Court that they did violate all Concordata they reserve all the fattest Benefices unto the Cardinalls they without all order dispense expectative graces exact Annates without pitty measure indulgences according to their luxury multiply the exaction of tiths under pretense of Turkish war sell benefices and priesthoods indifferently to unable persons even to ignorants and draw all causes unto Rome Whole volums of such things are extant and were presented unto Emperours and Kings and they adjoined the necessary temedies especially in the years 1516 and 1517 as P. Mornay testifieth in Myster pa. 629 edit Salmu in fol. and when Orth. Gratious had declared the 109 Grievances of Germany he saith O if there were not more hundreds of such that are here mentioned by the Princes CAP. IV. Of BRITANNE 1. John Colet had learned humane sciences at home and went to France and Italy for love of the sacred Scriptures When he returned he set himself especially to the meditation of Paul's epistles and expounded them publickly and freely at Oxford Henry 7 promoted him to the Deanry of Paul's He professed to distaste many things that he had heard in Sorbone he called the Scotists men without judgement and the Thomists arrogant he said he reaped more fruit by the books which the Rabbies called hereticall than by their books that were full of divisions and definitions and weremost approved by them He never marryed and yet regarded not monks without learning he said he found no where lesse corrupt manners than among married persons because the care of a family and other affections suffered them not to deboard so much as others are wont He spoke zealously against bishops who professing religion were greatest worldlings and in stead of shepheards were wolves In his Sermons he said Images should not be worshipped and clerks should not be covetous Nor Christians willingly be warriours Two Friers Bricote and Standice accused him for heresy unto B. Richard Fiziames and he unto the archb first and then unto King Henry VIII but these two knowing the godliness of the man became his Patrones Erasm in epist ad Jod Jon. dated Andrelac Idi Jun. An. 1521. He died of a consumption An. 1519 in the 53 year of his age the clergy would have taken his body out of the grave and burned it if they had not been hindred by the King Foxe in acts mon. 2. Arthur the eldest son of King Henry I. married Catharine the Infanta of Spain and died without issue then his father being desirous to continue the alliance with Spain and to keep her rich dowry within the realme devised to marry this young widow to his other son Henry and for this end he purchased a dispensation from the Pope The King thought to have made his second son Archbishop of Canterbury and for this end was the more solicitous to have him well instructed but he was crowned after his fathers death An. 1509. 3. In the beginning of this Century was litle stirre in matters of religion in Scotland After that infortunate battel of Flowdon where King James 4 and his base son Alexander Archbishop of Saintandrews were slain fell great strife for that See Gawin douglas Bishop of Dunkell and brother to the Earle of Anguise was presented by the Queen as Regent Patrick hepburn Priour of Saintandrews was elected by the Chanons and Forman Bishop of Murray and Pope Julius his Legate would have it by his power of Eegation This strife was so hot and continued so long a time that the mouths of many were opened to speak against the corruptions in the Church 4. Hector Boece was borne at Dundy brought up in learning at Paris and at this time was professour of philosophy and afterward Principall of the Colledge at Aberdien In his Chronicle of Scotland he cometh not nearer than King Iames 2 but by the by he shewes the estate of the Church in his own time in Lib. 13. c. 11 he saith Now we will make a digression and see how farr the Prelats and Church men in antient times were above the Prelats of our times in vertues and integrity of conversation of which the Prelats now but have the name and follow not their manners at all for the antient fathers were given to the imitation of Christ in poverty piety humility and righteousnes alluring the people by their fervent charity and continuall preaching in the Service of God with equall affections to rich and poore not araying themselves with gold silver or costly ornaments not haunting the Court nor accompanied with women or seen in bordels not contending to exceed Princes in pleasure and insolency nor doing any thing by deceit but living in pure conscience and verity But the Prelats in our dayes and the Church-men are led with more vices than are seen in any other people such enormities have rung perpetually since riches were apprised by Church-men So farr he If the opposition be marked which is his aime we may understand what prelats or clergy were then CAP. V. Of COVNCELS 1. When Pope Julius 2 was crowned he promised by solemn oath to call a Generall Councell for Reformation of the Church but afterward no thing was lesse in his mind and while he made war now against Venice and then against France nothing regarding the estate of the Church nine Cardinals departed from him and having the concurrence of the Emperour and the King of France with their clergy a Councell was summoned on May 19 to conveen at Pisa Septemb. 1. An. 1511 because the Pope had violated his oath concerning the calling of a Councell and the condition of the Christian Commonwealth admitted no longer delay and they summoned the Pope to appear before them and all Princes Doctours and Prelats that had or might pretend any in terest through Italy France and Germany On August I. the Pope published his answer that when he was a Cardinal he was most desirous of a councell but now because of the warrs a councell can not be assembled in Italy and far lesse in the wasted and defaced City of Pisa nor had they authority to call a councell and therefore he commanded all men not to obey that citation under pain of excommunication Jo. Sleidan Comment Lib. 1. Three Cardinals returned unto the Pope and were accepted saith Nic. Basel in Addit but the others with the bb of Lombardy and France did meet at Pisa and because they were not safe there they removed to Millan where Barnardin Card. S. Crucis was chosen president and then fearing that Millain was not safe enough they removed to Lions Because they continued in their purpose the Pope in his Consistory at Rome condemned them as hereticks schismaticks and rebellious and depriveed them of their titles dignities voice bishopriks monasteries and whatsoever Benefices they had by Commenda or whatsoever other title and declareth them uncapable for al times to come Basel ib. In the mean time the Emperour was persuaded by the Pope to forsake that councell
Somerset that he had changed the lawes of the realme and had secret intelligence with forrein Ambassadours without their knowledge c. And for these causes he was beheaded in the Tower An. 1552. So variance entereth among them and coldness of Religion repossesseth many and some have written that the King was poisoned Certainly for a clearer manifestation of mens hearts the King was visited with long sicknes and died July 6. An. 1553. In time of his sicknes he aduised with his Privie Counsell who should have the government after him for albeit his Father had appointed Mary to succeed yet seing she is of a contrary religion and it is doubted of the lawfulnes of her birth and himself is of lawfull years he accounts it proper unto him to name his heire and the rather that it is to be feared that she will not only subâ—ert religion but the realm shall be thralled to a stranger as Scotland is unto France After deliberation it was decreed to chuse Lady Jane daughter of the Earle of Suffolk and of Mary daughter of King Henry 7. So foure dayes after Edwards death Lady Jane was proclamed Queen by authority of the Counsel Many of the Nobility and people were much displeased not so much for love of Mary as for hatred to the Duke of Northumberland because Lady Jane was married unto his fourth son At this time Mary goeth into Norfolk and Suffolk and promiseth unto them of the Reformation that she shall change nothing in Religion as it was established by her brother They take her part She writes abroad for aid and carryeth her self as Queen The Counsell câ—â—vâ—eâ—ing at London sendeth somâ— forces under the conduct of Northumberland to apprehend her But then the Counsell perceiving the Mary the Popâ—sh Queen overthrows all for a time inclination of the people and hearing that the Reformed of Norfolk and Sâ—â—folk were for her change their Sentence they cause proclaime Mary Queen and keep La. Jane in the Tower When these newes were brought into the Campe all men forsook the Duke but when they receive Letters from the Counsell in name of Queen Mary they take him and bring him to London Then he made open profession of Popery under hope to gaine the Queen's favour and liberty but was beheaded Ja. Thuan lib. 13. ad An. 1553. Cardinal Reginald Pool hearing at Rome that King Edward was dead hasteneth towards England hoping to have the Crown by râ—gâ—t for he had pretensions or by marriage with Mary The Emperour inuites him to come into Germany by his way and entertaines him with great shew of honour untill by his Ambassadour he had finished a Contract of marriage betwixt his son Philip Mary and by the Queens patent he became archbishop of Canterbury Then another world was to be seen processions of joy were in Italy for regaining England uâ—to the Romane Seâ— Pe Soave in Coâ—â— Trud. Gardener Tonstall and other Popish Bishops were aâ—vanceâ— Cranmer Latimer Ridley and other Reformed Bishops were committed to prison and burnt reading and printing of English Bibles and of late bookâ— were discharged the Supremacy of the Pope was ploclaimed the Latine â—asâ—â— was uâ—ed the clause of prayer that God would deliver the kingdom from sedition and tyranny of the â—ishop of Rome was blotted out of the Lâ—taâ—â— the Queen would not suffer her fathers name in publick prayers because he â—ad made apostaâ—y from the Church Ja. Thua lo. cit All temporaries turâ— their clockâ— wicked men reioice good men are oppressed some fiâ—d maâ—y were imprisoned some sterve in prison many hundreds were bâ—rnâ— in a word in no Kings time beeing free from waâ—â—e were so many killed as in the five years reigne of Q. Mary by beheading hanging burning racking and sâ—erving That cruel Bishop Bonner beholding how joyfully the Martyrs suffered said to one of them They call mee bloody Bonner a vengeance on you all I would fain be rid of you but yee have a delight in burning if I might have my will I would sew your moâ—ths put you in sacks and drown you all Gods revenging hand was â—pon these pâ—rsecuters Gardener the archpersecuter being at dinner with the Duke of Norfolk and hearing that Bishop Ridley and Mr. Latimer were burnt at Oxford shewes no litle joy and by and by was so smitten none knowing how that he was carryed from table to a bed where he lay 15. dayes in such intolerable torments that in all that space he could voide neither by urine nor otherwise his tongue hangeth out and so died Do. Morgon who condemâ—ed Ferrare Bishop of S. Davies and vsurped his place was sâ—itten that when he would eat nothing went down but it bursted out again somtime at his moâ—th and somtime at â—is nose Do Dunning the bloody Chanceller at Norwich was taken away suddenly the like befell Bâ—rrie Commissarie of Norfolk c. Mary had her kingdom diminished by losse of Cales which eleven English kings had kept and the countrie was plagued with famine that the subiects were glad to eat ackorns she was never able to put the Crown on her husbands head of all things both he and shee was most desirous to have children but she had none once she was thought to be bigg with child but of what she was delivered it was known to few then Philip left her and she had neither the love of hâ—r subiects nor his company nor could marry another at last she was diseased some called it a tympany others call it melancholy because of her deep and continuall groanes she died November 17. An. 1558. and her cousine the Card. died within sixteen hours after her Jo. Foxe in Acts. Enduring her reigne La. Elisabeth was kept in the Tower Gardener and others sought her death often they accuse her of treason and would have stirred up King Phillip against her but he preserveth her not for any love to her person or religion but for reason of State lest she being taken out of the way and the Queen dying without children the kingdoms of Scotland England and Irland might be annexed unto the Crown of France by means of Mary Qu of Scotland next heire of â—ngland and at that time affianced to the Daulphin of France than which the Spaniard thought no thing could happen more adverse to his affectation of greatnes At first when She was locked up she was much daunted but being comforted afterwards she said The skill of a Pilot is not known but in a tempest and a true Christian appeares best in time of tentation In the year 1558. they condemne her to be beheaded and went to bring her to execution by miraculous providence she was preserved The lieutenant of the Tower will not give them credite and goeth to ask the Queen whether it was her will Mary saith Not and commandeth to set her at liberty And is proclamed Queen On the very day of Marie's death Elisabeth was proclamed Queen and so of a prisoner was acknowledged by
