and without any consideration of their affinity mutually butchering one another Till in the end Vespasian being the conquerour Peace was at last restored 3. Now during these furious contentions only in Brittany the Roman armies were uninteressed and consequently free from either doing or suffring mischeifs And the reasons given by Tacitus hereof were partly their distance from the cheif Scene of these Tragedies and partly because having been exercised with severall expeditions against the unquiet Brittains they were taught to direct their hatred rather against their enemies then any party among the Romans 4. Trebellius Maximus who had been sent Propretor into Brittany by particular factions in the army was forced to fly out of the Countrey and had recourse to Vitellius newly proclam'd Emperour In his place succeeded Vectius Bolanus who saith Tacitus governed with more mildnes then was fitting in a Province so feirce and apt for commotions 5. Assoon as Vespasian was declared a pretender to rhe Empire the Roman Army in Brittany quickly express'd great favour towards him as one who had been made Leader of the Second Legion there by the Emperour Claudius and perform'd severall exploits with great reputation 6. After three years spent by Vectius Bolanus in a quiet government of Brittany there was by Vespasian who had then been three years Emperour sent to succeed him Petilius Cerealis who presently upon what provocation it doth not appeare assailed the Nation call'd Brigantes took their cheif Citty York the most populous then of all Brittany as Tacitus affirms and fought many battels some of them very bloody conquering a great part of rhat Province and engaged the Romans in a war with the rest 7. In the sixth year of Vespasians raign Iulius Frontinus was sent in the place of Cerealis during whose governmēt the Silures inhabiting the Western parts of Brittany rebell'd against the Romans whose Countrey he with great courage invaded and though partly by their valour but principally by difficulties of passages they brought him to great extremities yet in the end with wonderfull constancy he conquered all opposition and entirely subdued them And to restrain them from future commotions he fortified in their Province the Citty call'd Isca placing one of his Legions there from whence it took the name of Caer-Leon or the Citty of the Legion 8. After Frontinus the Government of the Roman Army was committed to Iulius Agricola in the ninth which was the last year of the raign of Vespasian Whose worthy exploits and signall vertues both in war and peace have been most nobly described by his son in law Cornelius Tacitus in a Book purposely written of his life Which exploits because they were perform'd after the death of St. Ioseph and his companions we will delay the giving a breif account of them to the next Book and we will conclude this with relating some considerable circumstances attending the death and buriall of those Apostolick Saints and Patrons of our Nation XII CHAP. 1. S. Ioseph dyed and was buried at Glastonbury This not contradicted by the Ro-Martyrologe 2.3 S. Ioseph an example both of a Pastorall and Monasticall life 4.5 The particular place where S. Ioseph was buried unknown 6. One Iohn Blome upon a suppos'd inspiration petition'd that he might search it 7. His action censured 1. IT is a received generall Tradition in this Island that S. Ioseph ended his days in his solitude of Avallonia or Glastonbury and this on the twentie seaventh of Iuly in the eighty second year of our Lords Incarnation Notwithstanding in the Roman Martyrologe on the seaventeenth of March we read thus At Ierusalem is the commemoration of S Ioseph a noble Counsellor of Arimathea and a Disciple of our Lord who took down his Body from the Crosse and buried it in his own new Sepulcher But hereby is evinc'd neither that he dyed then nor at Ierusalem but only that on that day his memory was celebrated there as in the same Martyrologe there are severall examples of the like 2. Now though this holy Saint dyed at Glastonbury we are not to imagin that he spent his days there since the design which brought him to Brittany was to preach the Gospell and convert soules Bishop Godwin without any authority would inform us that he and his companions perceiving that their preaching had little or no effect among the rude Brittains and despairing of doing any good gave themselves at last to a Monasticall contemplative life But we should wrong their charity and Apostolike zeale if we should think they would so soon faint and be weary of their holy employment It is more then probable that they would frequently retire into this their solitude to the end by undistracted Prayers to renew their courage and patience in their Apostolike employment as likewise to repose after their labours so we read in the Gospell that the Apostles after their Mission perform'd return'd to our Saviour who for their refreshment was pleased to withdraw them from a common conversation into a desert there to repose 3. We may likewise prudently judge that it was the speciall design of the Divine Providence to make choice of these particular Saints to be not only Preachers of his word but examples also of a Monasticall Conversation in an Island so commodious for it Excepting S. Mark in the deserts of Egypt we doe not find any other of the Primitive Disciples which seem'd to have had such a design There wanted not indeed from the beginning many who relinquish'd their worldly employments and gave their riches to the poore that without any impediments they might wholly give themselves to God and being freed from all distractions practise the exercises of Divine Contemplation But this they did apart in their own houses and not in Community as S. Ioseph and his Companions did wherin they were imitated by their Successours So that Brittany was the almost only place in the world where the Christian Faith began with a Monasticall Profession And we see also that when that Profession by persecution ceased the same Faith likewise was banished 4. That S. Ioseph and his companions also were buried at Glastonbury in or near the Church built by him we are informed by the Great Table of Glastonbury mention'd by Bishop Vsher where it is sayd In this Church doe repose the bodies of the twelve Disciples of our Lord of whom S. Ioseph of Arimathea who buried our Lord was the Cheif and Superiour Many Pagans also converted to the Faith of Christ and baptised by them doe rest there likewise the multitude of whom is for their number so great that they cannot be reckoned The same likewise is affirm'd by the Authour of Eulogium 5. As for the particular place in which the Tomb of our Saint was seated most probable it is that it was in a Cave under ground in a Chappel afterwards built and dedicated to his honour as this Epitaph imports Ad Britones veni
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
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
Faith of the Brittish Church was S. Kebius sirnamd Corâ—nius Son of Salomon Duke of Cornwal who is reported to have undertaken a iourney into Gaule to S. Hilary newly return'd from Exile to be more perfectly instructed by him in the Catholick Faith Which iourney Pitseus says was occasion'd by the unhappy springing upp of the Arian Heresy in Brittany 2. Capgrave in the Life of S. Kebius says that he abode severall years with S. Hilary improving himself in learning and Sanctity whereto God gave testimony by conferring on him the Grace of Miracles so that he gave sight to the blind cleansed the Leprous and healed those who were dumb sick of the palsey and possess'd with Devills 3. The same Authour together with our other Historians Leland Pitsaeus Spelman c. affirm that after some years the Holy man was admonish'd by an Angell to return into his own countrey whereupon being coÌ„secrated a Bishop by S. Hilary he placed his See in the Isle of Anglesey or Mona and by his holy example and sound Doctrin instructed the Venedotae and Monudes northern people of Wales It is said likewise that being arriv'd in Brittany he was requested to come and undertake the Principality of Cornwall but utterly refused to accept any worldly authority or power 4. After these things saith Capgrave Kebius with ten of his Disciples who were Monks descended into the meadow of King Ethelic pitching his tent there Whereupon the King sent to enquire who they were that durst presume to enter into his meadow The Messenger returning told him that they were Monks Wherupon the King presently arose with all his family intending to cast those Monks out of his countrey but in the way he fell from his horse which dyed and the King with all his followers were struck with blindnes Then did the King prostrate himself on his face before S. Kebius devoting himself entirely to God and his servant Kebius and immediatly by the holy mans prayer they were all healed After this the King gave to the man of God two Churches who having given the King his benediction retired to Menevia afterward calld S. Davids from whence he sailed over into Ireland where having built a Church in a certain Island he remained there four years 5. Very probable it is that this S. Kebius was the fame Brittish Preist who baptis'd the Irish S. Albeus For in the Life of that Saint recorded by Bishop Vsher we read this passage Lachanus gave the Holy Child to certain Brittains who brought him upp with great cure giving him the Name of Albeus because he was found alive under a rock and the Grace of God was with him After these things there came thither a certain Brittish Preist sent by the See Apostolick into Ireland many years before S. Patrick to sow the Faith of Christ there But the Irishmen being Pagans would not receive him nor beleive his Doctrin except a very few He came then to the Inhabitants of Munster where he found the Holy child Albeus praying in the open aire with his eyes rais'd up to heaven that the true Faith might be reveal'd to him and saying My desire is to know the Creatour of all things and to beleive in him who made heaven and earth and all creatures in them For I know that the Elements were not made without a skillfull Workman neither could any man produce these things When the holy child had thus prayd the said Preist who over-heard him saluted him and according to his hearts desire instructed him in all things which having done he baptis'd him continuing the same name of Albeus to him 6. Besides S. Albeus the Ecclesiasticall Monuments of Ireland record severall other persons converted and baptis'd by the same Holy Brittish Preist as Meclarus and Kiaxanus persons eminent in Sanctity and illustrious for the number of their Disciples All which moreover were exalted to Episcopall dignity before S. Patricks arrivall there Which they esteeme no disparagement to his Apostleship which began in the year four hundred and thirty 7. After some years abode in Ireland the Holy Bishop Kebius returned to his See in Anglesey where he dyed in the year of Grace three hundred and seaventy The place of his buriall seems to have been among the Ordovices in Denbighshire For in the Story of S. Winefred written by Robert Abbot of Shrewsbury we read that the Holy Virgin was buried neer to the Sepulchers of Chebaeus and Senanus at a place call'd Gwethern Witheriacum in the western part of Denbigh-shire Which S. Chebaus was no doubt the same with this our S. Kebius An illustrious Monument of whose Memory is still remaning in Anglesey where saith Camden the Holy Promontory looking towards Ireland Vulgarly call'd Holy-head is by the Natives nam'd Caër-Gubi from Kebius à Holy man and Disciple of S. Hilary Bishop of Poictiers Neither is S. Hilary himself forgotten there his memory being preserved by another Promontory call'd Hilary-point IX CHAP. 1.2 c. Of S. Patrick the place and time of his Birth His Parents c. 1. THE same year in which S. Hylary retun'd into Gaule from banishment at which time S. Kebius repair'd to him was illustrious likewise for the Birth of the great Apostle of Ireland S. Patrick True it is that among our Ecclesiasticall Historians there is great Variety as in the number of the years of his life so consequently in fixing the year of his Nativity But the series of his Life and Gests seems to be more exactly computed by William of Malmsbury Adam of Domerham and Iohn a Monk who have written his life more accuratly then any out of the Ancient Records of Glastenbury and Probus who wrote the same presently after his death And by their account ascribing to S. Patricks life one hundred and eleaven years and fixing his death in the year of our Lord four hundred seaventy two his birth must fall on this year three hundred sixty one 2. Now though some Historians and among the rest Mathew of Westminster and Baronius likewise doe affirm that he was born in Ireland yet the greater number and those externs also doe acknowledge him a Brittain neither is this denyed even by the Irish Writers themselves 3. But there seems some difficulty in assigning the particular Province in Brittany where he was born Bishop Vsher is of opinion that the place of his Nativity was a Town call'd Kirck-patrick situated between the Castle of Dunbritton and Glasco where the Romans anciently cast up a rampire to exclude the barbarous Caledonians and Picts And hereto he adds this observation At this day saith he the ancient limits of the Provinces being chang'd so as that the Castle of Dunbritton does not now as formerly belong to the region of the Brittains but Scotts hence probably it has hapned that some have affirm'd S. Patrick to have been a Scott 4. This conjecture of so learned a Writer though it confirms our position
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
but much afflict his soule to be a spectatour of the enormous vices raigning there and probably he had a foresight of the miseries which would shortly befall it 3. Concerning this Pilgrimage the forecited Authour Pits thus writes Bachiarius seeing his countrey afflicted with dayly calamities out of compassion to it and with an intention to implore divine assistance undertook very tedious and laborious Pilgrimages But there wanted not detractours and calumniatours in those times who therefore charged him with levity inconstancy and vanity if not worse Whereupon he was obliged to cleare himself by writing an Apology in which he seriously protested that he undertook and perform'd those travells meerly for the love of God the salvation of his soule and comfort of his afflicted countrey And because it was impossible for him to purge himself to all his detractours he wrote his Defence to S. Leo the first Pope of that name the common Father of all Christians as may be collected from Gennadius Honorius and Capgrave 4. There is moreover extant in the Great Bibliotheque of the Fathers a learned and elegant Epistle written on this occasion by the same S. Bachiarius He had heard that a certain Preist by the Devills suggestion had violated a consecrated Virgin for which he was cast out of the Church without any hope of being restor'd The Holy man was deeply afflicted both for the enormity of the Crime and extreme rigour of the punishment Whereupon he wrote an Epistle replenish'd both with Divine learning and compassionate Charity This Epistle he gave to a Preist call'd Ianuarius whom he humbly entreats and strongly evinces for the Restitution of the Offender shewing that in the most fruitfull feild of Gods Church there grew herbes medecinall to every wound Then addressing his speech to the guilty Preist he powerfully aexhorts him to Pennance in an inclos'd Monastery there to expiate his crime by fasting sack-cloath and prayer and to begg the Intercession of Gods Saints in his behalf And fearing least he should accumulate his sin by joyning Mariage to his incest he terrifies him with shewing the abominable excesse of marying one who was espous'd consecrated to our Lord when she took the Veyle of her Religious Profession By which Epistle may be seen as in a Mirrour the State of the Ecclesiasticall Disciplin of those times the inviolablenes of their Religious Vows and Celibacy of Preists So that we may easily iudge what censure the Prime Apostle of Reformation Luther with his Catherine Bor would then have incurr'd 5. Besides this Epistle the same S. Bachiarius wrote many other Treatises which are reckond up by the Centuriators of Magdeburg who adde that he liv'd to a very old age dying in the year four hundred and sixty If he be the same with him whom Bishop Vsher calls Maccaeus and the Annals of Vlster name Muchti or Mochta his death is prolonged much longer till the year of Grace five hundred thirty five XVII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Brittains lamentable demand of succours in vain 6. c. They call in the Saxons to their destruction 1. IN these times the Vandals by their incursions and numerous Armies greivously opprâ—s'd the Roman Empire Which opportunity being observ'd by the Picts Scotts they likewise broke their limitts and miserably wasted the Provinces of Brittany which had been subject to the Romans This hapned in the eighth year of Vortigerns raign 2. The year following they continued their invasion with such extreme violence and were so weakly resisted by the Brittains sortned with luxury that after much bloodshed and horrible wasting of the countrey their only refuge was to the Romans whom with the most humble and passionate Prayers they solicited to afford them succour 3. Their short but lamentable Epistle directed to Aetius Generall of the Roman forces is thus recorded by Gildas To Aetius third time Consul The groans of the Brittains Our barbarous enemies drive us to the Sea the Sea beates us back upon our barbarous Enemies Between these two we are expos'd either to be slain with the sword or drownd and to avoyd both we find no remedy 4. But these letters avayld nothing for the Romans with much adoe being scarce able to secure the heart of their Empire could not defend the remote bounds So that the Brittains wanting arms and much more wanting hearts became dayly a prey to their enemies With this calamity another was ioynd much more terrible which was extremity of famine saith S. Beda which forc'd many of them to render themselves slaves to their Savage enemies Only a few being by these miseries taught the wisedome to seek aid from heaven retir'd into inaccessible mountains caves from whence they took the courage often times with good successe to sett upon their Enemies busy only in heaping spoyles which they recover'd from them and drove them back into their own quarters 5. But this refreshment lasted but awhile because their Piety and recourse to Divine help presently vanish'd For as the same Authour from Gildas declares After the Hostile invasions of their enemies ceased the Island began to abound with all manner of fruits and provisions beyond what any former age could remember And as their plenty abounded so did their luxury which was quickly accompanied with all sorts of vices especially cruelty to one another hatred of Divine Truth c. 6. Gods patience therefore being spent towards a people which grew worse both by prosperity and adversity he brought upon them Enemies far more Savage and barbarous then either the Picts or Scotts Or rather he so infatuated the reprobat Brittains that they themselves invited from a remote countrey those new Enemies to consume them These were the Saxons the Angli and Iutes Nations of Germany terrible for their undaunted courage and agility saith Paulus Diaconus most formidable to the Romanâ— because most sudden and violent in their enterprises saith Marcellinus Esteemd the most warlick Nations among the Germans for strength of bodies courage of minds and pacience to suffer all corporall labours and incommodities saith Zosimus 7. But before we particularly relate the last fatall Tragedy of the ruine of the Brittish Kingdom and State in this Island some more speciall occurrents hapning at the same time and relating to Ecclesiasticall affaires require first to be dispatch'd that they may not interrupt the contexture of that dismall story XVIII CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Patrick returns into Ireland Calls a Synod The Decrees of it 5.6 Of S. Albeus c. Disciples of S. Patrick 7. Conversion of K. Engus 8.9 c. S. Benignus his Successour in Armagh His retreat 1. SAint Patrick though for his particular consolation he had retir'd himself into the secure repose of a Monastery yet it was with this condition that whensoever any emergent pressing necessity of Gods Church requiring his presence and care should intervene he would quitt the Office of
called Acluid in which he lay sick Vpon King Arthurs approach saith Mathew of Westminster the Enemies retired to a place called Mureif whither he pursued them But they escaping by night fled to a Lake named Lumonoy Whereupon Arthur gathering many ships together encompassed the Island and in fifteen days brought them to such extreme famine that many thousands of them perish'd In which utmost danger the Bishops of that Regioâ— came bare-foot to the King with teares beseeching him to take pitty of that miserable people and to give them some small portion of that countrey to inhabit under the Yoake of perpetual servitude The King mollified with the teares of the Bishops both pardon'd his Enemies and granted their request 9. Here it is that some of our Brittish and Saxâ—n Writers ground the subjection of Scotland to the Crown of Brittany Particularly Walsingham relates how King Arthur having subdued Scotland placed over it as King a certain person named Angulsel who at a publick Feast in Caer-leon caried King Arthurs sword before him and did homage to him for his Kingdom And that successively all the Kings of Scotland were subject to the crown of Brittany But it seems very improbable that King Arthur at a time when his own countrey was peece-meale renting from him should be at leasure to conquer forrain Nations And however if the Scots were indeed now subdued certain it is that they shortly shook off that yoke XV. CHAP. 1.2.3 Of the Holy Bishop Nennion And of S. Finanus 1. WHereas in the last recited exploit of King Arthur it is sayd that certain Pictish or Scottish Bishops were suppliants to him in behalf of their distressed countreymen our inquiry must be what Bishops those probably were That the Province of the Picts where the Citty of Acluid was seated had many years since received the Christian Faith by the preaching of S. Ninianus hath been already demonstrated But who were his Successours till this time we can only find by conjecture In the Annals of Ireland there is mention of a certain Bishop call'd Nennion who is sayd to have flourished in Brittany about the year five hundred and twenty and to have had his seat in a place called the great Monastery This man probably was the Successour of S. Ninianus and this Great Monastery the same with Candida Casa where was the Monument of that Apostolick Bishop which by reason of frequent miracles wrought there invited great numbers of devout men to embrace a Coenobiticall Life as hath been shewd from Alcuinus Of this Bishop Nennion we read in the life of S. Finanus this passage That the said S. Finanus having in his childhood been instructed by S. Colman a Bishop was afterward recommended to â—he care of Nennion The words of Tinmouth extant in Capgrave are these Behold certain ships out of Brittany entred the said haven in Ireland in which ships was the Holy Bishop Nennion and severall others accompanying him These men being received with great ioy and honour Coelanus Abbot of Noendrum or as Iocelin writes of Edrum very diligently recommended young Finanus to the Venerable Bishop Thereupon Finanus presently after returned with him into his countrey and for severall years learned from him the Rules of a Monasticall life at his â—ee called the great Monastery Moreover with great proficiency he studied the Holy Scriptures and by invoking the name of Christ wrought many Miracles 2. Concerning the same Finanus it is further added Having been more then ordinarily instructed in Monastick institutions and holy Scripture by S. Nennion Finanus determined to take a journey to the See Apostolick to the end he might there supply whatsoever was defective in saving knowledge At Rome therefore he continued the space of seaven years dayly studying and advancing in Sacred science And after that he ascended to the degree of Preisthood 3. Thus much by the way concerning the holy Bishop Nennion who probably was one of those who interceded with King Arthur in behalfe of their countrey And it was about this time that S. Finanus lived under his Discipline For thus B. Vsher in his Chronologicall Index writes in the year five hundred and twenty Nennion Bishop of the See called The great Monastery flourish'd at this time in Brittany XVI CHAP. 1.2 Fables concerning King Arthur censured 1. IN the year of Grace five hundred twenty three King Arthur after the death of his wife Guenevera maried a Noble Lady called Guenhumara By occasion of which mariage his fame was spread through all countreyes This is thus declared by Florilegus In the forenamed year saith he King Arthur having reduced the Isle of Brittany to its former state maried a wife named Guenhumara descended from the Noble stock of the Romans She had been brought up in the Court of the Duke of Cornwal and in beauty excelled all the women of Brittany To this mariage he invited all Princes and Noble persons in the Regions adjacent and during the celebration of it such sports and such magnificence both in feasting and military exploits were shewn by him that Nations far removed did admire and emulate him By this means from some transmarine Kings he gained love and in others he imprinted a fear and terrour 2. Within little more then a year after this mariage he is sayd to have passed into Ireland and there to have taken Prisoners the King Gillamur and his Nobles and subdued the whole Island From thence to have sayled into Holland Gott-land and the Isles of Orkney all which Regions he brought under Tribute 3. Such Fables as these invented by idle and ignorant Bards and with addition published in a Latin stile by Geffrey of Monmouth have passed for true stories not only among the Brittains in succeeding times who might be pardond if in their poverty and miseries they recreated their minds with the imagined past glory of their Ancestours but they have imposed on forrain Writers and some of them otherwise not unlearned Hence it is that Malbranque a diligent French Antiquary has been induced to acknowledge that King Arthur after having forced Brittany from the Saxons subdued afterward that part of France which was inhabited by his own countreymen the Morini 4. Neither hath the Brittish Fables ended here They have sent King Arthur into Norway and his exploits there are thus recorded by Mathew of Westminster In the year of Grace five hundred thirty three King Arthur having a design to subdue all Europe passed with a Navy into Norway Where being arrived he found Sichelin King of that countrey dead who had bequeathed that Kingdom to Loth sisters son to King Arthur a Prince of great vertue and magnificence The sayd Loth had at that time a son called Walwan a youth twelve years old who was recommended to Pope Vigilius to be by him brought up from whom likewise he received the Order of Knight hood In the end King Arthur
