but that afterward the sayd Abbey was destroyed which was again repaired by S. Edward the Confessour and richly endowed In which testimony is implied that from the beginning there were placed in it a Convent of Monks Concerning whose Rule and Institute we shall treat hereafter 4. A Second Metropolitan Church at this time was erected at the City of York which a learned Writer Philip Berterius quoted by Bishop Vsher esteems in that age the prime Citty and Church of Brittany Whose opinion the Bishop seems to approve saying Though as this day London be the most noble Citty of the whole British Kingdome and though it has been in former ages celebrated by Ammianus Marcellinus as an ancient Town and by Cornelius Tacitus as famous for Marchandise and abord of strangers Nowithstanding the most learned Berterius positively affirms that York was much rather the ancient Metropolis of the Diocese of Brittany not only as being a Colony of the Romans but because there was placed the Emperours Palace and Courts of Iudgment And hence it is that Spartianus in the life of the Emperour Severus calls it by way of preeminence The Citty The same thing is likewise further proved by this That in the Synod of Arles assembled under Constantin the Great among the subscriptions the name of Eborius Bishop of York precedes Restitutus Bishop of London Though I am not ignorant that in the ordring of such subscriptions regard was had rather to the antiquity of the persons then dignity of their Sees 5. As for the third Metropolitan Citty of Cair-leon upon Vsk Henry of Huntingdon thus writes of it In Cair-legion there was an Arch bishoprick in the times of the Brittains but at this day one can scarce discern any remainders of its walls except a little where the River Vsk falls into Severn And Giraldus Cambrensis adds that in the same Citty there were in ancient times three Noble Churches One bearing the Title of the holy Martyr Iulius which was beautified with a Monastery of Virgins consecrated to God A second founded by the Name of his companion S. Aaron ennobled with an illustrious Quire of Canons And the Third famous for being the Metropolitan See of all Cambria 6. Notwithstanding however this Citty of Cair-leon being in the times of King Lucius the Civill Metropolis of those parts might then to be design'd from an Archiepiscopall See yet we doe not find in History any ancient Bishops with that Title Yea the Church of Landaff seems to have enjoy'd that Title before Cair-Leon Concerning which Church thus writes Bishop Godwin The Cathedrall Church of Landaff as some report was first built by King Lucius about the year of Grace one hundred and eighty Notwithstanding I doe not find any Bishop there before Dubritius who was consecrated Bishop there by S. German Bishop of Auxerre and was by the King and whole Province elected Arch-bishop over all the Welsh Brittains saith the Authour of his life extant in Capgrave 7. Vpon these grounds it was that in succeeding times the Bishops of Landaff refused Canonicall obedience to the Metropolitans of Menevia or S. Davids as appears by a Protestation made by Bishop Vrbanus in the Councill of Rhemes before Calixtus second Pope of that name part whereof is cited by Bishop Vsher out of the Register of that Church as followeth From the time of our ancient Fathers as appears by the handwriting of our Holy Patron Teiliavus this Church of Landaff was first founded in honour of S. Peter and in dignity and all other Priviledges was the Mistresse of all other Churches Thus it remained till by reason of intestin seditions and forraign war in the days of my Predecessour Herwold it became weakned and almost deprived of a Pastour by the cruelty of the inhabitants and invasion of the Normans Yet there always remain'd in it Religious men attending to Divine service After this partly by reason of the neighbourhood of the English from whom we differed nothing in matters touching Ecclesiasticall Ministery as having been bred and instructed together and likewise because from most ancient times that is from the time of Pope Eleutherius there hath always been a Bishop of this place subject to none After the coming of S. Augustin into Brittany the Bishop of Landaff has always been subject and obedient both to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury and also the King of England Thus argued the sayd Bishop Vrbanus but what proofs he had does not appear Certain it is that in all Records at this day extant there is no mention of any Bishop actually sitting at Landaff before Dubritius Whence it is that the erecting of that See is attributed to S. Germanus by Mr. Camden saying Germanus and Lupus French Bishops having repress'd the Pelagian Heresy largely spread in Brittany erected Landaff into a Cathedrall Church preferring thereto the most holy man Dubritius to be the first Bishop to wit in the year of our Lord four hundred thirty and six 8. Besides these the same King built a Church at Dover concerning which Bishop Vsher writes in this manner That in the time of King Lucius there was a Chappell erected in the Castle of Dover and dedicated to the honour of our Saviour is related by Leland out of the Annals of the same Citty venerable for their great antiquity The same thing we likewise read in a Commentary touching the first beginning of the sayd Castle where it is sayd That in the one hundred sixty one year of our Lord King Lucius built a Temple to Christ on the height of Dover-Castle for the maintaining of which he assign'd the Tribute of that Haven And whereas in a later Chronicle of Dover we read That among other liberalities besto'wd by King Lucius on God and his Church one was the building of a Church in the Castle of Dover to the honour of S. Mary the glorious Mother of God where both the King and his people as likewise their Catholick Successours received the Sacraments and Holy Rites of Christian Religion This does not prejudice the foregoing Record for all Churches are primarily erected to the honour of Christ and in consequence thereof to the honour of his Saints 9. There are severall other sacred places and Churches which in old Records pretend to King Lucius as their Founder but whose pretentions cannot in reason and prudence be admitted Thus the Authour of the Chronicle of Glastonbury written about four hundred years since relates That in the one hundred eighty seaventh year of our Lords Incarnation the Bishoprick of Somerset took its beginning being erected by the Holy men Fugatius and Damianus and for a long time the Episcopall See was placed at Kungresbury in which very many Bishops sate successively till the dayes of Ina King of the West Saxons the number gests and times of which Bishops can no where be found But in the time of the foresayd King Ina Daniel who as we have received
most illustrious are S. Aaron and S. Iulius who in this persecution of Diocletian and Maximianus consummated a most glorious Martyrdom there 3. Concerning whom our Countrey-man Balâ— though as became an Apostat a bitter Enemy of the Roman-Catholick Church writes thus Iulius and Aaron Noble Cittizens of the famous Citty of Caer-Leon for so Isca of the Silures is called from two Legions garrisond there and Disciples in Christ of the holy Martyr Amphibalus were most illustrious ornaments of piety to our Countrey of Brittany These two addicted themselves with much diligence to the study of learning not only in their own countrey but also undertook a Voyage into forraign Nations for the attaining skill in good arts for history informs us that they studied at Rome especially and therfore celebrates them much for their Learning 4. Iohn Fox likewise commends these two holy men but mistakes when he calls them Cittizens of Verolam whom Gildas and S. Beda positively affirm to have been inhabitants of Caer-Leon The words of S. Beda are these At the same time during the persecution of Diocletian Aaron and Iulius Cittizens of Caer-Leon together with very many others in diverse places of both sexes suffred Martyrdom Who after the suffering of severall tortures had their members torn asunder by unheard of cruelty and at last consummating a glorious Martyrdom they sent up their soules to the ioys of the heavenly Citty The same expression is used concerning them in the Roman Martyrologe on the first of Iuly when the Martyrdom of Aaron and Iulius is commemorated And both the said Martyrologe and S. Beda have borrowed the phrase describing the manner of their death from our most ancient Historian Gildas 5. And the deuout Brittains of those times after the same manner honourd the Memory of these two Holy Martyrs as they had done that of S. Albanus and S. Amphibalus by erecting Altars and Churches to their honour Thus Giraldus Cambrensis in his Itinerary of Wales treating of the famous Citty of Caër-Leon writeth Here lye the bodies of two Noble Christians and next to S. Albanus and S. Amphibalus the most illustrious Protomartyrs of Brittany who were here crowned with Martyrdom I mean Iulius and Aaron each of which had a famous Church erected to his honour in this Citty For there were in ancient times in the said Citty three magnificent Churches One of the Martyr S Iulius adornd with a Quire and Convent of Religious Virgins A second dedicated to the honour of his Companion S. Aaron and graced with a Noble Quire of Canons The third was the Metropolitan Church of all Cambria This last Church was afterward translated by the holy Bishop S. David to Menevia the authority of Dubritius Legat of the Bishop of Rome concurring thereto 6. It is observable that all these Churches were built by Brittains long before the Saxons entred into this Island So that there is no need of expecting S Gregory the Great or S. Augustin the Monk to him who would find arguments to proove the Antiquity of the Roman Faith touching the Veneration of Saints in Brittany 7. Besids these wee find celebrated in ancient Martyrologes the memory of two Noble Brittish Christians the Disciples of S. Amphibalus who were crownd with Martyadom in the same persecution of Diocletian their names are Stephanus and Socrates Mention is made of them likewise by S. Beda Vsuardus Ado and others whereto also severall ancient Manuscripts doe accord We find no particular Gests of theirs only in the English Martyrologe it is said that in the Province of the Silures Churches were built to their honour Now whether this Stephanus was Bishop of London it is a doubt A Bishop of that name is sayd to have governed that See in this age though Authours place him somewhat later To this time likewise is referd the murdring of all the Monks in the Monastery of Winchester built by King Lucius Of which wee shall speak in the next year but one 8. Whilst the Romans thus raged in Brittany very many Christians not having the courage to keep their ranks expose themselves to their Enemies Violence yet resolving not to betray their Faith withdrew themselves from the fury of men least by the immanity of torments they should be compell'd to renounce it Thus Gildas writes of the remainder of Christians in those dayes Those persecuted Christians saith he which were left hid themselves in woods defarts and caves of rocks expecting from God the iust Iudge of all when he would please to execute his iudgments on their persecutours and restore safety and liberty to their own soules 9. This Christian prudence and caution of theirs was suitable to the advice given the year before by the holy Pope and Maâ—tyr Caius at Rome when the persecution first began For he in an Assembly of beleivers meeting together on that occasion thus spoke to them Our Lord Iesus Christ who perfectly foresees and knows the frailty of mankind hath ordained two ranks and degrees of Beleivers namely Confession and Martyrdom to the end that those who have not strength or courage enough to sustain the weight of Martyrdom may at least hold fast the Grace of Confession Let such yeild up the glory of Martyrdom to the valiant soldiers of Christ which are resolved to coÌ„bat for him and take a sollicitous care of their own soules Let them therfore who are so disposed depart out of this feild of battell whither they please together with our dear children Chromatia and Tiburtius and for the rest who are more courageously resolved let them remain still here in the Citty with mee 10. This flight of Christians in Brittany suitable to the Roman practise gave occasion to Persecutours to extend their rage upon Churches and Monasteries all which by this tempest were so uterly destroyd that as Gildas saith in severall Provinces of this Island there remained no marks at all of Christian Religion This desolation continued about seaven years till the happy return of Constantius as soon as he was created Caesar by whose clemency the Christian Faith and worship again flourishd in Brittany and this much sooner then in any other parts of the Roman Empire Which mercy of God seems to have been extended in a speciall manner toward the Brittains because as S. Beda saith they only preserv'd among them their primitive Faith received in the dayes of King Lucius entire and inviolate till the Raign of Diocletian XX. CHAP. 1.2.3 Carausius the Admirall of the Emperours Navy his rapines and rebellion he takes possession of Brittany 4.5 Maximianus his preparations against him without effect 6. The Tyrant left in quiet possession of Brittany subdues the Caledonian Brittains A monument of his Victory 1. THIS Tyranny of the Roman Emperours against Christian Religion God was pleased to revenge by permitting another Tyrant to raise himself against them in Brittany This was Carausius who saith Victor drew his Originall from
among the stains and Errours of his writings they reckon these That he seems to maintain the libertie of mans will And that the law is possible for he sayes it is no impossible thing for men who have a good will to love God above themselves and their neighbours as themselves Yea moreover he denyes concupiscence to be sin Lastly in general they write that the doctrine of Iustification was delivered by the Doctours of this age too negligently and obscurely that is much otherwise than Luther delivered it 34. In the third Century they find yet more things to displease them The Doctours of this age say they for the greatest part admitt free will Thus Tertullian Origen Cyprian and Methodius Again the most sublime article of Iustification is for the most part obscured by Origen and Methodius And as for the doctrine touching Good works the Doctours of this age did yet more decline from the true Doctrine of Christ and his Apostles and Luther then those of the former For they invented and inculcated many voluntary observances Thus Tertullian doth immoderatly extoll chastity and continence Origen attributes to good workes that they are a preparation to salvation and consequently a cause And with the like errour was Cyprian misled who ascribes to good works that they are the Guardians of hope the stay of Faith and cause us to abide continually in Christ to live in God and to attain to heavenly promises and Rewards Then for Pennance the doctrine thereof hath been wonderfully depraved by the Writers of this age They impute remissions of sins to Contrition Cyprian expressely affirmes that sins are redeemed and washed away by penitentiall satisfaction Moreover the same Cyprian speakes dangerously not according to the Tradition of Christ and the Apostles concerning unction in Baptisme saying it is necessary that the person baptised should be annointed with Chrisme that thereby he may become the annointed of God and have the grace of Christ in him And concerning the Eucharist Cyprian does superstitiously faine that some vertue accrews thereto from the person administring it for he sayes the Eucharist sanctified on the altar And again The Priest doth execute the office of Christ and offers sacrifice to God the Father Which phrase of offring sacrifice is used also by Tertullian You may moreover say they observe in the writings of the Doctours of this age Origen and Cyprian not obscure signes of Invocation of Saints And lastly touching the Primacy of the Bishop of Rome Cyprian affirms expressely and without