Delphinus Archbishop of Lions under whom he shaved his crown according to the custome of the Clergy Alfred gave him a Monastery in a place which is called Humpud one for learning virtue worthy thereof A Synod is call'd in the Monastery of Strensalt for the deciding of this question Wilfrid commanded by the King and Bishop spake thus in answer to the Scots and to Colman their chief Bishop The Easter by us observed we have seen so observed at Rome where the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul liv'd preacht suffered and are buried This manner we have seen in all Italy and France This we know to be observed in Afrike Asia Aegypt and Greece and throughout all Nations and tongues of the world where the Church of Christ taketh place except these few and others of like obstinacy the Picts Britans with whom these men do fondly contend against the whole world God forbid said Wilfrid that we should charge St. John For he in his observation kept the decrees of Moses law literally according as the whole Church followed yet in many things after the Jewish manner For the Apostles were not able upon the sudden to blot out all customes and rites of the law instituted by God himself This they were forced to bear for a time least the Jews that lived among the Gentiles might be offended Upon this consideration St. Paul did circumcise Timothy Now the light of the Gospel shining through the world it is not lawfull for any Christian to be circumcised Peter preaching his Gospel at Rome remembring that our Lord rose the first day after the Sabath understood the observation of Easter in such sort that he lookt for the rising of the Moon at Evening in the 14th day of her Age in the first moneth at the rising whereof at Evening if the morrow after were Sunday he began in that very Evening to observe the Feast of Easter as all we do to this day but if Sunday were not the next morrow after the 14day of the Change of the Moon but the 16 17 or any other untill the 21. he tarried for the Sunday and that Saturday before he began the holy solemnity of Easter And it was by the Nicene Councel not newly decreed but confirmed that this is the true observation of Easter and so of all Christians to be celebrated As for your Father and his followers I doe not think it was much prejudiciall against them as long as they had yet receiv'd no instruction to the contrary but I rather suppose seeing they willingly followed such commands as they knew they would also have conform'd themselves to the Catholike judgment if they had been so informed But you your companions if hearing the decrees of the See Apostolike or rather of the Universall Church and that also confirmed in holy Writ follow not the same you offend and sin undoubtedly For though your Fathers were holy men could these few prejudice the whole Church of Christ spread through the World and if your Father Columban were holy and mighty in miracles yet may he not be preferr'd before the most blessed Prince of the Apostles to whom our Lord said Thou art Peter and upon this Rock I will build my Church and Hell gates shall not prevaile against her And to thee I will give the Keys of the kingdome of Heaven The King hearing this said Agree ye both in this that these words were principally spoken unto Peter and that unto him the Keys of the Kingdome of Heaven were given When both answered yes the King concluded saying I tell you I will not gainsay such a Porter as this is but as far as I know and am able I will endeavour in all points to obey his Ordinances least perhaps when I come to the doores of Heaven I finde none to open them to me having his displeasure who is so clearly proved to bear the Keys thereof Thus they all embraced the more perfect observance Chap. 26. Colman the Scottish Bishop seeing his Doctrine disproved departed for Scotland taking with him such as refused to accept of the Catholike observation of Easter and of the carrying of a round shaven Crown Cedda embraced the Catholike Tradition and Tuda was made Bishop of the Northern men wearing after the manner of that Countrey a shaven Crown and observing Easter after the Catholike manner In holy Island Eata a reverend Father once Abbot of Mailrose was made Abbot over the Monks Colman departing took with him some of the bones of Bishop Aidan part also he left in the Church where he was Bishop laying them up in the Vestry The same Chapter further Relates of the Monks of this Monastery how greatly they abstain'd from all pleasure if they took any money of rich men they presently gave it to the poore and the eminent and wealthy never came but to pray and hear the Word of God and those that came contented themselves with the religious mens simple fare looking for nothing above the ordinary The Rulers of the Church sought not to pamper the body but to save the soul whence it came to passe that even the Habit of Religious men was had in great Veneration so that when any of the Clergy or Religious came forth he was joyfully received of all as the Servant of God And if any were going a journey the people ran to them and with great reverence desired to have their blessing either by hand or mouth And when they made any Exhortation as they past by every man gladly hearkened unto them Upon Sundaies ordinarily the people went to Church or Cloisters not to eat and drink but to hear the Word of God and if any Priest came abroad into the Villages the Inhabitants would flock about him desiring of him some lesson or instruction The Clergy in those dayes seldome went abroad but to Preach to Christen to visite the sick or for the cure of Souls Neither would they in those daies take territories or possessiosn towards building of Monasteries but through earnest sute and almost forc't thereto Note here upon the departure of Colman that the Scots converted by Palladius An. 422. as was said B. 1. C. 13. did not disagree in Faith from those sent by St. Gregory and later Popes into England in any one of those points in which the Protestants now differ from the Roman Faith They disagreed not about the Mass about Prayer for the dead Prayer to Saints about the reall Presence or any such point All the disagreement was about the time of keeping Easter and the manner of Tonsure Whence it is evident that Rome in the points now in Controversie taught the very same this year 664 which it had taught the Scots by Palladius An. 423. And what it taught then it taught the Britans An. 156. as I noted above B. 2. C. 2. see that place see also the Preface Number 1. Chap. 27. Relates how divers English
1. c. 4. did not pretend any cause of division from Augustines Doctrine about Mass use of the Crosse and Images worship of Saints and Relicks or any other point wherein we and Protestants differ A demonstrative argument that none of these things brought in by Augustine were contrary to what was delivered to the Britans not a full hundred years after the Apostles time So that as long as Augustines Religion was kept in England the Apostles Religion was kept Chap. 3. Augustine ordain'd two Bishops Mellitus Justus Mellitus he sent to preach to the Province of the East Saxons whose chief City is London As soon as the Province by Mellitus preaching had receiv'd the word of Truth King Ethelbert built St. Pauls Church in London where Mellitus and his successors ever after were to hold their Bishops Seat Justus was ordain'd by him Bishop of Rochester in Kent where Ethelbert built St. Andrew the Apostles Church After this the dearly beloved Father in God Augustine dyed and his body was laid by the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Canterbury which after it was finisht was brought in and honourably buried in the North-part thereof where also were interred the bodies of all the Archbishops following as long as there was room This Church hath an Altar in it dedicated to the honour of St. Gregory Pope at which Altar every Saturday the Commemoration of these departed Bishops is celebrated by the Priest of the place Upon St. Augustines Tomb is written Here resteth Augustine the first Archbishop of Canterbury who being sent hither by blessed Gregory Bishop and by working of Miracles supported by God brought King Ethelbert and his People from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ He dyed the 26. of May CHAP. 4. Laurence succeeded him in the Bishoprick whom Augustine yet living ordain'd least after his death the State of the Church rude as yet and newly converted might have wavered and faln if it had lackt a Pastour and guide never so little Wherein he followed the example of the first Pastour of the Church the most blessed Prince of the Apostles Peter who having laid at Rome the foundation of Christs Church consecrated Clement his Coadjutor and Successor Laurence seeing the ground-work of his Church to enlarge which was well and throughly laid endeavoured to raise the same to a perfect height by frequent exhortations and continual example of pious works He earnestly laboured as a true Shepheard not onely for the modern Church of the English but also for the Church of the old Inhabitants of Britany and Scots in Ireland whose profession as soon as hâ— knew to be lesse Ecclesiastical and not well ordered in many points especially about Easter they not celebrating it in due time He wrote unto them beseeching them to receive and keep the society of Catholike observance with the Church of Christ spread over the whole world To our dearest brethren the Bishops and Abbots in Scotland Laurence Mellitus c. When the See Apostolike according to the usuall manner of sending to all parts of the world directed us hither to preach the word of God We c. About this time Mellitus Bishop of London went to Rome for advice of the Apostolike Pope Boniface and for necessary causes of the English Church This Pope call'd a Councel of Bishops to appoint some order concerning the life of Monks Mellitus sate among them to the end that what there was legally