Easter What their Answer was it is pitty it should be delivered in any other Words then what the Abbot of Ranchor being the Mouth for the rest represented as followeth and let it shift as well as it can for its own authenticalness BId ispis a diogel i chwi ynbod ni holl vn ac arral yn vuidd ac ynn ostingedig i Eglwys Duw ac ir Paab o Ruvam ac i Boob Kyar grisdic n dwyuel y garu pawb yn i radd mewn kariad parfaich ac ihelpio pawb o honaunt ar air a guec-thred i vod ynn blant yDaw ac amgenach wyddod nc hwn nidadwen i vod ir neb yr yddeck chwi y henwi yn Paab ne in Daad o Daad yw glemio ac ywo ovunn ar uvyddod hivn idden in yn varod yw rodde ac yw dalu iddo ef ac i pob Krisdion yn dragwiddol He uid yry dym ni dan lywodrath Esoob Kaerllion ar Wysc yr hien ysidd yn oligwr dan Duw ar nom ni y wuenthud i ni gadwr fordd ysbrydol BE it knovvn and vvithout doubt unto you Copied exactly many yeares since by S r. Henry Spelman out of an ancient British manuscript of Mr. Peter Mostons a Welch Gentleman Spelman's Concilia pag. 108. that vve all are and every one of us obedient and subjects to the Church of God and to the Pope of Rome and to every godly Christian to love every one in his degree in perfect Charity and to help every one of them by vvord and deed to be the children of God and other Obedience then this I do not knovv due to him vvhom you name to be Pope nor to be the Father of Fathers to be claimed and to be demanded And this Obedience vve are ready to give and to pay to him and to every Christian continually Besides vve are under the government of the Bishop of Kaerlion upon Uske vvho is to oversee under God over us to cause us to keep the vvay spirituall See we here the Pedigree of the British Church which the shorter the ancienter the fewer Steps it had the higher it reached They were subject in Spirituall matters to the Bishop of Caer-lion and above him unto God without any subordination unto the Pope so that it was more then a Presumption that Religion came into Britain not by the Semicircle of Rome but in a Direct Line from the Asiatick Churches We must not forget that though many yeares since the Archiepiscopal See of the Britans was removed from Caer-lion to S t. Davids yet it still retained the Title of Caer-lion as of the first and most famous place 4. A late Papist much impugneth the Credit of this Manuscript as made since the Dayes of King Henry the eighth and cavilleth at the VVelsh thereof The Cedit of this Manuscript impugneth as modern and full of false Spelling He need not have used so much Violence to wrest it out of our Hands who can part with it without considerable Losse to our selves or Gain to our Adversaries for it is but a Breviate or Abstract of those Passages which in Bede and other Authours appear most true of the British refusing Subjection to the See of Rome Whilest therefore the Chapter is Canonicall it matters not if the Contents be Apocrypha as the Additions of some wel-meaning Scribe And though this VVelsh be far later then the Dayes of Abbot Dinoth and the English added in the originall later then the VVelsh yet the Latin as ancienter then both containeth nothing contrary to the sense of all Authours which write this Intercourse betwixt Augustine and the VVelsh Nation 5. But this Synod in fine proved ineffectuall The Synod proves ineffactual the British Bishops refusing to submit and Augustine to communicate with them without such Submission Whereupon at Augustine's motion a Blind man was publickly presented amongst them on whom the British Bishops practised in vain with their Prayers to restore him to his Sight which at the Request of Augustine to God was a Bede's Eccles Hist lib. 2. c. 2. presently and perfectly performed This Miracle convinced the Britans that Augustine was in the right for the criticall Observation of Easter But yet they could not absque suorum consensu ac licentia without the National Consent of their own People and principall Elders therein renounce their ancient Customes to embrace new Practices Indeed as for their submitting to Augustine's Jurisdiction they apprehended it unsafe for the present and mischievous for the future having another Civil Government under Kings of their own and suspecting his Spirituall Power might in processe of time intrench upon their Temporall Liberty 6. Departing hence The Dialogue betwixt the British Bishops and the Anchoret the Britans repaired to an Aged Anchoret charactered by Beda to be sanctus prudens holy and wise and none would wish his Counseller better qualified and craved his Advise how hereafter they should behave themselves in the next Synod wherein they had promised to give Augustine a meeting which out of our Authour may thus be Dialogue-wise digested British Bishops Anchoret Brit. B. Are we bound to desert our Traditions at the Preaching of Augustine Anch. If he be a Man of God follow him Brit. B. But how shall we be able to make Triall thereof Anch. The b b Matth. 11. 29. Lord saith Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for I am meek and lowly in heart If therefore this Augustine be Milde and Humble in heart it is credible that he himself beareth the Yoke of Christ and tendereth the same to be born of you but if he be Cruel and Proud it appeareth that he is not of God neither ought ye to heed what he saith Brit. B. But how shall we make Discovery hereof Anch. Contrive it so that he his may come first into the Place of the Synod And if he rise up when you draw near unto him hear him then obediently knowing him for a Servant of Christ but if he slighteth you and vouchsaseth not to rise up unto you seeing you are moe in Number let him be slighted by you Armed with these Instructions the British Bishops advance to the second Synod Where Augustine Pontifically sitting in his Chair at their Entrance entertained them onely with Neglect and Contempt which by the Britans was accordingly requited 7. Herein that stately Prelate forgot S t. Gregorie's Precept to him Proud â—iotrephes
some urged that Parenthesis Although himself long before c. to have been studiously interpolated in Bede on purpose for the Purgation of Augustine by some in after-Ages that favoured him alledging that it is not in the ancient Saxon Copies being put in as a piece of new Cloth into an old Garment with intent to fill it up but in event making it worse because this Passage checketh the Pen of Bede in the full Speed thereof no lesse against the Rules of History then of Horsemanship as he was writing the Life of Augustine the Story whereof notwithstanding still runs on and continues untill the end of the next Chapter Here some of the Jury betook themselves to the point of Chronologie as most proper to decide the matter now depending but such was the Variety of Authors that no Certainty could thence be extracted For though the Massacre of the Monks of Bangor is generally noted to be d Matt. West Chichestr MS. Bibl. pub Cantabâ—ig Anno 603. which falls out before the Death of Augustine yet the Annals of Vlster whose Authority is not to be contemned e Iames Usher Brit. Eccles Antiq. pag. 1157. Mr. Fox his moderation much moveth the Iury. observe the same in the year 613. which undoubtedly was after Augustine's Decease 14. Then a second sort of Witnesses presented themselves as f Antiq. Britan pag. 48. M. Parker g Apol. part 1 page 11. Bishop Iewel and others somewhat sharp against Augustine in their Expressions which wrought the lesse with the Jury partly because of such Authours their known Opposition to the Romish Church and partly because of their Modern writing almost a thousand years after the matter in fact Onely the Moderate Testimony of Reverend M r. Fox much moved the whole Court as one throughly well-affected in Religion and averse from all Popery and Cruelty thus expressing himself h Acts and Monum part 1. p. 154. col 2. This seemeth rather suspicious then true that Ethelbert being a Christian King either could so much prevail with a Pagan Idolater or else would attempt so far to commit such a cruel Deed But of uncertain things I have nothing certainly to say lesse to judge This I say prevailed so far with the Iury that consulting with themselves they found an Ignoramus With whose commendable Charity I concurre preferring rather to clear a Twi-light Innocence into Noon-day then to darken it into Midnight 15. To return to the Monks of Bangor Their innocent Bloud went not long unrevenged for we find i Nicolas Trivet largely cited by Sir Henry Spelman in his Councills pag. 112. recorded The bloud of Bangor Monks revenged how three British Princes namely Blederick Duke of Cornwall Margaduc Duke of South-VVales and Cadwan Duke of North-VVales bade Battel to the Northumberlanders as they were invading VVales and not onely dangerously wounded the aforesaid Ethelfride their King but also discomfited his Army and slew ten thousand and sixty of his Souldiers forcing him at last to Articles of Composition that he should confine himself within his own Country North of Trent and leave all VVales to be entirely and peaceably enjoyed by the Britans the true Owners thereof 16. However here to our great Grief we are fain to take our Farewell Farewell taken for some years of the British Church for some hundreds of years of the British Church wanting Instructions concerning the Remarkable Particulars thereof Yet D r. Harpsfield deserves a Check both for his false a Eccles Hist Seculo 7. c. 39. pag. 114. Ground-work and presumptuous Inference built thereupon For first he slighteth the British Nation as such an one as since this their Dissenting from Augustine and the Romish Church in Ceremonies never archieved any Actions of Renown or mounted to any Eminency in the world Then he imputeth their being so long depressed and at last subdued by the English as a just Punishment of God on their not Complying with Rome so pragmaticall a Prier he is into Divine Secrets But he who thus casteth forth a National Abuse can never see where such a Stone lighteth for besides the Nation for the time being their Posterity ingaged therein have just cause either to find or make Reparation to themselves I could and would my self assert the British from this Scandalous Pen were it not against the Rules of Manners and Discretion to take this Office out of the hands of some of their own Nation for whom it is more proper as they are more able to perform it 17. Onely give me leave to insert a Line or two some Pleasant Discourse will not do amiss Commendation of the British language after so much Sad matter in Commendation of the British Tongue and Vindication thereof against such as causelesly traduce it First their Language is Native It was one of those which departed from Babel and herein it relates to God as the more immediate Authour thereof whereas most Tongues in Europe ow their Beginning to humane Depraving of some Original Language Thus the Italian Spanish and French Daughters or Neeces to the Latine are generated from the Corruption thereof Secondly Unmixed For though it hath some few Forrain Words and useth them sometimes yet she rather accepteth them out of State then borroweth them out of Need as having besides these other Words of her own to express the same things Yea the Romans were so far from making the Britans to do that they could not make them to speak as they would have them their very Language never had a perfect Conquest in this Island Thirdly Unaltered Other Tongues are daily disguised with forrain Words so that in a Century of years they grow Strangers to themselves as now an English-man needs an Interpreter to understand Chaucer's English But the British continues so constant to it self that the Prophesies of old Teliessin who lived above a thousand years since are at this day intelligible in that Tongue Lastly Durable which had it's Beginning at the Confusion of Tongues and is likely not to have it's Ending till the Dissolution of the World 18. Some indeed inveigh against it Causelesly traduced by ignorance as being hard to be pronounced having a conflux of many Consonants and some of them double-sounded yea whereas the Mouth is the place wherein the Office of Speech is generally kept the British words must be uttered through the Throat But this rather argues the Antiquity thereof herein running parallel with the Hebrew the common Tongue of the Old World before it was inclosed into severall Languages and hath much Affinity therewith in joynting of words with Affixes and many other Correspondencies Some also cavil that it grates and tortures the eares of Hearers with the Harshnesse thereof whereas indeed it is unpleasant onely to such as are Ignorant of it And thus every Tongue seems stammering which is not understood yea Greek it self is Barbarisme to Barbarians Besides what is nick-named Harshness therein maketh it
Activity of Peter and Iohn with holy Zeal was excellently emploied contending in a Race which should first come to the Grave of our b Iohn 20. 4. Saviour but see here the Romans and the Britans the pretended Followers of these two Apostles not running but wrestling in a violent Contention who should most truly observe the Resurrection of Christ out of his Grave 30. Strange The controversie reconciled by Laurentius that so Good and Wise men should thus fall out about the Mint and Cummin of Religion a Ceremony not at all decided in Scripture It is to be feared that the When marred the How of Easter and the Controversie about the Time spoiled a more materiall Circumstance of the Manner of keeping this Feast these opposite Parties searce being mutually in Charity at the receiving of the Sacrament at that solemn Festivall kept among the Iews with unleavened Bread celebrated among Christians with too much Leaven sowre and swelling of Anger and Passion 613 The best is for the present Laurentius composed the Quarrel and brought both c Bede's Hist lib. 2. cap. 4. Britans and Scots that is the Inhabitants of Ireland to complie with the Romans therein But as every small Wrinch or stepping a wrie is enough to put an ill-set Bone out of joynt so each petty Animosity was great enough to discompose this Agreement But enough of this Controversie for the present we shall meet it too soon again which like a restlesse Ghost will haunt our English History for more then an hundred and fifty yeares together 31. Onely I will adde that The antiquity of this difference although about Augustine's time this Controversie was then most heightned and inflamed yet an old Grudge it was long before betwixt the Romans and Britans For if old Taliessyn stiled Chief of Bards by the Britans lived as d De Britan. Scriptoribus aetale 6 a. pag. 95. Pitseus a Catholick Writer will have it in the year five hundred and fourty and if the following verses be Taliessyn's as it is e Chron. of Wales p. 254. undoubtedly believed then this Difference was on foot fifty yeares before Augustine came into England Gwae'r offeiriad byd Nys engreifftia gwyd Ac ny phregetha Gwae ny cheidwey gail Ac efyn vigail Ac nys areilia Gwae ny cheidwey dheuaid Rhac bleidhie Rhufemaid Aiffon gnwppa Wo be to that Priest yborn That will not cleanly weed his Corn And preach his charge among Wo be to that Shepheard I say That will not watch his Fold alway As to his Office doth belong Wo be to him that doth not keep From Romish Wolves his Sheep With staffe and weapon strong These words Anno Dom. 613 From Romish Wolves relate to the Vigilancy of the British Pastours to keep their People from Rome's Infection in these points Thus whilest the Britans accounted the Romans Wolves and the Romans held the Britans to be Goats what became of Christ's little flock of Sheep the whiles The best is the good God we hope will be mercifull in his Sentence on Men though passionate Men be merciless in their Censures one on another 32. To return to Laurentius The death of Ethelbert and decay of Christianity The great Joy for the Agreement made by him Febr. 24. was quickly abated with Grief at the Death of King Ethelbert who having reigned fifty six and been a Christian one and twenty yeares was buried nigh to his good Wife Queen Bertha who died a little before him in the Porch of S t. Martin's Church in Canterbury which Fabrick with some other Churches by him were beautifully built and bountifully endowed In Ethelbert's Grave was buried much of the Kentish Christianity for Eadbald his Son both refused His Father's Religion and wallowing in Sensuality was guilty of that Sin not so much as named amongst the Gentiles in keeping his Father's second Wife Such as formerly had took up Christianity as the Court-Fashion now left it whom Ethelbert's Smiles had made Converts Eadbald's Frowns quickly made Apostates Yea at the same time so infectious are the bare Examples of Great men the three Sons of the King of the East-Saxons fell back to Pagnisme These refused to be baptized and yet in Derision demanded of the Bishop Mellitus to receive the Eucharist which he flatly denied them Baptisme being an Introductory Sacrament and it being unlawfull to break into the Church without going through this Porch Yet they gave Mellitus fair Warning and free leave to depart who coming into Kent held there a Councill with Laurentius and Iustus what was best to be done At last they concluded that it was in vain prodigally to lose their Paines here which they might expend with more profit in their own Country and seeing Martyrdome as it is not cowardly to be declined so it is not ambitiously to be affected they resolved to go the way which Divine Providence directed them and to return into France which Mellitus and Iustus did accordingly 33. Was this well done of them Mellitus and Iustus their departure defended to leave their Charge Did not God place them Centinells in his Church and could they come off from their Duty before they were relieved by Order But surely their ill Usage was an interpretative Discharge unto them In warrant whereof we have not onely Christs a Matt. 10. 14. Precept to leave the unworthy House with a witnesse namely with the Dust of our Feet shaken off as a Testimony against it but also his Practice going from the b Matth. 8. 34. and cap. 9. 1. Gadarenes when they desired he should depart their Coasts Indeed the VVord of Life is a quick Commodity and ought not as a Drug to be obtruded on those Chapmen who are unwilling to buy it yea in whose Nostrills the very Savour of Life unto Life doth stink because profered unto them 34. Laurentius entertained the like Resolution of Departure Laurentius intending to depart rebuked when lying on his Bed S t. Peter is c Bede lib. 2. cap. 6. said to have taken him to task in a Vision Yea S t. Peter was not onely seen but felt sharply and soundly Whipping him for his unworthy Intention to forsake his Flock who rather should have followed S t. Peter's Example as he imitated Christ's whom no Losses or Crosses could so deterre as to desert his Charge Some will say Peter herein appeared a partial Parent so severely disciplining this his Son whilest two other of his Children being more guilty Mellitus and Iustus who had actually done what Laurentius onely designed escaped without any Correction But we must know though these seemed more faulty by what appeares in open View yet the Passages behind the Curtain Considerables concealed from us might much alter the case And indeed Pastours leaving their people is so ticklish a Point and subject to such secret Circumstances that God and their own Consciences are onely the competent Judges of the Lawfulnesse
Means which would maintain a Prince but like a Scholar would maintain a Scholar like a Prince Yea which was best of all on his Learning he grafted true Religion Bede giving him this Character that he became Vir Christianissimus doctissimus can more be said in so few words and returning home assisted by the Preaching of Felix a Monk of Burgundy Iuxta nominis sui sacramentum saith Bede happy was his Name and Happinesse was with him converted his Subjects to Christianity This Felix was made the first Bishop of Dunwich in Suffolk a place formerly furnished with a Weaver's Funerall Monuments in Suffolk two and fifty Churches and hath scarce two now remaining the rest being swallowed up by the Sea I can hardly hold my self from calling the Sea sacrilegious save that on second thoughts considering that Element to be but a Naturall Agent yea such whose Motions are ordered by Divine Providence Hither shalt thou come and no farther I will rather reserve this Epithete sacrilegious to be bestowed on those men who willingly and wilfully demolish the places appointed for God's Service 46. This Sigebert is generally reputed the Founder of the University of Cambridge Difference about the antiquity of the University of Cambridge And because the point in hand is somewhat litigious 631 But some make it four yeares after we will take the more Paines in clearing thereof two things being warily premised First that Sigebert's founding the University of Cambridge ought not by any to be extended to lessen and abate much lesse to drown and destroy her more ancient Title to Learning which she deriveth according to good b See Cajus on the antiquity of Cambridge Authours from many hundred yeares before Valeant quantum valere possint let such her over grown Evidences stand as valid as they may by us neither confirmed not confuted for the present And indeed all such Old things in either University though specious to the Eye must be closely kept and tenderly touched lest otherwise being roughly handled they should moulder into Dust Secondly let none suspect my Extraction from Cambridge will betray me to partiality to my Mother who desire in this Difference to be like Melchisedec 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without Descent onely to be directed by the Truth And here I make this fair and free Confession which I hope will be accepted for ingenuous That as in Thamar's travell of c Gen. 38. 28. Twins Zarah first put out his Hand and then drew it in again whilest Pharez first came forth into the World so I plainly perceive Cambridge with an extended Arme time out of mind first challenging the Birth-right and Priority of place for Learning but afterwards drawing it in again she lay for many yeares desolate and of lesse account whilest Oxford if later larger came forth in more entire Proportion and ever since constantly continued in the full Dimensions of an University 47. These things being thus cautiously stated The leading testimony of Bede explained we proceed beginning with Bede on whose Testimony all the following History is founded Beda lib. 3. Eccles Hist cap. 18. Sigebertus ubi Regno potitus est mox ea quae in Galliis bene disposita vidit imitari cupiens instituit Scholam in qua pueri literis erudirentur juvante se Episcopo Felice quem de Cantia acceperat eisque paedagogos ac magistros juxta morem Cantuariorum praebente Sigebert when he had obtained the Kingdome presently desiring to imitate those things which he had seen well-ordered in France instituted a School wherein Youths might be trained up in Learning Felix the Bishop whom he had received out of Kent assisting him and providing for them Teachers and Masters according to the Custome of those in Canterbury See here Anno. Dom. 631 King Sigebert to make his School complete united therein such Conveniences for Education as he had observed commendable 1. Abroad in France where Learning at and before his time was brought to great Perfection S t. Hierome a In Epistola ad Rusticum affirming that even in his Age he had seen Studia in Galliis florentissima most flourishing Universities in France 2. At home in Canterbury where even at this time Learning was professed though more increased some fourty yeares after when as the same Bede b Hist Eccles reports that in the dayes of Theodorus the Arch-Bishop there were those that taught Geometry Arithmetick and Musick the fashionable studies of that Age together with Divinity The perfect Character of an University where Divinity the Queen is waited on by her Maids-of-Honour But I question whether the Formality of Commencing was used in that Age inclining rather to the negative that such Distinction of Graduates was then unknown except in S t. Paul's sense c 1 Tim. 3. 13 Such as used the office of a Deacon well purchased to themselves a good Degree 48. So much for Bede's Text. Authours commenting on Bede's text Come we now to ancient Authours commenting upon him Ancient I call those who wrote many yeares before the Differences were started about the Seniority of the Universityes and therefore are presumed unpartiall as unconcerned in a Controversie which did not appear First Polydore d Lib. 4. lib. 5. pag. 107. Virgil who from Bede's words plainly collects that Sigebert then founded the University of Cambridge Nor see I any cause for that Passage in the e Written Anno 1566. pag. 20. Assertion of Oxford's Antiquity charging Polydore Quod affectibus indulgens adamatae studet Academiae who being a Forrainer and an Italian had nothing to byass his Affection to one University more then the other Learned f In his Comment in Cygneam Cantionem Leland succeeds who being employed by King Henry the eighth to make a Collection of British Antiquities much scattered at the Dissolution of Abbies thus expresseth himself Olim Granta fuit Titulis Vrbs inclyta multis Vicini à Fluvii nomine Nomen habens Saxones hanc Belli deturbavere procellis Sed nova pro veteri non procul inde sita est Quam Felix Monachus Sigeberti jussa sequutus Artibus illustrem reddidit atque Scholis Haec ego perquirens Gentis Monumenta Britannae Asserui in Laudem Granta diserta tuam Grant long ago a City of great Fame From neighbouring River doth receive her Name When storms of Saxon-warres her overthrew Near to the old sprang up another new Monk Felix whil'st he Sigebert obeys Light'ned this place with Schools and Learning's rayes Searching the Monuments of British Nation This I assert in Grant's due Commendation Here we omit the severall Testimonies of g In Sigeberto rursus Cent. 13. in Felice First objection against Sigebert's founding of Cambridge Bale George Lilie and Thomas Cooper in their severall Histories Anno 636. with many moe concluding Sigebert then the Founder of the University of Cambridge 49. But our Cousin-germans of Oxford will scarce give
some Purposes at the day of his Birth in which respect he may sue out his Liveries for the Dukedome of Cornwall and this perchance may somewhat mend the matter 59. But enough of this matter Conclusion with prayer which some will censure as an Impertinency to our Church-History and scarcely coming within the Church-yard thereof My Prayers shall be that each University may turn all Envy into generous yea gracious yea glorious Emulation contending by laudable means which shall surpasse other in their Serviceablenesse to God the Church and Common-wealth that so Commencing in Piety and Proceeding in Learning they may agree against their two generall Adversaries Ignorance and Profanenesse May it never be said of them what Naomi e Ruth 1. 12. said of her self that she was too old to bear Sons may they never be superannuated into Barrennesse but like the good Trees in Gods Garden They shall still bring forth Fruit in their old age they shall be fat and flourishing 60. Seasonably Sigebert erected an University at Cambridge 632 thereby in part to repair the late great Losse of Christianity in England when the year after Edwine Edwine King of Northumberland slain King of Northumberland was slain in f Beda Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 10. Battel by Cadwald King of VVales and Penda King of the Mercians After whose Death his whole Kingdome relapsed to Paganisme and Paulinus Arch-Bishop of York taking with him Queen Ethelburge returned into Kent and there became Bishop of the then vacant Church of Rochester Mortified man he minded not whether he went up or down hill whilest he went on strait in his Calling to glorifie God and edifie others sensible of no Disgrace when degrading himself from a great Arch-Bishop to become a poor Bishop Such betray much Pride and Peevishnesse who outed of eminent Places will rather be Nothing in the Church then any thing lesse then what they have been before 61. After the death of King Edwine The unhappy year his Kingdome of Northumberland was divided into two parts Anno Dom. 632 both petty Kingdomes 1. Bernicia reaching a Camden's Brit. pag. 797. from the River Tees to Edenburgh Frith whereof Eanfrith was King 2. Deira whence say some Deirham or Durham lay betwixt Tees and Humber whereof Osrick was King These both proved Apostates from the Christian Faith and God in his justice let in Cadwald King of the Britans upon them who slew them harassed their Countrey 633 and made a lamentable Desolation within the compasse of one year without respect to Age or Sex untill Oswald bred and brought up in Scotland next of the Bloud-Royall came to be King of Northumberland whom God sent to redeem that miserable Country from the hands of their Enemies and many eminent Victories he obtained 62. The fatall year A lost year well found wherein so many Outrages were committed on the Apostate Northumberlanders by Cadwald King of the Britans is detested by all Saxon Chronologers And therefore all the Annalists and writers of Histories in that Age by joynt-consent universally resolved to damn and drown the Memoriall of that Annus infaustus as they call it Vnlucky year but made so by Vngodly men Yea they unanimously b Bede Eccles Hist lib. 2. c. 1. agreed to allow those two Apostate Kings no yeares reign in their Chronicles adding the time subtracted from them to Oswald their Christian Successour accounting him to have reigned c Idem lib. 3. cap. 9. nine yeares which indeed were but eight of his own and one of these Historians their Adoption Yet is it no news even in Scripture it self to bury the reign of Tyrants under the Monument of a good Prince succeeding them Thus when Ehud is d Iudg. 3. 30. said to have judged the land fourscore year those eighteen e Vers 14. yeares are included wherein Eglon the Moabite oppressed Israel 63. Amongst the many Victories atchieved by this Oswald A victory given from heaven one most remarkable was gained by him near Hexam in Northumberland 635 against the Pagans against whom he erected the Standard of the Crosse in a place which time out of mind was called Heafen-feld Haledon at this day by a Prolepsis not answering the name thereof untill this time Hence a Poet writing the life of Oswald Tunc primum scivit causam cur nomen haberet Heafen-feld hoc est coelestis campus illi Nomen ab antiquo dedit appellatio Gentis Praeteritae tanquam belli praesaga futuri Then he began the reason first to know Of Heafen-feld why it was called so Nam'd by the Natives long since by foresight That in that field would hap an heavenly fight Thus it is generally reported that the place nigh Lipsick where the King of Sweden got one of his signal Victories was time out of mind termed by the Dutch f Swedish Intelligencer Gots Acre or Gods ground And thus as Onesimus and Eutychus were so called from their Infancy but never truely answered their Names till after the g Philem. v. 11 Conversion of the one and Reviving of the h Acts 20. 12. other so Places whether casually or prophetically have Names anciently imposed upon them which are sometimes verified many Ages after 64. About this time Honorius the Pope sent his Letter to the Scotch Nation Pope Honorius his ineffectual letter advising them to an Uniformity with the Church of Rome in the Celebration of Easter His main Reason is thought to have more of State then Strength humane Haughtinesse then holy Divinity in it Namely he counselleth them Ne paucitatem suam in extremis terrae finibus constitutam sapientiorem omnibus Christi Ecclesiis aestimarent This is that Honorius of whom Leo the second Anno Dom. 635 his Successour complaineth in his a Tom. 2. Decret Epist ed. Romae 1591. pag. 654. Epistle to the Bishops of Spain Flammam haertici dogmatis non ut decuit Apostolicam authoritatem incipientem extinxit sed negligendo confovit By his negligence he did countenance the heretical Opinions meaning of the Monothelites then beginning afresh to spring up again which he ought to have suppressed Thus he who could stickle about the Ceremony of keeping Easter could quietly connive at yea interpretatively consent to the depraving of the Doctrinall part of Religion But his Letter to the Scotch took little effect who kept their Easter not one Minute the sooner or later for all his writing unto them 65. In a better Work Birinus converts the VVest-Saxons to the faith and with better Successe was Birinus employed an Italian by Birth sent over by Pope Honorius for the Conversion of the remainder of England and to that purpose that his Preaching belike might be the more powerfull made a Bishop before his b Bede lib. 3. cap. 7. coming over by Asterius Bishop of Genoa Here I am at a losse Bishop of what Where was his Diocese or
Miracles which the Papists confidently report to be done by him after his Death in curing Sick people of their severall Maladies For such Souls which they fancy in Purgatory are so farre from healing others that they cannot help themselves Yea f Eccles Hist lib. 3. cap. 12. Bede calleth this Oswald jam cum Domino regnantem now reigning with the Lord. Yet the same g Lib. 3. cap. 2 Authour attesteth that even in his time it was the anniversary Custome of the Monks of Hexam to repair to Heofen-feld a place hard by where Oswald as aforesaid obtained his miraculous Victory and there to observe Vigils for the Salvation of his Soul plurimaque Psalmorum laude celebrata victimam pro eo mane sacrae oblationis offerre A Mongrel Action betwixt Good-will and VVill-worship though the eyes of their Souls in those Prayers looked not forward to the future petitioning for Oswald's Happinesse but backward to what was past gratulatory to the Blisse he had received Purgatory therefore cannot properly be founded on such Suffrages for the dead However such over-Officiousnesse though at first it was like the Herb in the Pot which doth neither good nor ill in after-Ages became like that wild a 2 King 4. 40 Gourd Anno Dom. poysoning mens Souls with Superstition 644 when they fell to down-right Praying for the departed 79. This year Paulinus The death of Paulinus late Arch-Bishop of York since Bishop of Rochester ended his Life and one Ithamar succeeded him born in Kent and the first English-man Bishop all being Forrainers before him As he was the first of his Nation I believe him the second of his Name meeting with no moe save onely b Exod. 6. 23. Ithamar the youngest Son of Aaron High-Priest of Israel 80. After King Oswald his Death 645 four Christian contemporary Kings flourished in England Most Christian King Oswy First Oswy King of Northumberland more commendable for the Managing then the Gaining of his Kingdome except any will say that no good Keeping can make amends for the ill Getting of a Crown seeing he defeated Ethelwald Oswald's Son and the true Heire thereof Bede c Lib. 3. c. 21. termeth him Regem Christianissimum The most Christian King a Stile wherewith the present Majesty of France will not be offended as which many years after was settled on his Ancestours Long had this Oswy endeavoured in vain by Presents to purchase Peace from Penda the Pagan King of Mercia who miserably harassed his Country and refused any Gifts though never so rich and great which were tendered unto him At last saith my d Idem Authour Oswy resolved VVe will offer our Presents to such a King who is higher in Command and humbler in his Courtesie as who will not disdain to accept them Whereupon he devoted his Daughter to God in her perpetuall Virginity and soon after obtained a memorable Conquest over his Enemies and cleared the Country from his Cruelty 81. Secondly Sigebert the too good Sigebert King of Essex and the Restorer of Religion in his Kingdome which formerly had apostatized after the Departure of Mellitus valiant and pious though taxed for his contumacious Company-keeping contrary to his Confessours command with an Excommunicated Count in whose House he was afterward murdered by two Villains Who being demanded the Cause of their Cruelty why they killed so harmlesse and innocent a Prince had nothing to say for themselves but they did it because his e Beda lib. 3. cap. 22. Goodnesse had done the Kingdome hurt such his pronenesse to pardon Offenders on their though but seeming Submission that his Meeknesse made many Malefactours But I hope and believe that the Heirs of Sigebert though the Story be silent herein finding his Fault amended it in themselves and exercised just Severity in the Execution of these two damnable Traitours 82. Anna may be accounted the third Successour to Sigebert 654 and happy in a numerous and holy Off-spring Anna happy in an holy issue Yea all his Children save Firminus the eldest slain with his Father in a Fight against Pagan Penda were either Mitred or Vailed when Living Sainted and Shrined when Dead as Erkenwald Bishop of London Ethelred or Audrey and Sexburga successively Foundresses and Abbesses of Elie VVithgith a Nun therein and Ethilburg Abbesse of Beorking nigh London 83. Peada 656 Prince of Mercia The conversion of the Mercians to Christianity under Prince Peada may make up the Quaternion who married Alfrede Daughter of Oswy King of Northumberland and thereupon renouncing Paganisme embraced Christianity and propagated it in his Dominions Indeed Penda his Father that Persecuter of Piety was still alive and survived two yeares after persisting an Heathen till Death but mollified to permit a Toleration of Christianity in his Subjects Yea Penda in his Old-age used an expression which might have beseemed the Mouth of a better man namely That he hated not Christians but onely such who f Beda lib. 3. cap. 21. professed Christ's Faith without his VVorks accounting them contemptible who pretended to Believe in God without Obeying him 84. A brace of Brethren St. Cedde and St. Chad. both Bishops both eminent for Learning and Religion now appeared in the Church so like in Name they are oft mistaken in Authours one for another Now though it be pleasant for Brethren to live together in Vnity Anno Dom. 656 yet it is not fit by Errour they should be jumbled together in Confusion Observe their Difference therefore S t. Cedde in Latine Ceddus I believe the elder born at a Flores Sanctorum pag. 35. London where afterward he was Bishop bred in Holy Island an active promoter in making the East-Saxons Converts or rather Reverts to the Faith He is remembred in the Romish Kalendar Ianuary the seventh S t. Chad in Latine Cedda born in b Idem p. 224. Northumberland bred likewise in Holy Island and Scholar to Aidanus He was Bishop of Lichfield a milde and modest man of whom more hereafter His death is celebrated in the Kalender March the second and the Dust of his Tombe is by Papists reported to cure all Diseases alike in Man and Beast I believe it might make the dumb to see and the lame to speak The later of these was as the Longest Liver so the most eminent in his Life who made many Christians and amongst the rest VVulfade and Rufine Sons to Wulphere King of Mercia succeeding Peada therein who was suddenly slain and his untimely Death was a great Loss to Religion 85. Look we now on the See of Canterbury Fridona first English Arch-bishop where to our comfort we have gotten one of our own Country-men into the place Fridona a Saxon. Yet for the more State of the businesse he assumed the name of Deus-dedit We know Arch-Bishops of his See are termed Alterius orbis Papae and such changing of Names was fashionable with the Popes He was
consecrated by Ithamar alone Bishop of Rochester the first English Bishop consecrating the first English Arch-Bishop Let no Sophister cavill with his thread-bare Maxime Nihil dat quod non habet and therefore a single Bishop could not conferre Archiepiscopal Power but leave it to the Canon-Lawyers to decide what may be done in case of Extremity Mean time how causelesse is the Caption of the Papists c Sanders de Schism pag. 297 at the Consecration of Matthew Parker because no Arch-Bishop though four Bishops was present thereat Seeing though an Arch-Bishop be requisite ad Dignitatem Bishops will suffice ad Honestatem and a single Bishop as d Bede Hist lib. 3. p. 217. Ithamar here may be effectuall ad essentiam of an Archiepiscopal Consecration No wonder therefore if Evagrius was acknowledged a legitimate Bishop by the e Binnius Tom. 1. p. 579. in Notis in Epist 17. Innocentis primi Wolphere's murther of his two Sons Pope himself though contrary to the Rigour of the Canon consecrated by f Theodoret. lib. 5. cap. 23. Paulinus alone Deus-dedit answered his Name A good Arch-Bishop is Gods Gift and for nine yeares and more ruled the Church to his great Commendation 86. A barbarous Murther was committed by Wolphere 662 King of Mercia who understanding that his two Sons Wulfade and Rufine had embraced Christianity cruelly slew them with his own Hands But afterwards repenting of so soul a Fact he himself turned Christian and in Testimony thereof finished the fair Fabrick of the Monastery at Peterborough begun by Peada his Brother The whole Story thereof was till lately set forth in Painting and Poetry such as it was in the Glass-windows round about the Cloisters of Peterborough Wulfade pray'd Chad that ghostly Leach The Faith of Christ him for to teach 87. And now The making of Glasse brought first into England having fallen on the mention of Glasse be it seasonably remembred that just at this time one Benault a forrain Bishop but of what place I find not brought the Mystery of making Glasse into England to the great Beautifying of our Churches and Houses the Eyes being the Grace of the Body as Windows are of Buildings I conceive his Invention was White Glasse alone more ancient then Painted Glasse in this Island as Plain-song is much seniour to all Descanting and running of Division 88. The Paroxisme continued and encreased Scotish Bishops dissent from others in keeping Easter betwixt the Scotish Bishops headed after Aidan's Death by Finan Bishop of Holy-Island and such who celebrated Easter after the Roman Rite The later so bitterly detested the former Anno Dom. 662 that they would not receive Consecration of them or Imposition of Hands as if their very Fingers ends were infected with Schisme for dissenting from Rome Yea they would neither give the Sacrament of the Euacharist to them nor receive it from them and yet they never quarrelled at or questioned the validity of Baptisme conferred by them seeing Bishop Finan christened the King of the East-Saxons and all his Subjects Some what more moderate were the Scots or Quartadecimans in their Cariage to the other seeing S t. Chad Scotized in his Judgement refused not Consecration from Wyni Bishop of Winchester though one of the contrary Opinion 89. Nor was this Controversie consined to Cloisters and Colledges This controversy spreads into private families but derived it self from the Kings Court down into private Families Thus Oswy King of Northumberland was of the Scotish Perswasion whilest his Queen and eldest Son were of the Romish Opinion in Celebration of Easter One Board would not hold them whom one Bed did contain It fell out so sometimes that the Husband 's Palm-Sunday was the Wife's Easter-day and in other Families the Wife fasted and kept Lent still whilest her Husband feasted and observed Easter Say not that Wife deserved to fast alwayes who in so indifferent a Ceremony would not conform to her Husband's Judgement For Consciences in such kinds are to be led not drawn Great was the Disturbance in every great Family onely the Poor gained by the Difference causing a Duplicate of Festivalls two Easters being kept every year in the same House 90. To compose this Controversie if possible a Councill was called at Streanch-Hall now Whitby in Yorkshire by the procurement of S t. Hilda 663 Abbess therein A Councell is called to compose this controversie Here appeared amongst many others For the Romish Easter VVilfride an Abbot a zealous Champion Romanus a Priest very hot in the Quarrel And others Moderatours Hilda the Abbess of Streanch-Hall S. Cedd Bishop of London propending to the Scotish but not throughly perswaded For the Scotish Easter S t. Coleman Bishop of Holy-Island who succeeded Finan in that place But Baronius and Binnius will in no case allow this for a Councill though elsewhere extending that name to meaner Meetings onely they call it a Collation because forsooth it wanted some Council-Formalities all Bishops not being solemnly summoned but onely some Voluntiers appearing therein Besides as there was something too little so something too much for a Canonicall Councill Hilda a Woman being Moderatresse therein which seemed irregular 91. In this Councill Wilfride his prevailing argument or Collation call it which you please after much arguing pro and con VVilfride at last knockt all down with this Argument That the Romish Celebration of Easter was founded on the Practice of S t. Peter Prince of the Apostles and Porter of Heaven King Oswy hearing this was affrighted who had rather anger all the other eleven Apostles then offend S t. Peter one so high in Power and Place for fear as he said left coming to Heaven-gate S t. Peter should deny him a Cast of his Office and refuse to let him into Happinesse S t. Coleman being on the other side was angry that so slight an Argument had made so deep an Impression on the King's Credulity And to manifest his Distaste after the Councill was broken up carried all those of his own Opinion home with him into Scotland One Tuda succeeded him in his Bishoprick of Holy-Island the first of that See that conformed himself in this Controversie to the Romish Church and died in the same year of the Plague 92. As for VVilfride His intended but disappointed preferment he was well rewarded for his Paines in this Councill being presently promoted to be Bishop of York which since Paulinus his Death was no longer an Arch-Bishop's but a plain Bishop's See But though appointed for the place by King Oswy Anno Dom. 663 he refused Consecration from any English Bishops being all irregular as consecrated by the schismaticall Scots onely VVyni late Bishop of VVinchester now of London was ordained canonically but lately he had contracted just Shame for his Simony in buying his Bishoprick Over goes VVilfride therefore to Rome for Consecration and stayes there so long that in his Absence the King put S t.
Chad into the Bishoprick of York The writer of VVilfride's Life complains lowdly hereof Audacter sponsam vivo rapuere marito Boldly in the Husban's life Away from him they took his Wife But by the Poets leave York was but espoused not married to VVilfride whilest he was in England and after his going over beyond-Sea he stayed so long that his Church presumed him dead and herself a Maid-Widow which lawfully might receive another Husband At last VVilfride returning home had York restored unto him and S t. Chad was removed to the new-founded Bishoprick of Lichfield 93. The Abbess Hilda Abbess Hilda whom we mentioned before was like another Huldah which lived in the a 2 Chro. 34. 22. Colledge superiour to most of her Sex in Learning inferiour to none in Religion Monks ascribe it to her Sanctity that she turned many Serpents in that Country into Stones Plenty of which Stones are found at this day about VVhitby the place of her Aboad having the Shape of Serpents but most headlesse as the Tale is truthlesse relating it to her Miraculous Operation Who knows not but that at Alderly in Glocestershire there are found Stones resembling Cockles or Periwincles in a place far from the Sea which are esteemed by the Learned the Gamesome Work of Nature sometimes pleased to disport it self and pose us by propounding such Riddles unto us 94. Some impute it also to Hilda her Holinesse A miracle imputed to her holiness that Wilde-geese when flying over the Grounds near her Convent fell down to the ground as doing Homage to the Sanctity thereof As the Credit of the Reporters hath converted wise men to believe the Thing so they justly remain incredulous that it proceedeth from any Miracle but secret Antipathy But as Philosophers when posed in Nature and prosecuted to render Reasons of her Mysteries took Sanctuary at Occulta Qualitas Monks in the same kind make their Refuge to the Shrine of some Saint attributing all they cannot answer to His or Her miraculous Operation Yea sometimes such is Monkish Impudence falsely to assign that to a Saint though all Chronologies protest against the Possibility thereof which is the plain and pregnant effect of Nature Witnesse when they b As Camden saith in Worcestershire write that Richard de la VVich Bishop of Chicester with his fervent Prayers obtained that the VViches or salt Springs should boil out of the earth in Durtwich in VVorcestershire which are mentioned and described by ancient Authours dead before the Cradle of the said Richard de la VVich was made 95. Look we now on the See of Canterbury Theodorus Arch-bishop of Canterbury and there after the Death of the last Arch-Bishop and four yeares Vacancy we find that Church hath changed her Latine into Greek 668 I mean dead Deus-dedit into Theodorus his Successour put in by the Pope This Theodorus was a Grecian by Name and Nation fellow-Citizen with Sâ— Paul born in c Acts 22. 3. Tarsus in Cilicia and herein like him that he d 1 Cor. 14. 18 spake with Tongues more then they all had more skill in learned Languages then all his Brethren Bishops of England in that Age. Yea as Children when young are permitted to Play but when of some yeares are sent to learn their Book so hitherto the infant-Infant-Church of England may be said to have lost time for matter of Learning and now Theodorus set it first to School brought Books to it and it to Books erecting a well-furnished Library and teaching his Clergie how to make use thereof 96. I could wish this Theodorus had had one Quality more of S t. Paul 67 â…” that in matters Indifferent he would have been e 1 Cor. 9. 22. His fierceness to keep Easter after the Romish rite made all things to all men that by all means he might save some Anno Dom. 67 â…” Whereas he most rigourously pressed Conformity to Rome in the Observation of Easter and to that purpose a Councill was called at Herad-ford now Hartford and not Hereford as judicious and industrious Bishop Godwine partiall to the place where of he himself was Bishop doth mistake it Here Easter was settled after the Romish Rite and we are not sorry for the same willing rather it should be any way ordered then that the Reader with whom I sympathize more then grutch my own Pains should be troubled any longer with such a small-great Controversie low in it's own Merit but heightned with the Spleen and Passion of such as prosecuted it In this Synod nine other Articles were concluded of as they follow here in order out of Bede a Lib. 4. cap. 5. as Stapleton himself hath translated them 1. That no Bishop should have ought to do in another Diocese but be contented with the Charge of the people committed unto him 2. That no Bishop should molest or any wise trouble such Monasteries as were consecreated and given to God nor violently take from them ought that was theirs 3. That Monks should not go from place to place that is to say from one Monastery to another unlesse by the leave of their own Abbot but should continue in the Obedience which they promised at the time of their Conversion and entring into Religion 4. That none of the Clergie forsaking his own Bishop should run up and down where he list nor when he came any whither should be received without Letters of Commendation from his Diocesan And if that he be once received will not return being warned and called both the Receiver and he that is Received shall incurre the Sentence of Excommunication 5. That such Bishops and Clerks as are Strangers be content with such Hospitality as is given them and that it be lawfull for none of them to execute any Office of a Priest without the permission of the Bishop in whose Diocese they are known to be 6. That whereas by the ancient Decrees a Synod and Convocation ought to be assembled twice a year yet because diverse Inconveniences do happen among us it hath seemed good to us all that it should be assembled once a year the first day of August at the place called Clofeshooh 7. That no Bishop should ambitiously preferre himself before another but should all acknowledge the time and order of their Consecration 8. That the Number of Bishops should be encreased the number of Christian folk waxing daily greater but hereof at this time we said no further 9. That no man commit Advoutry nor Fornication that no man forsake his own Wife but for onely Fornication as the Holy Gospel teacheth And if any man put away his Wife being lawfully married unto him if he will be a right Christian man let him be joyned to none other but let him so continue still sole or else be reconciled again to his own Wife I wonder no mention herein of settling the Tonsure of Priests a Controversie running parallel with that of Easter according to
thither or whilest they are so considerable in themselves as to command their own Entertainment Whereas this distressed King his Company was beheld not onely as Uselesse and Expensive but Dangerous as likely to draw with it the Displeasure of the Saxon Kings his Enemies on his Entertainer But it seems Cadwallader had better Friends in Heaven 685 then any he found on Earth if it be true what confidently is reported that an c Lewes Owen his running Register pag. 17. Angel appeared unto him advising him to go to Rome there to take on him the Habite of a Monk and spend the remainder of his Life Here he purchased Lands all by the foresaid Angelicall Direction built an House after his Death converted into an Hospitall and by his Will so ordered it that certain Priests of his own Country should for ever have the Rule and Government thereof These were to entertain all VVelsh-Pilgrims with Meat Drink and Lodging for the space of a moneth and to give them a certain Summe of Money for a viaticum at their Departure towards their Charges in returning to their own Country 105. Many a year did this Hospitall flourish in good Plenty Since injuriously taken from the VVelsh till the middle of Queen Elisabeth her Reign when fair the Revenues belonging and few the VVelsh-Pilgrims repairing thereto This made Father Parsons with the rest of our English Iesuites cast an envious eye thereon who would never be quiet until they had obtained of Pope Gregory the 13. to eject the old British and unite this Hospitall to the English Colledge at Rome This no doubt stirred up the VVelsh bloud of D r. Morris D r. Lewes D r. Smith M r. Griffith who in vain stickled to the utmost of their Power to continue this Foundation to their Country-men In my poor Opinion seeing an Angel is said to direct in the Founding and endowing of this Hospitall it was but fit that either the same Angel appearing again Anno Dom. or some other of an higher or at least equall Dignity and Degree in the Celestiall Hierarchie should have altered the Use and confirmed the Alienation thereof But of this more a Vide Annum Domini 1569. The Ecclesiasticall Laws of King Ina. hereafter 106. Ina 692 King of the VVest-Saxons about this time set forth his Saxon Laws translated into English by M r. Lambert Eleven of his Laws concerned Church-matters Kings in that Age understanding their own Power the Pope having not as yet intrenched on their just Prerogative These Constitutions were concluded on by the King through the Perswasion of Kenred his Father Hedda and Erkenwald his Bishops and all his Aldermen and wise Senatours of the People Let none wonder that Ina in his Preface to these Laws termeth Erkenwald His Bishop whose See of London was properly under the King of the East-Saxons For he might call him his in Affection whose Diocese was in another King's Possession Ina highly honouring Erkenwald for his Piety and therefore inviting him forward of himself to all Goodnesse to be present at the passing of these Laws Besides b Iac. Usser Arch. Armach de Brit. Eccles primord p. 394 some assign Surrey as part of the Kingdome of the VVest-Saxons Probably at this present Ina's Puissance sallied over the Thames and London might be reduced into his Honorary-Protection But see here a Breviate of his Church-Laws 1. That Ministers c S r. Henry Spelman his Councils pag. 182. c. observe their appointed form of living 2. That every Infant be baptized within thirty dayes after his Birth on the Penalty of his Parents forfeiting thirty shillings and if the Child chance to die before he be baptized all his Estate 3. If the Servant doth any Work on the Lords day at the Masters Command the Servant shall be d The Latine Liber esto may not onely import a freedome from fault but also that such a slaâ—e-servant should be manumis'd from servitude See the following 113. paragraph acquitted and the M r. pay thirty shillings But if he did that work without his Masters Command let him be beaten or redeem it with Money c. A Priest offending in this kind was to be double punished 4. The First-fruits of Seeds were to be paid to the Church on the Feast of S t. Martin on the Penalty of fourty shillings besides the payment of the said First-fruits twelve times over 5. If any deserving Stripes shall flie to a Church his Stripes shall be forgiven him If guilty of a Capitall Crime he shall enjoy his Life but make Recompence according to what is right and due 6. Fighters in the King's Court to lose their Goods and to be at the King's Mercy for their Life Such as fight in the Church to pay 120 shillings If in the house of an Alderman 60 shil c. 7. Such as falsifie their Witnesse or Pawn in the presence of the Bishop to pay 120. shillings 8. Severall Penalties of Money imposed on those that should kill a Stranger 9. Such as are breakers of the Peace in the Town of the King or Arch-Bishop punishable with one hundred and twenty shillings in the Town of an Alderman eight shillings in the Town of one of the King's Servants sixty shillings c. 10. First-fruits of all Seeds were to be paid by House-keepers as due to that place wherein they themselves were resident on the day of Christ's Nativity 11. What Summes of Money are to be paid by such who have killed their God-fathers or God-sons In this last Law expresse Provision is made Episcopi filius si occidatur in case the Son of a Bishop be kill'd a Passage impertinently alledged by some for the Proof of Bishops married in that Age seeing neither Sons natural nor conjugal but onely spirituall at the Font are thereby intended Now let the learned in the Law render the Reason why Murder in that Age was not punishable with Death but might be bought off with Money 107. A great Council for so it is tituled was held at Becanceld by VVithred Anno Dom. 694 King of Kent Women present at the great Council of Becanceld and Bertuald Arch-Bishop of Britain so called therein understand him of Canterbury wherein many things were concluded in favour of the Church Five Kentish Abbesses namely Mildred Etheldred Aete Wilnolde and Hereswide were not onely present but subscribed their Names and Crosses to the Constitutions concluded therein And we may observe that their Subscriptions are not onely placed before and above all Presbyters but also above a S r. Henry Spelman's Councills pag. 190. Romish braggs of S t. Andre ' s Chastity Botred a Bishop but of what Diocese not specified present in this great Council It seems it was the Courtesy of England to allow the upper hand to the weaker Sex as in their Siting so in their Subscriptions 108. We will conclude this Century with the miraculous Holiness of Ethelreda or S t.
roundly told him of his notorious Incontinency proving both by Scripture and Reason the Hainousnesse of that Sin and heavy Iudgements of God upon it In fine Anno Dom. 735 this wrought so farre on the King 's good Nature that he not onely reformed himself but with Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury called a solemn Synod at Cloves-Ho or Clives-at-Ho for the Reformation of others 21. But where this Cloves-Ho should be Cliff in Kent probably the ancient Cloves Ho. Authours make much Inquiry It is generally conceived the same with Cliff near Gravesend in Kent Though a learned a Camden's Brit. in Kent Authour will hardly consent thereunto and his Intimations to the contrary are of no great Validity For whereas he alledgeth that this Cliff is in Kent whilest Ethelbald who called this Synod was King of Mercia He minded not mean time what no doubt he knew well that this Ethelbald is stiled in the b Extant in S t. Henry Spelman's Councils pag. 233. Letter of Boniface Arch-bishop of Ments unto him Inclyta Anglorum Imperii sceptra gubernans Ruling the famous Sceptre of the English Empire And whereas he objecteth the Site of that place inconvenient for such an Assembly It seems fit enough though confessed dirty in Winter and unhealthy at all times for the Vicinity thereof to London and Canterbury the residing places of the King and Arch-bishop the two Persons in this Synod most concerned Nor doth the modern Meanness of the place make any thing against it it might be a Gallant in that Age which is a Beggar now-a-dayes And though we confesse there be many Cliffs in the In-land Shires properly belonging to Mercia yet the addition of Ho or Haw speaketh the maritime positure thereof So that Clives-Ho c Plimmouth Haw See Speed his Survey of London the meaning of Haw The chief Canons of this Synod or Haw seems to be a Cliff near the Sea well agreeing to the Situation of Cliff in Kent aforesaid 22. But the Acts of this Synod are more certain then the Place thereof being generally accounted one and thirty Canons although some small Variation in their Number and Order all extant at large in d De Gestis Pont. lib. 1. in Cuthberto Malmesbury and of which we take notice of these four as of most Concernment 1. That the Priests e Discant doceant Malmesbury learn and teach to know the Creed Lords Prayer and words of Consecration in the Masse or Eucharist in the English tongue It seems Learning then ran low that the Priests themselves had need to learn them yet Ignorance was not then so high but that the people were permitted to be taught them 2. That the Lords Day be honourably observed We understand it not so as if the Sanctity of that Day depended onely upon Ecclesiasticall Constitutions or that the Command thereof in Scripture is so infirm in point of right to oblige mens Consciences that it needs the title of mans Power ad corroborandum Onely Humane Authority was here cast in as over-weight for the better Observation of the day Carnalmen being more affected and affrighted with Corporal Penalties of mans inflicting as nearer unto them then with Eternal Punishments which Divine Iustice at distance denounceth against them 3. That the sin of Drunkennesse be avoided especially in the Clergy Indeed it was high-time to suppresse that Sin which was grown so rife that as Boniface Arch-bishop of Ments doth observe in his Letter to f Extant in S t. Henry Spelman's Councils p. 241. Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury the English Bishops were so farre from punishing it that they were guilty of the same Moreover he addeth Ebrietas speciale malum nostrae Gentis hoc nec Franci nec Galli nec Longobardi nec Romani nec Graeci faciunt Drunkennesse is a speciall Evill of our Nation namely of the Saxons of which Country this Boniface was a Native for neither Franks nor Gauls nor Lombards nor Romans nor Greeks understand him anciently for we know the modern Proverb of a merry Greek are guilty thereof 4. That Prayers be publickly made for Kings and Princes An excellent Canon indeed because Canonicall Scripture and long before made by g 1 Tim. 2. 1. S t. Paul himself I exhort therefore that Supplications be made for all men for Kings c. This Synod being finished Anno Dom. 747 with the Royall Assent all the Bishops their Subscriptions thereunto Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury with wonderfull Celerity returned the Canons concluded therein by Rinebert his Deacon to Boniface Arch-bishop of Ments who was affected with great Joy at the sight thereof 23. At this time flourished Egbert Arch-bishop of York Egbert Arch-bishop of York famous in severall respects famous in his Generation for First his Royall Extraction being Brother to Eadbert King of Northumberland both of them lovingly lying buried together in the Porch of the Church of York For in that Age the greatest Princes and Prelates their Corpses came no nearer then the Church-Porch and as I may say onely knocked at the Church-Doors though in after-Ages the Bodies of Meaner persons were admitted into the Church and buried therein Secondly for his procuring the Archiepiscopal Pall to his See For after the Departure or rather the Banishment of Paulinus from York his Successours were content with the plain Title of Bishop untill this Egbert to do something extraordinary proportionable to his Princely Extraction procured the Restitution of his Pall which ipso facto re-advanced his Church into an Arch-bishoprick Thirdly for furnishing the same with a plentifull Library highly commended by Alcuinus in his Epistle to Charles the Great wishing France had the like which though exceeding England in Paper till of late years ever came short of it in Books Fourthly 750 for his Canons for the regulating of his Province Whereof one sort is called Egbert his a At large in S t. Henry Spelman's Councils pag. 258. The beastly Canons of Egbert Excerptions out of Fathers and is generally good the other intituled Canons for the remedie of Sin and are fraught with abundance of abominable Beastlinesse and Superstition 24. I will give the Reader onely a Taste or rather a Distasie of these Canons by which he may guesse the rest If a Lay-man hath carnal knowledge of a Nun let him doe Penance for two yeares c. she three If a Child be begotten betwixt them then four yeares if they kill it then seven yeares b See Sr. Hen. Spelman's Councils pag. 282. Penance Penance also is provided for Bestiality and Sodomie in the same Canons Thus where God in Scripture denounceth Death c Gen. 9. 6. Whoso sheddeth mans Bloud by man shall his bloud be shed they now changed it into Penance and in after-Ages commuted that Penance into Money so by degrees making the word of God of none effect by their paltry Canons See we here also how forced Virginity was the Mother
Bodies first brought to be buried in Churches confirmed by the authority of Gregory the Great Bishop of Rome it was decreed that no Corpse either of Prince or Prelate should be buried within the Walls of a City but onely in the Suburbs thereof and that alone in the Porch of the Church and not in the Body Now Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury having built Christ-Church therein was desirous to adorn it with the Corpses of great Persons therein afterwards to be interred In pursuance of this his Design he durst not adventure on this Innovation by his own Power nor did he make his applications to the Pope of Rome as most proper to repeal that Act which the See Apostolick had decreed but onely addresseth himself to Eadbert King of Kent and from him partim precario partim etiam pretio partly praying partly paying for it saith my b Tho. Spot in his Hist of Canterbury Also Archiv Caniuariens cited by Antiq. Brit. in Cuthbert Authour obtained his Request Behold here an ancient Church-Canon recalled at the Suit of an Arch-bishop by the Authority of a King This Cuthbert afterwards handselled Christ-Church with his own Corpse whose Predecessours were all buried in S t. Augustines without the Walls of Canterbury Thus began Corpses to be buried in the Churches which by degrees brought in much Superstition especially after degrees of inherent Sanctity were erroneously fixed in the severall parts thereof the Porch saying to the Church-yard the Church to the Porch the Chancel to the Church the East-end to all Stand farther off for I am holier then you And as if the Steps to the High Altar were the Stairs to Heaven their Souls were conceived in a nearer degree to Happinesse whose Bodies were mounted there to be interred 28. About this time the Bill of fare of Monks was bettered generally in England The occasion of Monks their first drinking of wine in England and more liberty indulged in their Diet. It was first occasioned some twenty yeares since when Ceolwolphus formerly King of Northumberland but then a Monk in the Convent of Lindisfern or Holy Island c Roger. Hoved. in parte priori gave leave to that Convent to drink Ale and Wine anciently confined by Aidan their first Founder to Milk and Water Let others dispute whether Ceolwolphus thus dispensed with them by his new Abbatical or old Regal Power which he so resigned that in some cases he might resume it especially to be King in his own Convent And indeed the cold raw and bleak Situation of that place with many bitter Blasts from the Sea and no Shelter on the Land speaks it self to each Inhabitant there d 1 Tim. 5. 23 Drink no longer VVater but use a little VVine for thy Stomacks sake and thine often Infirmities However this locall Priviledge first justly indulged to the Monks of Lindisfern 760 was about this time extended to all the Monasteries of England whose primitive over-Austerity in Abstinence was turned now into a Self-sufficiency that soon improved into Plenty that quickly depraved into Riot and that at last occasioned their Ruine 29. This Year the English have cause to write with Sable letters in their Almanack 789 on this sad Occasion Danes their first arrivall in England that therein the Danes first invaded England with a considerable Army Anno Dom. 789 Severall Reasons are assigned for their coming hither to revenge themselves for some pretended Injuries though the true Reason was because England was richer and roomthyer then their own Countrey 30. It is admirable to consider what Sholes of people were formerly vented out of Cimbrica Chersonesus Denmark formerly fruitfull is now become barren of men take it in the largest a Otherwise strictly it containeth onely part of Denmark Continent to Germany extent for Denmark Norway and Swedeland who by the terrible Names of Gothes Ostro-Gothes Viâ—i-Gothes Huns Vandals Danes Nortmans overranne the fairest and fruitfullest parts of Christendome whereas now though for these last three hundred yeares the Swedish Warres in Germany excepted that Countrey hath sent forth no visible Numbers of People and yet is very thinly inhabited so that one may travell some hundreds of Miles therein through mere Desarts every man whom he meeteth having a Phoenix in his right hand Yea so few the Natives that some of their Garrisons are manned with Forreigners and their Kings sain to entertain mercenary Dutch and Scotch to manage their Warres 31. Strange Two reasons thereof that this Countrey formerly all on the giving should now be onely on the taking hand Some b Barklay in Icon animaâ—um impute their modern comparative Barrennesse to their excessive Drinking a Vice belike which lately hath infected that Nation drinking themselves past Goats into Stocks out of Wantonnesse into Stupidity which by a contracted Habit debilitateth their former Fruitfulnesse Others more c G. Tayl. in his Chronicle of Normandy truely ascribe their former Fruitfulnesse to their promiscuous Copulations with Women during their Paganisme which are not so numerous since Christianity hath confined them to the Marriage of one VVife 32. If I might speak according to my own Profession of a Divine soaring over Second Causes in Nature I should ascribe their ancient Populousnesse to Divine Operation The reason of reasons As the Widow her Oyle multiplyed till her Debts were satisfied and that effected for which the Miracle was intended which done the Increase thereof instantly ceased So these Northern Parts flowed with Crouds of People till their Inundations had payed the Scores of sinfull Christians and then the Birch growing no more when the wanton Children were sufficiently whipped the Procreativenesse of those Nations presently stinted and abated 33. The Landing of these Danes in England was ushered with many sad Prognosticks Bad presages of the Danes approach d Sim. Dunel Ranulphus Cestrensis alii Starres were seen strangely falling from Heaven and sundry terrible Flames appeared in the Skies From the firing of such extraordinary Beacons all concluded some new Enemie was approaching the Nation Serpents were seen in Sussex and Bloud reigned in some parts of the Land Lindesfern or Holy Island was the first that felt the Fury of these Pagans but soon after no place was safe and secure from their Cruelty whereof more hereafter 34. At this time the Arch-bishoprick of Canterbury was in part removed to Lichfield The Archepiscopal Pall removed to Lichfield five essentiall things concurring to that great Alteration 790 1. The Puissance and Ambition of Offa King of Mercia commanding in Chief over England He would have the brightest Mitre to attend the biggest Crown 2. The complying nature of Pope Adrian except any will call it his Thankfulnesse to gratifie King Offa for the large Gifts received from him 3. The easy and unactive Disposition of Iambert or Lambert Arch-bishop of Canterbury unlesse any will term it his Policy that finding himself unable to resist
Monarchy was desultory and moveable sometimes the West-Saxon sometimes the Mercian sometimes the Northumberland King ruled over the rest But henceforward Egbert fixed the supreme Soveraignty in himself and his Posterity for though afterwards there continued some other Petty Kings as Kenulph King of Merâ—ia c. yet they shined but dimly as the Moon when the Sun is risen and in the next Age were utterly extinguished So that hereafter we shall double our Files and for the better regulating of time next the Columne of the year of our Lord adde another of the Reign of our English Kings THE NINTH CENTURY Anno Regis Egberti Anno Dom. To M r. William and M r. Robert Christmas Merchants of London YOu are both Brethren by Birth and by your joynt Bounty on my Endeavours It is therefore pitty to part you May no other Difference be in your Hearts then vvhat Herauldry allovves in your Armes onely to distinguish the Age of the Elder from the Younger that so the Memory of your happy Father may survive in you his hopefull Children 1. THen Kenulph 1 King of Mercia 801 sent a Letter to Leo the third The Arch-bishoprick restored to Canterbury at the instance of King Kenulph Pope by Aethelard the Arch-bishop to this effect That whereas the Metropolitan Seat by Authority Apostolick was primitively fixed at Canterbury where the blessed Body of Augustine was buried and whereas lately King Offa out of Opposition to Arch-bishop Lambert had removed the same Seat to Lichfield and procured from Pope Adrian the same Translation to be confirmed Kenulph a Malmesb. de Gestis Reg. lib. 1. c. 4. requested his Holinesse so farre to concurre with the generall Desire of the English Nation as to revoke the Act of his Predecessour and restore the Arch-bishoprick to it's proper place And knowing that Sutes in the Court of Rome speed no whit the lesse when accompanied with Gifts he sent his Holinesse 120. b Mancusae quasimanucusae a coyn about the valuation whereof is much variety The first most formall subscription in a Synod Mancuses for a Present The Gift was kindly accepted the Arch-bishop courteously entertained the Request bountifully granted and thus the Arch-bishops See dislocated or out of joynt for a time was by the hands of his Holinesse set right again 2. Aethelard returning home 3 called a Synod at Clives-Ho 803 in Kent not farre from Rochester where by Power from the Pope he riveted the Arch-bishoprick into the City of Canterbury the Synod denouncing heavy Penalties to any that hereafter should endeavour to divide them so that it is believed that the Arch-bishops See may as easily be wholly dissolved as hence removed The Subscriptions in this Council were the most formall and solemn of any so ancient The Reader will not be offended with their hard c The originall is extant in the Records of Canterbury copied out by S t. Henry Spelman in his Councils pag. 325. Names here following seeing his Eye may run them over in perusing them though his Tongue never touch them in pronouncing them Diocese Bishops Abbots Presbyters Deacons Canterbury Aethelard Arch. Aethilheah Feologeld Wulfheard VVernoth Beornmod Vulfraed Arch. Lichfield Aldulf Higherth Lulls Monn VVigfreth Eadhere Cuthberth 00000000 Leicester Werenberth Falmund Pr. Beomia Pr. Forthrod Pr. Wigmund Pr. Eadberth 00000000 Sydnacester Eadulf Eadred Pr. Daeghelm Pr. Plegberth Eadulf Hereberth 00000000 Worcester Daenebreth Higberth Thineferth Pega Freothomund Pr. Coenferth 00000000 Hereford Vulfheard Cuthraed Srygol Dygoga Monn Heathobald Shireburn VVigberth Muda Eadberth Beorthmund 000000 00000000 Winchester Almund Cuthberth Mark Cumba Lulla Northeard Vngthe 00000000 Helmham Ealheard 000000000 Folcberth Frithoberth Eadberth Vulflab Hunfride Dunwich Fidsrith Vulfheard Lulla Ceolhelm Cynulfe Tydberth Eadberth London Osmond Heahstan Plegberth VVigheard Tidhun Frithorad Ethelhelme 00000000 Rochester VVaermund 00000000 Lullingo Tuda Beagnoth Heathoberth VVigheard 00000000 Selsey VVeothun Ceolmund Duud Eadberth Beorcol Hethfride a Doubtfull whether priests or deacons Cynebald 00000000 Arch-Bishop 1 Presbyters 39 82 in all Bishops 12 Archdeacon 1 Abbots 26 Deacons 3 3. Now to make a short but necessary Digression Some observables on the method and manner of their meeting in this Synod we may observe That Bishops appeared personally and the rest of the Clergy were represented Monks in their Abbots and the Seculars in the Priests and Deacons of their Diocese respectively Such Abbots as in this Catalogue have the addition of Pr. were also Priests and so present in a double Capacity though perchance they made onely use of their Abbotship No Deans appear here as a Dignity of farre later Institution The Bishops in the order of their Subscriptions seem to observe Seniority of their Consecrations and not Dignity of their Bishopricks seeing London lags one of the last to which our Church a Harpsfield Hist Ang. pag. 743. Heraulds did afterwards assign the highest place next the Arch-bishops onely Lichfield may seem to have had the Preccedency by the Courtesie of the Synod that the lost Dignity thereof might be buried in Honour being so lately the Seat of an Arch-bishop Lastly this was but a Provinciall Council for Canterbury alone York with his two Suffragans Lindisfern and Hexham not mentioned in the meeting Thus as the Anatomie of a little Child representing all Parts thereof is accounted a greater Rarity then the Sceleton of a man of full Statute so I conceive it more acceptable to the studious in Antiquity to behold the Form of these Synods with the distinct Members thereof in the Infancy of the Saxon Church then to see a compleat Council in after-Ages when grown to full Perfection 4. Passe we by some Petty Synods celebrated in the Reign and Countrey of King Kenulph of Mercia 16 Eminent was the Council at Celichyth under VVolfred who succeeded Aethelard Arch-bishop of Canterbury 816 Wherein The Acts of the Council at Colichyth amongst other things slight or superstitious was decreed 1. That the Catholick Faith should be kept and ancient Canons observed 2. That b See S r. Hen. Spelman in his Councills pag. 328. new Churches should be consecrated with Holy-water by their Bishops and the Saint somewhere painted therein to whom the same is dedicated 3. That all in Christian Charity mutually love one another 4. That Abbots and Abbesses be blamelesse persons chosen by the Bishop with the consent of the Convent 5. That no Scotch-man baptize or administer the Eucharist in England it being uncertain whether or by whom they are ordained We may discover herein some remaining Dreggs of the long-lasting Difference about the Celebration of Easter which made the suspicious English still to harbour a causelesse prejudice against the Scotch Priesthood 6. That the judiciall Sentences of Bishops in former Synods remain ratified as also all their Acts solemnly signed with the Crosse 7. That no Abbey-lands be leased out longer then in dies spatium unius hominis that is as I take
suspect that Dunstan who could blow Coals elsewhere as well as in his Furnace though at distance vertually or rather viciously present had a Finger yea a Hand therein Heart-broken with these Rebellions 958 King Edwin died in the Flower of his Age. 5 Edgati 1 24. Edgar succeeds him Dunstan recalled by King Edgar and takes a double Bishoprick and recalls Dunstan home 959 receiving him with all possible Affection 2 Yea now Dunstan's Stomack was come down and he could digest a Bishoprick which his Abstemiousness formerly refused And one Bishoprick drew down another VVorcester and London not successively but both a-breast went down his Conscience Yea never Age afforded more Pluralist Bishops In this Kings reign Letine held b Vid. Antiq. Britan. p. 83. Lincoln and Leicester oswald a great Monk-monger of whom hereafter held York and VVorcester Aldulph his Successour in both Churches did the like pardoned yea praised for the same though Woolstan because no favourer of Monks is reproved for the like Plurality Thus two men though doing the same thing do not the same thing Bigamy of Bishopricks goes by Favour and it is condemnable in one what is commendable in another Anno Regis Edgari 2 Odo Severus Anno Dom. 959 Arch-bishop of Canterbury being ceremoniously to consecrate Dunstan Bishop of VVorcester used all the Formalities fashionable at the Consecration of an a Antiq. Britan ibidem Arch-bishop And being reproved for the same he answered for himself That he foresaw that Dunstan instantly after his death would be Arch-bishop of Canterbury And therefore a compendious way to spare Paines he onely by a provident Prolepsis ante-dated his Consecration Surely whosoever had seen the decrepit age of Odo the affection of King Edgar to Dunstan the affection of Dunstan to Dignity needed no extraordinary prophetical Spirit to presage that on the supposition of Dunstan's surviving him he should succeed him in the Arch-bishoprick of Canterbury 25. Yea King Edgar was so wholly Dunstanized Oswald's Law to eject secular Priests that he gave over his Soul Body and Estate to be ordered by him and two more then the Triumvirate who ruled England namely Ethelwald Bishop of Winchester and Oswald Bishop of Worcester This Oswald was the man who procured by the Kings Authority the Ejection of all Secular Priests out of Worcester and the placing of Monks in their Room which Act was called Oswald's Law in that Age. They might if it pleased them have stiled it Edgar's Law the Legislative Power being then more in the King then in the Bishop This Oswald's Law afterwards enlarged it self over all England Secular Priests being thrown out and Monks every where fixed in their rooms till King Henry the eighth his Law outed Oswald's Law and ejected those Drones out of their Habitations 26. King Edgar violated the Chastity of a Nun at Wilton Dunstan's disciplining of king Edgar Dunstan getting notice thereof refused at the Kings Request to give him his Hand because he had defiled a Daughter of God as he termed her Edgar hereby made sensible of his Sin with Sorrow confessed it and Dunstan now Arch-bishop of Canterbury enjoyned him seven years Penance for the same Monks endeavour to inforcea mock-Parallel betwixt David and Edgar Nathan and Dunstan herein Sure I am on David's profession of his Repentance Nathan presently pronounced Pardon b 2 Sam. 12. 13 the Lord also hath put away thy Sin thou shalt not die consigning him to be punished by God the Principall using an Undutifull Son Treacherous Servants and Rebellious Subjects to be the Instruments thereof but imposing no voluntary Penance that David should by Will-worship undertake on himself All that I will adde is this If Dunstan did septennary Penance to expiate every mortall Sin to use their own Termes he committed he must have been a Methusalah extremely aged before the day of his Death 27. More commendable was Dunstan's Carriage towards an English Count 12 who lived incestuously with his own Kinswoman 969 Dunstan admonished him once And carriage towards an incestuous Count. twice thrice nothing prevailed whereupon he proceeded to Excommunicate him The Count slighted his Excommunication conceiving his Head too high for Church-Censures to reach it King Edgar falsly informed desires Dunstan to absolve him and is denied Yea the Pope sends to him to the same Purpose and Dunstan persists in his c Osbern in vita Dunstani Refusall At last the Count conquered with Dunstan's Constancy and the sense of his own Sin came into a Nationall Council at Canterbury where Dunstan sate President active therein to substitute Monks in the places of Secular Priests on his bare Feet with a Bundle of Rods tendering himself to Dunstan's Chastisement This wrought on Dunstan's mild Nature scarce refraining from Teares who presently absolved him 28. Three things herein are remarkable Observations thereon First that Bribes in the Court of Rome may purchase a Malefactor to be innocent Secondly that the Pope himself is not so infallible but that his Key may misse the Lock and he be mistaken in matter of Absolution Thirdly that men ought not so with blind Obedience to obey his pretended Holinesse but that if with Dunstan here they see just Cause to the contrary it is no Mortall Sin to disobey his Commands 29. The Apprentiship of Edgar's Penance long since expired Edgar's Canons why by us here related he flourished in all Monarchicall Lustre sole Founder of many Co-founder of more Benefactor to most Abbeys in England Anno Dom. 969 And as he gave new Cases to most Monasteries repairing their outward Buildings so he gave new Linings to all Anno Regis Edgari 12 substituting Monks in stead of the Secular Priests whom he expelled Many Ecclesiasticall Canons were by him ordained which at large are presented in S t. Henry Spelman and which I have neither List nor Leisure to recount in this my History Our Women have a Proverb It is a sad Burden to carry a dead mans Child and surely an Historian hath no heart to take much Pains which herein are Pains indeed to exemplify dead Canons dead and buried long since as most relating to Monkery this Age wherein we live being little fond of Antiquity to know those things which were antiquated so many yeares since 30. Now though the Devotion of King Edgar may be condemned to be byassed to Superstition Edgar a most triumphant King yet because the Sincerity of his Heart sought to advance Gods Honour according to the Light in those dark dayes he appears one of the most puissant Princes that ever England enjoyed both in Church and Common-wealth I have read in a most fair and authentick guilded a Extant in the precious Library of S r. Tho. Cotton Manuscript wherein he stileth himself Gods Vicar in England for the ordering Ecclesiasticall matters a Title which at this day the Pope will hardly vouchsafe to any
Mothers Body b Agathias lib. 4. applicata ad Vterum Corona But what Solemnity soever was done to this Hans-en-Kelder it did not afterwards embolden him to the Anticipation of the Crown attending till it descended upon him 12. A worthy King The original of our Common Laws no less pious to God then just to Man For whereas formerly there were manifold Laws in the Land made some by the Britans others by the Danes others by the English swelling to an unmeasurable Number to the great Mischief of his Subjects he caused some few of the best to be selected and the rest as captious and unnecessary to be rejected Hence say some they were called the Common Laws as calculated for the common Good and no private persons Advantage 13. It is admirable No hostile Danes appear in England how the Danes in this Kings Reign were vanished away They who formerly could scarce be numbered in England they were so many could now scarce be numbered they were so few and those living quietly with their English Neighbours As for forrein invading Danes in this Kings Reign as I cannot see them so I will not seek them glad of their Room and Riddance Indeed once I meet with an Assay of them in a Navy bound to infest England but their King being casually drowned as he entred his own Fleet put an end to their Hopes and our Feares for that Designe 14. Emma 4 King Edward's Mother 1046 being suspected too familiar with Alwin Bishop of VVinchester The manner of Ordall by fire under the colour of Devotion put herself to be tryed by Ordall whereof this the manner Nine Plow-shares glowing hot were laid on the Ground one foot distant from another the party suspected was to be brought blind-folded and bare-footed to passe over them if he chanced to step in the Intervalls or on the hot Iron unhurt he was pronounced Innocent otherwise condemned for an Offender An unjust Law wherein the Tryers had no Precept the Tryed no Promise Must Innocence be ruin'd as often as Malice would wrong it if Miracle would not rescue it This was not a way to try man but tempt God As just a Trying by Fire as that of our modern Witches by Water This Tryall Queen Emma admirably underwent not sensible of the Plow-shares till past them saying to such as led her Oh when shall I come to the place of my Purgation 15. By what Power this was performed Queen Emma her miraculous purgation I will not dispute finding amongst the c Strab. Geog. lib. 5. Plin. lib. 7. cap. 2. Heathens a City Feronia twenty miles from Rome under mount Soracte where the Inhabitants possessed with a spirit of a Deity therein worshipped usually walked upon burning Coales without any Harm Onely I wonder that Bishop Alwin equally suspected and equally innocent with Emma should not profer himself to the like Triall But perchance the prudent Prelate remembred that such barbarous Customes though kept up amongst the Common People were forbidden by the ancient Canons as also by the Letter of Pope Stephen the fifth which about the year eight hundred eighty and seven he wrote to Humbert Bishop of Mentz And now Emma who went willingly on this sad Errand did the Businesse for them both and cleared their Credits The Church of Winchester got well hereby viz. nine Mannours which Queen Emma bestowed thereon in Commemoration of her Deliverance 16. King Edward the Confessour was married to the devout Lady Edith A Wife no Wife his Wife in Minde but not in Body in Consent not Act being onely as my Authour saith an Abishag to the King Strange that two Persons if loving each other in the prime of their yeares should light on so happy a Temper as mutually to warm not to heat one another which the Wife-men in our Age will account difficult Anno Dom. 1046 and the Wanton impossible Anno Regis Edvardi Confessoris 4 Such will say if this was true that King Edward pass'd as great a Triall as Queen Emma his Mother and that his Ordall was as hard as hers was painfull 17. Was it not pity Yet was there not a cause but the World should have more of the Breed of them who were so godly a Couple Let Basenesse be barren and Cruelty childlesse Pious persons deserve a double Portion in that Charter of Fruitfulnesse a Gen. 1. 28. Multiply and encrease Yea the English Crown now wanting an Heir and for Default thereof likely to fall to Forreiners might I will not say have tempted but have moved King Edward to the Knowledge of his Wife But whilest Papists crie up this his incredible Continency others easily unwonder the same by imputing it partly to his Impotence afflicted with an Infirmitie partly to the Distaste of his Wife whom he married onely for Coveniencie and to the Distrust of her Chastity on suspition whereof he confined her to the Monasterie of Whore-well as I take it in Hamshire 18. But grant Queen Edith a chast Woman The good daughter of a bad father as she is generally believed Daughter she was to a wicked Father Earle Godwin by name whence the Proverb Sicut spina rosam genuit God winus Editham From prickly stock as springs a Rose So Edith from Earle Godwin grows little ill being written of the Daughter and no good of the Father Indeed King Edward was Father-in-law-ridden who feared Earle Godwin rather then trusted him as who with a long train of his Power could sweep many Dependents after him This Godwin like those Sands near Kent which bear his name never spared what he could spoile but swallowed all which came within his compass to devoure Two Instances whereof because both belonging to Church-matters we will relate 19. He cast a cavetous Eye on the fair Nunnery of Berkley in Glocestershire Godwin's device to get Berkley Nunnerie and thus contrived it for himself He left there an handsome young man really or seemingly sick for their Charity to recover who quickly grows well and wanton He is toying tempting taking such Fire and Flax quickly make a Flame The Sisters loose their Chastity and without taking Wife in the way are ready to make Mothers The young man if sick returns to Earle Godwin in Health leaving the healthfull Nuns sick behind him The same hereof fills the Country flies to Court is complained of by Earle Godwin to the King Officers are sent to enquire they return it to be true the Nuns are turned out their House and Lands forfeited both bestowed on Earle Godwin surprized VVeaknesse being put out and designing VVickednesse placed in the room thereof Surely King Edward knew nothing of Godwin's Deceit herein otherwise it was unjust that the Whores should be punished and the principall Pander rewarded 20. At another time he had a mind to the rich Mannour of Boseham in Sussex Another trick to gain the mannour of Boseham and complemented it out