any foundation of holy scripture that the Roman Church ought to be acknowledged by all for the mother and root of the Catholick Church Likewise Origen sayes that Peter by vertue of Christs promise deserved to be made the foundation of the Church The foresaid Cyprian hath moreover on this subiect other dangerous opinions as where he tyes and limits the Pastorall office to ordinary succession And for bids inferiours to iudge Bishops and prelates of the Church 35. It is pitty to proceed any further in producing out of the following Centuries the sometimes sad but most often angry complaints acknowledgments made by these honest German Writers how generally their Patriark Luthers Doctrines have been preiudged and condemned by the fathers and Doctours of Gods Church and the Faith of the present Roman Church asserted The further they proceed in their collection a greater number of yet more Severe Iudges they discover till in short tyme they cannot find one to speake a good word for them And this like a conscionable Iury they attest In so much as one would be tempted almost to suspect that they had been secretly bribed by the Pope to publish their own condemnation 36. These things considered I cannot fore see any probabilitie of a Debate likely to ensue touching this Historie I mean for asmuch as concerns the doctrinall part of it nor any considerable arguments to proove against the result of it that the points of Catholick faith have not been taught through all the ages comprised within its limits And as for the ages following that is since the Conquest by the Normans it is out of all dispute that our forefathers have been Romans in a deeper degree perhaps then wee their children are now 37. But I must acknowledge I am not secure against quarrels for as much as concerns the Christian practises of pietie and vertue commended in the Saints whose Gests are heere related and the reason is because our modern sectaries have a quite different notion of vertue and pietie from that which Catholicks from the beginning to this age have entertained Therefore such Readers missing in this booke storyes of Exploits performed in old tymes such as they magnifie in their primitive red-lettred saints of their new fashioned Calendars and finding practises here exalted for vertues which with their good-will they would renounce in their Baptisme as works and pompes of Sathan I shall not want adversaries good store of all ages and sexes 38. For I confesse that among the hundreds of Saints commemorated in this book of whom not a few are acknowledged for Saints even by the Protestants and which is more for Workers of stupendious Miracles not one can be found of their new Mode Not one can be found magnified as Inventours of new Doctrines opposite to the Common faith of the Church Not one who to spread abroad such Doctrines armed subiects against their Princes demolished altars burnt Churches violated Holy Virgins or invaded the possessions of God Not one who thought his Christian libertie could iustifie sacrilegious lusts in breaking vowes of Chastity and soliciting others to doe the like Here we shall not read of somuch as one Good-wife of the citty or country not one chamber-maid Prentice or Groome disputing with Doctours and Bishops and confuting all the Fathers and Councils of Gods Church c. So that if for want of such qualifications as these all our antient Holy Bishops Martyrs Doctours and Virgins must be unsainted there remains for us no remedie but the old uncomfortable one Patience 39. Yet perhaps this defect or want of heroicall perfections will not so confidently at least in publick be obiected against our Worthies as the vertues for which we commend them A continuall macerating of the flesh with abstinences fastings Watchings Haire-cloathes lying on the cold hard ground and the like these austerities our moderne spiritualists will mock at as uselesse us voluntary self-afflictions concerning which they assure God wil say Who hath required these things at your hands And they will be yet more angry and doe hope that God will be so too against consecrating ones self to perpetuall Virginity or continence in Mariage against secluding ones selfe from all conversation with the world against almost all use of the tongue except speaking to God against an entire submission of the will to the Direction of another and specially against renouncing riches honours Pleasures c. 40. But such
out of her hiding place and last of them all receiv'd the crown of Martyrdom 11. Such a Sacrifice as this had never before nor hath been since offred to Almighty God by his Church We read of a S. Agnes a S. Catherine a S. Lucia and a few other miraculous Examples of courage and chastity in tender Virgins but they were single persons neither is it unusuall with God to shew the power of his Grace in some particular favourits of his to exalt the Faith and confound Vnbeleivers There have likewise been recorded illustrious Examples of multitudes of men which have freely without resistance suffred Martyrdom as the Thebaean Legion c. But such courage in men especially soldiers who dayly look death in the face is not to be esteemed very extraordinary Whereas here we find a far more numerous Army consisting of young timerous tender Virgins to whom ordinarily the sight of an Enemies look is insupportable offring themselves freely to innumerable swords Among them all not one single soule is found which yeilds to their flatteries or fury and but one which delays her suffring the space onely of a single night after which she as it were animated with the united Spirits of all her Companions next day solicites the united fury of innumerable Enemies against her self alone and gloriously triumphing over the rage of men and Hell too is ioyfully receiv'd among her blessed CoÌ„panions XXIII CHAP. 1 2.3 c. The Names of these Holy Virgins Their Sacred Relicks dispersed all the world over Names of Churches where they are Venerated 1. THE fame of this Tragedy in which was display'd the extremity of savage cruelty in men and miraculous courage in Virgins was no sooner spread abroad in the world but that all countreys and Churches became suitours to be enrich'd with a portion of their sacred Relicks which have been spread through Germany Gaule Italy Brittany yea Asia Africk and of late India it self So exactly was fullfill'd the Canticle of S. Vrsula and her Associats mention'd by Gildas Thou O God hast given us as sheep to be devoured and hast disperst us among the Nations 2. Not above ten years after this glorious Martyrdom that is about the year of Grace four hundred sixty three saith Hermannus Fleien one of the Canons of Colen Solinus nam'd by others Aquilinus Arch-Bishop of that Citty as we find in our ancient Records out of reverence to the Memory of these holy Virgins enclosed with walls the sacred place of their Martyrdom in which was erected a Church consecrated to their cheif Captain S. Vrsula which remains to this day by the accesse of which place the Citty of Colen was so much enlarg'd He also took out of the ground as carefully as he could their sacred bones which he reverently again buried in chests hewn out of stone 3. Neither did Brittany long delay to testify her veneration to these her blessed countrey-women A witnes whereof is a well known Town call'd Maidenhead For thus writes Camden The Thames saith he winds back to a little town formerly call'd Southlington but afterward Maidenhead from the Superstitious reverence there given to the head of I know not what holy Virgin one of the eleaven thousand Brittish Martyrs which under the conduct of S. Vrsula returning from Rome into their countrey were martyrd by Attila call'd the Scourge of God near Colen in Germany Thus he censures the piety of a world of devout Emperours Kings Princes Bishops and Doctours of Gods Church in all ages 4. A volume might be written if we should â—eap up all testimonies which a world of Churches have given of their veneration to these Holy Martyrs Therefore we will only here sett down a Catalogue of such of their Names as have escaped oblivion And thereto adjoyn the Churches where many of them are venerated in regard their Holy Relicks repose there 5. S. Vrsula for orders sake divided that innocent Army into certain Squadrons First then she gave a generall authority over all under her to these Virgins S. Cordula S. Eleutheria S. Florentia and S. Pinnosa Next she assign'd the care inspection of a thousand to each of these following S. Benedicta S. Benigna S. Carpophora S. Celindes S. Clementia S. Columba S. Lata S. Lucia S. Odilia S. Sapientia and S. Sybylla After which these particular Virgins names are recorded Saint Agnes S. Antonina S. Areaphila S. Babcaria S. Baldina S. Candida S. Caraduméa S. Christina S. Columbina S. Corona S Cunera Saint Deodata S. Flora S. Florina S. Florentina S. Grata S. Honorata S. Honoria S. Hostia S. Languida S. Margarita S. Margaria S. Oliva S. Panpheta S. Panefrides S. Pavia S. Paulina S. Pharanina S. Pisona S. Sambaria S. Sancta S. Semibaria S. Terentia S. Valeria 6. The Body of S. Vrsula her self is still preserv'd at Colen but her Head was translated to Paris where the illustrious Colledge of Sorbon acknowledges her their Patronesse At S. Denys in France there is a commemoration of Panefredis Secunda Semibaria Florina and Valeria companions of S. Vrsula whose relicks repose there At Huy in Germany is celebrated the Translation of S. Odilia famous for frequent miâ—acles In Flanders the Monastery of Marcian possesses some part of the Body of S. Cordula The Monastery of Good Hope belonging to the Premonstratenses enjoy the Relicks of S. Terentia S. Marguarita S. Baldina S. Samburia and S. Margaria translated thither when Reinaldus was Arch-Bishop of Colen The Monastery of S. Martin in Tornâ—y glories in the Bodies of S. Honorata Florina and some part of the Relicks of S. Vrsula The Monastery of S. Amand in Pabula preserves the Bodies of three of these Virgins whose names are unknown At Andain in Arduenna repose the Bodies of S. Grata S. Hostia and S. Areaphila A Hospital in Tornay possesses S. Languida At Arras the Bodyes of S. Beata and S. Sancta are said to repose in the Cathedrall Church Four of these Holy Virgins are celebrated at the Monastery of S. Bertin in S. Aumar At the Church of S. Salvius the Relicks of S. Pavia and S. Caradumea are venerated The Norbertins at Vicoine possesse the Bodies of S. Corona S. Pharanina S. Babcaria S. Margarita another S. Margarita S. Benedicta S. Cordula S. Sambaria S. Deodata S. Panpheta and S. Christina The Canons of Tungres venerate the Heads of S. Pinnosa and S. Oliva The Nunnes of Mays venerate the Relicks of S. Paulina S. Florentina and eight other Holy Virgins companions of S. Vrsula In the town of Rhenen in the Diocese of Vtrecht is celebrated the memory of S. Cunera which holy Virgin in our Martyrologe is said to have been withdrawn from the slaughter by a certain noble Matron in whose house she was awhile conceal'd but being discover'd had her neck broken But the Belgick Writers say that she in compassion was by a certain Noble man privately taken from the rest and conveyed to his house Where his
a feirce battell was begun and much blood shed on both sides But at last Hengist perceiving his army to give ground and that the Brittains began to prevayle he presently fled to a town call'd Caêr-conan now Cuningbury But considering the weaknes of the town to resist he knew his only safety consisted in the swords and spears of his followers Ambrosius pursued him and by the way putt to the sword all the Saxons he found Thus having obtaind the Victory he with great zeale and devotion gave praise to the God of heaven 8. As for Hengist he fortified his camp as well as he could neer the said town But after a few days saith Camden he was forc'd to come to a battell before his camp which was fatall to him and his for the greatest part of his army was cutt in peices and himself being taken prisoner was beheaded by the Brittains 9. This battell saith Florilegus was fought on the banks of the River Don. And the manner how Hengist was taken prisoner was this The valiant Eldot Duke or Consul of Glocester Claudiocestriae had an earnest desire to cope with Hengist Therefore with the forces under his command furiously peircing through the Enemies squadrons he at last found him and laying hold on the fore part of his helmet with main force he drew him in among his own troops saying God at last hath fullfilld my desire It is he who hath given us the Victory Presently after this the Saxons fled every one his own way whom Ambrosius pursuing manfully slew Octa the Son of Hengist with the greatest numbers fled to York But Esca and not a few with him betook themselves to another Citty call'd Aclud After this Victory Ambrosius took the Citty Caër-conan which he entred triumphantly staying there onely three days 10. The same Author consequently relates the manner how Hengist was sentenced and executed after the fight After the saith he Ambrosius calling his Captains together commanded them to decreet what should becom of Hengist Whereupon Eldad Bishop of Glocester who was also Brother of Eldot impos'd silence on them all and gnashing his teeth for rage he thus said Though all here present had a desire to set him free I my self would cutt him in peices Why doe you delay O effeminat Brittains Did not Samuêl a Prophet having taken the King of Amalec prisoner in a battell cutt him in peices one limme after another saying As thou hast made many Mothers childles so will I make thy mother childles this day Doe you therefore deale in the same manner with this barbarous King who is another Agag and has depriv'd a world of Brittish Mothers of their children When he had thus sayd Eldad drew his sword and leading him out of the Citty cutt off his head sending his soule into hell 11. If this relation be true Eldad shew'd himself an unmercifull man and one who forgott the duty of a Christian Bishop who ought rather to have mitigated the rigour of other mens sentences then to pronounce so cruell a iudgment whilst others who were soldiers too held their peace He therefore little deserves the commendation given him by Pits for his piety and prudence which he â—ill express'd when gnashing his teeth for rage he extorted a Captive Kings death from an Assembly of soldiers The Book of Invective Orations for which the same Authour likewise reckons him among the ancient Brittish Writers probably proceeding from the same spirit deserved rather to be forgotten then recorded as in honour of our Ancestors 12. After this so signall a Victory Ambrosius mindfull of his Vow call'd together workmen Masons and Carpenters and took care to repaire the Houses of God which had been destroyed and placing in them Preists and other Clergy-men he reduc'd the Divine service to the pristine order And wheresoever he found any Idols or Temples of false Gods he defac'd them utterly out of the memory of men He was studious to observe iustice and peace especially to Ecclesiasticall persons and confer'd on them liberall revenews enjoyning them all to pray for the Kingdom and state of Gods Church 13. Hengist being thus dead his Son Aesca succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent He is call'd Oisc by S. Beda who addes that from him the succeeding Kings of Kent were call'd Oiskings As for his other Son Otta in the former narration of Florilegus said to have fled to York nothing can be found of him among the Ancient Writers So that small credit is to be given to what Modern Historians relate concerning him that King Ambrosius bestow'd on him the Province of Galloway in Scotland since in those days that Province was not in the disposall of the Brittains XII CHAP. 1.2 S. Brigit comes out of Ireland into Brittany for Relicks and returns 1. THE same year in which Hengist was slain the Holy Virgin S. Brigit came out of Ireland into Brittany as we find recorded in the Antiquities of Glastonbury and her busines was to obtain some Relicks of her most dear and honour'd Patron S. Patrick for she had been his Disciple and a great admirer of his sanctity which she zealously imitated Being in Brittany she pass'd some years in a certain small Island near Glastonbury where there was an Oratory consecrated to the honour of S. Mary Magdalen The Island was called Bekery or the Little Island Afterward having left behind her scripp chain bell and other vestments of her own weaving which for the memory of her Sanctity are there expos'd she return'd into Ireland where not long after she rested in our Lord and was buried in the Citty of Down 2. This is that famous Virgin for her Sanctity and miracles venerated by Gods Church on the first day of February On which day we read in the Martyrologes of Rome S. Beda and Ado these words This day is celebrated the Memory of S. Brigid a Virgin who in testimony of her virginity having touch'd the Wood of an Altar it became presently green Her death is frequently assign'd by writers to the eighteenth year of the following Century But truër Chronology saith Bishop Vsher makes her to out live S. Patrick only thirty years XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Sophias a Brittish Martyr and Bishop of Beneventum 1. IN our English Martyrologe on the four and twentieth of Ianuary there is a commemoration of a Brittish Saint and Martyr call'd S. Sophias whose death is assigned to the four hundred and ninetieth year of our Lord. 2. This S. Sophias was the Son of Guilleicus Prince of the Ordovices or Northwales He undertook a Monasticall Profession in a Monastery built by himself in the same Province It is written of him that he had such devotion to our Lords Passion that he made three pilgrimages to Ierusalem to visit the marks and footsteps of it He had likewise a great Veneration to Rome and those places which had been consecrated by the
