ancient Ecclesiasticall Monuments a wife of another name assign'd to him namely Priscilla Notwithstanding this being the name of Pudens his Mother it is not unprobable that Claudia in succeeding times might for her husbands sake assume his Mothers name However matters in this point stood it can not be denyed that our Countrey has a great Obligation to a late Noble and Learned Writer Francis Moncaeus Lord of a Signory call'd the Cold Valley who has published a Discourse full of ancient literature entitled Ecclesiae Christianae veteris Britannicae incunabula Regia in which he confidently pretends out of Antiquity to demonstrate this our Claudia Ruffina to have descended from the Royall blood of Brittany and to have been the Wife and Mother of Saints far more glorious And moreover this one proof hereto may be added that our Ancient Histories report that Timotheus the eldest son of Pudens came into Brittany where he converâ—ted very many to the Faith and at least disposed King Lucius to his succeeding Conversion Now it is very likely that it was out of regard to his Mother a Brittish Lady that this Apostolicall Saint made so particular a choice of Brittany to be the Province in which he desired to exercise his Christian zeale and charity 10. It only remains to be spoken of this Claudia Ruffina what we find in the Martyrologe of England upon the seaventh of August where we read these words A Commemoration of S. Claudia 11. It is an ambition scarce excusable upon groundlesse suspicions to lay claim to Saints and Patrons as some modern writers would entitle the Wife of Plautius who in Claudius his time as hath been sayd triumphed for Victories over Brittany to an Apostolicall office of converting many in this Island when she was here with her Husband Her name was Pomponia Graecina and according to Tacitus his relation â—he was accused of a strange Religion externae Superstitionis forbidden by the Roman Laws the cognizance of which pretended crime was by the Senat permitted to her husband who according to an ancient Institut in force at Rome in the presence of her kindred sate as Iudge of the fame and life of his Lady and in conclusion pronounced her innocent This Account given of her by Tacitus has induced learned Writers to beleive that this extern Superstition layd to Pomponia Graecina's Charge was no other then the Profession of the Christian Faith the fruits of which in her practise being perfect humility obedience chastity and all other celestiall vertues it is no wonder that her husband should so easily absolve her But that she should be a companion of Plautius when he was sent General into Brittany was against the Roman Laws and Custome as the same Tacitus elsewhere declares Probable it is that staying at Rome in regard of her husbands authority in Brittany she might be visited by Claudia Ruffina and other new converted Brittains and by such means be made partaker of Evangelicall light and become a Disciple of S. Peter 12. But a more unquestionable Disciple of S. Peter we find in ancient Ecclesiasticall Monuments by birth a Brittain by name Mansuetus and by office an Apostolicall converter and Patron to the Citty of Toul in Lorrain being the Metropolis of a people called Leuci. Concerning whom Isengrenius as likewise Arnoldus Mirmannus out of old Records gives this Testimony that he was by Nation a Scot born of a Noble family a Disciple of Simon Bariona that is S. Peter Cheif of the Apostles companion of S. Clement Bishop of Metz and consecrated by S. Peter the first Bishop of Toul a Citty of the Leuci in the forty ninth yeare of Christ and in the raign of Tiberius Claudius Caesar. 13. Now wheras he is called a Scot this is to be understood as King Lucius in Ancient Records is called a King of England that is of that Countrey which was afterward call'd England For as Mr. Cambden well observes after most diligent disquisition the name of Scots is not to be found in any Ancient Writer till the Age of Constantin the Great about which time they are supposed to have settled themselves in the Northern parts of Brittany So that it may confidently be affirmed that S. Mansuetus was a Northern Caledonian Brittain who either in the company of Adminius a Brittish Prince or Bericus a Noble man of the same Countrey or as an Attendant of Caractacus went to Rome where he was converted by S. Peter and as hath been sayd design'd by him the Apostolicall Bishop of Toul probably at the request of some Proselytes of that Countrey 14. A yet more authentick Testimony both of the life and death of this Holy Bishop is extant in the ancient Gallican Martyrologe on the third of September where we read this passage At Toul a Citty of the Leuci there is on this day a commemoration of S. Mansuetus a Bishop who was of Noble birth by Originall a Scot and one of the first Disciples of S. Peter by whom being baptized he devested himself of his former Heathenish name and assumed the Title of Mansuetus or Meek from the Meeknes of the Lamb of God which he imitated He by the same S. Peter was sent to enlighten this Citty with Evangelicall verities At his first entrance whereinto he found it so wholly given up to abominable Idolatry that his preaching and exhortations would have produced little fruit had not Divine power promoted his endeaâ—vours by a wonderfull Miracle by whose assistance this Preacher of salvation restored to life and health a son of the Governour of this Citty who from a high Tower beholding certain horse-troops exercising themselves fell down to the ground all bruised and torn Vpon occasion of this Miracle the Governour with his whole family and a great number of the Cittizens joyn'd themselves to the flock of Christ and were signed with the saving Character of Baptisme After which the word of God had a free course and great multitudes not only of the Inhabitants of this Citty but also of the Countrey adioyning were established in the knowledge of salvation Thus S. Mansuetus enioying a firm peace erected and consecrated a Church to the Holy Trinity under the Patronage of S. Steven the first Martyr He likewise ordained here Ecclesiasticall Ministers and having instructed the people generally in the knowledge and practise of all manner of Piety in the fortieth yeare after he had begun the exercise of his Apostolicall Office he quietly closed his eyes in the sleep of death and so attained to the fruition of eternall rewards with Christ whom he always only thirsted after 15. A third holy Brittish Disciple though not Convert of S. Peter's Antiquity records to wit one both in Title and reality Beatus or Blessed Of this Saint mention is made by severall Writers some of them averse from Catholick Religion Yet none of them speak of him without admiration The summe of his Acts recorded by them is
largest being placed Westward from Brittany not reaching so far Northward as it but extended further toward the South over against the Northern parts of Spain yet so as that a vast Ocean divides them The Picts therfore as we sayd arriving in that Island by Sea made their request to have a Seat granted them there But the Scots answerd that the Island could not nourish them both Notwithstanding sayd they we can give you proffitable counsell what to doe We know that Eastward from us there is another Island which upon clear dayes we can discover with our eyes If you will goe thither you may gain possessions for your selves there or if you find resistance we will afford you succours Hereupon the Picts sayling into Brittany possess'd themselves of the Northern parts For the Brittains were seised of all more Southernly Now the Picts being destitute of wives requested the Scots to bestow some on them wherto they yeilded but upon this condition that whensoever the title to the Principality among them was questionable they should prefer the Descendants by the femal sexe before the males Which is a custom to this day observ'd among the Picts And in processe of time after the Brittaine and Picts this Island receiv'd a third Nation of Scots in the Northern parts possess'd by the Picts 4. The authority of S. Beda deserves certainly to be esteem'd of great weight and were it not for that our Modern learned Writers would not doubt to affirm that the Nation which about these times began to be called Picts was no other then the Native Brittains inhabiting the Northern parts of this Island Anciently all Brittains were indeed Picts that is a people which delighted to paint themselves with woad figuring upon their bodies the shapes of severall wild beasts as beleiving that would render them more formidable to their Enemies Thus Caesar and other more ancient Roman Authours describe them But when all the Southern parts of the Island were either possess'd by the Romans or became dependent on them the inhabitants left their barbarous custome of painting and conform'd themselves to the Roman fashion Those Brittains therfore inhabiting the Northern parts continuing in hostility with the Romans and constant to their old customs of painting begun to be considered as a new distinct Nation divided in saction from the civilis'd Brittains and for that reason had the new name of Picts appropriated to them being indeed Brittains as Mr. Cambden would willingly conjecture were he not discourag'd by S. Bedes authority And this conjecture he fortifies by severall arguments especially because all the names of places and other things among the Picts are purely Brittish And such Roman Historians as mention the Picts seated in Caledonia a part of Scotland yet call the Caledonians Brittains 5. But this is more then sufficient to be written on a subject which is not our busines but only so far as may give light to Ecclesiasticall affairs of those times For which reason we shall in the progresse of this story speak likewise of the Scots another Nation which e're long entred into the Provinces possess'd by the Picts and gave name to the whole Countrey X. CHAP. 1.2 A Monument of King Marius his victory over the Picts The mistake of Malmsburiensis c. touching King Marius 3. Berwick whence call'd 1. KIng Marius having slain Roderick King of the Picts or Northern Brittains erected a stone or Pillar as a Mark of his Triumph in the Province which was afterward called by his name Westmaria or Westmerland The Title inscrib'd in which Pillar saith Geffrey of Monmouth continued the memory of that victory to the present day Yea saith B. Vâ—her before the Brittish History was by Geffrey translated out of the Brittish into the Latin tongue a much graver Authour William of Malmsbury in the Prologue of his third Book touching the Gests of Brittish Bishops makes mention of the same in this manner In the Citty Lugubalia commonly call'd Carlile there is a room or parlour built of stone and vaulted over so firm that neither any iniury of weather nor fire purposely kindled with wood could destroy or weaken it The Province is call'd Cumberland and the Inhabitants Cumbrians In the front of the sayd Parlour this Inscription may be read To the Victory of Marius Though Mr. Camden affirms that in some Copies it is To Mars the Conquerour 2. But it is a great mistake of the same Authour applying the foresayd Victory of Marius to the Roman Consul Marius as if these Cumbrians were the Cimbrians driven out of Italy by Marius and in their flight resting in that Province It seems he had not read the ancient Brittish History translated by Geffrey of Monmouth which expresly attributes it to the Brittish King Marius as saith Ranulphus Cestrensis in his Polychronicon 3. When Roderick King of the Picts was slain his souldiers being onely nine hundred which remain'd alive chose another for their Captain called Berench from whom the Town of Berwick receiv'd its name saith Iohn Rosse of Warwick But others more probably refuse this Etymology affirming truly that the Countrey and people call'd Ottadinâ— where Berwick is seated were at this time under the Romans Dominion Besides the word Berwick signifies a Village which is an Appendix to some other place of note whence Ingulphus calls that Town only a Mannour or Farm XI CHAP. 1.2.3 A brief of Roman affairs from the end of Nero to Vespasian 4.5 Trebellius Maximus Prâ—pretour in Brittany after whom succeeded Vectius Bolanus 6. Then Petilius Cerealis 7. Next Iulius Frontinus 8. After whom Iulius Agricola 1. IT was in the days of Coellus the Son oâ— this King Marius that S. Ioseph accoâ—â—ding to ancient Tradition ended his labours and mortality in the eighty second yeare of our Lord concurring with the second yeare of the Emperour Titus son of Vespasian Now before we treat of the particulars touching this our Holy Patriark's death it will be convenient that we first give a breif account of Roman affairs in this Island occurring between the end of Nero and that time 2. Nero by self-murder having revenged upon himself all the execrable crimes committed especially toward the latter end of his raign as the killing of his Mother the burning of Rome and imputing that most facinorous act to the innocent Christians against whom he raged with a most savage cruelty a cruelty extending even to the extinguishing of the two most glorious Lights then shining in the world S. Peter and S. Paul the family of the Caesars ending in him there followed in the Roman Empire most terrible seditions no fewer then four Emperours within the space of two years having been chosen by severall Armies to wit Galba Otho Vitellius and Vespasian by whose contentions against one another the Roman world was all torn in peices and Italy especially was almost drowned with the blood of severall armies meeting there
the Grace of the holy Ghost celebrated frequently Masses and Synods in vaults where the Bodies of holy Martyrs rested 7. After S. Mello's Baptism S. Stephanus ere long promoted him by all the severall Ecclesiasticall degrees to the sublime Order of a Bishop for S. Mello continually adhered to him Now by how stupendious a Miracle he was designed to be the Bishop of Rhotomagum or Roüen we find in his life collected out of ancient Ecclesiasticall Records in this manner 8 S. Stephanus together with S. Mello persever'd in Fastings and watching Now on a certain day whilst the Holy Bishop S. Stephanus was celebrating Masse both himselfe and S. Mello saw an Angell standing at the right side of the Altar Masse therfore being finish'd he gave to him a Pastorall Croster or staff which the Angell held in his hand saying Receive this staff with which thou shalt govern the inhabitants of the Citty of Roüsen in the Province of Neustria And though the labours of away and course of life hitherto unexperienced by thee may prove burdensom notwithstanding doe not feare to undertake it for our Lord Iesus Christ will protect thee under the shadow of his wings Thus having received a benediction from the holy Pope he betook himself to his iourney And when he was come to Altissiodorum or Auxerre in Gaule having in his hand the staff which he had received from the Angell he by his prayer restored to health a man who had his foot cut in two peices by an axe 9. The learned Molanus calls S. Mello the first Bishop of Roüen and seems to proove it by an Ancient Distick of that Church importing as much But a former more authentick Tradition describ'd out of the ancient Catalogue of Bishops of that Church by Democharus declares that S. Nicasius preceded S. Mello in that Bishoprick However saith Ordericus Vitalis The Ancient Pagan Superstition after the Martyrdom of S. Nicasius possess'd the said Citty filling it with innumerable pollutions of Idolatry till the time that S. Mello was Bishop there XV. CHAP. 1.2 c A prosecution of the Gests of S. Mello Bishop of Roüen 5. Dempster impudently challenges him to be a Scott 1. BEcause we would not interrupt this story of S. Mello it will be convenient here to prosecute his life and Gests unto his death which hapned almost two and twenty years after his Ordination Thus therfore the Gallican Martyrologe relates concerning him 2. S. Mello unwilling to delay the execution of the Mission impos'd on him by the Holy Ghost departed from Auxerre and went streight to Roüen Where courageously setting upon his divine employment he began to preach to the inhabitants the name of Christ with such efficacy of speech and power of miracles to which the admirable Sanctity of his life added a greater vertue that in short time he brought almost the whole Citty to the obedience of Faith This great change began especially when on a certain day the people were busy in attending to an abominable sacrifice offred to a certain false Deity of theirs For S. Mello coming there suddenly upon them and inflam'd with a heavenly zeale sharply reproved that frantick people for their blindnes which worship'd a senceles stock as if it were a God And presently calling on the Name of Christ and making the triumphant Sign of the Crosse he immediatly tumbled down the Idoll and with the word of his mouth alone in the sight of them all broke it into small peices-Hereupon the people being astonish'd with this sight willingly attended to his admonitions who taught them the knowledge of the true God and the hope of immortall life to be attaind by his pure Worship By this means a great multitude of the Cittizens became imbued with the Doctrines of our holy Faith and purified by the water of Sacred Baptisme And S. Mello in the same place from which he had expelled the Devill erected the first Trophey to our Lord building there a Church under the Title of the Supreme most Holy Trinity In which Church the people being assembled every Sunday were instructed more perfectly by him in the Worship of God there he offred the unbloody Sacrifice and communicated to his flock the means and helps by which they might attain salvation 3. Thus the flock of Christ encreasing plentifully every day certain Merchants of other countreys negotiating there became attentive and obedient to the Divine Word for whose commodity the Holy Bishop built another Church in an Island where they might more conveniently assemble themselves to which he gave the Title of S. Clement He added moreover a third Church to the end he might comply with the fervour of the multitudes flowing together to see the Wonders wrought by him This he consecrated to the veneration of the most holy Virgin the Mother of God and placed there a Colledge of Preists therby designing it for an Episcopall See 4. Having thus persisted the space of many years in the discharge of his Apostolicall Office and by the seed of the Divine Word having begotten many thousand soules to Christ this Blessed man a veteran Soldier in our Lords warfare at last in the year of Grace two hundred and eighty departed to his eternall rest there receiving from his heavenly Generall whom he had served with great courage perseverance and glory an inestimable Doâ—â—tive and reward He was buried in a vault in the suburbs over which afterward was erected a Church dedicated to S. Gervasius a glorious Monument worthy of him From whence notwithstanding afterward when the Danish armies raged in France his sacred Body was removed into parts more remote from the Sea and reverently layd at a Castle called Pontoise where to this day it reposes in a Church which from him takes its Title where the memory of so illustrious a Champion of Christ lives with great glory and splendour 5. This account gives the Gallican Martyrologe of our Blessed Brittish Saint Mello or Melanius Probus as Possevin calls him Whom yet in opposition to the universall consent of all Writers and Records agreeing that he was a Brittain Dempster most impudently in his Scottish Menology will needs call a Scott falsly affirming that Possevin acknowledges him for such Wheras to this time there is not mention in any ancient Writers of such a Nation as Scotts in this Island Or if there had been certain it is that their countrey never having been subdued by the Romans there was no Tribut sent from thence to Rome which yet we see was the occasion of S. Mello's first going thither But it is Dempsters constant practise ridiculously to adopt into a Scottish family all persons whatsoever which in these Primitive times are called Brittains If this were granted Ireland would have a better title to this Saint then Scotland for in this age that Island was the only countrey of the Nation called Scots which afterward transplanted themselves into the Northern parts of the Caledonian Brittains But