decreed he confirming might bring with him to the English Church as precepts and rules to be observed He brought also letters from the Pope to Laurence Archbishop to the Clergy and the King This Pope cleansed the Temple Pantheon converting it into a Church in honour of our Lady and the Martyrs Chap. 5. In the year 613. Ethelbert King of Kent after he had raigned six and fifty years entred into eternal blisse the one and twentieth year after he had receiv'd the Faith and was interr'd in St. Martins Porch within the Church of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul Edbald his son much harm'd the tender sprigs of the Church but Gods scourge was not wanting for both an unclean spirit and a frâ—nzie possest him Moreover the death of Sabereth King of the East Saxons and Nephew to Ethelbert much encreased the persecution of the Church who going hence to the everlasting kingdome left three sons who all fell to Idolatry These Princes seeing the Bishop in the Church after he had said Mass giving to the people the Sacrament said unto him Why doest thou not give us also of that white bread To whom he answered If you will be washt in that wholesome Font wherein your Father was you may also eat of this blessed bread but if you contemn the laver of life you may not tastâ— the bread of life Hereupon the King commanded Mellitus and all his company to depart the Realm so he and Justus went over into France Chap. 6. Laurence the Archbishop being now ready to forsake Britany and follow Mellitus and Justus commanded the night before he was to go that his bed should be laid in the Saints Peter and Paulâ— Church where after many prayers and tears powr'd out to God for the State of the Church the blessed Prince of the Apostles appearing in his sleep unto him scourged him a good while and with Apostolicall Authority asked him Why he meant to forsake the flock which he himself had committed unto him and to what Shepheard running now away he would leave the sheep of Christ beset with ravening Wolves By these stripes and the words of St. Peter Laurence the servant of God imboldned came and presented himself to the King and throwing open his garment shew'd him how pittifully he had been beaten When the King all amazed demanded who durst inflict such stripes upon a man of his dignity when he understood it was for his salvation and that by the Apostle of Christ he became afraid and abandoning the worship of Idols and his unlawfull wedlock embraced the Faith of Christ and was baptized promoting the good of the Church to the utmost of his power He call'd home Mellitus and Justus commanding them to return to their Churches and instruct their flock Thus the King with all his Subjects from that day that he was converted submitted himself to the Precepts of God He built a Church in honour of our Lady the blessed Mother of God within the Abbey of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles which Mellitus hollowed Chap. 7. Relates How the holy Archbishop Laurence departing hence to heaven his body was buried in the abbey-Abbey-Church of St. Peter the Apostle Mellitus of London succeeded in the See of Canterbury the third after Augustine who by birth was noble but nobler by his singular virtue It chanced that the City of Canterbury was set on fire and great part consum'd and the raging flames drew nigh
resorting to that place where King Oswald shed his bloud were there cured Chap. 11. Among other miracles I cannot omit to relate what hapned when King Oswalds bones were translated to the Church where they now are When towards Evening the Charriot was come wherein the bones were they of the Monastery of Beandaman were unwilling to receive them for although they had known him for a blessed man yet by reason he was a Forreigner born and had subdued them by Conquest they hated his memory So it fell out that the Reliques remain'd abroad all night yet was there a great Pavilion extended over the Chariot where the Reliques were But a Miracle from heaven declared with how great reverence those Bones were to be receiv'd of all faithfull people for all night long a pillar of light stood reaching from the Chariot wherein they were unto Heaven clearly beheld almost in all places of the Province which made the Brethren of the Monastery now earnestly desire that those holy Reliques might be laid up in their House They were therefore enclos'd in a shrine and placed with honour in the Church The water wherewith his bones were washt being poured out in a corner of the Vestry from that day forward the earth which receiv'd it had a speciall virtue in driving Devils out of possest bodies An Abbesse who is yet alive desir'd some of the Earth to be given her upon which this water was poured out and with it returned home It hapned that a stranger came to her Monastery who was wont to be vext with an unclean Spirit and at night began to foame gnash his teeth and rage no body being able to hold him The Abbess repaires to that quarter where the Men lodg'd and calling the Priest went with him to the Patient Where the Priest began to say the exorcisme That not sufficing the Abbess commanded her Maid to go bring her the little cabbinet wherein that Earth we spoke of was reserv'd As soon as the Maid was come with it from the Nunns quarter into the Court of that House where the possess'd Person was he grew silent and began to rest and as it were sleep and soon after rising up he said I feel my self whole They asked him how this came to pass And he answered As soon as this Virgin with the Cabinet which she brought approch't the Court of the House all the wicked Spirits that molested me departed Then the Abbess gave him of that dust and the Priest saying some Prayers he past over the night most quietly and was perfectly freed Chap. 12. In the same Monastry a little Boy had been long sick of an ague and was expecting his fit when one of the Brethern comming in said My Son I le tell thee how thou mayest be cured rise and go sit thee down at the Tombe of Oswald and be sure thou stirrest not thence till the howre be over in which thy fit useth to leave thee then I will come and bring thee forth The Boy did so and his Ague durst not presume to seize upon him at the Tombe of the Saint That this hapned thus a Brother who came from thence told me adding how at that very hower the youth was living in that Monastery who was thus cured by Miracle It is not to be wondred that the Prayers of that King now in Heaven may obtain much of God who having a Temporall Kingdome accustomed himself to continuall Prayer even died praying for as he was slain he prayed to God for the Soules of his Souldiers whereupon arose that old Proverbe God have mercy on their souls quoth Oswald when he dyed himself Chap. 13. The Reverend Bishop Acca used to tell how he heard Willebrord that holy Bishop of Frizeland report what had been done abroad by the wonderous Reliques of this Vertuous King A certain Scholler careless in his life being at the point of death with great remorse of his sins made a purpose if he recovered to amend saying If God of his mercy grant me to escape death I resolve to mend my life yet I know I have deserv'd no truce except by the help of such as have faithfully served God he of his mercy will pardon mee We have heard there hath been a King of wonderfull holiness called Oswald the Excellency of whose Faith and Vertue even after his death was well known by working frequent Miracles I beseech you speaking to the standers by if you have any of his Reliques bring me them It may be God will have mercy on me through his Merits to whom I made answer saith Willebrord I have of the tree whereupon his head was stuck after he was slain and if thou wilt beleeve assuredly God by the Merits of so worthy a Person may grant thee longer life Who answering he did believe I blest saith Willebrord some water casting into it a shiver of the said Oake giving it the sick man to drink and forthwith he recovered and reform'd his life and living long after declar'd to all men the favour of our Maker and the glory of his servant Chap. 14. Relates how Oswin was slain by Osway where afterward in satisfaction for the sin there was a Monastery built wherein daily Prayers were offered up to God for Redemption of both the Kings souls the Murderer and murdered It Relates also the admirable Vertue of King Oswin how Aidan the Bishop foretold his death and twelve days after died himself Chap. 15. Relates How God by many Miracles declared to the world how worthy a Man Aidan the Bishop was and how Vtta a Priest being sent into Kent to fetch Eansled King Edwins Daughter the Bishop at his setting forth blessing him gave him hallowed oile saying I know that at your taking ship you will have a Tempest But remember to cast into the sea this oile that I give you All which hapning as Aidan had foretold the Priest takeing the oile cast of it into the sea and immediately there ensued a Calme This I had saith Bede from the faithfull relation of Cinimond Priest of our Church who said he had it from Vtta himself to whom this hapned Chap. 16. Relates How by the Prayers of Aidan Bishop the fire which the Enemy had defigned to burne a Towne besieg'd returned upon themselves making them quit the siege Chap. 17. Relates How the Vertuous Bishop Aidan departed this life the 17th year of his Bishoprick Not long after a Church being dedicated to the honour of the most blessed Prince of the Apostles his bones were translated thither and placced on the right side of the Altar with much honor as he deserved When King Penda set fire on the Church that Post onely whereunto this holy Bishop leaned at his death could by no force of fire be consum'd The Miracle being known and spread abroad the Church was again built but the like hapned the second time