propounded unto Papists degrading Formosus If he did erre how then stands their doctrine that a Pope in his Chair with his Cardinals cannot erre Bellarm. de Rom. Pontif. lib. 4. cap. 3. 5. 6. If John did not erre how then did not Pope Martin erre in repelling the doings of his Predecessour Or how did not Pope Formosus erre in all that he did and said contrary to his Canonical Oath If Formosus did not erre how did his Successours not erre of whom one did annull his Decrees and Consecrations and another did confirm them and annull the contrary Bellarmin saith A Pope may erre in matter de facto or in quaestione facti non juris But here we see that one of them condemned the Decrees of another in quaestione juris or in respect of lawfullness yea the lawfulness of their being Popes and although Pope John in his Synod at Ravenna had discharged that the like be not attempted by any judgment of the Holy Ghost and are not these words blasphemous Yet Pope Sergius the III would not be discharged but did the like and worse Was not here Pope contra Pope and that in their very Chair and Synod And do not all the ancient Historians condemn these men as unlawfull Popes who had forsaken the waies of the more ancient good Bishops What is now become of their continual succession And from whom have they now their Ordination and Consecration even from such as both Popes and Cardinals have judged worthy to be accursed 12. LANDUS lived obscurely six moneths at that time when Rodulph overcame Berengarins as Platina thinks Then saith Sigonius they assembled to chuse a new Pope but nothing was done according to Laws for Aldebert by the perswasion of his mother-in-law Theodora gave a Pope not from the Romans nor by the votes of the Clergy but as she pleased from Ravenna 13. JOHN the XIII came to the Papacy in this manner as Luithprand Behold the Succession of Popes Arch-Deacon at Ticino hath written at the same time Theodora a most shameless whore and Roman Lady burned in lust with the beauty of this John coming to Rome she had not only lust but compelled him to lie with her in the mean time the Bishop of Bononia died and John was set in his place before John was consecrated Peter Bishop of Ravenna died and through ambition of the whore John forsook Bononia and usurped the See of Ravenna Then God did take away the Pope who had so unjustly installed him and the whore not willing that her Paramour should be so far distant from her imbracing forced him to accept the Papal Chair When Baronius had related these words of Luithprand he subjoins Thou hast heard Reader the most lamentable estate of this time when Theodora the elder a noble whore held the Monarchy in the City but whence came so great dignity unto so infamous a woman she was a noble Roman of the blood of the Senatours excellent in beauty and crafty in wit and conquered the Monarchy by her Adulterer Stephen the VI. mark the succession of Popes Theodora having attained the Dominion of Rome caused her posterity to follow in the same she had two daughters Marozia and Theodora not only alike but more given to venery Marozia married the fore-named Aldebert and in adultry she did bear unto Pope Sergius a son called John Aldebert usurped the Dominion of Rome and then the whores did cut off and thrust in Popes at their pleasure This John shewed himself a Souldier more then a Bishop for he did take Arms against the Sarazens in Italy and expelled them Platina saith The Church had need of such a Bishop At the intreaty of King Rodulph he ordained a child of five years old to be Bishop of Rhemes Wherefore Baronius ad An. 908. § 4. cried Thou seest Reader by authority of what Pope if he may be called a Pope this was brought into the Church to wit of John then whom none is more filthy As his entry into that Chair was most infamous so his death was most wicked for when Adelbert was defunct Marozia would have married Guido or Vido Marquess of Tuscany that so she might convey unto him the Dominion of Rome which did appertain unto her son Albericus Pope John withstood her therefore she caused Vido to pluck him out of the way and having put him in prison he caused a Pillow to be laied upon his mouth in the 14 year of his Papacy Platin. 14. JOHN the XII son of Pope Sergius the III was preferred by his mother Marozia the people would not consent unto his election Onuphr in Annotat. on Platin. ad Ioh. 11. Fasciculus tempor saith He was intruded and immediately cast out again therefore he is not reckoned in the Catalogue of Popes and in a tumult 15. LEO the VI was set up He is commended by Platina for his civil vertue in respect of these corrupt times Io. Funccius saith He did nothing worthy of knowledge except that he was desirous of peace because saith Bale perhaps he was glad that Jesabel would suffer him to live but she could not comport the repulse and so caused him to be poisoned in the 7 moneth 16. STEPHEN the VII was like to his Predecessour and after 2 years was poisoned by Marozia After the death of Vido Marozia invited Hugh Duke of Burgundy and now King of Italy to take the Dominion of Rome which he could not bring to pass unless he would marry her although he was the brother of Vido and therefore Luithprand writ of her Nubere germanis satagens Herodia binis c. It hapned that when Albericus at his mothers command was holding the water in an uncomely gesture under the hands of his stepfather Hugh gave the boy a blow he resolved to revenge it and stirred the Romans against Hugh and was the first assaulter in his own Palace Hugh leapt over the wall and escaped Albericus brought again the former government by Consuls and under that title he governed Rome and the election of the Pope depended on him and after Stephen he set up again his brother John 17. JOHN the XII being restored did nothing worthy of record saith Platina He sate 4 years 10 moneths 18. LEO the VII is also obscure he sate 2 years 19. STEPHEN the VIII was vexed by the Romans Naucler saith For his unhonest wounds he came not abroad and lived a wretched life for a space he sate 3 years and died An. 932. Onuphr 20. MARTIN the III in 2 years restored some Churches and was bountifull to the poor but he fed not souls neither did Baronius exclude him from the name of Monster 21. AGAPETUS the II was chosen in a troublesom time therefore he sought the aid of Otho as is said before Fasciculus tempor ad An. 964. saith of him and his Successours Holiness left the Popes and went unto the Emperours at this time as is most evident He sate 9 years 7 moneths 22. JOHN the
to his charge seeing no Pagan King hath attempted that against the See Apostolique which he hath not been ashamed to do Hence it appeareth that the Popes were always busie to seek their advantage in troubled waters and sometimes with little speed Whereas before the Sheriff and Bishop kept their Court together King William gave unto the Bishops an entire jurisdiction by themselves to judge all causes relating to Religion This was the first Spiritual Court in England and henceforth the Spiritual Power began to transcend the Secular Courts CENTURY XII CHAP. I. Of EMPERORS 1. HENRY V. after the death of his father inviteth Pope Paschalis to Contentions betwixt the Emperor and Popes come unto Ausburgh for redressing some former tumults Now Paschalis becometh the more haughty and in the way assembleth a Synod at Guardistella where preveening the Diet at Ausburgh he reneweth the Acts of Pope Gregory VII concerning the Investiture of Bishops he setteth up and putteth down Bishops at his pleasure because said he in the casket of the Roman high Priests breast all Laws are contained and now men must speak more considerately with him and account all his words as Laws whatsoever dare lift up it self against the high Priest must be beaten to dust This was strange news unto the Emperor who was confident that the Pope would make no novations without his advice Paschalis got intelligence of this disgust and therefore stayed his journey and appointeth another Synod at Treca intending to accurse the Emperor The Emperor preventeth him and assembleth a Synod at Mentz for staying the Pope's attempts In the mean time Paschalis requireth oath of all the Bishops assembled at Treca that they shall continue constant with the Roman See and he excommunicateth particularly and by name all the Bishops at Mentz On the other side Henry alledgeth that the Scepter was come into his hand from God and therefore according to the custom and Laws of his Ancestors he would not suffer the prerogatives of the Republique to fail in his person but these Popes think on nothing but the ruine of the Empire and the drawing of Christian people under their yoke they had deceived him in his rude and tender years in setting him against his dearest Father and now they conspire against himself nor will they stay their ambition until they have robbed all others of their dignities and honors These and other reasons he caused to be published and concluded thus Albeit I be able both by right and arms to defend all these customs that have been established by so many holy Fathers and maintained through so many ages yet I would willingly acquit my self of the Papal Synods if Monks Priests and Bishops would restore unto me the sinews of the Empire to wit the Revenues Cities Towns Regalities Castles and in a word give unto Caesar what appertaineth unto Caesar and they remain contented with their Tithes serving God and caring for his people Paschalis demandeth that the whole matter continue undiscussed till the next year 1110. and in the mean time that there be no innovation that is the Emperor shall meddle with nothing then in controversie The next year Henry goeth with 30000. horse besides Italians towards Rome wheresoever he came he was received as Emperor At Sutrio the Legates of Paschalis shew him that the Pope is willing to Crown him if he will establish the Liberties of the Church discharge all Laick Investitures and take from the Church all the Dukedoms Marqueships Counties Advocations Coyns Taxes and other Royalties The Emperor consenteth saith Naucler after Gotfred and with joy marched to Rome and kissed the Pope's foot at St. Peters on the steps and went in together When all were set and the Emperor came unto the altar to receive the Communion from the Pope he saith Lord Emperor the body of our Lord that was born of the Virgin Mary and suffered for us on the Cross as the Church believeth I give to day unto thee for confirmation of true peace betwixt me and thee Some days thereafter the Emperor intreateth the Pope that he would not deprive the Bishops who had before received Investiture from him The Pope refuseth they come to hotter words and then was such a stir that if the Emperor had not defended himself with his own hands he had been slain in the end as it pleased God among many Romans that were slain and taken he taketh the Pope and carrieth him out of the City and indenteth with him both for his Coronation and the Investitures in times following especially that all Abbots and Bishops should take their Investiture from the Emperor per virgam annulum and their consecration from other Bishops as formerly and no Bishops shall be consecrated until first they have received Investiture from the Emperor except onely those who formerly were wont to receive Investiture from the Roman Bishop or any other Arch-Bishop Both parties did swear thus As this part of the lively body is divided they were at Mass so let him be divided from the Kingdom of Christ who shall violate these articles The Emperor was crowned in Rome and returned with joy into Germany Within a few moneths Paschalis calleth a Synod at Lateran he revoketh the former articles and affirmeth that agreement to have been made onely for the freedom of some captives and he went about to excommunicate the Emperor wherefore Adelbert Bishop of Mentz and sundry others in Germany rebelled But the Emperor prevaileth and held Adelbert in prison three years In the year 1118. Henry went towards Rome Paschalis hearing that he was approaching and having offended some chief Citizens fled unto Pulia In his absence the Emperor would be crowned again by Maurice Bishop of Bracara to shew unto the world that he acknowledgeth not his Crown to be received from the Pope Then he returned into Germany and Paschalis into Rome where within few days he died Gelasius renewed the sentence against the Emperor wherefore he marched the third time to Rome the Pope flieth and the Emperor causeth to be choose Gregory VIII and recommendeth him unto the family of Frangepanes At this time the Bishops of Germany stir up the Saxons against the Emperor in behalf of Pope Gelasius and then of Calixtus and fought an open battel in February ann 1122. At last Henry despairing of peace unless he would yield unto the proud Prelate he renounceth his former priviledge of Investitures in the time of Calixtus All this time he had hard fortune and did acknowledge Divine Justice in revenging his rebellion against his Father He reigned twenty years and died without succession In the days of Henry IV. Alexius Comnenus was Emperor of Constantinople at first he envied the expedition of the Latins yet their first victory may be under God ascribed unto his aid His Son Calo Johannes was an excellent Prince liberal a lover of justice and victorious in Europe against the Scythians and Huns and in Asia against the Turks and Saracens and
those which fled was Peter Pain who had been a hearer of Wickliff and then went into Bohemia and was sent unto the Councel of Basil where he argued for partaking of both elements and against the Civil Power of the Clergy William White being examined before William Bishop of Norwich An. 1428. did hold as he had also written that by Law Marriage was granted unto all persons of the militant Church but the Pope who is the Antichrist and his Counsellors which are the Clarks of Lucifer have abolished this Law to the undoing of the Priesthood after the loosing of Satan that is after the 1000. years from the incarnation Anno 3. of Henry the V. the Act was renewed against presentations unto Benefices to be purchased from the Pope but under colour of prejudice to the Incumbents in going so far for them but by this Act all presentations from the Pope were annulled An. 1439. under King Henry the VI. Richard Wiche was burnt the next year Eleanora Cobham Dutchess of Glocester was condemned to perpetual imprisonment in the Isle of Man and Robert only a Priest was condemned to death Philip Morice was excommunicated by Pope Eugenius and he appealed unto the General Councel 4. Richard King of England had made Truce with France for 30. years Troubles between France and England these being expired Henry the V. sent unto Charls the VII King of France An. 1415. claiming the Crown of France So Wars began Henry conquered a great part of France In the year 1419. Charls did dis-inherit his son Lewis and then the Kingdom was divided some cleaving unto Lewis who at that time was called King of Vierron because he lived there in Berry Charls agreed with Henry that Henry should take to wife the daughter of Charls and be proclaimed Regent of France and both should keep what they have and after the death of Charls the Crown of France shall remain with Henry and his heirs and that Henry with the Duke of Burgundy should pursue Lewis the Dolphin as an enemy of the Common-Wealth These two Kings died in one year Charls died first and Henry because his son was but eight moneths old ordained his brother Humphrey Duke of Glocester to be Protector of England and the Dukes of Bedford and Burgundy Protectors of France These two had continual Wars with Lewis Henry the VI. was Crowned King of England in the eighth year of his age and at Paris he was Crowned King of France in the tenth year of his age An. 1431. Five years thereafter the Duke of Bedford died and the Duke of Burgundy became an enemy to England then all things in France went backward from England but no cessation of wars untill the year 1475. when King Edward the IV. invaded France and then Truce was made for seven years at that time Lewis gave unto Edward 75000. crowns and 50000. crowns yearly during the Truce Henry the VII renewed the old claim An. 1487. Peace was made An. 1492. on condition that Charls should pay presently a great sum of money and then yearly 25000. crowns in the name of Tribute Tho. Cooper 5. At Saint Andrews Paul Craw was accused An. 1431. for following John Wickliff and Huss namely for denying that the substance of the Bread and Wine is changed or that confession is necessary to be made unto Priests or praiers unto Saints departed When he was condemned