mutuall charity and Humility After which she happily departed to our Lord on the third day before the Ideâ— of Iuly and was both durâ—ng her life and after her death powerfull in Miracles 5. Her Body was with great honour enterred in the said Monastery of Menstrey where it reposed near four hundred years illustrious by the Veneration of pious Christians and the glory of frequent Miracles From thence about the year of Grace one thousand and thirty it was translated to Canterbury Alstan being Abbot there as shall be declared Concerning which Translation William of Malmsbury thus writes In following time the Sacred Body of Saint Mildred was translated to the Monastery of Saint Augustin in Canterbury where it is with great devotion venerated by the Monks and for the fame of her piety and sweetnes answerable to her Name honoured by all And although all the corners of the said Monastery are full of Saint Bodies eminent for their Sanctity and Merits insomuch as any one of them might suffise to give a luster to the whole Kingdom yet the Relicks of none are with more affectionate honour venerated then hers She is present to all that love her and ready to hear and fullfill the requests of every one c. At London likewise there remains to this day a Church dedicated to her honour 6. Moreover her Memory is celebrated in the Belgick Provinces For as Aubert Miraeus testifies part of her Relicks was transported to Daventry and reposed there in the Cathedral Church Mention is also made of the same Relicks in the Gallican Martyrologe on the thirteenth of Iuly in these words At Daventry in Belgium is the Veneration of the Relicks of S. Mildreda an English Virgin consecrated to God in the Monastery of Chelles in the Territory of Paris which are reposed in the Cathedral Church of S. Lebuin together with the Bodies of the same Saint Lebuin and also of S. Marcellinus Her departure out of the world have given luster to this day Saint Mildreda was conveniently associated to these two Saints Lebuin and Marcellinus for her agreement with them both in her faith and countrey For they were English-Saxons likewise who together with Saint Willebrord preached the Faith to the inhabitants of Friseland and Geldres of whom we shal treat hereafter 7. The determinate year of the death of these two Holy Virgins Saint Milburga and Saint Mildreda is uncertain Certain only it is that it is wrongfully ascribed by some Writers to the year of Grace six hundred sixty four For since the same Authours affirm that they were consecrated by Saint Theodore Arch-bishop of Canterbury who came not into Brittany till after that year it is evident that in their computation there is an Antichronism 8. We may therefore more commodiously ascribe it to this year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred seaventy six In which year on the six and twentieth of February our Martyrologe commemorates the Deposition of their youngest Sister Saint Milgitha or Saint Milwida Concerning whom a very shhort account is given by our ancient Authours For of her wee read only that she entred into the Monastery of Estrey built by the Penitent King Egbert in Kent where she so well imitated the Sanctity of her Sisters that she likewise deserved a place in the Catalogue of our Saints 6. From these we must not separate a young Brother of theirs called Mereâ—in Concerning whom Mathew of Westminster and Florentius testify this only that he was a child of eminent Sanctity XX. CHAP. 1. 2. c. The death and Miracles of Saint Ethelburga daughter of Anna King of the East angles 5. 6 Of S. Thoritgitha 7. Of S. Hildelida 1. TO the same year is referred likewise the death of Saint Ethelburga daughter to Anna the pious King of the East-angles and Sister to Saint Erconwald She was as hath been said Abbesse of the Monastery of Berking founded by her Brother 2. Concerning her death hapning the fifth day before the Ides of October thus writes Saint Beda When Edilburga the proâ—â— Mother of that devoâ—â— Congregation was to be taken out of the world a wonderfull vision appeared to one of the Religious Sisters named Theorethid who had lived many years in the Monastery serving our â—ord with all humility and sincerity and had been an assistant to the Holy Abbesse in promoting the observance of Regular Disciplin her charge being to instruct and correct the younger Sisters Moreover to the end that her spirituall strength might be perfected by infirmity as the Apostle saith she was suddenly assaulted by a most sharp disease and for the space of nine years greivously tormented with it This hapned to her by the mercifull Providence of her Saviour to the end that by this furnace of divine tribulation whatsoever defects or impurities through ignorance or negligence had insinuated themselves into her soule might be cleansed away and consumed 3. Now on a certain night towards the dawn of the morning this Religious Virgin upon some occasion going out of her chamber saw manifestly as it were a human body more bright then the Sun enwrapped in linnen which being transported out of the Dormitory of the Religious Virgins was caried up to heaven And whilst she observed diligently by what force the said body should be raised upwards she saw that it was so lifted up by certain ropes more resplendent then gold by which it was drawn higher and higher till at last the heavens opening it was received in after which she could see it no longer 4. Considering this Vision she did not at all doubt but that it imported that some one of that devout Congregation should shortly dye whose soule by good works formerly done should as by certains cords be raised up to heaven And indeed so it fell out For a few days after Saint Edilburga the devout Mother of the said Congregation was freed from the prison of her body who had lead her life in such perfection that none who knew her could doubt but when she left this world the entrance into her heavenly countrey would be opened to her 5. S. Ethelburga was buried in the same Monastery and after her death likewise was not wanting to procure comforts and blessings to her Religious Sisters For as the same S. Beda relates There was in the same Monastery a Devout Virgin of Noble descent but more ennobled by her Piety called Thorithgida who for many years had been so utterly deprived of the use of her limbs that she could not stirr any one of them She being informed that the Body of the Venerable Abbesse was caried to the Church where it was exposed some time before the buriall desired she might be transported thither and placed leaning toward it in the posture of one that prayes This being done she addressed her petition to her as if she had been alive beseeching her to obtain from her mercifull Creatour that she might at length be freed from her
mett on the fourth day before the Nones of May at which Vigilius refused to be present not esteeming it Canonicall by reason of the absence of the Western Bishops who were most interessed in the affaire 7. However after twenty dayes respite obtain'd Vigilius sent a Writing to the Emperour which he calld a Constitutum wherin he at large gave his iudgment of â—he Tria Capitula telling him that as touching the blasphemies of Theodorus he did abhorre them but in imitation of the Council of Ephesus wold spare his name Again that it would be superfluous to cast any infamy on the Writings of Theodoret against S. Cyrill since S. Cyrill himselfe and the Councill of Chalcedon had requir'd no other satisfaction from him but only to pronounce Anathema against Nestorius which he did And as touching the Epistle of Ibas no discussion should be made of it after the Council of Chalcedon 8. This Constitutum the Emperour contrary to his promise reserv'd to himself but withall acquainting the Synod with Vigilius his mind touching the Tria Capitula which he had oftimes both by words and writing express'd the Synod proceeded to a condemnation of them withall complaining that the Pope would not afford his presence among them 9. After this Definition of the Bishops in the Council the Pope being in extreme anguish because he saw how the Western Bishops would be offended and that this scandal would be the greater by reason that the Emperour had not sent his Constitutum to the Council utterly refus'd his consent and approbation of their Definition For which refusall he was by the Emperour sent into banishment with seuerall other Bishops 10. His banishment did not continue long for six months after the Synods Definition Vigilius sent a Decretal Epistle to Eutychius the Successour of Menas in which he condemn'd the Tria Capitula and profess'd Communion with all those who embracing the Four Councils of the Church had condemn'd the same meaning hereby the last Council which he would not name This Decree of Vigilius was by the Grecians referd among the Acts of the Council by vertue wherof it became acknowleged a lawfull Oecumenicall Council 11. This end being given to this unnecessary Controversy all the Western Churches excepting only the Bishops of Istria Venice and Liguria consented to it But these Churches being under the dominion of the Longobardi broke into an open Schism which continued till the time of S. Gregory the Great And besides them we doe not find any other Churches unsatisfied excepting Ireland only to the Bishops whereof S. Gregory in the year before S. Kentigerns iourney to Rome wrote an Epistle in answer to one of theirs which had charged the Roman See for injuring the Council of Chalcedon by condemning the Tria Capitula But S. Gregory informed them that this Controversy did not at all touch the Faith of the Church but only the persons of two or three Bishops That the authority of the Council of Chalcedon was entire both with those who oppugn'd and those who defended the Tria Capitula and therefore none could have just cause to make a rent in the Church upon so trifling a quarrel Which answer of the Holy Pope it seems gave satisfaction to the Irish Bishops for we read following Epistles from him to them as to unanimous Brethren instructing them touching Rites in Baptism and whether it was to be administred to such as return'd from the Nestorian Heresy c. 12. The state of this Controversy hath been thus largely sett down because at this very time it was hottly agitated when S. Kentigern went to Rome and probably was a principall motive of his journey Which is the more likely because an Irish Bishop called Albanus went thither at the same time likewise And though the Brittish Churches are no where mention'd as partaking with those who were divided from the Roman See yet it might well become the zeale of so holy a Bishop as S. Kentigern to inform himself truly of the state of the present controversy that so he might prevent a future breach V. CHAP. 1. S. Kentigerns death 2. The manner of it 3 His preparation thereto 4. Of his Miracles 1. SAint Kentigern eight years after this his voyage to Rome by a mature and happy death rested from his labours to witt in the year of our Lord six hundred and one being then fourscore and five years old according to the true computation of Bishop Vsher though others mislead by Capgrave add a hundred years more to his age 2. The manner of his death is thus related by Iohn of Tinmouth The man of God Saint Kentigern being worn away with age had his nerves so dissolved that he was forced to sustain his iawes by tying a linnen ruban about his head which came under his Chin to the end he might be enabled with lesse difficulty to pronounce his words This dissolution of his sinews may be ascrib'd to a promise a little before his death made him by an Angell Who told him Since thy whole life in this world has been a continuall Martyrdom it hath pleas'd our Lord to grant thee a milder and easier end of thy life then other men ordinarily find 3. And as touching his preparation to his death it thus follows in the same Authour At length calling together his Disciples he earnestly exhorted them to a continuance in observing the duties of their holy Religion to mutuall charity peace hospitality and diligence in reading and Prayer Moreover he gave and bequeath'd to them earnest and efficacious precepts firmly to obey the Decrees of the Holy Fathers and Constitutions of the Holy Roman Church After which Exhortation given he departed to our Lord on the Ides of Ianuary in the sixtieth year after he was first consecrated Bishop 4. After his death the same of his Sanctity was every where spread by a world of miracles the particulars may be read in Capgrave to whom the Reader is refer'd Concerning him thus writes Iohannes Major S. Kentigern was contemporary and a singular freind of S. Columba He was illustrious for many miracles and his body reposes at Glasgu to whose honour a Church was erected in that Citty second to none in Scotland for costly ornaments and rich endowments of Canonries His Memory is celebrated in our English Martyrologe on the thirteenth of Ianuary VI. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Kingdom of the Northumbers erected 7. K. Conan dyes and Vortiper succeeds 8. After whom Malgo Conan raigns 9.10 Battells between the Brittains and Saxons 1. COnstantin the kinsman and Successour of King Arthur being dead or removed Aurelius Conanus his Nephew a young man of extraordinary worth and well deserving the Crown saith Westmonasteriensis succeeded him his only fault was that he was a lover of Civill contentions He cast into prison his Vncle to whom the Crown in right belonged and murdred two of his Sons who stood in his way to the kingdom
the sight of God and that his glory is wonderfull in heaven since he has made him so resplendent by miracles on earth For after his death he ceases not to cure the sick c Thus Writes the Holy Apostolick Preist Saint Marcellin adding moreover a Narration of severall stupendious Miracles of which himself was an eye witnes and which the devout Reader may find in his Life for I am unwilling to swell this History with such like Relationâ— III. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Monastery of Theokesbury founded 7. The death of Saint Egwin Bishop of Worcester 1. TO the same year is by our Historians assigned the foundation of the Monastery of Tewksbury though in the Chronicles of that Monastery the Erection thereof is sayd to have been made two years sooner And there we find this account of it 2. In the raigns of the illustrious Kings of the Mercians Ethelred Kenred and Ethelbald there lived two Dukes in great estimation Oddo and Doddo men of high descent much regarded for their vertues but which most crowns their memory persons who with sincere devotion loved almighty God and sought his honour Which they made good by their charitable actions for they and their Progenitours magnificently built and endowed many Monasteries These foresaid Dukes about the year of Grace seaven hundred and fifteen gave order for the building a Monastery in their own Territory near the Severn seaven miles distant from Claudiocester or Glocester at place called Theokusbury from a certain Hermit named Theocus who anciently had lived there 3. This Monastery they built to the honour of God and the glorious Virgin Mary and conferred upon it a Village called Stanwey with all its dependances and some few possessions besides for the sustenâ—ation of Monks not many in number for at first there were but four or five which under the Obedience of a Priour served God according to the Rule of our Holy Father S. Benedict 4. Now after that these two Dukes were for their devout actions translated to heavenly ioyes as we firmly beleive their Bodies were buried in the Church of Persora Parshur in which Duke Doddo had taken the Habit of a Monk and which they had enriched with ample possessions 5. These foresaid Dukes had a certain Brother named Almaric whose body was buried at Derhurst in a little Chappell over against the Gate of the Priory there which Chappell had formerly been a Royall place There to this day is shewd his Sepulcher where in the wall over the dore is this Inscription This Royall Hall did Duke Doddo cause to be consecrated into a Church to the honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary for love which he bore to his Brother Almaric 6. Thus we read in the said Chronicle Where consequently is related how by reason of the great troubles and warrs hapning both in Mercia and other parts of the Kingdom till it was reduced to a Monarchy under King Althelslan the said Monastery was often spoyled and twice burnt But afterward reedified and annexed to the Abbey of Cranborn and in conclusion for the commodious and pleasant situation of the place it was it self erected into an Abbey and the Monastery of Cranborn depressed into a Priory and made subject to it The great Patron and enlarger of it was Robert the Son of Hamon in the beginning of the Norman times as William of Malmsbury testifies Who by mistake affirms that the Name of Theocksbury did seem to destine it to a Religious use being so called as if the Title were Theotocosbury or the Court of the Mother of God But Camden according to the forementioned Chronicle more genuinely derives the name from Theocus a devout Hermit formerly living there 7. To this year is assigned the death of Egwin Bishop of Worcester after he had administred that See the space of twenty four years To whom succeeded Wilfrid who governed the same seaven and twenty years Scarce any thing concerning either of them besides their names is recorded IV. CHAP. 1.2 Kenred King of the Northumbers dying Osric succeeds 3. The Piety of Ethelbald the Mercian King 1. THE year following Kenred King of the Northumbers after two years possession of the Throne to which he mounted by Treason and murder of Osred his Kinsman and predecessour dyed and in his place succeeded Osric his associate in the same crime 2. Concerning these Kings William of Malmsbury thus writes Kenred who raigned only two years and after him Osric eleaven have left this one mark upon their memories that shedding the blood of their Master how well soever deserving such an unhappy end they defiled the aire with their shamefull deaths Yet Osric before he came to that Crown seemd to have had more sence of piety for it is said that he built about the year seaven hundred a Monastery for Religious Virgins at Glocester 3. But in the Kingdom of the Mercians King Ethelbald saith Ingulphus having perfected his Monastery of Croyland employd his mind to promote Holy Church through his whole Kingdom granting immunities and Priviledges to other Monasteries also of Religious men and woemen For which purpose in the third year of his raign he pubâ—ished a generall Statut to that effect recorded there by the same Authour V. CHAP. i. 2 The Birth and first radiments of Saint Boniface Apostle of the Germans 1. THE great losse which the New-planted Churches of Germany sustained by the death of their glorious Apostle S. Swibert was quickly repaired with advantage For in the year seaven hundred and nineteen God provided for themâ— New Pastour no lesse diligent and powerfull both in word and deed and who after incredible pains and dangers with infinite fruit thence proceeding crownd all his labours with Martyrdom This was S. Winfrid which name was afterward changed into Boniface who the sayd year having received a Benediction and authority from Pope Gregory the Second of that name chearfully began his Apostolick Office in that countrey His Gests have been written by severall writers and particularly by S. Willebald a Bishop his Disciple with great care and sincerity likewise more largely by a certain Preist call'd Othlo and besides those a great Volume still extant of S. Boniface his Epistles will furnish us with sufficient materialls for this History many years consequently Here therefore we will begin a Narration hitherto deferred of his Birth and education till this great charge was imposed on him and consequently proceed in recounting his glorious actions and labours referring them to the severall times in which they were performed 2. He was born in the year of Grace six hundred and seaventy of an English Saxon family as appears evidently from his own Epistles The place illustrated by his Birth was Creden now called Kirton in Devonshire the names of his parents are not recorded He was by them with great care educated and even in his infancy he was so earnestly studious to enrich his mind with spirituall knowledge
who call'd himself Ioseph of Arimathea and sayd that he was clos'd up there by the Iews because he had buried Christ and that till that time he had been nourished with heavenly food 8. But common reason will shew how little force such a particular ungrounded story ought to have against the Tradition of a whole Nation Therefore the English Oratours in opposition hereto gave full assurance that in our most Ancient Books and Archives especially in the Records of the most famous Abbey of Glastonbury it is expressly declared that Ioseph with his companions being persecuted either by Herod or the Roman President were brought into this Island where he preached the things which he had seen and heard of Christ and by his preaching converted many who being converted bestowed on him a world of rich gifts all which he left to the Church erected by him in the honour of Christ. The which Church built by S. Ioseph was afterward transfer'd into a Religious Monastery and Abbatiall dignity and by that famous Monastery the praises of our Lord have been continued to that present day 9. Thus publickly and with so great Authority was this Tradition concerning S. Ioseph's preaching and converting the Brittains confirm'd in severall Generall Councils And more particularly as touching the Ancient Records testifying the Truth of this story we find them with great advantage mention'd in an illustrious Charter extant to this day which was given by our King Henry the second at westminster to the Abbay of Glastonbury In which Charter the sayd King signifying his intention to rebuild that Monastery not long before consum'd by fire And to renew all the Priviledges confer'd on it by his Predecessours King william the first and second and his Grandfather King Henry the first as likewise by more Ancient Kings S. Edgar the Father of S. Edward King Edmond and his Father Edward and his Grandfather King Alfred King Bringwalth Hentwyn Baldred Ina the famous King Arthur Candred and many other Christian Kings yea moreover by Kenewalla in former times a Pagan King of Brittany For this purpose he affirms that he caused a diligent inquisition to be made of the sayd Priviledges and Charters which were presented and read in his presence all which he confirmed and rene'wd to the same Church anciently call'd by some the Mother of Saints and by others the Tomb of Saints because it had been built by the very immediat Disciples of our Lord and in the beginning dedicated by our Lord himselfe as Venerable Antiquity doth testify This testimony is given by King Henry the Second in his sayd Charter All which considered to deny so great a blessing conferd on our Nation as the arrivall here of S. Ioseph can only be an act of passion and unexcusable partiality II. CHAP. 1.2.3 The time and occasion of S. Iosephs coming into Brittany not cleared by ancient Writers 4.5.6 Bishop Godwins mistake wrongfully grounded on Freculphus 7. The Holy Graal an old senceles Legend 1. HAd it not been for that visible lasting Monument of Glastonbury perhaps posterity had never been acquainted with the name of so illustrious a Patron of our Nation as S. Ioseph since no Books of that Age if any were written are now extant and the wonderfull changes in the very constitution of this Island by a succession of severall new Nations would problably extinguish all ancient Traditions 2. These things considered it will be difficult to give any rationall or satisfactory Account of the precise time and occasion of S. Iosephs arrivall in Brittany and much lesse of the particular Acts of himselfe and his companions during the space of so many years as interven'd between their first coming and deaths 3. Those Modern Writers which have most studiously searchd into Antiquity and with greatest candour and sincerity reiected severall fabulous inventions of some of our Authours who wrote not many Ages since doe agree that S. Ioseph first entred Brittany in the raign of Nero when Suctonius Paulinus was Pretâ—r here at which time great opportunity was afforded for such a Voyage by reason of severall Troops and companies of soldiers sent out of Gaule to re-inforce the Roman Army as likewise the coming hither of Nero's freed servant and favourite Policletus with a great retinue c. 4. But what particular occasion or Motive might induce S. Ioseph to undertake such a journey and employment is altogether uncertain Our late Protestant Historians to exclude any relation dependence or obligation that our Countrey might have to S. Peter are willing it should be beleiv'd that he was commissiond from S. Philip the Apostle then preaching in Gaule To this effect Doctour Godwin late Bishop of Hereford writes thus Freculphus Lexoviensis saith he gives the reason why S. Ioseph pass'd ouer into Brittany For when S. Philip the Apostle or as others rather thinke the Evangelist for the Acts of these two are much confounded and mingled in history preach'd the Gospell in Gaule he had much conâ—estat on with the Druids the cheif Doctours of whose superstition lived in Brittany Therfore being inform'd that our Island was by a very narrow sea divided from the continent of Gaule he thought it very expedient to send hither twelve Preachers the Cheif and President of which was S. Ioseph who in the sixty third yeare of Christ began their employment of converting the Brittains Thus writes the Bishop pretending Freculphus for his warrant 5. Wher as Freculphus treating of S. Philip neither mentions S. Ioseph nor the Druid's nor Brittany all that he writes being onely this S. Philip preach'd Christ to the Gaules and moreover brought to the light of knowledge and secure Haven of Faith certain barbarous Nations neighbouring to darknes and ioynd to them by the swelling Ocean Afterwards in Hierapolis a Citty of Phrygia he suffred death by crucifying and stoning This passage Freculpus extraited out of Isidor and consequently it is to be interpreted according to Isidors mind who by the Gaules or Galatae understood that Nation then inhabiting Asia not Europe and by the barbarous Nations neighbouring to Northern darknes the Scythians divided from the Galatians by the Euxin Sea Besides according to the coÌ„sent of Antiquity S. Philips Martyrdom hapned many years before the time mention'd by the Bishop 6. Let the Apostles name therfore who sent S. Ioseph and his companions into Brittany remain in obscurity to Protestants though the forecited Text of S. Innocent first Pope of that name expressly affims that none converted any of these Western and Northern Nations but only S. Peter or his Successours or such as were delegated by them His coming cannot be questiond nor that he came with the authority of a Spirituall Pastour and Apostolick Preacher 7. As for his six hundred companions which a senceles Legend upon the authority of a more senceles old Book call'd the Holy Graal says came along with him some men and some women as lâ—kewise the arrivall of a certain Prince
afterward ordained Bishop of Tongres and Triers For before Constantins time saith Miraeus those two Citties were govern'd by one Bishop In the Annals of which Church we read that Saint Lucius King of Brittany was made a Christian and baptised by this Marcellus a Teacher of the inhabitants of Triers Indeed it is not unprobable that King Lucius might have been instructed in the verities of Christian Religionâ— and well disposed to the Profession of it by this Saint but there are far more authentik testimonies demonstrating that he was baptised by Fugatius and Damianus sent from Rome by Pope Eleutherius as shall be demonstrated herafter 4. This holy Bishop was the first Brittain which suffred Martyrdom out of the Island as S. Alban was the first that suffred within it He is commemorated in our Martyrologe on the fourth of September and in the Gallican Martyrologe he is celebrated with an illustrious Elogy This his Martyrdom hapned many years after this time in a great persecution rais'd against Christians during the raign of Antoninus his Successour Marcus Aurelius when he was absent from Rome and gone into the Eastern parts then in commotion after he had finished the German warr XII CHAP. 1.2 S. Timothy the son of Pudens preaches in Brittany 3. Of his Sister S. Pudentiana 4. Who Priscilla was 1. TOgether with S. Marcellus there came from Rome another illustrious Saint of Noble Birth and plentifull fortunes all which notwithstanding he despis'd and relinquish'd that with more freedom he might preach Christ crucified This was S. Timotheus the son of Pudens a Roman Senatour and of his wife suppos'd by many to have been the famous S. Claudia the Brittish Lady concerning whom we have already treated He was Brother to Novatus and to S. Pudentiana and S. Prâ—xedes whose memories are anniversarily celebrated by the Catholick Church 2. The coming of S. Timotheus is a considerable proof that his Mother was a Brittain and for that reason the whole family may iustly challenge a place in this History And because he survived the rest we will breifly set down what we find in the Ecclesiasticall Office touching the two Holy Sisters 3. Pudentiana a Virgin daughter of Pudens a Roman Senatour with admirable piety practising the duties of Christian Religion together with her sister Praxedes sold her patrimony and distributed to the poore the monâ—y arising from thence giving her selfe wholly â—o fasting and prayer By her endeavours and zeale her whole family consisting of ninety six persons was converted to the Faith and baptised by Pope Pius And wheras by an Edict of the Emperour Antoninus publick Sacrifices of Christians were forbidden the Holy Pope celebrated the Divine Mysteries together with other Christians in the house of Pudentianâ— who kindly entertained them all affording them all things necessary for their sustenanâ—e Thus continually employing herselfe in these offices of Piety she departed out of this life and on the fourteenth of the Calends of Iune in the year of our Lord one hundred sixty and one she was buried in the Sepulcher of her Father in the Coemitory of Priscilla situated in the Salarian way 4. Priscilla here mention'd by whom a Coemitory or common place of buriall for Christians had been bestow'd was the Mother of Pudens and Grand-mother of this holy Virgin From her probably it was that her Mother Claudia took her name For as she being a Captive attending King Caractacus when he was taken prisoner by Ostorius she changed her Brittish name into Claudia out of regard to Emperour Claudius so being maried to Pudens she it seems once more changed it for another peculiar to her husbands family XIII CHAP. 1.2 The death of Novatus Brother of S Timothy and S Pudentiana signified in a lâ—tter from the Holy Preist Pastor S. Timothy in Brittany 3. S. Timothy's Answer who leaves to the disposall of his Sister S. Praxedes the state left by their Brother 4 5. She dedicats the Bathes of Novatus or Timothy into a Church where Christians assembled 6. Why Churches in Rome call'd Tituli 1. THe next yeare followed the death of Pudentiana's Brother Novatus Concerning which the ancient Ecclesiasticall Monuments have still preserved a letter written by the Holy Preist called Pastor directed to S. Timotheus then absent from Rome and employed in the Apostolick Office in Brittany the tenour of the Letter is as follows 2. Pastor a Preist to his follow Preist Timotheus health in our Lord. The Venerable Virgin Praxedes was in great affliction for the death of her Sister Pudentiana Whereupon many honourable Christians together with our Holy Pope Pius came to her to comfort her There came likewise to her for the same purpose Novatus your Brother who is also our Brother in our Lord and gave her much consolation and moreover by his liberality he greatly refreshed many poore Christians ministring to them plentifully of his wealth Being with his Sister he earnestly desired that by her prayers he might obtain mercy from our Lord. He likewise together with our most blessed Bishop Pius doth frequently commemorate you at the Altar of our Lord. About a month and twenty eight days days after he was departed from the Virgin Praxedes he fell sick Now our Bishop Pius together with the Virgin Praxedes having a solicitude for all Christians they enquired where the Man of God Novatus was since he appeared not in the Congregation And they were informed that he was detained thence by sicknes then were all very sorrowfull Hereupon the Blessed Virgin Praxedes sayd to our Bishop Pius If it be your Holines pleasure let us goe to him for by your visitation and prayers I doe assure my selfe our Lord will save him Vpon this her proposall it was resolved accordingly and at night wee together with our Bishop Pius and the Virgin of our lord Praxedes went to the Man of our Lord Novatus And when this Holy man heard that this assembly was come to see him he gave thanks to our Lord for the comfort he received by the Visitation of the Holy Bishop Pius together with the Virgin of our Lord and all the rest of us Thus wee remained in his house eight days and nights And during the time we were with him he expressed his Will and pleasure to be to bequeath to your selfe and the Blessed-Virgin Praxedes all his estate and on the thirteenth day following he departed to our Lord. Of these things we together with holy Pius Bishop of the Apostolick See and the Virgin Praxedes thought meet to give you an account by these our letters to the end you might acquaint us with your pleasure how you would have the estate of your Brother Novatus disposed that your appointment may in all things be observed Sent by Eusebius a Subdeacon of the holy Roman Church 3. To this Letter S. Timotheus his Answer follows though short yet full of piety and perfum'd with the simplicity and Christian Charity of that age
deliverance 3. The particular circumstances hereof we shall refer to the following Book the argument whereof will be the happy and glorious conversion of our Brittish King Lucius to the Christian Faith To effect which this so wonderfull publick and unquestionable a miracle no doubt much conduced Now this conversion having been perfected in the beginning of the raign of the Emperour Commodus who succeeded his Father M. Aurelius which was four years after this stupendious deliverance of the Romans our Ecclesiasticall Monuments afford us little for the furnishing that space of time Therefore we will onely adde for a distinct clearing of Chronology the succession of the Bishops of Rome since the last mention'd Pope Pius the first of that name 4. To Pope Pius therefore having sate somewhat more then nine years and dying in the year of our Lord one hundred sixty six succeeded S. Anicetus to whom after nine years succeeded S. Soterâ— who having for the space of five years filled the Chair of S. Peter had for his next Successour S. Eleutherius in the year of our Lord one hundred and eighty in the third year after whose assumption to the Apostolick dignity King Lucius then an old man for he had raigned fifty eight years by Gods mercy and grace had his youth renew'd like an Eagle being born again by Baptism and made an heyr of an everlasting Kingdom THE FOVRTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAP. 1. The Conversion of the Brittish King Lucius in his old Age. 2.3 Severall Motives thereto 4. Edicts of former Emperours in favour of Christians 5. An example of the Emperour Antoninus his Edict 1 KING Lucius had now governed the Brittains almost threescore years having begun his raign in the tenth year of his age when Almighty God at last subdued his heart to the beleif and obedience of his Gospell It may perhaps seem strange he should hold out so long against the Truth but yet if we consider the tenaciousnes of humane nature to inveterate customs especially such as are agreable to flesh and blood and likewise the horrible scandals and prejudices which then were cast on Christian Religion which even without such prejudices is extremely contrary to our naturall inclinations it is to be esteem'd no lesse then miraculous that a great King in such times as those were should have the courage to be the first example and this in his old age of submitting a Scepter and Crown to the spirituall Scepter of Christs Kingdom 2. Besides his so long experience of the innocence humility patience and peaceable dispositions of his Christian subjects we may suppose the principall Motives inducing him to yeild at last to the exhortations of many Apostolick Preachers such as were S. Aristobulus S. Marcellus S. Timotheus c. to have been two First the Testimonies that the Emperours themselves though otherwise Enemies to the Christian Faith gave to the Professours of it Next the wonderfull testimony that God gave thereto by rescuing the then raigning Emperour from unavoydable destruction by the prayers of his Christian souldiers 3. As touching the former Testimonies of Emperours they are the more weighty because given not out of any worldly respects but purely out of a conviction of the innocence of poor persecuted Christians after all severity rigour and cruelty had been used toward them to force them to renounce their Profession Moreover these Emperours were not such as Nero Vitellius or Domitian whose favour to Christianity would have been a disgrace and prejudice to it But Princes venerable to the world for their prudence courage and zeale likewise to their own superstition Such were Nerva Trajan Hadrian Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius 4. We will here insert onely one Edict of the Emperour Antoninus by which we may gather the tenour of the others It is extracted out of the Writings of S. Iustin the Philosopher and Martyr who then flourished The form thereof is as followeth 5. The Emperour Caesar Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius Augustus Highest Preist this fifteenth time possessed of the Tribunitiall Power and this third time Consul Father of his Countrey To the people of Asia Health I am assured that the Gods will not permit those men to lye hid in obscurity who refuse to pay due honour and worship to them for they themselves will far more severely punish such then you can And you doe not consider that by molesting and tormenting those men whom you call impious and charge as enemies to the Gods you thereby doe the more confirm and encrease their Religion For to them it is a thing more desirable to be accused as criminall and to lay down their lives for their God then to enjoy the present life with worldly contentment Hence it comes to passe that by exposing their lives in this manner they obtain over you a more illustrious Victory then if they should perform whatsoever you require of them Now as concerning the Earth-quakes which both in late times and at this present also do happen I judge very reasonable to give you some admonition Whensoever such calamities befall you you are presently disheartned and in despaire and you impute to their Religion as if it alone was the cause of all misfortunes hapning to you On the other side whensoever any such accident befalls them they are thereby incited to a more constant and firm trust in God Whereas all that while you either loose all knowledge of God and utterly despise all sacred duties not only refusing to pay the worship and service due unto the Deity but greivously vexing and to the death pursuing those who doe observe and reverence him Now severall Magistrats and Governours of our Provinces have heretofore written letters in the behalf of those innocent men to our most holy and deified Father Hadrian To whom his Answer and Rescript was That no further trouble or molestation should be given to those men except they should otherwise be found guilty of any crime or that they had a design prejudiciall to the Roman Empire Many have likewise written to me in their favour to whom my Answer was That I assented to the Ordinance and Will of my late Father And my pleasure is That if any shall hereafter offer any injury or vexation to any Christian upon this account that he is a Christian the person so persecuted though he be found to be indeed a Christian shall be presently acquitted and his accuser shall undergoe a just and due punishment 6. This Edict though in this Copy directed only to the Eastern Provinces where the malice and petulancy both of Iews and Gentiles Enemies to Christianity was more violent yet no doubt had its effect in all other places also For besides that the cause of Christians was every where the same Edicts of this nature were sent over the whole Empire as we shall see in another of the same nature published by M. Aurelius and presently to be produced And however all Christians
Gests of S. Lucius in his Apostolick Office 4.5 His death and buriall in the Citty of Curia or Chur. 6. Of S. Emerita a sister of King Lucius who accompanied him her Martyrdom 7. Dempsâ—ers ridiculous pretention that King Lucius as buried in Scotland 1. HAving from authorities of great weight asserted the Apostleship of this our Pious King in pursuance therof we will collect out of ancient Writers some of his particular Gests and suffrings in the discharge of the said Office 2. He having resolved to consecrate the remainder of his old age to the service of Christ pass'd first into France landing at Bolâ—ign a Citty of the Mâ—rini where saith Malbranque he first began his office of preaching the Faith of Christ and from thence made his progresse through the Region of the Nervians the Countrey of Liege to Triers in Germany After which the next place bless'd by his presence and Charity was Ausburg Augusta Vindelicorum where he converted to the Faith a Noble Cittizen call'd Campestrius with his whole family But there the Devill rais'd against him a great persecution for saith Nauelerus the people out of a hatred to a Religion formerly unknown by them pursued the preacher of it with stones and afterward cast him into a pit Out of which he was secretly drawn by some Christians there and conducted to the Citty of Curia where he ended his life by Martyrdom 3. From Ausburg S. Lucius went to Reginoburgum or Ratisbon where he efficaciously spread the seed of the Gospell And having spent almost all his strength in such works of Charity to others he desired to end his life in solitude quietnes and prayer For which purpose he retired himself into the mountainous countrey of Rhetia and saith Tscudus having pass'd over the hill under which is situated the Castle called Gutenberg which to this day retains the name of S. Lucius his Cliff he came into the Region where now the Citty Curia or Chur is placed together with his devout sister S. Emerita who presently after for preaching the Christian Faith suffred Martyrdom at Trimas or Trimontium distant from Curia the space of two or three miles But S. Lucius repos'd himselfe in a certain Grot in the Mountain above the Citty Curia where he taught the Faith of Christ. The place where he built a little Oratory doth still testify his Sanctity and abode there for in memory thereof there was afterward founded a Monastery of Norbertins Praemonstratenses which took its name from S. Lucius as Aubertus Miraeus and Raderus doe affirm 4. As touching the manner of S. Lucius his death the same Aegidius Tscudus writes thus At last Lucius was slain neer to Curia in the Castle call'd Martiola by the infidell inhabitants and the Prefect of that Region Notwithstanding other Authours affirm that he died in peace though the honour and Title of a Martyr cannot be denyed him since anciently as Baronius saith it was communicated not only to such as by a violent death for Christs honour were snatchd out of this world but likewise to those who for the confession of the Faith suffred any torments though they did not consummate Martyrdom by death 5. The precise year of the death of this glorious King is by Florilegus determin'd to be the year of Christ two hundred and one which was the seaventy eighth year of his Raign and the eighty eighth of his life Wherto the learned Chronologist Bishop Vsher likewise accords His words are these In so great a debate among Writers my iudgment doth incline to beleive that King Lucius ended his life in the first year of the third Century after Christ. And the grounds of this perswasion are because I observe that not only the Annals of the Church of Salisbury and the Chronicle of the Brittains abbreviated as likewise the London Tables but also Roger Wendover Mathew Paris and Mathew of Westminster together with the History of Rochester doe agree that he dyed in the year of our Lord two hundred and one 6. His sacred Relicks have been dispersed in severall places of Germany and to this day saith Raderus are venerated in a Church of the Franciscans and another of the Iesuits at Ausburg Which argues that he dyed not in Brittany but Germany Therfore although our Citties of Glocester and Winchester have boasted themselves to have been the Repositories of some parts of the body of this Pious King it is more likely that considering their near relation to him they should procure them from the Church of Curia then that the German Churches should obtain them out of Brittany 7. Now wheras in the Passage cited out of Aegidius Tscudus mention was made of Saint Emerita the devout Sister of King Lucius and companion of all his travails and dangers and how in the Countrey of the Helvetians she added the Crown of Martyrdom to the garland of Virginity our Brittish Martyrologe thus commemorats her At Trimas in the territory of Curia this day being the fourth of December is celebrated the Feast of S. Emerita Virgin and Martyr the Sister of Lucius King of the Brittains who together with her Brother went into Germany and for confession of the Christian Faith being persecuted by the infidells of that countrey consummated her glorious Martyrdom by fire about the year of our Lord one hundred ninety three The entire history of her life may be read in the Breviary of the Church of Curia Mention is made of this holy Virgin and Martyr by Isengrenius and Hermannus Schedelius in his Chronicle 8. But Philippus Ferrarius in his Catalogue of Saints omitted in the Roman Martyrologe being mislead by Dempster a Writer most ridiculously partiall for his Scottish Nation as Bishop Vscher observes assigns a place in the Western parts of Scotland call'd Trimontium and now Attetish for the place of this Virgins Martyrdom and in the Scottish Calander her commemoration is appointed on the twenty sixth of May. Which assertion is so evidently contradicted by many authentick Records of severall Churches and by Authours of such unquestion'd integrity that it deserves not a serious confutation XVII CHAP. 1.2 S. Fugatius and Damianus preach the the Gospell in Brittany 3.4.5 They retire to Glastonbury and rebuild it establishing a succession of Monks They find there the Holy Crosse c. 6. The place of their buriall uncertain 1. HAving thas largely set down the Gests of our Holy King Lucius the first among all Christian Kings we will adioyn hereto such particulars as our ancient Monuments furnish us with all touching the two Holy Legats Fugatius or Phaganus and Damianus or Diruvianus sent by the Venerable Pope Eleutherius to baptise the sayd King and to settle the affaires of the New Brittish Church 2. Now concerning these two glorious Saints thus writes Malmsburiensis out of the Ancient Records of Glastonbury Phaganus and Dervianus came into Brittany to preach the Gospell
who travell'd over the whole Island teaching and baptising the inhabitants 3. Moreover in the same Records we find how these two Saints having been inform'd that about a hundred yeares before S. Ioseph of Arimathea and eleaven of his companions had in some measure spread the seed of Christian Faith in Brittany and at last retired themselves to Glastonbury where they died hereupon they visited that sacred place call'd the Isle of Avallonia which saith Cap-grave was then become a covert for wild beasts that formerly had been a habitation of Saints till it pleas'd the Blessed Virgin to reduce to the memory of Christians her Oratory erected there 4. These two holy men therfore penetrating into this solitary Isle as Moses the Lawgiver of the Iews did into the inmost parts of the desart by the divine conduct they found there an ancient Church built by the hands of the Disciples of our Lord which the Supreme Creatour of heaven declar'd by many Miraculoâ— signs that himself had consecrated it to his own glory and to the honour of his most Blessed Mother The foresaid holy men having found this Oratory were fill'd with unspeakeable ioy and there they continued the space of nine years employing all that time in the praises of God And searching diligently that sacred place they found the Holy Crosse the figure of our Redemption together with severall other signs declaring that that place had been formerly the habitation of Christians Afterwards being admonished by a Divine Oracle they considered that our Lord had made choice of that place above all others in Brittany wherin the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin should be implored in all necessities A perfect relation of all which things they found in ancient Writings there to wit How when the Apostles were dispersed through the world S. Philip with many Disciples came into France and sent twelve of them to preach the Faith in Brittany the which being admonish'd by a Revelation of an Angell built the foresaid Oratory which afterward the Son of God dedicated to the honour of his Mother And likewise how three Kings though Pagans had given them twelve portions of land for their sustenance Thus we read in the Antiquities of Glastonbury 5. The same Records doe further testify how these two Holy men added another Oratory built of stone and dedicated to the honour of our Lord and his Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul and on the top of the Mountain raised a Chapell to the honour of S. Michael the Archangell Moreover to continue the service of God there which had been interrupted they established a succession of twelve devout persons in memory of the first twelve companions of S. Ioseph Which number continued till the coming of S. Patrick the Apostle of Ireland into that place c. 6. Now whether these two Apostolicall men dyed at Glastonbury or no is not certain saith the Authour of those Records though that they continued there the space of nine years is delivered by certain Tradition Most probable it is that they dyed and were buried there considering that the space of nine years contains almost the whole time of their abode in this Island so that it seems to have been a place of retirement chosen by them from their first coming to which they usually had recourse for a refreshment from their labours and where by the exercise of Prayer and Contemplation they obtain'd a greater measure of the Divine Spirit to enable them more perfectly to discharge their Apostolicall Office In due gratitude to whose Charity the Brittish Church hath made an anniversary commemoration of them on the twenty fourth of May consigning their death to the year of our Lord one hundred ninety and one XVIII CHAP. 1.2.3 After King Lucius his death the Romans permit not any of his family to succeed and why 4.5.6.7 Commotions in Brittany compos'd by Vlpius Marcellus to whom Pertinax succeeded who was Emperour next after Commodus 1. AFter King Lucius his death which hapned in the seaventh year of the Emperour Severus we doe not find any of his family or indeed of the Brittish blood to have succeeded him Hence it is that Iohn Fordon a Scottish Chronologist thus writes Lucius King of the Brittains being dead or as he says elswhere Not appearing the Royall offspring ceased to raign in that Kingdom Tribuns being there placed by the Romans to govern the Island by Tribuns understanding the Emperours Legats commanding the Roman army 2. Hector Boethius likewise a French Historian having recounted how King Lucius as being a favourer of the Romans had been permitted by the Emperours benevolence to rule he adds That after his death the Romans considering that the Brittish Kings had been Authours of many seditions among themselves and rebellions against the Romans therfore by a publick Decree they prohibited any of the Brittish blood for the future to enioy the Title and dignity of a King 3. Now though not any of the Roman Historians mention such a Decree yet that King Lucius had no Successours of his blood is certain Probably he had not children Or if he had their exclusion from the crown might be caused by his Profession of Christianity However in our following Narration we shall be obliged to referre occurrents to the raign of the respective Roman Emperours then living 4. And as for the Roman or Brittish civill affaires during the Raign of Commodus lasting thirteen yeares in the beginning wherof King Lucius became a Christian the Roman Historians afford us little to furnish this our History Some few particulars shall here breifly be mention'd 5. In the fifth year of Commodus his raign saith Dio who liv'd in those times the Caledonian Brittains having made an eruption through the wall which divided them from the more southern Provinces wasted all the countrey before them and slew the Roman Generall together with all his soldiers Wherewith Commodus being terrified sent against them Vlpius Marcellus a man of admirable vertue and courage who returned upon those barbarous people their injuries with advantage and heaped on them most greivous calamities and losses For which good service through the Emperours envy he scarce escaped being kill'd Notwithstanding for that victory Commodus assumed the sirname of Britannicus among his other Titles as appears by ancient Medalls mention'd by Camden and Speed 6. Two years after Helvius Pertinax who succeeded Commodus in the Empire though he raigned but a few months was sent into Brittany whither he brought back five hundred soldiers sent by the Army there to Rome to complain of the injuries offred them by Perennius the Emperours favourite whom they boldly killd in his presence 7. Pertinax having with much adoe quietted the Brittish Legions made it his suit to the Emperour to be eas'd of the government alledging for his principall reason that the Army hated him for his care to preserve military discipline Wherupon Commodus in the eleaventh