against the Brittains at Beandune Bindon in Dorsetshire But at the first onsett the Brittains affrighted with their large swords and long bucklers were quickly putt to flight without any considerable losse on the Saxons side who upon a survay found the bodies of two thousand and six hundred Brittains slaine These large swords called by Huntingdon Secures and by Witechind large knives were in the Saxon tongue called Saxa from whence that Nation is sayd to have received its name 2. The year following according to Walsinghams account dyed the vertuous and devout Sebert King of the Trinobantes or East-Saxons and with great and general mourning was buried in the Church of Westminster built by himself which in succeeding times was magnificently enlarged and adorned and made the common Sepulcher of our Kings 3. How acceptable to God was the Sanctity and merits of this good King appeared by a lasting Miracle For in the days of King Edward the first of the Norman Race the Monks of Westmâ—nster having a resolution to translate his Body from the Old Church to the New assoon as with great devotion they had opened his Sepulcher they found his right hand to the middle of his arm entire in flesh skin nayles and bones compacted This was seaven hundred years after he had been there buried Thus writeth Walsingham In his place succeeded his three sons Sered Seward and Sigebert ioynd equally in the Government but much degenerating from their fathers piety VI. CHAP. 1.2 c. The death of King Ethelbert and of the Holy Bishop Lethard 4.5 The Sanctity of King Ethelbert acknowledged 6. 7. His Children 1. PResently after if it was indeed after dyed also Ethelbert glorious in piety and merits the first Protectour of the rising Christian Church of the Saxons His death befell in the fifty sixth year of his raign and the one and twentieth after he had embraced the Christian Faith He was the third King of the English Nation whose Empire extended over all the Provinces Southward from the River Humber saith S. Beda adding that he was the first of those who went to heaven By which clause is implyed that he dyed before King Sebert However certain it is that a very small space of time intervend between both their deaths He was buried in the porch of Saint Martin within the Church of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul where likewise the Body of his devout Queen Bertha or Aldiberga was layd And his memory is consecrated both in ours and the Roman Martyrologe on the sixth of the Calends of March. 2. King Ethelbert had also another blessed companion in the place of his Sepulture to wit S. Lethard the Holy B. of Senliâ— who came with Queen Aldiberga out of France into Brittany Concerning whom William of Malmsbury thus writes An ancient Authour called Gosselin celebrates the miracles of Saint Lethard who accompanied Queen Bertha into this Island particularly his readines to afford rain in times of drouth when his intercession is demanded a pleasant example whereof was shewd about the same Writers time For there having been a terrible fiery drouth about the height of Sommer the Sacred Body of the Saint was solemnly carried in Procession with Litanies But no rain succeeding thereupon the Cantor at his return with the Body with some indignation addressed his speech to the Holy Bishop saying Doest thou not see how great the tribulation of the whole countrey is by reason of this drouth and yet thou art negligent in succouring us These words of a seeming reproof were no sooner uttred but presently there fell such abundance of rain that the most greedy desires were satisfied 3. The vertues of King Ethelbert are comprised by the Authour of his Life in these words This blessed King though his power extended as far as Humber yet in his conversation he shewd himself as perfectly one of Christ beggars as if he had possessed nothing It was a blessed sight to see this glorious King humbly serving the poore to see him who terrified Kings to stand in fear of Gods Preists and to shew an humble respect to the meanest Ministers of the Church How brightly he shone in repressing vice exalting vertue fulfilling the Divine precepts and in all works of piety is so much more clearly to be read in Gods heavenly Book as human Writers have been negligent in expressing c. Antiquity and the favourable authority of former Saints is an irreproachable Witnes of his Sanctity since from the beginning his Solemnity has been celebrated by Gods Saints 4. Among which Saints devoted to this Holy Kings memory S. Dunstan was one who in a certain night watching in devotion at the sepulchers of this King of S. Augustin and other Holy Bishops his Successours heard on a sudden voyces of certain persons singing this Antiphone of the Ecclesiasticall Office Gaudent in coelis animae Sanctorum qui c. The soules of thâ—se Saints who have followed our Lords steps doe now reioyce in heaven c. Whereat being astonish'd he approach'd to the dore and looking through the clefts for it was lock'd he saw the whole Oratory shining with a wonderfull light and a quire of persons in white robes melodiously and ioyfully singing that Antiphone Such honour is due to holy Kings and Prelats c. This we read related by Osbern an ancient Compiler of the Life of Saint Dunstan In which Narration though Saint Ethelbert be not named yet without question he reposing there was principally intended 5. In proof of his acknowledged sanctity c. there were in S. Augustins Church set up dayly five cierges continually burning to wit before the Tomb of S. Augustin of S. Mâ—â—red of S. Adrian Abbot before the great Altar before the Monument of King Ethelbert and of S. Lethard Bishop and a sixth in the Grott before the Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary where S. Dunstan was honourd with many visions of her as the Authour of S. Augustins liâ—e testifies And Polydor Virgil affirms that even to his days the Sacred body of King Ethelbert was illustrious by many Miracles 6. He left behind only two children by his Queen Adilburga Eadbald to whom he resign'd the Title of King after he had earnestly admonish'd him to be carefull in preserving and promoting the Christian Faith which admonition how he complyed with shall be shewd hereafter And Edelburga who was afterward married to Edwin King of the Northumbers and of whose Conversion she was a principall instrument To these two a third is added by Camden Speed and other Modern Writers namely the Holy Virgin Edburga who among Saxon Virgins was the first which undertook the Profession of a devout Nunne This holy Virgin saith the Authour of her life after she had received Sacred Baptisme gave praises to God day and night fervently begging of him the grace to be esteem'd worthy to enioy the spirituall rewards of her onely Bride-groom Iesus
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
we declared to have been of English parentage and kinsman of Oswin King of the Northumbers that he had his education from the Scotts was a Monk and afterward Abbot of the Monastery of Gethlin and last of all consecrated Bishop of the Mercians 5 But a greater difficulty remains How King Wulfere should deserve the Elogy here given him of piety and zeale for the propagation of the Orthodox Faith beyond the limits of his own Kingdom Yea besides this in other Authours we find him employd in building of Monasteries and Churches And William of Malmsbury gives him this generall Character that at his first Assumption to the throne to the end he might not deceive the expectation of his Subiects he spared no diligence study or labour to shew himself a good Prince who sought the proffit and felicity of his Kingdom Moreover that by his favour and countenance he earnesty advanced the Christian Faith then even gasping for life as being but a little before newly brought in by his Brother Whereas severall other Authours particularly such as have written our Saints lives paint him forth for a most horrible persecutour insomuch as seaven years after this Conversion of the South-Saxons by his incitation he is sayd to have putt to death his two sons Vlfald and Ruffin because by the preaching of S. Ceadda then Bishop of Lichfeild they embraced the Christian Faith 6. How can those things consist together Perhaps some will imagine that the praises given this King proceeded from flattery in the first Authours by whom those which followed were seduced Yet we shall find that those very Historians who so much celebrate his praises have not conceald his vices Thus the last mentioned Authour after the passage even now cited thus tempers the commendations given him Notwithstanding in these and whatsoever other vertues were in him were corrupted and depressed by the infamous crime of Simony of which he was the first King of England that was guilty selling for money the Sacred Bishoprick of London to a certain ambitious man called Wina He moreover adioyns the Off-spring of King Wulfere Kinred and Wereburga without any mention of the two Martyrs Vlfald and Ruffin So that in this Kings Story there is an obscure Mist which we may conceive to proceed from our Ancient Writers of Saints Lives who having a Story for the substance of it true to relate deliver it undigestedly without any choice of names times and other circumstances In order therefore to the clearing of this obscurity we will first breifly sett down the Summ of the Story of those two Martyrs and consequently endeavour to correct the circumstantiall faults of the relatours 7. Vlfald and Ruffin were Brethren sons of Wulfere King of the Mercians and Hermenilda who was daughter of Earcombert King of Kent and his wife S. Sexburga Wulfere their Father was an Infidell But Herminilda a devout Christian Lady of great Sanctity She during the tender age of these her children was diligent to imbue their minds with Christian Principles of piety and when they were come to riper â—ears she sought out a Master for them but with great secrecy least her Husband who was horribly averse from Christianity should know it She had recourse therefore to Ceadda Bishop of Lichfeild who instructed them more perfectly and regenerated them to Christ by the Water of Baptism These young Princes oft went forth â—pon pretence of hunting and either by their Mothers perswasion or their own inclination took that opportunity to Visit the Holy Bishop But being at last deprehended by their Father he agitated with the furies of his false Gods would compell them to renounce their Religion which they constantly refusing to doe he caused them both to be slain in the Sacred place of Prayer Their Holy Mother having understood the cruell death and Martyrdom of her children was desirous to give them an honourable buriall for which purpose she according to the Roman custom gathered a mighty heap of Stones for their Monument The place of their Sepulcher by its name still testifies the same for it is to this day called Stone a place which upon this occasion is grown to a populous Town Now when the death of these Holy Martyrs Vlfald and Ruffin was made known to the people and the cause likewise for which they dyed they began to be held in great honour and a Church with a Monastery was built consecrated to S. Vlfald yet so as that his Brother also became partaker of his honour By this means the place came to be frequented Neither was their Father King Wulfere more slow then others in honouring them For the guilt of the parricide committed by him wounding his conscience he in an humble manner went to Saint Ceadda and with great greif acknowledging his crime embraced the Christian Faith and with the Sacred Waters of Baptism expiated all his offences 8. This account doe our ancient Records give of the Martyrdom of these two Princes the substance whereof cannot reasonably be questioned considering the lasting monument yet remaining and that their names are extant among the Saints in our Martyrologe on the four and twenâ—tieth of Iuly But that they should have been instructed by S. Ceadda then Bishop of Lichfeild and slain in the year of Grace six hundred sixty eight by their Father then a Pagan this contradicts all our most authentick Histories in which long before that time King Wulfere is celebrated for his Faith and Piety Therefore it will be necessary to affirm that they were instructed by some Bishop of the Mercians before their Father began his raign during the time that their cruell Grand Father Penda lived who earnestly laboured to extinguish the Christian name and effectually caused the death of many Christian Kings 9. Therefore the Narration given by Camden deserves our acceptation who more distinctly and simply recounts the story in this manner To Peada King of the Mercians succeeded his Brother Wolfer who having been most averse from Christian Religion with barbarous inhumanity slew his Sons Wolfald and Ruffin because they had given up their names to Christ. But a few years after himself also embraced the Christian Faith and to the end he might by some pious work expiate that his impiety he finished a Monastery begun by his Brother XV. CHAP. 1.2 c. Of S. Winoc 1. SOme refer to this year the retiring of S. Winoc into the Monastery of Saint Bertin Thus writes Iperius in his Chronicle About the year of Grace six hundred sixty one S. Winoc Son of Iudicael King of the Brittains and brother of S. Iudocus of whom we have alreaâ—dy treated despising the world became a Monk in the Monastery of Sithiu under Saint Bertin together with his three brethren Kadanoc Ingenoc and Modoc S. Bertin then was Abbot over one hundred and fifty Monks among whom Saint Winoc shone like the Morning Starr 2. Marcellinus in his life of S. Suibert affirms that S
Harpsfeild writing of S. Kineburga affirms from Marianus and Mathew of Westminster that she founded another Monastery at Winburn But he seems to be mistaken For there were at this time two Holy women called Kineburga This who was Wife to King Alfrid and Mother to his Successour Osred and another Kineburga Sister to Ina King of the West-Saxons a Virgin of whom we shall treat in the next Century 10. The present S. Kineburga is said to have been Mother to another child called Rumwold who immediatly after he was born is reported to have made coÌ„fession of his Faith and demanded Baptism after which he presently dyed Thus writes Capgrave whose credit though it may be questionable yet certain it is that anciently in the Church of Brackley in Northamptonshire a child named Rumwold was had in great veneration to which Church his Body was translated three years after his death where his Monument remained an illustrious Mark of the peoples Love and Reverence to his Memory His name is in our Martyrologe commemorated among the Saints on the Second of November XII CHAP. 1.2 c. Saint Willebrord ordained at Rome Arch bishop of Vtrecht His Name changed into Clement c. 1. BVT relinquishing a while Brittany the affaires happily succeeding with our English Apostolick Missioners in Germany require our care and attendance to them and that wee should contemplate the wonderfull goodnes of God to that Nation Wee have before related how considering the multitude of Converts there it was thought expedient by our holy and zealous Preists to compose and settle the Church there in good Order by ordaining Bishops to govern it And how for this purpose Saint Swibert and Saint Willebrord were chosen by them as most meet to sustain so sublime and weighty an Office For this purpose Saint Swibert was sent into Brittany to receive consecration from Saint Wilfrid the rightfull Arch-bishop of the Northumbers though at this time living in exile among the Mercians After which Consecration performed he returned the same year into Germany where how executed his Episcopall charge and how wonderfully God assisted him hath been declared 2. As for Saint Willebrord who six years before this had been at Rome from whence he received authority of preaching Christ to the Pagans how this same year by the counsell and recommendation of the Pious Prince Pipin he undertook a second voyage thither to receive Episcopall Ordination Saint Beda in his History declares He might have received Ordination either in Brittany or France but New Episcopall Sees were to be erected which by the ordinary Iurisdiction of Bishopâ— could not be done and therefore authority to effect that was to be obtained from the Supreme Bishop Now how this was performed â— Beda thus â—elaâ—est 3. After that the foresaid English-Preists bad for the space of siverall years preached the Gospell in the countrey of the Frisons by the generall consent of them all Pipin sent the Venerable man Willebrord to Rome the Pontificat whereof was still administred by Pope Sergius to the end he might be ordained Arch-bishop of that Nation Which according to his request was fullfilled in the year six hundred ninety six after our Lords Incarnation Now he was ordained in the Church of the Holy Martyr Saint Cecily and on the day of her Feast and the Pope who ordained him imposed on him the Name of Clement and presently after to witt fourteen dayes after his arrivall at Rome he dismissed him that he might return to his Episcopall See 4. The which See by the munificence of Pipin was established in his illustrious Castle which in the old German language was called Wiltaburg that is the Town of the Wilâ—â— but in the Gallick language was called Vtrecht In this place a Church was built and the most Reverend Bishop preaching the Word of Faith far and wide and recovering much people from their Pagan Errours erected in those Regions many Churches and some Monasteries For not long after the said Venerable Arch-bishop ordained severall other Bishops out of the number of his Brethren the prime Missioners who attended him at his first coming of which some are falln asleep in our Lord but Willebrord himself sirnamed Clement is yet alive that is in the seaven hundred and one and thirtieth year of Grace in which Saint Beda ended his History A Prelat he is Venerable for his old age for this is the thirty sixth year since he was Bishop and after manifold labours and dangers sustained in this Christian Warfare he with his whole mind and a longing desire expects a heavenly retribution 5. To this Narration of Saint Beda touching the Ordination of Saint Willebrord Albinus Flaccus who has compiled the Gests of this Holy Prelat addes one particular very memorable to witt that it was not performed without a Prophecy Revelation from heaven preceding it for thus he writes On the fourth day before Saint Willebrords arrivall at Rome the Holy Pope Sergius was in sleep admonished by an Angell to receive him with great honour as being a man appointed by God to enlighten many soules who came thither to receive the supreme honour of Preist-hood and therefore that he should deny him in none of his requests The Pope thus admonished entertaind him with wonderfull honour and ioy and by conversation with him observing in him great Fervour devotion of Religion and plenitude of wisedom having appointed a convenient day and assembled great numbers of Prelats to ioyn with him in the Ordination to which there was a wonderfull concourse of people he publickly ordained him Arch-bishop with great solemnity after an Apostolick manner in the Church of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles and when he was ordained he imposed on him the name of Clement Moreouer he vested him with his own Pontificall Robes adding likewise the Pall an ensign of the plenitude of Archiepiscopall dignity Whatsoever he desired whether Sacred Relicks of Saints or Ecclesiasticall ornaments he with all chearfullnes bestowed upon him and having conferred on him his Apostolicall Benediction with wholesome precepts and admonitions he sent him back to the Work of the Gospell XIII CHAP. i. 2 c Saint Willebrord arrives at Vtrecht Their preaching A Synod assembled there câ— 1. SAint Willebrord or Clement having thus prosperously performed his iourney to Rome arrived not at his Archiepiscopall See till the year following When the News of his approach thither was divulged Saint Swibert saith his companion Marcellin attended by his Disciples and many other Christians made hast as far as Embrica to meet him where with much honour and ioy in our Lord they received him And Saint Willebrord having been informed that Saint Swibert had been consecrated Bishop and that by his preaching the County of Teisterband with almost all Batâ—a and a great part of Lower Friseland had been converted to our Lord he with great devotion gave infinite thanks to God Being thus mett they returned together
