French Noble man deligâ—ting in contention had forty Law-suits depending at one time the King understanding of it reproved him for it and commanded him to desist from them His reply was that he would lay down all save six which he would continue for his recreation Bosch Serm 21. p. 488. A Woman having lived in Adultery Eleven years without confessing it fortuned that two Friars came that wa whereof the one was the Popes Confessor to whom she confessing herself the other standing by saw twenty Toads come out of her Mouth and go out of the Church But she still concealing her Adultery the Friar supposing she had made a full Confession absolved her But she having dealt deceitfully he again saw all those Toads reenter and besiâ—es them a new one greater and bigger than the former by vvhich last they conceived was meant â—he abuse of the Sacrament added to her other sins upon which the Friars returning to convert her found her strangled and dead She three dayes after appears to them and acknowledgeth that she vvas now tormented for her not confessing Idem 5â—3 Boschier relates of a man that vvhen he vvent to confess himself vvould alwayes beat his Wife and being asked the reason of it answered That being to confess he found himself very forgetful so that he could not remember the one half of vvhat he had done but saith he when I have beaten my Wife she puts me in mind not only vvhat I have done that year but in all my life Bosch 23. Serm. p. 539. Pericles an Athenian Governour as oft as he put on his Robes would admonish himself to remâ—mber that he governed Free-men Grecians and Athenians Bosch Acad. p. 55. One desirous to have bought Nobility of Maximilian the Emperour He answered him I can make thee richer but none can make thee Noble but thy own Vertue Idem p. 56. St. Paul names Christ by some of his Titles five hundred times and Ignatius is reported to have the name â—esus vvritten in his Heart vvhen he vvas dead in golden Letâ—ers Idem Paphnutius is reported to convert a Harlot by this means pretending love he desired to be brought into the most private room she had vvhich she brought him into but still he found fault and complained to her that he vvas afraid some Eye vvould see him to vvhich she answered None can see thee here but only God To vvhich he râ—plâ—ed And dost thou think that God sees thee and yet vvilt play the Harlot Which he so enforced that it prevailed upon her to a change Idem Com. Tertia p. 39. The Discourse of a Philosopher concerning the contempt of life made the Milesian Virgins hang themselves and prevailed with so many that nothing could restrain them till they vvere threatnâ—d to be left hanging naked in the sight of all And Cleombrotus reading Plato concerning immortality threw himself headlong down a precipice that he might enjoy it Idem p. 12â— A French Noble man vvhen he vvas a Youth promised his Schoolmaster that if he came to be Bishop he vvould prefer him He aftervvard advanced forgot his poor Schoolmaster who to mind him of it meets him in Paris streets at Noon vvith lighted Torcâ—es and being askt why he did so he answered Because he seemed to him to see nothing but to have lost the Eyes of compassion Idem p. 163. Phryne a Boeotian Harlot being promised by Praxyteles her Paramour and a most excellent Carver free leave to choose the most exquisite Statue was in his Shop not knowing vvithout his instruction vvhich vvas best suborned one to come and acquaint him that his House vvas on fire and so his statues all in danger which he hearing and hastning home again and again enquired vvhether the Statue of Cupid vvere safe vvhereby Phryne discovered that that vvas best and so made choice of it Bosch p. 184. After the great overthrow the Romans had at Cannas vvhere vvere fifty thousand slain vvhen Terentius Varro brought back the Remnant of the Army the Senate mâ—t him and congratulated him only for this that he did not despair of the Roman Common-wealth When Thrasippus had not reviled only but spit in his face and that at a great Feast at his own House of Pisistratus the Athenian Tyrant He vvent to Thrasippus the next morning and intreated him not to kill himself but forgave and still used him as a friend Idem 16. Codras an Athenian the Philaeni Carthaginian Brethren Curtius a Roman Butas and Sparcâ—us Lacedemonians all these freely gave up their lives for the good of their Country ulius Caesar wept at the sight of Pompeys Head never destroyed any that were hot in Arms against him restored his vanquished Enemys to their dignity and honour Theodosius counted it a benefit to him when any that offended him asked him forgiveness and vvas then readiest to forgive when he had bin most highly injured Chaâ—les the fifth Emperour banisht a Noble Counsellor for advising him to burn the City Gaunt that had rebelled against him Quo quisque est major magis est placabilis ira Et faciles motus mens generosa capit satis est prostrasse leoni Bosh p. 290 The mistaking of a point the misplacing of a Comma many times alters the whole sense of a Sentence as that Abbot when he should have read Porta patens esto nulli claudaris honesto read it thus Porta patens esto nulli claudaris honesto And that famous in our English History Edvardum occidere nolite timere bonum est Which having the point placed after Nolite forbad after Timere prescribed the Kings Murder A Countryman seeing the Arch-Bishop of Collen riding in a Military Equipage garded with Troops of Souldiers and smiling at it was askt the reason He answered That he could not but smile at the simplicity of St. Peter who living so mean and poor himself should have such Lordly and Military successors To whom the Arch-Bishop replied that as a Prince he was so attended but in the Church he behaved himself as an Arch-Bishop To whom the Countryman returns I desire your Lordship would resolve me When my Lord the Duke shall be in Hell for his pride what will become of my Lord the Arch-Bishop Bosch Ibid p. 287. God many times brings his by evil unto good As Israel through the wilderness into Canaan Job through extremity of misery to a heightned happiness Joseph by the malice of his Brethren and treachery of his Mistriss to Dignity and Honour Jason sick of an Impostume and given over by his Physicians in warr against his Enemies received a wound that cured him Hamans persecution was Mordecai's advancement Themistocles banishment by his Countrymen made way for Xerxes favour and preferment by him Idem p. 327. Pambo came to a learned man and desired him to teach him some Psalm he began to read unto him the Thirty-ninth and when he had past the first verse I said I will look to my wayes that I offend not with my
a hundred and fourscore years after Christ which it retained in great sincerity for the space of a hundred years till the raign of Dioclesian who began his raign Anno Dom. 288. Bp. Godwins lives of the Bishops p. 35. Augustine the first Arch bishop of Canterbury being dead and leaving Laurence a Virtuous man his successor upon the death of Ethelbert a good Prince Eadbald his Son succeeding a Vicious person that married his Fathers Wife and renounced the Christian Religion the Arch-bishop Laurence being hereby discouraged determined to go into France and the night before the day of his intended departure he caused his bed to be made in the Church of his Monastery where after many tears and sighs he recommended to God the miserable estate of his poor Church and so fell a sleep It seemed unto him that St. Peter came to him and first expostulated the matter with him and then reprehended him and lastly whipt his naked body so terribly as when he awaked finding it more than a dream he was all gore blood He went immediately to the King shewing him his wound and related the occasion on which the King being terrified he renounced his Idols put away his Incestuous wife was baptized and built a Church in the Monastery of St. Peter and the Archbishop continued in his pastoral charge till his death which was February 3. Six hundred and nineteen Bp. Godwin p. 50. Honorius the fifth Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was the first that divided his province into Parishes that so he might appoint particular Ministers to particular congregations He died Anno dom 653. Godwin p. 52. Theodore a Graecian born in Tarsus