Conformity to be held with that Church which is spread over the whole world Apostles sent all the world over by the Pope Recourse to the Pope in Ecclesiastical affairs Our English Authors say Mellitus his going was to obtain priviledges for Westminster Abbey then built Decrees of Councels to be follow'd as sure rules A Church dedicated to our Lady and all Martyrs which yet is to be seen at Rome and whether were brought saith Spondan the Reliques of many Martyrs from places without the City Persecutors of this Faith punished Saying of Mass Communion under one kinde S. Peter prince of the Apostles He owns his Successors the Popes deeds The miraculous effect of St. Peters apparition A Church in honour of our Lady St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Our Primats of England still work miracles A place it seems dedicated to the crowned Martyrs Authority of 〈◊〉 Bishops from the Pope Noâ—e Mr. Baâ—ter how unlike the Pope then seemed to Anâ—ichrist Our Primats invested with the Pall by the Pope The Nâ—â—thumbers miraculously converted Baptizing Intants Note Mr. Baâ—ter how unlike the Pope then seem'd to Antichriâ—t The Pope an enemy to Idol worship St. Peter stiled Prince of the Apostles and our Protector His blessing sent from the Pope The Pope still sollicitous to further our conversion St. Peter stiled chiefest and Prince of the Apostles and our Protector The Faith then taught commended from Heaven I would those of our Country would imitate this Prince Paulâ—â— knows what is in the Kings brâ—ast Altars of stone Monasteries Abbots Altars sacrifice Miracles wrought at certain places A Pall sent by the Pope who still investeth our Archbishops The Pope a true Father even to Kings Efficacy of Saints Prayers The Pope exerciseth his Supremacy in England The Pope doth this in the place of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Decrees of the Church to be followed Golden crosses and Chalices consecrated to the use of the Altar yet to be seen Our Church musick from Rome Yet Idolatry highly hated An. 642. Veneration of holy places and crosses Miracles hence ensuing The very chips of that Crosse work miracles untill this day Prayers and sacrifice for the Dead The Moss of the Cross works miracles upon one as yet living Monks Monasteries Religious different in habit Purity of dâ—ctrine from Rome Churches dedicated to Saints Monasteries Strict followers of onely scripture erre for many years together Shaving of Monks Strict Fast on Wednesday and Friday among the Laity Miraculous reward of Alms Veneration of Relicks miraculously uncorrupt to this day The Apostle of the tumultuous sent from the Pope Transgressors of the Fast of forty dayes punished Vowed Nuns espoused to the heavenly bridegroom Such Nuns graced with the gift of Miraclâ—â— The Habitation of men separated from Women Vow'd 〈◊〉 dear 〈…〉 〈…〉 by 〈◊〉 Ouâ— Historyes say he was slain at Oswistry in Shâ—opshire the very â—ligh test 〈…〉 woâ—k 〈…〉 Strange Miracles by Râ—liks Miracles by Reliks Translation of Reliks 〈◊〉 to be held in 〈◊〉 vâ—neration by all faithfuâ—l This confirm'd from Heaven as is testiâ—ied by wittnesses yet living Abbesses The â—odgings of men apart from the Nunnery Exorcisms Relikâ—chase away the Devill Miracles at Saints Tombs The person yet alive saith Bede on whom the Miracle was dâ—â—e Power of Saints Prayers That speech God have mercy on their soules of what Antiquity Our unworthiness supplied by intercession of Saints Cures wrought by Relikes Water hallowed An. 644. Good works Satisfactory Daily prayers for the dead Hallowed Oile doth Miracles How authenticall this is A Miracle Translation of Reliks Altars Churches dedicated in the honour of the Prince of the Apostles Thus then they called St. Peter Miracles By Relikes Our Kings became Monks Monks graced with Visions How authentical this is Altars Miracles at Saints Tombs A prophesie of the ruine of such as converse with those who are excommunicated Antâ—quity of Godfathers Kings confide in the Prayers of religious men Lents forty days fast The laudable custome of fasting Monks Monasteries Religious rules Churches in honouâ— of our Lady Altars Intercession of Saints Vows made to God Nuns Monasteries perpetual Virginity God approveth this coutse of life Prayers of religious men in what esteem Dayly prayer for the dead The Fast of Lent Bishop Wilfrid instructed at Rome Clergy men wear shaven Crowns This Synod was at Whitby in Yorkeshire St. Peter and Paul lived preacht and suffered at Rome The strong plea of Tradition Errour then damnable when the Authority of the Church is rejected By the Prince of the Apostles Peter still understood Mat. 16. 