By means of which frequent taking away the dust a trench of no small depth and largenes was made in the place His name therefore is deservedly commemorated in our Martyrologe and the Roman likewise among the Saints on the Nones of Iuly 2. S. Hedda being dead the Bishoprick of that Province saith the same Authour was divided into two Dioceses one whereof was given to Daniel who governs the same to this day that is to the year of Grace seaven hundred thirty one in which S. Beda concluded his History and the other to S. Aldelm who worthily administred the same the space of four years Both these men were eminently skilfull in Ecclesiasticall affairs and in the doctrine of Holy Scriptures 3. S. Beda does not mention the name of the Episcopall See assigned to Daniel but other Authours doe generally agree that it was Winchester which he governed forty years As for S. Aldelm the Seat of his Bishoprick was Shirburn in the Province of the Durotriges or Dorsetshire in which a few of his Successours continued till the Episcopall See was afterward translated to SaruÌ„ or Salisbury 4. These were two Prelats of eminent learning and illustrious starrs of the West-Saxon Kingdom As touching Daniel we shall shew hereafter how S. Boniface the glorious Apostle of the Germans frequently consulted him in difficulties occurring about the discharge of that sublime office Hence it is that Bishop Godwin gives this Character of him Daniel was a man excellently learned and wrote many volumes amongst others these following Of the affairs of the Province of the South-Saxons Of the Life of the Holy Bishop Cedda Of the affairs of the Isle of Wight All which are now lost 5. As for S. Aldelm he was froÌ„ his youth bred up in learning and piety by S. Maâ—dulf a Scottish Hermiâ— from whom the famous Monastery of Malmsbury received its name for many devout persons moved with the fame of his Sanctity had recourse to him in that solitude by whom they were coenobitically governed and a Monastery was there erected by Kenwalch King of the West-Saxons In the year six hundred and seaventy S Maidulfus dying Saint Aldelm succeeded Abbot in his place And five years after the said Monastery was endowed by the liberality of Leutherius Bishop of the West-Saxons upon the suggestion of S. Aldelm For before that time the Monks lived there only upon courtesy Thirteen years after he attended King Cedwalla to Rome where he obtained from Pope Sergius a Breif of Priviledges and immunities to his Abbey How in the year of Grace six hundred ninety two he was appointed by a Synod to write to a certain Prince of Cornwall called Geruntius a Book in confutation of the Brittains erroneous observation of Easter and other miscariages hath heretofore been declared At last this year he was upon the death of S. Hedda ordained a Bishop of the West-Saxons and as hath been said kept his Episcopall residence at Shireburn 6. Being thus made a Bishop he gave a full and free authority to his Monks of Malmsbury to chuse their Abbot But their duty and affection to him was such that during his life they would acknowledge no other Spirituall Father Only they humbly petitioned him to grant them the Priviledge after his death to elect their own Abbot And that such Election should not pertain to the Bishop as the custom was in Kent by the Ordinance of King Withred but descend to the Monks This Priviledge S. Aldelm granted not only to them but to all other Monasteries which he had founded And moreover caused his Indult to be confirmed by the Subscription of K. Ina and of Daniel Bishop of Winchester Authentick Copies are still extant of this Indult and Priviledge granted both by S. Aldelm and King Ina in the Register of the said Abbey of Malmsbury Concerning this holy Bishop S. Aldelm more remains to be said when we come to speak of his death In the mean time the affairs of Germany happily managed by S. Swibert and his blessed companions recall us thither II. CHAP. i. 2 c. Swiberts Preaching and miraculous freeing a man possessed by the Devill 1. SAint Swibert after he had successfully preached the Gospell to the Inhabitants of Brunswick and other neighbouring Nations directed his steps to a people called Boructuarians or Prussians lying more Northerly and yet more savage then the former Concerning his progresse in their conversion we have this account from his companion S. Marcellinus Assoon as he was entred that Province saith he he instilled the saving Mysteries and precepts of the Gospell into their foolish and blind hearts and enlightned their savage minds with the luster of divine Truth being glorious among them in his preaching and holy in his actions So that turning them from their profane superstitions to the Faith of Christ he confirmed them in the same Faith by many wonderfull miracles But the multitude oâ— Converts encreasing the Devils envy likewise encreased who enraged to see so many escape his snares earnestly endeavoured by his malicious instruments either to kill him or expell him from that Province 2. On a certain day therefore as he was preaching to a great multitude of Pagans their sacrilegious Preists drunk with the Idolatrous cupp of Babylon sett violently upon him and after they had beaten him with their fists rodds and stones they endeavoured to drive him out of their coasts But by the industry of certain courageous Christians he was taken out of their hands and for a few days was concealed by them for they durst not kill him out of fear least their Governour should be offended But presently after the Holy Bishop renewd his preaching among them and dayly baptized great numbers which despising their Idols publickly confessed the Name of Christ. 3. Consequently the same Holy Writer declares how by occasion of the Devills malice the Faith of Christ became more illustrious among that people For saith he on a certain time in a village of the Boructuarians a Rich and potent man named Ethelhere was possessed by the Devill insomuch as they were forced to bind him with chains because he endeavoured to bite all that came near him and tore his own cloaths Now the same Ethelhere was one of those who had persecuted and incited others to persecute the Holy Bishop and was the first that had the boldnes to smite him with a staff This man being thus dayly in a horrible manner tormented by the devill it hapned on a certain day in the presence of severall Pagan Preists and others who came to visit and condole with him that the Devill cryed out Except Swibert servant of the living God and Bishop of the Christians come hither I will not depart out of this man And when he oft more and more loudly repeated the same words the Idolatrous Preists and other freinds of the Demoniack went away in great confusion and perplexity what they should doe At last they all agreed that Saint
upon an apparition of our Blessed Lady he builds the Monastery of Evesham 1. IN the occurrents of the year of Grace six hundred ninety three we have declared how upon the death of Ostfor Bishop of Worcester there succeeded him in that See Egwin a man in high esteem for his Sanctity born in the same Province of a Princely extraction who in his tender age bâ—ing prevented by Divine Grace conceived an aversion from secular pomps and pleasures and consecrated himself to the service of God in an Ecclesiasticall state In the which having regularly passed the inferiour degrees he was exalted to Preist-hood and afterwards that See being vacant he was by the earnest petition both of the Laity and Clergy demanded for their Pastour and Bishop Which charge notwithstanding he very unwillingly and not without the forcible perswasions of King Coenred at last accepted 2. But in the execution of this sublime Office he incurred the generall disfavour of that Province insomuch as he was forced to forsake his countrey God so disposing it for the tryall of his piety and to render him more illustrious in his Church That which made him obnoxious to the displeasure of worldly men was his zeale and constancy in reproving vice and particularly in opposing himself to many unlawfull customes which that people lately converted to Christianity would not be perswaded to forsake certain heathenish Superstitions incestuous mariages and other noxious errours to which they had been accustomed 3. Persons who are sick of such incurable diseases ordinarily become more enraged by Physick whereupon these men not only refused all correction and reformatioÌ„ but combined seditiously to raise a fuâ—ious persecution against the Holy Bishop and to drive violently out of the Province To effect which they spread abroad many calumnious accusations against him by which they induced not only the vertuous King Coenred but the Holy Arch-bishop Brithwald also to declare an enmity against him 4. The holy man assured of his own innoceÌ„ce as to any of the crimes layd to his charge yet behaved himself as if he had been guilty for he undertook a laborious and painfull Pilgrimage to Rome thereby to satisfy for the offences of his people and withall as some Ancient Authours have written to doe a rigorous Pennance for some faults formerly committed in his youth And to render his Pilgrimage more painfull he in the presence of a great multitude bound about his leggs certain iron-chains and cast the key which locked them together into the River of Avon publickly protesting that he would never esteem himself secure of the pardon of his sins till either the key were restored to him or the chains unloosed by a power Supernaturall Withall he vowed that if God would vouchsafe to make his iourney prosperous he would build a Church to his honour 5. Having performed this voyage with great incommodity and painfullnes he at last arrived at Rome where whilst he was performing his devotions in the Church of Saint Peter his servants going to the rivers side to buy provision for their Master they found in a fishes belly the key which had formerly locked the chains about his leggs which being brought to him he in the presence of a great multitude unlocked the said chaines perceiving that such was the Divine Will and mercy An event so miraculous was immediatly spread through the whole Citty insomuch as he who before was looked upon as a miserable enormous sinner was afterward honoured as a Saint and servant of God highly favoured Thus writes the Authour of his life in Capgrave Whereas William of Malmsbury relates that it was in his return as he passed the Sea between France and Brittany that the Key was found in a fishes belly taken by the Marriners 6. Notwithstanding this variety as to the circumstances of this miracle certain it is that S. Egwin at his return recovered with advantage King Coenreds esteem and also great veneration among the people for his Sanctity the fame whereof was largely spread in the world 7. Now to what year precisely we ought to ascribe this his first iourney to Rome for he undertook afterwards a second voyage thither not any Ancient Writers doe afford us sufficient Light to determine But it seems to have been in the year of Grace seaven hundred and eight that he built the famous Monastery of Evesham in the Province of Worcester for as himself declares in a Writing preserved by the Authour of his life in Capgrave the said Monastery was founded a little time before the death of the Holy Bishop Aldelm which hapned the year following 8. The same Authour from Brithwald a Monk of Glastonbury relates a wonderfull apparition which occasioned the building of the said Monastery In those days says he there was in the territory of Worcester a certain place wholly uncultivated and almost unpassable by reason of thorns and bryars thick growing there This place formerly called Homme was in succeeding times named Eâ—vesham for the reason which I will now declare S. Egwin had appointed four Shepheards to feed their flocks about the said wood for the sustenance of his Monks Now on a certain day it hapned that one of the said Shepheards named Eoves entring deeply into the midst of the wood there appeared before him a certain most glorious Virgin attended by two others her splendour darkned that of the Sun it self and her beauty incomparably exceeded alâ— wordly features She held in her hand a book out of which she with the other two Virgins sung hymnes of praise to God The poore man dazeled with this splendour upon which he durst not fix his eyes stood awhile silent and trembling and presently after in great fear retired home and repairing to the Bishop acquainted him with this vision 9. The Holy Bishop considering the matter advisedly with himself on a certain day after he had fasted and prayed taking three companions with him went toward the place described by the Shepheard walking all the way bare-foot praying and singing Psalms And commanding his attendants to step at a distance he himself passed further into the wood and being come to the place be fell prostrate on the ground where with many sighs and teares he remained a good space imploring a mercifull regard from our Lord. After which he rose up from prayer and immediatly there appeared to him the three Virgins with the same maiesty and glory as before among whom she who stood in the midst seemed more tall and resplendent then the otheâ— in pure whitenes infinitly excelling lillies and in freshnes roses and from her proceeded a celestiall and inestimable odour She held in her hand a Book together with a golden Crosse casting forth bright beames of light 10. Now whilst he thought within himself that surely this was the Mother of our Lord the said glorious Virgin as it were approving such his inward pious cogitation stretching forth the said Crosse gave him a Benediction with it and
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
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
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
certain Preist besides whom there was none other to administer Baptism and celebrate Masse in a large territory inhabited by Christians indeed yet such as were tainted with errours considering that the said Preist who long agoe had falln into the sin of fornication afterward not only was absolved after Pennance but also restored to his degree and Office contrary to the expresse Canons of the Church Now the Question is Whether it be better or at least a lesse ill that such a Preist should perform the Office of the Altar contrary to the Canons or in case he be deprived a multitude of Infants should dye without Baptism and the rest of the people without Sacraments since that people can not be furnished with another more chast Preist Which is indeed no Question at all 5. Egbert having obtaind his Archiepiscopall Pall this same year supplied two Episcopall Sees which were vacant For to Plecthelm Bishop of Candida Casa he substituted Fridwald And the Holy Bishop Acca having been unjustly expelled his Church of Hagustald and there being no probability of his restitution least our Lords flock should remain longer without a Pastour he consecrated thereto Fridbere Who notwithstanding in our Ecclesiasticall Monuments is not esteemed Bishop till the death of Acca which followed five years after VI. CHAP. 1.2 c. A Summe of the Gests of S. Willebrord and his death 6.7 c. Severall Bishops consecrated by Nothelm Arch-bishop of Canterbury 9. Queen Frithogitha's pilgrimage to Rome 1. THE year following the most famous Apostle of the Frisons the erectour and first Arch-bishop of Vtrecht Saint Willebrord received the eternall reward of all his labours Wee have often mentioned him before and will here only add a breif Summ of his Life and Gests out of the Gallican Martyrologe 2. On the seaventh of November at Epternac in the Territory of Triers is celebrated the Commemoration of Saint Willebrord Bishop and Confessour Apostle of the Frisons He was by Nation an English-Saxon and being endowed with many Divine Graces he with nine Companions were by Saint Egbert directed into Lower Germany From Brittany therefore he passed over into Friseland and began the Apprentissage of his Apostolick Office at Vtrecht but was desired by Pipin to goe further into the countrey of the Frisons At the Castle of Vtrecht near an Ancient ruind Church of Saint Thomas he built an Oratory to the honour of the Holy Crosse. Pope Sergius being before admonished by an Angelicall vision solemnly ordained him Arch-bishop in the Church of Saint Peter at the request of Duke Pipin and withall strengthning him with Apostolick authority to preach and dilate the Gospell to the end he might with a more prosperous omen undertake that labour he gave him the Sirname of Clement to whom after the two Princes of the Apostles the Care of Religion in its infancy was committed 3. From Rome he returned into Friseland and at Vtrecht upon Rhene placed his Episcopall See building there a Church which he consecrated to Saint Martin He baptized with the Water of regeneration Pipin the Son of Charles Martel He spread the Gospell largely in Friseland baptizing Catechumens confirming Neophytes celebrating holy Orders and almost in every village building Churches over which he constituted Pastours 4. Whilst he was busily employed in these sacred works there came to him Saint Boniface who in processe of time became his Successour in his Bishoprick and Apostleship of the Frisons Who staying with him about two years assisted him with courage and diligence in procuring the salvation of many At last after many labours incommodities and travells undertaken by him for many years in planting the Church and saving of soules he rendred his holy and happy Spirit to his Creatour at Epternac after he had for the space of forty years with a piety and vertue truly Apostolick governed the Church founded by himself 5. His Sacred Body was buried in a Monastery of that Town which formerly he had erected where it did â—hine with so many illustrious Miracles that both the Monastery and Church were afterwards called by his Name Concerning his Successours Eoban Boniface and Gregory we shall treat in due place His Life was written both in verse and Prose by his Countrey man Saint Alcuin an eloquent Witnesse of his Sanctity 6. The same year Nothelm Arch-bishop of Canterbury having received his Archiepiscopall Pall from Rome consecrated severall Bishops For the See of Hereford being vacant by the death of Walstâ—d he substituted in his place Cuthbert Who four years after succeeded Nothelm himself being translated to the See of Canterbury But before that he finished a very costly Crosse begun by his Predecessour and moreover built a sumptuous Tomb in which he placed the Bodies of the three preceding Bishops Tirtil Torthere and Walstâ—d to which he adioyned three more a certain Nobleman called Milfrid with his Lady called Quenburga and Osrith the Son of Oselin as appears by the verses inscribed on it recorded by B. Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Hereford 7. The Church of the East-Angles likewise being deprived of her two Pastours Eadbert Bishop of Dumwich and Hadulac Bishop of Helmham The said Arch-bishop gave for successour to the former Cuthwin called by Hoveden Heordwald and to the other Ethelfrid Concerning whom nothing remains to posterity but their names 8. The next year Alduin Bishop of Lichfeild dying two Bishops were consecrated in his place Witta in Lichfeild and Totta or Torthelm in Leycester In this Citty of Leycester which saith William of Malmsbury is very ancient and situated in the midland countrey of England called Legecestria from the River Leger passing by it Saint Wilfrid as hath been declared after his expulsion out of the Kingdom of the Northumbers made his abode and exercised Iurisdiction there After whose departure the Kingdom of the Mercians had but one Bishop till this year in which for the Vastnes of the Province two Bishops were ordained And Leycester continued an Episcopall See till the time of King Edgar when Leovâ—n Bishop of the Lindesfari or Lincoln united Leycester to his See 9. Moreover in the place of Forthere Bishop of Shirburn Herwald was consecrated The cause whereof was not the death of Farther but as Florentius testifies because be attending Frithogitha Queen of the West-Saxons undertook a Pilgrimage to Rome And it was not fitt that the Church should want a Pastour This is the same Frithogitha Wife to King Ethelard who eight years before this was so munificent a Benefactrice to the Monastery of Canterbury And now the flame of Divine Charity encreasing in her soule she abandoned all her splendid possessions and gave her self entirely to God And in those days at wee read in Mathew of Westminster many Kings and Bishops Noble men and â—gnoble Clergy-men and Secular yea women also did the like VII CHAP. 1.2 c Ceolulf King of the Northumbers becomes a Monk His Muneficence to the Church
all civility respect and kindnes entertain him Thus they did in former ages with S. Athanasius S. Epiphanius S Hierom S. Peter of Alexandria and many others 3 Now when S. Boniface was ready to depart the Pope very liberally bestowed on him many gifts and whatsoever Relicks of Saints he desired He sent likewise by him severall Letters to the Bishops Princes and Abbots of Germany requiring their assistance to S. Boniface in the great charge committed to him of converting soules as likewise their presence to whatsoever Synods he should assemble and their Obedience to his orders and Decrees made according to the Rule prescribed by the See Apostolick which had authorized him to his Apostolick Office and constituted him the supreme Prelat of Germany 4. With these Letters S. Boniface departed from Rome and came to Ticinum or Pavia where he abode some time with Luitprand King of the Lombards Thence he proceeded towards Germany and being arrived near the River Danubius he made some stay there expecting a Synod of Bishops which he by the Popes order had called And from thence he wrote Letters to certain speciall freinds Goppin Eoban Tacwin and Wyx Religious Abbots as likewise to all their Monks and severall Religious Virgins in which he gave them a particular account of this his iourney and the successe of it 5. The year following being invited by Vtilo Duke of the Bavarians he visited his countrey staying there many dayes and preaching the word of God with great fruit There he found many false Christians who wasted the Churches and seduced the people Some of these falsely pretended themselves to be Bishops and others usurped the Office of Pâ—eists Many likewise with fictions and pernicious lyes wrought great mischief among the ignorant A further course of whose malice he found not any meanes more effectually to prevent then by dividing the Province of Bavaria into four Dioceses which with the consent of Duke Vtilo he performed the Government of which he committed to persons of eminent vertue whom he ordained Bishops 6. Of these the first was Iohn whose Episcopall See was placed at Salisburg The second was Erimbert who governed the Church of Frislingen the third was Hunibald who was consecrated Bishop of Ratisbon the Metropolis of Bavaria And Winilus who before had been ordained Bishsp by the Pope of the whole countrey had the Church of Patary assigned to him 7. Having done this he wrote to the Pope giving him an account of all things and desiring his confirmation and ratification for perpetuity Therein imitating his Predecessours For so did Fugatius and Damianus in the Brittish Church so did S Patrick in Ireland and so did S. Augustin among the English-Saxons demand from the See Apostolick a confirmation of their Ordonnances 8. We have still extant the Popes answer hereto containing an approbation of what he had done Likewise an iniunction to asâ—semble a Synod of all Germany and in his place to preside over it And because the necessities of those Churches would not allow him repose in any one place he renewed his Apostolick Authority to erect Bishopricks wheresoever he should iudge expedient IX CHAP. 1. Cuthred succeeds King Ethelard in the Kingdom of the West-Saxons 2. Nothelm Arch-bishop of Canterbury dying Cuthbert succeeds 3.4 The Death of the Holy Bishop Saint Acca 5 6. c. The Martyrdom of Saint Iuthwara a Brittish Virgin of her Sister S Sidwella 10.11 c. The Gests of the Holy Virgin S. Fridâ—svida 17.18 Death of S Ethelburga Abbesse formerly Queen of the West-Saxons 19 The Death of Saint Arnulf a Hermite 1. IN the year of our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred and forty Cuthred began his raign over the West-Saxons whose Predecessour Ethelard by some called his Brother by others his kinsman dyed the year before This King saith Huntingdon was much afflicted by the proud King of the Mercians Ethelbald who sometimes made open war against him and sometimes raised sedition in his countrey In all which Fortune shewed her self very various between them sometimes the one and some times the other gaining advantage And now and then being weary they would make peace which seldom lasted any considerable time the one or the other presently renewing the warr 2. The same year there was exalted to the Archiepiscopall See of Canterbury being vacant by the death of Nothelm Cuthbert who four years before had been consecrated Bishop of Hereford He was descended from an illustrious Saxon family and as Nobly he administred his Office He was no sooner established in his Seat but Aldulf Bishop of Rochester dying he consecrated his Successour in that See a Preist called Dun. 3. At this time the Holy Bishop Acca formerly a great freind to S. Beda and encouâ—ager in his studies and Writing ended his â—ite of whom mention hath been severall times made before A breif relation of his Gests we will here adioyn from Miraeus who recites his name among the Saints on the last day of November though in our Martyrologe his commemoration be on the nineteenth of February Concerning him Miraeus thus writes Acca a Bishop is named the third among the Apostolick Preists which under the conâ—uct of S. Willebrord departed out of England and arrived at Vtrecht in the year of our Lord six hundred and ninety to procure the consecrat on of S. Swibert he was there detained and not long after ordained Bishop of Hagustald not Lindesfarn as Miraeus mistaking writes 4. How Saint-like his life was Almighty God shewd by many miracles after his death as Hoveden testifies saying The same year Acca Bishop of Venerable memory was received into the happy region of the living after he had administred the Church of Hagustald twenty four years His body was buried with great honour in the Eastern part of that Church And above three hundred years after his death by occasion of a Revelation made to a certain Preâ—st his Sacred Relicks were translated and putt into a shrine Where to this day he is held in great veneration And for a demonstration of his Sanctity his â—hasuble Albe and Maniple which had been buried with his Sacred Body to this day doe not only preserve their colour but primitive firmnes likewise 5. In our Martyrologe on the three and twentieth of December this year is commemorated the Martyrdom of a devout Brittish Virgin called Iuthwara The Circumstances of her death and Martyrdom and a breif abridgment of her life we find in Capgrave The Holy Virgin S. Iuthwara saith the Authour there was born of Noble parents and from her childhood being prevented by a plentifull Grace of Gods holy Spiriâ— she was diligent to serve our Lord in all good works She living in her Fathers house after the death of her Mother with all innocence became amiable to all and made a progresse in vertues as she did in years Whensoever any Pilgrims came to her Fathers house as frequently they did she with great