wall separated from those which were under the Romans dominion Dio an Historian of these times though he curiously prosecutes the progresse of the Emperour Severus through these countreys finds only two Nations in these parts against whom he fought the Maeares and the Caledonians to which saith he all other names are refer'd as the Vecturiones and Deucalidonians c. the former neighbouring to that wall and the other possessing the remainder of the Island to the Northern Sea As for the name of Scots there is as yet no mention of them either in him or any other ancient Writer Where as if there had been any such distinct Nation here Severus who was most ambitious to multiply his Titles would not have faild to have inserted Scoticus among them We shall ere long determine when that Nation entred those parts and when they changed the Name of those Provinces 3. It is without question true that such a Prince there was in those times as Donaldus who by Rosierius is sayd to be the Brother of Ethodius but whether he was a King of that whole Countrey of Brittany not yet conquered by the Romans or only a Prince of some one Province there cannot certainly be determin'd A Tradition likewise sufficiently grounded approves the Conversion of that Prince with his Family and subjects about two years after the Death of King Lucius Which is evidently confirmed by the forecited testimony of Tertullian in a Book written not above seaven years after it happned 4. As for Fulgentius or as the Brittains call'd him Fulgenius he was a Southern Brittain not only a Subject of King Lucius but of the same Royall family descended saith Boethius from the ancient blood of the Brittish Kings and who together with his King and kinsman embraced the Christian Faith He was not a Writer of Books as Dempster fains but a Prince of high Spirits and courage And being such an one no marvell if after so great an injury done to his family which was excluded from the Succession by the Romans he refused to continue their subject and fled to their profess'd Enemies the Caledonian Brittains beyond the wall 5. Fulgenius therfore was doubtles the first who instill'd into the mind of Donaldus a love of Christian verities and suggested to him the same way and meanes to obtain a more perfect instruction which his Kinsman King Lucius had lately made use of which was to direct Messengers to the Bishop of Rome Pope Victor with a request that he would send authoris'd Teachers to instruct that Nation and establish a Church there This the King perform'd and accordingly Paschasius with other his companions were sent into those Northern Provinces who by the Divine assistance converted to the Faith such infinite numbers of the Inhabitants that there were not Preists enow to baptise them 6. It seems the reputation of Fulgenius his courage and conduit was so great that King Donaldus made him Generall of the forces with which he broke into the Roman Provinces causing a terrible desolation there And being opposed by the Roman Generall he defeated his Army and kill'd both him and in a manner all that follow'd him So great a calamity hence follow'd through all the Southern paâ—ts of the Island that the Emperour Severus himselfe thought his own presence and authority necessary to secure the Province Hereupon he brought with him an Army so formidable that the Maeates and Caledonians made an offer to surrender themselves But the Emperour ambitious of fame by a conquest of them entred their countrey where his cheif difficulty was to find his enemies for by reason of the vast mountains woods and marishes all the passages wherof were known to the Brittains the Romans became oft entangled in their march and sometimes received considerable defeats Notwithstanding by their constancy and advantage in numbers the Roman Army did not interrupt their progresse till they had peirced to the utmost bounds of the Island confining on the Northern Sea There was no decisive battell at all fought between them Notwithstanding the Emperour esteem'd his exploit of marching through the whole countrey which never any Enemy before had done to be so illustrious that he therfore assum'd among his other Titles that of Britannicus Which likewise was communicated to his two Sons Bassianus and Geta his Successours in the Empire though only Bassianus accompanied him in the invasion Geta being left in the Southern parts to compose Civil affaires 7. As for the Noble and pious Brittain Fulgenius he is sayd shortly after to have ended his life at York then the Imperiall Citty It is doubtfull whether he returned thither as a Prisoner or upon composition For some of the Princes and Provinces yeilded themselves to the Emperour though the greatest part avoyding any encounter with the Romans remain'd still in their former hostility That therfore which is related by a Modern Writer touching Fulgenius is very uncertain namely that in a battell against Septimius Severus he was mortally wounded and died at York in the year of Grace two hundred and twelve being the eighteenth and last year of Severus his Raign And other stories of him though confidently reported by some as that he was the Brother of Martia the first wife of Severus and that by him Severus him selfe was slain are meer inventions contriv'd to adorn a Fable rather then a History III. CHAP. 1.2 How far Severus the Emperour subdued the Caledonian Brittains And of the wall built by him 3.4 Severus his ominous retreat to York and his death there And Consecration by the Romans 5. His Sons left Successours in the Empire but Bassianus the Elder murders his Brother Geta. 6. A sharp reply of a Brittish Lady to the Empresse Iulia. 7. A Description of the Caledonian Picts by Herodian 1. SEverus though he took the Title of Britannicus and coyned Medalls inscrib'd with Britannica Victoria was far from subduing those Northern Brittains He wrote indeed to Rome that the Caledonians by covenant had yeilded up a part of the countrey formerly possess'd by them Notwithstanding if we consider the situation of the Wall or Rampire renewd by him to exclude those Nations from commerce with the civiliz'd Provinces we shall find that the Romans rather yeilded to the Brittains a considerable space of ground which had formerly been subdued and gaind by Iulius Agricola and Lollius Vrbicus 2. Our famous Historian S. Beda indeed is of opinion that this Wall or rather Rampire of earth was rais'd by Severus in the same place where Agricola in the former Age had made his enclosure to wit between the two bayes of Edinborough and Dunbritton But certain it is that this Rampire was placed much more to the Southward where the Emperour Hadrian afterward had rais'd his Wall now utterly demolish'd between the Mouth of the River Tine and the bay of Eden Ituna in Cumberland The length of which Rampire was not as Orosius relates as likewise S. Hierom and
and lifting up his eyes with prayer to God the river became presently drye and the water gaue free way to the passengers Thus S. Beda 5. The manner how this Miracle was wrought is more expressly declared in the foresaid authentick Acts of S. Albanus from whence S. Beda borrowed his Narration For there it is said that when he was come to the river side he fell on his knees and prayed saying O Lord Iesus Christ from whose most holy side I my self in a vision saw both water and blood to flow I beseech thee that thou wouldst cause these waters to be diminished and the floods to return back to the end that this people may without any danger or inconvenience be present at my Suffring O wonder full he had us sooner bowd his knees but the channell was immediatly dry The tears flowing from Saint Albanus his eyes left no water in the river The power of his Prayer emptied the torrent and cleared a passage for the people between the floods on both sides 6. Then the Officer who conducted Saint Albanus to his death by the merits of the holy Martyr obtaind his own eternall happines For when he saw these miracles he threw away his sword and casting himself at the holy mans feet begg'd pardon of him Which when the people saw they laid hold on the man beat out his teeth tore his sacred mouth and in a manner broke all his bones 7. S. Beda thus relates this passage The soldier saith he fell down at S. Albanus his feet instantly desiring that himself might rather be slain with or for the Martyr whom he had been commanded to putt to death Now whilst he of a persecutour was chang'd into a companion of the true Faith and the sword lying on the ground the other officers were at a stand what they should doe the most venerable Confessour ascended the hill together with the multitudes 8. The Acts further declare as likewise S. Beda that when the people being come to the top of the hill were tormented with extremity of thirst S. Albanus kneeling down thus prayed to God O God who didst create man of the clay of the earth suffer not I beseech thee any of thy creatures to receive any harm by my occasion After which words there presently broke forth a fountain before his feet which with a rapide course flowed down the hill so that the people being refreshd with those waters escaped all danger by their thirst 9. In the mean time another Executioner was chosen from among the people into whose hands the sword was delivered who to his own great unhappines discharged that impious office For saith Mathew of Westminster while the holy Martyr kneeling offred his prayers to God and frequently with great fervour kiss'd the Crucifix which he held in his hands the Executioner drawing his sword cutt of his head and immediatly by a wonderfull miracle Almighty God by the losse of the Executioners eyes gave testimony to the Martyrs innocence For as S. Beda relates he who stretch'd forth his impious hand to cutt the pious Martyrs neck was not permitted to insult over him being dead for together with the blessed Martyrs head the Executioners eyes also fell to the ground This Miracle is confirmed not only by the forecited Acts but many other Authours of forraign Nations and particularly by Hiericus a French man who seaven hundred years since wrote the life of S. Germanus XIII CHAP. 1.2 The Martyrdome of the Converted Soldier his name c. 3. The glorious assumption of S. Albanus his soule into heaven 1. SAint Albanus had a companion in his death the Soldier who was design'd to be his executioner Concerning whom S. Beda thus writes There was beheaded with him likewise the foresaid Soldier who being moved by a divine instinct refused to kill the Holy Confessour of our Lord. Concerning whom this may without all doubt be affirmed that though he was not outwardly cleansed with the water of Baptism yet being washed in the Laver of his own blood he became worthy to be admitted into the kingdom of heaven 2. The Acts of S. Alban doe affor'd us a more exact relation both of this Soldiers name and occasion of his Martydom Where we read how the said Soldier by name Heraclius who as hah been declared was left half dead by the people afterward creeping on his hands and feet as he could followed them up the Mountain To whom one of the Iudges then present said in scorn Go to now addresse thy prayers to thy Patron Albanus even now executed that he would restore soundnes to thy bruised bones and limbs Run make hast ioyn his head to his body and no doubt thou wilt not fayle to obtain perfect health why doest thou stay bury the dead carkeise and thou maist be assured that whilst it is in thy hands it will bestow an entire cure on thee The Soldier answered I doe most firmly beleive that this Blessed Saint Albanus by his merits can restore unto mee my perfect health for that which you speak in derision may in earnest be fullfill'd in mee And having say'd this he embraced the head and adioyning it to the body he became immediatly as sound as before When the Infidells saw this they were filld with envy and malice and said what shall we doe Sure no sword can kill this man We have broken all his bones and yet now his former strength is restor'd him Then laying hold on him they bound him fast with chaines and tore his body with severall sorts of tortures and in the end with a sword cutt off his head 3. Now how acceptable to Almighty God the Martyrdom of this glorious S. Albanus was was presently after declared from heaven in a wonderfull manner for thus we read in his Acts Behold the night immediatly following his suffring a pillar of light was seen to raise it self from the sepulcher of S. Albanus up to heaven by which Angells descended and ascended spending the whole night in Hymns and praises of God frequently also repeating these words The illustrious Albanus is now a glorious Martyr of Christ. And hereto the ancient Christian Poet Venantius Fortunatus had regard when in a Poem of his among other Saints celebrating the memory of S. Albanus and his companion suffring in Brittany he says that Quires of Angells from heaven did with songs wellcom them at their entrance into glory and the glorified Saints enrich'd with the Crosse and blood of Christ did make hast to ioyn in Hymnes to God for them XIV CHAP. 1.2.3 Of the Authour of the ancient Acts of S. Albanus 4.5 His Relation confirmed by the testimony of Gildas 6.7 Iohn Fox his unfaithfullnes 1. HAving thus with as much fidelity and exactnes as we could given an account of the Gests of our first most glorious Brittish Martyr S. Albanus in which we have principally follow'd the Authour of his life being a precious
assistance of the Nobility about her and her Counsell he at last obtained Thus Hermannus Cromback relates the matter out of an ancient Manuscript belonging to the Monastery of S. Pantaleon in Colen who adds that this Translation befell in the year of Grace nine hundred eighty four 11. To conclude this subject and to demonstrate with what devotion our whole nation hath always celebrated the memory of this our first Brittish Martyr shall be here annex'd out of Thomas Walsingham a breif narration how the Controversy was ended betwen the two Monasteries of S. Alban and Ely both which earnestly and confidently pretended that S. Albanus his body repos'd among them 12. For King Edward the second celebrating Easter in the Monastery of Ely employed his authority to procure that the Tomb in which the Monks affirm'd that the Body of S. Albanus lay among them should be opened Which at last though with great reluctance of the Monks being perform'd there was nothing at all found in it but only a course hairy garment in the upper part whereof was seen sprinckled in severall places thick congeald blood as fresh as if it had been shed a few dayes before which garment was without all question the Caracalla which S. Albanus received from his Master Saint Amphibalus and wherin he suffred Martyrdom And by this discovery the Monks of S. Alban to their great ioy gained their cause 13. Neither let any one wonder that the same Veneration should be pay'd to a Martyrs Vestment sprinkled with his blood which would be given to his whole body for by many miracles God hath testified that this is acceptable to him A more authentick witnes hereof cannot be required then the Holy and learned Father S. Gregory Nazianzen whose words are these A little portion of dust a particle of bones a little haire part of the Vestment or the marks of the blood of a Martyr sprinckled ought to have as much veneration as the whole body Nay I have known where onely the name of a Martyr attributed to a place has produced the same vertue that the Martyrs whole body would have done O wonderfull the memory alone of Martyrs is sufficient in my opinion to conferr health XVI CHAP. 1.2 c. The ancient Acts of S. Amphibalus 3. Great multituds present at the death of S. Albanus converted 4.5 S. Amphibalus venerates the Crosse. 6.7.8 A thousand Brittish Christians martyrd in the presence of S. Amphibalus 9. The place of their Martyrdome Lichfeild 1. THE first that follow'd S. Albanus by the way of Martyrdom to heaven was his Master Amphibalus who first shewd him the way thither Concerning whoÌ„ thus wee read in his Life extant likewise in Capgrave but written by a lesse ancient Authour as appears by the context of it for he mentions some Provinces by names which were not given them till some ages after these times as wallia Wales c. 2. When S. Amphibalus had by his preaching and exhortation through the operation of the Holy Ghost converted the glorious Martyr S. Albanus to the Fatih his Venerable Disciple earnestly perswaded him to depart that Citty of Verolam and withall gave him his own Soldiers garment richly woven with gold that so he might travell more safely from his enemies To whose request Amphibalus condescending began his flight early in the morning directing his iourney northward with an intention to preach the word of God to the Gentiles in Wales 3. After whose departure followd the Martyrdom of S. Albanus and when the multitudes which accompanied him to his death saw the pillar of light which from his tombe rais'd it self up to heaven and the Angells descending and asscending with praises to God all the night they were amazed at that unusuall ligâ—t which they ascribed to the miraculous power of God Whereupon one of theÌ„ seeing the rest astonishd thus spake to them It is manifest that it is Christ the Son of God who hath wrought these wonderfull things The Gods which we have hitherto worshipped are rather Monsters then Deities having no power nor Divinity in them so that we have spent our dayes in their worship without any proffit at all See how the nights darknes gives way to celestiall splendours See how the heavenly Cittizens come and goe celebrating the Sanctity of Albanus Let us therfore forsake our former Errours and be converted from lyes to truth from infidelity to Faith Let us goe and enquire out the man of God who as you know converted by his preaching Albanus to the Faith This man having with these and other like speeches exhorted the rest they all with one accord presently profess'd a detestation of their former Heathenish Errours and exalted the Faith of Christ. 4. Thus with great hast they directed their iouney into wales where the servant of God Amphibalus was suppos'd to remain To whom when they were come they found him preaching the word of life to the people of that Region and told him the cause of their coming withall presenting to him the Crosse which himself had before bestow'd on his Disciple Albanus and which was sprinckall over with fresh blood thereby exhibiting manifesâ—â—igns of the Blessed mans Martyrdom 5. As touching this Crosse thus Mathew of westminster writes The Crosse says he which the holy Martyr Albanus was wont almost continually to carry in his hands at his death being sprinckled with his blessed blood fell upon the grasse which a certain Christian privily took up and conceal'd it from the Pagans 6. The same Authour pursuing this Story adds That S. Amphibalus having heard and seen these things gave thanks to Almighty God and made a Sermon of Christian Religion to these his new Auditours who were in number about a thousand To whose doctrin they all immediatly profess'd their consent and beleif and therupon chearfully received from his sacred hands the Seale of Faith which is in Christ to witt his holy Baptism 7. In the mean time the conversion and departure of such great multitudes caused great trouble among the Pagan Cittizens of Verolam wherupon the Ministers of the persecution rais'd against Christians there resolved to pursue with all cruelty the holy man Amphibalus who had been the cause of so great a change and in order thereto they with armed forces march'd the same way which their companions had taken intending to find out this publick and profess'd Enemy of their Superstition In conclusion they easily found him who sought not to escape from them and they found him employed in his usuall office of preaching the word of God to his new Converts 8. Then according to the relation of the Acts of this holy Martyr rushing with violence upon him O seducing wretch said they how darest thou with thy fallacious inventions deceive this simple people and teach them to trample under â—â—â—t the Imperiall Lawes and contemne our Gods They said no more but mad with rage presently without any distinction
not stirring any way from the place where he stood 8. But when at last the hower was come in which he was to surrender to God his victorious spirit lifting up his eyes to heaven he saw our Lord Iesus standing at the right hand of the Father and heard an harmonious coÌ„cert of Angells in heaven amongst whom he saw his beloved Disciple S. Albanus whom he presently invoked to his help saying O Holy Albanus pray to our Lord that he would send his good Angell to meet and protect mee that the accursed fiend and his associats may not binder my passage into life Immediatly after which Prayer there appeared two Angells gloriously shining with celestiall splendour which came to him And a voyce from heaven was heard saying Verily I say unto thee thou shalt presently be in Paradise with thy Disciple 9. When the Pagans heard this celestiall voyce they stood amazed But the holy Angells took with them the Blessed mans soule shining with a brightnes white as snow and with hymnes and praises carried it into heaven In the mean time the Pagans ceased not to overwhelm with stones the livelesse body bound as it was with cords But afterwards a certain Christian privily took away the Body and with a diligent care buried it This is the summ of the Life and Martyrdom of S. Amphibalus recorded by an ancient Briâ—tish Authour who saith Harpsfeild lived before the time of S. Beda XXIII CHAP. 1.2 S. Amphibalus martyrd or buried at Rudburn near Verolam his Sepulcher miraculously discovered by S. Albanus 3. His Body translated to S Albons 4 The day of his Translation 5. His Tomb venerated for miracles c. 1. IN the foregoing relation there is no particular mention either of the precise time or place where S. Amphibalus was martyrd But touching the place Harpsfeild saith that the Holy man of God was putt to death in a village call'd Rudburn distant from Verolam three miles where as Thomas Rudburn relates there were reserved to his time two great knives with which he was killd Which Thomas liv'd about the year one thousand four hundred and eighty And indeed in the same village there seem to remain to this day some marks of his Martyrdom for in the way between Rudburn and Verolam there is shown a certain Tree of late enclosd within walls where it is beleiod was fixd the post to which the holy Martyr was tyed and where his bowells were forn out 2. Or rather probably there was the place of his buriall which was perform'd with such secrecy as hath been said that till the year of Grace one thousand one hundred seaventy and eight the sacred Body could never be discovered But in that yeare saith Mathew of Westminster the Blessed Martyr S. Albanus was seen visibly to goe out of the Church dedicated to him and to come to a certain man inhabiting in the town of S. Albons to whom he said Follow mee Who seeing him shining gloriously like the Sun was affraid yet in obedience followd him Northward and the high way shone with his brightnes As they walked the man said to the Holy man Sir who are you Who answered I am Albanus the first Martyr of Brittany and I now lead thee to the Sepulcher of S. Amphibalus by whose preaching I was converted to our Lord and became a Martyr that his bones may be discovered and reverently removed to a more decent place Thus they talked together familiarly like two freinds and in the end he shewd him the place which the man diligently observed setting certain stones in order there to be a mark for the finding it againe Thus writes that Authour and the same is related more diffusedly by Mathew Paris 3. Then it was that the Sacred Body was translated to the Church of S. Albans where 〈◊〉 â—any Miracles were wrought by his intercession that the year following Lewis King of France who came into England in devotion to visit the Shrine of S. Thomas of Canterbury was desirous to continue his voyage likewise to S. Albans but was disswaded by his Nobles accompanying him as the same Authour reports 4. As touching the time time of this Holy Martyrs death though the year be well-enough known to witt the two hundred eighty seaventh year of our Lord yet for the day it is not particularly design'd in any History or Monument For wheras in the English Martyrologe his passion is celebrated on the twenty-fifth of Iune three days after that of S. Albanus yet surely then was commemorated not his death but the Translation of his sacred ashes to Verolam where they were repos'd in the Church of S. Albanus built by King Offa. This day it is which Harpsfeild meant when he wrote thus Verolam never saw any day more joyfull and beneficiall A Martyr meets a Martyr the scholler meets his Master the Host meets his Guest and one Cittizen of heaven meets another Albanus now openly and honourably entertains that guest at his return whom before he had secretly dismis'd least he should fall into his Enemies hands He now leads him into a magnificent Temple to whom before he could give no security in a cottage These things happned in the year one thousand one hundred seaventy eight on the five and twentieth day of Iune 5. But though the Brittains had been formerly ignorant of the place where S. Amphibalus his Body lay yet that was no hindrance to their Veneration of him from the beginning For as may be gathered out of a forecited passage of Gildas within ten years after his Martyrdom a Church was erected to his honour And in the year of our Lord three hundred and nine another Church at Winchester was consecrated to S. Amphibalus which the Saxons afterward rebuilding dedicated to S. Peter XIX CHAP. 1. Severall companions with S. Amphibalus in his Martyrdom whose names are not known 2.3.4 Martyrdon of S. Iulius and S. Aaron at Caer-leon 5 6 Churches built to their memory long before the Saxons entrance 7. S Stephanus and S. Socrates Brittish Martyrs 1. BEsides S. Albanus and S. Amphibalus Brittany at this time was glorified with severall other Martyrs Capgrave writes that when S. Amphibalus his Body was found there were discovered likewise with it two other Bodies of Martyrs A namelesse Authour quoted by Bishop Vâ—her reckons three to which Mathew Paris adds five more so that saith he Blessed Amphibalus was reckoned the tenth And Thomas Rudburn as also the breif History of the Church of Winchester affirm that the bodies of S. Amphibalus and eight of his companions were discovered Which in all probability were the Relicks of these Martyrs which together with him suffred for the profession of the Christian Faith their names are only known in heaven 2. But that part of Brittany from whence S. Amphibalus drew his originall hath more carefully preserved the Memory of their fellow cittizens and Martyrs which suffred there Among whom the
living in Citties together with all trades should rest on the Venerable day of our Lord. But as for those Pagans who lived in the Countrey free license was given them to employ themselves in cultivating the grounds Because it often happens that no other day is more commodious for plowing or digging the Vines Care therfore ought to be taken that an opportunity of a common good granted by divine Providence should not be lost 7. Yea so admirable was Constantins piety that he thought fitt to prescribe a Form of Prayer to be recited on all Sundays both by Christians in Citties and Pagans in Villages and specially by Soldiers in these words Wee acknowledge thee the only God wee professe thee our Soveraign King Wee invoke thee our Helper By thee wee obtain Victories by thee wee have vanquished our Enemies Wee acknowledge that from thee wee have obtained present felicity and hope wee shall obtain future also Wee are all of us thy Suppliants Wee beseech to preserve many years safe and victorious Constantin our Emperour together with his pious children 8. Yea moreover as Sozomen relates in honour of our Saviours Crosse and Passion he ordained a vacancy of judgments and Trades likewise on Fridayes and that some time should be spent then in Prayers and supplications to God 9. Lastly he not only by his own magnificence enriched the Church but by a Law opened as it were the purses of all men to endow it For he gave a generall licence to all persons without exceptions to bequeath what proportion of their goods they thought fit to the most holy Congregation of the Catholick Church 10. Yet one action this time Constantin did by which he stained the purity of his Faith Being at Sardica he was inform'd from Rome that his Palace had been struck with lightning Which was an ominous sign to the Pagan Romans and according to their ancient Laws to be averted by many superstitious lustrations and purgations Wherupon in condescendence to their request he gave order to the Magistrats to consult the Sooth sayers what was portended therby onely he commanded them to abstain from domesticall Sacrifices 11. But this unlawfull condescendence of the Emperour wrought an effect to the prejudice of Christians which he did not expect For upon this occasion the Heathen Roman Magistrats at the instigation of the Aruspices or Soothsayers would compell the Christians to ioyn in the publick expiatory Sacrifices But they refusing to doe it chose rather to leave the Citty Which doubtlesse was the cause of the voluntary Exile of the Holy Pope Silvester 12. Hereupon Constantin being informed of this was forced to publish a Severe Law commanding That if any one should endeavour to compell any Ecclesiasticall persons or any other professing the most holy Law of the Catholick Sect to celebrate the Rites of Heathenish lustrations if he were a mean person he should be publickly beaten with clubs if otherwise he should have a greivous fine imposed on him XIII HAP 1.2 Constantin baptised at Rome and the occasion of it Errour of Eusebius 6.7 c. His Great acts of Piety after his Baptism 1. HItherto Constantin had deferd his Baptism according to the Custome of many in that Age who being taught that that Holy Sacrament is a certain purgation of all Sins and gives to the persons an immediate and undoubted right to heaven frequently delayed the receiving it till their declining age or when death was ready to seise on them But in this year many sad misfortunes proceeding from heynous sins enforced Constantin now to have recourse to that saving remedy 2. True it is that Eusebius and other Greek Authours mislead by him affirm that he was not baptised till near his death and then received that Sacrament from the Sacrilegious hands of Eusebius Bishop of Nicomediae a principall pillar of the Arian Heresy Thus wrote the other Eusebius Bishop of Caesarea of the same faction to please Constantius his Son seduced by them But the constant Tradition of the Western Church confirm'd by many proofs as the authentick Acts of Artemius c. doth positively inform us that this year being the three hundred twenty fourth after the Incarnation of our Saviour Constantin received Baptism at Rome by the hands of Pope Silvester upon this occasion 3. The younger Licinius his Sisters Son was falsely accused to him of a design to rebell against him wherupon Constantin commanded him to be slain Immediatly after this he putt to death his own eldest Son Crispus born to him by Minervina a young Prince already famous for many Victories and adorned with many vertues and principally with chastity The crime layd to his charge was an attempt to violate his Mother in Law Fausta Constantins wife In conclusion it being too late discovered that this accusation was falsely invented by Fausta because the young man would not yeild to her lust Constantin caused his wife to be stifled in a hot bath 4. After these calamities and crimes as we read in the Acts of Pope Silvester and find asserted by Pope Hadrian and the Fathers of the Second General Council of Nicaea c. Almighty God struck Constantin with a Leprosy who being anxious to find a remedy he was inform'd by the Soothsayers that the only way to restore him was by a bath of infants blood Which detestable Medecin being abhorr'd by Constantin God was pleas'd by a Vision in Sleep wherin the Apostles S. Peter and Paul appear'd to him to instruct him that the only certain Remedy would be to receive Baptism at the hands of the Holy Pope Silvester Which was accordingly with great solemnity perform'd 5. Hereof an evident and Visible proof to this day is the magnificent Chappell built by Constantin himself in the same place where he was baptised in which according to the description eight hundred years agoe taken by Anastasius Bibliothecarius out of a most ancient Manuscript there was a font Baptisterium built of Porphyry and covered within and without with three thousand pound weight of pure silver and over it hung a Phiale weighing fifty pounds of pure gold in which yearly two hundred pounds of Balsom did burn On the brink of the Font was placed a Lamb of pure gold which powred forth water and weighed thirty pounds At the right hand of the Lamb stood the Statue of our Saviour of pure Silver weighing one hundred and seaventy pounds And â—n the left hand was placed S. Iohn Baptist of silver weighing one hundred pounds holding a scroll wherin was written Behold the Lamb of God Behold him whâ— takes away the sins of the world c. 6. After his Baptism the Emperour according to the Churches Custom being for seaven days cloath'd in White consecrated every day with some signall act of Piety In the first he published as a Law that Christ is the true Lord who cleansed him from his Leprosy and whom he commanded to be adored through the whole
One William Basing likewise is sayd to have built a Church consecrated to S. Helena at London XVII CHAP. 1.2 Constantins zeale against Paganism and Heresy 3. c. He is seduced by his Sister to favour Arius c. but repents 5.6 He adorns his New Citty Constantinople 7.8 Miracles by the Holy Crosse. 9. Other acts of Constantins piety 1. AFter S. Helena's death Constantin returned into the East where he express'd his zeale against Pagan Idolatry For Eunapius a Pagan writer complains Through the whole world the most celebrated Temples were overthrown by Constantin He made severe Lawes against Heathenish Sacrifices mention'd in Theodosius his Code 2. Neither was he wanting to establish the Churches Peace and Vnity by publishing rigorous Edicts against Hereticks Novatians Valentinians Marcionists Paulians Montanists c. forbidding all Assemblies among them both publick and private and withall exhorting them to return to the Communion of the Catholick Church that so they might be rendred partakers of its Sanctity and so attain to Truth Thus writes Eusebius adding that hereupon many of them did acknowledge their errours and at last joyn'd themselfves to the Churches Communion 3. Notwithstanding being seduced by the Craft of Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia the Pillar of the Arian faction he began a persecution against S. Athanasius then Bishop of Alexandria This Eusebius had cunningly insinuated himself into the affections of Constantiae the Emperours Sister by whom at her death he was recommended to Constantin in whose mind a scruple likewise was injected by certain speeches of hers threatning a severe punishment to him after death for his severity against so many innocents so she called the Arians Wherupon he commanded that Arius himself should return and be received at Alexandria For which purpose he wrote threatning letters to S. Athanasius that he should be deposed in case he refused him Notwithstanding being inform'd by Athanasius that Arius did not repent of his Heresy but was still a profess'd Enemy of the Councill of Nicaea Constātin desisted from urging his reception 4. Afterward the Meletians accused Saint Athanasius of many crimes but Constantin upon examination finding his innocence quickly absolved and dimiss'd him Yea moreover the pious Emperour turn'd his anger against him who was the cheif Architect of all machinations against S. Athanasius to witt Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia as appears by his letters written to the people of that Citty and recited by Theodoret in which he complains how himself had been deluded by his forgeries and lyes And on that occasion he proceeds to pronounce Sentence against the whole faction of the Arians banishing Eusebius and severall other Bishops from their Sees 5. But the year following by occasion of the inauguration of his New Citty Constantinople among other Examples of his Clemency he restored them Nicephorus writes that the Citty was consecrated to our Lord and his immaculate Mother with offring the unbloody Sacrifice and prayers Adding that Constantins Statue was erected in a publick place upon a pillar of Porphyry having in his right hand a golden Apple on which was placed the Holy Crosse with this Inscription To thee O Christ our God I commend this Citty 6. Eusebius describing the Magnificence of Constantin in adorning this Citty with many Churches consecrated to the Holy Martyrs saith The Emperour intending to illustrate after an extraordinary manner the Citty called by his own name adorn'd it with many magnificent Churches partly in the Suburbs and partly in the Citty it self by which he both celebrated the Memories of the Holy Martyrs and consecrated the Citty it self to the God of Martyrs The principall of those Martyrs are recorded to have been S. Mocius S. Agathonicus S. Mennas and S. Acacius 7. Sozomen likewise an eye witnes especially celebrats a Church built in a place formerly dedicated to Vesta which was afterward named Michaelium from an apparition of that Holy Archangell In which many Miracles had been wrought by vertue of the Holy Crosse there erected of which vertue the Authour acknowledges that himself had been partaker Among which one speciall Miracle must not be omitted which he relates after this manner 8. I have been informed saith he that a Soldier of the Emperours Guards called Probianus being afflicted with greivous torments in his feet not only received ease in that place but was also honoured with a wonderfull divine vision For he having been formerly a Pagan and converted to Christianity though he were satisfied of the truth of all other instituts of our Religion yet he would never be perswaded that the Holy Crosse could be the cause of mankinds salvation Being thus affected there was offred to him a Divine Vision which set before his eyes the Image of the Crosse which usually was sett on the Altar of that Church and the same Vision declared to him manifestly that whatsoever thngs had been performed either by Angells or Holy men for the publick or privat proffit of men since the time that Christ was crucified were not rightly performed but by the vertue of the saving Crosse. 9. Besides these sacred Ornaments Constantin added much wealth to endow the holy Churches built by him He likewise caused a world of Copies of the Holy Scriptures to be curiously written in parchments richly adorned which he dispersed through severall Churches in the Citty He gave likewise great priviledges to Physicions Grammarians and Professours of other Arts by which means learning much flourish'd there In a word he endeavour'd to make it equall in all respects to Old Rome placing there a Senat with the same honours and authority into which many Christians were elected as Baronius declareth XVIII CHAP. 1.2 S. Athanasius persecuted by Arians 3.4.5 He is banish'd into the west for his safety 6.7 Arius conven'd before Constantin 8.9 c. His fearfull death 10. Pope Iulius 1. BVT the restlesse malice of the Arians against S. Athanasius the principall defender of the Faith declared by the Nicene Councill urged them to invent and forge new accusations against him of breaking a Chalice of murdering a man and using enchantments with his dead hand of committing adultery by violence c. With these crimes they charged him before the Emperour importuning him that he might be condemned and deposed 2. Hereupon a Synod of Bishops being assembled at Tyre Athanasius his cause was there examined and though in all particulars his innocence was evidently declared ye◠he was condemned by them Which manifest injustice astonish'd Constantin as appears by a Letter of his recorded by Saint Athanasius in his Apology 3. Notwithstanding these impious Bishps after they had consecrated at Ierusalem a magnificent Church built by Constantin repairing to Constantinople there renew'd their accusations and probably by the favour of the Emperours Son Constantius infected with their Heresy did so beseige Constantins eares that S. Athanasius could scarce gett accesse to prove his
own innocence Insomuch as by their importunity the Emperour was even inforc'd to banish him into the West 4. This certainly unjust Sentence Saint Athanasius himself excuses in a letter written by him to the Egyptian Hermits where we read this passage Constantin upon the calumnious accusation of the Eusebians removed for a time Athanasius into Gaule that so he might be deliver'd from their cruelty who sought all opportunities treacherously to destroy him For thus wrote his Son Constans of blessed Memory as appears by his letters yet extant 5. And the same charitable interpretation did his other Son Constantin who succeeded him in the western Empire make of his Fathers action For writing to the people of Alexandria he saith To elude the Savage cruelty of the Arians whose iawes were opened to swallow him Athanasius was ordered to withdraw himself being commanded to live under my government Thus he made his abode in this Citty of Triers where nothing necessary is wanting to him So that no just suspicion can be imputed to the Emperour as if he wavered or had deserted the Orthodoxe Faith 6. This was further confirmed by a memorable accident hapning this year at Constantinople For the Emperour perceiving that Arius though avoyded by all Catholicks was defended as Orthodoxe by many others commanded him to repair to his presence in that Citty Whither being arrived Constantin himself ask'd him whether he did approve the Decrees of the Nicen Councill He presently with a chearfull countenance answered That he approved them The Emperour not content with his affirmation and subscription urged him to confirm this by oath in which likewise he complied But all this was meere craft and impious subtilty For whilst be made this Profession and oath he held in his bosome a Paper containing his heresy and swore that from his heart he beleived as he had written Notwithstanding the Emperour being ignorant of his fallacy beleived him Orthodoxe and thereupon commanded Alexander then Bishop of Constantinople to receive him into Communion 7. S. Athanasius to this relation adds That Constantin having heard what Arius professed and swore said thus to him If thy Faith be true and Orthodoxe thou hast sworn well But if it be impious and yet thou hast thus sworn may God condemne thee for thy perjury Which imprecation wanted nor an effect for presently God miraculously shew'd the impiety of Arius and true Faith of Constantin in this manner 8. Alexander Bishop of Constantinople being unwilling to admitt the Arch-heretick into his Communion was threatned by Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia that if he refused he would presently cause him to be deposed But Alexander being much more solicitous for the true Faith then his Bishoprick had his recourse to Gods onely assistance and severall dayes and nights lying prostrate before his Altar in presence of his Sacraments pray'd in this manner O God I beseech thee to grant that if the opinion of Arius be true I may dye before the day of disputation come But if the Faith which I professe be true Let Arius the Authour of all these calamities suffer just punishment for his impiety 9. What was the fearfull successe of these fervent prayers is thus related by S. Athanasius When the Bishop had thus ended his Prayers he went away full of anxious cogitations and presently a wonderfull and incredible thing hapned The Eusebians threaten the good Bishop prayes As for Arius confiding in the power of the Eusebians in his way to the Church he used many vain and boasting bablings when on a sudden he was forced to retire into a common privy to exonerate nature where suddenly as it was written of Iudas he â—ell on his face to the ground and burst asunder in the middle Thus was he deprived both of life and Communion 10. The consequents of this fearfull iudgment Socrates thus further prosecutes This being done saith he the Eusebian faction was struck with a wonderfull â—errour and consternation and the fame therof was spread not through the Citty only but the whole world almost By this mean the Emperour likewise adhered still more firmly to the Catholick Faith affirming that the Nicene Faith was now also visibly confirmed by Divine authority and for this reason he much reioyced at the end of the Heretick Arius 11. This same year dyed the Holy Pope Marcus the Successour of S. Silvester after he had sate onely one year in whose place succeeded Pope Iulius whos 's first year is accounted the last of the Emperour Constantin the circumstances of whose death are now to be related XIX CHAP. 1.2.3 c. Constantins pious preparation to death 6. Whether he was baptiz'd by Eusebius the Arian 7. c. Manner of his death And prayers for him after 10. His Memory celebrated among Saints 1. ONE of the last Acts of Constantins zeale and devotion was the building at Constantinople a most magnificent Temple dedicated to the honour of all the Apostles The sumptuousnes of its structure is particularly described by Eusebius who adds That all these things the Emperour dedicated to the end he might eternise the Memory of our Saviours Apostles among all nations 2. In this Temple saith he he placed twelve 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 honorary repositories which should be as twelve Pillars for the honour and Memory of the twelve Apostles And in the midst of them he caused his own Tomb to be placed enclosed on each side by six of them Wisely forethinking that the Tabernacle of his dead body would decently and worthily rest there And having long before framed in his mind this cogitation he dedicated the Church to the Apostles having an opinion and beleif that their Memory would procure very much proffit to his soule 3. Now wherin this proffit did consist the same Authour thus further explains He by a provident dispensation design'd this place opportunely for the day of his death approaching by an incredible propension of his Faith foreseeing that when his Body after death should participate with the Apostles the same common appellation that then he being dead should also be made partaker of the Prayers which there should be offred in honour of the Apostles And with this mind did many of our Brittish and Saxon Kings and Nobles erect so many magnificent Churches and Monasteries for a remedy and redemption of their soules as they frequently expresse in their Charters of Foundations 4. Other more immediate preparations to a happy death made by the same pious Emperour are thus related by the same Writer The Emperour saith he enioyd his faculties and strength of reason in such a perfection that till the extremity of his age he continued to write Orations to make discourses with his freinds and to minister to his hearers advices well beseeming a good Christian. He likewise diligently published Laws both touching Civill and Military affaires for he had an understanding so dilated that he could comprehend what soever was
