1. c. 4. did not pretend any cause of division from Augustines Doctrine about Mass use of the Crosse and Images worship of Saints and Relicks or any other point wherein we and Protestants differ A demonstrative argument that none of these things brought in by Augustine were contrary to what was delivered to the Britans not a full hundred years after the Apostles time So that as long as Augustines Religion was kept in England the Apostles Religion was kept Chap. 3. Augustine ordain'd two Bishops Mellitus Justus Mellitus he sent to preach to the Province of the East Saxons whose chief City is London As soon as the Province by Mellitus preaching had receiv'd the word of Truth King Ethelbert built St. Pauls Church in London where Mellitus and his successors ever after were to hold their Bishops Seat Justus was ordain'd by him Bishop of Rochester in Kent where Ethelbert built St. Andrew the Apostles Church After this the dearly beloved Father in God Augustine dyed and his body was laid by the Church of the Apostles Peter and Paul in Canterbury which after it was finisht was brought in and honourably buried in the North-part thereof where also were interred the bodies of all the Archbishops following as long as there was room This Church hath an Altar in it dedicated to the honour of St. Gregory Pope at which Altar every Saturday the Commemoration of these departed Bishops is celebrated by the Priest of the place Upon St. Augustines Tomb is written Here resteth Augustine the first Archbishop of Canterbury who being sent hither by blessed Gregory Bishop and by working of Miracles supported by God brought King Ethelbert and his People from Idolatry to the Faith of Christ He dyed the 26. of May CHAP. 4. Laurence succeeded him in the Bishoprick whom Augustine yet living ordain'd least after his death the State of the Church rude as yet and newly converted might have wavered and faln if it had lackt a Pastour and guide never so little Wherein he followed the example of the first Pastour of the Church the most blessed Prince of the Apostles Peter who having laid at Rome the foundation of Christs Church consecrated Clement his Coadjutor and Successor Laurence seeing the ground-work of his Church to enlarge which was well and throughly laid endeavoured to raise the same to a perfect height by frequent exhortations and continual example of pious works He earnestly laboured as a true Shepheard not onely for the modern Church of the English but also for the Church of the old Inhabitants of Britany and Scots in Ireland whose profession as soon as hâ— knew to be lesse Ecclesiastical and not well ordered in many points especially about Easter they not celebrating it in due time He wrote unto them beseeching them to receive and keep the society of Catholike observance with the Church of Christ spread over the whole world To our dearest brethren the Bishops and Abbots in Scotland Laurence Mellitus c. When the See Apostolike according to the usuall manner of sending to all parts of the world directed us hither to preach the word of God We c. About this time Mellitus Bishop of London went to Rome for advice of the Apostolike Pope Boniface and for necessary causes of the English Church This Pope call'd a Councel of Bishops to appoint some order concerning the life of Monks Mellitus sate among them to the end that what there was legally decreed he confirming might bring with him to the English Church as precepts and rules to be observed He brought also letters from the Pope to Laurence Archbishop to the Clergy and the King This Pope cleansed the Temple Pantheon converting it into a Church in honour of our Lady and the Martyrs Chap. 5. In the year 613. Ethelbert King of Kent after he had raigned six and fifty years entred into eternal blisse the one and twentieth year after he had receiv'd the Faith and was interr'd in St. Martins Porch within the Church of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul Edbald his son much harm'd the tender sprigs of the Church but Gods scourge was not wanting for both an unclean spirit and a frâ—nzie possest him Moreover the death of Sabereth King of the East Saxons and Nephew to Ethelbert much encreased the persecution of the Church who going hence to the everlasting kingdome left three sons who all fell to Idolatry These Princes seeing the Bishop in the Church after he had said Mass giving to the people the Sacrament said unto him Why doest thou not give us also of that white bread To whom he answered If you will be washt in that wholesome Font wherein your Father was you may also eat of this blessed bread but if you contemn the laver of life you may not tastâ— the bread of life Hereupon the King commanded Mellitus and all his company to depart the Realm so he and Justus went over into France Chap. 6. Laurence the Archbishop being now ready to forsake Britany and follow Mellitus and Justus commanded the night before he was to go that his bed should be laid in the Saints Peter and Paulâ— Church where after many prayers and tears powr'd out to God for the State of the Church the blessed Prince of the Apostles appearing in his sleep unto him scourged him a good while and with Apostolicall Authority asked him Why he meant to forsake the flock which he himself had committed unto him and to what Shepheard running now away he would leave the sheep of Christ beset with ravening Wolves By these stripes and the words of St. Peter Laurence the servant of God imboldned came and presented himself to the King and throwing open his garment shew'd him how pittifully he had been beaten When the King all amazed demanded who durst inflict such stripes upon a man of his dignity when he understood it was for his salvation and that by the Apostle of Christ he became afraid and abandoning the worship of Idols and his unlawfull wedlock embraced the Faith of Christ and was baptized promoting the good of the Church to the utmost of his power He call'd home Mellitus and Justus commanding them to return to their Churches and instruct their flock Thus the King with all his Subjects from that day that he was converted submitted himself to the Precepts of God He built a Church in honour of our Lady the blessed Mother of God within the Abbey of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles which Mellitus hollowed Chap. 7. Relates How the holy Archbishop Laurence departing hence to heaven his body was buried in the Abbey-Church of St. Peter the Apostle Mellitus of London succeeded in the See of Canterbury the third after Augustine who by birth was noble but nobler by his singular virtue It chanced that the City of Canterbury was set on fire and great part consum'd and the raging flames drew nigh
interpreter to his Nobles whilest the Bishop preacht to them Possessions were given by the King towards the founding of Religious Houses The little Children and Ancienter sort were by the Scots train'd up in observance of Regular Discipline for they were for the most part Monks as Aidan was whose House was for no smal time the head of all the Monasteries of the Northern parts and of the Abbeyes of the Redshanks which was bestow'd upon the Monks in consideration of their Sermons and preaching Chap. 4. In the year 565. A Priest and Abbot venerable both in Habit and Religious life call'd Columban came from Ireland into Britany to preach the word of God in the North The Southern Redshanks had long before receiv'd the Faith the word of God being preacht unto them by the reverend and blessed Bishop Ninia who was at Rome perfectly taught Martin the Faith whose See the English hold to this day famous for the name and Church of St. Martin where his and many other Saints bodies are An Island was given Columban by the King towards erecting of a Monastery Moreover he had a renowned Monastery in Ireland out of both which very many Monasteries were after founded by means of his Schollers These in observing the high Feast of Easter trusted to uncertain computes and no marvel since none sent them the Decrees made in general Councels for the keeping thereof yet they diligently observed all such works of devotion and chaste demeanour as they could learn in the Prophets Gospels and the Apostles writings