thereto But the peircing eyes of a Lover discovered her flight pursued her thither Which she perceiving by secret pathes through our Lords guidance she escaped to Oxford whither she arrived very late in the dark night But thither also did lust and rage conduct the furious Lover who early in the morning entred the Town Then the Holy Virgin whose strength was wholly spent utterly despaired of all succour from Creatures and therefore having recourse to Gods omnipotence only she with rears begged of him a defence to her self and punishment to the Ravisher This she did at the instant when the Young Prince whose Name was Alard or Algar was entring the gate of the Town attended by many servants She had no sooner sent up his Prayer to heaven but by a Divine hand the lustfull young man was struck with blindnes Which visible iudgment opened the eyes of his mind and made him clearly perceive how hatefull to God his obstinate attempt was Whereupon by Messengers directed to the Virginâ—e â—e condemned his own foâ—ly and with great submission begged pardon promising an eternall banishment of all such desires out of his mind This his repentance procured compassion â—rom the Holy Virgin by whose â—enewd Prayers his blindnes was as quickly cured as â—t had been inflicted This Miracle recorded by all our Historians was so notable to all and so unquestioned for many Aâ—es that as William of Malmsbury observes the Princes of this Island had a scrupulous fear to enter into that gate of the Citty which Algar found so fatall to himself 14 In thankfullnes to God for this deliverance the pious Virgin erected another Monastery where assembling other chast companions of the same Institut and devotion she â—pent the remainder of her life in purity and divine Contemplation And after her death her immaculate Body reposing there became the principall Ornament of the Citty For though long before this in the time of the Brittains Oxford had been a Seat of the Muses yet wee doe not find that the English Saxons as yet had restored it to that dignity 15. Hence it is that Camden a diligent surveyer of ancient Monuments thus writes Our Ancestours the Brittains with great prudence consecrated this Citty of Oxford to the Muses which from Greklade they translated hither as to a more happy and fruitfull Seminary But the following ages under the Saxons being much employed in destroying of Citties this place was not exempted from the common lott So that for a long time it was celebrated for nothing but the Relicks of S. Frideswâ—de who was numbred among the Saints because a certain Prince called Algar violently attempting her chastity after she had by solemn vowes consecrated it to God was miraculously struck with blindnes 16 The Memory of her Sanctity is celebrated in our Martyroloâ—e on the niâ—eteenth of October And as for her Monastery a first inhabited by Religious Virgins it was in after times possessed by Seculars Canons from them it came to Regulars as shall be shewd in due time 17. This year aâ—so dyed S. Ethelburga formerly Queen of the West-Saxons who had so zealously and prudently incited her Husband King Ina to relinquish the perishing glory and pleasures of this world that he might without interruption attend only to eternal and Spirituall happines After his departure to Rome she retired her self into that famous Monastery of Barking where she professed a Religious life and after some time was elected Abbesse in which Office having with great Sanctity spent severall years she happily dyed and is numbred in our Martyrologe among the Saints on the ninth of Iuly William of Malmsbury writing of her and King Ina her husband says that they were both united in mutuall charity during their Lives and after their deaths both dignified by God with Divine Miracles 18. This is a different S. Ethelburga from her who was first Abbesse of the same Monastery of â—arking who was daughter of Anna King of the East Saxons and Sister to Saint Erâ—oâ— Wald Bishop of London She had for her Successour in the Office of Abbâ—sse 〈◊〉 S. Hildelitha to whom S. Aldelm dedicated his Book of Virginity And after her the third Abbesse of the same Monastery was this Saint Ethelburga Queen of the West-Saxons Insomuch as that Monastery well deserved 〈◊〉 Title given it by one of our Historians who stiles it a well known Sacred Repository of many Saints 19. Wee will conclude the occurrents of this year with breifly recording the Memory of a certain devout Hermite called S. Aâ—nuâ—f who as a Memoriall of his Sanctity has 〈◊〉 his name to a Town in Huntingdonshire whâ—â—e he piously lived and happily dyed â—is called Arnulfsbury or more contractedly Eynsbâ—ry near a place dedicated to S. Neoâ— There this devout Hermite having served God many years with great fidelity and fervour after he had filled the whole Province with the odour of his vertues this same year blessedly dyed as wee read in our Martyrologe where his Name is recorded among the Saints oâ— the two and twentieth of August X. CHAP. 1. 2. c. The Letters of Pope Zachrias to S. Boniface with severall Ordonnances 1 IN the year of Grace seaâ—en hundred forty one Pope Gregory third of that name dyed to whom succeeded Pope Zachrias Which being come to the knowlâ—dge of S. Boniface in Germany he presently wrote an Epistle to him by one oâ— his Preistâ— called Denechard to testify his obedience give him an account of his proceed in S. AmoÌ„g which he inform'd him that he had newly erecteâ— three Bishopricks in Germany The Episcopall Seat oâ— one was a Town called Wirtzburg of another Buriburg and of the third Erfsfurt or as some write Eychstedt so called from the abundance of Oakes growing near These Episcopall Sees he desires may be confirmed and established by the Pope And severall other Points he added in which he humbly desired the said Popes Order and resolution As will appear by the Answer returned to him the following year 2. Another Letter likewise he sent by the same Preist to a certain Prefect whose Territory lay in his way to Rome desiring him that he would grant the same security and afford the same assistance to this his Messenger that he had formerly done to others The said Prefects name is Regibert 3. As touching the three Episcopall Sees by him newly erected he does not name the Bishops ordaind in them But by the Subscriptions to a Synod the next year wee may collect that they were those three Preists which in the year of our Lord seaven hundred twenty five he had called to his assistance out of Brittany namely Burchard Witta and Willebald Burchard was consecrated by him Bishop of Wirtzburg Herbipolis Witta who likewise from Whitenes for so the German name signifies is by some named Albuinus had his See at Buriburg an ancient Town near Fritzlare or Paderborn And Willebald who came out of
Prince and to every Prefect one Preist to hear Confessions and enioyn Pennances 4. Likewise wee have interdicted the same persons to hunt with doggs or to keep hawks 5. Moreover wee have decreed according to Holy Canons that all Preists in their Parishes be subiect to their proper Bishops and every Lent give him an account of their Ministery of the order observed by them in Baptism celebrating of Masse reciting Prayer and Cathechising And that whensoever the Bishop according to the Canons shall make his Vâ—â—itation for administring Confirmation to the people every Preist be ready to receive and entertain him at the charges of the people to be confirmed As also that every Maundy Thursday they receive new â—hrism of the Bishop â— receiving likewise from him a testimony of their chastity unblameable Life and soundnes of Faith 6. Wee have also ordained according to the circumspection enâ—â—ynd by the Canons that no stranger-Bishops or Preists from whence soever they come shall be admitted to the Ecclesiastical Ministery before they have received an Approbation from the Synod 7. Likewise we have decreed that every Bishop shew great solicitude to withdraw the people of God from all Heathenish Superstâ—tions all Sacrifices over the dead all Soâ—â—ileges Divinations Phylacteries Auguries and Incantations exercised after a Pagan manner by some foolish Christians near their Churches under the name of Holy Martyrs and confessours so provoking the wrath of God and his Saints Particularly wee require them to forbid earnestly those Sacrilegious Fires called Meefres And for the rooting out of all such Pagan Superstitions wee command our Magistrates Graphiones every where to give their assistance to the Bishops 8. Also wee have ordained that whatsoever Ecclesiasticall person or Religious woman shall after this Synod fall into the crime of fornication shall be putt in prison and doe pennance in bread and water And if he be a Preist he shall be scourged and remain a Prisoner two years If an inferiour Clark or Monk be guilty of the same sin he shall be whipped thrice and continue in prison a year there to doe Pennance 9 Wee have decreed moreover that no Preists or Deacon shall we are Cassacks like Lay-men but Ecclesiasticall robes casulis as becomes the servants of God And that not any of them permitt a woman to live in his house 10. Lastly that all Monks and Religious Virgins be carefull to order their Lives as becomes their Profession according to the Rule of S. BENEDICT 4. When this Synod was concluded Saint Boniface transmitted to Rome a Coppy of its Decrees to be approved by the See Apostolick Which being perused by the Pope he likewise called a Synod in which the said Decrees were read and confirmed Of all which Pope Zacharias gave information in an Epistle directed to all Bishops Preists Deacons Abbots and likewise to all Dukes Counts and all Gods servants in the Dominions of the French Particularly enioyning all due respect and obedience to their Arch-bishop Boniface This he did because many of the French Clergy looked with envious eyes upon him as being an extern and a Religious man for which reason his preeminent Legantin Authority was displeasing to them 5. Of all this S. Boniface likewise gave an account in an Epistle to Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury who the year before had written and sent some presents to him In which Epistle he gave him a breif of the foresaid Decrees Adding this moreover That in that Synodall Meeting all the Bishops present made a Confession of the Catholick Faith and protested their resolution to their deaths to preserve Vnity and subiection to the Roman Church and that they would be obedient to Saint Peter and his Vicar That every year they would assemble a Synod That all Metropolitans would demand from the See Apostolick Archiepiscopall Palls and that in all things their desire was to be Canonically obedient to the Precepts of S. Peter that so they might be reckond in the number of the Sheep commended to him To this Confession sayd he we all consented and subscribed directing it to the Body of S. Peter Prince of the Apostles Which the Pope and Roman Clergy received gratefully 6. Therto he adds many grave Instructions and Advices beseeming an Apostolick Prelat As That all Bishops should denounce to their Metropolitan such abuses as they could not amend in their Dioceses and in like manner the Metropolitan to the Pope for so doing thay shall free their own soules from the guilt of the blood of such as perish Moreover he signified to him that most of the servants of God with him were much scandalized and displeased upon occasion of a great stain and ignominy cast on the English Church and Nation which he adiures him to wipe away by a solemn prohibition made in a Synod of the Clergy and Nobility to hinder that frequency of their womens going and coming back from Rome considering that few of them returned uncorrupted A proof whereof is that there were few Citties in Lombardy or France in which there wâ—re not Harlots of the English Nation He advised him likewise severely to reprehend and if they amended not to excommunicate both alive and dead any of their Princes and Great men who sacrilegiously invaded Monasteries possessing their revenews and governing the Monks as if themselves were Abbots And lastly with his utmost endeavours to hinder the intolerable superstition and excesse of cloathing raigning in Brittany where their vestments were as they thought adorned but indeed defiled with embroidery of Purple and silk Which vanity sayd he is a sign of the coming of Antichrist and an occasion of bringing luxury and uncleannes even into Monasteries 7. It is probable that admonitions so severe and earnest from a person of so great authority as S. Boniface being the Popes Legat in so great a kingdom might be the occasion of celebrating a Synod in Brittany at Cloveshove in which a remedy was found against sacrilegious invasions of Church-revenews and Priviledges For after diligent search the formerly mentioned Law and Priviledge made by Withred the pious King of Kent was found and recited in this Synod whereupon Ethelbald King of the Mercians by a New-Law confirmed the same in his Kingdom also Notwithstanding as shall be declared King Ethelbald himselâ— became a transgressour of his own Law for which he was sharply reprehended by S. Boniface and repenting his iniustice made satisfaction for it XII CHAP. 1.2 c. Another Synod at Liptin In which Adalbeâ—t and Clement Hereticks are censured and emprisoned 5.6 S. Boniface imputes Simony to the Pope who cleares himself 7. Iurisdiction over all France given to S. Boniface 1. THE year following S. Boniface celebrated another Synod at a place called Liptin not far from Cambray whither Caroloman who kept his Court there called him In which Synod besides a Confirmation of the Decrees of the former it was ordained that a Petition should be made to the Pope
dissipated and torn asunder and their beautifull Ensigns so rent and defiled that they could scarce be known to their own party On each side those who were most daring and courageous kept close to their Standards and most furiously rushed upon one another doing horrible execution with their swords and battell-axes Neither of them had any thought of yeilding yea each party assured themselves of Victory 4. But wheresoever the Valiant Edilhun made an impression ruine accompanied him on all sides his battle-axe like a thunderbolt clove asunder both bodies and arms And on the other side wheresoever the courageous Mercian King Ethelbald rushed in he made a horrible slaughter for to his irresistible sword arms were as thinn cloaths and bones as soft flesh Whilst therefore these two warriers like devouring flames wasted their enemies on all sides it hapned that they both mett one another Each of them then gnashing his teeth with rage against his opposite stretched forth their arms and with all their strength struck-terrible blows at one another with little advantage for awhile on either side But God who resists the proud and from whom alone strength courage and magnanimity proceeds then putt an end to his favour formerly shewd to King Ethelbald deprived his soule of his usuall confidence Therefore perceiving that his customed forces and valour faild him a terrour from heaven assaild his mind so that he was the first in his army who began the flight Neither from that day to the last moment of his life did God afford him a prosperous successe in any of his undertakings 5. Thus describes the foresaid Authour this terrible decisive battell and for a conclusion adds That from that time the Kingdom of the West-Saxons became very potent and so continually prospered till it brought all the rest into subiection to it But this was not till the beginning of the following Century when King Egbert became Monark of the whole Kingdom charging its Name into England Thus passed matters in Brittany 6. And at the same time a far greater change was made in France For the worthy Prince Caroloman having the year before quitted his Principality and out of a strange fervour of Divine Love retired himself into the Monastery of Saint Benedict at Mount Cassin there to serve God the remainder of his Life in poverty and solitude the Nobility of France contemning their effeminat King Childeric with one consent determined to raise Prince Pipin in whose onely hand the whole power and management of the State remained into the Throne And to give a greater authority to the Change they thought good to consult Pope Zacharias to whom they represented the impotency and vicious effeminacy of their King and the admirable courage prudence and all Royall endowments of Pipin withall the necessity in which that Kingdom stood of an able supporter against the Saracens and other terrible enemies which threatned the destruction of it Hereupon the Pope gave his sentence according to their desires and appointed S. Boniface to annoint and sett the Crown on the Head of Pipin which he accordingly performed in the Citty of Soissons As for Childeric who was the last of the Merovingian race after his deposition he was thrust into a Monastery XXVII CHAP. 1. The Brittains invade the West-Saxons and are repelled 2.3 c. King Cuthred dying Sigebert a Tyrant succeeds and raigns but one year 1. THE year next following the terrible battell between the Mercians and West-Saxons in Brittany the Brittains thinking this a fitt season for them to enlarge their Dominion when the West-Saxons though conquerours had much diminished their forces to gett a bloody victory with a great Army made an impression into the Western parts But their successe was not according to their expectation for as Huntingdon relates Cuthred in the fourteenth year of his raign fought against the Brittains who not being able to resist him who had lately conquered King Ethelbald presently began to fly and for their folly and cowardice deservedly suffred a great slaughter without any dommage done to the West-Saxons 2. This was the last exploit of this Noble King for as the same Historian writes the great and renowned King Cuthred after so great prosperities and victories the next year by the cruelty of death was taken out of this world leaving a successour unworthy to fill his Throne This his Successour was his kinsman Sigebert who held the Crown a very short time For swelling with pride because of his Predecessours victories he became insolent and intolerable to his own subiects whom he treated ill all manner of ways and for his particular proffit depraved all his Lawes Hereupon a principall man among his Nobles called Cumbra was enduced by the generall complaints of the people to intimate their greivances to their New King Which he faithfully performed earnestly beseeching him to make his government easier to his subiects and quitting his former inhumanity to shew himself amiable both to God and men But these exhortations were so far from producing a good effect that he commanded Cumbra should cruelly and uniustly be putt to death yea and encreased the insupportable fiercenes of his Tyranny 3. This behaviour of his did so inflame with rage the minds of the West-Saxons that within the space of one year they deprived him both of his kingdom and life The manner whereof the same Writer thus proceeds to declare Sigebert being incorrigible both in his pride and other vices the Nobility and common people assembling themselves together with prudent deliberation and unanimous consent drove him out of his Kingdom and chose for their King an excellent young man of the Royall family called Kinewolf As for Sigebert after he was thus expelled by his Subiects and fearing yet greater punishment for his former demerits he in great fear hidd himself in a vast forest called Andreadswald where a certain Swineheard of Cumbra who had been so unworthily slain by him finding him he revenged on him the uniust death of his Lord. Thus ended his unhappy life King Sigebert a man saith William of Malmsbury horribly cruell to his subiects and contemptibly cowardly to his Neighbours 4. Yet among the vices and impieties of Sigebert one good action of his is recorded which was his charitable liberality to the ancient Monastery of Glastonbury For in an Appendix to the life of Saint Patrick and in the Antiquities of the same Monastery wee read how the Danes at this time cruelly wasting the Northumbers a certain Abbot called Ticca who lived in those parts fled the countrey and coming among the West-Saxons there he retired himself into the Monastery of Glastonbury Where after he had for some time lived with much edification he was chosen Abbot this year A powerfull mean whereby he gaind the love and favour of the Monks was his enriching that place with many precious Relicks which he brought with him out of the Northern parts as the Sacred Bodies of Saint