spoiles and dispersing them he quickly rescued the prisoners together with the cattle and other prey Which he restor'd to the miserable natives excepting a small part bestow'd on his weary Soldiers And so entred into the Citty in triumph ioyfully received by the people lately plunged in extreme misery and in a moment recovered by his valour There he made some stay with an intention to attempt greater matters yet without putting the army to hazard For by captives and spies he was inform'd that the sudden excursions of so many feirce nations could no other way be repress'd but by subtilty Hereupon to divide them he publish'd Edicts promising impunity to all who would submitt And those which came in he dispers'd into other quarters severally allowing them provisions Which gave an invitation to many more to submitt likewise After this he desir'd the Emperour to send over to him as his Deputy Governour in Brittany Civilis a man of a more then ordinarily sharp iudgment in such affairs and withall of great integrity At likewise for his Lievtenant in martiall affaires Dulcitius very skillfull therin And thus pass'd the affaires in Brittany that year 6. Two years after he march'd with his army from London northward where he putt to flight severall Nations which formerly had the insolence to invade the Roman provinces Thus he restor'd to their former security and plenty many Citties and castles which had been vex'd with many calamities But whilst he was busy in these matters he had like to have been circumvented by the treason of one Valentinus a Pannonian who for some great crimes had been banish'd into Brittany For this man being of an ambitious turbulent Spirit had solicited many of the Soldiers to conspire with him against Theodosius But the design being discovered he contented himself with the execution of Valentinus and a few of his nearest associats for he would not by tortures search further into the conspiracy least by dispersing a fear among his soldiers he should incite them to pursue the like attempts 7. Having escap'd this danger he successfully prosecuted the warr putting strong garrisons into Citties and limitany castles and in a short time recover'd the Province from the Enemies in which he placed a Governour 7. So that now that part of Brittany which was vnder the Romans dominion was divided into five Provinces The first call'd Britannia prima contain'd all the southern parts between the Sea and the Rivers of Thames and Severn The second call'd Britannia Secunda comprehended the Silures Dimetae and Ordovices that is all Wales The third call'd Flavia Caesariensis probably from this Theodosius his Son afterward Emperour of the Flavian family embraced all the Regions between Thames and Humber The fourth call'd Maxima Caesariensis reach'd from Humber to the River Tine And lastly Theodosius having expell'd the Picts and Scotts out of all the Province beyond Tine as far as between Dunbritton and Edinborough call'd this fifth Province Valentia In which was the wintring camp of a Roman Legion to represse the incursions of the Scotts 9. Theodosius having thus happily settled Brittany was two years after call'd by the Emperour to Court where he was made Generall of the Horse in Iovinus his place by the Senat honour'd with a Statue of brasse But the most illustrious effect of his martiall exploits was the recommending of his Son by the brightnes of them to the Empire XII CHAP. 1.2 c. Of S. Ninianus Birth and education 3. Of S. Moyses Apostle of the Saracens said to have been a Brittain 1. THE year after Theodosius his departure out of Brittany our Ecclesiasticall Monuments commemorate S. Ninianus call'd by S. Beda S. Ninias his iourney to Rome to be there instructed in the true Orthodox Faith which he afterward with great efficacy communicated to his own countrey So that it is probable he attended Theodosius in that voyage 2. Concerning whose birth we read thus in his life He was born in great Brittany of a Princely Stock in that Region where the Western Ocean as it were stretching forth its arm and on each side making two angles divides the Provinces of the Scots and English as at this day they are separated Which countrey even to the times of the Saxons enjoy'd their own King as we are assured not only from the credit of History but even the memory of some yet alive His Father was Prince of that countrey Cumberland by Religion a Christian and truly happy in the blessing of such a Son Whilst Ninian was yet a child he shew'd great devotion to Churches and wonderfull love to his associats He was sober in his diet sparing of his tongue diligent in reading grave in conversation averse from lightnes and always carefull to subject the flesh to the spirit 3. At last by a forcible instinct of Gods holy spirit the Noble youth undertook a pilgrimage despising wordly riches and carnall affections Therfore passing over Sea into Gaule and taking his way through the Alpes he entred Italy and with a prosperous iourney came to Rome Where being arrived he went to the Cheif Bishop Pope Damasus to whom he declared the cause of his iourney Whereupon the Holy Bishop commending his devotion receiv'd him with the tendernes of a Father and appointed him Teachers to instruct him in the Disciplines of Truth and Orthodox Faith as likewise in the wholesome sence of Scriptures 4. By this relation it appears that S. Ninian was of the Nation of the Southern Picts And whereas he is call'd Son of a King that Title in the liberal stile of our ancient Legendaries signifies no more then a person of Power and riches in his countrey Though as Bishop Vsher observes in the ancient English Annalls there is frequent mention of the Kingdom of the Cumbri Cumberland whereto the Southern Picts belong The Authour of his life thus proceeds 5. Young Ninianus therfore with wonderfull avidity studying Gods word like a diligent Bee composed for his own use as from many flowers out of severall Sentences of holy Doctours honey-combs of spirituall wisedom which being layd upp in the hive of his bosome he preserv'd them for his own interiour refection in due time likewise to be poured forth for the consolation of many others Thus being chast in body prudent in mind provident in counsels circumspect both in actions and words he was commended by all and every day more favour'd by the supreme Bishop 6. Now it is no wonder that this holy Young man should make choice of Rome for education considering what speciall care the Emperour Valentinian took for the promoting of learning there and the priviledges cōfer'd by him on strangers which came thither to perfect themselves in Studies of literature as appears by his Law still extant in the Theodosian Code And Pope Damasus likewise being himself learned was a great favourer therof 7. Now how S. Ninianus after little more then twenty years was
Superstitions and quite changed from that which Saint Germanus profess'd as Protestants affirm who therefore magnify Saint Germanus for the purity of his Faith and as much derogate from S. Augustin 3. Touching therefore Saint Germanus his Religion particularly in the Points now most controverted and wherein Saint Augustin is charged to have been faulty we cannot more certainly nor more ingenuously determine it then by seeking information from a person of eminent learning in Antiquity a Protestant or however without question no Roman Catholick to witt M. Selden Who in a Treatise by him call'd Analecta Anglo-Britannica has inserted one Chapter exactly pertinent to our present purpose The Title of which Chapter is Touching the practises of Ecclesiasticall Discipline wherewith Germanus and Lâ—pus Bishops imbued the Brittains Which Enquiry he consequently satisfies in the following Chapter in the manner following 4. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre and Lupus Bishop of Troyes in Gaule came into Brittany to restore Christian Religion deprav'd by the Heresy of Pelagius and Errours of Pagans Their doctrines and documents taught by them as the fame is which also Giraldus Cambrensis testifies to have continued to his dayes were as followeth 1. Of every loaf of Bread set before them one corner they gave to the poore 3. They sate three together at dinner in memory of the Blessed Trinity 4. If any one mett in the way a Religious Monk or Clergy-man or any one in a Religious habit he would presently lay aside his weapons and with a low inclination of his head demand his Benediction 5. Generally all the people doe earnestly demand Episcopall Confirmation and Inunction with Holy Chrism by which the Holy Ghost is conferr'd 6. They some times bestow the Tithe of all their Substance cattle and Sheep namely either when they marry or undertake some long Pilgrimage or by the Churches Order submitt to some extraordinary Pennance for their sins This they call the great Tithe and two parts of it they bestow on the Church where they received Baptisme the third they give to the Bishop of the Diocese 7. Beyond all other externall labours of Mortification they are most devoted to Pilgrimages undertaken to Rome to visit the Monuments of the Apostles 8 Beyond any other Nation they expresse a devout reverence to Churches and Church-men likewise to Relicks of Saints to portable Bells Sacred Books and the Holy Crosse. And this devotion hath been rewarded with greater peace they any other Churches enjoyd 9. For entire security is observed in regard of Beasts feeding not only in Church yards but much beyond them through all bounds inclosed with ditches which Bishops design for observation of peace and indemnity And greater Churches to which antiquity always afforded greater reverence have power to grant and enjoyn the observation of such peace and security for cattle whilst at morn they goe and at Even return from their pastures This peace and security is observ'd so inviolably that if any one should incurr the mortall indignation of his Prince and afterward seeke refuge in a Church he may enjoy the fruit of this Peace both for his person and goods And indeed from such large immunities far beyond the ancient Canons which in such cases allow safety only to a mans life and body occasion of great abuses have been taken for by reason of such impunity many doe audaciously practise hostility and from such plâ—ces of Reâ—uge doe horribly infest the whole countrey about and even the Prince himself 5. There is scarce any one of these Christian practises but was taught by S. Augustin also and yet Protestant Writers condemne S Augustin for them and absolve S. Germanus yea magnify him and glory in an opinion that they are conformable to his Doctrin and Discipline They allow to Saint Germanus the glorious Title of Apostle of the Brittains who taught them no new Doctrins of Christianity but only confirmed them in what they had beleived before And the same Title they with contempt refuse to S. Augustin who withdrew the barbarous Pagan Saxons from their Idolatry and Infidelity and instilled first into their minds the true knowledge and worship of God Faith in the Redeemer of the world and Veneration to the Holy Crosse the Sign of our Redemtion Such partiality the Spirit of Schism does naturally produce 6. Our Ancestours in testimony of their gratitude to the Veneraâ—le Bishop S. Germanus and the high esteem of his Sanctity approved by many Miracles not long after his death built Chappell 's and Churches to his honour Particularly concerning one of these Camden thus writes In Cornwall neer the River Liver there is a village named from Saint German to which during the Danish tumults the Episcopall see of that Province was transferr'd out of feare it being a place more remote and secure There a Church had been erected and consecrated to the honour of S. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre who extirpated the Pelagian Heresy that began to rise anew among the Brittains In Yorkshire likewise a famous Monastery was consecrated to him as the same Authour thus testifies The River Ouse does water Selby a town well peopled there King William the First founded a Church in memory of S. Germanus who happily wounded to death the many-headed Hydra of Pelagianism which was oft quelld and oft revived again The Abbot of this Monastery and of S. Marâ—es at York were the only two Northern Abbots which had Seats in Parliament 7. Among the Silures in Northwales the Memory of S. Germanus is much celebrated for from him a part of Radnorshire is called Guarthenion For as our ancient Historian Nennius relates Vortimer the Son of Vortigern in satisfaction for injuries done by his Father to Saint Germanus dedicated that part of the countrey to him where he had been wrongd In memory of which it took the name of Guartheny which in the Brittish language signifies a calumny justly retorted Besides these many other Monuments testifying the like veneration to the same Apostolick Bishop might be produced but these are sufficient And this last Example proves this Devotion of the Brittains to him to have begun presently after his death XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. Vortigern chosen King of all Brittany His Character c. 1. HItherto since the time that the Romans had relinquish'd all care and protection of Brittany the severall Provinces of the Island had been governed by petty Princes independent on one another But in the year four hundred thirty and eight by reason of the frequent inroads of their cruell Enemies the Picts and Scotts by a common agreement of the severall Provinces a Generall Captain of the whole Nation was chosen after the example of their Ancestors in the days of Iulius Cesar and the Kingdom established in his line 2. Which choice unhappily fell on Vortigern a man born for the destruction of his countrey for he it is that by his slouthfull vices first weakned it and afterward calling in to
Lady conceiving a furious jealousy against her with the help of her Mayd murdred her and hid her body in the stable into which the Lords horses at his return would by no means enter And hereby was discovered his Ladies crime The Nunnes of Saint Belian honour the Body of S. Honoria translated thither above three hundred years since 7. In Spain likewise at Pobletum in Catalonia rests the Body of S. Columbina And at Dertosa are venerated the Relicks of S. Candida Moreover as Mendoza testifies in all the Religious Houses of the Iesuits through all Portugall some parts of the Bodies of these Virgin-Martyrs are reverently repos'd and the Feast of S. Vrsula and her companions is after a particular manner solemnis'd over all that Kingdome Lastly a Father of the same Society named F. Gomez caried with him into the East Indies a Sacred Head of one of these Virgins by whose intercession the ship and passengers were freed from an otherwise unavoydable danger 8. We will conclude this Narration with a passage of the learned Thomas Bozius who treating of the Martyrdom of S. Vrsula and her companions writes thus How great a measure of Christian fortitude hath been implanted in the hearts of the women of that Northern Island since the time that S. Eleutherius Bishop of Rome sent into Brittany S. Fugatius and S. Damianus Romans may be evidently seen from this one example For from all antiquity of the Church through the whole world cannot be produced an Example equalling the vertue and courage of these Holy Virgin-Martyrs THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY UNDER BRITTISH KINGS THE TENTH BOOK I. CHAPTER 1 2. c. Of the Saxons Angli and Iutes 6 7. Their naturall disposition and employments 8.9 Their Religion Deities c. 10.11 Their Chastity 1. THE Narration of the Gests and glorious Martyrdom of S. Vrsula and the eleven thousand Brittish Virgins hath obliged us to transgresse a little the order of time in this History For by that occasion we have inserted some particular occurrents touching the actions and cruelty of the Saxons in Brittany whereas their first entrance into it and the occasion thereof hath not yet been declared Which therefore now are to be related in their order 2. But in preparation hereto enquiry is to be made who these Saxons were whence they came and with what Associats how they were qualified both in regard of their naturall disposition and also their Civill policy and Religion In consequence whereto we will consider the present miserable condition of Brittany and the speciall crimes generally raigning in it which according to the judgment of prudent men then alive provoked Almighty God to root out the inhabitants and in their room to place a strange barbarous and inhuman people 3. There came into Brittany saith S. Beda great numbers of three the most robustious and couragious Nations of Germany to wit the Saxons English Angli and Iutes At the first the Saxons were most numerous For though in following ages Brittany took the name of England Anglia from the Angli so that the appellation of Saxons was quite obliterated Yet after their first invasion and possession of the Island it receiv'd a new name from the Saxons and to distinguish it from its originall countrey of Saxony it was call'd Transmarina Saxonia Saxony beyond sea as appears in the Epistles of S. Bonifacius the Apostle of Germany and else where 4. The Saxons were a Nation derived from the Saca a powerfull people in Asia which disburthening themselves by sending our colonies abroad a great part of them settled themselves on the Coasts of Germany toward the Northern Sea from the Rhene as far as the Citty Donia now call'd Denmarc saith Ethelwerd an ancient and Trincely Writer Grand-child to Ethelwolf a Saxon King in the year nine hundred and fifty So that their Territory comprehended anciently besides the now Dutchy of Saxony the countrey of Holsatia and some other adjoyning Provinces 4. The Angli saith the same Authour came out of a Region call'd Anglia situated between the Saxons and the Iutes Giotos Their Capitall Citty in the Saxon tongue is call'd Sleswic and by the Danes Hattby Therefore Brittany is now call'd England from these Conquerours and from thence came their first Captains Hengist and Horsa So that the ancient precise seat of these our Progenitours the Angli is a small Province in Denmark at this time also call'd Angel 5. The Iutes call'd by Ethelwerd Giots whence soever they receiv'd their appellation were anciently seated on the Northern coast of the Cimbrian Chersonesus called by the Danes to this day Iutland They were probably derived from the Gutti placed by Ptolomy in Scandia and their seat is still call'd Gothland Yet these are not to beesteem'd the same Goths or Getes which with their victories anciently measured all Europe for their habitation was neer the Euxin Sea beyond the River Ister or Danubius as the Roman Historians doe unanimously affirm Now in what speciall Provinces of Brittany these Iutae seated themselves it does not by any marks appear for we doe not find any mention of any Principality of the Iutes in this Island as we doe of the Saxons and Angli So that perhaps they were mingled up and down as accessaries to the other two Though in the opinion of some they were Iutes which possessed themselves of the Kingdom of the South-Saxons and the Isle of Wight 6. As touching the disposition of these three Nations which are all comprehended under the Title of Saxons especially by Extern Writers we have already declared from Zosimus and others that they were esteemed the most valiant of the most robustious bodies and most agile of all the Germans terrible for their sudden and violent incursions c. Therefore Witichindus the Monk treating of them saith That the Franks wondred to see such men of tall stature of invincible courage of new habits wearing their long haire spread over their shoulders and arms but especially they admir'd the undauntednes of their courage They were cloath'd in short coates and arm'd with long lances and their posture was to lean upon their sheilds having great daggers behind upon their reins Moreover so impatient they were of any scorn or dishonour that when Symmachus being Consul at Rome had prepared great numbers of them to fight as Gladiatours for the entertainment and delight of the people the night before they were to be produced into the Theater twenty nine of them without any ropes strangled themselves 7. Their principal exercise and skill was in Piracy by sea for which purpose they contented themselves with small flat boates Myâ—parones so agile and manageble that they did so torment the coasts of Gaule Spain and Brittany that the Romans were oblig'd to appoint for their guards in opportune places all along those shores soldiers and Officers which they entitled Comites littoris Saxonici per Britanniam Galliam c. Counts of
whose teaching and ministery his subiects might be instructed in the true Faith and enioy the Sacraments of it 3. The Scotts to whom he sent were not such as S. Beda calls Scots of the Southern but Northern countrey that is not such as inhabited Ireland the ancient Native countrey of Scots but the Northern parts of Brittany and were mingled with the Picts For among them it was that both himself and his Brethren had remained many years during their banishment by the testimony of the same Authour 4. Those to whom King Oswald sent complying with his desire sent him out of their countrey a Preacher calld by some Writers Corman But his coming took not that effect which was desired and expected Whether it was that he was a man of a rude disposition so that he could not comply with the humour of the Saxon Nation or being not well acquainted with their tongue he found too great tediousnes and difficulty in conversing with them or that he was impatient of labour what ever the cause was finding little proffit in his endeavours he shortly returnd whence he came and in a publick Meeting of those who had sent him gave this account of his deserting so suddenly his employment saith Saint Beda by telling them that no good could be wrought in that Nation to which he had been sent by reason they were men of a rough barbarous and incorrigible nature 5. Notwithstanding this mans endeavour to excuse himself by disparaging the Saxons yet did not that Assembly of Scottish Clergy desist from their intention to endeavour the satisfaction of King Oswald Whereupon saith S. Beda there was a great debate in the Council about the course they were to take for that purpose for they had an earnest desire to contribute to the salvation of that Nation seeking it at their hands though they were somewhat troubled that the Preacher sent by them had not been received 6. It fell out happily that in this Assembly there was present among others one calld Aidan a man of an humble charitable and meek spirit who earnestly interceded for the ignorant rude Saxons advising withall that such Missioners should be chosen as could comply with the rudenes of the Nation instilling by little and little the Mysteries of Christianity into their minds c. Aidans discourse pleased the whole Assembly and himselfe was iudged most proper to succeed in this Apostolick employment Him therefore they sent and he was received by King Oswald with all kindnes ioy 7. He was by Profession a Monk educated in the famous Monastery of Hye which had a Superiority over all other Monasteries of the Picts a long time and also enioyd supreme iâ—risdiction in all Ecclesiasticall affairs saith the same S. Beda Adding that the said Island of Hye or Iona of right pertaind to Brittany from which it was divided by a very narrow sea but by the free gift of the Picts inhabiting the adioyning continent it had many years before been bestowed upon the Irish Monks by whose preaching they had received the Faith of Christ. 8. From hence it was that the holy Preacher Aidan came into the Kingdom of the Northumbers having first been consecrated Bishop at the time that Segenius a Preist was Abbot of the said Monastery Now Aidan saith S. Beda was a man of eminent meeknes piety and moderation having withall a zeale of God though not perfectly according to knowledge For following the forementiond erroneous custom of his own Nation he observ'd the Paschal Solemnity from the fourteenth Moone to the twentieth Which Errour though according to the iudgmeÌ„t of Baronius it was no light one yet did not exclude that Nation from the Churches Communion It had indeed been oft condemn'd by Ecclesiastical Councils but since it regarded only external Rites and not Dogmes of Catholick Faith it was a while tolerated till the Truth could be more perfectly discover'd to that people Neither indeed could the Scots be iustly reckond among the Quartodecimani condemned by the Council of Nicéa for as they did not celebrate Easter after the Roman custom so neither did they after the Iewish 9. S. Beda therfore thus excuses this holy man I can neither commend nor approve Aidan for that he did not celebrate Easter in the due time which he did either out of ignorance of the Canonical account or if he knew it would not conform thereto because he was unwilling to contradict the practise of his own nation Yet in this I doe much approve him that in observing Easter after his own fashion he neither in his heart beleived nor openly venerated or taught any thing different from us for he kept it only in memory of the Passion Resurrection and Ascension of the Mediator of God men Iesus Christ. Moreover the day celebrated by him was not as some doe erroneously think the same fourteenth Moone which the Iews observed on what day of the week soever it fell for he always kept it on a Sunday falling between the fourteenth Moon and the twentieth to show his beleif of our Lords Resurrection which hapned on the first day of the Week and likewise to shew his hope of our Resurrection which he beleived as the Church also doth shall befall likewise on the first day of the week or Sunday 10. This is the only defect imputed by S. Beda to Aidan the Scottish Monk and Bishop In all other regards he acknowledges him Orthodox agreeing in the common Faith of the Catholick Church Yea moreover he was esteemd by him not only free from errour or vice but a great example of vertue and holines And particularly saith he among other good precepts of vertuous living he left to Clergy-men a most wholesome example of abstinence and continence Now it is well known that by abstinence S. Beda understands an austere life consisting in a contempt of delicacy in food and by continence an abstaining not only from all unlawfull sensual delectations but those also which to others would be lawfull in a Matrimoniall State He addes That the thing which most commended his Doctrine to all was that as he taught so both himself and all that belonged to him practised in their lives For he neither loved nor cared for any contentments of this present world 11. It is very probable that from his Example proceeded the custom in Brittany not only of abstaining from flesh but also fasting on Fridays which is not practised in Catholick countreys abroad Though he then added Wednesdays also to that austerity For thus S. Beda writes At that time Religious men and woemen informed by Aidan's examples through the whole year prolonged their fast till three of the clock after noon on Wednesdays and Fridays except only in the Paschall time 12. Moreover Aidan being himself a Monk came out of the School of S. Columba in the Monastery of Hye who left behind him Successours of his own Institut men eminent for