humble confession of their sins and repented they shall all come to Heaven at the day of Judgment Many quoth he shall come to Heaven before the day of judgement for the good Prayers Alms and Fasting of the living and especially by the holy Sacrifice of the Mass Onely they which are perfect in all their thoughts words and deeds are carried streight to Heaven The effect of this vision was the change of his life into strange Austerity When any one said unto him brother Dirthelm for that was his name It is a wonder you can endure so much cold He would answer I have seen more cold endured than this And when they said T is a wonder you can endure such austerity He answered I have seen more rigorous sufferings than this This Chapter intermingleth in this Relation how that hard by this mans Cell there lived a Monk called Genigids who was living at the very time that Bede did write this leading a solitary life in Ireland sustaining his aged body with brown bread and cold water who often entring into the foresaid Monks Cell heard him many times repeat this whole relation and from him I came to the knowledge of it saith Bede Chap. 14. There was a Lay-man in great favour with King Coenred but negligent concerning the state of his soul The King warn'd him often to confesse and forsake his former life whilest it was time But he slighting the Kings admonition said He would doe Pennance hereafter It chanced he fell sick the King coming to him exhorted him that now at least he would do Pennance nay quoth he I will not now confesse my sins but when I am recovered I will least my companions think I did it for fear of death The King after a while returning again this Courtier told him now it was too late and that he had seen all that ever he had committed written in two Books and that he should strait wayes die and be carried into Hell The first book said he shewed me by an Angel contained all the good works which ever I had done but the book was very little Then the wicked spirits brought before me a book of a mighty bigness in which I read all the sins I had committed in thought word and deed Then he related how he heard his Condemnation Thus in despair he died This I thought fit to relate as I receiv'd it from the reverend Bishop Pechtelm Chap. 15. I my self knew a Brother whom I would I had not known who being admonisht by his Brethern to amend his life brought unto desperation by a vision he had of his place in Hell said There is no time for me to amend my former life Thus he died without receiving the Sacrament None of all the Convent durst say Mass sing psalms say the least Prayer for his soul This stirred up many to do Pennance for their sins which effect God grant it may work in those who shall read this Chap. 16. About this time many of the Scots in Ireland as also of the Britans admitted of the manner of celebrating Easter taught by the Catholike Church For Adamon a vertuous Priest Abbot of the Monks and Religious in the Isle of Hue seeing the canonicall Rites and Ceremonies of England and admonisht by the learned not to live contrary to the Universal Church neither in Easter nor any other decrees chang'd his mind and preferr'd what he saw in the English before his own He wrot a â—ook of holy places as he had been inform'd by Arculfe Bishop who 〈◊〉 travelled to see them Some â—ede relates in the next Chapter Chap. 17. Relates Out of the foresaid book of holy â—laces how over the place where Christ was born there is built a Church of the blessed Virgin and how the in ward grot in which our Saviour was born is covered with precious marble Câ—nstantine built a Church where the Crosse of Christ was found by Helena A Church also was built in Golgotha where the rock is seen which bore Christs Crosse and his blessed body Now in that place there is a mighty Cross of silver with a brazen wheele over it full of Lamps An Altar is cut out where the Crosse stood where Sacrifice is wont to be offered for honourable men that die There is also a round Chappel of Christs Resurrection which hath three Altars In the middle of this Chappel is the Tombe of our Saviour where day and night twelve Lamps burn The top of the Chappel is guilt bearing a great golden Crosse upon it Part of Christs Gravestone standeth at the doore of the Sepulcher Altarwise the other part also makes another Altar Chap. 18. The same Author relates how in the place of our Saviours Ascension on the top of Mount Olive there standeth a great round Church The inner Chappel having an Altar towards the East could not be vaulted nor covered over by reason that it was the place by which Christs body passed to Heaven In the middle of which Church the last print of Christs feet are to be seen and although the earth be fetcht away daily by the Christians yet it remaineth and keepeth the print of his holy feet A great Lampe burneth there day and night In the West-side be eight windows and as many Lamps shining through the glasse to Jerusalem and their lights stir up the Hearts of all that behold them Upon Christs Ascension-day every year when Masse is done there cometh from Heaven a gale of winde which maketh all in the Church prostrate themselves Chap. 19. In the year of our Lord 705. Hedda Bishop of the West-Saxons dyed of whom the Reverend Prelate Pechthelm then a Monk was wont to tell us that in the place where be dyed many great Miracles and cures were done and that they used commonly to carry away dust from thence and mingle it with water for such to drink as were sick and that the sprinkling drinking thereof did cure many sick so that a great pit was made by the often carrying away the dust Chap. 20. Coenred King of the Mercians having Reigned most Nobly at last forsook his Kingdome and went to Rome where at the Tombe of the Apostles receiving the Tonsure he became a Monk continuing in Prayer Fasting and Almes untill his death There went with him Offa the Son of Sigher King of the East-Saxons a most gallant youth whose whole Kingdome much desired that he would sway the Scepter but he moved with like devotion forsooke Wife Lands Kindred and Countrey that he might receive a hundred fold in this world and life everlasting in the next coming to the Holy places at Rome he took the Tonsure and Habit of a Monk the same year Wilfrid that excellent and worthy Prelate dyed and was buried in St. Peters Church at Rippon in Yorkshire He being but fourteen years old he esteemed more
a Monasticall and Solitary life than all worldly wealth After some years spent in a Monastery he made a Voyage to Rome to see what rights and ceremonies were observed there as well of Seculars as Religious He told the Queen the desire he had to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostles which she approved At Rome he became acquainted with a Holy learned Arch-deacon called Boniface one of the Apostolike Popes Councellors by whose instructions he learnt the foure Books of the Gospell and Easter and many other things concerning the discipline of the Church which he could not attaine to in his Country Returning into England he was favoured by King Alfrid who had learned to follow in all things the Catholike Rules of the Church This King finding Wilfrid Catholick gave him Stamford and Rippon which the Scots had before to build Abbeies He was made Priest and followed the the Kings Court as Preacher and not long after was made Bishop by Agilbert Bishop of Paris In King Egfrids raigne he was deprived of his Bishoprick of Yorke and another ordeyned in his place Wilfrid going to Rome to plead his cause before the Apostolike Pope was driven into Frizland where he preacht unto them Christ And where many thousands being cōverted and baptized by him he was the first began this Evangelicall work which the most Reverend Bishop Willebrord afterwards finished Wilfrid having past the VVinter with his new Converts reassumed his journey to Rome where his cause was debated in presence of Pope Agatho many Bishops He was found by all their judgments to be without any fault and worthy of the Bishoprick The Pope gathered a Sinod at Rome of 125 Bishops against those who held but one will and operation in Christ Wilfrid sate among them where he was to declare his Faith and the Faith of his Countrey which was found to be Catholick This was thus registred in the Acts. Wilfrid the vertuous Bishop of Yorke appealing to the See Apostolike for his cause and by that Authority absolved and placed in Judgement Seat in the synod together with 125. other Bishops hath declared for all the Northerne parts of Britany the true and Catholike Faith confirming the same with subscription Wilfrid at his returne converted the South-Saxons and in the second year of King Aldefrid was restored to his Bishoprick After five years being again turned out he followed his appeale at Rome and his accusers being present he again was acquitted Returning through France he fell sick to death and told Acca how in that sicknesse one appeared to him in a white habit telling him that he was St Michael who said to him I am sent by God to recall thee from death For our Lord hath given thee life by the intercession of our Lady Mother of God but remaine prepared for after foure years I will come again to visite thee Thou shalt be restored to the greatest part of thy possessions and end thy life in peace Recovering he came into England where King Aldefrid refusing to restore him shortly dyeth Then a Synod is called by the votes of all he is reestablisht After four years of Peace he died in a Monastery of Abbot Cudbalds but entered in his own Monastery at Rippon in the Blessed Apostle St. Peters Church by the Altar These Verses are in his Epitaph Wilfrid that worthy Prelate Lyeth buried in this grave Who mov'd with Godly Zeale To Christ this Temple gave And of the Apostle Peters name St. Peters Church did call Christ gave To whom the Keyes of Heaven Cheif Governour of all He guilded it with finest gold With Scarlet hung it round And set up there a Crucifix Of Gold even from the ground Chap. 21. Acca succeeded Wilfrid in the Bishoprick of York a man for his courage and gallant deeds