necessary or expedient for humane life Now this one particular is worthy of eternall memory that immediatly before his last day he recited a funerall Oration in the place accustomed wherin by a continued discourse he spoke of the immortality of soules of the rewards which God had prepared for those who lived piously in this world and on the contrary of the miserable end of those who lead ungodly lives Which discourses pronounced with gravity and constancy aâ—d so affect some of his domesticall servants that one of them a Pagan Idolater who pretended to wisedom being ask'd What his opinion was of the Emperours Oration answered though with some unwillingnes that the things spoken by him seem'd to him to be true and particularly that he could not but highly commend his discourse against a multitude of Gods Such entertainments as those the pious Emperour had among his familiar freinds a little before his death by which he seem'd to make the way to a better life more easy and eaven 5. Eutropius relates that there appeared in heaven at that time a Comet of an unusuall biggnes portending his death After which he fell into some distemper which encreasing forced him to make use of hott bathes in the Citty From whence saith Eusebius he was removed to his Mothers Citty Helenopolis in Bithynia where for a long time continuing in the Church consecrated to the Holy Martyr S. Lucianus he offred his Prayers and publick vowes to God 6. The same Authour in another place pretends that Constantin was at this time baptis'd by the Arian Bishop of Nicomedia neer that Citty But the generall Tradition of the Western Church refutes him as hath been shew'd Therfore what was done by Constantin was not receiving Baptism but Pennance which the same Eusebius relating it calls an imitation of saving Baptism For thus he writes when the consideration of his last day came into Constantins mind he iudging this an opportune time for him to be cleansed of his sins which as a mortall man he had committed and beleiving that by the efficacy of Divine Mysteries and an imitation of the saving laver of Baptism his soule would be purged he I say considering these things fell humbly on his knees in the Church of Martyrs at Helenopolis and there confessing his sins he offred himself a suppliant to God for the pardon of them And then it was that he first became worthy to receive absolution by imposition of hands and prayer 7. In the last place touching his death the same Authour thus prosecutes his Narration Assoon as all holy Mysteries were perform'd he was cloathed with Kingly robes shining brighter then light and was layd in a bed of a most pure whitenesse for his Imperiall Purple he rejected and would never make use of it afterward Then with a clear distinct voyce he prayd and gave thanks to God adding words to this purpose Now I am assured of happines and immortall life now I am made partaker of Divine light Withall he with detestation bewayld the state of miserable Pagans whom be affirm'd most unhappy in that they were deprived of such divine blessings 8. And when the Centurions and other Superiour Officers were admitted and deplored with mournfull voyces their unhappines in the losse of such an Emperour wishing him a longer life To these he answered that now he had attain'd true life indeed and that himself only understood his own happines for which reason his desire was to hasten his departure to God After this he disposed his will in which he gave honourable pensions to such Romans as inhabited the Royall Citty new built by him As for his Empire he left it as a Patrimony to his children Thus dyed Constantin during the solemnity of Pentecost 9. As for the Vniversall mourning the clamours of the people the tearing of garments and prostration of bodies on the ground practised by the Soldiers to testify their inconsolable sorrow for so great a losse together with the glorious solemnization of his funeralls at which was only of all his Sons Constantius present all these things may be read at large in the same Authour This one passage in him must not be omitted where he writes thus Great multitudes of people together with the Preists did not cease with teares and much groaning to powre forth Prayers unto God for the soule of the Emperour wherin they performed an Office very acceptable and desired by the pious Prince himself And likewise God therby shew'd his singular goodnes to his servant both in that after his death his Empire descended to his own dear children and that himself obtain'd repose in the place so affected by him wherin the Memory of the Apostles was ioyâ—tly celebrated 10. That the Church did not doubt of the happines and glory of this pious Emperour after his death the Martyrologes of the Greek the Gallican and Brittish Churches are assured testimonies in which on the one and twentieth of May his Memory is anniversarily solemnised And particularly in Brittany Temples were built and dedicated to his honour One of which still remaines in the Province of the Ordovices or Northwales call'd at this day by his name which was erected by the Brittains when they Were driven by the Saxons into those quarters THE EIGHTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAP. 1.2 Constantin divides the Empire among his three Sons 3. Brittany under Constantin the younger 4. His kindnes to S. Athanasius 5. He is slain by his Brothers soldiers 1. THE Emperour Constantin at his death divided the Roman Empire among his three Sons so as that his eldest Son Constantin enioy'd for his portion the Provinces of Gaule Spain Brittany and all other conquer'd countreyes on this side the Alpes Constantius the Second Son being only present at his Fathers death took possession of the Eastern Regions together with Egypt and the youngest son Constans had the government of Italy and Africk 2. Now the Gests of these and severall succeeding Emperours we will leave to such Historians as have written of the generall affaires of the Church and Empire For having confin'd our selves to matters which concern the Ecclesiasticall state of Brittany our purpose is to treat no further of such Emperours then as they are necessary for Chronology or shall concern our own countrey 3. As touching therfore the Second Constantin within whose Iurisdiction Brittany was comprised his Raign was short not lasting entirely four years And all that we can record of him is that he was constant in the Profession of the Catholick Faith establish'd in the Great Council of Nicaea wherin he was imitated likewise by his Youngest Brother Constans So that by these two Emperours means all the Western Churches were secured from the infection of Heresy which miserably defaced the Eastern parts by reason that Constantius raigning there suffred himself to be perverted by Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia and other Arian Hereticks 4. Now an illustrious proof
there is not express'd by the Writers of his life Yet our Martyrologe relates on the sixth of Iune that he rested in our Lord with great Sanctity about the year of Christ four hundred and three and the visions and wonders preceding his death are thus related by those who have written his life 8. An Angel of our Lord from heaven appear'd to him with a pleasant countenance saying O worthy soldier of God may the joy of our Lord always encrease in thee and his peace continually remain with thee Be ready prepar'd for e're long God will call thee out of this world and thou shalt meet thy heavenly King with a palm of Victory This celestiall Messenger of God stay'd with him a good space and fill'd his soule with a spirituall sweetnes known only to God A second time another Angell appear'd unto him and sayd I am Michael the Archangel sent to thee from our Lord by whose command I am to acquaint thee with what shall shortly befall Behold I declare unto thee the hour of thy departure for after ten dayes thou shalt ioyfully issue out of thy prison of flesh and escape out of the dungeon of this world With inestimable gladnes thou shalt meet thy heavenly King into whose presence we will beare thee and he will receive thee with glory enrolling thee among the Cittizens and Courtiers of his kingdom 9. It is said that his Mother and sisters were present and assisting at his death being invited thither by the fame of his miracles And after his departure it seems they caried his body back with them into Brittany But afterward when the Pagan Saxons demolish'd the Christian Sepulchers in our Island it was transported again into Flanders for thus we read in his life 10. The Holy man dyed the eighth day before the Ides of Iune and his Body was buried in the Isle of Plet or Plecit where it remained many years illustrious by many miracles But barbarous people afterwards invading the Countrey forced the Brittains to fly into forrain regions at which time the Brethren of the foresaid Monastery took up the sacred Body and carried it with them over the Sea which divides Brittany from Gaule And travelling with this sacred pledge at last they arrived at his own Monastery where they repos'd it Where because it was not entertained with due honour a certain Noble Marques call'd Arnulphus appointed by God to be the instrument of the safety of many men removed it to the Monastery of Blandinium in Gaunt together with the precious Relicks of the famous Confessour Bertulpus Which Translation was made on the third day before the Nones of December when Clotharius raigned in France On which day yearly to this time the sacred Body is caried in a solemne Procession And what miracles were wrought severall times during such Processions Cap-grave relates III. CHAP. 1. Constans quiets Gaule and comes into Brittany 2 3. A Synod at Sardica where Brittish Bishops come 4. Gests of the Synod 5.6 c. Of Appeales to Rome c. 12.13 c. S. Athanasius restor'd and again banish'd 15.16 Constans his death 1. IN the yeare three hundred forty two as Paulus Diaconus writes great commotions began in the Roman Empire For the Nation of the Franks setling themselves in Gaule used all hostility against the Romans But this trouble was quickly appeas'd by the Emperour Constans who coming out of Illyricum â—ought with and subdued them After which he pass'd over into Brittany which usually follow'd the motions of Gaule This appears from Iulius Firmicus who in a Book dedicated to the same Emperour recounts this journey performed during the tempestuous season of Winter telling him that the Brittains at the unlook'd for sight of him were affrighted into obedience 2. Four yearts after this upon occasion of great combustions especially in the Eastern Empire the two Emperours ioyn'd to call a Council intended to be Oecumenicall For the Eastern Bishops of the faction of Eusebius Bishop of Nicomedia Cheif-Pillar of the Arians had condemned S. Athanasius in two Synods at Tyre and Antioch On the contrary Iulius Bishop of Rome in a Synod of Italian Bishops received him into his Communion notwithstanding the intercession of the Orientals who sent to Rome their Decree of the condemnation of S. Athanasius Wherupon a Schism between the Eastern and Western Churches being likely to break forth to prevent it the Orthodox Emperour Constans earnestly solicited his brother Constantius ro joyn with him in calling a Generall Councill therby to preserve inviolate the heritage of their Fathers piety by which he had establish'd the Empire destroyed Tyrants and reduced to his obedience many barbarous Nations 3. Hereupon a Synod was assembled the year following at Sardica in Illyrium to which there came out of the Western Empire about three hundred Bishops and out of the East onely seaventy sixe Now among the Western Bishops some there were who came out of Brittany as S. Athanasius in whose cause especially the Synod met expressly affirms naming one of them to wit Restitutus Bishop of London who twenty years before had been at the Councill of Nicea to establish the Faith of the Consubstantiality of the Son of God In which regard to treat more particularly of this Synods affairs appertains to our present History for therby will appeare the conformity of the Brittish Churches in those dayes to the Faith and Discipline of the Catholick Church 4. For as much therfore as concerns the Acts of this Synod the principall was a confirmation of Faith establish'd in the Council of Nicéa Next the declaring the innocence of S. Athanasius Marcellus Asclepas and other Orthodox Bishops persecuted and chased from their Sees by the Arian faction together with the deposition and excommunication of their adversaries Then succeeded a condemnation of those Eastern Bishops which deserted the Synod and made a Schismaticall Assembly at Philippopolis neer Sardica where they likewise publish'd Decrees and Canons in contradiction to the lawfull Synod 5. Then touching matters of Disciplin establish'd in this holy Synod the most considerable was the confirming by an expresse Canon the lawfullnes of Appeales that is Petitions for Revisions of Episcopall causes From all other Churches both Eastern and Western to the See Apostolick of Rome The form of which Canon is as followeth 6. Osius Bishop said This must likewise necessarily be added That it may not be lawfull for Bishops to passe out of their own Province into another Province in which there are Bishops unlesse peradventure they be invited by their Brethren least they should seem to shut the dore of Charity But if it happen that in any Province a Bishop have a contention against his Brother Bishop one of the two may call out of another Province a Bishop to judge the cause But if any Bishop shall be judged and condemned in any cause yet thinks his cause to be good In this case to
Virgins her companions sent out of Brittany to be married to these New conquerours of Armorica But besides the improbability that Maximus would deprive himself of so great forces necessary to the prosecution of his vast designs we shall hereafter demonstrate that these two Stories belong to a later age and that the mistake of those Writers which referr them to this time is grounded on an erroneous confusion of the names of Valentinian the Emperour and Maximus the Generall For it was in the dayes of Valentinian the third and by the conduct of another Maximus that the foresaid New Brittish Kingdom was erected in Gaule and then it was that the Martyrdom of those Virgins hapned XVI CHAP. 1.2.3 c. Of the Heresy of Priscillian examin'd before the Emp. and Priscillian put to death 5. Brittany infected how 1. IT seems that now was the time when Brittany became infected with Heresy when as Gildas saith all manner of beasts fixing their venemous teeth on this poore countrey delighting in novelties and constant to no doctrines instill'd she deadly poison of every kind of Heresy into it 2. The occasion hereof was probably from the severe proceedings of Maximus in Gaule against the Arch heretick Priscillian and his companions Instantius and Tiberianus c. This Priscillian had compos'd a New Heresy out of the impure dreggs of the ancient Gnosticks and Manichees into which as into a sink the filth of severall other Heresies also did flow With this Heresy he had infected Spain and endeavouring the like in Italy he was rejected by Pope Damasus at Rome and by Saint Ambrose at Milan From thence therefore he descended into Gaule the Bishops wherof having notice that the infection began to spread petition'd Maximus to use his authority to prevent so mortall a disease There were also two Spanish Bishops Idacius and Ithacius who with great zeale pursued the Hereticks These coming to Maximus whose abode was at Triers in Germany vehemently accused Priscillian and Instantius charging them with many heynous crimes Whereupon the Emperour commanded the Prefect of Gaule and Vicar of Spain to cause all who were infected with that Heresy to be brought before a Synod assembled at Bourdeaux There Instantius a Bishop infected by Priscillian not being able to say anything in his own defence was iudged unworthy of his Bishoprick 3. But Priscillian unwilling to plead his cause before the Bishops appeald to the Emperour which was permitted him through the timide inconstancy of the Catholick Bishops Thus all parties involv'd in the cause were brought to Triers and were attended by their too zealous accusers Idacius and Ithacius Bishops of Spain But S. Martin who then was at Triers earnestly urged Ithacius to desist from his accusation before a Secular Tribunal and humbly requested the Emperour to abstain from shedding the blood of those wretched Hereticks saying it would be sufficient if by a sentence of Bishops they were expell'd the Churches This holy Bishop thus interposing the hearing of the cause was deferr'd and being afterward to depart he gott a promise from Maximus that their punishment should not extend to blood 4. But he being gone the Emperour was drawn from this mild intention by two Bishops Magnus and Rufus Wherupon he committed the hearing and iudging of the cause to his Prefect Euodius a stern severe man Before whom Priscillian being convicted of magick and many filthy doctrins and practises as praying naked in a meeting of women by night c. he was by him pronounc'd guilty imprisond and and for farther punishment reserv'd to the Emperours iudgment Who appointed that Priscillian and his associats Felicissimus and Armentius Ecclesiasticall persons should loose their heads their cause having been once more heard by Patricius the Emperours treasurer The same punishment was also inflicted on Latronianus and Euthrocia Asarinus and Aurelius a Deacon As for Instantius formerly condemn'd by the Bishops he was banish'd into the Isle of Silly Silina neer Brittany together with Tiberianus 5. By this means that impure Heresy being made publick and the principall Teachers of it brought so neer Brittany no wonder if Doctrins favouring the vile inclinations of corrupt nature did quickly insinuate themselves into unwary minds affected withall to Novelties For the scandalously severe iudgment hitherto unpractis'd in the Church against Priscillian and his companions was so far from cutting off the Heresy that it receiv'd strength from thence for his followers which before honour'd him as a holy man afterward began to worship him as a Martyr XVII CHAP. 1.2 c. Maximus and his wife honour S. Martin 5.6 Theodosius overcomes Maximus 1. THE Emperour Maximus for that Title Theodosius allow'd him after the death of Gratianus was zealous in defence of the Catholick Faith Insomuch as he wrote an efficacious letter in behalf of S. Ambrose Bishop of Milan to the Emperour Valentinian who instigated by his Mother Iustina an Arian persecuted him In which Letter likewise saith Theodoret he denounc'd warre against him in case he would not desist from his iniustice against the holy Bishop 2. Sulpitius Severus likewise at large declares what great honour and respect the same Maximus shewd to the Blessed Bishop S. Martin of Tours And particularly the Emperours Wife did most officiously reverence him For having with great earnestnes obtain'd his presence at a privat Feast prepared for him in her own chamber she would not permitt any servants to attend but she her self with all humility ministred to him and with great devotion layd up the fragments which she valewd above all her Imperiall delicacies 3. Who this Lady was and from what countrey or family it does not appear in ancient Story The same Authour comparing her with the Queen of Saba and saying that she also came from the ends of the earth to heare the wisedom of another Salomon argues her very probably to have been a Brittish Lady though we can scarce allow her to have been the daughter and heyr of an unheard of King of Brittany call'd Octavius 4. Maximus after this not content with so large a portion of the Empire as Gaule Spain and Brittany march'd with his Army into Italy At whose approach the Emperour Valentinian fled into Illyricum having now learnt by experience saith Theodoret how unhappy he had been in following his Mothers counsels against the Holy Bishop S. Ambrose 5. There is extant a Letter which Maximus wrote in answer to Pope Siricius who lately had succeeded S. Damasus in which he professes the Orthodox Faith which he learnt in Brittany where likewise he was baptis'd and immediatly after his baptism was proclam'd Emperour In the same letter he likewise gives him account of the abominable doctrines and crimes of the Priscillianists which he calls Manichees known not by uncertain suspicions but their own publick confessions in iudgment Crimes so enormous and obscene that out of modesty he could not relate them and therfore sent him
esteemd him as a Prophet Then began he with great diligence to root up their ill planted superstitions to disperse their long gathered wicked customes and to demolish their impious Idolatries Having thus purged their minds from errours he instructed them in all duties belonging to good Christians and by his works and example shewd them a pattern of all vertues and piety all which he confirm'd by frequent miracles 6. He chose for his place of Episcopall residence an habitation afterward call'd Wite-hern seated neer the Sea by which it is almost encompassed to which there was onely one passage toward the North. This place is seated saith Camden in the Province of the Novantes now call'd Galloway By the Latin Writers it is nam'd Candida casa from the colour of it and by the Saxons Wite-hern or white house Here it was that in the dayes of the younger Theodosius Ninianus erected his Episcopall See And here it is that Ptolomy places the Promontory call'd by him Leucopibia which seems to have been an erroneous transcribing of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or white houses 7. The summ of what hath been written is thus delivered by S. Beda The Southern Picts saith he forsaking the Errour of their Idolatry receiv'd the true Faith by the preaching 〈◊〉 most holy man and most reverend Bishop Ninias Ninianus who was by Nation a Brittain and had been regularly instructed in the Mysteries of the true Faith at Rome 8. Many years he spent in his Apostolicall Office for his death ensued not till thirty eight years after his first entrance He consecrated Bishops ordained Preists and divided the the whole countrey into certain Parishes as the Authour of his Life declares There remains more to be written of him which we will reserve till the time of his death And whereas his See was establish'd in the Province of Galloway which may seem to imply that he was a Scott we shall in due place demonstrate that in those dayes that Province was belonging to the Iurisdiction of the Brittains not Scotts XXII CHAP. 1. c. S. Regulus comes into the Pictish kingdom out of Greece with the Relicks of S. Andrew c. 6. c. Of the Culdei or Coli-Dei 1. THE Labours of S. Ninianus were no doubt much lightned by the arrivall thither of another Saint to wit S. Regulus who the year following by divine Inspiration came out of Achaia into the same countrey bringing with him the precious Relicks of the Apostle S. Andrew Whose story is thus sett down by Hector Boctius out of ancient Monuments 2. The holy man Regulus saith he as one night he watched at the Sacred monument of S. Andrew was admonished from heaven to take the bone of the holy Apostles arme three fingers and as many ioints of one of his feet and laying them up decently in a vessell to carry them to the Island Albion or Brittany seated in the utmost confines of the world because that in future times there would live a people which should give great veneration to the Apostle S. Andrew and by his intercession receive great graces and benefitts both earthly and heavenly through the Divine goodnes 3. In complyance with which admonition the holy man undertook that tedious iourney and was ioyfully received there for as it follows in the Narration The report of his arrivall with that sacred Treasure being spread through the Regions of the Picts inflamed the minds of many to see and venerate the holy Relicks of the glorious Apostle The people therfore flowd together from all quarters bringing gifts and Offrings to the holy Apostle There came likewise Hirgustus others call him Hungus their King being invited by the same of these things The Holy man Regulus receiv'd him with a Soline Procession in which Preists and Monks sung Hymns and praises to God The King falling prostrate on the ground with great veneration kiss'd the Sacred Relicks And when all Holy Rites were performed after the Christian manner of which the King was very observant he freely bestowd his Royall Palace to the honour of S. Andrew on Regulus and the Preists who were there to perform Divine service and not farr from them built another Church dedicated to the same Apostle 4. This is the place where in following ages the Scottish Arch-Bishops and Primats establish'd their Archiepiscopall See Which place saith Camden the Ancients call'd Regimont or Regulus his Mount where Vngus King of the Picts erected the principall Church of his Kingdom to this day call'd S. Andrews 5. Some modern Writers perhaps out of an aversion to Sacred Relicks doe professe a doubt of this Narration Yet it is certain that Pope Boniface the Eighth in an Epistle of his to King Edward the first writes in this manner Your Royall Highnes may please to understand that the Kingdom of Scotland was converted to the Vnity of the Catholick Faith by the Venerable Relicks of S. Andrew the Apostle such was the great goodnes of Almighty God 6. The forecited Hector Boetius describing the ornaments with which the pious King Hirgustus enrich'd his New built Church saith he adorned it with munificent gifts Patens Copes Chalices Basons Lavers c. framed of silver and gold and likewise with other precious furniture proper for Sacreduses placing in the same Preists to perform Divine service there 7. These Preists dedicated to Gods worship are the same which the Picts call'd Culdei or Colidei that is worshippers of God Some of these came with S. Regulus into Brittany For he living in Achaia was a Father and Teacher of many who were addicted to true piety And to those others from among the Picts and Brittains ioynd themselves leading a solitary life with such a fame of their Sanctity saith Buchanan that being dead their Cells were converted into Churches And from hence was derived the succeeding custom among the Scotts to call Temples Cells This sort of Monks was anciently call'd Culde◠and their Name and Institut remain'd till a later kind of Monks expell'd them But this last clause he writes with the spirit of a factious Presbyterian For not a later sort of Monks but such Apostats as himself enemies to the Divine Sacrifice celebrated by these contemners of Gods Saints were those who out of Scottland expell'd the Culdees or Religious servants of God 8. Notwithstanding if we speak of the prime originall of these Culdei we have already shewd that they began long before when by reason of the furious persecution rais'd by Diocletian a world of Christians retir'd themselves into desarts there with safety and vacancy to attend to God by Prayer and Religious austerities who therfore were call'd Colidei and corruptly Culdei 9. This digression we make upon occasion of the Gests of S. Regulus whom the English Martyrologe celebrates among the Saints on the twenty eighth of August where notwithstanding there is a mistake in placing his death in the year of Christ three
Superstitions and quite changed from that which Saint Germanus profess'd as Protestants affirm who therefore magnify Saint Germanus for the purity of his Faith and as much derogate from S. Augustin 3. Touching therefore Saint Germanus his Religion particularly in the Points now most controverted and wherein Saint Augustin is charged to have been faulty we cannot more certainly nor more ingenuously determine it then by seeking information from a person of eminent learning in Antiquity a Protestant or however without question no Roman Catholick to witt M. Selden Who in a Treatise by him call'd Analecta Anglo-Britannica has inserted one Chapter exactly pertinent to our present purpose The Title of which Chapter is Touching the practises of Ecclesiasticall Discipline wherewith Germanus and Lâ—pus Bishops imbued the Brittains Which Enquiry he consequently satisfies in the following Chapter in the manner following 4. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre and Lupus Bishop of Troyes in Gaule came into Brittany to restore Christian Religion deprav'd by the Heresy of Pelagius and Errours of Pagans Their doctrines and documents taught by them as the fame is which also Giraldus Cambrensis testifies to have continued to his dayes were as followeth 1. Of every loaf of Bread set before them one corner they gave to the poore 3. They sate three together at dinner in memory of the Blessed Trinity 4. If any one mett in the way a Religious Monk or Clergy-man or any one in a Religious habit he would presently lay aside his weapons and with a low inclination of his head demand his Benediction 5. Generally all the people doe earnestly demand Episcopall Confirmation and Inunction with Holy Chrism by which the Holy Ghost is conferr'd 6. They some times bestow the Tithe of all their Substance cattle and Sheep namely either when they marry or undertake some long Pilgrimage or by the Churches Order submitt to some extraordinary Pennance for their sins This they call the great Tithe and two parts of it they bestow on the Church where they received Baptisme the third they give to the Bishop of the Diocese 7. Beyond all other externall labours of Mortification they are most devoted to Pilgrimages undertaken to Rome to visit the Monuments of the Apostles 8 Beyond any other Nation they expresse a devout reverence to Churches and Church-men likewise to Relicks of Saints to portable Bells Sacred Books and the Holy Crosse. And this devotion hath been rewarded with greater peace they any other Churches enjoyd 9. For entire security is observed in regard of Beasts feeding not only in Church yards but much beyond them through all bounds inclosed with ditches which Bishops design for observation of peace and indemnity And greater Churches to which antiquity always afforded greater reverence have power to grant and enjoyn the observation of such peace and security for cattle whilst at morn they goe and at Even return from their pastures This peace and security is observ'd so inviolably that if any one should incurr the mortall indignation of his Prince and afterward seeke refuge in a Church he may enjoy the fruit of this Peace both for his person and goods And indeed from such large immunities far beyond the ancient Canons which in such cases allow safety only to a mans life and body occasion of great abuses have been taken for by reason of such impunity many doe audaciously practise hostility and from such plâ—ces of Reâ—uge doe horribly infest the whole countrey about and even the Prince himself 5. There is scarce any one of these Christian practises but was taught by S. Augustin also and yet Protestant Writers condemne S Augustin for them and absolve S. Germanus yea magnify him and glory in an opinion that they are conformable to his Doctrin and Discipline They allow to Saint Germanus the glorious Title of Apostle of the Brittains who taught them no new Doctrins of Christianity but only confirmed them in what they had beleived before And the same Title they with contempt refuse to S. Augustin who withdrew the barbarous Pagan Saxons from their Idolatry and Infidelity and instilled first into their minds the true knowledge and worship of God Faith in the Redeemer of the world and Veneration to the Holy Crosse the Sign of our Redemtion Such partiality the Spirit of Schism does naturally produce 6. Our Ancestours in testimony of their gratitude to the Veneraâ—le Bishop S. Germanus and the high esteem of his Sanctity approved by many Miracles not long after his death built Chappell 's and Churches to his honour Particularly concerning one of these Camden thus writes In Cornwall neer the River Liver there is a village named from Saint German to which during the Danish tumults the Episcopall see of that Province was transferr'd out of feare it being a place more remote and secure There a Church had been erected and consecrated to the honour of S. Germanus Bishop of Auxerre who extirpated the Pelagian Heresy that began to rise anew among the Brittains In Yorkshire likewise a famous Monastery was consecrated to him as the same Authour thus testifies The River Ouse does water Selby a town well peopled there King William the First founded a Church in memory of S. Germanus who happily wounded to death the many-headed Hydra of Pelagianism which was oft quelld and oft revived again The Abbot of this Monastery and of S. Marâ—es at York were the only two Northern Abbots which had Seats in Parliament 7. Among the Silures in Northwales the Memory of S. Germanus is much celebrated for from him a part of Radnorshire is called Guarthenion For as our ancient Historian Nennius relates Vortimer the Son of Vortigern in satisfaction for injuries done by his Father to Saint Germanus dedicated that part of the countrey to him where he had been wrongd In memory of which it took the name of Guartheny which in the Brittish language signifies a calumny justly retorted Besides these many other Monuments testifying the like veneration to the same Apostolick Bishop might be produced but these are sufficient And this last Example proves this Devotion of the Brittains to him to have begun presently after his death XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. Vortigern chosen King of all Brittany His Character c. 1. HItherto since the time that the Romans had relinquish'd all care and protection of Brittany the severall Provinces of the Island had been governed by petty Princes independent on one another But in the year four hundred thirty and eight by reason of the frequent inroads of their cruell Enemies the Picts and Scotts by a common agreement of the severall Provinces a Generall Captain of the whole Nation was chosen after the example of their Ancestors in the days of Iulius Cesar and the Kingdom established in his line 2. Which choice unhappily fell on Vortigern a man born for the destruction of his countrey for he it is that by his slouthfull vices first weakned it and afterward calling in to
on both sides and at last they came to a battell which was fought saith Ethelwerd in the feild of Egelestirpe now call'd Alesford a town in Kent wash'd by the River Medway On the Brittains side were three Cheif Captains who lead each a third part of the Army Ambrosius Aurelianus lead the first division Vortimer the second and Catigern a younger Brother of Vortimer lead the third The Saxon army was conducted by the two Brethren Hengist and Horsa 3. The order and successe of this battell is thus describ'd by Huntingdon In the seaventh year after the arrivall of the Saxons in Brittany a Battell was fought at Alestrew At the beginning whereof Horsa set upon the army of Catigern with such Vigour that it was dispers'd like dust before the wind and Catigern the Kings son was slain But his Brother Vortimer a Prince of admirable courage falling in sidewayes into Horsa's squadrons routed them and kill'd Horsa the most valorous of the Saxons the remainder of his forces fled to Hengist who then was fighting with invincible courage against Ambrosius By this means the whole Weight of the combat lay upon Hengist who being assalted and brought into great straits by the accession of Vortimers forces after he had a good while sustain'd the impression of the whole Brittish army was at last overcome and compell'd to fly which he had never done before Yet this victory cost the Brittains very deare for great numbers of them were slain 4. With this account given by Huntingdon agrees likewise Mathew of Westminster Yet Wigorniensis expressly affirms that Hengist after the death of his Brother Horsa obtained the Victory And with him Ethelwerd seems to agree 5. Horsa's body was buried in a place not much distant from that of the battell which to this day continues a Monument of his Memory being from him called Hâ—rsted As for Catigern the Son of Vertigern his body is suppos'd to have been buried at Aylsford by the Saxons call'd Eglesford by Henry of Huntingdom Ellestre and by the Brittains Saissenaeg-haibail because the Saxons were over come there To testify which victory there still remain four great stones standing upright over which others are crossewise layd after the manner of Stone-heng in Wiltshire which from Catigern are vulgarly and imperfectly call'd Keith-coty-house Thus writes Camden 6. Horsa being dead the Saxons exalted Hengist to the Title of King of Kent saith Mathew of Westminster And the same year he is reported to have fought three battells against the Brittains But being unable to resist the valour of Vortimer he was forced to retire himself into the Isle of Thanet where likewise he was dayly assalted by the Brittish ships At last the Saxons leaving their wives and children in that Island returned into Germany to call in new and greater forces 7. The year after Hengists return into Germany dyed the glorious King Vortimer in the fourth yeare after he was assumed to a participation of the regall authority Some Writers affirm that he dyed a naturall death by a disease Others say he dyed by poyson administred to him by the fraud of his late Mother-in-law Rowena to which effect thus writes Sigebert with whom agree Geffrey of Monmouth Mathew Westminster Richard White c. The Devill envying the goodnes of Vortimer suggested to the mind of his Step-mother to cause poyson to be given him by one of his servants Which he having drunk and perceiving that death approach'd he divided his treasures among his soldiers earnestly exhorting them to fight courageously for their countrey Moreover he commanded a Pyramid of brasse to be made and placed in the Haven where the Saxons usually landed Vpon which Pyramid his body was to be layd to the end that the Enemies seeing the Monument of so great and valorous a Prince might be frighted back into their own countrey 8. But it is more probable that it was only his statue which he intended should be so placed on the Pyramid For being a Christian Prince he was no doubt buried after the Christian manner with decent solemnity Moreover the same Sigebert acknowledges that he was buried in the Citty of the Trinobantes now called London And with him saith Henry Huntingdon was buried the flower and glory of the Brittish Nation 9. Besides Vortimers courage he is celebrated by ancient Writers for his Piety and other Vertues Chamber a Writer formerly cited by Richard White affirms that in his war against the Saxons be bore in his Ensign the Image of our Lord Iesus Christ to which devotion of his we may impute his Victories In like manner a few years after the famous King Arthur yet more prosperously bore against the same Enemies the Image of our Blessed Lady Sigebert likewise testifies of the same King Vortimer that he restored the Churches destroyed by the Saxons and possessions wrested by them from his Subjects 10. The same year after Vortimers death Hengist return'd out of Germany with greater forces and took a firmer possession of his Kingdom of Kent and for the better establishment of his family therein he joyn'd in his regall power his son Aescae To oppose him therin the Brittains invaded the countrey with a great army the successe of which invasion is thus related by Henry of Huntingdon Hengist and his son Aesca having received auxiliary forces from their own countrey and being more confident of victory by reason of the death of the Young Prince Vortimer prepar'd themselves for war at Creganford The Brittains army consisted of four great Bodies conducted by four valiant Captains But when the conflict was begun they found themselves too weak for the Saxons whose numbers were much more encreas'd then formerly For those that came last were chosen robustious soldiers who with their swords and battle-axes did horribly cleave asunder the bodies of the Brittains Yet did they not give ground till they saw their four Captains slain But after that they were so incredibly terrified that they fled from the feild of battell as far as London and from that time never had the courage to bring an army into Kent again So that Hengist and his son Aesca quietly enjoy'd that Kingdom having their Palace fixed at Canterbury Thus began this new Kingdom of Kent in the eighth year after the coming of the Saxons into Brittany VI. CHAP. 1.2 Hengist persecutes Christians 3 4 c. The Martyrdom of Voadinus Arch-bishop of London 1. IT is not probable that when Vortimer was rais'd to the throne of Brittany this was done by the deposition of his Father Vortigern for we find that when Vortimer was dead his Father afterward continued King for some years and for a while gave proofs of his courage in endeavouring to represse the ambition and violence of his Father in-law Hengist though afterward he returnd to his former slouthfull licentious manner of living 2. Now during the warrs between the Brittains and Saxons in the third year of Vortimers
a feirce battell was begun and much blood shed on both sides But at last Hengist perceiving his army to give ground and that the Brittains began to prevayle he presently fled to a town call'd Caêr-conan now Cuningbury But considering the weaknes of the town to resist he knew his only safety consisted in the swords and spears of his followers Ambrosius pursued him and by the way putt to the sword all the Saxons he found Thus having obtaind the Victory he with great zeale and devotion gave praise to the God of heaven 8. As for Hengist he fortified his camp as well as he could neer the said town But after a few days saith Camden he was forc'd to come to a battell before his camp which was fatall to him and his for the greatest part of his army was cutt in peices and himself being taken prisoner was beheaded by the Brittains 9. This battell saith Florilegus was fought on the banks of the River Don. And the manner how Hengist was taken prisoner was this The valiant Eldot Duke or Consul of Glocester Claudiocestriae had an earnest desire to cope with Hengist Therefore with the forces under his command furiously peircing through the Enemies squadrons he at last found him and laying hold on the fore part of his helmet with main force he drew him in among his own troops saying God at last hath fullfilld my desire It is he who hath given us the Victory Presently after this the Saxons fled every one his own way whom Ambrosius pursuing manfully slew Octa the Son of Hengist with the greatest numbers fled to York But Esca and not a few with him betook themselves to another Citty call'd Aclud After this Victory Ambrosius took the Citty Caër-conan which he entred triumphantly staying there onely three days 10. The same Author consequently relates the manner how Hengist was sentenced and executed after the fight After the saith he Ambrosius calling his Captains together commanded them to decreet what should becom of Hengist Whereupon Eldad Bishop of Glocester who was also Brother of Eldot impos'd silence on them all and gnashing his teeth for rage he thus said Though all here present had a desire to set him free I my self would cutt him in peices Why doe you delay O effeminat Brittains Did not Samuêl a Prophet having taken the King of Amalec prisoner in a battell cutt him in peices one limme after another saying As thou hast made many Mothers childles so will I make thy mother childles this day Doe you therefore deale in the same manner with this barbarous King who is another Agag and has depriv'd a world of Brittish Mothers of their children When he had thus sayd Eldad drew his sword and leading him out of the Citty cutt off his head sending his soule into hell 11. If this relation be true Eldad shew'd himself an unmercifull man and one who forgott the duty of a Christian Bishop who ought rather to have mitigated the rigour of other mens sentences then to pronounce so cruell a iudgment whilst others who were soldiers too held their peace He therefore little deserves the commendation given him by Pits for his piety and prudence which he â—ill express'd when gnashing his teeth for rage he extorted a Captive Kings death from an Assembly of soldiers The Book of Invective Orations for which the same Authour likewise reckons him among the ancient Brittish Writers probably proceeding from the same spirit deserved rather to be forgotten then recorded as in honour of our Ancestors 12. After this so signall a Victory Ambrosius mindfull of his Vow call'd together workmen Masons and Carpenters and took care to repaire the Houses of God which had been destroyed and placing in them Preists and other Clergy-men he reduc'd the Divine service to the pristine order And wheresoever he found any Idols or Temples of false Gods he defac'd them utterly out of the memory of men He was studious to observe iustice and peace especially to Ecclesiasticall persons and confer'd on them liberall revenews enjoyning them all to pray for the Kingdom and state of Gods Church 13. Hengist being thus dead his Son Aesca succeeded him in the Kingdom of Kent He is call'd Oisc by S. Beda who addes that from him the succeeding Kings of Kent were call'd Oiskings As for his other Son Otta in the former narration of Florilegus said to have fled to York nothing can be found of him among the Ancient Writers So that small credit is to be given to what Modern Historians relate concerning him that King Ambrosius bestow'd on him the Province of Galloway in Scotland since in those days that Province was not in the disposall of the Brittains XII CHAP. 1.2 S. Brigit comes out of Ireland into Brittany for Relicks and returns 1. THE same year in which Hengist was slain the Holy Virgin S. Brigit came out of Ireland into Brittany as we find recorded in the Antiquities of Glastonbury and her busines was to obtain some Relicks of her most dear and honour'd Patron S. Patrick for she had been his Disciple and a great admirer of his sanctity which she zealously imitated Being in Brittany she pass'd some years in a certain small Island near Glastonbury where there was an Oratory consecrated to the honour of S. Mary Magdalen The Island was called Bekery or the Little Island Afterward having left behind her scripp chain bell and other vestments of her own weaving which for the memory of her Sanctity are there expos'd she return'd into Ireland where not long after she rested in our Lord and was buried in the Citty of Down 2. This is that famous Virgin for her Sanctity and miracles venerated by Gods Church on the first day of February On which day we read in the Martyrologes of Rome S. Beda and Ado these words This day is celebrated the Memory of S. Brigid a Virgin who in testimony of her virginity having touch'd the Wood of an Altar it became presently green Her death is frequently assign'd by writers to the eighteenth year of the following Century But truër Chronology saith Bishop Vsher makes her to out live S. Patrick only thirty years XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Sophias a Brittish Martyr and Bishop of Beneventum 1. IN our English Martyrologe on the four and twentieth of Ianuary there is a commemoration of a Brittish Saint and Martyr call'd S. Sophias whose death is assigned to the four hundred and ninetieth year of our Lord. 2. This S. Sophias was the Son of Guilleicus Prince of the Ordovices or Northwales He undertook a Monasticall Profession in a Monastery built by himself in the same Province It is written of him that he had such devotion to our Lords Passion that he made three pilgrimages to Ierusalem to visit the marks and footsteps of it He had likewise a great Veneration to Rome and those places which had been consecrated by the
be blessed for ever 11. After this her soule being ready to depart out of her body she saw standing before her a troop of heavenly Angels ready ioyfully to receive her soule and to transport it without any fear or danger from her spirituall Enemies Which having told to those who stood by her blessed soule was freed from the prison of her body on the eighth day before the Ides of October In her dissolution her face smiled and was all of a rosy colour and so sweet a fragrancy proceeded from her Sacred Virgin-body that those who were present thought themselves in the ioy of Paradice S. Cadocus buried her in her own Oratory where for many years she had lead a most holy mortified life very acceptable to God XV. CHAP. 1.2 Of S. Almedha sister to S Keyna and strange things hapning on her solemnity 3. Of her Brother Saint Canoc and his wreath 4. Of Saint Clitanc King of Brecknock and Martyr 1. TO the Gests of this Holy Virgin Saint Kâ—yna we will here adjoyn what remains in ancient Monuments concerning her sister Saint Almedha 〈◊〉 her Brother Saint Canocus There are saith Giraldus Cambrensis dispersed through severall Provinces of Cambria many Churches illustrated by the names of the Children of Braganuâ— Of these there is one seated on the top of a certain hill in the region of Brecknock not far distant from the principall Castle of Aberhodni which is called the Church of Saint Almedha who reiecting the mariage of an Earthly Prince and espousing her self to the Eternall King consummated her life by a triumphant Martyrdom The day of her solemnity is every year celebrated in the same place the first of August Whereto great numbers of devout people from far distant parts use to assemble and by the merits of that Holy Virgin receive their desired health from divers infirmities 2. One especiall thing usually hapning on the solemnity of this Blessed Virgin seems to mee very remarkable For you may oftimes see there young men and maids sometimes in the Church sometimes in the Church-yard and sometimes whilst they are dancing in an even ground encompassing it to fall down on a sudden to the ground at first they lye quiet as if they were rapt in an Extasy but presently after they will leap up as if possess'd with a frenzy and both with their hands and feet before the people they will represent whatsoever servile works they unlawfully performed upon Feast-dayes of the Church One will walk as if he was holding the plow another as if he were driving the Oxen with a goad and both of them in the mean time singing some rude tune as if to ease their toyleâ— One will act the trade of a Shoomaker another of a tanner a third of one that were spinning Here you may see a mayd busily weaving and expressing all the postures usuall in that work After all which being brought with Offrings unto the Altar you would be astonish'd to see how suddenly they will return to their senses again Hereby through Gods mercy who rejoyces rather in the conversion then destruction of Sinners it is certain that very many have been corrected and induced to observe the Holy Feasts with great devotion 3. As touching their Brother Saint Canoc the fame of his Sanctity was most eminent among the Siluâ—es His name is consign'd in our English Martyrologe on the eleaventh oâ— February where likewise he is sayd to have flourish'd in all vertues about the year of Christ four hundred ninety two To him most probably is to be referd that which is reported of the Wreath Torques of S. Canauc for so he calls him Which the inhabitants of that countrey esteem to be a precious Relick and of wonderfull vertue insomuch as when any one is to give a testimony by Oath if that Wreath be placed in fight he dares not presume to commit periury 4. Our Martyrologe also among other Saints of this time commemorates the death and Martyrdom of a King of Brecknock in Southwales calld Clitanc or Clintanc on the nineteeth day of August in the year of Grace four hundred niâ—â—ty two Concerning whom we read in Capgrave that he was a Prince very observant of peace and iustice among his Subiects and that in the end he became a Martyr adorn'd with a celestiall crown for his vertues and merits and particularly his Chastity and purity from carnall delectations For he was murdred by treason of a certain impious wretch whose name is perished with him But to return to the publick affairs of these times between the Brittains and Saxons XVI CHAP. 1.2.3 The erection of the Kingdom of the South-Saxons 4. Of the Citty Anderida 5. Two Metropolitans constituted 1. IN the year of Grace four hundred ninety one is placed by our best Historians the beginning of the Kingdom of the South-Saxons which as it began on a sudden and more timely then the rest so was it likewise the first that fayled and the last which embraced the Christian Faith The manner how this New Kingdom was erected is thus described by Henry of Huntingdon 2. Then began saith he the Kingdom of Sussex which Ella a long time held and administred with great power He had received great recruits out of Germany so that being confident of his forces he in the third year after the death of Hengist the Roman Emperour Anastasius then raigning layd siege to the Strong Citty of Andredecester Whereupon the Brittains were gatherd together in infinite numbers to raise this siege and both day and night vexed the besiegers with ambushes and incursions But they nothing discouraged gave continuall assaults on the Citty and in every assault the Brittains sett on their backs showrâ—ng arrows and darts upon them So that they were forc'd to give over the assault and turn their forces against them But the Brittains being more nimble quickly ran into the woods and when the Saxons returnd to the walls they follow'd them at their bac'ks 3. By this means the Saxons were a long time extremely harass'd and great slaughters were made of them Till at last they were compell'd to divide their Army into two parts that whilst one was employed in expugning the Citty the other part might be in a readines to fight with the Brittons from without Than indeed the besieged being weakned with famine could no longer resist the Saxons by whom they were all consum'd with the sword so that not one escaped And moreover in revenge of the great losses sustain'd by the Saxons during this Siege they demolish'd the Citty utterly so that it was never built again Onely the marks of the place where a most Noble Citty had been seated might be seen by passengers 4. The Citty here called Andredecester was by the Romans call'd Anderida Guido Pancirolus discoursing on the Officers subordinate to the Count of the Saxon-shore in Brittany makes mention of a Provost of a company of soldiers call'd