dissipated and torn asunder and their beautifull Ensigns so rent and defiled that they could scarce be known to their own party On each side those who were most daring and courageous kept close to their Standards and most furiously rushed upon one another doing horrible execution with their swords and battell-axes Neither of them had any thought of yeilding yea each party assured themselves of Victory 4. But wheresoever the Valiant Edilhun made an impression ruine accompanied him on all sides his battle-axe like a thunderbolt clove asunder both bodies and arms And on the other side wheresoever the courageous Mercian King Ethelbald rushed in he made a horrible slaughter for to his irresistible sword arms were as thinn cloaths and bones as soft flesh Whilst therefore these two warriers like devouring flames wasted their enemies on all sides it hapned that they both mett one another Each of them then gnashing his teeth with rage against his opposite stretched forth their arms and with all their strength struck-terrible blows at one another with little advantage for awhile on either side But God who resists the proud and from whom alone strength courage and magnanimity proceeds then putt an end to his favour formerly shewd to King Ethelbald deprived his soule of his usuall confidence Therefore perceiving that his customed forces and valour faild him a terrour from heaven assaild his mind so that he was the first in his army who began the flight Neither from that day to the last moment of his life did God afford him a prosperous successe in any of his undertakings 5. Thus describes the foresaid Authour this terrible decisive battell and for a conclusion adds That from that time the Kingdom of the West-Saxons became very potent and so continually prospered till it brought all the rest into subiection to it But this was not till the beginning of the following Century when King Egbert became Monark of the whole Kingdom charging its Name into England Thus passed matters in Brittany 6. And at the same time a far greater change was made in France For the worthy Prince Caroloman having the year before quitted his Principality and out of a strange fervour of Divine Love retired himself into the Monastery of Saint Benedict at Mount Cassin there to serve God the remainder of his Life in poverty and solitude the Nobility of France contemning their effeminat King Childeric with one consent determined to raise Prince Pipin in whose onely hand the whole power and management of the State remained into the Throne And to give a greater authority to the Change they thought good to consult Pope Zacharias to whom they represented the impotency and vicious effeminacy of their King and the admirable courage prudence and all Royall endowments of Pipin withall the necessity in which that Kingdom stood of an able supporter against the Saracens and other terrible enemies which threatned the destruction of it Hereupon the Pope gave his sentence according to their desires and appointed S. Boniface to annoint and sett the Crown on the Head of Pipin which he accordingly performed in the Citty of Soissons As for Childeric who was the last of the Merovingian race after his deposition he was thrust into a Monastery XXVII CHAP. 1. The Brittains invade the West-Saxons and are repelled 2.3 c. King Cuthred dying Sigebert a Tyrant succeeds and raigns but one year 1. THE year next following the terrible battell between the Mercians and West-Saxons in Brittany the Brittains thinking this a fitt season for them to enlarge their Dominion when the West-Saxons though conquerours had much diminished their forces to gett a bloody victory with a great Army made an impression into the Western parts But their successe was not according to their expectation for as Huntingdon relates Cuthred in the fourteenth year of his raign fought against the Brittains who not being able to resist him who had lately conquered King Ethelbald presently began to fly and for their folly and cowardice deservedly suffred a great slaughter without any dommage done to the West-Saxons 2. This was the last exploit of this Noble King for as the same Historian writes the great and renowned King Cuthred after so great prosperities and victories the next year by the cruelty of death was taken out of this world leaving a successour unworthy to fill his Throne This his Successour was his kinsman Sigebert who held the Crown a very short time For swelling with pride because of his Predecessours victories he became insolent and intolerable to his own subiects whom he treated ill all manner of ways and for his particular proffit depraved all his Lawes Hereupon a principall man among his Nobles called Cumbra was enduced by the generall complaints of the people to intimate their greivances to their New King Which he faithfully performed earnestly beseeching him to make his government easier to his subiects and quitting his former inhumanity to shew himself amiable both to God and men But these exhortations were so far from producing a good effect that he commanded Cumbra should cruelly and uniustly be putt to death yea and encreased the insupportable fiercenes of his Tyranny 3. This behaviour of his did so inflame with rage the minds of the West-Saxons that within the space of one year they deprived him both of his kingdom and life The manner whereof the same Writer thus proceeds to declare Sigebert being incorrigible both in his pride and other vices the Nobility and common people assembling themselves together with prudent deliberation and unanimous consent drove him out of his Kingdom and chose for their King an excellent young man of the Royall family called Kinewolf As for Sigebert after he was thus expelled by his Subiects and fearing yet greater punishment for his former demerits he in great fear hidd himself in a vast forest called Andreadswald where a certain Swineheard of Cumbra who had been so unworthily slain by him finding him he revenged on him the uniust death of his Lord. Thus ended his unhappy life King Sigebert a man saith William of Malmsbury horribly cruell to his subiects and contemptibly cowardly to his Neighbours 4. Yet among the vices and impieties of Sigebert one good action of his is recorded which was his charitable liberality to the ancient Monastery of Glastonbury For in an Appendix to the life of Saint Patrick and in the Antiquities of the same Monastery wee read how the Danes at this time cruelly wasting the Northumbers a certain Abbot called Ticca who lived in those parts fled the countrey and coming among the West-Saxons there he retired himself into the Monastery of Glastonbury Where after he had for some time lived with much edification he was chosen Abbot this year A powerfull mean whereby he gaind the love and favour of the Monks was his enriching that place with many precious Relicks which he brought with him out of the Northern parts as the Sacred Bodies of Saint
Kings R. West-Saxon Kingdoms p. 728 c. a l. 10 his vours to him R. his favours to him p. 719 c. a l. 1 return ment back R. returned back l. 8 sent for he R. he sent for p. 743 c. b l. 65 his age R. of his age p. 798 c. a l. 30 at a so that place R. at a place p. 830 c. a l. 5 his New R. his Nephew p. 836 c. a l. 16 acts piety R. acts of piety p. 861 c. b l. 40 as Dorchester R. at Dorchester l. 51 grates R. gates p. â—79 c. b l. 43 curied R. cured p. 902 c. a l. 34 of S. Dunstan R. of S. Cuthbert p. 907 c. b l. 62 no man determine R. no man can determine p. 935 c. a l. 23 slain King Edmund R. slain by King Edmund p. 940 c. b l. 20 Cromton R. Bromton p. 948 c. a l. a of whole R. of the Whole THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY VNDER ROMAN GOVERNOVRS I. PART I. CHAP. 1. A generall view of the Government and Religion of Brittany when first discovered 2. c. A proof of Gods mercy and Grace to our Nation 1. HAVING an intention through the Divine assistance to compile a plain orderly Narration of Church-affaires touching the infancy and growth of Christian Religion in this our Island of Brittany it will be expedient in preparation therto to give the Reader a prospect of the State both of its ancient Civill Government and Religion also or rather most horribly impious Superstitions and Ceremonies by a due consideration of both which we may clearly see and ought thankfully to acknowledge the wonderfully blessed effects of the Divine Providence and Grace towards this our Native Countrey more plentifully then to any other 2. For though the Civill State here was in those times iniuriously invaded and usurped by the Romans yet by Gods most wise holy and mercifull Direction the injuries and oppressions sustained by our Ancestours proved an occasion of their greatest Happines since by meanes of the correspondence and entercourse then intervening between this Island formerly unknown and the rest of the Roman Empire to which it became subject a passage was opened for a free admittance of the Divine Light of saving Christian Verities the victory of which over the Brittains Soules did abundantly recompence the servitude induced by the Romans over their Bodies and Estates 3. And moreover the Omnipotence of Divine Grace was illustriously commended by its triumphing over a far greater opposition raised against it by the Devil in this more then almost any other Nation For here especially was anciently erected the Shop and Schoole of most impious and inhumane Superstitions The abominable Art of Magicall and Diabolicall Divinations the most barbarous Mysteries of Sacrifising to the Devil with humane blood and in a word whatsoever impieties Hell could suggest were here invented and practised the Inhabitants of this Island by the miserable advantage of their solitude and separation from the rest of mankind being at more leasure to entertain and withall better enabled by Nature with Study to promote and encrease those execrable Rites For as Tacitus relates from Iulius Agricola's observation who had sufficient experience to make a judgment the Brittains were naturally endowed with quicker and sharper wits then their Neighbours the Gauls c. And it was cheifly in the inventing of impious Superstitions that they gained a wretched reputation and authority among the adjacent Nations who therefore sent their Youth into Brittany to be instructed in the Arts and delusions of Sathan as Caesar testifies Such advantageous enablements and withall such perswasive invitations had they to be more wicked and greater enemies of God and true Piety then any of their Neighbours 4. But within a few Ages we shall see Sathan like lightning fall from heaven We shall see this our Nation and Countrey become the Schoole of Holiness and Vertue the Nursery of Saints the Refuge of persecuted Christians and a fruitfull Mother of Apostles to plant our Holy Faith in most of our confining Regions This was a change of the right hand of the most High But before we can be spectatours of the manner how this wonderfull Change was made we are first to take a view of the ancient primitive State of this our Island by whom it was peopled and how governed both in affaires Civill and such as pertained to Religion II. CHAP. 1.2 The ancient Inhabitants of Brittany 3.4 c. Conquer'd by C. Iulius Caesar yet with great difficulty 5. His Motives for the invasion 6. A small part only subdued 1. IT is a great Proof against the ancient Philosophers and our Modern Atheisticall seeming-Christians that the world was not from eternity because all the parts and Regions of the Earth have been successively inhabited by Nations spreading themselves by little and little from the East where man was created Thus was this Island of Brittany first possess'd by colonies of the neighbouring Belgick Gaules c. as appeares by the names severally given by them to the places where they respectively settled themselves as the Atrebates Morini Belga and severall other situate especially on the Southern coasts which argues these to have been later Plantations though preceding the Age in which this our Countrey was first discovered to the civill part of the world 2. Now though the ancient inhabitants coming from severall quarters were divided in names and regions yet they were all joyn'd in one common Title of Brittains and one common language the same with that of the Gaules To fetch the name of Brittains from Brutus a supposed son of Silvius and great grandchild of Aeneas savours of the doting fancies of our old Bards and Druids more probable it is that they were call'd so from the ancient Gallick word Brith which signifies colour'd or painted for so Caesar describes them to have been in his dayes And for the same reason the Romans in following times called the Northern people of this Island that is such as had not been subdued by them and accustomed to their Civill Education and cloathing by the name of Picts because they retained their old fashion of colouring their Bodies as beleiving that made them appeare more agreable to one another and more terrible to their Enemies Or rather as Mr. Somner observes the name of Brittany seems to be derived from the old Brittish word Brydio which signifies to boyle with rage fitly applyed to all the Brittish Islands as being encompassed with a Sea esteemed by the Ancients almost unnaâ—igable by reason of the swelling furious waves with which it is most frequently agitated 3. The first that discovered this our Island to the remoter parts of the civilis'd world was Caius Iulius Caesar who toward the latter end of his ten years warr in Gaule transported his Legions hither more then once Two severall attempts he made in vain to conquer that part of the Island which he invaded but at the third by meanes of
among the Romans c. they deserve not to be taken notice of 14. Yet probable it is that which the same Authour relates that Caractacus having been restored by Claudius both to his liberty and Kingdome spent the remainder of his life in peace shewing much love and respect to the Roman Empire and exercising great justice and liberality to others by which his glory was encreased through all Europe Now what were the names and fortunes of his Brethren is uncertain Probable it is that one of them was that Cogidunus mentioned by Tacitus to whom the Roman Emperour gave severall Cities with the Title of King who saith that Authour remained even to the dayes of Vespasian entirely faithfull to the Romans and induced others to the like fidelity Such being the received ancient coustome of that Empire to make use of Kings as instruments of servitude 15. During the absence of Caractacus the Silures began new tumults and with great multitudes encompassed the Roman Cohorts busie in building forts for Garrisons in their Countrey In that combat the Prefecâ— of the Campe eight Centurions and severall Companies fell and had not the rest been releived by neighbouring Garrisons and quarters they had all been destroyed And afterward when the Romans went to forrage they were again set upon by the Brittains they together with severall troops and such Cohorts as were ready were put to flight But Ostorius opposing his Legions to the flyers and pursuers turn'd the fortune of the day and defeated the Brittains 16. Ostorius dying presently after Claudius sent in his place Aulus Didius who arriving in Brittany found that since Ostorius his death the Legion under the command of Maâ—lius Valens had received a losse in a battell against the Silures whose insultings he repressed But presently after in the Northern parts of the Isle a discord hapning between a Queen and her husband occasion'd a meeting of severall States adjoyning call'd severally to assist each party and opened a way to the Romans to enlarge their DominioÌ„ 17. For artismandua Queen of the Brigantes Yorkshire having married Venusius a Nobleman of the same Province after she had obliged the Romans by giving up to them Caractacus and by that correspondence encreas'd her wealth and luxury began to despise her husband and took into the society of her bed and throne his servant and Armour-bearer Armigerum Vellocatus This caused great seditions in the Kingdome the greatest part of the Province assisting Venusius by whose help the Queen was brought into great straits and forced to demand assistance from the Romans who sent severall Cohorts and Wings of Horses which after severall combats at last freed the Queen from danger but withall restored Venusius to the Kingdome again 18. Didius afterwards dying in the fourth yeare of Nero the Successour of Claudius in the Empire Verannius was next sent Praetoâ— into Brittany who made a few excursions into the woods wasting the enemies Countrey but was hindred from making any progresse by death hapning to him within one years space 19. In his place was sent Suetonius Paulinus who pass'd the two first years of his Government very prosperously subduing severall Provinces and strengthning the Roman Garrisons And afterwards having a design to take from the Brittains the Isle of Mona or Anglesey which was a refuge for fugitives he pass'd over his Army thither which was astonish'd to see the horrible aspect of the Enemies forces among which woemen ran up and down with torches in their hands having their haire dischevelled and garments fashion'd on purpose to excite horrour The Druids likewise whose principall â—eat that Island was made processions with their hands lift up and their tongues uttring dire curses and prayers But the Romans encouraged by their Generall changing their astonishment into contempt of such a fanatick multitude charging among them quickly dispersed them and afterwards settling Garrisons cut down their Groves consecrated to most savage and execrable Superstitions 20. But whilst Paulinus was exulting for the Conquest made by him in the Western parts of the Island the Iceni inhabiting in Norfolk c. the Eastern Provinces rebelling against the Romans brought a terrible destruction upon them fore-signified by wonderfull Prodigies For saith Dio and Tacitus likewise there were heard in the Counsell-Chamber of the Romans a noyse and murmur as of barbarous people laughing and rejoycing and in the Theater a houling and weeping of multitudes Moreover there were seen houses floating on the Thames and the Sea between Gaule and Brittany had the resemblance of Blood c. 21. The causes of that insurrection and rebellion Dio ascribes to the oppression and covetousnes of the Emperours Procurator Decianus Catus who would renew the forfeytures of Estates though formerly remitted by Claudius But Tacitus relates a more likely and far more incensing provocation which was this Prasutagus King of the Iceni dying very rich in his last Testament made the Emperour joynt-heire with his two daughters thinking therby to secure his Kingdome and family fsom all injuries But it fell out quite contrary insomuch as his Kingdome was invaded and wasted by the Officers of the Army and his family by the Emperours servants Yea the Widdow Queen could not secure her self from stripes nor her daughters from ravishment the Nobility was spoyled of their estates the Princes of blood were used like slaves and the whole Kingdome reduced into the form of a Roman Province Hereupon they take arms sollicite the Trinobantes and other States not yet accustomed to slavery being hereto chiefly encouraged by the absence of Paulinus the Roman Generall 22. An army being suddenly rais'd consisting of about one hundred thousand Queen Boudicea a Lady of high courage would her self be the Generall and lead them so courageously and prosperously that she beseiged and took two of the firmest Colonies that the Romans had Camulodonum and Verulamium destroying all and exercising most barbarous cruelties even upon the women hanging them on gallowses naked with their breasts cut off and sow'd to their mouthes c. There are reckoned no fewer then fourscore thousand Romans destroyed in this insurrection 23. Newes of so fearfull a Tragedy being brought to Paulinus in Anglesey he presently march'd confidently through the midst of the Enemies till he came to London a colony rather rich with marchandise then fortified against a Seige Therefore notwithstanding the supplications and teares of the inhabitants he quits it chusing to secure the whole Roman State with the losse of one Town which was presently destroyed by the Enemy He had with him not above ten thousand souldiers notwithstanding making choice of a convenient place back'd with a wood and having a narrow entrance which freed him from danger of surprise he resolved to fight the Brittains camped in a plaine before him And so much had a desire of revenge inflam'd the courage of the Romans that marching in a close order after they had spent their darts and