gracious in the sight of God and Man He enlarged the Church dedicated to St. Andrew and adorned it with many exquisite works He did both then and doth at this very day endeavour to gather together the Holy Apostles and Martyrs Reliques that he may in their honor build Altars He provided Holy Vessels lights and other necessaries appertaining to the better adorning the Church of God Chap. 22. Naitan King of the Picts abandoning the Errours which he and his Country had long kept touching Easter brought them all to the Catholike observation which that he might effect he required aide of the English whom he knew to have fram'd their Religion according to the Church of Rome and See Apostolike He sent Embassadors to that end to Reverend Abbot Ceolfrid of the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul He requested further to be instructed what manner of Tonsure the Clergy then should use He desired to have some cunning workmen sent him to build a Church after the manner of Rome promising to dedicate it in the honor of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles and to follow ever more the order and faith of the Church of Rome and See Apostolike In Ceolfrids letter to the King be these words We exhort you most humbly to take care that your Clergy may beare the same Tonsure which the Church doth receive For as all congregations of the faithfull are accustomed to carry the signe of the Crosse in the forehead that by the power thereof they may be defended from the assaults of the Devil and by often remembrance of it be instructed so it behoveth them who being made by vow Monks or by profession of the Clergy binde themselves more strictly with the bridle of continencie to beare on the Head by shaving the shape of a Crown as our Saviour did a Crowne of Thornes at his Passion as well to express their ready minde to suffer mockeries for Christ as strengthen their hope for a Crowne of glory In the same letter he Relateth what concerning this point he said to the Scotish Abbot Adaman I said quoth he Brother if you seek the fellowship of St. Peter why do you follow the manner of shaving which he used whom St. Peter did excommunicate and why rather shew you not that you desire with your heart his character with whom you desire to live in blisse If you desire to follow his steps and counsell whom you took to have as a Patron with God the Father then he commands thus It beseemeth you most puissant Prince to observe all that agreeth with the unity of Christs Catholick and Apostolick Church So it will come to passe that the Prince of the Apostles will open to you and yours the gates of Heaven By this advise in short time this Prince with all his dominions was brought to the true observation of Easter all the Ministers of the Altar and Monks had their heads shaven round in forme of a Crowne and the whole Nation being reformed did rejoyce to see themselves disciples of the most blessed Prince of
Conformity to be held with that Church which is spread over the whole world Apostles sent all the world over by the Pope Recourse to the Pope in Ecclesiastical affairs Our English Authors say Mellitus his going was to obtain priviledges for Westminster Abbey then built Decrees of Councels to be follow'd as sure rules A Church dedicated to our Lady and all Martyrs which yet is to be seen at Rome and whether were brought saith Spondan the Reliques of many Martyrs from places without the City Persecutors of this Faith punished Saying of Mass Communion under one kinde S. Peter prince of the Apostles He owns his Successors the Popes deeds The miraculous effect of St. Peters apparition A Church in honour of our Lady St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Our Primats of England still work miracles A place it seems dedicated to the crowned Martyrs Authority of 〈◊〉 Bishops from the Pope Noâ—e Mr. Baâ—ter how unlike the Pope then seemed to Anâ—ichrist Our Primats invested with the Pall by the Pope The Nâ—â—thumbers miraculously converted Baptizing Intants Note Mr. Baâ—ter how unlike the Pope then seem'd to Antichriâ—t The Pope an enemy to Idol worship St. Peter stiled Prince of the Apostles and our Protector His blessing sent from the Pope The Pope still sollicitous to further our conversion St. Peter stiled chiefest and Prince of the Apostles and our Protector The Faith then taught commended from Heaven I would those of our Country would imitate this Prince Paulâ—â— knows what is in the Kings brâ—ast Altars of stone Monasteries Abbots Altars sacrifice Miracles wrought at certain places A Pall sent by the Pope who still investeth our Archbishops The Pope a true Father even to Kings Efficacy of Saints Prayers The Pope exerciseth his Supremacy in England The Pope doth this in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Decrees of the Church to be followed Golden crosses and Chalices consecrated to the use of the Altar yet to be seen Our Church musick from Rome Yet Idolatry highly hated An. 642. Veneration of holy places and crosses Miracles hence ensuing The very chips of that Crosse work miracles untill this day Prayers and sacrifice for the Dead The Moss of the Cross works miracles upon one as yet living Monks Monasteries Religious different in habit Purity of dâ—ctrine from Rome Churches dedicated to Saints Monasteries Strict followers of onely scripture erre for many years together Shaving of Monks Strict Fast on Wednesday and Friday among the Laity Miraculous reward of Alms Veneration of Relicks miraculously uncorrupt to this day The Apostle of the tumultuous sent from the Pope Transgressors of the Fast of forty dayes punished Vowed Nuns espoused to the heavenly bridegroom Such Nuns graced with the gift of Miraclâ—â— The Habitation of men separated from Women Vow'd 〈◊〉 dear 〈…〉 〈…〉 by 〈◊〉 Ouâ— Historyes say he was slain at Oswistry in Shâ—opshire the very â—ligh test 〈…〉 woâ—k 〈…〉 Strange Miracles by Râ—liks Miracles by Reliks Translation of Reliks 〈◊〉 to be held in 〈◊〉 vâ—neration by all faithfuâ—l This confirm'd from Heaven as is testiâ—ied by wittnesses yet living Abbesses The â—odgings of men apart from the Nunnery Exorcisms Relikâ—chase away the Devill Miracles at Saints Tombs The person yet alive saith Bede on whom the Miracle was dâ—â—e Power of Saints Prayers That speech God have mercy on their soules of what Antiquity Our unworthiness supplied by intercession of Saints Cures wrought by Relikes Water hallowed An. 644. Good works Satisfactory Daily prayers for the dead Hallowed Oile doth Miracles How authenticall this is A Miracle Translation of Reliks Altars Churches dedicated in the honour of the Prince of the Apostles Thus then they called St. Peter Miracles By Relikes Our Kings became Monks Monks graced with Visions How authentical this is Altars Miracles at Saints Tombs A prophesie of the ruine of such as converse with those who are excommunicated Antâ—quity of Godfathers Kings confide in the Prayers of religious men Lents forty days fast The laudable custome of fasting Monks Monasteries Religious rules Churches in honouâ— of our Lady Altars Intercession of Saints Vows made to God Nuns Monasteries perpetual Virginity God approveth this coutse of life Prayers of religious men in what esteem Dayly prayer for the dead The Fast of Lent Bishop Wilfrid instructed at Rome Clergy men wear shaven Crowns This Synod was at Whitby in Yorkeshire St. Peter and Paul lived preacht and suffered at Rome The strong plea of Tradition Errour then damnable when the Authority of the Church is rejected By the Prince of the Apostles Peter still understood Mat. 16. 18. The Roman Tradition preferr'd The Clergy weare shaven Crowns Abboâ—â— Monasteriâ—â— The distinct Habit of Râ—ligious and Clergie men I'heir blessings craved given by hand that is by the sign of the Crosse Works of Superogation vowed Canonicall Houres Vows of Austerity approved from heaven Lent The antiquity of the holy Feast of Christmass The Church of Rome the Catholike and Apostolike Church Still recourse unto Rome concerning 〈◊〉 Primaâ—â— The Pope Father even to Kings Peter twice here understood by the Prinâ—â— of the Apostles 〈…〉 Kings Crosses Reliques An Indulgence granted thereunto as to Medals say our Divines Abbotâ— Monks Nuns The Pope still invests our Primates Shaving of Clergy men Shaving of Clergy men Our Bishops Monks and of great sanctity The Cathedral at Leiâ—chfield now dedicated to St. Chad. Good works done out of hope of reward done with pure intention A prophetical vision Good works a preparation to death The blessing of men St. Peter still â—alled Prince of the Apostles Translation of Reliques Miracles by them Monks Pilgrimages to Rome The See Apostolike appoints out Primats Our Bishops still Monks Erconwald was first Abbâ—â— of Chertsey in Surrey Miracles Reliques Nuns They doe Miracles Their habitation seemed from men Virgins consecrared to Chrâ—st A prophetical Vision By patience we satisfie for our sins Good works the golden cords which life usup to heaven Holy Nuns We pray to Saints as to these who hear us Visions Abbesses Miracles Nuns Efficacy of prayers to Saints at their Reliques Monastical life prefer'd before Kingdomes Religious habit different from Sceular This King became a Monk in the Monastery of St. Peter and St Paul in London A prophetike Vision A Miracle very publike Our Kings turn Pilgrims Our Bishops Monks Godfathers Monks Our Faith confirmed from heaven Monks A prophetical Vision Masses Intercession of Saints approved from heaven Masses commanded by the Apostles Intercession of Saints avouched by the Apostles St. Peters Ecclesiasticall Tonsure Sacrifice Communion under one kinde Masses Yearly Feasts of Martyrs The Isle of Wight last converted Wilfrid their Apostle The faith of all the Bishops and Doctors of England The Antient English blessed Church received more than the first four Councells Abbots and Monks By prince of the Apostles still St. Peter understood Priviledges of Popes admitted in England Abbiâ—s How antient our Church Musick is above that of the Protestants Celebration of Feasts