Kings when habited with his Cloaths to be cloathed with the habit of his vertuous Endowments as when putting on the Gloves of this Confessour their Hands ought to be like his in moderate taking of Taxes from their Subjects Indeed Impositions once raised are seldome remitted pretended Necessities being alwayes found out for their Continuance But our Edward released to his Subjects the grievous burden of Dane-gelt payed to his Predecessours conceiving it fit now the Danes were departed that the Gelt or Tax should go after them But now Edward's Staffe is broken Chair overturned Cloaths rent and Crown melted our present Age esteeming them the Reliques of Superstition 27. And yet all things being cast up No Confessour in the slrictness of the word I confesse I understand not how the name Confessour is proper to King Edward in the strict acceptance thereof For a Confessour is one actually persecuted for the testimony of the Truth and prepared to lose his Life for the same He is a Martyr in Bullion wanting onely the Stamp of a Violent Death to be impressed upon him Now a great part of our Edward's Life was led by him in Peace and Plenty nothing bounding his Abundance but his own Moderation for twenty years together having no visible Foe to offend him And although in his youth he lived in Normandy in a middle Condition betwixt an Exile and a Traveller flying thither for fear of the Danes yet such his Sufferings were of Civil Concernment not directly relating to Conscience though at distance reducible thereunto But seeing in the Titles of great Persons it is better to give too much then too little a Confessour we found him and a Confessour we leave him 28. Our Eyes have been so intent in beholding the Vertues of this King Stigand the vicious Arch-bishop of Canterbury we have been little at Leasure to take notice of the Arch-bishops of Canterbury during his Reign Know then that about ten yeares since Robert Arch-bishop of Canterbury who succeeded Eadsin therein fearing some hard measure from Earle Godwin notwithstanding he had been contentedly kissed out of his Mannour of Boseham conveyed himself away beyond the Seas to his Monastery in Normandy whence he came first into England After whose Depature Stig and Bishop of Winchester intruded himself into that See eminent onely for Vice and fordid Covetousnesse 29. As for the Ecclesiastic all Laws made by this King in his Reign King Edward's Ecclesiasticall Constitutions it will be enough to affix their Principall Titles 1. That every Clerk and Scholar should quietly enjoy their Goods and Possessions 2. What solemn Festivalls people may come and goe of without any Law-Sutes to disturb them 3. That in all Courts where the Bishops Proctour doth appear his Case is first to be heard and determined 4. That Guilty folk flying to the Church should there have Protection not to be reprehended by any but by the Bishop and his Ministers 5. That Tithes be paid to the Church of Sheep Pigs Bees and the like 6. How the Ordall was to be ordered for the Triall of Guilty persons by Fire and Water 7. That Peter-pence or Romescot be faithfully payed to the Pope But I loose time and referre the Reader to read these Constitutions at large being three and twenty in number in the worthy a In his Councils pag. 619. Work of that no lesse Learned then Religious Knight Sir Henry Spelman 30. And now the full time was come 24 wherein good King Edward exchanged this life for a better 1066 Jan. 4. Who How the Kings of England come to cure the Kings Evil. as he was famous for many personall Miracles so he is reported to have entailed by Heavens Consort an hereditary Vertue on his Successours the Kings of England onely with this Condition b Primrosius de Vulgat Error cap. ultimo that they continue constant in Christianity to cure the Kings Evil. This Disease known to the Greeks by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 termed by Laâ—ines Struma and Sorophulae hath it's Cause from Phlegm it 's chief and common outward Residence in or near the Neck Throat where it expresseth it self in Knobs and Kernells pregnant often times with corrupted Bloud other putrified matter which on the breaking of those Bunches floweth forth equally offensive to Sight Smell and Touch. And yet this noisome Disease is happily healed by the Hands of the Kings of England stroaking the Soar if any doubt of the Truth thereof they may be remitted to their own Eyes for farther Confirmation But there is a sort of men who to avoid the Censure of over-easie Credulity and purchase the Repute of prudent Austerity justly incurre the Censure of affected Frowardnesse It being neither Manners nor Discretion in them in matters notoriously known to give daily Experience the Lye by the Backwardnesse of their Belief 31 But whence this Cure proceeds Severall opinions of the Causes thereof is much controverted amongst the Learned Some recount it in the Number of those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whose Reason cannot be demonstrated For as in vicious Common-wealths Bastards are frequent who being reputed Filii Populi have no particular Father so mans Ignorance increaseth the number of Occult Qualities which I might call Chances in Nature where the Effect is beheld but cannot be certainly referred to any immediate and proper Cause thereof Others impute it to the power c Ferrerius lib. 2. method cap. 11. de Homeric Curat of Fancie and an exalted Imagination For when the poor Patient who perchance seldome heard of and never saw a King before shall behold his Royall Hand dabling in a Puddle of Putrefaction with a charitable Confidence rubbing smoothing chafing those loathsome Kernells which I may call Clouds of Corruption dissolved oft-times into a feculent Shower I say when the Sick-man shall see an Hand so humble of an Arme so high such Condescention in a King to stroak that Soar at which meaner Persons would stop their Nostrills shut their Eyes or turn their Faces this raiseth erecteth enthroneth the Patients Fancie summoning his spirits to assist Nature with their utmost Might to encounter the Disease with greater Advantage And who will look into the Legend of the Miracles of Imagination shall find many strange and almost incredible things thereby really effected 32. Other Learned men Others count it Superstition and particularly d Lib. de Incantamentis Gaspar Peucenus though acquitting this Cure from Diabolicall Conjuration yet tax it as guilty of Superstition With him all such do side as quarrell at the Ceremonies and Circumstances used at the Healing of this Maladie Either displeased at the Collect read consisting of the first nine verses of the Gospell of S t. Iohn as wholly improper and nothing relating to the Occasion or unresolved of the Efficacy of the Gold pendent about the Patients Neck whether partly compleating or a bare Complement of the
last bee let in when they had paid dear for a dispensation 19. Lanckfranck likewise charged Remigius And against Remigius elect of Lincoln elect of Lincoln as irregular because guilty of Simony Yet he did not tax him with a penny of money either paid or contracted for onely charged him that officio b Eadmerus ibid. emerar by service-Simony he had purchased the place of King William so that his officiousness to comply with the Kings pleasure had made him injurious and vexatious unto the people Here all things were referred to Lanckfrancks own arbitration whom the Pope of an accuser made a Judg so far as either to admit or exclude the aforesaid Prelates affirming that if any unworthiness crept into English preferment be it charged on Lanckfranck his account whom he made sole judg of mens merits to any promotion 20. But all is well Lanckfranck his return and imployment that ends well and so did this contest Lanckfranck having first given them a taste of his power did afterwards give them a cast of his pitty and favourably accepted them both into their places Hence they all post homewards where we leave Lanckfranck safely arrived and foundly employed in variety of business 1. In asserting the superiority of his See above York 2. In defending his Tenants in what Diocess soever from the visitations of their respective Bishops which gave the first original to Peculiars 3. In repairing his Church of Canterbury lately much defaced with fire 4. In casting out Secular Priests and substituting Monks in their room 5. Lastly in recovering lands long detained from his See Nor was he affrighted with the heighth and greatness of Odo Bishop of Bayeux though half-brother to King William and Earl of Kent but wrestled a fair fall with him in a legal trial and cast him flat on his back regaining many Lordships which Odo had most unjustly invaded Such as desire more of Lanckfranck his character let them consult Eadmerus a Monk of Canterbury and therefore prodigal in Lanckfrancks praise an Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and great promoter of monastical life Indeed there was a design driven on by Walkeline Bishop of Winchester who had privately wrought the King to abet it to reinduce Secular Priests into Monks places till Lanckfranck getting notice defeated the plot procuring that all such Monks whom he had first fastened in their Covents were afterwards riveted therein by Papal authority 21. About this time a constitution was made Bishops Sees removed from villages to cities that Bishops should remove their Sees from petty towns to populous places This reason being rendred for their removal Ne vilesceret Episcopalis dignitas by their long living in so little villages Such Bishops Churches could not properly be called Cathedrals who fate not upon chairs but low stools so inconsiderably small were some places of their residences A fair candle-stick advantagiously set in some sense may be said to give light to the candle it self and Episeopal lustre will be the brighter if placed in eminent Cities Besides Bishops having now gotten Canon-Law and distinct Courts by themselves much people repaired unto their Consistories which conveniently could not be accommodated in little villages but required bigger places for their better entertainment In order to this command the Bishop of Dorchester near Oxford removed to Lincolne as somewhat before Selsey was translated to Chichester and Sherborne to Sarisbury and not long after Thetford to Norwich Now as these Cities to which they removed being great before grew greater afterwards so those places which they left Dorchester and Selsey especially decayed to contemptible villages it faring with places as with persons the rich grow richer still and the meaner are daily diminished 22. As these Bishops accounted themselves well busied Wolstans sunplicity faveth his Bisho prick in removing their Bishopricks so some I am sure were ill imployed in endeavouring to remove a good Bishop I mean Wolstan from his Church of Worcester As the Poëts saign of Janus that he had two faces because living before and after the flood so this Wolstan may be charactered accordingly made Bishop before but continuing his place long after the Norman inundation But in what sense soever he may be said to have two faces he had but one heart and that a single and sincere one to God and all goodness yet his adversaries heaved at him to cast him out of his Bishoprick because an Englishman of the old stamp but he fate safe right-poised therein with his own gravity and integrity And being urged to resign his staff and ring ensignes of his Epifcopacy he refused to surrender them to any man alive but willingly offered them up at the Tomb of Edward the Confessor from whom he received them This his gratitude to his dead Patron and candid simplicity in neglecting the pomp of his place procured him much favour and occasioned his peaceable confirmation in his Bishoprick 23. At this time several Liturgies were used in England The original of Secundum usum Sanum which caused confusion and much disturbed mens devotions Yea which was worse a brawle yea a battel happ'ned betwixt the English Monks of Glassenbury and Thurstan their Norman Abbot in their very Church obtruding a Service upon them which they dislik'd Unfit persons to fight being by their profession men of peace and unfitter the place for a quarrel * 1 Cor. 11. 22. Have ye not houses to eat and drink in saith S t Paul to the Corinthians or despise ye the Church of God Was there no other room in their Covent for them to fall out and fight in but their Church alone Here was an Holy War indeed when Church-forms candle-sticks and Crucifixes were used for shields by the Monks against the Abbot's armed-men brought in against them Nor was Holy-water onely but much bloud spilled in the place eight Monks being wounded and * Fulegium an ancient and authenick Chronicle cited by Mr. Fox pag. 233. two slain or if you will sacrificed near the steps of the High Altar But this accident ill in it self was then conceived good in the event thereof because occasioning a settlement and uniformity of Liturgie all over England For hereupon Osmund Anno Dom. 1081 Bishop of Salisbury devised that Ordinary or form of Service which hereafter was observed in the whole Realm his Churches practice being a precedent and the devotion therein a direction to all others Hence forward the most ignorant Parish-Priest in England though having no more Latin in all his treasury yet understood the meaning of Secundum usum Sarum that all Service must be ordered According to the course and oustome of Salisbury Church 24. I finde no Jews in England no deviation I hope from Church-History The first coming of the Iews into England to touch at the Synagogue before the Reign of the Conqueror who a Srows Survey of London in Coleman street Ward brought many from Roan in Normandy and
the English he instantly and actually repealed for his brother William had put all the Land out of love and liking of fair promises the cruel Norman Laws Laws written in bloud made more in favour of Deer then of Men more to manifest the power and pleasure of the imposer then for the good and protection of the Subject wherein sometimes mens mischances were punished for their misdeeds Yea in a manner King Heary gave eyes to the blind in winter-nights I mean light to them who fomerly lived though in their own houses in uncomfortable darkness after eight a clock when heretofore the Curseu-bell did ring the knell of all the fire and candle-light in English families But now these rigorous Edicts were totally repealed the good and gentle Laws of Edward the Confessor generally revived the late Kings extorting Publicanes whereof Ranulf Flambard Bishop of Durham the principal closely imprisoned the Court-corruption by the Kings command studiously reformed adultery then grown common with the loss of virility severely punished Anselme from exile speedily recalled after his return by the King heartily welcomed by the Clergie solemnly and ceremoniously received he to his Church his lands and goods to him fully restored English and Normans lovingly reconciled all interests and persons seemingly pleased Robert the Kings elder brother though absent in the Holy-Land yet scarcely missed and so this Century with the first year of King Hearie's reign seasonably concluded The end of the eleventh Century CENT XII Anno Regis Hen. 1. 2 Anno Dom. 1101. JOHANNI FITZ-JAMES DE LEUSTON In Com. Dorset ARMIG NOn desunt in hoc nostro saeculo qui Librorum Dedicationes penè ducunt superstitiosum planè superfluum sic enim argutuli ratiocinantur Liber si bonus Patrono non indiget sno Marte pergat sin malus Patrono ne sit dedecori suo merito pereat Habeo tamen quod huic dilemmati possim regerere Liber Meus nec bonus nec malus sed quiddam medium inter utrumque Bonum ipse non ausum pronuntiare cum plurimis Mendis Laboret Malum alii spero non dijudicent cum Legentibus possit esse usui Sub hác dubiâ Conditione vel Adversariis nostris Judicibus opus hoc nostrum Patronum sibi asciscere potest debet Et sub alis Clientelae tuae qui tam MARTE praestas quà m MERCURIO foveri serìo triumphat 1. GRrave Anselme Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Hen. 1 2. espoused and married Maud daughter of Malcolme King of the Scots 1101 and S t Margaret his wife to Henry King of England The Hellish imprecation of Maud when married to King Henry Shee had been a professed Votary and was pressed by the importunity of her parents and friends for Politick ends to this marriage insomuch as in the bitterness of her soul able to appale the writer hereof seeing his ink out-black'd with her expression she devoted the fruit of her body to the Devil because they would not permit her to perform her promise of Virginity Thus a Hist Ang. in Hen. 1. anno 1101. Matthew Paris But the Reader reserveth his other ear for the relation of Eadmerus reporting this story after a different yea contrary manner as followeth 2. The aforesaid Maud when a Girle The story otherwise told by Eadmerus an eye and ear witness lived under the tuition and correction of Christian her Aunt and Abbess of Wilton at what time the Norman souldiers conquering the Kingdom did much destroy and more endanger virgins by their violence Christian therefore to preserve this her Neete clapt a black cloath on her head in imitation of a Nuns vail which she unwillingly ware in the presence of her Aunt but in her absence off it went from above her head to under her heals so that in despightful manner she used to tread and trample upon it Yea if Malcolme her father chanced to behold her wearing that mock-vail with rage he would rend it off cursing the causers of it and avowing that he intended her no votary but a wife to Count Alan Besides two grave Arch-Deacons sent down to Wilton to enquire into the matter reported that for ought they could learn from the Nuns there this Maud was never solemnly entered into their order Hereupon a Councel was called of the English Clergy wherein some grave men attested of their own knowledg that at the Norman conquest to avoid the fury of the souldiery many maids out of fear not affection for protection not piety made a Cloyster their refuge not their choice were Nuns in their own defence running their heads but without their hearts into a vail And in this case it was resolved by learned Lanckfranck that such virgins were bound by an extraordinary obligation above other women b Eadmerus Novorum lib. 5. pag. 57 58. Debitam castitati reverentiam exhibere Nullam Religionis continentiam servare which is in effect that they must be chaste wives though they need not be constant maids These things alledg'd and prov'd Anselme pronounced the Nunship of Maud of none effect and solemnly married her to King Henry However some infer the unlawfulness of this match fron the unhappiness of their children all their issue male coming to untimely deaths But sad events may sometimes be improved by mens censures further then they were intended by Gods Justice and it is more wisdom seriously to observe them to the instructing of our selves then rigidly to apply them to the condemning of others The rather because Maud the Empress their sole surviving childe seemed by her happiness to make reparation for the infelicity of all the rest 3. Next year a more solemn Synod was summoned by Anselme A grand Synod of the Clergy and Laytie with the Constitutions thereof with the Kings consent 1102 held at Westminster whereat 3. besides Bishops were present at Anselmes request from the King the chief Lay-Lords of the Land and this Reason rendred Forasmuch as that whatsoever should be determined by the Authority of the said Councel might be ratified and observed by the joynt care and solicitousness of both estates But whether the Lords were present as bare spectators and witnesses to attest the fair Transaction of matters which some will conceive to little or whether they had a power to vote therein which others will adjudg too much is not clearly delivered Here we insert the constitutions of this Synod And let none say that it is vain to look after the Cobwebs when the besom of Reformation hath swept them away seeing the knowledg of them conduce much to the understanding of that Age. 1. That the a Fadmerus Hist Novorum lib. 3. pag. 67. 68. Heresie of Symony be severely punished for which several Abbots were then and there deposed 2. That Bishops undertake not the Office of secular Pleas wearing an habit beseeming Religious Persons and not be like Lay-men in their Garments and that alwayes and every where
they have honest persons witnesses of their Conversation 3. That no Arch-Deaconries be let out to farm 4. That all Arch-Deacons be Deacons 5. That no Arch-Deacon Priest Deacon or * Aliâ—er being Canonical Canon marry a wife or retain one being married unto him and that every sub-Deacon who is not a Canon if he have married after his Profession made of Chastity be bound by the same Rule Here what a grave Author Anno Regis Hen. 1 3. almost of the same Age Anno Dom. 1102. saith of this Constitution a Henricus Huntingdon Historiaâ—um lib. 7. pag. 217. Hoc quibusdam mundissimum visum est quibusdam periculosum nè dum munditias viribus majores Sacerdotes appeterent in immunditias horribiles ad Christiani nominis summum dedecus inciderent And as Jordan wanting a Vent or Influx like other Rivers into the Ocean loseth its Current at last in a filthy lake or dead sea of its own making So it was to be feared that these men now debarr'd that remedy for their weakness which God who best knew the Constitution of his own Creatures hath Provided setled themselves in some unclean wayes and most mortal filthiness occasion by this prohibition 6. That a Priest so long as he keeps unlawful Conversation with a Woman understand his own Wife is not legal nor rightly celebrateth the Mass nor is his Mass to be heard if he celebrate it 7. That none be admitted to the Order of Sub-Deacon or upwards without the profession of Chastity 8. That the Sons of Priests be not made heirs to the Church of their Fathers 9. That no Clerks be Provosts or Proctors of Secular matters or JUDGES IN BLOUD This is the reason saith the Appendix to b Pag. 746. in Catalogo Religiosarum Aedium Harpsfield reporting is no approving of his judgment why Bishops being arraigned for their Lives are not to be tried by their Peers but by a jury of ordinary men because debarred by their Canons to be Judges of Lay-Peers in like cases and therefore it was conceiv'd unfitting that they should receive that honour which they could not return 10. That Priests should not go to Publick Drinkings nec ad * Hence probably the Proverb He is in a merry Pin. pinnas bibant not drink at Pins This was a Dutch trick but now used in England of Artificial Drunkenness out of a Cup marked with certain Pins and he accounted the Man who could nick the Pin drinking even unto it whereas to go above or beneath it was a forfeiture 11. That the Garments of Clergie-men be of one colour and their Shooes according to order 12. That Monks and Clerks that have cast off their Order either return thereto or be excommunicated 13. That Clerks have CROWNS PATENT so that their shaving be conspicuous to the beholder 14. That Tythes be given to none but to Churches 15. That Churches or Prebends be not bought 16. That new Chappels be not made without the consent of the Bishop 17. That no Church be Consecrated until necessaries be provided for the Priest and Church 18. That Abbots make no Knights and that they eat and sleep in the same house with their Monks except some necessity forbid It appeareth it was the Ancient Custom of Abbots in this Age to make Knights Thus c Ingulsus pag. 512. Edict Londin Brando the Abbot of S t Edmunds-bury Knighted Heward his Nephew having first confessed his sins and received absolution Indeed in those dayes mens mindes were so possessed that they thought nothing well and fortunately done but what came from Church-men Whereupon he that was to be made a Knight first offered his sword upon the Altar and after the Gospel read the Priest put the sword first hallowed upon the Knights neck with his d Camdens Brit. pag. 173. Benedictum and so having heard Mass again and received the Sacrament he became a lawful Knight And seeing the HOLY WAR now was begun Anno Dom. 1105 no wonder if Church-men made Knights Anno Regis Hen. 16. And that Age conceived that a Knights Sword dipt in Holy water was well tempered and became true metal indeed Why Abbots were now prohibited to confer this honor the cause is not rendred Whether because it made KNIGHTWOOD too common or that this Priviledg was reserved onely for higher Prelates such as Bishop and Arch-Bishop were or that it was an incroachment upon the Royal dignity it being as proper for Kings to ordain Priests as for Abbots to dub Knights This is most sure that notwithstanding this Canon a J. Selden ad Eadmer specilegium pag. 207. King Henry the first some years after granted and King John confirmed to the Abbot of Reading the power of Knighting persons with some cautions of their behaviour therein 19. That Monks enjoyn no Pennance to any without permission of their Abbot and that onely to such persons whereof they have cure of Souls 20. That Monks and Nuns be not God-fathers or God-mothers 21. That Monks hold no Lands in Farm 22. That Monks take no Churches by the Bishops and that they spoyl not such as are given unto them of the Revenues but so that the Priests serving in those Cures and the Churches might be provided with necessaries 23. That Faith in way of marriage pledged secretly and without witness betwixt man and woman be of no effect if either party do deny it 24. That Criniti such as wear long hair be so shaven that part of their Ears may appear and their Eyes not be covered Criniti are opposed to Tonsi extended to all Lay-persons If any demand how it came within the cognizance of the Church to provide about their trimming which might well have been left to the parties pleasure and his Barbars skill know this Canon was built on the Apostles Words b 1 Cor. 11. 14. doth not even nature it self teach you that if a man have long hair it is a shame unto him And the Church forbad whatsoever was a Trespass against Christian decency c De excid Britan. fo1 6. Gildas giveth this Character of the Picts Furciferos magis vultus pilos quam Corporum pudenda vestibus tegentes that they covered rather their Thievish Eyes with their hair then their shame with Cloaths which Ruffin-like custom of long hair now used by the Normans was here justly restrained 25. That parties akin to the Seventh Generation be not coupled in marriage and that persons so coupled remain not in Marriage and if any be privy to this Incest and not declare it let him know himself to be guilty of the same crime This brought much Grist to the Popes Mill for Dispensations As secular Princes used to stop travellers on common Bridges or at the entrance of Gates not with intent finally to forbid their going further but ot receive Tole or Custom for their passing by So the Pope prohibited these degrees in marriage not absolutely ot hinder such matches but
Acts and Monum pag. 493. two hundred and seventy They might well have been brought up to four hundred and made as many as Baals lying Prophets though even then one Propher of the Lord one Micaiah one true miracle were worth them all 70. It is almost incredible The blinde superstition of people what multitudes of people flock'd yearly to Canterbury which City lived by Beckets death especially on his Jubilee or each fifty years after his enshrining No fewer then an hundred c Wil. Somner ut priùs pag. 249. thousand we finde it in words at length and therefore a cipher is not mistaken of English and forrainers repaired hither And though great the odds in hardness between stones and flesh there remains at this day in the marble the prints of their superstition who crept and kneeled to his shrine The revenues whereof by peoples offerings amounted to more then six hundred pounds a year And the same accomptant when coming to set down what then and there was offered to Christ's or the High-Altar dispatcheth all with a blanke Summo Altari nil Yea whereas before Beckets death the Cathedral in Canterbury was called Christ's Church it passed afterwards for the Church of S t Thomas verifying therein the complaint of d John 12. 13. Mary Magdalen Sustuleruat Dominum They have taken away the Lord. Though since by the demolishing of Beckets shrine the Church and that justly hath recovered his true and ancient name SECT II. DOMINO JOANNI WYRLEY DE WYRLEY-HALL In Com. Stafford Equiti Aurato LEx Mahometica jubet ut Turcarum quisque mechanicae arti incumbat Hinc est quòd vel inter Ot tomanicos Imperatores hic faber ille Sartor hic totus est in baltheorum * * Edw. Sandys in suis peregrinationibus bullis ille in Sagittarum pennis concinnandis prout quisque suà indole trahatur Lex mihi partim placet partim displicet Placet industria nè animi otii rubigine obducti sensim torpescerent Displicet ingenuas mentes servili operi damnari cùm humile nimis sit abjectum At utinam vel lex vel legis aemula consuetudo inter Anglos obtineret nt nostrates nobiles ad unum omnes meliori literaturae litarent Hoc si fiat uberrimos fructus Respublica perceptura esset ab illis qui nunc absque Musarum cultu penitus sterilescunt Tu verò Doctissime Miles es perpaucorum hominum qui ingenium Tuum nobilitate premi non sinis sed artes ingenuas quas Oxonii didicisti juvenis vir assiduè colis Gestit itaque Liber noster Te Patrono quo non alter aut in not andis mendis oculatior aut in condonandis clementior 1. EVen amongst all the stripes given him since the death of Becket 20. none made deeper impression in King Henry's soul 1174. then the undutisulness of Henry The undutisulness of young King Henry his eldest Son whom he made the foolish act of a wise King joynt-King with himself in his life time And as the Father was indiscreet to put off so much of his apparel before he went to bed so the Son was more unnatural in endeavouring to rend the rest from his back and utterly to difrobe him of all Regal power The Clergie were not wahting in their plentiful censures to impute this mischance to the King as a Divine punishment on Beckets death that his natural Son should prove so undutiful to him who himself had been so unmerciful to his spiritual father Anno Dom. 1174. But this rebellious childe pass'd not unpunished Anno Regis Hen. 2. 20. For as he honoured not his Father so his dayes were sew in the land which the Lord gave him And as he made little account of his own father so English Authors make no reckoning of him in the Catalogue of Kings This Henry the third being wholly omitted because dying during the life of his Father 2. But Richard made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury before this Henries death Richard Prior of Dover who divided Kent into three Arch-Deaconries was made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Indeed the place was first profered to Robert Abbot of Becco in Normandy Sequents of three if he had accepted it Anselme Theobald and this Robert who in the compass of seventy years out of the same Abby were made Arch-Bishops of Canterbury but he refused it as ominous to succeed Becket in his Chair lest he should succeed him in his Coffin and preferr'd a whole skin before an holy Pall. But Richard accepting the place is commended for a milde and moderate man being all for accommodation and his temper the best expedient betwixt the Pope and King pleasing the former with presents the latter with compliance This made him connive at Jeffery Plantaginet his holding the Bishoprick of Lincoln though uncanonicalâ—ess on uncanonicalness met in his person For first he was a bastard Secondly he was never in orders Thirdly he was under age all which irregularities were answered in three words The Kings Son This was that Jeffery who used to protest by the royaltie of the King his Father when a stander by minded him to remember the honesty of his Mother 3. A Synod was call'd at Westminster The controversy betwixt Canterbury York for precedency the Popes Legat being present thereat 1176. on whose right hand sat Richard 22. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as in his proper place When in springs Roger of York and finding Canterbury so seated fairly sits him down on Canterburie's lap a baby too big to be danced thereon yea Canterbury his servants dandled this lap-childe with a witness who pluck'd him thence and buffeted him to purpose Hence began the brawl which often happened betwixt the two Sees for precedency though hitherto we have pass'd them over in silence not conceiving our selves bound to trouble the Reader every time those Arch-Bishops troubled themselves And though it matters as little to the Reader as to the Writer whether Roger beat Richard or Richard beat Roger yet once for all we will reckon up the arguments which each See alledged for its precedencie Canterburies Title 1. No Catholick person will deny but that the Pope is the fountain of spiritual honor to place and displace at pleasure He first gave the Primary to Canterbury Yea whereas the proper place of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in a general Councel was next the Bishop of S t Ruffinus Anselme and his successors were advanced by Pope Vrban to sit at the Popes right foot as alterius orbis Papa 2. The English Kings have ever allowed the Priority to Canterbury For a Duarchie in the Church viz. two Arch-Bishops equal in power being inconsistent with a Monarchy in the State Anno Regis Hen. 2. 22. they have ever countenanced the superiority of Canterbury Anno Dom. 1176. that the Church-government might be uniform with the Commonwealths 3. Custome hath been accounted a King in all
by him Prophet is become dross and here was the change of Glaucus and Diomedes made as in the sequel of the History will appear 14. Yet we find not that this Fee-farme of a thousand Marks was ever paid either by K. John or by his Successours but that it is all runne on the score even unto this present day Not that the Pope did remit it out of his free bounty but for other Reasons was rather contented to have them use his power therein Perchance suspecting the English Kings would refuse to pay it he accounted it more honour not to demand it then to be denied it Or it may be his Holiness might conceive that accepting of this money might colourably be extended to the cutting him off from all other profits he might gain in the kingdome The truth is he did scorn to take so poor a revenue per annum out of two kingdoms but did rather endeavour to convert all the profits of both Lands to his own use as if he had been seised of all in Demesnes 15. At the same time The proud carriage of Pandulphus to the King King John on his knees surrendred the Crown of England into the hands of Pandulphus and also presented him with some money as the earnest of His subjection which the proud Prelate trampled under his d Matt. Paris pag. 237. feet A gesture applauded by some as shewing how much his Holinesse whom he personated slighted worldly wealth caring as little for King Johns coin as his Predecessour Saint e Acts 8. 20. Peter did for the money of Simon Magus Anno Dom. 1213. Others Anno Regis Joh. 14. and especially H. Arch-Bishop of Dublin then present were both grieved and angry thereat as an intolerable affront to the King and there wanted not those who condemn'd his pride and hypocrisie knowing Pandulphus to be a most greedy griper as appeared by his unconscionable oppression in the Bishoprick of Norwich which was afterwards bestowed upon him And perchance he trampled on it not as being money but because no greater summe thereof Five dayes namely Ascension-day and four dayes after Pandulphus kept the Crown in his possession and then restored it to King John again A long eclipse of Royall lustre and strange it is that no bold Monk in his blundring Chronicles did not adventure to place King Innocent with his five dayes reigne in the Catalogue of English Kings seeing they have written what amounts to as much in this matter 16. Now all the dispute was Peter the prophet hanged whether unjustly disputed whether Peter of Wakefield had acquitted himself a true prophet or no The Romiz'd faction were zealous in his behalf Iohn after that day not being King in the same sense and Soveraignty as before not free but feodary not absolute but dependent on the Pope whose Legate possess'd the Crown for the time being so that his prediction was true in that lawfull latitude justly allowed to all Prophesies Others because the King was neither naturally nor civilly dead condemn'd him of forgery for which by the Kings command he was dragg'd at the horse-tail from Corf-Castle and with his sonne a Matt. Paris Vt prius hang'd in the Town of Wareham A punishment not undeserved if he foretold as some report that none of the line or linage of King Iohn should after be crowned in England of whose off-spring some shall flourish in free and full power on the English Throne when the Chair of Pestilence shall be burnt to ashes and neither Triple-Crown left at Rome to be worne nor any head there which shall dare to wear it 17. Next year the Interdiction was taken off of the Kingdom The Interdiction of England relaxed and a generall Jubilee of joy all over the Land 1214. Banish'd Bishops being restored to their Sees 15. Service and Sacraments being administred in the Church as before But small reason had King Iohn to rejoyce being come out of Gods Blessing of whom before he immediately held the Crown into the Warm Sunne or rather scorching-heat of the Popes protection which proved little beneficiall unto him 18. A brawl happened betwixt him The Popes Legate arbitrates the arrears betwixt the King and Clergy and the banished Bishops now returned home about satisfaction for their Arrears and reparation of their damages during the Interdiction all which terme the King had retained their revenues in his hands To moderate this matter Nicolas a Tusculane Cardinal and Legat was imployed by the Pope who after many meetings and Synods to audit their Accounts reduced all at last to the gross summe of fourty thousand Marks the restoring whereof by the King unto them was thus divided into three payments 1. Twelve thousand Marks Pandulphus carried over with him into France and delivered them to the Bishops before their return 2. Fifteen thousand were paid down at the late meeting in Reading 3. For the thirteen thousand remaining they had the Kings Oath Bond and other Sureties But then in came the whole crie of the rest of the Clergy who stayed all the while in the Land bringing in the Bills of their severall sufferings and losses sustained occasioned by the Interdiction Yea some had so much avarice and little conscience they could have been contented the Interdiction had still remained untill all the accidentall damages were repaired But Cardinall Nicolas averred them to amount to an incredible summe impossible to bee paid and unreasonable to be demanded adding withall that in generall grievances private men may be glad if the main be made good unto them not descending to petty particulars which are to be cast out of course as inconsiderable in a common calamity Hereupon and on some other occasions much grudging Anno Regis Joh. 16. and justling there was Anno Dom. 1214. betwixt Stephen Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and the Legat as one in his judgement and carriage too propitious and partiall to the Kings cause 19. The remnant of this Kings Reign The Barons rebel against King John afforded little Ecclesiastical Story but what is so complicated with the Interest of State that it is more proper for the Chronicles of the Common-wealth But this is the brief thereof The Barons of England demanded of King John to desist from that arbitrary and tyrannical power he exercised and to restore King Edwards Laws which his great Grand-father King Henrie the first had confirmed to the Church and State for the general good of his Subjects yea and which he himself when lately absolved from the sentence of Excommunication by Stephen Arch-Bishop of Canterburie had solemnly promised to observe But King John though at the first he condescended to their requests afterwards repented of his promise and refused the performance thereof Hereupon the Barons took up Armes against him and called in Lewis Prince of France son to Philip Augustus to their assistance promising him the Crown of England for his reward 20.
1238. Ran. Cistrensis l. ult c. 34. T. Walsingham in Hypodigm Nenstriae Oxford took up his Lodging in the Abbey of Osney To him the Scholars in Oxford sent a Present of Victuals before dinner and after dinner came to tender their attendance unto him The Porter being an Italian demanded their business who answered him that they came to wait on the Lord Legate promising themselves a courteous Reception having read in b Prov. 18. 16. Ill requited Scripture A man's gift maketh room for him though here contrary to expectation they were not received Call it not Clownishness in the Porter because bred in the Court of Rome but carefulnesse for the safety of his Master 13. But whilst the Porter held the Doore in a dubious posture betwixt open and shut the Scholars forced their entrance In this juncture of time it unluckily happened that a poor Irish Priest begged an Almes in whose face the Clark of the Kitchin cast scalding-water taken out of the Caldron A Welsh Clerk beholding this bent his Bow by this time the Scholars had got VVeapons and shot the Clark of the Kitchin stark dead on the place 14. This Man thus killed The Legate's Brother kill'd by the Scholars of Oxford was much more then his plain place promised him to be as no meaner then the Brother of the Legate himself who being suspicious O how jealous is guiltinesse that he might find Italy in England and fearing to be poisoned appointed his Brother to over-see all food for his own eating And now the three Nations of Irish Welsh and English fell down-right on the Italians The Legate fearing as they came from the same VVombe to be sent to the same Grave with his Brother Anno Dom. 1238 secured himself fast locked up in the Tower of Osney Church Anno Regis Henrici 3. 22. and there â—at still and quiet all attired in his Canonicall Cope 15. But he it seems The Legate flies to the King trusted not so much to his Canonicall Cope as the Sable Mantle of Night under the Protection whereof he got out with a Guide to make his escape not without danger of drowning in the dark being five times to crosse the River then swelling with late rain as much as the Scholars with anger He made Fordes where he found none all known passages being way-laid and heard the Scholars following after railing on and calling him Vsurer Simoniack Deceiver of the Prince Oppressour of the people c. whilst the Legate wisely turned his Tongue into Heeles spurring with might and main to Abington where the Court then lay Hither he came being out of all breath and Patience so that entring the King's presence his Tears and Sighs were fain to relieve his Tongue not able otherwise to expresse his Miseries whom the King did most affectionatly compassionate 16. And now Woe to the poor Clergy of Oxford Oxford in a sad condition when both temporall and spirituall Armes are prepared against them Next day the King sent the Earle Warren with Forces against them and a double Commission Eripere arripere to deliver the remainder of the Italians little better then besieged in Osney Abbey and to seize on the Scholars of whom thirty with one Othe Legista forward it seems in the Fray against the Legate his Name-sake were taken Prisoners and sent like Felons bound in Carts to VValling ford-prison and other places of Restraint 17. Nor was the Legate lazy the while Interdicted by the Legate but summoning such Bishops as were nearest him interdicted the Vniversity of Oxford and excommunicated all such as were partakers in the Tumult which were not the young fry of Scholars but Clerks in Order and many of them Beneficed and now deprived of the profit of their Livings 18. From Abington the Legate removed to London Who returns to London lodging at Durham-house in the Strand the King commanding the Major of London to keep him as the Apple of his eye with watch and ward constantly about him Hither he assembled the Bishops of the Land to consider and consult about Reparation for so high an Affront 19. The Bishops pleaded hard for the Vniversity of Oxford as being the place wherein most of them had their Education The Bishops interecede for the University They alledged it was Secunda Ecclesia a second Church being the Nursery of Learning and Religion They pleaded also that the Churlishnesse of the Porter let in this sad Accident increased by the Indiscretion of those in his own Family adding also that the Clerks of Oxford had deeply smarted by their long Durance and Sufferings for their fault therein 20. Mollified with the Premisses All are reconciled the Legate at last was over-intreated to pardon the Clergy of Oxford on their solemn Submission which was thus performed They went from S t. Paul's in London to Durham-house in the Strand no short Italian but an English long Mile all on foot the Bishops of England for the more State of the Businesse accompanying them as partly accessary to their fault for pleading in their behalf When they came to the Bishop of Carlile's now VVorcester house the Scholars went the rest of their way bare-foot sine Capis Mantulis which some understand without Capes or Cloaks And thus the great Legate at last was really reconciled unto them 21. The mention of the house of the Bishop of Carlile Bishops ancient Innes in London minds me how anciently every Bishop as all principall Abbots had a House belonging to their See commonly called their Inne for them to lodge in when their occasions summoned them to London Not to mention those which still retain their Names as VVinchester Durham Ely c. We will only observe such which are swallowed up into other Houses conceiving it charitable to rescue their Memory from Oblivion House Salisbury S t. Davids Chichester Exeter Bath and Wells Landaf VVorcester Lichfi Convent Carlile Norwich York Hereford Place Fleet-street North of Bride wel Chancery lane By Temple-bar Strand Strand Strand Strand Strand Strand VVestminster Old Fish-street hill Built by Ralph Nevil Bishop of Chichester Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter Walter Lancton Bishop of Chester Ralph de Maydenction B p. of Heref. Turned into Dorcet House Small Tenements Lincolns Inne Essex House Arundel House Somerset House Somerset House Somerset House VVorcester House York House VVhite-hall A Sugar-maker ' s House I question whether the Bishop of Rochester whose Country-House at Brumlay is so nigh had ever a House in the City Let others recover the rest from Oblivion a hard task I believe they are so drowned in private Houses O let us secure to our selves a Luke 16. 9. everlasting habitations A valiant offer seing here no abiding mansion 22. Come we now to present the Reader with another offer of the Kings I fear it was not much more to represse Papal oppression b Pat. 25. of Henry the third mem
wearisome Though a Royall Guest with often coming his Royalty made not his Guestship the more accepted but the notion of a Guest rendred his Royalty the lesse to be esteemed Indeed his visits of Abbeys at first did wear the countenance of Devotion on which account this King was very eminent but afterwards they appeared in their own likeness the dimmest eye seeing them to proceed from pure Necessity 37. Soon after began the Civill Warrs in England No part of Church-work with various success sometimes the King and sometimes the Barons getting the better till at last an indifferent Peace was concluded for their mutuall good as in the Historians of the Common-wealth doth plentifully appear 38. The later part of the reigne of King Henry was not onely eminent in it self Bettered by affliction but might be exemplary to others He reformed first his own naturall errours then the disorders in his Court the Expence whereof he measured by the just rule of his proper Revenue The rigour and corruption of his Iudges he examined and redressed by strict commission filled the seats of Iudgement and Counsell with men nobly born sate himself daily in Counsell and disposed affairs of most weight in his own person 39. And now the Charta Magna was very strictly observed Charta Magna first fully practised being made in the ninth year of this Kings reign but the practice thereof much interrupted and disturbed with Civill Wars it is beheld by all judicious men as like the aurea Bulla or golden Bull of Germany the life of English Liberty rescued by the bloud and valour of our Auncestours from Tyrannicall incroachment giving the due bounds to Prerogative and Propriety that neither should mutually intrench on the others lawfull Priviledges And although some high Royallists look on it as the product of Subjects animosities improving themselves on their Princes extremities yet most certain it is those Kings flourished the most both at home and abroad who tyed themselves most conscientiously to the observation thereof 40. Two Colledges in Oxford were founded in the Reign of this King Bailiol Colledge built by a banisht Prince One Bailiol Colledge 46 by Iohn Bailiol and Dervorguill his Lady of Bernads Castle in the Bishoprick of Durham 1262 banisht into England and Father of Bailiol King of Scotland Wonder not that an Exile should build a Colledge Charity being oftentimes most active in the afflicted willingly giving to others a little of that little they have witness the Macedonians whose deep a 2 Cor. 8. 2. poverty abounded to the riches of their Liberality 41. True it is Great revenues for that Age. the ancient revenues of this Colledge were not great allowing but b Roger Walden in his History eight pence a week for every Scholar therein of his Foundation whereas Merion Colledge had twelve pence and yet as c Bri. Twine antiq Acad. Ox. in Appendice Endowed with more land then now it possesseth one casteth up their ancient revenues amounted unto ninety nine pounds seventeen shillings ten pence which in that Age I will assure you was a considerable Summe enough to make us suspect that at this day they enjoy not all the Originall lands of their foundation 42. Indeed I am informed that the aforesaid King Bailiol bestowed a large proportion of Land in Scotland on this his Fathers Foundation The Master and Fellows whereof petitioned King Iames when the Marches of two Kingdomes were newly made the middle of one Monarchy for the restitution of those Lands detained from them in the Civil Warres betwixt the two Crowns The King though an affectionate lover of Learning would not have his Bounty injurious to any save sometimes to himself and considering those Lands they desired were long peaceably possessed with divers Owners gave them notice to surcease their Suit Thus not King Iames but the infeacibility of the thing they petitioned for to be done with justice gave the denyall to their Petition 43. Being to present the Reader with the Catalogues of this The Authours request to the learned in Oxford and other worthy Foundations in Oxford I am sorry that I can onely build bare Walls erect empty Columns and not fill them with any furniture which the ingenuous Reader I trust will pardon when he considers first that I am no Oxford-man secondly that Oxford is not that Oxford wherewith ten years since I was acquainted Wherefore I humbly request the Antiquaries of their respective Foundations best skill'd in their own worthy Natives to insert their own observations which if they would return unto me against the next Edition of this work if I live it be thought worthy thereof God shall have the Glory they the publick thanks and the world the benefit of their contribution to my endeavours 44. The Catalogue of Masters we have taken with an implicite faith Four necessary things premised out of M r. Brian Twine who may be presumed knowing in that subject untill the year 1608. where his work doth determine Since which time we have supplyed them as well as we may though too often at a losse for their Christian names If M r. Twine his Register be imperfect yet he writes right who writes wrong if following his Copy 45. The List of Bishops hath been collected out of Francis Godwine Bishop of Hereford Whence the Bishops are collected whose judicious paines are so beneficiall to the English Church Yet Godwinus non vidit omnia and many no doubt have been omitted by him 46. As for the Roll of Benefactours Whence the Benefactours I who hope to have made the other Catalogues true hope I have made this not true upon desire and confidence that they have more then I have or can reckon up though following herein I. Scot his printed Tables Anno Dom. 1262 and the last Edition of Iohn Speed his Chronicle Anno Regis Henrici 3. 46 47. The column of learned Writers I have endeavoured to extract out of Bale and Pitts Whence the learned writers Whereof the later being a member of this University was no lesse diligent then able to advance the Honour thereof 48. Let none suspect that I will enrich my Mother No wilfull wrong done by rebbing my Aunt For besides that Cambridge is so conscientious she will not be accessary to my Felony by receiving stollen goods Tros Tyriusque mihi nullo discrimine habetur A Trojan whether he Or a Tyrian be All is the same to me It matters not whether of Cambridge or Oxford so God hath the Glory the Church and State the Benefit of their learned endeavours 49. However Adde and mend I am sensible of many defects and know that they may be supplied by the endeavours of others Every man knows his own land better then either Ortelius or Mercator though making the Maps of the whole world And the members of respective Colledges must be more accurate in the
Private Chappels wherein particular persons claim a propriety of sepulture at their own charges 3. The Chauncel at the expence of the Parson However in all these such respect is had to the custom of the place time out of minde that it often over-ruleth the premisses Quaere Whether the Fences of the Church-yard be to be made on the Parish-charges or on the purse of the several persons whose ground surroundeth it or abutteth on the same * Oblations and Tythes It is a question which I believe will never be decided to the contentment of both Parties in what notion Tythes belong to the Court-Christian 1. The Canonists maintaine That Originally and ex sua natura they are of Ecclesiastical cognizance as commonly avouched and generally believed due Jure Divino Besides such the near relation of the Church and its maintenance that to part the oyl from the lamp were to destroy it They produce also the Confession in the Statute of the first of Richard the second That pursuit for Tythes ought and of ancient time did pertain to the Spiritual Court 2. The Common-Lawyers defend That Tythes in their own nature are a civil thing and therefore by Britton who being Bishop of Heresord and learned in the Laws of this Realm was best qualified for an unpartial Judg herein omitted when treating of what things the Church hath cognizance They * Bracton lib. 5. fol. 401. affirm therefore that Tythes were annexed to the Spirituality Thus they expound those passages in Statutes of Tythes anciently belonging to Court-Christian as intended by way of concession and not otherwise But the Canonists are too sturdy to take that for a gift which they conceive is their due left thanks also be expected from them for enjoying the same and so we leave the question where we found it 27. Mortuary Because something of history is folded up in this word which may acquaint us with the practice of this age we will enlarge a little hereon and shew what a Mortuary was when to be paid by whom to whom and in what consideration 1. A Mortuary a Linwood Constit lib. 1. fol. 11. c. de Consuetudine was the second best quick cattel whereof the party died possessed If he had but two in all such forsooth the charity of the Church no Mortuary was due from him 2. It was often bequeathed by the dying but however alwayes payed by his Executors after his death thence called a Mortuary or Corse-present 3. By whom No woman under Covert-Baron was lyable to pay it and by proportion no children unmarried living under their Fathers tuition but Widows and all possessed of an Estate were subject to the payment thereof 4. To whom It was paid to the Priest of the Parish where the party dying received the Sacrament not where he repaired to prayers and if his house at his death stood in two Parishes the value of the Mortuary was to be divided betwixt them both 5. It was given in lieu of small or personal Tythes Predial Tythes are too great to be casually forgotten which the party in his life-time had though ignorance or negligence not fully paid But in case the aforesaid Mortuary fell far short of full satisfaction for such omissions Casuists maintain the dying party obliged to a larger restitution So much of Mortuaries as they were generally paid at the present until the time of Henry the sixth when learned Linwood wrote his Comment on that Constitution How Mortuaries were after reduced to a new regulation by a Statute in the twenty first of Henry the eighth pertains not to our present purpose 28. For laying violent hands on a Priest The Ecclesiastical Judg might proceed ex officio and pro salute animae punish the offender who offered violence to a Priest but dammages on Action of Battery were onely recoverable at Common-Law Note that the arresting of a Clergy-man by Process of Law is not to be counted a violence 29. And in cause of Defamation Where the matter defamatory is spiritual as to call one Heretick or Schismatick c. the plea lay in Court-Christian But defamations with mixture any matter determinable in the Common-Law as Thief Murderer c. are to be traversed therein 30. Defamation it hath been granted From this word granted Common-Lawyers collect let them alone to husband their own right that originally defamations pertained not to the Court-Christian From the beginning it was not so until the Common-Law by Acts of Parliament granted and surrendred such suits to the Spirituality 31. Thus by this Act and Writ of Circumspectè agatis No end can end an everlasting difference King Edward may seem like an expert Artist to cleave an hair betwixt the spiritual and temporal jurisdiction allowing the premisses to the former and leaving whatever is not specified in this Act to the Cognizance of the Common-Law according to the known and common Maxime Exceptio firmat regulam in non exceptis However for many years after there was constant heaving and shoving betwixt the two Courts And as there are certain lands in the Marches of England and Scotland whilest distinct Kingdomes termed Battable-grounds which may give for their Motto not Dentur justiori but Dentur fortiori for alway the strongest sword for the present possessed them So in controversial cases to which Court they should belong sometimes the Spirituality sometimes the Temporality alternately seized them into their Jurisdiction as power and favour best befriended them See more hereof on Articuli Cleri in the Reign of Edward the second But generally the Clergie complained that as in the blending of liquors of several colours few drops of red will give tincture to a greater quantity of white so the least mixture of Civil concernment in Religious matters so discolourated the Christian candor and purity thereof that they appeared in a temporal hue and under that notion were challenged to the Common-Law Sad when Courts that should be Judges turn themselves Plaintiffs and Defendents about the bounds of their Jurisdiction 32. We long since mentioned the first coming in of the Jews into England brought over by William the Conqueror and now are come this year to their casting out of this Kingdome A transition to the entire story of our English Jews having first premised some observables concerning their continuance therein 1290. If hitherto we have not scattered our History with any discourse of the Jews 18. know it done by design that as they were enjoyned by our Laws to live alone in streets by themselves not mixing in their dwellings with Christians so we purposely singled out their story and reserved it by it self for this one entire relation thereof 33. They were scattered all over England Their principal residence in London In Cambridg Bury Norwich Lin Stanford Northampton Lincoln York and where not But their principal aboad was in London where they had their Arch-Synagogue at the North corner of the Old-Jury as opening
thy sorceries and the great abundance of thine inchantments And it seemes they still retained their old wicked wont Secondly Poisoning To give the Jews their due this was none of their faults whilest living in their own land not meeting with the word in the whole Bible It seems they learnt this sin after their disperson in other Nations and since are grown exquisite in that art of wickedness Thirdly Clipping of money Fourthly Counterfeiting of Christians hands and seals Fifthly Extortion A Jew occasioned a mutiny in London by demanding from a poor Christian above two shillings for the use of twenty shillings for one week being by proportion no less then five hundred and twenty pounds per annum for every hundred Sxthly Crucifying of the children of Christians to keep their hands in ure always about Easter So that the time pointed at their intents directly in derision of our Saviour How sufficiently these crimes were witnessed against them I know not In such cases weak proofs are of proof against rich offenders We may well believe if their persons were guilty of some of these faults their estates were guilty of all the rest 47. Now although it passeth for an uncontrolled truth Jews say others not cast out but craved leave to depart that the Jews were by the King violently cast out of the Land yet a great a Sir Ed. Coke Lawyer states the case much otherwise viz. that the King did not directly expel them but only prohibit them to put money to use which produced a petition from them to the King that they might have leave to depart the Land a request easily granted unto them some will say it is all one in effect whether one be starved or stabbed death inevitably following from both as here the Jews were famished on the matter out of England usury being their meat and drink without which they were unable longer to subsist However this took off much from the Odium of the act that they were not immediately but only indirectly and consequentially banished the Realm or rather permitted a free departure on their own petition for the same As for the sad accident that some hundreds of them being purposely shipped out of a spightful design in a leaking vessel were all drowned in the Sea if true it cannot but command compassion in any Christian heart 48. It is hardly to be believed The King gets incredible wealth forfeited by the Jews what vast sums of wealth accrewed to the King 1293 by this call it ejection 21. or amotion or decesion of the Jews He allowed them only bare viaticum to bear their charges and seised on all the rest of their estates Insomuch that now the King needed not to listen to the counsel of William Marsh Bishop of Bath and wells 1294 and Treasurer of England but therein speaking more like a Treasurer then a Bishop advising him 22. if in necessity to take all the plate and money of Churches a Polydore Virgil and Monasteries therewith to pay his souldiers The poor Jews durst not go into France whence lately they had been solemnly banished but generally disposed themselves in Germany and Italy especially in the Popes territories therein where profit from Jews and Stews much advance the constant revenues of his Holiness 49. King Edward having done with the Jews King Edward arbitrator betwixt Bailiol and Bruce began with the Scots and effectually humbled them and their country This the occasion Two Competitors appearing for the Crown of Scotland John Bailiol and Robert Bruce and both referring their title to King Edward's decision he adjudged the same to Bailiol or rather to himself in Bailiol For he enjoyned him to do homage unto him and that hereafter the Scotish Crown should be held in fealty of the English Bailiol or his necessity rather his person being in King Edward's power accepted the condition owning in England one above himself that so he might be above all in Scotland 1295 But 23. no sooner was he returned into his own Kingdom and peaceably possessed thereof but instantly in a Letter of defiance he disclaimeth all former promises to King Edward appealing to the Christian world whether his own inforced obedience were more to be pitied or King Edward's insolence improving it self on a Princes present extremitics more to be condemned 50. Offended hereat He proveth Malleus Scotorum King Edward 1297 advanceth into Scotland 25. with the forces he formerly intended for France Power and policy make a good medly and the one fareth the better for the other King Edward to strengthen himself thought fit to take in the title of Robert Bruce Bailiols corrival hitherto living privately in Scotland pretending to settle him in the Kingdom Hereupon the Scots to lessen their losses and the English victories b G. Buchanan 〈◊〉 Scot. libro octavo 〈◊〉 affirm that in this expedition their own Country-men were chiefly conquered by their own Country-men the Brucian party assisting the Englsih Sure it is that King Edward took Barwick Dunbar Sterling Edenbrugh the Crown Scepter and out of Scone the Royal Chair and prophetical Marble therein And though commonly it be observed that English valour hopefully budding and blossoming on this side of Edenburgh-Frith is frost-bitten on the North thereof yet our victorious Edward crossing that sea took Montross and the best Counties thereabout In a word he conquered almost all the Garden of Scotland and left the wilderness thereof to conquer it self Then having fetled Warren Earl of Survey Vice-Roy thereof and made all the Scotish Nobility Doughty Douglas alone excepted who was committed to prison for his singular recusancy swear homage unto him and taking John Bailiol captive along with him he returned triumphantly into England The End of the Thirteenth CENTURY CENT XIV TO CLEMENT THROCKMORTON the Elder OF Haseley in Warwick-shire Esq LEt other boast of their French bloud whilest your English family may vie Gentry with any of the Norman Extraction 1. For Antiquity four Monosyllables being by common pronuntiation crouded into your name THE ROCK MORE TOWN 2. For Numerosity being branched into so many Counties 3. For Ingenuity charactered by †Brit. in Warwick shire Camden to be FRUITFUL OF FINE WITS whereof several instances might be produced But a principal consideration which doth and ever shall command my respect unto your person is your faithful and cordial friendship in matters of highest concernment whatever be the success thereof to the best of my Relations which I conceived my self obliged publickly to confess 1. AMidst these cruel Wars Ed. 1. 29. betwixt the English and Scots 1301. Pope Boniface the eighth The Pope challengeth Scotland as peculiar to himself sent his Letters to King Edward requiring him to quit his claim and cease his Wars and release his prisoners of the Scotch Nation as a people exempt and properly pertaining to his own Chappel Perchance the Popes right to
from the Pope and why where having been so great a stickler for his Holiness insomuch that his present disfavour with the King was originally caused by his activity for the Pope he might rationally have expected some courtesie But though he had used both his hands to scrape treasure for the Church of Rome the Pope would not lend his least finger to his support but suspended him from office and benefit of his place till he should clear himself from the crime of Treason wherewith he was charged Whether done to procure reputation to the Justice of the Court of Rome where in publick causes men otherwise privately well deserving should finde no more favour there then they brought innocence thither Or because which is most probable the Pope loved the Arch-Bishoprick better then the Arch-Bishop and knew during his suspension both to increase his profit and improve his power in England by such cunning Factors as he imployed in the business namely William de Testa and Peter Amaline both strangers to whom the Pope committed the sequestration of Canterbury whilest the cause of Wincelsey did as yet depend undetermined 8. These by Papal Authority A signal piece of Justice don by forein Sequestrators summoned before them John Salmon Bishop of Norwich for exacting the first-fruits of vacant Benefices from the Clergie of his Diocess The case was this Some sixty years since Pandulph an Italian and Popes Legat a perfect Artist in progging for money being Bishop of Norwich c Harpsfield Hist Eccl. Aug. in Seculo 13. cap. 15. pretending his Church to be in debt obtained of his Holiness the first-firuits of vacant Benefices in Norfolk and Suffolk to discharge that engagement This Grant to him being but personal local and temporary was improved by his Successors to a constant revenue yea covetousness being an apt Scholar and profit an easie lesson this example was followed by other English Bishops in their respective Diocesses Behold here a piece of exemplary Justice Who could have look'd for less the illegality of these payments appearing but that the Clergie should be eased of them Whereas these forein Sequestrators did order that generally throughout England the first-fruits of all spiritual promotions falling void next for three years should be paid over to the Popes Chamber at Rome onely d Antiquitates Britan. p. 208. Cathedral and Conventual-Churches were excepted herein No reason is rendered why the burden fell on Parish-Churches except any will say that the Ass must bear more then the Horse and the load is best laid on that beast which hath least mettle to kick it off and throw it down Englands gald backâ—â— changes a full flie for an hungry one the poor Parochial Clergie being most unable to resist the usurpation of his Holiness 9. Afterwards this William Testa who according to his name came over an empty shell but departed with the kernel of the English wealth complained of for his extortion a Câ—ntra intemperantem Testa 〈◊〉 publiâ—e in Parliamentâ— querlae quod Clerum immoderatè emuâ—geret Harpssield p. 431. to the Parliament was called home and Peter a Spanish Cardinal sent in his room where he concluded and celebrated a marriage betwixt Prince Edward and Isabel the King of France his Daughter Towards the bearing of his charges this Cardinal required twelve mark of all Cathedrals and Convents and of Parish-Churches eight pence out of every mark of their yearlie revenue But the King made him content with the moity of his demand 10. Mean time intollerable were the taxes which the English Clergie paid to Rome The infinite wealth Rome yearly drained from England The Poets faigne Arethusa a River in Armenia to be swallowed up by the earth and running many miles under the Ocean in Sicilie they say it vents it self up again But without any fiction the wealthy streams flowing from a plentiful spring in England did suddenly disappear and being insensibly conveyed in invisible chanels not under but over the Sea were found far off to arise afresh at Rome in the Popes Treasury where the Italians though being themselves bred in a clear and subtile Climate they scorn'd the dulness of the wits and hated the gross ayre of this Island yet hugg'd the heaviness of the gold thereof this Kingdom being one of the best places for their profit Although proud b In Consut Apolog Harding saith that the Popes yearly gains out of England were but as a GNAT to an ELEPHANT Oh the over-grown Beast of Romes Revenues 11. The death of King Edward the first The death character of K. Edward the first gave a great advancement to the Popes incroaching A worthy Prince he was 1307 fixed in his generation betwixt a weak Father 35. and son as if made wise and valiant by their Antiperistasis Equally fortunate in drawing and sheathing the sword in war and peace having taught the English loyaltie by them almost forgotten and the Welsh subjection which they never learn'd before In himself religiously disposed founded the famous c Camd. Brit. in Cheshire Abbey of Val-royal for the Cistercians in Cheshire and by Will bequeathing thirty two thousand pounds to the Holy War Obedient not servile to the See of Rome A soe to the pride and friend to the profession of the Clergie whom he watered with his bounty but would not have to spread so broad as to justle or grow so high as to overtop the Regal Authority Dying in due time for himself almost seventy year old but too soon for his Subjects especially for his Son whose giddy youth lack'd a guide to direct him In a word As the Arm of King Edward the first was accounted the measure of a yard generally received in England so his actions are an excellent model and a praise-worthy platform for succeeding Princes to imitate 12. Edward his Son Wincelsey at the request of K. Edward the second restored to his Arch. Bishoprick by Letters to the Pope requested that Robert Wincelsey might be restored to his Arch-Bishoprick which was done accordingly though he returned too late to Crown the King which solemnity was performed by Henry Woodlock Bishop of Winchester Here let the peaceable Reader part two contrary reports from fighting together both avowed by Authors of credit d Harpsfield Hist Ecc. Aug pag. 440. Some say Wincelsey after his return receiv'd his profits maim'd and mangled scarce amounting to half and that poor pittance he was fain to bestow to repair his dilapidated Palace Others report his revenues not less'ned in quantity and increas'd in the intireness were paid him all in a lump insomuch that hereby having learn'd thrift in exile to live of a little he speedily became the richest of all his e Antiq. Brit pag. 209. ex Adame Mumâ—â—ten Predecessors so that he gained by losses and it was his common Proverb that There is no hurt in adversity where there hath been no iniquity and many make his
PRELATES 1 2 2 16 11. That from the words and works and a Ex verbo opere taciturnitate Praelatorum silence of Prelates in Preaching it seemeth probable that they are Devils incarnate 1 2 3 57 12. That Bishops Benedictions Confirmations Consecrations of Churches Chalices c. be but tricks to get money     OF PRIESTS 1 2 3 71 13. That plain Deacons and Priests may preach without licence of Pope or Bishop 1 2 3 60 14. That in the time of the Apostles there were onely two Orders namely Priests and Deacons and that a Bishop doth not differ from a Priest 3   68 15. That it is lawful for Lay-men to absolve no less then for the Priests 2   128 16. That it is lawful for Clergy-men to marry    61 17. That Priests of bad life cease any longer to be b Waldensis in several places of his book Priests     OFF THE CHURCH 1 2  8 18. That he defined the Church to consist onely of persons predestinated 1 2 1 12 19. That he divideth the Church into these three members Clergy-men Souldiers and Labourers 1 4 3 37 20. That the Church was not endowed with any immoveable possessions before Constantine the great 1 4 3 16 41 21. That it is no Sacriledg to take away things consecrated to the Church 3   143 22. That all beautiful building of Churches is blame-worthy and savours of hypocrisie     OF TYTHES 1 2 3 65 23. That Parishioners by him were exhorted not to pay Tythes to Priests of dissolute life 1 2 3 64 24. That Tythes are pure almes and that Pastours ought not to exact them by Ecclesiastical censures     OF THE SCRIPTURE 1 2 2 23 25. That wise men leave that as Impertinent which is not plainly expressed in Scripture 1 2 2 26 26. That he slighted the authority of General Councels     OF HERETICKS 2   81 27. That he called all Writers since the thousandth year of Christ Hereticks     OF PRAYER 3   23     25 28. That men are not bound to the observation of Vigils or Canonical houres 3   11 29. That it is vain for Lay-men to bargain with Priests for their prayers 3   21 30. That to binde men to set and prescript forms of Prayers doth derogate from that liberty God hath given them 3   8 31. That to depress the benefit of other mens purchased Prayers he recommended all men to hope and trust in their own righteousness     OF ALMES 1 2 3 71 32. That we ought not to do any Alms to a sinner whilest we know him to be so     OF THE SACRAMENTS 3   45     46 33. That Chrisme and other such ceremonies are not to be used in Baptisme 2   99 34. That those are fools and presumptuous which affirm such infants not to be saved which dye without Baptisme and also That he denied that all sins are abolished in Baptisme 2   108 2   98 35. That Baptisme doth not confer but onely signifie grace which was given before 2   26 36. That in the Sacrament of the Alter the Host is not to be worshipped and such as adore it are Idolaters     37. That the substance of bread and wine still remain a This is scattered in several places of his book in the Sacrament 2   55 38. That God could not though he would make his body to be at the same time in several places 1   109 39. That the Sacrament of Confirmation is not much necessary to salvation 3   147 40. That Confession to a man truly contrite is superfluous used by Antichrist to know the secrets and gain the wealth of others 2   130 41. That that is no due Marriage which is contracted without hope of having children 2   163 42. That extreme Unction is needless and no Sacrament     OF ORDERS 2 2 2 15 43. That Religious Sects confound the unity of Christs Church who instituted but one order of serving him 2   109 44. That he denied all sacred initiations into Orders as leaving no character behinde them 3   91 45. That Vowing of Virginity is a Doctrine of Devils     OF SAINTS 3   130 46. That such Christians who do worship Saints border on Idolatry 3   133 47. That it is needless to adorn the shrines of Saints or to go in Pilgrimage to them 3   124 48. That miracles conceived done at Saints shrines may be delusions of the Devil 125 3   115 49. That Saints prayers either here or in heaven are onely effectual for such as are good     OF THE KING 1 2 3 79 50. That it is lawful in Causes Ecclesiastical and matters of faith after the Bishops sentence to appeal to the secular Prince 1 3 1 81 51. That Dominion over the creature is founded in grace 1 3 3 83 52. That God devesteth him of all right who abuseth his power     OF CHRIST 1 2 3 43 53. That Christ was a man even in those three dayes wherein his body did lie in the grave 1 2 3 44 54. That the Humanity of Christ being separated is to be worshipped with that adoration which is called LATRIA 1 1 3 44 55. That Christ is the Humanity by him assumed     OF GOD. 2   160 56. That God loved David and Peter as dearly when they grievously sinned as he doth now when they are possessed of glory 1 2 3 82 57. That God giveth no good things to his enemies 2   135 58. That God is not more willing to reward the good then to punish the wicked     59. That all things a Waldensis in several places laieth this to his charge come to pass by fatal necessity 1 1 1 13 60. That God could not make the world otherwise then it is made 1 1 1 10 61. That God cannot do any thing which he doth not do     62. That God cannot make that something should return into nothing 7. Here the ingenuous Reader must acknowledg Much pitty that Wicliffs own books are lost that many of these opinions are truths at this day publickly professed in the Protestant Church For the rest what pitty is it that we want Wicliffe's works to hear him speak in his own behalf Were they all extant therein we might read the occasion intention and connexion of what he spake together with the limitations restrictions distinctions qualifications of what he maintained There we might see what was the overplus of his passion
and what the just measure of his judgment Many phrases heretical in sound would appear orthodox in sense Yea some of his poysonous passages dress'd with due caution would prove not onely wholsome but cordial truths many of his expressions wanting not granum ponderis but salis no weight of truth but some grains of discretion But now alas of the a Aeneaâ— Sylvius Hâ—â—â— Bohem pag. 78. two hundred books which he wrote being burnt not a tittle is left and we are sain to b So Jo. Bale contelleth Cent. 6. p. 451. borrow the bare titles of them from his adversaries from whom also these his opinions are extracted who winnow his works c Luke 22. 31. as Satan did Peter not to finde the corâ—â— but the chaff therein And how can did some Papists are in interpreting the meaning of Protestants appears by that cunning d See the book called Calvino Turcismus Chymist who hath distilled the spirits of Turcisme out of the books of Calvin himself 8. Now a Synod was called by Simon Sudbury 50. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1376 at Paul's in London the Parliament then sitting at Westminster whither Wicliffe was summoned to appear Wicliff appears before the Synod in Saint Pauls who came accordingly but in a posture and equipage different from expectation Four Fryers were to assist the Lord Piercy to usher John Duke of Lancaster to accompany him These Lords their enmity with the Prelates was all Wicliffes acquaintance with them whose eyes did countenance hands support and tongues encourage him bidding him to dread nothing nor to shrinke at the company of the Bishops for they are all unlearned said they in respect of you Great was the concourse of people as in populous places when a new sight is to be seen there never lack looke is on and to see this manbaiting all people of all kindes flock'd together 9. The Lord Piercy The brawle betwixt the Bishop and the Lords in the Church Lord Marshal of England had much ado to break thorow the croud in the Church so that the bustle he kept with the people highly offended the Bishop of London profaning the place and disturbing the Assembly Whereon followed a fierce contention betwixt them and left their interlocutions should hinder the intireness of out discourse take them verbatim in a Dialogue omitting onely their mutual railing which as it little became persons of honour to bring so it was flat against the profession of a Bishop to return who by the Apostles e 1 Tim. 3. 3. precept must be patient not a brawler Bish Courtney Lord Piercy if I had known before hand what maisteries you would have kept in the Church I would have stopt you out from coming hither Duke of Lancast He shall keep such masteries here though you say nay Lord Piercy Wicliffe sit down for you have many things to answer to and you need to repose your self on a soft seat Bish Courtney It is unreasonable that one cited before his Ordinary should sit down during his answer He must and shall stand Duke of Lancast The Lord Piercy his motion for Wicliffe is but reasonable And as for you my Lord Bishop who are grown so proud and arrogant I will bring down the pride not of you alone but of all the Prelacy in England Bish Courtney Do your worst Sir Duke of Lancast Thou bearest thy self so brag upon thy f His Father Hugh Courtney Earl of Devon-shire parents which shall not be able to help thee they shall have enough to do to help themselves Bish Courtney My confidence is not in my Parents nor in any man else but onely in God in whom I trust by whose assistance I will be bold to speak the truth Duke of Lancast Rather then I will take these words at his hands Anno Dom. 1376. I 'de pluck the Bishop by the hair out of the a Fox Martyr pag. 303. Harpsfield in Hist Wicliffiana cap. 5. pag. 683. Church Anno Regis Ed. 3. 50. These last words though but softly whispered by the Duke in the ear of one next unto him were notwithstanding over-heard by the Londoners who inraged that such an affront should be offered to their Bishop fell furiously on the Lords who were fain to depart for the present and for a while by flight and secresie to secure themselves whilest what outrages were offered to the Dukes palace and his servants Historians of the State do relate 10. Wonder not that two persons Why the Arch-Bishop and Wicliffe silent the while most concerned to be vocal were wholly mute at this meeting namely Simon the Arch-Bishop and Wicliffe himself The former rather acted then active in this business seeing the brawl happened in the Cathedral of London left the Bishop thereof to meddle whose stout stomach and high birth made him the meeter match to undertake such noble adversaries As for Wicliffe well might the Client be silent whilest such Councel pleaded for him And the Bishops found themselves in a dangerous Dilemma about him it being no pity to permit nor policy to punish one protected with such potent patrons Yea in the issue of this Synod they onely commanded him to forbear hereafter from preaching or writing his doctrine and how far he promised conformity to their injunctions doth not appear 11. In all this Synod Wicliffâ— opinions marvellously spread and why though Wicliffe made but a dumb shew rather seen then heard yet the noise of his success sounded all over the Kingdom For when a suspected person is solemnly summoned and dismissed without censure vulgar apprehensions not onely infer his innocence but also conclude either the ignorance or injustice of his adversaries In publique assemblies if the weaker party can so subsist as not to be conquered it conquers in reputation and a drawn battel is accounted a victory on that â—ide If Wicliffe was guilty why not punished if guiltless why silenced And it much advantaged the propagating of his opinions that at this very time happened a dangerous discord at Rome long lasting for above fourty years and fiercely followed begun betwixt Vrban the 6 th and Clement the 7 th One living at Rome the other residing at Avignon Thus Peters Chair was like to be broken betwixt two sitting down at once Let Wicliffe alone to improve this advantage pleading that now the Romish Church having two had no legal head that this monstrous apparition presaged the short life thereof and these two Anti-Popes made up one Anti-Christ In a word there was opened unto him a great door of utterance made out of that crack or cleft which then happened in this seasonable schisme at Rome 12. Edward The death character of King Edward the third the third of that name 1377 ended his life 51. having reigned a Jubilee ful fifty years A Prince no less succesful then valiant like an Amphibion He was equally active on water and land Witness
Duke her Husband and the Cardinall * I see not how this is much materiall in her defence of Winchester about the year 1440. 5. It is not probable if the Dutchess intended such Treason against the Kings life as to consume him by burning a wax candle that she would impart a plot of such privacy to four persons viz. Sir Roger Margaret Jourdman Mr. Thomas Southwell and Iohn Hume seeing five may keep counsell if four be away 6. So hainous a treason against the Kings person if plainly proved would have been more severely punished with death no doubt of all privy thereunto Whereas this Lady escaped with Exile and Iohn Hume had his life pardoned which being so foule a fact would not have been forgiven if clearly testified against Him 7. She is accused in our Chronicles Harding Polycronicon c. for working Sorcery and Inchantments AGAINST the Church and the King Now how can Inchantments be made AGAINST the Church which is a Collective Body consisting of a Multitude of Christians and reader in my weak opinion this Conjecture carrieth some weight with it Anno Dom. 1433. Balaam himself can tell us Anno Regis Hen. 11 6. There is no Sorcery against Jacob not Southsaying against Israel If any interpret Against the Church that is the Laws and Canons of the Church Num. 23. 23. the Sence is harsh and unusual This rendreth it suspicious that her Inchantments against the Church was only her disliking and distasting the errours and Superstitions thereof 8. This Witch of Eye saith Fabian lived neer Winchester a Presumption as Mr. Fox conjectureth that the Cardinall of Winchester had a hand in packing this accusation 9. Polydore Virgil maketh no mention thereof otherwise sufficiently quicksighted in matters of this nature 10. Why may not this be false as well as that King Richard the third his accusing of Iane Shore for bewitching of his withered arm These conjectures are not Substantial enough severally to subsist of themselves yet may they be able to stand in complication in the whole Sheaf though not as single Arrows and conduce not a little towards the clearing of her innocence For my own part 23. A moderate way it is past my Skill to seour out stains inlayed in the memory of one diseased more then two hundred years agoe I see her credit stands condemned by the generality of Writers and as it is above the power of the present Age to pardon it so it is against all pitty crueltie to execute the same some after-evidences appearing with glimmering light in her vindication Let her Memory therefore be reprieved till the day of Judgement when it is possible Micah 7. 9. that this Lady bearing here the indignation of God for her sins may in due time have her cause pleaded and judgement executed for her and her righteousnesse be brought into light Sure I am she fared no whit the better for her sirname of Cobbam odious to the Clergy of that Age on the account of Sir Iohn Oldcasile Lord Cobham though these two were nothing of kin The best is she left no issue to be ashamed of her faults if she were guilty the best evidences of whose innocence are in the Manuscript Books of J. Leyland which as yet I have not had the happinesse to behold At this time William Heiworth sat Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield The meanest Bishop above the mightiest Abbot being translated thither from being Abbot of St. Albans Wonder not that he should leave the richest Abbey of England where he took place of all of his Order and exchange it for a middle-sized Bishoprick For first even those who most admire the holinesse and perfection of Monasticallife do grant the Episcopal Function above it in all Spirituall respects Secondly in Temporal Considerations the poorest Bishop was better and might be more beneficial to his Kindred than the richest Abbot seeing he by will might bequeath his estate to his Heirs which no Abbot incapable in his own person of any Propriety could legally do whose goods belonged to his Convent in common This Bishop Heiworth deserved not ill of his Cathedral Church of Litchfield Litchfield's Cathedral Indeed the body of the Church was built by Roger de Clinton Bishop thereof 1433 in the reign of King Henry the first 11. who increased the number of the Prebends and surrounded Litchfield with a ditch bestowing much cost on the invisible Castle which now is vanished out of sight Afterwards Walter de Langton his successour in the reign of King Edward the first was a most munificent Benefactor thereunto laying the foundation of the Chappel of the Virgin Mary and though dying before it was finished bequeathing a sufficient summe of money for the finishing thereof He also fenced the Close of the Church about with a high wall and deep ditch adorning it with two beautifull gates the fairer on the west the lesser on the South side thereof He expended no lesse then two thousand and pound in beautifying the shrine of Saint Chad his predecessor 65. But now in the time of the aforesaid VVilliam Heyworth Anno Regis Hen. 6 11. the Cathedral of Litchfield was in the verticall height thereof Anno Dom. 1433. being though not augmented in the essentials beautified in the Ornamentals thereof The nearest Pile in England Indeed the West front thereof is a stately Fabrick adorned with exquisite imagerie which I suspect our age is so far from being able to imitate the workmanship that it understandeth not the Historie thereof 66. Surely what Charles the fifth is said to have said of the Citie of Florence Charles the fifth of Florence that it is pittie it should be seen save only on Holy-dayes as also that it was fitt that so fair a Citie should have a Case and Cover for it to keep it from wind and weather so in some sort this Fabrick may seem to deserve a shelter to secure it 67. But alas it is now in a pittifull case indeed An ingenious design almost beaten down to the ground in our civil dissensions Now lest the Church should follow the Castle I mean quite vanish out of view I have at the cost of my worthy friend here exemplified the Portraiture thereof and am glad to hear it to be the design of ingenious persons to preserve ancient Churches in the like nature whereof many are done in this and more expected in the next part of Monasticon seeing when their substance is gone their verie shadows will be acceptable to posteritie 68. The Commons in Parliament complained to the King A grievance complained on that whereas they had sold great wood of twenty years growth and upwards to their own great profit and in aid to the King in his wars and shipping the Parsons and Vicars impleaded such Merchants as bought this Timber for the Tithes thereof whereby their estates were much damnified the King and the Kingdome disserved 69.