could not hinder the fury of Ebroinus was in common fame charged with the crime though according to the Gallican Martyrologe she was at this time retired into a Monastery 3. The said Martyrologe therefore will give us a true information of this Fact where on the twenty eighth of October in the commemoration of this Holy Bishop we find this passage Clodoveus being some years before dead and his Widow S. Bathildis retired into her Monastery at Cala Ebroin Maire of the Palace a most cruel man and extremely disaffected to Ecclesiasticall persons began to rage every where with sacrileges rapines and murders of innocent persons No wonder therefore if S. Ennemund Bishop sirnamed Dalfin incurred his hatred because out of an affection of piety and iustice he was earnest with the King to ease the people of their pressures Therefore after that the Brother of the Holy Bishop who was Prefect of Lyons had been slain at Orleans upon a false accusation as if he had an intention to rebell Ebroin presently after with the like violence persecuted S. Ennemund Who being informed that accusations were falsely charged on him before the King perceiving the machinations of his cruel adversary at first departed from Lyons But presently after taking courage and placing his whole trust in God he returned thither again where whilst he was diligent in his devotions and pious works he was seised upon by the Emissaries of Ebroin and to the generall extreme greif of the Citty caried away with shew that he was to be lead to the Kings presence but by the way near Chaillon in Burgundy he was murdred by night whilst he prayd God to pardon his enemies and so for a reward of his iustice charity and patience he received a never fading crown of Glory 4. This Narration doth evidently absolve the good Queen Bathildis Whose memory ought to be in a speciall manner precious to us since she descended from a Saxon family in Brittany which she left unwillingly For as the Authour of her life in Surius and Haraeus who lived in the same age recounts She was stolln out of Brittany by Pirats and by them sold to Erchinoald a famous Prince in France then Maire of the Kings palace In whose service she behaved herself so decently for she descended from Noble Saxon Ancestors that the said Erchinoald's Lady being dead he intended to have taken her to wife But the Holy Virgin withdrew her self from his sight till he had maried another This her Modesty made her so acceptable to King Clodovaeus the second of that name son of Dagobert that as we read in the Appendix to Gregory Bishop of Tours he made her though a stranger his Queen for her prudence and comlines and had by her three Sons Cloathair Childeric and Theodoric 5. After Clodovaeus his death she awhile governed the Kingdom with her children and then with great difficulty obtaind permission of the Nobility to retire her self into a Monastery built by her self in a place called Cala in the Territory of Paris over which she had placed Abbesse a Holy Virgin called Bertilia sent for by her out of the Monastery of Iâ—dro To this Monastery of Cala therefore she retired where she lived a great example of Piety and vertue Now at that time there being in Brittany few Monasteries of Religious Virgins saith Saint Beda many Noble men sent their daughters out of Brittany into France to be instructed there and espoused to their Heavenly Bridegroom especially in the Monasteries of Brige Cale now called Chelles and Andilege 6. She built likewise in the Territory of Amiens at a place called Corbey a Monastery for Religious Monks which she magnificently enriched with possessions and all things necessary for their subsistence Over which Monks she placed Abbot a venerable person called Theofred whom she had for that purpose desired to be sent out of the Monastery of Luxueil Luxovium Which Abbot was afterward a Bishop 7 Neither was her piety confined to France onely For she honourd with many precious Gifts the Churches of the Holy Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul at Rome out of the great love and devotion she had to them Likewise great liberality she extended to the poor and to persons professing a Reclused solitary life in the same Citty 8. Thus in all conditions both as a simple Virgin a Queen and a Religious Nunne she sparkled with all divine Graces Particularly during her Regency by her zeale the Simoniacal Heresy which then defiled the Church of God was quite driven out of the Kingdom And for a further proof of her innocency touching the death of S. Ennemund or Dalfin Bishop of Lyons there is mention in her life of another Bishop called Sigebrand who by the practise of Ebroin against her will without conviction or examination was slain coÌ„trary to Law and iustice 9. Her piety to Holy Bishops particularly to S. Eligius the famous Bishop of Noyon is celebrated by S. Audoâ—n Bishop of Rouen who lived at the same time and wrote his life For he relates with what affection and devotion this Holy Queen with her children and Nobles hastned to take care for his honourable enterment Her desire was it should be conveyed to her Monastery of Cala but by no force it could be removed Whereupon overcome with a violent greif she uncovered his face which she bedewed with showrs of tears At last turning her self to her Nobles she said We now see it is not his will that his body should be removed from his own Citty let us therefore permitt his own flock to enioy it Which words she had no sooner uttered but the Body and Coffin became easily moveable so that two persons alone were able without difficulty to carry it Thus having venerated the Sacred Body she retired weary and hungry for she had continued a Fast of three days with Prayers and tears thereby to know Gods will for disposing the Body 10. The same Holy Writer further declares the same Queens devotion to S. Eligius after his death and how in a vision by night he commanded a certain Courtier to reprove her for wearing iewells and costly apparrell during her Widdow-hood Which she did not out of Pride but because she thought it fitting to be done whilst she took care of administring the Kingdom during her sons minority This command thrice repeated not having been executed by the said Courtier he was pâ—nished with a violent feaver During which having been visited by the Queen he declared it to her and immediatly the feaver quitted him Whereupon the Queen layd aside her Iewells and Ornaments a great part of which she distributed to the Poor and with the richest of them she made a most beautifull sumptuous Crosse which she deposed at the head of S. Eligius or S. Eloy Which devotion of hers was imitated by the Nobles so zealously that in a short time his Church was enriched with incredible riches Offrings
A particular reason why her veneration is great in that Citty is given by Miraeus Because saith he it is a constant Tradition of that Church that this same holy Virgin in her way from England into Germany made some abode in Antwerp And to this day there is seen in the most ancient Church of that Citty a certain Grott in which she was wont to pray for which reason the same Church formerly called the Castle Church was afterward by our Ancestours dignifyed with the Title of S Walburgis And indeed before the receiving of the Roman Office there the same Church was accustomed to celebrate the memory of S. Walburgis as their peculiar Patronesse four times every year but since that time they keep her Feast but once 7. It is very probable that this Holy Virgiâ— was entertained for some time at Antwerp by the Disciples of S. Willebrord as being of the same Countrey For it appears by the Testament of the same Holy Bishop that he possessed to his death the Church built in the Castle of Antwerp near the River Scald together with a third part of the custom or tribute belonging to it as we have before declared 8. The same Authour adds that in the forementioned vault of that Church there is preserved a part of S. Walburga's â—awbone which saith he in the year of Christ sixteen hundred and fifteen was visited and reverently kissed by the pious Archdukes Albert and Isabella XIV CHAP. 1.2 Succession of Bishops 3. The Northumbers rebellious 4.5 King Offa's victory over the West-Saxons 1. PEctwin the Bishop of Witern or Candida casa dying in the year of Christ seaven hundred seaventy seaven after he had administred the same See seaven years there was substituted in his place Ethelbert who twelve years after was translated to the See of Hagustald 2. The year following in the place of Ethelmod Bishop of Shirborn Denefrit was ordained in the same See Of these two Bishops saith B. Godwin besides their names I can find nothing in our Ecclesiasticall monuments 3. The Northumbers still persist in their seditious tumults For Ethelred whom they had five years before this placed in the throne out of which they had eiected Alred they now also drive into exile or as some write detain iâ— prison and in his place substitute Alfwold The principall movers of this sedition were two great Northuusbrian Dukes concerning whom Mathew or Westminster thus writes Ethelwald and Herebert saith he who were Dukes in the kingdom of the Northumbers rebelled against their King and at a place called Kings-clive they slew Ealdulf who was Generall of King Ethelreds army and a while after the same Dukes in a great battell slew two other Generalls of the same King Kenulf and Eggen As for King Ethelred he was forced to fly out of the Kingdom in whose place they constituted Alfwold King a Prince of great piety and iustice who raigned ten years After which time Ethelred was again restored 4. In the Western parts likewise there arose great commotions For anciently the West-Saxon kingdoÌ„ had extended as far as Oxfordshire Where among other strong places a Castle had been built at a place anciently called Bensigetun now Benson But Offa king of the Mercians unwilling any longer to suffer his neighbour Prince to enioy such an advantage to incommodate his countrey raised an Army and besieged the said Castle To raise this siege Kenulf King of the West-Saxons approached with other forces So that they came to a battell In which Kenulf was defeated and compelled to fly By which means King Offa took and possessed the Castle This was the only misfortune which hitherto had befalln Kenulf who was a Prince renowned both for his vertues and warlick exploits But after this continuall calamities oppressed him till his death which was also very unhappy 5. Kenulf after this defeat endeavoured by the assistance of the Brittainâ— to repair his losses But Offa to prevent the entercourse between the West-Saxons and Brittains caused a mighty trench for the space of ninety miles between the Rivers Dee Deva and Wey Vaga to be made which though it was the occasion of many contentions yet in them all Offa had the advantage XV. CHAP. 1.2 c. Miraculous Iudgments of God against the Pagan blasphemers of Saint Swibert and Sacrilegious destroyers of his Church and Monastery at Werda 9.10 c The Writer of that Narration is Saint Ludger whose Holines together with the Doctrine of the Veneration of Saints is asserted 1. WHilst these troubles afflicted Brittany Almighty God in Germany fought for the defence of the Faith planted there by the English-Saxons miraculously punishing the Sacriledge committed by the Saxons and Westphalian Pagans against the Monastery or Werda built by his servant S. Swibert as we find written in an Epistle of S. Ludger Bishop of Munster written to Rixfrid Bishop of Vtrecht 2. Whilst the glorious King of the French Charles sirnamed the Great was fighting in the Southern parts of France against the Saracens then raigning in Spain the feirce and perfidious Saxons and Westphalians iudging this to be a fitt time to revenge themselves of the losses which they had formerly suffred from the Christians raised a mighty army with which they wasted all the countreys as far as the Rhene expressing their raâ—e principally against the Churches of God and sparing neither sexe nor age With this fury they came to Werda where was the Church of S. Swibert There they utterly destroyed and burnt to the ground both the Town and Church all the inhabitants and Preists they killed which had not escaped by flight and all the Sacred Books and ornaments they burnt Only the Sacred Body of S. Swibert was preserved from their fury though with all possible diligence they made search for it Yea many of those Saxons who were Christians had a desire to expresse their hatred against this Holy Bishop because many years before this by his intercession the French had gaind a memorable victory against them 3. In this detestable Army there was not any one so execrable in his malice and cruelty as a certain Officer called Ogell Osterbach of Paderborn This man was the principall instrument of the Devill in all mischeifs committed in which he took excessive pleasure And particularly he it was who with great labour and diligence heaped wood for burning the said Church which with much adoe at last by Gods permission he performed 4. After he had among many other abominable actions executed this being at dinner with his companions in a meadow adioyning to the same place he with great ioy and triumph recited to them what he had done particularly insulting upon S. Swibert the Protectour of the French and blaspheming God But behold in the middst of his laughter and ioy the heavy wrath of God came upon him so that he fell backward before them all upon the plain ground and broke his neck by this horrible