This erronious observance of Easter lasted 150 years At last the reverend Father and Priest Ecbert reform'd them causing them to keep the same in due time Chap. 5. From this Convent of Monks founded by St. Columban Aidan was sent and consecrated Bishop to instruct England in the Faith His life so far surmounted the lukewarmnesse of our times that all his companions as well shaven Monks as Laicks gave themselves to continual Meditation Every devout person except between Easter and Whitsontide took up a custom to continue Fasting every Wednesday and Fryday until three of the clock in the afternoone See many excellent things of Aidan in Bede Chap. 6. Relates Oswalds rare Piety for which God gave him all the Dominions of four several languages the Britans Picts Scots and English It is also related how King Oswald bestowed a Silver dish with dainties on the poor who begg'd at dinner time The Bishop delighted with such a work of mercy took him by the right hand saying I pray God this hand may never be consum'd Which came to pass for being slain and his hands cut off that hand to this day remains uncorrupt and is reserved in a silver Shrine in St. Peters Church where with due honour it is worshipt by all Chap. 7. Relates How the tumultuous with their King receiv'd the Faith by Bishop Birinus his preaching who came into Britany by Pope Honorius his appointment promising to sow the seeds of the holy Faith in the remotest parts of England By the same Popes command the Bishop of Genua consecrated him Chap. 8. In the year 640. Erconbert was King of Kent and the first of the Kings of England who by Princely Authority commanded the Idols throughout his Realm should be destroyed and that the Fast of forty dayes should be kept appointing due punishment for the transgressours thereof Eartongarth this Kings daughter was a Virgin of rare virtue serving God in a Monastery in France all the dayes of her life For in those days when many Monasteries were not yet built in England divers for the love to Religious life were wont to go to the Religious Houses of France sending also their daughters thither to be brought up and espoused to the heavenly Bridegrome The Inhabitants thereabout even at this day relate many vertuous deeds and miraculous signes wrought by this Virgin dedicated to God The time of her departure being at hand she began to visite the Celâ— of the sick in the Monastery unto whose Prayers commending herself she signified her approaching houre as she had understood it by revelation Many brethren of the Monastery in the other house reported how at the same time they heard the melody of Angels singing and a noise as it were of a great multitude coming into the Monastery and going forth they beheld an exceeding bright light sent down from Heaven Which conducted her soule to the joyes of Heaven They report other miracles shew'd by the Hand of God in the same Monastery The honourable body of Christs Virgin and Spouse was buried in the Church of St. Stephen Three dayes after they remov'd it rearing the grave-stone higher at the doing whereof so sweet a smell came from the Earth that to all the Brethren and Sisters there seem'd to be opened Cellars of natural balm â—delburge also Aunt to Eartongath preserv'd the glory of perpetual Virginity which is so dear to God in great chastity of body How great her virtue was appear'd more fully after death for seven years after her body was found as uncorrupt as it had been free from stain of carnal concupiscence and was translated into the Church of St. Stephen Chap. 9. Relates How Oswald the most Christian King was slain at a place called Maserfield How great the Faith of this King was and how servent his devotion appear'd after his death by sundry Miracles for to this day Cures both of men and beasts are daily wrought in the place where he was slain Many carried away the dust where his body fell and casting it into water cured thereby many infirmities This was so often done that by taking away the Earth so deep a pit is now made that a man may stand upright in it And no marvel that sick persons are recovered in the place where he died who all his life time bestow'd his time in giving Alms and comforting the Needy Very many miracles are reported to be done by the dust of that place The Horse of a passenger hard by this place falling down became so ill that he gave him for lost The horse tumbling himself about at last lighted on the the place where Oswald fell and suddenly starting up was whole The Passenger quickly understood what it meant and marking the place came to his Inn where he found a young maid who had been a long time molested with the Palsie He told them what had hapned whereupon they carried her in a Cart to the place where being laid down she slept awhile and soon after waking she found her self cured and return'd on foot home with those that had brought her thither Chap. 10. Relates How a little linnen bag full of the earth where King Oswald fell dead being casually hung upon a post in a house that was quite burnt down this onely post remain'd untoucht by the fire upon which occasion many
resorting to that place where King Oswald shed his bloud were there cured Chap. 11. Among other miracles I cannot omit to relate what hapned when King Oswalds bones were translated to the Church where they now are When towards Evening the Charriot was come wherein the bones were they of the Monastery of Beandaman were unwilling to receive them for although they had known him for a blessed man yet by reason he was a Forreigner born and had subdued them by Conquest they hated his memory So it fell out that the Reliques remain'd abroad all night yet was there a great Pavilion extended over the Chariot where the Reliques were But a Miracle from heaven declared with how great reverence those Bones were to be receiv'd of all faithfull people for all night long a pillar of light stood reaching from the Chariot wherein they were unto Heaven clearly beheld almost in all places of the Province which made the Brethren of the Monastery now earnestly desire that those holy Reliques might be laid up in their House They were therefore enclos'd in a shrine and placed with honour in the Church The water wherewith his bones were washt being poured out in a corner of the Vestry from that day forward the earth which receiv'd it had a speciall virtue in driving Devils out of possest bodies An Abbesse who is yet alive desir'd some of the Earth to be given her upon which this water was poured out and with it returned home It hapned that a stranger came to her Monastery who was wont to be vext with an unclean Spirit and at night began to foame gnash his teeth and rage no body being able to hold him The Abbess repaires to that quarter where the Men lodg'd and calling the Priest went with him to the Patient Where the Priest began to say the exorcisme That not sufficing the Abbess commanded her Maid to go bring her the little cabbinet wherein that Earth we spoke of was reserv'd As soon as the Maid was come with it from the Nunns quarter into the Court of that House where the possess'd Person was he grew silent and began to rest and as it were sleep and soon after rising up he said I feel my self whole They asked him how this came to pass And he answered As soon as this Virgin with the Cabinet which she brought approch't the Court of the House all the wicked Spirits that molested me departed Then the Abbess gave him of that dust and the Priest saying some Prayers he past over the night most quietly and was perfectly freed Chap. 12. In the same Monastry a little Boy had been long sick of an ague and was expecting his fit when one of the Brethern comming in said My Son I le tell thee how thou mayest be cured rise and go sit thee down at the Tombe of Oswald and be sure thou stirrest not thence till the howre be over in which thy fit useth to leave thee then I will come and bring thee forth The Boy did so and his Ague durst not presume to seize upon him at the Tombe of the Saint That this hapned thus a Brother who came from thence told me adding how at that very hower the youth was living in that Monastery who was thus cured by Miracle It is not to be wondred that the Prayers of that