dicti Concilii inibi statui ac ordinari contigerit Promittentes promittimus bona fide nos ratum gratum firmum perpetuò habiturum * * Habiturum in M.S. totum quicquid per dictos Ambassiatores Oratores Procuratores nostros aut majorem partem eorundem actum factum seu gestum fuerit in praemissis in singulis praemissorum hoc idem cum de super hiis certiorati fuerimus quantum ad nos Christianum Principem attinet executioni debitae curabimus demandare In cujus rei testimonium has liter as nostras fieri fecimus patentes Dat. July 10. 1. sub Magni Sigilli nostri testimonio in Palatio nostro West 10 die Julii Per Concilium THe King to all whom c. Greeting a The Latin running on all in one continued sentence we are sain to divide it into many for the mere clearness Know that according to the Decrees of the late Council of Constance the present Council of Basil is actually celebrated under the Most Holy Father Lord Eugenius the fourth Pope We being often instigated to be present at the same Councel not onely on the behalf of the same Councel by their Orators especially dispatched to us for that purpose but also by the Letters Apostolical and Imperial and the Letters of very many other Fathers of the Holy Mother Church and of Secular Princes And we desiring to be present thereat to the praise of God prosperity of the Holy Mother Church and her desired Honour and chiefly for the exaltation of the Catholick Faith being on just reason hindred with many and several occasions cannot as we would be personally present thereat Wherefore by these presents we constitute make and depute the venerable Fathers Robert Bishop of London Philip Bishop of b A City in Normandy Lisieux John Bishop of Rochester John Bishop of Baieux Bernard Bishop of Aix and our most dear Cousin Edmund Earl of Morton our beloved Nicolas Abbot of Glasto William Abbot of S t Maries in York and William Prior of Norwich and our beloved and trusty Henry Broumflete Knight M r Thomas Broun Doctor of Laws Dean of Sarum John Colluelle Knight M r Peter Fitz-Maurice D. D. and M r Nicholas David Arch-Deacon of Constance Licentiat in both Laws our Ambassadours Orators true and undoubted Proctors Actors Factors and special Messengers Giving and we give to them and the greater part of them Power and Command as well general as special in our Name and for Us to be present in the same Councel to treat debate and conclude as well of these things which may concern the support of the Orthodox Faith the Pacification of Kings and Princes as also upon either a perpetual Peace or else a Cessation from War betwixt Us and Charles of France our Adversary Impowring them also to treat commune and appoint moreover to consent and if need be dissent in those things which shall happen there to be established and ordained according to the deliberations of the aforesaid Councel Promising and we do promise on good faith that whatsoever shall be acted done or managed in the premisses and every one of them by our aforesaid Ambassadors Orators and Proctors or the greater part of them we shall have and account for ratified welcome and firm for ever Habiturum in M. S. And when we shall be certified of and upon the same we shall care to command the due execution so far as appertaineth to Us and a Christian Prince In witness whereof We have made these our Letters Patent Given under our Great Seal being our witness in our Palace at Westminster July 10. So eminent an Instrument of so great importance must not pass without some of our observations thereupon 2. The Councel of Basil is said to be assembled according to the Decrees of the late Councel of Constance Why the Pope declines general Councels in our age wherein it was constituted that within so many years a General Councel should be called For seeing the Church was subject to contract Rust in Doctrine and manners frequency of Councels was conceived the best way to scoure the same But the Pope lately hath willingly forgotten this Canon no General Councel being called since that of Trent wherein all the Power and profit of the Pope was secured under the Notion of Articles of the Faith since which time his Holiness thought it not safe to tamper with a new Councel as which might impair but could not improve his condition 3. See we here fourteen Ambassadours sent to Basil England must send four might send more Bishops to a general Councel Bishops 5. Earl 1. not that he was to vote in the Councel but onely behold the transactions thereof Abbots 2. Prior 1. Knights 2. Doctor in Divinity 1. Doctors of Law 2. all Interests being in them represented When therefore we read in Roger Hoveden and a Simon Dunelmen others ad generale Concilium Domini Papae quatuor Episcopi de Anglia tantùm Romam mittendi sunt onely four English Bishops are to be sent to Rome to a general Councel of the Pope understand it that such a number is sufficient England needed to send but so many though if pleased might send more confined by no other command save the Kings free discretion And seeing Basil was little above the half way to Rome the journey being shorter the more messengers were imployed 4. The three French Bishops sent by the King English puissance in France speak the great Command which King Henry as yet had in France especially if as I take it by Aquensis Aix be mentioned scited in the furthermost parts of Provence though even now the English power in France was a waining 5. John Langdon the learned Bishop of Rochester Bishop of Rochester here mentioned was John Langdon intruded by the Pope into that Bishoprick to the apparent prejudice of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury For the Bishop of Rochester was accounted Canterburies Chaplain to whom he owed his Spirituals and Temporals as his Patron and founder though now the Pope contrary to the Arch-Bishops will and right forced this Langdon into the place But indeed he was a learned man dying this year in his Embassie at Basil and deserved far better preferment then the poor Bishoprick of Rochester But yet as some observe of Taylors that they make the largest garments when they have the least cloath allowed them so the poor Bishoprick of Rochester hath fared better then many richer Sees seeing Sacriledg would never feed on so bare a pasture 6. Observe the Method in the Nomination of these Commissioners Precedents for precedency wherein no wonder if the Bishops precede so great an Earl was it not fit that reverend Fathers should be placed before a dear Cousin besides the employment being of Church concernment Spiritual persons carried it clear in the race of dignity More strange it is to finde herein a
distinction out of Scotus which the Arch-Bishop more valued then all which he had before more pertinently alledged out of the Old and New Testament 51. King Henry wrote a fair and large Letter to the Convocation of York King Henry his answer to York Convocation too long here to be inserted though otherwise I have a good a Communicated unto me by my good friend Dr Littleton Copy thereof wherein the King began mildly to make the passage for his Supremacy into their consciences by a Rational and Argumentative way He disclaimed all design by fraud to surprize or by force to captivate their judgments but onely to convince them of the Truth and Equity of what he desired He b It is printed in the second part of the Cabal declavered the sence of Supreme Head of the Church though offensive in the sound to ignorant ears claiming nothing more thereby then what Christian Princes in the Primitive times assumed to themselves in their own Dominions so that it seems he wrought so far on their affections that at last they consented thereunto 52. Here I wonder at the cavil of the Papists A couseless cavil which being so causleses should be so clamorous accusing us to have a c Harding against Jewel Parliament Religion a Parliament Faith a Parliament Gospel and d Scultingus another addeth Parliament Bishops and a Parliament Clergy Whereas upon serious examination it will appear that there was nothing done in the Reformation of Religion save what was acted by the Clergy in their Convocations or grounded on some Act of theirs praecedent to it with the advice counsel and consent of the Bishops and most eminent Church-men confirmed upon the Postfact and not otherwise by the Civil Sanction according to the usage of the best and happiest times of Christianity 53. By the same proportion in the dayes of Queen Mary the Popish Religion The Cavil retorted might have been stiled a Parliament Religion because after the same had been debated on and concluded of in the Convocation it was confirmed by the Queen Lords and Commons by the Act of Parliament SECT III. Anno Regis To the Right Worshipful Anno Dom. Sir RICHARD SHVGBOROVGH OF SHUGBOROUGH in Warwick-shire MAster Haward returned this answer to Queen Mary demanding the causes of his coming to Court that it was partly to see Her Highness and partly that Her Highness should see him an answer which though more witty then Court-like yea more blunt then witty she took in good part You will not be offended at this my Dedication partly that I may know you partly that I may be known unto you Besides being informed that you love to have your Hospital Table handsomly attended with Ancient Servitors I presumed that this Section containing much of memorable Antiquity would not be unwelcome unto you 1. NOw though nothing was done in matters of Religion Hen. 8 25. but what was fairly and largely discussed 1533 first by the most Learned of the Clergy The Clergie bind themselves to the King yet this year the Clergy in the Convocation so submitted themselves to the King that each one severally promised in verbo Sacerdotis never henceforth to presume to alledg claim or put in ure any new Canons unless the Kings most Royal Assent might be had unto them and this soon after the same was ratified by Act of Parliament 2. And here it will be worth my pains A fourfold sort of Convocations and the Readers perusal to observe the differences between English Synods or Convocations which may eminently be distinguished into four ranks such as were 1. Called before the Conquest Anno Regis Hen. 25 2. Called since the Conquest but before the Statute of Praemunire was made 3. Called after the aforesaid Statute but before another made in the Reign of King Henry the eighth wherein the Clergie were bound up for doing ought without the Royal assent 4. Called after the twenty fifth year of the Reign of King Henry the eighth These did plainly differ in the several manners of their meeting and degrees of power of their acting in Spiritual matters 3. As for Councels Kings Acted in Church matters before the Conquest called before the Conquest whilest the Popes power had not as yet Lorded it over the Kings of England the Kings ever were if not in person in power present thereat as by perusing S r Henry Spelmans Councils plainly doth appear Yea matters both of Church and Common-wealth were often dictated and concluded in the same Meeting Communi consensutam Cleri quam a Sir Henry Spelman Anno 605. pag. 118. Populi Episcoporum procerum comitam nec non omnium Sapientum Seniorum populorumque totius Regni 4. For the second sort called after the Conquest Of the second sort of Convocations but before the Statute of Praemunire the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury or York used-upon all extraordinary and immergent cases toties quoties as their own discretions adjudging necessary or convenient to assemble the Clergie of their respective Provinces at what place they pleased dontinuing Convocations in them so long or dissolving them as soon as they pleased And this they did either as Metropolitans or Primates or as Legati Nati to the Pope of Rome without any leave from the King afore obtained and such Canoas and Constitutions then and there concluded on were in that Age without any further Ratification obligatory to all subjected to their jurisdiction Such were all the Synods from Lanckfranck to Thomus Arundel in whose time the Satute of Praemunire was enacted 5. A Third sort of Convocation succeeds For after the Statute of Praemunire was made Of the third sort of Convocations which did much restraine the Papal power and subject it to the Laws of the Land when arch-Arch-Bishops called no more Convocations by their sole and absolute command but at the pleasure of the King as oft as his necessities and occasions with the distresses of the Church did require it Yea now their meetings were by vertue of a Writ or Precept from the King and it will not be amiss here to exemplifie the form thereof 6. REX The form of ancient Writs of Convocations c. Reverendissimo in Christo Patri A. Canturiensi Archiepiscopo totius Angliae primati Apostolicae sedis legato salutem Quibusdam arduis urgentibus negotiis defensionem securitatem Ecclesiae Anglicanae ac pacem tranquillitatem bonum publicum desensionem Regni nostri subditorum restrorum ejusdem concernentibus vobis in fide dilectione quibus nobis tenemini rogando mandamus quatenus praemissis debito intuitu attentis ponderatis universos singulos Episcopos nostrae Provinciae ac Decanes Praecores Ecclesiarum Cathedralium Abbates Priores alios Electivos Exemptos non Exemptos Nec non Archidiaconos Conventus Capitula Collegia totumque Clerum cujuslibet Dioeceseos
posterity except they shut their coffers on purpose because there was nothing in them Sure I am there is no dashing on the credit of the Lady nor any the least insinuations of inchastity in that Instrument Praeclara Domina Serenissima Regina being the worst titles that are given her therein 25. Men may justly marvell what King Henry meant by this solemn and ceremonious Divorce What might be the King's designs in this divorce which the edge of the Ax Ann. Dom. 1536. or Sword was more effectually to perform the day after Ann. Regis Hē 8. 28. Her death being then designed Was it because He stood on this punctilio or criticisme of credit that He might not hereafter be charged with cruelty for executing His Wife that first He would be divorced from Her and so cannot be said to put His Queen but Anna Bollen to death Or did He first but barely intend Her divorce and afterwards suspecting this would not make sufficient avoidance in His bed to clear all claims took up new resolutions to take away Her life Or was it because He conceived the execution would only reach the root the Queen Her self and not blast the branch the Lady Elizabeth whom by this divorce He desired to render illegitimate Whatever His aimes were He got Her divorce confirmed both by Convocation and Parliament interesting all equally therein that hereafter none should accuse Him of this act but first they must condemn themselves However after-ages take the boldnesse to conceive that the greatest guilt of Anna Bollen was King Henry's better fancying of another which made Him the next day after Her death to mourn so passionately for Her in the embraces of a new and beautifull Bride the Lady Jane Seymour 26. But The Convocation bucksome to please the King in all things to return to the Convocation That Instrument of Divorce was no sooner tendred therein but all subscribed it The Papists willingly the Protestants faintly but all publickly Yea in this Convocation nothing was propounded in the King's name but it passed presently Oh the operation of the purge of a Praemunire so lately taken by the Clergie and an hundred thousand pounds paid thereupon How did the remembrance thereof still work on their spirits and made them meek and mortified They knew the temper of the King and had read the Text k Amos 3. 8. The lyon hath roared who will not fear Gardiner the fox durst not so much as bark to oppose the King nor the proudest in the place As for Edmond Bonner Arch-deacon of Leicester present and active in this Convocation I may say Bonner was no Bonney yet but a perfect Cromwellist and as forward as any to promote his designes 27. On the Friday following A Catalogue of erroneous opinions complained of in the Convocation Mr. Gwent the Prolocutour July 23. brought to the Upper House of Convocation a Book containing the Mala dogmata those erroneous doctrines then as he complained publickly preached printed and professed requesting reformation thereof that order might be taken against the future propagation of such dangerous positions Behold them here transcribed out of the Record partly for novelty-sake because to my knowledge never printed before and partly because though many wilde and distempered expressions be found therein yet they contain the Protestant Religion in oare which since by God's blessing is happily refined 28. The Protestation of the Clergie of the Lower House Erroneons opinions as then accounted complained of in the Convocation within the Province of Canterbury with declaration of the faults and abuses which heretofore have and now be within the same worthy special reformation IN very humble and reverent manner with protestation That we the Clergie of the Lower House within the Province of Canterbury nother in word deed or otherwise directly or indirectly intend any thing to speak attempt or doe which in any manner of wise may be displeasant unto the King's Highnesse our most dread Sovereign Lord and supreme Head of the Church of England but in all things according to the command of God to be most obedient to His Grace to Whom accordingly we submit our selves minding in no wise by any colourable fashion to recognize privily or apertly the Bishop of Rome or his usurped authority or in any wise to bring in defend or maintain the same into this noble Realm or Dominions of the same but that the same Bishop of Rome with his usurped authority utterly for ever with his inventions rites abuses ordinances and fashions to be renounced forsaken extinguished and abolished And that we sincerely addict our selves to Almighty God his laws and unto our said Severeign Lord the King our supreme Head in earth and His Laws Statutes Provisions and Ordinances made herewithin His Graces Realm We think in our consciences and opinions these errors and abuses following to have been and now to be within this Realm causes of dissention worthy speciall reformation It is to were 1. That it is commonly preached taught and spoken to the slander of this noble Realm disquietness of the people dammage of Christian souls not without fear of many other inconveniences and perils That the Sacrament of the Altar is not to be esteemed For divers light and lewd persons be not ashamed or aferde to say Why should I see the sacring of the high Masse Is it any thing else but a piece of bread or a little predie round Robin 2. Item That they deny Extreme Unction to be any Sacrament 3. Item That Priests have no more authority to minister Sacraments than the Lay-men have 4. Item That Children ought not in any wise to be confirmed of the Bishops afore they come to the age of discretion 5. Item That all Ceremonies accustomed in the Church which are not clearly expressed in Scripture must be taken away because they are mens inventions 6. Item That all those are Antichrists that doe deny the Lay-men the Sacrament of the Altar sub utrâque specie 7. Item That all that be present at Masse and doe not receive the Sacrament with the Priest are not partakers of the said Masse 8. Item That it is preached and taught That the Church that is commonly taken for the Church is the old Synagogue and that the Church is the congregation of good men onely 9. Item It is preached against the Letany and also said That it was never merry in England sithence the Letany was ordained and Sancta Maria Sancta Catharina c. sungen and said 10. Item That a man hath no Free-will 11. Item That God never gave grace nor knowledge of holy Scripture to any great estate or rich man and that they in no wise follow the same 12. Item That all Religions and Professions whatsoever they be are clean contrary to Christs religion 13. Item That it be preached and taught That all things ought to be commune and that Priests should have Wives 14. Item That Preachers will in no
wife conform themselves ad Ecclesiam Catholicam nor admit or receive Canonices probatos Authores but will have their own fancies and inventions preached and set forward 15. Item That Images of Saints are not in any wife to be neverenced And that it is plain idolatry and abomination to set up any lights before any Images or in any place of the Church the time of Divine Service as long as the Sun giveth light 16. Item That it is idolatry to make any Oblations 17. Item That it is as lawfull to Christen a Childe in a Tub of water at home or in a Ditch by the way as in a Font-stone in the Church 18. Item That the Water in the Font-stone is alonely a thing conjured 19. Item That the Hallowed oyl is no better than the Bishop of Rome his grease or butter 20. Item That Priests crowns be the Whores marks of Babylon 21. Item That the Stole about the Priest's neck is nothing else but the Bishop of Rome's rope 22. Item That Images Ann. Regis Hē 8. 28. as well of the Crucifix as of other Saints are to be put out of the Church and the Reliques of Saints in no wise to be reverenced And that it is against God's commandment that Christian men should make courtesie or reverence to the Image of our Saviour 23. Item That it is no sin or offence to eat white meats eggs butter cheese or flesh in the Lent or other Fasting-daies commanded by the Church and received by consent of Christian people 24. Item That it is lawfull to eat flesh on Good-Friday as upon Easter-day or other times in the year 25. Item That the sinner offending in the Lent or other high Feasts of the year is worthy no more punishment that he that transgresseth in any other time 26. Item That Confession auricular Absolution and Penance are nother necessary nor profitable in the Church of God 27. Item That auricular Confession is onely invented and ordained to have the secret knowledge of mens hearts and to pull money out of their purses 28. Item That the ghostly Father cannot give or enjoyn any penance at all 29. Item That it is sufficient for a man or woman to make their confession to God alone 30. Item That it is as lawfull at all times to confesse to a Lay-man as to a Priest 31. Item That confession is but a whispering in a Priests care and is as well to be made a multitude being present as secretly 32. Item That it is sufficient that the sinner doe say I know my self a sinner 33. Item That Bishops Ordinaries and Ecclesiastical Judges have no authority to give any sentence of excommunication or censure ne yet to absolve or lose any man from the same 34. Item That it is not necesssary or profitable to have any Church or Chappel to pray in or to doe any divine service in 35. Item That the Church was made for no other purpose but other to keep the people from winde and rain other else that the people upon Sondaies and Holy-daies should resort thither to have the Word of God declared unto them 36. Item That buryings in Churches and Church-yards be unprofitable and vain 37. Item That the rich and costly ornaments in the Church are rather high displeasure than pleasure or honour to God 38. Item That it is pity that ever the Mass Mattens Evensong or any other Divine Service was made or suffered to be read said or sung within any Church because it is onely to the deluding of the people 39. Item That Saints are not to be invocated or honoured and that they understand not nor know nothing of our Petitions nor can be Mediatours or Intercessours betwixt us and God 40. Item That our Lady was no better than another woman and like a bag of pepper or saffron when the spice is out and that she can doe no more with Christ than another sinfull woman 41. Item That it is as much available to pray unto Saints as to hurl a stone against the winde and that the Saints have no more power to help a man than a man's wife hath to help her husband 42. Item That Dirige Commendations Masse Suffrages Prayers Alms-deeds or Oblations done for the souls of them that be departed out of this world be but vain and of no profit 43. Item That the Souls departed goe straight to Heaven other to Hell 44. Item That there is no mean place between heaven and hell wherein souls departed may be afflicted 45. Item That if there be a place where they be punished God is not yet born nor he that shall redeem the world 46. Item That Prayers Suffrages Fasting or Alms-deeds doe not help to take away any sin 47. Item That there is no distinction of sins after this sort sin to be venial and sin to be mortal 48. Item That all sins after that the sinner be once converted are made by the merits of Christ's passion venial sins that is to say sins clean forgiven 49. Item That Almighty God doth not look for nor yet require of a sinner after his conversion from sin any fasting alms-deed or any other penance but only that the sinner be sorry for his sins amending his life and sinning no more 50. Item That hallowed-water hallowed-bread hallowed-candles hallowed-ashes hallowed-palm and such like ceremonies of the Church are of none effect and to be taken as trifles and vanities to seduce the people 51. Item That Holy-daies ordained and instituted by the Church are not to be observed and kept in reverence inasmuch as all daies and times be like and that servile works as plowing and carting may be done in the same without any offence at all as in other ferial daies 52. Item That the singing or saying of Masse Mattens or Even-song is but a roreing howling whistleing mumming tomring and jugling and the playing at the Organs a foolish vanity 53. Item That pilgrimage fasting alms-deeds and such like are not to be used and that a man is not bound to the Church but onely to the preaching 54. Item That it is sufficient and enough to believe though a man doe no good works at all 55. Item That men be not content to preach of certain abuses found in pilgrimages in fasting in prayer in invocation of Saints in reverencing of Images in alms-deeds but they will have needs the thing self taken away and not enough the abuses to be reformed 56. Item That by preaching the people have been brought in opinion and belief that nothing is to be believed except it can be proved expresly by scripture 57. Item That it is preached and taught that forasmuch as Christ hath shed his blood for us and redeemed us we need not to doe any thing at all but to believe and repent if we have offended 58. Item That there is of late a new Confiteor made after this form Confiteor Deocoeli terrae peccavi nimis cogitatione locutione opera mea culpa Ideo
manner of speaking as the Articles of our Faith be already conceived and expressed in the said Creeds without altering in any wise or varying from the same Item That they ought and must utterly refuse and condemn all those opinions contrary to the said Articles which were of long time passed condemned in the four holy Councels that is to say in the Councel of Nice Constantinople Ephesus and Calcedon and all other since that time in any point consonant to the same The Sacrament of Baptism Secondly As touching the holy Sacrament of Baptism We will that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by Us unto their spiritual charge that they ought and must of necessity believe certainly all those things which have been alwaies by the whole consent of the Church approved received and used in the Sacrament of Baptism that is to say that the Sacrament of Baptism was instituted and ordained in the New Testament by our Saviour JESUS CHRIST as a thing necessary for the attaining of everlasting life according to the saying of Christ d d Iohn 3. 5. No man can enter into the kingdome of heaven except he be born again of water and the Holy Ghost Item That is offered unto all men as well Infants as such as have the use of reason that by Baptism they shall have remission of sins and the grace and favour of God according to the saying of Christ e e Mark 16. 16. Whosesoever believeth and is baptized shall be saved Item That the promise of grace everlasting life which promise is adjoyned unto this Sacrament of Baptism pertaineth not onely unto such as have the use of reason but also to infants innocents and children and that they ought therefore and must needs be baptized and that by the Sacrament of Baptism they do also obtain remission of their sins the grace and favour of God and he made thereby the very sons and children of God Insomuch as infants and children dying in their infancy shall undoubtedly be saved thereby and else not Item That infants must needs be christened because they be born in original sin which sin must needs be remitted which cannot be done but by the Sacrament of Baptism whereby they receive the Holy Ghost which exerciseth his grace and efficacy in them and cleanseth and purifieth them from sin by his most secret virtue and operation Item That children or men once baptized can ne ought ever to be baptized again Item That they ought to repute and take all the Anabatists and the Pelagians their opinions contrary to the premisses and every other man's opinion agreeable unto the said Anabaptists or Pelagians opinions in this behalf for detestable heresies and utterly to be condemned Item That men or children having the use of reason and willing and desiring to be baptized shall by the vertue of that Holy Sacrament obtain the grace and remission of all their sins if they shall come thereunto perfectly and truly repentant and contriâ—e of all their sins before committed and also perfectly and constantly confessing and believing all the Articles of our Faith according as it was mentioned in the first Article And finally If they shall also have firm credence and trust in the promise of God adjoyned to the said Sacrament that is to say that in and by this said Sacrament which they shall receive God the Father giveth unto them for his son Jesus Christ's sake remission of all their sins and the grace of the Holy Ghost whereby they be newly regenerated and made the very children of God according to the saying of S. John and the Apostle S. Peter f f Acts 2. 38. Doe penance for your sins and be each of you baptized in the name of Jesu Christ and you shall obtain remission of your sins and shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost And according also to the saying of S. Paul g g Tit. 3. 5. God hath not saved us for the works of justice which we have done but of his mercy by baptism and renovations of the Holy Ghost Whom he hath powred out upon us most plentifully for the love of Jesu Christ our Saviour to the intent that we being justified by his grace should be made the inheritours of everlasting life according to our hope The Sacrament of Penance Thirdly concerning the Sacrament of Penance We will that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and reach Our people committed by Us unto their spiritual charge that they ought and must constantly believe that that Sacrament was institute of Christ in the New Testament as a thing so necessary for man's salvation that no man which after his baptisme is fallen again and hath committed deadly sin can without the same be saved or attain everlasting life Item That like as such men which after Baptism doe fall again into sin it they doe not penance in this life shall undoubtedly be damned even so whensoever the same men shall convert themselves from their naughty life and doe such penance for the same as Christ requireth of them they shall without doubt attain remission of their sins and shall be saved Item That the Sacrament of perfect Penance which Christ requireth of such manner persons consisteth of three parties that is to say Contritrition Confession and the Amendment of the former life and a new obedient reconciliation unto the laws and will of God that is to say exteriour acts in works of charity according as they be commanded of God which be called in Scripture b b Luke 3. 8. The worthy fruits of penance Furthermore As touching Contrition which is the first part We will that all Bishops and Preachers shall instruct and teach Our people committed by Us unto their spirtiual charge that the said Contrition consisteth in two special parts which must alwaies be conjoyned together and cannot be dissevered that is to say The penitent and contrite man must first knowledge the filthiness and abomination of his own sin unto which knowledge he is brought by hearing and considering of the will of God declared in his laws and feeling and perceiving in his own conscience that God is angry and displeased with him for the same He must also conceive not onely great sorrow and inward shame that he hath so grievously offended God but also great fear of Gods displeasure towards him considering he hath no works or merits of his own which he may worthily lay before God as sufficient satisfaction for his sins Which done then afterward with this fear shame and sorrow must needs succeed and be conjoyned the second part that is to wit a certain faith trust and confidence of the mercy and goodnesse of God whereby the penitent must conveive certain hope and faith that God will forgive him his sins and repute him justified and of the number of his elect children not for the worthinesse of any merit or work done by the penitent but for the onely
Justitia Justificare Idiota Elementa Baptizare Martyr Adorare Dignus Sandalium Simplex Tetrarcha Sacramentum Simulachrum Gloria Conflictationes Ceremonia Mysterium Religio Spiritus sanctê° Spiritus Merces Confiteor tibi Pater Panis praepositionis Communio Perseverare Dilectus Sapientia Pietas * Take faults and all as in the Original Presbyter Lites Servus Opera Sacrificium Benedictio Humilis Humilitas Scientia Gentilis Synagoga Ejicere Misericordia Complacui Increpare Distribueretur orbis Inculpatus Senior Conflictationes Apocalypsis Satisfactio Contentio Conscientia Peccatum Peccator Idolum Prudentia Prudenter Parabola Magnifico Oriens Subditus Didragma Hospitalitas Episcopus Gratia Charitas Tyrannus Concupiscentia Cisera Apostolus Apostolatus Egenus Stater Societas Zizania * Though sensible of Tautologie otherwise spelled I durst not vary from the Original MysteriuÌ„ Christus Conversari Profiteor Impositio manuum Idololatria Dominus Sanctus Confessio Imitator Pascha Innumerabilis Inenarrabilis Infidelis Paganus Commilito Virtutes Dominationes Throni Potestates Hostia 35. The judicious Reader hath no sooner perused these words The Papists plot therein but presently he sorts them in two ranks First some few untranslatable without losse of life or lustre these are continued in our English Testament intire it being conceived better that Ministers should expound these words in their Sermons than alter them in their Texts But besides these most of the second sort are not so emphaticall in themselves but that they may be rendred in English without prejudice of truth Wherefore Gardiner's designe plainly appeared in stickling for the preserving of so many Latine words to obscure the Scripture who though wanting power to keep the light of the Word from shining sought out of policy to put it in to a dark Lanthorn contrary to the constant practice of God in Scripture levelling high hard expressions to the capacity of the meanest For forraign terms are alwaies brought in like Joseph with an w Gen. 42. 23. Interpreter x Mat. 1. 23. Emmanuel doth not passe without an Exposition God with us nor y Mat. 7. 34. Ephatha escape but Commented on be thou opened Besides the Popish Bishop multiplied the mixture of Latine names in the Testament to teach the Laity their distance who though admitted into the outward Court of common matter were yet debarred entrance into the Holy of Holies of these mysterious expressions reserved only for the understanding of the high Priest to pierce into them Moreover this made Gardiner not onely tender but fond to have these words continued in kinde without Translation because the profit of the Romish Church was deeply in some of them concerned Witnesse the word Penance which according to the vulgar sound contrary to the original sense thereof was a magazin of Will-worship and brought in much gain to the Priests who were desirous to keep that word because that word kept them I finde not what entertainment Gardiner's motion met with it seems so suspended in success as neither generally received nor rejected 36. In a following Session Mar. 10. Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Cranmer stickleth for the Vniversities approbation informed the House That it was the King's will and pleasure that the Translation both of the Old and New Testament should be examined by BOTH UNIVERSITIES This met with much opposition in the House all the Bishops Ely and S. Davids excepted making their Protests to the contrary These affirmed the Universities were much decayed of late wherein all things were carried by Young Men whose judgments were not to be relied on so that the Learning of the Land was chiefly in this Convocation But the Archbishop said he would stick close to the will and pleasure of the King his Master and that the Universities should examine the Translation And here for ought I can finde to the contrary the matter ceased and the Convocation soon after was dissolved 37. The cruell prosecution of the Protestants still continued on the six Articles HeÌ„ 8. 36. And yet the Parliament now somewhat abated the illegall fury thereof 1544. for formerly any active Officer of the Bishops The six Articles somewhat mitigated at his pleasure molested all suspected persons and prosecured some to death But afterwards it was required That such Offenders should first be found guilty by a Jury of Twelve men a rub to the wheels of their cruelty that it saved the lives of some and prolonged the deaths of others 38. Now began the last Parliament in the Kings Reign HeÌ„ 8. 37. Nov. 24. wherein many things of consequence were enacted 1545. First The Acts of the last Parliament in this Kings Reign an Act against Usury a See the printed Statutes of this year Secondly for Tithes in London Thirdly for an exchange of Lands betwixt the King's Majestie and Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Holegate Archbishop of York and Edmond Bonner Bishop of London which the King annexed to the Dutchie of Lancaster Fourthly an Act for union of Churches not exceeding the value of six pounds Lastly that Doctors of the Civil Law being married might exercise Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction 39. At this time also The originall of Stewes by the King's command were the Stewes suppressed A line or two I hope will not defile our Church-History in the description and detestation of such filthy persons and practises There stood a place on the South bank over against London called the Stewes where live-Fishes were formerly kept there to be washed in Ponds from their slime and muddinesse to make the more wholsome and pleasant food which was the originall use of these Stewes and the proper b Camdens Brit in Middlâ—â—â— meaning of the word Ann. Dom. 1545. Afterwards the place was converted to a worse use Ann. Reg. HeÌ„ 8.37 but still retaining its own name from the scouring of Fish to the defileing of Men Brothel-houses being built there and publickly permitted by the State These were sixteen in number known by the several signes whereof one was the Cardinals c Stower Survey of London pag. 449. Hat and it is to be feared that too many of the Clergie then forbidden marriage were too constant customers to it Such who lived in these Colledges of lust were called single Women and pity it was so good a name should be put upon so leud persons 40. Divers Constitutions were made in the eighth year of King Henry the second The regulation of the Stewes for the regulating of these Houses whereof some may inoffensively yea profitably be inserted 1. No Stew-holder should keep open his doors on the Holy daies or keep any in his house on those daies 2. No single woman to be kept against her will if out of remorse of conscience she would leave that leud life 3. No Stew-holder to receive any mans wife or any woman of religion 4. No man to be drawn or inticed into any of those houses
of the most grave Bishops and others assembled by the King at His Castle at Windsor and when by them compleated set forth in Print 1548 with a Proclamation in the Kings name to give authority thereunto being also recommended unto every Bishop by especiall c See a form of them in Fox's Acts Mon. â—ol 1491. Letters from the Lords of the Councell to see the same put in execution And in the next year a penalty was imposed by Act of Parliament on such which should deprave or neglect the use thereof Some exceptions being taken by Mr. Calvin abroad and some Zealots at home at the former Liturgie the Booke was brought under a review and by a b 5 6 of Edward the sixt cap. 1. Statute in Parliament it was appointed That it should be faithfully and godly perused explained and made fully perfect In the first of Qu. Elizabeth 1559 it was committed by the Queen to the care of some learned men by whom it was altered in some few passages and so presented to the Parliament and by them received and established Persons imployed therein 1. Tho Cramer Archbishop of Canterbury 2. George Day Bishop of Chichester 3. Tho Goodrich Bishop of Ely 4. Johan Skip Bishop of Hereford 5. Hen Holbeach Bishop of Lincolne 6. Nicholas Ridley Bishop of Rochester 7. Tho Thileby Bishop of Westminster 8. Doctor May Dean of S. Pauls 9. John Tailer then Dean afterwards Bishop of Lincolne 10. Doctor Haines Dean of Exeter 11. Doctor Robertson afterwards Dean of Durham 12. Doctor John Redman Master of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge 13. Doctor Richard Cox then Almoner to the King afterwards Bishop of Ely Persons imployed therein Wee meet not with their particular names but may probably conceive they were the same with the former for the main though some might be superadded by Royal appointment Persons imployed therein 1. Master Whitehead once Chaplaine to Queen Anna Bullen 2. Matthew Parker afterwards Archbishop of Canterbury 3. Edmund Grindall afterwards Bishop of London 4. Richard Cox afterwards Bishop of Ely 5. James Pilkinton afterwards Bishop of Durham 6. Doctor May Deane of St. Pauls and Master of Trinity Coll in Cambridge 7. Sir Tho Smith principall Secretary of Estate As for the fourth and last Edition of the Liturgie in the first of King James 1603 with some small alterations in the Rubrick after the Conference at Hampton-Court thereof God willing in due time hereafter 5. The Book of Books still remains I mean the Bible it selfe Know then that some exceptions being taken at Tindalls Translation the Bishops then generally Popish complied so farre in a * set down at large in the Register of Archbishop Warbam Conference with the desires of King Henry the eighth that on condition the people would give in Tindalls pretended false Translation they would set forth another better agreeing with the Originall And although this took up some time to effect the work being great in it self and few workmen as yet Masters of the Mysterie of PRINTING yet at last it was accomplished but more purely and perfectly done in after Ages as by the ensuing parallels will appear The first Traslation of the Bible The second Translation of the Bible The third Translation of the Bible Set forth in the Reigne of K. Henry the eighth An. 1541. countenanced with a grave pious Preface of Archbishop Cranmer and authorized by the Kings Proclamation dated May the 6. Seconded also with c Extant in Sir Thomas Cotions Library Instructions from the King to prepare people to receive benefit the better from so heavenly a treasure it was called The BIBLE of the greater Volume rather commended than commanded to people Few Countrey-Parishes could go to the cost of them though Bishop Bonner caused six of them to be chained in the Church of S. Pauls in convenient places Set forth in the Reign of K. Edward the sixt and not onely suffered to be read by particular persons but ordered to be read over yearly in the Congregation as a principall part of Divine Service Two severall Editions I have seen thereof one set forth 1549 the other 1551 but neither of them divided into verses Set forth in the second of Qu. Elizabeth the last Translation was again review'd by some of the most learned Bishops appointed thereunto by the Queens Commission whence it took the name of the Bishops BIBLE and by the Queens sole commandement reprinted and left free and open to all Her well affected Subjects As for the last and best Translation of the Bible in the Reign of King James by a select company of Divines imployed therein in due time by Gods assistance largely thereof 6. And now we shall come to small game rather than shut out not caring how low we descend so be it we may satisfie the Reader and inform posterity presenting a Catalogue of such Proclamations which the King set forth in the foure first years having any tendency or relation to Ecclesiasticall matters 1. A Proclamation concerning the effectuall payment of Pensions due out of the Court of Augmentations to any late Abbot Prior c. which it seemeth lately were detained Anno 1 o Edvardi sexti Septem 18. 2. A Proclamation concerning the irreverent Talkers of the Sacrament For after the Transubstantiation and the superstition of the Corporall presence was removed many persons no lesse ignorant than violent fell from adoring to contemning of the holy Elements till retrenched by this Proclamation set forth 1 o Edvardi sexti Decemb. 27. 3. A Proclamation for abstaining from flesh in Lent-time Anno 1 o Edvardi sexti Januarii 16. 4. A Proclamation against such as innovate a Ceremony 1548. or Preach without licence 2. Anno 2 o Evardi sexti Febr. 6. 5. A Proclamation inhibiting Preachers Anno 2 o Edvardi sexti April 24. Whereof this was the occasion certain Popish Preachers disaffected to the Kings Government endevoured in their Sermons to possesse people of scandalous reports against the King as if He intended to lay strange exactions on the people and to demand Half-a-Crown a piece of every one who should be Married Christned or Buried To prevent further mischief the King ordered by Proclamation That none should Preach except licensed under the Seals of the Lord Protector or Archbishop of Canterbury 6. A Proclamation for the Inhibition of all Preachers the second of Edward the second Sept. 23. Because this Proclamation is short hard to be come by and if I mistake not conducing much to acquaint us with the character of those times it may be acceptable here to exemplifie the same WHereas of late by reason of certaine controversious and seditious Preachers the Kinges Majestie moved of tender zeale and love which He hath to be quiet of His Subjects by the advise of the Lord Protectour and other His Highnesse Councell hath by Proclamation inhibited and commanded That no manner of person except such as was licenced by His Highnesse
The Lady Mary 28. after long Communication was content to come to Lees Ann. Dom. 1549 to the Lord Chancellours and then to Hunsdon but She utterly denied to come to the q q She loved to deale with the King her Brother eminus by Letters but in no wise comminus by discourse Besides she hated coming to the Court suspecting some harsh usage to her Person and jealous of being put into Restraint Court or Oking at that time The Lord Chancellor fell sore sick Aug. 13. with 40 more of his r r Lees in Essex a County generally not very healthfull where Agues sit as close and sometimes last as long as a new suit house that the Lady Mary came not thither at this time There were Letters sent to every Bishop to pull downe the Altars Nov. 19. There were Letters sent for the taking of certain Å¿ Å¿ Of these Francis Mallet last * * Sceletos Cant. MS. Master of Michael House in Cambridge was the chief He having leave from the Councell to officiate Masse onely in the presence of the Lady Mary presumed on the same liberty in her absence Whereupon he was notwithstanding his Ladies refusall to surrender him fetcht from her by force and committed to prison Chaplains of the Lady Mary Dec. 15. Edw. sexâ—i 4. for saying Masse which She denied Whaley was examined for perswading divers Nobles of the Realm to make the Duke of Somerset t t Now where the seeds sown and the foundation laid of the Protectours overthrow which ensued not long after Proâ—ector at the next Parliament Febr. 6. stood to the Denial the Earle of Rutland affirmed it manifestly The Bishop of Winchester after a long triall was deposed his Bishoprick 17. It seems some legall formalities were pretended wanting in Gardiner his deprivation For in my memory a Suit was commenced to overthrow a long Lease made by Bishop Poinet Gardiner's successour in Winchester on this point that Gardiner still remained lawfull Bishop but nothing therein was effected 23. Come we now to the saddest difference that ever happened in the Church of England The conception of non-conformity if we consider either the time how long it continued the eminent persons therein ingaged or the dolefull effects thereby produced It was about matters of conformity Alas that men should have lesse wisdome than locusts which when sent on God's errand Did not * * Joel 2. 8. thrust one another whereas here such shoving and shouldring and hoising and heavings and justleing and thronging betwixt Clergie-men of the highest parts and places For now non-conformity in the daies of King Edward was conceived which afterward in the Reign of Queen Mary but beyond Sea at Frankford was born which in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth was nursed and weaned which under King James grew up a young youth or tall stripling but towards the end of King Charles His Reign shot up to the full strength and stature of a man able not onely to coap with but conquer the Herarchie its adversary 24. Two opposite parties now plainly discovered themselves The favourers and opposers thereof driving on different interests Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 4. under their respective Patrones Ann. Dom. 1550. Founders of Conformity 1. Such as remained here all the Reign of King Henry the eighth and weathered out the tempest of His tyrannie at open Sea partly by a politick compliance and partly by a cautious concealment of themselves 2. These in the daies of King Edward the sixt were possessed of the best preferments in the land 3. And retained many ceremonies practiced in the Romish Church conceiving them to be antient and decent in themselves 4. The authority of Cranmer and activity of Ridley headed this party the former being the highest the latter the hottest in defence of conformity Founders of Non-conformity 1. Such as fled hence beyond the Seas chiefly into Germany where living in States and Cities of popular Reformation they suck'd in both the aire and discipline of the place they lived in 2. These returning late into England were at a losse for meanes and maintenance onely supported with the reputation of being Confessors rendring their patience to the praise and their persons to the pity of all conscientious people 3. And renounced all ceremonies practiced by the Papists conceiving that such ought not onely to be clipt with the sheers but to be shaved with a raizor yea all the stumps thereof to be pluckt out 4. John Rogers Lecturer in S. Pauls and Vicar of S. Sepulchres with John Hooper afterwards Bishop of Glocester were Ring-leaders of this party This Iohn Hooper was bred in Oxford well skill'd in Latine Greek and Hebrew a little of the last would go farre in this Age and afterwards travelled over into Switzerland Yea he seemed to some to have brought Switzerland back with him in his harsh rough and unpleasant behaviour being grave into rigour and severe into surliness Yet to speak truth all Hoopers ill nature consisted in other mens little acquaintance with him Such as visited him once condemned him of over-austerity who repaired to him twice onely suspected him of the same who conversed with him constantly not onely acquitted him of all morosity but commended him for sweetness of manners which saith my Author Godwin in the Bishops of Glocester endeared him to the acquaintance of Bullinger This Hooper was preferred to be Bishop of Glocester by the special favour of his Patrone Iohn Earl of Warwick afterward Duke of Northumberland 25. The worst was Hooper refuseth to wear the Episcopal habit when Hooper came to be consecrated Bishop of Glocester he scrupled the wearing of certain Episcopall ornaments Rochet Chimere Square-cap c. producing a Letter from the Earl of Warwick omniprevalent then at Court in the declining of his Corrival the Duke of Somerset that he might be favourably dispensed with therein according to the tenour ensuing to Archbishop Cranmer AFter my most hearty commendations to your Grace these may be to desire the same that in such reasonable things wherein this beâ—rer my Lord Elect of Glocester craveth to be born withall at your hands you would vouch safe to shew him your Graces favour the rather at this my instance Which thing partly I have taken in hand by the Kings Majesties own motion The matter is weighed by His Highnesse none other but that your Grace may facilely condescend thereunto The principall cause is that you would not charge this said Bearer with an Oath burdenous to his conscience And so for lack of time I commit your Grace to the tuition of Almighty God Your Graces most assured loving friend July 23. John Warwick What this Oath was because not expressed is variously conjectured Parsons to render Hooper more odious will have it the Oath of Supremacy which in my opinion is improbable it being utterly unlikely that the King would dispense with any from taking Oath
wherein His owne Dignity was so neerly concern'd I conceive it the Oath of Canonical obedience to the Archbishop which consequentially commanded such ceremonies which Hooper was willing to decline For in the Kings next Letter wrote thirteen daies after to the same purpose there is mention onely of offensive Rites and Ceremonies and of no Oath at all as coincident with the former and obligatory to such Canonical observances But see the Letter RIght Reverend Father and right trusty and well-beloved We greet you well Whereas We by the advice of Our Councel have called chosen Our right well-beloved and well-worthy Mr. John Hooper Professor of Divinity to be Our Bishop of Glocester as well for his great learning deep judgment and long study both in the Scriptures and other profound learning as also for his good discretion ready utterance and honest life for that kinde of vocation c. From consecrating of whom We understand you doe stay because he would have you omit and let passe certain Rites and Ceremonies offensive to his conscience whereby ye thinke you should fall in Praemunire of Laws We have thought good by advise aforesaid to dispense and discharge you of all manner of dangers penalties and forfeitures you should run into and be in any manner of way by omitting any of the same And these Our Letters shall be your sufficient warrant and discharge therefore ¶ Given under Our Signet at our Castle of Windsor Aug. 5. the fourth year of Our Reign All would not doe Resolute Ridley stood stifly to his tackling and here was old bandying of the businesse betwixt them and Arguments urged on both sides Pro. 1. The Ornaments were indifferent of themselves and of antient use in the Church 2. Being enjoyned by lawfull authority they became necessary not to salvation but to Church-unity and it was scandalous to decline them 3. It would bring the Papist over to our Church beholding all things by them used not totally abolished by a spirit of contradiction but some decent correspondencies still moderately continued 4. It would cast a slurre on the credit of such Bishops who formerly had used those Ornaments as more remisse in Religion than such as refused them 5. Those that have stubborn wills pretend too often to tender consciences nor ought a private person to be indulged with the disturbance of the publick uniformity of the Church Con. 1. The best thing that could be said of them was that they were uselesse being otherwise ridiculous and superstitious 2. Cursed be he that removes the bound-marks Grant them indifferent in themselves and left so by Divine Wisdome it was presumption in man to stamp necessity upon them 3. Too much of the Serpent nothing of the Dove herein to offend those within to invite those without to the Church driving Protestants thence to draw Papists thither 4. The credits of some good men were not to be preserved by destroying the consciences of others 5. Hooper put himself upon the triall of the Searcher of hearts that no obstinacie but meer conscience made him refuse those Ornaments In a word all those Arguments which later Ages have more amply enlarged more clearly explained more cunningly improved more violently enforced were then and there first solidly propounded and solemnly set down on both sides Posterity in this matter having discovered no new Mine but onely refined what formerly was found out in this Controversie 26. At last the great Earl of Warwick deserted his Chaplain in open field But is forced at last to shift for himself Indeed he had higher things in his head than to attend such trifles not so much to procure a Mitre for his Chaplain as a Crown for himself even then secretly laying a design to derive the Scepter into his own family Yea Hooper was sent to prison and kept some daies in * His imprisonment not mention'd in Mâ— Fox but in the Tâ—oubles of Frankford pag. 35. durance till at last he condescended to conform himselfe in his habit to the rest of his brethren and so was consecrated Bishop of Glocester 27. But that which most opens the mouthes of Papists Defended for keepiâ—g Worcester in Commendam and other adversaries against Hooper is because he who scrupled the poor Bishoprick of Glocester afterward held the wealthy Bishoprick of Worcester in Commendam with it We read of a b Jos 7. 21. wedge of gold and little wedges say they widen mens consciences for the receiving of greater yea thus the haters of marriage first become guilty of bigamie But let such know First that the Dioceses of Glocester and Worcester lie both contiguous together Secondly many single Bishopricks in England are larger than both for extent in Land and number of Parishes Thirdly no worse a man than S. Dunstan himself had the Bishoprick of Worcester and London with it at the same time being farre more distant and remote Fourthly it is not the having of two Bishopricks together but the neglecting of one is the sin whereas Hooper in preaching and visiting afforded double diligence in his double Diocess 28. The mention of Hooper his holding of the Bishoprick of Worcester in Commendam Why Caâ—imer was not restored to the Bishoprick of Worsester mindes me of a difficulty which though I cannot answer I must not omit It is this Seeing that Latimer was outed of that Bishoprick in the daies of King Henry the eighth on the account of the Six Articles why was he not restored to the same under King Edward the sixt especailly seeing Nicholas Heath his successour was legally deprived and the place actually void Whereas on the contrary Hugh Latimer continued Hugh Latimer without any addition of preferment Here first we must largely trade in negatives It was not for any want of favour from the King seeing he stood rectus in Curia in relation to His Majesty Nor was it because his down-right Sermons disobliged the Courtiers who generally delight in soft preaching as in c Mat 11. â— soft cloathing Nor was it out of sullennesse because he would not be bedded again with that wife which though unwillingly had in his absence embraced another Nor have we any cause to suspect Latimer of Hoopers opinion as distasting Ceremonies and so obstructing his advancement But we impute it either to his conscience oft-times sharpest in the bluntest men because he would not be built on the ruines of another especially knowing Heath one of a meek and moderate nature Or to his age who Barzillai d 2 Sam. 19. 35. like was superannuated for earthly honour Alas what needed a square cap over the many night-caps which age had multiplied on his Reverend head Or because he found himself not so fit for government better for preaching than ordering Ecclesiastical affairs Or lastly because he propherically foresaw that the ingratitude of the English Nation would shorten their happinesse and King Edwards life and he was loth to come into a place onely to
other strangers in London to have and to hold for them their heirs and successours in Frank Almonage to be a meeting-place for them therein to attend God's Word and Sacraments He ordered also that hereafter it should be called by the new name of the Church of the Lord IESUS and incorporated the said Superintendent Ministers and Congregation to be a body politick for all purposes and intents empowering them from time to time in the vacancy of a Superintendent to chuse name and substitute any able and fit person in that place provided that the person so chosen be first presented to the King His Heirs and Successours to be approved and confirmed by them in the Office of the Ministerie enjoyning all Archbishops Bishops and other Officers Quòd permittant praefatis g The Letters are kept in the Dutch Church and exemplified in Iohannes Utenbovius in his narration of the Dutch Congregation pag. 13. c. Superintendenti Ministris Sucessoribus suis liberè quietè frui gaudere uti exercere ritus ceremonias suas proprias disciplinam Ecclesiasticam propriam peculiarem non obstante quòd non conveniant cum ritibus ceremoniis in Regno nostro usitatis That they permit the foresaid Superintendent and Ministers and their Successours freely and quietly to hold enjoy use and exercise their own proper rites and ceremonies and their proper and peculiar Church-discipline notwithstanding that they agree not with the rites and ceremonies used in Our Kingdome 34. Now followed the fatall tragedy of the Duke of Somerset Womens brawles Mens thralles and we must recoile a little to fetch forward the cause thereof Thomas Seymour Baron of Sudely and Lord Admirall the Protectours younger Brother had married the Lady Katharine Parre the Relict of King Henry the eighth A contest arose betwixt their Wives about place the Protectresse as I may call her refusing to give it to the Kings Dowager Yet was their precedencie no measuring cast but clear in the view of any unpartiall eye Nor needed other Herauld to decide the controversie than the Kings own Injunctions a Vide supra in the first of this King wherein after prayer for His own Royall person Ministers were commanded to pray for the Queen Dowager even before the Kings Sisters Mary and Elizabeth the Protectour under whom his Lady must claim place being placed last in the List of their Devotions 35. The Womens discords derived themselves into their Husbands hearts Lord Thomas â—eymour executed for Treason Whereupon not long after followed the death of the Lord Thomas Seymour arraigned for designing to traslate the Crown to himself though having neither Title to pretend unto it nor effectual Interest to atchieve the same Let b 1 King 2. Adonijah and this Lord's example deterre Subjects from medling with the Widows of their Soveraigns left in the same match they espouse their own danger and destruction This Lord thus cut off the Protectour stood alone on his own bottome at which his enemies daily endevoured to undermine 36. Soon after the Lords of the Councel resolved to accuse him of many high offences A tripartite accusation Of these Lords some were Lawyers as the Lord Wriothesley lately the Lord Rich then Lord Chancellour Sir Edward Montague Chief Justice c. some Martialists as S r Ralph Sadler Treasurer to the Army and some meer Statesmen as William Pawlet Lord Treasurer and their accusations participated of the severall conditions of the Accusers The Lawyers charge him for bringing Westminster-hall into Somerset-house keeping there a Court of Request and therein determining Titles of Land to the apparent injury of the Subject Military men taxed him for his Sumptuous buildings having their Morter tempered with the tears of Souldiers Wives and Children whose wages he detained and for betraying Bolloigne and other places in France to the Enemy States-men chiefly insisted on his engrossing all power to himself that whereas by the constitution of the Protectourship he was to act nothing without the advice of King Henry's Executours he solely transacted matters of the highest consequence without their privity 37. Here I must set John Dudley Earl of Warwick as a Transcendent in a form by himself Earle of Warwick the Proectors grand enemy being a competent Lawyer Ann. Dom. 1551. Son to a Judge known Soldier Ann Reg. Ed 6 5. and able States man and acting against the Protector to all these his capacities Indeed he was the very soul of the Accusation being all in all in every part thereof And seeing the Protector was free spirited open hearted humble hard to distrust easie to forgive The other proud suttle close cruell and revengefull it was impar congressus betwixt them almost with as much disadvantage as betwixt a naked and an armed person 38. Hereupon The Protector accused and imprisoned yet restored he was imprisoned at Windsor in a place antiently called c Fox Acts Mon. pag. Beauchamp's Tower it seems by a sad Prolepsis but never verified till now when this Vâ—count Beauchamp by his original honour was therein consined and hence was he removed to the Tower of London However although all this happened in the worst juncture of time viz in the disjuncture of his best Friend the Lord Russell Privie Seal then away in the West yet by his own innocence his other Friends endeavour the Kings interposing and Divine Providence he was acquitted and though outed his Protectorship restored and continued Privie Counsellour as in the King's Diarie was formerly observed 39. But after two years and two months Accused the second time his enemies began afresh to assault him hoping that as the first stroak shak'd the next would fell him to the ground Indeed Warwick who had too powerfull an influence upon all the Lords could not erect his intended Fabrick of Soveraignty except he first cleared the ground work from all obstructive rubbish whereof this Duke of Somerset was the Principall In whose absence the Lords met at the Councell Table where it was contrived how all things should be ordered in relation to his Arraignment 40. R. Rich Lord Chancellor then living in great S. Bartholomews though outwardly concurring with the rest Lord Rich his Servants dangerous mistake began now secretly to favour the Duke of Somerset and sent him a Letter therein acquainting him with all passages at the Councell Board superscribing the same either out of haste or familiarity with no other direction save To the Duke enjoying his Servant a raw attendant as newly entred into the family safely to deliver it The man made e This story attested to me by his great grand childe the Earl or Warwick more haste than good speed and his Lord wondring at his quick return demanded of him where the Duke was when he deliver'd him the Letter In Charter-house said his Servant on the same token that he read it at the window and smiled thereat But the
shall be requisite In pursuance of these their Instructions the Kings Commissioners in their respective Counties recovered much and discovered more of Church-wealth and Ornaments For some were utterly imbeziled by persons not responsible and there the King must lose his right More were concealed by parties not detectable so cunningly they carried their stealths seeing every one who had nimmed a Church-Bell did not ring it out for all to hear the sound thereof Many potent persons well known to have such goods shufled it out with their greatnesse mutually connived at therein by their equalls fellow-offenders in the same kinde However the Commissioners regained more than they expected confidering the distance of time and the cold scent they followed so many years after the Dissolution This Plate and other Church-Utensils were sold and advanced much money to the Exchequer An * Sir John Hayward Authour telleth us That amongst many which they found they left but one silver Chalice to every Church too narrow a proportion to populous Parishes where they might have left two at the least seeing for expedition sake at great Sacraments the Minister at once delivereth the wine to two Communicants But they conceived one Cup enough for a small Parish and that greater and richer were easily able to purchase more to themselves 2. All this Income rather stayed the stomack Durham Bishoprick dissolved than satisfied the hunger of the Kings Exchequer For the allaying whereof the Parliament now sitting conferred on the Crown the Bishoprick of Durham This may be called the English Herbipolis or Wirtz-burge it being true of both Dunelmia sola judicat Ense Stola The Bishop whereof was a Palatine or Secular Prince and his Seal in form resembleth Royalty in the Roundnesse thereof and is not Oval the badge of plain Episcopacy Rich and entire the revenues of this See such as alone would make a considerable addition to the Crown remote the scituation thereof out of Southern sight and therefore if dissolved the sooner out of mens mindes Besides Cuthbert Tunstall the present Bishop of Durham was in durance and deprived for his obstinacy so that so stubborn a Bishop gave * yet the Duke of Northumberland either was or was to be possessour thereof the State the fairer quarrell with so rich a Bishoprick now annexed to the Kings revenue 3. Well it was for this See Afterwards restored by Qu. Mary though dissolved that the lands thereof were not dispersed by sale unto severall persons but preserved whole and entire as to the main in the Crown Had such a dissipation of the parts thereof been made no lesse than a State miracle had been requisite for the recollection thereof Whereas now within two years after Queen Mary restored Tunstall to this Bishoprick and this Bishoprick to it self re-setling all the lands on the same 4. By this time A wood rather a wildernesse of the Popes Canons such Learned men as were employed by the King to reform the Ecclesiastical Laws had brought their work to some competent perfection Let me enlarge my self on this subject of concernment for the Readers satisfaction When the Pope had ingrossed to his Courts the cognizance of all causes which either looked glanced or pointed in the least degree at what was reduceable to Religion he multiplied Laws to magnifie himself Whose principal designe therein was not to make others good but himself great not so much to direct and defend the good to restrain and punish the bad as to ensnare and entangle both For such the number of their Clementines 〈◊〉 Intrd. Extravagants Provincialls Synodalls Glosses Sentences Chapters Summaries Rescripts Breviaries long and short Cases c. that none could carry themselves so cautiously but would be rendred obnoxious and caught within the compasse of offending Though the best was for money they might buy the Popes pardon and thereby their own innocence 5. Hereupon Two and thirty Regulatours of the Canon-Law when the Popes power was banished out of England his Canon-Law with the numerous Books and branches thereof lost its authority in the Kings Dominions Yet because some gold must be presumed amongst so much drosse grain amongst so much chaffe it was thought fit that so much of the Canon Law should remain as was found conformable to the Word of God and Laws of the Land And therefore King Henry the eighth was impowred by Act of Parliament to elect two and thirty able persons to reform the Ecclesiastical Laws though in His Reign very little to good purpose was performed therein 6. But the designe was more effectually followed in the daies of King Edward the sixth Contracted to eight by King Edward the 6. reducing the number of two and thirty to eight thus mentioned in His Letters Patents dated at Westminster the last year Novemb 11. Bishops Thomas Cranmer of Canterbury Thomas Goodrich of Elie. Divines Peter Martyr Richard Cox Civilians and Canonists Dr. William May. Dr. Rowland Taylor of Hadley Common Lawyers John Lucas Rich Goodrick Esquires It was not onely convenient but necessary that Common Lawyers should share in making these Church Constitutions because the same were to be built not onely sure in themselves but also symmetricall to the Municipall Lawes of the Land These Eight had power by the Kings Patents to call in to their assistance what persons they pleased and are said to have used the pens of Sir John Cheeke and Walter Haddon Dr. in Law to turn their Lawes into Latine 7. However Laws no Laws not stamped with Royall Authority these had onely a preparing no concluding power so that when they had ended their work two things were wanting to make these Ecclesiastical Canons thus by them composed have the validity of Laws First an exact review of them by others to amend the mistakes therein As where * Titulo de Divinis Officiâ—s cap. 6. they call the Common Prayer Book then used in England proprium perfectum omnis divini cultus judicem magistrum a title truly belonging onely to the Scripture Secondly a Royall ratification thereunto which this King prevented by death nor any of His Successours ever stamped upon it Indeed I finde in an * Iohn 〈◊〉 at the end of his Preface to his Book intituled Reformation no enemy to Her Majesty Author whom I am half-ashamed to alledge that Doctor Haddon Anno 12 or 13 Elizabeth delivered in Parliament a Latine Book concerning Church-Discipline written in the daies of King Edward the sixt by Mr. Cranmer Sir John Cheek c. which could be no other than this lately mentioned Which Book was committed by the House unto the said Mr. Haddon Mr. George Bromley Mr. Norton c. to be translated I conceive into English again and never after can I recover any mention thereof save that some thirteen years since * Anno 1640. A silent Convocation it was printed in London 8. A Parliament was called in the last of this Kings
of four thousand men marching with a large train of Artillery so that the Queen had notice thereof by the Kentish Fugitives sooner then by her own Scouts 34. But time soon gained by Wyat was as soon lost Wyat his march how retarded on the accident of a piece of Ordnance breaking its carriage Now whilst the Army waited the leasure of bringing up this broken piece an houre to Wyat being of greater consequence then the greatest Gun he came short of the time prefixed to such Citizens as were Fautours of his cause Otherwise he had been at London in the night taking his enemies napping before they dreamt of him and all terrour is most active in the darke when the lesse men see the more they suspect whereas now it was break of day before they had gotten to Knights-Bridge 35. Wyat had a double designe His double designe and performed them both alike One violently to take White-Hall the other peaceably to be taken into London Captain Vaughan with five hundred Welsh-men and one would wonder how they should straggle into Kent embraced the right-hand way towards Westminster and then wheeled away to White-Hall his men shooting their arrows regardlesse where they lighted into the windows of the Court but could not force their passage into it Wyat went directly to Charing-Crosse where he met with some opposition but continued his resolution for London 36. Here one might have observed Three tunes of London in three hours that within three hours the tongue of the multitude in London thrice altered their tunes First they cryed 1. A Wyat a Wyat every mouth giving the alarme to the next man he met The next note was 2. Treason Treason all suspecting that the Earle of Pembroke the Queens Generall had revolted because hovering aloofe in the fields he suffered Wyat his Van and main Battell cutting off some of the Reare to march undisturbed save with one shot Anno Dom. 1554 from Knights-Bridge to Charing Chrosse Anno Regin Mar. 3. Their next tune was 3. Downe with the Draggle tails Downe with the Draggle-tails And indeed no wonder if these Kentish-men marching in the darke to avoid discovery in the depth of winter through durty wayes were richly landed in their cloaths and well fringed with mire and mud about them 37. Wyat himself marched directly up the Strand and Fleetstreet with the losse of lesse then twenty men Wyat stopped at Ludgate and comming to Ludgate promised himself entrance into the City But there he found nothing forbid his admission save a strong gate close shut and well fortified against him with men and Amunition From that minuite he went backward both in motion and successe Returning to Fleetstreet He sate down on a Bench over against the Bell Savage an Inne so called because given by one Isabell * Stows survey of London Savage to the Company of Cutlers and there too late began to bemoan and accuse his own rashnesse Retreating to Temple-Barre he was faced with some horse and after a fight being moved by a Herauld to submit himself Then will I yeeld saith he to a Gentleman and so submitted himselfe say a Hallinshed Stow Speed most to Sr. Maurice Berkley say b Fox pag. 1419. others to Sr. Clement Parton being in neither of them mistaken for their Gentle extraction 38. Hence was he carried to White-Hall to be examined Penitent at his execution thence to the the Tower to be committed Entring therein Sr. John Bridges Livetenant thereof taking him by the collar with his Dagger in his hand c Holinshed Ah Traitour saith he I would stab thee my self but that I know thou wilt be executed to whom the other calmly replied Sr now it is no mastery Some dayes after he suffered penitently and patiently on the Scaffold condemning his own act and therefore we have spoken the lesse against him for speaking so much against himself Fiftly of his Complices were hanged four hundred led with ropes about their necks April 11. Q. Mary 2. pardoned by the Queen and all things stilled and quieted 39. Long since had Queen Mary sent for Cardinall Poole in Italie The Emperour why jealous of Cardinall Poole to come over into England But Charles the Emperour by the Popes power secretly retarded his return fearing it might obstruct the propounded marriage betwixt King Philip his Son and Queen Mary Indeed the Queen bare Poole an unfeighned affection and no wonder to him that considereth 1. Their age He being about tenn yeers older the proportion allowed by the Philosopher betwixt Husband and Wife 2. Parentage She being Daughter to King Henry the eighth He by his Mother Margaret Daughter to George Duke of Clarence Grandchild to Edward the Fourth 3. Education Both when young brought up together the aforesaid Lady Margaret being Governesse of Queen Mary in her infancy 4. Religion Both zealous Catholicks and suffering the Queen confinement the Cardinall exile for the same His person also and nature was such as might deserve love and though a Cardinall Deacon yet that shallow character might easily be shaved off by the Popes dispensation so that there was some probability of their marriage and Oh how Royally Religious would their Ofspring have been extracted from a Crown and a Cardinalls Cap. 40. But now when the marriage with Prince Philip was made up Poole at last gets leave for England Poole at last got leave for England and to wipe away all superstition of Lutheranisme wherewith he was formerly taxed he became a Cruell that he might be beleeved a Cordiall Papist For meeting in Brabant with Emanuel tremellius requesting some favour from him he not onely denyed him relief but also returned him railing termes though formerly he had been his familiar Friend Yea his Godfather d Antiq Brit. in Polo pag. 351. giving him his name at the Font when Tremellius from a Jew first turned Christian 41. Arrived in England Anno Regin Mar. 2. Marc. 22. 1555 he was first ordained Priest being but Deacon before and then consecrated Arch-Bishop of Canterbury by Heath Anno. Dom. 4. 1554-1555 Arch-Bishop of Yorke Is ordained Priest and consecrated Arch Bishop and sixe other Bishops the Queen her selfe being present thereat in the Franciscan Church at Greenwich one of those Bankrupt Covents which her grace had set up again Three dayes after he was dedicated in Bow Church in Cheapside where rich in costly-robes and sitting on a gulded Throne his Pall was presented unto him Adorned herewith Poole presently mounts the Pulpit and makes a Ant. Brit. in Polo pag. 353. a drie Sermon of the use and honour of the Pall without good language or matter therein may they all make such who take for their Text what is not in Scripture many much admiring the jejunenesse of his discourse as if putting off his parts when putting the Pall upon him 42. Now sate the second Parliament in this Queens Reigne
England reconciled to Rome wherein she parted with her Supremacy to the Pope and Poole by his power Legatine solemnly reconciled England to the Church of Rome that is set it at open oddes and enmity with God and his Truth Then did he dispense with much irregularity in severall persons confirming the Institution of Clergie-men in their Benefices legitimating the Children of forbidden marriages ratifying the Processes and Sentences in matters Ecclestasticall and his Dispensations were confirmed by Acts of Parliament as in the Statutes at large appear Then was Anthonie Brown Vicount Mountacute Thirleby Bishop of Eli and Sr. Edward Carne sent on a gratulatorie Embassie to Pope Paul the fourth to tender Englands thanks for his great favours conferred thereon A sad and certain presage of heavie persecution which immediately did ensue SECTION II. Anno. Dom. 1555 To Mr. THOMAS BOWYER of the Old Jury Merchant Anno Regin Mar. 3. YOu may with much joy peruse this sad story of Persecution presented unto you whose Grandfather Francis * * Afterward Sheriffe of London Anno. 1577. Bowyer brought no fewel to these flames but endeavoured to quench them The Church is indebted to him for saving reverend Dr. Alexander Nowel then School master of Westminster designed to Death by Bonner and sending him safe beyond the Seas Thus he laid a good foundation to which I impute the firm-standing of your family it being rare to see as in yours the third Generation in London living in the same Habitation May many more of the stock succeed in the same the desire of your obliged friend T F. 1. WE come now to set down those particular Martyrs that suffered in this Queens Reigne The disposing of the future matter But this point hath been handled already so curiously and copiously by Mr. Fox that his industry herein hath starved the endeavours of such as shall succeed him leaving nothing for their penns and pains to feed upon a Eccles 2. 12. For what can the man doe that cometh after the King even that which hath been already done saith Solomon And Mr. Fox appearing sole Emperour in this subject all posterity may despair to adde any remarkable discoveries which have escaped his observation Wherefore to handle this subject after him what is it but to light a candle to the Sunn or rather to borrow a metaphor from his book to kindle one single stick to the burning of so many faggots However that our pains may not wholy be wanting to the Reader herein we will methodize these Martyrs according to the several Diocesses and make on them some brief observations 2. In the Diocesse of Exeter containing Cornwall and Persecution in the Diocess of Exeter Devonshire I finde but one Martyr namely Agnes b Fox 2052. Priest condemned by William Stanford then Judge of the Assise of Lanceston but burned at Exeter The tranquility of these parts is truly imputed c Holinshed pag. 1309. to the good temper of James Turbervile the Bishop one as gentilely qualified as extracted and not so cruel to take away the lives from others as carefull to regain the lost livings to his Church and indeed he recovered to him and his successours the Fee-farme of the Manour of Crediton Yet to shew his sincerity in Religion that he might not seem to do nothing he dipp'd his fingers in this poor womans blood but did not afterwards wash his hands in the persecution of any other Protestant for ought we can finde in any history 3. The like quiet disposition of Gilbert Bourn In the Diocess of Bath and Wells Bishop of Bath and Wells secured Somerset shire Indeed he owed his life under God to the protection of a Protestant for Mr. Bradford at Pauls-crosse saved him from a dagger thrown at him in a tumult and this perchance made him the more tender to Protestants lives Yet in the Register of his Church we meet with one a Fox pag. 2004. Richard Lash condemned by him though his execution doth not appear and yet it is probable that this poor Isaac thus bound to the Altar was afterward sacrificed except some intervening Angel staied the stroak of the sword 4. So also the Diocess of Bristol In the Diocess of Bristol made up of Dorset-shire and part of Glocester-shire enjoyed much quietnesse John Holyman the Bishop did not for ought I can finde prophane himself with any barbarous cruelty But Mr. Dalby b Fox pag. 2052. his Chancellour as an active Lieutenant to a dull Captain sent three namely Richard Sharpe Thomas Benton and Thomas Hale to the stake at Bristol for the testimony of the truth This Dalby knowing himself to be low in parts and learning and despairing otherwise to appear in the world thought the onely way to recommend himself to mens notice was to do it by his cruelty 5. More sparks of persecution flew into the Diocess of Sarisbury In the Diocess of Sarisburie in Wiltshire and Barkshire under John Capon the Bishop and Dr. Geffray his Chancellour for this Dâ—eg was worse then Saul himself At Nubery he sent three Martyrs to heaven in the same charriot of fire c Fox pag. 1940. Jalius Palmer John Gâ—in and Thomas Askin Yea this was but a light flourish in respect of that great blow he intended had not heaven prevented him and many others of his bloody crew by the death of Queen Mary whereby to use Davids phrase God smote them d Psal 3. 7. on the cheek-bone and brake the teeth of the ungodly 6. In the Diocess of Winchester In the Diocess of Winchester consisting of Hantshire and Surrey I finde no great impression from Stephen Garainer the Bishop and much marvell thereat It may be this politician who managed his malice with cunning spared his own Diocess fox-like preying farthest from his own den Indeed he would often stay behind the traverse and send Bonner upon the stage free enough of himself without spurring to do mischief to act what he had contrived Yea I may say of Gardiner that he had an head if not an hand in the death of every eminent Protestant plotting though not acting their destruction And being Lord Chancellour of England he counted it his honour to flie at stout game indeed contriving the death of the Ladie Elizabeth and using to say that it was vain to strike at the branches whilest the roote of all Hereticks doth remain And this good Lady was appointed for the slaughter and brought to the shambles when the seasonable death of this butcher saved the sheep alive 7. However as bloody as he was for mine own part The Authours gratitude to Stephen Gardiner I have particular gratitude to pay to the memory of this Stephen Gardiner and here I solemnly tender the same It is on the account of Mrs. Clarke my great Grandmother by my mothers side whose husband rented Farnham-Castle a place whither Bishop Gardiner retired in Surrey as belonging
credit is to be given to their conceit who ascribe the following tranquillity of this Diocess to Bishop Watson Whites successour therein because he was a man so buried in the speculations of School-Divinity that it unactiv'd him to be practical in persecution I say again both these reasons amount not to any partiall cause of the peace of this Diocess For we know full well that after the coming in of Queen Elizabeth this White and this Watson discovered keenness and fiercenesse of spirit against Her more then any other Bishops in so much that they threatned Her with an excommunication I conceive the true cause was this Lincolne Diocess in the Reign of Henry the eighth had borne the heat of the day when Buckingham-shire alone as we have formerly a Lib. 4. Cent. 16. Parag. 2. observed afforded more Martyrs then all England beside God therefore thought it fit that other Diocesses should now take their turnes that this of Lincolne harraged out before should now lie fallow whilest other Countries like rest-ground should suffer persecution whereon indeed the plowers plowed and made long furrows 17. The Diocesses of Oxford Quiet in foure Diocesses Glocester Hereford and Worcester under their respective Bishops Robert Kinge James Brook Robert Parfew and Richard Pates enjoyed much quiet It being true of them what is said of Judea Galilee and Samaria after the conversion of b Acts. 9. 31. Paul Then hid the Churches rest throughout all those places This principally flowed from Gods gracious goodnesse who would not have all places at once equally embroyled It is not fit that all the rooms in the house should onely be chimney furnace or oven but that it should also afford some other places for quiet repose And yet I wonder much that we finde no fire and very little smoke in Glocester-shire seeing Brook the Bishop thereof is c Isaaâ—sons Chronologie of Bishops pag 477. charactered to be A great Persecutor of Protestants Indeed his fury spent it self most abroad who either being or accounting himself a great Scholar stickled much at Oxford against Arch-Bishop Cranmer pretending himself to be a Commissioner immediately Delegate from the Pope and venting his malice against that good Prelate in two Orations onely remarkable for their length and bitterness 18. Ralph Baynes was Bishop of Coventrie In the Diocess of 〈…〉 and Lichfield late Professour of Hebrew in Paris who also a 〈…〉 pag 759. wrote a Comment on the Proverbs and dedicated it to Francis the first King of France Sure I am he forgat a passage of Solomons therein Prov. 14. 21. But he that hath mercy on the poor happy is â—e This Baines proving a blodie persecutour of Gods poor servants in his Jurisdiction The gentile birth and breeding of Mrs. Joyce Lewes was not too high for him to reach at and the poor condition of Joan Wast a blinde woman in Darbie was not too low for him to stoop to condemning them both to death In the Diocess of Yorke with many other faithfull witnesses of the truth 19. The Arch-Bishoprick of Yorke enjoyed much peace and tranquillity under D r. Nicolas Heath a meek and conscientious man It is enough to intimate his moderate temper equal and disingaged from violent extremities that Primo Elizabethae in the Disputation between the Papists and Protestants he was chosen by the Privie Councel one of the Moderatours And as he shewed mercy in prosperity he found it in adversity in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth though depos'd from his dignity repos'd in a peacable quietnesse So that his impotent age might rather seem seasonably eased of troublesome greatnesse than abridged of any requisites for his comfortable supportation 20. D r. Cotes was Bishop of Chester In the Diocess of Chester who washed his hands in the blood of M r. George March burnt at Chester At whose execution I understand not the addition of a pitch'd barrell placed above his head certainly to enflame the flame but whether out of kindnesse to hasten his death or cruelty to encrease his pain I dare not decide Sure I am Cotes died soon after and Cuthberi Scot succeeded in his Bishoprick one very busie about the burning of Buâ—â—rs body in Cambridge but otherwise I finde no persecution raised by him in his own Diocess 21. The Bishoprick of Durham had Halcyon dayes of ease Peace in the Bishoprick of Durham and quiet under God and good Cuthbert Tonstall the Bishop thereof A learned man of a sweet disposition rather devout to follow his own than cruel to persecute the conscience of others Indeed he being present in London at the examination of divers Martyrs would sometimes flie out in base and unbeseeming language as when he called Bishop Hooper beast for being married yet his passion herein may the rather be pardoned because politickly presumed to barke the more that he might bite the lesse as appeared by his courteous carriage in his own Diocess For I meet with the marginal note in b Volum 3. pag. 9581. M r. Fox which indeed justly deserved even in the fairest letters to be inserted in the body of his book Note that Bishop Tonstall in Queen Maries time was no great bloody persecutor For M r. Russel a Preacher was before him and D r. Himner his Chancellour would have had him examined more particularly The Bishop slayed him saying Hitherto we have had a good report among our neighbours I pray you bring not this mans blood upon my head But more of this Cuthbert Tonstall hereafter And of Carlile 22. The Diocess also of Carlile was not molested with any great troubles under Owen Oglethorp the Bishop thereof one qualified with a moderate temper It argueth no lesse because afterward he crowned Queen Elizabeth an office which all other Bishops then stiffly denied to performe But to speak plain English though the peaceableness of these northerne Bishopricks procceded partly from the mildeness of those that sate in the Episcopal chairs thereof yet it must be remembred that even want of matter for persecution to work on conduced much to the peace of those places The beams of the Gospel being neither so bright nor so hot in these parts where ignorance and superstition generally prevailed 23. The same may be said of all Wales The singulaâ—rity of the B. of Landaffe where casting over our eye we discover no considerable persecution under the Bishops of Asaph and Bangor But as for the Bishop of Landaffe his proceedings against good Raulins White whom he caused to be burnt at Cardiffe was remarkable as standing alone without precedent For He caused his Chaplain to say a mass the first I beleeve that found out and last that used that way for the conversion of the said Rawlins though the same proved ineffectuall 24. But D r. Morgan The cruelty of the B. of Bangor Bishop of S t. Davids is paramount for his cruelty passing the sentence of condemnation on Robert