they did put a Bull of Brass in his mouth to the end he should not speak unto the people or they should not know for what he was burnt King James the I. then did set himself to reform the abuses that had crept into the Realm under the Reign of Robert the III. and his own captivity in England he made Laws against the disturbers of the common peace and against them who ride with more men then their yearly Revenues may sustain he punished Robbers and Rebels He considered the Clergy and saw that Benefices were not bestowed on learned men but as rewards done unto the Pope or a Bishop And he saw Monks abounding in wealth and more mindfull of their bellies than of books and the Churches served by some begging Friers which were hired by the Titulars to preach now and then and the Beneficed men did never see their Parishes unless it were to crave their Tithes When the King did publickly rebuke such enormities the Bishops answered and the Friers preached Church-men should be left unto the Pope and to God neither are they obliged to answer unto any prophane Magistrate When he could A glimpsâ— of Reformation not amend the present possessours he would provide for the time to come At Saint Andrews he founded some Schools to be Seminaries of all Estates and to the end the Schools should be had in the greater estimation he honoured the Masters with competent maintenance and their meetings and disputes with his Royal presence He gave strict command that the Masters should recommend unto him the most diligent and worthiest Disciples on whom he might bestow the vaking Benefices and he had alwaies by him a role of the recommended Students Likewise he turbed the Monasteries and said King David who erected so many Monasteries was a good Saint to the Church but an ill Saint to the Crown Buchan lib. 10. With consent of all the Estates he made an Act that all the Subjects should be ruled by the King's Laws only In Parliam 3. and if any did fly or appeal from the King's judgment he should be accounted a Rebel and punished accordingly In Parliam 8. James Kennedy Bishop of Saint Andrews was then exemplary he caused all Parsons and Vicars to dwell at their Parish Churches for preaching the Word of God unto their people and to visit them especially in time of sickness He indeavoured to visit all the Parishes within his Diocy four times in the year and inquired in every Parish if they were duly instructed by their Parson or Vicar and if the Sacraments were duly administred if the poor were helped and the young ones instructed in the grounds of Religion Where he found not this order observed he punished the Delinquents severely to the end God's glory might shine throughout his Diocy Ex M. S. histor in Biblioth Edimb 6. James the III. King of Scotland ordained by Act of Parliament An. 1466. that no Commenda old or new should have place within the Realm and that none shall purchase nor accept any Commenda under pain of rebellion otherwise then for the space of six moneths And that no Pension new or old of any Benefice Secular or Religious be sought nor accepted from any person without or within the Realm under the same pain James the III. Parlia 1. Hence we may guess at the abuses of Commendaes and Pensions out of Benefices as certainly complaints have been made at that time against them Here by the way the Reader may inquire what a Of Commenda Commenda is and how it began This we may
of evill that may follow The Pope inclineth the first way and commandeth that all be buried in silence Nevertheless the Cardinall of Capuasent these heads into Germany which some say was done by advice of the Pope to the end many might conceive hope of a Reformation in Rome Pe. Soave ibid. When November was approaching the Pope by his Bull nameth Vicentia to be the place of the Councell and because winter is at hand he nameth the first day of May in the year 1538. to be the first day of assembling At that time he sent his Legats to Vincentia and he went to Nice in Liguria under shew to make concord between the Emperour and Francis but as some said to persuade them both to quit Millain unto his son He dealt with them to send Prelats unto the Councell they had excuses and he was easily contented When he could effectuat nothing he returns and recals his Legates from Vicentia and by his Letters dated July 28. he prorogated the Councell unto Easter in the next year Pope Paul had been oft advised by the Cardinals to accurse King Henry VIII but he judged it safer to keep up his sword than draw it when he knew it could not pierce as certainly it is effectuall according as men do conceive of it But now King Henry had not only beheaded Cardinal Fisher this was an eye-sore to all the Cardinals and published books twice against the Popes authority of calling the Councell but lately also he had summoned Saint Thomas archb of Canterbury who had suffered death in defense of Papall authority and was Canonized by Pope Alexander III. and since the year 1171. had been worshipped in the Romane Church to appeare in Court had condemned him for treason and in pursuite of the condemnatory Sentence had caused the hang-man to take up his reliques and burn them and throwe the ashes into the river and had escheated all the treasure and ornaments that were dedicated unto S. Thomas And the Pope having now some hope by conference with the King of France at Nice that if he had peace with Caesar he wold invade England Upon Decemb. 17. An. 1538. accurseth Henry and ordaines that all his favourers shall be deprived of all honours and goods he commandeth all his subjects that they acknowledge him not as their Lord and all forreiners that they have not any commerce with English men and all Princes to rise in arms against him and take his King om and goods for their prey But what place this curse had it appeares saith Pe. Soave by the Leagues that the Emperour the French King and other Princes made with King Henry not long thereafter When the Pope heard that the Germanes were seeking a Conference of Divines he propoundeth this unto his Consistory and said It was necessary to determine some thing concerning the Councell Some Cardinals said Nothing could be concluded untill the Princes were reconciled Others more politick said There was more danger to be feared from Nationall Conferences than from the Councell and therefote it is more safe not to cast off a Councell but to suspend it at the Popes will indefinitely and so if any danger were appearing from any Nationall Councell or Conference he might prevent it by appointing time and place And so Juny 11. by a published Bull the Councell was suspended til the Pope should appoint time and place In the year 1541. he promised unto the Emperour to hold a Councell the next year and he would send a Legate unto the Diete at Spira to advise of the time and place and he shewed his opinion to name Vicentia He acquaintes the Venetians with this purpose They refuse because they had lately made peace with the Turke and if they consent that the Councell be within their bounds where they will treat of warr against him he will say that they conspire against him When the Emperour came into Italy Paul meets him at Busset by Parma and dealeth with him to give the Dutchy of Millain unto his son's son which had married Margarite the Emperours base Daughter and if he would do this the Pope profered to enter into league with him against France to give 150000. crowns yearly for some years and make some Cardinals of his nomination The Emperour demandeth 1000000. crowns presently and as many within a short space This he refuseth The Emperour spake not of the Councell because he had made it cleare that the stay was not his fault and he thought on other remedies after the warr They parted in shew of friendship but from that time he enclined more to aid France While he is so full of doubts he understandes that the Emperour had made a league with Henry VIII against Francis then he thinks it necessary to joyn with France The Emperour is informed how hardly the Pope had taken with his league sent him answer that Francis had made a league with the Turk and by his aid the Turks Navie had spoiled the sea-townes of Naples and why may he not then make a league of just defence with him who is a Christian albeit he deny the Pope to be the head of the Church yea and with the Popes expresse consent Francis had sought aid of the Protestants which are more adverse unto the Pope than the King of England is The Pope should ex officio have accursed the French King when he heard of his league with the Turke but it is cleare that he is an accepter of persons for when the Turkish Navy did assaile and spoile other parts of Italy they did no harme unto the dominions of the Pope and when they came to Ostia for fresh water and the Romans were amazed at the report thereof the Cardinall of Carpo who at that time of the Popes absence was his Vicar told the Citizens they needed not to feare But it did provoke the Pope yet more that the Emperour would not permit his Legate Cardinall Farnesius to go unto the Diet at Spira and had decreed concerning religion wâ—thout his knowledge yea to the evident contempt of Papall authority And again more that when in September An. 1544. Charles and Francis were reconciled Charles propounded this condition that they should both restore the old religion and amend the Court of Rome whence as from the fountain all these evills had flowed and to this effect they should force the Pope to assemble the Councell But the Pope did not feare their purpose to reform the Court because he knew they had contrary ends and he knew how to divide them when they came to the point and to make his own advantage Only this did vexe him that it shall be said They did force him to assemble a Councell Therefore he resolves to dissemble all his offences and prevented their solicitation by proclaming the Councell at Trent against March 15 and in the same Bull he exhortes the whole Church to give thanks for the peace between the two Monarchs whereby they may the
baptisme pennance and sacrament of the altar little or nothing differing from the Church of Rome 3. he declareth that the cause of our justification is the only mercy of the Father promised freely unto us for his son Christs sake and for the merit of his passion yet good works are necessary with inward contrition charity and other spirituall graces and good motions that is when wee have received remission of our sins or are justified we must give obedience unto God in observing his Law 4. he commandeth pastors to teach their people that images should not be worshipped and are but representers of vertue and good example and therefore no incence knieling nor offering should be done unto them 5. Saints are to be praised or Christ is to be praised in them for their graces and good example that they have left unto us but wee obtain all grace by the only Mediation of Jesus Christ and of none other 6. concerning ceremonies as holy vestures holy water bearing candles on Candlemes-day and some such others he admits them to be good so far as they put men in remembrance of spirituall things but so that they contain in them no power to remit or take a way sin c. There he addeth other iniunctions specially he causethto translate the Bible and commandeth all priests to have a Latine and English Bible lying open in their parish-churches that whosoever pleaseth may read them Then diverse images were demolished An. 1538 especially the most notable stocks of idolatry at Walsingham Worchester ... which had devices to role their â—ies and to stirre other parts of their body and many other false juglings wherewith simple people had been deceived all which was then made known and destroyed Jo. Foxe in Acts. In the same year followeth the ruine of all religious as they had been called houses by advice of the same L-Cromwell Lord of the privy seale So that all friers Nuns and sects of religion were rooted out of England to the number of 645. Abbeys priories and Nuneries and by Act of Parliament their lands did return to the heirs of the first Donours All that time Steeven Gardener Bishop of Winchester so dealt with the king by representing unto him the grudge of his subjects for rejecting the pope and for his dealing toward his wifes he had then married Anna Sister to the Duke of Cleve An. 1539. and for these his late doings that he persuadeth him for taking away suspicion of heresy to consent unto the burning of John Lambert yea Gardener prevaileth so that the king hearkned no more unto L. Cromwell but contrariwise he beheaded him and Walter L. Hungerford July 28 An. 1540. Tho. Cooper He made an Act discharging the Translation of the Bible made by W. Tindall and restraining the authorized Translation with many limitations An. 34. Henr. VIII It came then to passe that the estate of Religion seemed more and more to decay and popish injunctions were authorized establishing Transubstantiation vowes of chastity private Masses and auricular confession and forbidding communion in both kinds and marriage of priests wherefore some said Henry had forsaken the Pope but not popery and he annulled not those former Statutes Such was the craft of the venemous serpent But God raiseth up some good instruments for Thomas Cranmer archb of Canterburry resists Gardener and the Counsel of England was divided some were for the old Religion and some for the Reformed and Statutes of both sorts were in force So in one day at Smith field An. 1541. Gardener with his faction for refusing his articles caused burn three godly men Do. Robert Barnes Tho. Garret Will Jerom priests and Tho Cranmer with his side caused hang drawe and quarter other three Ed. Powell Ric. Fetherston Tho. Abell for denying the kings Supremacy and maintaining the Bishop of Rome's authority Jo. Foxe in Acts. A stranger beholding these said Good God how can men live here on the one side Papists are hanged and on the other anti-papists are burnt The people were brought marvelously into doubt of Religion All the number of them which suffered in England for maintaining Papacy which was called Treason wer 24 persons but of the other sort many were burnt and so many were imprisoned the same year that room could not be found in the prisons of London and many were kept in other houses by intercession of the L. Chanceller Audley many of them were given to the custody of Noble men where they were used favourably In that year Henry was divorced from his fourth wife by Sentence of his Clergy which did hate her for Lutheranisme as they spoke yet with her own consent and within a month he married Catherin Howard a brothers daughter of the house of Norfolk the next year she was accused of adultery with Tho. Culpeper and beheaded in the Tower with Jane Lady Rocheford as accessory unto her deeds After that Henry began to misse his good Counseller L. Cromwell and to perceive the scope of Gardener he wrote unto Archbisbop Cranmer to reforme pilgrimages and idolatry and he permits to eat flesh in Lent pretending a civill respect and the benâ—fite of the people But bloodie Gardener â—easeth not from persecution and burnt in one fire Ro. Testwood Ja. Filmer Jo. Marbeck and Antonie pierson at Winchester An. 1543 and great numbers at Calice amongst whom was the abovenamed Alex. Seton The Commissioners of this bloody Inquisition were restrained by the Lords of parliament An. 1545 that no inditements should be received against any person but by the oaths of 12. men at least of honesty credite and free of malice Item that no person should be put in ward before his enditement were heard judged except at the Kings speciall command Item An. 35. Henr. VIII c. 16. it was enacted that the king should have full authority to appoint 16. of the clergy and 16 of the Temporalty to peruse and examine the canons constitutions and ordinances Provincial and Synodal and according to their discretions with his Royall consent to setle and establish an order of Ecclesiasticall lawes to be observed in time coming in all spirituall courts As these Acts did in some measure shew the mind of the King so Gardener ceaseth not yea he spareth not the godly Lady the Kings sixth wife and sent to apprehend her but by her wisedom and submission unto the King she was saved out of the butchers handes In a word Henry was much led by his Counsellers he died in January 1547. When he saw death approaching he nameth his son Edward to be his heire and failing him he appointeth the Crown unto Mary and failing her unto Elisabeth he appointeth 16. Counsellours as Governours of his son amongst whom were Th. Cranmer and Gardener but afterward he caused to blott out Gardeners name because said he he would trouble all the rest he is of so turbulent a spirit The chieff of these Counsellers was Edward Seymer Earle of Herford uncle to king