of Cilicia Saint Pauls Country was the seventh Arch bishop of Canterbury a learned man brought great store of books both Greek and Latine with him He erected a School at Greekeslade or Greekes slade in Wiltshire so called of the Graecians his Countrymen that taught and studied there and removing thence are supposed to lay the Foundation of the Vniversity of Oxford He sate Archbishop twenty two years died six hundred and ninety being eighty eight years of age unto which time he would often say that he thought he should live for that in a dream it had been so signified unto him many years before Id. p. 54. Cuthbert the eleventh Arch-bishop of Canterbury was the first that got liberty from the Pope of making Coemeteries or burying places within Townes or Cities for before within the Walls none were buried Id. p. 57. In the time of Athelred who was eighteen years Arch-bishop of Canterbury all the Monasteries of England were destroyed by the Danes so as for the space of ninety years after Monkery ceased throughout England yea in the North-parts there was not seen either Monks or Nuns in two hundred years after till about the middle of the raign of VVilliam the Conqueror Married Priests every where inhabited Monasteries whence a long time after with much ado they were hardly ejected This Athelred died in the year of our Lord eight hundred eighty nine Bp. Godw. p. 60. Odo the two and twentieth Arch-bishop of Canterbury divorced King Edwin from his Queen excommunicated his Concubines and caused one of them whom the King doted most unreasonably on to be fetcht out of the Court by Violence burnt her in the fore-head with a hot Iron and banished her into Ireland After his death which happened in the year nine hundred fifty eight Elsinus Bishop of VVinchester that could never brook him in his life by bribery and corrupt means obtained election and coming thither spurned at his Tomb despightfully using these speeches Now at last saith he thou art dead old Dotard and much against thy will hast left thy place to a man worthier of it than thy self Our stories report that the next night Odo appeared to him in his sleep threatning a speedy and fearful vengeance of this insolency According to which prediction it fell out that travelling to Rome for his Pall upon the Alpes he was so oppressed with cold that he was constrained to put his feet wherewith he had so contumeliously disgraced his predecessor into the bellies of his Horses and yet at last to die with cold Idem p. 63. Dunstan the 23d Archbishop of Canterbury born in Somersetshire brought up in the Abbey of Glastonbury being commended by Athelm his Vncle to the King was entertained at Court till for a Miracle as the Monks call it which was then imputed to Conjuration he was driven thence with much disgrace and applied himself to the service of Elphege Bishop of Winchester who earnestly perswaded him to be a Monk which he could not away with till falling dangerously sick and apprehending it a Judgment for disgracing his Uncles persuasion and then in great hast he professed himself a Monk in Glastonbury where leading a strict life as to outward appearance he grew famous and was called by King Edward to Court where he had a divers reputation sometimes accounted too familiar with fair VVomen sometimes a Conjurer but by most a vertuous person a bitter Enemy of married Clergymâ—n and a great Promoter of Monkery ruled all at his pleasure under King Edmund and Elred but King Edwin could not brook him which Dunstan perceiving got away into France and lived there in Banishment but by Edgar that succeeded was recalled and promoted to the Bishoprick of Worcester then of London and after of Canterbury where he sate twenty seven years enriching Monasteries and persecuting married Priests and dyed May the 19th 988. and was shortly after Canonized for a Saint Bp. Godwyn p. 65. Edwin the Son of King Edmund the day of his Coronation rose from the Feast and went immediately to his Chamber where a beautiful Concubine attended his coming Dunstan that had gotten some inkling of the business that he went about followed him boldly and forced him not only to leave that enterprise for that time but also to forswear the Company of that VVoman for ever Id. p. 64. In the year one thousand and twelve it happened the Danes to be disappointed of certain tribute which they claimed as due unto them for want whereof they spoiled and burnt the City and Church of Canterbury The Monks and People thereof Men VVomen and Children they tithed putting nine to the Sword and letting go a tenth only so that for 804. that were suffered to escape 7236 went to Pot. Elphege then Archbishop they kept in Prison and put him to Death at Greenwich Id. p. 66. Agelnoth the 29th Archbishop of Canterbury going to Rome to fetch his Pall bought an Arm of St. Austin Bishop of Hippo for an hundred Talents of Silver and a Talent of Gold and bestowed it on the Church of Coventry Godw. p 67. Robert sirnamed Gemeticensis a Norman being by the favour of Edward the Confessor made Archbishop of Canterbury and not enduring that any should bear so great Sway as himself at Court fell to devising how he might overthrow Emma the Kings
Id. p. 257. Constantius Chlorus to try his Officers commanded them to offer Sacrifice to the Idol Gods pretending to discourt all such as refused but contrariwise those that obeyed he put from him with this reproof That he that is disloyal to his God will never be true not trusty to his Prince p. 258. Constantine in his Expedition towards Rome being doubtful what God to invocate casting up his Eyes to Heaven had the sign of the Cross presented to him wherein were Stars as Letters so placed that visibly might be read this Sentence in Greek In this Sign thou shalt overcome Speeds Hist p. 259. Maxentius framed a deceitful Bridg over Tybur to intrap Constantine but joyning Battel and overlaid and retiring fled himself over the same Bridg which falling under him he and many more were drowned 260. Constantine intending to build a City at Chalcedon in Asia whilst they were measuring out the Circuit an Eagle scouping at the Line flew with it over the Sea toward Bizantium in Thrace to which place the thing seeming Ominous he transferred his new Foundation and there built Constantinople p. 261. In the famous Library at Constantinople in which there were one hundred and twenty thousand Manuscripts there were the Gutts of a Dragon 120 foot long on which Homers Iliads were written admirably in Letters of Gold p. 261. Julian the Emperor first a Deacon after a Wretched Apostate yet was otherwise highly commended for his many good qualities so temperate that he never had any War with his Belly so chast that after the Death of his VVife he never regarded VVomen and would not see the Persian Captive Ladies nor suffer Cookes or Barbers in his Army as being Ministers of Intemperance As for Stage-Plays he never but once a year permitted them in his Court and then he saith of himself he was similior detestanti quam spectanti Id. p. 265. When Delphidius the Orator inveighed against an innocent denyal saying Nocens esse poterit quisquam si negare sufficeret Who can be guilty if it be enough to deny Julian replied And who can be innocent if it be enough to accuse Id. 265. Julian in despight of the Christians would have rebuilt the Temple at Jerusalem and set men on work to that purpose but was frustrated by terrible Earth-quakes and Fire-balls that hindred his proceedings and forms of Crosses shining as the Sun fell on the Garments of the Jews Ibid. From above the Porch of Entrance into one of the Cities which Julian regained the Wreath of Lawrel reserved as an Ornament of the place fell in a wonderfull manner on his head which fill'd him with hopes of conquering the Persians against whom having vowed a Sacrifice of Christians if he returned going with confidence was slain by a Launce from whose hand none knew and dying cast his blood into the air with these words Vicisti Galilaee His usual saying was Turpe est sapienti cum habeat animam captare laudes ex corpore Speeds Hist p. 266. Valentinian the Son of a Rope-maker in the dayes of Julia laid down his belt that is his Command in the Army rather than he would renounce his faith and was shortly after chosen Emperor in whose dayes St. Jerom