upon his men playing at bowls was upon a sudden strook with a palsy had thence to his death-bed and being advised by some to remember God yea so I do saith he and my Lord Cardinal too D r. Gesserte the bloodie Chancellour of Sarisburie died suddenly on a Saturday the day before he had appointed moe than ninety persons to be examined by inquisition M r. Woodrosse that cruell Sheriffe of London being but a week out of his office was so striken by the hand of God that for seven yeers space till his dying-day he was not able to move himself in his bed Burton the cruell Bailie of Crowland was poisoned to death with the stinch of a crowes dung muting on his face What shall I speak of Dale the Promoter eaten up with lice Alexander the Keeper of Newgate consumed with offensive rottenness Robert Balding smitten with lightning at the taking of William Seaman Clarke who hang'd himself in the Tower with many moe So that we may conclude with the prophecie of a Deut. 32. 43. Moses Rejoyce O ye nations with his people for he will avenge the blood of his servants and will render vengeance to his adversaries and will be mercifull unto his land and to his people 38. And now What use to be made of the Martyrs sufferings to take our leaves of those Martyrs what remains but 1. That we glorifie God in and for their patience b Matth. 9. 8. who had given such power unto men 2. That we praise God that true doctrine at this day may be professed at an easier rate then in that age In Faires and Markets for the most part commodities are sold dearest in the morning which towards evening may be bought at a lower price Sure I am they paid most for the Protestant-Religion at the dawning of the day from Popery life or limbe was the lowest price thereof which since may be purchased at a cheaper pennie-worth 3. That we embrace and defend that doctrine which they sealed with their lives and as occasion shall be offered to vindicate and assert their memories from such scandalous tongues and penns as have or shall traduce them 39. It is inconsistent with our History Parsons his Cavill against the Martyrs calling answered here to enter the lists with that railing book which Parsons the Jesuite hath made against those good Martyrs Onely be it remembred that his Cavill-General is chiefly at their calling because they were most Mechanicks Weavers Shooe-makers c. An exception lying as well against just Joseph a Carpenter hospital Simon a Tanner zealous Aquila and Priscilla Tent-makers attentive Lydia a purple-seller And is it not injurious to inferr their piety to be less because their painfulness was more If it be farther objected that it is improbable that these fillie souls should be more illuminated with knowledge than the great Doctours of the Romish Church know that Christs birth was revealed to the c Luke 2. 1. shepherds in their calling watching their flocks by night and concealed from the Priests and Pharisees the pretended shepheards of Israel and God might give more light to these industrious artificers than to their idle Masters of Arts. 40. Behold your calling saith the Apostle how not manie wise men after the flesh c. Poverty and piety oft goe together But God hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise 1 Cor. 1. 26 27. And allwayes in time of persecution the Church is like a copse which hath in it more under-wood than oakes For great men consult with their safety and whilest the poorer sort as having little to lose boldly embrace religion with both armes the rich too often do only behold it at distance with a smiling countenance but dare not adventure to entertain it except with very great secrecie We conclude all with this observation that such Martyrs as were artificers by their vocation humbly continued in the station wherein Divine Providence had placed them none presuming as too many now adayes to invade the ministeriall function not adventuring to preach save onely that their real Sermon of patience at their death 41. So much for the first forme A Catalogue of Confessours with their places of refuge of Christians in those dayes which were martyr'd A second sort succeeds of such who being Confessours for the Faith fled into forrain parts from persecution This their removall is not onely defended from cowardize but warranted for Christian Policy by our Saviours a Mat. 10 23. precept But when they persecute you in this City flee into another Had all fled Religion had been at a losse for champions to defend her for the present had none fled Religion might have been at a loss for champions to maintain her for the future We will give in a particular both of such eminent persons and of the places wherein they were entertained Partly that such places may receive their deserved praise for their hospitality to exiles and partly that our harbouring the banished Dutch flying many yeers after from the cruelty of Duke d' Alva in London Norwich Canterbury Colchester and Sandwich may appear not so much the giving of a free and fair curtesie as the honest paying of a due debt and wiping off an old score runn on trust by our great-grand-fathers Som seated themselves at 1. Emden in East-Frizland a Staple-Town of English Merchants I finde neither the names nor number of those that harboured here only it appears that John Scorie late bishop of Chicester was here Superintendent of the English Congregation in Emden 2. Weasel then in the Dominions as I take it of the Duke of Cleve but bordering on the Low-Countries in the possession of the King of Spaine The English meeting here was rather a Chappel then a Church or rather a Tabernacle then a Chappel because soon set up and as suddenly taken down again For they who formerly had fled so farr from Mary were now loth to live too neer to Philip and for fear of so potent a neighbour quickly forsook this place and disposed themselves elsewhere in these four following Church Colonies 3. Arrow a Troubles of Franksord printed Anno. 1575. pag 185. a small city in Switzerland on the banks of the River Arrola belonging to the Republique of Berne The most noted men abiding here were Thomas Leaver Robert poumall Richard Laughorne Thomas Turpin Boys Willford Vpchaire 4. Strasburgh where they found most courteous entertainment The most eminent English abiding here as may be collected from their solemne b Tr. of Fr. pag. 23. joynt-subscription to a letter were James Haddon Edwin Sandys Edmond Grindal John Huntington Guido Eaten John Geoffrey John Peader Thomas Eaten Michael Reymuger Augustine Bradbridge Arthur Saule Thomas Steward Christopher Goodman Humsrey Alcocson Thomas Thomas Lakin Crafton 5. Zurich This was no formed Congregation of Pastours and people but rather a flock of Shepheards and therefore the letters unto them
of Warning The Protestants triumph on the other side seeing besides that both sides were warned at the same time that Party sent a challenge and gave the first defiance in their late Declaration and now it was Senselesse in them to complain that they were set upon unawares That if the truths were so clear as they pretended and their learning so great as was reputed little Study in this Case was required That Bacon was appointed Moderator not to decide the matters Controverted but to regulate the manner of their Disputation whereunto his known Gravity and Discretion without deep learning did sufficiently enable him That it was an old Policy of the Papists to account every thing fundamentall in Religion which they were loth should be removed and that the receiving of erroneous principles into the Church without examination had been the mother of much ignorance and security therein For the preventing of the farther growth whereof no fitter means then an unpartiall reducing of all Doctrines to the triall of the Scriptures that their declining the Disputation manifested the badnesse of their Cause seeing no pay-master will refuse the touch or scales but such as suspect their Gold to be base or light That formerly Papists had disputed those points when power was on their side so that they loved to have Syllogisms in their mouths when they had swords in their hands 14. It remaineth now Nine Bishops now dead that we acquaint the reader how the popish Bps. were disposed of who now fell under a 4. fold division 1 Dead 2 Fled 3 Deprived 4 Continued There were nine of the first sort who were of the Death-gard of Q. Mary as expiring either a little before her decease viz. John Capon Robert Parfew Maurice Griffin William Glyn. B p. of Sarisbury Hereford Rochester Bangor These were Q. Mary her Vshers to her grave Or a little after her departure as Riegnald Pole John Hopton John Brookes John Holyman Henry Morgan B p. of Canterbury Norwich Glocester Bristol S. Davids These were Q. Maries trainbearers to the same 15. Three only made their flight beyond the seas Three fled beyond the Seas namely 1. Thomas Goldwell of S t. Asaph who ran to Rome and there procured of the Pope the renewing of the indulgences for a set time to such as superstitiously repaired to the well of S t. Winnifride 2. Cuthert Scot of Chester who afterwards lived and died at Lovain 3. Richard Pates of Worcester whose escape was the rather connived at because being a moderate Man he refused to persecute any Protestant for his difference in religion 16. Be it here remembred 〈…〉 that the See of Worcester had nine Bishops successively whereof The four first being all Italians none of them lived there The five last Latimer Bel Heath Hooper Pates none of them died there as either resigning removed or deprived and all five were alive together in the raigne of Q. Mary As for Pates we finde him thus subscribing the councell of Trent Richardus Patus Episcopus Wigorniensis under-writing only in his private and personall capacity having otherwise no deputation as in any publick imployment 17. The third sort succeeds The rest restrained of such who on the refusall of the oath of supremacy were all deprived though not restrained alike Bonner was imprisoned in the Marshalsea a Jaile beeing conceived the safest place to secure him from peoples fury every hand itching to give a good squeeze to that Spunge of Blood White and Watson Bishops of Winchester and Lincoln died in durance their liberty being inconsistent with the Queens safety whom they threatned to excommunicate 18. As for Bishop Tonstal and Thyrlby they were committed to Arch-Bishop Parker Here they had sweet chambers soft beds warme fires plentifull and wholsome diet each Bishop faring like an Arch-Bishop as fed at his table differing nothing from their former living save that that was on their own charges and this on the cost of another Indeed they had not their wonted attendance of supperfluous Servants nor needed it seeing a long train doth not warme but weary the wearer thereof They lived in 〈◊〉 custody and all things considered custody did not so soure their freedome as freedome did sweeten their custody 19. The rest though confin'd for a while soon found the favour to live Prisoners on their Parole Some living in their own Houses having no other Jaylour than their own promise Thus Poole of Peterburgh Turbervile of Exeter c. lived in their own or their friends houses The like liberty was allowed tho Heath Arch-Bishop of Yorke who like another Abiathar * 1 King 2. 26. sent home by Solomon to his own fields in Anathoth lived cheerfully at Chobham in Surry where the Queen often courteously visited him 20. Popish writers would perswade people Cruelty causelessly complainâ—d of that these Bishops were cruelly used in their prisons should their hyperbolicall expressions be received as the just measure of truth Carceribus varijsque cusodiis commissi longo miseriarum taedio extincti sunt De Schism Ang. pag. 335. saith Sanders Confessor obiit in vmculis saith Pitzeus of White A great cry and a little pain Many of our poor Protestants in the Marian dayes said lesse and suffered more They were not sent into a complementall custody but some of them thrust into the prison of a prison where the Sun shined as much to them at mid-night as-at noon-day Whereas Abbot Feckenham of Westminster who as a Parliamentary Baron may goe in equipage with the other Bishops may be an instance how well the Papists were used after their deprivation For He grew Popular * Camdens Eliz. in hoc Anno. for his alms to the poor which speaks the Queens bounty to Him in enabling him a prisoner to be bountifull to others 21. Onely one Bishop conformed himself to the Queens commands One Bishop continued and was continued in his place viz. Anthony Kitchin alias Dunstan of Landaffe Camden calls him Sedis sâ—ae calamitatem The bane of his Bishoprick wasting the lands thereof by letting long leases as if it were given to Binominous Bishops such as had two Names to be the empairers of their Churches as may appear by these 4. contemporaries in the raigne of K. Henry the 8. John Capon John Voisey Robert Parfew Anthony Kitchin alias Salcot Harman Warton Dunstan spoiled Sarisbury Exeter S t. Asaph Landaffe I know what is pleaded for them that Physicians in desperate consumptions prescribe the shaving of the Head which will grow again to save the life and that these Bishops fearing the finall alienation of their lands passed long leases for the prevention thereof though whether Policy or Covetousnesse most shared in them herein we will not determine Only I finde a mediate successour * Godwin in the Bps. of Landaffe of Kitchins and therefore concerned to be knowing therein much excusing him from this common defamation of wronging his See because many
any thing may create to it self a top or rester of a pulpit thereof though the like thereunto may be seen elsewhere in the city But that this lie of the naggs-head was bred in a knaves brains doth plainly appear For why should a rich man be a thief seeing all Churches in England were equally open unto them to pick and choose at pleasure why should they steal a clandestine consecration in a place so justly obnoxious to censure Were not the Canaâ—nites and Perizzites then in the land Were not many prying Papists then mingled amongst Protestants which consideration alone would command them to be cautious in their proceedings Besides that mock-pulpit shewen at this day at the entrance of that tavern was inconsistent with the secrecie which is said to be their designe who would rather have made choice of an inner and more remote roome for that purpose But when once one Jesuite had got this shamelesse lie of the Nâ—ggshead I can not say by the taile but by the ears instantly Champnâ—y â—itzSimon Persons Killison Constable and all the whole kennell of them baule it out in their books to all posterity 28. All the authority the Papists produce for their Naggs-head-Consecration Neale's testimony the sole witnesse thereof confuted is ultimately resolved into the single testimony of one Thomas Neale Chaplaine to Bishop Bonner and sometimes Hebrew-Professour in Oxford But was this Neale known or unknown to the Bishops pretended in this taverne-assembly If known as most probable he was Bonners Chaplains bearing their Masters marke the indeleble character of cruelty stamped upon them as the Wolfe is too well known to the sheep it is utterly unlikely they would permit a person vowing open opposition to their proceedings to be present thereat If Neale were unknown the English Bishops whom the Papists though they call Hereticks do not count fools would not admit a stranger to their privacies of such importance seeing commonly in such cases mens jealousies interpret every unknown face to be a foe unto them 29. A silent witness pretended in vain To the testimony of Neale a Champuius pag. 5â—1 one endeavours to twist the witness of John Stow to prove this Nags-head-consecration A silent wittness who says nothing herein if either we consult his Chronicle of our Kings or his Survey of London he neither speaks words nor makes any signes thereof But saith the Jesuite Stow though prudently omitting to print it told the same to some of his private friends I pray to whom where and when and what credible witnesses do attest it Be it referr'd to the ingenuity of our very adversaries whether their bare surmises without any proof be to be believed before the publique Records faithfully taken when the thing was done carefully preserved ever since intirely extant at this day and truly transcribed here by us Besides Charles Howard Earle of Nottingham not more famous for the Coronet of a Count than the crown of old age alive in the later end of the Reigne of King James being requested of a friend whether he could remember Matthew Parkers consecration gave an exact account of the same solemnly performed in Lambeth Chappel being himself an eyewitness thereof and an invited guest to the great feast kept there that day therefore the more observant of all particular passages thereat because the said Arch-Bishop was related to him as a kinsman Let such as desire further satisfaction herein consult learned b 〈…〉 Mason whom King James justly termed a wise builder in Gods house who hath left no stones unturn'd to clear the truth and stop the mouth of malicious adversaries Let the Papists therefore not be so busie to cast durt on our Bishops but first fall on washing the face of their own Pope even John the twelv'th whom an excellent c Luisprandus lib. 6. cap. 7. authour reporteth to have ordained a Deacon in a stable for which two Cardinals reproved him And let these three stories be told together that the Empress Hellen was the daughter of an Hostler that Arch-Bishop Cranmer himself was an Hostler and that our first Bps. in Queen Elizabeths dayes were consecrated in the Naggs-head I say let these three be told together because wise and good men will believe them together as all comming forth of the forge of falsehood and malice 30. Now though we are not to gratifie our Adversaries with any Advantages against us Sees supplied with Protestant Bishops yet so confident is our innocence herein that It may acquaint the world with that small foundation on which this whole report was bottom'd Every Arch-Bishop or Bishop presents himself in bow-Bow-Church accompanied thither with Civilians where any shall be heard who can make any legall exceptions against his Election A Dinner * This the Lord Chancellour Egerton assumed to Bishop Williams was provided for them at the Naggs-head in Cheapside as convenient for the Vicinity thereof and from this Sparke hath all this Fire been kindled to admonish posterity not only to do no evil but also in this Captious Age to refrain from all appearance thereof 31. Parker thus solemnly consecrated proceeded with the assistance of the aforesaid Bishops to the consecration of other grave Divines and not as Sanders lewdly lies that these new elected Bishops out of good fellowship mutually consecrated one another some whereof were put into Bishopricks void By the Natural death as Sarisbury Rochester Glocester Bristol Bangor or Voluntary desertion as Worcester and S t. Asaph or Legal deprivation of the former Bishops as all other Sees in England Suffice it at this time to present a present Catalogue of their names Anno Regin Eliza. 1. Sees with the dates of their consecrations Anno Dom. 1558. referring their commendable characters to be set down when we come to their respective deaths Province of Canterbury 1. Edward Grindal 2. Richard Cox 3. Edwin Sandys 4. Rowland Merick 5. Nicolas Bullingham 6. John Jewell 7. Thomas Young 8. Richard Davies 9. Thomas Bentham 10. Gilbert Barclay 11. Edmond Gwest 12. William Alley 13. Iohn Parkhurst 14. Robert Horne 15. Edmond Scambler 16. Richard Cheiney consecrated London Decem. 21. 1559. Elie Decem. 21. 1559. Worcester Decem. 21. 1559. Bangor Decem. 21. 1559. Lincolne Janu. 21. 1559. Sarisbury Janu. 21. 1556. S. Davids Janu. 21. 1559. S. Asaph Janu. 21. 1559. Coven Lichfield Mar. 24. 1559. Bath and Wells Mar. 24. 1559. Rochester Mar. 24. 1559. Exeter July 14. 1560. Norwich Sept. 1. 1560. Winchester Feb. 16. 1560. Peterburgh Feb. 16. 1560. Glocester Apr. 19. 1562. Province of Yorke 1. Thomas Young translated from S t. Davids to Yorke 2. James Pilkington 3. John Best 4. George Downham consecrated Feb. 20. 1560. Durham Mar. 2. 1560. Carlile Mar. 2. 1561. Chester May 4. 1561. The other Bishopricks were thus disposed of Richard Cheiney held Bristol in Commendam with Glocester Barlow and Scory Bishops in King Edward's dayes were translated the one to Chicester the other to
Hereford As for the Bishoprick of Oxford as it was void at this time so it continued for some years after 32. We must not forget how the Bishoprick of Carlile was first profered to Bernard Gilpin Mr. Gilpin refuseth the Bishoprick of Carlile that Patriarchal Divine Rectour of Houghton in the North as may appear by the ensuing letter of Edwin a Found amongst Mr. Gilpins papers after his death Sandys Bishop of Worcester wrote unto him MY much and worthily respected Cozen having regard unto the good of the Church of Christ rather than to your ease I have by all the good means I could been carefull to have this charge imposed upon you which may be both an honour to your self and a benefit to the Church of Christ My true report concerning you hath so prevailed with the Queens Majesty that she hath nominated you Bishop of Carlile I am not ignorant that your inclination rather delighteth in the peaceable tranquillity of a private life But if you look upon the estate of the Church of England with a respective eye you cannot with a good conscience refuse this charge imposed upon you so much the less because it is in such a place as wherein no man is found fitter then your self to deserve well of the Church In which respect I charge you before God and as you shall answer to God herein that setting all excuses aside you refuse not to assist your Countrie and to do service to the Church of God to the uttermost of your power Anno Dom. 1557. In the meanwhile I give you to understand Anno Regin Eliza. 1. that the said Bishoprick is to be left untouched neither shall any thing of it be diminished as in some others it is a custom but you shall receive the Bishoprick entire as D r. Oglethorp hath left it Wherefore exhorting and charging you to be obedient to Gods call herein and not to neglect the duty of our own calling I commend both your self and the whole business to the Divine Providence Your Kinsman and Brother Edwin Worcester But M r. Gilpin desired to be excused continuing unmoveable in his resolution of refusall Not that he had any disaffection to the office as some do believe themselves and would willingly perswade others but because as he privately confess'd to his a B. Carleton in Gilpins life pag. 80. friends he had so much kindred about Carlile at whom he must either connive in many things not without hurt to himself or else deny them not without offence to them To avoid which difficulties he refused the Bishoprick It was afterward bestowed as in our Catalogue on D r. Iohn Best a grave and learned Divine But whether on the same terms without any diminution to the Church my b Idem pag. 81. authour knew not leaving us under a shrewd suspicion of the negative 33. If any demand of me Why Barlow and Scory were not restored to their former Bishopricks conjectured why Barlow formerly Bishop of Bath and Wells and Scory Bishop of Chicester were not rather restored to their own than translated to other Bishopricks As certainly I do not know so willingly I will not guess at the cause thereof though I have leasure to listen to the conjectures of others herein Some impute it to their own desires preferring faire paper before what was soiled with their ill successe rather to begin on a new account than to renew their reckoning with those Bishopricks where they had been interrupted with persecution Others ascribe it to the Queen herein shewing her absolute power of disposition and transposition of all Prelates at Her pleasure crossing Her hands and translating Scory from Chichester to Hereford Barlow from Bath and Wells to Chichester A third sort resolve it on a point of the Queens frugality a vertue needfull in a Princess coming to a Crown in Her condition to get new first-fruits by their new translations which otherwise would not accrue by their restitutions Sure I am none of these Conjecturers were either of the Bedehamber or Councâ—ll-Board to the Queen acquainted with Her intentions herein 34. As for Miles Coverdale Why Coverdale resumed not his Bishoprick of Exeter formerly Bishop of Exeter he never returned to his See but remained a private Minister to the day of his death Indeed it was true of him what is said of others c Amos 4. 11. He was as a fire-brand pluckt out of the burning being designed to death by Queen Mary had not the seasonable and importunate intercession of Frederick King of Denmarke redeemed him And although his dissenting in judgement from some ceremonies in our Discipline is generally alledged as the cause of his not returning to his Bishoprick yet more probable it is it was caused by his impotencie as may appear by his Epitaph which here we have thought fit to insert as I took it from the brass-inscription of his marble-stone under the Communion-Table in the Chancell of S t. Bartholomews behinde the Exchange Hic tandem requiemque ferens Anno Dom. 1558. finemque laborum Ossa Coverdalis mortua tumbus habet Exoniae qui Praesul crat dignissimus olim Insignis vitae vir probitate suae Octoginta annos grandaevus vixit unum Indignum passus saepius exilium Sic demum variis jactatum casibus ista Excepit gremio terra benigna suo Obiit 1568. Jan. 20. Now if Coverdale Anno 1568. was fourscore and one year of age then at this very time when he consecrated Parker was he seventy two years old passing with Iesse a 1 Sa. 26. 12. for an old man yea he had passed the b Psal 90. age of man and therefore henceforward finding himself fitter for devotion than action refused the resumption of his Bishoprick 35. So much for the Bishops Meane Ministers in this age as appears by Mr. Tavernours Sermon As for the inferiour Clergy under them the best that could be gotten were placed in pastoral charges Alas tolerability was eminency in that age A rush-candle seemed a torch where no brighter light was er'e seen before Surely preaching now ran very low if it be true what I read that M r. Tavernour of Water-Eaton in Oxford-shire High-Sheriffe of the County came in pure charity not ostentation and gave the Scholars a Sermon in S t. Maries with his gold chain about his neck and his sword by his side beginning with these words c In the preface to St. Iohn Cheeks book called the true Subject to the Rebell printed at Oxford 1641. Arriving at the mount of S t. Maries in the stony stage where I now stand I have brougt you some fine biskets baked in the oven of charity and carefully conserved for the chickens of the Church the sparrows of the Spirit and the sweet swallows of salvation If England in our memory hath been sensible of a perfective alteration in her Churches if since she hath seen more learning in
the peoples pews than was then generally in the Readers deske yea Preachers Pulpit let God be more glorified in it men more edified by it seeing of late the Universities have afforded moe vine-dressers than the Country could yeeld them vineyards Yea let us be jealous over our selves with a godly jealousie lest our ingratitude make us to relapse into the like ignorance and barbarisme For want of bread was not so much the suffering of those dayes as fulness thereof hath lately been the sin of ours 36. Great abuses being offered to the monuments of the dead A Proclamation against defaeers of Monuments in Churches the Queen thought fitting seasonably to retrench the increase of such impieties And although her Proclamation being printed the printing of Her name thereunto had been of as much validity in it self and of far more ease to Her Majesty yet to manifest Her Princely zeal therein She severally signed each copie and those numerous to be dispers'd thoroughout all Her Dominions with Her own hand And seeing Shee begrutched not Her pains to superscribe Her name I shall not think much of mine to transcribe the whole Proclamation Elizabeth THe Queens Majesty understanding Anno Dom. 1559. that by the means of sundry people Anno Regin Eliza. 2. partly ignorant This Proclamation was printed at London in Pauls Church-yard by Rich. Jagg and John Cawood 〈◊〉 to the Queen partly malitious or covetous there hath been of â—â—te yeers spoiled and broken certain ancient Monuments some of metall some of stone which were erected up as well in Churches as in other publike places within this Realme only to shew a memory to the posterity of the persons there buried or that had been benefactours to the building or dotations of the same Churches or publique places and not tonourish any kinde of superstition By which means not only the Churches and places remain at this present day spoiled broken and ruinated to the offence of all noble and gentle hearts and the extinguishing of the honourable and good memory of sundry vertuous and noble persons deceased but also the true understanding of divers families in this Realm who have descended of the blood of the same persons deceased is thereby so darkened as the true course of their inheritance may be hereafter interrupted contrary to justice besides many other offences that do hereof ensue to the slander of such as either gave or had charge in times past only to deface monuments of idolatry and false fained images in Churches and Abbeys And therefore although it be very hard to recover things broken and spoiled yet both to provide that no such barbarous disorder be hereafter used and to repaire as much of the said monuments as conveniently maybe Her Majesty chargeth and commandeth all maner of persons hereafter to forbear the breaking or defacing of any parcell of any monument or tombe or grave or other inscription and memory of any person deceased being in any manner of place or to break any image of Kings Princes or Nobles Estates of this Realme or of any other that have been in times past erected and set up for the only memory of them to their posterity in common Churches and not for any religious honour or to break down and deface any image in glass-windows in any Churches without consent of the Ordinarie upon pain that whosoever shall be herein found to offend to be committed to the next Goale and there to remain without baile or mainprise unto the next coming of the Justices for the delivery of the said Goale and then to be farther punished by fine or imprisonment besides the restitution or reedification of the thing broken as to the said Justices shall seem meet using therein the advice of the Ordinary and if need shall be the advice of Her Majesties Councell in Her Starr-Chamber And for such as be already spoiled in any Church or Chappell now standing Her Majesty chargeth and commandeth all arch-Arch-Bishops Bishops and other Ordinaries or Ecclesiastical persons which have authority to visit the Churches or Chappels to enquire by presentments of the Curates Church-wardens and certain of the parishioners what manner of spoâ—les have been made sithence the beginning of Her Majesties raigne of such monuments and by whom and if the persons be living how able they be to repair and readifie the same and thereupon to convent the same persons and to enjoyn them under pain of Excommunication to repair the same by a convenient day or otherwise as the cause shall farther require to notifie the same to Her Majesties Councell in the Sarr-chamber at Westminster And if any such be found and convicted thereof not able to repair the same that then they be enjoyned to do open pennance two or three times in the Church as to the quality of the crime and party belongeth under the like pain of excommunication And if the party that offended be dead and the Executours of the Will left having sufficient in their hands unadministred and the offence notorious the Ordinarie of the place shall also enjoyn them to repair or reedifie the same upon like or any other convenient pain to be devised by thesaid Ordinarie And when the offender cannot be presented if it be in any Cathedral or Collegiate Church which hath any revenue belonging to it that is not particularly allotted to the sustentation of any person certain or otherwise but that it may remain in the discretion of the governour thereof to bestow the same upon any other charitable deed as mending of high-wayes or such like Her Majesty enjoyneth and straitly chargeth the governours and companies of every such Church to employ such parcels of the said sums of mony as any wise may be spared upon the speedy repaire or reedification of any such monuments so defaced or spoiled as agreeable to the original as the same conveniently may be And where the covetousness of certain persons is such that as Patrons of Churches or owners of the personages impropriated or by some other colour or pretence they do perswade with the Parson and Parishioners to take or throw down the bells of Churches and Chappels and the lead of the same converting the same to their private gain and to the spoils of the said places and make such like alterations as thereby they seek a slanderous desolation of the places of prayer Her Majesty to whom in the right of the Crown by the ordinance of Almighty God and by the laws of this Realme the defence and protection of the Church of this Realme belongeth doth expressly forbid any manner of person to take away any bells or lead of any Church or Chappel under pain of imprisonment during Her Majesties pleasure and such farther fine for the contempt as shall be thought meet And Her Majesty chargeth all Bishops and Ordinaries to enquire of all such contempts done from the beginning of Her Majesties raigne and to enjoyn the persons offending to repair the same within a
in her Religion And yet some not more knowing of Councells but more daring in Conjectures than others who love to feiga what they cannot finde that they may never appear to be at a loss avouch that the Pope promised to revoke the Sentence against her mother Anne Bollens marriage to confirme our English Lithurgie by his authority to permit the English the Communion under both kinds provided she would own the Popes Primacy and cordially unite her self to the Catholike Church Yea some thousands of Crowns but all in vain were promised to the effectors thereof wherein his holinesse seemingly liberal was really thrifty as knowing such his Sums if accepted would within one year return with an hundred fold increase 41. Scipio a Gentleman of Venice The contents of Scipio his Letter to Mr. Iewell formerly familiar with M r. Jewel whilst he was a student in Padua wrot now an expostulating letter unto Him being lately made Bishop of Sarisbury Wherein he much admired that England should send no Embassadour nor message or letter to excuse their Nations absence from the general appearance of Christianity in the Sacred Councell of Trent He highly extolled the antiquity and use of General Councels as the only means to decide controversies in Religion and compose the distractions in the Church concluding it a Superlative Sin for any to decline the authority thereof 42. To this M r. Jewel returned a large and solemn answer Anno Dom. 1563. Now although he wrote it as a private person Anno Regin Eliza. 5. yet because the subject thereof was of publick concernment The sum of Mr. Jewels answer take the principall Heads thereof a See it at large at the end of the History of the Councell of Trent First That a great part of the world professing the name of Christ as Greeks Armenians Abessines c. with all the Eastern Church were neither sent to nor summoned to this Councell Secondly That Englands absence was not so great a wonder seeing many other kingdoms and free-states as Denmarke Sweden Scotland Princes of Germany and Hanse-Towns were not represented in this Councel by any of their Embassadors Thirdly That this pretended Councell was not called according to the ancient custome of the Church by the Imperiall Authority but by Papall usurpation Fourthly That Trent was a petty place not of sufficient receit for such multitudes as necessarily should repair to a generall Councell Fifthly That Pope Pius the fourth by whose command the Councel was re-assembled purchased his place by the unjust practises of Simony and bribery and managed it with murder and Cruelty Sixthly That repairing to Councells was a free-act and none ought to be condemned of Contumacy if it stood more with their conveniency to stay at home Seventhly That anciently it was accepted as a reasonable excuse of holy Bishops absenting or withdrawing themselves from any Councell if they vehemently suspected ought would be acted therein prejudiciall to the Truth lest their though not active included concurrence might be interpreted a countenancing thereof Eightly Our English Bishops were imployed in feeding their flocks and governing their Churches and could not be spared from their charge without prejudice to their consciences Ninthly The members of the Councell of Trent both Bishops and Abbots were by oath pregaged to the Pope to defend and maintain his authority against all the world Lastly in what capacity should the English Clergy appear in this Councell They could not as free-persons to debate matters therein beeing pre-condemned for Hereticks by Pope Julius They would not come as Offendors to hear the Sentence pronounced against themselves which they had heard of before What effect this Letter produced I finde not sure I am no Papists as yet have made an effectuall refutation of the reasons rendered therein 43. The Bells of S t. Peters in Westminster had strangely rung the changes these last thirty yeers Westminster Col. Church re-sounded by Q Eliz. Within which time first it was a stately and rich Covent of Benedictine Monks Secondly it was made a Collegiate Church of Dean and Prebendaries by King Henry the eighth Thirdly by the same King is was made an Episcopall See and Thomas Thirby who having roasted the Churches Patrimony surrendred it to the spoile of Courtiers the first and last Bishop thereof Fourthly Queen Mary re-seated the Abbot and Monks in the possession thereof who were outed after her Death Lastly this yeer Queen Elizabeth converted it again into a Collegiate Church founding therein maintenance for one Dean twelve Prebendaries as many old souldiers past service for Almsmen and fourty Scholars who in due time are preferred to the Universities so that it hath proved one of the most renowned Seminaries of Religion and learning in the whole nation 44. Pope Pius though unsuccessfull in his addresses last yeer to the Queen 1561 yet was not so disheartened The Pope trieth again in â—am to reduce the Queen but that once more he would try what might be effected therein To which purpose he imployed the Abbot of Martinegi with most loving letters unto her desiring leave to come over into England But the Queen knowing it less difficulty and danger to keep him Anno Dom. 1562. then to cast him out of her Dominions forbad his entrance into the Realme as against the Laws of the Land So that he was fain to deliver his Errand and receive his answer and that a deniall at distance in the Low-Countries As little successe had the Bishop of Viterbo the Popes Nuncio to the King of France secretly dealing with S r. N. Throgmorton the Queens Agent there to perswade her to send Embassadors to the Councell of Trent which for the reasons afore mentioned was justly refused 45. S r. Edward Carne the Queens Leger at Rome The death of Sr. Edward Carne Doctor of Civill Law Knighted by the Emperour Charles the fifth pretended that as the Queen would not suffer the Popes Nuncio to come into England so the Pope would not permit him to depart Rome Whereas indeed the cunning old man was not detained but detained himself so well pleased was he with the place and his office therein Where soon after he died the last Leger of the English Nation to Rome publickly avowed in that imployment 46. This yeer the Spire of Pauls-Steeple covered with lead strangely fell on fire Pauls Steeple burnt down attributed by severall Persons to sundry Causes Some that it was casually blasted with lightning others that it was mischevously done by Art Magick And others and they the truest done by the negligence of a Plummer carelessly leaving his coals therein The fire burnt for five full hours in which time it melted all the lead of the Church only the stone Arches escaping the fury thereof but by the Queens bounty and a Collection from the Clergy it was afterwards repaired only the blunt Tower had not the top thereof sharpned into a Spire as before 47.
and the Scotch in the minority of King James exacted it of Noblemen Gentlemen and Courtiers which here was extended onely to men of Ecclesiastical function Not that the Queen and State was careless of the spiritual good of others leaving them to live and believe as they list but because charitably presuming that where Parishes were provided of Pastors Orthodox in their judgments they would by Gods blessing on their preaching work their people to conformity to the same opinions * Querie about the 20 Article whether shufled in or no. Some question there is about a clause in the twentieth Article whether originally there or since interpolated Take the whole a Pag. 98. Article according to the common Edition therof Twentieth Article of the Authority of the Church The Church hath power to decree Rites or Ceremonies and authority in controversies of faith And yet it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to Gods word neither may it so expound one place of Scripture that it be repugnant to another Wherefore although the Church be a Witness and keeper of holy writ yet as it ought not to decree any thing against the same so besides the same ought it not to enforce any thing to be believed for necessity of salvation Take along with this the bitter invective of a modern b Mr Burton in his Apologie Minister who thus laieth it on with might and main on the backs of Bishops for some unfair practice herein in an epistle of his written to the Temporal Lords of His Majesties Privy Councel reckoning up therein Fourteen Innovations in the Church The Prelates to justifie their proceedings have forged a new Article of Religion brought from Rome which gives them full power to alter the Doctrine and Discipline of our Church at a blow and have foisted it into the twentieth Article of our Church And this is in the last edition of the Articles Anno 1628. in affront of his Majesties Declaration before them The clause forged is this The Church that is the Bishops as they expound it hath power to decree rites and ceremonies and authoritie in matters of faith This clause is a forgery fit to be examined and deeply censured in the Star-chamber For it is not to bee found in the Latin or English Articles of Edward 6 or Queen Elizabeth ratified by Parliament And if to forge a Will or writing be censurable in the Star-chamber which is but a wrong to a private man How much more the forgery of an Article of Religion to wrong the whole Church and overturn Religion which concerns all our souls 57. Such as deal in niceties discover some faltering from the truth in the very words of this grand Delator The accuser his first mistake For the Article saith that The Church hath authority in controversies of faith He chargeth them with challenging authority in matters of Faith Here some difference betwixt the terms For matters of faith which all ought to know and believe for their souls health are so plainly setled by the Scriptures that they are subject to no alteration by the Church which notwithstanding may justly challenge a casting voice in some controversies of faith as of less importance to salvation 58. But to come to the main matter The dubious appearing of this clause this clause in question lieth at a dubious posture at in and out sometimes inserted sometimes omitted both in our written and printed copies Inserted in The originall of the Articles 1562 as appeareth under the hand of a Publick Notary whose inspection and attestation is only decisive in this case So also Anno 1593. and Anno 1605. and Anno 1612. all which were publick and authentick Editions Omitted in The English and Latine Articles set forth 1571. Anno Dom. 1563. Anno Regin Eliza. 5. when they were first ratified by Act and whose being as obligatory to punishment beares not date nine yeers before from their composition in Convocation but hence forward from their confirmation in Parliament And now to match the credit of private Authours in some equality we will weigh M r. Rogers Chaplain to Arch-Bishop Whitgift inserting this clause in his Edition 1595. against D r. Mocket Chaplain to Arch-Bishop Abbot omitting it in his Latine translation of our Articles set forth 1617. 59. Arch-bishop Laud Arch-Bishop Land his opinion in the point in a speech which he made in the Star-Chamber inquiring into the cause why this clause is omitted in the printed Articles 1571. thus expresseth himself * * In his speech made Iune 14. 1637. pag. 65. Certainly this could not be done but by the malicious cunning of that opposite Faction And though I shall spare dead mens names where I have not certainty Yet if you be pleased to look back and consider who they were that governed businesses in 1571. and rid the Church allmost at their pleasure and how potent the Ancestors of these Libellers began then to grow you will think it no hard matter to have the Articles printed and this clause left out I must confess my self not so well skilled in Historicall Horsemanship as to know whom his Grace designed for the Rider of the Church at that time It could not be Arch-Bishop Parker who though discreet and moderate was sound and sincere in pressing conformity Much less was it Grindall as yet but Bishop of London who then had but little and never much influence on Church-Matters The Earle of Leicester could not in this phrase be intended who alike minded the insertion or omission of this or any other Article As for the non-Conformists they were so far at this time from riding the Church that then they first began to put foot in stirrup though since they have dismounted those whom they found in the saddle In a word concerning this clause whether the Bishops were faulty in their addition or their opposites in their Substraction I leave to more cunning State-Arithmeticians to decide 60. One Article more we will request the Reader to peruse An Article to confirme the Homilies made in King Edward his reign as the subject of some historicall debates which thereon doth depend 35. Article of Homilies The second Booke of Homilies the severall titles whereof we have joyned under this Article doth contain a godly and wholsome Doctrine and necessary for these times as doth the former Booke of Homilies which were set forth in the time of Edward the sixth and therefore we judge them to be read in Churches by the Ministers diligently and distinctly that they may be understood of the People See we here the Homilies ranked into two formes Anno Regin Eliza. 4. The first such as were made in the Raign of Edward the sixth being twelve in number Of which the tenth of obedience to Magistrates was drawn up at or about Kets Rebellion in a dangerous juncture of time For as it is observed of the Gingles or S t.
Anthony his fire that it is mortall if it come once to clip and encompasse the whole body So had the North-East Rebels in Norfolke met and united with the South-East Rebels in Devonshire in humane apprehension desperate the consequence of that conjuncture 61. The second forme of Homilies As also those in Q Eliz. are those composed in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth amounting to one and twenty concluding with one against Rebellion For though formerly there had been one in King Edwards dayes for obedience yet this was conceived no superfluous tautologie but a necessary gemination of a duty in that seditious age wherein dull schollers needed to have the same lesson often taught unto them 62. They are penned in a plain stile The use of Homilies accommodated to the capacities of the Hearers being loth to say of the Readers the Ministers also being very simple in that age Yet if they did little good in this respect they did no harme that they preached not strange Doctrines to their people as too many vent new darknesses in our dayes For they had no power to broach Opinions who were only employed to deliver that liquor to them which they had received from the hands of others better skilled in Religion then themselves 63. However some behold these Homilies Their authenticall necessity questioned as not sufficiently legitimated by this Article to be for their Doctrine the undoubted issue of the Church of England alledging them composed by private men of unknown names who may probably be presumed at the best but the Chaplains of the Arch-Bishops under whom they were made Hence is it that some have tearmed them Homely Homilies others a popular * Mr. Mountuga in his appello Caesarem discourse or a Doctrine usefull for those times wherein they were set forth I confesse what is necessary in one age may be less needfull in another but what in one age is godly and wholsome Doctrine characters of commendation given by the aforesaid Article to the Homilies cannot in another age be ungodly and unhealthfull as if our faith did follow fashions and truth alter with the times * 2 Sam. 17. like Aâ—hitophell his Counsell though good in it self yet not at some seasons But some are concerned to decry their credits as much contrary to their judgement more to their practise especially seeing the second Homily in the second book stands with a spunge in one hand to wipe out all pictures and a hammer in the other to beat down all Images of God and Saints erected in Churches And therefore such use these Homilies as an upper garment girting them close unto or casting them from them at pleasure allowing and alledging them when consenting denying and disclaiming them when opposite to their practise or opinions 64. The Religion in England being setled according to these Articles which soon after were published Rastall writes against Bp. Jewel the first Papist that fell foule upon them was William Râ—stall Nephew to S r. Thomas More by Elizabeth his Sister and a great Lawyer Yet we beleeve not him * Pitzaeus de Ang. Scriptor pag. 764. that telleth us he was one of the two Chief justices as knowing the * See Sr. Henry Spelmâ—n his glâ—â—sary in Indic contrary However he was very knowing in our common law Witnesse his collections of statutes and comments thereon with other works in that faculty But this veteranus Jurisconsutus was vix Tyro Theologus shewing rather zeal to the cause then ability to defend it in those Books which he set forth against BP Jewell 65. No eminent English Protestant died this yeer The death of Dr. Smith but great grief among the Romanists for the loss of D r. Richard Smith Kings professour of Divinity in Oxford till outed by Peter Martyr Whereupon he forsook the land returned in the Raign of Queen Mary went back after her death into the Low-Countries where he was made Dean of S t. Peters in Doway and appointed by King Philip the second first Divinity professor in that new erectd Vniversity His * Pitzaeus de Ang. Script pag. 761. party much complain that his strong parts were disadvantaged with so weak sides and low voice Amo Regin Lliza 5. though indeed too loud his railing against the truth as appears by his Books 66. The English Bishops conceiving themselves impowered by their Canons The Original of Puritans began to shew their authority in urging the Clergy of their Diocess to subscribe to the Liturgie Ceremonies and Discipline of the Church and such as refused the same were branded with the odious name of Puritanes 67. A name which in this notion first began in this yeer The Homonymie of the tearm 1564 6. and the grief had not been great if it had ended in the same The Philosopher banisheth the term which is polysaemon that is subject to several senses out of the Predicaments as affording too much Covert for cavill by the latitude thereof On the same account could I wish that the word Puritan were banished common discourse because so various in the acceptions thereof We need not speak of the ancient Cathari or Primitive Puritans sufficiently known by their Hereticall opinions Puritan here was taken for the Opposers of the Hierarchie and Church-service as resenting of Superstition But prophane mouths quickly improved this Nick-name therewith on every occasion to abuse pious people some of them so far from opposing the Liturgie that they endeavoured according to the instructions thereof in the preparative to the Confession to accompany the Minister with a PURE heart and laboured as it is in the Absolution for a life PURE and holy We will therefore decline the word to prevent exceptions which if casually slipping from our pen the Reader knoweth that only Non-conformists are thereby intended 68. These in this age were divided into two ranks Mr. Fox a moderate Nonconformist Some milde and moderate contented only to enjoy their own conscience Others fierce and fiery to the disturbance of Church and State Amongst the former I recount the Principall Father John Fox for so Queeu Elizabeth termed him summoned as I take it by Arch-Bishop Parker to subscribe that the generall reputation of his piety might give the greater countenance to Conformity The old man produced the new-Testament in Greek to this saith he will I subscribe But when a subscription to the Canons was required of him he refused it saying I have nothing in the Church save a Prebenâ— a Salisbuâ—y and much good may it do you if you will take it away from me However such respect did the Bishops most formerly his Fellow-Exiles bear to his age parts and pains that he continued his place till the day of his death who though no friend to the Ceremonies was otherwise so devout in his carriage that as his nearest relation surviving hath informed me he never entred any Church without expressing solemn reverence therein 69.
year an Obitum English Catholicks especially the parents or friends of such youths as here have their education Watton-Cloister being a most pleasant place with good land and a fair wood some two leagues off It anciently belonged to the Benedctines of whom the Jesuits here bought it Pope Paulus Quintus and the King of Spain confirming their bargain It is said to be worth five hundred pounds a year Number Rectour Eminent Scholars Welnigh an hundred of Gentlemens sons not as yet professed Jesuits though like them in habit but young Scholars Besides above twenty Jesuits Priests and Lay-brethren having an inspection over them Though this Colledge be of English only yet their Rectour generally is a Fleming and that out of a double designe First that he may solicite their suits in that country the better by the advantage of his language and acquaintance Secondly that they may the more colourably deny such English passengers as begg of them pleading that their Rectour being a stranger will part with no money and they have none of their own Father Fleck Floid Wilson Colledge Founder Benefactours Means 6. Colledge of Madrid in New Castile in Spain founded 1606. Joseph Creswel Jesuite with money of the two Colledges of Valladolit and Sivil bought an house here and built a Colledge thereon  What they gain by soliciting of suits for Merchants and others in the Spanish Court The rest is supplied unto this Colledg from the Parents thereof I mean the two Colledges of Valladolit and Sivil Number Rectour Eminent Scholars Colledge Founder Benefactour Means 7. Colledge of Lovain in Brabant founded about the year 1606. Philip the Third King of Spain gave a Castle then much decayed never much defensive for this City with a pension to the English Jesuits to build them a Colledge therewith   Number Rectour Eminent Scholars Uncertain as much in motion and never all resident here together   Colledge Founder Benefactours Means 8. Colledge of Liege in Lukeland founded 1616. The Arch-Bishop of Collen being at this time also Bishop of Liege gave them a pension to live on and leave to build a fair Colledge here Many of the English Nobility and Gentry under pretence of passing to the Spaw for recovery of their healths here drop much of their gold by the way It is doubtfull how soveraign the Spaw-water will prove to these passengers but certain that their gold is cordial to these Jesuits  Number Rectour Eminent Scholars   M r. Brown brother to the last Vicount Mountacute in Sussex became here a Jesuite Colledge Founder Benefactours Means 9. Colledge of Gant in Flanders founded 1624. Philip the Fourth who gave them a pension   Number Rectour Eminent Scholars One may observe a kinde of gradation in these Colledges S t. Omers generally is for boyes to be taught in Grammar Rome for youths studying the arts all the rest for men Novices or professed Jesuits save that Doway is for any of what age or parts soever Compare these Colledges amongst themselves Rome will appear the richest in visible Valladolit the cunningest in concealed wealth Doway the largest in men and straightest in means Liege getting the most from passengers on land Sivil gaining the best by Travellers at sea Madrid wearing the bravest cloaths where all the Jesuits are constant Courtiers and S t. Omers eating the best meat as neerest to England whence many a dainty bit is daily sent unto them 22. It is incredible what a mass of mony much in specie The bounty of English Catholicks more in exchange was yearly made over out of England for the maintenance of these Colledges having here their Provincials Sub-Provincials Assistants Agents Coadjutours Familiars c. who collected vast sums for them especially from Catholicks possessed of considerable estates out of Abby-lands his Holinesse dispensing with them to hold the same with a clear conscience if bountifull on all such occasions 23. We will conclude all with the solemn Oath The oath taken by English Fugitives at their admission which each Student arrived at mans estate ceremoniously sweareth when admitted into one of these Colledges I. A. B. a In the continuation of Sanders de schismate Anglicano p. 116. one bred in this English Colledge considering how great benefits God hath bestowed upon me but then especially when he brought me out of mine own Country so much infected with Herche and made me a member of the Catholick Church as also desiring with a thankfull heart to improve so great a mercy of God have resolved to offer my self wholy up to Divine Service as much as I may to fulfill the end for which this our Colledge was founded I promise therefore and swear in the presence of Almighty God that I am prepared from mine heart with the assistance of Divine Grace in due time to receive Holy Orders and to return into England to convert the souls of my Countrimen and kindred when and as often as it shall seem good to the Superiour of this Colledge c. Be it remembred that our long Vacation is their chiefest Termâ— for in the moneths of August or September these Colledges receive their annual supplies of green Students and then dispatch their ripe Nâ—viciats for England or if you will then take in young spawn and send their old frogs over hither a croaking All that I will adde is this If covetousness should prevail so far as to pluck down Protestant-Colledges in England whilest superstition preserves and increaseth Popish Seminaries beyond the seas sad would the sight be to behold the truth on our side encumbred with ignorance to encounter falsehood on theirs advantaged with learning and languages 24. Pope Pius the fifth had now long patiently expected the amendment of Queen Elizabeth The Pope excommunicateth the Queen and weary with his waiting in vain resolved at last if not wisely valiantly that seeing desperate diseases must have desperate cures he would thunder his Excommunication against Her according to the tenour following A Sentence Declaratory of our Holy Lord Pope PIUS QUINTUS against ELIZABETH Queen of England and the Hereticks adhering unto Her Wherein also Her Subjects are declared absolved from the Oath of Allegiance and every other thing due unto Her whatsoever And those which from henceforth obey Her are innodated with the Anathema Pius Bishop servant to Gods servants for a future memorial of the matter HE that reigneth on high to whom is given all power in heaven and in earth committed One Holy Catholick and Apostolick Church out of which there is no salvation to one alone upon earth namely to Peter the chief of the Apostles and to Peters Successour the Bishop of Rome to be governed in fulness of power Him alone he made Prince over all people and all Kingdoms to pluck up destroy scatter consume plant and build that he may contain the faithfull that are knit together with the band of charity in the unity of the
Spirit and present them spotlesse and unblameable to their Saviour In discharge of which function We which are by Gods goodnesse called to the government of the aforesaid Church do spare no pains labouring with all earnestness that Unity and the Catholick Religion which the Author thereof hath for the triall of his childrens faith and for our amendment suffered with so great afflictions might be preserved uncorrupt But the number of the ungodly hath gotten such power that there is now no place left in the whole world which they have not assayed to corrupt with their most wicked Doctrines Amongst others Elizabeth the pretended Queen of England the servant of wickedness lending thereunto her helping hand with whom as in a Sanctuary the most pernicious of all have found a refuge This very woman having seised on the Kingdom and monstrously usurping the place of Supreme Head of the Church in all England and the chief authority and jurisdiction thereof hath again brought back the said Kingdom into miserable destruction which was then newly reduced to the Catholick Faith and good fruits For having by strong hand inhibited the exercise of the true Religion which Mary the lawfull Queen of famous memory had by the help of this See restored Anno Dom. 1570. Anno Regin Eliza. 13. after it had been formerly overthrown by Henry the eighth a revolter therefrom and following and embracing the errours of Hereticks She hath removed the Royall Councell consisting of the English Nobility and filled it with obscure men being Hereticks suppressed the embracers of the Catholick Faith placed dishonest Preachers and Ministers of impieties abolished the sacrifice of the Mass Prayers Fastings Choice of meats Unmarried life and the Catholick Rites and Ceremonies commanded Books to be read in the whole Realm containing manifest Heresie and impious mysteries and institutions by Her self entertained and observed according to the prescript of Calvin to be likewise observed by Her Subjects presumed to throw Bishops Parsons of Churches and other Catholick Priests out of their Churches and Benefices and to bestow them and other Church-livings upon Hereticks and to determine of Church-causes prohibited the Prelates Clergy and People to acknowledge the Church of Rome or obey the Precepts and Canonicall Sanctions thereof compelled most of them to condescend to Her wicked Laws and to abjure the authority and obedience of the Bishop of Rome and to acknowledge Her to be sole Ladie in temporall and spirituall matters and this by oath imposed penalties and punishments upon those which obeyed not and exacted them of those which perserved in the unity of the faith and their obedience aforesaid cast the Catholick Prelates and Rectors of Churches in prison where many of them being spent with long languishing and sorrow miserably ended their lives All which things seeing they are manifest and notorious to all Nations and by the gravest testimony of very many so substantially proved that there is no place at all left for excuse defence or evasion We seeing that impieties and wicked actions are multiplied one upon another and moreover that the persecution of the faithfull and affliction for Religion groweth every day heavier and heavier through the instigation and means of the said Elizabeth because We understand Her minde to be so hardened and indurate that She hath not only contemned the godly requests and admonitions of Catholick Princes concerning Her healing and conversion but alas hath not so much as permitted the Nuncioes of this See to cross the seas into England are constrained of necessity to betake our selves to the weapons of justice against Her not being able to mitigate our sorrow that We are drawn to take punishment upon one to whose Ancestors the whole state of all Christendome hath been so much bounden Being therefore supported with His authority whose pleasure it was to place Us though unable for so great a burden in this supreme throne of justice We do out of the fulnesse of Our Apostolick Power declare the aforesaid Elizabeth being an Heretick and a favourer of Heresies and Her adherents in the matters aforesaid to have incurred sentence of Anathemaâ— and to be cut off from the unity of the body of Christ And moreover We do declare Her to be deprived of Her pretended title to the Kingdom aforesaid and of all Dominion Dignity and Priviledge whatsoever and also the Nobility Subjects and People of the said Kingdom and all other which have in any sort sworn unto Her to be for ever absolved from any such oath and all manner of duty of Dominion Allegiance and Obedience As We do also by authority of these presents absolve them and do deprive the same Elizabeth of Her pretended title to the Kingdom and all other things above-said And We do command and interdict all and every the Noble-men Subjects People Anno Regin Eliza. 12. Anno Dom. 1569. and others aforesaid that they presume not to obey Her or Her monitions mandates and laws and those which shall do the contrary We do innodate with the like Sentence of Anathem And because it were a matter of too much difficulty to convey these presents to all places wheresoever it shall be needfull Our will is that the copies thereof under a publick Notaries hand and sealed with the seal of an Ecclesiastical Prelate or of his court shall carry together the same credit with all people judicially and extrajudicially as these presents should do if they were exhibited or shewed Given at Rome at S t. Peters in the year of the incarnation of our Lord one thousand five hundred sixty nine the fifth of the Kalends of March and of Our Popedom the fifth year Cae Glorierius H. Cumyn 25. The principall persons The different opinions of English Catholicks concerning this excommunication whose importunity solicited the Pope to thunder out this excommunication were D r. Harding D r. Stapleton D r. Morton and D r. Web. And now the news thereof flying over into England variously affected the Catholicks according to their several dispositions 1. Some admired and applauded the resolution of His holinesse expecting all persons should instantly start from the infectious presence of the Queen and that that virgin-rose so blasted should immediately wither 2. Others would not believe that there was any such excommunication at all but that it was a mere slander devised by the common enemy to make all Catholicks odious 3. Others accounted such Excommunication though denounced of no validity a Watsons Qâ—â—dlibets pag. 262. because the reasons which moved the Pope thereunto were falsely and surreptitiously suggested to His Holiness 4. Others did question the lawfulnesse of all excommunications of Princes according to the rule of S t. Thomas Princeps multitudo non est excommunicanda where the uncertain profit which might follow could not countervail the certain mischief which would ensue 5. Others did condemne the present excommunication pro hic nunc as unexpedient probable to incense and exasperate the
Queen to more severity and make Her gird Her government closer to their sides who thought to shake it off This was apparent by the wofull experience of the excommunication denounced against King Henry the eighth Yea Watson Bishop of Lincolne if his b Watsons Quodlibets pag. 260. namesake may be credited was exceedingly grieved at the Popes proceedings herein foreseeing the inconvenience would thence arise This same Watson was he who in the first of Queen Elizabeth would in all hast by his own bare Episcopal power have excommunicated Her but now older and wiser mollified with ten years durance he altered his opinion 6. Others were unsatisfied in the Authenticalness of the instrument who never did or durst see the original and were unresolved whether the copies were sufficiently attested 7. Others were perplexed in point of conscience how far they were bound to obey herein seeing the law of nature obligeth the wife in duty to her husband excommunicated and the same reason is of the servant to the Master Subject to the Prince 8. Lastly Others were troubled in point of policy having their persons and estates in the Queens power and Bannes the Schoolman pleadeth that Subjects are not bound to desert or resist their Prince when such actions necessarily inferr danger of death and loss of goods But leaving them to have their scruples satisfied by their Confessours this causelesse curse to Queen Elizabeth was turn'd into a blessing and as the Barbarians looked when S t. Paul having the viper upon a Acts 28. 6. his hand should have swoln and falne down dead whil'st he shooke it off into the fire without any hurt or harme so Papists expected when the Queen should have miserably expired stung to the heart with this excommunication when She nothing frighted thereat in silence slighted and neglected it without the least dammage to Her power or person and no whit the less loy'd of Her subjects or fear'd of Her enemies And most false it is which Sanders b De Schism Anglicano pag. 372. reports that She by the mediation of some great men secretly laboured in vain in the Court of Rome to procure a Revocation of the Popes sentence against Her as what another * An Italian in the life of Pius Quintus relateth how She was wont to say that the thing it self grieved Her not so much as because done by P. Pius whose Election and life she helâ— for miraculous 26. This year two eminent Bishops The death of Bp. Barlow and Bourn once of the same Cathedral but different Religions ended their lives William Barlow D r. of Divinity Canon of S t. Osith then Prior of Bisham successively Bishop of S t. Asaph S t. Davids and Bath and Wells in the dayes of King Edward the sixth Afterwards an exile in the reign of Queen Mary in Germany where he lived in great want and poverty and by Queen Elizabeth he was made Bishop of Chichester where he was buried The other Gilbert Bourne Bishop of Bath and Wells though a zealous Papist yet of a good nature well deserving of his Cathedral and who found also fair usage in his restraint living in free custody with the Dean of Exeter and lies buried in the parish-Parish-Church of Silverton 27. Now was the twelfth year of the Queen fully past with her safety and Honour Popish expectation defeated In which the Credulous Papists trusting the predictions of Southsayers 1570 July 13. had promised to themselves a Golden c Camdens Eliz. in Anno 1570. day as they called it Instead whereof they are likely to finde many Leaden years hereafter And henceforward the seventeenth of November the day of the Queens Inauguration was celebrated with far greater Solemnity then ever before Saint Hugh being for fourty four years left out of our Calenders to make Room for Her Majesty And John Felton who fastned the Popes Bull to the Palace of London Aug. 8. being taken and refusing to fly was hanged on a Gibbet before the Popes Palace 28. Hugh Price D r. of the Civill Law The foundation of Jesus Col. in Oxford procured the foundation of a Colledge in Oxford on a Ground where White-hall had been formerly situated which with Edifices and Gardens thereto belonging being then in the Crown Queen Elizabeth gave to so pious a use and therefore is stiled the Foundress in this Mortmain However the said Doctor inscribed these following verses over the Gate when the Building of the Colledge was but begun Struxit Hugo Pricius tibi clara Palatia Jesu Vt Doctor Legum Pectora Docta daret Hugh Price this Palace did to Jesus Build That a Laws Doctor Learned men might yield But an Oxford a Pitz. de Ang. Ox. pag. 37. Author telleth us that a Satyrical Pen did under-write with Wit and Wagary enough these following verses Anno Dom. 1570 Nondum struxit Hugo vix fundamenta Locavit Det Deus ut possit dicere struxit Hugo Hugh hath not Built it yet may it be said He Built it who hath scarce the Ground-work Laid But no doubt the Scholars therein at their first admission know how to justifie their reputed Founders words by the Figure of Prolepsis and can tell you that what is well begun is half finished Principalls D r. David Lewis * This Coll. hath had ten Principals whereas Trin. Coll. in the same University founded 14. years before hath had but five Presidents D r. of Laws 1. D r. Lloyd D r. of Law and Dean of the Arches 2. D r. Griffin Lloyd Chanc. of Oxon 3. D r. Fra Bevans 4. D r. Jo. Williams Marg. Prof. 5. Griffith Powell Bac. of Law 6. Francis Mansell D. D. Fellow of All-Souls 7. He resigned his place to S r. Eubule Thelwel one of the Masters of the Chancery conceiving he might be more serviceable to the Colledge S r. Eubule Thelwel K. 8. D r. Francis Mansel rechosen 9. Michael Roberts D. D. 10. Bishops Morgan Owen Bishop of Landaffe Thomas Howel Bishop of Bristoll A most excellent Preacher Benefactors Herbert Westfalling BP of Hereford Hen. Rowland BP of Bangor Griffith Lloyd D r. of Law Griffith Powell John Williams D r. of Divinity S r Eubule Thelwell K. who made a Court in a manner four-square builded and wainscotted the Hall perfected the Chappel with a curious and costly Roof c. Mistres Jane Wood widdow of Owen Wood Dean of Armagh Learned-writers James Howel an elegant writer So that in the year 1634. It had one Principall sixteen Fellows sixteen Scholers most of the ancient British Nation besides officers and servants of the Foundation and other Students All which made up the Number of one hundred and nine 29. Hitherto Papists generally without regret The first beginning of Recusancie repaired to the publike places of Divine Service and were present at our Prayers Sermons and Sacraments What they thought in their hearts He knew who knoweth hearts but in outward conformity
then the value of the gift To the City of Zurich a Present which they converted into a piece of Plate with Jewells Arms thereon To severall Scholars large Legacies To the Church of Salisburie a fair Library and another to the Church of England I mean his learned APOLOGIE It is hard to say whether his soul or his Ejaculations arrived first in Heaven seeing he prayed dying and died praying He was buried in the Quire by Bishop Wivill Two Champions of the Church lying together one who with his sword proffered to maintain the Lands The other who with his penn defended the Doctrine thereof In the absence of Doctor Humfreys designed for that service M r. Giles Laurence preached his Funeralls who formerly being Tutor to the Children of S r. Arthur Darcy by Algate in London in Queen Maries dayes preserved Jewells life and provided accommodation for his flight beyond the Seas 3. Hitherto Subscription why now more rigorously urged the Bishops had been the more sparing in pressing and others more daring in denying subscription because the Canons made in the Convocation 1563 were not for 9. years after confirmed by act of Parliament But now the same being ratified by Parliamentall authority they began the urging thereof more severely then before which made many dissenters keep their private meetings in a Bp. Bancrost in his English Scottizing 3. Book 1. Cap. woods fields their friends houses c. b Tho. Cartwrights second reply Pag. 38. I say private meetings for Conventicles I must not call them having read what one hath written that name which agreeth to Anabaptists is too light and contemptuous to set forth such assembles where Gods Word and Sacraments are administred even by the confession of their adversaries 4. Indeed no disgrace is imported in the notation of the word Conventicle The true notion of a Conventicle sounding nothing else but a small Convention And some will say can the Infant the diminative be a tearm of reproach where the mother the privitive is creditable in the acception thereof However Custome the sole mint-master of currant words hath took of Conventitles from signifying a small number to denote the meeting of such how many soever in a clandestine way contrary to the commands of the present lawfull Authority 5. And now Thomas Cartwright chief of the nonconformists presents the Parliament with a Book cal'd an admonition T. C. presents to the Parliament an distrasted admonition some members taking distaste at the Title thereof For seeing Admonition is the lowest of Ecclesiasticall censures and a preparative if neglected to Suspension and Excommunication such suggested that if the Parliament complied not with this Admonitors desires his party whereof he the speaker would proceed to higher and lowder Fulminations against the Parliament Whereas admonition is a soft word in the Common but especially in the scripture acception thereof and may with humility on just occasion be tendered from Inferiours to any single Persons or Christian Corporation This Admonition contained their grievances who presented it with a declaration of the only way to redress them viz. by admitting that platforme which was there prescribed This not finding the entertainment it expected was seconded by another more importunate to the same effect 6. It will not be amiss to set down what writings Bandying of books betwixt two learned men chief of their parties pro and con passed on the occasion of this Booke between two eminent Authors of opposite parties 1. The Admonition first and second made by M r. Cartwright 2. The Answer to the Admonition by D r. John Whitgist 3. The reply to the answer of the Admonition by M. Tho. Cartwright 4. The defence of the answer by D r. John Whitgift This last kept the field and for ought I can finde received no solemn refutation 7. Sundry reasons are assigned of M r. Cartwrights silence Severall reasons of Mr. Cartwrights not replying again all beleeving as they are affected and most being affected as led by their interest Some ascribed it to his weakness who having spent all his powder and shot in former fights was forced to be quiet for the future Others to his pride undervaluâ—ng what he could not over-come counting Whitgifts last answer no answer but a repetition of what was confuted before Others imputed it to his Patience seeing otherwise multiplying of Replies would make brauls infinite and whilst women strive for the last word men please themselves with the lost reason Others to the policy of that party resolving to go a new way to waâ—k and to turne their serious books into Satyricall pamphlets Some few attributed it to M r. Cartwrights modest respect to his Adversary who had gotten the upper ground of him Whitgist being soon after made BP and Arch Bishop though in my minde this would more heighten then abate their opposition 8. The Nonconformists though over-powred for the present in Parliament The first Presbytery in England set up at Wandsworth in Surrey yet found such favour therein that after the dissolution thereof they presumed to erect a Presbitery at a Bp Bancrost English Scottizing 3. Book cap. 1. Wandsworth in Surrey Eleven Elders were chosen therein and their Offices and generall rules by them to be observed agreed upon and described as appears by a bill indorsed with the hand of M r. Field the Lecturer as I take it of that place but living in London M r. Smith of Micham and M r. Crâ—ne of Roughampton neighbouring villages are mentioned for their approbation of all passages therein This was the first-born of all Presbytâ—ries in England and secundum usum Wandesworth as much honoured by some as secundam usum Sarum by others 9. It may seem a wonder that the Presbyterian discipline The chief non-consormitis in London should ripen sooner in this countrey Village then in London it self whereas yet they were not arrived at so formall a constitution though we may observe two sorts of Ministers First M r. 1 Field 2 Wilcox 3 Standen 4 Jackson 5 Bonhim 6 Sâ—intloe 7 Crane 8 Edmonds Afterwards M r. 1 Charke 2 Travers 3 Barber 4 Gardner 5 Cheston 6 Crooke 7 Egerton 8 The former of these were principally against Ministers attire and the common prayer booke The later indeavoured the modelling of a new discipline and it was not long before both streams uniting together Non-conformity began to bear a large and great Channell in the City of London 10. This same year happened a cruell massacre in Paris the French Protestants being bidden thither under the pretence of a nuptiall solemnitie The massacre in Paris But never were such black favours given at a wedding Admirall Coligny the pillar of the reformed Church being slain in his bed on Bartholomew-eve whose day then and for some years after was there remarkable for wet weather Bartholomeus flet quia Gallicus occubat Atlas Bartholomew bemoans with rain The Gallicke Atlas thereon slain William Cecill
concedas quo interim experiamur an à periculosis erroribus dederit Dominus ut resanescant ne cum corporum jactura animae pariter cum corporibus de aeterno periclitentur exitio This letter was written by M r. John Fox from whose own hand I transcribed it very loath that Smithfield formerly consecrated with Martyrs ashes should now be prophaned with Hereticks and desirous that the Papists might enjoy their own Monopolie of cruelty in burning condemned Persons But though Queen Elizabeth constantly called him Her Father Fox yet herein was she no dutifull Daughter giving him a flat * As to the saving of their lives if after a moneths reprieve and conference with Divines they would not recant their errours Indeed damnable were their impieties and she necessitated to this severity who having formerly punished some Traitours if now sparing these Blasphemers the world would condemn her as being more earnest in asserting her own safety then Gods honour Hereupon the Writ de Haeretico comburendo which for seventeen years had hung only up in terrorem was now taken down and put in execution July 22. and the two Anabaptists burned in Smithfield died in great a Stow ut prius horrour with crying and roaring 14. I am loath this letter should stand alone Another usefull 〈◊〉 of the same Author and therefore will second it with another though nothing of this nature Anno Regin Eliza. 17. which I may call a private-publick one private for the Subject publick for the use thereof First to acquaint us with the character of Magdalen Colledge and generally of all Oxford not to say England in those dayes secondly to shew that though M r. Fox came not up in all particulars to cleave the pin of Conformity as refusing to subscribe yet he utterly distasted the factious People of that age Lastly that the Papists who miscalled him Iohn Lack-latine may appear as so many Lack-Truths by his fluent and familiar language 15. Only a word to the Read r The occasion thereof informing him with the cause of this letter Samuel his eldest Son Batchelour of Arts and Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford travelled beyond the Seas without leave either from Father or Colledge At his return he was causelessly accused for a Papist and expelled the Colledge by a Faction of people whose names I had rather the Reader should take from M r. Fox his pen then mine own And now as once Tully pro domo sua strained all the nerves of his Rhetorick so see here how Pathetically this old man pro filio suo writes to a reverend Bishop of the Church QUando * * This I saw carefully 〈◊〉 out of the originall quomodo quibus verbis qua dicendi sigura pares agam gratias singulari vixque credibili humanitati tuae Vir reverende idemque Doclissime Praesul qua me miserum tot tantisque aerumnis obsitum imo obrutum literis tam amanter scriptis erigere jacentem ereclum resocillare volueris In quo pulchrè tu quidem hoc exemplo represeatas quid sit verè Episcopum agere in Domo Domini Quid enim Antistetem verè Chrisianum veriùs vel arguit vel commendat insigniùs quà n charitas toties in Christianis literis exhibita Aut ubinam haec ipsa charitas vim suam poterit illustriùs explicare quam in sacro hoc consolandi officio 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Vsque adeo tot simul adversae res omnem mihi constantiam patientiam penè expectorabunt Cui enim quamlibet adamantinum pectus non consterneret inaúdita haec hominum ingratissimorum inhumanitas in ea presertim Academia eóque Collegio unde nihil unquam minùs expectabam quà m tale aliquid ab iis mihi eventurum Quos si non meae seneclutis paupertatis ratio commovere at ipsorum tamen vel humanitas vel literarum quas profitentur consuetudo polire ad humaniorem modestiam debuisset Quod autem de meis vel erga illos vel erga alios meritis honoranda tua pietas humanissimè praedicat in eo 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 satis contemplor In me nihil agnosco eorum quae tribuis Illud confiteor semper cavisse me sedulò ut si minùs prodesse multis licuerit ne sciens tamen obessem cuiquam tum minimè verò omnium Magdalensibus quo magis id mihi admirationi habetur quis tam turbulentus Genius factiosa ista Puritanorum capita afflaverit ut sic violatis gratiarum legibus spretis meis adse literis precibus contempta ipsius Praesidis intercessione nulla praemissa admonitione nec causa reddita tantam hanc in me filiumque tyrannidem exercuerint Atqui verò ut hoc ijs concedam non tam purum esse immunem ab omni naevo filium meum atque sunt isti terpuri Puritani At in his tamen naevis illius nullum adhuc comperi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tam magnum quà m majores fortè 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in moribus ipsorum conspicere liceat Et ubi interim fraterna illa inter fratres admonitio quam tantopere exigit Evangelica cautio ubi disciplina illa Apostolica 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Certè plusquam atrox facinus intercedat oportet quod tam atroci ejectionis vindicatione luendum sit sed latet in hac herba alius fortasse anguis quam quia isti proferre non audent Anno Regin Eliza. 18. ego in lucem producam Flagrat Collegium hoc horribili factione cujus altera pars propensioribus studiis incumbit in suum Praesidentem Altera istorum est quos dico 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 qui modis omnibus dant operam ut partes sui Praesidis labefactent ipsumque vel in suam redigant potestatem vel sede prorsus evertant Quia vero filius meus cum altero ejus Collega Praefecto suo ita ut par erat inclinatior videbatur propterea societate exhaeredatur Accedit huic alia causa quam tam filio quam mihi ipsi imputo Quod si enim is essem qui perbacchari cum eis contra Episcopos Archi-Episcopos aut scribam me praebere illorum ordini hoc est insanire cum illis voluissem nunquam istos in me aculeos exacuissent Nunc quia totus ab ijs alienus partes illas sectari maluerim quae modestiae sunt publicae tranquillitatis hinc odium in me conceptum jam diu in hanc demum efferbuit acerbitatem Quod cùm ita sit non jam quid mea causa velitis facere id postulo quin potius quid vestra ipsorum causa cogitandum sit Vos qui Proceres estis ecclesiae etiam atque etiam deliberatae Quod ad me autem attinet quamvis erepta filio societas haud leni affieit animum aegritudine tamen quia res privata agitur hoc fero moderatiùs Magis me commovet publicae Ecclesiae