King now in Heaven may obtain much of God who having a Temporall Kingdome accustomed himself to continuall Prayer even died praying for as he was slain he prayed to God for the Soules of his Souldiers whereupon arose that old Proverbe God have mercy on their souls quoth Oswald when he dyed himself Chap. 13. The Reverend Bishop Acca used to tell how he heard Willebrord that holy Bishop of Frizeland report what had been done abroad by the wonderous Reliques of this Vertuous King A certain Scholler careless in his life being at the point of death with great remorse of his sins made a purpose if he recovered to amend saying If God of his mercy grant me to escape death I resolve to mend my life yet I know I have deserv'd no truce except by the help of such as have faithfully served God he of his mercy will pardon mee We have heard there hath been a King of wonderfull holiness called Oswald the Excellency of whose Faith and Vertue even after his death was well known by working frequent Miracles I beseech you speaking to the standers by if you have any of his Reliques bring me them It may be God will have mercy on me through his Merits to whom I made answer saith Willebrord I have of the tree whereupon his head was stuck after he was slain and if thou wilt beleeve assuredly God by the Merits of so worthy a Person may grant thee longer life Who answering he did believe I blest saith Willebrord some water casting into it a shiver of the said Oake giving it the sick man to drink and forthwith he recovered and reform'd his life and living long after declar'd to all men the favour of our Maker and the glory of his servant Chap. 14. Relates how Oswin was slain by Osway where afterward in satisfaction for the sin there was a Monastery built wherein daily Prayers were offered up to God for Redemption of both the Kings souls the Murderer and murdered It Relates also the admirable Vertue of King Oswin how Aidan the Bishop foretold his death and twelve days after died himself Chap. 15. Relates How God by many Miracles declared to the world how worthy a Man Aidan the Bishop was and how Vtta a Priest being sent into Kent to fetch Eansled King Edwins Daughter the Bishop at his setting forth blessing him gave him hallowed oile saying I know that at your taking ship you will have a Tempest But remember to cast into the sea this oile that I give you All which hapning as Aidan had foretold the Priest takeing the oile cast of it into the sea and immediately there ensued a Calme This I had saith Bede from the faithfull relation of Cinimond Priest of our Church who said he had it from Vtta himself to whom this hapned Chap. 16. Relates How by the Prayers of Aidan Bishop the fire which the Enemy had defigned to burne a Towne besieg'd returned upon themselves making them quit the siege Chap. 17. Relates How the Vertuous Bishop Aidan departed this life the 17th year of his Bishoprick Not long after a Church being dedicated to the honour of the most blessed Prince of the Apostles his bones were translated thither and placced on the right side of the Altar with much honor as he deserved When King Penda set fire on the Church that Post onely whereunto this holy Bishop leaned at his death could by no force of fire be consum'd The Miracle being known and spread abroad the Church was again built but the like hapned the second time
Whereupon at the reedifying of the Church the third time in memory of the Miracle the Post was laid as a thrashold for people to kneel on and make their prayers to God And t is well known that divers in that place have been cured of diseases and by the water where in Chipps cut from the Post have been dipt many have had their health restored them Chap. 18. Relates How King Sigibert was so enflam'd with the love of God that leaving his Realm he entred into a Monastery where being shaven he addicted himself to a heavenly warfare Chap. 19. Relates How Furseus encouraged by a Vision built the Monastery the King had given him planting therein Regular discipline Also how from his childehood he gave himself to the reading of holy Scripture and Monasticall observance building another Monastery wherein he might wholy attend to watching and praying where being sick he was rapt in spirit and saw the blessed company of Heaven and great conflicts he had with the wicked spirits who prevaild not the holy Angels guarding and defending him Moreover in a number of straÌ„g visions he saw the evill spirits tormenting men in fire and they did fling one of them at him whom the Angel flung back which neverthelesse did so burne Furseus that when he was restored again to his body the tokens of the scorching remain'd visible to all in his shoulder and cheek all the dayes of his life after His body being removed to the High Altar was found uncorrupt And the year following the same hapned being to be translated to the east side of the Altar In which place it is well known that his Merits have been much renown'd by many Miracles wrought by the Power of God Chap. 20. Tells the death of Honorius Archbishop of Canterbury and how Deus-dedit succeeded Chap. 21. Relates How the Middle-English with Penda their King Son to Penda the â—erfecutor and his Nobles were converted by Finan first a Monke and after Bishop of Lindesferne Chap. 22. Relates How the East-Saxons after their apostacie were converted Sigibert their King having one in his Court that lived in unlawfull wedlock and being excommunicated and all that kept him company by the Bishop the King neglecting this sentence for the evill example and because he would not refrain from going to the house of that wicked man was told by him that in that house he should die And the event proved true for he was there slain by Penda King of the Mercians Yet it is to be presumed that the cause of his death which was for observing Christs command did not onely wipe away this fault but encrease his his merit Swidhelm succeeded Sigibert who was baptised by Cedde Edilwald King of the East-English being his Godfather Chap. 23. Edilwald Son to King Oswald perceiving Cedde to be a wise and vertuous man granted him a plat of ground for the building a Monastery where he and his people might pray and hear the word of God For he believed he should be much furthered by the prayers of those that served God there Cedde's brother preached and ministred the Sacraments to him and all his Court The holy Bishop chose out a place for a Monastery and desiring by prayer and fasting to cleanse it remaind there all the forty daies of Lent fasting and praying All these dayes excepting Sundayes he fasted untill Evening for he said the custome of them from whom he learnt Monasticall life was that in erecting of any new Monastery the place should be first consecrated to God by fasting and prayer He ordain'd in the Monastery of Lesting the same Rules and constitutions of Religion which the Monks of the Holy Island had As he visited the Monastery in the time of the Plague he dyed thereof A Church being after built in honour of our Lady his body was taken up and placed on the right side of the Altar A while after thirty Bretheren of the Monastry of the East Saxons came to the place where he died desiring either to live by the body of their Father or if it so pleas'd God to die there Who being received by the Brethren in time of the Plague were all taken out of this life except one youth who as t is wel known was sav'd by the prayers 〈◊〉 this holy Father For afterwards we understood that he had not bin christned whence it was beleeved that he was without doubt preserved by the intercession of the Father whose Corps he so piously visited Chap. 24. Relates How vertuous King Oswin of Northumberland called for the help of God against Penda who threatned to destroy little and great in his Kingdome He tried to appease him by gifts that not succeeding he said Since this Infidel regardeth not my Presents let us offer presents to our Lord who will receive them so he vowed that if he vanquisht him his daughter should be consecrated to God in perpetuall Virginity and that twelve Farms with Lands should be converted to the founding of Monasteries Thus with a very smal Army he offered him battle though the Enemy was