with his Queen Brethren and no doubt a great multitude of attendants 4. As touching the former the ancient Fathers saith Baronius doe generally agree to what Eusebius a Grecian Ecclesiasticall Historian not at all partiall for Rome delivers in this passage of his Chronicle saying In the second yeare of Claudius which was the four and fortieth of our Saviours Nativity the Apostle S. Peter having founded and setled the Church of Antioch went to Rome where preaching the Gospell he continued Bishop of that Citty the space of five and twenty years that is sayth S. Hierom till the last yeare of Nero. The particular affaire obliging the Apostle to that voyage as the same Father after Arnobius c. affirms was the pursuing Simon Magus the Prince of all blaspheming Hereticks against whom this Prince of the Apostles was from the begining match'd in combat whose impieties he discovered and by true miracles rendred ineffectuall the others Sorceries till in the end during the raign of Nero by his Prayers he dissipated the fiery Chariot carried by Devils in the aire into which the Magician was mounted and in the sight of all Rome tumbled him down all broken into a precipice lower then the Earth it selfe 5. But besides this the Divine Providence had a more illustrious and universall design in disposing this journey of S. Peter to Rome whch cannot better be expressed then in this discourse of S. Leo the Great his most worthy Successour whose words are these When the twelve Apostles after having received by the Holy Ghost the power of speaking all Tongues had undertaken the Employment of communicating the Gospel to the whole world for which purpose they by common consent distributed the severall parts of it among themselves The most blessed S. Peter the Prince of the Apostolicall Order was design'd to the principall Tower of the Roman Empire to the end that the light of Divine Truth revealed for the salvation of all Nations might more efficaciously spread it selfe from the head to all the other members of the Body For what Nation was there some of whose inhabitants were not at Rome or what Region could be ignorant of what passed in that Citty Here the opinions of humane Philosophy were to be trampled under foot Here the vanities of earthly wisdome were to be dissipared Here the abominable worship of Devils was to be confuted here the impiety of all Sacrileges was to be destroyed For in this one Citty by a most superstitious diligence was heaped together in one masse whatsoever had been in any other parts of the world instituted by the vain errours of men To this Citty therefore thou O most blessed Apostle S. Peter wast not afraid to come and having the Apostle S. Paul afterwards a companion of thy Glory who as yet was busied in the ordering of other Churches thou courageously entredst into this forrest replenish'd with raging beasts and this Ocean horrible both for its depth and tempestuousnes of its waves yet thou entredst it with a far greater resolution then when formerly at our Lords command thou didst walk upon the Sea Neither didst thou feare Rome it selfe Mistresse of the world who before in Caiphas his house wast frighted by the Priests Maid servant And yet was not the Emperour Claudius his power and Nero's cruelty far more formidable then Pilats Tribunall or the Iews violence It was therefore a new Power of Divine Love in thy soule that was victorious over all inducements to feare neither didst thou esteem any terrour could deserve to be apprehended when thou wert imployed in procuring the eternall salvation of those who were committed to thy Love Thus S. Leo and thus doe many other Fathers expound the Oeconomy of Divine Wisdome in sendig S. Peter to Rome Many effects of whose Pastorall sollicitude in sending from that Metropolis of the world into all other Western Regions diligent labourers in Gods Vineyard and some particularly into Brittany we shall presently mention from the authority of ancient Records 6. A second not inefficacious Expedient furthering the effusion of Evangelicall Light into Brittany was as hath been sayd the captivity of the Brittish King Caractacus and his family whose magnanimous behaviour there together with the Emperour Claudius his favourable treating and as it is beleived restoring him to his Principality we have already related out of Tacitus 7. Among other attendants of this Captive Prince ancient Ecclesiasticall Monuâ—ments celebrate the memory of Claudia Ruffina a Brittish Virgin and as learned Writers probably judge one of the Daughters of King Caractacus who by her vertue and Christian Piety being a Disciple of S. Peter became a more illustrious Ornament to our Countrey then Caractacus was by his heroicall magnanimity She seems to have received a change of her Brittish name into Claudia from the Emperour whose captive she was for such was the Roman custome to which was added Ruffina from her husband Rufus This is the same Claudia Ruffina which the Poet Martial afterward so highly commended for her illustrious birth beauty and exquisite perfection both in the Grecian and Roman literature expressly declaring that she was a Brittain This the Epigrammatist writes in a short Epithalamium compos'd upon her marriage with Pudens a Roman Senatour 8. Now who this Pudens was is not evident in Antiquity Severall learned Writers of our own Nation and some Externs likewise doe confidently pronounce that this was that famous Senatour Aulus Pudens concerning whom Baronius thus writes It is delivered by a firme Tradition of Antiquity that the house of Pudens at Rome was the place of the first entertainment of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles and that there new converted Christians began their assemblies to celebrate Divine Mysteries Which house was erected into a Church by the most ancient Title of Pudens The Church it selfe yet remains wherein is extant this antique Inscription In this holy and most ancient Church dedicated by the Holy Pope Pius by the Title of Pastour heretofore the house of Saint Pudens a Senatour and the Hospice of the Holy Apostles there rest the bodies of three thousand Martyrs which the Holy Virgins of Christ Pudentiana and Praxedes buried with their own hands 9. If this was the same Pudens mentioned by Martial as husband to our Claudia Ruffina our Countrey has yet greater reason to glory in the title we have to her And that he was the same that passage of S. Pauls second Epistle to Timothy affords a not contemptible proofe where among the salutations sent to Timothy from Rome the Apostle in the same short verse joyns together Pudens and Claudia saying Eubulus and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the Brethren salute thee Notwithstanding it cannot be denyed but that the difficulties oppos'd to this are considerable because that Pudens who first entertained S. Peter and was the happy father of four illustrious Saints Saint Timotheus Saint Novatus Saint Pudentiana and Saint Praxedes has in
S. Peter and his successours did constitute any Churches in the West may seem to receive an attaint from that which S. Paul says his intention was to preach the Gospell in Spain which that he did effectually execute the ancient Tradition of that countrey together with the assertions of severall Authours doe testify And most certain it is that he taught many years in Rome yea there are not wanting ancient Monuments witnessing that he came into Brittany likewise teaching ordaining here 6. Notwithstanding if wee consider the extraordinary condition of S. Paul's Apostleship wee will see that nothing here alledged will prejudice the forecited testimony of S. Innocentius For S. Paul being a Supernumerary Apostle adjoyned to the twelve had no speciall Province assignd to him but was at liberty to exercise his office through all Provinces yet so as that he left not any particular Church denominated from him for though he was in a particular manner Bishop of Rome yet the Chaire of Rome was always called by Posterity the Chaire of S. Peter only and all the Churches constituted in the West even where S. Paul preached yet regarded S. Peter as their Head and cheif Patriark 7. Therfore though Nicephorus relates that Brittany was the lot of Simon Zelotes and the Greek Menology adds that he was here crucified by Infidells yet saich Baronius this they affirm without any testimony of the Ancients who witnes that this Simon the Cananite preach'd the Gospell in Mesopotamia and from thence went into Persia where he receiv'd Martyrdome So that the Greek Menology and Nicephorus seeme to have transcribed that passage out of an Apocryphall Authour Dorotheus 8. S. Innocentius his testimony therefore remains untouched That the whole Western part of the world was S. Peters peculiar Province This he says is manifest and the same is confirmed by the consent of many Provinces and kingdoms Severall Roman Bishops his Successours likewise doe expressly attest the same and particularly as touching our Brittain Churches To this purpose Pope Iohn the fifth almost a thousand years since writing to Ethelred and Alfred Saxon Princes here sayth Wee doe reioyce hearing of the encrease of your Religion through the cooperation of Divine Grace and perceiving the fervour of your Faith Which Faith you first received by the preaching of the Prince of the Apostles God graciously illuminating your minds and the same Faith you still effectually hold fast The same hath generally been acknowledged by our Brittish and Saxon Kings Hence Kenulphus King of the Mercians in the yeare of Grace seaven hundred ninety Six writing to Pope Leo the third saith From the same root that the Apostolick dignity was derived to thee the truth of Christian Faith came likewise to us Therfore wee think it expedient humbly to incline our eare and obedience to thy holy commands and with our utmost endeavour to execute what soever thy Piety shall think fit to enioyn us Yea King Iames himselfe did not doubt in a publick Audience to affirm that Rome was the Mother of all Churches And again That if a contestation were once more renewed between the East and West about the Prerogative of place and Seat he would stand for Rome and the West Lastly hereto we may adde S. Peters own testimony in a Vision hapning in the dayes of S. Edward the Confessour wherin himselfe professed that he had preached the Gospell in Brittany 9. Now in what particular yeare it was that S. Peter left Rome and passing through severall Provinces came at last into Brittany it is not easy positively to affirm Whether he left Rome upon the Emperour Claudius his Edict banishing all Iews from thence or afterwards in the beginning of Nero's raign as Baronius inclines to beleive is doubtfull But that he was absent thence when S. Paul wrote his Epistle to the Romans seems unquestionable since S. Peter is omitted in the Catalogue of his salutations 10. The particular Acts of S. Peter during his long abode in Brittany though in those dayes illustrious are now swallow'd up in the darknes of oblivion all ancient Monuments of this Nation by so many revolutions having been consumed Certain it is that a far freer scope was allowd for the publishing of Divine Verities in Brittany then almost any other part of the Western World because Nero's persecution of Christianity did not extend hither so that this Island was a Sanctuary for all those who either to avoyd the cruelty of Magistrats or to find an opportunity of a quiet solitude for Contemplation would repaire hither And this may be attributed partly to the limited power of the Romans here likewise to the Clemency and Civility of the Brittish Princes then living particularly taken notice of by historians and lastly to the great distance of this Countrey from the other parts of the Empire Such advantages had Truth and Piety to settle themselves here in Brittany more then in any other place and a proofe most remarkable hereof we have in the quiet uninterrupted Solitude of Glastonbury where within a few years after this was erected the first Schoole of Contemplation which continued the glorious habitation of a world of Saints in all Ages from the beginning of Christianity till almost our unhappy times VII CHAP. 1. c. Further Testimonies of S Peter and S. Pauls preaching in Brittany from Isengrenius and some ancient Fathers 1. ISengrenius a learned Chronologist mentioning the affairs of Brittany in his first Century and in the yeare of our Lord Sixty five fitly expressed them thus the exaltation of the Brittish Church under Nero adding withall that many Churches were built through this Island by S. Peter the prime of the Apostles 2. Indeed Gods good Providence so disposed for our good that Nero the most abominable Emperour yea person that ever lived though he was a plague and malediction to Rome Italy Greece and most other Provinces yet was an occasion of wonderfull blessings to Brittany For a tedious impatience to see his horrible actions almost forced S. Paul also to quit Rome and disperse the precious seed of the Gospell among other Western nations even as far as Brittany This is attested by witnesses of great antiquity and authority and seems agreeable to the design of the Holy Ghost when by his command S. Paul and Barnabas were separated unto him for the work unto which he had called them Which was to carry the light of the Gospell to the utmost ends of the earth 3. Now that S. Paul the Doctour of the Gentiles made good that title even to the Brittains we find acknowledged by Protestant Writers also with an intention therby to exclude S. Peter But how inconsequently they argue hath been already declared and the Brittains themselves though anciently they gave to both these prime Apostles a most high veneration yet they never calld their Church the seat of S. Paul but only S. Peter Hence our ancient Historian and Satyrist Gildas in
demonstrated that some of the Apostles penetrated as far as into Brittany to plant the Gospell here A Truth testified expressly by Theodoret as B. Vsher hath well observed For he comparing the Apostles of Christ with the most famous of the Grecian and Roman Lawgivers shews how much they were to be prefer'd For all that those Heathen Lawgivers could doe was to induce some particular Provinces or Common-weales to accept of their Laws which all other Countreys reiected Whereas says he our Galilaean fishermen Publicans and Tent makers carried the Evangelicall Law to all Nations inducing not the Romans only or those which lived under their Empire to accept the Laws of our crucified Lord but the Scythians also and Sarmatians Indians Ethiopians and Persians together with the Seres Hyrcanians Brittains Cimmerians and Germans And this they did not making use of arms or armies but by perswasion of wâ—rds and demonstrating the great utility of the Laws which they preached and for the preaching of them exposed themselves to great danger Finis Libri primi THE SECOND BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAP. 1.2 S. Ioseph of Arimathea and his Companions principall Apostles of Brittany 3.4.5 c. This confirmed out of Authentick Records by English Embassadours in the Councils of Pisa Siena and Constance c. 9. Likewise by an Ancient Charter of King Henry the second 1. VPON that precious foundation of Faith and Piety which had been layd by the Holy Apostles in Brittany their Disciples and Successours rais'd up a Temple to our Lord a Temple though of no such amplitude as we find in the following age yet not so unconsiderable but that the fame thereof reached into forraign Countreys as Arnobius who wrote above thirteen hundred years since and Tertullian likewise observe 2. Now the most eminent of the Primitive Disciples and who contributed most to this heavenly building was S. Ioseph of Arimathea and eleaven of his companions with him among whom is reckoned his Son of his own name These toward the latter end of Nero's raign and before S. Peter and S. Paul were consummated by a glorious Martyrdom are by the Testimony of ancient Records sayd to have entred this Island as a place for the retirednes of it the benignity of the Brittish Princes and the freedom from Roman Tyranny more opportune and better prepar'd for entertaining the Gospell of Peace then almost any Countrey under the Romans 3. But before we enquire into the occasion of the arrivall of these Sons of Light or relate any of their particular Gests the prejudice which in these later times has possess'd many minds against Tradition obliges me in preparation to the History following firmly to assert this Truth in generall that such Apostolicall persons did indeed by their zeale and industry cultivate this barbarous Island and this with better successe then perhaps any other Nation addicted to Idolatry 4. Now a more efficacious Proof hereof cannot reasonably be desired then the testimony of a person eminently conversant in our Ecclesiasticall Monuments and whose aversion from the Roman Church will cleare him from all suspicion of partiality And this is the late Protestant Archbishop of Armagh Doctour Vsher who in a Collection of Antiquities regarding the Primitive Churches of Brittany treating of this very argument hath this passage 5. We must not omit to take notice that in the Generall Synods assembled by our Europaans whensoever the Controversy was agitated touching the dignity and preeminence of the Brittish Kingdom in opposition to the French and Spaniards the Oratours of the English Nation did usually appeale to this Tradition concerning S. Ioseph of Arimathea This question was discuss'd first in the year one thousand four hundred and nine in the Councill of Pisa and again eight years after in the Councill of Constance out of which there is an extract of a most famous Disputation concerning the dignity and magnitude of the Kingdoms of Brittany and France between the Embassadours of both in the Councill which was printed at Lovain in the yeare one thousand five hundred and seaventeen The said Extract taken out of Originall Acts of that Councill and preserv'd in the Citty of Constance was published by the care of Sir Robert Wingfeild Knight and Embassadour from King Henry the eighth to the Emperour Maximilian and which is still extant in two Manuscripts of the same Councill It was in the thirtieth Session that this Question was moved Whether it be agreable to reason and iustice that the Kingdom of England should enioy equall Priviledges with that of France And for the dignity of the English Church it was among other things alledg'd that presently after the suffring of our Saviour Ioseph of Arimathea an honourable Counsellor who took down from the Crosse Christs body together with twelve companions betimes in the morning entred into our Lords Vineyard to wit England and converted the inhabitants to the Faith To whom the King then raigning assigned for their sustenance twelve Hides of Land in the Diocese of Bath All which twelve Preachers as ancient Records witnes were buried in the Monastery of Glastenbury situate in the same Diocese And with those twelve Hides of Land afore mention'd the sayd Monastery was anciently endow'd and founded This was alledged by the English Oratours for their Kingdome Whereas France received not the Faith till the time of S. Dionysius by whose Ministery it was converted 6. Likewise in the Councill of Siena in the year one thousand four hundred twenty four the same Allegations were propos'd by Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincoln and founder of Lincoln-Colledge in Oxford when this Controversy was renew'd by the English in the presence of Pope Martin the fifth against the Spaniards Scots and French But principally in the Councill of Basile in the year one thousand four hundred thirty four this contention came to great heat For then the Embassadours of the King of England as well in the publick Council before the Bishops aâ— in the Congregation deputed for Reformation protested that they were to be prefer'd by reason of their more ancient reception of the Christian Faith for they affirm'd that the Noble Counsellor Ioseph of Arimathea together with others in the fifteenth year after the Assumption of the glorious Virgin Mary came into England and converted a great part of it to the Faith of Christ. And no long time after the Passion of our Lord Pope Eleutherius converted the whole Kingdom entirely to the Faith This account gives Alphonsus Garzias who was Advocat for the right of Spain in that Council 7. And though he endeavours to enervate the reasons alledged by the English Oratours yet his objections are so weak that they rather establish them For all that he opposes to the story of S. Ioseph is an old trifling Legend reporting that when Titus entred Ierusalem he saw a certain very thick wall which he commanded to be peirced through and within they found a certain old man