reports that it rained Wooll from heaven so perfect and good that no better grew upon the sheep the natural producers of it p. 371. Severa Valentinians wife commending the beauty of Justina to her husband occasioned his marrying of her who taking two wives himself made a Law that others might do so likewise p. 272. Maximus the Usurper seeking the life of Gratianus the Emperor caused letters and reports to be brought to Gratian that his Empress was on her journey to visit him and withall sent forth a Caroch stuff'd with Soldiers and with them a desperate Captain named Andragathius Gratian rejoycing at his wifes approach prepared himself to meet her and opening the letter thinking to embrace his Empress was by the Command of Andragathius treacherously murdered But Andragathius after Maximus was overthrown by Theodosius his state being then desperate cast himself headlong into the Sea and made an end of his wretched life p. 233. Theodosius in a great danger overlaid by Eugenius and Arbogastus upon his earnest prayer God raised a violent tempest which so sorely beat upon his Enemies that he got a glorious Victory One Constantine a common Soldier was elected Emperor only for his names sake p. 280. Theodosius having cruelly destroyed the Thessalonians coming to Millain would have entered the Church to have communicated with other Christians but was resisted and forbid by St. Ambrose in which estate the Emperor stood for eight months and then with great humility and submission acknowledging his offence was absolved and again received into the congregation Speeds Hist p. 275. Theodosius being very passionate and thereby sometimes doing amiss to prevent it enacted a Law that thirty days should pass betwixt the sentence of death and the execution of the Malefactor and to suppress his hasty Choler his usual manner was to recite the Greek Alphabet before he uttered any speech savouring of that humour p. 275. Pelagius was a Brittain whose heretical opinions were these 1. That man without the grace of God was able to fulfil all the Commandments 2. That man in himself had free will 3. That the grace of God was given unto us according to our merits 4. That the Just have no sin 5. That children are free from Original sin 6. That Adam should have died if he had not sinned p. 279. Among the Antient Saxons he that abandoned or lost his shield in battel was debar'd from their publick sacrifices and Assemblies the greatest disgrace that could be for shame of which many destroyed themselves Id. p. 289. The Germanes were a warlike Nation their Maids presented to their Husbands as a dowry at their Nuptials a Tent and a Spear and their Men usually met at their Feasts and Counsels in their armour and for any to return alive from the Battel in which the Prince was slain was a perpetual Infamy p. 289. Women taken in Adultery among the Saxons haing first their Hair cut off vvere turned stark naked out of their Husbands Houses and that in presence of their ovvn kindred then vvere they scourged vvith VVhips through the Tovvn vvithout regard of birth beauty age or wealth and never after could get any other Husbands p. 289. Vodine Bishop of London feared not to tell King Vortigerus that for Marrying Rowena a heathenish Lady Daughter to Hengist he had indangered both his Soul and his Crown Which words were so ill digested that they shortly cost the Bishop his Life Speeds Hist p. 290. Ethelburga the Wife of King Brithrich the West Saxon having poysoned her Husband fled into France where being for her beauty prostered by King Charles the Marriage of himself or his Son she making choice of the Son had neither but was thrust into a Monastery whence committing VVhoredom she was
as unworthy for her unchast life to have Christian burial But the chast Virgins gathered them up put them into a perfumed bag and buried them laying a fair grave-stone upon them inscribed with these verses Hic jacet in Tumba Rosa mundi non Rosa munda Non redolet sed olet quae redolere solet Qui meat hâc oret signumque salutis adoret Vtque tibi detur requies Rosamunda precetur Speeds Hist p. 480. Morgan natural Son to Henry the second born of the body of the Lady Blewet being elected Bishop of Durham and going for Consecration and a dispensation because of his Bastardy the Pope advised him to own himself Blewets Son but he answered That he would not renounce his Roâ—al blood for any promotion p. 480. Maud the Empress was the daughter wife and mother of Kings all named Henry which is expressed in this distich made of her Ortu magna Viro major sed maxima prole Hic jacet Henrici filia sponsa nurus Speeds Hist 481. Richard the first though himself had rebelled against his Father yet coming to the Crown cashiered all those that had forsaken and retained those who had stood faithful to his Father though against himself and made use of them in all his affairs p. 485. Rhese ap Griffith Prince of Wales coming as far as Oxford to Visit King Richard because the King came not forth to meet him returned back into his own Country without once saluting of him Ibid. When the Emperor gave three thousand Marks a part of King Richards ransome to make Silver Censers through all the Cestertian Order they refused the gift as part of an accursed spoil p. 489. Pope Celestin Crowning Henry the Emperor held the Crown between his feet which the Emperor stooping low he put upon his head and presently with his foot struck it off and dasht it to the ground but the Cardinals catching of it up put it again on the Emperors head Sp. H. p. 485. Henry de Pumeroy having fortified St. Michael's Mount in Cornwall against King Richard in behalf of Earl John hearing of the Kings return out of Captivity died of fear Id. p. 489. Richard the first sitting at Dinner at Westminster receiving advertisement of the siege laid to Vernveil by Philip of France sware that he would not turn his face till he had gotten thither with his Army whereupon he caused the wall to be bored through and never rested till he had removed the siege Id. p. 489. The Pope writing to King Richard to release the Bishop of Beauvoys whom he kept Prisoner calling him his Son The King sent the Habergica and Curace of the Bishop to the Pope with this question See if this be thy Sons Coat The Pope replied that he was no Son of his nor of the Church but the Son of Mars and should be ransomed at the Kings pleasure p. 499. King Richard the first out of Covetousness of Treasure of which he was profered a great part but would have all went to assault a Castle where he received his deaths wound Speeds Hist p. 491. Whilst King Richard warred in France one Fulco a French Priest came to him and told him he had three very bad daughters which he wished him to bestow in Marriage or else Gods wrath would attend him When the King denied he had any daughters Yes quoth the Priest thou cherishest three daughters Pride Covetousness and Lechery The King replied My Pride I bequeath to the haughty Templars and Hospitallers my Covetousness to the white Monks of the Cesteaux Order and my Lechery to the Priests and Prelates for therein they take their greatest Felicity Id. p. 492. A Monk at Swinstead Abbey presenting King John with an Invenomed Cup whereof the King commanded him to be his taster became the diabolical instrument of his own and his Soveraigns destruction Id. p. 516. William Marshal Earl of Pembrook famous for his atchievements in Ireland had this Epitaph made on him Sum qui Saturnum sibi sensit Hibernia Solem Anglia Mercurium Normannia Gallia Martem William Longspee Earl of Salisbury upon point of death would not receive the Sacrament in his bed but on his bare knees on the ground which he bedewed with his tears The like devotion is reported of King Henry the eighth On VVilliam Longspee was made this Epitaph Flos comitum Wilielmus obit Stirps regia longus Ensis Vaginam coepit habere brevem Speeds Hist p. 524. Henry the third the same day he set sail from England did himself in person visit the poor and feeble and dealt large Almes not refusing to kiss the sick and leprous p. 527. Four Parelions together with the Sun in the year one thousand two hundred thirty and three in the moneth of April appeared from Morning till night about the parts of Hereford and VVorcestershire 529. Hubert de Burgo Earl of Kent vvas articled