reported to have thirty times as many men The victory being by Gods help miraculously obtained Oswin instantly performed his Vow giving his daughter Elfled not yet a year old to be brought up and consecrated to perpetual virginity as also the twelve Possessions towards the founding of Monasteries where instead of worldly Tillage Religious Monks by continuall devotion might labour to purchase eternal rest for him and his Countrey She entred first the Monastery of Horstherland now Hartsey to be brought up under Hilda Abbesse in Religion and perpetual Virginity But afterwards she built a Monastery call'd Stranshalt in which she was first a Scholler but after a Teacher of Monasticall life untill at the age of threescore she past to the blessed marriage of her Heavenly Spouse being buried in the Church of St. Peter the Apostle Eanfled required of Osway who kill'd Oswin in part of satisfaction to erect a Monastery call'd Ingelith whereof Trumher was Abbot to the intent that there might be daily prayer made for the salvation both of him that was slain and him that slew him Chap. 25. About this time arose a great Controversie touching the observation of Easter By this variance it hapned often that in one year two Easters were kept the King ending his Fast and solemnizing the Feast of Easter the Queen with her company continuing in fasting kept Palm-sunday yet this diversity as long as Aidan liv'd was by al tolerated for though in observing Easter he followed the custom of those with whom he was brought up yet he believed as all others did and kept unity with all Alfred the Kings son being instructed by the learned Wilfrid preferr'd his judgment before all the traditions of the Scots This Wilfrid for better instruction had travell'd to Rome and lived long with
to serve the Altar whereof five were Bishops of eminent sanctity One of them called Ostfor when he had in both Monasteries diligently followed the reading of Scripture desirous of further perfection came into Kent to Archbishop Theodore he went also to Rome which at that time was counted a thing of great vertue As for Hilda after seven years extraordinary patience in sickness she died Her death was revealed by a manifest vision in another Monastery There was a certain Nun called â—egu who had served our Lord in Monasticall conversation and virginity thirty years and more This Nun taking her rest in the dormitary heard suddenly the bell ring which was wont to call them up to prayers when any of them departed this world and opening her eyes she saw the roof and all above full of lights and the soul of the said handmaid of God in that light carried into heaven accompanied by Angels Hereupon she rose and went to the Virgin that was governesse of the Monastery and told her that the Mother of them all Hilda was departed and with a great company of Angels ascended to Heaven then she made the Sisters rise and go to Church willing then to say prayers Psalms for the soul of their Mother At break of day came the Brethren to bring word of her departure but they shewed they knew it before It is reported that in the same Monastery where the Handmaid of Christ died one of these vow'd Virgins had her departing shewed her in a vision beholding her sonl going with the Angels to heaven whilest she was at that time with other handmaids of Christ in the remote places of the Monastery were such as were newly come to Religion were wont to be tried in a place a part the time of their probation till instructed in the rule and order they were admitted to the fellowship of the rest Chap. 24. Contains the vertues of one Cednom and relates how he became a Monk and how the night before he died he desired him who serv'd the sick to prepare him a lodging in that place where those who lay a dying used to be lodged commonly called the infirmary who wondering thereat he not seeming near death did notwithstanding what he desired About midnight he enquired whether they had the Eucharist within And receiveing it he askt How nigh the hour was that the brethren should rise to perform their nightly Laudes they answered not far off Then quoth he let us expect that hour being come signing himself with the sign of the holy Cross sleeping a while he dyed becoming a Prophet of his own death Chap. 25. Relates How the Monastery of Virgins in Colloden now call'd Coldingham in the marches of Scotland was burnt How also in the same Monastery one named Adaman led a very devout life in chastity abstinence and prayer so that he did neither eat nor drink except on Sunday and Thursday and often times past over whole nights in Watching and prayer Having in his youth committed a grievous sin it often occurring to him he resorted unto a Priest confest his sin unto him and desired his counsel how to escape the wrath of God The Priest when he heard his offence said A great wound requires a greater cure give thy self to Fasting and Prayer to the end thou mayest find God merciful to thee But he out of excessive grief desiring forth with to be absolv'd from his sins said I am young and strong therefore whatsoever you impose I will perform to be saved although it be to passe the whole night in Prayer and the whole week in abstinence T is too much said the Priest it sufficeth you to fast two or three dayes at once do this a while then returning unto me I will declare unto thee how thou mayest persist in doing Pennance Some unexpected cause calling this Priest into Ireland he departed this life But Adaman ever after kept this manner of fasting The latter part of this Chapter recounts the vision of one who appearing to Adaman said Thou and many others have need to redeem your sins by good works foretelling him the ruine was to befall that Monastery for neglect of due observance which after hapned This Giles a most Reverend Priest told me who then lived in that Monastery Chap. 26. Relates chiefly the Revolution of civil affaires and some few other passages little to our purpose Chap. 27. Relates How Cuthbert a Holy man being consecrated Bishop of Lindis-ferne lived a solitary life many yeares in great continency and how first in the Monastery of Mailrose he was an humble scholler to Boisel a man of great vertue and of a Prophetick Spirit He learned of him the Scriptures and example of good workes His Master dying Cuthbert was made Head of the Monastery and brought many to a regular life He often went out into the villages to preach the way of truth to them that went astray For it was the custome of England at that time that when any Clergy-man or Priest came forth they all flock about him to hear the Word diligently hearkening and more willingly following in works what they heard None hid the secrets of his heart from him but all plainly declared in Confession what they had done because they imagined these things were not concealed from him as he commanded so did they blot out their sins Confest with worthy fruits of Pennance He was remov'd from the Monastery of Mailrose after he had many years excell'd there in great signes of vertue to Lindisfern to teach the Brethren the observance of regular discipline Aidan first Bishop of that place was a Monk and did there place and begin Monastical life and conversation joyning it with his Episcopal Function even as the blessed Father Augustine had done in Kent Chap. 28. After this Cuthbert encreasing in merits past further and led an Anachorets life The place he made choice of being hanted with spirits and destitute of Water Corn and Trees he by his prayers chasing them away made habitable He commanded the brethren to dig where the earth was hardest and stoniest and by his prayers obtain'd such plenty of water that it sufficeth all to this very day He commanded also Barley to be sown in a season most improper and yet he reaped a plentifull crop T is related further How at the Synod of Atwiford he was compell'd to take the Office of a Bishop and that which forced him was that the servant of God Boisell who with a prophetick spirit foretold many things had prophesied that he should be Bishop He was famous for abstinence and strictnes of life When he offered the wholesome Sacrifice to God it was with tears from the bottome of his heart Having spent two years in his Episcopal Function he return'd to his Monastery admonisht from God of the day of his death which he declared to some in obscure