year of his raign sent him a Successour Clodius Albinus upon whom likewise he confer'd the Title of Caesar. Whose abode in Brittany was but short for presently after Iunius Severus was sent Generall thither and Commodus us'd all his endeavours to kill Albinus But dying shortly after Pertinax who succeeded him sent back once more Albinus into Brittany THE FIFTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAP. 1. The Conversion of Brittany celebrated by Origen 2. The Picts and Caledonian Brittains follow their Example 3. Their King Donaldus c. brought to the Faith by Fulgenius a Brittain 4.5 c. Dempsters fabulous narration 1. THE Conversion of Brittany was so famous in the Church of God that Origen who flourished in Egypt not long after these times in his commentary on Ezechiel thus celebrates it When did the Countrey of Brittany before the coming of Christ consent in the Worship of the only true God But now the whole Earth doth with ioy glorify our Lord for the Churches there erected in the utmost bounds of the world so that in all its limits it doth aspire to celestiall happines And in another place The power of the Divine Grace of our Lord and Saviour is present likewise both to those Nations in Brittany which are divided from our world and likewise those in Mauritania yea with all People under the Sun which have beleived in his name 2. And as the fame therof was largely spread among Churches far remote from Brittany so the Example also had a happy influence on the neighbouring Nations For in the Northern regions of Brittany divided from the civilis'd part by the Emperour Hadrians wall and which always liv'd in hostility with the Romans the Faith of Christ within two years after the death oâ— King Lucius was not only preach'd but effectually subdued the minds both of the Princes and generally of their subjects which gave occasion to Tertullian who liv'd in these times to say that those Provinces of Brittains to which the Roman Armies could not gain accesse were yet conquered by our Saviour submitting themselves to his Faith 3 Concerning this Conversion thus writes Hector Boethius The like mind did Christ our Lord the Prince and Authour of peace give to King Donaldus insomuch as rejecting the worship of Devills he addicted himselfe to solide Piety For when Severus was Emperour of the Romans the sayd King obtained of Pope Victor the fifteenth after S. Peter to whom he sent his Embassadours that severall men illustrious for learning and Religion should be sent into Scotland to baptise himselfe together with his wife and children who profess'd the name of Christ. The Scottish Nobility following their Kings example renounced their former impiety and embracing the Religion of Christ were likewise purified by Baptism The year wherin the Scots by the mercy of Almighty God were call'd and receiv'd the light of true Piety was the two hundred and third after the incarnation of our Lord. To same purpose write Duraeus Gordonus and generally all the Scottish Authours 4. As touching the manner of this Conversion Dempster citing an Ancient Scottish Historian Fordonus saith That is was effected by Paschasius a Sicilian sent into Scotland by Pope Victor who instructed the Nation in the rudiments of Christianity And the same saith he he proves out of an ancient Book of the Church of Lismore which is the most ancient among the Scottish Records The same Authour adds that never any people was with lesse trouble converted to Christ for so great a concourse there was unto those Holy Teachers that there were not Preists enow to baptise them Moreover the sayd Fordonus delivers that this Paschasius leaving behind him his Companions to instruct that rude people more diligently in the Mysteries of Christianity return'd back to Rome to give thanks to that most holy Pope in King Donaldus his name for so singular a blessing confer'd on his Nation But before he arriv'd there Victor was departed this life whose Successour was Zephirinus Whence it manifestly appears â—hat Scotland was converted to the Faith in the last year of Pope Victor Notwithstanding in the Scottish Menology publish'd by the same Dempster this Paschasius is sayd not to have been sent into Scotland by Pope Victor but to have been Donaldus his Messenger to the Pope as Elvanus and Medwinus were sent by King Lucius to Pope Eleutherius for there it is thus written At Dorn in Southerland on the twelfth of December is celebrated the memory of Paschasius who was sent a Messenger to the Holy Pope Victor by King Donald and obtain'd of him Christian Teachers to instruct the Nation 5. This is the account given by Dempster as he pretends out of Fordonus But so little to the satisfaction of the learned Bishop Vsher that he professes In those Copies of Iohn Fordon which I have perused not any of these things related by Dempster are extant so that I begin to suspect the truth of them aswell as of the rest which he quotes out of a namelesse Book of Lismore and I know not what other Manuscripts 6. The person to whom Dempster ascrib's the glory of having first inclin'd the mind of King Donaldus to embrace Christianity was one called Fulgentius or Fulgenius whom he will have to be the Authour of a Book entitled of the Faith of Christ which Book says he if it were now extant Scotland would be furnish'd with a Monument to declare the Antiquity and fervour of its Primitive Faith wherin it would yeild the preeminence to few Kingdoms in Europe and would be superiour to many This Fulgentius saith he was sirnamed the Bold and in the raign of Septimius Seâ—erus dyed at York in England He it was whose faithfull assistance King Donaldus made use of being the first King who stamp'd his Coyn in brasse gold and silver with the sign of the Crosse. II. CHAP. 1.2.3 Confutation of Dempster 4. Who Fulgenius was 5. A Message sent by King Donaldus to Pope Victor 6. More concerning Fulgenius 1. THIS relation made by Dempster though for the substance of it it be agreable to ancient Records yet to embellish it he employs so much of his own inveÌ„tion moved therto by a partiall affection to his own countrey that to a Reader not altogether ignorant he rather disgraces the whole story and renders Truth it selfe suspected then gains beleif to his own impudent additions 2. And first wheras he makes Donaldus to be a King of the Scotts and Fulgentius to be of the same Nation he cannot alledge for this the least ground in any ancient Authours who wrote of these times The Name of Scots was not yet heard of any where much lesse in Brittany The Roman Historians acknowledge no other inhabitants in this Island but only Brittains That is the Common name though in the severall Provinces they be distinguished by severall Titles And particularly touching those Northern Brittains by Hadrians
wall separated from those which were under the Romans dominion Dio an Historian of these times though he curiously prosecutes the progresse of the Emperour Severus through these countreys finds only two Nations in these parts against whom he fought the Maeares and the Caledonians to which saith he all other names are refer'd as the Vecturiones and Deucalidonians c. the former neighbouring to that wall and the other possessing the remainder of the Island to the Northern Sea As for the name of Scots there is as yet no mention of them either in him or any other ancient Writer Where as if there had been any such distinct Nation here Severus who was most ambitious to multiply his Titles would not have faild to have inserted Scoticus among them We shall ere long determine when that Nation entred those parts and when they changed the Name of those Provinces 3. It is without question true that such a Prince there was in those times as Donaldus who by Rosierius is sayd to be the Brother of Ethodius but whether he was a King of that whole Countrey of Brittany not yet conquered by the Romans or only a Prince of some one Province there cannot certainly be determin'd A Tradition likewise sufficiently grounded approves the Conversion of that Prince with his Family and subjects about two years after the Death of King Lucius Which is evidently confirmed by the forecited testimony of Tertullian in a Book written not above seaven years after it happned 4. As for Fulgentius or as the Brittains call'd him Fulgenius he was a Southern Brittain not only a Subject of King Lucius but of the same Royall family descended saith Boethius from the ancient blood of the Brittish Kings and who together with his King and kinsman embraced the Christian Faith He was not a Writer of Books as Dempster fains but a Prince of high Spirits and courage And being such an one no marvell if after so great an injury done to his family which was excluded from the Succession by the Romans he refused to continue their subject and fled to their profess'd Enemies the Caledonian Brittains beyond the wall 5. Fulgenius therfore was doubtles the first who instill'd into the mind of Donaldus a love of Christian verities and suggested to him the same way and meanes to obtain a more perfect instruction which his Kinsman King Lucius had lately made use of which was to direct Messengers to the Bishop of Rome Pope Victor with a request that he would send authoris'd Teachers to instruct that Nation and establish a Church there This the King perform'd and accordingly Paschasius with other his companions were sent into those Northern Provinces who by the Divine assistance converted to the Faith such infinite numbers of the Inhabitants that there were not Preists enow to baptise them 6. It seems the reputation of Fulgenius his courage and conduit was so great that King Donaldus made him Generall of the forces with which he broke into the Roman Provinces causing a terrible desolation there And being opposed by the Roman Generall he defeated his Army and kill'd both him and in a manner all that follow'd him So great a calamity hence follow'd through all the Southern paâ—ts of the Island that the Emperour Severus himselfe thought his own presence and authority necessary to secure the Province Hereupon he brought with him an Army so formidable that the Maeates and Caledonians made an offer to surrender themselves But the Emperour ambitious of fame by a conquest of them entred their countrey where his cheif difficulty was to find his enemies for by reason of the vast mountains woods and marishes all the passages wherof were known to the Brittains the Romans became oft entangled in their march and sometimes received considerable defeats Notwithstanding by their constancy and advantage in numbers the Roman Army did not interrupt their progresse till they had peirced to the utmost bounds of the Island confining on the Northern Sea There was no decisive battell at all fought between them Notwithstanding the Emperour esteem'd his exploit of marching through the whole countrey which never any Enemy before had done to be so illustrious that he therfore assum'd among his other Titles that of Britannicus Which likewise was communicated to his two Sons Bassianus and Geta his Successours in the Empire though only Bassianus accompanied him in the invasion Geta being left in the Southern parts to compose Civil affaires 7. As for the Noble and pious Brittain Fulgenius he is sayd shortly after to have ended his life at York then the Imperiall Citty It is doubtfull whether he returned thither as a Prisoner or upon composition For some of the Princes and Provinces yeilded themselves to the Emperour though the greatest part avoyding any encounter with the Romans remain'd still in their former hostility That therfore which is related by a Modern Writer touching Fulgenius is very uncertain namely that in a battell against Septimius Severus he was mortally wounded and died at York in the year of Grace two hundred and twelve being the eighteenth and last year of Severus his Raign And other stories of him though confidently reported by some as that he was the Brother of Martia the first wife of Severus and that by him Severus him selfe was slain are meer inventions contriv'd to adorn a Fable rather then a History III. CHAP. 1.2 How far Severus the Emperour subdued the Caledonian Brittains And of the wall built by him 3.4 Severus his ominous retreat to York and his death there And Consecration by the Romans 5. His Sons left Successours in the Empire but Bassianus the Elder murders his Brother Geta. 6. A sharp reply of a Brittish Lady to the Empresse Iulia. 7. A Description of the Caledonian Picts by Herodian 1. SEverus though he took the Title of Britannicus and coyned Medalls inscrib'd with Britannica Victoria was far from subduing those Northern Brittains He wrote indeed to Rome that the Caledonians by covenant had yeilded up a part of the countrey formerly possess'd by them Notwithstanding if we consider the situation of the Wall or Rampire renewd by him to exclude those Nations from commerce with the civiliz'd Provinces we shall find that the Romans rather yeilded to the Brittains a considerable space of ground which had formerly been subdued and gaind by Iulius Agricola and Lollius Vrbicus 2. Our famous Historian S. Beda indeed is of opinion that this Wall or rather Rampire of earth was rais'd by Severus in the same place where Agricola in the former Age had made his enclosure to wit between the two bayes of Edinborough and Dunbritton But certain it is that this Rampire was placed much more to the Southward where the Emperour Hadrian afterward had rais'd his Wall now utterly demolish'd between the Mouth of the River Tine and the bay of Eden Ituna in Cumberland The length of which Rampire was not as Orosius relates as likewise S. Hierom and
Cassiodorus one hundred thirty two miles but onely fourscore as Spartianus truly measures it calling this work the greatest ornament of his Empire from whence he took the Title of Britannicus 3. Having finish'd this vast work with frequent towrs and a most deep and spacious Trench Severus retir'd with his Army to York and being superstitious he busied his thoughts in the way with an expectation of some good omen that might portend an establishment of his future happines But was much daunted seeing an Aethiopan souldier coale black and crown'd with Cypresse who came to meet him And when he commanded him to be taken away he being a noted Ieaster sayd thus to him Thou hast been all thou hast overcome all Now be a God The apprehension which so portentous a sign wrought in his mind was much encreas'd when entring into York he was by a rusticall Sâ—â—thsayer conducted to the Temple of Bellona and afterwards when the beasts brought for sacrifice were all black and through the negligence of his servants followd him all the way to the entrance into his Palace These saith Spartianus were the presages of his death which followd presently after in the same Citty His last words were these When I receiv'd the Government I found the common-wealth every where in troubles I leave it peaceable even to the Brittains Though I be an old man unable to walk I leave to my children Antoninâ— if they be good an Empire firm and secure but if they be ill they will find it weak and tottring 4. Being dead he was with all most exquisite solemnity consecrated and made a God the Ceremonies wherof are exactly described by Herodian His ashes were gathered into a precious boxe with costly odours and by his two sons with great veneration caried to Rome to be layd up in the sacred Monuments of their Princes 5. Now though these two sons Bassianus or Antoninus and Geta were left by their Father with equall power Governours of the Empire yet presently after their coming to Rome the Elder son Bassianus most barbarously murdred the Younger together with all that had adhered to him and after his death raigned alone fower yeares 6. Before we quit this subject in hand it will not be impertinent to relate from Dio a story touching a quarrell between Severus his Empresse Iulia and a Brittish Lady by which we may observe the sprightfullnes of the Brittains When the Emperour had entred into a league with the Caledonian Brittains whilst he was sitting on his Tribunal his wife Iulia intending an affront to the Brittish woemen sayd publickly that they conversed impudently with men Whereto the Wife of Argentocoxâ—s a Caledonian Prince thus pleasantly answer'd We doe much more honourably satisfy out naturall passions then you Roman Ladies For we converse indeed freely with men but they are such as are of the best and Noblest rank Wheras you Roman woemen prestitute your selves secretly to the basest of men This Reply proved the more sharp because Iulia was infamous for her adulteries which it seems the Brittish Lady was not ignorant of and had courage enough to let her know it Shortly after the Empresse became the object of the utmost infamy by marying publickly her own son Bassianus to whose lusts she most impudently offred her selfe 7. We will conclude the present argument with an observation out of Herodian an Historian living in these times who describing the fashions of those Northern Brittains says That they used no garments at all that about their Necks and breasts they wâ—re swords esteeming that to be a principall ornament and argument of their wealth Moreover that they in severall colours mark'd their bodies with the pictures and figures of all sorts of beasts and this being their cheif bravery they therfore refused to weare any garments because they would have those pictures exposed to mens eyes Hence it is that in Roman Authours of this and the succeeding ages we find not the Brittains in generall but only these Northern Caledonian Brittains stiled Sky-colourd Brittains and sky-colourd Brigantes Ausâ—nius the Poet particularly ascribes such painting to the Caledonian Brittains So that no doubt it was from hence that those utmost northern Brittains came to be called Picts or a Painted people IV. CHAP. 1. Of the Actions and death of Donaldus the first Christian King of the Caledonians 2. The Ancient Scottish Christianity how different from the Modern 3. Of a Monument erected to the Dui or God of the Brigantes 1. IN the fourth year of Antoninus Bassianus his Raign dyed Donaldus the first Christian Prince among the Caledonians Concerning whom thus writes Hector Boethius Donaldus was the first of all the Scottish Kings as our ancient Annals inform us which coyned silver and gold marking it on one side with the figure of the Saving Crosse and on the other with his own face Which coyns may propagate to posterity the Memory of the Christian Faith being first embraced by him among all the Kings of that Nation He at last dyed in the one and twentieth year of his raign famous both for his religious and Civill actions Being dead he by the perswasion of such Preists as among the Scots administred the sacred Mysteries of Christianity was with Christian ceremonies and solemnity buried in a feild which with many pious accustomed Prayers had been consecrated for the buriall of Christians 2. In this relation made by Boethius extracted out of ancient Records the present inhabitants of Scotland may observe how great the difference is between the Christianity of the first King who profess'd it in their countrey and that which they have lately chosen in stead of it This King refus'd to be buried among his heathen Ancestours chusing rather to mingle his bones with those of common beleivers then to have them proudly entomb'd with Heathen Princes He would not rest after death but in a place consecrated by the Devotions of holy Preists who likewise celebrated his Obsequies according to the Primitive Christian manner by making oblations for him and offring the most Holy Sacrifice for the refreshment of his soule as S. Cyprian who liv'd not long after describes the manner of ancient Christian buriall The same holy Father likewise as if he intended not only to justify but commend this last act of King Donaldus his devotion among other crimes with which he charges one of his Bishops call'd Marâ—ialis adds this that he buried his children in the profane Sepulchers of the Heathen Among other ceremonies peculiar to Christian burialls in those ancient times this was one that a Crosse was raised upon their Monuments as shall be shew'd hereafter 3. Having thus related the actions and death of this second Christian Prince Donaldus as fully as ancient Records inform us it will not be amisse to add here a Monument yet remaining which in those very days was erected nere the River Calder in Yorkshire by Titus Aurelius a Roman officer