against to King Henry the third that he had stoln out of the Kings Jewel-house a pretious stone of wonderful value whose vertue was to make him that wore it invincible in battel and that he gave that stone to Liolin Prince of Wales the Kings Enemy Speed p. 528. Liolin Prince of Wales being threatned that if he lived not quiet King Henry the third would soon abate him answered I more fear the Almsdeeds the King gives than all the men of War he hath and the whole Clergy put together p. 530. In a great famine in the raign of Henry the third certain poor of Albaldestea in Cambridgshire while as yet the corn was green pluckt the ears in the common field to sustain their lives whereat the owners call on the Priest to curse all such but one in the Company adjured the Priest in the name of God to exempt his Corn in the sentence saying That it pleased him well that the poor driven with famine had taken his Corn and so commended that which they had left to God The Priest compelled by the importunity of the rest was entred into the sentence when by a terrible interrupting tempest of thunder lightning wind hail and rain all the Corn-fields about were desolated as if they had been trodden down with Horse and Cart and no kind of beast or fowl would feed upon the Corn thus layed but that honest and compassionate hearted man found all his Corn and ground though intermixed vvith theirs altogether untoucht and unharmed p. 532. In the year one thousand tvvo hundred thirty five there vvere brought before King Henry the third seven Jews vvho circumcised a child and purposed in contempt of Christ and Christianity to have crucified him at Easter at Norwich Speeds History p. 532. At the Marriage of Richard Earl of Cornwall brother to Henry the third there were thirty thousand Messes provided in the Cookery only and of all other things incredible plenty and yet the next day there was no sign of it p. 537. Ingetram or Coucy a great Lord in France whose daughter Alexander King
slanderous rancour of the wicked Speeds Hist p. 622. A Galthrop or engine with three sharp points was hid in Henry the fourths bed but he espied it and so prevented the danger 627. A Frier Minor being asked that he would do if King Richard were alive and present he confidently answered that he would fight for him till death against any whatsoever which cost him his life being drawn and hanged in his Friers weeds Id. 627. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century IX AT Danbury Church in Essex the Divel appeared in the habit of a Minorite to the incredible astonishment of the Parishioners For at that time there was such a terrible tempest with lightnings and thunder and great fire-balls that the vault of the Church broke and half the Chancel was carried away Speeds Hist p. 628. Between Bedford and Bickleswade in the year one thousand four hundred and three sundry Monsters of divers colours in the shapes of armed men were often seen to issue out of the woods at Morning and at Noon which to suchs as stood far off seemed to encounter one another in most terrible manner but when they drew near nothing was to be found p. 629. Nero though generally hated while he was alive yet twenty years after his death an obscure fellow feigning himself Nero was so backt and countenanced by the Parthians and others that not without much difficulty the Romans could get him into their hands Speeds Hist. p. 629. Henry the fifth supposing his Father dead took the Crown that stood by him his Father reviving enquired for it which when he brought the Father said Oh Son with what right I got it God knows who forgive me the sin Howsoever it was got said the Prince I mean to keep it and defend it with my Sword as you by Sword obtained it p. 631. Henry the fifth though while Prince was wild and Companion of riotous persons yet coming to the Crown the first thing he did was the banishment of all such his old Companions ten miles from his presence Speeds Hist p. 637. Archbishop Arundel having in a synod condemned Oldcastle Lord Cobham for an Heretick and enacted that the holy Scripture should not be translated into the English tongue shortly after his tongue grew so big in his mouth that he could not speak or swallow but in horror lay languishing till he was starved to death p. 638. The Dolphin of France understanding that Henry the fifth intended to invade France sent him in scorn a Tun of Tennis Balls But the King returned answer that the Balls he should play the Gates of Paris should not be rackets strong enough to beat back and afterwards most gallantly made good his words p. 640. Ziska that famous Bohemian Protestant commanded that when dead his skin should be made the cover of a Drum to terrifie his Enemies Speeds Hist 645. Henry the fifth having vanquished the French at Azincourt returning thanks to God at Pauls in London would not have his broken Crown nor bruised Armour bore before him p. 646. Lewes the eleventh of France being perswaded to demolish the Tomb of the Duke of Bedford who had been Regent in France and was buried at Roan answered That it vvould be dishonourable to disturb him dead vvho when alive made all France tremble p. 676. Walter Earl of Athol conspired the murther of James the first King of Scotland in hopes of the Crown and Crowned he was as his Sorcerers had foretold him he should be but not with the Crown of the Kingdom but of Red hot Iron clapt upon his head being one of the tortures by which he ended at once his wicked daies and designs p. 672. Whilst the controversy between Henry the sixth and Richard Duke of York was debating in the Parliament a Crown which hung for garnishment in the middle of the roof where the Knights and Burgesses met as likewise a Crown which for the like Cause stood upon the highest Tower of Dover Castle fell down which was vulgarly construed to portend the translation of the Crown from the Lancastrian to the Yorkest which soon after came to pass p. 683. On Candlemas day in the year one thousand four hundred sixty one immediately before the Battel at Mortimers Cross where Edward Earl of March afterwards King Edw. the fourth was victorious there appeared in the Firmament three Suns which suddainly joyned in One Which occasioned to use as his device The Sun in his brightness Speeds Hist p. 684. One Walker a London Grocer for words spoken concerning his own Son to encourage him to learn his Book that he would make him Heir of the Crown meaning his own House having that sign was therefore in the eighth day of Edward the fourths Raign beheaded in Smithfield p. 684. Edward the fourth being ready to joyn battel caused Proclamation to be made That he that feared to fight might forthwith depart but if any Souldier abiding should seek to fly or turn back he should be slain by his next fellow and the slayer to receive a great reward besides the stipend of a double pay p. 687. Sir Ralph Percy being slain taking part with Henry the sixth died with these words I have saved the bird in his breast meaning his Oath made to King Henry p. 687. Richard Nevil Earl of VVarwick spent in his house in London six Oxen every day p. 689. Henry the sixth when certain Ladies presented themselves before him in a Mask with their hair loose and their breasts uncovered He then a Bachelor and able of Marriage immediately rose up and departed the presence saying Fie Fie forsooth you are to blame p. 689. When Henry the sixth lay Prisoner in the Tower a Ruffian intending his death wounded him in the side with a Sword whom being restored to his Estate he freely forgave and another striking him in the face he punished only with this reprehension Forsooth you are to blame to strike me your anointed King Sp. p. 697. Henry Holland Duke of Excester and brother in Law to Edward the fourth was driven by him out of England into Burgundy where Comines writes that he saw him running bare-legged after Burgundies train begging his bread for Gods sake And the Countess of Oxford had nothing to maintain her but the Charity of others and her own needle Speeds Hist p. 968. Edward the fourth hunting in Arrow Park belonging to Thomas Burdet Esquire among other game kill'd a white Buck that Burdet highly valued whereupon Burdet wished the Hornes in his belly that wished the King to kill it For which his words being interpreted as though he wisht them in the Kings belly he was condemned and beheaded at Tiburne p. 700. An old Prophecy that a G. should raign after an E. occasioned the death of George Duke of Clarence who on pretended Articles of Treason was condemned in Parliament and by his own choyce drowned in a But of Malmsey p. 701. The Lord Chamberlain Hastings having been of Counsel to imprison and behead the Lord