words though afterward plainly understood To others he openly manifested the same Chap. 29. Relates How Herebert a Priest of great perfection and friend to Cuthbert led a solitary life to whom Cuthbert revealing his own death he fell downe at his feet requesting him to obtaine that he might passe to Heaven with him Cuthbert having made his prayer told him his request was granted The event confirmed the Prophesie for they died both upon one day Chap. 30. God being pleas'd to manifest in how great glory Cuthbert lived after his death whose godly life cxcelled in many Miracles inspired the Brethren a eleven years after to remove his bones Opening the Tombe they found the body all whole as if it were alive the 〈◊〉 joynts sinues pliable the garments also seemed fresh and resplendent They went to the Bishop who was then in a solitary place incompast with the sea For there was he wont alwayes to keep the time of Lent and forty dayes also before Christmas in devotion abstinence and tears They brought him part of the Clothes that were about the Holy body which he received as an acceptable present and kissing them with great affection rejoyceth to hear of such Miracles His successor of great vertue Eadbert was laid in Cuthberts grave in which place Miracles done in restoring the sick do witness the vertuous lives of them both Chap. 31. Relates How one was cured of a Palsie at Cuthberts Tombe The Clothes also wherewith the Holy body was clad either in his life or after his death did not want the gifts of healing the sick Chap. 32. Relates How another was cured at St. Cuthberts reliques of a great sore in his eie The Monks had taken some of Cuthburts haire of his head for reliques to shew and give And as soon as part thereof was applied to thesore the partie was healed The Fifth Book Chap. 1. Relate◠How Edilwald Cuthberts successor in a solitary life alaid by prayer a great tempest at Sea wherein some of his Brethren were in danger Gutfrid saith Bede a faithfull servant of Christ who was one of the Company and after Abbot of Lindesferne declared it to me When we had said Gutfrid talkt with him much to our comfort having askt blessing we hastned home Soon after a great tempest arose Edilwald falling on his knees prayed to God to deliver us and suddenly the storme ceast and we came safe to land As soon as we were ashore the Tempest and storme began again and lasted all that day to give us to understand that the calme was given us by God at the prayers of the Holy man After his decease he was buried in St. Peter the Apostles Church Chap. 2. John Famous for integrity and purity of life was made Bishop of Hagulstad of whom his familiar acquaintance were wont to report many strange Miracles wrought at severall times cheifly Berethun who is now Abbot a man most Reverend and faithfull in his relations of which I thought fit to record some There is a private abode neer a Church-yard of St. Michael the Arch-Angell hither this holy man was wont to retire himself to pray especially in time of Lent The time being now at hand he gave command to seek out some begger towards whom he might exercise his charity They brought him one who was dumbe One week of Lent being past he call'd the dumb begger to him and bidding him put out his tongue made the signe of the Crosse upon it and then bad him speak whereupon he spoke after the Bishop all that he suggested and so perfectly recovered his speech Note that this John is he who was called John of Beverlay whence Godwin saith Bede was much to blame if these things be not true For he knew him and took holy Orders of him and lived in his Diocess Chap. 3. Relates How the said Bishop coming to a Monastery in a Town call'd Vetade where Hereburge was Abbesse she told him that one of the Nuns of the Convent was very sick and lay pining and languishing away And she besought the Bishop to go in and blesse her which he did saying prayers over her and departing blest her As we were taking our leave saith Abbot Berecht the swelling went away and the Maide was delivered from danger Chap. 4. Relates How an Earle sent his sick Lady some of the water which the said Bishop had hollowed in the dedication of a Church willing her to drink of it and wash the greived part which done saith Abbot Berecht she rose so whole and sound that she served us at the table Chap. 5. Another time when the holy Bishop had dedicated a Church an Earle called Addi intreated him to come to his House where one of his family lay so desperatly sick that his Coffin was already prepared hoping that if he had but laid his hands upon him and blessed him he should be better The Bishop enters makes his prayer blesses him saying God send you whole son Then sitting down at Table the partie sent for a Cup of wine which the Bishop blessed and sent him As soon as he drank it he arose a sound man put on his apparel came to the Table saying that he desired to eat and drink with them he sat down eat drank and was as merry as any at the Table and lived many yeares after a sound man This Miracle the Abbot Berecht said he had from those who were present Chap. 6. Herebald A faithfull servant of Christ now Abbot of a monastery was heard to say as touching John the Bishops worth I have had experience in many others but especially in my self as whom he in a manner forced from death to life by his prayer and benediction for having been sore bruised with a fall I was healed by the Bishops intercession When for age the Bishop could not preach he consecrated his Chaplin Wilfrid Arch-Bishop of Yorke and himself retiring into a Monastery there ended his dayes Chap. 7. Cedwell King of the tumultuous after he had raigned two years for hope of an eternall kingdome forsook his owne and went to Rome He thought it a singular glory to be regenerated at the holy Apostles Tombes by the Sacrament of Baptisme hoping soon after to passe to eternall life which hapned as he desired He was baptised on Easter eve An. 689 and wearing yet the robes of Innocency fell fick and died Whom the Pope at his Baptisme nam'd Peter that he might beare the holy name of the Prince of the Apostles whose Tombe he came to see with great devotion many hundred miles Hun succeeded him who having been King seven and thirty years leaving his Kingdome went to the Tombes of the Apostles in Rome having an earnest desire to live a Pilgrime on Earth for a time neer those Holy places that so he might deserve the better to be
admonisht them to keep among themselves and towards all Charity to follow the ruleâ— and orders of Monastical discipline which they had either learnt of him or of their forefathers Then he told them that his departure was nigh For the most lovely guest quoth he that was wont to visit our brethren many had died of the Plague out of the Monastery hath vouchsafed this day to come to me and call me out of this world Go ye to Church again and speak to the brethren That with their Prayers they both commend unto our Lord my departure and remember with watching prayers and good works to prepare also for their own When the Brethren had taken his blessing and were gone Owen casting himself on the ground said I pray you good Father what song was that I heard of that I heard of that joyfull company descending from heaven upon this Oratory and again returning He answered if you heard the singing and understood the comming of the heavenly Companies I charge you to tell no man thereof before my death They were indeed Angels who came to call me to the heavenly rewards which I alwayes loved and long'd for and after seven dayes they promised they would return and take me with them The seventh day as it was promised after he had received the body and blood of our Lord his holy Soul was carried as we may well believe by Angels to everlasting joy Among his manifold merits he was renowned for Chastity Abstinence Preaching Prayer voluntary Poverty Agreeable to this Revelation is that which I now adde Ecbert a Monk in Ireland whom Higball Abbot went to see said He knew one yet alive who when Chad past out of this world beheld a company of Angels descend and carry up his soul with them St. Chad was buried first neer St. Maries Church but afterwards his bones were remov'd to the Church of the most blessed St. Peter Prince of the Apostles in both which places in token of his virtue frequent miracles in healing of the sick are wont to be wrought One yt had a Phrensie lying by his tomb all night the next morning came out well and in his perfect senses declaring to the great joy of all that there he had by Gods goodnesse got his health The place is covered over with a wooden tomb like a house having a little hole on the side wherein they that come thither for devotion are wont to put in their hand and take of the dust which putting into water they give to sick beasts or men to drink whereby they forthwith become whole Chap. 4. Relates How the Bishop Colman leaving England took with him some thirty English Monks and afterwards founded a Monastery for them in Ireland after the example of the Venerable Fathers living under rule and under a regular Abbot in great continency getting their living with the labour of their hands Chap. 5. The year 670. 