conscience is grounded upon the word of God and the word of God worketh his effect by preaching so as generally where preaching wanteth obedience faileth No Prince ever had more lively experience hereof then your Majesty hath had in your time and may have daily if your Majesty comes to the City of London never so often what gratulations what joy what concourse of the people is there to be seen Yea what acclamations and prayers to God for your long life and other manifest significations are there to be heard of inward and unfeined love joyned with most humble and hearty obedience are there to be heard Whereof commeth this Madam but of the continuall preaching of Gods word in that City whereby that people hath been plentifully instructed in their duty towards God and your Majesty On the contrary what bred the Rebellion in the North was it not Papistry and ignorance of Gods word through want of often preaching in the time of that rebelling were not all men of all states that made profession of the gospel most ready to offer their lives for your defence in so much that one poore parish in York-shire which by continuall preaching hath been better instructed then the rest Halifax I mean was ready to bring three or foure thousand able men into the field to serve you against the said rebels How can your Majesty have a more lively triall and experience of the effects of much preaching or little or no preaching the one worketh most faithfull obedience the other working most unnaturall disobedience and rebellion but it is thought that many are admitted to preach and few able to do it well that unable preachers be removed is very requisite if ability and sufficiency may be rightly weighed and judged and therein I trust as much is and shall be done as can be for both I for my own part let it be spoken without any ostentation I am very carefull in allowing of such preachers only as be able both for the knowledge in the Scriptures and also for testimony of their godly life and conversation and besides that I have given very great charge to the rest of my brethren the Bishops of this Province to do the like we admited no man to the office of preaching that either prosesseth Papistry or puritanisme the graduats of the Vniversities are only admitted to be preachers unless it be some few which have excellent gifts of knowledge in the Scriptures joyned with good utterance and godly perswasions I my self procured above 40. learned preachers and graduats within less then these six years to be placed within the Diocess of York besides those I found there and there I left them the fruits of whose travell in preaching your Majesty is like to reap daily by most assured dutifull obedience of your subjects in those parts But indeed this age judgeth hardly and nothing indifferently of the ability of preachers of our time judging few or none to be able in their opinion which hard judgement groweth upon divers ill dispositions of men St. Paul doth command the preaching of Christ crucified be absque eminentia sermonis but in our time many have so delicate eares that no preaching can satisfie them unless it be sauced with much sweetness and exornation of speech which the same apostle utterly condemneth and giveth this reason ne evacuetur crux Christi Some there be also that are mislikers of the godly reformation in religion now established wishing indeed that there were no preachers at all and so by depraving of ministers impugne religion non aperto Martis sed in cuniculis much like to the Popish Bishops in your fathers time who would have had the english translation of the Bible called in as evill translated and the new translation thereof to be committed to them which they never intended to performe A number there is and that exceeding great whereof some are altogether worldly minded and altogether bent covetously to gather worldly goods and possessions serving all carnall vain dissolute and lascivious life Voluptatis amores magis quam Dei semetipsos dediderunt ad patrandum omnem immunditiem cum aviditate Eph. 4. 19. and because the preaching of Gods word which to all Christians conscience is sweet and delectable to them having cauterizatas conscientias is bitter and grievous for as St. Ambrose saith super Psal 119. quomodo possunt verba Dei dulcia esse in faucibus tuis in quibus est amaritudo There they wish also that there were no preachers at all but because they dare not directly condemne the office of preaching so expressly commanded by Gods word for that the same were open blasphemy they turne themselves altogether and with the same meaning as others do to make exceptions against the persons of them that be admitted to preach But God forbid Madam that you should open your eares to any of these wicked perswasions or any way to diminish the preaching of Christs gospell for that you would ruinate altogether at length Cum defecerit propheta dissipabitur populus Pro. 27. saith Solomon Now where it is though that the reading of godly Homilies set forth by publick authority may suffice I continue in the same minde I was when I attended upon your Majesty the reading of Homilies hath his commodities but it is nothing comparable to the office of preaching The godly preacher is learned in the gospell Fidelis servus qui novit who can apply his speech to the diversity of times places and hearers which cannot be done in homilies Exhortations reprehensions and perswasions are uttered with more affections to the moving of the hearers in sermons then in Homilies Besides Homilies were devised by godly Bishops in your brothers dayes only to supply necessity by want of preachers and are by the statute not to be preferred but to give place to sermons wheresoever they may be had and were never thought in themselves to contain alone sufficient instruction for the Church of England for it was then sound as it is sound now that this Church of England hath been by appropriations and that not without sacriledge spoiled of the livings which at the first were appointed to the office of preaching and teaching which appropriations were first annexed to Abbyes and after came to the crown and now are disposed to private mens possessions without hope to reduce the same to the originall Institution So that at this day in my opinion where one Church is able to yield sufficient living to a learned preacher there are at the least seven Churches unable to do the same where there be * * The word nor being easily legible I have 〈◊〉 â—â—ink as sometimes before and after prefering to refer the sence to the Judicious Readers own coniecture then to impose my guess upon him soules the more is the pitâ—y there are not seven pounds a year reserved for the Minister In such parishes as it is not possible to place able preachers for want of convenient
stipend if every flock might have a preaching pastor which is rather to be wished then hoped for then were reading of Homilies altogether unnecessary but to supply that want of preaching Gods word which is the food of the soul growing upon the necessities before mentioned both in your brothers time and in your time also certain Homilies have been devised that the people should not altogether be destitute of instruction for it is an old proverb better a loaf then no bread Now for the second point which is concerning the learned exercises and conferences amongst the ministers of the Church I have consulted with divers of my brethren the Bishops who think of the same as I do a thing profitable to the Church and therefore expedient to be continued and I trust your Majesty will think the like when your Majesty shall have been informed of the matter and order thereof what authority it hath of the scriptures what commodity it bringeth with it and what discommodities will follow if it be clean taken away The authors of this exercise are the Bishops of the Diocess where this same is used who by the law of God and by the Canons and Constitutions of the Church now in force have authority to appoint exercise to their inferiour Ministers for encrease of learning and knowledge in the Scriptures as to them seemeth most expedient for that pertaineth ad disciplinam clericalem the time appointed for this exercise is once in a moneth or once in twenty or fifteen dayes at the discretion of the Ordinary The time of this exercise is two hours the place the Church of the 〈◊〉 appointed for the Assembly the matter entreated of is as followeth some text of Scripture before appointed to be spoken is interpreted in this order First the occasion of the place is shewed Secondly the end Thirdly the proper sence of the place Fourthly the property of the words and those that be learned in the tongues shewing the diversity of interpretations Fiftly where the like phrases are used in scriptures Sixtly places of scripture that seem to repugne are reconciled Seventhly the arguments of the text are opened Eightly it is declared what vertues and vices are therein couched and to which of the commandements they do appertain Ninâ—hly how the like hath been wrested by the adversary if occasion so require Tenthly and lastly what doctrine of faith and manners the said text doth contain the conclusion is with a prayer for your Majesty and all estates as is appointed by the book of Common-Prayer and a psalm These orders â—ollowing are also observed by the said exercise First two or three of the gravest and best learned pastors are appointed of the Bishops to be Moderators in every Assembly no man may speak unless he be first allowed by the Bishop with this proviso that no lay man be suffered to speak at any time no controversy of this present time and state shall be moved and dealt withall if any attempt the contrary he is put to silence by the Moderator none is suffered to glance openly or covertly at persons publick or private neither yet any one to confute one another if any man utter a wrong sence of scripture he is privately admonished thereof and better instructed by the Moderators and other his fellow Ministers if any man use immoderate speeches or unreverend gesture or behaviour or otherwise be suspected in life he is likewise admonished as aforesaid if any man do vilify or break these orders he is presented to the Bishop to be corrected The ground of this or like exercises is of great and ancient authority for Samuel did practise such like exercises in his time at Naioth in Ramath and Bethel 1 Sam. 10. 2 19. So did Elizeus the prophet at Jerico which studious persons in those dayes were called filij Prophetarum the disciples of the Prophets that being exercised in the knowledg and study of the scriptures they might be able men to serve in Gods Church as that time required St. Paul also doth make express mention 1 Cor. 14. that the like in effect was used in the primitive Church and giveth order for the same that 2 or 3 should speak by course he meaneth and the rest shall keep silence That exercise in the Church in those dayes St. Paul calleth Prophetia and the speaker Prophetas terms very odious in our dayes to some because they are not rightly understood for indeed propheta in that and like places of the same Paul doth not as it doth sometimes signifie prediction of things to come which thing or which gift is not now ordinary in the Church of God but signifieth thereby the assent and consent of the scriptures And therefore doth St. Paul attribute unto these that be called Prophetae in that chapter doctrinam ad aedificationem exortationem consolationem This gift of expounding and interpreting the scriptures was in St. Pauls time given unto many by a speciall miracle without study so was also by miracle the gift to speak strange tongues which they had never learned But now miracles ceasing men must attain to the Hebrew Greek and Latine tongues c. by travell and study God giveth the encrease so must men also attaine by the like means to the gifts of expounding and interpreting the scriptures and amongst other helps nothing is so necessary as these above named exercises and conferences amongst the ministers of the Church which in effect are all one with the exercises of students in Divinity in the Vniversities saving that the first is done in a tongue understanded to the more edifying of the learned hearers Howsoever report hath been made to your Majesty concerning these exercises yet I and others of York whose names are noted as followeth 1. Cantuariensis 2. London 3. Winc. 4. Bathon 5. Litchfield 6. Glocester 7. Lincolne 8. Chester 9. Exon. 10. Meneven al 's Davids Hereof as they have testified unto me by their letters have found by experience that these profits and commodities following have ensued of them 1. The ministers of the Church are more skillfull and more ready in the scriptures and more apt to teach their flocks 2. It withdraweth them from idleness wandring gaming c. 3. Some afore suspected in doctrine are brought to the knowledge of the truth 4. Ignorant ministers are driven to study if not for conscience yet for shame and fear of discipline 5. The opinion of lay men touching the ableness of the Clergy is hereby removed 6. Nothing by experience beateth down popery more then that 7. Ministers as some of my brethren do confess grow to such knowledge by means of those exercises that where afore were not able Ministers not 3 now are 30 able and meet to preach at Pauls cross and 40 or 50 besides able to instruct their own Cures so as it is found by experience the best means to encrease knowledge in the simple and to continue it in the learned only backward men in religion and
contemners of learning in the countries abroad do fret against it which in truth doth the more commend it the dissolution of it would breed triumph to the adversary and great sorrow and gries to the favourers of religion contrary to the counsell of Ezekiel 13. 18. who saith Cor justi non est contristandum and although some have abused this good and necessary exercise there is no reason that the malice of a few should preâ—udice all Abuses may be re formed and that which is good may remain neither is there any just cause of offences to be taken if diverse men make divers sences of one sentence of scripture so that all the senses be good and agreeable to the analogie and proportion of faith for otherwise we must needs condemne all the ancient Fathers and divers of the Church who most commonly expound one and the same text of scripture diversly and yet all to the good of the Church and therefore doth Basil compare the scriptures to a well out of which the more a man draweth the better and sweeter is the water I trust when your Majesty hath considered and weighed the premises you will rest satisfied and judge that no such inconveniences can grow oâ— such exercises as these as you have been informed but rather the clean contrary and for my own part because I am well assured by reasons and also by arguments taken out of the holy scriptures by experience the most certain seal of sure knowledge that the said exercises for the interpretation and exposition of the scriptures and for the exhortation and comfort drawn out of the same are both profitable to encrease knowledge amongst ministers and tendeth to the edifying of the hearers I am inforced with all humility and yet plainly to profess that I cannot with safe conscience and without the ofence of the Majesty of God give mine assent to the suppressing of the said exercises much less can I send out any injunction sor the utter and universall subversion of the same I say with S. Paul I have no power to destroy but only to edifie and with the same Apostle I can do nothing against the truth but with the truth If it be your Majesties pleasure for this or any other cause to remove me out of this place I will with all humility yield thereunto and render again unto your Majesty that which I have received of the same I consider with myself quod terrendum est incidere in manus Dei viventis I consider also quod qui facit contra conscientiam divinis in rebus aedificat ad gehennam And what shall I win if I gained I will not say a Bishoprick but the whole world and lose my own soul Beare with me I beseech you Madam if I chuse rather to offend your earthly Majesty then to offend the heavenly Majesty of God And now being sorry that I have been so long and tedious to your Majesty I will draw to an end most humbly praying the same that you would consider these short petitions following The first that you wound referr all these Ecclesiasticall matters which touch religion or the Doctrine or Discipline of the Church unto the Bishops and Divines of the Church of your Realm according to the example of all Christian Emperours and Princes of all Ages for indeed they are to be judged as an ancient Father writeth in Ecclesia seu Synodo non in Palatino When your Majesty hath questions of the laws of your Realm you do not decide the same in your Court or Palace but send them to your judges to be determined Likewise for the duties in matters in Doctrine or Discipline of the Church the ordinary way is to defer the decision to the Bishops and other head Ministers of the Church Ambrose to Theodosius useth these words Si de causis pecuniarijs comites tuos consulis quanto magis in causa religionis sacerdotes Domini aequum est consulas And likewise to the Emperour Valentinian Epist 32. Si de fide conferendum est Sacerdotum debet esse just collatio si enim factum est Constantino Augustae memoriae principi qui nullas leges ante praemisit sed liberum dedit judicium Sacerdotis And in the same place the same Father saith that Constantius the Emperour son to Constantine the great began well by reason he followed his Fathers steps at the first but ended ill because he took upon him difficile intra Palatinum judicare and thereby fell into Arianisme a terrible example The said Ambrose so much commended in all histories for a godly Bishop goeth further and writeth to the said Emperour in this forme Si docendus est episcopus à laico quid sequitur laicus ergo disputet Episcopus audiat à laico At certè si vel scripturarum seriem divinarum vel vetera tempora retractemus quis est qui abundat in causa fidei inquam fidei episcopos solere de Imperatoribus christianis non imperatores de episcopis judicaâ—e Would God your Majesty would follow this ordinary you should procure to your self much quietness of minde and better please God avoid many offences and the Church should be more peaceable and quietly governed much to the comfort and quietness of your Realm The second petition I have to make to your Majesty is this that when you deal in matters of faith and religion or matters that touch the Church of Christ which is the Spouse bought with so dear a price you would not use to pronounce so resolutely and pèremptorily quasi ex authoritate as you may do in civill and extern matters but always remember that in Gods cause the will of God and not the will of any earthly creature is to take place It is the antichristian voice of the Pope Sic volo Sic jubeo stet pro ratione voluntas In Gods matters all Princes ought to bow their Septers to the Son of God and to ask counsell at his mouth what they ought to doe David exhorteth all Kings and Rulers to serve God with fear and trembling Remember Madam that you are a mortall creature look not only as was said to Theodosius upon the people and princely array wherewith you are apparrelled but consider withall what it is that is covered therewith Is it not flesh and blood is it not dust and ashes is it not a corruptible body which must return to her earth again God knoweth how soon Must you not one day appear ante tremendum tribunal crucifixi ut recipias ibi prout gesseris in corpore sive bonum sive malum 2 Cor. 5. And although you are a mighty Prince yet remember that he that dwelleth in heaven is mightier as the Psalmist saith 76. Terribilis est is qui aufert spiritum principum terribilis super omnes reges Wherefore I beseech you Madam in visceribus Christi when you deal in these religious causes set the Majesty of God before your eyes laying all earthly
The Privie Councellers Letter to the Arch Bishop in favour of the noncomformists some Parsons of Churches some Vicars some Curates but all Preachers whereby some were deprived of their livings some suspended from their Ministry and preaching yet we have forborn to enter into any particular examination of such complaints thinking that howsoever inferior officers as Chancellours Commissaries Arch-Deacons and such like whose offices are of more value and profit by such like kinde of proceedings might in such sort proceed against the Ministers of the Church Yet your Lordship the Arch-Bishop of that province of Canterbury have besides your generall Authority some particular interest in the present Jurisdiction of sundry Bishopricks vacant And you also the Bishop of London both for your own authority in your Diocess and as head Commissioner Ecclesiastical would have a pastorall over the particular officers to stay and temper them in their hasty proceedings against the Ministers and especially against such as doe earnestly profess and instruct the people against the dangerous sects of Papistry But yet of late hearing of the lamentable estate of the Church in the Country of Essex that is of a great number of zealous and learned Preachers there suspended from their Cures the Vacancy of the place for the most part without any Ministry of Preaching Prayers and Sacraments And in some places of certain appointed to those void Rooms being persons neither of learning nor of good name and in other places of that County a great number of Parsons occupying the Cures being notoriously unfit most for lack of learning many charged or chargable with great and erroneous faults and drunkenness filthiness of life gamsters at Cards haunting of Ale-houses and such like against whom we hear not of any proceedings but that they are quietly suffered to the slander of the Church to the offence of good people yea to the famishing of them for lack of good teaching and thereby dangerous to the subverting of many weaklings from their duties to God and the Queens Majesty by secret Jesuits and counterfet Papists And having thus in a generall sort heard out of many parts of the like of this lamentable estate of the Church yet to the intent we should not be deceived with the Generality of reports we sought to be informed of some particulars namely of some parts of Essex and having received the same credibly in writing we have thought it our duties to her Majesty and the Realm for the Remedy hereof without intermedling our selves with your Jurisdiction Ecclesiasticall to make report unto your Lordships as persons that ought most specially to have regard thereto as we hope you will and therefore have sent you herewith in writing a Catalogue of the names of persons of sundry natures and conditions that is one sort being reported to be learned zealous and good preachers deprived and suspended and so the Cures not served with meet Persons The othersort a number of Persons having Cures being in sundry sorts far unmeet for any offices in the Church for their many defects and imperfections and so as it seems by the reports have been and are suffered to continue without reprehension or any other proceedings against them and thereby a great number of Christian people untaught A matter very lamentable in this time In a third sort a number having double livings with Cure and so not resident upon their Cures But yet enjoying the benefit of their Benefices without any personall attendance upon their Cures Against all these sorts of lewd and evill and unprofitable corrupt members we hear of no inquisition nor of any kinde of proceeding to the Reformation of those horrible offences in the Church but yet of great diligence yea and extremity used against those that are known diligent Preachers Now therefore we for the discharge of our duties being by our vocation under her Majesty bound to be carefull that the universall Realm may be well governed to the honour and glory of God and to the discharge of her Majesty being the principal governor over all her subjects under Almighty God do most earnestly desire your Lordships to take some charitable consideration of these causes that the people of the Realm may not be deprived of their Pastors being diligent learned and zealous though in some points Ceremoniall they may seem doubtfull only in Conscience and not of wilfulness Nor that their Cures be suffered to be vacant without good Pastors nor that such as be placed in the Rooms of Cures be insufficient for learning or unmeet for their conversation And though the notes which we send you be only of Parsons belonging to Essex yet we pray you to look into the rest of the Country in many other Diocesses for we have and do heare daily of the like in generality in many other places but we have not sought to have their particulars to manifestly delivered of other places of Essex or rather to say the truth of one corner of the Country And we shall be most glad to hear of your cares to be taken for remedy of these Enormities so as we be not troubled hereafter or hear of the like complaints to continue and so we bid your Lordships right heartily farewell Your Lordships Loving friends Will. Burleps George Shrewsbury A. Warwick R. Leicester C. Howard I. Croft Chr. Hatton Fra. Walsingham Amongst these Privy Councellors I miss one who was mainly materiall namel S r. Francis Knowls treasurer of the Queens Household and K nt of the Garter Father in law to the Earl of Leicester and no less considerable in himself then in his relations this Knight being bred a banished man in Germany during the Reign of Queen Mary and conversing with M r. Calvin at Geneva was never after fond of Episcopacy and though now casually absent from the Councell Board was a great Patron of the Nonconformists But see the Arch-Bishops answer to their letter IT may please your good Lordships to be advertized The Arch-Bishops answer to the Privy Councellours Letter that I have received your letters of the twentieth of this moneth with a Schedule inclosed therein concerning certain Ministers in Essex whereunto as yet I cannot make any full answer by reason of the absence of my Lord of London to whom the letter is also directed and the parties therein named best known as being in his Diocess Nevertheless in the mean time I thought it my part to signifie unto your Lordships that I hope the information to be in most parts unjust Certain men being in and about Mauldon because they cannot have such among them as by disorderliness do best content their humours did not long since in like manner in a generality make an information to the same effect which coming to mine and others hands of the Ecclesiastical commission we did direct our letters to some of the principal of them by name requiring them to exhibite unto us at the beginning of this next tearm now next ensuring the names of
done Well because I would be loath to omit any thing whereby your Lordship might be satisfied I have sent unto you herein inclosed certain reasons to justifie the manner of my proceedings which I marvel should be so misliked in this cause having been so long practised in the same and never before this time found fault with Truly my Lord I must proceed this way or not at all the reasons I have set down in this paper And I heartily pray your Lordship not to be carried away either from the cause or from my self upon unjust surmises and clamours lest you be the occasion of that confusion which hereafter you would be sorry for For mine own part I desire no further defence in these occasions neither of your Lordship nor any other then Justice and Law will yield unto me In my own private affairs I know I shall stand in need of friends especially of your Lordship of whom I have made alwayes an assuâ—ed account but in these publick actions I see no cause why I should seek for friends seeing they to whom the care of the Commonwealth is committed ought of duty therein to joyne with me To conclude I am your Lordships assured neither will I ever be perswaded but you do all even of hearty good will towards me John Cantuar Now amongst all the favourers of the Presbyterians surely honesty Sr. Fra. Walsingham a good friend to nonconformists and wisdom never met more in any then in S r. Francis Walsingham of whom it may be said abate for the disproportion as of S t. Paul though poore yet making many rich Having but one only Daughter whole extraordinary handsomnesse with a moderate portion would considerably prefer her in marriage He neglected wealth in himself though I may say he enriched many not only his dependants but even the English Nation by his prudent steering of State affairs How he interceded to qualifie the Arch-Bishop for a Semi-non conformist we learn from his following Letter IT may please your Grace to understand St. Francis Walsinghams Letter to the Arch. Bishop in favour of non-conformists that this bearer M r. Leverwood of whom I wrote unto your Grace Anno Dom. 1583. Anno Regiâ— Eliza. 26. hath been here with me and finding him very conformable and willing to observe such orders as are appointed to be used in the Church as your Grace shall partly perceive by certain Articles subscribed with his own hand and herein inclosed I willed him to repair unto your Grace And in case these Articles may be allowed then I pray your Grace to be his good Lord and that with your good will and favour he may proceed in his suit upon knowledge whereof I do mean to deal further therein with her Majesty thereof for him as I have already begun to do upon the good report I heard of the man before your Graces message sent to M r. Nicasius for the stay thereof And so I humbly take my leave Your Graces at command Francis Walsingham What this Letter effected the next will informe us Right Honourable I thank you heartily for your letter The arch-Arch-Bishops answer to secretary Walsingâ—aâ—s Letter written unto me in the behalf of Leverwood wherein I perceive the performance of your honorable speeches to my self in promising to joyne with me against such as shall be breakers of the orders of the Church established and movers of contentions therein upon that and other like speeches of yours with me at your last being at Lambeth I have forborn to suspend or deprive any man already placed in any cure or charge for not subscribing only if hereafter he would promise unto me in writing the observing of the Book of Common-Prayer and the orders of the Church by law setâ—down and I do now require subscription to the said Articles of such only as are to be admitted to the Ministry and to Ecclesiasticall livings wherein I finde my self something eased of my former troubles and as yet none or very few of the last named persons to refuse to subscribe to the said Articles though some of them have been accounted heretofore very precise I also very well remember that it was her own wish and desire that such as hereafter should be admitted to any living should in like manner be tied to the observing the orders which as it hath already wrought some quietness in the Church so I doubt not but that it will in time perfect the same And I cannot break that order in one but other will look for the like favour to the renewing and increasing of the former Atheisme not yet already extinguished Wherefore I heartily pray you to joyn with me herein Touching the Articles inclosed in your letter whereunto Leverwood hath subscribed they are of no moment but such as may easily be deluded For whereas he first saith that he will willingly subscribe as far as the law requireth at his hand his meaning is that the law requireth no such subscription for so I am informed that some Lawyers therein deceived have perswaded him and others and in saying that he will alwayes in the Ministry use the Book of Common-Prayer and none else his meaning is that he will use but so much of the Book as pleaseth him and not that he will use all things in the Book required of him I have dealt with him in some particularities which he denieth to use and therefore his subscription is to small purpose I would as neer as I can promise that none should hereafter come into the Church to breed new troubles I can be better occupied otherwise And God would bless our labours more amply and give better success to the word so commonly and diligently preached if we could be at peace and quietness among our selves which I most hartily wish and doubt not to bring to pass by Gods grace the rather through your good help and assistance whereof I assure my self and so with my hearty prayers c. John Cantuar. Thus have we presented to the Reader some select Letters out of many in my hand A transition to other matter passing betwixt the highest persons in Church matters I count it a blessing that providence hath preserved such a treasure unplundred esteem it a favour in such friends as imparted them unto me and conceive it no ungratefull act in our communicating the same to the Reader And now we who hitherto according to good manners have held our peace while such who were farr our betters by their pens spake one to another begin to resume our voice and express our selves as well as we may in the following History 10. By the changing of Edmond into John Cantuar. Good Grindal his death It plainly appears that as all these letters were written this year so they were indited after the sixth of July and probably about December when BP Grindal deceased Our English Eli for office highest in spirituall promotion age whereby both were blinde and
M r. Cartwright whom I conjecture the President mentioned in the last assembly began to make by the mediation of the Earl of Leicester who now designed him master of his new-built hospital in Warwick compliance with Whitgift though the wary Arch-Bishop not over-fond of his friendship kept him at distance as these two Letters here inserted will sufficiently informe us My good Lord I Most heartily thank you Taken out of the manuscript of Bp. Whitgifts Letters belonging to Sir Peter Manwood and since in my possession for your favourable and courteous usage of M r. Cartwright who hath so exceeding kindly taken it also as I assure your Grace he cannot speak enough of it I trust it shall do a great deal of good and he protesteth and professeth to me to take no other course but to the drawing of all men to the unity of the Church and that your Grace hath so deals with him as no man shall so command him and dispose of him as you shall and doth mean to let his opinion publickly be known even in the Pulpit if your Grace so permit him what he himself will and would all others should do for obedience to the Lawes established and if any little scruple be it is not great and easie to be reformed by your Grace whom I do most heartily intreat to continue your favour and countenance towards him with such accesse sometimes as your leasure may permit For I perceive he doth much desire and crave it I am to thank your Grace also very heartily for Mr. Fenne albeit I understand he is something more opinionate then I wish him But I trust he will also yield to all reasons And I mean to deal with the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield to make some triall of him for surely he is an honest man Thus my good Lord praying to God to bless his Church and to make his servants constant July 14. and faithfull I bid your Grace farewell At the Court this 14 th July Your Graces very assured friend R. Leicester My singular good Lord MAster Cartwright shall be welcome to me at all times and using himself quietly as becometh him and as I hope he will he shall finde me willing to do him any good But to grant unto him as yet my Licence to preach without longer triall I cannot especially seeing he protesteth himself to be of the same minde he was at the writing of his Book for the matter thereof though not for the manner My self also I thank God not altered in any point by me set down to the contrary and knowing many things to be very dangerous wherefore notwithstanding I am content and ready to be at peace with him so long as he liveth peaceably yet doth my conscience and duty forbid me to give unto him any further publick approbation untill I be better perswaded of his Conformity And so being bold to use my accustomed plainness with your Lordship 17. I commit you to the tuition of Almighty God this 17 th of July 1585. John Cantuar. 30. Seminaries and Priests to the number of thirty two Sept. 15. Anno. Regin 28. Dece 8. Seminaries enlarged and transported late prisoners in the Tower Marshalsy Kings-Bench and other places were pardoned enlarged and transported over into Normandie though occasionally they were forced to land at Bulloigne 31. The Earl of Leicester who hitherto had done but little good in England went now over to do less in the Low-Countries commanding a great Army and Name with the illustrious Title of Generall of the Auxiliaries of the Queen of England he was not so much pleased with his place there but that some of his Back-friends were as much delighted with his roome here Mean time the Ministers lost the best stake in their hedge in his Absence their Patron Paramount For though by Letters he might solicit their Cause yet the greatest strength is not so extensive but to have the vertue thereof abated at such a distance And afterwards it fared worse with the Ministers when Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Feb. 2. 1585-86 was sworne of the Privy Councell an honour which his Predecessour Grindall never obtained yea never desired by the Procurement as it is believed of the Lord Burghley 32. Now for the present The Liturgâ— supported by its opposers I will trouble the Reader no longer with these brawls about discipline only one story must not be omitted Though it be fathered â—ather on publick report then fixed on any particular Author in those dayes avowing the same Some complained against the Liturgy to the Lord Burleigh of whom he demanded whether they desired the taking away thereof They answered No. But only the amendment of whâ—â— was offensive therein He required them to make a better such as they would have sâ—tled in the stead thereof Whereupon The first Classis framed a new one Somewhat according to the form of Genevah The second Classis disliking it altered it in six a 〈…〉 164â— hundred particulars The third quarrelled at these alterations and resolved on a new Modell The fourth Classis dissented from the former Thus because they could not agree amongst themselves That wise States-man put them off for the present untill they should present him a pattern with a perfect consent 33. Three Protestant Bishops this year exchanged this life for another Accusations not to be bebelieved in full latitude The first was Richard Curteys somtimes fellow of S t. Johns in Cambridge Bishop of Chichester The second Nicholas Robinson Bishop of Bangâ—r and John Scory Bishop of Hereford Of the two former we have not enough to furnish out their Character Of the later too much if all be true which I finde charged upon him Sure I am he began very well being an Exile and Confessour in the dayes of Queen Mary but is accused afterwards to be so guilty of Oppressions Extortions and Symonies that a Bill was put up against him in the Starr-Chamber conteyning matter enough not only to disgrace but degrade him if prosecuted But he bought out his innocence with his money Here know that our b Sr. John Harâ—â—gton iâ— his Character of Bp. p. 131. Author though a person of witt and worship deriveth his intelligence from a French writer disaffected in religion and therefore not to be believed in full latitude When calling him Scoria or Drosse in allusion to his name but as all is not Gold that Glisters all is not Drosss reputed so by our Popish Adversaries 34. The same year also John Fecknam late Abbot of Westminster ended his life The death of John Fecknam whereon we must enlarge our selves if not for His for History sake Seeing he was a land-mark therein His personall experience being a Chronicle who like the Axiltree stood firme and fixed in his own judgement whilst the times like the Wheels turn'd backwards and forwards round about him He was born in Worcestershire in the Forrest of
swearing were so great a grievance Nihil analogum nothing like unto it which may amount to as much shall hereafter be substituted in the room thereof 62. Let it not here be forgotten Nonconformists persecuted in the Star-Chamber that because many did question the legality and Authority of the High Commission Arch-Bishop Whitgiâ—t so contrived the matter that the most sturdy and refractory Non-conformists especially if they had any visible Estates were brought into the Star-Chamber the power whereof was above dispute Where some of them besides imprisonment had very heavie fines imposed upon them And because most of the Queens Councel were present at the Censures This took off the Odium from the Arch-Bishop which in the high Commission lighted chiefly if not only upon him and fell almost equally on all present therein 63. John Fox this year ended his life The death of Mr. Fox to whom in some respect our History of him may resemble it self For he in his lifetime was so large a reliever of poor people to and above his estate that no wonder if at his death with some Charitable Churles he bequeathed no Legacies unto them Thus have we been so bountifull in describing the life and transcribing the Letters of this worthy Confessor that the Reader will excuse us if at his death we give no farther Character of his piety and painfulness Only let me adde that whereas there passeth a Tradition grounded on good Authority that M r Fox fore-told the ruine and destruction of the Invincible so called Armado in the eighty eight The story is true in its selfe though he survived not to see the performance of his own prediction 64. Nor will it be amiss to insert his Epitaph as we finde it on his Monument in S. Giles nigh Cripple-Gate in London Christo S. S. Johanni Foxo Ecclesiae Anglicanae Martyrologo fidelissimo Antiquitatis Historicae Indagatori sagacissimo Evangelicae veritatis propugnatori acerrimo Thaumaturgo admirabili qui Martyres Marianos tanquam Phoenices ex cineribus redivivos praestitit 65. His dear friend D. Laurence Humfrey And of D. Humfrey may be said to die with him though his languishing life lasted a year longer so great his grief to be parted from his fellow-Collegue bred together in Oxford and banished together into Germany But see more of his character in the year 1596 where by mistake which here I freely confess his death is inserted 66. About this time M r William Lambert finished his Hospital at Greenvich The first Protestant Hospitall founded and endowed by him for poor people He was the first Protestant who erected a charitable House of that nature as our * Camd. Brit. in Kent Antiquary observeth though I cannot wholly concur with his observation seeing King Edward the sixt founded Christ-Church and S t. Thomas Hospital 67. Indeed now pardon a short digression began beautifull Buildings in England Beautifull Buildings begin in England as to the generality thereof whose Homes were but homely before as small and ill-contrived much Timber being needlesly lavished upon them But now many most regular Pieces of Architecture were erected so that as one saith they began to dwell latiùs and lautiùs but I suspect not Laetiùs Hospitallity daily much decaying 68. Amongst other Structures Wimbleton House in Surrey was this yeer begun and finished the next as appeareth by an inscription therein by S t. Thomas Cecil afterward Lord Burghley On the self same token that many years after Gondomar treated therein by the Lord with a plentiful feast was highly affected with his entertainment and much commended the uniformity of the fabrick till the DATE thereof shewed unto him dashed all as built when the Spanish Armado was defeated 69. Indeed at this time there was more uniformity in the Buildings Non-conformists stirr than conformity in the Church behaviour of men the sticklers against the Hierarchy appearing now more vigorous though for a time they had concealed themselves SECTION VII To M r. Hamond Ward and M r. Richard Fuller of London Merchants IT is usuall for the Plaintiffe to put two or three names upon the same Writ taken out of the Upper-Bench alwayes provided the persons dwell in the same County and this is done to save Charges My thanks doth here imbrace the same way of thrift That so the small stock of my History may hold out the better amongst my many Friends and Favourers And this my Ioynt-Dedication is the more proper because you live in the same City are of the same profession and if not formerly this may minister the welcome occasion of your future acquaintance BUt now a Session of Parliament was held at Westminster A Sixteen sold Pâ—â—â—â—ion presented by the Commons to the Lord in Parliament wherein the House of Commâ—ns presented to the Lords Spirituall and Temporall a Petition Complaining how many Parishes especially in the North of England and Wales were destitute of Preachers and no care taken to supply them Sixteen were the particulars whereof the six first were against insufficient Ministers very earnestly pressing their taking the same into their serious consideration for speedy redress of the grievances therein contained 7. That no oath or subscription might be tendered to any at their enterance into Ministry but such as is expressely prescribed by the statutes of this Realm except the oath against corrupt entring 8. That they may not be troubled for omission of some rites or portions prescribed in the Book of Common-Prayer 9. That they may not be called and urged to answer before the officials and Commissaries but before the Bishops themselves 10. That such as had been suspended or deprived for no other offence but only for not subscribing might be restored and that the Bishops would forbear their Excommunication ex officio mero of godly and learned Preachers not detected for open offence of life or apparent errour in doctrine 11. That they might not be called before the High-Commission or out of the Diocess where they lived except for some notable offence 12. That it might be permitted to them in every Arch-Deaconry to have some common exercises and conferences amongst themselves to be limited and prescribed by the Ordinaries 13. That the High censure of Excommunication may not be denounced or executed for small matters 14. Nor by Chancellours Commissaries or officials but by the Bishops themselves with assistance of grave persons 15. 16 That Non-residency may be quite removed out of the Church or at least that according to the Queens Injunctions Artic. 44. No Non-resident having already a licence or faculty may enjoy it unless he depute an able Curate that may weekly preach and catechize as is required in her Majesties injunctions Of all these particulars the house fell most fiercely on the Debate of Pluralities and the effect thereof Non-Residents 2. Arch-Bishop Whitgift pleaded The Arch-Bishops pleasâ—r Nonresidents that licences for Non-Residency were at the present but seldome granted
And yet in way of recovering health by changing of Aire of study for a time in thâ— Vniversity of mortall enmity borne by some in the parish of prosecution of Law or of being imployed in publick Affairs they cannot be wholy abrogated That there were in England foure thousand five hundred Benefices with Cure not above ten and most of them under eight pounds in the first fruits-book which cannot be furnished with able Pastors as the Petitioners desire because of the smallness of their livings Moreover he affirmed that what ever was pretended to the contrary England at that time flourished with able Ministers more then ever before yea had more then all Christendome besides 3. The Lord Grey rejoyned to this Assertion of more learned Ministers in the Church of England then ever heretofore The Lord Gray his rejoynder nay then in all the reformed Churches in Christendome this That it was not to he attributed to the Bishops or their actions but to God who now opened the hearts of many to see into the truth and that the Schools were better observed 4. The Lord Treasurer Burghley seeming to moderate betwixt them The Lord Treasurer his moderation after a long and learned oration concluded that he was not so scrupuleus as absolutely to like of the bill against Pluralities without any exception for he did favour both learning and wished a competent reward to it And therefore could like and allow a learned man to have two Benefices so they were both in ene parish that is to say in one Diocess and not one in the Diocess of Winchester and another in the North where the severall Diocesans would have no regard of them whereas being both in one Diocess the Bishop would look unto them 5. Here it was signified that her Majesty was acquainted with the matter Others interpret and that she was very forward to redress the faults and therefore required the Bishops not to binder her good and gracious purpose for that her Majesty would conferr with them 6. The Lord Gray again said The Lord Grays quere whether of Withen or what most probable of Ruthen afterwards Earl of Kent replyed he greatly wondred at her Majesty that she would make choice to conser with those who were all enemies to Reformation for that it meerly touched their freeholds and therefore he thought it good the house should make choice of some to be joyned with them Also he wished the Bishops might be served as they were in in King Henry the 8 th dayes when as in the case of praemunire they were all thrust out of doores 7. Then the Lord Treasurer said that the Bishops if they were wise would themselves be humble suiters to her Majesty to have some of the Temporall Lords joyned with them 8. The Lord Chamberlain utterly disliked the Lord Grayes motion alledging that it was not to be liked of that the Lords should appoint her Majesty any to confer withall but that it should be left to her own election 9. Matters flying thus high the Arch-Bishop with the rest of the Clergy The Bishops providently petition the Queen conceived it the safest way to apply themselves by Petition to the Queen which they presented as followeth To the Queens most excellent Majesty THe wofull and distressed state whereinto we are like to fall forceth us with griâ—f of heart in most humble maner to crave your Majesties most soveraign Protection For the pretence being made the maintenance and increase of a learned ministry when it is throughly weighed decryeth learning spoâ—leth their livings taketh away the sâ—t form of prayer in the Church and is the means to bring in confusion and Barbarisme How dangerous innovations are in a setled estate whosoever hath judgemeâ—t perceiveth Set dangers apart yet such great inconviniences may ensae as will make a state lamentable and miserable Our nâ—ighbours miseries might make us fearfull but that we know who tales the same All the reformed Churches in Europe cannot compare with England in the number of learned Ministers These benefits of your Majesties most sacred and are fall Government with hearty joy we feel and humbly acknowledge senceless are they that repâ—ne at it and careless wâ—o lightly regard it The respect hereof made the Prophet to say Dii estis All the faithfull and discreet Clergy say ô Dea certè Nothing is impossible with God Requests without grounded reasons are lightly to be rejected We therefore not as directors but as humble Remembrancers beseech your Highness favourable beholding of our present state And what it will be in time to come if the Bill against Pluralities should take any place To the Petition were annexed a catalogue of those inconveniences to the State present State to come Cathedrall Churches Universities to her Majesty to Religion in case pluralities were taken away here too large to be inserted So that in effect nothing was effected as in relation to this matter but things left in staâ—u quo prius at the dissolution of this Parliament 10. Amongst the mortalities of this year The death of Bp Barns most remarkable the death of Richard Barnes Bishop of Durham one commendable in himself but much suffering for the * See the life of Bernard Gilpin p. 190. corruption and viciousness of John Barnes his brother and Chancellour This Bishop was bred in Brasen-nose Colledge made Suffragan of Nottingham the last I beleeve who wore that title and behaved himself very gravely in his Diocess A great friend at last to Bernard Gilpin though at first by some ill instruments incensed against him and seeing they were loving in their lives their memories in my Book shall not be divided though I confess the later died some three years before 11. This Bernard Gilpin And of Bernard Gilpin born of a right worshipfull family at Kentmirâ— in Westmerland had Cuthbert Tonstali Bishop of Durham for his great Vncle he was bred first in Queens Colledgs then christs-Christs-Church in Oxford and no doubt the prayers of Peter Martyr conduced to his conversion to be a Protestant For he hearing this Gilpin dispute cordially on the Popish party desired of God that so good affections might not be misguided and at last obtained his desire 12. He Weathered out the Raign of Queen Mary Hardly escaped in Queen Maries dayes partly with his travels beyond the seas Anno Dom. 1587. chiefly residing at Lovain Anno Regin Eliza. 30. and Paris partly after his return by the favour of his Uncle Tonstall Before whom he was often cited chiefly about the Eucharist but was discharged by confessing the reall presence and that the manner thereof transcended his apprehension Tonstall not inforcing him to the particularity of Transubstantiation as using himself to complain on Pope Innocent for defining de modo to be an article of faith However his foes so hardly beset him that once he ordered his servant to provide for him a long shroud not for his
winding but burning sheet as expecting at last he should be brought to the stake for his religion But men may make cloaths either for mirth or for mourning whilst God alone orders whether or no they shall wear them 13. After the coming of Queen Elizabeth to the Crown A single man yet a true father he with more earnestnes refused a Bishoprick then others affected it His parsonage at Haughton as it might seem a Bishops Palace for building so was it no less for hospitality Fourteen Villages belonging to that mother Church the poor whereof besides many others were daily relieved at his door twenty Scholars he commonly boarded in his house which seemed a little Colledge In a word he was commonly called Father Gilpin and well deserved it for his paternall affections to all Making his yearly progress into Rheadsdale and Tinsdale in Northumberland where people sat in darkness of ignorance and shaddow of death and instructing them by his heavenly preaching 14. Now began that fatall yearl generally foretold that it would be wonderfull as it proved no less The brave coming forth of the Spanish Armado Whence the Astrologers fetcht their intelligence hereof 1588 whether from Heaven 31. or Hell from other Stars or from Lucifer alone is uncertain this is most sure that this prediction though hitting the mark yet miss'd their meaning who both first reported and most believed it Out comes their invincible Navie and Army perfectly appointed for both Elements Water and Land to Sail and March compleat in all warlike Equipage so that formerly with far less provision they had conquered another new world Mighty was the bulk of their ships the sea seeming to groan under them being a burden to it as they went and to themselves before they returned with all manner of artillery prodigious in number and greatness so that the report of their guns do stil and ought ever to sound in the ears of the English not to fright them with any terrour but to fill them with deserved thankfulness 15. It is said of Senacherib The shameful sight and return thereof coming against Hierusalem with his numerous army by a 1 Kings 19. 33. the way that he came shall he return and shall not come into this City saith the Lord as the later part of his threatning was verified here no Spantard setting foot on English ground under other notion then a prisoner so God did not them the honour to return the same way who coming by South-East a way they knew went back by South-West a way they sought chased by our ships past the 57 th Degree of Northen Latitude then and there left to be pursued after by hunger and cold Thus having tasted the English valour in conquering them the Scotch constancy in not relieving them the Irish cruelty in barbarous butchering them the small reversion of this great navie which came home might be look'd upon by religious eyes as reliques not for the adoration but instruction of their nation hereafter not to account any thing invincible which is less then infinite 16. Such as lose themselves by looking on second causes impute the Spanish ill success This deliverance principally wrought by Gods arm partly to the Prince of Parma who either mind-bound or wind-bound staying himself or stopt by the Hollander would or could not come to their seasonable succour and partly to the Duke of Medina's want of commission to fight with the English save on the defensive till joyned with Parma Anno Regin Eliza. 31. Thus when God will have a designe defeated Anno Dom. 1588. amidst the plenty yea superfluity of all imaginable necessaries some unsuspected one shall be wanting to frustrate all the rest We will not mention save in due distance of helps the industry and loyalty of the Lord Hâ—ward Admirall the valour of our captains the skill of our pilots the activity of our ships but assigne all to the goodness of God as Queen Elizabeth did Leave we her in the Quire of Pauls church devoutly on her knees with the rest of her Nobles in the same humble posture returning their unseigned thanks to the God and giver of all victory whilst going abroad we shall finde some of her subjects worse employed in implacable enmity about Ecclesiasticall discipline one against another And let not the mentioning of this deliverance be censured as a deviation from the Church-History of Britain Silence thereof being a sin for had the designe took effect neither Protestant Church in Britain had remained nor History thereof been made at this present 17. But bullets did not fly about so much at sea Scurrilous Pamphlets dispersed as bastardly Libels by land so fitly call'd because none durst father them for their issue They are known though not by their Parents by their names 1 The Epitome 2 The demonstration of discipline 3 The Supplication 4 Diotrephes 5 The Minerals 6 Have you any work for the Cooper 7 Martin Seignior 8 Martin Junior Marprelate 9 More work for the Cooper c. The main drift and scope of these pamphlets for know one and know all these foule mouth'd papers like Blackmoors did all look alike was to defame and disgrace the English Prelates scoffing at them for their garb gate apparel vanities of their youth naturall defects and personall infirmities it is strange how secretly they were printed how speedily dispers'd how generally bought how greedily read yea and how firmly beleeved especially of the common sort to whom no better musick then to hear their betters upbraided 18. Some precise men of that side thought these jeering pens well employed Their reasons for the lawfulness of such pamphlets For having formerly as they say tried all serious and sober means to reclaim the Bishops which hitherto proved uneffectuall they thought it not amiss to try this new way that whom they could not in earnest make odious in sport they might render ridiculous Wits will be working and such as have a Satyricall vein cannot better vent it then in lashing of sin Besides they wanted not a warrant as they conceived in Holy Writ where it was no soloecisme to the gravity of Eliah to mock a 1 Kings 18 27. Baals priests out of their superstition chiefly this was conceived would drive on their designe strengthen their party by working on the peoples affections which were marvelously taken with the reading thereof 19. But the more discreet and devout sort of men These Books disclaimed by the discreet sort and why even of such as were no great friends to the Hierarchy upon solemn debate then resolved I speak on certain knowledge from the mouths of such whom I must believe that for many foul falsehoods therein suggested such Books were altogether unbeseeming a pious spirit to print publish or with pleasure peruse which supposed true both in matter and measure charity would rather conceal then discover The best of men being so conscious of their own badness
the Book of Common-Prayer as namely the use of the Surplis the Interrogatories to God-Fathers c. in the name of the Infants the Cross in Baptism the Ring in Marriage the Thanksgiving after Child-birth Burials by Ministers the Kneeling at Communion some points of the Letany certain Collects and Prayers the reading of portions of Scripture for the Epistle and Gospel and the manner of Singing in Cathedral Churches and others 13. Item That preaching at the Baptizing of one of Job Throgmortons children he spoke much of the unlawfulness and in derogation of the Government Politie Laws and Liturgy Ecclesiastical of this Realm and to the justification of a Government by Elderships in every Congregation and by Conference and Synods c. abroad as Divine Institutions commanded by Christ and the onely lawful Church-government seeking to prove and establish such Elderships out of that word in one of the Psalms where Thrones are mentioned 14. Item That by toleration and impunity he did grow so confident and withal implacable against the Laws Government and Orders of this Church of England that he could not endure M r Bourdman and others preaching sundry times at Warwick to speak in defence thereof but took upon him to confute in sundry Sermons there these things which the said Bourdman had truly and dutifully in that behalf spoken and delivered 15. Item That in his Sermons at Warwick and elsewhere within the said time he often delivered many frivolous strange and undiscreet positions as namely that to kneel down and pray when a man comes into the Church to pray there privately was but to offer the sacrifice of fools That it was requisite all the hearers that were able should stand upon their feet during Sermons and discoursing about women and their child-birth c. did speak thereof so indiscreetly and offensively that sundry of them in great grief had conspired to have mischieved him with stones in the open streets 16. Item That by his perswasions privately and publickly delivered sundry persons in and about Warwick were appointed to impugn both in words and deeds the Laws Orders and rights prescribed by the Book of Common-Prayer insomuch as both his own wife by his procurement and consent refused after child-birth to come and give thanks in such place of the Church and in that solemn manner as thereby is prescribed and some other women also of that Town by such perswasion and example did use the like contempt 17. Item That sundry times or at least once when he communicated at the Lords Supper there he sate or stood upon his feet and divers others induced by his perswasions and example both then and at other times did the like And that at other times there or in other places where he hath communicated both himself and others as he had appointed or perswaded afore did walk along and receive the Sacrament of the Ministers as they passed by him 18. Item That for these and such like disorders he was presented to the Bishop of Wigorne his Ordinary Before whom being convented in the Consistory there he spake to the justification and upholding of such doing of his and of others and there very publickly and offensively affirmed and disputed That the Book of Common-Prayer c. is not established by Law 19. Item That when by authority from the said Bishop for his contempt he was suspended from preaching ab omni functione Ministerii he appealed from the said suspension yet did not prosecute within a year after whereby the cause being according to Law remitted again to the Bishop he the said Thomas Cartwright according to the former proceedings falling again into the sentence of suspension which was also intimated and made known unto him nevertheless in contempt of the Authority Ecclesiastical he hath preached at Warwick Coventry and elsewhere since the said time 20. Item When one of his men-servants had committed Fornication and gotten a bastard in his house he taking upon him the authority of the Ordinary did appoint unto the delinquent a publick form of penance or satisfaction in Saint Maries-Church at Warwick and caused him to perform the same 21. Item Since his placing at Warwick he with others at such times as they thought fit have agreed to have and so have had divers publick Fasts without the Queen her Authority and have invited and perswaded both sundry persons to be there present and also certain to preach to the number of three four or five successively one after another being all noted to be such as mislike and impugn sundry points of the Laws Government and Liturgy Ecclesiastical of this Church of England In which Sermons both he the said Cartwright and such others also as then preached did impugn and enveigh against the present Laws Government Politie and Liturgy Ecclesiastical of this Church of England 22. Item That from time to time since his aboad in Warwick by his practice and dealing he hath nourished a faction and heart-burning of one inhabitant there against another severing them in his own and his followers speeches by the names of The Godly or Brethren favoâ—ring sincerity and The Profane 23. Item That he doth know or credibly heard who were the penners printers or some of the dispersers of the several Libels going under the name of Martin Mar-Prelate of the Demonstration of Discipline of Diotrephes and such like books before it was known to Authority and yet in favour of such and contempt of good laws did not manifest the same to any who had authority to punish it 24. Item that being asked his opinion of such books he answered thus in effect or somthing tending this way viz. meaning the Bishops and others there touched would not amend by grave books and advertisements and therefore it was meet they should thus be dealt with to their further reproach and shame 25. Item that for and in the behalf of the Church of England he penned or procured to be penned all or some part of a little book intituled in one part Disciplina Ecclesiae sacra Verbo Dei descripta and in the other part Disciplina Synodicaex Ecclesiarumusu c. And after it was perused by others whom he first acquainted therewith he recommended the same to the censures and judgements of moe brethren being learned Preachers and some others assembled together by his means for that and other like purposes Which after deliberation and some alterations was by them or most of them allowed as the only lawfull Church government and fit to be put in practice and the wayes and means for the practising thereof in this Realm were also then or not long after agreed or concluded upon by them 26. Item that for the better and more due practise of it within the space of these seven six five foure three two or one year last past the said Thomas Cartwright and sundry others as aforesaid according to former appointment and determinations by them made have met in Assemblies termed Synods more general
as at London at Terms and Parliament times in Oxford at the Act in Cambridg at the times of Commencement and Sturbridge-fair and also more particular and Provinciall Synods and at Classes or Conferences of certain selected Ministers in one or moe places of sundry severall shires as Warwick Northampton Râ—tland Oxford Leicester Cambridge Norfolke Suffolke Essex and others 27. Item that at such Synods and Conferences it hath been concluded that all the Ministers which should be received to be either of the said generall Synods or of any more particular and Provincial or of a Classis or Conference should subscribe to the said Discipline that they did allow it would promote it practise it and be governed by it And according to the form of a schedule hereunto annexed or such like both he the said Thomas Cartwright and many others at sundry or some generall Assemblies as at Provincial and at several conferences have within the said time subscribed the same or some part thereof 28. Item that at such Synods and all other Assemblies a moderator of that meeting was first by him and them chosen according to the prescription of the said book And at some of such meetings and Assemblies amongst other things it was resolved and concluded that such particular conferences in severall Shires should be erected how many persons and with what letters from every of them should be sent to the generall Assembly and that one of them at their coming home to their Conference should make known the determinations of the generall Assembly to be by every of them followed and put in practice which course in sundry places of this Realm hath within the time aforesaid been accordingly followed and performed 29. Item that he with others in some such Classis or Conference or in a Synod Anno Dom. 1590. Anno Regin Eliza. 33. or more generall Assembly holden did treat and dispute among other points these six Articles conteined in another schedule annexed and set down their resolution and determination of them 30. Item that he with others assembled in such a generall Assembly or Synod at Cambridge did conclude and decree as in another schedule annexed or in some part thereof is conteined which decrees were made known afterwards at Warwick to sundry Classes there by his means assembled and allowed also by them then met together in the same or like form 31. Item that all such severall meetings Synods and Conferences within the said time many other determinations as well what should be done and performed or omitted as also what should be holden consonant to Gods word or disagreeing from it have been set down by the said Thomas Cartwright and others As namely that all admitted to either Assembly should subscribe the said book of Discipline Holy and Synodicall that those who were sent from any Conference to a Synod should bring letters fiduciarie or credence that the last Moderator should write them that the superscription thereof should be to a known man of the Assembly then to be holden that no book made by any of them should be put in print but by consent of the Classis at least that some of them must be earnest and some more milde and temperate whereby there may be both of the spirit of Elias and Elizeus that all admitted amongst them should subscribe and promise to conform themselves in their proceedings administration of Sacraments and of Discipline to the form of that Book and that they would subject themselves to the censuring of the Brethren both for doctrine and life and lastly that upon occasion when any their brethren shall be sent by them upon affairs of the Church as to the great meetings Parliament c. they all would bear their charges in common that there might be no superiority amongst them and that the Moderatorship as it happ'ned is not a superiority or honour but a burden that no profane writer or any other than Canonical Scripture may be alledged in Sermons that they should all teach that the ministry of those who did not preach is no ministry but a meer nullity that it is not lawfull to take any oath whereby a man may be driven to discover any thing penal to himself or to his brother especially if he be perswaded the matter to be lawfull for which the punishment is like to be inflicted or having taken it in this case need not discover the very truth that to a Bishop or other Officer ecclesiasticall as is used now in the Church of England none obedience ought to be given neither in appearing before them in doing that which they command nor in abstaining from that which they inhibit that in such places as the most of the people favoured the cause of sincerity Eldership should warily and wisely be placed and established which Consistory in some places hath been either wholy or in part erected accordingly yea in some Colledges in the University as he knoweth hath heard or verily beleeveth These Articles were tendered to M r. Cartwright in the Consistory of Pauls before John Almare Bishop of London the two Lord Chief Justices Justice Gawdy Sergeant Puckering afterwards Lord keeper and Attorney-Generall Popham 28. Mr. Cartwright refuseth to answer an oath These Commissioners did move him to give in his answer the rather because the chief points in the Jnterrogatories were delivered in general terms unto him and they severally assured him on their credits that by the Laws of the Realm he was to take his oath and to answer as he was required But M r. Cartwright desired to be born withall pleading that he thought he was not bound by the laws of God so to do Hereupon he was sent to the rest of his brethren to the Fleet where he secretly and silently took up his lodging many admiring at the pannick peaceableness and so quiet a calm where so violent a tempest was feared to arise 29. Wigington his ridling words Some soon after expected the appearance of the Presbyterian party Nov. 6. accounting it more valour to free than to keep their friends from prison The rather because of a passage in a letter of M r. Wigingtons to one M r. Porter at Lancaster M r. Cartwright is in the Fleet for the refusall of the oath as I hear and M r. Knewstubs is sent for and sundry worthy Ministers are disquieted who have been spared long So that we look for some Bickering ere long and then a Battle which cannot long endure Words variously expounded as mens fancies directed them Some conceived that this Bickering and Battle did barely import a passive conflict wherein their patience was to encounter the power of their adversaries and to conquer by suffering Parallel to the Apostles a 2 Cor. 7. 5. words Without were fightings meaning combats to wrastle with in many difficulties opposing their proceedings Others expounded the words literally not of a tame but wilde Battle and of some intended violence as if shortly they would
the Rolls when your Family was not brought but brought back into England where it had flourished Barons many yeares before Plants are much meliorated by transplanting especially when after many years they are restored to their Native soile as Cordiall unto them And thus the continuance and increase of all happinesse to your Selfe and Noble Consort is the unfeigned Prayer of Your Honours most obliged servant THOMAS FVLLER THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAINE Ann. Reg. Bliz. 43. CENT XVII Ann. Dom. 1601 1. THe difference betwixt the Seculars and the Jesuites still continued and increased Wherefore Bishop Bancroft The Seculars fomented by the Bishop of Lond. against the Jesuits counting the Seculars the better but weaker side afforded them countenance and maintenance in London-house accommodating them with necessaries to write against their adversaries hoping the Protestants might assault the Romish cause with the greater advantage when they found a breach made to their hand by the others own dissentions But such who bore no good will to the Bishop beholding the frequent repairing and familiar conversing of such Priests in his house made a contrary construction of his actions and reported him Popishly affected Thus those who publiquely doe things in themselves liable to offence and privately reserve the reasons of their actions in their owne bosomes may sufficiently satisfie their consciences towards God but will hardly avoid the censures of men to which too unwarily they expose themselves With more generall applause was the bounty of Arch Bishop Whitgift bestowed who now finished his Hospitall founded and endowed by him at Croydon in Surrey for a Warden and eight and twenty Brethren As also a Free-Schoole with liberall maintenance for the education of Youth God the best of Creditors no doubt long since hath plentifully re-pay'd what was lent to him in his Members 2. The last Parl. Oct. 17. Nov. 19. in this Queens raigne was now begun at Westm Acts in the last Parliament of Q. Eliz. and dissolved the moneth next following Of such things which at distance may seeme to relate to Church affaires in this Parl. it was Enacted That Overseers of the Poor should be nominated yeerly in Easter week under the Hand and Seale of two a Statute 43. of Q. Eliz. c 2. Justices of Peace and that these with the Church wardens should take care for the reliefe of the Poore binding out of Apprentices c. As also That the Lord Chancellor should award Commissions under the Great Seale into any part of the Realme as cause should require to the b Ibid. cap. 4. Bishop of every Diocese and his Chancellour and any four or more persons of honest behaviour to enquire by oathes of twelve men into the mis-imployment of any Lands or Goods given to pious uses and by their Orders to appoint them to be duly and faithfully paid or employed to their true uses and intents In pursuance of this Statute much good was and is done to this day in severall parts of the Kingdome the Law being very tender that the true intentions of the Donour should take effect as by this eminent instance may appeare By the rule of the Law Copyhold Land cannot be aliened but by Surrender but yet if a man Devise such Land to a Charitable use though it had not been surrendred this is c 15 Jac. in Rivets Cale in Chancery adjudged good and shall be construed an appointment to a Charitable use within this Statute 3. Now if we look into the Convocation Acts of this yeares Convocation parallel to this Parliament therein we shall find that it began with a Latine Sermon of William Barlow Doctor of Divinity and one of Her Majesties Chaplaines afterwards Bishop of Rochester then of Lincolne Preaching on this Text LUKE 19. 13. Negotiamini dum venio In this Convocation Mathew Sutcliffe Doctor of the Law and Deane of Exeter was chosen Prolocutor but nothing save matters of course passed therein Nor finde I any eminent Divine deceased this yeare 4. Francis Godwin doctor of Divinity Francis Godw made Bishop of Landaff Sub-Deane of Exeter Sonne of Thomas Godwin Bishop of Wells like another d In vitâ— Greg. Nazianzen Gregorie Nazianzen a Bishop Son to a Bishop was promoted to the Church of Landaff he was borne in the fourth year of Queen Elizabeth who was not a little sensible of and thankfull for Gods favour unto her in suffering her so long to hold the Helme of the English Church till one borne within her reigne was found fit to be a Bishop He was stored with all polite Learning both judicious and industrious in the study of Antiquity to whom not onely the Church of Landaff whereof he well deserved but all England is indebted as for his other learned Writings so especially for his Catalogue of Bishops He was translated Anno 1617. to Hereford and died many yeares after a very old man in the reign of King CHARLES 5. Now came forth a notable Book against the Jesuites Watson's Quodlibers against the Jesuits written in a Scholastick way by one Watson a Secular Priest consisting of ten quodlibets each whereof is sub-divided into as many Articles It discovereth the Jesuites in their colours ferreting them out of all their burrowes of Equivocation and mentall reservation holding Proteus so hard to it that in despight of his changing into many shapes he is forced to appeare in his own proper forme No intire Answer for ought I can learn was ever returned to this Book The Jesuits according to their old Trick slighting what they cannot confute and counting that unworthy to be done which they found themselves unable to doe Indeed for matters of fact therein they are so punctually reported with the severall circumstances of time and place that the guilty consciences of such as are concerned therein though snapping and snarling at pieces and passages thereof for the main may well give it over for unanswerable 6. Yet the whole Book is written with an imbittered style The black character of Iesuis painted with the Pensil of a Secular Priest so that Protestant Charity hath a better conceit of Jesuits than to account them altogether so bad Take one passage of many e Second Quodliber third Article pag. 62. No no their course of life doth shew what their study is and that howsoever they beast of their perfections holinesse Meditations and exercises yet their platforme is heathenish tyrannicall sathanicall and able to set ARETINE LUCIâ—N MACHIAVEL yea and DON LUCIFER in a sort to schoole as impossible for him by all the art he hath to be-sot men as they doe This is the same Watson who though boasting of the obedience of the Secular Priests to their Soveraigns and taxing the Iesuits for want thereof was notwithstanding himself afterwards executed for a Traitor in the reigne of King Iames. It seemes as well Seculars as Iesuits are so loaden with Loyalty that both need the Gallowes to ease them
on the first day were called in Chappel Christ-Church Worcester Westminster Andrewes S. Pauls Overall Chester Barlow Sarisbury Bridges Winsor D. Field King KING JAMES Spectators All the Lords of the Privy Council whereas some at times interposed a few words Place A withdrawing Room within the Privy chamber Dr. Reynolds Sparks Mr. Knewstubs Chaderton These remaining in a Room without were not called in the first day To omit all gratulatory Preambles as necessary when spoken as needlesse if now repeated we will present onely the Substance of this Dayes Conference his Majesty thus beginning it It is no novel device but according to the example of all Christian Princes for Kings to take the first course for the establishing of the Church both in Doctrine and Policy To this the very Heathen related in their Proverb A Jove principium particularly in this Land King Henry the 8. towards the end of his Reign altered much King Edward the 6. more Queen Mary reversed all and lastly Queen Elizabeth of b Note his Majesty never remembred her but with some honourable Addition famous memory setled Religion as now it standeth Herein I am happier than they because they were faine to alter all things they found established Ann. Dom. 160 3 4 whereas I see yet no suchcause to change Ann. Reg. Jac. 1 as confirm what I finde well setled already For blessed be Gods gracious Goodnesse who hath brought me into the Promised Land where Religion is purely professed where I sit amongst Grave Learned and Reverend Men not as before elsewhere a King without State without Honour without Order where Beardlesse Boyes would brave us to the Face And I assure you we have not called this Assembly for any Innovation for we acknowledge the Government Ecclesiasticall as now it is to have been approved by manifold blessings from God himself both for the increase of the Gospel and with a most happy and glorious Peace Yet because nothing can be to absolutely ordered but that something may be added thereunto and corruption in any State as in the Body of Man will insensibly grow either thorough Time or Persons and because we have received many complaints since our first entrance into this Kingdome of many disorders and much disobedience to the Lawes with a great falling away to Popery Our purpose therefore is like a good Physitian to examine and try the Complaints and fully to remove the occasions thereof if scandalous cure them if dangerous and take knowledge of them if but frivolous thereby to cast a Sop into Cerberus his Mouth that he bark no more For this cause we have called you Bishops and Deans in severally by your selves not to be confronted by the contrary Opponents that if any thing should be found meet to be redressed it might be done without any visible Alteration Particularly there be some speciall Points wherein I desire to be satisfied and which may be renduced to three Heads 1. Concerning the Book of Common Prayer and Divine Service used in the Church 2. Excommunication in Ecclesiasticall Courts 3. The providing of fit and able Ministers for Ireland In the Common Prayer-book I require satisfaction about three things First about Coâ—firmation For the very name thereof if arguing a Confirming of Baptâ—sme as if this Sacrament without it were of no validity is plainly blasphemous For though at the first use thereof in the Church it was thought necessary that baptised Infants who formerly had answered by their Patrins should when come to yeares of discretion after their Profession made by themselves be confirmed with the blessing of the Bishop I abhorre the Abuâ—e wherein it is made a Sacrament or Corroboration to Baptisme As for Absolution I know not how it is used in our Church but have heard it likened to the Popes Pardons There be indeed two kindes thereof from God One generall all Prayers and Preaching importing an Absolution The other particular to speciall Parties having committed a Scandall and repenting Otherwise where Excommunication precedes not in my judgement there needs no Absolution Private Baptisme is the third thing wherein I would be satisfied in the Common Prayer If called Private from the Place I think it agreeable with the use of the Primitive Church but if termed private that any besides a lawfull Minister may baptise I utterly dislike it And here his Majesty grew somewhat earnest in his Expressions against the baptising by Women and Laicks In the second Head of Excommunication I offer two things to be considered of First the Matter Secondly the Persons For the first I would be satisfied whether it be executed as it is complainmed of to me in light Causes and that too commonly which causeth the undervaluing thereof For the Persons I would be resolved why Chancellours and Commissaries being Lay-men should do it and not rather the Bishops themselves or some Minister of Gravity and account deputed by them for the more dignity to so high and weighty a Censure As for providing Ministers for Ireland I shall refer it in the last daies Conference to a Consultation c He addressed himselfe to the King on his knee Ar-Bp of CaÌ„t. Confirmation hath been used in the Catholick Church ever since the Apostles and it is a very untrue suggestion if any have informed your Highnesse that the Church of England holds Baptisme imperfect without it as adding to the vertue and strength thereof BP of Lon. The Authority of Confirmation depends not onely on d Citing Cypr. Ep. 73. and Jer. Adversus Luciferiam Antiquity and the Practise of the Primitive Church but is an Apostolical Institution named in expresse words Heb. 6. 2. and so did Mr. Calvin expound the very place earnestly wishing the restitution thereof in the reformed Churches The Bishop of Carlile is said gravely and learnedly to have urged the same and the Bishop of Durham noted something out of S. Matthew for the Imposition of hands on Children The Conclusion was this For the fuller Explanation that we make Confirmation neither a Sacrament nor a Corroboration thereof their Lordships should consider whether it might not without Alteration whereof his Majesty was still very wary be intitled an Examination with a Confirmation Ar-B of CaÌ„t. As for the point of Absolution wherein your Majesty desires satisfaction it is clear from all abuse or superstition as it is used in our Church of England as will appear on the reading both of the Confession and Absolution following it in the beginning of the Communion Book Here the King perused both and returned His Majesty I like and approve them finding it to be very true what you say BP of Lond. It becometh us to deal plainly with your Majesty There is also in the Book a more particular and personall absolution in t he Visitation of the Sick Here the Dean of the Chappel turned unto it and read it These be severally cited BP of Lond. Not onely the Confessions of Augusts Boheme and Saxon