Flux saw that he should die he caused his Armor to be put upon him and so Armed and sitting in a Chair said Thus it becometh a Knight or man of honor to die and not lying in his bed as another mean man Grafton p. 181. Edward the Confessor was the first King of England that used by his touch to cure the Kings evil William the Conqueror had three Horses killed under him at Battel Abbey Field Id. p. 191. An Hide of Land containeth five yards and every yard containeth four Acres An Acre containeth forty perches in length and four in breadth And a Knights fee con aineth eight Hides which amount to one hundred and sixty Acres and is accompted a Plough Land Grafton 2. Vol. p. 16. Leofricus Duke of Mercia in the time of Edward the Confessor adorned the Church of Coventry with great riches of Gold Silver and Jewels insomuch that Robert William the Conquerors Chaplain being made Bishop thereof took from one beam in his Church the value of five hundred Marks A Tempest in the year one thousand and ninety in the raign of William Rufus blew down six hundred houses in London p. 23. William Rufus warring in Normandy when by his command an Army of twenty thousand men were gathered together at Hastings in Sussex ready to be transported he sent then word that every man paying ten shillings might return home as meaning to corrupt therewith Philip the French King to desert his brother Robert which accordingly was done and thereon Robert was fain to sue for Terms of Peace Id. p. 25. In the time of Rufus Bishopricks were bought and sold in England as other Merchandises also Priests used bushed and braided-heads and blazing clothes shining and Golden Girdles and gilt Spurs and many other enormities uncontrouled Grafton 2. Vol. p. 28. In the year one thousand one hundred and sixty were seen in England two Moons on Maunday Thursday the one in the East the other in the West and in the year one thousand one hundred and fifty six were seen two Suns and in the Moon a Red Cross about which time in Italy appeared three Suns by the space of three hours in the West and in the year following three Moons whereof the middle had a Red Cross overthwart noted as a token of the schisme among the Cardinals about the election of Alexander the third that endured twenty years As also in December in the year one thousand and two hundred in the raign of King John were seen in the Element about ten at night within the Province of York five Moons One in the East another in the West a third in the South another in the North and a fifth in the middle Hail fell as big as Hens Eggs and Spirits were seen flying in the Air like Birds with fire in their bills setting houses on fire as they flew And the last of October one thousand three hundred twenty and one the Sun for six hours together appeared as red as blood And in the year one thousand two hundred sixty and one in the raign of Henry the third the Thames was frozen so hard that men rode over on horse-back Grafton 2. Vol. p. 36. 51. 92. 98 138. 201. All Becket's Kinred both men and women were banished for his offence by Henry the second p. 68. Becket on Christmas day did excommunicate Robert de Brocke for cutting off the tail of one of his Horses the day before p. 71. When Pope Alexander trod upon the Emperor Fredericks neck the Quire blasphemously sung this verse Thou shalt walk upon the adder and the Basilisk and shall tread down the Lion and the Dragon p. 79. IMMANUEL Historical Collections Century X. HEnry the second King of England never laid any Tax or tribute on his Subjects in all his raign and yet when he died left nine hundred thousand pounds in his Treasury Grafton Vol. 2. p 81. Robin Hood and little John who is reported to be fourteen foot high two Famous Thieves lived in the time of King Richard the first p. 85. Four hundred Jews at York in the time of Richard the first cut their Master veines and bled themselves to death p. 87. In the year one thousand two hundred twenty one the men of Cathness in Scotland burnt their Bishop because he cursed them for not paying Tithes for which cause the King of Scots hanged four hundred of the chief doers gelded their children and disinherited the Earl of that Country Id. p. 119. A Jew falling into a Privy at Tewksbury on Saturday for reverence of the day which is their Sabbath would not be taken forth The Earl of Glocester hearing of it commanded that he should not be taken out on the Lords day for reverence of the Christian Sabbath and on Munday morning he was found dead Grafton Vol. 2. p. 119. When Isabel Edward the seconds Wife was returning with an Army into England had they not been driven by a Tempest to a contrary Harbour they had all miscarried their Enemies waiting at the Port they intended to land at p. 20. Edward the third tempted the Chastity of the beautiful Countess of Salisbury and had an honorable repulse p. 214. King Edward the third having streightned Calice by a Twelve-months siege proffered mercy to all except six which should come forth with Halters about their necks and be left wholly to his dispose they coming he commanded them to be beheaded but upon the earnest intercession of his Queen and Nobles he forgave them who had all voluntarily proffered themselves to that danger to save their people p. 286. King Edward the third took Sir Eustace of Richmond Prisoner with his own hand and for his valiant behaviour in the encounter he set him at liberty and gave him a rich Chapelet of Pearls to were in remembrance of him Grafton Vol. 2. p. 291. Sir James Audely having behaved himself valiantly at the battel of Poytiers the Black Prince gave him five hundred Marks a year which he presently gave his four Esquires the Prince hearing of it confirmed his gift and gave him six hundred Marks more for himself p. 299. John King of France and Edw. the 3d King of England being together at Mass when the Pax was profered to be kissed both refused to kiss first and so instead of kissing the Pax they kissed each other p. 316. In the year one thousand four hundred and eleven the Thames flowed three times in one day of which Grafton gives the reason to be great Winds Rains and Frost p. 441. At the Council of Constance was assembled of Bishops Abbots and Doctors three hundred forty six of Noble men five hundred sixty four of Knights and Esq sixteen thousand besides Servants which not accounting the Townsmen were reckoned forty five thousand persons Id. 444. In the raign of Henry the fiftâ— there was a Bill put up in the Parliament at Leicester against the Temporalties of the Clergy That that which was devoutly given and disordinately spent might
he did Id. f. 248. A Woman of Berckley in Glocestershire having long used evil Arts as she sate at a feast a Crow that she kept creked lowder than she was wont The Woman then said O my Saul is come to sorrow this day sent for her Children confest her sins and wisht them to bind her in her Coffin with Chains and if she â—ay four days to bury her but she was fetcht by the Devil out of the Church set upon a Black Horse and carried away with terrible cryes Id. fol. 257. A Citizen of Rome named Lucianus having married a Wife called Eugenia after his Wedding dinner went to the Fields and being to play put his Ring upon the Finger of an Image that stood by when he had done his play coming for his Ring he could not get it off At night Bedding his Wife something between him and his Wife lay by him and said Lye with me I am the Goddess Venus thou hast Wedded this day and so did many nights At last his Friends applied themselves to one Palumbus a Priest that was a Negromancer by whose means he got his Ring and afterward heard no more of his bed-fellow Polycron f. 247. In the Province of Apulâ—a was an Image of Marble with an head of Brass and had a Garland on which was Written The first day of May I shall have a head of Gold A Saracen Prisoner understood what it meant and came the first day of May and took notice