Romans and after the Romans we know no nation better then your selves to whom we may have recourse Therefore our desire is to harbour our selves under the wings of your courage And if by your assistance we can only be freed from the rage of our ancient Enemies we will be ready to submit our selves to any service you shall impose on us 5. It may be this Historian in favour of his own countrey hath here putt into the Brittish Ambassadours mouthes a more humble Oration then they ever pronounced for they were sent to hire the Saxons by promising a large stipend not by submitting their countrey to them However the successe of this Treaty he thus declares The Saxon Senate saith he gave this short answer to the Brittains demands Be assured O Brittains that we Saxons will be faithfull freinds to you ready always to assist you in all your necessities and to doe you all freindly kindnes With which answer the Ambassadours were much reioyced and presently returned to make their countreymen more ioyfull with so desir'd a message 6. This Message was sent and return'd in the year of our Lord four hundred forty eight and in complyance with it the year following an army of Saxons under their Cheif Conductours Hengist and Horsa landed in Brittany Whose coming our Historian Gildas in his angry stile thus celebrates recording withall a Prophecy concerning it among the Saxons Then saith he a drove of whelpes rushing out of the barbarous Lyonnesses den came hither in three ships with full sayles and an ominous course encouraged by a Prophecy certainly beleiv'd by them that for the space of three hundred years they should possesse the countrey toward which they directed the prow's of their ships and that half of that time they should often times lay it waste They first fastned their terrible nayles by order of the unhappy Tyrant Vortigern on the Eastern part of the Island with a pretence indeed to defend the countrey but with an intention really to subdue it 7. From whence soever this Prophecy came there seems to be in it some shadow of truth For three hundred years the Saxons possess'd the Island under the Title of Saxony-beyond-Sea but afterward the Nation of the Angli gave their own name to it And again after one hundred and fifty years the half of that time by the coming of S. Augustin the Monk they became Christians and being more civilis'd began to surcease their rude and barbarous behaviour 8. And wheras the said Authour addes that the Saxons aborded in the Eastern part of the Island he intends thereby the Isle of Thanet in Kent where Hengist and Horsa first took land and where more happily after about one hundred and fifty yeares Divine Truth by the ministery of S. Augustin first visited this Island The place of their landing saith Ethelwerd was anciently call'd Hipwines-fleâ—t And was afterward nam'd Wipped-fleet from Wipped a Saxon-commander there slain 9. The good service which the Saxons after their first arrivall perform'd to King Vortigern is thus declared by Mathew of Westminster In the year of Grace four hundred and fifty saith he the Scotts together with the Picts invaded Brittany out of the Northern parts with a mighty army wasting the Provinces through which they pass'd Which being told to Vortigern he gather'd his soldiers together and march'd beyond the River of Humber When they came to a battell there was little need that the Brittains should fight for the Saxons then present combatted with such courage that the Enemies heretofore accustomed to Victory immediatly turn'd their backs and fled Vortigern therefore having by their valour obtain'd the Victory encreas'd his liberality to them and gave to Hengist their captain great possessions in Lindsey a region of Lincolnshire sufficient to maintain him and his soldiers 10. Huntingdom writes that this battell was fought at Stanford in the Southern parts of Lincolnshire for so far the Picts and Scotts had march'd without opposition adding that they fought with darts and lances but the Saxons with battell-axes and long swords the weight and force of which weapons they being not able to bear sought to save themselves by flight 11. As touching the land given by Vortigern to Hengist in the same province where the battell was fought Our Annals saith Camden relate it otherwise for they declare that Hengist the Saxon having subdued the Picts besides large possessions conferr'd on him in other places requested Vortigern to bestow on him in that Province so much ground as he could encompasse with an oxes hide Which having obtained he cutt it into thâ—ngs extremely thinn with which he encompass'd a great Territory in the midst of which he built a Castle which by the name For it is call'd Thong-Castle perpetuates the memory hereof and as Carthage remained many ages a witnes of Dido's fraud who by the same sleight obtain'd the seat where she built that Citty So does this Castle still putt us is mind of the simplicity of the Brittains and cunning of the Saxons IV. CHAP. 1.2 Hengist sends for more forces and his daughter 3 c. King Vortigern's unlawfull mariage with her He gives Kent to the Saxons 7. The Saxons joyn with the Picts 8. c The Brittains desert Vortigern and set up his Son Vortimer 1. BVT the ambition of Hengist was not satisfied with such a gift his intention was to be master of the whole Island without obligation to any In order to the effecting of which intention being a subtile man saith Mathew of Westminster he presuming on the Kings freindship and easines thus address'd himself to him My Lord the King you see how your enemies disquiet you on all sides If you please therefore we will send into our Countrey with order to encrease our numbers with new recruits The King approving his design commanded him to doe so without delay that so he might be freed from the fear of his enemies Hereupon Hâ—ngist sending Messengers into Germany they shortly return'd bringing with them eighteen ships loaden with soldiers 2. It had been happy for Brittany if Hengist had been strengthned by the accession of New soldiers only But they brought with them a fair Lady the daughter of Hengist whose beauty and flatteries so inveigled King Vortigern that to please her he betrayd both his faith and Kingdom too 3. Malmsburiensis thus breifly relates this story We have receiv'd from our ancestors saith he that at this second voyage of the Saxons they conducted into Brittany a Virgin the daughter of Hengist called Rowena for beauty a miracle of Nature admir'd by all that lookd on her Hengist commands a magnificent feast to be provided for the entertainment of his soldiers newly arrived to which the King was invited He gave order likewise to his daughter to perform the Office of Cup-bearer to the King on purpose that he might feed his eyes with her beauty Which design
in thankfullnes for his victory obtaind against the bloody King of the Mercians Penda XXII CHAP. 1.2 The Gests of S. Adulf and S. Botulph brethren 1. AT the same time with S. Hilda flourished S. Botulph and his Brother S. Adulph whom erroneously some Writers affirm to have been Scotts who are confuted by the whole contexture of their Lives For thus we read in their Gests recorded by Ioannes Anglicus in Capgrave Before Christian Religion was spread over Brittany the Venerable Fathers Botulph and Adulf born of a Noble family and of a German descent and more strictly linked by charity then blood being very young were initiated in spirituall and celestial exercises For being born of a Saxon stock which conquered Brittany by martiall courage they from their infancy were imbued in the Christian Faith But their parents being rude and unacquainted with the Documents of perfection sent their children five in number to their ancient countrey of Saxony there to learn the Discipline of a holy conversation 2. Thus by mistake writes that Authour for as yet Christianity was not entred into Saxony Therefore in stead of Saxony we are to understand Belgick France whither by S. Beda's testimony our Ancestors in those times usually sent their children to be in 〈◊〉 in more sublime Christian Philosophâ— The same Writer thus prosecutes hiâ— Narratio 3. With this intention the foresaid Fathers paâ—sing the Sea repaired to Monasteries of Holy Religious men desiring coÌ„munication with them to be instructed in the Document of a spirituall life There being imbued with Monastical Instituâ— and disciplines of a more austere life they received the Religious Habit and in a short time Gods Grace became enabled co be Teachers â— Perfection 4. The King therefore hearing the fame of S. Adulphus exalted him to the Government of the Church of Virect in Belgium Who in discharge of that sublime employment was very watchfuâ— and solicitous to prevent the snares and cunning designs of the Devill who like a ravening wâ—l sought the destruction of his flock He was sedulouâ— in works of mercy feeding the poor cloathing the naked correcting those which strayd and comforting the afflicted to the end he might himself obtain the effect of our Lords Promise Blessed are the mercifull for they shall obtain mercy He was instant in fasting watching and prayers He prevented his preaching by his practise and in all things lead a saintlike life 5. In the Gallican Martyrologe he is adorned with this Elogy On the seaventeenth of Iune is celebrated the Memory of S. Adulph Bishop of Vâ—rect who was Brother of S. Botulph and out of Brittany passing with him into France for his eminent endowments and Sanctity of life was raised to that See wherein by his admirable vertues and learning he became a shining light to his flock and at last with a great affluence of merits ended his life or rather being translated by death he passed to a life immortall 6. As for his Venerable Brother S. Botulph by the testimony of the foresaid Authour being well exercised in vertue and holines he resolved to return into England Now there were in the same Monastery where he made his abode two Sisters of Ethelmund a Prince among the Southangles who had been sent thither to be instructed in Monasticall Disciplines They hearing that the Blessed man had a purpose to return to his countrey gave him commissions to be delivered to their Brother Having therefore passed the Sea S. Botulph was honourably received by the said Prince who having heard his Sisters petitions and accepted them granted to the Holy man a place for building a Monastery Now S Botulph did not desire that for his cause any one should be driven out of his hereditary possession but rather that some place unpossessed and uncultivated should be assigned him that there he might build a Church and congregate brethren to serve God by whose pious lives and prayers his Principality might be established in this world and an eternall kingdom prepared for him in the world to come This request the Prince willingly granted whereupon the Venerable Father chose a certain untilled place where none dwelt named Ikanho It was a Wildernes unfrequented by men but possessed by Devills whose phantasticall illusions were to be expelled thence and a Religious conversation of pious men to be introduced that where the Devills fallacies abounded there our Lords Divine Grace might superabound 7. Where this place called Ikanho was seated is now uncertain The Centuriators of Magdeburg from Leland and Bale place it not far from the Citty of Lincoln And indeed in that Province where the River Witham enters the Sea there is a Town called Boston but more truly Botulphs-town for saith Camden it being formerly by Beda called Icanhoe took a new name from Botulph a most holy Saxon. Likewise in Huntingdon-shire there is a town called Bottle-bridge for S. Botulphs-bridge So that it seems in one of these two places S. Botulph built his Monastery 8. The said Authour thus pursues his Narration When he had finished his Monastery like a good shepheard he gathered together his flock whom he diligently taught Apostolick Doctrines and Instituts of the Holy Fathers and whatsoever good Documents he had learnt abroad concerning Monasticall Disciplines those he instilled into the minds and practises of his Monks He was beloved by all for he was free from arrogance being humble mild and affable in all things He was illustrious likewise for many miracles and the gift of Prophecy For sometimes by Divine inspiration he foretold future things as expressly as if they had been passed When he was oppressed with any infirmity he with blessed Iob persisted in thanking God and all his discourse was of matters which might edify and advance the hearers Such was his conversation during his life and in such exercises he attained to a good old age 9. He dyed most happily the same year in which S. Hilda also dyed and was buried in the Monastery which he had built There his Sacred Relicks remained till the Danes invading this Island wasted all Holy places with fire and sword Then by the care of S. Ethelwold they were translated part to the Monastery of Ely and part to that of Thorney The Memory of S. Botulph was elsewhere also celebrated for at London there is a Church dedicated to his honour Hence we read this passage in Capgrave In the Book of the Church of S. Botulph near Aldersgate London there is mention how a part of the Body of S. Botulph was by King Edward of Happy memory conferred on the Church of S. Peter in Westminster His memory is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the sixteenth of May. THE SIXTEENTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAPTER 1.2 c. The Mercians Converted and an Episcopall See erected there 5 Ithamar Bishop of Rochester dyes and Damian succeeds 6. The Holy Offspring of Merovald a Prince of the Mercians
this time given to the Monks of Glastonbury of electing their own Abbott argues that in former ages the constituting of Abbots belonged not to the Monks but to the Bishop or the Prince from whose power and Iurisdiction the Monks could not exempt themselves without their free devesting themselves of it which we see here done by King Kentwin and Bishop Hedda concerning whom we shall speak more hereafter 7. As for King Kentuin the Memory of his Munificence to the Monastery of Glastonbury was there gratefully conserved for this Elogy we read of him in the great Table of that Monastery In the same place reposes the body of King Câ—â—twin under a stone-Pyramid in the Church-yard of the Monks He was the first of the English Kings which granted to the Isle of Glastonbury an Exemption from all Regal Service as the Brittish Kings before him had of old time confirmed 8. To this time is referred the erecting or rather restoring of the prime Church in the Isle of Ely which was first consecrated to the honour of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles but afterward entitled to S. Ediltrudis or Ethelreda Concerning which Church we read this testimony of B. Godwin Ethelbert saith he King of Kent by the advice of S. Augustin had seaventy years before this time built a Church in that place to witt in the year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred and seaven Which Church through neglect for want of reparation falling to ruine was rebuilt in a more magnificent manner in the year six hundred seaventy seaven by S. Ediltrudis This she did by the counsel of Wilfrid Arch-bishop of York but her Brother Aldulfus or Alnufus King of the East-Angles furnished the Charges of the work This Aldulfus was the Successour of Edilwald in that Kingdom and if according to Speed he was the Son of Ethelherd Brother of Anna he was not Brother but cousin german to S. Ediltrudis XXII CHAP. 1.2 c. Kent miserably wasted Putta Bishop of Rochester quitts his See in whose place Quichelm succeeds 1. AT this time there was a great desolation in the Churches and kingdom of Kent wherby the labours of Saint Theodore were much encreased Which desolation was caused by a furious invasion of that kingdom the year before by Edilred King of the Mercians What the provocation or motive of this warr was is not mentioned by ancient Writers but the effects of it were terrible 2. S. Beda thus breifly describes it In the year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred seaventy six Edilred King of the Mercians brought a furious army into Kent and layd the whole countrey wast yea without all regard of Piety or the fear of God profaned and demolished also Churches and Monasteries Particularly the Gâ—tty Rhofi or Rochester was utterly consumed in â—hat common calamity Of that Citty Putta was â—heâ— Bishop though absent at the time of its destruction Lothair was now King of Kent who fearing the violence and courage of Edâ—red saith Huntingdon made no resistance at all but auoyded his fight So that Edilred passed freely through the whole Province destroyed the Citty of Rochester and carted back with him innumerable Spoyles 3. As for Putta Bishop of Rochester being a man that loved quietnes and solitude he according to Saint Beda's relation seing his Church utterly spoyled and wasted retired to Sexulphus Bishop of the Mercians from whom having received the possession of a Church and a small peice of ground adioyning he there ended his life in peace He did not at all employ his solicitude about the restoring of his Bishoprick being one whose industry was little exercised in worldly affaires Therefore he contented himself in serving God after a poor manner in the foresaid Church and some times when he was entreated he would goe to other places for the instruction of Ecclesiasticall persons in the Roman manner of singing the Church service 4. The See of Rochester being thus deprived of a Pastour the Arch-bishop Theodore in the place of Putta consecrated Quithelm Bishop of that Citty and when he also shortly after quitted his Bishoprick by reason of its extreme poverty the said Arch-bishop substituted in his room another Bishop called Gebmund XXIII CHAP. 1.2 The death of Vina the Simoniacall Bishop of London 3 4. c. S. Erconwald succeeds in that See 1 DVring this confusion in Kent the Kingdom of the adioyning East-Saxons enioyd a profound peace under the government of Sebb and Sigher two pious Kings Particularly King Sebb employed all his care in advancing Piety among his Subjects in promoting the affaires of the Church and in encouraging devout persons to renounce thâ— world and consecrate themselves to God in a Monasticall Profession To which state of life himself also earnestly aspired being desirous to abandon his Regall authority and to change his purple for a poor Religious Habit but was hindred by the obstinacy of his Queen who refused to consent to a separation and to imitate her husbands piety and without her complyance the Ecclesiasticall Canon rendred him incapable of executing his pious design Many years he spent in perswading her to her own and his happines and at lost by devout importunity expugned her resistance as shall shortly be shewed 2. In the mean time a great part of his solicitude was employed in settling a worthy Prelut in London the Metropolis of his Kingdom We have declared before how Wina the Sacrilegious Bishop of the West-Saxons having for his crimes been expelled out of that Province with a summ of money Simoniacally procured from Vulfere King of the Mercians to be violently introduced into that See in the year of Grace six hundred sixty six which he for the space of nine years unworthily administred After whose death King Sebb expressed a zealous care to repair the prejudice and harm done to that Province by so impious a Prelat For which purpose he earnestly sought out a Successour as eminent for piety and integrity as the other was for his crimes 3. At that time there lived not any one in that Kingdom in so high esteem of all men for vertue and Religion as Erconwald He was as hath been declared the Son of Anna King of the East-angles not of Offa as Capgrave and from him Harpsfeild mistakes and from his tender years conceived a distast and contempt of secular designs and pleasures Insomuch as he relinquished his Native Province and retired among the East-Saxons where he employed his plentifull patrimony in works of piety We have already declared how he founded two Monasteries in that Kingdom one for himself at Chertsey in Surrey near the River Thames and another for his Sister Edilburga in Essex in a village called Barking 4 This in all regards so eminent an Abbot Erconwald was made choice of by King Sebbe to administer the vacant See of London to which he was consecrated by Saint Theodore Arch-bishop of Canterbury according to this relation of Saint Beda