and vertue and instructed by his wholesome Exhortations forsaking Idolatry became a Christian It came to the ears of the Prince that this holy Confessour of Christ whose time was not come that God had assigned for him to suffer lay hid in Alban's house Whereupon Souldiers were sent to apprehend him but St. Alban apparrelled in his guests and Masters garments presented himself unto them When they brought Alban it hapned that the Judge was doing sacrifice unto the Devils who beholding him and incensed with anger for that he feared not to offer himself unto death for his guest he commanded him to be brought before the Idols For as much quoth he as thou hadst rather convey away the Rebell and Traitour to our gods than to deliver him up to deserved punishment what pains he should have suffered if he had been taken the same shalt thou undergo if thou refusest to practise the rites of our Religion But St. Alban who had voluntarily declared himself a Christian little heeded the menaces of the Prince but being throughly guarded with the spiritual armour of Grace plainly told him he would not obey his command I am a Christian saith he and I apply my self to Christian duties and exercises I honour and worship the true and living God These sacrifices which thou offerest to the Devils help not the offerer but purchase them eternal pains The Judge hereupon commanded the holy Confessor of God to be beaten by the Tormentors but Alban in his sufferings was patient and couragious Then the Judge sentenced him to be beheaded As he was led to execution he came to a floud which swiftly ran betwixt him and the place where he was to suffer The company was great and the bridge narrow so that it was likely to be Evening before they could all pass Alban desirous of death coming to the river side made his Prayer and saw forth with the bottom dry the water giving place to him and to the people to pass over Which the Executioner seeing not without the holy inspiration of God fell down at his feet and casting from him his sword ready drawn desired rather to suffer himself than do the Execution Then came they to a very pleasant hill worthy to be dedicated by the bloud of the blessed Martyr At the top whereof Alban begg'd of God to give him water and strait there arose a Spring at his Feet whereby all perceiv'd that as the River before in obedience to him was dryed up so water was now given at his entreaty Here this most valiant Martyr being beheaded received the Crown of life which God promiseth to those that love him But he who did the Execution had short joy for his eys fell upon the ground with the Head of the holy Martyr There also was beheaded the Souldier who being called of God refused to strike the holy Confessor of whom t is manifest though he was not Christned in the Font yet was he baptized in his own blood and so made worthy to enter heaven The Judge seeing so many strange and heavenly miracles wrought by this holy martyr cōmanded the persecution should cease beginning to honor in the Saints of God their constant and patient suffering death whereby he thought at first to draw them from the devotion of their Faith St. Alban suffered Martyrdome the 20th day of June neer the City Verulam now call'd St. Albans in Hartfordshire where after the Christian Church was calm'd a Church was built of exceeding rich work and worthy of such a Martyrdom In which place eve◠to this day are sick persons cured and many Miracles wrought Many more suffered in sundry places who by perfect victory yeelded their Souls to Heaven CHAP. 8. After the storm of this persecution was blown over the Christians who in time of danger lay hid in dens and deserts came forth and shewed themselves abroad renew'd Churches which were overthrown founded built and drest up new in honour of the holy Martyrs celebrated holy dayes consecrated the divine Mysteries and every where display'd their Ensignes in signe of Victory This peace continued in the Church of Christ in Britany untill the Arian Heresie running through the world corrupted also with venemous Errours this Island When by this means Heresie had found an open vent to press over the Ocean into the said Island soon after all manner of Heresies flowed in and were received by the Inhabitants they being men delighting ever to hear novelties and stedfastly retaining nothing as certain This Heresie of the Arians being discovered and condemned in the Councel of Nice did neverthelesse infect not onely other parts of the world but even the very Churches of the Islands with poisonous Infidelity In the 9. Chap. nothing but civill Affairs CHAP. 10. The year of our Lord 394. Arcadius raigning Pelagius a Britan disperst the Venom of his faithless Doctrine holding that a man might live well without the help of Gods grace In the 11. and 12. Chapters nothing but civil Affairs Chap. 13. In the year 423. the 8th of the Emperour Theodosius the yonger Palladius was sent by Celestine Bishop of the Roman Church to the Scots who had receiv'd the Faith of Christ to be their Bishop In the 14. Chapter nothing Chap. 15. The English then Heathens sent for out of Germany over run Britany The Priests are every where slain at the Altars The Bishops with their flock were murdered with fire and sword without regard unto their dignity In the 16. Chapter nothing but civill affairs Chap. 17. A few years before the arrival of the Saxons English the Pelagian Heresie brought in by Agricola greatly corrupted the Faith of the Britans But they being unwilling to receive this lewd doctrine blasphemous against the grace of God and yet unable to resist the crafty and wicked perswasions of their Adversaries took this wholesome Counsel to seek for ayde from the Bishops of France A Councel being call'd the French consulted among themselves whom they should send By the judgment of all the Apostolical Bishops Germanus and Lupus were chosen to pass over into Britany Who with great alacrity receiving the Orders and Commands of the holy Church put to Sea Whilst they were under sail the Devill envying such men should go to the recovery of that People raised a dangerous tempest Germanus Bishop feeble of body through weariness fell a sleep then Lupus and the rest call'd upon him Germanus more constant in the greatness of the danger invoketh Christ and taking in the name of the holy Trinity a few sprinkles of water casteth i◠into the Sea Forth with the rage of the storm breaketh God being called upon defered not his help the enemy is chased away and they set on land where they desited A multitude of People assembling received the Priests of God of whose coming the wicked spirits gave notice and afterward being expell'd out of the obsess't bodies at the
God In the mean while the wicked spirits flying about the Island foretold every where forced thereunto that St. German was returning in so much as Elafius one of the chief among them without report of any messenger hastned to meet the holy men at their arrival having with him his son who in the flower of his youth had lost the use of his leg which was so shrunk that he could not set his foot upon the ground The whole Country flockt thither to meet them where their blessing and divine Doctrine was bestow'd upon the people They found them as for their Faith as they had left them onely they found the fault to remain in some few those they sought after and finding them condemn'd them This done Elafius fell down at the feet of the Bishops offering them his son whose sad case needed no prayers to crave relief Forthwith St. German taking the young man to him felt his knee and with his blessed hand searcht through all the affected place and at his touch each part received health and the sinews return'd to their natural course so that in sight of them all he was restored to his Father The people were all astonished at the strangeness of the miracle and the Catholike Faith thereby confirm'd After this he preacht to the people to exterminate the said Heresie and all assenting the Authours were expell'd the Island and delivered unto the Priests to be carried thence that by this punishment the Countrey might be rid of them and their Heresies Hence it came to pass that in those places the Faith for a long time remain'd sound Not long after Germanus deceased at Ravenna his corps was convey'd to his own Church with an honourable train not without miracles wrought by the way In the 22. Chapter nothing but civil affairs Chap. 23. In the year of our Lord 582 the 10. of the Emperour Maurice Gregory a man most renown'd for deeds and learning was made Bishop of the Roman Apostolike see which he govern'd 13. years seven months and ten dayes The Year 150. after the coming of the English into Britany this Pope being mov'd by divine inspiration thereunto sent the servant of God Augustine with many other Monks fearing God to preach to the English Nation But being on the way and terrified with the apprehension of the journey they sent Augustine back to the Pope whom he had there appointed Bishop if they were receiv'd humbly entreating him that they might not proceed but he exhorted them by letters that putting their trust in God they would go on in their good purpose Gregory the servant of the servants of God c. Let not the hardship of the journy daunt you c. Assuring your selves that after your great labour eternal reward shall follow Be in all points obedient unto Augustine whom I have sent back unto you and appointed to be your Abbot knowing it shall much profit your souls what you do in obedience to him God defend you with his grace and grant me to see the fruit of your labours in Heaven as also that since I cannot work my self with you I may enjoy part of your reward for the good will I have to labor God keep you in health my dearly beloved children In the 24. Chapter nothing but a letter of the Popes recommending