build the Church of Brittany When the Prince his Father was dead the Nobles of the Countrey with the consent of the whole people were desirous he should succeed in the Royalty But he neglecting worldly pomp assum'd with him sixty companions and with them entred into a Monastery there undertaking a Monasticall Profession After some years spent there he went into Ireland where for the space of twenty years he addicted himself to the studies of litterature and the holy Scriptures There and then it was that the foresaid S. Coemgen was recommended by his parents to be instructed by him 3. Having in this space saith Leland heap'd a great treasure of learning under the most perfect Teachers of that Island he return'd into Brittany and in the Province of Corinia or Cornwall intended to employ for the benefit of others also that treasure And to shew that he had not all this while forgotten much lesse deserted his Râ—ligious profession he built there a Monastery not many miles distant from the Severn shore neer a town in those days call'd Loderic and Laffenac and afterwards from his name Petrocstow at this day more contractedly Padstow 4. At this time the Saxons under Cerdic had possess'd themselves of that Province And hence it is that the Narration of his gests follows thus in Capgrave Assoon as S. Petroc with his Disciplis had left their ship and were landed there certain Reapers then at work spoke rudely and bitterly to them and among other contumelious speeches requir'd them that their conductour S. Petroc should for the asswaging of their thirst cause a spring of fresh water to issue out of a rock there adjoyning This they said either in derision of them being strangers or for a tryall whether their sanctity was answerable to their Profession Hereupon S. Petroc who never refused those that ask'd any thing in his power address'd his prayers to our Mercifull Lord and with his staffe smiting the rock immediatly there gush'd forth a spring of clear sweet water which flows there to this day 5. Those barbarous Pagans utterly ignorant of Christian Religion were astonish'd at this Miracle And when the Holy servant of God ask'd them whether there were in that Province any one who profess'd the Christian Faith they directed him to a certain Holy man call'd Samson concerning whom they acquainted him that he lead a solitary life and exercis'd himself in corporall labours fasting watching and Prayers and that he sustain'd life with no other thing but a small portion dayly of barley bread This it that Samson who first succeeded S. David in the See of Mersevia and afterward was Bishop of Dole in Lesser Brittany concerning whom we shall treat in due place 6. After thirty years aboad in this solitude in which he is sayd to have instructed Credan Medan and Dachant three of his principal Disciples illustrious for their learning and piety he left his Monastery of Lodoric and undertook a forrain pilgrimage visiting Rome and after that Hierusalem From whence he is said to have proceeded as far as India and to have spent seaven years in the exercises of a contemplative life in a certain unknown Island of the Eastern Ocean From which tedious voyage he at last return'd home and with twelve companions retir'd himself into a dry and barren solitude The Prince of that part of Cornwal was called Tendur a man of a feirce and savage nature 7. His death in our Ecclesiasticall monuments is referr'd to the year of Grace five hundred sixty four And he was buried in the place now call'd Petrocstow or Padstow In which town anciently was placed an Episcopall See which was afterward translated to another town calld Bodmin The reason wherof seems to have been because the Body of S. Petroc which had first been simply and meanly buried at Padstow was afterward transfer'd and honourably repos'd at Bodnun To which purpose we find this passage in Mathew of Westminster The Bishops of Cornwal had their See at S. Petroc's of Bodmin apud Sanctum Petrocum de Bodmini for so the words are to be corrected saith Bishop Vâ—her And the same place was meant by Harpsfeild thus writing The Monument of S. Petroc is in the Citty Bosuenna the most noted town of Merchandise Emporium of Cornwal 8. But the Relicks of S. Petroc did not always rest at Bodmin for from thence they wâ—re stolln conveyd over sea into Lesser Brittany and reverently plac'd in the Monastery of S. Meven but in the time of King Henry the second restor'd Thus writes Roger Hoveden Martin a Canon Regular of the Church of Bodmin by stealth took away the Body of S. Petroc and fled with it into Brittany to the Abbey of S. Meven Which theft having been discovered Roger Priour of that Cathedrall Church with the more ancient Canons of the Chapter address'd themselves to King Henry the Father for at that time he had made his son likewise King And from him they obtained a strict command to the Abbot and Convent of Saint Meven that without delay they should restore to Roger Priour of Bodmin the said Body of S. Petroc Which if they refus'd the King gave order to Roland of Dinant the Governour of Brittany to take away the sacred Body by force and give it to the said Roger. Assoon as the Abbot and Monks of S. Meven heard of these things to prevent any dammage to their Church they restor'd the said Body entire and without any diminution to the foresaid Priour swearing withall upon the Holy Gospels and upon the Relicks of certain Saints there that it was the very same Body unchanged and unempair'd 9. The reason why the Convent of S. Meven in lesser Brittany were so desirous of the Relicks of S. Petroc was because S. Meven himself the Patron of that Monastery was born in our Brittany as many other Saints besides from hence had fled thither and were with great veneration honour'd in the territory of S. Malo Where likewise Iudicael Prince of the Armorici or Lesser Brittany who was descended from our Brittany built the said Monastery XXV CHAP. 1.2 c. The battell between the Saxons and Brittains and death of King Vther-pendragon or Natanleod 1. THE five hundred and eighth year of our Lord was fatall to the Brittains by the death of their valiant King slain in a battell against the West-Saxons For thus writes the Noble Historian Ethelwerd In the seaventh year afteir their arrivall Cerdic and his son Cenric slew Natan-leod King of the Brittains and with him five thousand of his soldiers 2. Mathew of Westminster relates the same somewhat more expresly and withall signifies who this Natan-leod was for thus he writer In the year of Grace five hundred and eight Cerdic and Kenric provok'd the Brittains to a battell At that time Vther King of the Brittains was sick in such extremity that he could not turn himself from one side to another in his bed Wherfore he
Arch-bishop of Bourdeaux and Metropolitan of that Citty who there accommodated him with a convenient habitation for serving God For the Holy Arch-bishop Leontius bore a most tender affection to him admiring and reverencing the Divine Graces which he observ'd in him whom he esteemd as sent from heaven to assist him in his Pastorall charge For which reason in all Visitations of his Diocese and Province he took him for his companion earnestly beseeching him to be his assistant by his wholesom counsells by his Prayers acceptable to God and by the examples of his holy Life 9. Moreover this Man of God although so disgracefully and uniustly exild was not unmindfull of his flock but forgetting all iniuries he dayly invok'd our Lords clemency for the conversion of that stubborn people The Divine Majesty aâ— last condescended to his Prayers and by an Angel acquainted him that his flock was now penitent and earnestly desir'd the return and favour of their Pastor and that it was Gods will that he should repair to them and restore to health that Region which was greivously afflicted with the scourges of Divine severity that he should restore plenty to the barren earth and bestow his benediction on the inhabitants And lastly having done this that he should again return to Xaintes where he was to be devested of his corruptible flesh that his soule might freely ascend to partake eternall felicity All these things the Holy Bishop perform'd according as God had commanded and when he came back from Brittany S. Leontius receiv'd him with greater ioy and express'd more respectfull Offices and kindnes to him then formerly 10. Shortly after this S. Mahutus or S. Maclovius dyed full of dayes and sanctity and was buried by Leontius in Aquitain And though the inhabitants of Aleth were deprived of the sacred Relicks of their prime Prelat whom they had treated so iniuriously yet the Name of Blessed Maclovius remains never to be blotted out which to this day both adorns and defends that Citty with his glorious protection and celestiall benefits Notwithstanding the Episcopall See does not now remain at Aleth but is remov'd to an Island two miles distant from thence anciently call'd Aaron where a Citty new built is in memory of their Holy Prelat and Patron call'd S. Malo Vrbs Macloviensis 11. To this large relation in the Gallican Martyrologe Iohn of Tinmouth adds That S. Mahutus with his seaven Disciples in devotion visited Rome where he redeemd many Infidell Captives and having instructed them in the true Faith baptis'd them Moreover that after forty years government having been iniustly and violently driven from his See at Aleth he cursed and excommunicated the people and then retired to an Island in Aquitain calld Agenis from whence he repair'd to Leontius a Bishop there Which relation contradicts the Gallican Martyrologe according to which S. Maclovius was so far from cursing his flock that he prayed dayly for it However the Centuriators of Magdeburg charitably remember only his cursing and not his prayers and most unskilfully write that he flourish'd under Leontius Bishop of the Saxons mistaking Saxonum for Santonum and that he curs'd the Brittains his own countreymen from whom he never receiv'd any iniury How long he liv'd appears not but his death is in our Martyrologe assign'd to the year of Grace five hundred sixty four XXX CHAP. 1.2 Of S. Brendan 3. Of S. Doc and S. Canic 1. SAint Brendan the spirituall Father and Instructour of S. Maclovius though by birth no Brittain is not be denied a place in this History Concerning whom we read in B. Vsher that he came out of Ireland to visit the Holy man S. Gildas Albanius in Brittany where he built a Monastery and a Church He was also Superiour in the Monastery of Lancarvan where he baptised S. Maclovius After that he returned into Ireland where he was Abbot of a Monastery call'd Birra and in the year of Grace five hundred seaventy one most happily ended his holy Life Of whose glory and Beatitude revealed to S. Columba the Authour of that Saints life call'd Adamannus thus writes where he introduces S. Columba thus discoursing with his Minister Diormitius Columba Goe and quickly provide all things necessary for celebrating the Holy Eucharist for this is the day of the blessed death of S. Brendanus Diormitius Why doe you command that we should prepare so solemnly for Masse to day since no Messenger from Ireland Scotia has yet brought tidings of the death of that Holy man Columba However goe and faile not to doe as I have commanded for this last night I saw heaven on a sudden opened and quires of Angels descending to meet S. Brendans soule by whose incomparable splendour the whole world was that houre enlightned 2. S. Brendan thus call'd to heaven enjoyd on earth also an eternall Monument of his name and Sanctity for in the Isles of Orkney a town and Church were built and were call'd from his Name The reason of which honour and devotion was because his Sacred body was thither translated The day of his death is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the sixteenth of May and his Translation on the fourteenth of Iune 3. We will here conclude with the Memory of a Holy Brittish Abbot call'd S. Doc who flourish'd in this Age. Of whom the Irish Annals thus write in the life of Saint Canic from whom the Province of Kilkenny took its appellation importing the Church of Canic When S. Canic was grown to an age capable of knowledge he was desirous of instruction and therefore pass'd over the Sea into Brittany to a Religious wise man naimed Doc and under him he studied diligently and was taught both learning and piety This S. Doc was one of the three Holy Brittains from whom the Irish learnd the form and Rites of celebrating Masse as hath already been shewd the other two were S. David and S. Gildas THE TWELTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAPTER 1.2 c. Constentin succeeds King Arthur His Cruelly Pennance and undertaking a Religious life 1. IT seems the Brittains at the beginning had no such conceit of King Arthurs returning for surely they would have expepected awhile and not immediatly have filled his Throne with a succession of strange Princes The Bards had not yet contrived their fantasticall Stories which could find none in these times to hearken to them 2. Therefore after King Arthurs death Constantin according to his designation succeeded him in the Government of Brittany He was the Son of Cador Duke of Cornwall and kinsman to King Arthur His sufficiency to discharge that employment for the benefit of his countrey was enough approv'd by his glorious Predecessours choice But Almighty God having fix'd a period to the Brittish Monarchy permitted many factions to arise and many pretendants to the Principality the opposing of whom hindred Constantin from advancing the common proffit and safety of the Kingdom 3. Yea
one onely person among you shall in his Name give an assault he alone by Gods power shall putt them to flight Be courageous therfore Not a man of you shall fall in this combat 4. Assoon as he had spoken this which his army hearing beleiv'd as an assurance given them from God himself a few of his soldiers the same moment with wonderfull courage rush'd upon their Enemies not at all expecting them for the Holy mans words had utterly taken from their minds all apprehension of death And at the same time an Angel of God armd like a soldier and in the shape of a man of an incredibly high stature appeard in the Kings Camp His aspect was so terrible that the soldiers hearts utterly faild them and instead of resisting their enemies they rush'd one upon another in their hast to fly away and such a confusion there was of horses and charrets that for hast they killd one another Thus a handfull of men without the losse of any one defeated a great army taking many prisoners 5. This wonderfull victory being obtain'd they return'd to the Man of God who addressing his speech to a youth named Scandalan then attending on him with a propheticall voyce thus said to him My son this day will procure for mee a tedious pilgrimage in a strange countrey where I must live absent from my kinred and freinds many years But say nothing of what I tell thee till the event shew the truth of my words 6. After this S. Columba went to S. Finian a Bishop to receive condign Pennance from him because of so much blood shed in the foresaid war and with him there went an Angel of God who shone with wonderfull brightnes but was visible to none except the Holy man Finian calld also Find barr When therfore Saint Columba demanded Pennance of the Holy Bishop his answer was Thou must be obliged by thy preaching and example to bring as many soules to heaven as by occasion of this war have sunk into Hell After which sentence S. Columba with great ioy said Thou hast pronounced a iust and equall iudgment upon mee 7. But the Holy mans troubles did not end thus for by occasion of this war and bloodshed Saint Columba in a Synod of Bishops was censur'd to abstain from the Communion though many among them dissented from this sentence upon whiâ—h great contentions and disputes arose among the Clergy which occasiond Saint Columba his letter to Saint Gildas requesting him to endeavour the composing those differences XII CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Columba's coming into Brittany He fixes his habitation in the Isle called Hye 6.7 c. He Converts the Picts Monasteries built by him 9. c. His twelve companions One of them was Constantin late King of Brittany 11. c. His agreement with Saint Kentigern c. 14.15 His death and place of buriall 1. SAint Columba wearied with these Ecclesiasticall contentions resolved to quitt his Native countrey but not permitting himself to be a chuser of his place of Exile he consulted by a messenger the Holy man Brendan Abbot of Birre to whom God had given the Spirit of Counsel and Discretion Who after he had lifted up his eyes and heart to heaven commanded to digg under the feet of the Messenger where was found a stone on which was engraven only the letter I whereupon he bade the Messenger to tell his Master that he must goe to an Island called I or Hy where he should find employment for his zeale and be the cause of bringing many soules to heaven Thus writes Adamannus in his life quoted by B. Vsher. 2. But Hector Boëtius assigns another more probable reason of his going into that Countrey saying The fame of the great devotion and piety of Conal King of the Picts draw the Holy man Columba out of Ireland into Brittany attended with a multitude of his disciples where he became the Father and directour of many Monasteries 3. As for the Island called Hy it is erroneously written by Dempster Hydestinatus and from him by Baronius likewise The ground of which mistake was the wrong reading of this passage in S. Beda Monachus erat Episcopus Aidan uâ—pote de Insula quae vocatur Hy destinatus where the two last words which ought to be severed are by him read as conjoynd into one This Island was afterward called Iona falsly by some Exscribers of Adamannus written Iova 4. In the ordinary Copies of S. Beda in stead of S. Columba we find written S. Columbanus Whence many Writers being deceived doe confound this Saint with that S. Columbanus who founded the Monasteries of Luxueil Luxoviense in France and Gobio in Italy who was likewise an Irishman and a Father of many Monks Whereas they are indeed distinguished both by their names gests and ages wherein they lived As for the present S. Columba the Brittains usually called him S. Columkill for the great number of Monasteries or Cells of Monks which he built in Brittany 5. The Authour of his Life in Capgrave besides a large Character of his vertues piety austerities c. solemnly repeated allmost in all Modern Stories of Saints further relates how he was many years before prophecied of for saith he A certain Disciple of S. Patrick a Brittain named Maccaeus foretold of him saying In latter times shall be born one called Columba who shall illustrate the age wherein he shall live and his name shall be spread through all the Provinces of the Isles of the Ocean for he shal be acceptable to God and highly favoured by him He shall descend from Noble parents and in the forty fifth year of his age shall passe out of Ireland Scotiâ into Brittany where he will live a stranger and exiled person for Christ. 6. As touching his coming into Brittany and his Gests here we receive this account from S. Beda In the five hundred sixty fifth year of our Lords Incarnation when Iustinus the Successour of Iustinian governed the Roman Empire there came out of Ireland a certain Preist and Abbot in habit and profession a Monk called Columba with an intention to preach the Word of God to the Northern Picts who are separated from the Southern Regions by vast and horrible Mountains For as for the Picts dwelling on the South of those Mountains they had many years before renounced their Idolatry and embraced the Christian Faith as their Tradition is by the preaching of Nynias a most Reverend and holy Bishop born in Brittany who had been regularly instructed in the Mysteries of Divine Truth at Rome The Seat of whose Bishoprick dignified with a Church dedicated to S. Martin where the said holy Bishop with many other Saints doth rest is now in the possession of the Angli The said place pertaining to the Province of the Bernicians is ordinarily called Candida casa White House because he built there a Church of hewn stone a way of building not practised by the Brittains 7. Now
Peter design'd Abbot of his New Monastery to assure S. Gregory of the well-fare of his children and the great hopes of a good successe of their Mission 2. Withall he made a request for a fresh supply of New Missioners to assist them in the dispensation of Divine Mysteries considering the great coÌ„course of those which desired instruction to comply with all which exceeded the power of those few labourers already employd And lastly for his own information and enablement to govern as became him the infant-Church of the Saxons so as to give no offence nor advantage of calumny to the Brittish Clergy which no doubt attentively bent their eyes upon his actions S. Augustin proposed certain Questions and difficulties to S. Gregory desiring his resolution of them What these particular Questions were will appeare when S. Gregories answer comes 3. For the present we will only take notice of a somewhat confident Censure which a Protestant B. Godwin has given of S. Augustin on this occasion Augustin saith he was perhaps no ill man but his ignorance was shamefull as appears by the Questions proposed by him to S. Gregory But he might have considered that those Questions principally regarding outward Rites and Iurisdiction which Rites were not altogether uniformly practised at Rome and in France c. It was necessary in a tender Church as this was to take care and circumspection about matters which otherwise were not of so great importance However the Character wich S. Gregory from knowledge and experience gave of S. Augustin deserves more to be regarded then B. Godwins which Character is contain'd in an Epistle written by that Holy Pope to King Ethelbert Our most Reverened Brother and Fellow-bishop Augustin saith he is a man very learned in the Rule of Monastick Institution full of the Science of the Sacred Scriptures and through the Divine Grace eminent in good works and vertues 4. Iohn Pits testifies moreover that by the same Messengers Letters were sent to Saint Gregory from King Ethelbert whom he reckons among the ancient Illustrious Writers of Brittany because there were extant besides a Treatise call'd Decrees of Iudgment a Book of Epistles writen by the same King to S. Gregory and S. Augustin as this Authour collects from S. Beda IX CHAP. 1. 2. c. The Gests Miracles Translation c. of S. Ivo 1. WIthout interrupting the order of the Gests of S. Augustin the next of which regards S. Gregories Answer to his Letters and Requests which will not arrive till this year of our Lord six hundred be past We will here interpose the Gests of two Saints the one a stranger but dying in Brittany the other a Brittain but dying beyond seas and of both the death hath been consign'd to this year 2. The first was S. Ivo concerning thorn Camden thus Writes The River Vse being ready to enter into Cambridgshire passes by a town handsom enough and well inhabited which in the Saxon tongue was anciently call'd Slepe but now S. Ives from Ivo a Persian Bishop who about the year six hundred travelled through England and every where left a sweet-odour of his Sanctity carefully sowing the word of God where he pass'd and at last left his name to this Town where he ended his life From whence notwithstanding the Monks of Ramsey shortly after translated his Body thither This was a very rich Monastery seated among the Fennâ— about seaven miles distant from thence 3. More particularly concerning this Saint we read in Capgrave Florentius Matheâ—â— of Westminster and Malmsburiensis that he was born in a Citty of Persia called Frianeos that his Father was a Prince there named Yomos and his Mother Isitalia That his onely Brother Athanatos lived an Eremiticall life in a certain wood and was illustrious for Miracles That Saint Ivo was elected Bishop in the town where he was born and not long after translated to the Archiepiscopall See of the Citty Asitanea Which See he governed with great Sanctity and prudence till a terrible famine so desolated the Countrey that Parents were compelled to devour their children By reason whereof Saint Ivo with eleaven more devout companions forsook that Region and passing through many countreys at last came to Rome where by the advice of the Pope they severed themselves and Saint Ivo by divine disposition together with his Nephew Sithius his kinsman Inthius and some others caâ—e into Brittany Where he spread the Gospell wheresoever he came and afterward went over into France where yet he could not be perswaded to abide long though the king and people expressed all kindnes and respect to him but returned into Brittany and to his death remaind in a town call Slepe at three miles distance from Huntington serving God all his days in watching fasting and prayers 4. The occasion of the Translation of his body from thence is by the same Authours described after this manner His Sacred Body remained severall ages in the place of his buriall insomuch as his Memory was lost in that place But at last in the year of Grace one thousand and one a certain husband man as he was plowing the ground light upon his Tomb which being taken up and opened the Body of a Bishop in his Pontificall ornaments was seen in it Whereupon the Pastor of that village called Ednoth a Monk being sent for they with his advice caried the Body into the Church and with great reverence placed it near the Altar The night following the same Bishop S. Ivo appeared in a very reverend form and with great brightnes to a Carpenter called Ezi and told him who he was commanding him to signify to another Ednoth Abbot of Ramsey that he should translate his and his companions bodies from thence to his Monastery But the poor man not having the boldnes to relate this vision he appeared to him a second time repeating the same commands Which he still neglecting to perform at the third apparition the Bishop smote him on the side with his Crosier telling him that the pain of that stroke should remain till he had performed what had been enjoyned him The mun awaking presently after found a greivous pain in his side as if a sword had peirced it 5. That was he compelled to declare his vision to the Abbot which assoon as he had done he was freed his pain But the Abbot would give no credit to what the man told him but calling him clown and fool said Must we translate and venerate the ashes of I know not what cobler The night following the Holy Bishop appeared to the Abbot and said Rise quickly for I whom thou scornfully calledst Cobler have brought thee here a pair of boots that will last a good while These thou must putt on and wear for my sake Having said thus he seemed to draw on his leggs a pair of boots with care to make them sitt smooth and hand som. Presently the Abbot waking felt such horrible pain
in his leggs that he was not able to walk or stand And fifteen years did he remain in this infirmity 6. By this Miracle the Sanctity of the Holy Bishop was approved whereupon his Sacred body was translated to the Monastery of Ramsey on the fourth of the Ides of Iune To whose honour the Abbot Ednothus built a Church in which he placed his Tomb after such a manner that half of it appeared within and half without the wall to the end that a fountain of water which flowed thence might be ready for the use of every one who came in devotion whether the Church was shutt or not Which Water by the merits of the Holy Bishop had the vertue to cure many diseases 7. One great Miracle wrought there shall not be omitted because the Relatour protests himself an eye-witnes of it I my self saw saith Malmsburiensis what I shall now relate A certain Monk languished a long time with a Dropsy His skin was strangely swelled and his breath so noysom that none could approach him and his drouth was so excessive that he thought he could drink whole barrells On a time by an admonition received in sleep he went to Saint Ivo's Monument where after he had taken onely three draughts of the water he cast up all the superfluous humours within him The swelling of his belly presently fell and his thighs lost their former withered leannes In a word he was restored to perfect health 8. As for the Abbot Ednothus though the infirmity and pain in his leggs continued till his death yet for a sign that his fault was pardoned Seaven days before he dyed the Holy Bishop Ivo appeared to him in great glory and said The time is now at hand when thou shalt perceive that the pains I have inflicted on thee will prove a remedy to procure thee eternall rest Prepare thy self therefore for seaven days hence I will come and deliver thee from the prison of thy body And it fell out accordingly X. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests of S. Paul de Leon. 1. THE same year likewise is mark'd with the happy death of S. Paul a kinsman of S. Sampson Bishop of Dâ—le Concerning whom we read in the Gallican Martyrologe publish'd by Andrew Saussay that he was one of the Companions of S. Sampson That his Fathers name was Perfius and that he was a Scholler to S. Iltutus both in wit and innocence excelling all his companions Being very young he was prevented with many Graces of Gods holy Spirit and thereupon fearing least he should be tempted with vain glory at the age of fifteen he retir'd into a desart where building for himself an Oratory and a Cell he lead there an Angelicall life Thus growing every day more rich in merits when he was arrived at mature age he was compelled to accept the dignity of Preistly Office which he adorned with the splendour of his Sanctity The fame whereof being spread abroad he was sent for by King Margus probably the same with Malgus or Maglocunus whom together with his people he more perfectly instructed in the Mysteries of Christian Faith to which they had lately been converted 2. After some time by the admonition of an Angel he retired into an Island on the Coast of Lesser Brittany called Ossa where he brought many Infidels to the heavenly Light of the Gospell Where likewise by divine vertue he slew a monstrous Dragon After which the Prince of that Region called Vintrurus or Withurus offred him a Bishoprick which he with a resolute humility refused Notwithstanding he was with a pious fraud circumvented by him For being sent upon certain pretended affairs to Childebert King of the Franks he caried with him private letters desiring the King to ratify his Election to the Bishoprick The King received him with great reverence but withall compelled him to accept the Bishoprick which he had refused to which he was Canonically ordained by three Bishops The See of his Bishoprick was by the Kings decree seeled at Leon to which he was wellcomed by all the people with wonderfull ioy And this sublime Office he administred with admirable sanctity and Pastorall prudence to his death His sacred body many years after was thence translated by his Successour Mabbo to the Monastery of Fleury by occasion of the incursions of the Normans where it was a long time held in great veneration 3. The Authour of his life in the Bibliotheque of Fleury relates how he quitted his Bishoprick three severall times but was forced to resume it upon the death of his Successours But at last when his strength was even quite spent he ordained one of his Brethren named Cetomerin Bishop in his place a certain Noble Prince called Induael being present who came thither to recommend himself to his prayers And this being performed he retired himself into an Island called Batha where he spent many years governing a great Congregation of Monks and at last happily concluded his life being more then a hundred years old His Church is from him to this day called Saint Paul de Leon. 4. We read in Capgrave how this S. Paul on a time visiting a sister of his who devoutly served God in a Cell seated near the Sea on the Brittish shore at her request he obtained of God by his prayers that the Sea should never swell beyond the bounds marked by her by placing a row of stones By which means the sea was restrained the space of a mile from his usuall course and continues so to this day XI CHAP. i. 2 c. S. Gregory sends new Missioners with Letters and presents to severall persons 1. THE Messengers sent by S. Augustin to Rome stayd there a full year which delay it seems was caused by the difficulty of finding a sufficient number of able lobourers to cultivate our Lords Vineyard in Brittany At length in the year of Grace six hundred and one Laurence and Peter return'd accompanied with twelve others to assist them in the founding of the Saxon Church in our Island the principal of whom were Mellitus Iustus Paulinus and Ruffintanus all of them Monks and Brethren of the same Institut with S. Augustin 2. These devout Missioners were as the former by S. Gregory recommended to Princes and Bishops residing in the Citties through which they were to passe or were not far distant from their way One Letter exemplified in severall Copies he directed to Serenus Bishop of Marseilles to Mennas Bishop of Tholouse to Lupus Bishop of Chaillon on the Saone to Agilius Bishop of Mets and to Simplicius Bishop of Paris all whom he entreated to assist these Religious Monks with their charity that they might not be hindred from a quick dispatoh of their iourney so beneficiall to the Church of Christ. 3. Another letter was written by Saint Gregory to Siagrius Bishop of Autun in which he highly extolls his kindnes exhibited lately to S. Augustin desiring the like
The opinion of his Sanctity was great after his death and the memory of it remaind in that Church many ages for thus writes the Authour of his Life When Gundulph was Bishop of Rochester Lanfranc the Arch-bishop pluck'd quite down the Church of S. Andrew and built a new one at which time he took out of the ground the bones of S. Paulinus and putt them honourably in a boxe Now among others then present there was a certain Matron greivously afflicted with an infirmity of body but much more burdned with a certain crime She coming to the Sepulcher of S. Paulinus there with great devotion offred her vow to God That if by the merits of S. Paulinus she might be freed from her disease she would never more committ that sin in which she then lived and presently she was restord to health This Translation was on the fourth day before the Ides of Ianuary on which day his Anniversary solemnity was observ'd in the Church of Rochester His Memory is celebrated both in the English and Roman Martyrologes on the tenth of October In his place Honorius the Arch-bishop of Canterbury ordaind Ithamar descended from a family which was native of Kent but in learning and piety equal to his Predecessours 6. As for the Widdow-Queen Ethelburga after she had dispos'd of her Children the love to whom was the only worldly affection remaining in her heart she determind to shutt it entirely to temporall things and to employ in a Religious solitude all her thoughts and desires upon heaven and God alone Which intention of hers being known to her Brother King Eadbald he piously assiâ—ted her vow and assign'd her a place remov'd from the noise of the Court where she might with much commodity execute her Religious design and moreover bestowd on her a village calld Liming where she built a Monastery and for ought appears was the first Widow among the Saxons which with a Religious veyle receiv'd from S. Paulinus consecrated her self to serve our Lord. B. Parker most unskilfully calls her a veyld Virgin thinking perhaps that none but Virgins might take a Religious Veyle Whereas S. Hierome expressly says that both Virgins and Widows who in scorn of the world had vowd themselves to God did offer their hayr to be cutt off by the Mothers of the Monasteries and afterward went not in contradiction to the Apostles ordinance with their heads uncoverd but bound and veyld 7. Which Sacred veyl was not such an one as woemen ordinarily wear of a light transparent stuff but made of a course weal and â—o thick that mens sights could not peirce it True entire and pure Virginal Chastity saith Tertullian fears nothing so much as its own self It will not suffer the eyes even of women It flyes to the veyl on the head as to a helmet yea as to a sheild to protect its onely good from the darts of Teâ—tations and scandals against suspicions and whispers And concerning this Veyl S. Ambrose has this expression Let men lift up the eyes of their minds and bodyes and consider this congregation of modesty this assembly of integrity this Council of Virginity here are no curious ribbons to adorn the head but an ignoble veyl yet ennâ—bled with the exercise of chastity here all arts to set forth beauty are abandoned 8. This excursion may be pardond being occasiond by this first example in our Saxon Story But this was an example which presently after was imitated by thousands Almost every year we shall read of Virgins hastning out of the world to live with Christ of Monasteries erected enclosures establish'd and God most purely and devoutly served All which continued almost a thousand years in the esteem and gratulation of all Christians till an Apostate Friar solicited a Professed Virgin for his lust to break her vow of chastity and by that example the habitations of Piety became exposed to the rapines and lusts of a Sacrilegious generation 9. This Religious Widow after that by Poverty chastity and subiection of her Will she had ascended to the Perfection of Divine Love ended at last her Mortality Her Memory is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the tenth of September where she is stiled a Mother of Many Virgins and Widows because many such by her example undertook the Sacred Institut of a Religious Profession XXIII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests and Martyrdom of S. Livinus 1. ABout this time hapned the Martyrdom of S. Livinus who though not born in Brittany may yet challenge a place in this History The Summary of his Life is thus described by Aubert Miraeus Livinus was born of a noble race in Scotland he means Ireland His Teachers were first a worthy Preist called Benignus afterward the Great S. Augustin first Bishop of England by whom also he was baptised The same Holy Bishop exalted him likewise to the Order of Preisthood in the discharge of which Office he behaved himself so worthily that not long after the Scotts or Irish chose him for their Arch-bishop But he after a while leaving his Vicar in Scotland a man of eminent Sanctity called Silvanus who was his Arch-deacon being moved with the zeale of propagating the Gospell in other Countreys took with him three of his Disciples Folian Helias and Kilian sailed into Flanders and entring into a Monastery at Gant lately built by the Holy Bishop S. Amand he was there kindly entertained by the Abbot Floribert and his Brethren Three years before that S. Bavo had been there buried at whose monument great miracles were wrought And for this reason S. Livinus stayd there thirty days celebrating Masse continually upon his Sepulcher 2. After this departing from thence to execute the Office of preaching he by his instructions example and Miracles converted a world of Infidels to the Faith of Christ. But certain impious persons who hated our Lord and all piety perceiving such great multitudes brought by the Holy Bishop to a Religious life and a contempt of their former Vices and Errours persecuted him wonderfully Neither did they desist from their malice till having seised upon him they cut out his tongue which they cast to be devoured by doggs Which notwithstanding was miraculously restored to him Yet not mollified with this they at last having wounded him greivously in severall places murdred him at Escha a village in Flanders in the year of Grace six hundred thirty three or as some reckon the year following 3. This S. Livinus is to be distinguished from another almost of the same name called Levinus or Lebvinus a companion of S. Willebrord and S. Suibert who likewise finished his Life by Martyrdom neer Gant and is stiled the Apostle of Daventre But he was a Saxon as we shall declare toward the end of this Century Whereas S. Livinus of whom we now treat was an Irishman His Memory is celebrated in the English and Gallican Martyrologes on the twelfth of December THE FIFTEENTH
to the Faith and likewise strengthned in the same Faith and Love of Christ many who before beleived 3. Supposing it may be for the Readers edification I will not neglect to set down here at large some of those wonderfull visions which in an Excesse of mind our Lord revealed to him concerning the state of soules after death Which visions saith Saint Beda he himself would sometimes declare but only to such as out of a desire of compunction asked him 4. This holy man saith the same Authour was descended from a most Noble family among the Irish Scots but was much more Noble for the vertues of his mind then his blood From his very child-hood he carefully gave himself to reading holy Books and practising Religious austerities and which most became Gods Saints whatsoever good things he learnt by reading he was solicitous to expresse in his practise 5. To be breif in processe of time he built himself a Monastery to the end he might more freely and without interruption attend to heavenly meditations Where on a certain time falling into an infirmity he was rapt from his body and in that Extasy which continued from Evening to Cockcrowing he was favoured with the sight of troops of Angels and the hearing the Hymns of Praises which they sung to our Lord. And among other particulars he was wont to relate how he heard them distinctly to chant these verses of the Psalm The Saints shal goe from vertue to vertue And again The God of Gods shall be seen in Sion 6. Three days after being again in an Extasy he saw yet more glorious apparitions of Angels and heard Divine Lauds sung by them more solemnly Moreover there were discovered to him very earnest contentions of Wicked Spirits who by many accusations of a certain Sinner lately dead endeavoured to stop his passage to heaven but by reason the Holy Angels protected him they could not effect their desire 7. Now if any one desires to be more accuratly informed in all these particulars touching the malicious subtilty with which the Devils layd to the Mans charge all his actions idle words and even his very thoughts as if they had them written in a Book as likewise severall others some ioyfull others sad which he learnt from the Angels and glorified Saints which he saw among them let him read the Book of this Saints life and I doubt not he will receive thereby much spiritual edification Amongst all which I will select one passage to putt in this History from which many may receive proffit 8. On a certain time being elevated in Spirit he was commanded by the Angels which conducted him to look down upon the Earth whereupon bowing his eyes down ward he saw as it were a darke valley under him in a very low bottom He saw likewise in the aire four fires not much distant from one another And asking the Angels what fires those were he was told that those were the fires which now inflamed the world and would in the end consume it The first was the fire of Lying when we doe not perform what we promised in Baptism to renounce Sathan and all his works The second was the fire of Covetousnes when we preferre worldly riches before the love of heaven The third was the fire of Dissension when we are not affraid to offend our neighbours even for things of no moment The fourth was the fire of Iniquity when we make no conscience to robb or cousen those who are weaker then our selves Now these four fires encreasing by little at last ioynd together and became an immense flame And when they approached near them Fursey was afraid and sayd to the Angel Sir behold the flames come close to us But the Angel answered Fear not for since thou didst not kindle this fire it will not burn thee For though this flame seems to thee great and terrible yet it tryes every one according to his Merits so that the concupiscence which is in any one shall burn in this fire For accordingly as every one being in the body is inflamed by unlawfull pleasure so being loosd from his body shall he burn by condign torment Then he saw one of the three Angels which in both these visions had been his conductours goe before the other and divide the flame and the other two flying on each side of him which defended him from the danger of the fire He saw likewise many Devils flying through the fire and kindling war against the just These malign Spirits pursued him likewise with accusations but the good Angels defended him And after this he saw greater numbers of blessed Spirits among which some were of his own Nation Preists who had well discharged their Office as he had heard by report By these he was informed of many things very proffitable both to himself and all who are willing to attend to them When they had finished their speeches and were returned to Heaven with the rest of the Angels there remaind only with Saint Fursey the three Angels mentioned before who were to restore him to his body And when he came close to the foresaid great fire one of the Angels divided it as before But when the Man of God was come to a dore which stood open among the flames the Vnclean Spirits snatching up one of those whom they were tormenting in the flames and casting him against him touched him and burnt his shoulder and one of his cheekes He knew the man and remembred how when he was ready to dye he had received of him a garment But the Angel laying hold of him cast him back into the fire But the Devil answered Doe not cast him back since you have once received him For as you have taken the goods belonging to a Sinner so you must be partakers of his punishment But the Angel replied He took not that out of covetousnes but for saving the mans soule After this the burning ceased and the Angel turning himself to Saint Fursey said The fire that thou hast kindled has now burnt thee For if thou hadst not received money from this man who is dead in his sins thou hadst not tasted of his torments Many other discourses he made giving him wholesom instructions how he should deale with such as repented at their death 9. Saint Fursey being afterward restored to his body caried visibly in his shoulder and cheek all his life time the marks of the burning which he had suffred in his soule c. There remains alive to this day an ancient Monk of our Monastery who is wont to tell us that a man of great integrity and veracity assured him that he saw Saint Fursey himself in the Province of the East-Angles and from his own mouth heard him relate his Visions Adding that it was in the time of a very sharp frosty winter and yet the Holy man wearing only a single sleight garment whilst he related these things yet partly by the extreme fear and sometimes great