retaine and allow it but Mr. Calvin also doth approve both such a generall and such a private for so he termes it Confession and Absolution His Majesty I exceedingly well approve it being an Apostolicall and Godly Ordinance given in the name of Christ to one that desireth it upon the clearing of his Conscience The Conclusion was this That the Bishops should consult whether unto the Rubrick of the general Absolution these words Remission of Sins might not be added for explanation sake Arch-BP of Can. To the point of private Baptisme the administration thereof by Women and Lay-persons is not allowed in the practise of the Church but enquired of and ceusured by Bishops in their Visitations His Majesty The Words of the Book cannot but intend a permission of Women and private Persons to baptise BP of Worc. d To this be cited the Testimony of the Arch-bishop of Yorke The doubtfull words may be pressed to that meaning yet the Compilers of the Book did not so intend them as appeareth by their contrary practise But they propounded them ambiguously because otherwise perhaps the Book would not then have passed the Parliament BP of Lond. Those reverend Men intended not by ambiguous terms to deceive any but thereby intended e Here he produced the Letters of some of those first compilers a Permission of private Persons to baptise in case of necessity This is agreeable to the practise of the ancient Church Act. 2. when three thousand being baptised in a day which for the Apostles alone to doe was at the least improbable some being neither Priests nor Bishops must be presumed imployed therein and some Fathers are of the same opinion Here he spake much and earnestly about the necessity of Baptisme His Ma. That in the Acts was an Act exraordinary and done before a Church was setled and grounded wherefore no sound reasoning thence to a Church stablished and flourishing I maintaine the necessity of Baptisme and alwayes thought the place John 3. 5. Except one be born againe of Water c. was meant thereof It may seem strange to you my Lords that I think you in England give too much to Baptisme seeing fourteen moneths agoe in Scotland I argued with my Divines there for attributing too little unto it Insomuch that a pert Minister asked me if I thought Baptism so necessary that if omitted the Child should be damned I answered No But if you called to baptise a Child though 0privately refuse to come I think you shall be damned But this necessity of Baptisme I so understand that it is necessary to be had if lawfully to be had that is ministred by lawfull Ministers by whom alone and no private person in any case it may be administred though I utterly dislike all Re-baptization on those whom Women or Laicks have baptised Bp. of Winch. To deny private Persons to baptize in case of necessity were to crosse all Antiquity and the common Practice of the Church it being a rule agreed on amongst Divines that the Minister is not of the Essence of the Sacrament His Ma. Though he be not of the Essence of the Sacrament yet is he of the Essence of the right and lawfull Ministry thereof according to Christs g Mat. 28. 20. Commission to his Disciples Go preach and baptise c. The Result was this To consult whether in the Rubrick of Private Baptisme which leaves it indifferently to all these words Curate or lawfull Minister may not be inserted For the point of Excommunication His Majesty propounded whether in causes of lesser moment the name might not be altered and the same censure retained Secondly whether in place thereof another coertion equivalent thereunto might not be invented Which all sides easily yeilded unto as long and often desired and so was The end of the first dayes Conference On Monday January the 16. they all met in the same place Jan. 16 with all the Deans and Doctours above mentioned Patrick Galloway Minister of Perth in Scotland admitted also to be there And hopefull Prince Henry sate on a stoole by his Father The King made a pithie Speech to the same purpose which he made the first day differing onely in the conclusion thereof being an addresse to the four Opposers of Conformity there present whom he understood the most grave learned and modest of the aggrieved sort professing himself ready to hear at large what they could object and willed them to begin D r. Reyn. All things disliked or questioned may be reduced to these four Heads 1. That the Doctrine of the Church might be preserved in purity according to Gods Word 2. That good Pastors might be planted in all Churches to preach the same 3. That the Church government might be sincerely ministred according to Gods Word 4. That the Book of Common-Prayer might be fitted to more increase of Piety For the first may Your Majesty be pleased that the Book of Articles of Religion concluded on 1562. may be explained where obscure enlarged where defective viz. Whereas it is said Article the 16. After we have received the Holy Ghost we may depart from Grace These words may be explained with this or the like addition Yet neither totally nor finally To which end it would do very well if the mine orthodoxall Assertions concluded on at Lambeth might be inserted into the Book of Articles Secondly whereas it is said in the 23 Article that it is not lawfull for any in the Congregation to preach before he be lawfully called these words ought to be altered because implying one out of the Congregation may preach though not lawfully called Thirdly in the 25 Article there seemeth a contradiction one passage therein confessing Confirmation to be a depraved imitation of the Apostles and another grounding it on their example BP of Lond. May your Majesty be pleased that the ancient Canon may be remembred Schismatici contra Episcopos non sunt audiendi And there is another Decree of a very ancient Council That no man should be admitted to speak against that whereunto he hath formerly subscribed And as for you Doctor Reynolds and your Sociates how much are ye bound to his Majestie 's Clemency permitting you contrary to the Statute primo Elizabethae so freely to speak against the Liturgie and Discipline established Faine would I know the end you aime at and whether you be not of Mr. Cartwright's minde who affirmed That we ought in Ceremonies rather to conforme to the Turks than to the Papists I doubt you approve his Position because here appearing before his Majesty in Turky-Gownes not in your Scholastick habits according to the order of the Universities His Majesty My Lord Bishop something in your passion I may excuse and something I must mislike I may excuse you thus farre That I thinke you have just cause to be moved in respect that they traduce the well-setled Government and also proceed in so indirect a course contrary to their owne pretence and the intent
generally received His Majesty I utterly dislike the first part of your motion thinking it unfit to thrust into the Book of Articles every position negative which would swell the book into a volume as big as the Bible and confound the Reader Thus on M. Craig in Scotland with his I renounce and abhorre his multiplyed detestations and abrenuntiations so amazed simple people that not able to conceive all their things they fell back to Popery or remained in their former ignorance If bound to this forme the Confession of my faith must be in my Table booke not in my head Because you speake of intention I will apply it thus If you come hither with a good intention to be informed the whole work will sort to the better effect But if your intention be to go as you came whatsoever shall be said it will prove the intention is very materiall and essentiall to the end of this present action As for the nine Assertions you speak of I cannot sodainly answer not knowing what those Propositions of Lambeth be BP of Lond. May it please your Majesty this was the occasion of them by reason of some Controversies arising in Cambridge about certain points of Divinity my Lords Grace assembled some Divines of speciall note to set down their opinions which they drew into nine Assertions and so sent them to the University for the appeasing of those quarrels His Majesty When such questions arise amongst Scholars the quietest proceedings were to determine them in the University and not to stuff the Book of Articles with all Conclusions Theologicall Secondly the better course would be to punish the Broachers of false Doctrine than to multiply Articles which if never so many cannot prevent thecontrary opinions of men till they be heard Dean of Pauls May it please your Majesty I am neerely concerned in this matter by reason of a Controversie betwixt me and some other in Cambridge upon a Proposition which I there delivered namely that whosover though before justified did commit any grievous sinne as Adultery Murder c. doe become ipso facto subject to Gods wrath and guilty of Damnation quoad praesentem statum untill they repent Yet so that those who are justified according to the purpose of Gods Election though they might fall into grievous sin and thereby into the present Estate of Damnation yet never totally nor finally from Justification but were in time renewed by Gods spirit unto a lively Faith and Repentance Against this Doctrine some did oppose teaching that persons once truly justified though falling into grievous sinnes remained still in the state of Justification before they actually repented of these sinnes yea and though they never repented of them through forgetfulnesse or sudden death they neverthelesse were justified and saved His Majesty I dislike this Doctrine there being a necessity of conjoyning repentance and holinesse of Life with true Faith and that is Hypocrisie and not justifying Faith which is severed from them For although Predestination and Election depend not on any qualities actions or works of Man which are mutable but on Gods eternall Decree Yet such is the necessity of repentance after known sinnes committed that without it no Reconciliation with God or Remission of Sins Dr. Reyn. The Catechisme in the Common-Prayer-book is too brief and that by Mr. Nowel late Deane of Pauls too long for Novices to learne by heart I request therefore that one Uniform Catechisme may be made and none other generally received His Majesty I think the Doctour's request very reasonable yet so that the Catechisme may be made in the fewest and plainest affirmative termes that may be not like the many ignorant Catechismes in Scotland set out by every one who was the Sonne of a good man insomuch that what was Catechisme-Doctrine in one Congregation was scarcely received as Orthodox in another and herein I would have two rules observed First That curious and deep questions be avoided in the Fundamentall instruction of a People Secondly That there should not be so general a departure from the Papists that every thing should be accounted an Errour wherein we agree with them Dr. Reyn. Great is the Prophanation of the Sabbath day and contempt of your Majestie 's Proclamation which I earnestly desire may be reformed This motion found an unanimous consent Dr. Reyn. May your Majesty be pleased that the Bible be new translated such as are extant not answering the Originall and he instanced in three particulars Gal. 4. 25. Psal 105. 28. Psal 106. 30. In the Originall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 They were not disobedient Phinehas execut judgement Ill translated Bordereth They were not obedient Phinehas prayed B. of Lond. If every mans humour might be followed there would be no end of translating His Majesty I professe I could never yet see a Bible well translated in English but I think that of all that of Geneva is the worst I wish some speciall pains were taken for an uniform translation which should be done by the best learned in both Universities then reviewed by the Bishops presented to the Privy Councell lastly ratified by Royall Authority to be read in the whole Church and no other Bp. of Lond. But it is fit that no marginall notes should be added thereunto His Majesty That Caveat is well put in for in the Geneva Translation some notes are partiall untrue seditious and savouring of traiterous conceits As when from Exodus 1. 19. Disobedience to Kings is allowed in a Marginall note And 2 Chron. 15. 16. King Asa taxed in the Note for onely deposing his Mother for Idolatry and not killing her To conclude this point let Errours in matters of Faith be amended and indifferent things be interpreted and a gloss added unto them For as Bartolus de Regno saith that a King with some weaknesse is better than still a change so rather a Church with some Faults than an Innovation And surely if these were the greatest matters that grieved you I need not have been troubled with such importunate Complaints D r. Reyn. May it please your Majesty that unlawfull and seditious Books be suppressed such as Ficlerus a Papist De Jure Magistratus in Subditos applyed against the late Queen for the Pope Bp. of Lond. There is no such licentious divulging of those Books and none have Liberty by Authority to buy them except such as Dr. Reynolds who was supposed would confute them And if such Books come into the Realme by secret conveyances perfect nottce cannot be had of their importation Besides Ficlerus was a great Disciplinarian whereby it appeares what advantage that sort gave unto thei Papists who mutatis personis apply their owne arguments against Princes of their Religion though for my part I detest both the Author and Applyer alike The L d. Cecil Indeed the unlimited liberty of dispersing Popish and Seditious Pamphlets in Paul's Church yard and both the Universities hath done much mischief but especially one called Speculum Tragicum His
sed with Milk being inabled to feed others Some of them are strong enough if not head-strong conceiving themselves able enough to teach him who last spake for them andall the Bishops in the Land Mr. Knewst It is questionable whether the Church hath power to institute an outward signifiant signe BP of Lond. The Crosse in Baptisme is not used otherwise than a Ceremony Bp. of Winch. Kneeling lifting up of the Hands knocking of the Breast are significant Ceremonies and these may lawfully be used D. of the Chap. The Robbines write that the Jewes added both Signes and Words at the institution of the Passeover viz. when they ate sowre herbs they said Take and eat these in remembrance c. When they drank Wine they said Drink this in remembrance c. Upon which addition and tradition our Saviour instituted the Sacrament of his last Supper thereby approving a Church may institute and retaine a Signe significant His Majesty I am exceeding well satisfied in this point but would be acquainted about the antiquity of the use of the Crosse Dr. Reyn. It hath been used ever since the Apostles time But the onestion is how ancient the use thereof hath been in Baptism D. of Westm It appeares out of Tertullian Cyprian and Origen that it was used in immortali lavacro Bp. of Winch. In Constantine's time it was used in Baptisme His Majesty If so I see no reason but that we may continue it Mr. Knewst Put the case the Church hath power to adde significant signes it may not adde them where Christ hath already ordained them which is as derogatory to Christs Institution as if one should adde to thegreat Seale of England His Majesty The case is not alike seeing the Sacrament is fully finished before any mention of the Crosse is made therein Mr. Knewst If the Church hath such a power the greatest scruple is how far the Ordinance of the Church bindeth without impeaching Christian Liberty His Majesty I will not argue that point with you but answer as Kings in Parliament Le Roy s'avicera This is like M. John Black a beardlesse Boy who told me the last * December 1601. Conference in Scotland that he would hold conformity with his Majesty in matters of Doctrine but every man for Ceremonies was to be left to his own Liberty But I will have none of that I will have one Doctrine one Discipline one Religion in Substance and in Ceremony Never speak more to that point how farre you are bound to obey Dr. Reyn. Would that the Cross being superstitiously abused in Popery were abandoned as the Brazen Serpent was stamped to powder by Hezekias because abused to Idolatry His Majesty In as much as the Crosse was abused to Superstition in time of Popery it doth plainly imply that it was well used before I detest their courses who peremptorily disallow of all things which have been abused in Popery and know not how to answwer the objections of the Papists when they charge us with Novelties but by telling them we retaine the primitive use of things and onely forsake their Novell Corruptions Secondly no resemblance betwixt the Brazen Serpent a materiall visible thing and the signe of the Cross made in the Aire Thirdly Papists as I am informed did never ascribe any spirituall Grace to the Cross in Baptisme Lastly materiall Crosses to which people fell downe in time of Popery as the Idolatrous Jewes to the Brazen Serpent are already demolished as you desire Mr. Knewst I take exception at the wearing of the Surplice a kind of Garment used by the Priests of Isis His Majesty I did not think till of late it had been borrowed from the Heathen because commonly called a rag of Popery Seeing now we border not upon Heathens Ann. Dom 1603-04 Ann. Reg. Jac. 1 neither are any of them conversant with or commorant amongst us thereby to be confirmed in Paganisme I see no reason but for comlinesse-sake it may be continued D r. Reyn. I take exception at these words in the Marriage With my body I thee worship His Majesty I was made believe the phrase imported no lesse than Divine Adoration but finde it an usuall English terme as when we say A Gentleman of worship it agreeth with the Scriptures giving Honour to the Wife As for you This the King spake smiling Dr. Reynolds many men speak of Robin Hood who never shot in his Bow If you had a good Wife your selfe you would think all worship and honour you could doe her were well bestowed on her D. of Sarum Some take exception at the Ring in Marriage Dr. Reyn. I approve it well enough His Majesty I was married with a Ring and think others scarce well married without it Dr. Reyn. Some take exceptions at the Churching of Women by the name of purification His Majesty I allow it very well Women being loath of themselves to come to Church I like this or any other occasion to draw them thither Dr. Reyn. My last exception is against committing Ecclesiasticall Censures to Lay-Chancellors the rather because it was ordered Anno 1571. that Lay-Chancellors in matters of Correction and Anno 1589. in matters of Instance should not excommunicate any but be done onely by them who had power of the Keyes though the contrary is commonly practised His Majesty I have conferred with my Bishops about this point and such order shall be taken therein as is convenient Mean time go on to some other matter Dr. Reyn. I desire that according to certaine Provinciall Constitutions the Clergie may have meetings every three weeks 1. First in Rural Deaneries therein to have prophesying as Arch-bishop Grindall and other Bishops desired of her late Majesty 2. That such things as could not be resolved on there might be referred to the Arch-Deacons Visitations 3. Andso to the Episcopall Synod to determine such points before not decided His Majesty If you aime at a Scottish Presbytery it agreeth as well with Monarchy as God and the Devill Then Jack and Tom and Will and Dick shall meet and censure me and my Councill Therefore I reiterate my former speech Le Ray S'avisera Stay I pray for one seven yeares before you demand and then if you find me grow pursie and fat I may perchance hearken unto you for that Government will keep me in breath and give me work enough I shall speak of one matter more somewhat out of order but it skilleth not D. Reynolds you have'often spoken for my Supremacy and it is well But know you any here or elsewhere who like of the present Government Ecclesiasticall and dislike my Supremacy Dr. Reyn. I know none His Majesty Why then I will tell you a tale After that the Religion restored by King Edward the sixt was soon overthrowne by Queen Mary here in England we in Scotland felt the effect of it For thereupon Mr. Knox writes to the Queen regent a vertuous and moderate Lady telling her that she was the
supreme head of the Church and charged her as she would answer it at Gods Tribunall to take care of Christ his Evangil in suppressing the Popish Prelates who withstood the same But how long trow did you this continue Even till by her authority the Popish Bishops were repressed and Knox with his adherents being brought in made strong enough Then began they to make small account of her supremacy when according to that more light wherewith they were illuminated they made a farther reformation of themselves How they used the poore Lady my Mother is not unknowne and how they dealt with me in my minority I thus apply it My Lords the Bishops I may * This be said putting his hand to his bat thank you that these men plead thus for my Supremacy They think they cannot make their Party good against you but by appealing unto it but if once you were out and they in I know what would become of my Supremacy for NO BISHOP NO KING I have learned of what cut they have been who preaching before me since my coming into England passed over with silence my being Supreme Governour in causes Ecclesiasticall Well Doctour have you any thing else to say Dr. Reyn. No more if it please your Majesty His Majesty If this be all your Party hath to say I will make them conforme themselves or else I will harrie them out of the Land or else doe worse Thus ended the second dayes Conference Jan. 18 and the third began on the Wednesday following many Knights Civilians and Doctours of the Law being admitted thereunto because the High Commission was the principall matter in debate His Majesty I understand that the parties named in the High Commission are too many and too mean and the matters they deale with base such as Ordinaries at home in their Courts might censure Arch-b of Cant. It is requisite their number should be many otherwise I should be forced often-times to sit alone if in the absence of the Lords of the Council Bishops and Judges at Law some Deanes and Doctours were not put into that Commission whose Attendance I might command with the more Authority I have often complained of the meannesse of matters handled therein but cannot remedy it For though the Offence be small that the Ordinary may the Offender oft-times is so great and contumacious that the Ordinary dâ—re not punish him and so is forced to crave help at the High Commission A nameless L d. The Proceedings in that Court I dare not guess him for fear of failing are like the Spanish Inquisition whereiu men are urged to subscribe more than Law requireth and by the Oath ex officio forced to accuse themselves being examined upon twenty or twenty four Articles on a sudden without deliberation and for the most part against themselves In proof hereof he produced a Letter of an antient honourable Counsellour An. 1584. verifying this usage to two Minsters in Cambridge shire Arch-b of Cant. Your Lordship is deceived in the manner of proceeding For if the Article touch the Party for Life Liberty or Scandall he may refuse to answer I can say nothing to the particulars of the Letter because twenty yeares since yet doubted not but at leisure to give your Lordship satisfaction L d. Chancel There is necessity Here we omit a discourse about Subscription because not methodiz'd into the Speech of severall persons and use of the Oath Ex officio in divers Courts and Causes His Majesty Indeed civil Proceedings onely punish Facts but it is requisite that Fame and Scandals be looked unto in Courts Ecclesiasticall and yet great moderation is to be used therein 1. In gravioribus criminibus 2. In such whereof there is a publique Fame caused by the inordinate demeanour of the Offender And here he soundly described the Oath ex officio for the ground thereof the Wisdome of the Law therein the manner of proceeding thereby and profitable effect from the same Arch-b of Cant. Undoubtedly your Majesty speaks by the speciall assistance of Gods Spirit BP of Lond. I protest my heart melteth with joy that Almighty God of his singular mercy * This he spake on his knee hath given us such a King as since Christs time the like hath not beene Then passed there much discourse between the King the Bishops and the Lords about the quality of the Persons and Causes in the High Commission rectifying Excommunications in matters of lesse moment punishing Recusants providing Divines for Ireland Wales and the Northern Borders Afterwards the four Preachers were called in and such alterations in the Lyturgie were read unto them which the Bishops by the Kings advice had made and to which by their silence they seemed to consent His Majesty I see the exceptions against the Communion-book are matters of weakness therefore if the persons reluctant be discreet they will be won betimes and by good perswasions If indiscreet better they were removed for by their factions many are driven to be Papists From you Dr. Reynolds and your Associates I expect obedience and humility the marks of honest and good men and that you would perswade others abroad by your example Dr. Reyn. We here do promise to performe all duties to Bishops as Reverend Fathers and to joyne with them against the common Adversary for the quiet of the Church Mr. Chader I request * This he spake kneeling the wearing of the Surplice and the Cross in Baptism may not be urged on some godly Ministers in Lancashire fearing if forced unto them many won by their preaching of the Gospel will revolt to Popery and I particularly instance in the Vicar of Ratsdale Ar-b of Cant. You could not have light upon a worse for not many yeares agoe as my Lord * Who being there present averred the same Chancellor knowes it was proved before me that by his unreverent usage of the Eucharist dealing the Bread out of a Basket every man putting in his hand and taking out a piece he made many loath the Communion and refuse to come to Church His Majestie It is not my purpose and I dare say it is not the Bishops intent presently and out of hand to enforce these things without Fatherly Admonitions Conferences and Perswasions premised but I wish it were examined whether such Lancashire Ministers by their paines and preaching have converted any from Popery and withall be men of honest Life and quiet Conversation If so let Letters be written to the Bishop of * This was Râ—ch Vaughan afterwards Bishop of Lond. Chester who is grave and good man to that purpose that some favour may be afforded unto them and let the Lord Arch-bishop write the Letters BP of Lond. If this be granted the copie of these Letters will flie all over England and then all non conformists will make the like request and so no fruit follow of this Conference but things will be worse than they were before I desire therefore a
that point that he any way went about to abridge her Royall Authority 5. Secondly And filly taxing of his train he taxeth him for his extraordinary traine of above sixty men-servants though not so extravagant a number if his person and place be considered who were all trained up to martiall affaires and mustred almost every week his stable being well furnished with store of great Horses But was it a fault in those martiall dayes when the invasion of a Forraign Foe was daily suspected to fit his Family for their own and the Kingdomes defence Did not * Gen. 14. 14. Abraham that heavenly Prophet and holy Patriarch arme his Trained Servants in his owne house in his victorious expedition against the King of Sodome Yea if Church-men of an Anti-prelaticall spirit had not since tampered more dangerously with training of Servants though none of their owne both Learning and Religion had perchance looked at this day with a more cheerefull countenance 6. Whereas it intimates Whitgifts care of and love to Scholars that this Arch-bishop had been better imployed in training up Scholars for the Pulpit than Souldiers for the Field know that as the Latter was performed the former was not quitted by him Witnesse many worthy preachers bred under him in Trinity Colledge and more elsewhere relieved by him Yea his Bounty was too large to be confined within the narrow Seas Beza Drusius and other forraigne Protestant Divines tasting freely thereof Nor was his Liberality onely a Cisterne for the present age but a running River from a fresh Fountaine to water Posterity in that Schoole of Croydon which he hath beautifully built and bountifully endowed More might be said in the vindication of this worthy Prelate from his reproachfull penne But I purposely forbeare the rather because it is possible that the learned Gentleman since upon a serious review of his own Work and experimentall Observation of the passages of this Age may be more offended with his owne writing herein than others take just exception thereat 7. Arch-bishop Whitgift was buried at Croydon His buriall and Successour 1604. Mar. 27. March 27. The Earle of Worcester and Lord Zouch his Pupills attending his Herse and Bishop Babington his Pupill also made his Funerall Sermon chusing for his Text 2 Chron. 24. 15 16. and paralleling the Arch-bishops life with gracious Jehoida Ann. Reg. Jac. 2 Ann. Dom. 1604. Richard Bancroft Bishop of London brought up in Jesus Colledge succeeded him in the Arch-bishoprick whose actions in our ensuing History will sufficiently deliver his character without our description thereof 8. Come we now to the Parliament assembled A beneficiall Statute for the Church amongst the many Acts which passed therein none more beneficiall for the Church than that which made the King himselfe and his Successors incapable of any Church-land to be conveyed unto them otherwise than for three lives or twenty one years Indeed a Statute had formerly been made the thirteenth of Queen Eliz. which to prevent finall Alicnation of Church-land did disable all subjects from accepting them But in that Statute a Liberty was left unto the * Because it was noâ— forbidden in the Statute in expresse words Crown to receive the same It was thought fit to allow to the Crown this favourable exception as to the Patron generall of the whole English Church and it was but reason for the Soveraign who originally gave all the Loafe to the Church on occasion to resume a good Shiver thereof 9. But he who shuts ninety nine gates of Thebes A conâ—rivance by the Crowne to wrong the Church and leaveth one open shuts none in effect Covetousnesse shall I say an apt Scholar to learne or an able Master to teach or both quickly found out a way to invade the Lands of the Church and evade the Penalty of the Law which thus was contrived Some Potent Courtier first covertly contracts with a Bishop some whereof though spirituall in Title were too temporall in Truth as more minding their Private Profit than the Publique good of the Church to passe over such a proportion of Land to the Crowne This done the said Courtier begs the Land of the Queen even before her Highnesse had tasted thereof or the lipps of her Exchecquer ever touched the same and so an Estate thereof is setled on him and his Heires for ever And thus Covetousnesse came to her desired end though forced to go a longer journey and fain to fetch a farther compasse about 10. For instance Two eminent instances of former Alienation of Bishopprick-Lands Doctor Coldwell Doctor of Physique and Bishop of Sarisbury gave his Sea a very strong Purge when he consented to the Alienation of Shiâ—bourn Manour from his Bishoprick Indeed the good old man was shot between Wind and Water and his consent was assaulted in a dangerous joincture of time to give any deniall For after he was elected Bishop of Sarisbury and after all his Church-preferments were disposed of to other persons yet before his election was confirmed past a possibility of a legall reversing thereof Sir W. Rawleigh is importunate with him to passe Sherborne to the Crowne and effected it though indeed a good round rent was reserved to the Bishoprick Presently Sir Walter beggeth the same of the Queen and obtained it Much after the same manner Sir Killegrew got the Mannour of Crediton a bough almost as big as all the rest of the Body for the Church of Exeter by the consent of Doctor Babington the Bishop thereof 11. To prevent future wrong to the Church in that kinde Severall censuâ—es on this new Statute it was now enacted That the Crowne it selfe henceforward should be incapable of any such Church-land to be conveyed unto it Yet some were so bold as to conceive this Law void in the very making of it and that all the obligation thereof consisted not in the strength of the Law but onely in the Kings and his Successors voluntary obedience thereunto Accounting it injurious for any Prince in Parliament to tye his Successors who neither can nor will be concluded thereby farther than it stands with their owne convenience However it was to stand in force till the same power should be pleased to rescind it But others beheld this Law not with a Politick but Religious Eye conceiving the King of Heaven and the King of England the Parties concerned therein and accounting it Sacriledge for any to alienate what is given to God in his Church 12. Thus was the King graciously pleased to binde himself for the liberty of the Church K. JAMES a great Churchlover He knew full well all Courtiers and especially his owne Countrey-mens importunity in asking and perhaps was privy to his owne impotency in denying and therefore by this Statute he eased himselfe of many troublesome Suitors For hereafter no wise man would beg of the King what was not in his power to grant and what if granted could
not legally be conveyed to any Petitioner Ann. Dom. 1604 Ann Reg. Jac. 2 Thus his Majesty manifested his good will and affection to Religion and although this Law could not finally preserve Church-lands to make them immortall yet it prolonged their lives for many yeares together 12. Passe we now into the Convocation The Acts of this Convocation why as 〈…〉 recovered to see what was done there But here the History thereof as I may say is shot betwixt the joynts of the Armor in the intervall after Whitgift's death and before Bancroft's removall to Canterbury so that I can finde the Originall thereof neither in the Office of the Vicar-generall nor in the Registry of London not can I recover it as yet from the Office of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury where most probably it is to be had the Jurisdiction belonging to them in the Vacancy 13. Take this as the result thereof Many Canon made therein Bishop Bancroft sitting President A Book of Canons was compiled not onely being the summe of the Queens Articles Orders of her Commissioners Advertisements Canons of 1571. and 1597. which were in use before but also many more were added the whole number amounting unto 141. Some wise and moderate men supposed so many Lawes were too heavy a burden to be long borne and that it had been enough for the Episcopall party to have triumphed not insulted over their adversaries in so numerous impositions However an Explanation was made in one of the Canons of the use of the Crosse in Baptisme to prevent Scandall and learned Thuanus in his History taketh an especiall notice thereof 14. Motion being made in this Convocation Bishop Rudd why opposing the oath against Simony about framing an Oath against Simony to be taken by all presented to Churchpreferment Bishop Rudde of St. Davids as conscientious as any of his order and free from that fault opposed it chiefly because he thought it unequall that the Patron should not be forced as well as the Clerk to take that Oath Whereupon it was demanded of him whether he would have the King to take that Oath when he presented a Bishop or Dean and hereat the Bishop sate downe in silence 15. About this time the Corporation of Rippon in York-shire The Petition of the Town of Rippon to Queen Anne presented their Petition to Queen Anne on this occasion They had a faire Collegiate Church stately for the structure thereof formerly erected by the Nobility and Gentry of the Vicenage the meanes whereof at the dissolution of Abbies were seized on by the King so that small maintenance was left to the Minister of that populous Parish Now although Edwin Sands Arch-bishop of York with the Earle of Huntinton Lord Burgley and Sheaffield successively Presidents of the North had recommended their Petition to Qu. Elizabeth they obtained nothing but faire unperformed Promises whereupon now the Ripponeers humbly addressed themselves to Queen Anne and hear her answer unto them ANNA R. ANNE by the grace of God Qu. of England Scotland France and Ireland c. To all to whom these presents shall come greeting Whereas there hath been lately exhibited and recommended unto us a frame and plat-forme of a Colledge Generall to be planted and established at Rippon in the County of Yorke for the manifold benefit of both the Borders of England and Scotland Upon the due perusing of the plot aforesaid hereunto annexed and upon signification given of the good liking and approbation of the chief points contained therein by sundry grave learned and religious parties and some other of honourable Place and Estate We have thought good for the ample and perpetuall advancement of Learning and Religion in both the borders of our aforesaid Realmes to condescend to yeild our favour and best furtherance thereunto And for the better encouraging of other honourable and worthy Personages to joyn with us in yeilding their bounty and benevolence thereunto We have and do signifie and assure and by the word of a sacred Princesse and Queen do expresly promise to procure with all convenient speed to and for the yearely better maintenance of the said Colledge All and every of the Requests specified and craved to that end in a small Schedule hereunto annexed In confirmation whereof we have signed these Presents by our hand and name above mentioned and have caused our privy Signet to be set unto the same July 4. Dated at our Honour at Greenwich July 4. An. Dom. 1604. and of our Reigne c. After the sealing thus subscribed Gulielmus Toulerius Secretarius de mandate serenissimae Annae Reginae Angliae Scotiae Franciae Hiberniae 16. Such need never fear successe King James his bountifull grant who have so potent a person to solicite their suite King James being forward of himselfe to advance Learning and Religion and knowing Christs precept Let your Light shine before Men knew also that Rippon was an advantagious place for the fixing thereof As which by its commodious position in the North there would reflect lustre almost equally into England and Scotland Whereupon he founded a Dean and Chapter of seven Prebends allowing them two hundred forty seven pounds a yeare out of his own Crowne-land for their maintenance 17. I am informed These Lands since twice sold that lately the Lands of this Church are by mistake twice sold to severall Purchasers viz. Once under the notion of Dean and Chapters Lands and againe under the property of Kings Lands I hope the Chapâ—men when all is right stated betwixt them will agree amongst themselves on their bargaine Mean time Rippon Church may the better comport with poverty because onely remitted to its former condition 18. The Family of Love or Lust rather at this time The Petition of the Family of Love to King James presented a tedious Petition to King James so that it is questionable whether His Majesty ever graced it with his perusall wherein they endeavoured to cleare themselves from some misrepresentations and by fawning expression to insinuate themselves into his Majesty's good opinion Which here we present To the King 's most excellent MAJESTY JAMES the first by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. MOst gracious and Sveraigne Lord whereas there is published in a Book written by your Highnesse as an instruction to your most noble * * In his Basilicon Doron Sonne whom Almighty God blesse with much Honour Happinesse and Long life of a People that are of a vile Sect among the Anabaptists called the Family of Love who doe hold and maintaine many proud uncharitable unchristian and most absurd Opinions unto whom your Highnesse doth also give the name of Puritans assuming in the said Book that divers of them as Brown Penry and others doe accord with them in their foule Errours heady and phantasticall Opinions which are there set downe at large by Your Majesty
But a Vagari took the Lord Ross to go to Rome His sad Dilemmâ— though some conceive this motion had its root in more mischievous brains In vain doth Mr. Molle disswade him grown now so wilfull he would in some sort govern his Governour What should this good man doe To leave him were to desert his trust to goe along with him was to endanger his own life At last his affections to his charge so prevailed against his judgment that unwillingly willing he went with him Now at what rate soever they rode to Rome the fame of their coming came thither before them so that no sooner had they entred their Inne but Officers asked for Mr. Molle took and carried him to the Inquisition-House where he remained a prisoner whilest the Lord Ross was daily feasted favoured entertained so that some will not stick to say That here he changed no Religion for a bad one 9. However His constancy in the 〈…〉 such Mr. Molle's glorious constancy that whilest he look'd forward on his cause and upwards to his crown neither frights nor flattery could make any impression on him It is questionable whether his friends did more pity his misery or admire his patience The pretence and allegation of his so long and strict imprisonment was because he had translated Du Plessis his Book of The Visibility of the Church out of French into English but besides there were other contrivances therein not so fit for a publick relation In vain did his friends in England though great and many endeavour his enlargement by exchange for one or moe Jesuits or Priests who were prisoners here Papists beholding this Molle as a man of a thousand who if discharged the Inquisition might give an account of Romish cruelty to their great disadvantage 10. In all the time of his durance His death in durance he never heard from any * So am I informed by a Letter from Mr. Hâ—n Molle his Son friend nor any from him by word or letter no English-man being ever permitted to see him save onely one viz Mr. Walter Strickland of Botnton-house in York shire With very much desire and industry he procured leave to visit him an Irish Frier being appointed to stand by and be a witnesse of their discourse Here he remained thirty years in restraint and in the eighty first year of his age died a Prisoner and constant Confessour of Christ his cause God be magnified in and for the sufferings of his Saints 11. In this year Richard Vaughan The death of Bishop Vaughan Doctor of Divinity bred in S. John's Colledge in Cambridge successively Bishop of Bangor Chester and London ended his life A corpulent man but spiritually minded such his integrity not to be bowed though force was not wanting to any base connivance to wrong the Church he was placed in His many virtues made his losse to be much bemoaned 12. Greater was the grief Mr. Brightmans birth and breeding which the death of Master Thomas Brightman caused to the disaffectors of the Church-discipline of England He was born in the Town of Nottingham bred in Queens-Colledge in Cambridge where a constant opposition in point of judgment about Ceremonies was maintained between him and Doctor Meryton afterwards Dean of Yorke Here he filled himselfe with abilities for the Ministerie waiting a call to vent himselfe in the Countrey 13. It happened this very time A Patron paramount that Sir John Son to Mr. Peter Osborne both lovers of learned and godly men not onely bought and restored the Rectorie of Haunes in Bedford shire formerly alienated to the Church but also built thereon from the ground a fair House which he furnished with fitting utenfils for the future Incumbent thereof This done at his desire of an able Minister Doctor Whitakers recommended Master Brightman unto him on whom Sir John not onely freely conferred the Living but also the profits of two-former years which the Knight inned at his own cost and kept in his possession 14. Here Mr. Brightman employed himself both by preaching Exceptions against Master Brightman's Book and writing to advance Gods glory and the good of the Church witnesse his learned Comments in most pure Latine on the Canticles and Revelation though for the latter greatly grudged at on severall accounts 1. For the Title thereof conceived too insolent for any creature to affix A Revelation of The Revelation except immediate Inspiration which made the lock had given the key unto it 2. For being over-positive in his interpretations The rather because the Reverend Mr. Calvin himself being demanded his opinion of some passages in the Revelation as a learned * Bodin in his Method of History cap. 7. man reporteth answered ingenuously That he knew not at all what so obscure a writer meant 3. For over-particularizing in personal expositions applying severall Angels mentioned therein Chap. 14. v. 18 He maketh Arch-bp Cranmer the Angel to have power over the fire and Ch. 16. v. 5. He makes Hillâ— Cecil Ld Treas of England the Angel of the waters if Lord Admirall it had been more proper justifying the pouring out of the third viall to the Lord Cromwell Archbishop Cranmer Cecill Lord Burley c. Such restrictiveness being unsuitable with the large concernment of Scripture as if England half an Island in the Western corner were more considerable than all the world besides and the theater whereon so much should be performed 4. In resembling the Church of England to luke-warm Laodicea praising and preferring the purity of forrain Protestant-Churches Indeed his daily discourse was against Episcopal Government which he declared would shortly be pulled down He spake also of great troubles which would come upon the Land of the destruction of Rome and the Universall calling of the Jewes affirming That some then alive should see all these things effected 15. However His angelical life his life was most angelicall by the confession of such who in judgment dissented from him His manner was alwaies to carry about him a Greek Testament which he read over every fortnight reading the Gospels and the Acts the first the Epistles and the Apocalyps the second week He was little of stature and though such commonly cholerick yet never known to be moved with anger and therefore when his pen falls foul on Romish superstition his friends account it zeal and no passion 16. His desire was to die a sudden death His sudden death if God so pleased surely not out of opposition to the English Liturgie praying against the same but for some reasons best known to himself God granted him his desire a death sudden in respect of the shortnesse of the time though premeditated on and prepared for by him who waited for his change and being a watchfull souldier might be assaulted not surprized For riding in a Coach with Sir Iohn Osborne and reading of a Book for he would lose no time he fainted and though instantly taken out
Church than themselves and haply might acquire priviledges prejudicial to their Episcopall Jurisdiction 6. The jealousie of the Universities beholding this designe with suspitious eyes as which in processe of time might prove detrimentall unto them Two breasts Cambridge and Oxford being counted sufficient for England to suckle all her children with 7. The suspition of some Patriots and Commoners in Parliament such as carried the keyes of Countrey-mens coffers under their girdles may I safely report what I have heard from no mean mouthes that this Colledge would be too much Courtier and that the Divinity but especially the History thereof would 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propend too much in favour of King JAMES and report all things to the disadvantage of the Subject Wherefore though the said Patriots in Parliament countenanced the act as counting it no policy publickly to crosse the project of King JAMES especially as it was made popular with so pious a plausibility yet when returned home by their suspitious Items and private instructions they beat off and retarded peoples charities thereunto The same conceived this foundation superfluous to keep men to confute Popish opinions by writings whilest the maintainers of them were every where connived at and countenanced and the penall Laws not put in any effectuall execution against them 8. It s being begun in a bad time when the world swarmed with proleing Projectours and necessitous Courtiers contriving all waies to get moneys We know that even honest persons if strangers and casually coming along with the company of those who are bad contract a suspition of guilt in the opinions of those to whom they are unknown And it was the unhappinesse of this innocent yea usefull good designe that it appeared in a time when so many Monopolies were on foot 9. Some great Church men who were the more backward because Doctor Sutcliffe was so forward therein Such as had not freeness enough to go before him had frowardness too much to come after him in so good a designe The rather because they distasted his person and opinions Doctor Sutcliffe being a known rigid Anti-Remonstrant and when old very morose and teastie in his writings against them An infirmity which all ingenuous people will pardon in him that hope and desire to attain to old age themselves Thus have I opened my wares with sundry sorts of commodities therein assigning those Reasons which I have either read or heard from prime men of severall interests and am confident that in the variety yea contrariety of judgments now adaies even those very Reasons which are cast away by some as weak and frivolous will be taken up yea preferred by others as most satisfactory and substantiall 27. At this present it hath but little of the case The presen◠sad condition of it and nothing of the jewell for which it was intended Almost rotten before ripe and ruinous before it was finished It stands bleak like a Lodge in a garden of cucumbers having plenty of pleasant water the Thames neer it and store of wholesome aire about it but very little of the necessary element of earth belonging unto it Yea since I am informed that seeing the Colledge taketh not effect according to the desire and intent of the first Founders it hath been decreed in Chancerie by the joynt consent of Doctor Daniel Featly the third Provost of this Colledge and Doctor John Prideaux the surviving Feoffee intrusted in Dr. Sutcliffe's Will that the foresaid Farms of Kingstone Hazzard and Appleton should return again to the possession of Mr. Halce as the Heir-generall to the said Dr. Sutcliffe On what consideration let others enquire it is enough to perswade me it was done in equity because done by the Lord Coventrie in the high Court of Chancerie So that now onely the Farm of Kramerland in Devonshire of Sutcliffe's donation remains to this Colledge All I will adde is this As this Colledge was intended for Controversies so now there is a controversie about the Colledge costly suits being lately commenced betwixt William Lord Mounston who married the Widow of the aforesaid Earl of Nottingham and the present Provost thereof about the title of the very ground whereon it is situated 28. Three Bishops The death of Bishop Overton Heton Ravis all Oxford-men ended their lives this year First William Overton about the beginning of April bred in Magdalene Colledge one sufficiently severe to suppresse such whom he suspected of Non-conformity The second Martin Heton first Dean of Winchester and then Bishop of Elie. I say of Elie which See had stood empty almost twenty years in the Reigne of Queen ELIZABETH after the death of Bishop Cox So long the lantern of that Church so g Camdeus Brit Cambridge-shire artificial for the workmanship thereof wanted a light to shine therein Some suspected this place so long empty would never be filled again seeing no Bishoprick so large in revenues was so little in jurisdiction not having the small County of Cambridge b Part is of the Diocesse of Norwich wholly belonging unto it Some cunning Courtiers observing this breach in Elie-Minster as fiercely assaulted it with hope to get gain to themselves During the vacancie it was offered to many Church-men or chapmen shall I say but either their consciences or coffers would not come up to the conditions thereof Amongst others Mr. Parker brought up in Peter-House in Cambridge and Arch-Deacon of Elie saith my i A Manuscript of the Bishops of Elie lent me by Mr. Wright Authour iniquis conditionibus Episcopatum oblatum respuit tantam opum usuram nisi salvâ Ecclesiâ negligens At last but with the revenues much altered and empaired it was conferred on Doctor Heton who after ten years possession thereof died July 14. and seems the more obscure because of the lustre and learning of Doctor Lancelot Andrewes who immediately succeeded him The third Bishop deceasing this year December 14 was Thomas Ravis sometime Dean of christ-Christ-Church and successively Bishop of Glocester and London born at Malden in Surrey of worthy parentage Claris parentibus saith the Epitaph on his tomb in St. Pauls who left the memory of a grave and good man behinde him Nor must it be forgotten that as he first had his learning in Westminster-School so he alwaies continued both by his counsell and countenance a most especiall incourager of the studies of all deserving Scholars belonging to that Foundation 29. As Archb◠Nich Fuller ingages for his Clients Bancroft was driving on conformity very fiercely throughout all his Province He met with an unexpected rub which notwithstanding he quickly removed for about this time Nich Fuller a Bencher of Greyes-Inne eminent in his profession Ann. Dom. 1610. Ann. Reg. Jac. 8 pleaded so boldly for the enlargement of his Clients that he procured his own confinement the Case thus Tho Lad a Merchant of Yarmouth in Norfolke was imprisoned a long time by the High Commission and could not be
Though his death much affected his friends in Oxford The death of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury Mar. 2. yet farre greater the grief of that University for the decease of Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury who died this year One of the honours not onely of that See but of the Church of England born at Guilford in Surrey of religious Parents as persevering in the Truth though g Abel Redivivus pag. 540. persecuted for the same in the Reign of Queen MARY Whose two younger Brothers George and Maurice the one came to be Archbishop of Canterbury the other was Lord Mayor of London and the first Knight of King CHARLES his dubbing This good Bishop his deserts without any other Friend or Spokesman preferred him to all his Promotions For Upon his Oration made on Queen ELIZABETH her Inauguration he was chosen Scholar and afterwards Fellow and Master of Baliol-Colledge Upon a Sermon preached At Worcester he was made Lecturer of that City At Paul's Crosse Master John Stanhoppe preferr'd him to the rich Benefice of Bingham in Nottingham-shire Before King JAMES he was nominated Successour to Doctor Holland in the Kings-Professour his place in Oxford Upon the same of his incomparable Lectures de potestate Regiâ and other labours he was made Bishop of Salisbury In conferring which Place the KING conquered all opposition which some envious persons raised against him witnesse His MAJESTIES pleasant speech Abbot I have had much to doe to makeâ— thee a Bishop but I know no reason for it unless it were because thou hast written a Booke against a Popish Preâ—â—â—e meaning William Bishop entituled by the Pope the Nominall Bishop of the Aâ—reall Diocesse of Calcedon which enraged the Courâ— Papists against him to obstruct his preferment The hour-glass of his life saith my h Dr. Fealty in the Life 〈◊〉 Bp. Abbor p. 549. Authour ran out the sooner for having the sand or gravel thereof stopt so great his grief of the stone though even whilst his body was on the rack his soule found ease in the assurance of salvation 54. About this time The Imp. stuâ—e of the Boy of Bilâ—on a Boy dwelling at Bilson in Stafford-shire William Perry by name not full fifteen years in age but above forty in cunning was practised on by some Jesuits repairing to the house of Mr. Gifford in that County to dissemble himself Possessed This was done on designe that the Priests might have the credit to cast out that Devil which never was in so to grace their Religion with the reputation of a Miracle 55. But now the best of the jest or rather the worst of the earnest Found ouâ— by Bishop Moâ—cton was the Boy having gotten a habit of counterfeiting leading a lazie life thereby to his own ease and Parents profit to whom he was more worth than the best Plough-land in the shire would not be undeviled by all their Exorcisms so that the Priests raised up a spirit which they could not allay At last by the industry of Dr. Moreton Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield the jugling was laid open to the world by the Boyes own confession and repentance who being bound an Apprentice at the Bishops cost verified the Proverb That an untoward Boy may make a good Man 56. Indeed all this KING's Reign was scattered over with Cheaters in this kinde Cheaters of several kindes Some Papists some Sectaries some neither as who dissembled such possession either out of malice to be revenged on those whom they accused of Witchcraft or covetousnesse to enrich themselves seeing such who out of charity or curiosity repaired unto them were bountifull in their relief But take a few of many Papists No Papists i See Bp. Harsnet his Book on this subject pag. 81. Sarah Williams lying past all sense in a Trance had a Devil say the Roma nists slipt up into her leg k John Gâ—â—'s Foot out of the snare pag. 53. Grace Sourebuts of Salmisbury in the County of Lancaster was perswaded by Southworth a Priest to dissemble possession to gain himself credit by Exorcising her l Idem pag. 54. Mary and Amie two Maids of Westminster pretended themselves in raptures from the Virgin Mary and Michael the Arch-Angel m Idem p. 55. Edward Hance a Popish Priest born at Lutterworth in Leicester-shire gave it out that he was possessed of the Blessed Trinity Rich Haydok Fellow of New-Colledge in Oxford preached in his dreams Latine Sermons against the Hierarchie He afterwards recanted lived in good esteem to a great age in Salisbury practising Physick being also an excellent Poet Limner and Ingraver Anne Gunter a Maid of Windsor gave it out she was possessed of a Devil was transported with strange Extaticall Phrensies A Maid at Standon in Hartfordshire which personated a Demoniack so lively that many judicious persons were deceived by her See we this Catalogue consists most of the weaker sex either because Satan would plant his Battery where easiest to make a Breach or because he found such most advantaged for dissembling and his Cloven-foot best concealed under Long coats Indeed some Feminine weaknesses made them more strong to delude the ruines of the Disease of the Mother being the best Foundation to build such Impostourie thereon 57. K. James remembring what Solomon n Prov. 25. 2. King James his dexterity in detecting them Ann. Dom. 1618. Ann. Regis Jac. 16 saith It is the honour of a King to search out a matter was no lesse dexterous than desirous to make discovery of these Deceits Various were His waies in detecting them awing some into confession with His presence perswading others by promise of pardon and fair usage He ordered it so that a Proper Courtier made love to one of these be witched Maids and quickly Cupid his Arrows drave out the pretended Darts of the Devil Another there was the Tides of whose Possession did so Ebbe and Flow that punctually they observed one hour till the KING came to visit her The Maid loath to be so unmannerly as to make His MAJESTY attend her time antedated her Fits many houres and instantly ran through the whole Zodiack of tricks which she used to play A third strangely-affected when the first verse of S. John's Gospel was read unto her in our Translation was tame and quiet whilst the same was pronounced in Greek her English Devil belike understanding no other language The frequency of such forged Possessions wrought such an alteration upon the judgement of King JAMES that he receding from what he had written in his Demonologie grew first diffident of and then flatly to deny the workings of Witches and Devils as but Falshoods and Delusions 58. K. James having last year in His progress passed through Lancashire The Kings Declaration for liberty on the Lords day May 24. took notice That by the preciseness of some Magistrates and Ministers in severall places of this Kingdome in hindring people from
ullus est profectò sub coelo locus aequè coeli aemulus in quo tentorium mihi figi maluerim cujusque adeo gestiet mihi animus meminisse Beatos verò vos quibus hoc frui datum non dignus cram ego ut fidelissimi Romani querimoniam imitari liceat qui Christi Ecclesiae suae nomine sanctam hanc provinciam diutius sustinerem Illud vero 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Nempe audito quod res erat non aliâ me quà m adversissimâ hic usum valetudine Serenissimus Rex meus misertus miselli famuli sui revocat me domum quippe quoòd cineres meos aut sandapilam vobis nihil quicquam prodesse posse nôrit succenturiavitque mihi virum è suis selectissimum quantum Theologum De me profectò mero jam silicernio quicquid fiat viderit ille Deus meus cujus ego totus sum Vobis quidem ita feliciter prospectum est ut sit cur infirmitati meae haud parùm gratulemini quum hujusmodi instructissimo succedaneo coetum hunc vestrum beaverit Neque tamen committam si Deus mihi vitam Ann. Dom. 1619 vires indulserit ut corpore simul Ann. Reg. Jac. 17 animo abesse videar Intereà sanè huic Synodo ubicunque terrarum sum vobis consiliis conatibusque meis quibuscunque res vestras me pro virili sedulò ac seriò promoturum sanctè voveo Interim vobis omnibus ac singulis Honoratissimi Domini Delegati Reverendissime Praeses Gravissimi Assessores Scribae doctissimi Symmystae colendissimi Tibique Venerandissima Synodus universa aegro animo ac corpore aeternùm valedico Rogo vos omnes obnixiùs ut precibus vestris imbecillem reducem facere comitari prosequi velitis Thus returned Dr. Hall into his own Country Since so recovered not to say revived therein that he hath gone over the graves of all his English Collegues there and what cannot God and good aire doe surviving in health at this day three and thirty years after may well with n 1 Sam. 17. 12. Jesse go amongst men for an old man in these daies And living privately having passed thorough the Bishop rickes of Exeter and Norwich hath now the opportunity in these troublesome times effectually to practice those his precepts of patience and contentment which his pen hath so eloquently recommended to others 71. On the seventh of January Doctor Goad in the room of Dr. Hall Thomas Goad Doctor of Divinity Ann. Reg. Jan. 7. Chaplain to George Archbishop of Canterbury came into the Synod sent thither by His MAJESTY of Great Britain The President entertained him with a soleman Oration highly commending King JAMES's care not recalling one Divine till he had substituted another The Doctor requited him with a pithie Oration promising the utmost of his assistance to the general good A promise by him well performed giving afterwards ample testimony of his general learning and solid judgement in Divinity nothing being wanting in him but that he came hither so late to this imployment SECTION V. TO Master PETER MOROLOYS AND Master THOMAS ROWSE OF LONDON Merchants THE NETHERLANDS are the Scene whereon the beginning of this Section was transacted They were also the Native Countreys of your Ancestors flying hither from persecution Since as your Fathers then found Safety amongst the ENGLISH some of the ENGLISH to my knowledge have felt Bounty from their Children God increase your Store and make you like the good Merchant in the Gospel * * Mat. 13. 46. who to purchase the GREAT PEARL sold all that the had that is undervalued all Worldly wealth coming in competition with God or Grace or Glory BEfore the end of the hundred fourty fifth Session The Belgick Confession presented in the Synod April the 20th in the forenoon the Belgick Confession was brought into the Synod containing matter both of Doctrine and Discipline and the publick consent thereunto was required Here the Bishop of Landaffe in the name of all the rest approved all the points of Doctrine But as for matter of Discipline that his Mother Church and his own order might not suffer therein and he seem by silence to betray the cause thereof a Protest was entred by him as Mouth for the rest to preserve the same as by the perusing the following passage will appear Interca tamen de Disciplina pancis monet Nunquam in Ecclesia obtinuisse Ministrorum paritatem non tempore Christi ipsius tanc enim duodecim Apostolos fuisse Discipulis superiores non Apostolorum aetate non subsecutis secuâ—lis Nec valere rationem in hac Confessione usurpatam Nempè quia omnes funt aequè Ministri Christi Nam septuaginta Discipuli erant Ministri Christi aequè ac Apostoli non tamen inde Apostolis aequales omnes omnino homines sunt aequè homines non inde tamen homo homini non debet subesse Haec non ad harum Ecclesiarum â—ssensionem sed ad nostrae Anglicanae defensionem sese monuisse professus est Br tannorum interpellationi responsum ne gru quidem Not withstanding in the mean time he briefly gave his advice concerning Discipline That the parity of Ministers never prevailed in the Church no not in the time of Christ himself for then the twelve Apostles were superiour to the Disciples not in the time of the Apostles nor in the ages after them Nor is that reason of any force alledged in their Confession namely Because all are equally the Ministers of Christ For even the seventy Disciples were equally Ministers of Christ with the Apostles and yet it follows not thence they were equal with the Apostles and all men altogether are equally men yet thence it cannot be inferred that one man ought not to be subject to another There things he professed himself to have hinted not to offend these Churches therewith but to defend their own Church of England To this interpellation of the British Divines nothing at all was answered Hereby the equal Reader may judge how candidly Master Montague in his Appeal dealeth with our English Divines charging o Appeal p. 70. them That the Discipline of the Church of England is in this Synod held unlawfull And again p Appeal p. 108. The Synod of Dort in some points condemneth upon the by even the Discipline of the Church of England But let such as desire farther satisfaction herein peruse the joynt Attestation which those English Divines set forth Anno 1626. to justifie their proceedings herein 2. On the 29 of April the Synod ended The states to expresse their gratitude April 29. bestowed on the English Divines at their departure Two hundred pounds The States bounty to the British Divines to bear their charges in their return besides a golden Medall of good value was given to every one of them wherein the sitting of the Synod was artificially represented And now these Divines who for many moneth
Hatton was never bred a Lawyer Descents a strong Title indeed wherein onely Men of their Robe were advanced thereunto 25. His eminent abilities Yet some of these altered their judgments when considering his education who for many years had been House Chaplain yea and more than Chaplain intimate Friend-servant to the old Lord Edgerton who understood the Chancellor-Craft as well as any who ever sat in that Place and who whilst living imparted many Mysteries of that Court when dying bequeathed many choice Books and directions unto him His parts were eminent who could make any thing he read or heard his own and could improve any thing which was his own to the utmost Besides for a Clergy-man to be Lord Chancellor was no usurpation but a recovery seeing Ecclesiasticks antiently were preferred to that Place and Sir Nicholas Bacon Father to the last Chancellor received the Broad Seale from a Church-man viz Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York 26. Considering all disadvantages Well manage the place he managed the Office to admiration I know it is reported by his adversaries to his discredit That never L. Keeper made so many Orders w ch afterwards were reversed w ch whether true or no I know not Sure it is that unpartial men of the best clearest judgments highly commended him and J. Yelverton himself hearing him in a case of concernment ingenuously profest This is a most admirable Man Here he sat in the Office so long till disdaining to be a Dependent as a Pent-house on the Duke's favour and desiring to stand an absolute structure on his own foundation at Court he fell as God willing shall in due time be related 27. Should we now look into the Convocation A still-born Convocation we should finde them on Wednesdaies and Fridaies devoutly at the Letany otherwise having little imployment as impowered by no Commission to alter any thing So that sitting amongst the Tombs in Westminster Church they were as once one of their Prolocutors said Viva cadavera inter mortuos as having no motion or activity allowed unto them 28. About this time Meric Casaubon set forth a Book in defence of his deceased Father Young Merit Casaubon vindicates his Father from railers against whom many had spit their venome First Heribert Roswed a Jesuite and after him Andrew Schoppius a renowned railer one that is alwaies incensed against Learning and Honesty wheresoever he findes them severally but implacable against such a man in whom both meet together It seems it is his policie thus to seek to perpetuate his memory by railing against eminent persons hoping that he shall jointly survive with their worth whereas their light shall burn bright when his snuffe shall be trodden under foot Then Julius Cesar Bullinger and Andrew Eudemono Joannes a vizard-name composed to fright fools and make wise men laugh at it Yea though he had formerly met with a quaternion of learned Confuters Bishop Abbot Doctor Prideaux Doctor Collins Master Burrhill young Casaubon then Student in christ-Christ-Church thought it his duty farther to assert his Fathers memory and to give a brief account of his life and conversation 29. This is the benefit of Learned mens marriage The good effect of his endeavours God oftentimes so blessing it that they need not go out of themselves for a champion to defend them but have one springing from their own bowels And his Son though by reason of his age low in himself is tall when standing on the advantage-ground of his Fathers grave whose memory he is to maintain Yea God seems so well pleased with his piety that his endevours took such effect that no railing Libels to that purpose came forth afterwards which formerly had been so frequent Whether because these curres weary of their own barking did even sneak away in silence or because they had no more minde to challenge seeing a Defendant provided to undertake them 30. Upon the removal of Richard Milborne to Carlile William Laud Bp. of S. Davids William Laud President of S. John's Colledge in Oxford was made Bishop of S. Davids Of whom because every one speaks so much I will * When I wrote this I intended to close my History at K. Iames his dâ—ath since by importunity urged to continue it farther say the lesse The rather because at this time and during the extent of our History this Bishop lived in a private way bare no great stream as being before that the tide of greatnesse flowed in upon him Yea as yet he took more notice of the world than the world did of him Indeed as the matter whereof China-dishes are made must lie some Ages in the earth before it is ripened to perfection so great persons are not fit for an Historian's use to write freely of them till some years after their decease when their memories can neither be marred with envy nor mended with flattery However his good deeds to S. John's Colledge in Oxford must not be forgotten yea that whole University if afraid in English to speak in praise of his bounty will adventure with safety to commend him in the Arabick tongue whereof he founded them a Professour 31. This year was fatal to many eminent Clergy-men Ioâ—n Kâ—ng Bp. of London diâ—s beside others of inferiour note We begin with Iohn King Bishop of London formerly Dean of christ-Christ-Church who died on Good-Friday of the stone Of antient extraction in cujus Genere vel Indole nihil reperio mediocre nihil quod non praecellens descended saith the * pag. 775 Survay of London from the Saxon Kings in Devonshire by his Father Philip King sometimes Page to King HENRY the VIII Nephew and Heire to Robert King last Abbot of Osney and first Bishop of Oxford who left him a great personal Estate which it seems was quickly consumed so that this Prelate used to say He believed there was a Fate in Abbey-Money no lesse than Abbey-Land which seldome proved Fortunate or of Continuance to the Owners 32. He was Chaplain to Queen ELIZABETH His eminencies and as he was appointed by Her Councel to preach the first Sermon at Court when Her Body lay In hearsed in the Chappel of White-Hall so was he designed for the first Sermon to Her Successour King JAMES at Charter-House when He entred London then sworn his first Chaplain Who commonly called him the King of Preachers And Sir Edward Coke would say of him He was the best Speaker in Starre-Chamber in his time Soon after he was made Dean of Christ-Church Oxon and chosen one of the four Preachers in the Conference at Hampton-Court Then advanced to the Bishoprick of London Where he let the world see his high Place of Government did not cause him to forget his Office in the Pulpit shewing by his example That a Bishop might Govern and Preach too In which service he was so frequent that unlesse hindred by want of health he omitted no Sunday whereon he did not visit some Pulpit
in London or neer it 33. The Papists raised an aspersion A loud Lâ—e as false as foule upon him That at his death he was reconciled to the Church of Rome sufficiently confuted by those eyeâ— and ear-witnesses present at his pious departure These slanders are no news to such as have read how Luther is traduced by Popish pennes to have died blaspheming Caralostadius to have been carried quick by a Devil And Beza to have apostated before his death In all which truth hath triumphed over their malicious forgeries Something Bp. King endevoured in the repairing of S. Paul's but alas a private mans estate may be invisibly buried under the rubbish of the least Chappel therein Born at Thame in Oxford-shire By order in his Will he provided that nothing should be written on his plain Grave-stone save only RESURGAM and still he is alive both in his memory and happy posterity George Mountaine Bishop of Lincoln succeeded him in his See who when his great House-keeping and magnificent entertaining of King JAMES shall be forgotten will longer survive for his bountiful benefaction to Queens-Coll in Cambridge whereof he was Fellow and Proctor 34. Secondly Will. Cotton Bp. of Exeter dies whom Valentine Carew succeeds William Cotton Bishop of Exeter born in Cheshire formerly Archdeacon of Lewes one of a stout spirit and a great maintainer of Conformity against the opposers thereof in his Diocesse Valentine Carew Dean of S. Paul's and Master of Christ-Colledge in Cambridge of a courtlike carriage and stout spirit succeeded him in Exeter which place can give the best account of his behaviour therein 35. Thirdly Robert Townson Bishop of Salisbury dies whom John Davenant succeeds Robert Townson born in Cambridge Fellow of Queens-Colledge Dean of Westminster of a comely carriage courteous nature an excellent Preacher He left his Wife and many Children neither plentifully provided for nor destitute of maintenance which rather hastened than caused the advancement of John Davenant his Brother-in-law to succeed him in the Bishoprick of Sarisbury 36. Therein also expired Andrew Willet The death of Dr. And. Wâ—â—â—eâ— Doctor of Divinity God-son to Andrew Pearne Dean of Elie where he was born brought up in Christ-Colledge in Cambridge who ended his pious life being much bruised with a fall from his horse A man of no little judgment and greater industry not unhappy in Controversies but more happy in Comments and one that had a large soul in a narrow estate For his charge being great may his Children remember and practice their Father's precepts and means small as more proportioned to his desires than deserts he was bountifull above his ability and doubled what he gave by cheerful giving it He was buried in his Parish at Barlie in Hertford shire Happy Village which lost such a Light and yet was not left in darknesse onely exchanging blessings Reverend Doctor Brouâ—rigge succeeding him 37. Nor must we forget Richard Parry And of Dr. Richard Parry Doctor of Divinity Bishop of Asaph who this year exchanged this life for a better He was first bred in christ-Christ-Church in Oxford where he made plentiful proceeding in Learning and Religion and thence was advanced to the Deanrie of Bangor on whom Bishop Godwin bestows this call it complement or character * Godwin in Episcopis Asâ—phenfibus Cui eruditione caeterisque Episcopalibus virtutibus utinam egomet tam illi essem aequalis quà m ille mihi aetate studiorúmque Academicorum tempore locóque 38. We conclude this year with the death of Master Francis Mason The death of Mr. Fr. Mason to whose worthy Book De Ministerio Anglicano we have been so much beholding Nor will it be amisse to insert his Epitaph Prima Deo cui cura fuit sacrare labores Cui studium Sacris invigilare Libris Ecce sub hôc tandem requievit marmore MASON Expectans Dominum spéque fidéque suum He was born in the Bishoprick of Duresme brought up in the University of Oxford Bachelour of Divinity Fellow of Merton-Colledge Chaplain to King JAMES Rectour of Orforde in Suffolke where he lies buried and where he built the Parsonage-House He had three Children by his loving Wife Elizabeth who erected a fair Monument to his Memory SECTION VI. Ann. Reg. Ann. Dom. TO SAMVEL MICO OF LONDON Alderman YOu have not spent but laid out much time in ITALY to the great improvement of your judgment and estate How cunning Chapmen those Countrey-men are in buying and selling is not to you unknown but this Section presents you with an Italian Cardinal a most crafty broker in matters of Religion till at last he deceived himself Peruse it I pray and if the reading thereof can add nothing to your knowledge the writing of it may serve as my acknowledgment of your favours received LAtely * â—ide supra pag. 71. sect 45. we made mention of the coming over of Marcus Antonius de Dominis the Archbishop of Spalato into England Ja. 20 1622. and now shall prosecute that subject at large The causes of Spalato's coming over For this year began happily because with the end of that arrant Apostata in this Land and his fair riddance out of the limits thereof He had 14 years been Archbishop of Spalato in Dalmatia under the State of Venice and some five years since to wit 1616 came over into England Conscience in shew and Covetousness in deed caused his coming hither He pretended to have discovered innumerable a In his Book called Confilium Proscotionis pag. 15 16 17. Novelties and pernicious Errors in the Court of Rome injuriously engrossing the right and honour of the Universal Church He complained many Points were obtruded on mens Consciences as Articles of Faith which CHRIST in the Scripture never instituted He accounted the Romish Church mystical b Ibid. pag. 34. Babylon and Sodome and the Pope Nimrod a Tyrant Schismatick Heretick yea even c Ibid. pag. 76. Antichrist himself But that which sharpned his pen against the Pope was a particular grudge against Pope Paul who had ordered him to pay a yearly Pension of Five hundred crownes out of his Bishoprick to one Andreutius a Suffragan Bishop which this Archbp. refused to doe complaining it was unjust and imposed without his knowledge and consent The matter is brought to the Rota or Court of Rome where the wheel went on the wrong side for our Spalato who angry that he was cast in his Cause posts out of Italy through Germany into the Low-Countreys Here he stayed a while and tampered for preferment till finding the roof of their Church too low for his lofty thoughts and their Presbyterian Government uncomplying with his Archiepiscopal spirit he left the Netherlands and came over into England 2. It is almost incredible His bâ—untifull entertainment what flocking of people there was to behold this old Archbishop now a new Convert Prelates and Peers presented him with Gifts of high
to be improved 3. The necessity of hâ—s friendship at this time was onely fancied â—y such as desired it Besides the King of heaven must not be offended that the King of Spain may be pleased 4. Though Truth it selfe be stronger than falsehood yet generally the Promoters of falsehood are more active and sedulous than the Advancers of Truth Besides it is just with God upon the granting of such an unlawfull Toleration to weaken the converting power of Truth and strengthen the perverting power of Falsehood giving the English over to be deluded thereby 5. The world hath ever consisted of more fools than wise people such who carry their judgment more in their eyes than in their brains Popery being made Inscious to peoples senses too probably would court many to the imbracing thereof 6. It is no policie to let in the Wolfe meerly on designe to make the Shepherds more watchfull Rather on the contrary Protestant Ministers would be utterly disheartned in the performance of their place when the Parishioners were countenanced to desert them without any punishment 7. If the Papists already have what they would have let them be contented therewith Why desire they any more but indeed there is a grand difference betwixt a States winking at their wickednesse for a time and a formall and finall tolerating thereof During the former Catholicks sin on their own account and at their own peril the Laws though not executed standing in full force against them but a publick Toleration of their Superstition adopts the same to become the Act of the English Nation Here it would be tedious to recite the Texts of Scripture some more The Pulpit is loud against the Toleration some lesse proper to the purpose alledged by severall persons against the Toleration Ann. Dom. 1623. Ann. Regis Ja 21. some Typicall Thou a Deht 22. 10. shalt not plow with an Oxe and an Asse Some Historicall Gods Children must not speak two tongues Ashdod and b Neh. 13. 24. Hebrew Some Doctrinall We must not doe evil that good c Rom. 3. 8. may come thereof The best was the Toleration bare date with the Spanish Match with which it was propounded and agitated advanced expected desired by some opposed suspected detested by others and at last both together finally frustrated and defeated 3. Now was His Majestie informed His Majesties care to regulate Preaching that it was high time to apply some cure to the Pulpits as sick of a Sermon-surfeit and other exorbitances Some medled with State-matters and generally by an improper Transposition the Peoples duty was preached to the King at Court the Kings to the People in the Countrey Many shallow Preachers handled the profound points of Predestination wherein pretending to guide their flocks they lost themselves Sermons were turned into Satyrs against Papists or Non Conformists 4. To represse the present and prevent future mischiefs in this kinde His Majestie issued out His Directions to be written fair in every Registers Office whence any Preacher if so pleased might with his own hand take out Copies gratis paying nothing for d Cabala part 2. pag. 191. expedition Herein the King revived the primitive and profitable order of Catechizing in the afternoon better observed in all other Reformed Churches than of late in England according to the tenour ensuing Most Reverend Father in God His Directions right trusty and entirely beloved Counsellour We greet you well FOrasmuch as the abuses and extravagancies of Preachers in the Pulpit have been in all times repressed in this Realm by some Act of Councill or State with the advice and resolution of grave and learned Prelates Insomuch that the very licensing of Preachers had beginning by an Order of Star Chamber the eighth day of July in the 19 th year of the Reign of King Henry the eighth our Noble Predecessour And whereas at this present divers young Students by reading of late Writers and ungrounded Divines doe broach many times unprofitable unsound seditions and dangerous Doctrines to the scandall of the Church and disquiet of the State and present Government We upon humble representations unto Us of these inconveniencies by your selfe and sundry other grave and reverend Prelates of this Church as also of our Princely care and Zeal for the extirpation of Schisme and dissention growing from these seeds and for the setling of a religious and peaceable Government both in Church and Common wealth doe by these Our speciall Letters straitly charge and command you to use all possible care and diligence that these Limitations and Cautions herewith sent unto you concerning Preachers be duly and strictly from henceforth put in practice and observed by the several Bishops within your Jurisdiction And to this end Our pleasure is that you send them forthwith Copies of these Directions to be by them speedily sent and communicated unto every Parson Vicar Curate Lecturer and Minister in every Cathedrall or Parish Church within their severall Diocese and that you earnestly require them to employ their utmost endeavours in the performance of this so important a businesse letting them know that We have a speciall eye unto their proceedings and expect a strict account thereof both of you and every one of them and these Our Letters shall be your sufficient Warrant and discharge in that behalf Give under our Signet at Our Castle of Windsor the 4 th of August in the twentieth year of Our Reign Directions concerning Preachers sent with the Letter 1. THat no Preacher under the degree and calling of a Bishop or Dean of a Cathedral or Collegiate Church and they upon the Kings dayes and set Festivals doe take occasion by the expounding of any Text of Scripture whatsoever to fall into any set Discourse or Common place otherwise than by the opening the Cohaerence and Division of the Text which shall not be comprehended and warranted in essence substance effect or naturall in ference within some one of the Articles of Religion set forth 1562. or in some of the Homilies set forth by authority of the Church of England not onely for the help of the Non-Preaching but withall for a Pattern and Boundary as it were for the Preaching Ministers And for their further instructions for the performance hereof that they forthwith reade over and peruse diligently the said Book of Articles and the two Books of Homilies 2. That no Parson Vicar Curate or Lecturer shall preach any Sermons or Collation hereafter upon Sundaies and Holidaies in the afternoon in any Cathedrall or Parish Church throughout the Kingdome but upon some pare of the Catechisme or some Text taken out of the Creed ten Commandments or the Lords Prayer Funeral Sermons onely excepted and that those Preachers be most encouraged and approved of who spend the Afternoons exercise in the examination of Children in their Catechisme which is the most antient and laudable custome of teaching in the Church of England 3. That no Preacher of what title
to Himself to be deceived by him and humoured into a peace to His own disadvantage 31. Once King James in an Afternoon was praising the plentifull provision of England King Iames his return to Gondomer especially for flesh and fowle adding the like not to be had in all Spaine what one County here did afford Yea but my Master quoth Gondomer there present hath the gold and silver in the East and West Indies And I by my Saule saith the King have much adoe to keep my men from taking it away from Him To which the Don 's Spanish gravity returned silence 32. His judgment was most solid in matters of Divinity Judicious bountifull and mercifull not fathering Books of others as some of His Predecessours but His Works are allowed His own by His very adversaries Most bountiful to all especially to Scholars no King of England ever doing though His Successour suffered more to preserve the revenues of the English Hierarchy Most mercifull to Offendors no one person of Honour without parallel since the Conquest being put to death in His Reign In a word He left His own Coffers empty but His Subjects Chests full the Land being never more wealthy it being easier then to get than since to save an estate The end of the Reign of King JAMES THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN THE ELEVENTH BOOK Containing the Reign of KING CHARLES excepted who in due time may be happy in their Marriage hopefull in their Issue These five have all been of the same Christian Name Yet is there no fear of Confusion to the prejudice of your Pedigree which Heralds commonly in the like cases complain of seeing each of them being as eminent in their kinde so different in their eminency are sufficiently distinguished by their own character to Posterity Of these the first a Judge for his gravity and learning famous in his Generation The second a worthy Patriot and bountifull House-keeper blessed in a numerous Issue his four younger Sonnes affording a Bishop to the Church a Judge and Peer to the State a Commander to the Camp and an Officer to the Court. The third was the first Baron of the House of whose worth I will say nothing because I can never say enough The fourth your Honourable Father who because he doth still and may he long survive I cannot doe the right which I would to his merit without doing wrong which I dare not to his modesty You are the fift in a direct Line and let me acquaint you with what the world expected not to say requireth of you to dignifie your self with some select and peculiar desert so to be differenced from your Ancestours that your memory may not be mistaken in the Homonymie of your Christian Names which to me seemeth as improbable as that a burnning-Beacon at a reasonable distance should not be beheld such the brightnesse of your parts and advantage of your education You was bred in that Schoole which hath no superiour in England and successively in those two Vniversities which have no equall in Europe Such the stock of your native perfection before graffed with the forraigne accomplishments of your travells So that men confidently promise themselves to read the best last and largest Edition of MERCATOR's ATLAS in your experience and discourse That good God who went with you out of your Native Countrey and since watched over you in forraign parts return with you in safety in due time to his Glory and your own Good which is the daily desire of Your Honour 's most devoted Servant THOMAS FVLLER THE CHURCH-HISTORY OF BRITAIN XVII CENTURIE 1. THe sad newes of King James his death was soon brought to White-hall Anno Regis Caroli primi 1 Anno Dom. 1625 News of the Kings death brought to White Hall at that very instant when D r Land Bishop of S t Davids was preaching therein This caused him to a See his own Diatie on that day March 27 Sunday May 14 break off his Sermon in the middest thereof out of civil complyance with the sadness of the congregation and the same day was King Charles proclaimed at White-Hall 2. On the fourteenth of May following King James his funeralls were performed very solemnly His solemn funeralls in the Collegiate-Church at Westminster his lively statue being presented on a magificent Herse King Charles was present thereat For though modern state used of late to lock up the chief Mourner in his Chamber where his grief must be presumed too great for publique appearance yet the King caused this ceremonie of sorrow so to yeeld to the substance thereof and pomp herein to stoop to pietie that in his person he sorrowfully attended the funerals of his Father 3. D r. Williams Dr. Williams his text Sermon and parallel betwixt K. Solomon and K. James Lord Keeper and Bishop of Lincolne preached the Sermon taking for his Text 2 Chron. 9. 29 30. and part of the 31 verse containing the happy reign quiet death and stately buriall of King Solomon The effect of his Sermon was to advance a parallel betwixt two peaceable Princes King Solomon and King James A parallel which willingly went not to say ran of its own accord and when it chanced to stay was fairly led on by the art and ingenoitie of the Bishop not enforcing but improving the conformitie betwixt these two Kings in ten particulars all expressed in the Text as we read in the vulgar Latin somewhat different from the new Translation King Solomon King James 1. His eloquence the rest of the words of Solomon 2. His actions and all that he did 3. A well within to supply the same and his wisedome 4. The preservation thereof to eternitie Are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon made by Nathan the Prophet Ahijah the Shilonite and Iddo the Seer 5. He reigned in Jerusalem a great Citie by him enlarged and repaired 6. Over all Israel the whole Empire 7. A great space of time full fourtie years 8. Then he slept importing no sudden and violent dying but a premeditate and affected kinde of sleeping 9. With his fathers David especially his Soul being disposed of in happiness 10. And was buried in the City of David 1. Had b Tacitus of Augustus profluentem quae Principem deceret eloquentiam 2. Was eminent in his actions of Religion Justice War and Peace 3. So wise that there was nothing that any c pag. 59. would learn which he was not able to teach 4. As Trajan was nicknamed herba parietaria a Wal-flower because his name was engraven on every wal so King James shall be called herba chartacea the paper-flower and his glory be read in d pag 61. in all writers 5. He reigned in the capital City of London by him much augmented 6. Over great Britain by him happily united and other Dominions 7. In all fiftie eight though over all Britain but two and twenty years reigning as