one accepted the Episcopall ministery and charge there till the time that S. Beda wrote his History when a certain Prelat called Daniel was ordained Bishop of the West-Saxons and Gevissi Notwithstanding true it is that at this time presently after the conquest of the Island S. Wilfrid discharged that Office there being one saith William of Malmsbury whom King Cedwalla sett over the whole Province as Master and Governour neither without his assent would he himself doe any weighty matter in his kingdom VI. CHAP. 1.2 c King Cedwalla having made Inas his Successour in devotion goes to Rome to receive Baptism 5.6 c. The occurrents of his iourney his Companions 9. c. Assoon as he was baptized he dyed at Rome His Epitaph c. 1. THE year following which was the year of Grace six hundred eighty eight Cedwalla who had hitherto acted the Lions part now devested himself of his naturall feircenes entertaining thoughts and designs of peace meeknes and humility and though he was a victorious King and withall young full of spirits and vigour yet he made choice rather to shew himself an humble servant of Christ then to continue his raign full of temporal glory This was a wonderfull change of the right hand of the Almighty of which we may confidently acknowledge S. Wilfrid to have been the principal Instrument And therein admire the good Providence of God in the disposall of that his faithfull servant 2. Wee can scarce find in Ecclesiasticall story any example except S. Athanasius of an innocent holy Prelate which suffred persecutions and banishments so frequent and tedious for we shall see S. Wilfrid once more restored and again banished and after that restored again all which vicissitudes of suffrings did not onely cooperate to the perfectionating his own soule in patience but were occasions of procuring eternall happines to thousands of soules Whole nations were converted to Christ by this wandring Prelate as the Frisons South-Saxons and inhabitants of the Isle of Wight so that he had the fate of the ancient Prophets to be loved and honoured every where but in his own native countrey 2. But to return to Cedwalla This year in a voluntary and heroïcall devotion he devested himself of his Royall Purple and assumed the Habit of a Pilgrim to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostles at Rome and there to receive the humble badge of Christianity There wanted not in Brittany many holy and Venerable Bishops and Prelats who might have conferred that blessing on him as S. Theodore at Canterbury S. Erconwald at London S. Hedda in his own countrey and S. Wilfrid also then present with him to whom wee may adde the holy and learned Abbot S. Aldelm the Abbot Cymbert and many others But it seems Cedwalla calling to mind that his Noble Predecessours King Lucius the Emperour Constantin and King Ethelbert had received their Faith and Baptism from Rome he desired to repair to the fountain of Ecclesiasticall Hierarchy and to pay his huÌ„ble respects to the Princes oft he Apostles then in a sort living and governing in their Successour Sergius at that time Pope 3. To this effect S. Beda has left us an account of this matter In the third year of the raign of Alfrid King of the Northumbers saith he Cedwalla King of the West-Saxons after he had for two years space valiantly governed his Kingdom voluntarily quitted the same for our Lord and for the gaining an eternall Kingdom and went to Rome For his desire was to obtain this singular priviledge and glory to be washed from his Sins by Baptism at the Sepulchers of the Blessed Cheif Apostles for he had been taught that by Baptism only the entrance into eternall life was opened to mankind Withall he had a hope that assoon as he was baptised he should be freed from his mortall flesh and passe to everlasting ioyes Neither did he fayle of his hope in either of these regards so great was the Mercy of God to him 4. Before he departed out of Brittany he took care to compose and settle his Kingdom under the government of a worthy Successour For which purpose with the advice and consent of his Nobles choice was made of Inas a Prince of the Blood Royal being great grandchild of Cuthbald brother to King Kâ—negils or as Florentius writes the son of Ken son of Ceolwald brother of Kinewald sons of Cuthwin who was son of Ceaulin Others affirm him to have been the son of Cissa founder of the Monastery of Abindon He was a young man of eminent endowments which gained him the affections of all and thereby the Crown Therefore as William of Malmsbury well observes he was advanced to the Principality rather for his courage and industry thâ—n proximity of blood being a Prince of admirable valour prudence and piety by which qualities he obtaind great affection at home and reverence abroad Insomuch as he exercised supreme authority the space of forty years wanting two without any apprehension of treachery 5. King Cedwalla having provided so worthy a Successour delayed not his iourney to Rome In which his Companions were Saint Aldelm Abbot of the Monastery oâ— Malmsbury who had also another motive to obtain from the See Apostolick certain Priviledges and liberties to this Monastery and as some writers affirm Saint Leitphard a Bishop and Martyr who returning from Rome anâ— passing through a forest called Trecaultium near Arras was by certain impious persons lewdlâ— slain But of this supposed companion of King Cedwalla no mention is made among ouâ— Ecclesiasticall Writers 6. Having taken ship they landed in the Province of the Morini or Terouanne in France the nearest to Brittany where saith Suriuâ— and Miraeus King Cedwalla then a Catechumen having heard of the Sanctity of an Abbot called wulmar and of his admirable zeale anâ— prudence in instructing soules repaired to him to receive his spirituall counsell and a more perfect knowledge in Christian Mysteries The holy Abbot at that time had finished the building a Church to the honour of the Blessed Virgâ—n and of S. Peter the Apostle 7. From thence travelling through France and having passed the Alpes King Cedwalla called by Paul Warnefridus Theoâ—wald a Prince who in his own countrey had fought many battells after which having been converted to the Faith of Christ he hastned to Rome there to receive Baptism and by the way passing through Câ—â—alpin Gaule or Lombardy he visited the King of that Nation called Cunibert by whom he was entertained with wonderfull humanity and magnificence 8. From thence arriving at Rome very opportunely near the Solemnity of Easter at which time by the ancient custom of the Church the Sacrament of Baptism was solemnly administred to such as had been converted from Infidelity he addressed himself to Pope Sergius in the Second year of his Pontificat by whom he was gladly received and admitted to Baptism in which also according to the usuall manner his Name
moreover pay the said First-fruits twelve-fold 5 If any one guilty of a Capitall Offence shall flye to the Church Let him enioy his life and make compensation according to iustice and Law And if any one who has committed a fault punishable onely with stripes and shall implore the priviledge and favour of the Church let those stripes be remitted 3. Then after severall Ordinances touching Civill matters follows the eleaventh Law If any one shall buy one of his own countrey servant or free or guilty of any crime and shall send him away to be sold beyond sea let his penalty be the full price of such a person and moreover let him make full satisfaction both to God and his Master That this was the ancient custom among the Saxons to sell their children hath been formerly declared in the relation how S. Gregory having seen in the Roman market-place certain children brought to sale out of the Province of the Northumbers was by that spectacle moved to procure the conversion of our countrey The twelfth Law is If any one shall bring a false testimony or pledge before a Bishop let his penalty be one hundred and twenty shillings soâ—lidos 4 We will hereto add the two and twentieth Law though not regarding the Church because therin is the first mention that can any where be found of the Welsh Walli Let a Wallus or stranger who payes an annuall taxe be rated at one hundred and twenty shillings and his Son at one hundred From whence we may observe that the German-Saxons among us called the Brittains Walli or Welchmen a Name which they never gave to themselves and the utmost Western Province Cornwall not from a certain Qveen called Wallia nor as descended from the Gaules but because they were strangers and spoke a language not understood by them for such the Germans call Wealsh and hence it is that the lower Germans called their neighbours towards France Wallons as Camden has learnedly observed 5. There remain onely three Laws which regard Bishops and the Font of Baptism One is the forty sixth Law in which by the piety and sence of that age a King and a Bishop are in a sort esteemed equall Let one hundred and twenty shillings be the penalty of one breaking peace in a town of the King or Bishop and fourscore shillings in the town of a Senatour who is called in the Saxon tongue Ealdorman and Eorle c. Another Law is this Let every one pay the first fruits of his Seeds out of that house in which he abode at the Solemnity of our Lords Nativity 6. The last being the seaventy fifth in order is this If any one shall kill the God-father or God-son of any one let him pay to the kinred of the person slain as much as is due to a Lord for compensation of the slaughter of his servant And let this payment be encreased or diminished according to the rate of the slain persons estimation in like manner as the payment to a Lord for his servant slain is to be rated But if the person slain was the Kings God-son let satisfaction be made to him according to that made to the kinred of the slain But if such a mans life was taken away by one of his kinred let some abatement be made of the money to be payed to the God-Father accordingly as it uses to be done when money is to be payed to the Lord for the slaughter of his servant And if he who is slain be the Son of a Bishop let the amercement be diminished by the halfe 7. As touching this last clause Sir Henry Spelman well observes That whereas some Writers would thence contend that Bishops in this age were married because here is mention made of a Bishops Son they are mistaken For this is not to be understood of the Naturall or coniugall Son of a Bishop but of his spirituall Son for whom he was undertaker at the Sacred font This is manifest from the Rubrick of this Law which is inscribed Of the slaughter of a God-father or God-son or to use the ancient Terms Of him that shall kill Patrinum or filiolum of any one For in old time a God-father or undertaker for one in Baptisme was called Patrinus and a God-son filiolus as now in France Parrain and Filieul 8. In generall from these Laws of King Inas wee may observe That among the Saxons man slaughter was never punished with death but onely with a fine of money nor any other crime except Robbery and that committed not by a single person but by at least seaven in a troop So tender they were of blood Wheras in later times the life of a man is become of so low an estimation that the losse of it is made the satisfaction for a trifle as the private pilfering of any thing beyond the valew of a shilling And the like tendernes of mens lives wee may observe in the Lawes of all the Northern Nations of old as the Visigoths Vandals Lombards c. XVI CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Aldelm appointed to write to the Brittish King of Cornwall to invite his Bishops to Catholick Vnity 4. His Book of Virginity written to certain devout Virgins 1. AS touching the foresaid Assembly in which these Laws were enacted whether it may properly be called a Synod is doubtfull But since in the Title of these Laws the only persons as Authours of the same named are King Inas himself by the perswasion and appointment of his Father Kenred and Hedda and Erkenwald his Bishops together with his Aldermen it is not probable that this was that Synod concerning which S. Beda writes thus Aldelm being only a Preist and Abbot by command of a Synod of his Nation wrote an excellent Book against the errours of the Brittains because they celebrated Easter not in its due Season and did many things contrary to Ecclesiasticall chastity and peace So the printed Copies read wheras in ancient Manuscripts we read Ecclesiasticall Charity and peace and concerning which Synod S. Aldelm himself thus writes When I was lately in a Synod of Bishops assembled out of all Brittany almost an innumerable company of Gods Preists mett there c. 2. However certain it is that such a Nationall Synod of the English-Saxons was convoked and held about this time in which after wholesome Constitutions made for the regulating and composing their own Churches the charity of those Bishops extended it self to their uncharitable neighbours the Brittains especially such as inhabited in Cornwall under the government of their King then called Geruntius who was Tributary to Inas King of the West-Saxons Which Brittains hitherto retained their old aversion and hatred of the Saxons and perhaps for that reason were obstinate in persisting in their old Errours particularly about Ecclesiasticall Tonsure and which was most considerable an undue celebration of Easter insomuch as this their perversenes rendred them Schismaticks from the Catholick Church To restore
Concerning him thus we read in the Authour of his Life in Capgrave The Venerable Confessour of Christ Saint Brithun drew his originall from the Nation of the English He was Deacon for many years to the Holy Bishop of York Saint Iohn of Beverley and for the sanctity â—f hâ—s life and laudable conversation he was in his affection preferred by him before others and constituted Abbot in the Monastery of Deirwode now called Beverley which the said Holy Bishop built from the foundations And to the same Monastery Saint Iohn in his old age refigning his Bishoprick retired by the counsell of the said holy Abbot where also he dyed after he had spent four years in an Angelicall purity of conversation After his translation to heavenly ioyes the Venerable Abbot imitating his good Master persevered to the end of his life in watchings fastrags prayers and other good works For he was a lover of vertues a persecutour of vice a despiser of this present world a Zealous aspirer to heavenly ioyes a faithfull guardian and instructour of the flock committed to him an unwearied practiser of jâ—stice and piety a munificent disperser of Almes and in a word one who with all diligence performed whatsoever he knew to be pleasing to God Thus constantly serving our Lord in all good works to his decrepiâ—e age he crownd a most holy life with a suitable death and having quiâ—ted this world on the Nones of May he received his reward in heaven His body was with great hâ—nour buried in his own Monastery Where in processe of time his sanctity becoming illustrious by many Miracles with consent of the Clergy and people it was taken up and his sacred Relicks placed near the Coffin of his beloved Master and Instructour the Holy Bishop Saint Iohn close to the Altar in his Church of Beverley 3. The same year is recorded the devout Pilgrimage of Daniel Bishop of Winchester to Rome who is supposed by â—ome to have subscribed to a Synod about this time assembled there in which a heavy Anathema is pronounced against al such as presume to associate to themselves in mariage any Virgins or other women consecrated to God or those whose matrimonial society men being promoted to such orders have according to the Churches Discipline been obliged to forsake XII CHAP. 1. A Rebellion of the South-Saxons repressed 2.3 c. Of Saint Pechelm Bishop of Casa Candida and of S. Wirâ— an Irish Bishop 6.7 c. Casa Candida was within the Saxon Dominions 1. THE year following great commotions were raised in the Southern parts of Brittany For the South-Saxons impatient of the yoak layd on them by the West-Saxons elected among them a Generall a young man of great courage called Ealdbrith under whose conduct they seised on a strong Castle newly built by King Inas in Somersetshire at the River Thone therefore called Thoneton and now Taunton At which time King Inas being by some design or perhaps by sicknes diverted his magnanimous Queen Edilburga with a choice army layd siege to the said Castle and in a short space took and destroyd it that it should no more be a seat of Rebellion But Ealdbrith by flight escaped into Surrey and from thence retired into Sussex where King Inas following him with a powerfull army and fighting with him dispersed all his forces and slew Ealdbrith so utterly extinguishing the rebellion 2. The same year a New Episcopall See was erected in the Province of the Picts or rather an ancient one being decayed was restored This was the Episcopall See called Candida Casa and a holy man called Pecthelm was consecrated Bishop of it For thus writes S. Beda concluding his History Pecthelm now sitts Bishop in that part of the Province which is called Candida Casa or White house the which Diocese was newly erected by reason of the multiplying of beleivers in those parts and the first Bishop was the said Pecthelm 3. Wee have in the eighth book of this History declared how in the year of Grace three hundred ninety four S. Siricius Pope consecrated S. Ninian first Bishop of the Southern Picts who established his Episcopal See at this place where he built a Church to the honour of S. Martin and with great industry converted a great part of the Nation But after the Saxons had subdued the Picts wee read of certain Bishops of the Picts as about forty years before this the devout Bishop Trumwin but it seems they had no determinate See at least not this of Wite-hern or Candida Casa which was at this time restored 4. As for this Pecthelm he was a man of great piety and learning and so illustrious that he was consulted in difficulties of great importance by Saint Boniface as appears by severall Epistles yet extant In his younger age he was educated in the kingdom of the West-Saxons where he was Disciple to the famous Saint Aldelm and made Deacon as William of Malmsbury testifies After that he went over into Germany where he associated himself to Saint Willebrord and was present at a Synod assembled by that Holy Apostolick Bishop at Vtrecht to which his name is found subscribed It was he who related to Saint Beda the sad Story of the impenitent Soldier and favourite of Coenred King of the Mercians formerly recounted in this History 5. By whom this holy man was consecrated Bishop not any of our Historians doe declare but in the Belgick Calendars published by Miraeus we read that he was ordained Bishop by the Pope as likewise the companion of his pilgrimage Saint Wâ—ro For there wee read this passage Saint Plechelm so he is there named born of Noble parents in the kingdom of the Northumbers from his youth excelled in humility and modesty and even in that tender age chastised his body by watchings and fastings attending assiduously to Prayer Being come to riper age he was diligent in the study of Holy Scriptures When he was promoted to the order of Preisthood he was liberall to the poor and adornâ—d with all vertues insomuch as that internall Light which he received from Gods holy Spirit shone forth gloriously in all his actions Not long after associating himself to Saint Wiro he accompanied him in a pilgrimage to the Monuments of the Blessed Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul at Rome There they with great devotion visited all holy places and by assiduous Mortifications and prayers offred themselves Holocausts of sweet savour to God These two holy men being observed by the Pope to be endued with divine wisedom and enflamed with Charity he consecrated them Bishops and enriching them with Sacred Relicks of Saints he dismissed them to their own countrey There Plechelm became Bishop in the Church called Candida Casa where with unwearied labour he extinguished all remainder of Idolatry 6. Here is a great controversy against the Saxon pretentions raised by the ancient Scotts or Irish and the Modern Scotts each of them challenging to their
certain Preist besides whom there was none other to administer Baptism and celebrate Masse in a large territory inhabited by Christians indeed yet such as were tainted with errours considering that the said Preist who long agoe had falln into the sin of fornication afterward not only was absolved after Pennance but also restored to his degree and Office contrary to the expresse Canons of the Church Now the Question is Whether it be better or at least a lesse ill that such a Preist should perform the Office of the Altar contrary to the Canons or in case he be deprived a multitude of Infants should dye without Baptism and the rest of the people without Sacraments since that people can not be furnished with another more chast Preist Which is indeed no Question at all 5. Egbert having obtaind his Archiepiscopall Pall this same year supplied two Episcopall Sees which were vacant For to Plecthelm Bishop of Candida Casa he substituted Fridwald And the Holy Bishop Acca having been unjustly expelled his Church of Hagustald and there being no probability of his restitution least our Lords flock should remain longer without a Pastour he consecrated thereto Fridbere Who notwithstanding in our Ecclesiasticall Monuments is not esteemed Bishop till the death of Acca which followed five years after VI. CHAP. 1.2 c. A Summe of the Gests of S. Willebrord and his death 6.7 c. Severall Bishops consecrated by Nothelm Arch-bishop of Canterbury 9. Queen Frithogitha's pilgrimage to Rome 1. THE year following the most famous Apostle of the Frisons the erectour and first Arch-bishop of Vtrecht Saint Willebrord received the eternall reward of all his labours Wee have often mentioned him before and will here only add a breif Summ of his Life and Gests out of the Gallican Martyrologe 2. On the seaventh of November at Epternac in the Territory of Triers is celebrated the Commemoration of Saint Willebrord Bishop and Confessour Apostle of the Frisons He was by Nation an English-Saxon and being endowed with many Divine Graces he with nine Companions were by Saint Egbert directed into Lower Germany From Brittany therefore he passed over into Friseland and began the Apprentissage of his Apostolick Office at Vtrecht but was desired by Pipin to goe further into the countrey of the Frisons At the Castle of Vtrecht near an Ancient ruind Church of Saint Thomas he built an Oratory to the honour of the Holy Crosse. Pope Sergius being before admonished by an Angelicall vision solemnly ordained him Arch-bishop in the Church of Saint Peter at the request of Duke Pipin and withall strengthning him with Apostolick authority to preach and dilate the Gospell to the end he might with a more prosperous omen undertake that labour he gave him the Sirname of Clement to whom after the two Princes of the Apostles the Care of Religion in its infancy was committed 3. From Rome he returned into Friseland and at Vtrecht upon Rhene placed his Episcopall See building there a Church which he consecrated to Saint Martin He baptized with the Water of regeneration Pipin the Son of Charles Martel He spread the Gospell largely in Friseland baptizing Catechumens confirming Neophytes celebrating holy Orders and almost in every village building Churches over which he constituted Pastours 4. Whilst he was busily employed in these sacred works there came to him Saint Boniface who in processe of time became his Successour in his Bishoprick and Apostleship of the Frisons Who staying with him about two years assisted him with courage and diligence in procuring the salvation of many At last after many labours incommodities and travells undertaken by him for many years in planting the Church and saving of soules he rendred his holy and happy Spirit to his Creatour at Epternac after he had for the space of forty years with a piety and vertue truly Apostolick governed the Church founded by himself 5. His Sacred Body was buried in a Monastery of that Town which formerly he had erected where it did â—hine with so many illustrious Miracles that both the Monastery and Church were afterwards called by his Name Concerning his Successours Eoban Boniface and Gregory we shall treat in due place His Life was written both in verse and Prose by his Countrey man Saint Alcuin an eloquent Witnesse of his Sanctity 6. The same year Nothelm Arch-bishop of Canterbury having received his Archiepiscopall Pall from Rome consecrated severall Bishops For the See of Hereford being vacant by the death of Walstâ—d he substituted in his place Cuthbert Who four years after succeeded Nothelm himself being translated to the See of Canterbury But before that he finished a very costly Crosse begun by his Predecessour and moreover built a sumptuous Tomb in which he placed the Bodies of the three preceding Bishops Tirtil Torthere and Walstâ—d to which he adioyned three more a certain Nobleman called Milfrid with his Lady called Quenburga and Osrith the Son of Oselin as appears by the verses inscribed on it recorded by B. Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Hereford 7. The Church of the East-Angles likewise being deprived of her two Pastours Eadbert Bishop of Dumwich and Hadulac Bishop of Helmham The said Arch-bishop gave for successour to the former Cuthwin called by Hoveden Heordwald and to the other Ethelfrid Concerning whom nothing remains to posterity but their names 8. The next year Alduin Bishop of Lichfeild dying two Bishops were consecrated in his place Witta in Lichfeild and Totta or Torthelm in Leycester In this Citty of Leycester which saith William of Malmsbury is very ancient and situated in the midland countrey of England called Legecestria from the River Leger passing by it Saint Wilfrid as hath been declared after his expulsion out of the Kingdom of the Northumbers made his abode and exercised Iurisdiction there After whose departure the Kingdom of the Mercians had but one Bishop till this year in which for the Vastnes of the Province two Bishops were ordained And Leycester continued an Episcopall See till the time of King Edgar when Leovâ—n Bishop of the Lindesfari or Lincoln united Leycester to his See 9. Moreover in the place of Forthere Bishop of Shirburn Herwald was consecrated The cause whereof was not the death of Farther but as Florentius testifies because be attending Frithogitha Queen of the West-Saxons undertook a Pilgrimage to Rome And it was not fitt that the Church should want a Pastour This is the same Frithogitha Wife to King Ethelard who eight years before this was so munificent a Benefactrice to the Monastery of Canterbury And now the flame of Divine Charity encreasing in her soule she abandoned all her splendid possessions and gave her self entirely to God And in those days at wee read in Mathew of Westminster many Kings and Bishops Noble men and â—gnoble Clergy-men and Secular yea women also did the like VII CHAP. 1.2 c Ceolulf King of the Northumbers becomes a Monk His Muneficence to the Church