of the shadow of the Image in length and breadth and found under the shadow a great treasure with which he paid his ransome Id. fol. 258. Patronus an Anchorite in an Abbey of Scotland The Abbey was on Fire and he might have escaped and would not go fourth but was willingly and willfully burnt But saith Trevisa the Translator of Polycronicon God grant he be not damned for his blind devotion fol. 258. Oliver a Monk of Malmsbury in his youth arrayed himself to fly as Daedalus did but fell down and lamed himself in his thighs all his life after Which he imputed to his neglect or forgetfulness in not making himself a Tail Id. 260. Walter Bishop of Hereford in the time of William the Conqueror fell in love with a Sempster of that City and when he could not prevail b words he would have forced her but she ran him into the belly with her Scissers of which he died Id. 262. Johannes de Temporibus who was Esquire to Charles the great died in the dayes of King Stephen of England when he had lived three hundred sixty and one years Id. When the Physicians and Prelates perswaded King Lewes of France to make use of a VVoman in his return from the Holy land because he was so far from his Queen and sick for want of that Evacuation He answered them That he had rather dye than live in spouse breach and so put himself in Gods hand and was suddainly made well Polycron f. 285. When one brought King Lewes a Bull from the Pope whereby was granted to the King to have the first benefice in every Cathedral Church in his realm He threw the Bull in the fire saying That he rather would that thaâ— should fry in the fire tâ—an his own Soul in Hell Id. 285. When King Richard the first of England had long chased the King of Cyprus from place to place The King proffered to yield himself so he might not be put into Irons which King Richard granted him but instead of Iron he put him into Chains of Silver Id. f. 294. Stephen Procurator of Angeow under King Richard the first consulted with a Negromancer who sent him to enquire of a Brazen head that had a Spirit enclosed He enquired shall I never see King Richard the Spirit answered No How long shall my Office endure to thy lives end said the Spirit Where shall I die in Pluma Hereupon he forbad his Servants to bring feathers near him but he prosecuting a Noble man the Noble man fled to his Castle called Pluma and Stephen following was there killed Id. f. 296. Albericus Earl of Northumberland not contented with his own estate consulted with a Friend which told him he should have Graecia whereupon he went into Greece but the Graecians knovving of it Robbed him of vvhat he had and sent him from them He after being vveary of Travail came to King Henry into Normandy vvho gave him a Noble Widdow to Wife vvhose name vvas Graecia Id. f. 296. The Epitaph of Richard the first King of England Viscera Carleolum Corpus Fons servat Ebardi Et Cor Rothomagum Magne Richarde tuum In tria dividitur unus quia plus fuit uno Non superest uno Gratia tanta Viro. Polyc. f. 299. In the year one thousand two hundred tvventy four vvhile the Bish p of London said Mass in Pauls Church fell so great thicknesâ— of Clouds and darkness vvith thundering and lightning and stink that it vvas intolerable so that the people vvent all out of the Church and left the Bishop and his Servants alone Id. f. 302. Luelline Prince of VVales vvas taken and beheaded by the English in the time of Edward the first on vvhom his Countrymen made this Epitaph Hic jacet Anglorum Tortor Tutor Venedorum Princeps VVallorum Luellinus regula morum Gemma Coaevorum Flos regum praeteritorum Forma Futurorum Dux laus lex lux populorum Ansvvered by the English VVallornm jacet hic Princeps Praedoque Virorum Proditor Anglorum fax livida secta reorum Numen VVallorum Trux dux horrenda Piorum Fax Trojanorum Stirps Mendax Causa Malorum Saint Edmund of Canterbury vvas like the Olive Tree vvhich yieldeth the Sweetness of it's Oyl to others but keepeth the bitterness in it's ovvn rinde so vvas he hard to himself and easy and gentle to others Polycr f 304. Pope Boniface the eighth vvas taken by VVilliam de Longaret a Frenchman and set upon a vvild Horse vvithout Bridle and his face to the tail and so killed vvith riding and hunger f. 310. In the raign of Edward the third about the year one thousand three hundred and sixty a Scholar in Lubeck slept continually by the space of seven years and aftervvards he avvoke and lived a long time Henry the fifth King of England erected two Houses of Religion the one called Zion the other Charter-house the River Thames parting them in which he was perpetually prayed for For when they of Zion rested Charter-house Monks began and so enterchangeably the Bells giving notice from one to the other Id. fol. 333. Constantine King of Brittain made a law that every Prince should give the tenth part of his possessions to the building and maintaining of Churches the which law he first executed and afâ—er with a Pick-axe with his own hands brake the ground of St. Peters Church in Westminster and bore twelve Baskets full of earth out of the Foundation on his own shoulders Fabian Hist 1. part p. 55. Lotharius King
in English rather than he would live to see that day he would cut his own throat p. 405. Sir Thomas More Lord Chancellor of England his Father at the same time being a Judge of the Kings bench He would always at his going to VVestminster go first to the Kings Bench and ask his Fathers blessing before he went to sit in Chancery p. 406. Anne Bullen condemned and going to Execution called one of the Privy Chamber to her and said unto him Commend me to the King and tell him he is constant in his course of advancing of me for from a Private Gentlewoman he made me a Marquess from a Marquess a Queen and now he hath left no higher degree of Worldly honour he hath made me a Martyr Id. p. 408. Richard Read Alderman of London refusing to pay his Assessment was sent a Solâ—ier into Scotland by Henry the eighth and there taken Prisoner Id. p. 426. In the eighteenth year of Henry the eighth there was a proclamation made against all unlawful games so that in all places Tables Dice Cards and Bowls were taken and burnt bu this order continued not long for young men being thus restrained fell to drinking stâ—aling Conies and other worse misdemeanours Id. 424. About the fifteenth year of Henry the eighth divers things were brought into England whereof this Rithme was made Turkeys Carps Hops Pickerel and Bare Came into England all in one year The six Articles on which the Martyrs were put to death in the times of Henry the eighth and Queen Mary were these following They were condemned that held 1. That the body of Christ was not really present in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper after Consecration 2. That the Sacrament might not truly be administred under one kind 3. That Priests entred holy orders might marry 4. That vows of Chastity entred into upon mature deliberation might not kept 5. That private Masses were not to be used 6. â—hat Auricular Confession was not necessary in the Church p. 426. Judge Morgan who gave sentence against the Lady Jane Gray fell mad and in his raving cried continually to have the Lady Jane taken away from him and so ended his life p. 459. In the thirty seventh year of King Henry the eighth on Tuesday in Easter week VVilliam Foxly Pot-maker to the Mint of the Tower of London fell asleep and could not be waked with pinching and burning till the first day of the next Term which was full fourteen dayes and when he awaked he was in all points as if he had slept but one night and lived forty years after Id. p. 428. In the sixth year of Edward the sixth at Middleton stony eleven Miles from Bristol a woman brought forth a Childe which had two perfect bodies from the Navil upwards the Legs for both the bodies grew out of the midst where the bodies joyned and had but one Issue for the Excrement of them both They lived eighteen dayes and were women children Id. p. 448. When the Duke of Northumberland went out of London in defence of the Lady Jane he said to the Lord Graâ— See how the people press to see us but not one saith the Lord speâ—d you p. 451. Queen Elizabeth while her Sister lived being asked what she thought of those words of Christ This is my body whether she thought