2. King Oswi of Northumberland died he bore such affection to the See Apostolike of Rome that had he lived he purposed to have gone thither for to end his life in those holy places having for that purpose entreated Bishop Wilfrid to be his guide This Chapter further relates how Theodore call'd a Synod of Bishops at Hertford The result of this Synod was that they maintain'd the Ancient Canons of the Church Theodore at the beginning thereof said I Theodore though unworthy appointed by the see Apostolike Archbishop of Canterbury c. Chap. 6. Theodore the Archbishop being offended with Winfrid Bishop of the Mercians for a crime of disobedience deposed him appointing in his place Sexwolph who was founder and Abbot of the Monastery of Medshamsted now called Peterborough Winfrid returning to his Monastery Artbear there piously ended his life Theodore also appointed Erconwald Bishop of London whose life and conversation was counted most holy as to this day his heavenly vertues and miracles do well declare for his Horse-litter wherein he was wont to be carried when he was sick being yet kept by his disciples doth daily cure such as have Agues or are otherwise diseased The very chips also that are cut off from it and brought to the sick are wont to give them speedy remedy He built two goodly Monasteries for himself and his Sister Edilburge furnishing them with good Rules that for his Sister at Berring in Essex where she was Mother of the Nuns behaving her self in all vertuous conversation as was shewed by Miracles from Heaven Chap. 7. In this Monastery many wonderfull signs and Miracles were shew'd which for the benefit of posterity are written by many who knew them when the Plague raging thorow the Island came to this Monastery and had entred upon that part where the men lived so that daily one or other was taken out of the world This good Mother being carefull of her company at such a time as the visitation of God touched that part of the Monastery in the which the Handmaids of God dwelt by themselves apart from the men askt the Sisters In what place of the Monastery they would have their bodies buried when God should visit them When she could get no certain answer from them she and all the rest received a most certain one and from God For one night as these Handmaids of Christ went forth of the Chappel after Mattins to the graves of the Brethren that were dead singing accustomed prayers to our Lord behold suddenly a light sent down from Heaven in manner of a Sheet came over them which strook them with such fear that they ceast from singing which brightness whereunto the mid-day seem'd night being again lifted up went to the south part of the Monastery and there staying awhile withdrew to heaven so that none of them doubted but that the very light which should receive their souls into heaven did also shew a place for their bodies to rest in Chap. 8. There was a childe about three years old brought up in this House of Virgins dedicated to God to be employed in Meditation among them This Childe being strucken with the plague coming to the pangs of death spake to one of those consecrated Virgins of Christ calling her by her name Fadgit This Virgin being suddenly taken with the sicknesse departed this life following the voice that called her Another of the Handmaids of God taken with the same disease and brought to the last told them that a certain holy man appear'd to her who died the same year bringing her word that when the morning drew neer she should depart to everlasting light The Truth was prov'd by the death of the Maid Chap. 9. When Ediburge the pious Mother of this devout congregation was to depart this world a wonderfull vision was seen by one of the Sisters whose name was Thorithgid who had lived long in that Monastery and was alwayes diligently employed in serving of God in great
humility she had been tried in sickness by the sweet hand of God for the space of nine years to the end that the spot of sin by ignorance or negligence contracted might be purged by the fire of tribulation This woman towards break of day saw plainly as it were a Corps brighter than the Sun carried up in a winding sheet from the Dormitory where the Sister lay and diligently observing what it was that drew up the glorious body she saw as it were certain cords brighter than gold which drew it so high till it vanisht away By this she understood that some of them should shortly die whose soul should be lifted up to heaven by good works as by golden cords which hapned so for not long after the Mother of the Covent was delivered out of the prison of this flesh whose life was such that no man can doubt but that the entrance to heaven lay open to her There was in the Monastery a holy Nun noble by birth noble for the love she had of the world to come who for many years was so bereft of all use of her limbs that she was wholy unable to move her self This Nun when she knew that the body of the reverend Abbess was brought to the Church to be buried desired she might be carried thither and laid down in the posture of one praying Which done she spake to the Abbess as if she had been alive desiring her to obtain of God that she might be loosed from her torments The Petition was soon granted for twelve dayes after she received everlasting reward in lieu of those temporal afflictions Thorithgid the handmaid of Christ lived three years after the Abbesse worn out with sicknesse The time of her departing being come she was speechlesse three dayes and nights but having her speech restored in a Vision and being demanded of them that were about her to whom she spake To my most dear Mother Edilburge quoth she By these words they understood that the holy Abbesse came to bring her word that the time of her departure was at hand for soon after she died Chap. 10. Hildehid a devoute handmaid of God succeeded Abbesse who many years governed the Monastery very carefully in regular discipline and order She caused the bones of Edilburge the holy servant of Christ to be taken up and removed to the Church of the blessed Mother of God in which place how often the brightnes of heavenly light appeared how often fragrant odours of mervelous sweetness were felt with other Miracles appeareth in that book whence we have taken these things By no means I think fit to over-passe one miracle which hapned there An Earls wife had a darkness suddenly came over her eyes which in the end made her stark blinde It came into her mind that if she were but brought to the Monastery of the Virgin-Nuns and there prayed at the Reliques of the Saints she might be cured Being led by her maid to the Monastery as she pray'd there her Petition was heard For rising from her prayers she received her sight so that it seemed she had lost the light of this world only to this end that she might shew by her recovery what how great the light is that Christs Saints have in Heaven what their power virtue is Chap. 11. At that time Sebby a most devout and holy man raign'd over the East-Saxons He was much addicted to the exercise of Religion and Virtue to Prayer and Charity esteeming