used to speak in it remaining mute only being able to signify that the Body of the holy Martyr Babylas hindred his speech Iulian caused the Sacred body to be removed from thence into the Citty which the Christians perform'd with great solemnity singing Psalms all the way specially those wherin Idolatry is derided to the infinit indignation of the Emperour who thereupon caused many of them to be tortured but by the intercession of the Holy Martyr their torments were miraculously converted into pleasure The same Story is confirm'd likewise by S. Chrysostom 7. But a war against the Persians interrupted his rage against Christians who at his first setting forth threatned that when that Expedition was finish'd he would destroy all who profess'd the name of Christi A threatning very acceptable to the Pagans but greivous to the afflicted Christians Whilst he was busy in the prosecution of this war Libanius a Heathen Sophister in derision of Christ ask'd a certain Christian What the Carpenters Son was then doing Who answerd He is preparing a Coffin for Iulian. And the event made these words propheticall for the wicked Emperour receiv'd from an unknown hand a wound mortall to him self but healthfull to all the world beside 8. In his place the Army chose Iovian Emperour though he refus'd that honour professing that being a Christian he neither would nor could govern an Army poysond with heathenish Idolatry Whereupon all the soldiers cryed out that they also were Christians those who were ancient among them having been train'd up in the piety of Constantin and the younger imbued with the precepts of Constantius So that the two years raign of Iulian could not extirpate the good seeds sown in their hearts 9. Iovian thus chosen restored the Christian Faith reducing the Church to its former splendour He also publish'd a Law by which in all Cittie 's a certain proportion of Wheat was contributed to Sacred Virgins by vow consecrated to God And another which inflicted death on any who should ravish or but attempt their Chastity He likewise ordain'd that all Catholick Bishops who had been formerly banish'd should return to their Sees There is extant an Epistle of S. Athanasius in answer to one from the Emperour who had desir'd to be inform'd by him who among the divided Sects of Christians retain'd the Orthodox Faith Which Epistle challenges a mention in this History because among the severall Nations constantly persevering in the Faith of our Saviours Divinity establish'd in the Councill of Nicéa he expressly names Brittany Whence appears that hitherto the Brittish Churches were pure in their Faith however some particular persons there might have been infected 10. This pious Emperour lived but one year to whom succeeded Valentinian a Prince equally Orthodox But who unhappily made partner in his Empire his Brother Valens infected with the Arian Heresy and impiously zealous in the promoting of it XI CHAP. 1.2.3 Picts Scotts and Attacotti infest the Brittains Who these last were 4.5 c. Theodosius Governour of Brittany His Victories there 8. Brittany divided into five Provinces 9. Theodosius recall'd 1. IN Brittany during Iulians raign the Prefect was Alipius the Successour of Gumoharius Where quietnes continuing the Picts and Scotts securely multiplied both in numbers and strength Of which presently after they showd terrible proofs For as Marcellinus relates in the first year of Valentinians raign the barbarous Nations on all sides of the Roman Empire as if universally excited by a trumpet broke their limits made furious incursions into the Roman Provinces The Alamanni wasted Gaule and Rhetia The Sarmatians and Quadi made irruptions into Pannonia and the Picts Saxons Scotts and Attacotti vexed the Brittains with incessant calamities 2. By which appears that the Enemies of Brittany were multiplied For to the Picts Scotts here is an addition of the Saxons and the Attacotti never mention'd before in Story with relation to Brittany As for the Saxons a Germā Nation who now first made thēselves known by their cruelty to the Brittains within a few years they will be too well known not by their piracies on the Seacoasts as at this time but by an invasion of the whole Island so successfull to them that they gott almost an entire possession of it leaving only a barren mountainous corner to the fearfull Brittains 3. But who were the Attacotti S. Hierom will tell us What shall I say of the immanity of other Nations I my selfe in my youth saw in Gaule the Attacotti a Brittish Nation who nourish'd themselves with human flesh These men in the forrests meeting with heards of beeves sheep and swine neglected them and cutt off the hanches of the Pastours breasts of the woemen and fed upon them accounting these to be their principall delicacies It seems therefore that these Attacotti were a Savage people in the Northern mountains of Scottland living without all Law or Government who likewise had promiscuous wives ad common children This rude multitude were invited by the Picts Scotts ioyn with them in the invasion of the Civill Brittains 4. Vpon this occasion the Emperour Valentinian leaving his Brother Valens to govern the East made an expedition into Gaule where he compos'd the troubles rais'd by the Alamanni This being done as he was in a hasty march from the Province of the Ambiani or Amiens toward Triers he was stopp'd by an astonishing message out of Brittany which informed him how by a conspiracy of severall barbarous Nations the Brittains were reduc'd to the utmost extremity How Nectaridius Admirall Comes of the Sea coasts had been slain by the Enemies and Bulchobaudes the General circumvented by their ambushes Vpon which horrible reports the Emperour dispatch'd into Brittany Severus one of his cheif Officers to remedy those disorders But shortly after recalling him he sent Iovinus thither making a suddain provision of ammunition and store preparing strong armies to assist him according to the instant urgent necessities In conclusion fresher and more horrible rumours encreasing he made choice of Theodosius to goe General thither a man famous for many martiall exploits happily atchiev'd who being attended with courageous Legions and cohorts made up of lusty youth prosecuted the expedition with a noble confidence 5. At the same time the Franks and Saxons had infested the coasts both of Gaule and Brittany and into this latter they had made an impression as far as London where they drove all the countrey about To remedy which injuries the vigilant Generall Theodosius took shipping at Boloyn in Gaule and passing the Sea landed at Rutupiae Richborough in Kent neer Sandwich Which is a secure Station for ships Whither as Soon as his Cohorts call'd Herculij Iovij Victores Fidentes c. aborded he marched from thence streight to London an ancient town afterward call'd Augusta and dividing his Army into severall squadrons he set on the stragling Enemies loaden with
hundred and eighty XXIII CHAP. 1. Honorius Emperour of the West 2. c. Pelagius the Heretick appears c. 5. The Roman Legion call'd our of Brittany 6.7 Alaricus invading Italy is twise vanquish'd 8. Innocentius Pope 1. IN the year of Grace three hundred and ninety five the glorious Emperour Theodosius dyed for whose soule S. Ambrose devoutly prayd the Prince Honorius assisting at the Holy Altar He left his Empire between his two Sons committing the Eastern Regions to the Elder son Arcadius and the Western to the younger Honorius who being of tender years was left under the tuition of Stilico whose daughter he maried Yet Stilico afterward not satisfied with this honour attempted to establish his own son to effect which he call'd or at least permitted barbarous Nations to enter and wast the Empire who in conclusion were the destruction of it 2. In the fourth year of Honorius his raign Pope Siricius dyed to whom succeeded Anastasius a man saith S. Hierom of rich poverty and Apostolick solicitude which he express'd in opposing the Errour of Origen which Ruffinus and his Disciple Melania now brought into Rome The same Holy Pope likewise first repress'd the Heresy of Pelagius which first appeared under him Of which for the relation which that Arch-heretick had to Brittany from whence he came we shall presently treat more largely 3. The year following the same Emperour publish'd an Edict which Iacobus Gothofredus conceives to have been directed to the Vicar of Brittany The From of Which Edict was this As we utterly forbid the offring of Pagan Sacrifices so our pleasure is that the Ornaments of publick Works though representing Pagan Superstitions should be preserved And to the end those who presume to demolish them pretend not any authority for so doing we hereby command that if any ancient Inscription or Law be found such papers be taken out of their hands and brought to us Thus Wrote the Emperour to Proclianus Vicar of the five Provinces Into which number Brittany was lately divided as hath been shewd 4. This Island seems at this time to have enioyd repose being freed from the violence of their Northern Enemies by a Roman Legion quartered in the confines It was governed by a Roman Generall call'd Marcus whom Honorius sent hither Of this peaceable State of Brittany the Poet Claudian gives testimony in his Panegyrick inscrib'd to Stilico who was Consull in the year of Christ four hundred 5. But this calm lasted but a little space for troubles hapning in Italy all the forces which defended Brittany being call'd away this poore Island was left miserably expos'd to her barbarous enemies Those Troubles were caused by an invasion of the Goths under their King Alaricus who out of Pannonia by the Norick Alpes descended to Trent from thence driving a Garrison of Honorius and so peircing into Rhetia was there stop'd by Stilico who made great preparations against him 6. The following year a battell was fought between Alaricus and Stilico wherin the Gothes were vanquish'd and might have been utterly destroyd had not Stilico permitted them to retire back into Pannonia This he did to the end his ambitious designs might more securely proceed during troubles by means of which he continued in possession of the Empires forces 7. Alaricus by pact with Stilico return'd towards Italy with a more numerous army And presuming to subdue the Countrey was again fought with by Stilico at Pollentia and once more overcome To this Battle the Roman Legion which was the only defence of Brittany was sent for as Bishop Vsher from Claudian the Poet well observes But such frequent invasions by barbarous Nations oblig'd the Romans to strengthen their Citty with new walls and Towers as the same Claudian elegantly relates 8. In these times Pope Anastasius dying there succeeded him in the Apostolick See Innocentius first of that name concerning the integrity of whose Faith thus writes S. Hierom to Demetrias a Virgin in Africa Because I feare saith he yea have been credibly inform'd that the venemous spriggs of Heresy he meanes Pelagianism doe still budd forth in Africa I thought my self obliged out of a pious affection of charity to admonish thee firmly to hold the Faith of the Holy Pope Innocentius who in the Apostolick chair is now Successour and Son to Anastasius and take heed of entertaining any strange Doctrins what ever esteem thou mayst have of thine own wit and skill XXIV CHAP. 1.2 Of Pelagius the Brittish Heretick 3.4 c The speciall Points of his Heresies condemn'd by severall Popes Synods c. 11. Brittany infected 12. Of Vigilantius his Heresies 1. HEre it will be seasonable to treat of the New blasphemous Heresy of Pelagianism which now began to infect the world The Authour of it was Pelagius by birth a Brittain for which cause S. Augustin stiles him Pelagius by Sirname Brito and S. Prosper more expressely calls him the Brittish Serpent And hereto consent S. Beda Polidor Virgâ—ll and generally Modern Historians But whether his originall came from the Roman Provinces in Brittany or the Scottish some doubt may be made considering S. Hierom in severall places mentioning him calls him a Scott descended from the Scottish Nation bordering on Brittany and elsewhere he says that he the most stupide of men was stuffed with Scottish pulse Not withstanding the Authour of S. Albanus his life in Capgrave affirms that he was Abbot of that famous Monastery of Bangor where two thousand and one hundred Monks under the Discipline of one Abbot did get their living by the labour of their hands 2. Certain it is that he was a Monk for by that title he is call'd for the most part by the Bishops in the Councill of Diospolis because he had no Ecclesiasticall degree And S. Augustin saith After many ancient Heresies a New one is lately risen not invented by any Bishops or Preists no nor so much as inferiour Clarks but by a sort of Monks which dispute against the Grace of God Isidor the Pelusiot adds that he was a vain stragling Monk incorrigible one who wandred from Monastery to Monastery smelling out feasts and fawning on Magistrats for their good chear c. observing withall that it was in his old age that he fell into this Heresy whereas before he had liv'd according to S. Augustins testimony in repute for his sanctity and Christian life of no ordinary perfection 3. The speciall Points of his Heresy are thus sett down by Sigebertus In Brittany saith he Pelagius endeavoured to defile the Church of Christ with his execrable doctrines Teaching that man may be saved by his merits without Grace That every one is directed by his own naturall Free will to the attaining of iustice That infants are born without Originall sin being as innocent as Adam was before his Transgression That they are baptised not to the end they should be
in his practise fullfilld the Instructions which he mett with in reading Now it fell out that his Master Paulens with extreme pains falling on his eyes lost the use of them Hereupon calling his Disciples together he desired that one after another they would look upon his eyes and say a prayer or benediction on them When they had done this and that he receiv'd no ease or remedy David said thus to him Father I pray you doe not command mee to look you in the face for ten years are pass'd since I studied the Scripture with you and in all that time I never had the boldnes to look you in the face Paulens admiring his humility said since it is so it will suffise if by touching my eyes thou pronounce a benediction on them Presently therefore assoon as he touched them sight was restored to them XIV CHAP. 1.2 The Westsaxon Kingdom founded 3.4 Priviledges given to Cornwall c. 5.6 A second combat at Monâ— Badonicus 7. c. Fables of King Arthurs conquests 1. THE same year in which the Synod of Brevi was celebrated Cerdic began the Kingdom of the West-Saxons that is saith Huntingdom in the seaventy first year after the first coming of the Saxons and in the raign of the Emperour Iustin the Elder of that name With him agrees Ethelwerd Malmsbury and others And Thomas Rudburn in his greater Chronicle addes that he was crowned with Pagan Ceremonies at Winchester in the place which once had been the Church of the true God but which those barbarous heathens had changed into a Temple of Dagon having slain all the Monks who served God there 2. The raising of this New Kingdom sufficiently disproves the Fables of Geffrey of Monmouth who reports great and frequent Victories of King Arthur in these dayes Whereas Huntingdon expresly declares that this year a terrible battell was fought between Cerdic and the Brittains and that on both sides the Captains fought magnanimously till even but then the Saxons gott the victory which would have been more bloody to the Brittains had not the darknes hindred the pursuit After this the fame of Cerdic and his son Kinric was largely spread through the whole land For from that day began the Kingdom of the West-Saxons which remains to our times having swallowd all the other Principalities And Ranulpâ—us of Chester relates how after many battells fought betweem King Arthur and Cerdic wherin sometimes one some times the other had the better at last King Arthur grew weary and contenting himself with an oath of fidelity received from Cerdic he gave to him the Provinces of Hampshire and Somerset 3. But Thomas Rudburn taking no notice of any Oath of Fidelity declares that King Arthur growing weary of renewing war against Cerdic entred into league with him by which Cerdic obliged himself to the inhabitants of Cornwal to permitt them paying an annual tribute to enjoy the exercise of Christian Religion And that such a speciall indulgence was allowd to that Province appears by the great numbers of Saints which in these and the following times flourished there whereas scarce any were to be found in other parts of Brittany subject to the Saxons Now the ground of this Priviledge afforded particularly to them of Cornwal no doubt was because great multitudes of Brittains flying from the Saxons into those most distant and more defensible parts as likewise into Wales rendred them more capable to resist new Masters who therefore were forced to give them better conditions 