the King himself was pleased to interpose in his behalf July 7 Thursday 9. Saturday signifying to the House That those things which were then spoken and determined concerning Mountague without his Privitie did not please Him who by his Court-friends being imployed in the Kings Service his Majesty signifiyed to the Parliament that he thought his Chaplains whereof M r. Montague was one might have as much protection as the Servant of an ordinary Burgess neverthelesse his bond of two thousand pounds wherewith he was tailed continued uncancelled and was called on the next Parliament 11. The Plague increasing in London The Parliament removed to Oxford and brake up in discontent the Parliament was removed to Oxford But alas no avoiding Gods hand The infection followed or rather met the Houses there whereof worthy D r. Challenor died much lamented yet were the Members of Parliament not so carefull to save their own persons from the Plague as to secure the Land from a worse and more spreading contagion the daily growth of Poperie In prevention whereof they presented a Petition to his Majesty containing sixteen particulars all which were most graciously answered by his Majesty to their full satisfaction Thus this meeting began hopefully and cheerfully proceeded turbulently and suspiciously brake off suddenly and sorrowfully the reason whereof is to be fetch'd from our Civil Historians 12. The Convocation kept here Dr. James his motion in the Convocation is scarce worth the mentioning seeing little the appearance thereat nothing the performance therein Dean Bowles the Prolocurour absented himself for fear of infection D r. Thomas Good officiating in his place and their meeting was kept in the Chappell of Merton-Colledge Here D r. James that great Book-man made a motion that all Manuscript-Fathers in the Libraries of the Universities and elswhere in England might be perused and that such places in them as had been corrupted in Popish editions much superstition being generated from such corruptions might faithfully be printed according to those ancient Copies Indeed though England at the dissolving of Abbies lost moe Manuscripts than any Countrey of Christendome of her dimensions ever had yet still enough were left her if well improved to evidence the truth herein to all posteritie This designe might have been much beneficiall to the Protestant cause if prosecuted with as great endeavour as it was propounded with good intention but alas this motion was ended when it was ended expiring in the place with the words of the mover thereof 13. The King according to his late answer in the Parliament at Ox. The insolence of Papists seasonably restrained Nov. 11. issued out a Commission to the Judges to see the Law against Recusants put in execution This was read in all the Courts of Judicature at Reading where Michaelmas Terme was kept and a letter directed to the Arch-bishop of Cant. to take speciall care for the discovery of Jesuits Seminary Priests c. within his Province A necessary severity seing Papists presuming on Protection by reason of the late Match were grown very insolent And a Popish Lord when the King was at Chappell was heard to prate on purpose lowder in a Gallery adjoyning then the Chaplain prayed whereat the King was so moved that he sent him this message Either come and doe as we doe or I will make you prate further off 14. In this Severall Writers against Mr. Mountague and the next yeer many Books from persons of severall abilities and professions were writen against M r. Mountague By 1. D r. Sutcliffe Dean of Exeter One who was miles emeritus age giving him a Supersedeas save that his zeale would imploy it self and some conceived that his choler became his old age 2. M r. Henry Burton who then began to be well as afterwards wards too well known to the World 3. M r. Francus Rowse a Lay-man by profession 4. M r. Yates a Minister of Norfolk formerly a Fellow of Emmanuel in Cambridge he intitles his Book Ibus ad Caesarem 5. D r. Carleton Bishop of Chichester 6. Anthonie Wootton Divinitie-Professour in Gresham-Colledge In this Armie of Writers the strength is conceived to consist in the rere and that the last wrote the solidest confutations Of these six Dean Sutcliffe is said to have chode heartily M r. Rowse meant honestly M r. Burton wrote plainly Bishop Carleton very piously M r. Yates learnedly and M r. Wootton most solidly 15. I remember not at this time any of Master Mountague's partie engaged in print in his behalf Mr. Mountague left to deâ—end himself Whether because they conceived this their Champion sufficient of himselfe to encounter all opposers or because they apprehended it unsafe though of the same judgment to justifie a Book which was grown so generally offensive Insomuch as his Majesty himself sensible of his Subjects great distaste thereat sounded by the Duke of Buckingham to that purpose was resolved to leave Mr. Mountague to stand or fall Jan. 19. 1611-16 according to the justice of his cause The Duke imparted as much to Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids who conceived it of such ominous concernment that he entred the same in his Diarie viz. I seem to see a cloud arising and threatning the Church of England God for his mercie dissipate it 16. The day of the Kings Coronation drawing neer A maim on the embleme of Peace his Majesty sent to survey and peruse the Regalia or Royal Ornaments which then were to be used It happened that the left wing of the Dove on the Scepter was quite broken off by what casualty God himself knows The King sent for Mr. Acton then his Goldsmith commanding him that the very same should be set on again The Goldsmith replied that it was impossible to be done so fairly but that some mark would remain thereof To whom the King in some passion returned l His Son succeeding his Father in that place and then present attested to me the truth hereof If you will not doe it another shall Hereupon Mr. Acton carried it home and got another Dove of Gold to be artificially set on whereat when brought back his Majesty was well contented as making no discovery thereof 17. The Bishop of Lincolne A Dilemma well waved Lord-Keeper was now dayly descendant in the Kings favour who so highly distasted him that he would not have him as Dean of Westminster to perform any part of His Coronation yet so was it a favour or a triall that it was left to his free choice to prefer any Prebendary of the Church to officiate in his place The Bishop met with a Dilemma herein To recommend Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids and Prebendary of Westminster for that performance was to grace one of his greatest enemies to passe him by and prefer a private Prebendary for that purpose before a Bishop would seem unhandsome and be interpreted a neglect of his own Order To avoid all exceptions
he presented a list of all the Prebendaries of that Church referring the election to his Majesty himself who made choise of Dr. Laud Bishop of Saint Davids for that attendance 18. Dr. Senhouse Feb 2. The Coronation Sermon Bishop of Carlile Chaplain to the King when Prince preached at the Coronation his text And I will give unto thee a Crown of life In some sort it may be said that he preached his own funerall dying shortly after and even then the black Jaundice had so possessed him a disease which hangs the face with mourning as against its buriall that all despaired of his recovery Now seeing this Coronation cometh within if not the pales and Park the purlews of Ecclesiastical Historie we will present so much thereof as was acted in the Church of Westminster Let Heraulds marshall the solemnitie of their advance from Westminster-Hall to this Church The solemn advance to the Church Anno Dom. 1625-2â— Anno Regis Car. 1. 1 where our pen takes the first possession of this subject 19. But first we will premise the equipage according to which they advanced from Westminster-Hall to the Abbey-Church in order as followeth 1. The Aldermen of London two by two ushered by an Herauld 2. Eightie Knights of the Bath in their Robes each having an Esquire to support and Page to attend him 3. The Kings Serjeants at Law Solicitour Atturney Masters of Request and Judges 4. Privie-Counsellors that were Knights and chief Officers of the Kings Houshold 5. Barons of the Kingdome all bare-headed in their Parliament-Robes with swords by their sides 6. The Bishops with Scarlet-gowns and Lawn-sleeves bare-headed 7. The Vice-Counts and Earles not in their Parliament but in their Coronation-Robes with Coronetted-Caps on their Heads 8. The Officers of State for the day whereof these are the principall Sr. Richard Winn. Sr. George Goreing The Lord Privie-Seal The Archbishop of Canterbury The Earl of Dorset carrying The first Sword naked The Earl of Essex The second The Earl of Kent The third The Earl of Montgomerie The Spurs The Earl of Sussex The Globe and Crosse upon it The Bishop of London The Golden Cup for the Communion The Bishop of Winchester The Golden Plate The Earl of Rutland The Scepter The Marquesse Hammilton The Sword of State naked The Earl of Pembroke The Crown The Lord Maior in a crimson Velvet gown carried a short Scepter before the King amongst the Serjeants But I am not satisfied in the criticalness of his place The Earl of Arundel as Earl-Marshall of England and the Duke of Buckingham as Lord High-Constable of England for that day went before his Majestity in this great solemnity 20. The King entred at the West-gate of the Church The manner of the Kings Coronation under a rich Canopy carried by the Barons of the Cinque-Ports his own person being supported by Dr. Neyle Bishop of Durham on the one hand and Dr. Lake Bishop of Bath and Wells on the other His train being six yards long of purple Velvet was held up by the Lord Compton as belonging to the Robes and the Lord Viscount Dorcester Here he was met by the Prebends of Westminster Bishop Laud supplying the Dean his place in their rich Copes who delivered into his Majesties hand the Staff of King Edward the Confessor with which he walked upto the Scaffold 21. This was made of wood at the upper end of the Church The fashion of the Scaffold from the Quire to the Altar His Majesty mounted it none under the degree of a Baron standing thereon save only the Prebends of Westminster who attended on the Altar three Chaires were appointed for him in severall places one of Repose the second the ancient Chair of Coronation and the third placed on an high square of five Staires ascent being the Chair of State 22. All being settled and reposed The King presented and accepted by the People the Lord Archbishop did present his Majesty to the Lords and Commons East West North South asking their minds four severall times if they did consent to the Coronation of King Charles their lawfull Soveraign The King mean time presented himself bare-headed Anno Regis Car. 1. 1. Anno Dom. 1623-26 the consent being given four times with great acclamation the King took his Chaire of repose 23. After the Sermon whereof before the L. Archbishop Sworn and annointed invested in a rich Coape tendered to the King kneeling down on cushions at the Communion-Table a large Oath then were his Majesties Robes taken off him and were offered on the Altar He stood for a while stripped to his Doublet and Hose which were of white Satten with Ribbons on the Armes and Shoulders to open them and he appeared a proper Person to all that beheld him Then was he led by the L. Archbishop and the Bishop of St. Davids and placed in the Chaire of Coronation a close Canopie being spread over him the L. Archbishop anointing his head shoulders armes and hands with a costly ointment the Quire singing an Antheme of these words Zadok the Priest anointed King Solomon 24. Hence the King was led up in his Doublet and Hose with a white Coyfe on his head to the Communion Table Solemnly Crowned where Bishop Laud Deputy for the Dean of Westminster brought forth the ancient Habiliments of King Edward the Confessour and put them upon him Then was his Majestie brought back to the Chaire of Coronation and received the Crown of King Edward presented by Bishop Laud and put on his head by the Archbishop of Canterburie The Quire singing an Antheme Thou shalt put a Crown of pure Gold upon his head Whereupon the Earles and Viscounts put on their Crimson Velvet Caps with Coronets about them the Barons and Bishops alwayes standing bare headed Then every Bishop came severally to his Majesty to bring his benediction upon him and he in King Edwards Robes with the Crown upon his head rose from his Chaire and did bow severally to every Bishop apart 25. Then was King Edwards Sword girt about him And giâ—t with several Swords which he took off again and offered up at the Communion Table with two Swords more surely not in relation to Scotland and Ireland but to some ancient Principalities his Predecessors enjoyed in France Then the Duke of Buckingam as Master of the Horse put on his Spurres and thus completely crowned his Majesty offered first Gold then Silver at the Altar and afterwards Bread and Wine which were to be used at the holy Communion 26. Then was his Majesty conducted by the Nobility to the Throne upon that square Bâ—fs of five ascents Homage done by the Nobility to his Majestys the Quire singing Te deum Here his Majesty took an Oath of homage from the Duke of Buckingam as Lord high Constable for that day and the Duke did sweare all the Nobilitie besides to be Homagers to his Majestie at his Majesties knees 27. Then as
The Bishop of Lincoln fell now through the Dukes The Bishop of Lincoln loseth his Keepers place into the Kings displeasure and such who will read the late letters in the Cabala may conjecture the cause thereof but the certainty we leave to be reported by the Historians of the State belonging in his Episcopall capacity to my pen but as Lord Keeper properly to theirs 38. The Bishop finding his own tottering condition The Duke incensed against him addressed himself to all who had intimacie with the Duke to reingratiate himself But such After-games at Court seldome succeed All would not doe for as Amicus omnium optimus was part of the Dukes Epitaph * On his Tomb in Westminster Chappell so no fiercer foe when displeased and nothing under the Bishops removall from his office would give him satisfaction 39. Sir John Suckling was sent unto him from the King The Bishops wariness in resigning the Seale to demand the broad Seale of him which the cautious Bishop refused to surrender into his hands to prevent such uses as might be made thereof by him or others in the intervall betwixt this resigning it and the Kings conferring it on another but he charily locked it up in a Box and sent the Box by the Knight and Key thereof inclosed in a letter to his Majesty 40. However his bruise was the less But keeps his Bishoprick because he fell but from the first Loft and saved himself on the second Floere Outed his Lord Keepership but keeping his Bishoprick of Lincoln and Deanarie of Westminster though forced to part with the Kings Purse he held his owne and that well replenished And now he is retired to Bugden-great where whither greater his anger at his enemies for what he had lost or gratitude to God for what he had left though others may conjecture his owne Conscience only could decide Here we leave him at his hospitable Table where sometimes he talked so loud that his discourse at the second hand was heard to London by those who bare no good will unto him 41. An old Hall turned into a new Colledge A new Colledge of an old Hall in Oxford was this yeare finished at Oxford This formerly was called Broadegates Hall and had many Students therein amongst whom Edmund Bonner afterwards Bishop of London Scholar enough and Tyrant too much had his education But this place was not endowed with any Revenues till about this time for Thomas Tisdale of Glimpton in the County of Oxford Esquire bequeathed five thousand Pounds wherewith Lands were purchased to the value of two hundred and fiftie pounds per annum Anno Dom 16â—â— Anno Regis Caroli 1 for the maintenance of seven Fellowes and six Scholars Afterwards Richard Wightwick Bachelor of Divinity Rector of East-Isle in Barkshire gave Lands to the yearly value of one hundred pounds for the maintenance of three Fellowes and four Scholars whereupon petition being made to King James this new Colledge was erected and a Charter of Mortmain of seven hundred pounds per annum granted thereunto 42. It was called Pembrook Colledge Called Pembrook Colledge partly in respect to William Earle of Pembrook then Chancellor of the University partly in expectation to receive some favour from him And probably had not that noble Lord died suddenly soon after this Colledge might have received more than a bare Name from him The best where a Child hath rich parents it needeth the less any gifts from the Godfather Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers 1 Dr. Clayton 2 Dr. Langley King Charles who gave the Patronage of St. Aldates the Church adjoyning   So that this Colledge consisteth of a Master ten Fellowes and ten Scholars with other Students and Officers to the number of one hundred sixty nine 43. The Doctor and the Duke were both of them unwilling to an openbreach loved for to temporise and wait upon events Surely Temperise here is taken in the Apostle sense according to some * Dr. Prestons Life p 505. * Rom. 12. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ambiosius copies serving the Times And henceforwards the Duke resolved to shake off the Doctor who would not stick close unto him betaking himself to the opposite Interest Nor was the other surprized herein as expecting the alteration long before 44. By the late conferences at York-house it appeared Dr. Preston declines in the Dukes favour that by the Dukes cold carriage towards him and smiling on his Opponents Dr. Preston was now entring into the Autumn of the Dukes favour Indeed they were well met each observing neither trusting other as I read in the Doctors Life written by his judicious Pupil 45. This year concluded the life of Arthur Lakes The death of godly Bishop Lakes Warden of New-Colledge in Oxford Master of St. Crosses Dean of Worcester and at last promoted Bishop of Bath and Wells not so much by the power of his Brother Sir Thomas Secretarie to King James as his own desert as one whose piety may be justly exemplary to all of his Order He seldom if at all is said to have dreamt justly imputed not to the dulness of his fancie in which faculty he had no defect but to the staidness of his judgment wherein he did much excell as by his learned Sermons doth appear 46. About the sametime Lancelot Andrews ended his religious life The death and character of Bishop Andrews born at Alhollows-Barking in London Scholar Fellow and Master of Pembrook-Hall in Cambridge Then Deane of Westminster Bishop of Chicester Ely and at last of Winchester The world wanted learning to know how learned this Man was so skil'd in all especially oriental Languages that some conceive he might if then living almost have served as an INTERPRETER GENERALL at the confusion of Tongues Nor are the Fathers more faithfully cited in his books than lively copied out in his countenance and carriage his gravity in a manner awing King James who refrained from that mirth and liberty in the presence of this Prelate which otherwise he assumed to himself He lyeth buried in the Chappell of St. Mary Overees having on his Monument a large elegant a Stows Survay of London pag. and TRUE Epitaph 47. Since his death some have unjustly snarld at his memory accusing him for covetousness Anno Regis Car. 1. 2. Anno Dom 1626 Unjustly accused for Covetousness who was neither rapax to get by unjust courses as a profest enemy to usury simony and bribery nor tenax to hold money when just occasion called for it for in his life time he repaired all places he lived in and at his death left the main of his Estate to pious uses Indeed he was wont to say that Good Husbandry was good Divinity the truth whereof no wise man will deny 48. Another falls foully upon him for the ornaments of his Chappel as Popish and superstitious And Superstition in the b
W. Prynne in Canterbury's Doom pag. 121 sequentiâ—us superabundant ceremonies thereof To which I can say little but this I dare affirm that wheresoever he was a Parson a Dean or a Bishop he never troubled Parish Colledge or Diocess with pressing other ceremonies upon them then such which he found used there before his coming thither And it had not been amiss if such who would be accounted his friends and admirers had followed him in the footsteps of his moderation content with the enjoying without the injoyning their private practises and opinions on others 49. As for such who causlesly have charged his Sermons as affected Causlesly charged with affectation in his Sermons and c Mr. Bayley in his Ladeâ—sium Autocatacriton surcharged with verball allusions when they themselves have set forth the like it will then be time enough to make this Bishops first defence against their calumniations Nor is it a wonder that the Mâ—sters Pen was so in his writings whose very Servant a Lay man was so successefull in the same I mean Mr. Henry Isackson lately gone to God the industrious Author of the usefull Chronologie 50. It is pitie to part this Patron from his Chaplain Nicholas Fuller his Chaplain that profitable Critick Nicholas Fuller born as I take it in Hampshire bred in Oxford where he was Tutor to Sir Henry Walhop who afterwards preferred him to the small Parsonage of Aldingeton in Wiltshire And Robert Abbot Bishop of Salisbury made him Canon of that Church Afterwards a Living of great value was sent by Bishop Andrews the Patron d See Bishop And his funeral Sermon thereof on the welcom errand to finde out Mr. Fuller to accept the same who was hardly contented to be surprised with a presentation thereunto such his love to his former smal Living and retired life He was the Prince of all our English Criticks And whereas men of that tribe are generally morose so that they cannot dissent from another without disdaining nor oppose without inveighing against him it is hard to say whether more candor learning or judgement was blended in his Miscellanies By discovering how much Hebrew there is in the New-Testament-Greek he cleereth many reall difficulties from his verball observations 51. A Commission was granted unto five Bishops whereof Bishop Laud of the Quorum to suspend Archbishop Abbot from exercising his Authority any longer 3 1627 Severe proceedings against Archbishop Abbot suspended from his Jurisdiction because uncanonicall for casuall Homicide the proceeding against him being generally condemned as over-rigid and severe 1. The Act was committed seven years since in the reign of King James 2. On a Commission then appointed for that purpose he was cleered from all Irregularity by Bishop Andrews in Divinity Sir Ed. Coke in Common and Sir Henr. Martin in Canon Law 3. It would be of dangerous consequence to condemn him by the Canons of forain Councels which never were allowed any Legislative Power in this Land 4. The Archbishop had manifested much remorse and self-affliction for this rather sad than sinful act 5. God may be presumed to have forgotten so much as there was of fault in the fact and why then should man remember it 6. Ever since he had executed his Jurisdiction without any interruption 7. The Archbishop had both feet in the Grave Anno Dom. 1627 Anno Regis Car. 1. 3 and all his whole Body likely soon after to follow them 8. Such heighsning of Casual-Homicide did â—avour of Intentional malice The truth is the Archbishops own stiffness and aversness to comply with the Court-Designes advantaged his Adversaries against him and made him the more obnoxious to the Kings displeasure But the blame did most light on Bishop Laud men accounting this a kinde of Filius ante diem c. As if not content to succeed he indeavored to supplant him who might well have suffered his decayed old age to have died in honor What needs the felling of the tree a falling 52. However a double good accrued hereby to the Archbishop Two good effects of a bad cause First he became the more beloved of Men the Countrey hath constantly a blessing for those for whom the Court hath a curse And secondly he may charitably be presumed to love God the more whose service he did the better attend being freed from the drudgery of the World as that soul which hath the least of Martha hath the most of Mary therein 53. And although this Archbishop survived some years after The character of Archbishop Abbot yet it will be seasonable here for us to take a fair farewell of his memorie seeing henceforward he was buried to the World He was bred in Oxford Master of University Colledge an excellent Preacher as appears by his Lectures on Jonah Chaplain to the Earl of Dunbar with whom he was once solemnly sent by King James into Scotland to preach there and afterwards by his means promoted to the Arch-bishop-rick of Canterbury haply according to his own but sure I am above if not against the expectations of others A grave man in his conversavion and unblameable in his life 54. Indeed it is charged on him that non amavit Gentem nostram Accounted no great friend to the Clergy he loved not our Nation forsaking the Birds of his own feather to flie with others and generally favoring the Laity above the Clergie in all cases brought before him But this he endeavored to excuse to a private friend by protesting he was himself so severe to the Clergie on purpose to rescue them from the severity of others and to prevent the punishment of them from Lay Judges to their greater shame 55. I also reade in a nameless e In answer to the Pamphlet intituled The Court and Character of King James page 132. Author Accused for the fautor of male-contents that towards his death he was not onely discontented himself but his house was the randezvouz of all male-contents in Church and State making mid-night of noon-day by constant keeping of candles light in his Chamber and Study as also such visitants as repaired unto him called themselves Nicodemits because of their secret addresses But a credible f Dr. Barnard his Houshold Chaplain person and one of his neerest relations knew nothing thereof which with me much shaketh the probability of the report And thus we leave this Archbishop and the rest of his praises to be reported by the poor people of Gilford in Surrey where he founded and indowed a fair Almes-house in the Town of his Nativity 56. The Kings Treasury now began to grow low A Toleration blasted in Ireland and his expenses to mount high No wonder then if the Statesmen were much troubled to make up the distance betwixt his Exchequer and his Occasions Amongst other designes the Papists in Ireland taking advantage of the Kings wants proffered to pay constantly 5000 Men if they might but enjoy a
23 and on his knees before both Houses submitted himself as followeth with outward expression of sorrow I doe here in all sorrow of heart and true repentance acknowledge those many errors and indiscretions which I have committed in preaching and publishing the two Sermons of mine which I called Religion and Allegiance and my great fault in falling upon this theam again and handling the same rashly scandalously and unadvisedly in my own Parish-Church in St. Giles in the fields the fourth of May last past I humbly acknowledg these three Sermons to have been full of dangerous passages and inferences and scandalous aspersions in most part of the same And I doe humbly acknowledge the just proceedings of this Honourable House against me and the just sentence and judgment pass'd upon me for my great offence And I doe from the bottom of my heart crave pardon of God the King and this Honourable House and the Commonweal in general and those worthy persons adjudged to be reflected upon by me in particular for those great offences and errors How this Doctor Roger Manwaring notwithstanding the foresaid censure was afterwards preferred first to the Deanarie of Worcester next to the Bishoprick of St. Davids God willing in due place thereof 64. On Thursday the 26 th of this moneth June 16. The Acts of this Parliament ended the Session of Parliament wherein little relating to Religion was concluded save onely that diverse abuses on the Lords-day were restained All Cariers Carters Waggoners Wain-men Drovers of Cattell forbidden to travell thereâ—n on the forfeit of twenty shillings for every offence Likewise Butchers to lose six shillings and eight pence for killing or selling any victuals on that day A Law was also made That whosoever goeth himself or sendeth others beyond the Seas to be trained up in Poperie c. shall be disabled to sue c. and shall lose all his Goods and shall forfeit all his Lands c. for life Five entire Subsidies were granted to the King by the Spirituality and the said Grant confirm'd by the Act of this Parliament which now was first prorogued to the twentieth of October following and then on some intervening obstructions put off to the twentieth of January when it began again 65. As for the Convocation Nothing done in thâ— Convocation concurent in time with this Parliament nothing considerable was acted therein Dr. Thomas Winniff Dean of Glocester preach'd the Latin Sermon his text Acts 20. 28. Attendite ad vos ipsos totum gregem c. Dr. Curle was chosen Prolocutor and a low voice would serve the turn where nothing was to be spoken 66. On the twentieth of July following Dr. Preston dyed in his native Country of Northamptonshire July 20 Tho death of Dr. Preston neer the place of his birth of a consumption and was buried at Fawsley Mr. Dod preaching his funeral Sermon An excellent Preacher of whom Mr. Noy was wont to say that he preached as if he knew Gods Will a subtile Disputant and great Politician so that his Foes must confess that if not having too little of the Dove he had enough of the Serpent Some will not stick to say he had large parts of sufficient receipt to manage the Broad Seale it self which if the condition had pleased him was proffered unto him For he might have been the Dukes right hand though at last less than his little finger unto him Who despairing that this Patriarch of the Presbyterian Party would bring off his side unto him used him no longer who would not or could not be usefull unto him Most of this Doctor 's posthume-books have been happie in their education I mean in being well brought forth into the World though all of them have not lighted on so good guardians But his life is so largely and learnedly written by one of his own * Mr. The. Balle of Northampton Pupils that nothing can be added unto it 67. About this time George Carleton The death of Bishop Carleton that grave and godly Bishop of Chichester ended his pious life He was born at b Camden Brit in Northumberland Norham in Northumberland where his Father was the Keeper of that important Castle in the Marches an imployment speaking him wise and valiant in those dangerous and warlike dayes He was bred and brought up under Mr. Bernard Gilpin that Apostolical man whose Life he wrote in gratitude to his memorie and retained his youthfull and Poeticall studies fresh in his old age He was selected by King James one of the five Divines sent over to the Synod of Dort He wrote many small Tracts one against Sir John Heydon about judicial Astrology which conjoyned would amount to a great volume Mr. Richard Mountague one of a different judgement succeeded in his See who at first met with some small opposition on the following occasion 68. There is a solemnity performed before the consecration of every Bishop Aug. 22. Mr. Mountagues Confirmation opposed in this manner The Royall assent being passed on his election the Archbishops Vicar-general proceeds to his Confirmation commonly kept in Bâ—w Church A Process is issued forth to call all persons to appear to shew cause why the Elect there present should not be confirmed For seeing a Bishop is in a maner married to his See save that hereafter he taketh his surname from his Wife and not she from him this ceremony is a kinde of asking the Banes to see if any can alledge any lawfull cause to forbid them Now at the confirmation of Mr. Mountague when liberty was given to any objectors against him one Mr. Humphreys since a Parliament Colonel lately deceased and William Jones a Stationer of London who alone is mentioned in the Record excepted against Mr. Mountague as unfitting for the Episcopal office chiefly on this account because lately censured by Parliament for his book and rendered uncapable of all preferment in the Church 69. But exception was taken at Jones his exceptions which the Record calls praetensos articulos as defective in some legal formalities But the opposition ineffectual I have been informed it was alledged against him for bringing in his objections vivâ voce and not by a Proctor that Court adjudging all private persons effectually dumbe who speak not by one admitted to plead therein Jones returned that he could not get any Proctor though pressing them importunately and proffering them their fee to present his exceptions and therefore was necessitated ore tenus there to alledge them against Mr. Mountague The Register c Registâ—um Cantuar. fol. 140. in anno 1628. mentioneth no particular defects in his exceptions but Dr. Rives Substitute at that time for the Vicar-general declined to take any notice of them and concludeth Jones amongst the contumacious quòd nullo modo legitimè comparuit nec aliquid in hac parte juxta juris exigentiam diceret exciperet vel opponeret Yet this good Jones did
Bishop Mountague that he caused his addresses to the King to procure a pardon which was granted unto him in forme like those given at the Coronation save that some particulars were inserted therein for the pardoning of all errors heretofore committed either in speaking writing or printing whereby he might hereafter be questioned The like at the same time was granted to Dr. Manwaring on whom the rich Parsonage of Stanford Rivers in Essex was conferred as voyd by Bishop Mountagues preferment 70. An intention there was for the Bishop and all the companie employed at his Confirmation Caution seasonably used to dine at a Tavern but Dr. Thomas Rives utterly refused it rendring this reason that he had heard that the dining at a Tavern gave all the colour to that far-spreading and long-lasting lie of Matthew Parker his being consecrated at the Nags-Head in Cheapside and for ought he knew captious people would be ready to raise the like report on the same occasion It being therefore Christian caution not onely to quench the fire of sin but also if possible to put out the smoak of scandal they removed their dining to another place 71. On the twentieth of January the Parliament was reassembled The Parliament dissolved January 20 which dyed issueless as I may say the March following leaving no Acts abortions are no Children completed behind it Let the Reader who desireth farther instructions of the passages herein consult the Historians of the State Indeed if the way were good and weather fair a travailer to please his curiosity in seeing the Countrey might adventure to ride a little out of the rode but he is none of the wisest who in a tempest and mirie way will lose time and leave his own journey If pleasant and generally acceptable were the transactions in this Parliament it might have tempted me to touch a little thereon out of the track of my Church-Storie but finding nothing but stirs and storms therein I will onely goe on fair and softly in my beaten path of Ecclesiastical affairs Bishop Land had no great cause to be a Mourner at the Funerals of this Parliament having entred it in his Diarie that it endevored his destruction 72. At this time Richard Smith distinct from Henrie Smith Proclamation against the Bishop of Chalcedon alià s Lloyd a Jesuite whom some confound as the same person being in title Bishop of Chalcedon in Greece in truth a dangerous English Priest acted and exercised Episcopal Jurisdiction over the Catholiques here by Commission from the Pope appearing in his Pontisicalibus in Lancashire with his Miter and Crosier to the wonder of poor People and conferring Orders and the like This was much offensive to the Regulars March 24 as intrenching on their Priviledges who countermined him as much as they might His Majestie having notice of this Romish Agent renewed his Proclamation one of a former date taking no effect for his apprehension promising an hundred pounds to be presently paid to him that dâ—d it besides all the profits which accrewed to the Crown as legally due from the person who entertained him 72. However such as hid and harbored him He flyeth into France were neither frighted with the penalty nor flattered with the profit to discover him But Smith conceiving his longer stay here to be dangerous conveyed himself over into France where he became a Confident of Cardinal Richelieu's The conveniencie and validity of his Episcopal power was made the subject of several Books which were written thereon In favor of him 1. N. de Maistre a Sorbon Priest in his book entituled De persecutione Episcoporum De illustrissimo Antistite Chalcedonensi 2. The Faculty of Paris which censured all such as opposed him In opposition to him 1. Daniel a Jesuite 2. Horucan 3. Lumley 4. Nicolas Smith This Chalcedon Smith wrote a book called The Prudential Ballance much commended by men of his own perswasion and for ought I know is still alive 74. Within the compass of this year dyed the Reverend Tobie Matthew The death and Character of Tobie Matthew Archbishop of York He was born in the Somersetshire-side of Bristol and in his childhood had a marvellous preservation when with a fall he brake his foot ancle and small of his leg which were so soon recovered to eye d Sr. John Harington in his continuation of Bishop Godwin's Catalogue of Bishops use sight service that not the least mark remained thereof Coming to Oxford he fixed at last in christ-Christ-Church and became Dean thereof He was one of a proper person such People cateris paribus and sometimes cateris imparibus were preferred by the Queen and an excellent Preacher Campian himself confessing that he did dominari in Concionibus He was of a cheerfull spirit yet without any trespass on Episcopal gravity there lying a real distinction between facetiousness and nugacitie None could condemn him for his pleasant wit though often he would condemn himself as so habited therein he could as well not be as not be merrie and not take up an innocent jeast as it lay in the way of his discourse 75. One passage must not be forgotten His gratitude unto God After he had arrived at his greatness he made one journey into the West to visit his two Mothers her that bare him at Bristol and her that bred him in learning the University of Oxford Coming neer to the latter attended with a train suitable to his present condition he was met almost with an equall number who came out of Oxford to give him entertainment Thus augmented with another troop and remembring he had passed over a small water a poor Scholar when first coming to the University he kneeled down and took up the expression of Jacob With my staff came I over this Jordan and now I am become two Bands I am credibly informed that mutatis mutandis the same was performed by his Predecessor Archbishop Hutton at Sophisters Hills nigh Cambridge and am so far from distrusting either that I beleeve both 76. He dyed yeerly in report Died yeerly and I doubt not but that in the Apostles sense he dyed dayly in his mortifying meditations He went over the graves of many who looked for his Archbishoprick I will not say they catched a cold in waiting barefoot for a living mans shoes His wife the Daughter of Bishop Barlow a Confessor in Queen Maries dayes was a prudent and a provident matrone Anno Dom. 1528 Of this extraction came Sir Tobie Matthew having all his Fathers name many of his natural parts few of his moral vertues fewer of his spiritual graces as being an inveterate enemy to the Protestant Religion George Mountaine succeeded him scarce warm in his Church before cold in his Coffin as not continuing many moneths therein 77. I humbly crave the Readers Pardon for omitting due time of the death of reverend Dr. Nicholas Felton Bishop of Ely The death of Bishop Felton as buried before
Court hoped hereby to make him fall totally and finally from the Kings favour though missing their mark herein as in fine it did appear 15. Two daies after he was called before the Privie Councell For which he is convented before the Councell where he presented himself on his knees and so had still continued for any favour he found from any of his own function there present But the Temporall Lords bad him arise and stand to his own defence being as yet only accused not convicted Dr. Harsenet Archbishop of York managed all the businesse against him Bishop Laud walking by all the while in silence spake not one word making a long oration uttered with much vehemency to this effect First He magnified King James his bounty unto him Anno Regis Caroli 6 Anno Dom. 1630-31 who from a private Master of a Colledge in Cambridge without any other immediate preferment advanced him by an unusuall rise to the great and rich Bishoprick of Salisbury Secondly He extolled the piety and prudence of King Charles in setting forth lately an usefull Declaration wherein he had commanded that many intricate questions tending more to distraction then edification of people should utterly be forborn in preaching and which had already produced much peace in the Church Thirdly He aggravated the hainousnesse of the Bishops offence who so ill requited his Majesties favour unto him as to offer in his own presence in so great an Auditorie to break his Declaration inviting others by his example to doe the like Fourthly that high contempt was the lowest tearm could be given to such an offence seeing ignorance could in no probability be pretended in a person of his reputed learning and eminent Profession What the other answered hereunto will best appear by his own letter writen to his worthy friend Doctor Ward giving him an exact account of all proceedings herein in manner as followeth 16. As for my Court businesse Bishop Davenant his relation of the whole matter in his letter to Doctor Ward though it grieved me that the established Doctrine of our Church should be distasted yet it grieved me the lesse because the truth of what I delivered was acknowledged even by those which thought fit to have me questioned for the deliverie of it Presently after my Sermon was ended it was signified unto me by my L. of York and my L. of Winchester and my L. Chamberlain that his Majesty was much displeased that I had stirred this question which he had forbidden to be medled withall one way or other My answer was that I had delivered nothing but the received Doctrine of our Church established in the 17 Article and that I was ready to justify the truth of what I had then taught Their answer was the Doctrine was not gainsaid but his Highnesse had given command these questions should not be debated and therefore he took it more offensively that any should be so bold as in his own hearing to break his royall commands And here my L. of York aggravated the offence from many other circumstances My reply was only this That I never understood that his Majesty had forbid a bandling of any Doctrine comprised in the Articles of our Church but only raising of new questions or adding of new sense thereunto which I had not done nor ever should doe This was all that passed betwixt us on Sunday night after my Sermon The matter thus rested and I heard no more of it till coming unto the Tuesday Sermon one of the Clerks of the Councell told me that I was to attend at the Councell-Table the next day at two of the clock I told him I would wait upon their Lordships at the hour appointed When I came thither my L. of York made a speech welnigh of half an hour long aggravating the boldnesse of mine offence and shewing many inconveniences that it was likely to draw after it And he much insisted upon this what good effect his Majesties Declaration had wrought how these controversies had ever since been buried in silence no man medling with them one way or other When his Grace had finished his speech I desired the Lords that since I was called thither as an offender I might not be put to answer a long speech upon the suddain but that my Lords grace would be pleased to charge me point by point and so to receive my answer for I did not yet understand wherein I had broken any commandement of his Majesties which my Lord iâ— his whole discourse took for granted Having made this motion I gave no further answer and all the Lords were silent for a while At length my Lords Grace said I knew well enough the point which was urged against me namely the breach of the Kings Declaration Then I stood upon this Defence that the Doctrine of Predestination which I taught was not forbidden by the Declaration First because in the Declaration all the Articles are established amongst which the Article of Predestination is one Secondly because all Ministers are urged to subscribe unto the truth of the Article and all Subjects to continue in the profession of that as well as of the rest Upon these and such like grounds I gathered it could not be esteemed amongst forbidden curious or needless Doctrines and here I desired that out of any Clause in the Declaration it might be shewed me that keeping my selfe within the bounds of the Article I had transgressed his Majesties command but the Declaration was not produced nor any particular words in it onely this was urged that the Kings will was that for the peace of the Church these high questions should be forborne My answer then was that I was sorry I understood not his Majesties intention which if I had done before I should have made choice of some other matter to intreat of which might have given none offence and that for the time to come I should conform my self as readily as any other to his Majesties command The Earle of Arundell seemed to approve of this my answer and withall advised me to proceed no further in my defence This in substance all which was done or said in this matter and so I was dismissed The Lords said nothing either in approbation of what I had alleadged to shew that I had not wittingly broken the Kings known command or in confirmation of the contrary urged against me by my Lords Grace At my departure I intreated their Lordships to let his Majesty understand that I had not boldly or wilfully and wittingly against his Declaration medled with the forenamed point and that now understanding fully his Majesties minde and intenâ—ion I should humbly yeeld obedience thereunto This business thus ended I went the next day to my L. Chamberlain and intreated him to doe me the favor that I might be brought to kisse the Kings hand before I went out of Town which his Lordship most readily promised and performed When I came in his Majesty declared his
Sir Richard Poole and Margaret Countess of Sarisbury who was daughter to George Duke of Clarence Forsake me Quite casting him off because he would not be bred a Papist and goe to Rome THEN An emphatical Monosyllable just in that nick of time The Lord taketh me up Not immediately miracles being ceased but in and by the Hands of Henry Earl of Huntingdon his honorable kinsman providing plentifull maintenance for him 23. However Often silenced and restored after he was entred in the Ministery he met with many molestations as hereby doth appear 1 silenced by The High Commission 1590. in June 2 Bishop Chaderton 1605. April 24. 3 Bishop Neile 1611. in November 4 The Court at Lecest 1630. March 4. 1 restored by The High Commission 1591. in January 2 Bishop Barlow 1608. in January 3 Doctor * Vicar Gen. to Archbishop Abbots Ridley 1625. June 20. 4 The same Court 1631. August 2. And now me thinks I hear the Spirit speaking unto him as once to the Prophet * 24. 27. Ezechiel Thou shal speak and be no more dumb singing now with the Celestiall Quire of Saints and Angels Indeed though himself a Non-conformist he loved all honest men were they of a different judgment minded like Luther herein who gave for his Motto In quo aliquid CHRISTI video illum diligo 24. He was Minister of Ashby de la Zouch fourty and three yeers His long and assiduous preaching This putteth me in minde of Theodosiue and of Valentinian two worthy Christian Emperors their constitutions making those Readers of the Civil Law Counts of the first Order cùm * 〈…〉 lib. 6. tit aâ— adviginti annos observatione jugi Anno Regis Caroli Anno Dom. ac sedulo docendi labore pervenerint when with daâ—ly observation and diligent labor of teaching they shall arrive at twenty yeers Surely the Readers of Gods Law which double that time shal not lose their reward 25. The same yeer died Robert Bolton The death of Bolton born in Lancashire bred in Brasen-nose Colledge in Oxford beneficed at Broughton in Northamptonshire An authoritative Preacher who majestically became the Pulpiz and whose life is exactly * By my good friend Mr. Pagshaw written at large to which I refer such as desire farther satisfaction And here may the Reader be pleased to take notice that henceforward we shall on just grounds for bear the description of such Divines as yeerly deceased To say nothing of them save the dates of their deaths will add little to the readers information to say much in praise or dispraise of them wherein their relations are so nearly concerned may add too much to the Writers danger Except therefore they be persons so eminent for their learning or active for their lives as their omission may make a maâ—m in our History we shall passe them over in silence hereafter 26. Archbishop Laud began to look with a jealous eye on the Feoffees for Impropriations Impropriation Feoffees questioned as who in process of time would prove a thorne in the sides of Episcopacy and by their purchases become the prime Patrones for number and greatness of benefices This would multiply their dependents and give a secret growth to Non-conformity Whereupon by the Archbishops procurement a Bil was exhibited in the Eschequer Chamber by Mr. Noy the Atturny Generall against the Feoffees aforesaid and that great Lawyer endevoured to overthrow as one termed it their Apocrypha Incorporation 27. It was charged against them 8 1632 first Their first acculation that they diverted the charity wherewith they were intrusted to other uses * Being by their Feoffment to eâ—â—ct them where preaching was wanting when erecting a Lecture every morning at St. Antholines in London What was this but lighting candles to the Sun London being already the Land of Goshen and none of those dark and far distant corners where Soules were ready to famish for lack of the food of the word What was this but a bold breach of their trust even in the Eye of the Kingdome 28. They answered that London being the chief staple of charity and the place where the principall contributers to so pious a work did reside And answere thereunto it was but fit that it should share in the benefit of their bounty That they were not so confined to the uses in their Feoffment but that in their choice they might reflect as well on the Eminency as Necessity of the place that they expended much of their own as well as other mens money and good reason they should doe therewith as they pleased 29. It was pressed against them A second charge against them that they generally preferred Non conformists to the Lectures of their Erection To this it was answered that none were placed therein but such whose Sufficiency and Conformity were first examined and approved by the Ordinary to be to such a Degree as the Law required Yea it is said that Mr. White one of the Feoffees privately proffered Bishop Laud at his house in Fulham that if he disliked either the Persons who managed or Order which they took in this work they would willingly submit the alteration to his Lordships discretion 30. In conclusion the Court condemned their proceedings They are overthrown as dangerous to the Church and State pronouncing the Gifts Feoffments and Contrivances made to the Uses aforesaid to be illegall and so dissolved the same confiscating their money unto the Kings use Their criminall part was referred to but never prosecuted in the Star-chamber because the Design was generally approved and both discreet and devout men were as desirous of the Regulation so dolefull at the ruin of so pious a Project 31. Samuel Harsenet about this time ended his life The death of Archbishop Harsenâ—t born in Colchester bred Scholar Fellow Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge afterwards Bishop of Chtchester and Norwich Anno Dom. 1633 Anno Regis Caroli 9 Archbishop of York and privy Counsellor He was a zealous asserter of ceremonies using to complain of the first I believe who used the expression of CONFORMABLE PURITANS who practised it out of policy yet dissented from it in their judgments He lieth buried in Chigwell Church in Essex where he built a School with this Epitâ—ph Indignus Eptscopus Clcestrensis indignior Norvicensis indignissimus Archiepiscopus Eboracensis 32. Now the Sabbatarian controversie begun to be revived Bradborn his etroneous opinion which brake forth into a long and hot contention Theophilus Bradborn a Minister of Suffolk founded the first trumpet to this fight who some five yeers since namely anno 1628. set forth a Book dedicated to his Majesty intituled A defence of the most ancient and sacred ordinance of God The Sabbath Day maintaining therein 1. The fourth Commandement simply and entirely moral 2. Christians as well as Jews obliged to the everlasting observation of that day 3. That the Lords-day
33. As Bishop Williams and Mr. Osbaston Dr Pocklinton and Dr. Bray censured were the two first Clergy-men who found the favour of this Parliament being remitted their finâ—s and restored to their livings and liberty so Doctor Pocklington and Doctor Bray were the two first that felt their displeasures The former for preaching and printing the latter for licencing two books one called Sunday no Sabbath the other The Christian altar Bishop Williams moved that Dâ—ctor Bray might recant seven errours in the first four and twenty in the second Treatise Soon after both the Doctors deceased for grief say some that they had writen what they should not for shame say others that they had recanted what they would not though a third sort more charitably take notice neither of the one nor the other but meerly impute it to the approach of the time of their dissolution 34. Anno Dom. 1640. Doctor Cosen soon after was highly accused Superstitions charged on Dr. Coseâ— for superstition and unjust proceedings against one Mr. Smart on this occasion The Doctor is charged to have set up in the Church of Durham a Marble Altar with Cherubins which cost two thousands pounds with all the appurtenances thereof namely a Cope with the Trinity and God the Father in the figure of an old man another with a Crucifix and the Image of Christ with a red Beard and blew Cap. Besides he was accused for lighting two hundred wax Candles about the Altar on Candlemas day For forbidding any Psalmes to be sung before or after Sermon though making an Anthem to be sung of the three Kings of Collen by the names of Gasper Balthazar and Melchior and for procuring a consecrated Knife only to cut the Bread at the Communion 35. Mr. Smart a prebendary of the Church Cruel usage of Mr. Smart one of a grave aspect and reverend presence sharply enveyed in a Sermon against these innovations taking for his text I hate all those that hold superstitious vanities but thy law doe I love 36. Hereupon he was kept prisoner four moneths by the high Commission of York before any Articles were exhibited against him and five moneths before any Proctor was allowed him Hence was he carried to the High-Commission at Lambeth and after long trouble remanded to York fined 500. pounds committed to prison ordered to recant and for that neglect thereof fined again excommunicated degraded and deprived his damage as brought in amounting to many thousand pounds 37. But now Mr. Rows of the House of Commons Relieved by Parliament bringing up the charge to the Lords against Doctor Cosen termed Mr. Smart the Proto martyr of England in these latter dayes of persecution and large reparations was allowed unto him though he lived not long after to enjoy them 38. Now though none can excuse and defend Doctor Cosen his carriage herein Dr. Cosen his due praise yet this must be reported to his due commendation Some yeers after getting over into France he neither joyned with the Church of French Protestants at Charentoun nigh Paris nor kept any communion with the Papists therein but confined himself to the Church of old English Protestants therein Where by his pious living and constant praying and preaching he reduced some recusants to and confirmed more doubters in the Protestant Religion Many his incounters with Jesuits and Priests defeating the suspicions of his foes and exceeding the expectation of his Friends in the successe of such disputes 39. The Commons desired the Lords to joyn with them to finde out Jan. 23 Goodman a Priest handled betwixt life and death who moved the King to reprieve John Goodman a seminary Priest who as they said had been twice condemned and now the second time reprieved whilest the Parliament sate 40. The King sent a message by the Lord Privy-Seal Jan. 25 that Goodman was not as the Commons were informed condemned and banished but only sentenced for being a Priest and therefore that in reprieving him he shewed but the like mercy which Queen Eliz. and King James had shewed in the like cases 41. The Lords joyned with the Commons in their desire concerning Goodman Jan. 27 that the Statutes might speedily be executed upon him as necessary in this juncture of time wherein Papists swarmed in all parts presuming on indemnity With what credit or comfort could they sit to enact new Lawes whilst they beheld former Statutes dayly broken before their eyes 42. The King acquainted the Houses that though Queen Eliz. and King James never condemned Priest meerly for Religion Feb. 3 yet rather then he would discontent his Subjects he left him to the judgment of both Houses to be disposed of at their pleasure 43. Goodman petitioned the King that like Jonah the Prophet Anno Dom 1640 Anno Regis Caroli 16 he might be cast into the Sea Yet he escapeâ—â— with lâ—fe at last to still the tempest betwixt the King and his People conceiving his blood well spent to cement them together But in fine he escaped with his life not so much by any favour indulged him as principally because the accusations could not be so fully proved against him Febr. 4. 44. About this time was the first motion of a new Protestation The first mention of the Protestation to be taken all over England the Copy whereof is omitted as obvious every where which some moneths after was generally performed as containing nothing but what was lawfull and commendable therein Yet some refused it as suspecting the adding of new would substract obedience from former oâ—thes men being prone to love that best which left the last relish in their souls and in fine such new obligations of conscience like suckers would draw from the stock of the old oathes of supremacy and alleagiance 45. March began very blusteringly March 1. on the first day whereof Archbishop Laud was in Mr. Maxfeild his Coach carried to the Tower A Committee of the Lords to settle religion and not long after the Lords appointed a Committee of their own Members for settling of peace in the Church What hopefull opinion the aforesaid Archbishop had of their proceedings will appear by the following note which he entred into his a March 21. pag. 24. Diarie A Committee for Religion settled in the upper house of Parliament Mond 21. Ten Earles ten Bishops ten Barons So the Lay-Votes will be double to the Clergy This Committee will meddle with Doctrine as well as Ceremonies and will call some Divines to them to consider of the businesse as appears by a Letter hereto annexed sent by the Lord Bishop of Lincoln to some Divines to attend this service upon the whole matter I believe this Committee will prove the Nationall Synod of England to the great dishonour of the Church And what else may follow upon it God knowes 46. At the same time the Lords appointed a Sub-committee A Sub-Committee for the
himself how humble hospitable painfull in preaching and writing may better be reported hereafter when his memory green as yet shall be mellowed by time He sate Bishop about twenty yeers and died of a Consumption anno 1641. to which sensiblenesse of the sorrowfull times which he saw were bad and foresaw would be worse did contribute not a little I cannot omit how some few hours before his death having lyen for a long time though not speechlesse yet not speaking nor able to speak as we beholders thought though indeed he hid that little strength we thought he had lost and reserved himself for pupose he fell into a most emphaticall prayer for half a quarter of an hour Amongst many heavenly passages therein He thanked God for this his fatherly correction because in all his life time he never had one heavie affliction which made him often much suspect with himself whether he was a true Child of God or no untill this his last sicknesse Then he sweetly fell asleep in Christ and so we softly draw the Curtains about him 54. The whole Bodies of Cathedrall Churches Deans and Chapters first opposed by Parliament being of too great a bulk to be blown up by their adversaries at once they began with the Quires accusing the members thereof for uselesse and unprofitable The Prelaticall Court Clergy were not so active and diligent in defending these foundations as it was expected from their interest and relations Whether because they were disheartned at the imprisonment of their chief the Archbishop of Cant. or because some of them being otherwise obnoxious to the Parliament were loath therein to appear or because they vainly hoped that this heat once over all things would continue in their pristine condition or because they were loath to plead in that Suit wherein they despaired to prevaile as foreseeing those places destined to dissolution 55. Yet some of the same side causelesly complained of the backwardnesse of other moderate Cathedrall men An unjust charge that they improved not their power with their Parliament friends so zealously as they might in this cause as beginning too late and proceeding too lazily therein who should sooner have set their shoulders and backs to those tottering Quires so either to support them The Cathedrall men endeavour to preserve their foundations or to be buried under the ruines thereof Whereas they did whatsoever good men could or wise men would doe in their condition leaving no stone unturned which might advantage them herein 56. Indeed it was conceived inconsistent with their gravity to set themselves to fight against the shadow of common rumour and so to feign an enemy to themselves whilest as yet no certainty of the Parliaments intentions to destroy Deanes and Chapters What had this been but perchance to put that into their brains which otherwise they charitably beleeved would not enter therein But no sooner were they certified of the reality of their designe but they vigorously in their callings endeavoured the prevention thereof By Appointing one in each Cathedrall Church to sollicite their friends on this behalf Drawing up a Petition the same mutatis mutandis to House of Lords and Commons which because never formally presented I forbear to insert Retaining and instructing learned Councell to move for them in the House Untill they were informed that the Orders of the House would not bear any to plead for them but that they must personally appear and viva voce plead for themselves 57. Lest therefore their longer silence should by posterity be interpreted May 12. either Sullennesse Dr. Hacket his Speech in the defence of Deans and Chapters that they would not or guiltinesse that they durst not speak for themselves by their friends they obtained leave to be admitted into the House of Commons and to be heard what they could alledge in their own behalf They made choice of Dr. John Hacket Prebendary of Pauls and Archdeacon of to be the mouth in the behalf of the rest The brief heads of whose speech copied by his leave out of his own papers are here inserted 58. First he craved the favour of that Honourable House to whom he was to speak on a double disadvantage One caused from the shortnesse of time this employment being imposed on him but in the afternoon of the day before The other because he had not heard what crimes or offences were charged on Deanes and Chapters that so he might purge them from such imputations reports only flying abroad that they were accounted of some of no use and convenience the contrary whereof he should endeavour to prove reducing the same to two heads quoad res quoad Personas in regard of things of great moment and divers Persons concerned in such Foundations 59. To the first It is fit that to supply the defects of prayer committed by private men the publick duty thereof should be constantly performed in some principall place in imitation of the primitive practice and this is dayly done in Cathedrall Churches And whereas some complain that such service gives offence for the super-exquisitenesse of the Musick therein so that what was intended for Devotion vanished away into Quavers and Aire he with the rest of his Brethren there present wished the amendment thereof that it might be reduced to the form which Athanasius commends ut legentibus sint quà m cantantibus similiores And here he spake much in prayse of the Church-Musick when moderated to Edification 60. Hence he passed to what he tearmeth the other wing of the Cherubin which is Preaching first planted since the Reformation in Cathedrall Churches as appears by the learned Sermons which Dr. Allens afterwards Bishop of Excester preached in the Church of St. Pauls and since continued therein Where by the way he took occasion to refell that slaunder which some cast on Lecture-Preachers as an upstart-Corporation alledging that the locall Statutes of most or all Cathedrall Churches doe require Lectures on the week dayes And in the name of his Brethren he requested that Honourable House that the godly and profitable performance of preaching might be the more exacted 61. In the third place he insisted on the advancement of learning as the proper use and convenience of Cathedralls each of them being a small Academie for the Champions of Christ his cause against the Adversarie by their learned pens Here he proffered to prove by a catalogue of their names and works which he could produce that most excellent labours in this kinde excepting some few have proceeded from persons preferred in Cathedralls or the Universities Now what a disheartning would it be to young Students if such promotions were taken away witnesse the fewnesse of such admitted this last yeer into the Universities and the deadnesse of the sale of good Books in St. Pauls Church yard meerly upon a timorous imagination abroad that we are now shutting up learning in a case and laying it aside But if the bare threatening make such a stop
be in the Commission of the Peace nor Judges in Temporall Courts 3. Nor sit in the Star-Chamber nor be Privy-Counsellors The two last branches of this Bill passed by generall consent not above two dissenting But the first branch was voted in the Negative wherein all the Bishops gave their own voices for themselves Yet had their suffrages been secluded and the question only put to the lay-Lords it had been carried for the Bishops by sixteen decisive June 8 76. After some dayes debate the Lords who were against the Bishops protested that the former manner of voting the Bill by branches was unparlamentary and illegall Wherefore they moved the House that they should be so joyned together as either to take the Bill in wholly or cast it all out Whereupon the whole Bill was utterly cast out by many voices had not the Bishops as again they did given their suffrages in the same 77. Master Maynard made a Speech in the Committee of Lords against the Canons At last wholly cast out made by rhe Bishops in the last Convocation therein with much learning indeavouring to prove 1. That in the Saxons times as Malmesbury Hoveden Sir Henry Spelman c. doe witnesse Lawes and constitutions Ecclesiasticall had the confirmation of Peers and sometimes of the People Mr. Maynards Speech against the Canons to which great Councells our Parliaments doe succeed 2. That it appears out of the aforesaid Authors and others that there was some checking about the disuse of the generall making of such Church Lawes 3. That for Kings to make Canons without consent of Parliament cannot stand because built on a bad foundation viz. on the Popes making Canons by his sole Power so that the groundwork not being good the superstructure sinketh therewith 4. He examined the Statute 25 of Henry 8 avouching that that clause The Clergy shall not make Canons without the Kings leave implyeth not that by his leave alone they may make them Lastly he endeavoured to prove that these Canons were against the Kings Prerogative the Rights Liberties and Properties of the Subject insisting herein on severall particulars 1. The first Canon puts a penalty on such as disobey them 2. One of them determineth the Kings Power and the Subjects right 3. It sheweth that the Ordinance of Kings is by the Law of Nature and then they should be in all places and all alike 4. One of the Canons saith that the King may not be resisted 5. Another makes a Holy Day whereas that the Parliament saith there shall be such and no more This his Speech lost neither life nor lustre being reported to the Lords by the Bishop of Lincoln a back friend to the Canons because made during his absence and durance in the Tower 78. One in the House of Commons heightned the offence of the Clergy herein Severall judgments of the Clergyes offence into Treason which their more moderate adversaries abated into a Premunire Many much insisted on the Clarks of the Convocation for presuming being but private men after the dissolution of the Parliament to grant subsidies A Bill read against the High-Commission and so without Law to give away the estates of their fellow-subjects 78. A Bill was read to repeal that Statute of 1 Eliz. whereby the High-Commission Court is erected This Bill afterwards forbad any Archbishop Bishop c. deriving power from the King to Assesse or inflict any pain penalty amercement imprisonment or corporall punishment for any ecclesiasticall offence or transgression Forbidding them likewise to administer the Oath Ex officio or give Oath to Church-Wardens Sides-men or any others whereby their own or others offences should be discovered DIGNISSIMO DOM. THOMAE FISHER BARONETTO CUM Insignia tua Gentilitia intueor Anno Regis Carol 16 Anno Dom. 1640 non sum adeò Heraldicae Artis ignarus quin probè sciam quid sibi velit Manus illa Scutello inserta Te scilicet Baronettum designat cùm omnes in illum Ordinem cooptati ex Institutione sua ad * * Seldenus in titulis Honoris Vltoniam Hiberniae Provinciam forti dextrâ defendendam teneantur At sensum praeter hunc vulgarem alium latiorem quoad meipsum laetiorem Manui illi expansae quae in tuo Clypeo spectabilis subesse video Index est summae tuae Munificentiae quo nomine me tibi divinctissimum profiteor 1. OMitting matters of greater consequence The High-Commission Court put down know that the Bill against the High-Commission June 24 was the third time read in the House of Lords and passed it which some dayes after was confirmed by his Majesty Thus the edge of the Spiritual Sword as to discipline was taken away For although I read of a Proviso made in the House of Lords that the generall words in this Bill should extend only to the High-Commission Court and not reach other Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction yet that Proviso being but writen and the Statute printed all coercive power of Church Consistories were taken away Mr. Pim triumphed at this successe crying out Digitus Det it is the finger of God Anno Dom. 1641 that the Bishops should so supinely suffer themselves to be surprised in their power Anno Regis Caroli 16 Some disaffected to Episcopy observed a Justice that seeing many simple souls were in the high Commission Court by captious interrogatories circumvented into a self-accusation an unsuspected clause in this Statute should abolish all their lawfull authority 2. The Bishop of Lincoln brought up a Bill to regulate Bishops and their jurisdiction The Bill for Regulation of Bishops consisting of severall particulars July 2 1. That every Bishop being in his Diocesse not sick should preach once every Lords day or pay five pounds to the poor to be levyed by the next Justice of Peace and distresse made by the Constable 2. That no Bishop shall be Justice of Peace save the Dean of Westminster in Westminster and St. Martines 3. That every Bishop should have twelve assistants besides the Dean and Chapter four chosen by the King four by the Lords and four by the Commons for jurisdiction and ordination 4. That in all vacancies they should present to the King three of the ablest Divines in the Diocesse out of which his Majesty might choose one to be Bishop 5. Deans and Prebends to be resident at the Cathedralls but sixty dayes 6. That Sermons be preached therein twice every Lords day once every Holy day and a Lecture on Wednesday with a salary of 100. Marks 7. All Archbishops Bishops Collegiate Churches c. to give a fourth part of their fines and improved rents to buy out Impropriations 8. All double beneficed men to pay a moiety of their benefice to their Curates 9. No appeal to the Court of Arches or Audience 10. Canons and Ecclesiasticall capitulations to be drawn up and fitted to the Lawes of the Land by sixteen learned men chosen six by the King
degrees whereby the Bishops declined in Parliament some whereof we will recount that posterity may perceive by what degrees they did lessen in the House before they lost their Votes therein First whereas it was customary that in all Commissions such a number of Bishops should be joyned with the temporall Lords of late their due proportions were not observed The Clark of the Parliament applying himselfe to the prevalent party in the reading of Bills turned his back to the Bishops who could not and it seems he intended they should not distinctly hear any thing as if their consent or dissent were little concerned therein When a Bill passed for exchange of Lands betwixt the Bishop of London and Sir Nicolas Crispe the temporall Lords were offended that the Bishop was styled Right Honourable therein which at last was expung'd and he intitled one of his Majesties most Honourable Privy Councell the honour being fixed upon his State imployment not Episcopall function On a solemn Fast in their going to Church the temporall Lords first took precedency of the Bishops who quietly submitted themselves to come behind on the same token that a The young Lord Spencer afterwards E. of Sunderland one of the Lay-Lords said Is this a day Humiliation wherein we shew so much pride in taking place of those to whom our ancestors ever allow'd it But the main matter was that the Bishops were denied all medling even in the Commission of preparatory examinations concerning the Earl of Strafford as causa sanguinis and they as men of mercy not to deal in the condemnation of any person The Bishops pleaded though it was not proper for them to condemn the guilty yet they might acquit the innocent and such an one as yet that Earl was charitably presumed to be untill legally convicted to be otherwise They alledged also in their own behalf that a Commission was granted in the reign of Queen Elizabeth to certain Privy-Counsellors for the examination of the Queen of Scots Anno Dom. 1640 even to her condemnation if just cause appear'd b Camdens Eliz in An. 15â—6 and John Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury first named therein All would not prevaile the Bishops being forbidden any interposing in that matter 11. It must not be forgotten Bishops refus willingly to resigne their Votes how about this time the Lord Kimbolton made a motion to perswade the Bishops willingly to depart with their Votes in Parliament adding that if the same would surrender their suffrages the temporall Lords who remained in the House were obliged in honour to be more tender of and carefull for the Bishops preservation in their Jurisdictions and Revenues An instrument was imployed by the Earl of Essex or else he imployed himself conceiving the service acceptable who dealt privately with severall Bishops to secure themselves by prevention to surrender that which would be taken away from them But the Bishops persisted in the negative refusing by any voluntary act to be accessarie to their own injury resolving to keep possession of their Votes till a prevalent power outed them thereof 12. Now no day passed Multitudes of petitions against Bishops wherein some petition was not presented to the Lords or Commons from severall persons against the Bishops as grand grievancers causing the generall decay of trade obstructing the proceedings in Parliament and what not In so much that the very Porters as they said were able no longer to undergoe the burden of Episcopall tyranny and petitioned against it But hitherto these were but blunt petitions the last was a sharp one with point and edg brought up for the same purpose by the armed Apprentices 13. Now A land-tide of Apprentices flow to Westminster seeing mens judgments are at such a distance about the nature of this their practice some terming it a tumult Anno Dom. 1441. mutiny riot others calling it courage zeal and industry some admiring them as acted with a publique spirit above their age and education others condemning them much their countenancers more their secret abetters and contrivers most of all I say when men are thus divided in point of judgement it will be safest for us to confine our selves meerly to matter of fact Wherein also we meet with much diversity of relation though surely what a c John Vicars in his God in the Mount or Parliamentarie Chronicle lib. 1. pag. 58. Parliatary Chronicler writes thereof must be believed Now Decem. 26. see how it pleased the Lord it should come to passe some of the Apprentices and Citizens were again affronted about Westminster-Abbey and a great noise and hubbub fell out thereabouts Others some of them watched as it seems by the sequell the Bishops coming to the Parliament who considering the disquiet and great noise by land all about Westminster durst not come to Parliament that way for fear of the Apprentices and therefore intended to have come to Parliament by water in Barges But the Apprentices watched them that way also and as they thought to come to land they were so pelted with stones and frighted at the sight of such a company of them that they durst not land but were rowed back and went away to their places Thus the Bishops were fain to shelter themselves from the showre of stones ready to fall upon them and with great difficulty made their escape Who otherwise on St. Stephans day had gone St. Stephans way to their graves 14. As for the hubbub at Westminster Abbey lately mentioned The manner of the tumult at Westminster Abby and White-Hall belongs to the pens of State Historians eye-witnesses have thus informed me of the manner thereof Of thoses Apprences who coming up to the Parliament cryed No Bishops no Bishops some rudely rushing into the Abby Church were reproved by a Virger for their irreverent behaviour therein Afterwards quitting the Church the doors thereof by command from the Dean were shut up to secure the Organs and Monuments therein against the return of Apprentices For though others could not foretell the intentions of such a tumult who could not certainly tell their own yet the suspicion was probable by what was uttered amongst them The multitude presently assault the Church under pretence that some of their party were detained therein and force a pane out of the North door but are beaten back by the officers Scholars of the Colledge Here an unhappy tile was cast by an unknown hand from the leads or battlements of the Church which so bruised Sir Richard Wiseman conductor of the Apprentices that he died thereof and so ended that dayes distemper 15. To return to the Bishops Why no more then 12 of the Bishops present at the Protest the next day twelve of them repaired to Jerusalem-Chamber in the Deans lodgings and if any demand where were the rest of them to make up twenty six take this account of their absence 13 Dr. Laud Archbishop of Cant. was in the Tower 14 Dr. Juxon Bishop
of London was keeping his hospitality it being Christmas at Fulham 15 So was Dr. Curle at Winchester-House and it was conceived unsafe though but cross the Thames to send unto him 16 So also was Dr. Warner of Rochester returned to entertain his neighbours in the Country 17 Dr. Bridgeman of Chester were not as yet come out of the Country 18 Dr. Roberts of Bangor 19 Dr. Manwaring Bishop of St. Davids sate not in the house as disabled long since by his censure in Parliament 26 Dr. Duppa Bishop of Salisbury was attending his charge Prince Charles 21 Dr. John Prideaux were not yet consecrated Bishops of Worcester 22 Dr. Winniffe Lincoln 23 Dr. Ralf Brounrigge Exeter 24 Dr. Henry King Chichester 25 Dr. John Westfield Bristoll 20 Carlile was void by the late death of Dr. Potter only confer'd by the King on Archbishop Ussher to hold it in Commendam Thus have we made up their numbers and must not forget that a secret item was given to some of the Bishops by some of their well-wishers to absent themselves in this licentious time of Christmas though they had not the happinesse to make use of the advice 16. The other twelve Bishops being not yet fully recovered from their former fear The form thereof grief and anger which are confest by all to be but bad counsellors in cases of importance drew up in hast and disturbance such a Protestation that posterity already hath had more years to discusse and examine then they had hours I had almost said minutes to contrive and compose and most of them implicitly relying on the conceived infallability of the Archbishop of York in point of common law all subscribed as followeth To the Kings most excellent Majesty and the Lords and Peers now assembled in Parliament WHereas the Petitioners are called up by severall and respective writs Decem. 27. and under great penalties to attend the Parliament and have a cleer and indubitable right to vote in Bills and other matters whatsoever debatable in Parliament by the ancient customes Lawes and Statutes of this Realm and ought to be protected by your Majesty quietly to attend and prosecute that great service They humbly remonstrate and protest before God your Majesty and the noble Lords and Peers now assembled in Parliament That as they have an indubitate right to sit and vote in the House of the Lords so are they if they may be protected from force and violence most ready and willing to perform their duties accordingly And that they doe abominate all actions or opinions tending to Popery and the maintenance thereof as also all propension and inclination to any malignant party or any other side or party whatsoever to the which their own reasons and conscience shall not move them to adhere But whereas they have been at severall times violently menaced affronted and assaulted by multitudes of people in their coming to perform their services in that Honourable House and lately chased away and put in danger of their lives and can finde no redresse or protection upon sundry complaints made to both Houses in these particulars They humbly protest before your Majesty and the Noble House of Peers that saving unto themselves all their rights and interest of sitting and voting in that House at other times they dare not sit or vote in the House of Peers untill your Majesty shall further secure them from all affronts indignities and dangers in the premises Lastly whereas their fears are not built upon phantasies and conceits but upon such grounds and objects as may well terrifie men of resolution and much constancy they doe in all humility and duty protest before your Majesty and Peers of that most Honourable House of Parliament against all Lawes Orders Votes Resolutions and Determinations as in themselves Null and of none effect which in their absence since the 27 th of this instant moneth of December 1641. have already passed as likewise against all such as shall hereafter passe in that most Honourable House during the time of this their forced and violent absence from the said most Honourable House not denying but if their absenting of themselves were wilfull and voluntary that most honourable House might proceed in all their premises their absence or this protestation notwithstanding And humbly beseeching your most excellent Majesty to command the Clark of that house of Peers to enter this their Petition and Protestation among his Records They will ever pray God to blesse c. John Eborac Jho Duresme Ro. Co. Lich. Jos Norw Jo. Asaph Guli Ba. and Wells Geo. Heref. Robt. Oxon. Ma. Ely Godfry Glouc. Jo. Peterburg Morice Landasf This instrument they delivered to Archbishop Williams who according to their desire his own counsell and promise at the next opportunity presented it to his Majesty 17. His Majesty would not meddle therewith in this dangerous juncture of time The Bishops impeached of High-Treason his great Councell then sitting but wholly remitted the matter to the Parliament The next morning a Privy-Counsellor brought this protestation into the house at the reading whereof the anti-episcopall party much triumphed that the Bishops had gratified them with such an advantage against themselves which their adversaries might wish but durst not hope for heretofore A conference is desired with the Commons in the painted Chamber and therein concluded that the Bishops should be impeached of high Treason for indeavouring to subvert the fundamentall laws of the land and the very being of Parliaments 18. Hereupon the next day the twelve subscribes were voted to be committed to the Tower And committed to the Tower 28 save that Bishop Morton of Durham and Hall of Norwich found some favour partly in respect of their old age and partly in regard of the great good they had done with their pens and preaching to the Church of God So that they alone were sent to the custody of the black rod. The rest being brought into the Tower had that honour granted them in the prison which was denied them in the Parliament to be esteemed equall with yea above temporall Lords as appeared by the fees demanded of them Though in fine Sir John Biron Lieutenant of the Tower 30 proved very courteous in removing the rigor thereof The Archbishop of Cant. by a civill message excused himself for not conversing with them because he was committed on a different account from them and probably they might mutually fare the worse for any intercourse And here we leave them prisoners for eighteen weeks together and proceed 19. Now was the Bill against the Bishops sitting in Parliament brought up into the house of Lords Viscount Newwark his two Speeches in the behalf of Bishops and the matter agitated with much eagernesse on both sides Amongst those who sided with them none appeared in print more zealous then the Lord Viscount Newwarke afterward Earle of Kingstone c. whose two speeches in Parliament although spoken some * The first