sirnamed the Great Huntingdon and Hoveden doe thus write oâ— it In the said year which was the fifteenth of the Raign of Kenulf King of the West-Saxons began a great change of the right hand of the most High For then did Charles the Greaâ— King of France upon the death of his Father King Pipin begâ—n his raign to whom thirty years after the Roman Empire which had been glorious so many ages became subject and continues so to his Successours to these times 2. We declared before how a great league of freindship and Royall presents interven'd between the two late Kings Pipin and Egbert King of the Northumbers The like freindship and society did Alâ—ed now King of the Northumbers demand of Charles the glorious Successour of King Pipin This we collect from a Letter written by him and his Queen Ogâ—â—fu to S. Lullus Arch-bisop of Mentz In which he desires him to assist with his counsell and favour the Embassadours which he had sent to his Lord and Patron the most glorious King Carl that peace and freindship many be established between them 3. In the same Epistle likewise which is an answer to one sent him from S. Lullus in behalf of the disquietted Churches in his dominion the same King and Queen not only humbly begg the Holy Bishops prayers for themselves but likewise send him a Catalogue of the Names of their speciall kinred freindâ— lately dead of whom they desire him to be mindfull at the Holy Altar assuring him that the same Charity shall be extended to all his relations in their Churches Indeed we can scarce meet with any Epistleâ— written in theâ—e times but this is generally onâ— clause and part of the busines 4. About this time saith Harpsfeild there flourished in Brittany two Religious Virgins famous for their piety and learning calld Rictrudis and Gisla Disciples of the famously learned Alcuin who taught very many aâ— this time in Brittany He was not unmindfull of the advice given him by his Master Archbishop Egbert of going to Rome and thence returning into France But seeing how usefull and even necessary his abode was in Brittany he delayd the said iourney till a fitt opportunity was presented him as we shall declare And as touching the foresaid Illustrious Virgins we shall in due time mention the kind and learned Letters which passed between them and their Master when he lived in France XII CHAP. 1. Succession of Bishops 2. Of Pope Adrian to whom the King of the Northumbers sends Embassadours 5. The Church of S Boniface miraculously preserved from fire 6 7 c Offa King of the Mercians invades and subdues severall Principalities Fictions of Mathew Paris 1. IN the year of our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred seaventy one the two Bishops of the East-Angles luckily again dyâ— together and to Aldebert Bishop of Dumwich is substituted Eglafe to Lanfeâ—t Bishop Oâ— Helmham Athelwolf In the next following age these two Sees were united into one which first remaind at Helmham thence waâ— translated to Thetford and lastly to Norwich 2. The year following to Pope Steven succeeded the worthy and learned Pope Hadrian first of that name to whom Alfred King of the Northumbers sent an Embassadour to congratulate his assuÌ„ption and for other Ecclesiasticall affairs not recorded To this Embassadour Alcuin gave an Epistle direâ—ted to the same Pope full of humble respect to him and congratulation to the Church for enioying the happines of so worthy a Pastour The Embasadours name was Angilbert whom Alcuâ—â— calls his most beloved Son to wâ—om he câ—â—mitted certain requests to be presented by word of mouth 3. The same year Kenulf King of the West-Saxons added to his former liberality towards the Ancient Monastery of Glastonbury the Mannor of Compton This he gave to the Abbot thereof called Waldun who newly succeeded to Guban 4. Afterward the See of London being vacant by the death of Eadgar in his place succeeded Kenwalck Nothing remains of the Gefts of either Neither can any account be given more of the names of Cuthrid Bishop of Lichfeild who dyed at the same time to whom was substituted Bertâ—â—n Hoveden calls them by other names as likewise the Episcopall See too It is a difficulty not worth the penetrating 5. It will not be impertinent in this place to relate how miraculously God gave testimony to the Gests Doctrine Sanctity of S. Boniface of late happy memory by defending his Church of Fritzlar froÌ„ the fury of the Saxons They making an invasion into the confines of the French dominions besieged a certain Strong Castle called Barimburg During which siege they wasted with sword and â—â—e the countrey circumjacent Their principall rage was directed against the Church of Fritzlare built by S. Boniface and concerning which he had prophecied that it should never be consumed by fire Whilst the furious Pagans were exeâ—cising their utmost diligence to make this a false Prophecy and were heaping wood and casting firebrands to sett it on fire there appeard to severall Christians in the foresaid Castle and to some Pagans likewise two men in white shining raiments who protected the Church from fire so that by no diligence or pains taken within or without the Church could the Pagans effect their desire On the contrary a terrour from heaven seising on them they fled away none pursuing them When they were gone there was found one Saxon Soldier stark dead upon his knees with fire and wood in his hands bowing down in the posture of one blowing the fire with an intention to burn the said Church Thus did God shew his power and favour to his faithfull servant And though shortly after he permitted the Church of S. Swibert at Werda to be consumed by fire yet so terrible a punishment he inflicted on the Authours that it became evident that the said Blessed Bishop preached the true Orthodoxe Faith 6. In the year of Grace seaven hundred seaventy four Offa King of the Mercians a Prince of high Spirits began troubles which in successe of time endangerd the ruine of severall petty kingdoms of Brittany For having three years before this subdued the Nation of the Hestings in the Southern parts of the Island or Sussex he extended his ambition to add also the kingdom of Kent to his conquests And because Lambert or as some Copies write Lambert then Archbishop of Canterbury endeavoured to defeat his ambition he turned his indignatioÌ„ against that Church also the dignity and revenews of which â—e sought to diminish For he took from it severall Mannors as Cherring Seleberts Chert and severall others which were afterward restored 7. This wart between Offa and Alric is thus breifly described by Huntingdon In the twentieth year of Kenulf King of the West-Saxons saith he Offa King of the Mercians fought against the Kentish men at place called Ottanford where the slaughter was most horrible especially on the Kentish partâ— So that King
the servant of God S. Sturmis and to give order that he should come to his presence Being then brought to the Palace and severall days expecting when he should be called to the Kings presence It hapned one morning early that the King intending that day to hunt went according to his custom to prayers into his Chappell where the Holy man after the Mattin office still remained Who seing the King presently took a light which he caried before the King till he came to the Altar where after he had prayed he said to the Holy Abbot God ha's once more brought us together What was that which your Monks accused you of and which moved my displeasure against you I have quite forgotten it The Holy man answerd Though I have oft ofâ—fended God yet I am free of all offence against your Maiesty The King replied However the matter stands If you have imagined or done any thing to my preiudice God forgive you as I likewise 〈◊〉 In saying which words he drew out of his garment a thread of silk which he threw on the ground saying Let this be a token that I have cast away all displeasure against you And presently after knowing how much his return was desired he sent him back honourably confirming the Priviledge given by the Pope by which that Monastery was exempted from the Iurisdiction of Lullus Arch-bishop of Mentz The report of his return being divulged he was solemnly mett by all the Religious Monks in those quarters who with singing of Psalms and great ioy attended him to his Monastery 12 The Blessed Abbot then employed his whole time in correcting all disorders in his Monastery in adorning the Church and repairing the decayd buildings about it And particularly to the end all occasions of going abroad might according the S. Benedicts Rule be taken away he took care that all necessary Manufactures should be exercised within the Convent and for a generall commodity he caused trenches to be made by which he conveyd water within the Monastery to the inestimable benefitt of his Religious He also made a sumptuous Shrine for the Sacred Body of S. Boniface enriched with gold and silver which remains to this day And so great favour and familiarity he had with King Pipin that he obtained of him a Mannor called Omunstat belonging to the Crown with all â—hat depended on it 13 The like favour he enioyed with King Charles after his Father King Pipins death who oft sent for him and bestowd another Mannâ—r on the said Monastery called Hamelenburg In consideration of which Prayers are said to this day by the Monks for him After this the said Most Christian King began to think seriously how to induce the barbarous Nation of the Saxons to embrace the Faith of Christ Which design he recommended to the prayers of all Gods servants Then gathering a great Army and taking with him many Ecclesiasticall persons he partly by terrour and partly by their preaching and exhortations withdrew a great part of that Nation hitherto captived by the Devill from Idolatry and caused them to submitt themselves to the easy yoke of Christ. After which he divided the countrey into Parishes appointing Preists to preach baptize among them 14. Notwithstanding after the King was departed with his army most of the Saxons renouncing Christianity returned to their old Idolatries and not content with that they raised forces killing all Christians among them and wasting the whole countrey as far as the River Rhene When they came neer to Fulda the Holy Abbot knowing that they had sent a band of soldiers to burn the Monastery and to kill all they found in it gave notice to his brethren of the danger Whereupon they all taking the holy Martyrs body with them went towards Hamelenburg But the Holy Abbot went to a place call'd Weisereth endeavouring to gather soldiers to represse the cruelty of the barbarous Saxons Which was also effected And when the Saxons were compelled to retire home the Monks returned with the Holy Martyrs body to Fulda 15. After this King Charles brought a second time his Army against the Saxons and commanded the Holy Abbot Sturmis with his Monks to remain in a strong town called Heresbury And after the warr which was prosperously ended by the King he seÌ„t him being sick to his Monastery atteÌ„ded by his own â—hysicion called Winter who mistaking his disease applied Physick to him which instead of qualifying much encreased it Whereupon the man of God perceiving that death approached commanded all his Monks to be assembled whom he earnestly exhorted to persevere in the same Regular observance which he had instituted among them And then recommending himself to their prayers he begged pardon of every one who thought himself any way iniurd by him and professed that he cordially forgave all his persecutours particularly the Arch-bishop Lullus who had always been his adversary Then he took leave of them all and presently after his sicknes coming to extremity we who assisted him besought him with tears that he would be mindfull of us and pray for us in heaven He suddenly turning himself toward us sayd Make your selves worthy that my Prayers may doe you good and I will not faile to doe what you desire After this his pious Soule was delivered out of the prison of the Body and being plentifully enriched with all divine vertues and graces departed to our Lord to live forever in his heavenly kingdom Amen 16. Thus writes the Devout Abbot Aegila successour and Disciple of this blessed man who was an eye witnes of many things here related He was canonized by Innocent the second in a Councill of Lateran celebrated in the year eleaven hundred thirty nine His Memory is celebrated on the sixteenth of December XVII CHAP. i. 2 c The Gests and happy death of Saint willebald an English Apostolick Bishop in Germany 1. THE year following another Disciple Companion of S. Boniface in his Apostolick Office received the reward of his labours This was S. Willibald Son of King Richard and Bonna who is said to have been sister to S. Boniface and Brother to S. Winnebald and Saint Walburga His Life remains written by a kinswoman of his a Religious Virgin who lived in his Sister Walburga's Monastery at Heidenham in Germany The summ whereof is this 2. When he was but three years old a certain greivous infirmity seised on him by which all his members were so contracted benummed that he became as in a sort dead so that his parents almost despaired of his recovery Where with being greivously afflicted they took him and offred him to our Lord to whose service they designed him in case he would please to restore him his health Now it was a custom among the Saxons that instead of Oratories they would erect in the feilds or near their houses Crosses of stone or wood to which they would repaire for performing their devotions Before such a Crosse they layd
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
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
though a Pagan may seem to allude where speaking to Constantin he says But why should we flatteringly commend thy Fathers private affection to thee Thy Succession in the Empire was the Decree of all the Gods first prescribed by their authority and afterwards confirm'd by mature counsell of men At that time thou wast call'd to be a saving guardian of the Empire by celestiall signs and divine suffrages 5. This affliction of Constantius for the absence and dangerous condition of his beloved Son did not long continue for God was pleased in an extraordinary manner to restore him to him before his death This is thus express'd by Eusebius Those Princes saith he which then govern'd the Empire with envy and fear look'd upon Constantin observing him to be a generous valiant tall young man of a noble and erected mind Whereupon they watchfully sought an opportunity to doe some notable mischeif to him This the young man perceiving for by a Divine instinct their private designs against him were severall times discovered he at last sought to secure himself by flight therin imitating well the example of the great Prophet Moyses Now Almighty God graciously disposed all things for his safety and advancement wisely ordaining that he should opportunely be present to succeed his dying Father 6. Aurelius Victor adds an Act of Constantins full of prudence and subtilty by which he secured his flight from all danger of pursuers to elude whom he through all his long iourney from Rome to Brittany gave command that all the publick Post-horses should be killd by which means saith the Oratour he arriv'd in Brittany with so prosperous a voyage that he seem'd to have been brought thither not riding by the ordinary Post but mounted and flying in a heavenly Chariot 7. Now with what ioy and affection he was received by his Father Eusebius thus describes Assoon as Constantius saw his Son beyond his expectation arriv'd he leaping from his bed with a tender affection embrac'd him saying that now his min'd was freed from the only trouble remaining in it which was his Sons absence for which he offred his Prayers and thanksgiving to God with great devotion Now he esteem'd death almost as wellcom to him as immortality Presently after this he disposed of his family and all worldly affaires in good order and placing himself in the midst of his Sons and daughters which like a Quire encompass'd him lying in his royall Palace and bed he bequeathed the inheritance of the Empire according to the common Law of Nature to that Son which in age went before the rest and so departed out of this life 8. When Constantius was dead his funeralls were celebrated by his Son with all pompe and solemnity infinite numbers of people assisting and with ioyfull acclamations and sweet harmony of Hymns celebrating his happines saith the same Eusebius Moreover that he was according to the Roman Heathenish manner consecrated and refer'd among their Gods ancient coyns doe testify in which he is inscribed with the Title of Divus or a person Deified and on the other side is represented a Temple and two Eagles over which are the words Happy Memory all which are manifest signs of Consecration as it is describ'd by Herodian 9. He was buried in the Citty of York For saith Camden men of good credit have reported to us that when the houses of Monks there were in the memory of our Fathers demolish'd there was found a lamp burning in a little vaulted Chappell in which the Tradition was that Constantius had been buried For Lazius a learned writer relates that the Ancients had the art to maintain a flame burning for many ages by the means of gold dissolved into a kind of liquid oyle So that Mathew of Westminster is mistaken when he reports that at Caer-custenith neer Snoudon hills was found the body of the glorious Emperour Constantius Father of the Noble Emperour Constantin and by the Kings command removed and honourably placed in the Church of Caërnarvon That body questionles belonged to some other of the same name for all Historians agree that this Constantius dyed and was buried at York THE SEAVENTH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAP. 1.2 Constantin succeeds his Father 3. c. At first refuses the Title of Emperour 1. CONSTANTIVS dying left behind him severall children of both sexes for besides his eldest son Constantin born to him by Helena he had by Theodora daughter in Law to the Emperour Maximianus Herculius three Sons Constantius the Father of Gallus and Iulian Dalmatius and Annibalius to whom some adde a second Constantin and two daughters Constantia maried to Licinius and Eutropia 2. Notwithstanding Constantius at his death passing by all these his sons though born to him by a Wife of the Imperiall family and then present with him he left the Empire to his eldest son Constantin only Which is an undoubted argument that he acknowledged him for his legitimate Son Whence it is that Eusebius writes that Constantius at his death did by the common Law of Nature leave the inheritance of the Empire to that Son who in age went before the rest and that this disposall was ratified by the suffrages and acclamations of the Army 3. Notwithstanding Constantin not so much out of moderation as prudent caution contented himself with the Title of Caesar refusing that of Augustus or Emperour in so much saith the Panegyrist as when the soldiers with great affection and ardour would have cast on him the Imperiall Purple he sett spurs to his horse and fled from them 4. There may be supposed more then one Motive to induce Constantin to this modest refusall For Diocletian and Maximianus though they had relinqush'd the administration of the Empire were yet alive and by their counsells and authority had a great influence on the state by whom Galerius Maximinus and Severus were chosen Caesars and Successours who had the possession of the Eastern Empire and Italy Therfore Constantin being young and at so great a distance from the Imperiall Citty had reason to think it dangerous without their consent to assume the Supreme Authority Wherfore his first attempt was to gain the affection and consent of Maximianus Herculeus from whom his Father Constantius had received the Purple robe and who having then a daughter mariageable called Fausta Constantin demanded her for his wife presuming the Empire should be her dowry 5. That such was the mind and intention of Constantin a Panegyrist of that time hath well express'd Such was thy prudent moderation saith he O Constantin that whereas thy Father had bequeathed the Empire to thee thou thoughtst fitt to content thy self with the Title of Caesar expecting till the same Maximianus who had before declared thy Father Emperour should doe the same to thee for thou esteemedst it more glorious by thy vertues to deserve the Empire as a reward then to enioy it as an inheritance
greater alacrity then ever before she went up and down her house glorifying the Power of God Thus was the Empresse satisfied in that which she so earnestly desired 6. The substance of this relation given by Ruffinus is attested by the consent of severall other ancient Ecclesiasticall writers so that to doubt of it or impudently to deny the truth of it as the Lutheran Centuriators doe can be no other but an undeniable effect of malice against the Truth testified hereby to their confusion 7. The Pious Lady to declare her thankfullnes to God for so signall a favour was not content to build a magnificent Church to the Memory of our Saviours Passion but added another which was dedicated to the saving sign of the Crosse as Eusebius writes 8. And as touching the Crosse it self she took care that part of it should be sent to the Emperour and honourably layd up in his Palace the remainder she enclosed in a Boxe of silver and gave it to the Bishop of Ierusalem exhorting him that it might be there reserved as a Monument of our Salvation Thus Theodoret To which S. Paulinus adds That every year on the day of our Lords Resurrection it is produced by the Bishop and exposed to the peoples veneration the Bishop himself first performing that honour to it 9. Socrates further relates that Constantin assoon as he had received part of the Crosse beleiving that the Citty in which it was kept should be preserved in safety from all danger inclos'd it in a statue of his own which was placed in the Market place of Constantinople on a mighty Pillar of Porphyry This saith Eusebius seem'd to the most holy Emperour a firm bulwark of his Kingdom 10. Besides the Crosse there were found other Ensigns of our Saviours Passion which were not neglected by Helena to witt the Nailes which had not only touched our Lords Body as the Crosse did but peirced into his sacred flesh and sinews being bathed in his blood Part of which nayles saith Theodoret and S. Ambrose she took care should be artificially enclos'd within the Emperours helmet that therby his head might be preserved safe from his enemies weapons and part she mingled with the Iron of his horses bitt therby both to give a safe protection to him and likewise to fullfill an ancient Prophecy of Zacharias saying That which is on the horses bitt shall be holy to the Lord Omnipotent And a third nayle she cast into the Adriatick Sea during a horrible tempest by which meanes she saved her self and company from shipwrack Thus writes Gregory Bishop of Tours XVI CHAP. 1.2 Of S. Helenas piety to Religious Virgins 3. c. To Martyrs S. Lucianus the Magi c. 7.8 c. Place of her death Rome where a Church is built to the H. Crosse. 12.13 c. Constantins piety to his Mother Augusta 15.16 c. Her Memory celebrated in severall places Churches built to her honour in England 1. WITH such Acts of Piety devotion and liberality did Helena adorn her latter dayes a particular account of which belongs to the design of this History she being a Brittish Princesse For which reason we will prosecute the course of her life which seems to have ended the same year or in the beginning of the following 2. An example of her humility and devout respect to Virgins consecrated to Gods service by a profession of Chastity is related by Ruffinus in this manner The holy Virgins saith he which she found at Ierusalem she invited to dinner and entertain'd them with so great devotion and respect that she thought it a misbecoming thing that her Maids should attend on theÌ„ Therfore she herself being girt after the manner of a wayting maid sett meat on the Table gave them cupps to drink and powred water on their hands Thus she who was Empresse of the world and Mother of the Emperour esteem'd her self no better then a servant of the hand maids of Christ. 3. Eusebius likewise celebrates her wonderfull manificence shew'd through all her progresse in the Eastern Provinces For whither so ever she came she gave innumerable gifts both to whole citties and particular persons of all professions The poor she munificently supplied with all necessaries those who were condemn'd to working in mines or perpetuall imprisonment she sett at liberty the oppress'd she delivered from fraud and iniury and those which were banish'd she restored to their own countrey 4. At her return out of Palestina into Greece she passed by Drepanum a Town of Bithynia where reposed the Body of the glorious Martyr S. Lucianus Assoon as shee saw these holy Relicks lying so neglected without any mark of honour or reverence she in zeale to the honour of God and his Martyr caused a sumptuous Church to be built over them moreover enlarged the same place into a Citty which she compass'd with walls and bullwarks Which Citty her Son afterward call'd by his Mothers name Helenopolis and to make her name yet more celebrated by posterity the Sea there adioyning was called Helenopontus not because she was born there but because by her care and liberality the region there about formerly obscure became illustrious 5. We read moreover in severall ancient Monuments how this holy Empresse in her progresse through the East having been informed of the place where the Bodies of the three Magi or Wisemen which came to Bethlehem to adore our Saviour new born reposed brought them with her to her Son Constantin who reverently layd them in a Church of his new Citty from whence they were â—ranslated to Milan and afterward to Colen where now they are with great veneration celebrated 6. A more particular relation hereof we read in the Supplement of the Gallican Martyrologe made by Andrew de Saussay in these words At Colonia Agrippina in the Gallick Soyle is celebrated the Memory of the three holy Kings who on this day the Sixth of Ianuary adored our Lord in his cradle at Bethlehem The Bodies of these Saints were by the care and devotion of the Holy Empresse Helena brought out of the East to Constantinople where in the Temple of S. Sophia afterward more magnificently repaired by Iustinian they remained to the times of the Emperour Emanuël who bearing a great affection to Eustorgius Bishop of Milan by birth a Grecian at his earnest prayers bestowd on him those Sacred pledges Eustorgius presently conveyed them to Milan placing them in a Church of Religious Virgins But in the yeare eleaven hundred Sixty and fâ—wer the Emperour Frederick having by force reduced Milan to his obedience granted to his Chancellour Reynaldus Archbishop of Colen at his most earnest suit the same three Sacred Bodies which he transfer'd to Colen were he reposed them in the principall Church in which place they are to this day celebrated with great veneration 7. In such pious works did the Holy Empresse conclude her worldly pilgrimage The place of her death