4. Notwithstanding we are not to suppose that the two Provinces of Hampshire and Somerset mentioned by Ranulphus and Cornwall by Rudburn were all the Provinces which made up the new Kingdom of the West-Saxons for besides them Cerdic had subdued the Danmonij in Devonshire the Durotriges in Dorsetshire the Atrebatij in Barkshire and the Belgae in Wiltshire And to these shortly after was added the Isle of Wight which he bestowd on his late arriv'd kinsmen Stuffa and Whitgar who saith Camden utterly destroy'd the Brittish inhabitants there at Whitgarn-burg from Whitgar so call'd but now more contractedly Caresburg 5. Whilst Cerdic was busy establishing his new Kingdom fresh enemies to the Brittains arriv'd For as Mathew of Westminster relates in the year five hundred and twenty the Saxon Captains Colgrin Baldulf and Cheldric lately subdued by King Arthur at York and forced to abiure the Island repented themselves of the Covenants made and returning took land at Totenes from whence passing through Cerdic's dominion they came to the Citty of Bath which they besieged The fame whereof coming to King Arthur he caused the hostages left by them to be hanged And gathering a might army came to raise the siege Where the armies being ioyned he calling on the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary whose Image he wâ—re over his armour he slew great numbers of them and among the rest Colgrin and his Brother Baldulph Which Cheldric seing fled and by the Kings command was purâ—â—ed by Cador Duke of Cornwal who rested not â—ill he overtook them in the Isle of Thane where â—e slew Cheldric and â—orced the rest to yeild 6. Though some particulars in this Nâ—râ—ation may deserve to be excepted against is the place which is sayd to have been the Citty oâ— Bath neer which is the Mountain called Badonicus where Arthur before he was King is sayd to have defeated the Saxons long before the time mentioned by this Historian Besides Bath being a part of Cerdics new Kingdom how come the new arrived Saxons to besiege it Notwithstanding it may probably be answered that there might have been and comparing our Writers it is likely there were two battles fought by Arthur at this Mount Badonicus And again the Citty of Bath being seated in the utmost extremity Westward of Cerdic's Pricipality it might perhaps at this time have been in the possession of the Brittains 7. As touching King Arthurs invoking our blessed Lady's assistance in the fight it was a devotion generally practis'd by the Church in this age For two year before this there having been assembled two Councils in the East one at Ierusalem and another at Constantinople the Synod of Ierusalem thus wrote to the Bishops of the other Council O most holy Bishops we beseech you to pray with us to our Lord for these same things for the necessities of all Gods Preists ought to be common Make your supplications likewise together with us to the most holy and glorious Virgin Mary Mother of God that she would intercede for the peace of the holy Churches and for the victory and long life of our most pious and most Excellent Emperour The like practise we find elsewhere of which many Examples may be given 8. The year following King Arthur was called into the Northern parts to assist Prince Howel who three years before was come out of Lesser Brittany to his aid and was now besieged by the 〈◊〉 and Scots in the Citty
having conquered the Norvegians placed his Nephew Loth in the throne and then with ioy returned into Brittany 5. Acts of Chevalry yet more prodigious have been in a seeming sober manner recounted especially by Geffrey of Monmouth which in a generall manner shall be here set down in the expression and with the Censure of Ranulphus of Chester As touching this King Arthur saith he among all Historians only thus extolled by Geffrey of Monmouth many doe wonder how any one can beleive those things to be true which are reported of him For if there were any probability that he conquered thirty Kingdoms if he subdued the King of the Franks if he slew Lucius the Emperours Governour in Italy how comes it to passe that all Historians Romans French Saxons should make no mention at all of such Heroicall Exploits of so great a Prince whereas they have related far lesse acts of persons much inferiour Geffrey tells us that his Arthur conquered Frollo King of the Franks whereas among the French Writers such a Name as Frollo cannot be found He says likewise that during the raign of the Emperour Leo King Arthur kild Lucius an Italian Generall of the Empire and yet according to all the Roman Historians there was no Lucius Governour in Italy Neither did King Arthur raign nor was so much as born in the time of Leo but of Iustinian the fifth Emperour after Leo. To conclude Greffrey says he much wonders that Gildas and S. Beda should make no mention of King Arthur in their Writings Whereas we may much rather wonder that this Geffrey should so highly extoll a man whose actions have scarce been mentioned by any ancient Historians of high esteem for their truth sincerity But perhaps this is the custom of every nation to exalt some one of their Princes with excessive praises as the Grecians have enormously magnified their Alexander the Romans their Octavian the English their Richard the French their Charles and in like manner the Brittains their Arthur This often happens saith Iosephus either for the beautifying of their Histories or the delighting their Readers or extolling their own blood 6. That there was such a King of the Brittains as Arthur and that he was a Prince of a most magnanimous and Heroical Spirit we are assured by Monuments of such unquestioâ—ned authority that Geffreys lyes cannot disparage them And had it not been that Almighty God had given up the Brittains to destruction no hand could have been more proper able to rescue them then King Arthurs and no doubt it was to his valour that we ought to ascribe the security of the remains of them amoÌ„g the Mountains of Wales But as for his conquering so many kingdoms and driving the Saxons out of his own these are inventions so impudently false that in the very same years to which these Victories are assigned our unquestioned Histories inform us that the Saxons made some notable progresse in their conquests and some new kingdom of theirs became established 7. It may notwithstanding be allowd to Malbranque since he will needs entitle King Arthur to the subduing his Morini that being weary of contending in vain with the Saxons and a surcease of arms being agreed between them King Arthur to avoyd idlenes might transport some forces over Sea into that Province of France and there settle in the Principality his kinsmaÌ„ Leodegarius bestowing on him the Strong Citty of Bouloign Bononia with the territory adjoyning with this condition that he and his Successours should hold it with acknowledgment and dependance of the Blessed Virgin to whom we have seen before that King Arthur bore so particular devotion All which saith that Authour is extracted out of the ancient Archives of that Citty 8. Thus much may be iudged expedient to be said concerning King Arthur of whom nothing will remain more to be related for the space of many years till we come to treat of his death The intercurring time being to be supplyed by a few passages touching Ecclesiasticall affaires occurring in Brittany XVII CHAP. 1.2.3 The Kingdoms of the East-angles and East-Saxons erected 4 The Isle of wight conquered whence the name 1. ABout the year of Grace five hundred twenty seaven two new Kingdoms were erected in Brittany without any disturbance from King Arthur The seat of them was in the Eastern parts of the Island The Province of the Iceâ—â— containing Norfolk Suffolk and Cambridgshire was possessed by the Angli and made up the Kingdom of the East-angles The Province of the Trinobantes containing Essex Middlesex were possessed by a Tribe of the Saxons and made up the Kingdom of the East-Saxons But whether of these two kingdoms began first is uncertain in our History because the names of their first Kings are for the unconsiderablenes of their actions not left recorded 2. Mathew of Westminster fixes their beginning in the same year five hundred twenty sixe when saith he there came out of Germany certain Pagans who seysed on the Eastern parts of Brittany namely that Region which is called the Kingdom of the East-Angles And some of the same Germans invading the Middle Provinces of the Island fought many battles against the Brittains But because their Leaders were many and not subordinate to one their names are forgotten The same year the Kingdom of the East-Saxons also took its Origiâ—nal in these days called Essex the first King whereof as is beleived was Erkenwin the Son of Offa. 3. This Writer does not acquaint us with the name of the first King of the East-Angles But that defect is supplied by Ranulphus of Chester though he assign the Original of that Kingdom much sooner For thus he writes In the year of Grace four hundred ninety 〈◊〉 the Kingdom of the East-Angles began under Vffa from whom all the succeeding Kings were anciently called Vffings which since we call Ficans or Fikeys Such is the uncertainty about the beginning of these two Kingdoms to discourse of which concerns not our design 4. The year following the Isle of Wight was invaded by King Cerdic and his Son Kinric as hath been sayd But almost three years passed before they could quite subdue it For in the year five hundred and thirty saith Huntingdon Certic and his Son with a numerous army fought with the Brittains in Witland or the Isle of Wight and having overcome them took possession of the Island In which battell they made a wonderfull slaughter of them at Whitgaresberg in the thirteenth year of their Raign This Island called in Latin Vâ—cta they gave four years after to their Nephews â—â—uffa and Witgar The Brittains call this Island Guith which saith Nennius signifies a divorce or renting asunder because is is divided from Brittany by so narrow a sea intervening that is seems to have been once ioynd with it The Saxons from the Brittish word called it Witland or Vitland XVIII CHAP. 1.2 A Synod assembled in Wales by Saint
Arch-bishop of Bourdeaux and Metropolitan of that Citty who there accommodated him with a convenient habitation for serving God For the Holy Arch-bishop Leontius bore a most tender affection to him admiring and reverencing the Divine Graces which he observ'd in him whom he esteemd as sent from heaven to assist him in his Pastorall charge For which reason in all Visitations of his Diocese and Province he took him for his companion earnestly beseeching him to be his assistant by his wholesom counsells by his Prayers acceptable to God and by the examples of his holy Life 9. Moreover this Man of God although so disgracefully and uniustly exild was not unmindfull of his flock but forgetting all iniuries he dayly invok'd our Lords clemency for the conversion of that stubborn people The Divine Majesty aâ— last condescended to his Prayers and by an Angel acquainted him that his flock was now penitent and earnestly desir'd the return and favour of their Pastor and that it was Gods will that he should repair to them and restore to health that Region which was greivously afflicted with the scourges of Divine severity that he should restore plenty to the barren earth and bestow his benediction on the inhabitants And lastly having done this that he should again return to Xaintes where he was to be devested of his corruptible flesh that his soule might freely ascend to partake eternall felicity All these things the Holy Bishop perform'd according as God had commanded and when he came back from Brittany S. Leontius receiv'd him with greater ioy and express'd more respectfull Offices and kindnes to him then formerly 10. Shortly after this S. Mahutus or S. Maclovius dyed full of dayes and sanctity and was buried by Leontius in Aquitain And though the inhabitants of Aleth were deprived of the sacred Relicks of their prime Prelat whom they had treated so iniuriously yet the Name of Blessed Maclovius remains never to be blotted out which to this day both adorns and defends that Citty with his glorious protection and celestiall benefits Notwithstanding the Episcopall See does not now remain at Aleth but is remov'd to an Island two miles distant from thence anciently call'd Aaron where a Citty new built is in memory of their Holy Prelat and Patron call'd S. Malo Vrbs Macloviensis 11. To this large relation in the Gallican Martyrologe Iohn of Tinmouth adds That S. Mahutus with his seaven Disciples in devotion visited Rome where he redeemd many Infidell Captives and having instructed them in the true Faith baptis'd them Moreover that after forty years government having been iniustly and violently driven from his See at Aleth he cursed and excommunicated the people and then retired to an Island in Aquitain calld Agenis from whence he repair'd to Leontius a Bishop there Which relation contradicts the Gallican Martyrologe according to which S. Maclovius was so far from cursing his flock that he prayed dayly for it However the Centuriators of Magdeburg charitably remember only his cursing and not his prayers and most unskilfully write that he flourish'd under Leontius Bishop of the Saxons mistaking Saxonum for Santonum and that he curs'd the Brittains his own countreymen from whom he never receiv'd any iniury How long he liv'd appears not but his death is in our Martyrologe assign'd to the year of Grace five hundred sixty four XXX CHAP. 1.2 Of S. Brendan 3. Of S. Doc and S. Canic 1. SAint Brendan the spirituall Father and Instructour of S. Maclovius though by birth no Brittain is not be denied a place in this History Concerning whom we read in B. Vsher that he came out of Ireland to visit the Holy man S. Gildas Albanius in Brittany where he built a Monastery and a Church He was also Superiour in the Monastery of Lancarvan where he baptised S. Maclovius After that he returned into Ireland where he was Abbot of a Monastery call'd Birra and in the year of Grace five hundred seaventy one most happily ended his holy Life Of whose glory and Beatitude revealed to S. Columba the Authour of that Saints life call'd Adamannus thus writes where he introduces S. Columba thus discoursing with his Minister Diormitius Columba Goe and quickly provide all things necessary for celebrating the Holy Eucharist for this is the day of the blessed death of S. Brendanus Diormitius Why doe you command that we should prepare so solemnly for Masse to day since no Messenger from Ireland Scotia has yet brought tidings of the death of that Holy man Columba However goe and faile not to doe as I have commanded for this last night I saw heaven on a sudden opened and quires of Angels descending to meet S. Brendans soule by whose incomparable splendour the whole world was that houre enlightned 2. S. Brendan thus call'd to heaven enjoyd on earth also an eternall Monument of his name and Sanctity for in the Isles of Orkney a town and Church were built and were call'd from his Name The reason of which honour and devotion was because his Sacred body was thither translated The day of his death is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the sixteenth of May and his Translation on the fourteenth of Iune 3. We will here conclude with the Memory of a Holy Brittish Abbot call'd S. Doc who flourish'd in this Age. Of whom the Irish Annals thus write in the life of Saint Canic from whom the Province of Kilkenny took its appellation importing the Church of Canic When S. Canic was grown to an age capable of knowledge he was desirous of instruction and therefore pass'd over the Sea into Brittany to a Religious wise man naimed Doc and under him he studied diligently and was taught both learning and piety This S. Doc was one of the three Holy Brittains from whom the Irish learnd the form and Rites of celebrating Masse as hath already been shewd the other two were S. David and S. Gildas THE TWELTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAPTER 1.2 c. Constentin succeeds King Arthur His Cruelly Pennance and undertaking a Religious life 1. IT seems the Brittains at the beginning had no such conceit of King Arthurs returning for surely they would have expepected awhile and not immediatly have filled his Throne with a succession of strange Princes The Bards had not yet contrived their fantasticall Stories which could find none in these times to hearken to them 2. Therefore after King Arthurs death Constantin according to his designation succeeded him in the Government of Brittany He was the Son of Cador Duke of Cornwall and kinsman to King Arthur His sufficiency to discharge that employment for the benefit of his countrey was enough approv'd by his glorious Predecessours choice But Almighty God having fix'd a period to the Brittish Monarchy permitted many factions to arise and many pretendants to the Principality the opposing of whom hindred Constantin from advancing the common proffit and safety of the Kingdom 3. Yea