18. The Roman Tradition preferr'd The Clergy weare shaven Crowns Abboâ—â— Monasteriâ—â— The distinct Habit of Râ—ligious and Clergie men I'heir blessings craved given by hand that is by the sign of the Crosse Works of Superogation vowed Canonicall Houres Vows of Austerity approved from heaven Lent The antiquity of the holy Feast of Christmass The Church of Rome the Catholike and Apostolike Church Still recourse unto Rome concerning 〈◊〉 Primaâ—â— The Pope Father even to Kings Peter twice here understood by the Prinâ—â— of the Apostles 〈…〉 Kings Crosses Reliques An Indulgence granted thereunto as to Medals say our Divines Abbotâ— Monks Nuns The Pope still invests our Primates Shaving of Clergy men Shaving of Clergy men Our Bishops Monks and of great sanctity The Cathedral at Leiâ—chfield now dedicated to St. Chad. Good works done out of hope of reward done with pure intention A prophetical vision Good works a preparation to death The blessing of men St. Peter still â—alled Prince of the Apostles Translation of Reliques Miracles by them Monks Pilgrimages to Rome The See Apostolike appoints out Primats Our Bishops still Monks Erconwald was first Abbâ—â— of Chertsey in Surrey Miracles Reliques Nuns They doe Miracles Their habitation seemed from men Virgins consecrared to Chrâ—st A prophetical Vision By patience we satisfie for our sins Good works the golden cords which life usup to heaven Holy Nuns We pray to Saints as to these who hear us Visions Abbesses Miracles Nuns Efficacy of prayers to Saints at their Reliques Monastical life prefer'd before Kingdomes Religious habit different from Sceular This King became a Monk in the Monastery of St. Peter and St Paul in London A prophetike Vision A Miracle very publike Our Kings turn Pilgrims Our Bishops Monks Godfathers Monks Our Faith confirmed from heaven Monks A prophetical Vision Masses Intercession of Saints approved from heaven Masses commanded by the Apostles Intercession of Saints avouched by the Apostles St. Peters Ecclesiasticall Tonsure Sacrifice Communion under one kinde Masses Yearly Feasts of Martyrs The Isle of Wight last converted Wilfrid their Apostle The faith of all the Bishops and Doctors of England The Antient English blessed Church received more than the first four Councells Abbots and Monks By prince of the Apostles still St. Peter understood Priviledges of Popes admitted in England Abbiâ—s How antient our Church Musick is above that of the Protestants Celebration of Feasts
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
humble confession of their sins and repented they shall all come to Heaven at the day of Judgment Many quoth he shall come to Heaven before the day of judgement for the good Prayers Alms and Fasting of the living and especially by the holy Sacrifice of the Mass Onely they which are perfect in all their thoughts words and deeds are carried streight to Heaven The effect of this vision was the change of his life into strange Austerity When any one said unto him brother Dirthelm for that was his name It is a wonder you can endure so much cold He would answer I have seen more cold endured than this And when they said T is a wonder you can endure such austerity He answered I have seen more rigorous sufferings than this This Chapter intermingleth in this Relation how that hard by this mans Cell there lived a Monk called Genigids who was living at the very time that Bede did write this leading a solitary life in Ireland sustaining his aged body with brown bread and cold water who often entring into the foresaid Monks Cell heard him many times repeat this whole relation and from him I came to the knowledge of it saith Bede Chap. 14. There was a Lay-man in great favour with King Coenred but negligent concerning the state of his soul The King warn'd him often to confesse and forsake his former life whilest it was time But he slighting the Kings admonition said He would doe Pennance hereafter It chanced he fell sick the King coming to him exhorted him that now at least he would do Pennance nay quoth he I will not now confesse my sins but when I am recovered I will least my companions think I did it for fear of death The King after a while returning again this Courtier told him now it was too late and that he had seen all that ever he had committed written in two Books and that he should strait wayes die and be carried into Hell The first book said he shewed me by an Angel contained all the good works which ever I had done but the book was very little Then the wicked spirits brought before me a book of a mighty bigness in which I read all the sins I had committed in thought word and deed Then he related how he heard his Condemnation Thus in despair he died This I thought fit to relate as I receiv'd it from the reverend Bishop Pechtelm Chap. 15. I my self knew a Brother whom I would I had not known who being admonisht by his Brethern to amend his life brought unto desperation by a vision he had of his place in Hell said There is no time for me to amend my former life Thus he died without receiving the Sacrament None of all the Convent durst say Mass sing psalms say the least Prayer for his soul This stirred up many to do Pennance for their sins which effect God grant it may work in those who shall read this Chap. 16. About this time many of the Scots in Ireland as also of the Britans admitted of the manner of celebrating Easter taught by the Catholike Church For Adamon a vertuous Priest Abbot of the Monks and Religious in the Isle of Hue seeing the canonicall