is thus obscurely described by Eusebius The Tabernacle of her Body saith he was honourd with splendid funeralls For it was conducted with a great train of Guards to the principall place of the Empire and there buried in a Royall Sepulcher From which expression some collect that she was entomb'd at Constantinople Thus writes Socrates But Nicephorus better understood the sence of Eusebius writing thus when the end of Helenas life approached she deceased at Rome being fourscore years old wanting one where her Memory is most celebrious 8. Most probable therfore it is that after her Eastern pilgrimage she stayd not in Greece but with her Son or before him took her iourney to Rome to visit the Sepulchers of the two Cheif Apostles a devout practise frequented by former Christians but much more afterward and particularly by many of our Princes as will hereafter appeare 9. In which last voyage of hers that seems to have hapned which was related out of Gregory of Tours concerning her casting away into the Sea one of the Sacred Nayles belonging to the Holy Crosse by which means she was delivered from imminent danger of Shipwrack by a Tempest 10. We read in her life anciently written and conserved by Capgrave that she brought with her to Rome a part of the Holy Crosse which with great honour and veneration was placed in a Church at her request built by her Son and dedicated to the honour and called by the Title of the Holy Crosse. 11. There likewise is related with what fervour and devotion she spent her last dayes and how approaching to her death after receiving the Sacraments of the Church she was comforted with a vision of our Lord Iesus encompassed with a multitude of Angells and holding his Crosse shining with inexpressible brightnes 12. Eusebius moreover testifies how her Son Constantin was present at her death and with a diligent and humble respect attended and ministred to her in her sicknes in whose presence accompanied with his Sons and Grandchildren she declared her last will And Theodoret adds That she gave him many exhortations to Piety and bestowing on him such Benedictions as Parents usually at their death give to their children she departed this world to eternall Happines 13. The same Eusebius worthily extolls Constantin for his wonderfull piety and respect to his Holy Mother which was so great that he made her partner of the Empire giving her the Title of Empresse or Augusta and causing golden Coyns to be made and stamped with her Image An Example of one such is afforded by Baronius and another by Camden in one side of which is written Fl. Helena Augusta and on the other Securitas Provinciae S.T.R. Whereby it appears that she was transferred by Adoption into the Flavian family And hence we find that Sulpitius Severus wrote with truth that Helena Mother of the Emperour Constantin raign'd as Empresse together with her Son 14. After her death Constantin as Anastasius relates built unto her honour a magnificent Sepulcher Mausolaeum where in a Tomb of Porphyry he layd the Body of the most blessed Empresse his Mother Which Mausolaeum was situated in the High Way called Lavicana between the two Laurell trees Nicephorus affirms that after two years he caried her Body to Constantinople But constant Tradition assures us that at least the greatest part of it remained in the west Concerning the translation and veneraâ—ion of which together with a breif recapitulation of her whole story we read thus in the Gallican Martyrologe 15. At Rhemes and Orleans this day the eighteenth of August is celebrated the Memory of Saint Helena Empresse Mother of Constantin who having been confirm'd in the Faith by the Holy Pope Silvester enioyed so great a happines that by a singular Grace of God she saw her Son enlightned with true Piety to become the first Emperour who openly profess'd and courageously maintain'd our most Holy Religion By his assistance and wonderfull munificence she performed illustrious works to promote the Worship of Christ. For incited by piety she took a journey to Ierusalem where miraculously she found the Crosse of our Lord together with the nayles She cleansed the sacred places from the filth of Heathenish and Iewish superstitions and adorn'd them with splendid buildings and Gifts Moreover out of a zeale to emulate the vertue of Humility so acceptable to Christ she would needs her self attend serve and minister to the Sacred Virgins whom she intertain'd at a Feast Afterwards at Rome she built the Church of the Holy Crosse which she enrich'd with a portion of the said saving Crosse. And out of the same religious propension to adorn Gaule also she built at Orleans the principall Church in veneration of Christ crucified Whose seamlesse Garment likewise together with many other monuments of our Redemption she sent to Triers there to be devoutly venerated At last after so many illustrious works of Piety perform'd all the world over she quietly slep'd in Christ whose glory she had with such fervent zeale exalted and was buried in a sepulcher of Porphyry at Rome under the patronage of S. Peter and S. Marcellinus In after times being illustrious by many Miracles and some of which she had performed in her life time her Sacred Body was translated into France by Theogisus a Monk and placed in the Monastery call'd Hauteville where it has been illustrated by great numbers of Miracles and there it still continues in great veneration Excepting some particles therof which were sent to the principall Church at Orleans a great ornament and safeguard thereto where they are kep'd with becoming honour 16. There is extant at Rome in the Church of the Holy Crosse which was anciently call'd also the Church of S. Helena an illustrious Memoriall of her For at the Basis of her statue there is this Inscription To our Lady Flavia Iulia Helena the most pious Empresse Mother of our Lord Constantin the Great most clement Victor and always Augustus and Grand-mother of Constantin and Constans most blessed and flourishing Caesars Iulius Maximianus Count and Senatour always most devoted to her Piety hath made this monument And another Inscription almost paralell is to be seen at Naples erected anciently by the Senate and people there 17. It is not to be doubted but that our Island of Brittany was at least as much devoted to her honour and memory as any other countreys But all Monuments rais'd in the times of the ancient Brittains have been consumed by age and miserable vicissitudes succeeding However in following ages the Saxons assoon as they became Converts to Christianity in severall places express'd their devotion to this most Pious Empresse For both among the Trinobantes and in the North and likewise in Berkshire there is a Town call'd Helenstow from a Church there dedicated to her Memory And at Bedford an illustrious Lady call'd Iudith built a Monastery for Religious Virgins which she consecrated to S. Helena
be found in the Martyrologes of Canisius and of England as likewise in the Offices of a world of particular Churches which celebrate their memory as shall be shew'd hereafter And it must be ascrib'd to a miraculous Providence or Revelation that they have not utterly perished And thus having premis'd these generall observations touching this blessed Army of Saints we will now prosecute their Voyage XXII CHAP. 1.2 c. The story of the Martyrdom of S. Vrsula and the eleaven thousand Virgins 10.11 S. Cordula out of fear hides herself but next day returns and is Martyred 1. THE History of the Martyrdom of these glorious Virgins though for the substance of it attested by a world of particular Churches through all the Regions of Christendom yet has been so corrupted by the prodigious fictions of vain Writers even in more ancient times that some doe question whether ever there were any such persons at all and doubt not but the Legend of their Martyrdom is false The rather because the Writers of that age of the age immediatly following Gildas and S. Beda doe not in their Histories make any expresse mention of them 2. But as for Gildas his design to bewayle the generall destruction of the Brittish state and to declare the horrible crimes overspreading the Nation which provok'd Almighty God to give them up to the fury of a barbarous people which though ignorant of Gods Law yet was lesse stain'd with vices against the Law of Nature and reason then the other This considered no wonder if tying himself to his present subject he did not in so short yet comprehensive a narration involve occurrents hapning abroad Yet as hath been declared he has expressions which seem intended to describe in a generall way this particular matter deserving to be the sole argument of the Penn of a ready Writer 3. And as for S. Beda it is no wonder if his History intended only to relate the affaires of the Saxons does not recount such particular occurrents of the Brittains Notwithstanding in other Treatises he twice expressly mentions the celebration of the Memory of eleaven thousand Virgin Martyrs suffring for their Faith and Chastity at Colen to wit in his Martyrologe and in his Ephemeris So that his authority and testimony alone living so neer these times and being so wel vers'd in Ecclesiasticall Antiquities does render the truth of their story in grosse unquestionable 4. The particular Narration of which shall here be nakedly set down according to the consent of most of our Writers For as for the pretended Revelations of S. Elizabeth wherin we are told of an unheard of Pope Cyriacus of Iames a Patriark of Antioch of Seaven Bishops and eleaven Kings all these Brittains and accompanying S. Vrsula in her voyage as likewise of their wandring and sporting three years upon the Sea c. These things though formerly thrust into the Lessons of the Roman Breviary yet upon serious examination and correction of it by three Popes are now cast out as impertinent and uncertain Tales we following so great an authority will likewise neglect them 5. The plain and simple Narration of their Gests therefore is this S. Vrsula and her eleaven thousand chast companions chosen out of all the Provinces of Brittany together with a great but uncertain number of attendants partly to avoy'd the fury of Barbarous Saxons wasting their countrey and partly to goe to their design'd Husbands expecting them in Armorica in the year of our Lord four hundred fifty three saild out of their port in Brittany and pursuing their voyage Westward and toward the South by contrary winds and Tempests were not only stopp'd in their course but driven backward and forced to shelter themselves at the entrance of the Rhene into the Sea 6. At this time infinit numbers of Hunns Gepids Russians and other barbarous Nations of the North both by land and Sea vexed Germany and Gaule as the Writers of that age unanimously testify And by Gods speciall Providence who intended to match these Holy Virgins to a Spouse incomparably better then their parents had design'd them to in the same station where they took harbour a great Navy of those savage Pirats lay floating so that there was no possibility for them to escape 7. They are therefore seis'd upon by these Pirats among whom were mingled great numbers of the old Enemies of Brittany the Picts for the cheif Captains of this fleet are said to have been Gaunus a Hunn and Melga a Pict Being thus become Captives they are in boats conveyed up the Rhene as far as Colen where their generall forces were encamped and as some Writers affirm had beseig'd that Citty 8. When they were arriv'd thither and encompass'd with innumerable multitudes of Savages hating Christian Religion and brutish in their sensuall lusts both their Faith and chastity are at once assaulted and no means either by allurements or threatnings are left unattempted to expugnate their chast breasts In this extremity S. Vrsula with flaming words exhorts her companions to contemn death to sacrifice their chast soules and bodies to their celestiall Bridegrome and willingly to follow him who now calls them to receive eternall crowns of glory She tells them that in this conflict though their enemies be never so many strong and cruell yet that themselves were unconquerable unlesse they would willingly yeild up the victory c. 9. With this Exhortation the minds of these holy Virgins become so full of courage that they think their Executioners delay their death too long Insomuch as among so vast a multitude of tender maids not one single person was found which either out of hope or fear yeilded to the wills of the barbarous soldiers They all willingly offer their necks and breasts to the enemies swords which with unheard of cruelty are employ'd to exterminate from the earth so many immaculate soules not one of which by a miraculous care of Almighty God suffred any violation in their bodies 10. Onely one there was among them which though she did not yeild to the barbarous Enemies yet out of a naturall fear of death sought by hiding her self to delay it Her name was Cordula Yet she the next morning came to the place where her companions bodies lay massacred and condemning her former cowardlines willingly offred her self to her persecutours professing publickly her Faith and chastity And thus though she came late to receive her Crown with her companions yet her courage seem'd now greater in that she expos'd her self single to the fury of an innumerable multitude of savage enemies Her memory is thus particularly celebrated in the Roman Martyrologe on the day following the Martyrdom of S. Vrsula and the rest At Colen on the tenth of the Calends of November is solemniâ—'d the memory of S. Cordula who being one of the companions of S. Vrsula after she had in a fright to see their cruell massacre hid her self afterwards repenting she voluntarily came forth
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
the Holy Bishop David the glory of Brittany the Father of his countrey is this day dead he has escaped out of the prison of his body and is flown to heaven Beleive me I my self have seen a multitude of Angels conducting him in to the joy of his Lord and our Lord himself at the entrance of Paradice hath crownd him with glory and honour Know also that Brittany which is depriv'd of so great a light will a long time mourn the absence of so powerfull a Patron He it was who oppos'd himself to the sword of our Lord which was half drawn out for the destruction of that nation in revenge of their sins and impenitence Now will God deliver up Brittany to strange Nations which know him not and Pagans shall empty the Island of its inhabitants Christian Religion shall be utterly dissipated in it till the time prefix'd by God be ended But after that it shall through the mercies of our Lord be restor'd to its former state yea to a far better and happier How true this Prophecy of S. Kentigern was the following Story will demonstrate 7 S. David was buried in his own Church of Menevia which saith Geffrey of Monmouth he had loved above all other Monasteries of his Diocese because S. Patrick who had prophecied of his Nativity had been the founder of it He adds that it was by the command of Malgo King of the Venedotae that he was there buried And that after five hundred years he was solemnly canoniz'd by Pope Calixtus the second of that name The Church in which he was buried was dedicated to S. Andrew but in succeeding times took S. David for the Patron by whose name it and the whole Diocese was call'd S. Davids 8. The Memory of his Sanctity was so precious that within a few years after his death the visiting of his Church was a great devotion of those times S. Oudoceus Successour of S. Theliau in the Bishoprick of Landaff after a Pilgrimage to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostâ—es at Rome made another to the Church of S. David And afterward when any one had a desire to goe in devotion to Rome and was hindred either by the difficulties or dangers of the iourney he might equall the merit of such a pilgrimage by twice visiting the Church of S. Davids as appears by a Dâ—stick common in those times expressing so much Such was either the pious credulity of that age or perhaps that compensation was allow'd by Popes 9. The Successour of S. David in the Bishoprick of Menevia was called Kinoc or Cenac who was translated thither from the See of S. Patern But his and many of his Successours Gests have been buried in obscurity for the Name of Saint David did so fill the Church of Menevia for severall ages that the mention of his successours has been omitted XXI CHAP. 1.2.3 Death of King Otta and K. Cerdic 1. BEcause we would not discontinue the Gests of the famous Bishop S. David we have pursued them severall years beyond the date and season whereto we are arrived in the Generall History of the Ecclesiasticall state of Brittany Which disorder hereafter also oft to be committed especially in the lives of particular Saints we expect will find pardon because therby a greater disorder will be avoyded of delivering their actions peece-meale and by shreds to the Readers prejudice We will therefore return to the place from which we made this diversion 2. In the year of Grace five hundred thirty two Otta King of Kent dyed leaving his Son Irmeric Successour in his Kingdom who was illustrious for nothing more then in that he was Father to the glorious and happy King Ethelhert the first Christian King among the Saxons 3. Two years after dyed also Cerdic King of the West-Saxons in the sixteenth year of his Raign to whom succeeded his Son Kenric in all his Dominions except the Isle of Wight which he left to his Sisters Son Witgar whom he dearly lov'd both for propinquity of blood and military skill XXII CHAP. 1.2 c Of S. Iohn a Brittish Saint in France 4.5 c. Of S. Mochia a Brittish Saint in Ireland 1. IN our ancient English Martyrologe the death of a Holy Brittish Preist is assignâ—d to the year five hundred thirty â—eaven His name was Iohn and his fame was more celebrated in forrain Nations then his own The great commotions of Brittany and barbarous cruelty of the Saxons compelled great numbers to seek means of serving God abroad which they could not find at home Among whom this Holy Preist Iohn was one who retir'd himselfe into France and thoâ—gâ— he spent his liâ—e iâ— solitude and prayer in the Province of Tours yet it pâ—eas'd God by a miracle after his death to 〈◊〉 known his Sanctity Which Miracle I shâ—â—ld scarce have mention'd in this History were it not that I find it related by a famous Bâ—shop S. Gregory oâ— Tours in whose Provâ—nce thiâ— Holy Preist liv'd and who might himself have been an eye-witnes oâ— it The relation given by him is as followeth 2. Not far from this Church of Caâ—on rests the sacred Holy of a certain Preist named Iohn He was by Nation a Bâ—ittain and living here with great devotion and piety our Lord was pleas'd by 〈◊〉 miraculously to restore health to many He the better to attend to divine love avoyded the â—ight of men confining himself to a little Cell â—nd Oratory over against the Church of Caâ—on â—here 〈◊〉 a little Orchard cultivated by himself he had planted a few lawrel-trees which now are â—o encreased that the boughs of them being drawn â—ogether arch-â—ise doe afford a very pleasing â—hade Vnder those laurels his custom was to sit reading or writing as he thought fit After his death among the said trees whose wide-stretch'd branches made a very commodious shade there was one which through age was quite withered Then he to whom the care of the place was committed dâ—â—g'd up the roots of the said dry tree and of the body of it hewed out a seat or bench upon which when he was weary or would seriously meditate on busines he was used to sitt After he had made such use of the said seat the space of two years or mâ—re a thought of remorse came into his heart I beleive by divine Inspiration which forced him to say Alas Sinner that I am â—hy doe I for mine own convenience make use of a seat fram'd of the tree which so holy a Preist planted with his oâ—n hand Having said this he presently took a â—â—ade and digging a deâ—p hole in the ground presently he putt the seat into it after he had cutt off the â—eet which supported it and then cover'd it with earth Now behold a great wonder The very next spring this dry bench thus buried as hath been said sprouted forth into green branches as the other treese did which prosper'd so well that at this day there are proceeded
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