was attended by a certain person named Oswin her prime servant and steward of her house A man worthy to serve such a Queen For he afterward became a Monk being a man of great merit and who out of a pure intention forsaking the world to obtain an eternall retribution became worthy to receive many revelations of Divine Mysteries from our Lord. 10. S. Etheldreda or Ediltrudis thus accompanied was conducted and maried to Egfrid Prince of the Northumbers Who being possessed of such a treasure omitted nothing whereby he might conciliate her affections But one onely thing could content her which was the preservation of her Virginall integrity all other blandishments which a Princely State could afford without this were tastlesse and noysom to her 11. Once more therefore she made use of her former arts to obtain that from Egfrid which had been granted her by Tombert that there might be between them a conjunction of minds onely with a separation of bodies Egfrid was a Prince in whose veyns youthfull blood was then boyling Yet such power had the prayers and reasons alledged by his chast Princesse that by an example scarce hitherto heard of in the Church they lived twelve years together without any prejudice or diminution of Saint Ethelreds Virginity Her youth beauty and other admirable perfections of mind produced in him nothing but reverence they conversed together as if they had been devested of their Bodies 12. To the present sensuall age this may seem incredible but there is not wanting a clowd of witnesses to testify it William of Malmsbury thus writes Etheldrida though maried to two husbands by a happy continence lived free from any stirring of lust so that without the least deminution of her chastity she victoriously obtained in heaven the garland of perpetuall Virginity To the same purpose Henry of Huntingdom Aeldiltrida was the wife of King Egfrid yet to the end remained a pure Virgin 13. But before these Saint Beda who lived in the sâ—me age with her thus more expressly testifies the same King Egfrid saith he took to wife a Lady named Ediltruda the daughter of Anna King of the Angles who was a very Religious Prince and every way illustrious The same Lady had been before wife to a Prince of the Southern Girvians named Tombert after whose death which succeeded not long after the mariage she was given to the foresaid King And though she continued the space of twelve years his Consort yet she remain'd glorious in the perpetuall integrity of her Virginity Hereof the Blessed Bishop Wilfrid gave mee an assurance when upon the occasion of some persons who called it into doubt I ask'd him concerning it For he professed that he himself was a most certain witnesse of it in so much as King Egfrid promised him great store of money and lands if he could perswade the Queen who respected none so much as him to afford him the use of mariage 14. Thus writes Saint Beda and as if he foresaw that there would arise in our Nation a Sect either disgracing Virginity or Professing that Continence is a Vertue exceeding human forces he adds Neither ought we to distrust that that might happen in our age which faithfull history testifies to have sometimes formerly come to passe since it is a gift of the same Lord who promised to be present with us to the end of the world Moreover God was pleased by a Divine miracle to witnes the same For the flesh of S. Edildreda a long time after she was buried could not be corrupted which was a sign that whilst she was alive she remaind uncorrupted by human touches 15. After twelve years thus conversing â—ogether during which time King Egfrid used all means but force to expugn his wives purpose at last he gave her free permission to spend the rest of her dayes according to her own desire in a stare of Religious retirement where she might â—ive free from all solicitations and entirely employ her whole affection on her heavenly Bridegroom Thus writes Saint Beda After she had made many earnest requests to the King that she might be permitted to relinquish all worldly cares and serve our Lord Christ alone the true King in a Monastery at last with much adoe she obtaind her petition and entred into a Monastery where Ebba the Aunt of King Egfrid was Abbesse and which was seated in a place calld the Citty of Coluda or Coldingham There she received the Sacred veyle of Religions from the foresaid Bishop Wilfrid 16. Wee must here interrupt the Narration of Saint Beda and insert the occurrents hapning to this Blessed Virgin upon her departure from Saint Ebba before she arrived at her own Territory of Ely as we find recorded in the ancient Archives of that Monastery 17. There we read how not long after her permission to retire her self King Egfrid repenting his indulgence towards her was desirous to recall her and by the instigation of his servants resolved by force to take her out of the Monastery Which being made known to the Holy Abbesse Ebba she counselled Saint Ethelreda to fly speedily away and not to rest till she came to her own house at Ely Whereupon the Holy Virgin without delay taking with her two other devout Virgins Selbenna and Selbera went out of the Monastery and went up a high Mountain not far distant called Coldeburches-heved which signifies the Head of Coldeburt In the mean time King Egfrid was come to the Monastery and hearing of her flight pursued her But Almighty God to defend his servants had encompassed the Hall with deep waters from the Sea insomuch as the King could find no means to passe them At which being amazed and perceiving a Divine hand in it he returnd to York and shortly after took to wife Ermenburga And after that time he conceived a deep hatred against Saint Wilfrid which broke forth afterward as shall be declared 18. The Tradition of that region informs us that the Holy Virgin and her companions were sustained by God seaven dayes on that mountain without any corporall food After which they descended and passing over the River of Humber they came prosperously to a place called Wintringham and rested at a Village named Alfham where she took order for building a Church From thence travelling with great labour and finding in her way a commodious shade she there layd her down to sleep And when she awaked she found her staff which she had fastned in the ground at her head had taken root and began to flourish with leaves In succeeding times it became a very large and tall Tree and continues to this day called Etheldredstow or Ethelreds rest And in memory thereof a Church was there afterward built to her honour She therefore pursuing her iourney through many difficulties and dangers at last arrived safe at Ely with her two companions There she found a Holy Preist called Huna who ioyfully received her and performed all Ecclesiasticall functions
severall years later X. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests of Saint Foillan Martyr And of S Vltan both of them Brethren of S. Fursey 1. THIS year was wonderfully fruitful in Saints For in the same S. Foillaâ— was crownd with Martyrdom He was Brother of S. Fursey and with him came oâ—t oâ— Ireland into Brittany where he lived a 〈◊〉 in the Monastery of Knobberri-burg and aâ—teâ— his departure succeded him in thâ— Oâ—ce oâ— Abbot as hath bene already declâ—â—â—d in thâ— year six hundred forty two He is commeâ—morated in our Martyrolâ—gâ— on the thirtieth of October and held in great veneration not only in Brittany but Ireland also and France 2. Concerning him we read thus in the French Martyrologe That out of Brittany he went to Rome to obtain a benediction and faculties from Pope Martin to convert Infidels Which having received he went into France where after some progresse made in his Apostolicall Office of preaching he was received with great reverence by S Gertruâ—e with whose assistance he founded the Monastery of Fosse Yet he did not so fixe himself in that place as if he had found there a quiet abode and secure haven and would dispense with his Apostolick Office but on the contrary his zeale to exalt the glory of Christ was so urgent in him that like lightning he went up and down plucking up the seed of Idolatry yet remaining there and sowing the true Faith he incited the inhabitants as yet spiritually blind to admitt the Light of Truth the Grace of God and eternall life to their soules those who were obstinat against the light he sharply reproved and both by exhortations and good example instantly besought and with a pious zeale even compelled them to be saved But the Enemy of mans salvation could no longer endure so watchfull a preacher of the Mystery of piety He therefore arms certain impious men with a blind envy and malice against hâ—m who violently and furiously assaulted this Holy Messenger of God in a forest of Hannow where with their swords they barbarously massacred him who did not resist them but dyed praying for them But God was not wanting to honour his servant for both from the merits of his past life and the miracles following his death he was acknowledged and honoured as a glorious Martyr and not long after a magnificent Monument was erected at his grave near Râ—dium a Town of Hannow which remains illustrious to this day where there is seen a Noble Monastery of Canons Regulars of the Order of Saint Norbert which takes its appellation from this Blessed Martyr 3. We must not separate Brethren Therefore we will here adjoyn the commemoration of Saint Vltan Brother to S. Fursey and Saint Foillan whose death in our Martyrologe is assigned to the same year on the second of May Concerning whom the Gallican Martyrologe thus writers on the first day of the same month At Peronne is the commemoration of Saint Vltan Confessour Abbot of the Monastery in the same town and Brother and Successour of Saint Fursey and of the glorious Martyr S. Foillan He was a wonderfull observer of Religious piety and by the assistance of Saint Gertrude of Nivelle having finished the Monastery of Fosse in the territory of Liege and emparted wholesome instructions to the Religious there returned to this Monastery of Peronne the Abbot whereof he was after his Brothers death he there honourably received and in a fatherly manner entertained S. Amatus Bishop of Sâ—ns who for his zeale to iustice was banished his Diocese and having spent the remainder of his life in a most holy conversation was called to his eternall reward and presently after was followed by S. Vltan Both whose Sacred Relicks are with due honour preserved partly at Peronne and partly at Fosse XI CHAP. 1.2 c. Of S. Christiana an English-Saxon Virgin 1. ABout this time most probably a Holy Virgin named Christina or Christiana derived from an English-Saxon family ended a most holy life yet her memory is not celebrated by any of our English Histories But Miraeus in his Belgick Calendar on the twenty sixth of Iuly thus writes concerning her Teneramund a town of Flanders Imperiall in the diocese of Gaunt seated at the meeting of the Rivers Scaldis and Tenera acknowledges two Tutelar Saints S. Hilduard Bishop and S. Christiana a Virgin whose Sacred Relicks are preserved there in a College of Canons S. Christiana was the daughter of a King of England And Saint Hilduardus flourished in the year seaven-hundred and fifty 2. But some what more particularly touching her parents and manner of life we read in the Gallican Martyrologe as followeth On the seaventh of September at Teneramund in the Bishoprick of Gaunt is commemorated the Translation of S. Christiana a Holy Virgin the daughter of Migraâ—nus King of England who coming into Flanders at Diclivena was received among the Religious Virgins and having devoutly performed her course of vertue in the service of our Saviour the Spouse of Holy Virgins there happily dyed and was buried with a great esteem of Sanctity And afterward being glorified by innumerable miracles to the end her veneration might be more frequent her Sacred Relicks were translated to Teneramunda and honourably reposed there in the Collegiat Church of the most Holy Virgin-Mother of God together with the bones of S. Hilduardus the Apostle and Tutelar Saint of the same town together with whom she is by the inhabitants of the same Town and Territory adioyning honoured as companion of the same Saint in the protection of that place 3. Again touching the manner how being born and educated a Pagan she was miraculously converted and exalted to so high a degree of Sanctity is thus further related in the same Martyrologe On the twenty seaventh of Iuly at Teneramunda in Flanders is celebrated the Memory of S. Christiana a Virgin who being the only daughter of Migramnus King of the English was in her tender age most devout to her false Gods and Idols according to the Tradition of her Ancestours But Almighty God looking on her with eyes of Mercy sent an Angell from heaven to her in the shape of a beggar who instructed her in the Christian Faith and commanded her to be baptised By whose conduct likewise she came to Dikelvenna where after she had with great perfection consummated her course she attained to eternall Beatitude Her Body afterward shining with many Divine Miracles was from thence translated to Teneramunda For whose honour and veneration Ringot Prince of that place having reedified a Church which had been demolished by the Normans commended the Patronage of that Citty to the same Holy Virgin Hence it was that to this day she is honoured by the inhabitants as their peculiar Protectresse 4. This Translation was performed in the year one thousand ninety two But who this Migramnus said to have been an English King was and what time he lived does not appear