Rites and Ceremonies of England and admonisht by the learned not to live contrary to the Universal Church neither in Easter nor any other decrees chang'd his mind and preferr'd what he saw in the English before his own He wrot a â—ook of holy places as he had been inform'd by Arculfe Bishop who 〈◊〉 travelled to see them Some â—ede relates in the next Chapter Chap. 17. Relates Out of the foresaid book of holy â—laces how over the place where Christ was born there is built a Church of the blessed Virgin and how the in ward grot in which our Saviour was born is covered with precious marble Câ—nstantine built a Church where the Crosse of Christ was found by Helena A Church also was built in Golgotha where the rock is seen which bore Christs Crosse and his blessed body Now in that place there is a mighty Cross of silver with a brazen wheele over it full of Lamps An Altar is cut out where the Crosse stood where Sacrifice is wont to be offered for honourable men that die There is also a round Chappel of Christs Resurrection which hath three Altars In the middle of this Chappel is the Tombe of our Saviour where day and night twelve Lamps burn The top of the Chappel is guilt bearing a great golden Crosse upon it Part of Christs Gravestone standeth at the doore of the Sepulcher Altarwise the other part also makes another Altar Chap. 18. The same Author relates how in the place of our Saviours Ascension on the top of Mount Olive there standeth a great round Church The inner Chappel having an Altar towards the East could not be vaulted nor covered over by reason that it was the place by which Christs body passed to Heaven In the middle of which Church the last print of Christs feet are to be seen and although the earth be fetcht away daily by the Christians yet it remaineth and keepeth the print of his holy feet A great Lampe burneth there day and night In the West-side be eight windows and as many Lamps shining through the glasse to Jerusalem and their lights stir up the Hearts of all that behold them Upon Christs Ascension-day every year when Masse is done there cometh from Heaven a gale of winde which maketh all in the Church prostrate themselves Chap. 19. In the year of our Lord 705. Hedda Bishop of the West-Saxons dyed of whom the Reverend Prelate Pechthelm then a Monk was wont to tell us that in the place where be dyed many great Miracles and cures were done and that they used commonly to carry away dust from thence and mingle it with water for such to drink as were sick and that the sprinkling drinking thereof did cure many sick so that a great pit was made by the often carrying away the dust Chap. 20. Coenred King of the Mercians having Reigned most Nobly at last forsook his Kingdome and went to Rome where at the Tombe of the Apostles receiving the Tonsure he became a Monk continuing in Prayer Fasting and Almes untill his death There went with him Offa the Son of Sigher King of the East-Saxons a most gallant youth whose whole Kingdome much desired that he would sway the Scepter but he moved with like devotion forsooke Wife Lands Kindred and Countrey that he might receive a hundred fold in this world and life everlasting in the next coming to the Holy places at Rome he took the Tonsure and Habit of a Monk the same year Wilfrid that excellent and worthy Prelate dyed and was buried in St. Peters Church at Rippon in Yorkshire He being but fourteen years old he esteemed more
and vertue and instructed by his wholesome Exhortations forsaking Idolatry became a Christian It came to the ears of the Prince that this holy Confessour of Christ whose time was not come that God had assigned for him to suffer lay hid in Alban's house Whereupon Souldiers were sent to apprehend him but St. Alban apparrelled in his guests and Masters garments presented himself unto them When they brought Alban it hapned that the Judge was doing sacrifice unto the Devils who beholding him and incensed with anger for that he feared not to offer himself unto death for his guest he commanded him to be brought before the Idols For as much quoth he as thou hadst rather convey away the Rebell and Traitour to our gods than to deliver him up to deserved punishment what pains he should have suffered if he had been taken the same shalt thou undergo if thou refusest to practise the rites of our Religion But St. Alban who had voluntarily declared himself a Christian little heeded the menaces of the Prince but being throughly guarded with the spiritual armour of Grace plainly told him he would not obey his command I am a Christian saith he and I apply my self to Christian duties and exercises I honour and worship the true and living God These sacrifices which thou offerest to the Devils help not the offerer but purchase them eternal pains The Judge hereupon commanded the holy Confessor of God to be beaten by the Tormentors but Alban in his sufferings was patient and couragious Then the Judge sentenced him to be beheaded As he was led to execution he came to a floud which swiftly ran betwixt him and the place where he was to suffer The company was great and