The lest arm likewise he layd there in a place separate from the other as also the Body And the whole Body sayth William of Malmsbury according to the course of Nature was turnd into dust But the arms and hands by divine power doe remain incorrupt as an Historian of great veracity affirms 3. How long those Sacred Relicks remaind there was to the said Authour in certain A report there is that a certain Monk of Peterborough perceiving great negligence in keeping that Treasure stole away the right arm and Silver boxe and deposed them in his own Monastery Ingulphus a grave Writer confirms this Suspicion for relating the cruel depopulations made by the Infidell Danes in that countrey he declares how the Abbot and Convent there were forced to fly who carried with him the Sacred Relicks of the Holy Virgins Kineburga and Kineswitha and the Priour says he accompanied with some of his Brethren taking the arm of S. Oswald King fled with it to the Isle of Ely 4. The benediction of S. Aidan saying Let this hand never be corrupted was fullfilld saith Beda for when it was severed from the rest of the Body after the battell it remains to this day incorrupt Now what this learned and devout Historians relates of his own time which was almost a hundred years after the death of S. Oswald the succeeding Writers in following ages testify also with regard to their times For William of Malmsbury who wrote four hundred years after S. Beda hath this Expression I beleive that the Truth of that Divine Oracle He dispersed he gave to the poor his iustice remains for ever was fullfilld in King Oswald For that royal right hand which had bestowd so many Almâ— together with the arm skin and sinâ—ws remains to this day fresh and incorrupt but the rest of the Body beside the bones did not escape the common condition of mortality but was dissolved into dust This may seem strange to the Reader but none has the impudence to dare to deny the Truth of this 5. In the next age after lived Roger Hoveden who was no Monk this is added because Protestant Writers impute such stories to the fiction of Monks who writes thus In the Citty Bebba seated on the top of a Mountain is a beautifull Church in which there is a precious boxe containing the right hand of the holy King Oswald which remains uncorrupted After him lived Mathew of Westminster who gives this testimony In the fight where King Oswald was slain his right hand and arm was cutt of which to this day remains free from corruption In the following age Iohn Capgrave thus writes When King Osâ—ald was slain his Arme was cutt from his body which hitherto remains incorrupt 6. Polydor Virgil a secular Preist in the next age recites the Propheticall speech of S. Aidan to King Oswald May this hand never perish This saith he we may beleive proceedeâ— from Divine Inspiration For the same hand always remaind entire though the body was consumed which is still preserved in a decent boxe and with great veneration deposed in the Church of S. Peter in the Royal Citty Lastly Nicholas Harpsfeild a secular Preist likewise who wrote not long after says yet more expressly S. Aidan who then sate at Table admiring this munificence of the King prayd that a hand so liberal might never wither Which Prayer to this our times did never want effect c. That munificent hand indeed did never wither For what S. Beda and our following Historians affirmd to be true each one in respect of his own age our present age likewise hath confirmed There are at this day alive Witnesses of great worth and veracity beyond all exception who have testified to mee that themselves saw the same hand 7. Now let the Reader iudge whether such a chain of Tradition deserves not rather our assent then the impudent charge of lying layd on all our Ancestours by the Centuriators of Magdeburg who without any ground or suspicion from Antiquity impute forgery Superstition or what other crime they please to Writers whose learning and piety has been approved and coÌ„mended by the whole Church 8. As for the other Relicks of this holy King his Sacred Head was deposed in the Monastery of Lindesfarn which himself had lately founded for his Bishop S. Aidan It was afterward removed from thence and more decently buried with the Body of S. Cuthbert And when the See of Lindesfarn was translated to Durham about the year of Grace one thousand and twenty together with the Body of S. Cuthbert the same Head was removed by Edmand Bishop of that See for William of Malmsbury a hundred years after testifies that the Head of S. Oswald together with his arms was found there 9. His other bones together with the trunk of his body saith S. Beda were by the industry and devotion of Offrida wise to King Ethelred son of Oswi at this time King of the Northumbers removed to the Monastery of Bardeney in Lincolnshire Who likewise recounts how when the Monks refused to receive these Sacred relicks out of an ancient hatred to his person as a stranger and Enemy to the Mercians by a Pillar of Light which all the night before stood over the Charriot in which these Holy Relicks were exposed to the aire they earnestly begged that their Church might be honourd with them And many other wonderfull Miracles recounted by him by William of Malmsbury and others which God was pleased to work in severall ages by the intercession of this holy King all these may be read in those Authours for I have no inclination to transcribe them Onely I will add that upon the incursion of the Danes these Relicks were from the Monastery of Bardeney translated to Glocester Yea so illustrious was the Memory of his Sanctity that severall other forrain Churches in Ireland Flander c. were ambitious to be partakers of them 10. Yea not only the bones of this Blessed King were held in veneration and operative in miracles But according to the testimony of S. Beda in the place where fighting for his countrey and Religion he was slain by Pagans frequent cures were wrought both on men and cattell Whence it came to passe that many took of the dust it self where his body fell and putting it into water thereby restord health to the sick Which custom was so much frequented that by the continuall deminution of earth a trench was made the heighth of a man in depth c. 11. So great was the veneration born among us to this Holy King that severall Churches and Monasteries were built and dedicated to him As in Cumberland neer the River Itun there is Kirk-Oswald another in Northumberland at Silecester neer the Picts wall a third in Lincolnshire at Bardeney a fourth at Glocester when his Relicks were translated thither And in Yorkshire the Monastery of Nosthil was consecrated to him saith Camden
for Oswin urging all men by Promises rewards and terrible threatnings to discover him Hunwald either allured with gain or affrighted with danger treacherously betraid his King and Benefactour Assoon as Oswin saw himself discovered and the place encompassed with soldiers he desired Ethelwin to content himself with his death alone and to spare his companion Tunder since his life only was sought by Oswi But the cruel executioner presently slew them both for indeed the faithfull soldier refused to survive his King This murder was committed on the thirteenth day before the Caâ—ends of September 5. The death of this pious King was greatly bewayld by all for from his child hood saith Mathew of Westminster he was a devout Professour of Christian Religion He was tall in stature valiant civill prudent liberall he was as his table sober in his bed modest affable to all and between the poor and rich he caried himself so that the poor regarded him as their equall and the rich as their Master Whence it came to passe that for the civility of his Royal mind all sought accesse to him and tenderly lov'd him even out of forrain Provinces The like character S. Beda gives of him 6. But among all his vertues the same Authour most commends his Humility a worthy example whereof he thus relates He had bestowd on the Holy Bishop Aidan a horse on which though ordinarily he went afoot sometimes he passed the rivers or upon necessity rode a iourney Awhile after as the Bishop was travelling a poor man mett him and begged an almes The Bishop presently lighting down commanded the horse to be given him with all his sumptuous furniture for he was very mercifull to the poor and a Father to such as were in misery This being related to the King he said to the Bishop as they were ready to sitt down to table My Lord Bishop what meant you to give so generous a horse to a beggar which I gave you for your own use We had horses of lesse valew or some other gifts which would have suffised him The Bishop presently answerd him Why says your Maâ—esty so Is a colt in more esteem with you then the Son of God Aâ—ter these speeches had passed between them they entred into the dining room and the Bishop sate in his place but the King being newly come from hunting stood with his servants warming himself at the fire And there calling to mind the Bishops words to him he putt off his sword and in hast went and cast himself at the Bishops feet beseeching him to pardon him for said he I will never speak or censure you for what you give to Gods children of my goods be it never so much The Bishop seing this was deeply struck with it and rising took the King up assuring him that he was very well satisfied upon condition he would be chearfull and sitt down to meat Now whilst the King at the Bishops request expressed much ioy the Bishop on the other side began to be very sad insomuch as he could not contain himself from weeping Which being observed by his Preist he asked him in his own countrey-language which neither the King nor his servants understood why he wept The Bishops answer was I am assured that this good King will not live long for till this hower I never saw an humble King whence I conclude that he will shortly be snatched out of this life And indeed it was not long after that the Kings death made good the Holy Bishops Prophecy 7. The place where he was slain was in the English tongue called Ingethling where his body was ignobly buried It was afterward called Gilling not far distant from Richmond and there saith Saint Beda and the Authour of his life Queen Eanfled wife of King Oswi and Kings Oswins kinswoman having obtaind permission from her husband built a Monastery for the expiation of his death in which dayly Prayers were to be offred to God for the redemption of both the Kings soules of him who had been slain and him by whose command he was slain Of which Monastery she appointed Abbot a certain devout man named Trumhere by nation an Englishman but instructed and ordaind by the Scotts who was also kinsman to the King This holy man was afterward made Bishop of the Southern Mercians under their King Wulsere where he converted great multitudes to Christ 8. This Monastery and Church by the furious incursion of the Danes was so totally destroyd that the memory of King Oswin was abolished But about the year of Christ one thousand sixty five by a vision in sleep a certain Monk of the Church of Tinmouth was admonished to inform the Bishop where the Holy Kings body lay which being taken up afforded a most sweet odour and was there with great veneration deposed in the Church of Tinmouth A second Translation followed in the year of Grace eleaven hundred and ten when his Sacred Relicks were removed to a New Church in the same town dedicated to our Blessed Lady 9. After which time mens devotion to this Holy King and Martyr much encreased the twentieth day of August being assigned for his Festivall And Thomas Walsingham Historiographer to King Richard the second relates how by a strange prodigy the neglect of that Feast was punished For saith he two Marriners at New-castle on the Tyne on that day being busy at work in hewing a peice of Timber for their ship at every stroke with their axe great quantity of blood issued And when one of them persisted notwithstanding in his work and turned the timber still the blood on all sides flowd abundantly out of it This Miracle says he was seen by very many and verified in an assembly of Ecclesiasticks appointed â—o examine it and the peice of Timber all staind with blood was caried into the Church of Tinmouth where the Saints Body reposed XV. CHAP. 1. 2. c. Death of Saint Aidan Bishop of Lindesfarn His vertues c. 1. THE deplorable death of this Holy King Oswin was attended with that also of S. Aidan Bishop of Lindesfarn for thus writes S. Beda On the twelfth day after the murder of the King dyed likewise the Holy Bishop who tenderly loved him to wit the day before the Calends of September 2. The place where this Holy Bishop dyed is described by the same Authour to be a countrey village belonging to the King where there was a Church and a lodging prepared for the Bishop to which he frequently retired to enjoy a better commodity for preaching For he had nothing in his own possession but a few small feilds about the said Church His lodging was a Tent pitched against the Western wall of the Church here leaning his head against the side of the Tent he gave up the ghost in the seaventeenth year after he had been Bishop His Body was caried to the Isle of Lindesfarn and buried in the Church-yard of the
that the building was interrupted Insomuch as seaven years after they resolved by reason of the excessive charges to give over that structure and to translate the Body of the Abbesse into another Church already finished and dedicated Therefore opening the Sepulcher they found the Body of the Holy Virgin as free from all corruption as it had been during her life free from carnall affections Therefore the Religious Virgins having again washed and cloathed it with fresh vestments they translated it into the Church of S. Steven the Martyr The solemnity of her Deposition is there with great glory celebrated on the Nones of Iuly On which day likewise her name is recited among the Saints in our English Martyrologe VIII CHAP. 1.2 The Gests of S. Beuno and S. Elerius Brittish Saints and Masters to Saint Winefrida 4.3 c. The Gests of the glorious Martyr S. Winefrida 1. AT the same time Virginity and chastity triumphed likewise in the Brittish Church for excepting the difference about the celebration of Easter there was a perfect agreement in all points of Faith between the Brittains and Saxons The person whose Victorious Chastity illustrated this age was the glorious S. Winefride who willingly offred her self a Sacrifice to preserve her Virginity consecrated by vow to her Celestiall Bridegroom Which voluntary Oblation was so acceptable to Almighty God that he recompenced it with so stupendious a Miracle as neither the precedent nor following ages of the Church could afford one to equall it 2. This love and valew sett upon holy Virginity was instilld into her by her Spirituall Teachers two Brittish Saints Saint Beuno and Saint Elerius of both which the Memory is celebrated in our Martyrologe Of the former on the fourteenth of Ianuary where he is sayd to have been famous for Sanctity and Miracles and of the latter on the thirteenth of Iune and the year of both their deaths is assigned this six hundred and sixtieth in which also the Authour of Saint Winefrides life in Surius says that she flourished Now the Gests of these three Saints we will here deliver together from the credit of Robert Abbot of Shrewsbury who above five hundred years since wrote the life of Saint Winefride out of ancient Brittish Records which he begins thus 3. There was a certain holy man of great perfection who dwelt in the Western part of Brittany He was descended of Princely parents but despising his hereditary glory he fled away poore and became a Monk eminent in all vertues And having built severall Churches in many places in which he placed Monks for the service of God he was divinely admonished to seek out an habitation provided for him by God At last he came to the territory of a certain man of great power named Thewith or as some call him Trebwith to whom he said I beseech you to grant me out of your hereditary possessions a small portion which may serve partly for mine own use and partly for the service of God that I may there build a Church in which I may attend on Gods worship and dayly pray for your salvation The Noble man readily granted his request and withall committed to him his onely daughter named Wenefred to be instructed by him in piety Whensoever therefore the holy man taught the people preaching to them the doctrines of salvation he sett the said young maid at his feet admonishing her to attend diligently and affectuously to his admonitions By this means the Virgin through Gods Grace and mercy encreased every day in piety and spirituall Wisedom and entertained a purpose of renouncing mariage yet durst not make known to her parents such her resolution But coming to the man of God she freely declared her most secret thoughts to him telling him That the seed of the Divine Word which he had sowd had wrought such effect in her that she determind to renounce all the pleasures of the world and for the honour of God to preserve her Virginity entire and undefiled Now that I may perform this my purpose said she I must desire your intercession with my parents 4. The Holy man having heard the Virgins request promised her his utmost endeavour to obtain her parents consent And presently after having proposed the matter to them they with teares blessed God for their childs piety and willingly granted her desire From that time the devout maid assiduously sate at the Holy mans feet and with an ardent affection attended to the praises of her heavenly Spouse proceeding from his mouth She suffred no earthly cares to enter into her mind she frequently watched whole nights at her prayers in the Church She would oft importunely sollicite the Holy man to discourse to her of the life graces and perfections of her Lord which when he delivered the comfort and pleasure which she received from thence exceeded all worldly or sensuall concentment Thus though she was of tender years yet in vertues and piety she was very aged and as it were dead to all concupiscence 5. Now it hapned on a certain Sunday when her parents were gone to Church some necessary occasion detaind her at home At which time a certain young man named Caradoc the Son of Alan Prince of that countrey entred the house where he found the Virgin alone sitting near the fire She knowing the Prince hastily rose up and humbly desird to know his pleasure His answer was You are not ignorant who I am and how I abound in riches and honour all these riches and honours you shall partake if you will yeild to my will The modest Virgin perceiving his foule intent held down her dead and blushed extremely At first she seemd as if she was much troubled that he should find her unready and unadorned and she told him Sir you being a Prince there is no doubt but you are able to heap upon mee all worldly happines in abundance if I were your wife However be pleased to expect here awhile till my Fathers return in the mean time I have some busines in my chamber and will come back presently This she said to gain a little time for she saw the unhappy young man burning and almost enraged with lust With much adoe he permitted her to goe to her chamber having some hope that she would return assoon as she was dressed and adorned She therefore entred hastily her chamber and as hastily went out of the dore on the other side and with all her force ran toward the Church 6. Assoon as the young man perceived this he became all in a fury and drawing out his sword he ran swiftly after her soon owertaking her and with a stern look told her I have a long time loved thee and desired to enioy thee and darest thou scorn mee Be now assured that if thou refusest my embraces I will presently cutt of thy head She hearing and nothing affrighted with these threats answered him saying I am by Vow espoused to the heavenly King
piety There inhabites an Abbot of Eminent vertues named Elerius who by continuall Pennance and Prayer is become so exempted from secular cares that nothing in this present life has any tast to him all his affections being employed on celestiall matters 12. Thither therefore the Holy Virgin directed her steps and the said Abbot Elerius by Gods holy Spirit being admonished of her coming went out to meet her and receiving her with great honour brought her into a Convent of Religious Virgins recommending them to her care and government Whosoever was sick and came to her returned back with perfect health and if any were sad or deiected in mind they received consolation and inward peace of soule 13. At last on a certain night as she was intenâ—ive to her devotions our Lord appeared to her and signified to her that the day of her dissolution was at hand Wherefore on the fourth day before the Nones of November being full of vertues and good works she gave up her Spirit to God And was buried neer the bodies of Saint Chebi and Saint Senan By her intercession Almighty God was pleased to work many Miracles among which this was one that she gave fight to a certain Carpenters daughter who had been blind from her Nativity c. 14. This is the account which Robert Abbot of Shrewsbury has given of the Gests of this glorious Virgin Saint Winefrid From what particular Records he extracted his Relation doth not appear But Tradition delivers that immediatly after her death her Story was written by the Holy Abbot Elerius her last Spirituall Father and probably from him the said Robert received most of the passages in his Narration 19. The Sacred Relicks of this Holy Virgin lay at Witheriac or Guitherine till the year one thousand one hundred and thirty eight at which time her Body was translated to a Monastery of Monks in Shrewsbury where Almighty God approved the Veneration which men with great devotion shewd to her by wonderfull miracles So frequent and so great a concourse there hath been ever since to her Shrine and likewise to her Well that in severall of our Kings raigns the fame of almost continuall Miracles wrought by her intercession hath invited severall Popes to confer speciall Indulgences on those which Visited them Her Feast on the third of November was generally celebrated in England with Nine Lessons and in her Office this Prayer was added O Almighty everlasting God who hast honoured the Blessed Virgin Saint Winefride with the reward of Virginity Grant to us we beseech thee by her intercession that we may despise the allurements of this world and together with her obtain the Seat of ever lasting glory Amen 16. Now it ought not to be esteemd a preiudice or ground of suspicion of the Truth of these Gests of Saint Winefride that Saint Beda and some other of our ancient Saxon Historians have not mentioned her among the other Saints of this age in whose praises they have so largely employed their Eloquence For Saint Beda professes his design to have been to relate the History of his own Saxon Nation onely in which he was imitated by following Historians and besides this so great a divorce there was in the affections of the Brittains and Saxons that they renounced all commerce together Hence it is that in the Writings of S. Beda c. there is a proâ—ound Silence not only of S. Winefride but likewise of S. Patrick S. Vrsuls S. David S. Dubritius S. Kentigern and others of whom we treated heretofore who yet without doubt were most illustrious Starrs of their respective ages and of the Brittish Church IX CHAP. 1.2 c. Of severall Brittish Saints Saint Beuno S Chebeus S. Senan S. Deifer S. Elerius 1 IN the forogoing Narration we have the Memory of five Saints celebrated Saint Beuno S. â—hebeus S. Senan S. Deifer and S. Elerius whose Names being written in the Book of Life have worthily found a place likewise in our Martyrologe As for S. Beuno no more of him is found then what hath been written already 2. S. Chebeus is no doubt the same whom heretofore we called S. Kebi sirnamed Corineus a Disciple of S. Hilary Bishop of Poâ—â—tiers in the year of our Lord three hundred sixty one who having instructed the Inhatants of Anglesey Monae in the Faith of Christ dyed and was buried in Northwales in whose Monument the Sacred Body of S. Winefride was layd His Memory is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the ninth of November 3. S. Senan the assistant and instructour of S. Winefride in the perfection of a Religious liâ—e is commemorated in our Martyrologe on the twenty ninth of April where his death is assigned to this year six hundred and sixty He was for his Sanctity famous not onely in Wales but Cornwall also where there is a small haven and Town of Fishermen called from his Name 4. S. Deifer at the same time lived a retired life not far from SS Winefrids Monastery built by S. Beuno whose Successour he was in the direction of the said Holy Virgin He for his Sanctity and Miracles is in our Martyrologe placed among the Saints on the seaventh of March and his death is ascribed to the year of Grace six hundred sixty four 5. The Memory of S. Elerius is more celebrated then the rest he lived longer with S. Winefride and built a Monastery in the vale called Clutina saith Leland c. because watered with the River Cluid which divides the Province of Flint from that of Denbigh There it was that S. Winefride directed by severall Divine admonitions found him He so conjoynd the exercises of an Eremiticall and Monasticall conversation that he had diverse Disciples of both sexes which imitated his example and Institut of life 6. He for some time to decline the frequent concourse of Visitants and that he might more freely attend to God retired into a desart saith Pits And from hence Malbranque a French Antiquary collects that he passed over into France and fixed his habitation in the Northern parts oâ— it amongst the Morini For thus he writes About the year of Lord six hundred and sixty Elerius a Noble personage of Brittany passing the Sea and travelling the way which from Bouloign leads to Teroâ—anne came to Fruge a little distant from the rising of the River Life where he chose a seat for his Solitary living To this day a fountain and little Chappell are monuments of his Memory These in ancient times afforded great benefit and help both to the inhabitants of those places and strangers 7. The same Authour acknowledges that he returned into Brittany where he also dyed as the Acts of S. Winefride doe testify Now though our Martyrologe doe consign his death to the year of our Lord six hundred and sixty yet since Pits and many other of our Writers doe affirm that he wrote her life and consequently out-lived her his death is to be placed
severall years later X. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests of Saint Foillan Martyr And of S Vltan both of them Brethren of S. Fursey 1. THIS year was wonderfully fruitful in Saints For in the same S. Foillaâ— was crownd with Martyrdom He was Brother of S. Fursey and with him came oâ—t oâ— Ireland into Brittany where he lived a 〈◊〉 in the Monastery of Knobberri-burg and aâ—teâ— his departure succeded him in thâ— Oâ—ce oâ— Abbot as hath bene already declâ—â—â—d in thâ— year six hundred forty two He is commeâ—morated in our Martyrolâ—gâ— on the thirtieth of October and held in great veneration not only in Brittany but Ireland also and France 2. Concerning him we read thus in the French Martyrologe That out of Brittany he went to Rome to obtain a benediction and faculties from Pope Martin to convert Infidels Which having received he went into France where after some progresse made in his Apostolicall Office of preaching he was received with great reverence by S Gertruâ—e with whose assistance he founded the Monastery of Fosse Yet he did not so fixe himself in that place as if he had found there a quiet abode and secure haven and would dispense with his Apostolick Office but on the contrary his zeale to exalt the glory of Christ was so urgent in him that like lightning he went up and down plucking up the seed of Idolatry yet remaining there and sowing the true Faith he incited the inhabitants as yet spiritually blind to admitt the Light of Truth the Grace of God and eternall life to their soules those who were obstinat against the light he sharply reproved and both by exhortations and good example instantly besought and with a pious zeale even compelled them to be saved But the Enemy of mans salvation could no longer endure so watchfull a preacher of the Mystery of piety He therefore arms certain impious men with a blind envy and malice against hâ—m who violently and furiously assaulted this Holy Messenger of God in a forest of Hannow where with their swords they barbarously massacred him who did not resist them but dyed praying for them But God was not wanting to honour his servant for both from the merits of his past life and the miracles following his death he was acknowledged and honoured as a glorious Martyr and not long after a magnificent Monument was erected at his grave near Râ—dium a Town of Hannow which remains illustrious to this day where there is seen a Noble Monastery of Canons Regulars of the Order of Saint Norbert which takes its appellation from this Blessed Martyr 3. We must not separate Brethren Therefore we will here adjoyn the commemoration of Saint Vltan Brother to S. Fursey and Saint Foillan whose death in our Martyrologe is assigned to the same year on the second of May Concerning whom the Gallican Martyrologe thus writers on the first day of the same month At Peronne is the commemoration of Saint Vltan Confessour Abbot of the Monastery in the same town and Brother and Successour of Saint Fursey and of the glorious Martyr S. Foillan He was a wonderfull observer of Religious piety and by the assistance of Saint Gertrude of Nivelle having finished the Monastery of Fosse in the territory of Liege and emparted wholesome instructions to the Religious there returned to this Monastery of Peronne the Abbot whereof he was after his Brothers death he there honourably received and in a fatherly manner entertained S. Amatus Bishop of Sâ—ns who for his zeale to iustice was banished his Diocese and having spent the remainder of his life in a most holy conversation was called to his eternall reward and presently after was followed by S. Vltan Both whose Sacred Relicks are with due honour preserved partly at Peronne and partly at Fosse XI CHAP. 1.2 c. Of S. Christiana an English-Saxon Virgin 1. ABout this time most probably a Holy Virgin named Christina or Christiana derived from an English-Saxon family ended a most holy life yet her memory is not celebrated by any of our English Histories But Miraeus in his Belgick Calendar on the twenty sixth of Iuly thus writes concerning her Teneramund a town of Flanders Imperiall in the diocese of Gaunt seated at the meeting of the Rivers Scaldis and Tenera acknowledges two Tutelar Saints S. Hilduard Bishop and S. Christiana a Virgin whose Sacred Relicks are preserved there in a College of Canons S. Christiana was the daughter of a King of England And Saint Hilduardus flourished in the year seaven-hundred and fifty 2. But some what more particularly touching her parents and manner of life we read in the Gallican Martyrologe as followeth On the seaventh of September at Teneramund in the Bishoprick of Gaunt is commemorated the Translation of S. Christiana a Holy Virgin the daughter of Migraâ—nus King of England who coming into Flanders at Diclivena was received among the Religious Virgins and having devoutly performed her course of vertue in the service of our Saviour the Spouse of Holy Virgins there happily dyed and was buried with a great esteem of Sanctity And afterward being glorified by innumerable miracles to the end her veneration might be more frequent her Sacred Relicks were translated to Teneramunda and honourably reposed there in the Collegiat Church of the most Holy Virgin-Mother of God together with the bones of S. Hilduardus the Apostle and Tutelar Saint of the same town together with whom she is by the inhabitants of the same Town and Territory adioyning honoured as companion of the same Saint in the protection of that place 3. Again touching the manner how being born and educated a Pagan she was miraculously converted and exalted to so high a degree of Sanctity is thus further related in the same Martyrologe On the twenty seaventh of Iuly at Teneramunda in Flanders is celebrated the Memory of S. Christiana a Virgin who being the only daughter of Migramnus King of the English was in her tender age most devout to her false Gods and Idols according to the Tradition of her Ancestours But Almighty God looking on her with eyes of Mercy sent an Angell from heaven to her in the shape of a beggar who instructed her in the Christian Faith and commanded her to be baptised By whose conduct likewise she came to Dikelvenna where after she had with great perfection consummated her course she attained to eternall Beatitude Her Body afterward shining with many Divine Miracles was from thence translated to Teneramunda For whose honour and veneration Ringot Prince of that place having reedified a Church which had been demolished by the Normans commended the Patronage of that Citty to the same Holy Virgin Hence it was that to this day she is honoured by the inhabitants as their peculiar Protectresse 4. This Translation was performed in the year one thousand ninety two But who this Migramnus said to have been an English King was and what time he lived does not appear
Brittany and Ireland was so great that it almost layd wast both those Islands as Huntingdon testifies It began saith S. Beda in the Southern parts of Brittany which were even depopulated by it and from thence it proceeded to the Province of the Northumbers where it raged in all quarters and destroyd a wonderfull multitude 2. Now because he says it began in the Southern parts and also recounts severall illustrious persons taken away by it wee will follow its course in our Narration and beginning with Kent we there are told of the death both of the King and Arch-bishop The King was Ercombert a Prince so devout that neither the luxury of the Court nor solicitudes of the Kingdom could withdraw him from the service of God And hereby living secure under the Divine Protection and favour all things both at home and abroad succeeded prosperously to him and he lived in great tranquillity to a very old age Thus writes William of Malmsbury So that it may be a doubt whether it was of the pestilence or some other disease that he dyed But whether that or the Ecclipse was Gods Messenger to summon him we may piously beleive that he was called from an earthly to a heavenly Kingdom 3. The like we may affirm of the Holy Arch-bishop of Canterbury Deus-dedit who sate the sixth in that Chair and after nine years devoutly and zealously spent in administring that See received this year the reward of his labours and has deserved a place among the Saints in our Martyrologe on the last of Iune A worthy Character of his vertues is afforded us by the Authour of his life in Capgrave After his death the See was vacant for a considerable time for by reason of the raging pestilence care could not be taken to provide a Successour 4. From Kent we passe to the East-Saxons governed by two Kings Signer the Son of Sigebert sirnamed the Little and Sebb a Prince of great Sanctity and Son not of Edilred as Harpsfeild affirms but of that King Seward who shamefully betraid the Christian Faith and was slain by the King of the West-Saxons 5. In this Kingdom the pestilence was more violent and furious then any other And we may iudge that Gods design thereby was by kindling the furnace of this calamity to sever the gold from the drosse and to render the Piety of one of those Kings more illustrious by opposing it to the impiety of the other For King Sigher upon this Visitation fell back to his former Pagan Superstition hoping to obtain from his Idols a remedy against the infection whereas nothing but impurity could proceed from them whose infection was more mortall then that of the pestilence Which Apostacy of the King became an Example to his inconstant Subjects Yea saith Saint Beda his Nobles who loved onely this present life and had no care or perhaps beleived not a future began to restore the Idoll-temples formerly demolished and to adore their senceles Idolls as if by them they could be defended from the Mortality But the violence of the pestilence afterward more encreasing taught them that what they hoped would be a remedy more inflamed the disease 6. As for the other King Sebb his portion of the Kingdom was free from this Superstition and his Piety being more purified by Humility and Resignation to Gods Visitation became a pattern to all his Subjects For saith the same Authour he was a man very devout to God and fervently intent to Religious Acts frequent Prayer and pious exercises of Charity and Alms-giving In his own inclination he preferred a private Monasticall life before the riches and pompe of a Kingdom and if the obstinate refusall of his Wife to admitt a Separation had not hindred he would long before have forsaken his throne to retire into a Monastery Hence it was that many were of opinion that a man so qualified was fitter to be ordained a Bishop then a King Yet he shewd himself to be a very good King and his Kingly solicitude was not confin'd to his own portion but extended it self to the reducing to Christian Profession Sigher his companion in the Throne For which purpose he advised Wulfere King of the Mercians of the danger his Kingdom was faln into of ruine from an infection far more horrible then the Pestilence Whereupon Wulfere as became a good Christian Prince sent thither Iarumannus Bishop of the Mercians lately there succeeding to the Holy Bishop Trumhere by whose endeavours the Christian Faith was again restored among the backsliding East-Saxons 8. Concerning this venerable Bishop Iarumannus S. Beda thus writes He was a Religious good man very industrious and passing through all quarters he preached the Word of Life and by his labours reduced both King Sigher and his Subiects to the way of iustice which they had forsaken insomuch as relinquishing or demolishing their Idoll-temples and Altars they ioyfully confessed the Name of Christ formerly renounced by them and desired much rather to dye in him with a beleif of the Resurrection then to live in the filth of Infideity among their Idols Iarumannus having gloriously finished so good a work together with the Preists and Teachers atâ—ending him returned home with great ioy 9. The piety of King Sebb rested not here but out of a care to provide against the inconstancy of the East-Saoxns he treated once more with Wulfere King of the Mercians to send him a Bishop to govern and administer the See of London There was then residing among the Mercians Wini who had been Bishop at Winchester in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons but for some now unknown crime was driven from his See by K Kenewalch This man incited by an inordinate ambition and desire of Rule and wealth most shamefully with money obtained of King Wulfere to be recommended to the Bishoprick of London into which he entred in the year six hundred sixty sixe and is marked in our Annalls as the first Simoniacall Bishop in our Island Hence William of Malmsbury thus writes Wina having bought the Bishoprick of London quickly ended there the remainder of his days He became an ominous and fatall example to posterity so that it cannot easily be discerned to whom the greater sin and infamy is to be imputed to him who sold or who bought with money this Sacred Dignity 10. However certain it is that King Sebb was perfectly exempted from this stain His desire was to obtain and ioy to receive a Bishop Orthodoxe in the Faith As for his manners being a stranger to him he hoped well and undoubtedly was wholly un interessed in the infamous bargain which passed between wulfere and Wini. XXI CHAP. 1.2 The plague among the East-angles which destroyed many Religious Virgins in Cherâ—esey 1. IN the Eastern parts of Brittany li kewise the pestilence was very feirce The dismall effects wherof S. Beda particularly relates hapning in a Monastery of Religious Virgins For saith he Erconwald Son of
possession of fifty families for building a Monastery in a place called Etbearn that is At the wood in the Province of Lindissi or Linconshire where to this day the Observances of a Regular life instituted by him doe still remain The Authour of Saint Ceadda's life in Capgrave calls this place Brawe the situation whereof is now unknown 7. But his Episcopall See was at Lichfeild concerning which the same Authour thus writes He had the See of his Bishoprick at a place called Licidfeld where he also dyed and was buried and where his Successours have still remaind Moreover he built for himself a mansion not far from the Church whither he was wont to retire with seaven or eight Monkes that he might in solitude attend to prayer and reading as oft as the solicitudes of his Episcopall Office would permitt 8. The same King Wulfere finished likewise the Monastery begun by his Brother in the year of Grace six hundred fifty six which he consecrated to S. Peter commanding it to be called Peterborough and enriched it with great possessions appointing the first Abbot of the same in the year six hundrod sixty nine a very pious man saith Camden called Sexwulf by whose perswasion principally it was built And he addes That the said Monastery flourished with great opinion of Sanctity the space of two hundred and fourteen years till the most calamitous times when the Danes layd all places especially Sacred wast For then the Monks were murdred and the Monastery lay buried in its own rubbish a hundred and nine years This Sexwulf had formerly lived an Eremiticall life in the Island called Thorney where he built an Oratory which by the liberality of King Edgar became a Noble Monastery in the year of Grace nine hundred sixty nine as we shall then declare 9. As touching the said Bishop Ceadda he was industrious in preaching assiduous in prayer unwearied in labours and always conversant with God And whereas saith Saint Beda it was the usuall custom of that most Reverend Bishop in preaching the Gospell through his Diocese for the most part to goe on foot from place to place the Arch-bishop Theodore enioyned him that when he was to goe to any place a good way distant he should ride the good Bishop was very unwilling so great was his aversion from ease in the work of God Yet in the end the Arch-bishop even compelled him thereto and with his own hands lifted him on horse back For he saw that he was a very holy man c. IX CHAP. 1.2 c. The Holy and most happy death of S. Ceadda 1. BEcause we will not interrupt the Narration touching this Holy Bishop Ceadda we will here adioyn the relation of his happy death shortly ensuing suitable to his pious life which is thus at large recorded by S. Beda 2. After he had governed the Church of the Mercians most gloriously the space of two years and a half the time by divine dispensation approached concerning which Ecelesiastes writeth There is a time to scatter and a time to gather stones For a destroying sicknes was sent from heaven by which many living stones of Gods Church were translated from earth to the heavenly building And hereby not a few belonging to the Church of this most Reverend Prelate having been taken out of the world the hour of his passage likewise to our Lord drew near It hapned then on a certain day that himself accompanied only with one Monk named Owin abode in the forementioned Mansion all the rest upon some occasion being returned to the Church The said Owin was a Monk of great merit who out of a pure intention for a heavenly reward had forsaken the world and indeed he was in all respects a person esteemed by our Lord worthy to receive Divine revelations and worthy also of beleife when he discovered them to any He had formerly come into that Province from the Region of the East-Angles with Queen Edildride being the cheif Officer of her family Not long after his arrivall the fervour of his Faith encreasing he resolved to leave the world which resolution he exeâ—uted diligently insomuch as relinquishing all his possessions and contenting himself with a simple habit and taking in his hands onely an axe to cutt wood he went to the Monastery of the same most Venerable Prelat called Lestinghen For he did not as some have done retire to a Monastery to live idlely there but to labour diligently as he gave good proof by his conversation for the lesse proper he was to spend much time in Meditation the more did he addict himself to manuall labour 3. This man therefore having for his zeale and devotion been selected to abide with the Bishop in the said Mansion commonly when the rest were busied within-dores in reading he was abroad busy about some externall work for the common benefit Now on a certain day as he was thus employed while the rest of the Monks as hath been said were returned to the Church and the Bishop in his Oratory reading or praying he said that on a sudden he heard most melodious voyces of many persons singing and reioycing which descended from heaven to the earth These voyces he heard at first as from the South-east quarter which by little and little approached to him till they came to the roof of the mansion where the Bishop was into which they entred and filled it all about He therefore attending solicitously to this Musick about an hour after he heard the same voyces songs of Ioy with unexpressible sweetnes ascending from the top of the house by the same way to heaven again After which remaining astonished a good space and wondring what this should be the Bishop opened the window of his Oratory and according to his custom made a noyse with his hand which was to give notice that if any were without they should come to him Hereupon the Monk hastily entred to whom the Bishop said Goe presently to the Church and bidd those seaven brethren to come immediatly hither and come thou with them When they were all come he first admonished them to observe Charity and peace both among themselves and with all others and likewise diligently to follow the Instituts of Regular Discipline which they had learnt both from his tongue and practise or had found in the instructions and actions of their precedent Fathers Hereto he added that the day of his death was near at hand For said he that blessed and amiable Guest who was wont to visit our Brethren did mee the grace to come this day to mee and summoned mee to depart out of this world to our Lord. Therefore goe to the Church and desire the rest of our Brethren to commend my departure to our Lord and let them be mindfull to prevent also their own deaths the hour of which is uncertain with watchongs prayers and good works 4. After he had spoken these and other words to the
same purpose and that they having received his Benediction were returned full of sorrow the Monk who had heard the celestiall Musick went to the Bishop and prostrating himself to the ground before him said Venerable Father may it be permitted mee to ask you a question The Bishop answered Ask freely whatsoever thou wilt Then said he I beseech you tell mee What meant that ioyfull song which I heard sung by many with great ioy who came from heaven to this Oratory and after a while returned back to heaven again The Bishop replyed If thou hast indeed heard that Musick and perceived the heavenly company which came hither I command thee in the Name of our Lord that thou acquaint none with it before my death The truth is they were Angells and celestiall Spirits which came to call mee to receive those heavenly rewards which I always loved and desired and they have promised mee to return seaven dayes hence and conduct mee with them to heaven And indeed thus it came to passe as he had foretold For presently after a languishing infirmity came upon him which dayly encreased and on the seaventh day as had been promised him after he had armd himself against death by receiving devoutly the Body and blood of our Lord his soule was freed from the prison of his body and as we may piously beleive accompanied by Angells to celestiall ioyes Of whose glory S. Egbert was a witnes as we have already shewed in his Gests related by the same Authour 5. It is no wonder if he entertained with ioy the day of his death saith the same Authour since through the whole course of his life his cheif solicitude was to prepare himself for it insomuch as when any great wind or thunder hapned he would presently lay aside all other busines in hand and prostrating himself on his face pour forth his soule to God in prayer For as he told his Disciples the reason why God sends forth those voyces of terrour is to imprint his fear in mens minds and make them mindfull of those storms and tempests which shall be raised in the last dayes before the Generall Iudgment This S. Beda relates from the testimony of a Religious Monk called Trumbert his Master in Divine learning who had been a Disciple of this Holy Bishop 6. Now S. Ceadda dyed on the sixth day before the Nones of March and was first buried near the Church of our Blessed Lady But afterwards a magnificent Church having been built to the honour of the Prince of the Apostles his Sacred bones were translated thither And in both places for a proof of his Sanctity frequent miracles and cures were wrought 7. The place where he was buried was covered with a woodden tomb built in the form of a little house having a window in the wall through which such as in devotion came thither were accustomed to putt in their hand and take thence some part of the dust Which they mingled with water and gave to be tasted to sick men or cattell also by which their infirmities were presently taken away 8. We may with more assurance relate these Miracles because even the Lutheran Centuriators of Magdeburg acknowledge their beleif of them For thus they write Ceadda the Brother of Ced succeeded Iarumannus in the Bishoprick of the Mercians He received from King Wulfere his Episcopal See in a town of Lindissi called Lichfeild and governed the Churches of the Midland-English and Lindesfarians After his death he was renouned for Miracles insomuch as a man who was frantick and slept only at his tomb was restored to health and others afflicted with any manner of diseases by tasting the dust of his monument were perfectly cured 9. His Memory was with great devotion celebrated in all succeeding ages insomuch as the Cathedrall Church of his Bishoprick being raised with greater magnificence took its appellation from him This came to passe in the dayes of King Edward the second at which time saith B. Godwin Walter Langton Bishop of that See of Lichfeild bestowed two thousand pounds to enrich the Chest which contained the Body of his Predecessour S. Ceadda or Chad and likewise encompassed the precincts of the Church with a wall and ditch adding thereto two gates one very magnificently built toward the west and a lesser one to the East 10. To conclude this Narration we must not omitt one late memorable example of a wonderfull iudgment of God against the professed Enemies of his Saints In the beginning of the late rebellious warr a warr undertaken as much against Gods departed Saints as living Governours one of the most zealous Leaders of a Sacrilegious faction conducting his Army to this Citty of Lichfeild with an intention to break into the Inclosure of S. Ceadda's Church fortified by a Royal party whilst compleatly armed he pulled up the visour of his helmet that he might better view how to place his Ordinance against the wall was mortally wounded in the eye being the only part of his body exposed to danger by a bullet short at random Thus he perished in the heat of his fury whilst he assaulted the Church of S. Ceadda and upon the very Feast day of S. Ceadda 11. In the place of S. Ceadda the Arch-bishop Theodore ordained Bishop of that See a good and modest man saith S. Beda named Winfrid or Wilfrid who was Deacon to his Predecessour and at that time lived in the Monastery of Athburn Of whom we shall speak more hereafter X. CHAP. 1.2 c. The death of severall Saints Of King Oswi Of Abbot Boisilus Of Oswin a Monk of Diman and Adammannus 1. IN the six hundred and seaventieth year of our Lords Incarnation saith S. Beda which was the second year after the coming of Theodore into Brittany Oswi King of the Northumbers in the fifty eighth year of his age fell sick of an infirmity of which he dyed At the same time he was so affectionatly desirous to receive more perfect Instruction in Religion from the Apostolick See of Rome that he was determined in case he had recovered of that disease to goe thither and end his days at the Sacred places of the Apostles for which purpose he had desired the Holy Arch-bishop Wilfrid to be his guide in that journey for which he designed him a great summe of money He dyed the fifteenth day before the Calends of March and left his Son Egfrid heyr of the Kingdom He was buried in the Monastery of Strenshalch to which he had long before consecrated his daughter Edelfleda from her first infancy as hath been declared 2. That he dyed in general opinion of Sanctity appears in that his Name is read among the Saints in our Martyrologe on the fiâ—teenth of February And William of Malmsbury recounts how his body together with the bodies of many other Saints was removed three hundred years after his death For thus he writes At Streneshalt in the Quire