may happen to your Lordships but I have done this heretofore and will not offer your Lordships Cramben bis coctam These speeches though they converted none of the opposite confirmed those of the Episcopall party making the Lords very zealous in the Bishops behalf 20. There were in the House Temporall Lords favourers of Bishops many other defenders of Episcopacy as William Lord Marques of Hartford the Earle of Southampton the Earle of Bristol and the Lord Digby his Son and the never to be forgotten William Earle of Bath a learned Lord and lover of learning oftentimes on occasion speaking for Bishops once publiquely prefessing it one of the greatest Honours which ever happily happened to his family that one thereof Thomas Bourcher by name was once dignified with the Archbishoprick of Canterbury Many other Lords though not haranging iâ—in long Orations by their effectuall Votes for Bishops manifested their unfained affections unto them 22. About this time The death of Bishop Mountague there were many vacant Cathedrals Anno Dom. 1641 Anno Regis Caroli 17 which the King lately had or now did furnish with new Bishops Dr. Joseph Hall being removed from Exeter to Norwich voyd by the death of Richard Mountague born in Westminster bred in Eaton School Fellow in Kings Colledge a great Grecian and Church Antiquary well read in the Fathers But all in his Diocesse not being so well skilled in Antiquity as himself some charged him with superstitious urging of Ceremonies and being accused in Parliament he appeared not being very weak but * He died on the 12 of April went a more compendious way to answer all in the High-Court of Heaven 22. As for new elected Bishops Eminent and popular persons made Bishops his Majesty was most carefull to chuse them out of the most sound for Judgement and blamelesse for Conversation 1. Dr. John Prideaux almost grown to the Kings-Professors-Chair in Oxford he had set so long and close therein Procuring by his painfull and learned Lectures deserved repute at home and amongst Forain Protestants he was made Bishop of Worcester 2. D. Thomas Winniffo Dean of St. Pauls a grave learned and moderate Divine made Bishop of Lincoln 3. Dr. Ralph Brownrig of most quick and solid parts equally eminent for disputing and preaching made Bishop of Exeter 4. Dr. Henry King acceptable on the account of his own merit and on the score of a Pious and popular Father made Bishop of Chichester 5. Dr. John Westfield for many yeers the painfull and profitable Preacher of great St. Bartholomews London made Bishop of Bristol He dyed not long after Surely si urbs defensa fuisset his dextris if Divine Providence had appointed that Episcopacy at this time should have been kept up and maintained more probable Persons for that purpose could not have been pick'd out of England so that envie and detraction might even feed on their own flesh their teeth finding nothing in the aforesaid Elects to fasten upon 23. But Episcopacy was so far from faring the better for them All would not doe that they fared the worse for it insomuch that many who much loved them in their Gowns did not at all like them in their Rochets 24. The Bill was again brought in A disadvantageous juncture of time for Bishops against Bishops Votes in Parliament and that in a disadvantageous juncture of time the Bishops then being under a threefold qualification 1. Imprisoned in the Tower Of these eleven besides Archbishop Laud whose absence much weakned the party 2. Lately Consecrated and later inducted into the House of Lords as the Bishops of Worcester Lincoln Exeter Chichester Bristol such their modesty and manners they conceived it fitting to practise their hearing before speaking in the House So that in some sort they may be said to have lost their Voices before they found them in the Parliament 3. The remainder of ancient Bishops London Salisbury Bangor c. who seldome were seen detained with other occasions and more seldome heard in the Parliament So that the Adversaries of Episcopacy could not have obtained a fitter opportunity the spirits of time at large being distilled thereinto then in this very instant to accomplish their desires 25. Only Dr. John Warner Bishop of Rochester Bishop Warner the best Champion for Bishops was he in whom dying Episcopacy gave the last groan in the House of Lords one of good speech and a cheerfull spirit and which made both a good Purse and which made all three a good cause as he conceived in his conscience which made him very pertinently and valiantly defend the Antiquity and Justice of Bishops Votes in Parliament This is he of whose bounty many distressed soules since have tasted whose reward no doubt is laid up for him in another World 26. The main argument which was most insisted on The principall Plea against Bishops Barontes against their temporall Baronies were the words of the Apostle * 2 Tim. 2 4 No man which warreth entangleth himself with the affaires of this life Their friends pleaded 1. That the words equally concerned all Militant Christians Bishops not being particularized therein 2. That it was uncharitable to conclude their fingers more clasping of the World or the World more glutinous to stick to their fingers that they alone of all persons could not touch the World but must be entangled therewith But it was answered that then à fortiore Clergy-men were concerned in the Text aforesaid not to meddle with Worldly matters whose Governing of a whole Diocesse was so great an imployment that their attendance in Parliament must needs be detrimentall to so carefull a vocation 27. The Earl of Bristol engaged himself a valiant Champion in the Bishops behalf Earl of Bristols Plea for Bishops he affirmed that it was according to the Orders of the House that no Bill being once cast out should be brought in again at the same Sessions Seeing therefore the Bill against Bishops Votes had formerly been cleerly carried by many decisive Votes for the Bishops it was not only praeter but contra Parliamentarie it should be brought again this Sessions 28. But seeing this Parliament was extraordinary in the manner and continuance thereof one Session being likely to last for many yeers Resuted by others it was not conceived fit they should be tied to the observance of such punctuall niceties and the resumption of the Bill was not only overruled by Votes but also it was cleerly carryed in the Negative that Bishops never more should vote as Peers in Parliament 29. Nothing now wanted The King unwilling to consent save the Royall Assent to passe the said Votes into a Law The King appeared very unwilling therein partly because he conceived it an injury to give away the Bishops undoubted right partly because he suspected that the haters of the function and lovers of the Lands of Bishops would grow on his grants and improve themselves on his
They are loath therefore to make a blind promise for fear of a lame performance 19. As for the Reforming of Religion which necessarily implies a changing thereof of England Nor without a double scandal and Ireland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government they cannot consent thereunto without manifest scandal both to Papists and Separatists For besides that they shall desert that just cause which many pious Martyrs Bishops and Divines of our Church have defended both with their inke and blood writings and sufferings hereby they shall advantage the cavils of Papists against our Religion taxing it of uncertainty not knowing where to fix our feet as allways altering the same Yea they shall not only supply Papists with pleas for their Recusancy Sectaries for their Separation acknowledging something in our Church-Doctrine and Service not well agreeing with Gods-word but also shall implicitly confess Papists unjustly punished by the Penal-Statutes for not conforming with us to the same Publick-Service wherein somethings are by our selves as well as them misliked and disallowed 20. Nor can they take this Covenant without injury and perjury to themselves Injury to themselves Injurie by insnaring their consciences credits and estates if endeavouring to reform Religion under the notion of faulty and vicious to which formerly they had subscribed enjoyned thereto by the b b 13. Eliz. cap. 12. Law of the Land not yet abrogated never as yet checked by the regrets of their own consciences nor confuted by the reasons of others for the doing thereof 21. Perjury Perjury to their souls as contrary to the Protestation and solemn vow they had c c May the 5. 1641. lately taken and Oath of Supremacy swearing therein to defend all the Kings Rights and Priviledges whereof His Spiritual Jurisdiction in reforming Church-matters is a principal Now although a latter oath may be corroborative of the former or constructive of a new obligation consistent therewith yet can it not be inductive of a tie contrary to an oath lawfully taken before Exceptions to the Second Article 22. It grieveth them therein to see Prelacy so unequally yoak'd Ill but forc'd 〈◊〉 of Prelacy Popery being put before it Superstition Heresie Schisme and Prophaneness following after Such the pleasure of those that placed them though nothing akin in themselves But a captive by the power of others may be fettered to those whom he hates and abhorres Consent they cannot to the extirpation of Prelacy Foure reasons against extirpation of Prelacy neither in respect Of 1 The thing it self being perswaded that neither Papal Monarchie nor Presbyterian Democracie nor Independant Anarchie are so conformable to the Scriptures as Episcopal Aristocracy being if not of Divine in a strict sence of Apostolical Institution confirmed with Church-practice the best Comment on Scripture when obscure for 1500 years and bottomed on the same foundation with Infants-Baptisme National Churches observing the Lords-day and the like 2 Themselves of whom 1 All when taking degrees in the University 2 Most as many as are entred into Holy-Orders 3 Not a few when lately petitioning the Parliament for the continuing of Episcopacy 4 Some being members of Cathedral and Collegiate Churches have subscribed with their hands and with their corporal oaths avowed the justification and defence of that government 3 Church of England fearing many mischiefs from this alteration felt sooner than seen in all great and sudden changes especially because the Ecclesiastical Government is so interwoven in many Statutes of the land And if Schisms so encrease on the Suspension what is to be expected on the Extirpation of Episcopacy 4 His Majesty as contrary to their Oath of Supremacy wherein they were bound to maintain His Priviledges amongst which a principal is that He is Supreme moderator over all Causes and Persons Spiritual wherein no change is to be attempted without his consent Dignity The Collations of Bishopricks and Deanries with their profits in their vacancies belonging unto Him and the First-fruits and Tenths of Ecclesiastical Dignities a considerable part of the Royal Revenue Here we omit their Plea whose chief means consisting of Cathedral preferment alledge the like not done from the beginning of the world that men though deserving deprivation for their offences should be forced to swear sincerely seriously and from their souls to endeavour the rooting out of that whence their best livelihood doth depend Exceptions against the Third Article 23. It grieveth them herein to be sworn to the Preservation of the Priviledges of Parliament and liberties of the Kingdom at large and without any restriction being bound in the following words to defend the Kings person and Authority as limited in the preservation and defence of true Religion and the Liberties of the Realm enlarging the former that the later may be the more confined 24. They are jealous what should be the cause of the inversion of the method seeing in the Solemn Vow and Protestation the Defence of the Kings Person and Authority is put first which in this Covenant is postposed to the Priviledges of Parliament However seeing the Protestation was first taken the Covenant as the younger cannot disinherit the elder of the possession which it hath quietly taken in mens consciences Exceptions to the Fourth Article 25. They are unsatisfied whether the same imposeth not a necessity for children to prosecute their Parents even to death under the notion of Malignants against all rules of Religion and humanity For even in case of Idolatry children under the old * * Deut. 13. 6. law were not bound publickly to accuse their Parents so as to bring them to be stoned for the same though such unnaturall cruelty be foretold by our * * Mat. 10. 21. Saviour to fall out under the Gospell of those that shall rise up against their Parents and cause them to be put to death Exceptions to the Fifth Article 26. They understand not what is meant therein by the happiness of a blessed peace betwixt these Kingdoms whereof Ireland must needs be one whilest the same is rent with a wofull warr and the other two lands distracted with homebred discords whereof no settlement can be hoped untill first all interests be equally stated and the Kings Authority Priviledges of Parliament and Liberties of Subjects justly bounded and carefully preserved Exceptions to the Sixth Article 27. They are unsatisfied therein as wholy hypothetical supposing what as yet is not cleared by solid arguments viz. that this is the common cause of Religion Liberty and peace of the Realms c. And if the same be granted it appeareth not to their conscience that the means used to promote this Cause are so lawfull and free from just objections which may be raised from the Laws of God and man Exceptions to the Conclusion 28. They quake at the mention that the taking of this Covenant should encourage other Churches groaning under the yoak of Antichristian Tyranny to joyn in the same fearing the dangerous consequences
his own possession 24. And now Meruit sub Parliamento in Wallia is the wonder of all men Condemned by all Royalists I confess he told his kinsman who related it to me that if he might have the convenience to speak with his Majesty but one half-houre a small time for so great a task he doubted not but to give him full satisfaction for his behaviour Sure it is those of the Royall Party and his own Order which could not mine into his invisible motives but surveyed only the sad surface of his actions condemn the same as irreconcileable with the principles he professed And though hereby he escaped a Composition for his estate in Goldsmiths-Hall yet his memory is still to compound and at what rate know not with many mouths before a good word can be afforded unto it But these perchance have never read the well latined Apologie in his behalf And although some will say that they that need an Apologie come too near to fault the word as commonly taken sounding more of excuse then defence yet surely in its genuine notation it speaks not guilt but allwayes greatness of enemies and opposers 25. Of all English Divines since the Reformation Humane inconstancy he might make the most experimental Sermon on the Apostles words By honour and dishonour by ill report and good report though the method not so applyable as the matter unto him who did not close and conclude with the general good esteem losing by his last compliance his old friends at Oxford and in lieu of them finding few new ones at London 26. Envie it self cannot deny His acts of charity but that whithersoever he went he might be traced by the footsteps of his benefaction Much he expended on the repair of Westminster-Abby-Church and his answer is generally known when pressed by Bishop Land to a larger contribution to S. Pauls that he would not rob Peter to pay Paul The Library of Westminster was the effect of his bounty and so was a Chappel in Lincoln-Colledge in Oxford having no other relation thereunto than as the name-sake * I believe He also was Visitor thereof of his Bishoprick so small an invitation will serve to call a coming charity At S. Johns in Cambridge he founded two Fellowships built a fair Library and furnished it with books intending more had his bounty then met with proportionable entertainment But Benefactors may give money but not gratefull minds to such as receive it 27. He was very chast in his conversation Purged from unjust aspersion whatsoever a nameless author hath written on the contrary Whom his Confuter hath stiled Aulicus è Coquinariâ or The Courtier out of the kitchin and that deservedly for his unworthy writings out of what Dripping-pan soever he licked this his sluttish intelligence For most true it is as I am certainly informed from such who knew the privacies and casualties of his infancy this Arch-Bishop was but one degree removed from a Misogynist yet to palliate his infirmity to noble females he was most compleat in his courtly addresses 28. He hated Popery with a perfect hatred A perfect Anti-Papist and though oft declaring freedom and favour to imprisoned Papists as a Minister of state in obedience to his office yet he never procured them any courtesies out of his proper inclinations Yea when D r 〈…〉 the new Bishop of Calcedon at the end of King James His Reign first arrived in England he gave the Duke of Buckangham * Cabala part 1. pag. 81. advice in case other circumstances conveniently concurred that the Judges should presently proceed against him and hang him out of the way and the King cast the blame on Arch-Bishop Abbots or himself prepared it seemeth to undergo his Royal displeasure therein 29. Not out of Sympathy to Non-conformists Favour of some Nonconformists but Antipathy to Bishop Laud he was favourable to some select persons of that opinion Most sure it is that in his greatness he procured for M r Cotton of Boston a toleration under the Broad Seal for the free exercise of his Ministry not withstanding his dissenting in Ceremonies so long as done without disturbance to the Church But as for this Bishop himself he was so great an honourer of the English Liturgie that of his own cost he caused the same to be translated into Spanish and fairely printed to confute their false conceit of our * Cabala part 1. pag. 79. Church who would not beleeve that we used any Book of Common-Prayer amongst us 30. He was of a proper persons The character of his person comely countenance and amiable complexion having a stately garbe and gate by nature which suppose him prouder then he should be made him mistaken prouder then he was His head was a well filled Treasury and his tongue the faire key to unlock it He had as great a memory as could be reconciled with so good a judgement so quick his parts that his extempore-performances equalized the premeditations of others of his profession He was very open and too free in discourse disdaining to lie at a close guard so confident of the length and strength of his weapon 31. Thus take we our farewell of his memory His savoury speech concluding it with one of his speeches as savourie I beleeve as ever any he uttered wherein he expressed himself to a grave Minister coming to him for Institution in a living I have saith he passed thorough many places of honour and trust both in Church and State more then any of my Order in England this seaventy years before But were I but assured that by my preaching I had converted but one soule unto God I should take therein more spiritual joy and comfort than in all the honours and offices which have been bestowed upon me 32. He died as I take it His death on our Lady-day Anno 1649. Sure I am on the 25. of March leaving a leading case not as yet decided in our Law whether his halfe years rents due after Sunrise should goe with his Goods and Chattels unto his Executor or fall to his Heir The best was such the Providence of the Parties concerned therein that before it came to a Suite they seasonably compounded it amongst themselves 33. Come we now to present the Reader with a List of the principal Ordinances of the Lords and Commons A list of Parliament Ordinances touching Religion which respected Church-matters 1646. I say principal 22. otherwise to recite all which wear the Countenance of an Ecclesiastical Tendency some of them being mingled with civil affairs would be over-voluminous Yea I have heard that a great * Sr. Simons D'ewes Antiquary should say that the Orders and Ordinances of this Parliament in bulke and number did not only equall but exceed all the Laws and Statutes made since the Conquest it will be sufficient therefore to recite Titles of those most material going a little
honoured the pious intentions and Magnificence of his royal Progenitors acknowledging the Ornamental Accessions to the Persons made no Substantiall change in the Office but still is remained to be proved that Primitive Episcopacy and Present Hierarchie are the same 29. They affirmed also that the power of Episcopacy under Christian and Pagan Princes is one and the same though the exercise be not but acknowledging the subordination thereof to the soveraign power with their accountableness to the Laws of the Land 30. They conclude with thanks to his Majesties condescension in vouchsafing them the Liberty and Honour in examining his learned reply praying God that a Pen in the hand of such Abilities might ever be employ'd in a subject worthy thereof 31. Some dayes after his Majesty returned his last paper wherein he not only acknowledgeth the great pains of these Divines to informe his judgement according to their perswasions but also took especiall notice of their Civilities of the Application both in the beginning and body of their Reply 32. However he told them they mistook his meaning when they of a Writ of Partition as if his Majesty had cantoned out the Episcopal Government one part to the Bishops another to the Presbyterians alone whereas his meaning was that the Office of teaching is common to both alike but the other of Governing peculiar to Bishops alone 33. I know not what Truth there was in and by consequence what Truth is to be given to their intelligence Tanta sides quanius Author who have reported and printed that in Order of a pacification his Majesty condescended 1. That the Office of Ordination for the space of three years should not be exercised by the Bishops without the assent of the Presbyterie and if this did not please 2. That it should be suspended until twenty of his own Nomination consulting with the Synod assembled by the appointment of the Houses should determine some certainty touching some Ecclesiastical Government 3. That in the mean time the Presbyterie should be setled for experimentsake 4. That though he would not suffer Bishops Lands to be sold and alienated from the Church yet he permitted them to be Let out for ninety nine years paying a small price yearly in Testimony of their Hereditary Right for the maintenance of Bishops 5. That after that time expired they should return to the Crown to be employed for the use of the Church Here some presumed to know his Majesties intention that he determined with himself in the interim to redeem them by their own Revenues and to refund them to Ecclesiastical uses which is proportionable to his * For he gave the Duke of Richmond the entire revenues of the Arch-bishoprick of Glascough in Scotland to hold them until he should furnish him with lands of the same value expressing then his resolution to restore them to the Church large heart in matters of that nature 34. * The King fetch'd from the Isle of Wight and condâ—mned at London Many now did hope for a happy Agreement betwixt the King and Parliament when Divine Providence whose wayes are often above Reason but never against Right had otherwise ordered it and seeing it was Gods will it shall be ours to submit thereunto Oh what can * Prov. 271. a day bring forth especially some pregnant day in the Crisis of Matters producing more than what many barren years before beheld The Kings person is seized on and brought up to London arraign'd before a select Committee for that purpose indicted and upon his refusal to own their Authority finally condemned But these things belong to the Historian of the state and this subject in it self is not so amiable and tempting as to invite us to trespas in the property of others in Courting the prosecution thereof 35. * Extremum hunc concede mihi My Cue of entrance is to come in where the State-Writer doth go out whose Pen hath alwayes followed the Confessors into the Chambers of dying people and now must do its last Devoire to my gracious Master in describing his pious death and Solemn Burial 36. * He heareth the last sermon Having received in himself the sentence of death Jan. 28. Sund. D r Juxon Bishop of London preached privately before Him at S. James on the Sunday following his text Romans 2. 16. In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my Gospel 37. Next Tuesday being the day of His dissolution And receives the Communion in the morning alone He received the Communion Jan. 30. Tues from the hands of the said Bishop At which time he read for the second lesson the 27 th Chapters of S. Matthew containing the history of the death and passion of our Saviour Communion ended the King heartily thanked the Bishop for selecting so seasonable and comfortable a portion of Scripture seeing all humane hope and happiness is founded on the sufferings of our Saviour The Bishop modestly disavowed any thanks due to himself it being done merely by the direction of the Church of England whose Rubrick appointeth that Chapter the second morning-lesson for the thirtieth of January 38. His houre drawing nigh Is patient when affronted He passed thorough the Parke to White-Hall As He alwayes was observed to walk very fast so now He abated not any whit of His wonted pace In His passage a sorry fellow seemingly some mean Citizen went abrest along with Him and in an affront often stared His Majesty in the face which caused Him to turn it another way The Bishop of London though not easily angred was much offended hereat as done out of despiteful designe to discompose Him before His death and moved the Captain of the guard he might be taken away which was done accordingly 39. Entring on the floore of death His last question He asked of Collonel Tomlingson who attended there whether He might have the liberty to dispose of His own body as to the place and manner of the burial thereof The Collonel answered that he could give his Majesty no account at all therein 40. His Majesty held in his hand a small piece of paper And Speech falsely printed some four inches square containing heads whereon in His speech He intended to dilate and a tall souldier looking over the Kings shoulders read it as the King held it in His hand As for the speech which passeth in print for the Kings though taken in short-hand by one eminent therein it is done so defectively it deserveth not to be accounted His speech by the testimony of such as heard it His speech ended He gave that small paper to the BP of London 41. After His death Trouble well prevented the officers demanded the paper of the Bishop who because of the depth of his pocket smallness of that paper and the mixture of others therewith could not so soon produce it as was required At last he brought it forth
than solemn and ceremonious murder in consideration forbad Christian burial to such as should be slain therein whilest the Civil power proceeded severely against the slayer and so betwixt both with much adoe banished this barbarous custome As for such tame tilting meer martial-masques since used at Court being rather expensive than uncharitable they are of a different nature 43. Strifes Foul work in Lent sights Anno Dom. 1249 spoylings Anno Regis Hen. 3 33 breaking open of houses it is not me but Matthew * In anno 1249 Paris whom thou readest woundings and murder betwixt the Burgesses probably first named because most guilty and the Scholars of Cambridge and that in the very Lent that with the holy time holy persons also might be violated The noyse thereof ascended to the ears of the King with a great complaint 44. Hugh Balsham Sub-Prior afterwards Bishop of Ely began the Foundation of Peterhouse without Trumpington-gate neer the Church of S t. Peter since fallen down from the vicinity whereof it seemeth to be denominated The first founding of Peter-house As yet no revenue was setled thereon 1257 onely the Students that lived therein grinded formerly by the Townsmen with unconscionable rents for the place of their abode thankfully accounted themselves well endowed with good chambers and Studies freely bestowed on them 41 But more hereof hereafter viz. anno 1284 when this Colledge was enriched with possessions 45. In vain did the care of the King in favour of Scholars so lately remove Brawls and bickerings betwixt Southern and Northern Scholars Tilting five miles from Cambridge whilest now the Scholars in open hostility tilted one against another the Southern against the Northern men therein What! can the Muses themselves fall out and fight in the field five against four I finde not the first cause of the falling out betwixt Northern and Southern men surely the meer distance of their nativity did not cause their difference because the one was born neerer to the Sun than the other But however the brawl began the Northern men were worsted in the end thereof Strange that Boreas the most boysterous winde in all the Compass should be beaten by Auster And yet the Northern men being fewer in number and farthest from their friends were over-powered by the numerosity and neernesse of those of the South 46. Indeed the Northern men appear rather to be pitied than condemned The Northern men worsted in the whole managing of the matter 1261 being only on the defensive to secure themselves 45 so that whilest the others fiercely and furiously assaulted them a great riot was committed and too probable some blood 〈◊〉 Hereupon the King issued out his Commission of Oyer and Terminer to three eminent persons Nov. 24 viz. h Rot. Patent de anno 45. Hen 3. membrana 23. in dorso Giles Argenton then living eight miles off at Hors-heath since by inheritance the seat of the ancient and honourable Family of the Alingtons Henry de Boreham and Laurence del Brook to enquire into the matter and proceed therein as they should see cause against the offenders 47. But soon after the King was informed how the three aforesaid Judges appointed behaved themselves very partially in the matter whereupon the King took it out of their hands The matter referred to the Judges itinerant and Febr. 11 by a new Commission referred the hearing and determining thereof to Nicolas de Tur and Nicolas de Handlo the Judges itinerant of that Circuit Yet in favour of the Scholars who had offended he limited the procedings of these Judges with an i Rot. Pat. de anno 45. Hen. 3. memb 19. in dorso Ita tamen quòd ad suspensionem vel mutilationem clericorum non procedatis sed eos alio modo per consilium Universitatis Cantabr castigetis 48. It seems the case was of some difficulty and many persons of quality concerned therein Remitted to the former Commissioners the deciding whereof was so often in so short a time bandyed backwards and forwards at Court. 17 For few days after H. le Dispencer Justiciarius Angliae by command from the King inhibited the foresaid Judges itinerant to intermeddle therein k Rot. 12. in Custod The saur Camer Scaccarii and wholly remitted the business to the examination and determination of Giles Argenton Henry de Boreham and Laurence de Brook before whom some Southern Scholars active in this Riot were indicted found guilty and condemned when the Kings gracious pardon was sent in their behalf in form as followeth Rex omnibus ad quos praesentes literae pervenerint salutem Martii 18 Sciatis nos de gratia nostra speciali pardonesse magistro Johani de Depedale magistro Hugoni de Thornham Bartholomeo de Watton Willielmo fratri ejus Willielmo de Merton garcioni eorum Willielmo de Wethringset Mich. de Mereforde Johanni de Dene Waltero Ricardo fratribus â—jus Johanni de Shotesham Ed. de Merston Waltero de Wodeford Willielmo de Waburne Nicholao de Brackden Willielmo Saleman Willielmo de Pikneham Johanni de Lon de Comitatibus Norff. Suff. Rogero Parlebone Bartholomeo Matelast Henrico Ledwy Johanni de Stokenham Stephano Maymund Pruetto le Cryur Johanni de London Thomae Alnonechilde Roberto de Frassenden Galfrido de Caxton de Comitatu Cantabrigie si sectam pacis nostrae quae ad nos pertinet pro insultu nuper facto in quosdam scholares boreales Universitatis Cantabr et pro transgressionibus ibidem factis contrae pacem nostram unde indictati fuerunt coram dilectis fidelibus nostris Egidio de Argentein Henrico de Borham Laurentio del Broke quos illuc misimus ad inquisitionem faciendam de transgressionibus praedictis Et firmam pacem nostram eis inde concedimus ita tamen quòd stent recto si quis versus eos inde lai voluerit In cujus c. Teste Rege apud Turrem London xviii die Martii anno Regni nostri xlv ✚ Ex Rotulo patentium de Anno xlv Regis Henrici tertimembrana 15. in Turre London Ex. per Guil. Ryley It seemeth some of these Anti-Boreals were men of gentile extraction especially the two first styled in the Pardon Masters importing I believe more than the bare Universitie title as also Bartholomew de Walton and William his brother because waited on by William de Merton their Garcion that is their servant For it cometh from the French Gaxcon or the Italian Garzone and is used even by the barbarous Grecians of the midle age l Scholiastâ—s Cedreni 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It was graciously done of the King to pardon the man as well as his Masters seeing probably he acted onely by their pleasure and command 49. During these discords 46 some Scholars of peaceable disposition fairly departed Cambridge 1262 and retired to Northampton Northampton University begun where by the leave
hitherto their great indeavours had small success adding moreover Franciscanórum aedes non modò decus atque ornamentum Academiae sed opportunitates magnas ad Comitia omnia Academiae negotia conficienda habent What accommodations this House could then afford the University at Commencement I understand not Sure I am King Henry the eighth bestowed it on Trinity-Colledge of whom the Executors of the Lady Frances Sidney did afterward purchase it Augustine-Friers on the south-side of Pease-Market lately the dwelling of Mr. Pierce and now of Mr. Thomas Back Esquire-Beadle Their Founder and value unknown Carmelites built by Edward the first to which Sir Guy de Mortimer and Thomas de Hertford were great Benefactors Their House crossed athwart the street now leading to Kings-Colledge as occupying the ground whereon Katherine-Hall and Queens doe stand at this day White-Canons almost over against Peter-house where now a brick wall the back-side is called White-Canons at this day and an Inn with the signe of the Moon As for the Nunnerie of St. Radigunds and Priorie of Barnewell we have formerly spoken of them onely I add that at the dissolution King Henry bestowed the site of the latter on Sir Anthony Brown afterward Viscount Mountague and Dame Elizabeth his wife and their heires at the rent of one pound four shillings penny half penny 26. These Friers living in these Covents were capable of Degrees Frequent contests betwixt Friers and University men and kept their Acts as other University men Yet were they Gremialls and not Gremialls who sometimes would so stand on the tiptoes of their priviledges that they endeavored to be higher than other Students so that oftentimes they and the scholars could not set their horses in one stable or rather their books on one shelf However generally the Chancellors ordered them into tolerable obedience as will appear hereafter 27. Last of all A list of learned Friers Writers it will be enough for the present Anno Dom. 1282 to give in a list of such learned Writers Anno Regis Edw. 1. 11 which were bred in Cambridge in these several Orders as we have collected them out of Bale Pitz and other Authors Augustinians Gulielmus Wels 1421 Joannes Buriensis 1460 Galfride Glandfield 1340 Joannes Godwick 1360 John Langham John Sloley 1477 John Tonney 1490 Ralph Marcham 1380 Richard Chester 1354 Roger Clacton 1340 Dominicans William Encurt 1340 William King sham 1262 John Boltesham 1388 John Bromiard 1390 John Stock 1374 Simon Barnstone 1337 Tho. Langford 1320 Franciscans Will. Folvil 1384 John Wichingham 1362 Reginald Langham 1410 Vin. Coventriensis 1251 Stephen Baron 1520 Carmelites Alan de Lin 1420 Dionys Holcan 1424 Walter Diss 1404 Walter Heston 1350 Will. Beccle 1438 Will. Bintree 1493 Will. Blacvey 1490 Will. Califord Will. Cokisford 1380 Will. de Sancta Fide 1372 Will. Greene 1470 Will. Harsick 1413 Will. Lincoln 1360 Will. Sarslet 1466 Wil. Parcher 1470 Hugh of St. Neots 1340 Joh. Bampto 1341 Jo. Baret 1556 Jo. Beston 1428 Jo. Clipston 1378 Jo. Elin 1379 Jo. Falsham 1348 Jo. Hornby 1374 Jo. Pascal 1361 Jo. Repingal 1350 Jo. Swaffam 1394 Jo. Thorpe 1440 Jo. Tilney 1430 Jo. Wamsleet 1418 Mart. Sculthorp 1430 Nic. Cantilupe 1441 Nic. Kenton 1468 Nic. Swaffam 1449 Pet. de Sancta Fide 145â— Ralph Spalding 1390 Rob. Ivorie 1392 Tho. Hilley 1290 Tho. Maldon 1404 These were bred in the aforesaid Houses in Cambridge belonging to their Orders untill graduated in Divinitie and were afterwards dispersed into their respective Covents all over England 27. The Reader doth remember how above twenty yeares since The first endowing of Peter house viz. anno 1257 Hugh Balsham Subprior of Ely founded a Colledge without Trumpington-gate consisting of two Hostles he had purchased and united The same Hugh now Bishop of Ely removed the Secular Brethren from S t Johns-Hospital in the a Betwixt round-Round-Church and what is now St. Johns Colledge Jewry where they and the Regulars agreed not very well to this his new foundation At which time he endowed the same with maintenance for one Master fourteen Fellowes two Bible-clerks and eight poore Scholars whose number might be increased or diminished according to the improvement or abatement of their revenues He appointed his successors the Bishops of Ely to be honorary Patrones yea nursing Fathers to this his infant Colledge who have well discharged their trust therein 28. We know what the Historian saith Zoars may grow great in time Omnia ferme principia sunt parva Almost all beginnings are small as here indeed they were Alas Balsham for a long time was little able to endow a Colledge as scarce sufficient to subsist of himself whilst his election to Ely made b Godwin in his catalogue of Bishops without the Kings consent was not yet confirmed But no sooner had he any certainty for himself but his Colledge had a share thereof for he gave them all the rights and Tithes belonging to S t Peters Church adjoyning and by his Will bequeathed them three hundred Markes wherewith was bought and built a faire Hal and Court since much beautified and enlarged Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers Livings in Col. gift 1 Roger de la Goter Anno Regis Edw. 1. 9 of S Botolphs Anno Dom. 1282 Master 1340. 2 Ralph de Holbech resigned his place and resum'd a Fellowship 1349. 3 William de Whitlesey Archd. of Huntington chosen Custos 1349. 4 Richard de wisbich chosen Master 1351. 5 Thomas de Wormthall Canon of SaruÌ„ Chancellor of Ely 1381. He died the same year 6 John de Newton chosen 1381. 7 Thomas de castro Berhard 8 John Holbrook He dyed 1431. 9 Thomas Lane 1457. 10 Thomas Deinman 11 John Warkworth 1474 12 Henry Hornby 1417. 13 Jo. Edwunds 14 Ralph Ainsworth 15 Andrew Pern 16 Robert Soame 17 Jo. Richardson 18 Tho Turner 19 Leonard Maw 20 Math. Wren 21 John Cosâ—ns Dean of Peterborough 22 Lazarus Seaman D. D. Sim. Montagu Sim. Langham Joh. Fordbam Bishops of Ely John Holbrook Thomas Lane Tho. Dryman Joh. Warkworth Will. Burgoin Henrie Hornbye John Edmunds Andrew Perne All Masters of the Colledge Ralph Walpool Bishop of Norwich 1290 gave two Messuages in Cambridge Mr. Thomas Packington Will. Noyon Rector of Haddenbam William Martin Rob. Shorton Edm Hanson Rob. Gilbert Mr. Skelton Mrs. Elizabeth Wolfe John Whitgift Arch. of Cant. Edward Lord. NORTH Robert Smith Henry wilshaw The Lady Mary Ramsey Robert Warden Thomas Warren Mrs Margaret Dean William Herne Mr. Robert Slade Mr. John Blitb late Fellow Mrs. Frances Mathew Dr. John Richardson Dr. Haukings what gave 100 l. 100 l. 100 l. towards the building of a new Court front and Gate towards the street now finished c So Mr. R. Parker proves him out of the Reco ds of Ely though otherwise I consess Bishop Godwin makes him of Oxford WilliaÌ„de whitlesey third Master of this Coll. Archbishop of Canterbury John de Botelsham Bishop of Rotchester Master of
meae Ignorantias ne memineris Domine Remember not Lord my sins nor the Ignorances of my Youth But may the Reader take notice this Story is related by Richard Hall a zealous Papist in his life of Bishop Fisher A Book which when lately in Manuscript I then more prized for the Rarity then since it is now printed I trust for the Verity thereof Iohn VVatson 11 Vice-Chan 1518-19 VVilliam Smith Iohn Cheswrigh Proctours VVil. Barber Major Doct. of Divinity 10 Can. Law 3 Bac. of Divin 11 Mast of Arts 26 Bac. of Law 26 Arts 38 27. Monks Colledge this year had it's name altered Monks turned into Buckingham Coll. and condition improved Formerly it was a place where many Monks lived on the Charge of their respective Convents being very fit for solitary Persons by the Situation thereof For it stood on the trans-Cantine side an Anchoret in it self severed by the River from the rest of the University Here the Monks some seven years since had once and again lodged and feasted Edward Stafford the last Duke of Buckingham of that Family Great men best may good men alwayes will be gratefull Guests to such as entertain them Both Qualifications met in this Duke and then no wonder if he largely requited his VVelcome He changed the Name of the House into Buckingham Colledge began to build and purposed to endow the same no doubt in some proportion to his own high and rich estate Edm. Nateres 12 Vice-Chan 1519-20 Iohn Denny VVil. Meddow Proct. Richard Clark Major Doct. Theol. 5 Iu. Can. 1 Civ 1 Bac. Theol. 20 Mag. Art 23 Bac. Leg. 19 Art 31 28. Two eminent men are assigned by a good Authour at this time to flourish in Cambridge A pair of learned Writers The one VVilliam Gonel a friend to Erasmus and here publick Professour saith b In Appendice illustrium Angliae Scriptorum Pitz but would he had told us of what Faculty But probably Publick Professour in the laxe acception of that Title importeth no more then an ordinary Doctour We need not question his Sufficiency when we find Sir Tho. More an Oxford man and able Judge of Merit select him for Tutour to his Children The other Stephen Baron Provinciall of the Franciscans and Confessour faith one c Idem p. 696 in anno 1520. to King Henry the eighth Some will scarce believe this Anno Dom. 1519-20 onely because about this time they find Longland Bishop of Lincoln performing that place Anno Regis Henrici 8. 12 except King Henry as he had many Faults had many Confessours at once But this Baron might have this office some years since Let me here without offence remember that the Seniour Vicar as I take it of the Kings Chappel is called the Confessour of the Kings Houshold which perchance hath caused some Mistakes herein Tho. Stackhouse 1520-21 Vice-Chan 13 Rich. Frank lo. Crayford Proctours Rich Clark Major Doct. Theol. 9 Ju. Can. 3 Civ 1 Bac. Theol. 5 Mag. Art 21 Bac. Leg. 7 Art 26 29. Edward Stafford D. of Buckingham The untimely death of the Duke of Buckingham a Gentleman rather vain then Wicked guilty more of Indiscretion then Disloialty by the practise of Cardinall VVoolsey lost his Life and was beheaded Charles the fifth Emperour being informed of his death a Godwin in Henry the eighth May 17 said that a Butchers Dog such VVoolsey's extraction had kill'd the fairest BUCK in England Let Oxford then commend the Memory of this Cardinall for founding a fair Colledge therein Cambridge hath more cause to complain of him who hindred her of an hopefull Foundation For this Duke surprized with death built but little and endowed nothing considerably in this Buckingham Colledge No wonder to such who consider that prevented with an unexpected End he finished not his own House but onely brought the sumptuous and stately Foundation thereof above ground at Thornbury in b Camden's Brit. ibidem Glocestershire Afterwards in Commiseration of this Orphan Colledge severall Convents built Chambers therein But more of it hereafter in Magdalen Colledge Iohn Edmunds Vice-Chan Nich. Rowley Iohn Stafford 1521-22 14 Proct. Robert Smith Major Doct. Theol. 6 Ju. Can. 1 Civ 1 Bac. Theol. 19 Mag. Art 22 Bac. Leg. 6 Art 40 30. Richard Crook was the first Crook his Character who now brought Greek into request in the University He was born in London bred in Kings Colledge where Anno c Manuscript Hatcher 1506. he was admitted Scholar Then travailing beyond the Seas he became publick Reader of Greek at Lipzick in Germany After his return by the perswasion of Bishop Fisher Chancellour of Cambridge he professed therein the Greek Language All Students equally contributed to his Lectures whether they heard d Epist Tho. Mori ad Aca. Oxon. or heard them not as in Dutch Ordinaries all Guests pay alike for the Wine e Erasmi Colloqu in Diversorio though they drink it not because they were or should be present thereat Crook dedicated his first publick Speech made in praise of the Greek tongue to Nich. VVest Bishop of Ely because Cambridge understand him of all the Parish Churches therein is of his Jurisdiction A passage impertinently pressed by f Brian Twine Oxford Antiquary to prove this University under his Episcopall Power as being in not of Elic Diocese exempted from it though surrounded with it Crook was also chosen the first publick Oratour a place of more Honour then Profit whose originall Salary g Cajus Hist. Cant. Aâ— l. 2 pag. 129. was but 40â— per ann Tho. Green Vice-Chan 1522-23 Robert Dent Io. Briganden Proct. Geo. h MS. Coll. Corp. Christi Hoyster Major He was excommunicated for his obstinacy towards the Deputy of the Vice-Ch 15 Doct. Theol. 5 In. Can. 2 Mag. Art 22 Bac. Art 46 31. It will not be amisse here to present the Reader with a List of the University Oratours Anno Regis Henrici 8. 15 Anno Dom. 1522-23 A Catalogue of Cambridge Oratours Oratours chosen 1 Richard Crook 1522 2 George Day fellow of Kings Col. 1528 3 Iohn Redman of Kings Hall 1537 4 Thomas Smith fellow of Queens Col. 1538 5 Roger Ascham fellow of S t. Iohns Col. 1547 6 Tho. Gardiner fellow of Kings Col. 1554 7 Iohn Stokes of the same 1557 8 George Ackworth 1560 9 Anthony Girlington fellow of Pembrook Hall 1561 10 Andrew Oxenbridge fellow of Trin. Col. 1562 11 VVil. Masters fellow of Kings Col. 1564 12 Thomas Bing fellow of Peter House 1564 13 VVilliam Lewin fellow of Christs Col. 1570 14 Iohn Beacon fellow of S t Iohns Col. 1571 15 Rich. Bridgewater fellow of Kings Col. 1573 16 Anthony VVing field fellow of Trin. Col. 1580 and re-admitted 1586 17 Henry Moutlow fellow of Kings Col. 1589 18 Rob. Naunton fellow of Trin. Col. 1595 19 Francis Nethersole fellow of Trin. Col. 1611 20 George
died in his own House in Waltham and was g Matt. Paris Anno 1252. A heap of difficulties cast together buried in the Abby-Church therein And now because we have so often cited Matthew Paris I never met with more difficulties in six lines then what I finde in him which because nearly relating to this present subject I thought fit to exemplifie MATTHEW PARIS in Anno 1242. p. 595. Eodemque Anno videlicet in crastino S ti Michaelis dedicata est Ecclesia conventualis Canonicorum de Waltham ab Episcopo Norwicensi Willielmo solemniter valde assistibus aliis plurimis Episcopis Praelatis Magnatibus venerabilibus statim post dedicationem Ecclesiae sancti Pauli Londinensis ut peregrinantes hinc inde indistanter remearent And in the same year namely the morrow after S t. Michaels day the conventual Church of the Canons at Waltham was dedicated by William Bishop of Norwich very solemnly many other Bishops Prelates and venerable Peers assisting him presently after the dedication of S t Pauls in London that Pilgrims and Travellers up and down might indistantly return It is clear our Church of Waltham Abby is intended herein a See speed his Caralogue of religiious houses Queries on queries England affording no other Conventual Church This being granted how comes Waltham Church built by Harold two hundred years before now to be first Dedicated that Age accounting it as faulty and fatal to defer the Consecration of Churches as the Christning of Children 2. What made the Bishop of Norwich to meddle therewith an Office more proper for the Bishop of London to perform Waltham being though not under in his jurisdiction 3. What is meant by the Barbarous word indistanter and what benefit accrewed to Travellers thereby I will not so much as conjecture as unwilling to draw my bow where I despair to hit the mark but leave all to the judgment of others But I grow tedious and will therefore conclude Anno 1641. King CHARLES came the last time to Waltham and went as he was wont where any thing remarkable to see the Church the Earl of Carlile attending him His Majestie told him that he divided his Cathedral Churches K. Charls his last coming to Waltham as he did his Royal ships into three ranks accounting S t Pauls in London York Lincoln Winchester c. of the first form Chichester Lichfield c. of the second the Welch Cathedrals of the third with which Waltham Church may be well compared especially if the Roof thereof was taken lower and Leaded The Earl moved His Majestie Conditionally granteth the repairing of the Church that seeing this Ancient Church Founded by king Harold his Predecessor was fallen into such decay that the repair was too heavy for the Parish he would be pleased to grant a moderate Tole of Cattle coming over the Bridg with their great Driftss doing much damage to the High-wayes and therewith both the Town might be Paved and the Church repaired The King graciously granted it provided it were done with the privity and cons ent of a great Prelate not so safe to be named as easie to be guessed with whom he consulted in all Church-matters But when the foresaid Prelate was informed But it misarcrieth that the Earl had applied to His Majestie before addresses to himself he dashed the design so that poor Waltham Church must still be contented with their weak walls and worse Roof till Providence procure her some better Benefactors As for the Armes of Waltham Abby being loath to set them alone I have joyned them in the following draught with the Armes of the other Mitred Abbies as far as my industry could recover them SOLI DEO GLORIA FINIS AN INDEX OF THE MOST REMARKABLE PERSONS and Passages in this BOOK TO THE READER ALthough a Methodicall Book be an Index to it self yet an Index is not to be contemned by the most Industrious Reader Whom we request to take notice of the following Particulars I. C. stands for Century B. for Book P. for Page ¶ for Paragraph II. In the two first Books memorables are ranked onely according to Centuries an Paragraphs but afterwards by Books III. Paragraph without page doth for brevity sake referre to that page which was last named IV. Page without Book on the same reason relates to the last Book that was named V. VVhere no Paragraph is named it sheweth that the page by it self is sufficient notification Lastly know that the discounting of Sheets to expedite the work at severall Presses hath occasioned in the Fifth book after page 200. completed to go back Again to page 153 surrounded in this fashion to prevent confusion ARON a Citizen of Caerlion martyred Cent. 4. 1. 10. ABBEYS The prodigious expence in building and endowing them Cent. 10. ¶ 40. multitudes of them causeth the Danish invasion ¶ 51. mischiefs done by them b. 2. p. 282 283 284. prime Officers and Officines p. 285 286 287. the civil benefits by them p. 296 297 298. presage of their ruin p. 300. and offers to overthrow them p. 301 302. the lesser which could not expend 200. pounds a year bestowed on the King p. 310 311 and the rest visited with three sorts of Officers p. 314. 315. some appear vertuous p. 316. otherâ—â—otouriously vitious p. 317. all resigned by their Abbots unwillingly willing to the King p. 319 c. Rob. ABBOT Bishop of Salisbury his death and commendation B. 10. P. 70. ¶ 53. George ABBOT Arch-bishop of Cant. B. 10. P. 57. 9. 47. casually killeth a keeper p. 87 ¶ 12 c. befriended by Sir Edward Coke ¶ 15. and Bishop Andrews ¶ 16. mortified by this chance ¶ 17. seven years after severely suspended from his jurisdication b. 11. ¶ 51. his character ¶ 53. and vindication ¶ 54. 55. Tho. ADAMS Alderman of London foundeth an Arabick Professours place in Cambridge Hist of Cam. P. 166. ¶ 23. ADELME the first Bishop Sherborn Cent. 8. ¶ 4. and the first Englsnman who wroted Latin or made a verse ibid. AETHELARD Arch-bishop of Cant. calleth a Svnod Cent. 9. ¶ 2. with the solemn subscriptions thereunto ibidem AGRICOLA a principall spreader of Pelagiamisme in Britain Cent. 5. ¶ 3. AIDAN Bishop of Lindissern his due Commendation Cent. 7. ¶ 70. dissenteth from the Romish Church in the Celebration of Easter ¶ 71. inciteth Lay-men to the Reading of Scripture ¶ 72. St. ALBAN though a Britan how a Citizen of Rome Cent. 4. ¶ 2. converted to Christianity by Amphibalus ¶ 3. his Martyrdome and reported Miracles ¶ 4. 5. his intire body pretended in three places Cent. 5. ¶ 11. Enshrined some hundred years after by King Offa Cent. 8. ¶ 35. St. ALBANS Abbey founded by King Offa Cent. 8. ¶ 38. the Abbot thereof confirmed first in place of all England by Pope Adrian the fourth b. 3. p. 29. ¶ 49. ALL-SOULS Colledge in Oxford founded by Hen. Chichely Arch-bishop of Cant. b. 4. p. 182. ARROW a small city in
PURGATORY not held in the Popish notion before the Conquest b. 2. p. how maintained in the Mungrell Religion under King Henry the eighth b. 5. p. 223. a merry Vision thereof b. 4. p. 107. PURITANS when the word first began in that odious sense b. 9. ¶ 67. vide Non-conformists The Arch-bishop of Spalato the first who abused the word to signifie the Defenders of matters Doctrinall Conformable Puritans by whom complained of b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 31. Q. QUEENS COLL. in Oxford founded by R. Eglesfield b. 3. p. 114 115. QUEENS COLL. in Cambridge founded by Q. Margaret History of Cambridge p. 80. ¶ 31. finished by Q. Elizabeth wife to King Edward the fourth ¶ 33. The Masters Benefactours Bishops ibidem R. READING a pleasant story between the Abbot thereof and King Henry the eighth b. 6. p. 299. ¶ 12 13. RECUSANTS for Papists when the name in England first began 809. p. 98. ¶ 29. Our REFORMATION under King Henry the eighth cleared from the aspersion of Schisme b. 5. p. 194 and 195. William REGINALD or Reinolds a zealous Papist his death and character b. 9. p. 224. ¶ 12. John REINOLDS against Conformity in Hampton-Court conference b. 10. p. 7 8 9 c. his death p. 47. ¶ 3. admirable parts and piety p 48. ¶ 5. desireth absolution at his death ¶ 6. RELICTS their abominable superstition and Forgery b. 6. p. 331. ¶ 10 11 c. RENT-CORN by statute reserved to Colledges History of Cambridge p. 144. ¶ 6. procured by Sr. Tho. Smith ¶ 7. to the great profit of both Universities ¶ 8. R. Lord RICH his servants sad mistake b. 7. p. 408. ¶ 40. which cost his master the losse of his Chancellours place ¶ 41. King RICHARD the first endeavoureth to expâ—are his undutifulnesse by superstition b 3. p. 40. ¶ 8. dearly ransomed p. 44. ¶ 28 29. made better by affliction p. 45. ¶ 30. his death burial and Epitaph ¶ 32 c. King RICHARD the second b. 4. p. 137. ¶ 12. his loose life p. 152. ¶ 51. conspired against by Duke Henry ¶ 52. forced to depose himself or be deposed p. 153. ¶ 53. his death ibid. King RICHARD the third his pompous double Coronation b. 4. p. 196. ¶ 4. barbarously murthered his brothers Sons ¶ 5. endeavoureth in vain to be Popular p. 197. ¶ 6 and 7. unjustly commended by a Modern Writer ¶ 8. beaten and killed in the Battel of Bosworth p. 194. ¶ 14. RIPPON Collegiat Church endowed by King James b. 10. p. 29. ¶ 16. their Land since twice sold ¶ 17. John ROGERS prime Patron of Non-conformity b. 7. p. 402. martyred b. 8. p. 23. ¶ 32. Thomas ROGERS writeth on the Articles of the Church of England b. 9. p. 172. ¶ 22. first opposeth the opinion of the Sabbatarians bitterly enough p. 228. ¶ 22. ROME COLLEDGE for English fugitives b. 9. p. 86. The ROODE what is was and why placed betwixt the Church and Chancell History of Walt. p. 16. in the first item S. The SABBATH the strict keeping thereof revived by Doctour Bound b. 9. p. 227. ¶ 20. learned men divided therein p. 228. ¶ 21 c. liberty given thereon by King James his Proclamation in Lancashire b. 10. p. 74. ¶ 58 59. reasons pro and con whether the same might lawfully be read p. 74. ¶ 56. ministeâ—s more frighted then hurt therein p. 76. ¶ 62. no reading of it enforced on them ibidem controversie revived in the Reign of King Charles b. 11. p. 144. ¶ 13 c. SAINTS Numerous and noble amongst the Saxons C. 8. ¶ 6. ridicliously assigned by Papists to the Curing of sundry diseases and patronage of sundry professions b. 6. p. 33. ¶ 13. SAMPSON an ancient British Bishop madef fine Titulo C. 6. ¶ 9. Thomas SAMPSON Dean of christ-Christ-Church in Oxford the first that I find outed his place for Puritanisme b. 9. p. 77. ¶ 72. Edwin SANDYS Bishop of Worcester b. 9. p. 63. ¶ 31. Arch-bishop of York his death p. 197. ¶ 35. his Sermon before the Duke of Northumberland at Cambridge Hist of Camb. p. 131. ¶ 40. his ill usage for the same ¶ 43. SARDIS some representation of the British at the Generall Councill kept therein C. 4. ¶ 20. SARUM secundum usum thereof its originall and occasion b. 3. ¶ 23. William SAWTREE b. 4. p. 156. Articles against him ibidem degraded p. 157. ¶ 5. and the first man burnt for his Religion p. 158. SAXONS the first mention of them in Brit. C. 5. ¶ 9. unadvisedly invited over by King Vortiger ¶ 16. erect seven Kingdomes in Britain ¶ 17. The rabble of their Idols C. 6. ¶ 6. willfully accessorie to their own 〈◊〉 by the Danes C. 9. ¶ 17. SCHISME unjustly charged on the English Church in their Reformation and returned on Rome b. 5. p. 194 and 195 SCHOOL-MEN nine eminent all of England most of Merton Colledge C. 14. p. 94 95. their needlesse difficulties p. 98. ¶ 24. barbarous Latine ¶ 25. divisions in judgement ¶ 26. why their Learning lesse used in after ages ¶ 28. SCOTLAND challenged by the Pope as his peculiar C. 14. ¶ 1. stoutly denied by the English ¶ 2. SCOTCH Liturgie the whole story thereof b. 11. p. 160. ¶ 95 c. John SCOTUS Erigena his birth-place C. 9. ¶ 32 33 34. miserably murthered by his Scholars ¶ 35. unmartyred by Baronius ¶ 36. causlesly confounded with Duns Scotus ¶ 37. John DUNSSCOTUS why so called C. 14. p. 96. ¶ 19. his birth claimed by three Kingdomes ibidem SEATER a Saxon Idol his shape and Office b. 2. C. 6. ¶ 6. SECULAR Priests their contesting with Monks C. 8. p. 133 134. John SELDEN setteth forth his Book against Tithes b. 10. p. 70. ¶ 39 40. puzleth the Assembly of Divines with his queries b. 11. p. 213. ¶ 54. Richard SENHOUSE preacheth King Charles his Coronation and his own funerall b. 11. ¶ 18. Edward SEIMOUR Duke of Somerset Lord Protectour b. 7. p. 372. ¶ 3. his tripartite accusation p. 407. ¶ 36. imprisoned yet restored p. 408. ¶ 38. afterwards impeached of Treason ¶ 42. and executed p. 409. ¶ 43. unjustly saith a good Authour ¶ 44. though King Edward was possessed of his guiltiness as appeareth by his letter ibidem his character and commendation p. 410. ¶ 45. SIDNEY SUSSEX Colledge founded Hist of Camb. p. 153. ¶ 23 c. SIGEBERT King of the East-Angles his Religion and Learning C. 7. ¶ 45. reputed founder of the University of Camb. ¶ 46. the Cavils to the contrary answered ¶ 49 c. SIGEBERT the pious King of the East-Saxons C. 7. ¶ 81. SIMON ZELOTES made by Dorotheus to preach in Britain C. 1. ¶ 8. SIVIL COLLEDGE in Spain for English fugitives b. 9. p. 88. Mr. SMART termed proto-Martyr of England b. 11 p. 173. ¶ 35 c. Sr. Tho. SMITH Benefactour generall to all Scholards Hist of Camb. p. 81. ¶ 37 38. and also p. 144. ¶ 6 7 8. Henry SMITH commonly called
the Silver-tongu'd b. 9. p. 142. ¶ 3 4. Rich. SMITH â—â—eularie Bishop of Chaâ—â—edon b. 11. ¶ 72. some write for others against him Episcopizethin England b. 11. p. 137. ¶ 7. opposed by Nicholas Smith and defended by Dr. Kelison both zealous Papists ¶ 8 9 c. SOBRIQUETS what they were b. 3. p. 30. ¶ 52 fifteen principall of them ibid. SODOMITRY the beginning thereof in England b. 3. p. 19 ¶ 29. with too gentle a Canon against it ibid. SOUTH SAXONS their Kingdome when begun how bounded C. 5. ¶ 17. converted to Christianity by Wilfride C. 7. ¶ 98 c. taught by him first to fish ¶ 101. SPALATO his coming over into England with the whole story of his stay here departure hence and burning at Rome for a Heretick after his death b. 10. p. 93. unto the 100. King STEPHEN usurpeth the Crown b. 3. p. 24. ¶ 28. by the perjury of the Clergy p. 25. ¶ 29. variety of opinions and arguments pro and con about him ¶ 30 31 c. the Clergy revolt from him p. 27. ¶ 39. appeareth as some say in person summoned to a Synod in Winchester p. 28. ¶ 43. a founder of Religious houses p. 29. ¶ 46. his death p. 30. ¶ 51. STEWES suppressed by statute b. 5. p. 239. ¶ 38. their Original ¶ 39. and Constitution p. 140. ¶ 40. arguments pro and con for their lawfulness ¶ 41 42. STIGANDUS Arch-bishop of Cant his Simony b. 3. ¶ 2. and covetousness ¶ 4â— Simon STOCK living in a trunk of a tree esteemed a Saint b. 6. p. 272. ¶ 21. STONEHENGE the description and conceived occasion thereof C. 5. ¶ 26. Tho. STONE a conscientious Non-conformist discoverth the Anatomy of the disciplinarian meetings p. 207 c. his sixteen Reasons in his own defence against his accusers herein p. 209 c. J. STORY a most bloody persecuter b. 8. s. 2. ¶ 12. with a fine design trained into England b. 9. p. 84. ¶ 20. executed his revenge on the executioner ibid. STRASBURGH the congregation of English Exiles therein in the Reign of Q. Mary b. 8. S. 2. ¶ 41. Jack STRAW his rebellion b. 4. p. 138. ¶ 18. his rabble of Rebells in Rhythme p. 139. ¶ 19. their barbarous outrages p. 140. ¶ 20. and ruin ¶ 21. See Wat Tyler STURBRIDGE FAIRE the Originall thereof Hist of Camb. p. 66. ¶ 36. SUBSCRIPTION first pressed by the Bishops b. 9. p. 76. ¶ 66. and more rigorously p. 102. ¶ 3. Simon SUDBURY Arch-bishop of Canterbury why silent in the conference at St. Paul's b. 4. p. 136. ¶ 10. slain by the rebells under Jack Straw ¶ 20. being one hundred thousand ¶ 21. founded whilst living Canterbury Colledge in Oxford b. 5. p. 169. ¶ 28. Matthew SUTCLIFFE Dean of Exeter his bounty to Chealfey Colledge b. 10. p. 51. ¶ 22. the Lands of that Colledge restored to his heirs generall p. 55. ¶ 27. Richard SUTTON his death b. 10. p. 75. ¶ 15. the severall mannours bestowed by him on Charter-house ¶ 16. the Cavils of Mr. Knot ¶ 17. his constant prayer p. 66. ¶ 20. SWEATING sicknesse in Cambridge the cause and cure thereof Hist of Camb. p. 128. Edward SYMPSON an excellent Criticks Hist of Camb. p. 123. ¶ 20. enjoyned a recantation before King James p. 160. ¶ 44. SYON nunnes their notorious wantonnesse b. 6. p. 318. ¶ 8. T. Adam TARLETON Bishop of Hereford his life and death letter b. 3. p. 107. ¶ 28. thrice arraigned for his life yet escapeth p. 108. Mr. TAVERNOUR high Sheriff of Oxford part of his Sermon preached at St. Maries b. 9. p. 65. ¶ 35. TAVISTOCK in Devon the last mitred Abbot made by King Henry the eighth few years before the dissolution b. 6. p. 293. ¶ 5. TAURINUS how by mistake made the first Bishop of York C. 2. ¶ 1. TAXERS in Cambridge their original His of Camb. p. 10. ¶ 36 37 c St. TELIAU his high commendation C. 6. ¶ 12. TEMPLES of heathen Idols converted into Christian Churches C. 2. ¶ 11. our Churches succeed not to the holinesse of Solomons Temple but of the Jewish Synagogues b. 11. p. 150. ¶ 51. TENTHS their Original why paid to the Pope b. 5. p. 226. ¶ 1. commissioners being unquestioned Gentlemen imployed by King Henry the eighth to rate them ¶ 2. their Instructions ¶ 3. Tenths remitted by Q. Mary p. 228. ¶ 6. resumed by Q. Elizabeth ¶ 7. in vain heaved at at the present in our state ¶ 8. A TERRIER made of all Glebe Lands b. 3. p. 113. New TESTAMENT severall Bishops assigned to peruse the translation of the several Books thereof b. 5. p. 233. Gardiner gives in a List of Latine words which he would not have translated p. 238. why p. 239. ¶ 35. TEUXBURY Abbot in Glocestershire controverted whether on no a Baron in Parliament b. 6. p. 294. ¶ 12. THE ODORUS Arch-bishop of Cant. C. 7. ¶ 95. settleth Easter according to the Romish Rite ¶ 96. the Canons of a Councill kept by him at Hartford ibidem Tho. THIRLEBY Bishop of Ely sent to Rome to reconcile England to the Pope b. 8. ¶ 42. no great persecuter in his Diocess in the dayes of Q. Mary S. 2. ¶ 14. found favour under Q. Elizabeth b. 9. ¶ 18. being a Prisoner to be envied ibidem though reputed a good man wasted the lands of Westminster Church whereof he the first and last Bishop b. 9. ¶ 43. Thomas TISDALE founder of Pembrook Colledge in Oxford b. 11. ¶ 41. TYTHES first given to the Clergie C 9. ¶ 8 c. by King Athelwolphus The objections against his grant answered c. ibidem confirmed by the Charter of King William the Conquerour b. 3. ¶ 12. three orders exempted from payment of them b. 6. p. 283. ¶ 3. THOR a Saxon Idol his name shape and office b. 2. C. 6. ¶ 6. John THRASK censured for his Iudaicall opinions b. 10. p. 76. ¶ 64. George THROGMORTON an Oxford man challengeth all Cambridge to dispute on two questions Hist of Cambridge p. 104. ¶ 44. the ill successe thereof ¶ 45 c. TOLERATION of Papiss set a-foot in the Reign of King James with the arguments pro and con b. 10. p. 106 and 107. resumed 〈◊〉 rejected in the Reign of K. Charles â— 11. ¶ 56 57 58. Rob. TOUNSON Bishop of Salisbury his death b. 10. p. 91. ¶ 35. TRANSLATOURS of the Bible their names and number b. 10. p. 45 46. instructions given by King James p. 47 their work finished p. 58. and defended against causelesse Cavils ibidem TRINITY COLL. in Oxford founded by Sir Tho. Pope b. 8. S. 3. ¶ 43. being the first that gained by Abbey lands and made a publick acknowledgement in charitable uses ibidem The Presidents Bishops Benefactours c. of that Colledge TRINITY COLL. in Cambridge founded by King Henry the eighth Hist of Cambridge p. 121. ¶ 17. enriched by Queen Mary p. 122. ¶ 18. and enlarged by Dr. Nevile ¶ 19.
that the Clergy ingrossed all Secular Offices and thereupon presented the insuing Petition to the King according to this effect insisting only in the substance thereof 42. And because that in this present Parliament it was declared to our Lord the King 45 by all the Earls 1370 Barons Ex Rot. Parl. in Turr. Lond. in 45. Ed. tertii and Commons of England that the Government of the Kingdom hath been performed for a long time by the men of Holy Church which are not * Justifiables in the French Originals 〈◊〉 whether whether not able to do justice or not to be justified in their imployment as improper for it justifiable in all cases whereby great mischiefs and damages have happened in times past and more may happen in time to come in disheriting of the Crown and great prejudice of the Kingdom for divers causes that a man may declare that it will please our said Lord the King Anno Dom. 1370 that the Laymen of the said Kingdom which are sufficient and able of estate Anno Regis Ed. tertii 45. may be chosen for this and that no other person be hereafter made Chancelour Treasurer Clerk of the Privy Seale Barons of the Exchequer Chamberlains of the Exchequer Controler and all other great Officers and Governours of the said Kingdom and that this thing be now in such manner established in form aforesaid that by no way it may be defeated or any thing done to the contrary in any time to come Saving alwaies to our Lord the King the Election and removing of such Officers but that alwaies they be Lay-men such as is abovesaid 43. To this Petition the King returned The Answer in effect a denial that he would ordain upon this point as it shall best seem to him by the advice of his good Councel He therefore who considereth the present power of the Clergy at the Councel-Table will not wonder if all things remained in their former Condition till the Nobility began more openly to favour John Wickliff his Opinions which the next Book God willing shall relate 44. We will close this with a Catalogue of the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury Simon Mepham Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Contemporary with King Edward the third and begin with Simon Mepham made Arch-Bishop in the first year of his reign so that the Crown and the Mitre may seem in some sort to have started together only here was the odds the King was a young yea scarce a man whereas the Arch-Bishop was well stricken in years Hence their difference in holding out the King surviving to see him buried and six more whereof four Simons inclusively heart-broken as they say with grief For when John Grandison Bishop of Exeter making much noise with his Name but more with his Activity refused to be visited by him the Pope siding with the Bishop Mepham so resented it that it cost him his life 45. John Stratford was the second John Sratford his successor Consecrated first Bishop of Winchester on the Lords day whereon it was solemnly sung many are the afflictions of the Righteous whereof he was very apprehensive then and more afterwards when his own experience had proved a Comment thereon Yet this might comfort him whilst living and make others honour his memory that a good Conscience without any great crime generally caused his molestation For under King Edward the second he suffered for being too loyall a Subject siding with the King against the Queen and her Son and under King Edward the third he was molested for being too faithfull a Patriot namely in pittying his poor Countreymens taxations for which he was accused for correspondency with the French and complying with the Pope Pope and King of France then blowing in one Trumpet whereat King Edward was highly incensed 46. However Stratford did but say what thousands thought His last his best dayes viz. that a peace with France was for the profit of England especially as proffered upon such honourable conditions This the Arch-Bishop was zealous for upon a threefold accompt First of Pietie to save the effusion of more Christian blood Secondly of Policie suspecting successe that the tide might turn and what was suddenly gotten might be as suddenly lost Thirdly on Charity sympathizing with the sad condition of his fellow Subjects groaning under the burthen of Taxes to maintain an unnecessary war For England sent over her wealth into France to pay their victorious Souldiers and received back again honour in exchange whereby our Nation became exceeding proud and exceeding poor However the end as well as the beginning of the Psalm was verified of this Arch-Bishop the Lord delivereth them out of all dying in great honour and good esteem with the King a strong argument of his former innocence 47. The third was Tho. Bradwardine Tho. Bradwardine the third Arch-bishop whose election was little lesse then miraculous For Commonly the King refused whom the Monks chose the Pope rejected whom the Monks and King did elect whereas all interests met in the choise of Bradwardine Yea which was more the Pope as yet not knowing that the Monks and the King had pre-elected him of his own accord as by supernaturall instinct appointed Bradwardine for that place who little thought thereon Thus Omne tulit punctum and no wonder seeing he mingled his profitable Doctrines with a sweet and amiable conversation Camden in Eliz. indeed he was skilled in School Learning which one properly calleth Spinosa Theologia and though some will say can figgs grow on thorns yet his thorny Divinity produced much sweet devotion 48. He was Confessor to king Edward the third whose miraculous victories in France The best Arch-Bishop of that See some impute more to this mans devout prayers Then either to the Policy or Prowess of the English Nation He died before he was inthronized few moneths after his consecration though now advanced on a more Glorious and durable Throne in Heaven where he hath received the Crown from God who here defended the * He wrote de Causae Dei Cause of God I behold him as the most pious man who from Anselm not to say Augustine to Cranmer sat on that Seat And a better St. Thomas though not sainted by the Pope then one of his predecessors commonly so called 49. Simon Islip was the fourth Simon Islip next Arch-Bishop a parcimonious but no avaricious man thrifty whilst living therefore clandestinely Inthronized and when dead secretly interred without any solemnity Yet his frugality may be excused if not commended herein because he reserved his estate for good uses founding Canterbury Colledge in Oxford Excipe Merton Colledge Thus generally Bishops founders of many Colledges therein denominated them either from that Saint to whom they were dedicated or from their See as Exeter Canterbury Durham Lincoln putting thereby a civil obligation on their Successors to be as Visitors so Benefactors thereunto This Canterbury Colledge is now
swallowed up in Christ Church which is no single Star as other Colledges but a Constellation of many put together 50. Simon Langham is the fifth Langham Witlesee and Sudbury much merriting by his munificence to Westminster Abbie He was made Cardinal of St. Praxes and by the Pope Bishop of Preneste in Italy with a facultie to hold as many Ecclesiasticall preferments as he could get Hereupon he resigned his Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury lived for a time at Avenion in France and there buried according to his own directions in a temporary Tombe in a Religious house of his own till three years after removed to Westminster William whitlesee succeeded him famous for freeing the Vniversity of Oxford from the jurisdiction of the Bishop of Lincoln formerly the Diocesan thereof As for Simon Sudbury the last Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in the reign of King Edward the third of him God willing hereafter The end of the third Book THE Church-History OF BRITAINE The Fourth Book FROM THE FIRST APPEARING OF IOHN WICLIFFE Untill the Reign of KING HENRY The Eighth SIC OMNI TEMPORE VERDO LONDON Printed in the Year M.DC.LV. To the Right Honourable JAMES HAY EARL of CARLILE VISCOUNT DONCASTER BARON of SAVLEY and WALTHAM WEE read in * 1 Chro. 11. 13. Holy-writ when the Israelites fled before the Philistines who spoiled a field of Barley how Eleazar the Son of Dodo made them pay dear for their Trespass so stopping them in the full speed of their Conquest that he saved Israel by a great Deliverance Inspired Truths need not the Security of humane History to passe them into our Beliefe However other writers afford Examples how one man in a manner hath routed a whole Army and turned the flight of his party into an unexpected Victory Thus the * George Buchanan Schol. Hist b. 6. p. 55. Chronicles inform us that when the Scots fled from the Danes at a place called Long-Carty one HAY an Husbandman then at Plough with his two Sons snatching the Yoak into his hand it is the man makes the weapons not the weapons the man not onely stopped the Enemies further pursuit but beat them back with a great Overthrow Whose valour King KENETH the second seven hundred years since rewarded with as much ground of the best in Scotland as a Falcon flew over at one flight before it did take a stand And the memory hereof is continued in your Armes who doth carry a Chronicle in your Coat Crest and Supporters Let none quarrel at your Supporters being two men holding each an Yoak in his hand seeing they are the Supporters general of all mankinde Eccles 5. 9. Solomon being himself a King observing that the King himself is maintained by husbandry Besides those Yokes procured the Scotch Liberty who otherwise had been miserably enslaved to the Danish Insolence And if the bearing of armes were so ancient amongst the Jews as the Rabbies will have it it is proportionably probable that the Posterity of Shamgar gave the * Judg. 3. 31. GOAD for the Hereditary Ensigns of their Family Nor must your Motto be forgotten CONSCIENTIA MILLE SCUTA A good Conscience is a thousand shields and every one of proof against the greatest peril May your Honour therefore be careful to preserve it seeing lose the Shield and lose the Field so great the concernment thereof No Family in Christendome hath been Ennobled on a more Honourable Occasion hath flourished for longer continuance or been preserved in a more miraculous manner It is * Titus Livius libro 2. do reported of the Romance FABII no less numerous then valiant three hundred and sixty Patritians flourishing of them at once they were all slain in one Battle one onely excepted who being under Age to bear Armes was preserved alive A great Fatality befell your Family in a fight at Duplin-Castle in the Reign of our Edward the first when the whole Houshold of * Camd. Brit. in Scot. Strath-erne pag. 705. HAYES was finally extirpated and not one of them visible in the whole World Onely it hapned that the Chief of them left his Wife at home big with Childe from whom your Name is recruited all springing as it were from a dead Root and thence deriving a Postume Pedigree This puts me in hopes that God who so strangely preserved your Name in Scotland will not suffer it so soon to be extinct in England but give you Posterity by your Noble Consort when it shall seem seasonable to his own will and pleasure All that I will add is this that seeing your Honour beareth three smaller Shields or In-Escutchions in your Armes the shaddow of the least of them with its favourable reflection is sufficient effectually to protect and defend the weak endeavours of Your most obliged Servant and Chaplain THOMAS FULLER THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITAINE Anno Regis BOOK IV. Anno Dom. 1. THe Romanists observe Ed. 3. 45. that several advantages concurred to the speedy propagation of Wicliffs opinions 1371. as namely Several causes of the speedy spreading of Wicliffs Doctrine the decrepit age of Edward the third and infancy of Richard his successor being but a childe as his Grand-father was twice a childe so that the reines of Authority were let loose Secondly the attractive nature of Novelty drawing followers unto it Thirdly the enmity which John of Gaunt bare unto the Clergie which made him out of opposition to favour the Doctrine and person of Wicliffe Lastly the envy which the a Harpsfield in his Historia Wicliffiana ca 1. Pope had contracted by his exactions and collations of Ecclesiastical benefices We deny not these helps were instrumentally active in their several degrees but must attribute the main to Divine providence blessing the Gospel and to the nature of truth it self which though for a time violently suppress'd will seasonably make its own free and clear passage into the world 2. And here we will acquaint the Reader Wicliffe guilty of many errours that being to write the History of Wicliffe I intend neither to deny dissemble defend or excuse any of his faults We have this treasure saith the b 2 Cor. 4. 12. Apostle in earthen vessels and he that shall endeavour to prove a pitcher of clay to be a pot of gold will take great pains to small purpose Yea should I be over-officious to retain my self to plead for Wicliffs faults that glorious Saint would sooner chide then thank me unwilling that in favour of him truth should suffer prejudice He was a man and so subject to errour living in a dark Age more obnoxious to stumble vex'd with opposition which makes men reel into violence and therefore it is unreasonable Anno Dom. 1371. that the constitution and temper of his positive opinions Anno Regis Ed. 3. 45. should be guessed by his Polemical Heat when he was chafed in disputation But besides all these envy hath falsly fathered many foul aspertions upon him
Lord Rich smiled not at his relation as sadly sensible of the mistake and delivery of the Letter to the Duke of Norfolke no great friend of his and an utter enemy to the Duke of Somerset 41. Wonder not if this Lord rose early up the next morning The Lord Rich resigneth his Chancellors place who may be presumed not to have slept all night He higheth to the Court and having gotten admittance into the Bed Chamber before the King was risen up fell down on his knees and desired that his old age might be eased of his burthensome Office pleading That there ought to be some preparatory interval in States men betwixt their Temporall businesse and their Death in order to which he desired to retire into Essex there to attend his own Devotions Nor would he rise from the ground till the King had granted his request And thus he saved himself from being stript by others by first putting off his own clothes who otherwise had lost his Chancellours place for revealing the secrets of the Councell Board Some daies after the Scale was solemnly fetcht from him and conferred on Doctor Goodrich Bishop of Elie. 42. The Impeachment of the Duke went on neverthelesse The Duke of Somâ—rseâ— impeached of Treason and two Nets were laid to catch him Dec. 1. that if one brake the other might hold He was indicted of Treason and Fellonie the former was onely to give the report the latter to discharge the bullet So great a Peer could not be accused of lesse than High Treason that the offence might appear proportionable to the Offender However he was acquitted of Treason whereat the people in Westminster-hall gave such a shout that though the same was intercepted and circumscribed by the house it is reported to be heard as farre f Stowes Annals p. 606. as Long-Acre 43. But this sound was seconded with a sad silence when he was condemned for Felony Sad silence by a new made Statute for plotting the death of a Privie Counsellour namely the Earle of Warwick Here a strange oversight was committed that he craved not the benefit of the Clergie which could not legally be denied him on the granting whereof the ensuing punishment had certainly been remitted and not long after he was beheaded on Tower-hill with no lesse praise for his piety and patience than pity and grief of the Beholders 44. Posterity is much unsatisfied in the justnesse of his suffering A Quae for posterâ—â—y and generally doe believe That he himselfe was the sheep who was here condemn'd for the slaughter A good Author tells us That he lost his life for a small crime and that upon a nice * 〈◊〉 Brit. in Somerâ—etsâ—ire point subtilly devised and packt by his enemies And yet that the good King Himselfe was possessed of his guilt may appeare by His ensuing Letter * Tâ—â—nscribed out of the Oâ—iginall written with His own hand to a dear Servant of His as followeth To Our well-beloved servant Barnaby Fitz-Patricke one of the Gentlemen of Our Chamber EDWARD LIttle hath been done since you went but the Duke of Somerset's arraignment for felonious Treason and the Musters of the new-erected Gendarmery The Duke the first of this Moneth was brought to VVestminster-hall where sate as Judge or High Steward my Lord Treasurer twenty six Lords of the Parliament went on his Triall Indictments were read which were severall some for Treason some for trayterous Felony The Lawyers read how Sir Thomas Palmer had confessed that the Duke once minded and made him privie to raise the North after to call the Duke of Northumberland the Marquesse of Northampton and the Earle of Pembroke to a Feast and so to have slain them And to doe this thing as it was to be thought had levied men a hundred at his house at London which was scanned to be Treason because unlawfull Assemblies for such purposes was Treason by an Act made the last Sessions Also how the Duke of Somerset minded to stay the Horses of the Gendarmery and to raise London Crane confessed also the murdering of the Lords in a Banquet Sir Miles Partridge also confessed the raising of London Hamman his man having a Watch at Greenwich of twenty weaponed men to resist if he had been arrested and this confessed both Patridge and Palmer He answered That when he levied men at his House he meant no such thing but onely to defend himself The rest very barely answered After debating the matter from nine of the clock till three the Lords went together and there weighing that the matter seemed only to touch their lives although afterward more inconvenience might have followed and that men might think they did it of malice acquitted him of High Treason and condemned him of Felony which he seemed to have confessed He hearing the Judgment fell down on his knees and thanked them for his open Triall After he asked pardon of the Duke of Northumberland the Marquesse c. whom he confessed he meant to destroy although before he swore vehemently to the contrary Thus fare you well ¶ From Westminster the 20 th of December 1551. Dec. 10. Anno Domini 1551. Hereby it plainly appeareth that the King was possessed with a perswasion of His Uncles guiltiness whether or no so in truth God knoweth and generally Men believe Him abused herein And it seemeth a wonder to me that six weeks from December the 1 to January the 22. interceding betwixt the Dukes condemnation and execution no means were made during that time to the King for his pardon But it is plain that his foes had stopped all accesse of his friends unto the King 45. The Duke of Somerset was religious himself The Dukes character a lover of all such as were so and a great Promoter of Reformation Valiant fortunate witnesse his victory in Musleborrough field when the Scots filled many carts with emptinesse and loaded them with what was lighter than vanity it self Popish Images and other Trinkets wherein they placed the confidence of their Conquest He was generally beloved of Martiall men yet no marvell if some did grumble against him seeing there is no Army save that of the Church Triumphant wherein the Souldiers at some time or other doe not complain against their Generall Nor is the wonder great if he sometimes trespassed in matters of State seeing the most conscientious Polititian will now and then borrow a point of Law not to say take it for their due even with an intent never to pay it He was better to perform than plot doe than design In a word his self-hurting innocence declined into guiltinesse whose soule was so farre from being open to causlesse suspitions that it was shut against just jealousies of danger 46. He built Somerset-house His great buildings where many like the workmanship better than either the foundation or materials thereof For the Houses of three Bishops Landaffe Coventry and Litchfield and Worcester
with the Church of St. Mary le Strand were pluckt down to make room for it The stones and timber were fetcht from the Hospitall of S. Johns This Somerset house is so tenacious of his name that it would not change a Dutchie for a Kingdome when solemnly proclaimed by King James Denmarke-house from the King of Denmarke's lodging therein and His Sister Queen Anne her repairing thereof Surely it argueth that this Duke was wel belov'd Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 6. because his name made such an indelible impression on this his house whereof he was not full five years peaceably possessed Ann. Dom. 1552. 47. We lately made mention of Barnaby Fitz-Patrick The Kings Instructions to Fitz-Patrick for his behaviour in France to whom the King directed His Letter as who was bred and brought up with Him from His infancy though somewhat the older He was Prince Edward's PROXIE for CORRECTION though we may presume seldome suffering in that kinde such the Princes generall innocence and ingenuity to learn His book Yet when such execution was done as Fitz-Patrick was beaten for the Prince the Prince was beaten in Fitz-Patrick so great an affection did He bare to His Servant Towards the end of His Reign He maintained him in the Court of France both to learn fashions there and send intelligence thence And it will not be amisse to insert the King's private Instructions unto him how he should behave himself in the French Court partly for the rarity partly for the certainty thereof having it transcribed out of the Originall of the King 's own hand as followeth 1. First he shall goe in the Lord Admirals Company and at the same Lords departing he shall have a Letter to the French King which the Lord Admirall shall deliver and present him to the French King and if it shall chance that the French King will give him any Pension entertainment or reward at his being there for the time he tarrieth there he shall receive it and thank His Majesty for it and shall serve when he shall be appointed Neverthelesse when he is out of the Court he shall be most conversant with Mr. Pickering * Afterwards Knighted and supposed suâ—â—er to Qâ—liz 2. And at his setting forth shall carry with him four Servants and if the wages amount to any great summe more than I give him that the French King giveth him to live there after that proportion advertising Me of the same 3. Also all this Winter he shall study the Tongue and see the manner of the Court and advertise Me of the occurrences he shall hear and if he be desirous to see any place Notable or Town he may goe thither asking leave of the King And shall behave himself honestly more following the company of Gentlemen than pressing into the company of the Ladies there and his chief pastime shall be Hunting and Riding 4. Also his Apparell he shall wear it so fine as shall be comely and not much superfluous And the next Sommer when either the King goeth or sendeth any man of name into the Warres to be His Lieutenant or to lead an Army he shall desire to goe thither and either himself or else shall will Mr. Pickering to declare to the French King how he thinketh not himself to have fully satisfied nor recompensed neither His Majesties good entertainment nor Mine expectation who had sent him over if he should return having so delicately and idlely almost spent the time without he did at this time of service be desirous to goe himself into the Warres by the which thing he might at this time doe His Majesty service and also learn to doe Me service hereafter yea and His Majesty to if the case so required And therefore seeing this Nobleman shall now goe that his request is to have leave to goe with him 5. Having said this to the French King he shall depart into the Warres waiting on this Nobleman that shall be sent and there he shall mark the divers fortifications of places and advantages that the enemy may take and the ordering and conduct of the Armies As also the fashion of the skirmishes battles and assaults and the plats of the chief Towns where any enterprises of weight have been done he shall cause to be set out in black and white or otherwise as he may and shall send them hither to Me with advertisement of such things as have passed 6. Furthermore he shall at all times when he taketh money advertise Me of it and I shall send him And so the next year being well spent upon further advertisement and taking leave of the French King he shall return 7. And if there arise or grow any doubt in any matter hereafter in the which be shall need advise he shall advertise by the Post and shall have Anser thereof This Barnaby Fitz-Patrick after his return out of France was created by the King Baron of upper Ossery in Ireland and died a most excellent Protestant as hereafter we shall shew in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 48. On the 15 th of April Little Church-work in this Parliament the Parliament ended which had sate three Moneths at Westminster April 15. though therein nothing of Church-matters determined save a Penalty imposed on such who should strike or draw weapon in Church or Church-yard with the abolishing of the generall Holy daies of S. Mary Magdalen and S. Geroge yet so that it should be lawfull for the latter to be solemnly celebrated by the Knights of the Right honourable Order of the Garter The Orders of which Order were about this time reformed and purged from some antient superstitions An ill presage 49. Six k Bishop Godwins Annals in this year Dolphins were taken in the Thames three neer Quinborough and three above Greenwich where the Thames is scarce tainted with brackishnesse in so much that many grave men dispensed with their wisdome and beheld them with wonder as not seen before on our shores A fish much loving man and musick swifter than all other fishes and birds too yea than the Swallow it self if Pliny l Nat. Hist l. 9. cap. 8. say true though all their celerity besteaded them not here to escape the nets of the fisher-men Their coming up so farre was beheld by Mariners as a presage of fowl weather at Sea but by States-men as a prodigious omen of some tempestuous mutations in our Land And particularly they suspected the Kings death though for the present He was very pleasant and merry in His progresse about the Countrey Aug. 22. as by his ensuing Letter to His former favourite written in the next August doth appear EDWARD THE cause why we have not hitherto written unto you have partly been the lack of a convenient Messenger partly because we meant to have some thing worthy writing ere VVe would write any thing And therefore being now almost in the midst of Our journey which VVe have undertaken this Sommer VVe have thought