and propound unto the King the inconstancy of promises from an hostile king he needs not go into England for any benefite seing he hath enough at home they promise to give him yearly 30000 crowns from the Church and of them which are rebellious against the holy Father the Pope and his lawes he may make unto the Crown yearly above 100000 Crouns if he will authorize such a Judge as they would name to proceed against them Nor can there be any danger in arraigning them seing it is known that they do use the Bible in English they talk commonly of the Popes power they despise the Service of the Church they deny obedience unto sacred persons and are not worthy to live under a king By these persuasions the king gives-over his journey to York Wherefore king Henry was offended and prepares an Army against Scotland and James prepares another to inuade England In time of these levies the Cardinal gives unto the king a catalogue of above 300 persons whom in his inquisition he had appointed unto death but this bloody designe was stayd by that preparation and taken away by the death of the king For the sum of the warrs is when the Scots were past Solvay a gentle man Oliver Sinclare shewes his Commission to be Commander in chieff the Noble men refuse to fight under his command and were taken captives the water flowing they could not return and King James hearing of their overthrow died in sorow within 3. dayes on December 13. year 1542 leaving a Daughter Mary five dayes old to be his heire Then were various discourses what might be the issue of those warrs Every one talkes as he wisheth or feareth Henry calleth for the captives unto White-hall and shewes them how God had offered them a most fit occasion of firme concord if their Queen were contracted with his son They do promise to use their diligence so far as they could without prejudice of the kingdom and their own infamy and so were dismissed in January Buchan Histor Libr. 14. 15. Then the Cardinall had more than hope to be Regent he causeth a Priest Hen. Balfour to write as the Kings last will that he and some others should be Governours and the Queen Dowager favoureth him But these who loved not his Inquisition and others calling to mind the former difficulties of the kingdom in the like case chuseth and declareth February 10. James hamilton Earle of Arran who was one of these whom the Cardinal had appointed unto death and next heire of the â—rown to be Regent during the minority of the infant Queen He had two preachers Thomas Guilliam and John rough sound in religion according to these times The Card. was not content with the Regent nor his preachers he endeavoureth to molest him and to stay the preaching of the Word In March a Parliament was assembled thither Ralph Sadler Ambassadour from England comes for common peace and by the way to put in mind the former captives of their promises The Contract of promise was once concluded but the Qu. Dowager the Card. and the Prelates do so wilfully oppose it that with common voice of the most part the Cardinal was removed and shut up strait in a chamber untill the votes were asked then the marriage was concluded other conditions of peace were penned and pledges were ordained to be sent into England The Cardinal was convoied to Palkeith and there kept as in firme warde by intercession of the Queen he obtaines liberty to go unto Seton and afterwards was set at full liberty In the same The first Pâ—blick step of Reformation Parliament the rigour of Acts against them who have English Bibles was taken off The Prelates did obiect that the Church had forbidden all languages in religion but three Hebrew Greek and Latine The Lords demande When was that inhibition made seing Chrysostom complaines that men will not use the sacred books in their own language The Bishops answer These were Greeks The Lords reply Christ commandeth that his Word be preached unto all Nations and therefore it should be preached in every language which the Nation understands best and if it should he preached in all tongues why should it not be read in all tongues In the end the best part prevailes and liberty was granted to read the Bible and to say prayers in the vulgar language This was not a small victory of the trueth and thereby many simple ones receive information Sundry treatises went abroad against the tyranny and abuses of the Church of Rome and many in forrein Nations praise God for the Regent At that time the New Testament was so unknowen unto the multitude of priests that they were not ashamed to say in their preachings That book was written by Luther Not long after the Abbot of Pasley comes out of France and prevailes so with his brother the Regent that Frier Guilliam and hindred again was put from preaching and went into England and John rogh went to Kyle and all godly men were terrified from Court Likewise the Card. hindereth the sending of the pledges into England and by his meanes and of his complices the Regent was persuaded to alliance with France Yea the craftly insinuations of the Card. and Abbot move the Regent to ren ounce the profession of the Gospell and submit himself unto the Pope Then every thing was done at the nod of the Cardinal many were persecuted of whom some fled and some were burnt as An. 1546. in February Ja. huncer Will. lambe Witanderson and Ja. rannelt burgesses of Sant Iohn stoun because they had eaten a goose on a fryday and a woman because in her travelling she would not call upon Mary John rogers a black â—rier who had faithfully preached the gospell unto many in Anguise and Merns was murdered in the sea-tower of Santandrews and then was thrown over the wall and a report was spred that he had broken his own George VVishart neck In the year 1544. came home that blessed servant of Christ George wishart one of great learning Zeal and modesty as I being young have heard of very antient men he had been Schoolemaster of Montros and there did teach his disciples the new testament in Greek for this fault he was delated unto the Bishop of Brechen in time of the persecution An. 1538. when he was summoned to appear he fled and after sixe years returnes with more knowledge of the trueth and with more Zeall He preached first in Montros within a private house next unto the church except one then in Dundie where by authority of the Card. he was prohibited to preach because the town was so ready to forsake the Word of God for boast of a man he foretold that a scourge was coming shortly upon them From thence he went to Aire and preached in the open fields at the church of Gastoun for he was hindered by the Bishop of Glasgow to preach in a Church There he is informed that within
undique et ano Etpene erupit qui tibi Carle cruor Non tuus iste cruor sanctorum at caede cruorem Quem ferus hausisti concoquere haud poteras III. So soon as Henry king of Poland heard of his Brothers death he Troubles of Henry â— returned privily and quickly and was crowned King of France He renewed the warres against the Reformed Church he took Mons Monmorancy and quartered him for Religion Nevertheless they increased in number for the Duke Alanchon the Kings Brother and the Duke of Condee joyned with them so that a peace was granted and proclamed with liberty of Religion in the year 1576 but that peace endured not long Then Henry king of Navar joyned with the Reformed again yet they were all in great danger in the year 1586. The Pope Sixtus 5. excommunicated the King of Navar and the Prince of Condee and declared them uncapable of the crown of France and ordered King Henry 3. to persue them with arms The King of Navar sent unto Frederik king of Denmark and unto the Princes of Germany for aid They sent their Ambassadors unto the King of France to interceed for the Protestants He returned answer that they should medle with his subiects no more then he did with theirs Wherefore those Princes assembled at Luneburgh where were also the Ambassadors of Navar England Scotland of the Duke of Pomer c. They concluded that the King of Navar should not be forsaken Chytrae Lib. 28. So they sent 5000. horse-men and 20000. foot but unhappily for the Guises and other confoederats in Liga aurea gave them the foil in Lorrain An. 1587. The next year Henry III. understood of the presumption and intention of the Guises and he called a Parliament professing that he would give the chief Commande of his Army against the Hugonots unto Henry Duke of Guise The man doubted of the Kings favor and yet upon those fair words he went unto the Parliament he was killed in his bedchamber and his body was first burnt then his asshes were thrown into Ligeris His brother Lewes a Cardinal was hang'd and his son with some Bishops were imprisoned Within twelve dayes the Queen-mother died through sorow for the death of the Guises Ibid. Behold how God then brought peace unto his Church They who before favoured the Guises secretly do then profess open rebellion against the King the Parisians create Charles Duke of Mayen and Brother of the Duke of Guise to be Governor of Paris and of the Isle of Francia the Sorbonists deny the kings authority and absolve all men from the oath of allegiance Many cities joyn themselves unto Duke Charles to wit Lions Roan Orleance Ambian c. The King assembleth the Nobility he proclames unto all his subiects pardon of all former trespasses if now they shall return into obedience and he threatneth loss of Goods and life if they return not Henry king of Navar craves pardon obtaines it and is made General of the Army against the traitors the Dukes of Mayen and Aumale in Aprile An. 1589. And the same sommer he granted by edict at Nantes Liberty of the Religion liberty unto the Reformed to assemble not only for exercise of their Religion in their churches but also for holding their Synods yearly and so to be free from the jurisdiction of Bishops Which liberty no king of France hath impeded untill this present time and unto all who were under the former Edicts of exile he restored their honors and goods upon their submission Then the followers of Duke Charles called the king an enemy of the Apostolical Roman Church and August 1. new style a Jacobin Monk having purchased leave to deliver a Letter unto the king stabbed him as he was reading the Letter in the belly with a poisoned knife the villan said he was commanded by an Angel to kill the tyrant and his death would bring peace into France The king feared not death at the first and immediatly dispatched Posts to all the chief parts of the realm giving them notice of what was done and exhorting them to constancy and loyalty as is due unto their Soverain Before midnight he apprehendes death and the next day he caused proclaim Henry king of Navar to be his heir After the Henry 4 King of France kings death the Peers of the realm then in the lieger require an oath of the king of Navar to defend the Roman Religion and he swore to maintain even to hazert of his life the Catholick Apostolical and Roman Religion within the kingdom of France and that he will make no change in the exercise thereof and for his own person he will obey the decrees of a godly and lawfull general or National Councel and promiseth to procure it with all diligence and he swear to permit no other Religion but what is already allowed untill peace being restored it shall be otherwise provided and he confirmed all the Officers of State On the other side these and the Ptinces of the blood the other Peers and many others acknowledge Henry 4. king of France and Navar and swear lojalty and fidelity unto him Then both he and they swear that they shall revenge the villanous murder of the late king and the disturbance of the realm against all the rebels Then the Duke Mayen being at that time called Duke of Guise and the king of Spain dealt with the Pope that the king of Navar should not be absolved from the former Sentence and that faction declares Charles Duke de Mayen king of France but the Senat of Paris not admitting that any should be king who were not of the blood royal he was not proclamed there In the year 1593. Henry 4. took his oath to defend the Roman Religion he wrot an abiuration of the doctrine of the Reformed Church and sent it unto the Pope then he received a pardon and the Popes blessing and was absolved in the Church of S. Denis by the arch Bishop of Bourges upon condition to embrace the Acts of the Councel of Trent and to cause them to be observed within his realms to hear Masse to choose Mary for his advocate before God to breed the young Prince of Condee in the Romish religion c. But though for earthly peace he professed Popery yet in the Parliament at Roan An. 1597. he gave liberty of Religion within his dominions One day he said unto a Noble man I saw you tooday at the Masse Yes said the other I will follow your Majesty The King replied But you shall not have the Crown of France for it IV. Some variances arose amongst them of the Augustan Confession The causes of variance amongst the Lutherans 1. Whereas in the year 1547. theâ— were pressed by the book called Interim to accept that article Good works are necessary unto salvation the Divines of â—itteberg for peace sake did yeeld unto it but those of Iena as being more wary thought good to wave that phrase