moreover ambition and revenge had such power over him that they invited him to commit crimes which hastned the ruine of his countrey Hence it is that Gildas calls him the Tyrant of Danmonia Tyrant by reason of his cruelty and Tyrant of one onely Province because severall others at the same time had invaded each one their severall Principalities and for the maintaining of their unjustly usurp'd power fill'd the whole nation with all manner of crimes and impiety 4. This gave occasion to the same Gildas to write and publi'sh a passionate Invective against the vices of the whole Brittish Nation which had universally deprav'd the inhabitants of all states and conditions excepting a few exceeding few who seing destruction unavoydably coming on the Nation sequestred themselves from publick affaires and in solitude deplor'd the sins of others and by great austerities and pennances procur'd indulgence to their own soules 5. In former times saith he our Kings publick Officers private persons Bishops and other Ecclesiasticks every one kept their order and perform'd the duties belonging to them But when they were dead Such as Ambrosius Vther-pendragon Arthur and likewise Dubricius David c. there succeeded a generation utterly ignorant of the former Vertues among whom all the rules of Truth and Iustice were so shaken and subverted that no foot-steps nor so much as the least monument of those vertues appeard in any of the foresaid orders and conditions c. 6. Constantin at his first ascending into his Throne bound himself by a solemn Oath to govern justly and to use his utmost endeavours to defend his subjects from injuries and oppressions and the common wealth from the violence of its enemies This appers because the year following we find him accused of perjury and violating his Faith given for his barbarous cruelty and sacrilegious profanation of Gods house 7. For two sons of Mordred saith Mathew of Westminster rose in arms against Constantin being desirous to revenge their Fathers death slain by King Arthur as hath been said These ioyning in a confederacy with the Saxons fought many battles with him But at last being compelled to flye Constantin pursued them and one he slew before the Altar of S. Amphibalus his Church in Winchester And the other who had hid himself in a certain Convent of Monks he condemned to a cruell death at London 8. For this Sacrilegious inhumanity Gildas in his too free stile calls Constantin the tyrannicall whelp of the Lyonnes of Danmonia an infringer of the dreadfull Sacrament of an Oath by which he bound himself before God and all his Saints to abstain from all injustice and treachery to his subjects notwithstanding which in the very bosoms both of their carnall Mother and the common Spiritual Mother the Church and nere unto the most Holy Altars he had torn the bowels of two Royal Youths though covered with the Vestment of a holy Abbot Sancti Abbatis amphibalo whilst they stretched forth their hands not armed with swords to resist but to implore help from God and his Altar notwithstanding all which he most barbarously shed their blood which with a purple dye stained the Seat of the Ecclesiasticall Sacrifice and the Sacred palls which covered it By which expression of Gildas it seems that these two children Sons of Mordred had not been guilty of raising war against Constantin but without any offence done by them had been murdred contrary to his â—ath 9. In consequence to which Invective the same Authour adioyns most pressing exhortations to Constantin that he would doe suitable pennance for these horrible crimes implore the Divine Mercy that if possible he might avoyd the dark inextricable torrents of eternall fires in which otherwise he must for ever be rolled and roasted 10. It is probable that this Zealous Writer who flourished at this time did personally use the like exhortations to him which he after recorded in his Book and that they wrought a good effect on him For though some of our Historians write that he was slain by Conan who succeeded in the Kingdom Yet Hector Boëtius relates how Constantin after a short raign having been deprived of his wife and children grew weary of his Kingdom and privily stealing from his freinds went into Ireland And that there for the love of Christ he laboured unknown like a poore servant in a Mill. But afterward by perswasion of a Monk to whom he had discovered his condition he was induced to shave his head and consecrate himself to a Religious life in a Monastery where he lived with such piety and devotion that he became a pattern of all vertues to the rest of the Monks That at last he was by the Prelat of that place sent in Mission to the Scotts to instruct that nation in the doctrin of Christ where he suffred Martyrdom by the hands of certain impious persons After some Ages he was venerated as a Saint and by the authority of succeeding Bishops Temples were dedicated to his honour which yet remain in that Nation 11. What is thus related by Boëtius receives a strong confirmation from the Authour of S. Davids life in Capgrave where we read That when the fame of S. Davids holines was spread abroad severall Princes forsaking their Kingdoms retired to his Monastery Likewise Constantin King of the Cornishmen which is the same Title with Rex Danmoniae in Gildas forsaking his Throne became a Monk there and after some time spent in the devout service of God he at last went into a far distant countrey where he built a Monastery II. CHAP. 1.2 c. S. Kentigern forced to flye into Wales where he founds a Monastery and Episcopall See Of Malgo a Prince who opposed him 1. BEfore we proceed to the Gests of Conan Successour to Constantin in the Kingdom of Brittany it will be requisite that we relate a great affliction and persecution which befell the famous and Holy Bishop Kentigern in the second year of the raign of the said Constantin His Birth Education consecration to the Bishoprick of Glasco with the defects attending it have been already declared 2. Now in pursuance of his succeding Gests Iohn of Tinmouth thus writes Certain Sons of Belial kinsmen to King Marke rose against the Saint conspiring his death Whereupon being admonished by Divine revelation he departed directing his journey to Menevia where the Holy Bishop David flourished with all vertues Near Caër-leon he converted many to the Faith and built a Church Being come to S. David he abode with him some time and received from the Prince of that Region Cathwallam a place commodious for a Monastery Which having erected at Egla Elwy he fixed there an Episcopall See Near that place there was a certain Noble man which often threatned and effectually endeavoured to expell him from thence whom God therefore smote with blindnes But upon the holy Bishops prayers his sight was restored for which he became
the remainder of his life which lasted many years in wonderfull abstinence and Sanctity Whereby it is manifest that the foresaid third Synod was not celebrated in his days since it is scarce possible that he being the third Bishop of that see should live till the fourteenth which was Berthguin He is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the sixth day before Nones of Iuly X. CHAP. 1.2 c. The Gests of the younger S. Gildas in Ireland and Brittany Of Saint Columba Of S. Brendan 1. WE have often had occasion in this History to cite testimonies from our famous Historian Gildas sirnamed Badonicus and Sapiens call'd also the Younger Gildas to distinguish him from S. Gildas Albanius whose Gests have bene formerly related Now because we are come beyond the times of those Brittish Princes which have been mention'd and in their foule colours painted by him it will be requisite to afford him a place here also and breifly to collect what we find in other Authours concerning him 2. By his own Testimony he was born in the year when the great battell was fought at the Mountain call'd Badonicus between the Brittains and Saxons in the time of King Aurelius Ambrosius to which Mountains the Saxons retiring were besieged by the Brittains and afterward in a battell discomfited This hapned in the year of Grace four hundred ninety three being the forty fourth year after the first entrance of the Saxons into Brittany 3. The Authour of his Life extant in the Monastery of Fleury in France from whence severall Extraits are afforded us by B. Vsher though in some passages thereof he mingle the Gests of the Ancient S. Gildas call'd Albanius with those of this Gildas yet in this which follows he reflects only on our present Gildas Badonicus sirnamed Sapiens whom he affirms to have bene a Disciple of S. Iltutus and after he had left him to have gone into Ireland The words are these Gildas having remained some years under the discipline of S. Ildutus by whom he was instructed perfectly and as far as God had enabled him to instruct him as well in Secular learning so much of it as was expedient as in the knowledge of Divine Scriptures at length taking leave of his pious Master and much reverenced fellow-disciples he went into Ireland Iren perrexit there more exactly to learn the opinions and dictats of other famous Schollars both in Philosophicall and Divine learning Having therefore pass'd through the Schooles of many learned Teachers and like a diligent Bee collected the iuyce of diverse flowers he layd it up carefully in the Hive of our Mother the Church to the end he might in opportune season poure forth the mellifluous words of the Gospell on his own countreymen and thereby draw them out of misery to eternall ioyes and like a good servant restore unto his Lord with advantage the Talent entrusted to him This which was his first iourney into Ireland was in the year of Grace five hundred and forty 4. Here this Authour calls Ireland by the ancient true name given it by Diodorus Siculus by whom it is stiled Ire and the inhabitants Iri and Irenses In which Island saith Bishop Vsher there flourish'd in this age the Schooles of Armagh wherin the Elder Gildas had presided when he laboured piously in cultivating the minds of the Irish. In which employment probably the younger Gildas also succeeded him However certain it is that in that countrey he like a busy and carefull Bee did not only collect sweet iuyce but a sharp sting likewise which he afterward darted forth against the vices of his own countrey But with the inhabitants of Ireland he dealt more mildly for as the forecited Authour testifies he restor'd discipline in the Ecclesiasticall Order he gather'd many congregations of Monks and likewise mercifully deliver'd from the slavery of Pagans many captives 5 How long his abode in Ireland continued doth not appear in ancient Records but certain it is that he return'd into Brittany where as we may judge by his writings he found small comfort and encouragement to porue forth the honey which he had gather'd in Ireland such were the calamities and confusions raigning there vices and miseries contending which should exceed the other So that his almost only employment was to bewayl the destruction of his countrey hastning on and by publishing the crimes especially of the Rulers both secular and Ecclesiasticall to justiâ—y the severity of God to have been beneath their demerits and provocations 6. But in the year of our Lord five hundred sixty two he was by a double message and invitation from Ireland interrupted in his sad thoughts and withdrawn from beholding such mournfull spectacles as every where in Brittany offred themselves to his eyes The first Message came from persons of quality in Ireland and is thus related by Adamannus in the life of S. Columba The Seniours of Ireland by faithfull messengers sent an Epistle to S. Gildas by Nation a Saxon we must read a Brittain to the end to entertain a mutuall entercourse of charity between them And when he had read over their letters and held in his hand an Epistle written to him from S. Columba he presently kiss'd it adding these words He who wrote this Epistle is a man replenish'd with the Graces of Gods holy spirit Thereupon one of the Messengers said It is true what you say Yet notwithstanding this holy man has been censur'd by a Synod in Ireland because in extreme necessity and danger of death he commanded his kindred and countreymen to resist by fighting a violence offred them S. Gildas having hear'd S. Columba thus reprehended answerd What a foolish imprudent and ignorant people are your countreymen in Ireland 7. Thus is the first message declared in which that clause which concerns S. Columba's action unjustly censured by the Bishops of Ireland shall shortly be cleared when we are to treat of that holy mans coming into Brittany the cause whereof was the said censure 8. The second Message ioynd with an invitation which about the same time came to Saint Gildas was directed from a King in that countrey named Ammeric And it is thus described by the Authour of S. Gildas his life in the Library of the Monastery of Fleury At that time King Ammeric raignd over all Ireland He also sent messengers to Saint Gildas requesting him to come to him withall promising that if he would undertake that iourney and restore to good Order the Ecclesiasticks in his Kingdom wherin generally the Catholick Faith it self was decayed both himself and his subjects should in all things be obedient to him When Gildas heard this he like a valiant soldier throughly furnished with celestiall arms presently-went into Ireland there to preach the Gospell of Christ. 9. Being come thither he was presented to the King by certain Noble persons who had formerly been acquainted with him Assoon as King Ammeric saw him he gave him many gifts and with
Columba into Brittany Ceaulin and Cutha mov'd a Civill war against Ethelbert But Malmsbury and Huntingdon acknowledge Ethelbert King of Kent to have been the aggressour For it seems being vex'd to see the Dominions and power of Ceaulin King of the West-Saxons so much encreas'd for besides his own Territoryes immediatly subiect to him the other Saxon Princes in the East and South acknowledged a dependance so that Ceaulin assum'd the Title of Monark Hereupon Ethelbert a valiant Young Prince being mindfull of the glory of his Ancestours who first had establish'd a Kingdom in Brittany and had always enjoyd a preeminence above other Princes resolved to enlarge the bounds of his Empire and not to content himself with the only Province of Kent 2. In pursuance of which design he rais'd an Army and with it march'd out of his own confines into the Province of the Regni or Surrey where passing unwarily over a little River calld Vandalis he was rudely repuls'd by Ceaulin and again endeavouring to march forward the Armies mett at a Village calld Wibbandun now Wimbledon where he was with a great slaughter of his army compelld to fly back into Kent having lost in the combat his two Cheif Captains Oslaf and Knebban Near the place where the battell was fought remains still a Monument of it to wit a rampire rais'd in a round form as encompassing a Camp which is at this day calld Knebensbury or the Burg of Kneben 3. Ethelbert after this losse sought to strengthen himself by forrain aid for which purpose he treated a freindship and confederacy with the neigbouring powerfull Kingdom of the Franks to make which confederacy more lasting he desired to joyn it more strictly by mariage which accordingly was effected 4. Hitherto when we had occasion to mention that Kingdom we calld it Gaule which was its ancient Primitive name But afterward a Nation out of Germany calld Franks invading it and under King Pharamond possessing the greatest part of it changed the name of it from Gaule into France and so hereafter we shall call it The Successours of Pharamond for severall generations were Pagans till by the Apostolick zeale of Saint Remigius Bishop of Rhemes in the year of Grace four hundred ninety nine King Clodovéus was converted to the Christian Faith and with him the greatest part of his kingdom Which Faith ever after continued and encreased there 5. At this time that Kingdom was divided into four parts each of them severally governed by four Kings Sons of Clotharius and Grandchildren of Clodovéus Charibert the Eldest Son had the seat of his Kingdom at Paris Chilperic at Soissons Gunthram at Orleans and Sigebert at Rhemes Now a daughter of one of these did Ethelbert King of Kent marry but of which of them particularly is not mention'd in our Story Saint Beda indefinitly writes that she was daughter of a King of the Franks 6. The name of this Lady according to S. Beda Malmsburiensis c. was Berta But S. Gregory who liv'd in this age and had entercourse by letters with her more rightly calls her Aldiberga and adiudges great praise due to her in the conversion of the Saxons 7. The parents of this Lady made a difficulty to deliver a daughter professing the Christian Faith to the bed of a Pagan But Ethelbert engaging himself to allow her and her family an entire freedom publickly to professe her Religion and to exercise all the Sacred Rites belonging to it the mariage was concluded and the Lady sent into Brittany 8. She was attended by a prudent and devout Christian Bishop called Lethardus by Harpsfeild said to have been Bishop of Salvanort but he doubts there is an errour in the Copies where this unknown name is found This Bishop is in Capgrave stiled the Precursor of S. Augustin and one who opened the dore by which he brought in Christianity 9. There were then in Dorobernia the prime Citty of Kent since calld Canterbury severall Churches which had been built many ages before by Christians in the times of the Romans and which had not been utterly demolish'd by the Saxons Among which the Queen made choice of that which was dedicated to the honour of Saint Martin a holy Bishop in wonderfull veneration through all France For thus writes Saint Beda There was near to the Citty toward the East a Church anciently consecrated to the memory of S. Martin whilst the Romans inhabited Brittany In which Church the Queen who as hath been said was a Christian usually perform'd her devotions 10. What those Devotions were is thus more particularly express'd by the Authour of the life of the Holy Bishop Lethardus in Capgrave who writes thus In the most ancient Church of the Holy Bishop S. Martin situated near the Citty the Queen together with her Christian family did frequent the Sacraments of Masses and Prayers in the celebrating whereof the Blessed Bishop Lethardus was President or Cheif Prelat For the saying or singing of Masses were indeed the Solemn Devotions of the Church in those times as appears for as much as concerns France particularly the Native countrey of this Queen by the Councils of Orleans and Tours celebrated in these very times And this is acknowledged to have been the generall practise of this age by the Centuriators of Magdeburg who write thus The reader hereby may observe that the Solemnities of Masses did now fill all places And for as much as concerns Brittany we have already shewd that among the Northern Picts S. Columba knowing by revelation the death of S. Brendan in Ireland celebrated a Solemne Masse for his soule XIV CHAP. 1.2 King Ceaulins conquests and death 3. c. The Kingdom of the East Saxons Erected 1. THE two Saxon Kings in Kent and the Western parts did not prosecute their hatred against one another but esteemd it more for their advantage to enlarge their Dominions by invading the Provinces as yet in the possession of the Brittains In order whereto Ceaulin King of the West-Saxons who had hitherto employ'd his forces in the conquest of places bordring especially on the Sea sent his Brother Cutha or Cuthwolf with an army into the inland Provinces The Successe of which expedition is thus described by Florentius and which saith he was undertaken in the year of Grace five hundred seaventy one 2. Cuthulf the Brother of King Ceaulin fought with the Brittains in a place calld Bedanford or Bedford And having obtaind the Victory he took from them four Royal Citties to wit Linganburgh a place now unknown Egelesburgh now calld Aylsbury in Buckinghamshire Bensingtun or Benson in Oxfordshire and Egnesham where placed is uncertain After which victory he the same year departed this life 3. In the year five hundred seaventy five was erected the Kingdom of the East Angles in Norfoll Suffolk and Cambridgshire together with the Isle of Ely The name of the first King raigning there was Vffa from whom his
Offrings to the Church of Tours and of Saint Martins and some to the Church of Mans. This was the substance of her Will and a few months after spent with sicknes she departed this life by orders left in writing having given freedom to many of her servants At her death she was as I conjecture seaventy years old By the vertues devotion and charity of this good Queen we may collect that Aldiburga her daughter at least unquestionably her neer kinswoman brought the like into Brittany XXII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Saxon Heptarchy or Seaven Kingdoms of the Saxons in Brittany with their respective limits and Princes at this time when S. Augustin came to convert our Nation 1. THE next thing that occurrs in our Ecclesiasticall Records touching Brittany is the rising of the Sun of righteousnes upon it by the Light whereof the darknes of Idolatry and Pagan superstition was dispelled and a new seed of pious Princes zealous Bishops immaculate Virgins devout Monks and multitudes of all sorts far excelling in all Christian vertues and Graces the late Brittish inhabitants sprung up and flourished to the admiration of all other Christian Churches insomuch as that from this time Brittany began to deserve the Title afterwards annexed to it of being called The Isle of Saints 2. But before I relate how and by what degrees the foundations of so great a Happines were layd it will be expedient to give a generall prospect at one view of the present state of Brittany how the Provinces were divided into severall Saxon-Goverments and what Princes ruled in each 3. It is agreed generally among our Writers that the Day-star of Christianity at least bâ—gan to shine in Brittany in the year of Grace five hundred ninety six for then the Apostolick Messengers from Rome received their Mission from the most worthy Successour of Saint Peter S. Gregory the Great in the seaventh year of his Pontificate and begun their iourney towards our Island though they did not arrive here till the year following 4. Now at that time the Saxon Heptarchy was established in Brittany for all the Provinces of it excluding the Northern Kingdoms of the Scotts and Picts with the Western parts called Cambria or Wales possessed by the Brittains and likewise Cornwall not yet wholly subdued by the Saxons were entirely under the dominion of the Angli and Saxons and having been by degrees conquered by severall Princes and Captains out of Germany which were independent of one another each one challenged his conquest and governed the Provinces subdued by him as his own lawfull right possessions though some of them proving lesse powerfull and confind within narrower limits then others in a short time were forced to demand protection and consequently acknowledge some dependance on their more powerfull neighbours 5. The Kings so governing each his respective portion were in number Seaven Their Names and Provinces were as followeth in order according to the antiquity of each Kingdom 6. First Ethelbert was then in the thirty sixth year of his Raign over the Kingdom of Kent He was Son of Irmeric Son of Otha Son of Eska Son of Hengist who founded that Kingdom in the year of Grace four hundred fifty seaven His Kingdom containd the County of Kent as it is at this day bounded without any considerable difference 7. Next over the Southsaxons which Kingdom comprised Sussex and Surrey raignd Edilwalch the Son of Cissa the Son of Ella who established that Kingdom in the year four hundred ninety one Then was the seaventh year of Edilwalch's raign 8. Thirdly the Kingdom of the West-Saxons was now the fifth year possessed by Celrick Brothers Son to Ceaulin Son of Kenric Son of Cerdic founder of that Kingdom in the year of our Lord five hundred and nineteen Within whose Dominions were comprehended Hantshire Berkshire Wiltshire Somerset Dorsetshire Devonshire and part of Cornwal 9. Next over the East-Saxons Sebert then was in the first year of his Raign He was Son of Sledda Son of Erkenwin who in the year of Grace five hundred twenty seaven founded that Kingdom containing Essex Middlesex and so much of Hartfordshire as is under the Bishop of Londons Iurisdiction whose Diocese is adequate to this Kingdom 10. After this was the Kingdom of the Northumbers to which belonged whatsoever lyeth between Humber and Edenborough-Frith It was sometimes subdivided into two Kingdoms of Bernicia and Deira Bernicia contain'd Northumberland with the South of Scotland to Edenborough and Deira consisted of part of Lancashire with the entire counties of York Durham Westmorland and Cumberland The whole Kingdom at this time was governed by Ethelfrid in the fourth year of his Raign Who was Son of Edelric Son of Alla Son of Ida who founded that Kingdom in the year of our Lord five hundred forty seaven 11. After this was the Kingdom of the East-Angles containing Norfolk Suffolk Cambridgshire with the Isle of Ely and some part of Bedfordshire At that time Redwald had been four years King thereof who was Son of Titillus Son of Vffa esteem'd the first King and founder of it in the year of Grace five hundred seaventy five 12. The last though largest of the Saxon Heptarchy was the Kingdom of the Mercians so call'd because being seated in the middle of the Island it was the Marches or Limits on which the other Kingdoms did border It comprehended the whole Counties of Lincoln Northampton RutlaÌ„d Huntingdoâ— Buckingham Oxford Worcester Warwick Darby Nottingham Leicester Stafford Chester Glocester Part of Lancashire Herefordshire Shropshire and Bedfordshire At this time when S. Augustin the Monk was sent by Pope Gregory to the Conversion of the Saxons the King or at least Cheif Governour of Mercia was Wibba son of Crida who layd the foundations of it in the year of our Lord five hundred eighty five 13. These were the Kings raigning in Brittany when Almighty God from heaven visited it by sending Apostolicall men to teach the blind Inhabitants the wayes to glory and Happines And these were the limits of their respective kingdoms Which limits notwithstanding were in continuall motion varying according to the successe good or bad of the Princes invading as oft they did the bounds of their Neighbours And among these seaven Kings commonly one was most puissant overruling the rest who stiled himself King of the English Nation Which supereminence Ethelbert King of Kent at this time enjoyd to whom the Word of life was first offred and by him thankfully accepted as shall consequently be declared 14. Now since in the poursuit of our History we are to give an Account of occurrents relating to another new Government and Church in Brittany being little concerned hereafter in the affaires of the Brittains themselves We will therefore in the following Books denote the Succession of times not by the Brittish but Saxon Kings in whose raigns they shall happen respectively And though at this time in the Saxon Heptarchy the Kingdom of Kent was both the most powerfull