Augustine to the Bishop of Arles in his going for Britany Chap. 25. Augustine being thus encouraged by St. Gregory return'd to preach the word of God with the servants of Christ which were with him and arrived in Britany He and his company in number about forty landing in the Isle of Thanet in Kent sent word to King Ethelbert that they came from Rome and brought him very good news viz. that such as follow'd and obey'd their Doctrine should enjoy an everlasting kingdome in Heaven The King hearing this gave command they should abide there and have all things necessary afforded them untill they heard further from him Now the knowledge of Christian Religion was come before unto him he having maried a Christian Lady out of France call'd Bertha upon condition that it should be lawfull for her and the Bishop that came to assist her to keep their Faith and Religion A few dayes after the King came into the Island and seating himself without in the open ayre sent for Augustine and his companions He would not suffer them to come unto him in any house least if he or his were skilfull in Sorcery they might prevaile against him But they came to him not with weapons of the Devil but endowed with the strength of God carrying before them in lieu of a Banner a Crosse of silver and the Image of our Saviour painted in a Table and singing of Lytanies they pray'd both for themselves and those for whose sake they came And sitting down as the King commanded them they preacht unto him and his attendants the word of life The King replyed Your words and promises are fair yet because strange and unknown to me I cannot assent unto them leaving the Religion wherein both I and my people have been so long bred up but seeing you are come so far to impart unto us such knowledge as you hold to be good and true we will receive you and minister to you all such things as be necessary for to maintain you and we are consenting that you gain by your Preaching as many as you can to your Profession Then he allowed them a place in the City of Canterbury the head City of his Dominions providing them what was needfull and freely permitting them to Preach It is said as they drew nigh the City having the Cross and Image of our Saviour carried as the manner was they sung all in one tune this Prayer following We beseech thee O Lord for thy great mercy that thy fury and anger may be taken from this City and from thy holy house because we have sinn'd Allelujah CHAP. 26. Being entred they began to hold forth the very Apostolike order of living as in the Primitive Church serving God in continuall Prayer Watching and Fasting Preaching the Word of Life despising the allurements of this world as things none of theirs taking of them whom they instructed so much onely as might supply their wants living according as they taught and being ready to suffer death in the defence of the Truth they publisht Hence it came to passe that many believ'd and were baptiz'd marveling much at the simplicity of their innocent life and sweetness of heavenly Doctrine There was at the East end of the City a Church built in honour of St. Martin made whilest the Romans were in Britany in which the Queen a Christian used to pray Thither they went to Church and began there first to sing Service say Mass Pray Teach and Christen till the King being converted to the Faith they receiv'd ample license to Preach where they would and
either to build new or repair old Churches And it was not long before the King himself much delighted with their purity of life and example of godly conversation and by their sweet promises which they prov'd to be true by working many Miracles believ'd and were baptiz'd Then the People daily more and more resorted to their Sermons and renouncing Heathenish Rites joyn'd themselves to the unity of the Holy Church The King also appointed them a place and Seat befitting their Calling in his head City of Canterbury giving them necessary possessions for thier maintenance Chap. 27. After this the man of God Augustine came to Arles where by Etherius Archbishop of that City he was ordain'd Archbishop of the English according as St. Gregory had commanded and returning into Britany he sent Laurence Priest and Peter Monk to Rome to make relation to St. Gregory that the English had receiv'd the Faith and he made their Bishop he also requir'd his Answer to certain Queries Pope Gregories answer to Augustines first demand For as much as you being brought up under Monasticall rule must not live apart from your Clergy in the Church of the English which is but newly entred upon the Faith of Christ you must follow the prescript and form of life which was us'd in the Primitive Church among the Fathers for there was none among them that said that to be his own which he possessed but all was in common And if there be any of the Clergy who having not yet receiv'd holy Orders cannot live chaste they may take Wives and have their stipend allowed them apart from the rest Augustines second Demand Whereas there is but one Faith why be there so many sundry customs of the Churches and one custome of Masses observ'd in the holy Roman Church and another in France Gregories Answer You knew the custome of the Church of Rome wherein you were brought up but if you have found any thing be it in the Church of Rome France or elswhere that may please God more I am content that you choose it planting in the English Church which is but lately come to the Faith the best orders you can gather from them all Augustines nineth question concerns illusions in Dreams whither such things hapning a Lay-man may receive the body of Christ or a Priest say Mass Another of his questions is whether and when Children are to be Baptiz'd Gregories Answer is that in necessity they are presently to be Baptized Chapter 28. nothing but a Letter from the Pope to the Archbishop of Arles to assist Augustine Chap. 29. The same Pope for as much as Augustine had advertized him that there was a great harvest and but few labourers sent him more Preachers of which the chiefest were Mellitus Rufinianus Justus Paulinus By these he sent such things as were necessary for the Purniture and Ministry of the Church as holy Vessels Altar-Cloths Church stuffe apparrell for Priests and Clergie with Reliques of the holy Apostles and Martyrs and Books He sent him a Pall and by letters instructed him what order to hold in making Bishops throughout Britany Gregories Letter To his most Reverend and holy Brother Augustine the servant of the servants of God Since by the goodnesse of God and your industry the new Church of the English is brought unto the Faith of Christ we grant unto you the use of the Pall to wear when you say Mass and we give way that you ordain Twelve Bishops under your jurisdiction but so that the Bishop of London be henceforth consecrated by his own Synod and receive his Palâ— from this holy and Apostolike See wherein I by the Authority of God do now serve Also our will is that you send a Bishop to York to whom we intend to give a Pall To you shall be subject not onely the Bishops you make or he of Yorke but all the Priests of Britany to the end that by your manner of life they may receive a pattern both to believe and live well Note that the Pall wherewith the Pope invests Metropolitans is a shoulder-piece imbroidred with Crosses made not of fine linnen aâ— the High-Priests was Exod. 28. but of fine sheeps wool to minde them of Christs carrying the lost sheep on his Shoulders It was first laid on St. Peters shrine and given to them thence Chap. 30. The holy Father Gregory sent letters to Mellitus shewing how earnestly he thirsted the good of our Countrey Vnto his dearly beloved Son Mellitus Abbot Gregory the servant of the servants of God When God shall bring you to our Brother Augustine tell him with serious deliberation I thought fit that not the Temples but the Idols in them be broken that holy Water be made and sprinkled about the said Temples Altars erected Reliques plac'd It may be allow'd that in Dedications or Birth-dayes of Martyrs whose Reliques are there reserv'd the people make them bowers Feasting together after a good religious sort Chap. 31. About this time Gregory wrote to Augustine concerning such Miracles as he knew done by him wishing him not to run hazard of vain glory by the great number of them I know saith he dear brother it hath pleased God to shew by thee great Miracles among the people whom by thee he hath called to the Faith Thou hast cause to joy that by the means thereof the English mens souls are won to the Faith but thou oughtest to fear least by the said Miracles thou by outward praise be puffed up c. Chap. 32. Contains the Letter of Pope Gregory to King Ethelbert with Presents and the blessing of St. Peter Chap. 33. Augustine being now Bishop obtain'd an old Church antiently of the Romans and Dedicated it to the Name of our Saviour making it a perpetual Seat for him and his Successors Not far Eastward of the City he built a Monastery to the which King Ethelbert through his advice new built a Church to the honour of the Sts. Peter and Paul enriching it with sundry gifts Laurence his Successor consecrated it The first Abbot thereof was one Peter a Priest who being cast away at Sea and by the Inhabitants buried after a homely manner Our Lord intending to have it known how worthy a man he was caus'd to appear every night a light from Heaven over the place where he was buried The Inhabitants gathering hereby that he was some holy man remov'd his body thence burying it honourably in the town of Bullen in France In the 34. Chapter nothing but civil affairs The Second Book Chap. 1. IN the year 605. holy Pope Gregory having govern'd most gloriously the See of the Roman Apostolike Church departed this life to an everlasting seat in Heaven He converted our English Nation from the power of Sathan to the Faith of Christ whom we may well also must call our Apostle For as soon as