the Monastery of Coldingham a Virgin of eminent Sanctity received the eternall Reward of her Piety She was daughter of Ethelfrid King of the Northumbers and consecrated to God in perpetuall Virginity by Finan formerly Bishop of Lindesfarn This was done saith the Authour of her life in an age when persons of high birth esteemed their Nobility to consist principally in the humble service of our Lord and that those were most highly exalted who with greatest submission undertook the Crosse of Christ. At that time innumerable Congregations both of men and woemen were sprinkled through the whole Island severally embracing the spirituall warfare of our Lord. Yea somewhere in the same place persons of both Sexes men and Virgins under the government of one spirituall Father or one Spirituall Mother armed with the sword of the Spirit did exercise the combats of Chastity against the Powers of darknes enemies thereto The Institut and practise of these was imitated by S. Ebba who for the love she bore to the Son of God even in the flower of her youth contemned whatsoever was great or desireable in the world She preferred the service of our Lord before secular Nobâ—lity spirituall Poverty before riches and voluntary objection before honours For though descended from Royall parents yet by Faith she overcame the world by vertues beauty and by spirituall Graces her own Sexe 2. At the beginning of her Conversion she by the assistance of her Brother King Oswi built a Monastery near the banks of the River Derwent in the Bishoprick of Durham where now is situated a small Village called Ebbchester so named saith Camden from the Virgin Ebba born of the family of the ancient Kings of the Northumbers who about the year of our Lord six hundred and thirty was so illustrious for her sanctity that by the Roman Church she was Canonized among Saints and very many Churches in this Island were dedicated to her name which are vulgarly called S. Tabbs This Monastery flourish'd till the time of the Danes whose fury as many others did it selt 3. S. Ebba did not long continue in her own Monastery before she was invited to the government of the Monastery of Coldingham seated in a place called by Saint Beda the Citty of Colud There saith the Authour of her life she had the charge of a Congregation of men and woemen which had Cells though divided yet contigiâ—ous to one another who all united in one holy Profession with great ioy and comfort lived under her direction for by an admirable prudence she shewd her self to the Virgins a carefull Mother by the power and efficacy of her admonitions and to the men as it were a Father by her constancy of mind That famous Virgin S. Ethelreda or Ediltrudis as hath been said was a Disciple of this holy Abbesse Ebba submitting her self to the rudiments of so great a Mistresse but afterwards became the glory of the Monastery of consecrated Virgins at Ely And the Blessed Bishop Cuthbert though from his infancy he avoyded the conversation of woemen like the pestilence yet he frequently came to discourse with S. Ebba and would some-times for instruction of the devout Virgins her subjects make some dayes abode in that Monastery 4. At last as we read in her life this holy Virgin Ebba full of all vertues and good works departed this life to her heavenly spouse on the eighth day before the Calends of September in the six hundred eighty and third year of our Lords Incarnation which was four years before the death of the said Holy Bishop S. Cuthbert And her body was with great honour buried in her own Monastery Her memory is worthily celebrated among the Saints in our English Martyrologe on the five and twentieth of August where her death is consigned to about the year of Grace six hundred eighty four XV. CHAP. 1.2 c. The burning of the Monastery of Coldingham and the cause of it foretold by an Angell 1. IT will not be impertinent in this place to adioyn to the Gests of the Holy Abbesse Ebba the relation of a wonderfull calamity which through Gods just judgment befell her Monastery a few years after her death and a warning whereof she herself had in her life-time The cause of which calamity was the relaxation of Discipline in the said Monastery proceeding from the vitious disposition of human Nature not restrained by the vigilance and severity of Superiours The whole matter is at large sett down by S. Beda in the tenour following 2. In those dayes saith he the Monastery of Virgins in the Citty of Colud or Coldingham through a faulty negligence was consumed with flames Which misfortune notwithstanding was indeed to be ascribed to the malice and wickednes of those which inhabited there especially Superiours as all that knew it did observe The divine Piety was not wanting to admonish before-hand those upon whom this judgment was to come to the end that correcting their faults they might like the Ninitives by fasting teares prayers avert from them the wrath of God For there lived in the same Monastery a man of the Scottish Nation whose name was Adamannus who lead a very devout life in continence and prayers insomuch as he never used to take any sustenance but on Sundays and Thursdayes and oftimes spent whose nights in Prayer 3. This so rigorous a mortification was first practised by him out of necessity for the correction of his former wickednes and licentiousnes but in processe of time necessity was turned into custom For in his youth he had committed some very great crime for which afterwards soberly considering he had a most horrible remorse and fearfull expectation of divine judgment Therefore going to a Preist who he hoped might shew him the way of salvation he simply confessed his guilt beseeching him to advise him how he might escape the Divine Vengeance The Preist having heard his Confession said thus to him A great wound requires a great cure Therefore according to thy utmost ability persist constantly in fasting reciting of Psalms and Prayers that thus preventing the face of our Lord in confession thou maâ—sâ— find mercy from him The young man overwhelmed with sorrow and infinitly desirous to be freed from the bonds of his sins thus replyed I am young in years and vigorous 〈◊〉 body so that whatsoever you shall impose upoâ— mee so I may in the end be saved I will chearfully suffer and perform though you should command mee to spend every night wholly in prayers standing all the while and passe the whole week entirely in fasting The Preist told him It is too much to endure a whole week without sustenance it will be sufficient therefore if you continue your Fast for two or three days together Doe this therefore for some time till I see you next and then I will tell you more particularly what you are to doe and how long your pennance is to last Having said
divided by an intestin warr But he did not as he hoped find them unprepared nor destitute of courage to resist him For after many losses sustained in severall parts of the countrey they at last took courage and uniting their forces together came to a battell wherein they had the upper hand and constraind Cedwalla to fly As for his Brother Mollo or Mull he in his flight being compelled to retire into a certain Cottage the enemies fett it on fire so that he not daring to issue out was consumed by the flames Yet did not Cedwalla for all this desist from repairing his losses by frequent micheifs done to the inhabitants of Kent and a more full revenge he bequeathed to his Successour King â—naâ— as in due place shall be declared 6. B. Parker in his Antiquities assigns a strange cause wâ—y this Mollo was burnt by the Kentish soldiers saying Some affirm that the cause of the death of Mollo was because the Kentishmen perceived that he was very obstinat in defending Images concerning which a Controversy in that age was solemnly debated But it does no where appear that Mollo was a Christian. Certain it is his Brother Cedwalla was not baptised till after this when he had made a iourney to Rome in devotion for that purpose It was therefore in probability his obstinacy not to reliquish his Idols or Pagan worship that might because of his death And as for the pretended Question about Sacred Images it was not raised in the Church till about a hundred years after this and then it began in the East by certain factious Christians half-Iewes Neither doe we find any signs in our ancient Records that Brittany was disturbed with that debate If this Mollo therefore was a Christian it is well known what doctrine Saint Augustin and his Successours taught in Kent touching the Veneration of Images and that Saint Birinus Agilbert Hedda and Wilfrid taught the same among the West-Saxons 7. Cedwalla after he had for some time vented his fury against Kent turned his arms to the subdâ—ing the Isle of Wight adioyning to the Province of the south-Saxons already conquered by him And how great a blessing that Island obtained by his cruelty wee find thus related by Saint Beda After that Cedwalla saith he had the possession of the Kingdom of the Gevissi or West-Saxons he subdued the Isle of Wight the inhabitants whereof were to that time wholly addicted to Pagan Idolatry whom he endeavoured wholly to exterminate and to place in their rooms his own Subjects yea as the report is he obliged himself by vow though as yet he was no professed Christian nor baptized that if he gott the possession of the Island he would consecrate to our Lord the fourth part both of the land and spoyles And this Vow he effectually performed insomuch as he gave to Saint Wilfrid who not long before was arrived there out of the Northern parts the use of the said land and prey Now the measure of that Island according to the English estimation is so much as may maintain twelve hundred families So that the possession of three hundred families was given to the Bishop But he recommended the portion given him to one of his Clarks named Berwins who was his Sisters Son And withall gave him a Preist called Hildila to the end he might administer the Word of life and Baptism to all that would be saved 8. It is also probable that about this time the same Cedwalla gave to S. Wilfrid the Town called Paganham concerning which Selden makes mention of a certain clause in the said Kings Charter importing that a threefold freedom was granted to that place now given to the Church to witt a freedom from having a Castle built there and from contribution to mending the bridge and lastly from payments to the army if this be the right interpretation of the rude Latin phrase Absque trinoda necessitate totius Christiani populi id est areis munitione pontis emendatione exercitij congestime liberam perstrinxi Another Charter to the same holy Bishop is likewise extant to which is annexed this clause For a further confirmation hereof I Cedwalla have putt a turf of the said ground upon the holy Altâ—r of our Saviour and by reason of my ignorance in writing my name I have expressed and subscribed the sign of the holy Crosse. Now from hence is manifest that at the time of the invasion of the Isle of Wight Cedwalla was a Christian Cathecumen though he deferred his Baptism out of a desire to receive it at Rome V. CHAP. 1.2 Two young Princes Martyrs in the Isle of Wight 3. King Cedwalla his reverence to Saint Wilfrid 1. THE Isle of Wight was the last Province of Brittany which received the Christian Faith and that New Church was consecrated with the blood of two young Princely Martyrs the Brethren of Arvald or Arvand King of that Island The manner hereof is thus described by S. Beda 2. Wee must not passe over in silence saith he how two Royall children brethren to Arvald King of the Island were by a speciall Grace of God crownd with Martyrdom being made an Oblation of First fruits of such inhabitants of the said Island as were to be saved by Faith For when the Enemies army approached they fled privatly out of the Island into the adioyning Province of the Iutae or Hampshire Where being come to a place called Ad lapidem Stoneham they hoped to conceale themselves from the sight of the conquering King Cedwalla but they were betrayd and by his command appointed to be slain The report of this command being come to the hearing of a Certain Abbot and Preist named Cymbert who governed a Monastery not far distant from thence called Read-ford or the Ford of Reeds it is now called Redbridge he came to the K. who then lay privatly in those parts to be cured of his wound received in the late battell in the Isle of Wight and humbly requested of him that of those children must needs be killed he would at least permitt them to be instructed in the Christian Faith and baptized before their death The King yeilded to this request whereupon the good Abbot taught them the Mysteries of Christian Religion which they embracing he washed them from all their sins in the Laver of saving Baptism and therby gave them an assurance that they should enter into an eternall kingdom Thus the Executioner being come they ioyfully underwent a corporall death not doubting but that thereby their soules should be translated to a life of happines everlasting 3. Thus writes S. Beda the summ whereof is repeated by Camden in his description of Hampshire thereto adding this observation from the same Authour That after all other Provinces of Brittany had receiued the Faith of Christ the Isle of Wight in the last place of all embraced the same Notwithstanding by reason of the miserable Subiection thereof to a forrain Prince not any
of Lindesfarn where it was received by a great Troop of devout people who mett it together with severall Quires of Monks singing Psalms and it was with great reverence layd in a Stone Coffin and buried in the Church of the Blessed Apostle S. Peter on the right side of the Altar This is the Narrative which the Venerable Abbot Herefride who was an eye-witnes of all things gave to Saint Beda touching the circumstances of the happy death of the glorious Saint Cuthbert IX CHAP. 1 2. c. The incorruption of Saint Cuthberts Body testified in all ages The great liberality of our Kings to his Church Its Priviledges c. 1. SO precious in the Sight of God was the death of this most admirably holy Bishop that to shew the incorruption of his Faith God was pleased to conferre an incorruption on his Body likewise A miraculous Priviledge not only conspicuous to the age immediatly following but even to these our times Saint Beda who wrote his life and might have been an eye-witnes of what he wrote testifies as much for that age â— The Divine disposition saith he being pleased to demonstrate in how great glory the man of God Saint Cuthbert lived after his death the Sanctity of whose life had before been arrested by many miraculous signs gave this illustrious testimony Eleaven years after his buriall God inspired into the minds of his Brethren the Monks to take up his his bones which they conceived according to the course of Nature to be dry and the flesh dissolved into dust Those bones they intended to lay in a new Coffin and place them more honourably in a Tombe raised above the pavement This intention of theirs they signified to their Venerable Bishop Eadbert who approving it commanded them to put it in execution on the next Anniversary day of his Deposition They did so and opening the Sepulcher found his body perfectly entire with a lively freshnes and all his limbs as flexible as if he had been alive so that he appeared like a person rather asleep then dead Moreover all his Vestments were not only undecayed but appeared in their primitive freshnes and also with the addition of a wonderfull luster â— The Monks seing this were much astonished and with great hast signified these wonders to their Bishop who then had retired himself to a place a good way distant from the Church which every tide was encompassed by the Sea For his custome was every year both during the time or Lent and forty dayes likewise before our Lords Nativity to confine himself to that solitude there passing the time in great abstinence compunction and prayer And to the same place his Venerable Predecessour S. Cuthbert had been accustomed severall times to retire himself for devotion and mortification before he went to the Isle Farne 4. Hither came the Monks bringing with them some shreds of the vestments wherwith the Sacred Body had been cloathed which they presented to the Bishop He accepted their gift very thankfully and with much content heard their relation of this miracle with an affectionate devotion kissing those garments as if the body which they had covered had been there present Withall he commanded them to provide new vestments to enwrapp the body and to lay it reverently in the New Coffin which they had provided For I am assured said he that the place consecrated by God with so celestiall a miracle will shortly be frequenâ—ted with great devotion And how happy shall that man be on whom God the Authour of all Blessednes shall conferre the Grace and priviledge to repose there Many other like speeches did the Venerable Bishop adde with a trembling tongue and great compunction After which the Monks according to his command inwrapped the Sacred Body in new vestments and layd it in a New Coffin which they putt into a Tombe raised above the pavement of the Sanctuary 5. Presently after this the devout Bishop Eadbert was assaulted by a very sharp disease the violence of which encreasing more more an within in a few dayes that is the day before the Nones of May he also departed to our Lord. Whose body likewise the Monks layd in the Tombe of their Blessed Father S. Cuthbert over the Coffin in which his incorrupted Body râ—posed After which many miraculous cures there done have given an assured testimony of the Sanctity of them both a particular relation of severall of which I have sett down in the Book of the life of the same glorious S. Cuthberth to which I referr the Reader 6 Occasion will frequently be given in the pursuit of this History to renew the memory of this glorious Saint for severall times have his Sacred Relicks been translated and never without a renewing of miraculous testimonies of his Sanctity and glory 7. So wonderfull was the Veneration in which his memory was held by all succeeding ages that Kings Princes sett no bounds to their magnificence toward him that is toward the Church for his honour heaping Gifts lands Priviledges and immunities on it Alfrid who at this time was King of the Northumbers out-passing the liberality of his Father Egfrid gave the whole countrey between the Rivers Were and Tine for a perpetuall possession to S. Cuthbert and those who administred divine Mysteries in his Church Which likewise succeeding Kings made a Sanctuary and Refuge to all that on any occasion whatsoever repaired to it granting them an entire security for the space of thirty seaven dayes upon no â—ccasion to be infringed Thus writes Camden in his Description of the Bishoprick of Durham to which place S. Cuthberts Reliks were last of all translated 8. And for that reason saith the same Authour that whole Region with others confining is by Monks in their writings called The land or patrimony of Saint Cuthbert For that title was given to all the land belonging to the Church of Durham of which Saint Cuthbert was Patron This Cuthbert in the first infancy of the Saxon Church was Bishop of Lindesfarn a man of such Sanctity and integrity of life that he was canonized among the Saints And our Kings and Nobles beleiving him to be a Tutelary S. against the Scotts did not onely very oft visit his Body with great devotion which our Writers have perswaded us to have continued hitherto entire and uncorrupted but likewise bestowed upon it very large possessions and many immunities 9. Among which immunities this was one not the least signall that all the inhabitants of that countrey as being the Watchmen and Guards of Saint Cuthberts Body were exempted from all servitudes and obligations of attending even the King himself in his warr for as we read in the ancient Book of Durham They sayd that they were Halywerke folks and that they held their land for the defence of the Body of Saint Cuthbert and they ought not either for King or Bishop to goe out of the limits of the Bishoprick that is beyond the Rivers
Arch-bishoprick for I doe not know any one of the English Nation so capable of it considering the eminence of your learning and skill in the Ecclesiasticall Lawes of Rome As for my self I will by Gods grace for the future be very diligent to wipe out all old offences by my care to perform all good offices and among the rest I will endeavour by my intercession and all the authority I have to reconcile to you all the Princes who have hitherto been your persecutours 3. Saint Wilfrid answered the Arch-bishop with all meeknes as became so holy a person but to accept of the Arch-bishoprick without the order and decree of a Nationall Councill he would by no means consent Saint Theodore notwithstanding used his utmost endeavours to obtain his complyance in this point but in vain Therefore he sent Messengers with letters to Alfrid King of the Northumbers who succeeded Egfrid and to his Sister Elfleda Abbesse of Streneshalch earnestly requiring them to lay aside all displeasure and without delay to receive into their affection and favour the Holy Bishop These Letters are not now extant but others which he wrote to the same effect to Ethelred King of the Marâ—cians have been preserved by William of Malmsbury in this forme 4. Your admirable Sanctity My beloved son may hereby take notice that a perfect reconciliation is made between my self and the Venerable Bishop Wilfrid Therefore I doe admonish you and in the Love of Christ require that yâ—u woulâ— still continue as you have hitherto done your protection of him who these many years has beeâ— despoyled of his revenews and forced to live among Pagans in the Conversion of whom he has seâ—ved our Lord with great effect Therefore I Theodore humble Bishop doe now in my decrepite age make this request unto you desiring the same which the Apostles authority recommends touching a Holy Bishop who has so long a time possessed his soule in patience and in imitation of Christ our Head with all humility and meeknes expects an end of so many injuries done him Moreover if I have found favour in your eyes let mee enioy the comfort of seeing your face most desirable to mee and let not a iourney for that purpose seem burdensome to you that my soule may blesse you before I dye Beloved Son perform the requesâ— I have made you in behalf of the said holy Bishop and be assured that if you obey your Father who am shortly to depart out of this world you will reap great proffit to your soule by it Farewell 5 S. Wilfrid armed with these Letters and reâ—recommendations took his iourney to the Kingdom of the Northumbers and beforâ— he entred it he received a kind invitation â—rom King Alâ—frid who at his coming with the consent of a Synod assembled restored to him all the revenews of which he had been deprived The Church of Lindesfarn was now vacant by the voluntary cession and ensuing death of Saint Cuthbert And as for Bosa Bishop of York and Iohn lately ordained Bishop of Hagulstad or Hexham they shewed a greater inclination to preserve peace and declare their obedience to the ordinance of the Pope then to retain their dignities or revenewes To this effect the foresaid Authour thus writes When Saint Wilfrid came with the Arch-bishops Letters to the forementioned Kings he was entertained with very kind speeches and all expressions of favour And particularly King Alfrid who had familiarly known him before of his own accord invited him to come to him And being arrived he first of all restored to him the Monastery of Hengsteldeim and afterward by decree of a Synod the Bishoprick of York together with the Monastery of Rippon We will now leave him in quiet possession of his Bishoprick which lasted the space of five years after which shall be related fresh troubles and persecutions renewed against him XI CHAP. 1. The Martyrdom of Saint Lewina a Virgin 2.3 Her Relicks removed into Flanders and venerated there 1. TO this year of Grace six hundred eighty seaven is assigned in our ancient Records the death and Martyrdom of a certain Brittish Virgin called Lewina whose memory is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the two twentieth day of Iuly and she is said to have been slain in this our Island by a certain Saxon out of his hatred to the Christian Faith She suffred in the Province of the South-Saxons whom S. Wilfrid had lately converted to the Faith And she was buried in Sussex at a place called Seaford not far from the Town of Lewes which probably took its name from this Virgin 2. When the Danes in after ages cruelly vexed this Island and with a furious zeale imitated since by Calvinistes raged against the Monuments of Saints the Holy Virgins Body was taken up and translated beyond Sea where it was reposed at a place called Berga or Monts in Brabant or rather Flanders where now is seated the Town of S. Winoc Thus writes Miraeus in his Belgick Calender on the two and twentieth of Iuly Then is celebrated the memory of Levinna or Lewina an English Virgin whe flourished under Eubert or rather Egbert the Father of Alfrid King of the English Nation and suffred Martyrdom in the time of Theodore the seaventh Arch-bishop of Canterbury Her Sacred Body was taken out of her Monument by Edelin a Bishop and translated at last to Bergs of S. Winâ—c together with the Relicks of S. Oswald King and Martyr and of S. Itiâ—berga or Idalberga a Virgin Concerning the Miracles of Saint Lewina there is extant a Book written by Drogo Bishop of the Morini or Teroüâ—â—ne 3 Consonantly hereto wee read in the Gallican Martyrologe on the fifth of August At Bergs in the Province of the Morini is then celebrated the Memory of the reception of Saint Lewina Virgin and Martyr whose most Sacred Body was by Balger a Monk of Bergs brought to his Monastery from the Monastery of S. Andrew at Zevored or Seaford a Sea port in England The said Sacred Body being caried through severall villages and Towns in Flanders before it came to Bergs became illustrious by many Miracles affording comfort and health to any one who implored her intercession as Drogo Bishop of the Morini manifestly declares in his Book of the said holy Virgin and Martyrâ— Miracles XII CHAP. 1. Ina King of the West-Saxons 2.3 c. Saint Aldelm at Rome obtains Priviledges for his Monastery of Malmsbury A fabulous report concerning Pope Sergius 1. IN the year of Grace six hundred eighty eight began the raign of the glorious King Ina King of the West-Saxons as we have already declared when we treated of the cession of King Cedwalla after his conversion who left his throne to undertake a pilgrimage to Rome there to receive Baptism where he happily dyed in his Baptismall innocence 2. The same year Saint Wilfrid contenting himself with the Churches of York and Hagulstad which he administred with great
the Holy Fathers And lastly how during the space of forty five years in which he exercised the Episcopall charge he having been exposed to many dangers both at home and abroad at last attained to his eternall happy rest in our Lord. His Memory is celebrated among the Saints by the Church on the twelfth of October the day on which he dyed How his Sacred Relicks were translated from Rippon to Canterbury two hundred and thirty years after his death we shall in due place declare 8. His Successour in the See of Hagulstad or Hexham saith Saint Beda was Acca formerly one of his Preists a man of admirable magnificence for having founded a Church to the honour of Saint Andrew the Apostle he richly adorned it and having gathered many Relicks of the Apostles and Martyrs he raised therein severall Altars in which he placed the said Relicks Moreover he built in the same a most Noble Library furnished with a vast number of volumes He provided also for his Church all manner of holy vessels Lamps and other ornaments And for a more solemne performance of the Divine Office he sent for out of Kent a famous Cantour named Maban who had learnt Ecclesiasticall modulation of the Successours of Saint Gregory there Him he detained the space of twelve years to instruct his Monks both in such Song as they either had never learnt or by disuse had forgotten 9. The devout Bishop Acca also himself was very skilfull in Church-song and moreover learned in Holy Scriptures untainted in his Confession of the Catholick Faith and perfectly versed in Ecclesiasticall Discipline For from his infancy he had been brought up among the Clergy of the Holy Bishop Bosa Bishop of York And afterward aspiring to Religious Perfection he adioynd himself to Saint Wilfrid in whose attendance he continued to his death Whith him also he went to Rome where he learnt many things pertaining to Ecclesiasticall institution which he could not have learnt at home 10. Wee find in Saint Beda that Saint Acca before his exaltation to the Episcopall degree had been an Abbot for under that title there is an Epistle directed to him declaring how by his instinct and order Saint Beda had written his Treatise called Hexameron touching the Creation of the world And how after he was made Bishop he wrote oftimes to the same Saint Beda and exhorted him to write his Commentaries on Saint Luke c. shall be declared hereafter VIII CHAP. 1.2 c. Death of S. Aldelm Bishop of Shirborn 5.6 c. Elogies given to him even by Protestants 8.9 c. Forther succeeds him To whom an Epistle from Arch-bishop Brithwald 1 THE same year in which Saint Wilfrid dyed our Island lost another Star likewise of the first magnitude the Holy and most learned Bishop Saint Aldelm Bishop of Shirborn concerning whom frequent mention hath been already made 2. As touching his death thus writes the Auâ—hour of his life in Capgrave S. Aldelm in a good old age full of vertues and Sanctity departed to our Lord on the eighth day before the Calends of Iune in the seaven hundred and ninth year after our Lords Incarnation and the fifth year after he had been promoted to the Episcopall charge and the thirty fourth after his being instituted Abbot He was buried in his Monastery of Meldun or Malmsbury with great honour 3. His death was by divine revelation foreknown to Saint Egwin who in a certain Treatise thus writes Two years after the foundation of the Monastery of Evesham the Holy Bishop Aldelm departed to our Lord whith being made known to mee by revelation I called together she Religious Brethren to whom I declared the decease of that Venerable Father and presently after with great speed I took my iourney to the place where his Sacred Body reposed above fifty miles distant from his Monastery of Malmsbury Whither I conducted the same and there buried it very honourably Moreover I gave command that in every place in which the said Body dayly rested during the Procession there should be erected Sacred Crosses All which Crosses doe remain to this day neither hath any one of them felt any injury by time One of the said Crosses is yet to be seen in the Cloister of that Monastery 4. Two hundred and forty years after his death to witt in the year of Grace nine hundred forty nine saith the foresaid Authour his Sacred Body was taken up out of his Tomb and placed with great honour in a Shrine His Memory is yeaâ—ly celebrated by the Church on the Anniversary day of his death which was the twenty fifth of May. 5. This glorious Bishop is never mentioned by any of our ancient Historians without high praises Yea even our late Protestant Writers are very large in his commendations Bale though ordinarily rude and uncivill towards Catholicks yet of S. Aldelm he testifies that he was so diligently studious in all learning Divine and Humane that he far exceeded all the Ecclesiasticall Writers of his time And that both in verse and prose he was wonderfully learned both for Latin and Greek for his witt sharp and for his stile elegant He happily departed to our Lord in the year of his Incarnation seaven hundred and nine Camden likewise thus writes of him He is truly worthy that his Memory should for ever flourish not only in regard of his Sanctity but learning also He was the first of the English Nation who wrote in the purity of the Latin tongue and the first who taught the English to compose both verse and prose as well in the Greek as Latin stile This Aldelm after he was dead was reclamed by the Great King Athelstan as his Tutelar Saint The like Elogies doe Bishop Godwin D. Iames and the Centuriators of Magdeburg make of him 6. Yet after all this there is scarce one Point in which they condemne the Roman Church as an Errour iustifying their Separation from it but was held by him And particularly touching the Supreme Vniversall authority of the Pope in the heretofore mentioned Epistle of his to Gerontius King of Cornwall he in the name of the whole English Synod writes That S. Peter merited by a happy and peculiar Priviledge to receive from our Lord the Monarchicall Power of loosing sins both in heaven and Earth Moreover That the foundation of the Church and bullwark of Faith was placed principally on Christ consequently on Peâ—eâ— c. And that Christ who is Truth it self did thus establish on Peter the Priviledge over the Church Thou art Peter and on this Rock I will build my Church Yea Flacius Illyricus writes that S. Aldelm maintained That the Confession of the true Faith wholesome Doctrine and a life otherwise unreprocheable would nothing proffit him who lived in separation from the Vnity of the Catholick Roman Church This is the Faith taught then in the English Church and the Teachers of this Faith the Protestants now
a certain Prince of Mercia called Ethelbaldus by the good advice of S. Guthlac 11. In those days saith he that is in the year before the death of this Holy Hermit Prince Ethelbald great grandchild of Alwy the Brother of King Penda was banished out of the kingdom of the Mertians He was of an elegant stature strong of body and warlick of mind but which was to be bewayled he was high-minded and apt to any rash attempt against the King For which turbulent spirit of his as we may iustly imagine he was exposed to many dangers and for a long space debarred all medling with State-affaires And not only so but King Coelred did violently persecute him every where insomuch as being in great danger and wholly destitute of freinds and all means to resist he would oft come privatly to the man of God Saint Guthlac who was his Confessour to seek for spirituall counsell when all worldly assistance fayled him and to him he humbly made his complaints 12. The Holy man having heard him kindly and mildly comforted him and withall as one to whom future things were by divine revelation known he distinctly and particularly discovered to him what should succeed afterward promising him that he should be King of his Nation and subdue all his Enemies Yea moreover he bad him be confident that all these things should happen to him without any combat or effusion of blood only by Gods power and Providence over him 13. But to these comforting promises he added serious admonitions that he should fear our Lord God above all things and shew â—ll subwission and respect to his Holy Church That he should often deplore his former crimes and constantly make good his purpose of amendment For he told him that if he would be carefull to obey the Divne Law he might with confidence expect Gods help and favour By such exhortations and comforts the mind of the afflicted Prince was exceedingly refreshed insomuch as in the presence of his holy Father Saint Guthlac and others then standing by he expressly promised that assoon as God should sett him peaceably in the Throne of the Kingdom he would found a Monastery in the same place to the honour of God and memory of his sayd Father And this promise a short time after he effectually accomplished XXI CHAP. 1. 2. c. The death of Saint Guthlac and wonderfull occurrents Of his Sister Saint Pega 1. AFter a life spent with such austerity holines and devotion there must needs follow a death conformable to it which is thus related from the mouth of his companion and Disciple Berthelin 2. When the day of his departure approached he called to him his Disciple Berthelin to whom he sayd My son I am now going to reap the fruit of my Labours I desire to be dissolved and to be with Christ. And after other words to the same effect he enioynd him to goe and with great affection in his name salute his Sister Pega desiâ—ing her to take care of his buriall Withall he bid him tell her that therefore he had avoyded the seeing and conversing with her in this present life that they might for ever enioy each others company in the life to come 3. Then his sayd Disciple took the boldnes to say thus to him I adiure you Holy Father that you will not refuse to tell mee plainly what the matter was that every morning and evening since I dwelt with you I heard you speak to and sometimes seem to answer some body Who was that person with whom you conversed Your speeches I heard but could never understand with whom you spoke To this question the Holy-man answered My dear son My last hower is now at hand It is not therefore expedient for mee now to lye who all my life have abhord it Know therefore that from my first entrance into this wildernes every morning and evening I have enioyd the conversation and comfort of a heavenly Angell who by his celestiall consolations refreshed mee in all my labours and tentations He foretold to mee things future discovered such as were absent and acquainted mee with hidden Mysteries which it is not expedient nor lawfull for mee to make known But now My son be carefull to seal up in silence these things and presume not to discover them to any but my Sister Pega and the devout Anchoret Egbert 4. When he had sayd this such an odortferous fragrancy came from his mouth that it seemed as if one had strowed roses or pourd forth balsam in the place And from midnight till morning a Light of inestimable brightnes shone through the whole house And assoon as the Sun was risen he sayd to his Disciple Bertelin My Son now is the moment that I must goe to Christ Having said this with hands stretched forth toward heave he fell asleep in our Lord on the third day before the Ides of April And the same Brother saw as it were a tower of fire reaching from the earth to heaven the splendour of which was so wonderfull that in comparison the light of the Sun at midday was pale and obscure A while after Blessed Pega the holy Mans Sister coming into the Island found the whole house replenished with a sweet fragrancy infinitly exceeding all odours which either art or nature could produce Then having decently buried her Brother S. Guthlat in his Oratory she returned to her own dwelling 5. About a year after his death his sister and other Preists came to his Oratory with a resolution to bury his body more honourably and they found it entire without the least corruption as if he had been asleep The ioynts likewise of his arms and fingers were as easily flexible as if the humours and spirits were yet running through his veyns his sinews had lost nothing of their former vigour Moreover the garments in which his sacred body had been wrapped preserved stil their primitive freshnes and glasse With great ioy and exaltation therefore they again reposed the Sacred Body once more in a Tombe expressly made for it 6. Now Prince Ethelbald in his exile having heard of the death of the Holy man was overwhelmed with greif and coming to his sepulcher he cryed out with many tears O Father whither shall I a poor banished man goe to whom shall I have recourse Now indeed I perceive that I am a miserable exile Dear Father Guthlac doe not you forsake him who is abandond by all and exposed to all miseries and torments Having spoken many such words with extreme greif and bitter sighs towards midnight he saw the Oratory wonderfully enlightned with an inexpressible brightnes and the Holy man himself appeard to him with a celestiall splendour saying to him these words My dear Son our Lord has a regard to thee be comforted and assured that within two years all thy travells shall have an end and thou shalt recover thy throne with great glory Besides this the Holy man expressly discovered to him how many
years he should live and many other things which should befall him And when the Prince desired some sign to assure him that these things should be accomplished the Holy man added Let this be a mark and sign to thee that to morrow before nine a clock in the morning the inhabitants of this place now in want shall be beyond their hope supplied with abundance of provisions Now when the Prince saw this really fullfilld his mind before wavering was confirmed with great hope and confidence And indeed a short while after Almighty God took out of the way King Ceolred his persecutor and dispersed all his enemies so that within the â—â—ne promised the Royall dignity was restored to him as shall shortly be declared and likewise how Ethelbald gratefully and magnificently accomplished his Promise XXII CHAP. 1.2 The Death of the Royall Virgin Saint Eanfleda c. 3. The death of Waldhere Bishop of London to whom Inguald succeeds 4. Beorna King of the East Angles after Elwold 1. THE same year the Royall Virgin and holy Abbesse S. Eanfleda likewise left this valâ—â—y of tears to goe and enioy the eternall embraces of her heavenly Bridegroom to whom she had been consecrated from her infancy We have already declared how she being born immediately before her Father Oswi King of the Northumbers was ready to ioyn battell with the bloody King of the Mercians Penda he made a vow that in case God would give him the Victory he would devote her to his service in a Religious life And the Victory ensuing he gave her to the care of S. Hilda Abbesse of the Monastery of Heortsig and afterward of Steneshalch in which S. Eanfleda lived some years in obedience and afterward became Abbesse thereof Where saith S. Beda having accomplished threescore years in great devotion and purity she was translated to heaven to celebrate her mariage with our Lord to whom she had been all her life espoused In the same Monastery both she and her Father Oswi her Mother Eanfled and her Mothers Father Edwin and many other Noble personages were buried in the Church of S Peter the Apostle and her name is anniversarily recited among the Saints in our Martyrologe on the eighth of February 2. Among the Epistles of S. Boniface there is one which seems to have been written by this Holy Virgin to an Abbesse named Adolana who lived in forrain parts somewhere in the way to Rome for therein she recommends to her care and charity another Religious woman formerly brought up in her Monastery who in devotion to the Blessed Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul had undertaken a pilgrimage to Rome to visit their Holy Sepulchers 3. The year following Waldhere Bishop of London dyed who had succeeded the glorious Bishop S. Erconwald in that See and who as S. Beda testifies gave the Habit of Monasticall Profession to Sebbe the devout King of the East-Saxons a little before his death His Successour was Inguald who governed the same Diocese about thirty years and is reckoned the sixth among the Bishops of London 4. About the same time also hapned the death of Elwold King of the East-Angles in whose place his Brother Beorna raigned who was the youngest son of Ethelhere XXIII CHAP. 1.2 Warr between King Ina and Ceolfrid 3. Horrible crimes of Ceolfrid 1. THE same year there arose great troubles in Brittany by reason of a bloody war between Inas King of the West-Saxons and Ceolred King of the Mercians These were both in power and extent of Dominion the most puissant Kings among the Saxons An equality therefore bred a mutuall emulation and desire in each of them to advance themselves by the ruine of the other King Ina was the invader Neither did he find Ceolred unprepared so that they quickly came to a battell And the place of their combat was a Town in Wiltshire called Wodensbury from Woden the Idol of the Pagan-Saxons answering to Mercury It is seated near Wansdike and is the same place where in the year of Grace five hundred ninety one Ceaulin King of the West-Saxons fought his last battell which having lost he dyed presently after 2. In this place did Inas and Ceolred meet to decide their controversy whether should be Master And saith Huntingdon the battell was fought on both sides with such horrible obstinacy that it could scarce be determined â—â— wâ—ether part the destruction was greater 3. Ceolred esteemed it as a victory that he could resist so powerfull a King as Ina from whom he little apprehended a second invasion considering the great deminution of his forces by the last combat So that he esteemed himself secure and freely gave himself up to his lusts and abominable sacriledge By which he filled up the measure of his sins and felt the year following in a terrible manner the avenging hand of Gods justice His lusts he extended even to Religious Virgins consecrated to the immortall God who therefore ought to be exempted from the touch of any mortall man And as for his Sacriledge in inâ—ringing the priviledges of Religious houses and invading their possessions our Historians doe not particularly exemplify in any So that it is probable that it was the late-built Monastery of Evesham which was violated by him notwithstanding the great Priviledges and Exemptions conferred on it both by the Papall and Regall authority and notwithstanding the solemne maledictions denounced by the founder thereof Saint Egwin yet alive who in consecrating it is recorded to have pronounced these words If any King Prince or other shall be incited by the Spirit of avarice so as to diminish the Rights of this Monastery which God forbid Let him be judged before the Tribunal of God and never come into the memory of Christ but let his name be for ever blotted out of the Book of the living and himself bound with the chains of eternall torments except he repent and satisfy for his crime in this life 4. But before we relate the effect of this Curse upon this unhappy King it will be expedient to recount the story of a wonderfull vision hapning about this time to a certain man who was restored from death to life on purpose that by relating the wonders of the other world he might deterr sinners from the obstinacy of their rebellion against God By which vision it appears that this King Ceolred was some time before his death destined to eternall torments It is not without some scruple that I am moved to insert in this History Narrations of this Nature But the unquestionable authority and Sanctity of the Relatâ—ur obliges mee not to omitt it though the Centuriators of Magdeburg without any shew of a rationall disproof of it doe voluntarily and at adventure condemne it as a fable XXIV CHAP. 1.2 c. The Narration of a terrible Vision of a man when his soule was separated from the body and afterward restored related hy S. Boniface 1. THIS wonderfull relation is
had recourse to him he should tell the Preists that for the Love he bore to God he had worn the space of many years an iron girdle about his loyns a thing which no man alive knew of 21. To conclude he told mee that whilst he was separated from his Body he had such a horrour and hatred against it that in all his Visions he saw nothing so odious to him or so contemptible and that evaporated so filthy a stink except the Devills and the flame in which they were tormented as his own body Yea seeing the care and kindnes which his brethren and fellow-servants expressed to his hatefull body he had a horrour therefore to approach to them However being commanded by the Angells he was forced to return to his body and this he did at break of day having left it a little after mid-night 22. After he was restored to life it was a full week before he could see any thing for his eyes were full of Blisters and blood issued out of them And afterwards all proved to be true which had been told him by the Angels touching the devout Preist and sinfull woman Likewise the sudden death presently following of the wicked King Ceolred confirmed too well the truth of those things which were seen touching him 23. Besides these there were many other like things represented to him in his vision which he could not distinctly call to mind and indeed he professed that his memory afterward was nothing so retentive as formerly Now all these particulars which at your earnest request I have here written were related by him not to mee alone for there were three Religious and venerable Monks present with mee who doe here ratify by their subscriptions the truth of this Writing Farewell truly holy Virgin c. 24. Such is the tenour of S. Boniface Epistle and accordingly as S. Gregory observes thus does the Divine Goodnes in his great mercy dispose that some even after their death doe return presently to their body to the end that by seeing they might be induced to fear the torments of Hell which having heard from others they would scarce beleive XXV CHAP. i. 2. c. Death of King Ceolred to whom Ethelbald Succeeds who according to his promise to S. Guthlac builds the Monastery of Croyland 1. IN the year seaven hundred and sixteen after our Lords Incarnation Ceolred King of the Mercians by his incestuous lasts sacriledge and other crimes having filled up the measure of his sins by his fearfull death too well confirmed the truth of the foregoing Propheticall Vision concerning him William of Malmsbury only writes in generall concerning it saying Ceolred miserable in his immature death after a raign of only eight years was buried at Lichfeild leaving his wife Queen Wereburga a widow who became a Religious woman and afterward an Abbesse His heyr and successour in the Kingdom being Ethelbald grandchild of Alwi brother to King Penda 2. But Saint Boniface writing to this New King Ethelbald and deterring him from impiety by the sad example of his Predecessour thus describes his miserable death Colred says he thy Predecessour a ravisher of Consecrated Virgins and infringer of Ecclesiasticall priviledges whilst he was splendidly feasting with his Nobles the infernall Spirit seised on him and forced from him his soule without Confession or any Sacrament as he was talking with the Devill and blasphemously detesting God and Divine Law By which expression that learned and famous Saint reckons among the most heavy and terrible punishments of a soule to depart out of the world not purified by Confession nor armed with its last Viaticum the Sacrament of our Lords Body 3. The Successour of Ceolred in the Kingdom of the Mercians was as hath been sayd Ethelbald to whom Saint Guthlac had promised it not long before And he likewise delayd not the same year to perform the promise he had made to the Saint by building and richly endowing the Monastery of Croyland Concerning which Ingulphus a Monk and Abbot of the same Monastery thus writes King Ethelbald perceiving that his dear Father and comforter Saint Guthlac became glorious by many Miracles with great ioy and devotion went to the place of his buriall and having now gott the kingdom promised by the Holy-man he entirely accomplished whatsoever he had promised him whilst he was alive For presently sending for a Monk of Evesham named Kenulph a man of noted piety he gave unto him the whole Isle of Croyland that he might there build a Monastery and gather a Congregation of Monks to serve God for ever Which Monastery he entirely freed from all secular charges and customes Of which Grant he made them a Charter signed and subscribed by his Bishop Nobles A Coppy of which Charter is there by the same Authour recorded 4. In the â—ame Charter is containd a measure of the Land by him given for the Isle of Croyland is there described to be four leagues in length and three in breadth To which were added two adiacent Marisnes the one being two leagues in length and one in breadth and the other each way two leagues Moreover for the building of the Monastery he gave out of his treasury the first year three hundred pounds and for ten years following one hundred pounds yearly 5 But this devout King thus far only was able to accomplish his vow this first year that he assigned the place for building the Monastery together with the lands and possessions annexed to it But to erect so vast a building on a soyle so fenny and yeilding required strange industry and labour Which how it was performed the same Authour thus describes Because Croyland was a fenny soyle as the name imports for it signifies a crude muddy ground and therefore could not sustain a stone-building of any considerable bulk the foresaid King took order that innumerable vast piles of oak should be forcibly driven deep into the earth and that solide earth should be brought in boats from a place called Vpland nine miles distant from thence which Neâ— earth was mixed with the morish soyle and layd over the said piles And thus whereas S. Guthlac had formerly contented himself with a woodden Oratory the King began and consummated a magnificent Church of Stone thereto building a Monastery which he enriched with possessions and all sorts of ornaments and during his whole life loved that place most tenderly And since this first foundation that Monastery never wanted Religious persons to inhabit it to this day that is till the Norman conquest at which time the sayd Authour lived 6. The first Abbot of that Monastery is in the forenamed Kings Charter called Renulphus sent for out of the Abbey of Evesham But besides the Monastery there was a little Hermitage in which S. Guthlac lived Who being demanded who should succeed him therein answered That it was a person who when that question was asked was a Heathen Idolatour His name was Cissa who