Bishops take great care that Canons live Canonically and Religious men and women regularly as well in their dyet as Cloathing that so a distinction be made between Canons Monks and Seculars in their habits Wherin the two former were to conform themselves to the grave fashions observed in the Eastern parts avoyding light-colourd and costly rayment 5. That when any Abbot or Abbesse dyes care be had with the counsell of the Bishop that fitt Superiours be chosen in their places out of their respective Convents or in case none be found there they should be taken out of others 6. That none be ordained Preists or Deacons but such as are of approved lives and can perform their Charges and that they persevere in the Titles to which they are consecrated 3. The .7 was that all Publick Churches at Howers Canonicall with reverence observe their Course or Ecclesiasticall Office 8. That all ancient Priviledges conferred by the Apostolick See on any Churches and Monasteries in Brittany be preserved inviolate and in case any preiudice has been done to them by wicked men that such iniury be taken away 9. That Ecclesiasticall persons eat their meat in common that it may be observed whether they doe fast and abstain according to their obligation and therefore that none except he be sick presume to eat in Secret because such is the prachise of Hypocrites and Saracens 10. That Preists at the Altar for decencies sake under their Sacerdotall Vestments weare other clothing as it was commanded in the Old Law Also that Oblations should be bread not Crusts And that no Câ—alices be made of Horn. Likewise that Bishops meddle not in Secular Iudicatures 11. Kings and Princes were admonished to doe iustice and to hearken to the admonitions of Bishops who also are commanded confidently without fear or flattery to tell them their duty 12. That in the election of Kings regard be had to such as are not born of adultery or incest and that the Electours should be not the common people but the Nobles and Bishops And Kings being once constituted that none should resist or detract then much lesse conspire against their lives under pain of an eternall Anathema 4. The 13. was That Great men and iudges should iudge causes iustly without acception of persons 14. That no uniust Tributâ— should be imposed on the Church not any greater then were according to the custom of pious Emperours and Kings or as the Roman Law appâ—ints And that such Princeâ— should especially abstain from this violence as doe communicate with the Roman Church 15. That all Mariages incestuous with near kinred or consecrated Virgins be utterly forbiden 16. That bastards or children of Religious persons shall not be admitted to inherit 17. That Tithes be duly payed without fraud that God may blesse them For it often happens that he who pays not tithes is reduced to tithes Vsury is utterly prohibited And iust equall weights measures ordained 18. That all vowes made either in prosperity or adversity be performed 19. That all superstitious rites and relicks of Paganism be rooted out And particularly that men abstain from dying and colouring their bodies or painting figures on them as the Heathenâ—â—h Brittains of old did Likewise that none should cutt off their horses eares slitt their nostrills curtall their tales or eat their flesh for all these are according to the practises of Pagans 20. All are admonished to Pennance and to bring forth â—ruits beseeming Pennace Not approaching to the Holy Eucharist but according to the iudgment of the Preist after Satisfaction imposed according to the measure of their faults And that if any one departed this woâ—ld without Confession and Pennance none should pray for him 5. In these Decrees there are some passages which require our consideration For whereas in the fourth Canon Bishops are required to take care that Monks in their cloathing conform themselves to the grave fashion of those in the Eastern parts Some may peâ—haps from hence inferre that the Legaâ— by the Orientalls intended the Grecians and consequently that Monachism came to us from the Eastern Church and perhaps Religion also It is not to be doubted but that by that phrase he meant the Orders of Religion observed in Kent the most Eastern Province of the Kingdom and the most civilized part of the Island Which is confirmed by the like expression in the nineteenth Canon where he forbids the eating of horse-flesh a custome not practised in the Eastern parts For surely he hid no need to have recourse to Greece or the Eastern Church for decrying that barbarous custom 6. Again whereas in the sayd ninetenth Canon he enveighs against painting their Bodies it seems that ancient rude fashion of the Old Brittains and Picts was not altogether disused Yet not so as if the Northumbers practised it as in old times over their whole naked bodies but only on some parts which were discovered as the face armes or thighs which savoured of some relicke of Gentilisme 7. Lastly whereas in the Seaventh Canon mention is made of the Ecclesiaâ—ticall Course oâ— Office we are to observe that though some Churches had their peculiar Office for Divine Service Yet that in Brittany and principally among the Northumbers they conâ—ormâ—d themselves to the Roman praâ—tise introduced by S. Benedict Biscop as S. Beda declares 8. These Decrees were by the Legat proposed in Councill and withall devotion â—ubmitted to both by the Bishops Abbots and all the Nobleâ—â— And thereupon confirmd by the Legat in the Popes name with making the sign of the Crosse and in like manner signed by the Bishops and Nobles there present As touching the Subscriptions there are found severall names both of Bishops and Episcopall Sees which are no where else to be found and therfore the false Writing of them is to be imputed to the unskillfullnes of Trâ—nscribers XXIII CHAP. 1.2 c. The same Capitular received in a Synod of the Mercians 3.4 c Offa King of the Mercians to the preiudice of the See of Canterbury raises Lichfeild to an Archiepiscopall See 6.7 King Offa makes his Son Egfrid King with him Of his Queen Quendrida 1. AFter this Synod in the Kingdom of the Northumberâ— the Legat attended by the Kings Embassadours and certain Bishops went back into the kingdome of the Mercians With them also went Malvin and Pitâ—eâ— Lectours who caried with them the Decreeâ— of this Synod And being arrived there they called another Synod at a place by our Historians called Cealchithe Cealtide Calthuthe and Calchuch Where this place is seated none of them determine Probably wee may understand Chelsey which saith â—amden in ancient Records is found written Chelchehith which was oâ—t a fear of the Mercian Kings 2. In this Synod there were present King Offa and the Nobility of the countrey Likewise lambert or Lambert Archbishop of Canterbury with the other Bishops of that Province There in the presence of the Councill the foresaid Decrees were read
of February But his principall Feast is obser-served on the fourteenth of October the day of his Translation 10. His Successour Saint Megingand who was one of those which Saint Boniface had called out of Brittany was come to a great age at the death of Saint Burchard yet he administred that See the space of fifteen years in all things conformable to the good example of his Blessed Predecessour And â—t last being oppressed with age by the consent of his Clergy he elected for his Successour a certain Disciple and Monk of his Monastery called Bernwelf to whom he resigned the whole care of his Bishoprick consigning into his hands all the possessions and goods left by Saint Burchard And attended by a few disciples he retired to a certain place given to him by a devout person named Hatto 11. But in this his choice he was not so happy as his Predecessour had been for instead of kindnes and respect due to him he found extreme ingratitude and persecution from his Successour Insomuch as whereas in the Monastery of Saint Kilian he had left fifty Monks laudable in their observance of Regular Disciplin all these did Bernwelf with iniuries drive out of the Monastery and compelled them to have recourse to his Master Mengingand And not content with that he most greivously and incessantly vexed the good old man with frequent clamorous accustions of having detained certain Vestments and Books left by Saint Burchard So great and insupportable unquietnes and troubles he caused to his Master who had made him Bishop that he was compelled to forsake that place of his retirement called Korinlathe and afterwards Nieustat which he gave up to the patronage of King Charles and betook himself to another further distant Monastery by the same King bestowed upon him and his Monks Where living in all freedom from secular molestation under the protection of the illustrious King Charles in all things being acceptable to God and men he in a short time full of good works departed this life to receive his eternall reward IV. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests and blessed death of Saint Willehade first Bishop of Bremen 1. AS for Saint Willehade he likewise came out of Brittany presently after Saint Boniface his Martyrdom and arrived at a place called Dockum where the said Holy Martyr received his Crown There he remaind a good space not deterred by the so late cruelty of the barbarous Pagans from boldly preaching the Gospell and God so blessed his labours that many were converted and baptized by him From thence passing over the River Lavinca he went to a place called Huchmark where endeavouring likewise to withdraw those barbarous people from their Idolatry they in a great rage cryed out that such a profane seducer ought to be killed And when they were ready to putt this in execution certain men among them more moderate told them that they ought to make a tryall according to the ancient custom of their countrey by casting of Lotts whether his death would be acceptable to their Gods or no And being hereto perswaded through Gods Providence he escaped so that they gave him free permission to goe out of their countrey 2. Leaving them therefore he went to a place called Drente where by his preaching many were converted and baptized But when his Disciples moved with zeale began to destroy the Heathen Temples the barbarous people became incensed and had a resolution to kill them Saint Willehade was sore bruised with clubbes and one among them ran upon him with his sword purposing to cutt off his head Lifting up therefore his sword he with all his force smote him on the neck Now the Holy man had at that time a case full of Relicks tyed about his neck The sword then curt a sunder the string only and did not at all enter into the flesh The Pagans therefore astonished at this Miracle let both him and his Disciples depart without any further harm done them 3. Now the Victorious King of France Charles having heard report of this Holy man's sanctity and zeale encouraged him much to be constant in preaching the Gospell He went therefore into a Territory called Wigmode where he converted many and built Churches Yea the greatest part of the Frisons inhabiting thereabout promised they would embrace the Christian Faith But not long after Wittekind Duke of the Saxons rebelled against King Charles and raising an army began a great persecution against the Christians The holy man therefore after he had escaped an imminent danger went to Rome Where being much comforted and encouraged by Pope Adrian he returned back into Franconia 4. Moreover at the command of the same King the man of God went again into Wigmode where he openly and boldly preached the Faith and repaired the Churches which the Pagans had demolished And God did so prosper his labours that the Frisons once more embraced the Faith which they had renounced Yea Duke Wittekind himself the Authour of all the mischeif submitting himself to King Charles was perswaded to receive Baptism 5. The said King seeing so many Christians converted thought good that a New Episcopall See should be erected for which purpose he made choice of a place called Bremen in the countrey of Wigmode there he caused a Church to be built and with the advice of Lullo he sent to Pope Adrian to demand that this Holy man Willehade should be consecrated Bishop of Bremen which was accordingly performed There is in the Annalls of Baronius extant the Charter of King Charles for the erection and endowment of this Episcopall See in which after thanks given to God for his many victories over the Saxons he declares the limits of this new Diocese what possessions and Tithes were annexed to it as likewise to a Monastery adioyning all which were committed to the care of the Holy servant of God Willehade Which Charter was dated in the year of our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred eighty eight 6. In this function Saint Willehade behaved himself with wonderfull piety and encreased his diligence in the practise and progresse in all vertues And falling into an infirmity of body he was commanded by Pope Adrian to eat fish for formerly out of a rigorous abstinence he forbore the use of them Scarce any day passed in which he did not with great contrition of heart celebrate Masse and besides that he would some dayes recite the whole Psalter twice or thrice Thus the blessed man did wonderfully adorn his Doctrine and by his own example confirm that which with his tongue he preached to others 7. At length after he had severall times with great zeale visited his Diocese he came to a certain place called Bleckensee now Plexem Where so violent a feavour took him that his Disciples despaired of his recovery And one of them being more familiarly conversant with him could not forbear to testify his greif by teares and complaints saying Holy Father doe not so soon
own countrey these two Saints The Irish contend that Saint Pecthelm was Bishop of Tuam and S. Wiro of Dublin and consequently that their Saint Pecthelm was different from the present Bishop of Candida Casa As for S. Wiro their pretentions seem to be well grounded For though he be in the printed Copies of S. Marcellin and other our Historians named Bishop of the Deiri that is Yorkshire yet since in none oâ— our ancient Catalogues we find any such Bishop their suspicion of a mistake in the writing seems reasonable that instead oâ— Deiri we ought to read De Iren that is oâ— Ireland But as for Saint Pecthelm who accomâ—panied S. Wiro first to Rome and after to the countrey of the Frisons a second time it is evident in S. Marcellin that he was Bishop of Candida casa 7. As for the Modern now only called Scotts they have no shew of right in their plea. For it is manifest by the consent of all our Historians that the Diocese of Casa Candida though now included in Scotland yet anciently belonged to the English-Saxon Kingdom of the Bernicians and so continued to the times of King Edgar So that the impudent rashnes of Dempster affirming That this doth evidently appear that the Bishoprick of Candida Casa was always in the dominion of Scotland and never was subiect to the iurisdiction of the English is unanswerably refuted by the learned B. Vsher in his Brittish Antiquities who demonstrates that the Diocese of Casa Candida or as it was afterward named of Glasgo was a part of the Cumbrian Kingdom And Malmsbury expressely affirms that the Kings of the Northumbers in these times extended their Dominion to all the Regions beyond Humber as far as Scotland and that within their confines were contained these Dioceses The Arch-bishoprick of York the Bishoprick of Hagustald and Rippon that of Lindesfarn and lastly the See of Candida casa And this is ingenuously acknowledged by Ioannes Maior a Scottish Writer 8. Of these two Bishops S. Pecthelm and S. Wiro wee shall treat further hereafter when we shall find them with great zeale and fruit exercâ—sing the Apostolick Office with our other Saxon Missioners in Germany To which countrey the memorable Gests of S. Boniface at thâ—s time doe call us XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Boniface being summoned repaires to Rome gives an account of his Faith and is consâ—crated Bishop by Pope Gregory 9. The Form of his Obedience to the See Apostolick 6.7 c. He returns with many recommendations 1. THE labours of S. Boniface were so great in dispersing the precious seed of the Gospell in Germany and so wonderfull a Benediction had Almighty God showrd on them in those few years which passed since his leaving Rome that the report thereof coming to Pope Gregory he thought fitt to recall him thither that he might hear from his own mouth an account of his Apostleship and thereby enable him to proceed with more vigour and authority 2. S. Boniface having received letters to this effect deferred not at all his Obedience to the Holy Popes summons but attended by a troop of his brethren and Disciples immediatly took his iourney towards Italy and being come within the sight of Rome he gave God thanks for his prosperous voyage and commended himself to the patronage of the holy Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul Assoon as the Pope was informed of his arrivall he presently sent for him and after kind salutations he appointed him a convenient and honourable place for his entertainment And afterward taking an opportune season he sent for him to come to a conference at the Church of the Blessed Apostle S. Peter And after long discourses with mutuall satisfaction the Pope required of him an account of his Faith The Holy man answered him in these terms It will not be easy for mee to give a reasonable satisfaction to your Holines by a sudden speech or reply to a demand of so great importance My request therefore is that you would afford mee some time to answer by writing To this the Pope yeilded Whereupon accordingly shortly after he presented to him in Writing a full account of his Faith 3. When the Pope had per sed the said Writing he commanded him in a familiar manner to sitt by him and exhorted him to retain constantly and with greâ—t caâ—e to teach that Faith which he there professed And afterwards entring into long discourses touching spirituall matters in which they spent the greatest part of the day at last he asked him in how many regions he had plâ—nted the Faith Whereto he having succinctly answered the Pope then plainly discovered his iâ—tention to him that he would câ—nsecrate him Bishop to the end that being promoted to a higher Apostelick dignity he might with greater confidence and authority correct such as were in errour adding withall that his sermons and exhortations would be more acceptable and effectuall when it should appear that he was empowred to that office by the Supreme Bishop of Gods Church 4. Then the Holy man seriously considering this proposall and apprehending least if he should refuse it that saying of the Prophet might be applied to him He reiected benediction and it shall be removed far from him submitted himself to his Holines will The day therefore of his Ordination being come which was the Feast of S. Andrew the Pope consecrated him Bishop and withall would have him thence forward to be called Boniface whereas before his name was Winfrid Moreover to the end he might more strictly oblige him to exhibite Obedience to himself and his Successours and to observe the Tradition of holy Faith he required and received an Oath from him in the Form following as is to be read in the most ancient Records 5. In the Name of our Lord God and Saviour Iesus Christ I Boniface by the Grace of God now ordained Bishop doe promise to thee O Blessed Peter Prince of the Apostles and to thy Vicar-Bishop Pope Gregory by the Father son and Holy Ghost the inseparable Trinity and by this thy most sacred Body that I will constantly maintain the Vniversality and purity of Holy Faith in the Vnity of which Faith I will through Gods assistaÌ„ce ever persevere since therein the salvation of every Christian does consist I doe promise likewise that I will never be induced by the perswasions of any to dissent from the Vnity of the Catholick Church but as hath been sayd I will in all things maintain this Faith and the purity thereof and exhibite my endeavours and concurrence to advance the proffits of thy Church since to thee our Lord God has given the power of â—inding and loosing and to thy foresaid Vicar and his Successours And in case I shall know any Bishops transgressours of the ancient Decrees of the holy Fathers I will have no communion or participation with them but on the contrary to the utmost of my power I will resist them and however I will faithfully