drew him full of tears likewise out of his most sweet retirement to the Synod Where being arrived though he again renewd his resistance yet at last he was overcome by the united wills of all the Bishops and compelled to submitt his neck to the burden of the Episcopall Office 4. But though he was then elected and had consented to his Election yet he was not consecrated till the year following at the great solemnity of Easter The See to which he was ordained was not that of Hagulstadt now vacant by the deposition of Tumbert but Lindesfarn administred by Eata For Eata who at first had been consecrated Bishop both of Lindesfarn and Hagulstad in the year of Grace six hundred seaventy eight when that Province was shortly after divided he surrendred the See of Hagulstad to Tumbert reserving Lindesfarn to himself and now perceiving that S. Cuthbert rather desired Lindesfarn in which Diocese his beloved desart was seated the humbly devout Bishop Eata willingly surrendred it to him and again resumed Hagulstad Thus writes the Authour of S. Cuthberts life in Capgrave 5. This Synod in which S Cuthbert was Elected Bishop continued a part of two years for he was elected towards Winter and not ordained till the Easter following at whose ordination all the Bishops were present And before the dissolution of the Synod King Egfrid gave many munificent gifts to his new Prelat which were confirmed by the subscription of the King and all the Bishops 6. In his Life preserved by Capgrave we read That King Egfrid gave to him in York all the land from the Wall of S. Peters to the great Westgate and from thence to the Citty-wall toward the South He gave him likewise a village called Creike three miles in circuit that it might be a mansion for him in his iourney to and from York There Saint Cuthbert founded a Monastery constituting an Abbot named Gave The said place called Creike is seated in the forest of Gautres in Calaterio nemore in some parts abounding with wood and elsewhere a morish plain It stands a little Northward from York in the way towards Durham thus writes Camden 7. Besids this the King added another and greater Gift for he bestowd on him the Citty Luel or Caer-leil and fifteen miles about it where the holy Bishop founded a Monastery for consecrated Virgins ordaining an Abbesse over them He appointed Schooles for learning also in the same Citty Concerning this Donation the same Camden thus writes in his Description of Cumberland Egfrid gave to S. Cuthbert the Citty Lugubalia in this form I have given the Citty which is called Lugubalia and the land about it for the space of fifteen miles This name of Lugubalia or Luguvallia was given to that citty by reason of its proximity to the famous rampire or Vallum raised by the Romans to exclude the barbarous Nations beyond it commonly called The Picts Wall 8. Neither did King Egfrids munificence rest here for thus it follows in Capgrave After that S. Cuthbert had raised a child from death in a village called Exenford King Egfrid gave to him the land called Carthmel and all the Brittains inhabiting there c. Afterward Egfrid gave to the man of God Mailros that is to say Meuros and Carram and all the Appurtinances It is said that in that rich Treasury of Brittish Antiquities the Library of Sir Iohn Cotton there is extant a Charter of these Donations of King Egfrrid subscribed by Trumwin Bishop of the Picts and other English Bishops out of which Bishop Vsher quotes certain passages And the Munificence of King Egfrid was imitated by severall Princes his Successours who wonderfully enlarged their liberality to his Church and See afterward transferred to Durham called the Patrimony of S. Cuthbert Of which more hereafter 9. But as for S. Cuthbert himself he was nothing the richer for these possessions he practised the poverty of a Monk in the sublime state of a Bishop and as S. Beda reports in his life he adorned with works of piety the Episcopall degree undertaken by him therin imitating the Apostles of our Lord and with his wholesom admonitions invited to eternall happines the flock committed to his charge And the thing which gave the greatest efficacy to his exhortations was that himself in his own practise afforded an example for others to imitate For he was in a supreme degree fervent in divine Charity modest in the vertue of patience studiously intent to Prayer and affable to all who came to him for comfort Yea he esteemed the contributing his charitable assistance to his infirm brethren equivalent to Prayer because he who said Thou shalt love the Lord thy God said also Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self His abstinence was admirable he through the grace of compunction had his mind always elevated to heavenly things To conclude Whensoever he offred to God the most holy Sacrifice he addressed his prayers to him not with a loud voyce but with teares flowing from the depth of his heart This may suffise touching S. Cuthbert for the present wee shall add more when we come to treat of his death III. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests of Saint Eata Bishop of Hagulstad with his death 6. S. Iohn of Beverley succeeds him 1. IN the year of Grace six hundred eighty six the holy Bishop Eata after the administring the Sees of Lindesfarn and afterward of Hagulstad the space of seaven years dyed with such opinion of Sanctity that in our English Martyrologe his memory is celebrated among the Saints on the twenty sixth of October 2. Concerning his education from his infancy wee read thus in the Authour of his Life who follows S. Beda The Holy Bishop Aidan saith he undertook to instruct in the Religion of Christ twelve young children of the English Nation Of these Eata was one being a child of a very good disposition and a meek humble heart By the admonitions and good examples of his pious Teacher to whom he gave diligent attendance he became notable in all vertues so that finding grace both with God and man he became a Monk and according to the Profession of that state he sedulously gave himself to Watchings fasting and other good Exercises day and night For he was a man eminent for the vertue of patience brightly adorned with chastity affable and pleasing to all and as Venerable Beda testifies of him he was beyond all others adorned with the Grace of Meeknes and holy simplicity Afterward the was made Abbot of the Monastery of Mailros or Meuros in the execution of which charge he exhibited to his Brethren yet greater examples of humility and charity then formerly insomuch as they tenderly loved him not as an awfull Master but an indulgent Father He was held in such veneration among the rich and powerfull men of that age that even Kings themselves reverenced him as a Father and with devout minds conferred on
and far more labour in her high condition afford examples of vertue and piety to all her Subjects Which she performed in a most admirable manner being as the Authour of her Life describes her a most reverenced Mistresse to the Great ones and a kind Patronesse to the poor The former observed her as a Princesse and the lâ—tter as a Mother Those venerated her Majesty these admired her humility To the Nobles she was awfull and to meaner persons she seemed equall To all she was amiable and to all venerable rarely seen in throngs but frequent in Churches 8. Four and twenty years she raigned with her husband King Ercombert but he dying in the year of Grace six hundred sixty four and thereby she being left free to her self would be a Queen no longer but after she had seen the Commonweale settled saith Harpsfeild like a bird which had been a long time enclosed in a Cage she gladly escaped out of it and devesting her self of all her Royall Ornaments and marks of worldly pomp and pride she betook her self to the Society of Sacred Virgins in the Citty of Ely governed then by her Sister the most glorious Virgin Ediltrâ—dis or Ethelreda Fifteen years she lived under her disciplin being therefore more assiduous in devotion and more rigorous in mortifications because she came later then the rest to that School of Piety 9. In the end she buried her Blessed Sister and by the Vnanimous votes of her companions the Religious Virgins was chosen Abbesse in her place as hath been already declared in the Gests of the year of Grace six hundred seaventy nine In which charge being to afford documents and examples of all vertues to others she was more vigilant over herself more circumspect in her actions and more fervent in her prayers to God as being to give an account to him for so many soules besides her own 10. Having spent sixteen years more with all Perfection in this Office at last being mindfull of her dear Sister the constant opinion of whose Sanctity had taken deep root in all minds she thought fitt to take up her ashes and translate them to a more honourable place But how instead of empty ashes she found her Sisters body as entire as fresh and sweet as if she had rested in sleep wee have already declared To conclude after she had with admirable constancy and fervour performed the course appointed her by God she was this year called to receive a heavenly crown so that the day before the Nones of Iuly she followed her Sister to heaven leaving a command that her Body should be enterred together with her Sisters 11. From so holy a roote there sprung two most fragrant and beautifull flowers her daughters S. Eartongatha and S. Erminilda Of the former we have treated already As for S. Erminilda she was as hath been said maried to Wulfere King of the Mercians whose mind she inclined to all piety After her Husbands death she with her daughter S. Werburga as her Mother formerly had done consecrated her self to our Lord in the same Monastery of Ely where entring into the Royall path of Humility she behaved her self more submissly then the rest as her desire was more earnest to approach nearer to our Lord. This was so gratefull to all that her Mother Sexburga being dead she by the unanimous suffrages of her Religious Sisters was elected to succeed in her office of Abbesse of that famous Monastery 12. The year of S. Erminilda's death is not recorded But her Deposition is commemorated in our Martyrologe on the Ides of February 13. The summ of what concerns these three Holy Princesses and Religious Abbesses is thus breifly sett down by William of Malmsbury The most happy Lady Edildrida says he first founded the Monastery of Religious Virgins at Ely After her her Sister Sexburga who had been wife of Ercombert King of Kent and Mother of the most Holy Virgin Ercongetta lived to her old age in the same place under the Religious profession and Title of Abbesse And there succeeded her in the government of the same Abbey her other Daughter Erminilda who had been wife of Wulfere King of the Mercians and Mother of the holy Virgin Wereburga These three in continued successions were Abbesses there 14. This only is to be added in this place That this holy Queen and Abbesse Sexburga is different from another Queen of the same name wife to Kenwalch King of the West-Saxons who after his death in the year of Grace six hundred seaventy four governed the same Kingdom But either willingly or forced thereto by a faction of the Nobility which refused to be ruled by a woman retired to a quiet Religious life as hath before been declared XVIII CHAP. 1. The death of Saint Trumwin Bishop of the Picts 2. Also of S. Baruâ— a Hermite 3. c. And of S. Hildelida Abbesse 1. IN the year of Grace seaven hundred is recorded the death of S. Trumwin B. of the Picts who in the revolt of that Nation from the Northumbers was driven from theÌ„ce retired to the Monastery of Religious Virgins at Streneshalck where he lived fifteen years with some few companions in Monasticall rigour both to the good of his own soule and the benefit of many other and was with due honour buried there in the Church of S. Peter Many centuries of years after his Sacred Body was found and translated to a more honourable place together with the Bodies of severall other Saints reposing there Concerning which William of Malmsbury thus writes At Streneshalck now called Whitby in the Quâ—re of the Church belonging tâ— Religious Virgins which is famous for the Monuments of Holy Bishops and glorious Kings the industry of certain devout men hath as it were restored to life the slumbring ashes of severall persons For not long since there were found and translated to a more eminent place the Bodies of many Saints particularly of S. Trumwin Bishop of the Picts c. His name is commemorated among Saints in our Martyrologe on the tenth of February 2. The same year likewise is assigned to the death of S. Baruck a Hermite whose meâ—mory is celebrated in the Province of the Silures and region of Glamorgan He lyes buried in the Isle of Barry which took its name from him Concerning which we read this testimony in Camden The most outward Isle there is called Barry from Baruck a Holy man there buried Who as he gave his Name to the Island so did the Island give a Sirname to the Lords of it For the Noble family of the Viscounts of Barry in Ireland received their originall from thence In our Martyrologe this Holy Heremit Baruck is said to have sprung from the Noble Blood of the Brittains and that entring into a solitary strict course of life he at this time attained to a life immortall 3. We will conclude this year which concludes the seaventh Century of our History
thereto But the peircing eyes of a Lover discovered her flight pursued her thither Which she perceiving by secret pathes through our Lords guidance she escaped to Oxford whither she arrived very late in the dark night But thither also did lust and rage conduct the furious Lover who early in the morning entred the Town Then the Holy Virgin whose strength was wholly spent utterly despaired of all succour from Creatures and therefore having recourse to Gods omnipotence only she with rears begged of him a defence to her self and punishment to the Ravisher This she did at the instant when the Young Prince whose Name was Alard or Algar was entring the gate of the Town attended by many servants She had no sooner sent up his Prayer to heaven but by a Divine hand the lustfull young man was struck with blindnes Which visible iudgment opened the eyes of his mind and made him clearly perceive how hatefull to God his obstinate attempt was Whereupon by Messengers directed to the Virginâ—e â—e condemned his own foâ—ly and with great submission begged pardon promising an eternall banishment of all such desires out of his mind This his repentance procured compassion â—rom the Holy Virgin by whose â—enewd Prayers his blindnes was as quickly cured as â—t had been inflicted This Miracle recorded by all our Historians was so notable to all and so unquestioned for many Aâ—es that as William of Malmsbury observes the Princes of this Island had a scrupulous fear to enter into that gate of the Citty which Algar found so fatall to himself 14 In thankfullnes to God for this deliverance the pious Virgin erected another Monastery where assembling other chast companions of the same Institut and devotion she â—pent the remainder of her life in purity and divine Contemplation And after her death her immaculate Body reposing there became the principall Ornament of the Citty For though long before this in the time of the Brittains Oxford had been a Seat of the Muses yet wee doe not find that the English Saxons as yet had restored it to that dignity 15. Hence it is that Camden a diligent surveyer of ancient Monuments thus writes Our Ancestours the Brittains with great prudence consecrated this Citty of Oxford to the Muses which from Greklade they translated hither as to a more happy and fruitfull Seminary But the following ages under the Saxons being much employed in destroying of Citties this place was not exempted from the common lott So that for a long time it was celebrated for nothing but the Relicks of S. Frideswâ—de who was numbred among the Saints because a certain Prince called Algar violently attempting her chastity after she had by solemn vowes consecrated it to God was miraculously struck with blindnes 16 The Memory of her Sanctity is celebrated in our Martyroloâ—e on the niâ—eteenth of October And as for her Monastery a first inhabited by Religious Virgins it was in after times possessed by Seculars Canons from them it came to Regulars as shall be shewd in due time 17. This year aâ—so dyed S. Ethelburga formerly Queen of the West-Saxons who had so zealously and prudently incited her Husband King Ina to relinquish the perishing glory and pleasures of this world that he might without interruption attend only to eternal and Spirituall happines After his departure to Rome she retired her self into that famous Monastery of Barking where she professed a Religious life and after some time was elected Abbesse in which Office having with great Sanctity spent severall years she happily dyed and is numbred in our Martyrologe among the Saints on the ninth of Iuly William of Malmsbury writing of her and King Ina her husband says that they were both united in mutuall charity during their Lives and after their deaths both dignified by God with Divine Miracles 18. This is a different S. Ethelburga from her who was first Abbesse of the same Monastery of â—arking who was daughter of Anna King of the East Saxons and Sister to Saint Erâ—oâ— Wald Bishop of London She had for her Successour in the Office of Abbâ—sse 〈◊〉 S. Hildelitha to whom S. Aldelm dedicated his Book of Virginity And after her the third Abbesse of the same Monastery was this Saint Ethelburga Queen of the West-Saxons Insomuch as that Monastery well deserved 〈◊〉 Title given it by one of our Historians who stiles it a well known Sacred Repository of many Saints 19. Wee will conclude the occurrents of this year with breifly recording the Memory of a certain devout Hermite called S. Aâ—nuâ—f who as a Memoriall of his Sanctity has 〈◊〉 his name to a Town in Huntingdonshire whâ—â—e he piously lived and happily dyed â—is called Arnulfsbury or more contractedly Eynsbâ—ry near a place dedicated to S. Neoâ— There this devout Hermite having served God many years with great fidelity and fervour after he had filled the whole Province with the odour of his vertues this same year blessedly dyed as wee read in our Martyrologe where his Name is recorded among the Saints oâ— the two and twentieth of August X. CHAP. 1. 2. c. The Letters of Pope Zachrias to S. Boniface with severall Ordonnances 1 IN the year of Grace seaâ—en hundred forty one Pope Gregory third of that name dyed to whom succeeded Pope Zachrias Which being come to the knowlâ—dge of S. Boniface in Germany he presently wrote an Epistle to him by one oâ— his Preistâ— called Denechard to testify his obedience give him an account of his proceed in S. AmoÌ„g which he inform'd him that he had newly erecteâ— three Bishopricks in Germany The Episcopall Seat oâ— one was a Town called Wirtzburg of another Buriburg and of the third Erfsfurt or as some write Eychstedt so called from the abundance of Oakes growing near These Episcopall Sees he desires may be confirmed and established by the Pope And severall other Points he added in which he humbly desired the said Popes Order and resolution As will appear by the Answer returned to him the following year 2. Another Letter likewise he sent by the same Preist to a certain Prefect whose Territory lay in his way to Rome desiring him that he would grant the same security and afford the same assistance to this his Messenger that he had formerly done to others The said Prefects name is Regibert 3. As touching the three Episcopall Sees by him newly erected he does not name the Bishops ordaind in them But by the Subscriptions to a Synod the next year wee may collect that they were those three Preists which in the year of our Lord seaven hundred twenty five he had called to his assistance out of Brittany namely Burchard Witta and Willebald Burchard was consecrated by him Bishop of Wirtzburg Herbipolis Witta who likewise from Whitenes for so the German name signifies is by some named Albuinus had his See at Buriburg an ancient Town near Fritzlare or Paderborn And Willebald who came out of