a solitary and Monastical life above the riches and honour of a Kingdome Which life he would long before leaving his Kingdome have embraced but that his wife would not consent After thirty years being molested with a very great infirmity he counsell'd his wife that now at least they should betake themselves to God which she assenting to He by the Bishop of London Waldhers hand and blessing receiv'd the Habit of Religion He bestow'd much money on the poor reserving nothing for himself chusing rather to remain poor in spirit for the Kingdome of Heaven When he perceived death at hand he sent for the Bishop desiring that at his passing out of this world he and two of his Chaplines onely should be present Then falling asleep he was comforted by a Vision which shewing him his end took from him all fear He saw as is reported three men coming to him clad in bright garments and one of them sitting by his bed-side told him his soul in great light and salvation should depart without pain and that he should die the third day after All which came to pass T is further related how the body being longer than the stone Coffin by a hand-breadth the said Coffin by a miracle wrought in the presence of a multitude of people was so enlarged that at the head they could put a pillow and at the feet was space longer by foure fingers breadth than the Corps Chap. 12. Ceadwal having been King of the West Saxons two years for the love of Heaven left his Kingdome and went to Rome where he ended his dayes Two Bishops are appointed in Wilfrids place over Northumberland both taken out of the Cloysters of Monks Chap. 13. Wilfrid the Bishop forc't to leave his Diocess through the displeasure of the King yet could not be kept from preaching the Gospel for he ministred to the South Saxons the Faith and Baptism King Edilwach was Christned not long before King Wulpher being his Godfather at the Font He Christned also the principal Lords of the Countrey the Queen with the rest soon after following The whole Province had never before heard of God nor of the Faith yet was there in the Countrey one Dicull a Monk who lived in the Monastery of Bosanhun with five or six brethren serving God in an humble and pure life but the people would not follow them nor hear them In the end Wilfrid by preaching the Gospel to them not onely delivered them from eternal damnation but also from temporal death For in three years before his coming it had not raign'd one drop in all those quarters whereby a very sore famine ensued which pitifully wasted them But on the very self same day that the people received their Baptisme and Faith there fell a most plentifull shower wherewith the Earth flourisht againe and brought in a most fruitfull year The King gave Wilfrid and his companions a place called Scoleycen There he founded an Abbey which he bound to monasticall discipline placing Monks there whose successors hold it to this day Chap. 14. At the same time in this Monastery were shewed divers gifts of Heavenly grace When first this Province received the name of Christ a sore Plague raign'd in many places of England which coming in to this Monastery which the vertuous Priest Eappa governed where many daily dyed it seemed good to the Brethren to appoint a fast
of three dayes humbly to implore Gods mercy There was in the house at that time a little Boy lately converted who was taken with the sickness When the second day of Fasting and Prayer was come it hapned that in the morning there appeared unto him the two most blessed and chief Apostles St. Peter and Paul for the boy was innocent and endow'd with the Sacrament of Faith The Apostles saluted him saying Son fear not death for we will this day bring thee to Heaven but thou shalt stay till the Masses be said and after thou hast received the Viaticum or journey-earnest of the body and blood of our Lord thou shalt be convey'd to everlasting joyes Call Eappa the Priest and tell him thus Our Lord hath heard your prayers and looked mercifully upon your fasting there shall not one more dye of the plague in this Monastery and they that are sick shall recover But thou alone said they shalt be set free and go unto the Lord whom thou haft served Tell them it hath pleased God to doe thus for them through the intercession of the dear servant of God King Oswald For on this day was he Martyred by the Infidels and taken up to Heaven Let them look their Book wherein are registred the departed and they shall find it so Let them therefore say Masses through all the Oratories of the Monastery giving thanks as well that their prayer is heard as also in the memory of the said King who formerly was their King and therefore earnestly prayed for them as for those of his Nation And when all the brethren are come together to Church let them be partakers of the heavenly sacrifice and so end their fast All this being related by the boy the Priest enquired after what manner they appear'd He answered They were comely and resplendent in habit and countenance above any he had ever seen the one with the celestial Tonsure the other with a long Beard and they said they were Peter and Paul servants of Christ sent for the defence of the Monastery The Priest believing the words by the Boy seeking in the Records found that Oswald was slain that day calling therefore together the brethren he commanded Masses to be said and that all should communicate after the accustomed manner and also caused a particle of the same sacrifice of the Lords Oblation to be brought to the sick Boy which done he died the same day confirming by his death the truth of the Apostles words for no more but he dyed out of the Monastery By this Vision many were stirred up to pray and call for mercy in adversity as also to use the wholsome help and medicine of fasting And from that time as well in the Monasteries as in very many other places the Birth-day of the said King began yearly to be kept holy with celebration of Masses The 15. Chapter nothing but Civil Affairs Chap. 16. Relates How King Cedwall though not yet Christned bound himself by Vow that if he took the Isle of Wight he would give unto God the fourth part thereof which he perform'd He gave it Wilfrid for the service of our Lord Thus this Island after all the Provinces of Britany was converted Chap. 17. At this time Theodore the Archbishop hearing that the Faith was much opposed at Constantinople by the Heresie of Eutichus and desiring that the English Church which he govern'd might continue free from any such spot gathered an Assembly of many Reverend Priests and Doctours where he found an uniform consent of them in the Catholike Faith Theodore By the grace of God Archbishop of the Isle of Britany and with him sitting the other Bishops at Hetfield c. After debate and conference We have set forth the true Catholike Faith in such sort as our Lord delivered it c. We have received the five holy and general Synods of the blessed and beloved Fathers of God viz. of 318. assembled at Nice against the wicked Arius and his opinions and of 150. at Constantinople against the fond Sect of Macedonins and that at Ephesus the first time of 200. against wicked Nestorius and that of Calcedon of a 130. against Eutichus and at Constantinople the second time where was assembled the fifth Councell against Theodore and others Also we receive the Synod held at Rome in the time of the most holy Pope Martin We worship and glorifie our Lord as those men have done neither adding nor diminishing and we excommunicate with heart and mouth those whom they excommunicate and whom they have received we receive Chap. 18. At this Synod was present and confirm'd the Catholike Faith a Reverend man nam'd John the cheif Chantour of St. Peters and Abbot of the Monastery of St. Martins who was come from Rome by command of Pope Agatho having for his guide the Reverend Abbot Benedict For having built a Monastery in England in honour of the Prince of the Apostles he came to Rome as often before with Ceolfrid his companion in the same work after Abbot and was receiv'd most honourably by the Pope of whom he obtain'd Letters of Priviledge by Apostolike Authority as he knew King Egfrids will was by whose liberal gift he had erected it He