Writer of the Historie saith lib. 2. there was great contention concerning the Latine Translation and in the end they did conclude that it is to be approved as authentical yet so that they who are more diligent should not be forbidden to quench their thirst out of the Hebrew and Greek Fountains And after that Councel two other Editions were published by Pope Sixtus the V. and Clemens the VIII with infinite alterations as followeth in the 16. Century 11. The Popes did indeavour to take libertie of marriage from the Clergie The single life of Church men is opposed and where they could prevail adulterie and murther of babes was multiplied as is touched In sundrie Nations great opposition was made for Arnulph Bishop of Metensis was the father of Anchises the father of Pipin Britain would not receive this bondage In Creet John a Priest had a wife and therefore was reproved by Pope Vitalian What may I speak of one Greek The Greeks are for the most part married untill this day In the fourth Councel at Toledo Cap. 43. Marriage was approved and Fornication prohibited More of this hereafter 12. Divers Nations then received the faith the Gothi and Suevi in Spain Some Nations hear of Christ forsook Arianism by authoritie of their King Reccared Ghent brake down the Altar of Mercurius whom they had served and began to serve the true God by the preaching of Amand a French-man an 613. who was exiled for reproving King Dagobert of luxurie and venerie Other Flandrians were converted by his Countrie man Aegidius an 649. The sound of the word had been through the world but the Nations persevered not and being instructed but in few persons Paganism continued and the Barbarians disturbing the Realms did also disturb the estate of religion 13. In that Centurie lived sundrie Divines although not equal to their forefathers John Bishop of Alexandria called the Almons an 610. who for Some worthy men his rare example of hospitalitie and bountifulness to the poor is no less worthy to have place amongst good men than he is followed of few He was wont at all occasions to propound unto the people questions out of the Scriptures because multitude of heresies were then on foot and he exhorted the people to propound their doubts unto him If any did presumptuously move curious questions he could cunningly turn to another more profitable When any of the unlearned moved trivial doubts he accepted them calmly and commanded that thereafter such persons should not be admitted to the end others seeing such men checked should be the more wary In the daies of Boniface the IV. John Bishop of Gerunden a Spaniard was instructed at Constantinople in the languages and reading of Scriptures thence he returning into his Countrie did with dexteritie refute the heresie of Arrius and therefore was exiled to Barchinona but after the death of the Arrian King Lemungild he returned and wrote many books Of the same country was Europius Bishop of Valentia worthy of remembrance for godliness of life and sinceritie of faith Then also lived Ildefonsus Bishop of Toledo who as another Augustine is called the Hammer of Hereticks France did never want famous witnesses of the Gospel at that time was the fore-named Arnulph Bishop of Metensis Projectus a Martyr in Aquitania an 610. Eustathius Abb. Luxovien the Disciple of Columban an 624. Modoald Bishop of Trevers Renald the successour of the above-named Amand we have heard of Serenus Bishop of Marsilia where succeeded Projectus who is said to have suffered martyrdom in agro Cameracen an 678. Eustasius a Preacher in Bavier an 640. Lambert Bishop of Tungri was put to death an 658. because he rebuked Pipin for marrying another wife the first being yet alive Dodo the brother of the second wife was the Executioner and shortly thereafter died of vermine Ulfranius Bishop of Senonen hath been a diligent labourer in the Lord's harvest in Frisia an 660. Leodagarius Bishop of Augustodunen suffered death at the command of Theorick King of France because he oft reproved him of tyrannie Victor Bishop of Carthage an 646. writing to Pope Theodore retains the old Titles saying Unto the most blest and honourable Lord his holy brother Theodore Pope the works of your most blessed brother-hood are acceptable unto God c. There he affirmeth that all the Apostles were of equal authoritie and honour 14. Isidorus Bishop of Hispala called the latter did write many books of the Christian faith and the History from Adam untill his own time 624. Isidor Hispalen he hath many errours but in many things is sound In his book de summo bono cap. 28. he saith In the holy Scriptures as on high mountains both the learned find sublimities of knowledge whereunto as Harts they may lift up the steps of their contemplation and the simple men as lesse Wights may find mean things for their capacitie to which they may humbly have refuge the holy Scripture seems unto the babes of understanding to be base in words in respect of the historie but it wadeth more deeply with the more learned opening unto them the mysteries thereof and it remains common to the learned and unlearned Lib. 7. etymolog cap. 9. Peter received his name from the Rock which is Christ on whom the Church is built the Rock hath not the name from Peter but Peter from the Rock therefore the Lord saith Thou art Peter and upon this Rock which thou hast confessed will I build my Church for the Rock was Christ upon which Peter himself was built Lib 8. cap. 5. he noteth it as a fault in the old Catharists that they did glorie in their merits and that they denied forgiveness of sins to the penitent Lib. 6. cap. 19. The Sacraments are baptism and chrism the bodie and blood of Christ Here he nameth but two because the custom was then to anoint them who were baptized De offic lib. 1. cap. 18. Bread because it strengthneth the bodie is therefore called Christ's bodie and Wine because it worketh blood in the flesh therefore it hath relation to Christ's blood these two are sensible but being sanctified by the Holy Spirit are changed into the Sacrament of the Lord's body The Papists now in our daies would gather out of these words Transubstantiation but hereafter God willing it shall appear that neither word nor thing was thought upon in 500. years after that time and Isidore saith Transeunt in Sacramentum And de doctrin fide art 33. saith That marriage is evil or to be compared with fornication and to believe that meat is evil or the cause of evil unto the eaters is not Christian but properly Manichean or Encratitish 15. Agrestin was Clark to King Theodorick and then entred the Abbey Lexovien with all his Wealth he became wearied of the superstitious rites Agrestin and left the Abbey Then he went to Aquileia which for that time was not under the yoke of the Romish Pope and
Lord 600. untill the year 1000. CENTURY X. CHAP. I. Of EMPEROURS AFter the death of Arnulph was great confusion in the Empire the Italians would be at liberty and the The Title of the Emperour depended not on the Pope Germans strove for the honour of their Nation so that Bellarmin de Translat Imper. lib. 2. cap. 2. holdeth that there was no Emperour between Arnulph and Otho the Great because they were not Crowned by the Pope neither went they into Italy But Alb. Crantz in Saxon. lib. 3. cap. 4. saith If he be not Emperour who is not Crowned by a Pope who did Crown Augustus and all the Caesars until Charls the Great He by whom Kings do reign and the mighty discern justice If he be not Emperour who goeth not into Italy let the Constantinopolitans lose their liberty of whom few have seen Italy So also the Emperours of our time he died An. 1517. Wherefore saith he let us not defraud these good Emperours of their own honour we know by what way the Roman Popes have insinuated themselves into that inauguration So far he And seeing the three next Emperours did injoy that Title the Empire was not transferred from France to Germany by the Popes These were Emperours beyond the Alps as the Italian Historians term them The Empire through the last hundred years went by succession and not by election either of Pope or of Princes except that once or twice the right heir was disappointed by their own negligence and the ambition of others saith Crantz loc cit The Italians had their own respects and would hold the Title among themselves yet could never consent in the person of any as followeth The History of this Century is confused as the times were miserable for uncessant Wars were every where wrongs rapines and vices abounded little justice was executed especially in Italy learning decaied charity was not known zeal was gone and the Infidels became strong 2. LEWIS succeded his Father in the Empire of the Germans and Berengarius Troublous times prevailed in Italy but came not into Rome The Hungars a people lately come from Scythia were troublesom to both these Nations and they forced both these Emperours to give them a sum of money yearly Lewis espying the weakness of the Pope and the dissensions in Italy had a purpose to recover it once he put Berengarius to flight and possessed himself of the most part of Lombardy they received him in Belona but laid hands on him unaware and delivered him unto Berengarius who caused his eys to be put out shortly thereafter he died An. 912. In his time the valiant Fernando Consalves made great conquest in Spain against the Sarazens Then contention arose between the French and the Germans for the Empire Lewis King of Provence pretendeth that he is nearest in blood but the German Princes held together and would have chosen Otho Duke of Saxony a valiant and wise man who had married the only daughter of the defunct Lewis but he refused it pretending infirmity in respect of his age and fearing troubles and he perswadeth to chuse 3. CONRADE the I Duke of Franconia the Nephew of the Emperour More troubles Arnulph and brother-son of Lewis He followed the counsel of Otho during his daies In the beginning of his Reign Saba King of the Mores by the procurement of Constantine Emperour of Constantinople came into Italy and occupied Palia Calabria and all the Kingdom of Naples to the small advantage of him who had inticed him neither could they be expelled because of the seditions amongst Christians every where Especially when Otho was dead Conrade was molested by his son Henry pretending that the Empire did by line belong unto him Conrade sent his brother against the Saxon who was overthrown then he repaired his Army and sent Embassadours unto Henry requiring him to submit upon honourable conditions Henry would hear of no Treaty Then Conrade fell sick and feeling death approach he perswaded his brother Eberhard to submit unto Henry and sent him unto him with the Crown Imperial Robe and other ornaments An. 920. Naucler Constantine yet reigneth in Constantinople and Berengarius the II was called Emperour of Italy although he had but Lombardy with great difficulty Pet. Mexia Histor 4. HENRY the I coming to the Empire partly by succession and partly by voluntary resignation with consent of the Subjects did refuse to be Henry is peaceable and victorious Crowned by the Pope or as Crantz in Saxon. lib. 3. cap. 4. saith not that he despised it but in modesty he did decline it neither did he need the consent of the Princes but because he was desirous of peace he would ex abundanti assemble a Diet that he might Reign with universal consent He applied himself to set Germany in peace and above all to assure the high-waies from Robbers as usually they are frequent in time of wars Several rose against him but were suppressed Arnold Duke of Bavier before this had lived in Hungary as in exile now he returneth with the Hungarians he usurped the Title of Emperour When both Armies were ready to join Henry called him to a parley and by perswasion overcame him which haply he could not have effectuated by Arms and Arnold became obedient Then Rodulph Duke of Burgundy called himself Emperour of Italy as followeth He overthrew Berengarius and caused him to fly so that he died without recovering his dignity Rodulph had no great mind to resist the Hungars which were sent for by Albert Marquess of Tuscany against Pope John the XII and they took both lands and life from Albert and moreover did wast other parts of Italy Therefore the Italians did invite Hugh Duke of Orleance he subdued Rodulph and conquered more in Italy then any other of these late Emperours and kept peace with Germany Henry had wars with the Hungars and was glad to have truce with them for nine years In the mean time he overcame the Bohemians and brought them under the Empire as also he overthrew the Vandals about Brandeburgh and gave their lands unto his Field-Marshal with the Title of Marquess Alb. Crantz li. cit c. 8 9. He overthrew the Sclavonians by the Beltick Sea and returned with much spoil When the nine years truce was expired he obtained so great a victory against the Hungarians that all the Princes of Christendom sent unto him with congratulation Then he intended to recover Italy from Hugh and the Sarazens but was visited with sickness and declared his son to be his Successour An. 937. At this time Constantine was dead who had many times fought with the Sarazens in Asia and with the Bulgarians the Russians had brought a thousand Ships through the Euxine Sea and were discomfited by him His father-in-law Romanus was partner of the Empire with him 26 years and then another Romanus succeeded unto his father Zonar 5. OTHO or Otto the I was Crowned at Aken by the Bishop of Mentz