remained a long time after their mariage without children Her Fathers name was Dimo her Mothers Ebba both of noble race and both of great piety At length God bestowed on them this daughter to whom they gave the name Truthgeba but her ordinary sirname was Lioba which in the Saxon tongue signifies Beloved Which sirname continuing made the other forgotten Assoon as she came to mature years her mother recommended her to the education of the foresaid Venerable Abbesse Tetta under whom she employed her self entirely in the studies of heavenly Disciplin She was diligent also in imitating what soever vertues and graces she observed in any of her Religious Sisters Hereby she attained to that Perfection that in succeeding time God was pleased to honour her with a celestiall Vision signifying to her under the semblance of a purple thread issuing out of her mouth in such abundance that she wound it into a large bottom as much as her hands could contain that the Doctrine of Divine Wisedom should by her be communicated to many soules abroad 6. At that time S. Boniface laboriously spread the Gospell among the people of Germany Who among other works of Spirituall industry had an intention to erect a Monastery of Religious Virgins in that Region And being desirous to constitute Superiour and Abbesse of it a Spirituall Mother of eminent piety he sent messengers with Letters to the foresaid Abbesse Tetta desiring amonâ— others that this Religious Virgin Lioba might be sent being one whose Sanctity and learning was in great esteem Her Spirituall Mother was very unwilling to have her depart from her Notwithstanding for accomplishing the foresaid Vision God enclined her mind to send her honourably to the Blessed Bishop He with great veneration received her and appointed her Abbesse of a Monastery in a place called Biscoffsheim where a considerable congregation of Religious Virgins was gathered together which by the example and instructions of so holy a Mistresse diligently gave themselves to the study of heavenly Disciplin in which by her assistance they so much proffited that scarce any other Monasteries of Virgins were founded which did not desire from this some of her disciples to be Mistresses of spirituall and Regular Disciplin 7. For indeed S. Lioba was a woman of admirable vertues eminent in prudence boundlesse in Charity and for her aspect of Angelicall beauty She allways had a chearfull smiling look yet never so as to break forth into unseemly laughter Never did any one hear proceed from her lips a word of reproachfull or bitter speech against any Though she was very kind and liberall in her allowance of meat and drink to others yet to her seâ—f she was extremely sparing insomuch as the little Cup which contained her measure of drink was by her Sisters commonly called the Small Cup of the Beloved for so the name of Lioba in the Saxon tongue signifies But withall it was wonderfull to observe the diligence which she always shewd in reading From her infancy she was perfectly instructed in the knowledge of Grammar and other Liberall Sciences And afterward she in a manner incessantly with great sharpnes studied and medicated on the Sacred Books of the Old and New Testament diligently committing to her memory the divine Precepts therin contained Moreover for a plenitude of perfect knowledge she added thereto the Sayings of the Holy Fathers the Decrees of Synods and the entire Ecclesiasticall Laws She was a mistresse to all and yet botâ— in heart she esteemed and in behaviour shewed her self as the meanest of all 8. It cannot be doubted but such a spectacle of all vertue and piety was most greivous to the Enemy of all good and that it horribly inflamed his envy and malice He used all his arts to corrupt the purity both of such a Mistresse and her Disciples And that noâ— succâ—eding he endeavoured to cast a staiâ— upon them in the worlds opinion For which purpose this Infernall Tempter incite a certain poor woman who had had a child by fornication to cast it into a river which passed through the said Monastery But this being discovered what does that chast Congregation doe They alâ— betook themselves to prayer unanimously and earnestly beseeching God to remove that infamy from them Every one of them lifting up their arms in manner of a Crosse stood unmoveable till they had recited the whole Psalter in order Thâ—â— they did when all the neigbouring people were gathered to see that horrible spectacle of the murdred infant And our mercifull God did not delay to discover and punish the injury and scandall done to his devout Hand-maids For presently after that wretched woman possessed by the Devill whose captive she had made her self ran among them and loudly calling the Holy Abbesse by name openly confessed the crime which she had committed At which the whole multitude astonished made great clamours and the Religious Virgins wept for ioy In a word the merit and Sanctity of the Holy Virgin Lioba was celebrated by all 9. In the mean time the Blessed man of God S. Boniface by a Martyrdom much desired by him putts an end to all his labours Notwithstanding the want of so worthy and Venerable a Master does not discourage this holy Virgin who continued unmoveable fixing her hope in the assistance of God alone 10. She was held in great reverence by all that knew her even Princes also Pipin King of France and especially his illustrious son Charles who often invited her to his Court and honoured her with many magnificent presents The Queen Hildegardis likewise respected her with a pure affection â—as earnest with her to make her aboad at her Court But she detested the tumult of a Palace as poyson Princes loved her Nobles honoured her Bishops with great ioy vencrated her yea moreover considering her prudence in counsell and perfect knowledge in Scriptures and Sacred learning they often consulted her about Divine Mysteries and Ecclesiasticall Instituts 11. But she employed her principall solicitude about matteâ—s belonging to her own charge which she had undertaken Therefore as became a spirituall Guide of soules she diligently visited the Monasteries under her care inciting her Religious Virgins to a holy emulation in aspiring to the glory of Perfection This was her continuall exercise and employment till being weakned with old age after she had putt into good Order all the Monasteries commended to her care by the advice of the Holy Arch-bishop Lullus Successour to Saint Boniface she retired her self to a Monastery called Schoversheim four miles distant from the Citty of Mentz southward Where she abode till her death with devout Virgins there serving our Lord spending nights and days in fasting and prayers 12. This Blessed Virgin dyed on the twenty eighth day of September and the Monks of Fulda receiving her Sacred Body caried it in solemn Procession at which many Noble persons attended to their own Monastery where according the order formerly given by the Holy Martyr S.
effect by reason of the too short raign of this King since a busines of that importance required many messages and returns froÌ„ Rome serious agitation on both sides and reasons to be given by the two contrary pretendants His Successour in the Archbishoprick Kenulf at last perfected after the death of King Egfrid 7. This good King therefore being accomplished in a short time fullfilled a long age and after five months payed his debt to nature He was taken away saith Alcuin not for his own sins but because his father for the establishing his kingdom had shed much blood But how unsecure a foundation blood is for the establishing of kingdoms was shewd in this example for Offa was so far from confirming his Throne to his posterity that five months after his death it was transferred to another family a quite stranger to his 8. The same year dyed also Eanbald Archbishop of York and in his place was chosen and consecrated another Eanbald a Preist of the same Church and Disciple of Alcuin The place where his Predecessour dyed was called Edere and his body attended by great multitudes was conveyed to the Church of York where it was honourably buried 9. This second Eanbald ioyned courageously with Ethelard Archbishop of Canterbury to nullify the invasion which Offa King of the Mercians had made on the Archbishop of Canterbury which they also effected as shall shortly be declared And this endeavour of Eanbald was much commended by his Master Alcuin as appears by part of his Letter cited by William of Malmsbury XII CHAP. 1.2 c. Alcuin famous for learning teaches at York and is called into France 1. WEE have oft made mention of Alcuin as making his abode in France It will not be impertinent to declare what occasion drew him into France and obliged him to spend the remainder of his life there Twice he had passed into France before the first time upon some busines for which his Master Egbert Arch-bishop of York sent him to King Charles What that speciall busines was it does no where appear The second time when he was sent by Alfwold King of the Northumbers to Rome to demand and bring the Archiepiscopall Pall to Eanbald the first of that name Archbishop of York in the year of Grace seaven hundred eighty one In this iourney both going and returning he passed through FraÌ„ce But neither of these times did he make any long abode there However his second iourney was the occasion of his going a third time thither never to return Because at his coming from Rome he meâ—t K. Câ—arles the Great at Pavia who being much delighted with his discourse and behaviour earnestly entreated him that assoon as he had finishd the present affair for which he had undertaken that voyage to Rome he would return to him into France 2. The answer which Alcuin gave him was That without the order of his King and Arch-bishop he could not dispose or himself And in effect his stay in Brittany was esteemed so necessary that twelve years more passed before he could comply with this request of so great a King But to speak more properly it was not in compliance to this request that he then went but he was obliged thereto by the emergent necessities of the Church which was combatted by a New Heresy for repressing of which none was â—ound more sufficiently enabled then Alcuin considering his eminently famous piety and learning 3. That which detained him so long in Brittany was for the instructing the youth thereof in all manner of learning both sacred and secular For since S. Beda's time Brittany had never enioyed so universally a knowing Master Some Writers pretend that he was a Disciple of S. Beda But the long space of time which intervened between them takes away all probablity from such an assertion and those Writers mistake is grounded upon a confounding of two persons â—nto one for they suppose that this Alcuin or Albin is the same with that Albin who many years before was Abbot of S. Augugustins Monastery at Canterbury The Master and Instructour of this Alcuin was Egbert the Noble and learned Archbishop of York as not only the Authour of Alcuins life but Alcuin himself declares 4. The twelve years which Alcuin employed in Brittany in teaching produced a wonderfull happy effect for out of his Schoole were produced almost all the able Bishops Preists Abbots and other Religious persons which adorned this Island in the present and following Age. Yea not a few came out of France and Germany to enrich themselves and their countreys with those treasures of knowledge which Alcuin communicated to them at his Schoole which he kept open at York in his own Native Province where he was furnished with a most plentifull Library instituted there by his Master Egbert the Archbishop whose Successour Eanbald the second of that Name was one of the most eminent among Alcuins Scholars XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. Of two holy and learned English Virgins Gisla and Rictrudis or Columba Disciples of Alcuin Their Letter to him in France and his Answer c. 1. AMong Alcuins schollars in Brittany we must not omitt two illustrious Virâ—ins Gisla and Rictruda concerning whom our Learned Pits gives this short account Rictruda and Gisla saith he English Nunns of the Order of S. Benedict were for their extraction Noble but much more for their vertues and learning From their chilhood they were instructed in the purity of the Latin tongue and other good lâ—tterature by their learned Master Alcuin After whose departure out of Brittany it is reported that they made great progresse both in the studies of learning and exercises of vertues in their Monastery at Canterbury They diligently imitated both S. Mary Magdalen in contemplation and S. Martha in actions of Charity They with continuall watchfullnes attended to the perfectionating their own soules by Mortification and Spirituall Meditations and next to benefits their neighbours by externall works of Charity espeâ—cially comforting the afflicted These two Virgâ—ns were renouned in Brittany during the time of Alâ—ric King of Kent But this suspicion that they lived at Canterbury seems to be grounded on the forementiond mistâ—ke that Alcuin was Abbot in the same Citty Whereas it is not to be doubted but that they were Northumbrian Virgins living in their Monastery at York where Alcuin taught 2. There has lately been rescued from the dust of oblivion one Epistle written by these devout Virgins to Alcuin which alone may be a proof sufficient both of their piety and learning In which Epistle they signify to him their earnest desire to receive from him out of France sometimes letters of instruâ—ction and consolation and that he would therein imitate S. Hierome who living in his Monastery at Bethleem did not disdain to write Epistles to severall Noble Virgins at Rome notwithstanding the great distance between in which Epistles he did moreover explicate to them many obscure passages in the Propheticall