brought this John with him into England to teach the Abbeyes the yearly course and order of singing as it was taught at St. Peters in Rome which he did teaching the Chantours and Choristers of the Abbey the order and form of singing and reading committing to writing thosethings which appertain'd to the celebration of the high Feasts and Holy-dayes through the year which have been hither kept in the same Abbey and are now in all places copied out They came to hear him from all the Monasteries of the Province and many invited him to come unto them He had in charge from the Apostolike Pope diligently to observe what Faith the Church of England profest and bring him word thereof to Rome So the Copy of the foresaid Synod was given to him to carry to Rome wherein the Catholike Faith was found sound and uncorrupt but in his return he died His body for the love he bore to St. Martine whose Monastery he govern'd was honourably buried at Towers Neverthelesse the Copy of the Catholike Faith was brought to Rome and joyfully received by the See Apostolike Chap. 19. King Egfrid took to wife Ediltrude daughter of the King of the East-Saxons yet she remain'd twelve years a Virgin as Bishop Wilfrid a man of holy memory did inform me enquiring purposely thereof because some doubted it And that such things may be done in our time as formerly as Histories witness we may not question This also was a signe of the divine Wonder that the body of the same Virgin being buried remain'd uncorrupt which shews she ever lived untoucht And t is well known she long besought the King that she might
a Monasticall and Solitary life than all worldly wealth After some years spent in a Monastery he made a Voyage to Rome to see what rights and ceremonies were observed there as well of Seculars as Religious He told the Queen the desire he had to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostles which she approved At Rome he became acquainted with a Holy learned Arch-deacon called Boniface one of the Apostolike Popes Councellors by whose instructions he learnt the foure Books of the Gospell and Easter and many other things concerning the discipline of the Church which he could not attaine to in his Country Returning into England he was favoured by King Alfrid who had learned to follow in all things the Catholike Rules of the Church This King finding Wilfrid Catholick gave him Stamford and Rippon which the Scots had before to build Abbeies He was made Priest and followed the the Kings Court as Preacher and not long after was made Bishop by Agilbert Bishop of Paris In King Egfrids raigne he was deprived of his Bishoprick of Yorke and another ordeyned in his place Wilfrid going to Rome to plead his cause before the Apostolike Pope was driven into Frizland where he preacht unto them Christ And where many thousands being cōverted and baptized by him he was the first began this Evangelicall work which the most Reverend Bishop Willebrord afterwards finished Wilfrid having past the VVinter with his new Converts reassumed his journey to Rome where his cause was debated in presence of Pope Agatho many Bishops He was found by all their judgments to be without any fault and worthy of the Bishoprick The Pope gathered a Sinod at Rome of 125 Bishops against those who held but one will and operation in Christ Wilfrid sate among them where he was to declare his Faith and the Faith of his Countrey which was found to be Catholick This was thus registred in the Acts. Wilfrid the vertuous Bishop of Yorke appealing to the See Apostolike for his cause and by that Authority absolved and placed in Judgement Seat in the synod together with 125. other Bishops hath declared for all the Northerne parts of Britany the true and Catholike Faith confirming the same with subscription Wilfrid at his returne converted the South-Saxons and in the second year of King Aldefrid was restored to his Bishoprick After five years being again turned out he followed his appeale at Rome and his accusers being present he again was acquitted Returning through France he fell sick to death and told Acca how in that sicknesse one appeared to him in a white habit telling him that he was St Michael who said to him I am sent by God to recall thee from death For our Lord hath given thee life by the intercession of our Lady Mother of God but remaine prepared for after foure years I will come again to visite thee Thou shalt be restored to the greatest part of thy possessions and end thy life in peace Recovering he came into England where King Aldefrid refusing to restore him shortly dyeth Then a Synod is called by the votes of all he is reestablisht After four years of Peace he died in a Monastery of Abbot Cudbalds but entered in his own Monastery at Rippon in the Blessed Apostle St. Peters Church by the Altar These Verses are in his Epitaph Wilfrid that worthy Prelate Lyeth buried in this grave Who mov'd with Godly Zeale To Christ this Temple gave And of the Apostle Peters name St. Peters Church did call Christ gave To whom the Keyes of Heaven Cheif Governour of all He guilded it with finest gold With Scarlet hung it round And set up there a Crucifix Of Gold even from the ground Chap. 21. Acca succeeded Wilfrid in the Bishoprick of York a man for his courage and gallant deeds gracious in the sight of God and Man He enlarged the Church dedicated to St. Andrew and adorned it with many exquisite works He did both then and doth at this very day endeavour to gather together the Holy Apostles and Martyrs Reliques that he may in their honor build Altars He provided Holy Vessels lights and other necessaries appertaining to the better adorning the Church of God Chap. 22. Naitan King of the Picts abandoning the Errours which he and his Country had long kept touching Easter brought them all to the Catholike observation which that he might effect he required aide of the English whom he knew to have fram'd their Religion according to the Church of Rome and See Apostolike He sent Embassadors to that end to Reverend Abbot Ceolfrid of the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul He requested further to be instructed what manner of Tonsure the Clergy then should use He desired to have some cunning workmen sent him to build a Church after the manner of Rome promising to dedicate it in the honor of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles and to follow ever more the order and faith of the Church of Rome and See Apostolike In Ceolfrids letter to the King be these words We exhort you most humbly to take care that your Clergy may beare the same Tonsure which the Church doth receive For as all congregations of the faithfull are accustomed to carry the signe of the Crosse in the forehead that by the power thereof they may be defended from the assaults of the Devil and by often remembrance of it be instructed so it behoveth them who being made by vow Monks or by profession of the Clergy binde themselves more strictly with the bridle of continencie to beare on the Head by shaving the shape of a Crown as our Saviour did a Crowne of Thornes at his Passion as well to express their ready minde to suffer mockeries for Christ as strengthen their hope for a Crowne of glory In the same letter he Relateth what concerning this point he said to the Scotish Abbot Adaman I said quoth he Brother if you seek the fellowship of St. Peter why do you follow the manner of shaving which he used whom St. Peter did excommunicate and why rather shew you not that you desire with your heart his character with whom you desire to live in blisse If you desire to follow his steps and counsell whom you took to have as a Patron with God the Father then he commands thus It beseemeth you most puissant Prince to observe all that agreeth with the unity of Christs Catholick and Apostolick Church So it will come to passe that the Prince of the Apostles will open to you and yours the gates of Heaven By this advise in short time this Prince with all his dominions was brought to the true observation of Easter all the Ministers of the Altar and Monks had their heads shaven round in forme of a Crowne and the whole Nation being reformed did rejoyce to see themselves disciples of the most blessed Prince of