Princes and they will sit as Monarchs now they give Laws concerning Civil things they do raise seditions and depose Princes now they lead Armies and impose Taxes now they have no care of religion unless some witness of the Truth dare open his mouth against the waxing errours or unless some ceremonies serve for advancing the Papal grandure or seem expedient to draw money unto their See as will be manifest especially after the year 1070. 2. HENRY the II. Duke of Bavier and Nephew of Otho the I. was chosen Bishops are States-men Emperour by the Princes Electours according to their new authority An. 1002. This was the first time that Bishops had a voice in the election of the Emperour and hence it came that they sit in the Imperial Diet and in some other Nations Bishops are Parliamentary Lords Henry was so distracted with wars against Robert King of France and then against Bodislaus King of Bohemia for the space of 10. years that he could not go to Rome After his Coronation there he conquered Calabria and Pulia unto the Empire from the Calisti that is the Deputies of the Greek Empire Shortly thereafter the Normans entred into Pulia and were partners with the Greeks against the Germans and thereafter became Lords of both Sicilies Henry gave his sister in marriage unto Stephen King of Hungary on condition that he would be a Christian He held a Synod at Frankford of which Dithmar lib. 6. and after him Ph. Mornay in Myster say A general Synod is assembled at Frankford and visited by all the Bishops on this side of the Alps Willegisus was Moderator and no word of the Pope In the year 1024. Henry fell sick and intreated the Electours that they would chuse Conrade Duke of Suevia or Franconia to be his Successour The two brothers Basilius and Constantine had now reigned 50. years together but Basilius was the worthier and had the greatest sway and died three years before Constantine who then did reign vitiously and before his death he ordained his son-in-law Romanus Argyropolus to be his Successour 3. CONRADE the II. was pronepnoy of Conrade the I. He was called Emperour and was not chosen for two years thereafter because of discord among the Electours and then were sundry Competitours as Conon Uncle of the late Henry And many did claim liberty upon occasion of the interreign He calmed all these troubles by his prudence and without blood-shed He went into Italy with a great Army and subdued Millain and at Rome was Crowned by Pope John the XXI with great applause of the people When he returned into Germany he was necessitated to go back into Italy because several Cities did revolt he inflicted severe punishments on the offenders and arriving at Rome he releeved Pope Benedict as followeth Then he did visit all the Lands of Italy belonging unto the Empire or Church without resistance and returned with Triumph into Germany where he thought to live in Peace but within few daies he died An. 1040. Romanus proved a most valiant Prince at first but following the waies of covetousness he was hated in the sixth year of his Reign his wife Zoë procured his death that she might marry Michael Calaphatus he ruled the Empire 7. years and defended it valiantly against the Sarazens in Asia in Syria and on the frontiers of Phoenicia After him Zoë married a fourth husband Constantine Monomachus he was a vitious man and the Sarazens prevailed in Asia the less After him and the death of Zoë her sister Theodora reigned two years so happily that great lamentation was for her death After her within three years were three Emperours to wit Theodora had named an old man Michael Stratiotes Isaac Comnenus rebelled against him and the people receive him but he was taken away by death and when he was sick he named Constantine Duca 4. HENRY the III. called The Black was chosen Successour to his father not without difficulty for the Pope and some Electors did alledge it is dangerous if the son did succeed unto his father but they yeeld for his valour He purchased great honour in subduing the King of Bohemia the Duke of Lorain and in restoring Peter King of Hungary against an usurper Andrew In his time were many Popes of no authority and their lands were taken by others without resistance Henry had wars with Henry King of France to him the Emperour presented to decide the controversie hand to hand that no more innocent blood might be spilt at a parley they do agree In the end of his Reign God sent on the earth for the sins of men famine sword and pestilence The Emperour through heaviness contracts sickness and caused the Electours to swear unto his son not yet baptized as King of the Romans and he died An. 1057. In Greece Constantine was so hated for covetousness that the Subjects would not make resistance against the Infidels conquering many Towns in Asia he died in his 7. year His sons were young and the Empress Eudocia took upon her the government Because the Infidels prevailed the Princes caused her to take Romanus Diogenes for her husband he proclaimed himself Emperour and went against the Sarazens and after divers chances was taken An. 1072. Axan the Sultan laid him at the foot of his Throne and stepped up and down upon his body and thereafter sent him home with promises of mutual alliance between their children The Greeks judge him unworthy of the Empire and Crowned Michael son of Duca He picked out the eys of Diogenes and made him a Monk The Turks still do prevail in the Eastern parts of the Empire therefore Michael was deposed in the 7. year and Nicephorus an old man was chosen Alexius Comnenus Michael's brother thrust him forth and reigned 27. years 5. HENRY the IV. was chosen successour to his father because he was so young and there was peace in the Empire the government was committed unto his mother Agnes by consent But the Princes began to be weary of a How to deal with the Popes womans government and would have him to take the power into his own hand while he was but young and then all was done as the Princes would but when he came to riper years he ranversed many of their deeds Vita Henr. in fascic rer On the other side they were offended and began rebellious attempts so that he was forced to take up Arms and especially against the Saxons He was neither unlearned nor peevish yet had so bad luck that whosoever took up Arms against him was thought to do religiously Guil. Malmsb. de gest Angl. lib. 3. He was given to venery but otherwise was wife religious eloquent liberal to the poor and would not willingly be subject unto any power He had continual jars and wars with the Popes through the wicked pride of Hildebrand By the way Princes may learn how to deal with the Popes he that stands in aw of their curse shall be a slave to their
Blond He first did exclude the people of Rome from the election of the Pope and so did restrain it unto the Clergy only He was wont to say The people must follow and not precede By him as saith Fascic tempor the Feast of all Souls The Feast of all Souls next after the Feast of all Saints was brought into the Church An. 1004. by the advice of Odilo Abbot of Cluniak who thought that Purgatory was under the Mount Aetna and being in Sicily dreamed that by his Masses he had delivered many souls from thence and said also that he heard the voices of Divels lamenting for the loss of the souls which were taken from them by Masses and Dirges M. Fox in Acts mon. citeth Bakenthorp in Prolog 4. li. senten qu. 10. John sate 5. months and was poisoned by his Clergy 3. JOHN the XX. alià s XVIII by prodigious Arts attained the See of the Satanical Papacy Benno He considered into what difficulties his predecessours had intangled themselves and willingly took ease to himself he died not without suspicion of poison in the 4. year Benno saith within one year The years of many of them are reckoned variously 4. SERGIUS the IV. was a man of most holy life before he was Pope saith Naucler and sate 2. years But Benno reckoneth him in the same category with the others and saith he sate 3. years he died An. 1012. when Italy was wasted with famine and pestilence 5. BENEDICT the VIII was a Hawk of the same nest the Cardinals conspired against him and set up another he prevailed by the weight of his purse and had a good friend of the Emperour Henry the II he sate 11. years After his death he appeared unto Odilo riding on a black horse Odilo had Reasons for Purgatory and prayer for the dead been familiar with him but then he was afraid and asked Art thou Pope Benedict which is dead He answered I am that unhappy Benedict O Father saith the Abbot how go all things with thee He said I am tormented but I may be helped go therefore to my brother John who now is in my place and bid him give unto the poor the Treasure which lieth hid in such a place and he named it Then he appeared unto Pope John saying I have hope to be delivered but oh that Odilo of Cluniak would intercede for me Platin. But Fascic temp hath more of their discourses Behold with what delusions Satan did then deceive the World that he might establish his Kingdom and this is a sure ground forsooth for the doctrine of Purgatory and praier for the dead 6. JOHN XXI alià s XIX was the son of Gregory Bishop of Portuen and succeeded as it were heritably unto his brother for he was not entred into Church Orders saith Platin. Baronius saith That unworthy man entred unworthily and came into that Seat tyrannically and by evil means for all things were then done at Rome by Enchanters and Necromancers Theophylact Io. Gratian Laurence Brazut c. Nevertheless saith he his life was wondrously approved by the Romans but he shewed not his vertues possibly he understands the yearly alms which he injoined to Princes and some Masses unto Priests and fasting on Saturday unto people and the Canonizing of Saint Romwald and Saint Martial and the Feasts of John Baptist and Saint Laurence all these had their beginning from him Nevertheless Baronius saith That unworthy man is in the lowest Purgatory he sate 8. years and died in the 25 year after his Master Gerbert saith Benno 7. BENEDICT the IX was made Pope An. 1033. although he was not above 12. years of age for Albericus Marquess of Tuscia would not suffer that Chair to be taken from his house therefore by bribery he thrust in his son a Tyrant a Monster and Opprobry of the Church Baron ad An. 1033. § 6. Car. Benno saith He was given to Necromancy and doctrine of Divels and he named his Masters In the woods and mountains he caused women to run after him whom by Magical Arts he forced unto his wicked lusts His own books saith the Cardinal that were found in his house after his death bear witness of his Arts and it is notoriously known by every boy Platina saith He was thought unworthy of his place and therefore he was deposed But Benno and others say that he with Laurence and others his companions had plotted to deprive Henry the III. and gave unto Peter King of Hungary the Title as he sent unto him a Crown with this verse Petra dedit Romani Petro tibi Papa Coronam Whereupon followed an open battel between Godefrid Duke of Lorain General unto Henry the III. and the same Peter In the first fight Peter was taken and Henry made hast towards Rome The Pope was afraid and sold his Chair unto the above-named Io. Gratian afterwards Gregory the VI. for 1500. pounds of gold As for his death Platina saith he was condemned by the judgment of God Benno saith he was stranglâ—d by the Divels in the woods Platina addeth It is certain his Image appeared very monstrously he was like to a Boar in body to an Ass in head and tail and the man who did see him was an Eremite and did ask how he had been so metamorphosed He answered Because in my life I lived like a Beast without law and reason and without God and now I must wander in this shape at the will of God and of Saint Peter whose See I have defiled Fascic temp This is a sure proof to reverence Saint Peter's Chair This Pope sate 10. years or 12. years as Onuphrius or 13. years as Fascic temp 8. GREGORY the VI. attained the See by money as it is said and not by election nevertheless Gregory the VII acknowledged him for Pope because he did confirm his Acts and called himself the seventh of that name and his successours to the number now of fifteen In his time were three Popes Three wicked Popes together together for Benedict seeing that the Clergy would not consent unto his bargain and so it was not like to take effect did claim his former right Gregory would not renounce his possession The Authour of Fascic tempor saith Because Benedict was ignorant he caused the consecration of another Pope to say Mass for him which did not please many therefore a third was chosen who alone might discharge the duties of the two This was Sylvester the III. who had his Manour at Saint Maria Major Benedict in the Lateran Palace and Gregory at Saint Peters Baronius saith plainly Rome was at that time a beast with three heads which came out of Hell And therefore saith Platin. by the prayers of the best sort the Romans sent for Henry the III. An. 1047. and an Eremite writ these lines Imperator Henrice Nupsit tribus maritis Omnipotentis vice Dissolve connubium Vnica Sunamitis Et triforme dubium Vsser de success Eccles cap. 4. ex Gregor Heimburg in Confutat
they have done if they had lived in the days of Domician Decius c. Avenii lib. cit who recordeth many other Synods condemning that faction As also Sigebert a Monck of Gemblac who hath continued the Epitome of Jerom and hath briefly written the History of the Church from the year 381. untill 1112 there he noteth many errors of the Popes namely That they presume to absolve Subjects from their Allegiance unto their Princes He saith of them False Prophets false Apostles and false Priests have arisen who deceive the People with a false Religion and dare advance themselves above all that is worshipped while they seek to establish their own power and dominion they have put away Christian charity and simplicity 13. When Bishops and Priests became Monarchs some Monarchs became Reformation of some Countreys Pastors as Olaus King of Norway and Steuchilus King of Sweden taught their Subjects the Word of God Herman Contractus Count of Vering infirm in body was admired in the knowledge of the Greek Arabick and Latin tongues singular in Philosophy especially Astronomy Rhetorick Poesie and Divinity Jo. Lampad in Mellifi remembreth also that some Germans were then persecuted for denying Purgatory the bodily presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the worship of Images Ecbert a Monck wrote against them and contemptuously called them Cathari or Puritans the Emperors also and the Popes made Constitutions against them The People Heneti were compelled to receive Bishops and Priests in the days of Otho I. but after his death they killed the Bishops they threw down the Churches and returned to Idolatry Henry III. restoreth the Christian Religion and erecteth Bishopricks among them Io. Pap. in Hist Convers After the death of Steven King of Hungary were sturrs there for many years in the year 1045. the Princes of the Kingdom being vexed by the severity of King Peter sent for Andrew Bela and Leventa which were of the kinâ—ed of Steven and banished into Bohem and Poland The King understanding this Plot did cause to be hanged Viâ—ca Bua and Buchna three chief men and punished others cleaving unto them other ways For this cause the Nobles convening at Canad sent for Andrew and Leventa again with solemn promises and oath to bring the Kingdom into their obedience So soon as they came all the People came unto them at Novum Castrum demanding first to permit the People to live after the ancient way of their Fathers in Paganism to kill the Bishops and Clergy to forsake Christianism and worship their Idols which was granted The chief of them Vacha began in the Castle Belos and his Son gathereth Socerers and Soothsayers by whose inchantments he purchaseth the Peoples favor Then the People threw down the Churches and killed all the Latin and Dutch Priests cruelly Likewise Andrew and Leventa levieth an Army against the Christians And four Bishops Gerard Bistrit Buld and Beneth and Zehung Count of Alba meet together in the Church of God where Gerard saith Brethren fellow Bishops and other believers here present we shall to day go with the Crown of Martyrdom unto our Lord Jesus Christ for this night I saw the Lord Jesus Christ communicating unto us the Sacrament of his body and blood After Mass they went with the King and his Army and were killed at Pesch and the King was taken and brought to Alba where he died ann 1047. Then Andrew was crowned and so soon as he was free from enemies he enacted a Law That all Hungarians should renounce Paganism under pain of death and himself did profess the faith in Christ Nevertheless the Emperor Henry went down the Danube with a great Army and besiedgeth the Castle Pesch some Hungarians in the night-time boareth all the Emperor's Ships under the water and drowned them so that the Army was weakened Naucler Gener. 