his Sister Saint Pega withall relating the following course of her life 6. In the same Island saith he in those times severall devout persons lived an Heremiticall life who whilst the Holy man Saint Guthlac was alive enioyd a spirituall familiarity with him and as sick men to their Physicions they had recourse to him for remedy to all their spirituall infirmities Among whom one there was lately converted to the Catholick Faith a man illustrious for his noble descent and power in the world His name was Cissa who immediatly after his conversion forsook all secular pretensions and in a poore austere life followed our Lord Iesus Christ. A second was Bertelin a familiar attendant of the foresaid holy Father A third was Egbert to whom the said Saint did most frequently and confidently discover his secrets And a fourth was Tatwin the person who formerly had been his conductour by boat into the Island All these devout persons in severall cottages not far removed from the Oratory of Saint Guthlac by the permission of the fore mentioned Abbot Kenulphus spent their lives in solitude and prayer 7. As for S. Pega Sister to the said glorious Saint about a years space after his death having left in the hands of Kenulphus the Abbot the whipp of S. Bartholmew her Brothers Psalter and diverse other Relicks she removed from her Brothers Oratory to another place about four leagues distant toward the West where having spent two years and three monthes in a mournfull penitent life she undertook a pilgrimage with great abstinence and austerity to the Monuments of the glorious Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul at Rome There immediatly after her arrivall the whole Citty resounded with the fame of her Sanctity There she devoutly ended her dayes in the holy fear and service of our Lord. Her Sacred body was with great honour buried there and her soule freed from all incommodities of this present mortall life was received to eternall rest and ioy in heaven 8 But though she dyed in a forrein countrey yet her memory was preserved in Brittany with great veneration For a Church was built and dedicated to her honour in the same place where according to the description of Ingulphus her Cell had been seated There to this day in the County of Northampton remains a Town from her name called Peagkirk concerning which Camden describing the course of the River Welland thus writes After a few miles from hence the river Welland passing by Maxey Castle and Peagkirk is swallowd up in the fore-mentioned fenns Now Peagkirk is the place where in the primitive Church of the Saxons Pega the sister of Guthlac together with many other Sacred Virgins afforded illustrious documents of piety and Chastity From her that town took its name 9 In the territory about this place called Peagland wee shall find two hundred and thirty years after this time a certain community of Preists who though they lived a devout Religious life yet they were not Monks nor by any vow obliged to perseverance in that condition They wore a secular though very grave habit and were obliged to continence and obedience They depended on the Abbot of Croyland without whose authority none could be admitted among them But in the foresaid time Monasticall institution flourishing and few Ecclesiasticks offring themselves to embrace their Institut most of them became Monks of Croyland as the same Ingulphus testifies X. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests and blessed death of Saint Iohn of Beverley 6. 7. c. Severall Miracles wrought by him 1. IN the year of Grace seaven hundred twenty one the famous Saint Iohn sirnamed of Beverley being oppressed with age resigned his Bishoprick of York and retired himself to the end he might only attend to the care of his own soule and prepare himself for a happy end Concerning his originall as likewise his education during his childhood under the care of S. Theodore Arch-bishop of Canterbury by whom he was instructed in all learning and piety we have already treated After that returning to his own countrey of the Northumbers he retired into the Monastery of Screneshalch under the government of the Holy Abbesse S. Hilda for she near unto her own Abbey of Religious Virgins had founded a small Convent of Monks for the service of her Church Out of which Saint Beda professes that he had seen to issue five Bishops all of them men of singular merit and sanctity whose names were these Saint Bosa Saint Eata Saint Osifor this S. Iohn and S. Wilfrid 3. In the year of our Lords Incarnation six hundred eighty six he was consecrated Bishop of Hagustlad or Hexham and successour to Saint Eata But the year after Saint Wilfrid returning from his long banishment and being restored to the Arch-bishoprick oâ— the whole kingdom of the Northumbers comprehending the three Dioceses of York Hagustald and Lindesfarn Saint Iohn willingly yeilded up to him his New possessed Bishoprick But five years after S. Wilfrid being again expelled S. Iohn was restored to his See at which time he promoted to the order of Deaconship S. Beda then twenty years of age This he did at the request of his Holy Abbot S. Ceolfrid But in the year of Grace in which S. Wilfrid was recalled from his banishment and quietly restored to his rights he contenting himself with the single Bishoprick of Hagustald then vacant by the death of S. Bosa permitted S. Iohn to remove from thence to the See of York 4. Having therefore with admirable perfection spent thirty four years in the administration of those two Sees successively Hagustald and York and findinâ— that by reason oâ— his weaknes and old age he had not strength to discharge such an Office attended with cares and labours this year as hath been sayd hâ— eased himself of so great a burden and having ordained in his place his Preist Wilfrid who was a kinsman of the great S. Wilfrid and by the advice of the Holy Abbot Brithun retired himself to a Monastery built by him self at Deirwode Sylva Deirerum or Beverley he there spent the remainder of his life in all sanctity and on the Nones of May departed to our Lord and was buried in the porch of Saint Peter in the same Monastery Thus writes the Authour of his life in Capgrave 5. He was both in his life and after his death illustrious for his Miracles severall of which are recorded by Saint Beda who lived with him and writes nothing but what he had received by the testimony of such as familiarly knew him and particularly of the most reverend and most sincere Abbot Berctun or Brithun who had been his Deacon Now though I am unwilling to swell this History with the frequent narration of Miracles Yet being secured by such an irrefragable authority I will here adioyn a breif relation of one or two among them 6. There was a certain retired mansion compassed about with a wood and trench at the
English as should come to the Citty and in which if any of them hapned to dye here they might be buried Thus writes the same Authour who in another place declares that Burrhed last King of the Mercians going in pilgrimage to Rome and there dying was after a Royall manner buried in the Church of the Blessed Virgin adioyning to the Schoole of the English 5 It is not easy to determin in what region of this Citty the said Schoole and Church were placed Severall of our Historians agree that it was the same which is to this day called the Hospitall of the English or the Hospitall of S. Thomas thus write Polydor Harpsfeild Parker c But other Authours mentioning the frequent conflagrations of it particularly Anastasiuâ— Biâ—bliothecarius in his description thereof about the year of Grace eight hundred twenty three shews that it was seated in the Suburbs near to the Church of S. Peter in that place which is now called the Borgo and anciently Saxia because a Colony of Saxons was sent thither by Charles the great 6. King Inas having thus provided for securing a perpetuall succession and propagation of the Faith among his countreymen presently retired himself to a quiet repose in contemplation He therefore in the expression oâ— William of Malmsbury cutt off his hair and cloathing himself with a vile plebeian habit spent the short remainder of his age in a secret retirement And how acceptable this last sacrifice of himself was to Almighty God he was pleased to shew by many miracles saith the same Authour Now that by this plebeian habit was meant a Monasticall one the generall consent of our Historians doe confirm For the cloathing of Religious persons at the beginning was the same with that of the ordinary meaner sort of people but fashions altering among secular persons and Religious men not changing hence it comes that they have a distinct peculiar habit nothing at all resembling the generall fashion of other men in the world 7. His life was not prolonged at Rome For in our Martyrologe he is recorded to have dyed this same year and his memory is celebrated among Saints on the seaventh of February Which does not well agree together For his arrivall at Rome and the orders taken for such buildings could not be effected so early in the year Yet that he did not passe through the following year may be collected from hence that being dead his Sacred Body was buried with great honour in the entrance of S. Peters Church by reason that the Church founded by him to the honour of the Blessed Virgin was not quite finished XX. CHAP. 1.2 Death of S. Willeic and of S. Engelmund a Martyr 3.4 Oswold rebells against King Ethelard and is expelled 5 6 c. Death of S Egbert 8.9 Osric King of the Northumbers dying the pious King Ceolulf succeeds 1. TO this same year is consigned the happy death of the Holy Preist and Disciple of S. Swibert S. Willeic of whom some what hath been sayd before Concerning him thus writes Miraeus in his Belgick Calendar S. Willeic was an assistant of the holy Bishop S. Swibert in the preaching of the Gospell and became a Canon of the Church of Vtrecht lately erected After S. Swiberts death he governed the Monastery of Werda the space of ten years with great commendasion and esteem He dyed this year and his Memory is celebrated among the Saints on the second of March 2. About the same time also dyed yet more happily because his life was sacrifised by Martyrdom the glorious Saint and câ—panion of S. Willebrord S. Engelmund who according to the same Authour imbueâ— with Evangelicall Doctrin the â—acavians and Kenemarians But in the Supplement to the Gallican Martyrologe a larger Elogy is â—iven oâ— him in this manner At Welsa in Holland on this one and twentieth day of Iune is celebrated the happy death of S. Engelmund Preist and Martyr He by Nation an Englishman was companion of S. Willebrord by command of Pope Sergius was ioynd in commission with him in his Apostolick Office in preaching converting of soules and working miracles among the Pâ—isons He was also Abbot and directour of many Religious persons which he assembled together to praise our Lord. At length being zealously vrgent to withdraw the Savage Nation of the Prisons from their horrible Superstitions and barbarous manners he for so great Charity incurred their hatred and furâ—ous persecution with which he was at last oppressed So crowning his Apostolick Office with a glorious Martyrdom 3. The year following the Kingdom and Churches of the West-Saxons were much disquieted by the restles ambition of a young Prince of the Royall family called Oswold who it seems in indignation that King Ina in resigning the Crown preferred his kinsman Ethelward or Adelhard before him thought by force to give it himself Concerning this tumult and the successe of it unhappy to the aggressour thus writes Henry of Huntingdon Adelhard King of the West-Saxons before the first year of his raign was expired fought a batel against Oswold a young man of the Royall stock who attempted to obtain the kingdom for himself But the young man not being able to bring equall forces into the feild having for some time born the burden of a furious combat at last being overpowred was forced to fly and quite abandon the kingdom By which means King Ethelward was firmly established therein 4. This worthy King to shew himself a deserving Successour of King Ina presently after extended his Royall magnificence to houses of piety and Religion particularly to the famous Monastery of Glastonbury the memory whereof the Antiquities of that place doe thus commend to posterity When Câ—ngisle was Abbot in the year of our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred twenty nine Ethelard King and Successour of Ina bestowed for a stable possession to the Religious family serving our Lord in the Monastery of Glastonbury sixty hâ—des of land in Pohonholâ— and twelve hydes in Thoric His Queen likewise named Fridogitha gave Brunant How this devout Queen nine years after this quitted her Royall state and undertook a pilgrimage to Rome where she consecrated herself to God wee shall shew hereafter 5. This year likewise dyed the most holy Abbot Egbert of whom frequent mention has been made This is he who in the year of Grace six hundred sixty four being mortally sick of the Pestilence was wonderfully restored to health and forsaking his Native countrey Brittany went into Ireland in the year six hundred and ninety where for his admirable piety he was in â—igh estimation and being desirous to expose himself to all incommodities and dangers for spreading the Faith in forrain countreys waâ— by Almighty God who designed him for another employment hindred Notwithstanding by his exhortations the glorious Saint Willebrord Sutbert and their companions undertook that most famous Apostolick Mission into Germany This likewise was he who thirteen years
place to manifest the sincere veracity of so learned and pious an Authour wee will from his penn declare upon how well grounded an authority he built the whole frame of his History as likewise what diligent search he made for true information in all things as well such as hapned in former ages as during his own age in the other regions and kingdoms of Brittany and forrain countreyes And lastly wee will conclude with a particular Narration of Saint Beda's own life and happy death 2. As touching the first thus he writes At this present time to witt in the year of Grace seaven hundred thirty one the Bishops governing the severall Episcopall Sees of Brittany are these following The Province of Kent is administred by Tatwine Arch-bishop oâ— Canterbury and Aldulf Bishop of Rochester That of the East-Saxons by Inguald Bishop of London The East Angles by Eadbert or Aldbert Bishop of Dumwich and Hadulac Bishop of Helmham The Province of the West-Saxons by Daniel Bishop of Winchester and Forthere Bishop of Shirborn In the kingdom of the Mercians Alduin is Bishop of Lichfeild Walstod Bishop of Hereford and the region beyond the Severn Wilfrid Bishop of Worcester and Cymbert or Kinebert Bishop of the Lindisfari or Lincoln as for the Isle of Wight it was annexed to the See of Winchester The Province of the South-Saxons of late has been vacant and therefore has recourse to the Bishop of the West-Saxons that is Winchester for such necessities as require Episcopall Ministery And all these together with other Southern Provinces though governed immediatly by particular Kings yet both they and their Kings also from the South Sea as far as the Humber Northwards are subject to Edilbald King of the Mercians Lastly the large Province of the Northumbers of which Ceolulf is now King is administred by four Bishops the Church of York by Wilfrid the younger that of Lindeâ—â—arn by Edilwald Hagustald or Hexham by Acca and Candida Casa or Witehern by Pectheâ—m This last Episcopall See has been lately erected by reason that the number of Christians there has been greatly multiplied and Pecthelm was consecrated the first Bishop thereof Thus are the severall Episcopall Churches of Brittany administred 3. As touching the severall Nations inhabiting it that of the Picts is ioynd in league with the English and to their great ioy with the Vniversall Church in the Orthodox Faith Communion and peace The Scotts inhabiting the Northern parts of Brittany are quiet and make no attempts or fraudulent designs against the English The Brittains although for the most part out of a Nationall hatred they have an iâ—â—econcileable aversion from the English and likewise doe erroneously and impiously oppose the Catholick Church in the Paschall Observance yet in neither of these regards can they attain their purpose and prevaile both divine and human power resisting their designs For though a great part of that Nation be independent on any other yet in some places they are subject to the Empire of the English And again the times at present being peaceable very many of them in the Northern parts called Cumbers both Nobles and of inferiour condition doe more frequently receive the Monasticall Tonsure in English Monasteries and consecrate their children to the same Profession then exercise themselves in arms and warlike exploits And what good issue may come from hence the succeeding age will see 4. Such at present is the state of all Brittany in this year which is the two hundred eighty fifth since the coming of the English into this Island and the seaven hundred and one and thirtieth after our Lords Incarnation I will conclude with this prayer That the earth may all ways reioyce in the kingdom of our God and many Islands with ioy confesse to the memory of his Holines the constancy of Brittany in his Faith Thus does S. Beda conclude his History XXIII CHAP. i 2. c. The names and qualities of such persons from whom S. Beda received information in his History 1. IN the next place for a proof of his veracity in his History wee will produce his Epistle to the illustrious and learned King Ceolulf then raigning over the Northumbers to whom S. Beda presented the same desiring not so much his protection as iudgment and censure of it In which Epistle to the end he might approve his care and diligence to inform himself in the truth he produces the names and characters of the principall persons from whom he received information and assistance persons of such abilities piety and esteem that no man can reasonably suspect in them either want of knowledge or of sincerity Thus therefore he writes 2. The principall Authour and assistant in this work saith he was Albinus the most reverend Abbot of Canterbury a man of eminent learning in all kinds of litterature having been educated therein by those two most venerable and learned men Theodore Arch-bishop of the said Church of happy memory and Hadrian Abbot This worthy Abbot Albinus was pleased to communicate to mee partly in writing and partly by the Religious Preist of the Church of London Nothelm whom he sent to acquaint mee with all particular occurrents worthy memory which had after diligent enquiry come to his knowledge either in the Province of Kent or adiacent Regions concerning the Gests of the Disciples of the Blessed Pope S. Gregory or whatsoever he could find in ancient Record or receive from the Tradition of Ancestours The said Nothelm likewise afterward going to Rome by permission of Pope Gregory searching the Archives of that Church found and copied out certain Letters both of the said Pope and some of his Predecessours touching the affaires of Brittany which at his return by the advice of the most Reverend Abbot Albin he brought to mee to be inserted in this History 3. In the which those things which are related from the beginning thereof to the times in which the English Nation receiued the Christian Faith wee collected principally out of such Writings as we could here and there meet with Then from that time to the present age all the Gests performed in the Province of Kent by the Disciples of S. Gregory and their Successours and under what Kings they were performed all these came to my knowledge by the industry of the foresaid Abbot Albin and the relation of Nothelm sent by him The same persons likewise informed mee in severall things touching the Conversion of the West and East-Saxons the East-Angles and Northumbers by the preaching of what Bishops and in the raign of what Kings those Provinces received the Christian Faith In a word it was principally by the advice and perswasion of the same Albinus that I had the courage to sett upon this work 4. Besides these the most Reverend Bishop of the West Saxons Daniel who is yet alive gave mee an account in writing of many things regarding the Ecclesiasticall History of that Province and that of the South-Saxons confining
to it together with the Isle of Wight Again how by the ministery of the Holy Preists Ceddand Ceadda the Province of the Mercians came to embrace the Faith of Christ before unknown to them and that of the East-Saxons to recover that Faith which once received was afterward reiected by them And likewise how those two Holy Fathers spent their lives in all Sanctity and how happily they dyed all these things wee learnt from the Religious Brethren of the Monastery of Lestingen built by them Moreover in the Province of the East-Angles the Ecclesiasticall Gests wee understood partly by writings and Tradition of their Ancestours and partly by the relation of the most Reverend Abbot Esius 5. But as touching the Province of Lindissi or Lincoln how the Faith of Christ 〈◊〉 spread there together with the Succession of Bishops we were informed in some part by Letters of the most Revered Bishop Cymbert or Kinebert or by discoursing with severall men of good credit To conclude the occurrents hapning in the Kingdom of the Northumbers and severall regions of it these I came to the knowledge of by the constant report not of a few but of allmost innumerable Witnesses who might well know or remember them besides many things to which I my self can give testimony Among which those things which I have written concerning our most holy Father and Bishop Saint Cuthbert either in this History or in a particular Book of his Gests those I received and transcribed out of certain writings compiled by the Religious Monks of the Church of Lindesfarn the sincerity of which I had no reason to suspect and to those I added with great care many other things which I my self learnt from the most sure attestation of severall faithfull and sincere persons 6. To conclude I humbly entreat the Reader that in case he find in those my Writings any particular passage swerving from Truth he would not impute that to mee as my fault since my only care has been simply and sincerely to commit by writing to posterity for their instruction such things as either from vulgar fame or writings of former ages I have collected Now it is against the generall Law of History that the Writer should be answerable for the mistakes of other men Thus much touching the Truth and sincerity of S. Beda's History XXIV CHAP. 1.2 c. The birth life and Gests of the Venerable Doctour of the Church S. Beda 1. WE will in the last place adde a Narration of the Life and blessed Death of this great Ornament of his age and glory of our Island S. Beda a man so admirably eminent in all kinds of learning so excellent a Poet an Oratour an Historian an Astronomer an Ariâ—hmetician a Chronographer a Cosmographer a Philosopher and a Divine that it was a common saying among the learned of his age That a man born in the utmost corner of the earth had dazeled the whole world with the luster of his Witt and learning And such use he made of all these great Talents in his life that according to his own testimony between the observances of Regular Disciplin and dayly singing the Divine Office in the Church he always found a great sweetnes in learning or teaching or writing some thing For which in his life time he was first by Pope Sergius and for that reason perhaps generally by all stiled Venerable and in that regard that Title since his death has by the whole Church been in a sort appropriated to him For though in all Histories and Martyrologes his Sanctity is celebrated yet he is seldom found written or named Saint but Venerable Beda so that perhaps I may incurr the censure of some Readers for not observing the same in this present History 2. How long he lived cannot certainly be determined Some as hath been said assign his death to this year in which he concluded his History But this is sufficiently disproved in that Saint Boniface fourteen years afther this writing to Egbert Arch-bishop of York and desiring some Books of Venerable Beda to be sent to him speaks of him as then newly dead for he entitles him a man as he had heard who of late had been much enriched with divine Grace and spirituall knowledge and shined gloriously in that Province c. And the like passage we find in an Epistle of the same Holy Bishop to Cuthbert Abbot and Disciple of S. Beda 3. Again others prolong his age beyond the year of Grace seaven hundred seaventy six grounding their opinion on an Epistle written as by him that year to a Preist called Withreda Vpon which account he should many years over-live Saint Boniface contrary to what was even now produced Moreover severall of our ancient Historians place his death four years after this But neither will S. Bonifaces expression well suit with that position 4. In this uncertainty without interposing mine own iudgment it seemd most expedient since we can no longer make use of the testimony and light of this so holy and faithfull an Historian to adioyn his own story to that which he wrote of his countrey especially considering that wee find no Gests of his hereafter inter-woven with the generall Ecclesiasticall affairs so that without any preiudice to order wee may treat of his end in this place conveniently enough 5. He was born in the year of Grace six hundred seaventy one as evidently appears in that himself affirms that he was this year in which he concluded his History fifty nine years old The place of his Birth was a little village not far from Durham called Girwy now Iarrow where the River Tine is ready to fall into the Sea A village then of no consideration though since ennobled not only by his birth but by its neighbourhood to the famous Monastery of Saint Peter founded by S. Benedict Biscop three years after S. Beda was born and it self being the Seat of another Monastery about eight years after built by the same Holy Abbot and dedicated to S. Paul 6. Who or of what condition his parents were hath not been recorded but in a poor village then so obscure we may expect to find inhabitants as obscure What ever condition they were of he was in his infancy deprived of them both and left to the care of his kinred who probably for want of subsistence recommended him being but seaven years old to the care and discipline of the foresaid S. Benedict by which means he in his tender years was imbibed in the rudiments of a Monasticall Life according to the Rule of the Great Patriark of Monasticall Instition S. BENEDICT which Rule as hath been declared was not long before this time introduced into the Province of the Northumbers by the famous Bishops S. Wilfrid 7. In this Monastery of S. Peter seated at Wiremouth S. Beda under so carefull and pious a Master spent his time in all innocence and devotion till he came to an age capable of Professing that Disciplin under
did not enter into that See till the year of Grace seaven hundred thirty five And indeed that seems to have been one of the last things he ever wrote for in it he complains of his age and sicknes Neither would it have been very seemly for a simple Monk to write instructions of that Nature to an eminent Father of the Church but that the advantage authority of age might iustify it 17. Many Books he has written of great curiosity and subtilty but his cheif delight was to meditate and interpret Holy Scriptures which he did with so unwearied a diligence that he allowed no time oâ— leasure for the Devill or the flesh to tempt him And particularly concerning his Expositions of Scripture he says That if they brought no other proffit to the Readers at least they were beneficiall to himself in this that whilst he employed his whole studies on them he avoyded all vain thoughts of wordly things 18. A principall encourager and inciter of him to proceed in such expositions was the Reverend and Holy Bishop Acca the successour of S. Wilfrid in the Episcopall See of â—â—gustald as William of Malmsbury testifies There is still extant a Letter of Acca to him in which he exhorts him to explain the Gospell of S. Luke with a iust Commentary after he had finished that upon the Acts of the Apostles Many others had desired the same thing from him but he deferred or rather excused the labour partly for the difficulty and likewise because S. Ambrose had left a sufficient explanation of the Gospell But these reasons not satisfying the Holy Bishop Acca who told him that the commentary of S. Ambrose it self needed an Interpretation Hereupon S. Beda delayd no longer but in an Answer testifyed his Obedience Which Letter also he prefixed to the same Commentary 19. Such his Expositions of Holy Scriptures were even in his own age of so reverend esteem that by an Ordonnance of an English Synod they were received into the Ecclesiasticall Office and at this day by the consent of the Vniversall Church many Lessons on severall occasions are publickly read in the Church-Service out of his Homilies 20. It is not unexpedient to treat so particularly concerning S. Beda's study meditation and explanation of Holy Scripture to stop the mouths of Modern Sectaries who vainly impute the pretended Errours and Superstitions of Catholicks to their ignorance in Scripture Whereas we see a holy mortified disinteressed person who spent his whole life in prayer and Meditation on Scripture and yet confidently taught those Doctrins and Practises which such men will needs call Superstitions Errours 21. I will conclude this Discourse of this Holy Doctours Life with those words which he is sayd a little before his death to have spoken to his Disciples If by my labours and study I have in any measure proffited you or the Church of God render mee I beseech you this requitall to be mindfull of mee after my death there where Christ our Lord is every day both the Preist and Sacrifice of Propitiation XXV CHAP. 1.2 c. The order and circumstances of the happy Death of S. Beda 1. AS touching S. Beda's happy departure out of this Life to God there is still exitant an Epistle written by one of his Disciples whose name I suppose was Cuthbert afterwards Abbot of his Monastery It is written with great sincerity neither is it obnoxious â—o any suspicion of being supposititious We find it annexed to the end of his Works and well deserves a place in this History The person to whom it was directed is not known and the Writers name onely guessed at But the tenour of it is as follows 2. The small Gift you were pleased to send mee I gratefully received and your devout Letter I read with much consolation especially finding in it that your Community does carefully celebrate Masses and Prayers for our Beloved Master and Father in God Beda Therefore being moved rather by my affection to him then any opinion of mine own ability I will most willingly acquaint you in a short discourse with the order and circumstances of his happy departure out of this world since I perceive that you desire and have requested to be informed of it 3. His last sicknes began about a forthnight before Easter and continued till the Feast of our Lords Ascention The thing which most troubled him in it was shortnes of breath other pain he had little or none During all which time he ceased not day and night to give thanks to God All this hindred him not to continue his Lessons to his Disciples at the Ordinary howers and except that short time all the rest of the day he spent in singing of Psalms with great chearfullnes of mind The whole night likewise except when sleep which was very short interrupted him he spent in Prayer and giving of thanks to God I sincerely professe I never saw nor heard of any man who so incessantly employed his time in praising God A most blessed man certainly he was He would sometimes repeat also that sencence of S. Paul It is a fearfull thing to fall into the hands of God and other like passages of Holy Scripture to admonish us by meditating on our last hour to awake from spirituall sleep and negligence Again at other times he would sing certain Antiphones for both our and his own consolation Particularly in repeating one which begins thus O King of glory Lord of all power when he came to those words Leave us not orphans he broke forth into excessive weeping But he would again resume it and such was his employment all the day As for us his Disciples who attended him we could not abstain from weeping Some times wee would read and presently burst forth into tears and sometimes we would read and weep together 4. In such an exercise mixt with greif and ioy we passed the dayes of Lent till the aforesaid Feast And he would oftimes reioyce and give God thanks for his sicknes frequently saying God corrects every child whom he receives sometimes also he would repeat that speech of S. Ambrose I have not so lived among you as that I need to be ashamed neither doe I fear to dye because I have a mercifull Lord. 5. In those dayes moreover besides our dayly Lessons he accomplished two Works which deserves to be remembred for the strangenes the one was the Translation of S. Iohns Gospell into the English tongue for the Churches proffit till he came to those words in the sixth Chapter but What are these five loaves and two fishes among so many The other was a Collection of memorable passages out of S. Isidores works 6 But when the Tewsday before our Lords Ascension was come his sicknes became much more violent and breathing more difficult and besides that a swelling began to arise in his feet Yet all that day he taught and dictated to us very chearfully and he would now and then say
to us Be diligent in learning for I know not how long I may last nor whether my Creatour will very shortly take mee from you Such speeches made us beleive that he foresaw when he should dye The night following he passed without any sleep at all and spent it wholly in praying and praysing God The morning following very early he bid us to be very attentive and diligent to make an end of writing the Lesson we had begun So that we continued in receiving his Dictats till nine of the clock After which hower we went in solemâ—e Procession with Relicks of the Saints as the Office of that day required One of us his Disciples in the mean time stayd with him and told him saying There remains still one Chapter of the Treatise which you did dictate to us But I fear it will be too great trouble for you to speak No said he Take your pen presently and Write and he did accordingly 7. About three of the Clock after noon he called mee to him and said I have in a little boxe some precious things there is Pepper incense and Oraria which some interpret Handkercheifs others Stoles and some likewise Chaplets for numbring of Prayers which say they therefore from him took the name of Beades Run presently and fetch them and desire the Preists of our Monastery to come hither that I may distribute among them some such small Gifs as God bestowd on mee This I performed with much trembling And when the Preists were come he earnestly requested every one of them not to faile to pray and say Masses diligently for him Which they also heartily promised him But they burst out into bitter weeping when he told them he beleived they should never see his face again in this world But again it was a ioy to them when he said It is now time if such be the pleasure of God my Creatour that I should be delivered out of this flesh and goe to him who when I was not framd mee of nothing I have lived a long time and my mercifull Iudge has well ordered my life The time of my freedom is at hand for my soule desires to see Christ my King in his glory In such like speeches to our great comfort and edification he spent ioyfully that which was his last day till even 8. The foresaid young Disciple of his whose name was Wilberck sayd once again to him Dear Master There remains yet one sentence unwritten But he answerd Well well all is finished Thou hast said right Come and turn my head for I much desire to sitt and look to my Oratoâ—y and pray to my heavenly Father Thus being layd upon a hayr-cloath spread on the floor as he was singing these words Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost c. he happily breathed forth his soule And we may assuredly beleive that considering his laborious constancy in praising God his soule was by Angells caried to eternall ioyes 9. Now all which heard his speeches and were witnesses of the manner of the death of this our good Father Beda doe professe that they never saw any one end his life with so great tranquillity of mind and devotion For as you have heard as long as his soule continued in his body he never ceased to praise God and with arms stretchd forth to give thanks to him Now you must know that besides what I have written there remain many other particulars which for want of skill in expressing I am forced to omitt Yet I have a purpose through Gods help to relate more amply severall other things which I saw and heard from him This account did this Disciple give of his holy Masters death After which as we read in the Authour of his Life in Capgrave there followd in the room where he dyed a sweet fragrancy so wonderfully odoriferous that all the persons present thought themselves in Paradise for no Perfumes or precious balsam came near the sweetnes of it 10. And hereto William of Malmsbury adds which was omitted by the said Disciple That the whole congregation of the Monks being assembled he received Extreme-Vnction and communicated the Body of our Lord for his Viaticum to strengthen him in his last combat against his spirituall enemies and moreover that having kissed them every one he earnestly desired to be remembred in their Prayers c. 11. He dyed on the seaventh day before the Calends of Iune which was the twenty sixth of May But because that day was also the Feast of our great Apostle S. Augustin therefore the Church thought fitt to commemorate S. Beda the day following and so we find both in the Roman and English Martyrologes He was buried in his own Monastery in which from his infancy he had lived about threescore years But the fame of his Sanctity afterward encreasing his Bones together with the Sacred Body of Saint Cuthbert Bishop of Lindesfarn were translated to Durham and there reposed together 12. Assoon as his Death was known abroad severall Letters came from forrain countreys to desire some of his Treatises and Books Two Epistles there are still extant from S. Boniface and from S. Lullus Successour to him and to S. Willebrord to the same purpose And particularly S. Lullus writing to Cuthbert who had been his Disciple three and forty years and was afterward Abbot of the same Monastery tells him that he had sent a Vesture all of silk to enwrap the Relicks of his beloved Master To which the Answers of the same Cuthbert also are still extant 13. I doe not know by what warrant from Ancient Monuments the devout Writer by some stiled the Chancellour of the Blessed Virgin B. Alanus de Rupe affirms that Saint Beda was the first who began in England the Exercise of particular Devotions and reciting of Chaplets to the honour of that glorious Queen of Virgins for so weer find the Oraria distributed by S. Beda to his Brethren interpreted And that from Brittany such Devotion was propagated into France and other forrain countreys 14. I will conclude this Narration with the large Testimonies given to S. Beda's learning and Piety even by Enemies to that Religion which he taught Thus then writes Camden of him Beda among all our Writers is a lover of Truth And again Our Beda the singular glory of England for his piety and erudition gott the Title Venerabilis He gave up himself as he testifies to the Meditation of Holy Scriptures and wrote a very great number of Volumes in an age turmoyld with huge waves of barbarism Thus likewise Whitaker Beda did excell in many vertues and singular learning To the same purpose Foxe Beda was a man worthy of eternall memory the whole Western Church of that age gave him the palm and preeminence for learning and understanding of Scripture Very many more like testimonies may be added but I will content my self with that of the carnall Apostat Bale
I. CHAPTER 1.2 An Anniversary Commemoration of the Martyrdom of S. Boniface c. ordained by a Synod in England 3.4 c. Letters out of Brittany to Saint Lullus Successour of S. Boniface 1. A Year was scarce passed after the Martyrdom of Saint Boniface and his devout Companions when the English-Saxon Church in Brittany by a common Decree ordained an Anniversary Commemoration of them For assoon as Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury heard of their said Martyrdom he assembled a Synod of the Bishops and Abbots of his Province in whose Names he wrote a Synodicall Letter to Lullus the Successour of S. Boniface in the Archiepiscopall See of Mentz which to this day remains among the Epistles of E. Boniface 2. In which Epistle he acquaints him 1. With their sincere affection to him and his fellow-bishops in those barbarous new-converted Regions how ioyfull they all were of their prosperity and how great a part they took in any calamity befalling them 2. He adds that it was a great subject of ioy to them that their Nation of Brittany should have the Happines to send forth so many illustrious Preachers and Apostles endued with such Spirituall courage as not to fear to encounter with Nations so feirce in their superstition and with such spirituall Wisedom and knowledge as to perswade and induce them to forsake their ancient Idolatry 3. He tells him that in this their General Synod they had unanimously decreed to celebrate with an annuall Feast the fifth day of Iune in commemoration of the glorious Martyrdom of Saint Boniface and his companions whom they chose together with Saint Gregory and Saint Augustin as their speciall Patron and Intercessour with our Lord. 4. He desires that the same Charity and propinquity may continue between both their Churches which was begun in the life time of S. Boniface and that mutuall Prayers and celebration of Masses on both sides may dayly be made for one another both living and dead 5. He admonishes him that whereas in many places of late the State of Religion began to shake by the rising of New-Sects whilst unconstant and sensuall men deserting and contemning the Decrees of Ancient Fathers and Ecclesiasticall Laws invent and according to their own inventions publish new Doctrines prejudiciall to soules therefore he and his Churches together with them ought to begg the intercessions of the Holy Apostles and Martyrs of Christ that he would give them grace to continue constant in the Orthodox Faith and Vnity of the Church A good pattern and example of which constancy ought to be the late Famous Doctour and Martyr of our Lord S. Boniface who willingly suffred all incommodities and dangers for the Faith and who being now admitted as an houshold servant into the presence of God as he will be a powerfull Defender of those who follow his example so on the contrary he will be a terrible accuser before the Supreme Iudge of all such as shall forsake that Rule and Communion with the Roman and Apostolick Church which he allways followed â— Other Letters likewise out of Brittany were written â—t this time to the same Holy Archbishop Lullus one from his kinsman Kineara Bishop of Winchester who two years before this succeeded in the place of Humfrid In which he desires him that the same Communion of Prayers and charitable Offices may continue between then which had intervened between Saint Boniface and S. Daniel and Humfrid his Predecessours A second from Milret Bishop of Worcester signifying how a little before he had passed over into Germany to enioy the conversation oâ— S. Boniface and presently after his return heard the news of his deâ—th for which though at first he waâ— sad yet the consideration of the great glory which he now enioyes and what a glorious Patron and Pillar to all of his countrey he is now becom his sorrow was quickly turned into ioy and thanks giving He further exhorts him that the same mutuall Charity which S. Boniface had conciliated between them may still continue and that he would afford him his instructions and Prayers promising all Obedience to his commands c. II. CHAP. 1.2 c. The unhappy death of Ethelbald King of the Mercians and severall iudgments touching his future State 5 6. Beornred his murderer succeeds and is expelled by Offa. 1. THE same year Ethelbald King of the Mercians after a raign of forty one years with great vicissitude of fortune was taken out of the world by a violent death Huntingdon writes that Ethelbald fighting a second time against the West-Saxons at Secundune a wonderfull slaughter was made of his Army and he disdaining to flye was slain Another Historian sayes that though he fled he could not avoyd being slain Now this place of the Battell then called Secundun is seated in the borders of Staffordshire and Warwickshire about three miles from Tamworth and is now called Serkington Notwithstanding the Authour of the Epitome at the end of S. Beda's History affirms that he was by treachery miserably slain in the night time by his own guards So that it is probable this misfortune hapned to him after his flight from the said battell 2. Being thus unhappily slain his Body was buried at Repandun in the County of Darby Which Town saith Camden wee now call Reptoâ— which in ancient time was very ample and renowned but now is straitned to a small village It was formerly famous as having been the buriall-place of Ethelbald the good King of the Mercians who by the treachery of his own servants was slain And Ingulfus adds that there was then at Ripedune a most famous Monastery where this Kings body was buried But what became of his soule the iudgments of God are uncertain to us 3. The iudgments of men likewise concerning him are uncertain Huntingdon iudges hopelesly of his future state For after he had related the sad but iust death of the Tyrant Sigebert he ioyns him thus with Ethelbald Behold saith he the manifest iudgment of God Behold how our Lords justice retributes worthy punishments to mans demerits not only in the world to come but even in this life also For setting up wicked Kings for the punishment of their subjects one he suffers to rage a long time for their longer vexation and that such a King becoming by so long a continuance in wickednes more depraved he may in Hell be more sharply tormented as the forementioned King Ethelbold Another he quickly exterminates c. 4. Yet other Writers passe a more favourable iudgment of his state Camden calls him a good King and certain it is that he shewed great signs of Repentance Hence William of Malmsbury after he had produced S. Boniface his sharp letter to him addes Neither could the Letters of so great a Saint want effect which with so much circumspection and zeale he sent to him as became the duty of an Apostolick Legat and his Charity to his countreymen