that was Christs body in the Sacrament after a little pause is reported to make this answer Christ was the word that spake it He took the Bread and brake it And what the word did make it Thatâ— believâ— and take it Which served her turn to escape that snare which by a direct answer she could not Sir R. Baker p. 459. Queen Mary being resolved to restore what Lands were alienated from the Church by Henry the eighth when it was told her that it would be a great diminution to the revenues of the Crown she answered she more valued the Salvation of her Soul than a thousand Crowns Id. p. 463. The day that Ridley and Latimar suffered at Oxford Gardiner would not go to Dinner though the old Duke of Northumberland invited him to dine with him till after four of the Clock and the reason was because he would first hear that they were burnt and as soon as word was brought he said Now let 's go to dinner where sitting down and eating merrily he fell into such extremity that he was taken from the Table and carried to his Bed where he continued fifteen daies without voiding any thing by Urine or otherwise which caused his tongue to swell in his mouth and so died Id. p. 463. The Lord Starton for a Murder was hanged at Salisbury in a silken Halter Id. p. 463. When Cranmer was burnt and his whole body consumed yet his heart remained untoucht with the fire 463. In Queen Maries dayes there died for Religion five Bishops one and twenty Divines and of all sorts of men and women two hundred seventy and seven p. 469. Tobâ—cco was first brought into England by one Ralph Lane in the year one thousand five hundred fifty six the twentieth of Queen Elizabeth p. 529. Lopez being executed for Treason against Queen Elizabeth at Tyburn professed that he loved the Queen as well as he did Jesus Christ which was cause of laughter to them that knew him to be a Jew Id. p. 553. Peter Bourchet a Gentleman of the Temple supposing it lawful to kill those who were Enemies to the Gospel assaults Hawkins the famous Mariner instead of Hatton and wounds him for which he was sent to the Tower where taking a brand out of the fire he struck out the brains of one of his keepers called Hugh Langworth for which fact he was condemned of Murder and his right hand cut off and nailed to the Gallows and himself thereon hanged Baker p. 564. It 's reported of Sir Thomas Cheyney Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports that his Pulse beat three quarters of an hour after he was dead as strongly as if he were alive Id. p. 577. In the third year of Queen Elizabeth a Mare brought forth a Foal with two Heads and a long Tayl growing beâ—ween them A Sow farrowed a Pig with two bodies eight feet and but one head A man-child was born at Chichester having Arms and Legs like to an Anatomy the breast and belly monstrous big about the neck a great Collar of flesh and skin growing like the Ruff of a shirt Id. p. 577. One Richard Heydock of New Colledge in Oxon a Dr. of Physick pretended to Preach in his sleep was by King James discovered to be a Mountebank Id. p. 591. Sunday the twenty fourth of October one thousand six hundred and three an Exemplar Penance was imposed on Sr. Pechsal Brockaâ— Knight which was to stand at Pauls Cross in a white Sheet holding a stick in his hand having been formerly convicted before the high Commissioner for many notorious Adulteries with divers women Id. p. 602. In the year of our Lord one thousand six
notwithstanding Jerusalem was destroyed O what a bragging would the Pope have made if Christ had bin but once at Rome Luth. Col. p. 106. Luther relates of himself that being at prayer contemplating how Christ hung on the Cross and suffered for his Sins there appeared suddenly on the wall a bright shining Vision and therein appeared also a glorious form of our Saviour Christ with his five wounds stedfastly looking upoh him as if it had bin Christ himself corporally Now at the first sight he thought it had bin some good Revelation yet presently recollected himself and apprehended it some jugling of the Devil For Christ appeareth unto us in his word and in a meaner and more humble form like as he was humbled on the Cross for us Therefore said he I spake to the Vision in this manner Aâ—ay thou confounded Devil I know no other Christ than he that was Crucified and who in his word is pictured and preached to me whereupon the Image vanished which was the very Devil himself And in like manner said Luther further A Gentlewoman a Virgin not far from my House at Wittenburg lay very sick to whom also appeared a Vision after this sort following She beheld as she thought a glorious form of our Saviour which she was ready to have worshipped and fall down before but I being sent for presently repaired to her and saw the Vision also as in the form of Christ I admonished her seriously that she should not suffer her self to be deluded by the Devil whereupon she raised up her self and spit upon the face of the Image and instantly the Image was changed into a great ugly Snake which slid to the Gentlewomans Bed and bit her by the Ear so there stood drops of blood upon the Ear which trickled down and thereupon the Snake vanished This I beheld with mine Eyes said Luther with divers others that stood by Luthers Col. p. 144. Luther relates that Dr. carlstade was promoted Doctor of Divinity eight years before he read in the Bible and that afterwards conferring the degree of Doctor on One at Wittenburg made this Speech Here I stand and do promote this Man and I know I do not rightly therein and that thereby I commit a mortal Sin but I do it for the gain of two Gilders which I get by him Idem p. 151. When the Imperial Assembly was held at Auspurg William Duke of Bavaria asked Dr. Eccius whether the Protestants Doctrin might be confuted by Scripture He answered No but by the Fathers it might Idem p. 152. John Prince Elector of Saxony at the Diet at Auspurg would not intermit the hearing of Gospel notwithstanding the Emperors command to the contrary telling the Emperor that he could no less want Gods word than his meat and drink Idem p. 219. A Godly Matron at Eislebin having in a great Dearth suffered much want and spent all her provisions went with her two Children to a â—ountain to drink and going prayed that God would preserve hers in a time of Dearth Upon the way a Man met her questioned with her whether she thought to get something to eat also at that Fountain she said Yea why not for all things are possible to God He that fed the great multitude of the Israelites forty years with Manna in the Wilderness can also preserve me and mine with drinking of VVater Now as she continued thus stedfast in her mind the Man said unto her doubtless an Angel Behold seeing thou are in belief so confident go Home and thou shalt find three bushels of Meal which she according to his word found when she came Home Idem p. 225. Luther relates out of the lives of the Fathers concerning an old Hermit who had led a strict Life and fell deadly sick Another Father and a young Brother went to visit him a Murderer ran after them and stood at the Hermits door and hearing of the Holiness of the Hermits Life being thereat astonied said Ah! in such manner also should I have lived The Hermit answered him and said Yea thou shouldest have done so and lived as I have if thou intendest to be saved and with these words gave up the Ghost Noâ— the young Brother seeing the soul of the Hermit carried by the Devil he wept bitterly These going away the Murderer followed them sorrowing for his Sins but going â—eedlesly fell and broke his Neck and dyed The young Brother saw the Angels carry his Soul at vvhich he joyfully laught Now when the old Father saw the young Brother behave himself so strangely he asked the reason the young man told him what he saw Thus the first shall be last and the last first Luthers Coll. p. 228. Prince John the eldest Son of George Elector of Saxony lying at the point of death his Father comforted him with the Doctrine of justification by Faith and that he should forget his own works and trust only on Gods mercy and Christs merits and banish â—ut of his thoughts the invocation of Saints Novv the Son being therevvithal refresht asked his Father vvhy he did not cause the same Doctrin to be preached openly through all his Countryes His