35. And in Gener. 36. he shews how the Emperor sought peace and hardly obtained it for continuing peace they did agree that Solomon King Andrew's Son should marry Sophia the Emperor's Daughter But then Bela the King's Brother made a new insurrection and by help of the Polonians invades the Kingdom and prevails so that Andrew was killed and Solomon fled into Germany and Bela was crowned at Alba Immediately he calleth a Parliament for setling and ordering the Kingdom Many of the common People especially the Countrey men say unto the King Grant unto us to live after the maner of our Fathers in Paganism to put away Bishops and Priests and to retain our Tithes and to lay waste the Churches The King was amased and craves a delay for three days On the third day the chief of the multitude come for the answer At the King's command Soldiers fall upon them and then invade the multitude and when some of them were killed others cry for mercy and renounce Paganism By conferring the former part with this it appears that two things especially did hinder the Reformation of the Heathens at that time to wit They had Latin Priests who did the Service in an unknown language and they took it ill to be burthened with payment of Tithes and moreover Religion was pressed upon them by the sword In time of the wars twixt the Emperor Henry and the Saxons Mistiwoi a Prince of the Wandals did so approve himself unto D. Bernard that he did espouse unto him his Sister Before the day of marriage Tiaderik a Marquess said unto the Duke It was a base thing to give such a Lady unto a dog So soon as this was reported unto Mistiwoi he said Are we then dogs is this the reward of our trouble if we be dogs we will let them feel our madness The Wandals then renounce Christianity and profess hostility against Christians at Aldenburgh they made their sport with sixty Priests they destroy Hamburgh and the Bishop Benno escapes with his life they expel the Marquess of Brandeburgh out of all his Lands Duke Bernard levieth an Army against them and the Emperor sent aid unto him In this fight Mistiwoi was killed and the Wandals were brought into payment of their former tribute But for eighty years they were not sincere in Religion saith Al. Crantz in Saxo. li. 4. c. 34. In the days of the Emperor Conrad Mistiwoi Duke of Poland did renounce the faith and raising an Army made great havock in Germany twixt the Rivers Sala and Albe destroyed many Churches and Monasteries and killed many thousand men When he heard that the Emperor was preparing against him he returns with his spoil Loc. cit c. 36. 14. About the year 980. Theodor Bishop of Antioch besought the Emperor Of the Manichees John Zimisca to remove the Manichees who called themselves Cathari and Pavacimi into some remote place because they overspread all and infected many with their Heresies The Emperor transports many of them into Philippopolis in Thracia where Alexius Commenus Emperor in the days of Henry IV. caused dispute with them and by information did prevail with many of them
Rome Matth. Paris loc ci and he sent unto Sifrid Bishop of Mentz commanding him to publish the sentence of the Roman Consistory against Otho throughout all Germany and charge all the Cities that they do not acknowledge him Sifrid delayed no time But immediately Henry Count Palatine of Rhene the Duke of Brabant and other Princes and Barons levy an Army against Sifrid and forced him to leave his Bishoprick and hide himself in Thuringia where the Count did as yet cleave unto the Pope When Otho understood of this stir in Germany he did return quickly and notwithstanding the Pope's curse was received as Emperor and calleth a Diet at Norinberg An. 1212. about Whitsunday where he declareth the manifold fraud of Innocentius and how unjustly he had accursed him and then said Be of courage you Princes unto you belongeth the charge of this Kingdom and the administration thereof I say unto you belongeth every disposition of the Teutonick Kingdom and to provide for every thing therein it is in your power and not in the power of the Pope to create or forsake an Emperor it is your part to calm the troubles if any shall arise within the Empire therefore ye Princes and Nobles maintain your rights and shew your power for your Nation and Imperial Laws lest if ye do it not ye be deprived of Empire and patrimony c. By these and such other words they resolve to levy immediately an Army and first to invade Thuringia Io. Naucler gener 41. In the year 1214. Innocentius causeth Frederick to be elected which now had been well bred in literature and Otho thought to have hindered the election but the Princes some for envy of his puissance and some for affection to the former Emperor and some addicted unto the Pope fell from him therefore he retired into Saxony until he gathered a new Army he made some attempts but in vain and died An. 1220. 3. FREDERICK the II. left Germany in peace and went to be confirmed at Rome He gave unto Pope Honorius the County of Funda and other great gifts even a rod to break his own head and he confirmed the Act Whosoever continued a year under excommunication shall be guilty of proscription and shall not be absolved until he make satisfaction unto the Pope In recompence of these gratitudes and obeysance when two Counts in Tuscia Thomas and Richard did rebel against the Emperor the Pope maintained them and absolved them from their allegiance and because Frederick did expostulate Honorius the Pope thundereth a curse against him Some Bishops conspired with the rebels and the Emperor accused and pursued them for treason They run to Honorius He sent a Nuntio unto the Emperor and commandeth to restore the Bishops and dischargeth him that he meddle not with Church-men The Emperor could not endure such imperiousness and said How long will the Bishop of Rome abuse my patience when will his covetous heart be satisfied go tell him that I have as great prerogatives as my Father Henry and Frederick my Grand-father and that I will rather hazard my Crown then suffer him to empair my authority seeing every Prince in France Spain England c. hath the nomination of their own Prelates Pe. Mexia But Platina saith The cause of this excommunication was when his Mother died which held him within bounds he began to vex the Church Lands But it is certain by sundry Histories that his Mother died in the beginning of Innocentius In his time came John de Bregna King of Jerusalem into Italy for aid against the Turks he made reconciliation betwixt the Pope and Emperor and gave his onely Daughter Jole unto the Emperor then a widower with the Title King of Jerusalem for this cause the Kings of Sicily were called Kings of Jerusalem for a long space Then Frederick did intend to go into Asia yet because he delayed Pe. Mexia saith the truce which John had made with the Sultan for ten years was not yet expired the Pope did intend some great thing against him but was taken away by death When Gregory was installed Jole was brought to Rome to be married and when the Pope held out his right foot unto the Emperor to kiss it he scarcely touched his knee but would not bow unto the foot P. Mexia The Pope was not well pleased he dissembleth for a time but intendeth to revenge So after some moneths he chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia according to his vow but intendeth to deprive him of the Empire Frederick suspecteth it and delayeth the longer till he heard that the Christians in Asia were utterly distressed then he assembleth his Nobles at Cremona and causeth his Son Henry to be created Caesar and sent him to perswade the Princes to send aid unto his expedition An. 1226. At this time the Lombards had made a league with other Cities of Italy by suggestion of Pope as is believed saith Naucler Honorius against the Emperor which league continued many years to the great prejudice of the Empire and manifest hindering of the expedition An. 1227. Pope Gregory again chargeth the Emperor to go into Asia Frederick writeth unto his Son to conveen the Princes again and nameth the time when they should make their rendezvous at Brundusio The Emperor becometh sickly nevertheless he sailed with his Army into Creta and there being hindered by sickness he sent his Army forward and returned himself into Pulia Then the Pope excommunicateth him the Papalines say because he had murthered Jole and others speak of other pretexts but P. Mexia and Blondus say that Jole died after this curse Immediately Frederick sent to Rome offering to clear himself but his Ambassade was not admitted Therefore the Emperor sent Letters throughout the Empire and to other Princes shewing how wonderously he was excommunicated and how presumptuous and covetous the Church of Rome was become even the mother of all mischief Unto Otho Duke of Bavier he wrote thus The high Priests of Rome do now affect not onely dominion but God-head for they will have all men to fear them more then God and it is sure that there be many Antichrists among them neither hath Christian Religion any such adversary that man which is called the Pope abounding in wealth to the great prejudice of piety thinketh after the maner of Tyrants that he may do as he listeth and is answerable to none as if he were God what is proper unto God he vaunteth of himself that he cannot err he requireth both impudently and imperiously all men to believe that he cannot be guilty of a lye Avent Annal. lib. 7. And unto Henry the III. King of England he wrote The Church of Rome is become so avaricious that they are not content with the goods of the Church but they will have the inheritance of Emperors Kings and Princes and make them all tributaries as Henry hath experience and the Earl of Tolouse whom the Popes binde with excommunication till they bring them into
Edward and Zealous of the Reformed religion Henry would not suffer Gardener to come into his presence in time of his sicknes but called oft for Cranmer to receive spirituall confort Jo. Foxin Acts. Great joy was among the Fathers at Trent and Rome when they heard of his death Pe. Soave But they where disapointed as followes IV. Pope Paul seeing that England had left him and fearing the like departure â— Light persecution continue in Scotland of Scotland creates David beton one which was not entred into the order of priesthood Cardinal S. Stephani de Monâ—e Coelio and sent him as his Legat to prevent defection Strict inquisition was made at his command in the year 1538. many both in Edinburgh and Sant Andrewes for fear did abjure the reformed Religion Notwithstanding his opposition the light of the Trueth spreads in the cloisters and the Friers preach against the ignorance and malice of the Bishops In February 1538. the bishops held a meeting at Edinburgh There two Friers Killore and Beverage two priests Duncan Simson and Thomas Forrest and a gentle man Tho. Forrester were condemned and burnt upon the Castle-hill Thomas Forrest had been Vicar of Dolor and was delated unto the Bishop of Dunkell for preaching every sunday to his parishoners upon the Epistles Gospels of the day the Bishop desireth him to forbear seing that diligence brought him into suspicion of heresy but said he if you can find a good Gospell or a good epistle that makes for the liberty of the holy Church teach that and leave the rest Thomas answereth I have read both the New testament and the old and I never found an ill epistle or an ill gospell in any of them The Bishop replieth I thank God I have lived well these many years and never knew the old nor new I content mee with my Portuise and Pontificall and if you leave not those fantasies you will repent when you can not mende it He answered he thought it his duty to do as he did and had layd his account with any danger that may follow The sommer following Jer. Russell a gray frier and Thomas Kennedy a young man of Aire not above 18 years of age were at Glascow accused of heresy because the Bishop Gawin Dumbar was thought cold in the business Mrs John Lawder And. Oliphant and frier Maltman were sent from Edinburgh to assist him The young man would have saved his life by denying the pointâ— layd to his charge but when he heard Russel's answers he falls upon his knees and saith Wonderfull o Lord is thy love and mercy towards mee a miserable wretch for even now I would have denied thee and thy son the Lord Jesus Christ my only Saviour and so have thrown myself into everlasting condemnation thou by thy own hand hast pulled mee back from the bottom of hell and given mee to feell most heavenly comfort which hath removed the ungodly fear that before oppressed my mind now I defy death do what yee please I praise God I am ready The Frier reasoneth a long time with his accusers and when he heard nothing from them but bitter and menacing speeches he said This is your houre and power of darknes now yee sit as Judges and we stand and wrongfully are condemned but the day comes which will shew our innocency and yee shall see your own blindness to your everlasting confusion go on and fulfill the measure of your iniquity At these words the Bishop was moved and said These rigorous executions hurt the cause of the Church more than wee think of and therefore in may opinion it were better to spare the mens lives and take some other course with them These which were sent to assist said If he will follow any other course than which had been kept at Edinburgh he could not be esteemed a friend of the Church So he consentes to their cruelty All the time the fire was a preparing Rusell comforts the young man and useth such speeches Fear not brother for he is more mighty which is in us than he who is in the world the pain which wee shall suffer is short and light but our joy consolation shall never have an end death can not destroy us for it is destroyed already by him for whose sake wee suffer let us strive to enter by the same straite way which our Saviour hath taken before us The hearers were wonderfully moved with these and such words and seeing their constancy Spotswo in the Histo Lib. 2. At that time Geo. Buchanan was imprisoned for his poësie written against the Franciscans but he escaped out of prison The Bishops intend to use the like cruelty in all parts of the realme nevertheless day by day not only the learned but even those of whom such gifts could scarcely have been expected began plainly to paint forth the hypocrisy of friers and ignorance of priests Bishop Beaton becomes sick and commits his charge to his nephew the Cardinal which did succeed him At his first entring to shew his grandure he calleth to Sant Andrews in Maje 1540. eight Earls Lords 5 Bishops In May Anno 1540. 4 Abbots with a great number of Barons Priours Deans and Doctours and sitting in a chaire somewhat above them all because he was a Cardinal he speaks of the danger of the Catholick Church by the increase of hereticks and their boldnesse even in the Kings Court where they finde too great countenance He named Sir John Borthwick commonly called Captain Borthwick and some call him Provest of Lithgow whom he had caused to be summoned for dispersing the English New Testament and books of Jo. Oecolampade Melanthon and Erasmus and for maintaining diverse heresies and the Cardinal craves their assistance in proceeding in justice against him Among other articles these were read 1. The Pope hath no greater authority over Christians then any other Bishop hath 2. Indulgences granted by the Pope are but to deceive poor souls 3. bb priests and other clerks may lawfully marry 4. the heresies commonly called the heresies of England and their new liturgy is commendable and should be embraced c. He appeares not and is condemned for these particulars as an heresiarch and is ordained to be burnt in effigie if he can not be apprehended He sled into England and King Henry imploieth him in a commission to the Protestant Princes in Germany for a confoederation in defense of their common profession Some years preceeding King Henry had sent the Bishop of S. Davids with some English books unto his nephew K. James aiming to induce him unto the like Reformation and in that year he craves a meeting at York to treat of the common good of both kingdoms The King was advised by the Nobility to prepare for that journy and he returnes answer that he will come But the Cardinal and clergy fearing the effects of that Conference set themselves against it they cast the seed of discord among the Counsellers