of which were most horribly depraved and defiled with all manner of uncleannes These were so impatient of reformation that they endeavoured many wayes to destroy him who spared no labours to save them But God defended his servant from their malice 3. After many years spent and divided between the exercises of Martha and Mary sometimes attending in the solitude of his Monastery to Prayer and Contemplation as likewise to the establishing perfect Regular Observance and sometimes travelling abroad to win soules to Christ At last a greivous infirmity seized on him nowithstanding which he would needs undertake a iourney to visit his fellow Disciple Megingant then Bishop of Wizteburg with whom he staied only three dayes For returning homeward his infirmity encreasing he retired to a Monastery in the way dedicated to S Benedict Being there he sent to his Brother S. Willebald who was a Bishop and to other his freinds desiring them to visit and assist him in his last sicknes Who being come exhibited to him all requisit Offices of Christian Charity At last the Holy man perceiving his last hour to approach after many pious exhortations made to all that were present quietly yeilded up his soule to God 4. S. Ludger who wrote the life of S. Gregory the third Bishop of Vtrecht his Master affirms that S. Winnebald was very dear to him who by many Miracles after his death shewd how great the sanctity of his life had been His memory is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the four and twentieth of September but in the Gallican on the first of May Where mention is made of his Relicks translated to Furnes a town in Flanders 5. The other Disciple of S. Boniface was S. Sola an English-Saxon likewise who emulating the piety of his Master taught the Counsells of Christian Perfection to such as S. Boniface had converted to the Faith He accompanied S. Winnebald and S. Willebald in their pilgrimages to Rome And was afterward the first Abbot of a Monastery founded by himself in a place from him called Solenhoffen His Life is extant written above eight hundred years since by Ermenold a Deacon and Disciple of Rabanus Arch-bishop of Mentz Wherin wee read how he became a Father of a great congregation of devout Monks and after many blind lame dumb and deaf miraculously healed by him in the name of Iesus he at last full of all vertues in a good old age gave up his Spirit to God About a hundred years after his death Altimus Bishop of Eysâ—at obstained of Pope Gregory the fourth that his name shâ—uld be written among the Saints Molanus affirms that his Feast is celebrated on the third of December IX CHAP. 1. 2. c. A Rebellion among the Northumbers c. 4.5 Bregvin Arch-bishop of Canterbury dying Iambert succeeds 6.7 c. Severall Episcopall Sees vacant supplied 1. IN the year of Grace seaven hundred hundred sixty one which was the third of the Raign of Ethelwald Mol King of the Northumbers a certain Nobleman of that kingdom named Oswin raised a rebellion against the said King and Armies on both sides being brought into the feild a terrible battell was fought at a place called Edwinscliff in which Oswin was slain 2. The year following the same King in the Citty of Cataract took to wife his Queen called Edilthrida As touching the Citty where this Mariage was celebrated Camden writes that at this day nothing remains of it great but its name being a very small village called Ca-Catarick and Catarick bridge The antiquity whereof is demonstrated by the large Roman way and old broken monuments there digged up 3. No more is found touching the forenamed Queen Edilthrida unlesse this be the same to whom an Epistle of Alcuin is found directed with this inscription To the devout servant of God formerly a Queen now a most beloved Religious Sister Aedilthrydis the humble Levite Alchuin wisheth health Which Epistle is full of pious exhortations and instructions suitable to the state professed by her and likewise of thankfullnes for her munificent liberality to him then living in France 4. The same year Bregwin Arch-bishop of Canterbury after he had governed that Province only three years dyed Concerning whom this Elegy is found in Capgrave Bregwin was appointed by God as a Mirrour so brightly shining with all vertues that in his life every one might find what he ought to imitate At length in the third year of his Bishoprick being full of good works and examples of vertues he departed this life to eternall happines on the seaventh day before the Calends of September and was buried in the Church of S. Iohn adioyning to the Cathedrall Church But in our Martyrologe his Deposition is commemorated on the ninth day before the said Calends In B. Godwins Catalogue of Bishops wee read that the Monks of S. Augustin with armed men entred the Archiepiscopall Palace endeavouring by force to take away the dead Body of Bregwin and that their Abbot Lambrith or Iambert went to Rome to make complaint of the wrong done to that Monastery 5. But besides that none other of our Historians mention this the relation is probably disproved because the same Iambert was by the Citty Monks elected to succeed in the Archiepiscopall See who two years after either went to Rome or from Rome received the Archiepiscopall Pall. 6. The year following the Episcopall See of Candida Casa or Witern being vacant by the death of Frithwald Pectwin was immediatly ordained his successour As yet that Bishoprick pertained to the Iurisdiction of the English and was subordinat to the Metropolitan See of York and so it remaind saith William of Malmsbury all the time of Pectwin Ethelbrith and Beadulf the succeeding Bishops after whom no more can be found because the said Bishoprick quickly failed being seated in the utmost Northern coast of the English Territory and exposed to the violence of the Scotts and Picts 7. Assoon as Iambert Arch-bishop of Canterbury had received his Archiepiscopall Pall he consecrated four Bishops the same year One in Kent and three in the kingdom of the Mercians In Kent the See of Rochester being vacant by the death of Dunn there was substituted in his place Eardulâ— From whom together with a Kentish Prince of the same name there is among the Epistles of S. Boniface found one directed to tâ—e Holy Arch-bishop of Mentz Lullus to renew a charitable correspondence which had past between him and the others his Predecessours Withall as a testimony of such Charity he desired him in his holy Prayers and Sacrifices to be mindfull of three Religious Virgins lately dead in Kent their names were Irmigy Northry and Dulicha 8. There interven'd a great communication of affections and Christian Offices between Saint Lullus and our English Bishops yea Kings also For wee find an Epistle likewise sent to him from Kenulf King of the West-Saxons by a Messenger formerly directed
professed Hereticks such as Vigilantius and Iovinian ever opposed the Doctrines confirmed by such Stories XVI CHAP. 1.2 c. Severall Successions of English Bishops 4.5 c. The Gests and Death of S. Sturmis first Abbot of Fulda 1. THE year following severall Episcopall Sees were vacant in Brittany In the kingdom of the East-Angles Eglaf Bishop of Dumwiâ—h and Athelwolf of Helmham as it were by an ancient Law dying at the same time to the former was substituted Eadred and to the other Hunfert Again the See of Hagulstadt being vacant by the death of a Prelat of eminent vertue Alcmund Tilbert or Tilher or as some call him Gilbert was ordained in his place And Kenulf Bishop of Lindesfarn dying his Successour was Higbald Lastly in our ancient Catalogue of the Succession of Bishops we find that another Tilher was consecrated Bishop of Worcester in the place of Weremund who dyed this year 2. Not long after Albert or Aldebert sirnamed Coena Arch-bishop of York as Hoveden writes departed this life to our Lord but a little before he dyed Eanbald was ordained in his room Some affirm that this Eanbald was a Disciple of S. Alcuin But they are mistaken for it was not this but an other of the same name who sixteen years after this was his immediate Successour in the said Arch-bishoprick that was Alcuins Disciple 3. Moreover Kineard Bishop of Winchester at this time ended his life to whom succeeded Aethelard Abbot of Meldun or Malmsbury who was afterward assumed to the See of Canterbury And in the place of Bertun Bishop of Lichfeild was substituted Higebert 4. Wee shall not much transgresse the bounds of this History if wee commemorate the death of Sturmis the first Abbot of Fulda who by the Centuriators of Magdeburg is affirmed to have been an English-Saxon but more truly a German of the Province of Noricum as wee read in his Life written by Aegila the fourth Abbot of the same Monastery of Fulda He was in his childhood offred to S. Boniface who recommended him to the care of his devout Preist Wigbert Abbot of the Monastery of Fritzlar by whose inspection he was in his tender years brought up in piety and learning in so much as that being yet but a child he committed to his memory the whole Psalter and a great part of the Gospells and other Lessons of Holy Scripture 5. In due time he was ordained Preist and with great zeale preached the Gospell among the Pagans Almighty God confirming his Doctrine by frequent Miracles as casting out of Devills restoring many to health by imposition of his hands with prayer Many seduced Christians he recovered to the Orthodox Faith and many discords and dissentions he composed teaching all his hearers to practise meeknes humility longanimity and Charity 6. After three years thus piously employed he was by inspâ—ration moved to undertake a life of solitude austerity and contemplation Which having discovered to Saint Boniface he was by him appointed to find out in the Province called Bâ—chonia a convenient retired place for a Monastery to which quiet state S. Boniface himself had an intention in his old age to betake himself though he could never effect his desire After a long search at last his Disciple Sturmis found out the most proper and in all respects most convenient Seat of Fulda where as hath been declared S. Boniface by the munifiâ—ence of the Noble Princes Caroloman and Pipin built that famous Monastery 7. When it was built he committed the care and government of it to S. Sturmu to whom he gave instructions how he should direct such as were committed to his care adding likewise Precepts concerning obedience and Humility to be practised by the Monks conformable to the Rule of S. Benedict which he established among them Among other Instructions he told them that he could not find in any Writings of the ancient Institutours of Caenobiticall Profess on that Wine or Strong drink were becoming the Disciplin of a Monastery he therefore forbad the same to them But some years after in the raign of King Pipin this custom by the Decree of a Synod was altered in coÌ„sideration of the weaknes infirmities of many among them though some persisted in the ancient austerity to their deaths 8. But for a more perfect Instruction in Monasticall Disciplin S. Sturmis four years after he had been constituted Abbot with the consent of S. Boniface went to Rome where for a years space he perfectly informed himself in the Regular practises and Traditions of the Monasteries there and severall other parts of Italy And having made a collection of the best and most perfect returned homewards and first informing Saint Boniface of of all by his advice he established the practises of them in his Monastery of Fulda Hence it came to passe that many seeing the innocence and piety of those Religious men were induced to heap possessions on the said Monastery 9. After S. Boniface's Martyrdom the Holy Abbot Sturmis to whom S. Boniface had given order that his body should be buried at Fulda went into Friseland attended with a great multitude to fetch the Sacred Body which after earnest contention with S. Lullus Arch-bishop of Mentz at last he obtained and with a most solemn Procession brought to his Monastery By occasion of which the devotion of many to that holy place encreasing the Monastery became much enlarged and enriched 10. Not long after the Devill enviously looking on the prosperity of the said Monastery suggested to the minds of three malevolent Monks to accuse their Holy Abbot to King Pipin obiecting to him that he was an enemy to the King The Holy man did not expresse much earnestnes to refute this accusation saying only I have a witnes in heaven of the falsenes of this imputed crime Whereupon by the Kings command he was banished from thence with a few other Monks and retired to a Monastery called Vanediâ—h where he remained two years with all kindnes entertained by the Abbot As for the Monastery of Fulda the care or it was committed to Lullus who had conceived a bitter passion against the Holy Abbot Sturmis upon occasion of the contention about S. Boniface his body Lullus thereupon appointed over them a certain Monk called Marc whose government the Monks could by no means support insomuch as when they were ready unanimously to forsake the Monastery Lullus quietted them by permitting the choice of an Abbot to themselves This pleasing them they elected one of their brethâ—en a true servant of God named Freszold one who from his infancy had been brought up by S. Sturmis and was tenderly loved by him who accepted of the Orrice of Abbot onely out of a desire and intention to ioyn with his brethren in endeavouring to restore their good Spirituall Father Sturmis For which purpose they demanded the Prayers of all the neighbouring Monasteries 11. By vertue of which Prayers God moved the heart of King Pipin to call to mind
with a loud distincâ— voyce moreover explaind both in Latin and English that all might understand Whereupon all who were present unanimously gave thanks to the Legats promising their obedience to the Popes admonitions and that they would faithfully observe the said Decrees And consequently both the King Archbishop Bishops Aâ—bots and Nobles confirmed them by their Subscriptions 3. Besides this King Offa had a desire to promote one of the Episcopall Sees of his own kingdom to a Metropoliticall Dignity partly out of a consideration of the coÌ„mmodity redounding therby to his own subiects and partly out of displeasure conceived against the Archbishop of Canterbury who being desirous to preserve the ancient Priviledges of his own See opposed earnestly this design of King Offa producing the frequent Edicts both old and new of the See Apostolick in confirmation of the Supereminent Dignity of his Church This resistance did so displease King Offa that he deprived him of all the lands seated in his kingdom which belonged to the See of Canterbury 4 A certain Monk of S. Albans in a Writing published under the name of Mathew Paris touching thâ— Life of King Offa affirms that the said Iambert Archbishop of Canterbury was accused before the King of conspiring against him and that by reason of the vicinity of his See to France he had promised to Charles the Great that in case he would invade Brittany he would give him free entrance into his Archbishoprick and all assistance likewise 5. This Controversy being earnestly prosecuted on both sides at last the King sent wise Messengers to Rome and partly by reasons partly by gifts so wrought in that Court that Pope Adrian condescended to his request and exalted the Episcopall See of Lichfeild to an Archbishoprick to which were subiect all the Bishops of the Mercian Kingdom namely Denebert Bishop of Worcester Werenbert Bishop of Leicester Edulf Bishop of Sidnacester Wolpheard Bishop of Hereford as likewise the Bishops of the East-Angles Alheard Bishop of Elmham and Tidfrid Bishop of Dumwich Now the name of the Bishop of Lichfeild who was made Archbishop was Adulf So that there remained to the Archbishop of Canterbury onely fower Bishops subiect to wit of London Winchester Rochester and Selesey or as others write Shirborn From whence appears that though King Offa this year laboured to effect this design yet it was not effected till some years after because Aldulf was not at this time consecrated Bishop the Bishop of that See now being Hygbert 6. This same year King Offa thought fitt to assume his Son Egfrid to a participation of his kingly dignity for which purpose he caused him to be solemnly crowned probably whilst the Synod was sitting This is insinuated in an Epistle of Alcuin to him in which he stiles him King and gives him good instructions for the discharge of that high Office though he say withall that his admonitions were not necessary since he might sufficiently at home learn authority from his Father and piety from his Mother 7. This Mother of Egfrid and wife of King Offa was called Quendrida and as Mathew Paris affirms was kinswoman to Charles the Great and before she came into Brittany was named Drida She was banished out of France for some unknown fault and being arrived in Brittany so wrought upon the affections of King Offa perhaps by a shew of Piety for which Alcuin commends her that he made her his Queen But that her Piety was only in shew appeard by her impious murdring of the most pious Prince Kenelm Of which hereafter XXIV CHAP. i. 2.3 Iambert Archbishop of Canterbury being wrongfully oppressed by King Offa would quitt his See but is disswaded by Alcuin His death 1. IAmbert Archbishop of Canterbury took very heavily this uniust deminution of his See He omitted nothing he spared neither cost nor labour to assert the dignity of his Church and to represse the greedy covetousnes of his adversaries Severall Appeals to Rome he interposed and when he saw that King Offa's power and gifts prevayled he determind to desert his See Notwithstanding leâ—st men should iudge that he took such a resolution out of passion and a sudden discontent he consulted with his freinds about it 2. There is among Alcuins Epistles extant one directed to a nameles person containing an Answer to the same person which doubtlesse was this Archbishop who signified to him the Moâ—ives inducing him to a purpose of forsaking his Episcopall charge Which Answer was sent by a Disciple of Alcuin called Candidus And therein Alcuin utterly disswaded him telling him that he could not have a more iustifiable motive then his Predecessour S. Laurence had which was the return of Idolatry and the danger of death and torments in case he opposed himself therto Yet he after he had been chastised by the Apostle S. Peter himself repented of his purpose It seems that when this Letter was written Iambert was already retired into France because Alcuin exalts the happines of the Church in which Iambert then lived under the protection of so glorious and so orthodoxe a King as Charles the Great was whom he there and else where calls David 3. Iambert hearkned to Alcuins advice and returned to his See where two years after he dyed on the twelfth of August and was buried after the ancient manner of his Predecessours in the Church of S. Peter and S. Paul For thus we read in the Antiquities of Brittany Iambert after he had the space of many years maintained the Dignity of his Prelacy with great constancy and no lesse labour when he foresaw that his death approached desiring to abolish the laâ—e decrees of his Predecessours touching the buriall place of the Archbishops and to reduce it to the ancient primitive custom commanded that when he was dead his body should be caried to be buried in the Church of S. Peter and S. Paul in the Monastery of S. Augustin Which command was accordingly without any opposition performed and he was honourably buried in the Chapter-house of S. Augustin Concerning his Successour we shall treat in due place XXV CHAP. 1. Brithric maries the daughter of King Offa. 2.3 The Danes begin to invade Brittany c. 4 5. Lands given to the Monastery of S. Denys in France 1. IN the year after the fore-mentioned Synods Brithric King of the West-Saxons saith Huntingdon demanded and received for his Wife Eadburga daughter of Offa King of Mercians By which alliance he was so much strengthned in his kingdom that he became haughty and proud 2. At the same time began the Prologue of all those inexpressible miseries which our Island in following times suffred from the rapines and cruelty of the Danes of which we shall oftentimes have but too just occasion to treat and recount most horrible tragedies acted by those barbarous in humane Pagans For the â—ame Authour immediatly aâ—ter mention oâ— that Mariage thus proceeds In those dayes saith he
thinking himself as yet secure to confirm his kingdom yet more strongly sought the freindship and association of Offa King of the Mercians the most powerfull of all the English Saxon Princes at this time And to knitt more strictly the league between them he demanded his daughter named Elfleda for his wife which he likewise obtained having cast off his former wife But that which he contrived for his security was the occasion of his ruine for his Subiects abhorting such impiety deprived him of his kingdom and afterwards of his life And with him ended the Nortumbrian Kingdom though the Name of King was given to some few others Notwithstanding by the invasion and horrible depopulation made by the barbarous Danes those Titular Kings of the English blood were scarce taken notice of by any III. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests and happy death of Saint Burchard Bishop of Wirtzburg 10.11 c. Likewise of his Suceessour Saint Megingand 1. THE same year in which Ethelard was assumed to the Archiepiscopall See of Canterbury is marked with the death of two English Apostolick Bishops in Germany S. Burchard and S. Willehade the former Bishop of Wirtzburg and the other of Bremen 2. The Life of S. Burchard has been written by Egilward a Monk of his own Monastery near Wirtzburg as Trithemius testifies Some affirm saith that Authour that S. Burchard and S. Swithun concerning whom we will treat in the next Century were brethren born of Noble parents in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons in Brittany and that they were kinsmen to S. Boniface Certain it is that S. Burchard was one of those who were called out of Brittany in the year of Christ seaven hundred twenty five to assist S. Boniface in his Apostolick Office in Germany 3. Assoon as S. Burchard was arrived there S. Boniface destined to him in a propheticall manner the flock of Christ which had been gathered by S. Kilian and his companions and for which they had suffred Martyrdom But to fitt him for so high an employment he lived some years in the society of severall devout and learned Preists under the Conduct of S. Boniface After which S. Boniface ioyning to his own Letters also written by King Pipin to Pope Zacharias requested that the Citty of Wirtzburg might be erected to an Episcopall See To which request the Pope easily condescended after he had been informed that the said Church was endowd by S. Boniface himself with sufficient revenews to sustain the necessities of the poor as well as of the Clergy And upon the testimony given by S. Boniface S. Burchard his Disciple was consecrated the first Bishop of that Episcopall See 4. These things being happily effected at Rome Saint Boniface conducting his now fellow Bishop to Wirtzburg recommended him to his flock by whom he was most ioyfully received At which time the bounds of the said Diocese were limitted And S. Burchard being left in his New See omitted no duty of a worthy Prelat being assiduous in reading affable in conversation powerfull in preaching exemplary in life liberall in almes-giving tenderly loving and beloved by his flock 5. In the second year after he was consecrated Bishop by the advice and with the assistance of S. Boniface he made diligent search for the Sacred Bodies of S. Kilian and his companions the holy Apostolick Martyrs of Christ which having found he with great devotion took them out of the place into which they had been ignominiously cast by their murderers the Idolatrous Pagans Assoon as the earth was opened a celestiall fragrancy was breathed from thence and though their flesh was already resolved into dust yet the vestments and books which had been cast with them into the pitt were found entire nothing at all defaced They were in a most solemne Procession caried to the Church of Wirtzburg where by a world of miracles they so encreased mens devotion that by means thereof the Church became enriched with great possessions S Burchard himself gave a village called Michelnstat which Prince Caroloman had formerly bestowed on him King Pipin afterwards gave a certain Castle called Karelburg with severall other ample possessions 9. Near the said Castle there was a small Monastery which had been built by a Holy Virgin named Gertrudis This Monastery being much retired did another devout Virgin called Immina begg of Saint Burchard and in exchange gave him a place called The Mount of Saint Mary or Old Wirtzburg of far greater valew To this place were the Sacred Bodies of Saint Kilian and his companions translated There likewise did Saint Burchard build a magnificent Monastery and placed there his Episcopall See And thither did he oft retire whensoever he could obtain any vacancy from the solicitudes of his charge and conversation of men and there did he attend to God and celestiall things only 7. Forty years did this Holy Bishop spend in the exercises of perfect Charity either to God in Prayer and contemplation or to men in advancing their soules in the same Divine Charity And after such incessant labours in our Lords Vineyard his corporall strength diminishing he called his Clergy together to whom he declared his desire to see his Episcopall See provided of a person able to sustain the weighty employments of it for which purpose he proposed to them his Disciple and companion Megingand well known to them for his eminent vertues and piety who was immediately by common consent elected to be after his death his Successour and during his life his assistant A confirmation of this Election he easily obtained from his Metropolitan the Arch-bishop of Mentz Charles the Great King of France consenting thereto 8. Having discharged his mind of so great a care he took with him only six of his Disciples and by boat descended to a certain Castle called Hohenburg where he employed the remainder of his dayes in great austerities in watching fasting and incessant Prayer He had a desire to have continued his iourney to Michelnstat where his purpose was to build another Monastery But his infirmity encreasing upon him would not permitt him to accomplish his desire For within a few days after his coming to Hohenburg he gave up his soule into his Redeemers hands having before secured his last passage by the Sacraments of Holy Church which he received with admirable fervour and Spirituall ioy 9. His Sacred body was by the affectionate care of his Disciple and Successour Mengingand transported to his Cathedrall Church of Wirtzenburg where it was reposed near to the Sacred Relicks of Saint Kilian all the Nobility and in a manner all the inhabitants of the Countrey being assembled to honour the funeralls of their beloved Pastour Who as in his life time he had been an instrument of great benedictions to them so after his death likewise they experienced many effects of his Love by frequent deliverances and consolations obtained by his intercession The day of his death is marked oâ— the fourth day before the Nones
piles they peirced through the vast body of the Enemies entirely routing them and neglecting spoyles they spared none not even women nor cattle but added them to the heapes of the slain That which most expos'd the Brittains to so great a slaughter for no lesse then seaventy thousand were slain in this battle was that they had closed their own Army behind with their Cariages in which besides their goods were placed their wives and children so confident they were of Victory After this defeat the Queen Boudicea ended her life by poyson called by Gildas a crafty Lionesse for her cruelty and perfidiousnes in managing the former war 24. After this so signall a Victory the Brittains during the whole raign of Nero never attempted any revenge but quietly submitted themselves to the Romans If there were any tumults they were caused by the Romans themselves To Suetonius Paulinus succeeded Turpilianus who ingratiated himself with the Brittains by the softnes of his Government more acceptable because compared with his Predecessours severity After three years Trebellius Maximus was sent Praetor who being naturally slouthfull and unacquainted with the arts of managing a campe moreover sordidly avaritious became hated and despised by the souldiers Which hatred was encreased by Roscius Coelius Legat of the twentieth Legion a man formerly of a crosse seditious nature The discord between these two grew to such a height Coelius objecting to the Generall his defrauding the souldiers of their pay and Trebellius charging Coelius with sedition and confounding the order of discipline that most of the souldiers both Roman and Auxiliaries siding with Coelius Trebellius was forced being deserted of all to fly to Vitellius then Generall to the Legions in Germany IV. CHAP. 1. A particular description of the Superstition of ancient Brittains 2.3.4 Of their Preists or Druids 5.6 Of their Bards 7.8 c. Of their Idols Belinus Diana Belatucadrus c. 11. Claudius the Emperour worship'd as a God 12.13 c. Their inhumain Rites forbidden by the Romans 16. But not extirpated till Christianity came in 1. HItherto we have given a brief of the State of Brittany from the time of its first discovery and conquest by Iulius Caesar to the end of Nero the sixth Roman Emperour and last of the family of the Caesars In which compasse of time occurs some though not much matter to furnish our History But before we mention any particulars of it it will be expedient to declare what was the Religion of the ancient Brittains to the end that the horrour of that spiritual darknes which clowded this Island may give a greater luster to the celestiall light which through Gods infinit mercy began to shine here 2. For this purpose consulting former Writers we find that among the Ancient Brittains Gaules likewise there were two sorts of people of greatest authority whose employment regarded their Religion Those were 1. the Druids and 2. the Bards the former were as it were their Preists the other their Prophets 3. The Druids were so called if we beleive Pliny from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which signifies an Oake because as Lucan and Caesar affirme their dwelling was in Groves and there they perform'd their Superstitious ceremonies a practise of Idolatry anciently condemn'd in the Iewes and taught them by their neighbouring Heathens But the signall Oake which the Druids made choice of for their veneration was such a one on which Misletoe did grow by which privy token as they conceived God mark'd it out as of soveraign vertue for his service Vnder this tree on the sixth day of the Moone wheron they began their yeare they invocated their Idols and offred two white Bulls filleted on the horns with many other ceremonies To this Greek Etymology of the name of Druids subscribe many learned Authours as Beckmanus Fungerus Casauâ—on Camden c. 4. Notwithstanding the Advice of Strabo deserves well to be embraced who rejects the searching of Greek derivations of appellations in use among Barbarous Nations And indeed it is strange that so learned a Writer as Cambden should herein follow Plinies conceit since himself acknowledges that an Ancient Writer Alfricus testifies that among the Saxons the word Dry from whence doubles the Druids were named signifies a Magician The Druids being to the Brittains the same that the Magi were to the Persians the Chaldeans to the Assyrians the Gymnosophists to the Indians c. as Diogenes Laertius observes No man certainly will doubt but that the name of Druids proceeds from the same fountain from whence the Discipline came and that according to the testimony of Caesar and Tacitus was invented in Brittany and from thence derived to other Nations insomuch as Pliny conceives that even the Persians themselves might seem to have learnt their Magick from the Brittains The name of Druids therfore comes not from the Grecians but the Brittains among whom never was mention made of any Grecian Colony whereas both the forementioned Writers attest that Caledonia which is now called Scotland was anciently planted by the Germans and that the Belga removed out of the Northern parts of France into this Island 5. Next the Druids the Bards were in high esteem who were the Prophets Poets and Historians to the Britttains For saith Ammianâ—us Marcellinus their office was to compose in â—eroick verses the famous exploits of their Ancestours which they sung to the people to the delightfull Musick of their Harpes And this confirms the saying of Fesâ—us that the word Bardus in the Gâ—llick or Brittiâ—h tongue signifies a Singer as to this day the Welsh call such an one a Bard. Now the word Bard a learned Modern Phâ—lologer derives from the Ancient Teutonick terme Bardo or Wardo signifying to see or observe so that they may seem to be called in the same not on that the Prophets among the Iewes were called Seers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Another late Writer conceives the term Bard to come from the German Waerde signifying still with us a Word and a Song as the Greek term 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doeth so that a Bard is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Song-maker This was the cheif employment of the Bards though besides this their taske was likewise to conserve in memory the Genealogies and Descents of families 6. A great influence they had on the minds of the Brittains to encourage them to contemne death by making the argument of their Songs to be the Immortality of the soule by transanimation conceiving that the soules of dying men pass'd afterward into other Bodies being either prefer'd to better or condemn'd to worse according to their former good or ill behaviour So that the esteemed most happy Death was to dye valiantly for their Countrey and Superstition These two Orders therfore of Druids and Bards were as it were the Ancient Clergy of our Idolatrous Britains the Inventers and Propagators of that which they called Religion the Dogme's and Rites whereof they
never committed to Writing by which policy it became more venerable because more Mysterious to the Vulgar 7. It is certainly a great mistake in some learned Writers who affirme that the Druids did instruct the Ancient Brittains in the knowledge and worship of one onely God wheras Gildas the most ancient of our Brittish Historiographers relates that they had Portenta Diabolica penè numero Aegyptiaca vincentia Idols of a monstrous Diabolicall figure and those in so great a number that they almost exceeded the multitude even of the Aegyptian Deities whose Pictures remained to his dayes drawn with deformed faces within and without the walls of their decayed Citties 8. The principall among the Brittish Gods at least those which remain upon record were 1. Belinus by whom they meant Apollo oâ— the Sun 2. Diana that is the Moone And 3. Camulus the God of warre answering to Mars An inscription to whose honour we mention'd before From him Camalodunum or Maldon received its name 4. The name of Belinus seems derived from Baal or Bel the Deity soveraignly worshipped in Assyria and other Countreyes of the East and which signifies the Supreme Lord. Out of a speciall veneration to this Deity as anciently the Eastern Princes took their names as Belshazzar or Balthazar Ierubbaal Meribbaal and in other Countreyes Asdrubal Hannibal c. so in Brittany likewise Belenus or Belinus which we find a part of the names of King Cassibelin and Cynobelin 9. And as for Diana a particular proof of the great devotion born to her by our Ancestors appears by a Monument neare S. Pauls in London call'd in old Records Diana's Chamber where in the dayes of King Edward the first thousands of the heads of Oxen were digged up which men skill'd in Antiquity well understood to be proper Sacrifices to Diana whose great Temple was built thereabout 10. Besides these we find other Deities perhaps of an inferiour degree adored by the Brittains Thus an ancient Inscription meÌ„tions a certain unknown God called Belatucadruâ— worshipped in the Northern parts about Yorkshire and Cumberland The name seems to import this to be some Off-spring or of affinity to Belinus Moreover there is found another Goddesse call'd Andate whose speciall vertue and employment no man knows Some learned Writers are of opinion that this is the same with Adraste the Goddesse of Revenge in vaine invoked by Boudicea in her last battel against the Romans as Dio relates It is further probable that the Gallick Deities Hesus figured in the shape of a Dog like Anubis Taranis the God of Thunder answering to Iupiter and Teutates the Guide of travellers and inventer of Arts like Mercury were adored likewise in Brittany it being the fountain of Idolatrous Theology 11. After the conquest made by Claudius the Emperour of the Southern parts of this Island Caractacus by some Writers conceiv'd to be the same with Arâ—iragus in gratitude for his release from captivity and restitution to his throne introduced a new fashion'd Religion into his Kingdome consecrating an Altar to the Emperours worship with this Inscription The Altar of eternall Domination which he placed in a Temple at Camulodunum erected to this Mortall Deity whose Religious service was every Month solemnly performed by Preists called Augusâ—ales or Imperiall Priests peculiarly appointed thereto And indeed it cannot be denied but that Caractacus had far greater obligations to this his visible Deity then to any of his Ancient false Gods However this vainly pretended Propheticall Inscription proved unsuccesfull for in his next Successours dayes both the Temple and Religion were demolish'd by Queen Boudicea when she ruin'd the Colony where it stood 12. As touching the speciall Rites of the Ancient Brittish Superstition we find in Caesar that their Priests or Druids had the sole authority in ordring both the Publick and private Sacrifices yea moreover that they determined all both publick and private Controversies If any dispute hapned about possessions of Lands if any facinorous Act as murder or the like had been committed the Druids appointed the punishment as likewise rewards in case of any honourable exploit And their Decrees in all cases were so indispensably obliging that if any private person or community refused to submit to them the highest penalty could be inflicted was Excommunication or forbidding their presence at the Sacrifices Which Censure upon whomsoever it was denounced rendred them in the esteem of all men as impious and detestable wicked persons whose conversation and presence all would avoyd as thinking them contagious 13. Mention was made before of their superstitious veneration of Mistletoe growing on Oakes which they esteem to be a speciall gift of God The rite of gathering which is thus discribed by Pliny Having after diligent search found where the Misleto growes they prepare Sacrifices and Banquets and two white Bulls they bring under the Tree whose horns they there first bind with fillets of linnen Then the Druid or Priest cloathed with a pure white garment mounts the Oake and with a golden Sickle reaps the Misleto which is received into a white vestment And this being done they offer their Sacrifices with Songs as Ovid saith and Prayers that God would make his Gift prosperous to them For they ascribe great vertue to it imagining that by drinking it â—leep'd in water their barren cattle become fruitfull and that it is a remedy against all poysons 14. But these Rites argue only vanity and folly others they had which were barbarous and execrable For as Tacitus relates they made their Altars flow with the blood of Captives taken in the war yea for want of Captives they spar'd not their own brethren and consulted their Gods by searching into the entrails of men Which custome of theirs is thus described by Diodorus Siculus When the Druids saith he doe consult about matters of great importance they observe a wonderfull custome and for the horriblenes of it incredible which is this Having mortally wounded a man with a sword they divine future events by the manner of his fall by the tearing of his members and the flowing of his blood This skill they attain'd by long observation 15. These more then inhumane Diabolicall practises which ought to have rendred the Brittains an object of hatred to all mankind found neverthelesse not only excuse but approbation from other Nations Insomuch as our Barbarous Countrey-men were considered as persons of exemplary Devotion to their Gods yea as Masters and Doctours of sublime Mysteries skilfull in a hidden Theology so that their neighbours the Gaules Celtes c. repaired to Brittany as the Academy wherein a Religion was taught that had the vertue to save men by murder and honour God by destroying the perfectest of his creatures Yea even the Romans themselves though otherwise trayn'd up in a morall civility beyond other Nations yet out of a pestilent curiosity ingrafted in our corrupt nature became many of them Disciples of the
in any History Probably he was some inferiour Saxon Prince in Brittany for among the Kings of that Heptarchy no such name is mentioned And later then this time he could not probably live since very few of the Saxon Princes did now remain in their ancient Heathenish Idolatry His daughter S. Christiana's name is placed among the Saints recited in our Martyrologe on the same seaven and twentieth of Iuly XII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests of S. Cedde and his Brethren 6.7 The death of Sigebert King of the East Saxons denounced by Saint Cedde 1. AT the same time our Island of Brittany received a notable luster by the piety of four Brethren all of them consecrated Saints their names were S. Cedd Saint Celin S. Cimbell and S. Ceadda or Chad. they were all of them Preists and two of them exalted to the dignity of Bishops to witt S. Cedd who was now Bishop of London and S. Ceadda who shortly will be the first Bishop of Lichfeild 2. As touching S. Cedd how in this year of Grace six hundred and sixty he founded the Monastery of Lesting in Yorkshire S. Beda at large thus relates It was the custom of the man of God S. Cedd whilst he was Bishop of the East-Saxons frequently to visit his own native countrey of the Northumbers to the end he might impart among them his Spirituall exhortations Now Edilwald the son of King Oswald raigning then in the Province of the Deirâ— or Yorkshire perceiving him to be a holy and wise man of great integrity desired of him that he would accept at his hands a certain possession of land there to build a Monastery where to himself might repair to perform his devotions and heare Gods word as likewise bury the dead For this King beleived that he should receive much benefit by the dayly prayers of those that served our Lord there Now the said King had then in his attendance a Brother of the said Bishop named Celin a man of great piety who was wont to administer to him and hiâ— family the Sacraments of our Faith for he was a Preist and by his information he came to know and love the Holy Bishop S. Cedd therefore complying with the Kings desire made choice for the Seat of a Monastery a place among steep and remote mountains which seemd fitter to be a retrait for theeves or lurking place for wild beasts then a habitation for men Now the man of God being desirous by prayers and fasting first to cleanse that place from the filth of crimes formerly executed there and consequently to lay the foundation of a Monastery desired permission of the King that he might abide there in Prayer the whole Lent then at hand Which being granted he according to the Ecclesiasticall custom prolonged his Fast till evening every day except Sundays and then also he contended himself with a small portion of bread one egg and a little milk mingled with water For he said that such was anciently the custom of those who founded Monasteries and from whom he had received the Rule of Monasticall Profession by prayers and fasting to consecrate the places where they intended to build a Monastery or Church 3. Now toward the latter end of Lent when onely ten days remained one came to call him to the King He therefore to the end so Religious a work should not be intermitted for the Kings affaires desired his Brother Cymbel who was a Preist to continue there the devotions which he had piously begun Whereto he willingly condescended And thus the full time of Prayer and fasting being consummated he there built a Monastery called now Lestinghen and instructed the Monks with such Religious Instituts as were practised at Lindesfarn where he had been brought up The care of which Monastery he recommended to his Brother Ceadda who was afterward Bishop first of York and shorly after of Lichfeild 4. Now whereas Saint Beda calls this Edilwald King of the Deiri he is to be esteemed only a King by courtesy of Osâ—â— â—o whom the whole Kingdom of the Northumbers at this time belonged And therefore in the Catalogue of the Northumbrian Kings extant in Mathew of Westminster Edilwald is omitted And as for the Monastery of Lestinghen in the Breviary of Sarum it is sayed to belong to the Isle of Lindesfarn Which Island notwithstanding did not pertain to the Province of the Deiri but of the Bernicians Wheresoever it was placed there flourished in it many persons eminent for Sanctity among which Osâ—i a Monk in our Martyrologe is reckoned in the number of Saints who dyed in the year of Grace six hundred sixty seaven 5. Saint Cedd remaind among the Northumbers no long time for the year following hapned the death of Sigebert the good King of the East-Saxons inflicted on him for contemning the Ecclesiasticall Câ—nsure imposed by this Holy Bishop Cedd on one of his Nobles The Story is thus particularly recounted by S. Beda One of the Nobles of King Sigeberts Court had contracted an unlawfull mariage against the Orders of the Church Which the Bishop not being able to prevent nor correct he excommunicated him commanding all under his care to abstain entring into his house or eating of his meat Which prohibition the King not regarding when he was invited by the said Count he went to feast at his house At his return the Holy Bishop mett him Whom as soon as the King lookd â—n he began to tremble and leaping from his horse prâ—strated himself at his feet begging pardon for his offence for the Bishop likewise who was on horse-back had lighted down And being angry he touched the King as he lay with his rodd which he held in his hand and with an Episcopall authority said to him I tell thee O King because thou wouldst not abstain from the house of that desperat excommunicated person thou thy self shalt dye in the same house 6. This denunciation of the Holy Bishop was accordingly accomplished for as the same Authour relates Whilst the Christian Faith encreased dayly in that Province to the great mutuall ioy both of the King and people it hapned by the instigation of the Enemy of all good that the King himself was murdred by the hands of his own kinred They were two Brethren who executed this heynous crime And being askd why they did it they could give no other answer but this That they were enraged enemies to the king because he was wont to be too mercifull to his enemies and quietly to pardon injuries whensoever those who did them begged his mercy Such was the fault for which this good King was slain because with a devout heart he observed the Precepts of the Gospell Yet by this death hapning to him without his fault a former reall fault was punished according to the Prophecy of the man of God Now we may piously beleive that such a death of this Religious Prince did not only wash away the stain of
such a fault but moreover encreased his Merit since it hapned to him for iustice sake and for his zeale to obserâ—e the Precepts of our Lord. Thus writes S. Beda and the same iudgment is given also by William of Malmsbury 7. The Successour to this good King Sigebert was Suidelm the son of Sexbald who was baptised by the same Holy Bishop Cedd in the Province of the East-angles in a village belonging to the King called Rendelesham or the mansion of Rendilus And Edelwald King of the East-angles the Brother of Anna formerly King was his God father who received him ascending out of the Sacred Font. His raign continued only three years XIII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Province of the West-Saxons divided into two Dioceses Dorchester and winchester For which the Holy Bishop Agilbert retires into France 1. IN the same year of our Lord six hundred sixty and one which was the eighteenth of the raign of Kenewalch King of the West-Saxons the said King perfected the Structure of the Church of Winchester begun by his Father Kinegils and not only ratified his Fathers donation thereto but moreover added the Mannours of Dornton Altesford and Wordyam thus writes B. Godwin 2 And at the same time the Church of the West-Saxons by the industry of Agilbert Bishop of the same Province was so mightily encreased that the King thought good to divide that Province into two Dioceses One other Motive hereto the King had because Agilbert being a stranger could not but very imperfectly speak the Saxon tongue For saith Saint Beda At last the King who understood no other but his Native language being weary to heare the Bishops barbarous pronunciation of the Saxon tongue or his expressing himself in French which the King understood not brought into the Province another Bishop of his own tongue named Wini who was ordained in France Thus he divided the Province into two Dioceses and to Wini he gave for his Episcopall See the Citty Venta called by the Saxons Wintancestir or Winchester Herewith the Holy Bishop Agilbert being greivously offended because the King had done this without his advice returned into France where he received the Bishoprick of Paris and died there an old man and full of dayes 3. Andrew Saussay in his Martyrologe assigns another cause of Bishop Agilberts indignation and departure for saith he the King being corrupted with money gave a portion of that Bishoprick to Wina Which abominable Simony Agilbert having an Excoration quitted his Episcopall Seat and returned presently into his native countrey retiring himself to Paris as a secure harbour But herein he much wrongs the memory of King Kenewalch who is not taxed by any of our Historians for that Crime Indeed it was justly imputed to Wina who by such an execrable negotiation purchased the Bishoprick not of Winchester but of London for so S. Beda testifies saying Not many years after the departure of Agilbert out of Brittany Wini was thrust out of his Bishoprick of Winchester by Kenewalch and retiring to the King of the Mercians named Wulfere bought with money of him the See of London where he remained Bishop till his death 4. As for the Holy Bishop Agilbert after his relinquishing of his See at Dorchester he did not presently goe into France but as Huntingdon relates he retired to Alfrid the son of Oswi King of the Northumbers who was his freind And three years after this we read that he was present at a Synod or solemne Conference touching the Celebration of Easter and the Preistly Tonsure of which we shall treat shortly where he declared himself for the Roman Observation against the Scotts XIV CHAP. 1.2 c. The South Saxons last converted And their King Edilwalch baptised 8 9. c. The Martyrdom of Vlfald and Rufin sons of King Wulfere 1. THE same year was illustrious in the Conversion of the South-Saxons That was one of the first Saxon-Principalities settled in Brittany by Ella then the most potent of all the Kings and it was the last which admitted the Christian Faith The manner how that Kingdom came to be converted is thus described by Henry of Huntingdon Kenwald or Kenwalch King of the West-Saxons in the twentieth year of his raign fought against Wulfere King of Mercia the Son of Penda a Prince who inheâ—â—ed both his Fathers courage and successe in Martiall affaires in which battell the King of the West-Saxons was defeated and compelled to fly Whereupon Wulfere entred his countrey in a hostile manner insomuch as penetrating to the utmost confines of it he invaded and conquered the Isle of Wight In which expedition by Wulfers industry and zeale Adelwold or as S. Beda calls him Edilwalch King of Sussex was converted first of all to the Faith Vpon whom at his Baptism Wulfere being his God father bestowed as a sign of adoption the Isle of With or Wight and withall for the conversion of the said Island he sent thither a Preist named Epa to preach the Gospell But his preaching as yet had not any good successe 2. It is no easy matter to find out who the person was that baptised this King The Historiall Books of S. Swithun of Winchester in Speed of S. Hilda relate how Athelwold was the first King of Sussex who was converted to the Faith of Christ and baptised in Mercia by S. Birinus a Monk and Apostle of the Gevisses in the presence and by the suggestion of Wolfere King of the Mercians But this cannot consist with the truth of Story and Chronology because S. Bâ—rinus was dead long before Wulfere was King of the Mercians Others ascribe his Baptism to S. Wilfrid Bishop of York But these Writers place his Baptism too late as the former did too early for S. Wilfrid was not yet Bishop And though they would ground their asserâ—tion on the authority of S. Beda yet S. Beda plainly disproves them affirming that this King was baptised before S. Wilfrid came into his Province 3. His words are these S. Wilfrid turning out of his way into the Province of the South-Saxons and finding the people as yet addicted to Pagan Idolatry preached to them the word of Faith and baptised many Now the King of that Nation Edilwalch not long before had been baptised in the Province of the Mercians in the presence and by the perswasion of King Wulfere By whom as he came out of the Font he was received and for a mark of adoption had bestowed on him the Isle of Wight and the Province of the Meanvari belonging formerly to the West-Saxons but lately conquered by Wulfere Which little Province seems to be a small Territory in Hampshire containing three Hundreds East-mean West-mean and Means-borough which preserve still the Marks of the old name in S. Beda Meanvari 4. Therefore in all probability King Edilwalch was by the Sacred Waters of Baptism admitted into the number of Christians by Trumhere Bishop of the Mercians whom before