he was High Bishop over the whole world and appointed Governour of the Churches newly converted he made our Nation the Church of Christ which till then had been the bondslave of Idols so that we may truly make good the saying of the Apostle that although he were not an Apostle to others yet to us he was for the seale of his Apostleship we are in the Lord Laying aside his worldly Nobility by special grace from God he turn'd it to the purchasing of eternal glory in Heaven Putting off his secular habit he betook himself unto a Monastery where he liv'd in that perfection that as he was wont to witnesse with tears all transitory things became subject to him undervaluing the world and thinking on nothing but heavenly things and though immur'd in an earthly body by contemplation he surpast the natural bounds of flesh loving death as an entrance unto life All this he telleth of himself not boasting of his encrease in virtue but rather lamenting the want and decay thereof He swarv'd not from Monastical perfection by any occasion or trouble of his Ecclesiastical charge His House was like a well ordered Monastery for although he was taken thence and made Bishop and ordain'd to the Ministery of the Altar and sent Legat from the See Apostolike to Constantinople yet he never intermitted his wonted course of life but had with him Religious of the Monastery for the better keeping regular observance that by their example he might be fastned as with a strong Anchor to the pleasant port of prayer strengthening his soul by daily reading and conferring with them Whereas other Bishops took pains in building Churches and beautifying the same with gold and silver he altogether was employ'd in gaining souls What money he had he carefully distributed among the poor He made our Nation by Preachers sent hither partakers of eternal liberty This holy Pope ordain'd that in the Chappel of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul Masses should be said at their Bodies To the Canon of the Masse he added these words which still appear in our Mass dispose our dayes in peace free us from eternal damnation and number us in the stock of thine Elect. He was buried in S. Peters Church before the Vestrie T is reported that seeing British children sold at Rome he inquired what was the name of that nation they told him they were called Angels or English with good reason quoth he for they have an Angels face and it is fitting they should be inheritors with the Angels in Heaven Then he ask't the Name of the Province the Merchants said they were called Deires they may so quoth he for they shall be delivered from the Ire or anger of God and call'd to the mercy of Jesus Christ Then he asked the Kings Name they answered his Name was Alle St. Gregory alluding to his Name said Alleluja must be sung in that Princes Dominions Hereupon he besought the Bishop of the Roman Apostolike See for he was not then Bishop thereof to send into Britany Ministers of the Word for their conversion offering himself ready for that work if so it had pleas'd the Apostolick Pope but the Citizens of Rome would not let him goe so far from them Afterwards being Pope he accomplisht this good work so long desired sending thither divers Preachers he himself helping at home by Prayer and wholesome instructions Chap. 2. About this time Augustine call'd together the Bishops and Doctours of the greatest Province which was of the Britans perswading them as a Brother to Catholick unity and to hold communion with him For as yet they kept not Easter Sunday in due time but from the 14. to the 20. Moon They used also many other things contrary to the Unity of the Church which being shew'd unto them and that neither for entreaty nor rebukes of Augustine they would assent preferring their own traditions before all other Churches which through the whole world agreed with them This Father said unto them let us pray to God that he will vouchsafe to signifie unto us by some heavenly sign which tradition is to be followed Let some sick body be brought and by whose prayers he shall be healed let his Faith be believed His Adversaries granting unto it there was brought forth a blinde man who first presented to the British Priests when by them he was not cured Saint Augustine on his knees besought our Lord to restore sight unto him that so his grace might be enkindled in the hearts of many and forthwith the blind-man saw and Augustine was held of the people as the true Teacher For all this they assembled a second and greater Synod to which t is said seven British or Welch Bishops carne with many learned men especially from the chiefest Monastery of Bangor whereof Dinoch was Abbot All these openly refusing subjection to Augustine he said to them Although deare brethren in many points you do contrary to us or rather contrary to the custome of the Vniversall Church yet if you will in these things agree with us viz. To celebrate Easter in due time to administer baptism according to the manner of the holy Roman and Apostolike Church preaching with us the word of the Lord to this English Nation All your other Ceremonies Rites Observances and Customs though contrary to ours we will willingly bear with But they replyed they would doe none of these things nor hold him for their Archbishop Whereupon the man of God Augustine threatningly prophesied that since they waved peace with their brethren they should have war from their enemies and since they refus'd to preach the word of Life to the English Nation by their hands they should suffer death Which in all points came to passe as he had foretold For Edilfrid that valiant King of the English raising a mighty Army made a great slaughter of this wicked people For being about to give battel perceiving their Priests met together to pray for their Souldiers he asked who they were and to what end they met there Most of them were of the Monastery of Bangor in Wales where such a number of Monks are said to have been that their Monastery divided into seven parts with their Prelats no one of them had fewer than 300. Most of these having fasted three dayes met at the Camp to pray King Edilfrid understanding the cause of their convening If quoth he they invoke their God against us they fight against us though they bear no Arms Whereupon he commanded the charge to be made upon them and in the end though with losse he quite ruined the other Troops of this wicked Army They say there perisht in that battle about 1200 of those that were assembled to pray and so was accomplisht the Prophesie of Augustine the holy Bishop Note That these Welch Bishops living in the Faith receiv'd from Pope Eleutherius An. 156. as was said B.
See for Paulin at whose request he built a large Cathedral enclosing that of Wood where he had been Baptiz'd Paulin henceforth preacht the word of God continually and they believ'd him and were Christ'ned And the fervour of Faith and desire of holy Baptism was so great that he was staid at Court 36. dayes busied in catechizing and instructing the people in the Faith of Christ In the Countrey of the Deiri he baptiz'd in the floud Swale for as yet there could not be built Oratories Fonts or Baptisteries Yet was there built a great Church in the planes called Downs which the Pagans that slew King Edwin burnt but the Altar escaped the fire being of stone and is kept in the Monastery of the reverend Abbot Trumvulse Chap. 15. King Edwins zeal and devotion was so great towards the Christian Faith that he perswaded Carpwell King of the East English to leave the vain superstition of Idols and with his whole Realm to embrace the true Faith and receive the Sacrament of Christs Church King Redwalls Carpwels Father was Christned before in Kent but he was quickly seduced again by his Wife He seem'd to serve both Christ and his false Gods for in one Temple he erected an Altar for the Sacrifice of Christ and another for his Idols Felix Bishop and a holy Preacher being sent by Honorius Archbishop to preach the Word of God to the East-English found plenty of fruit and encrease of Believers for he brought the whole Province unto the Faith Chap. 16. Relates How Paulin the Bishop preaching the word of God in the Province of Lindesi bulit a Church in the chief City where every year some miraculous Cures were wrought Chap. 17. Relates How Honorius Bonifacius his Successor was Bishop of Rome and sate in the See Apostolick who understanding that the King of Northumberland and all his Subjects were converted to the Faith by Paulinus his preaching sent him a Pall and Letters also to King Edwin exhorting him to go forward in the true Faith To the most Puissant and his most vertuous Son in our Lord Edwin King Honorius servant of the servants of God What are we better able to offer to God than by persisting in good works to worship and render him deserved praises We exhort you dearly beloved Son with Fatherly affection c. A little after he writeth Read St. Gregorie's your Apostles works and set his doctrine ever before your eyes that his prayers may advance your kingdome and people and represent you irreprehensible unto the Almighty We have provided those things which you wisht might be ordained for your Priests We have two Palls for the Primats Honorius and Paulinus commanding that when one of them is called out of this life the surviver substitute by this our Authority another in his place Chap. 18. About this time died Justus Archbishop and Honorius succeeding was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury by Pauline He was the Fifth after St. Augustine to whom Pope Honorius sent a Pall ordaining that when either the Bishop of Canterbury or Yorke died the surviver should have power to Consecrate another in the place of the deceased that so they should not need to travell and toile by Sea and Land to Rome as often as an Archbishop was to be ordained The Copy of the Popes letter to Honorius Labour in preaching the Gospel and follow the rule and steps of