the bridge narrow so that it was likely to be Evening before they could all pass Alban desirous of death coming to the river side made his Prayer and saw forth with the bottom dry the water giving place to him and to the people to pass over Which the Executioner seeing not without the holy inspiration of God fell down at his feet and casting from him his sword ready drawn desired rather to suffer himself than do the Execution Then came they to a very pleasant hill worthy to be dedicated by the bloud of the blessed Martyr At the top whereof Alban begg'd of God to give him water and strait there arose a Spring at his Feet whereby all perceiv'd that as the River before in obedience to him was dryed up so water was now given at his entreaty Here this most valiant Martyr being beheaded received the Crown of life which God promiseth to those that love him But he who did the Execution had short joy for his eys fell upon the ground with the Head of the holy Martyr There also was beheaded the Souldier who being called of God refused to strike the holy Confessor of whom t is manifest though he was not Christned in the Font yet was he baptized in his own blood and so made worthy to enter heaven The Judge seeing so many strange and heavenly miracles wrought by this holy martyr cōmanded the persecution should cease beginning to honor in the Saints of God their constant and patient suffering death whereby he thought at first to draw them from the devotion of their Faith St. Alban suffered Martyrdome the 20th day of June neer the City Verulam now call'd St. Albans in Hartfordshire where after the Christian Church was calm'd a Church was built of exceeding rich work and worthy of such a Martyrdom In which place eve◠to this day are sick persons cured and many Miracles wrought Many more suffered in sundry places who by perfect victory yeelded their Souls to Heaven CHAP. 8. After the storm of this persecution was blown over the Christians who in time of danger lay hid in dens and deserts came forth and shewed themselves abroad renew'd Churches which were overthrown founded built and drest up new in honour of the holy Martyrs celebrated holy dayes consecrated the divine Mysteries and every where display'd their Ensignes in signe of Victory This peace continued in the Church of Christ in Britany untill the Arian Heresie running through the world corrupted also with venemous Errours this Island When by this means Heresie had found an open vent to press over the Ocean into the said Island soon after all manner of Heresies flowed in and were received by the Inhabitants they being men delighting ever to hear novelties and stedfastly retaining nothing as certain This Heresie of the Arians being discovered and condemned in the Councel of Nice did neverthelesse infect not onely other parts of the world but even the very Churches of the Islands with poisonous Infidelity In the 9. Chap. nothing but civill Affairs CHAP. 10. The year of our Lord 394. Arcadius raigning Pelagius a Britan disperst the Venom of his faithless Doctrine holding that a man might live well without the help of Gods grace In the 11. and 12. Chapters nothing but civil Affairs Chap. 13. In the year 423. the 8th of the Emperour Theodosius the yonger Palladius was sent by Celestine Bishop of the Roman Church to the Scots who had receiv'd the Faith of Christ to be their Bishop In the 14. Chapter nothing Chap. 15. The English then Heathens sent for out of Germany over run Britany The Priests are every where slain at the Altars The Bishops with their flock were murdered with fire and sword without regard unto their dignity In the 16. Chapter nothing but civill affairs Chap. 17. A few years before the arrival of the Saxons English the Pelagian Heresie brought in by Agricola greatly corrupted the Faith of the Britans But they being unwilling to receive this lewd doctrine blasphemous against the grace of God and yet unable to resist the crafty and wicked perswasions of their Adversaries took this wholesome Counsel to seek for ayde from the Bishops of France A Councel being call'd the French consulted among themselves whom they should send By the judgment of all the Apostolical Bishops Germanus and Lupus were chosen to pass over into Britany Who with great alacrity receiving the Orders and Commands of the holy Church put to Sea Whilst they were under sail the Devill envying such men should go to the recovery of that People raised a dangerous tempest Germanus Bishop feeble of body through weariness fell a sleep then Lupus and the rest call'd upon him Germanus more constant in the greatness of the danger invoketh Christ and taking in the name of the holy Trinity a few sprinkles of water casteth i◠into the Sea Forth with the rage of the storm breaketh God being called upon defered not his help the enemy is chased away and they set on land where they desited A multitude of People assembling received the Priests of God of whose coming the wicked spirits gave notice and afterward being expell'd out of the obsess't bodies at the
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