there of but only to advise upon their own grievances and to maketheir addresses unto his Maâ— to supplicat his protection Then the Messinger threatned the town that they had received these men It was answered The town is patent unto Jewes and heathens and far less could those noble men he hindered to enter But a Messinger of the b. of Cujaw spoke more menacingly and said It was his Priviledge to preserve Religion to call and moderate Synods They answerd Albeit the bishop hath no jurisdiction over them neither are they obliged to giue him account of their actions nevertheless to satisfy his curiosity they declare this to be the cause of their meeting 1. that if any difference were among those of their Confession either in doctrine or in disorderliness of manners it may be composed orderly and so they might continue peace among themselves as we find in the Acts that the Apostles had their meetings upon the like occasions 2. Because they had suffered most grievous injuries from their adversaries by burning their churches killing some and most shamefully drawing others out of their graves they had assembled to bewail their calamities and to advise upon a way of peace and savety hereafter but it seemes that the priests would not suffer them to bemoan their miseries And if the Bishop pleaseth he may come into the town with as many as he willeth as for them they will not medle with his consulations When these Messages were done they consulted upon these propositions and first they all did subscribe the consent of doctrine as it was done at Sendomiria and because heretofore they had followed different forms of confession some the Augustan some the Bohemian and others the Helvetian now to remove all differences and namely that of the sacrament they vnanimously agree to teach heerafteraccording to the Augustan confession which was written in the year 1552. and if any manshall write teach or speak other wise or accuse any or embracing this consent he shall not be accounted as a brother of the Polonian Church Then they did accorde upon some articles of Church-discipline and to erect a publick School by contribution of the Nobility 2. They sent two Palatini of Minsk and Leszink with others to represent unto the King how their churches were demolished in Cracow Posnania and Vilna many dead were pulled out of their graves and some Noble men were shutt at posts they name Bonar and a Lady Zeczulmuzka and that the Jesuits do instruct the people in the villages to kill their Masters of the Evangelical profession promising unto them not only immunity but large rewards yea they entice the women to murder their own husbands and to supplicat his Majesty that he would protect his faithfull servants and subjects provide for common peace of religion according to his coronation-oath and not suffer himself to be deceived by those strangers the Iesuits who are banished out of France and disturb other Nations Dau. Chytrae in Chronic. Saxonic Osiander addeth These Messingers received not a gracious answer This King Sigismund married the sister of Ferdinand Duke of Austria and after her death he married her sister by dispensation of the Pope XII Here is a Letter sent by the Emperour Rodolph unto Theodor A letter shewing the condition of several Nations at that time geat Duke of Moscove in the year 1595. hinting at the estate of the most part of Europe at that time His preface is that he had heard read unto him with great joy the Duk 's Letters sent by his Embassador Michael Juvanouviz by which as also by the report of his Ambassador he understood his good will in sending with a Christian and laudable zeal his gifts and aid against the Turk the common enemy of Christian name and blood and in promising unto him the Emp. and the Christian world his best furtherance and offices Which is not only acceptable unto himself but shall also be unto his honor and praise through the Christian world and a laudable precedent unto other Princes as also himself and all the house of Austria shall declare their offices of thankfulnes and courtesy unto him and his friends upon all occasions that the brotherly alliance continued from their fore fathers may be known unto all Nations As for the confederacion amongst the chief Princes of the Christian world he hath not failed in his diligence to the uttermost but hithertills he could prevail nothing with the Pope and King of Spain because they are far distant and the Pope being but lately advanced is taken up with manifold cares for the distressed Church and in the mean while doth aid Cesar wiâ—h men and money and declares a great zeal against the common enemy as also he hath sent a Legate into Moscove for that effect but the King of Spain being antient and infirm hath such business not only with his rebellious subjects but with France and England in every place that he must be spared and nevertheless he hath declared heretofore his good will unto us and hath helped with a great sum of money And when I shall understand that he recovereth health I shall not be slack to plead this cause by our Ambassadors both there and at Rome untill we obtain some assurance from them both Of which we have resolved to acquaint your Brotherhood by our Ambassador as also of the success of the Christian Army especially when the Lord of hosts shall give us more victories In the mean while we think it necessary to know of the condition of the King of Persia and how we may deal with him before we send any unto him howbeit it is most certain that it greatly concerneth all Christendom to have the Persians our friends wherefore we entreat friendly that your Brotherh would continue mutuall friendship with them and cherish their affection towards us Whereas your Brotherh hath endeavoured to raise the Tatars against the Turks howbeit you have not prevailed yet we thank you kindely entreating also brotherly to persevere in that good purpose with them so far as you can yet we have heard that many Tatars are entred into Valachia whom we must do what we can to resist As for the Treaty of peace begun with the Swede we have our Ambassador Mincowitz there of a long time untill it be brought to an end as also we have commanded Warkutzy to repair thether when he shall expede his business By whom your Brotherh may understande that we have done diligently in that cause as also we promise with a brotherly mind unto your Brotherhood that we shall do our endeavour at all occasions and times and in whatsoever other affaires and whatsoeveur can be sought of us as a faithfull brother you may expect Wee pray God to keep your Brotherh in â—avety unto us and all Christendom whom we love with all brotherly faithfulnes and loving-kindness Given at Pragve Septemb. 22. 1595. At that time the Emperour intending to send Maxinilian Duke of
two desire to be marryed because they have attestation of two insuspect witnesses which testify that they heard the first mans Captain declare that he was slain in Denmark on such a day of Aprile last Whither may these parties be married In respect they are guilty of adultery and so had sinned before they knew of the mans death they should not be marryed II. A. man being forewarned that he should not marry his uncl's wife was marryed in the Chapell-Royall What order should now be taken with them Their names should be delated unto the Migistrate that they may be punished as incestuous III. Severall persons are divorced for adultery and the offending parties seek marriage Ans All Ministers should be admonished that they marrie none such under pain of deprivation 5. It is ordained that every Superintendent shall cause summon all bishops abbots or whatsoever Benefiâ—â—d persons being of the Church who receive tiths and feed not a flock as their charge and where no Superintendent is that the nearest Superintendent shall send his letter to the Minister next adiacent To summon such persons to compear at the next generall assembly to hear and know the ordinance of the Church in that case By the first particular of this assembly and the Supplication it appears that the Queen would yeeld somewhat to Protestants and Papists for her own ends and The history of Reformat shewes that the arch b. went to Edinburg in January following having the company of 100. horsemen or more intending to take possession according to his late gift but when three or four of the Counsell went to him and told him if he attempt to do it trouble may arise he was persuaded to desist Next from that Letter unto the Bishops of England it appeares what sturre was there at that time as also the same year 5. cal Jul. Beza wrote his eight epistle unto the Bishop of London Against the reinducing of Popish abolished rites it is long but I shall only touch some passages of it I think saith he that men should not desert their churches for such vestures but first I do judge that many things in themselves indifferent are to be reckoned among superstitions or certainly among these things that tend to superstition because of the opinion of worship which can not be eschued Next it is to observed that some things may be suffered for the infirm Not a These rites had bin left off which when they are once removed should not be restored at all because thus were not to trke away weakness but rather to increase it when it is in some measure taken away and as it were to recall it when it is away and therefore I marvell not that some are more nice to restore things than they were before these were removed And further it is a vainthing to pretend infirmity in that Kingdom where the Gospell had been preached and received so many years and confirmed with the blood of so many excellent Martyres for if the Apostle did justly rebuke the Galatians that when they had begun in the Spirit they would return to the flesh how much tather might that be said of you Englishes if when yee have begun in the Spirit yee would fall back not as they unto flesh that is the rites of Moses whereof God was the Author but unto nugas quisquilias the trifles of humane traditions which God forbids And this I will not say that if these do sin which chuse to leave their churches rather than suffer such things to be thrust upon them against their consciences these are far more guilty before God and his Angels who will have flocks deprived of their Pastors and the foundation of horrible dissipation laid in the Churches being deprived of their Pastors rather than see ministers otherwise blameless cloathed in this habite rather than that and hungrie sheep shall have no food if they will not take it with geniculation or bowing of knees Beza speakes there as also in his twelth epistle more largely and of other particulares but all such writing was in vain for some bishops continued in their wilfulness as appeares by an epistle of Zanchius written from Heidlberg Septemb. 10 1571. at the order of that religious Prince Palatine as he writes unto Queen Elisabeth where he saith To bring back these rotten raggs and other rubbish of the Popish Church at this time into the Church what is it els but to give a fair occasion unto the Papists to harden themselves and their followers in their superstitions and truly as it were to push them thereunto let us then hearken what the Prophet said unto Josaphat aiding A chab Dar thou help the wicked and love them which hate the Lord therefore wrath from the Lord shall be upon thee And what other is this but to call back the weak from the studie of pure religion and privily bid them return into Egypt for infirm persons are easily brought back into impiety seing naturally wee are inclined unto superstition c. V. Before I goe fore ward let us mark the speciall providence of God in The admirable providence of God seen in the Reformation of Scotland Reforming the Church of Scotland as hath been declared and that in two particulares I. the Ministers were wrestling in zeal of the Reformation both of Doctrine and manners wrestling I say with pouerty and against wordly power yet not by violence but by cleaâ—ing fast to Gods word by supplications both unto God and to the aduerse power for excepting John Erskin who was an antient Baron all or most part of these Ministers were of no patrimony John Knox had waited on George wishart the Martyre John rowe was a Frier at Rome and was sent An. 1559. as Nuntio into Scotland and when he sawe the differences in the country in steed of agenting the Pope's business he turned preacher John Craig was a Dominican at Bononia where finding the Institutions of John Caluin he embraces the truth in them and one day conferring with an old man in the Monastery he was confirmed by him in the same truth but withall was warned that he make not his mind known because the times were perilous nevertheless he would not dissemble and was as an heretick sent to Rome and after examination was imprisoned and lay there in great misery the space of nine months then giving a clear confession of his faith before the Inquisitors he was condemned to be burnt August 19. The same night Pope Paul IV. dieth and in a tumult of the people all the prisons were broken up and the prisoners set free among others this man escapes and at last comes home Iohn Willock and Christopher Goodman had been preachers in England and in Queen Marie's persecution fled into Scotland Iohn Dury had been a Monk in Dumfernlin and so many others were Monks in severall parts of the Nation So they had no earthly riches nor authority and yet it pleased God by such