Father answered Loving child vve must say this only to those that are dying and not to the sound and healthful Idem p. 229. There is in Austria a Monastery which in former times was very rich and so continued as long as it willingly gave to the poor But when it forbare to give it became poor It fell out that not long since a Poor man came thither and desired an Almes which was denyed him and he demanding a reason why they refused to give to one that asked in Gods name the Porter answered him we are become poor whereupon the poor man said the cause or your poverty is this you have had in this Monastery two Brethren the one you have thrust out and the other is gone secretly away of himself For after the one Brother Date give you was put out and cashierd the other Brother Dabitur it shall be given left it himself Luther Coll. p. 231. A Bavarian with great devotion prayed unto St. Leonard an Idol set up in the Church behind which Idol stood one and answered him and said Fye on thee Bavarian and in that sort he was oftentimes repulsed and could not be heard At last the Bavarian displeased went away and said Fye upon thee Leonard I knew saith Luther a Friar sitting upon the Privy reading the Canonical Hours The Devil appeared unto him and said A Monke upon the Stool should not read his devotions whereupon the Friar made the Devil this answer Purgo meum ventrem celo deum omnipoâ—entem Tibi quae infra Deo quod supra I ease my self and worship my God my devotions go upwards and they are Gods my excrements downwards and they are thy share p. 240. June the 9th 1532. in a great Drought Luther assembled the Church and by Prayer obtained a Rain which continued a
Fortnight Worldly peace a great blessing but abused by most Oh saith Luther how soundly will our Gentry and Farmers in Germany pay for this before an Hundred and Fifty years come to an end but afterwards God will restore them again and beat down Popedom Luthers Coll. p. 24â— As the King of Persia laid Siege to a City that had offended him the Bishop that was therein went upon the Wall lift up his Hands to Heaven and prayed whereupon immediately the Eyes of the Horses in the whole Army were so pestered with an innumerable company of Flies stinging them that with their Riders they ran away and so raised the Siege Idem p. 245. A Frier that lived in the same Monastery with Luther used daily to conveâ— himself into a private Corner to pray Now as he became wearied and tired therewith he asked God if such his continued prayers and devotions so long a time might suffice whereupon he heard a voice that said Redde mihi mediam Lunam Solem Canis iram by which was signified Cor the Heart Luthers Coll. p. 246. A young man condemned and brought to the Block and then remitted by Julian as he rose spake these words Ah sweet Jesus am not I worthy to suffer for thy sake p. 247. It was a brave resolution of Henry Prince of Saxony who when his Brother George sent to him that if he would forsake his Faith and turn Papist he would then leave him his Heir But he made him this answer Rather than I will do so and deny my Saviour Jesus Christ I and my Kate each of us with a staff in one hand will beg our Bread out of his Countreys Idem p. 248. The Church is watered with the Blood of Martyrs Truly said Luther it would grieve me sorely if I should carry my Blood into the Grave Idem p. 268. Luther relates a story of a young man he knew at Erfort that tempting his Mothers Maid the Maid acquainted his Mother She with a pretence to school her Son lays her self in her Maids Bed and was gotten with Child by him of a Daughter which being bred abroad and when grown up brought home the young man knowing not of it married her so that she was his Daughter Sister and Wife The Vniversity was consulted with they concluded advising the Mother to repent her wickedness that seeing the married couple knew nothing of it to avoid greater offence they should continue together Idem p. 257. Galaton painted Homer Vomiting and all the rest of the Poets greedily swallowing up what he had Vomited and Aelian reckoneth all other Poets but his Apes Famous was that contention between Chrysostom on the one part and Theophilus cyril and Epiphanius on the other about the burning or not burning of Origens Books All good men yet they grew so hot that because Chrysostom would not consent to the burning Theophilus and Cyril would hardly acknowledge him a lawful Bishop And Epiphanius in bitter chiding fell to such choler as he said he hoped he should not die a Bishop To whom Chrysostom answered as eagerly again that he trusted that he should never return alive into his own Country of Cyprus Which chiding words were not so bitter in sound as afterwards they proved true indeed for both Epiphanius dyed before he came home to Cyprus and Chrysostom being put out of his Bishoprick ended his life in banishment Bishop Cooper Lincoln Serm. p. 56. Constantine the Great having assembled the council of Nice for the suppression of Arrius Heresie in which there met 318. Bishops when the Bishops put up Bills of complaint the one against the other he would not read them but burnt them all before them exhorting them to mind the matter about vvhich they came yet afterwards by pernicious flatteries vvas turned against the truth and banished Athanasius Idem p. 213. Augustus hearing that the goods of a Merchant that died much in debt were set forth to Sail he sent to buy his pillow saying That he thought it had some rare vertue in it to procure sleep seeing he that owed so much could sleep on it so quietly It is reported of Caesar to his great commendation that after the defeat of Pompey he had in his custody a Castle vvherein he found divers letters vvritten by many of the Nobles under their ovvn hands sufficient evidence to condemn them but he burnt them all that no monument might remain of a future grudge Thus doth God cancel and annihilate the sins of his penitent servants Rogers penitent Citizen p. 70. Achon a Cretian an excellent Archer vvhen a Serpent had taken avvay his Son he vvith his Arrow kill'd the Serpent but did not hurt his child Idem p. 113. Aristotle being reproved for giving an almes to a levvd person ansvvered I relieve the man not his manners Idem p. 155. Themistocles vvhen he heard that Miltiades had gotten great honour in the Marothenian battle he could not sleep because he came short of his glory And Caesar seeing Alexanders statue wept that he had done so little himself Rogers penitent Citizen p. 150. A Man coming into a Church and seeing it full of Images made of Wax demanded what might be the cause of such an unwonted sight Answer was made that those whom those Images did represent were certain persons which were saved from drowning by calling on our Lady Nay then quoth he again where be the Images of those I pray you that called upon our Lady and were drowned notwithstanding Moss of Vsury p. 99. A Minister knowing he had Vsurers in his congregation whilst he vvas preaching askt his Auditors this question whether there was any Usurer amongst them No man answered He asked again whether there were any Jakes fâ—rmer amongst them One rising up said Yea I am the man Whereupon he answered behold how vile an imployment the Vsurer's is that he is ashamed of vvhereas the other counted it no disparagement to own his Moss p. 148. An Vsurer dying the Minister of the Parish refused to bury him his Friends though very importunate could not perswade It came into their minds that the Minister had an Ass that usually carried his Masters Books after him to the Church Now they supposing the Ass vvould carry vvhat burden he had to the Church as he carried his Masters Books desired the Minister to agree to this that the Vsurer might be laid upon the Ass and that vvhere the Ass laid him he might be buried He vvas contented The Ass feeling an extraordinary burden on his back wringing him wincing and kicking be ran to the Gallows that stood near by and there cast down the Usurer Turnbal Ps 15. p. 51. Philip of Macedon being told that one Nicanor a Courtier but neglected by him had spoken reproachfully of him he sent him a large gift to relieve his Indigency Whereupon Nicanor every where talked very honourably of the King vvhich made Philip say You may see that it lyeth in our selves to be vvell or ill spoken