your Head and Master blessed Gregory c. As for the priviledges of your Churches we have not delay'd to grant you such things as We thought fit And now We in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles grant unto you Authority c. Here followeth the grant specified in the beginning of this Chapter Dated An. 633. Chap. 19. Pope Honorius sent letters to the Scots whom he understood to erre in the observation of Easter exhorting them that they would not esteem their small number wiser than the Churches of Christ either antient or newly converted in celebrating any other Easter than after the common account and according to the Uniform Decrees of all the Bishops of the world assembled in Councel Chap. 20. Relates How King Edwin was slain his Army defeated his Kingdomes over-run by Penda the Idolater and Carduëlla so that there was no safety but in flight Then Bishop Paulin return'd to Kent bringing with him a fair golden Cross and Chalice consecrated to the use of the Altar which are to be seen in the Cathedral of Canterbury There he govern'd the See of Rochester and left his Pall which he had receiv'd from the Pope of Rome James the Deacon left by Paulin at York set up a School for Church Musick according to the fashion of Rome and Diocess of Canterbury The Third Book Chap. 1. RElates how the Kings Osrich and Eandfrid fell to Idolatry whereupon they deserved not to be accounted to our Kings but their years are numbred to holy King Oswald next following Chap. 2. The place is shew'd untill this day and had in great veneration where Oswald who slew Carduëlla before the battell set up the signe of the holy Cross beseeching God humbly on his knees to succour them in their distress Having with his own hands set up the Crosse he said to the Army Let us all kneâ—l down and pray the Almighty to help us In the place where he made his prayer many miraculous Cures are known to be done in token of his Faith Untill this day many doe usually cut chips from the wood of that holy Cross which casting into water and giving the sick thereof both men and beasts to drink or sprinkling them therewith they are restored to health The place is called Heavenfield signifying that in that place a heavenly memorial should be set up and heavenly miracles be wrought even till our daies The Religious of Hagulsden Church for a long time have us'd to come every year upon the Eve and Day that King Oswald was slain to keep Dirges for his soul and in the morning after Psalms solemnly to offer for him the Sacrifice of the holy Oblation By continuance of this custome the place is become more holy and is now honored by all for the Church dedicated in the same place We shal relate one of many miracles wrought at this Crosse One of the Religious of Hagulsden by name Bothelmus who liveth yet when by chance going on the Ice by a fall broke his Arm in so much that he could not lift it to his mouth prayed one of the brethren to bring him a piece of that blessed wood saying that by Gods grace he might finde help thereby He did so giving the party some of the Moss wherewith the wood was covered which putting into his bosome in the night he found himself soon after whole and sound Chap. 3. Relates how Aidan the Bishop being sent from the Scots to King Oswald the King himself became
Whereupon at the reedifying of the Church the third time in memory of the Miracle the Post was laid as a thrashold for people to kneel on and make their prayers to God And t is well known that divers in that place have been cured of diseases and by the water where in Chipps cut from the Post have been dipt many have had their health restored them Chap. 18. Relates How King Sigibert was so enflam'd with the love of God that leaving his Realm he entred into a Monastery where being shaven he addicted himself to a heavenly warfare Chap. 19. Relates How Furseus encouraged by a Vision built the Monastery the King had given him planting therein Regular discipline Also how from his childehood he gave himself to the reading of holy Scripture and Monasticall observance building another Monastery wherein he might wholy attend to watching and praying where being sick he was rapt in spirit and saw the blessed company of Heaven and great conflicts he had with the wicked spirits who prevaild not the holy Angels guarding and defending him Moreover in a number of straÌ„g visions he saw the evill spirits tormenting men in fire and they did fling one of them at him whom the Angel flung back which neverthelesse did so burne Furseus that when he was restored again to his body the tokens of the scorching remain'd visible to all in his shoulder and cheek all the dayes of his life after His body being removed to the High Altar was found uncorrupt And the year following the same hapned being to be translated to the east side of the Altar In which place it is well known that his Merits have been much renown'd by many Miracles wrought by the Power of God Chap. 20. Tells the death of Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury and how Deus-dedit succeeded Chap. 21. Relates How the Middle-English with Penda their King Son to Penda the â—erfecutor and his Nobles were converted by Finan first a Monke and after Bishop of Lindesferne Chap. 22. Relates How the East-Saxons after their apostacie were converted Sigibert their King having one in his Court that lived in unlawfull wedlock and being excommunicated and all that kept him company by the Bishop the King neglecting this sentence for the evill example and because he would not refrain from going to the house of that wicked man was told by him that in that house he should die And the event proved true for he was there slain by Penda King of the Mercians Yet it is to be presumed that the cause of his death which was for observing Christs command did not onely wipe away this fault but encrease his his merit Swidhelm succeeded Sigibert who was baptised by Cedde Edilwald King of the East-English being his Godfather Chap. 23. Edilwald Son to King Oswald perceiving Cedde to be a wise and vertuous man granted him a plat of ground for the building a Monastery where he and his people might pray and hear the word of God For he believed he should be much furthered by the prayers of those that served God there Cedde's brother preached and ministred the Sacraments to him and all his Court The holy Bishop chose out a place for a Monastery and desiring by prayer and fasting to cleanse it remaind there all the forty daies of Lent fasting and praying All these dayes excepting Sundayes he fasted untill Evening for he said the custome of them from whom he learnt Monasticall life was that in erecting of any new Monastery the place should be first consecrated to God by fasting and prayer He ordain'd in the Monastery of Lesting the same Rules and constitutions of Religion which the Monks of the Holy Island had As he visited the Monastery in the time of the Plague he dyed thereof A Church being after built in honour of our Lady his body was taken up and placed on the right side of the Altar A while after thirty Bretheren of the Monastry of the East Saxons came to the place where he died desiring either to live by the body of their Father or if it so pleas'd God to die there Who being received by the Brethren in time of the Plague were all taken out of this life except one youth who as t is wel known was sav'd by the prayers 〈◊〉 this holy Father For afterwards we understood that he had not bin christned whence it was beleeved that he was without doubt preserved by the intercession of the Father whose Corps he so piously visited Chap. 24. Relates How vertuous King Oswin of Northumberland called for the help of God against Penda who threatned to destroy little and great in his Kingdome He tried to appease him by gifts that not succeeding he said Since this Infidel regardeth not my Presents let us offer presents to our Lord who will receive them so he vowed that if he vanquisht him his daughter should be consecrated to God in perpetuall Virginity and that twelve Farms with Lands should be converted to the founding of Monasteries Thus with a very smal Army he offered him battle though the Enemy was reported to have thirty times as many men The victory being by Gods help miraculously obtained Oswin instantly performed his Vow giving his daughter Elfled not yet a year old to be brought up and consecrated to perpetual virginity as also the twelve Possessions towards the founding of Monasteries where instead of worldly Tillage Religious Monks by continuall devotion might labour to purchase eternal rest for him and his Countrey She entred first the Monastery of Horstherland now Hartsey to be brought up under Hilda Abbesse in Religion and perpetual Virginity But afterwards she built a Monastery call'd Stranshalt in which she was first a Scholler but after a Teacher of Monasticall life untill at the age of threescore she past to the blessed marriage of her Heavenly Spouse being buried in the Church of St. Peter the Apostle Eanfled required of Osway who kill'd Oswin in part of satisfaction to erect a Monastery call'd Ingelith whereof Trumher was Abbot to the intent that there might be daily prayer made for the salvation both of him that was slain and him that slew him Chap. 25. About this time arose a great Controversie touching the observation of Easter By this variance it hapned often that in one year two Easters were kept the King ending his Fast and solemnizing the Feast of Easter the Queen with her company continuing in fasting kept Palm-sunday yet this diversity as long as Aidan liv'd was by al tolerated for though in observing Easter he followed the custom of those with whom he was brought up yet he believed as all others did and kept unity with all Alfred the Kings son being instructed by the learned Wilfrid preferr'd his judgment before all the traditions of the Scots This Wilfrid for better instruction had travell'd to Rome and lived long with