years When he was arrived at the fourteenth year of his age he in his affection preferd a Monastical life before a secular Which having discovered to his Father for his Mother was then dead he willingly approved his vertuous and heavenly desires advising him to pursue his good beginnings 3. He went therefore to the Isle of Lindesfarn where he committed himself to the direction and government of the Monks and was carefull to learn and practise such duties of Chastity and piety as belonged to that Profession And being of a sharp witt he quickly learnt the Psalms and other Books before he had yet received the Tonsure but in the vertues of Humility and Obedience he excelled those who had long before received it For which he was deservedly loved and reverenced both by his equals and seniours 4. It seems that whilst he lived in that Monastery he had not engaged himself in a Monasticall Profession for it follows in the same Authour Having spent some years in the said Monastery in Gods service he being of a peircing iudgment observed is young as he was that the way of vertue and piety taught by the Scots was not perfect therefore he resolved in his mind to undertake a iourney to Rome there to see what Ecclesiastical and Monasticall Rites were observed at the See Apostolick This his intention he having discovered to his Brethren they commended his purpose perswading him effectually to accomplish it 5. Thereupon without delay he went to Queen Eanfleda the Wife of King Oswâ— and daughter of Edwin by Ethelburga Sister of Eadbald King of Kent to whom he was well known for by her counsel and assistance he had been recommended to the foresaid Monastery To her therefore he made known his desire to visit the Monuments of the Holy Apostles She was much pleased with the good purpose of the young man and sent him to her Kinsman Earcombert King of Kent desiring him to assist him honourably in his iourney to Rome At that time the Arch-bishop there was Honorius one of the Disciples of Blessed Pope Gregory a man profoundly skillfull in Ecclesiasticall affairs 6. During the short time of his abode in Kent where he began studiously to inform himself in the things he cheifly desird there arrived another young man calld Bishop whose Sirname was Benedict born of Noble English parents who also had a desire to goe to Rome To his company therefore the King associated Wilfrid commanding him to take him along with him When they were come to Lyons Wilfrid was there detaind by Dalfâ—n Bishop of that Citty so that Benedict dispatched the rest of the iourney alone For that pious Prelat was much delighted with Wilfrids prudence in speech comelines of countenance alacrity in behaviour and maturity of iudgment insomuch as he supplyed both him and his companions as long as they stayd with him with all things plentifully and moreover offred him if he pleased to accept it a good part of the countrey to be governed by him and his Neice a virgin to be his wife so that he would account of him as his adopted son But he rendring him most humble thanks for the extraordinary goodnes shewed to him being a stranger told him that he had resolved upon a quite different state of life and that for that reason having left his countrey he had undertaken a iourney to Rome The Bishop having heard this dismissed him to his iourney furnishing him with a guide and all things necessary thereto but withall earnestly desired him in his return to his countrey to visit him once more 7. Being arrived at Rome he with wonderfull diligence applied himself to his Devotions and to the study of Ecclesiasticall matters as he had purposed and had the happines to attain to the freindship of a very holy man called Bonifacius who was Arch-deacon and one of the Popes Counsellors By his direction he learnt the four Gospells by heart likewise the true Method of the Paschall Computation and many other things pertaining to Ecclesiasticall Discipline which in his own countrey none could have taught him 8. After he had spent some monthes happily in these studies he returned back to the Bishop Dalfin in France with whom he remaind three years receiving the Ecclesiasticall Tâ—nsure of him and was so tenderly loved by him that he had a design to make him his heyr But this design was interrupted by the cruell death of the good Bishop and Wilfrid reserved to a Bishoprick at home For the Queen Brunichildâ— sending soldiers coÌ„manded the Bishop to be slain whom Wilfrid his clark attended to the place where he was beheaded desiring to dye with him though the Bishop earnestly desired him to leave him But the Executioners knowing him to be a stranger born in Brittany spared him and would not kill him with his Bishop XIX CHAP. 1. Saint Bathildis excused from the murder of Dalfin Bishop of Lyons 2. Ebroin Maire of the Palace guilty of it 3. Saint Bathildis her Piety she founded two Monasteries and retired into one 4. c. She came out of Brittany of a Saxon race 1. THVS writes S Beda But whereas in most of the printed Copies the death of this holy Bishop is imputed to Queen Brunichilda it is certain that cannot consist with Chronology for though she was infamous for the murders of severall Princes and Bishops as Desiderius Bishop of Vienna c. yet about forty years before this time she had received her condign punishment for her cruelties Therefore in the ancient Manuscripts and one ancient printed Copy we more correctly read in stead of Brunichildis Baldhildiâ— or Bathildis who was indeed at this time Queen of France But withall a Queen of such admirable piety and Sanctity that it is a wonder how S. Beda and severall of our Historians following him could be so misinformed as to brand her memory with a crime of so high a nature who in the story of her life is said to have been obedient to her Husband King Clodoveus the second as her Lord to have behaved her self to the Princes as a Mother and to Bishops as a daughter 2. To rectify this mistake therefore we are to observe from Sigebert and the French History that in this age the Kings of France had suffred their whole Regall Power to remain in the hands of their cheif Officer called Maâ—r of the Palace so that the Kings lived idlely and voluptuously within dores only on the first of May they came abroad in ceremony to salute and be saâ—uted to receive and bestow Gifts c. only enjoying the Name of Kings Now at this time the Mair of the Palace was Ebroinus a man of horrible cruelty and injustice and who was indeed Authour of this sacrilegious murther though in appearance done by the Royal authority in whose name the command issued The King of France at present was Lothaire a child and therefore no wonder if Bathildis the Queen his Mother who either knew not or
proceeded out of the same family S. Edilburga the naturall daughter of King Anna Saint Sedrido daughter to King Anna's wife Hereswida by another husband and Saint Eartongatha neice to them both being daughter to Earcombert King of Kent and his wife Saint Sexburga These three Holy Virgins though they dyed in severall years yet since Saint Beda ioyns them together we will here follow his example placing their Gests this year of Grace six hundred and sixty in which S. Sedrido according to our Martyrologe dyed 3. They all out of a desire of a more strict and perfect life went over into France by reason that as yet there were not in Brittany many Monasteries for Religious Virgins and there betook themselves to the Monastery of Saint Phara whom formerly Saint Columban had instructed in Piety and a love of Christian Perfection The relation which Saint Beda gives of them is as followeth 4. Eartongatha the daughter of King Earcombert and S. Sexburga was a Virgin of eminent vertues as became the offspring of such parents She spent her life in our Lords service in a Monastery of France built by the most illustrious Abbesse S. Phara in a place called Brige or Brye For at that time by reason there were not many Monasteries erected in Brittany it was the custome for many parents in this Island to send over their daughters into French Monasteries there to be instructed in piety and consecrated to our Lord especially in the Monasteries of Brige Cale or Chelles and Andilegum In the number of such noble Virgins so sent into France was Sedrido daughter of the wife of Anna King of the East-angles and likewise Edilburga a naturall daughter of the same King Both these Virgins for the merit of their vertues though strangers were constituted Abbesses of the Monastery of Brye now called Pharmonstier And hence may those Writers be corrected who place Saint Sedrido in the Monastery of Chelles which as yet was not built by the Holy Queen S. Bathildis 5. Therefore Andrew Saussay in his Martyrologe on the seaventh of December truly writes concerning Saint Phara and these Virgins after this manner The Father of Saint Phara being at last better advised built for her a Monastery in the forest of Brye in a place then called Eboriacum but afterwards it took the name of Pharmonstier from the said Holy Abbesse She being settled there by the odour of her Sanctity drew many other devout Virgins thither over whom she becoming a Mother excelled them more in Grace and vertue then in her preeminence and dignity And indeed so great was the some of her Sanctity that great numbers of Noble Virgins yea and Princesses out of all the Provinces of France yea Germany England and Ireland contended to be there received and to those being inflamed with Divine love she communicated her own vertues and Graces Among those devout Virgins the most renowned for Piety was Edilburga naturall daughter of Anna King of the East-angles who after the death of Saint Phara supplied her Office in the government of the Monastery and by the divine progresse of her life deserved to be inscribed in the number of Saints after her death Where succeeded her in the same Office her neece Saint Earthongatha daughter of Earcombert King of Kent a worthy branch and well beseeming so noble a Stock for she flourishing with eminent piety and vertue served our Lord there till her death in wonderfull purity both of body and Spirit 6. Our Martyrologe seems to make Saint Sedrido the immediate Abbesse of Pharmonstier after S Edilburga and after her S. Earthongatha is supposed to have succeeded though her name which is strange be there omitted And as touching S. Sedrido her commemoration in the French Martyrologe is on the tenth of Ianuary in these words On that day is celebrated the memory of S. Sethrida Virgin in the Monastery of S. Phara in the territory of Brye Who being an English Lady out of zâ—ale to Perfection came to the same Monastery where she professed a Religious state and having consummated the course of an Angelicall life upon earth departed to the heavenly society of Holy Virgins Her praises are written by venerable Beda 7. We must not here omitt what the same Saint Beda writes concerning S. Earthongata Many things are related very miraculous by the inhabitants of that territory concerning this Holy Virgin But we will onely mention breifly her death and the wonders succeeding it When the day approached in which she was to be called out of this world to eternall happines she went about the Monastery visiting the Celles of the Religious Virgins especially such as were more ancient and eminent for piety to whose prayers she humbly recommended her self not concealing from them that she was taught by revelation that her departure was at hand The manner of which revelation was sayd to be this She saw a great troop of men in white garments enter the Monastery and asking them what they sought for there their answer was That they were sent thither to receive and carry back with them a precious Medall of gold which came thither out of Kent Now on the same night toward the end whereof near break of day she passed from the darknes of this world to the heavenly Light many of the Monks whose lodgings were adioyning to the Monastery report that they heard distinctly a Melody of Angells singing and a noyse as it were of a great multitude entring the Monastery Whereupon going forth to see what the matter was they saw a wonderfull great Light from heaven in which that holy soule when delivered from the prison of her body was conducted to eternall ioyes They add many other wonders hapning the same night which we pursuing other matters leave to their relation 8. The Sacred body of the Virgin and Spouse of our Lord was buried in the Church of the Protomartyr S. Steven Three days after they having a mind to take up the Stone which covered her Sepulcher and raise it higher as they were busy about this a sweet odour of so wonderfull fragrancy evaporated from beneath that it seemd to the Religious men and Sisters there assisting as if a cellar full of precious bauâ—m was then opened Thus writes S. Beda touching S. Earthongata 9. And concerning S. Edilburga he addes Likewise S. Edilburga formerly mentioned the Aunt of S Earthongata by her Mother she likewise preserved the glory of perpetuall Virginity with great purity and perfection and of how eminent merits she was appeared yet more after her death In the time whilst she was Abbesse she began the building of a Church in the Monastery to the honour of all the Apostles where her desire was to be buried But death snatched her away before half the building was finished notwithstanding she was buried in the same place where she had desired After her death the Monks who had care of the Monastery employd their minds in other matters so
Anna heretofore King of that Nation had formerly built two Monasteries one for himself and the other for his Sister Edilburga His own Monastery was seated in the Province of Suderige or Surrey near the River Thames in a place called Ceorotesey that is the Island of Ceorot the present name is Chertsey His Sisters Monastery was in a place called Berekingham Barking in the Province of the East-Saxons where that Holy Virgin became a Mother and Nurse of many devout Virgins shewing her self worthy such a Brother being Zealous to advance the Spiritual perfection of those under her charge as severall Divine Miracles did testify 2. The fury of the pestilence wasting the countrey about invaded likewise this Monastery as well the part where the Virgins inhabited as that of the Monks which attended the Altar Whereupon the Holy Abbesse consulted with her Religious Subiects concerning a place commodious for the burial of the dead But receiving no resolution from them she purposed to expect an answer from God On a certain time therefore after they had ended their Midnight-devotions the Virgins going out of the Church to sing at the graves of the Monks on a sudden a wonderfull Light like a Sheet came over them wherewith they were so affrighted that they were forced to intermitt their Psalmody A little after the said light removed to the Southern part of the Monastery which lay west-ward from their Oratory and presently was taken up into heaven in the sight of them all insomuch as not any of them doubted but that the same light which was â—o conduct their Soules to glory marked also the place where their bodies were to expect a glorious Resurrection 3. The names of those Spouses of our Lord which out of this Monastery during this plague went to heaven are written in the Book of life S. Beda names only one before the death of S. Edilburga her name was Eadgida How she was called to her eternall reward he thus relates There was said he in the same Monastery a little boy not above three years old called Esica who by reason st his infant-age was bred up and taught by the Religious Virgins This child having been struck with the sayd infection and ready to dye called aloud to one of the said Virgins as if she had been present crying out Eadgid Eadgid Eadgid and with these words ended his present life and entred into life eternall And the same Virgin which the child at his death called on that very day dyed also of the same disease and followd him who had called her to the celestiall kingdom 4. Another likewise of those Handmaids of our Lord being struck with the same contagion and drawing to her end began about midnight to call to those which attended her desiring them to putt out the candle standing by This she often did but none obeyed her At last she said I know you think I speak I know not what but it is not so For I assure you I see so wonderfull a light in the room that the candles light is darknes compared to it And when after all this none answered her or complyed with her desire she said again Well let the candle burn if you please but know that is not my Light For my light will come at day-break After this she told them how a certain Holy man who dyed the same year had appeared to her assuring her that the next morning she should goe to everlasting light And the truth of this Vision was confirmed by the death of the said Virgin who expired at the break of day XXII CHAP. 1.2 c. The Plague among the Northumbers the death of S. Cedde and of Tuda Bishop of Lindesfarn 1. THe same horrible infection spread it self Northward likewise and there wrought the like destruction not only among the lay people but Religious also insomuch as many eminent for learning and Sanctity ended their mortality by it Among which the most illustrious were Cedd Bishop of London who according to his custom visiting his Monastery in the Province of the Northumbers was seised upon by that disease And Tuda Bishop of Lindesfarn 2. Concerning the former Saint Beda thus writes The Venerable Bishop Cedd having for the space of many years administred the Bishoprick of London in the Province of the East-Saxons and thereto ioynd the care likewise of the Monastery of Lestinghen in the Province of the Northumbers â—ver which he appointed Superiours it hapned that coming to visit the said Monastery in this time of Mortality the contagion surprising him he dyed there At first he was buried abroad but not long after a Church of Stone being built in the said Monastery and dedicated to the honour of the Blessed Virgin-Mother of our Lord his Body was removed and layd at the right hand of the Altar He committed the government of his Monastery after his death to his Brother Ceadda who was afterward consecrated a Bishop as we shall shortly declare 3. When the Monks of another Monastery of his in the Province of the East-Saxons heard that he was dead and buried in the Kingdom of the Northumbers about thirty of them went thither being desirous to live and when the pleasure of God should be to dye and be buried near the Body of their Venerable Father They were willingly received by their Brethren there and in a short time they all dyed of the same infection excepting one young child onely who as was constantly beleived was preserved from death by the prayers of the Holy Bishop For whereas he lived a long time after and gave himself to reading the Holy Scriptures he found at last that he had not been regenerated by the Waters of Baptism Whereupon being presently baptised he afterward was promoted to the Order of Preist-hood and did much good to many in Gods Church Therefore I doe not doubt as was said but that he was detaind from death by the intercession of his Holy Father out of love to whom he was come thither by whose prayers he thus escaâ—ped the danger of eternall death and also by hâ—â— teaching afforded the ministery of life and Salvation to others 4. In the same Province of the Northumbers by the same pestilence was snatcheâ— away also Tuda Bishop of Lindesfarn who had a little before upon the departure of Bishop Colman been ordained his Successour For so writes S Beda Colman said he being returnâ—â— into his Countrey the servant of our Lord Tuda received after him the Bishoprick of the Northumbers He had his instruction among the Southern Scotts and by them was ordained Bishop He received the fashion of the Ecclesiastical Tonsure according to the Custom of that Province but he observed the Catholick Rule of the Paschal Solemnity He was a good Religious Bishop but his government of that Church lasted a very short time He came out of Scotland during the life of Colman and with great diligence both by preaching and good example
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
that dignity named Wighard to be by Pope Vitalian ordained Bishop But this good man with all his attendants presently after their arrivall at Rome dyed of the Pestilence After which the said Pope to the end King Egberts Message and request should not be wholly ineffectuall among his Preists made choice of S. Theodore whom he consecrated Arch-bishop of Canterbury assigning him a collegue and Counsellour the holy and prudent Abbot Adrian And knowing S. Benedict Biscop to be an industrious noble and religious person he enioynd him for a higher and more common good to interrupt his pilgrimage undertaken for Christ and to attend the said Arch-bishop in his iourney to Brittany in the quality of a guide and interpreter 7. Being thus arrived in Brittany S. Theodore committed to him the government of the Monastery dedicated to S. Peter at Canterbury Which charge assoon as Adrian arrived he resigned to him And after about two years abode there resumed a third iourney to Rome which he prosperously performed and shortly after returned furnished with a plentifull Library of sacred Books of all kinds some of which he bought with his money and some were given him by the liberality of freinds both at Rome and Vienna in France 8. Assoon as he was landed in Brittany his intention was to repair to Coynwalh or Kenwalch King of the West-Saxons with whom he had formerly contracted freindship and received many kindnesses But being informed that he at the same time was taken away by an untimely death he went into his own native countrey and presented himself to Egfrid King of the Northumbers To whom he related particularly all the occurrents of his Voyages how many sacred volumes and what plenty of holy Relicks of the Blessed Apostles and Martyrs of Christ he had brought into Brittany out of forrein countreys He did not conceale likewise from him the ardent desire he had to a Religious Profession and what knowledge he had gott at Rome and elsewhere of Ecclesiasticall and Monasticall Discipline 9. By such discourses he found so much favour and kindnes with the King that he presently bestowd upon him of his own possessions as much land as might maintain seaventy families commanding him to build theron a Monastery to be dedicated to the honour of S. Peter the Supreme Pastour of the Church This was done and the Monastery seated at the mouth of the River Wire Vedra on the northside of the River in the six hundred seaventy fourth year of our Lords Incarnation the second Indiction and fourth year of the raign of King Egfrid 10 Scarce a year was passed after the Monastery was built but S. Benedict went over Sea into France from whence be brought with him Masons to erect a Church of Stone according to the Roman fashion which he always most affected And so great was his diligence out of the love he bore to Saint Peter to whose honour it was built that within the compasse of a year after the foundations were layd it was entirely perfected insomuch as Solemne Masses were sung there Moreover when the building was almost finished he sent Messengers into France who brought back with them glasiers to make windows for the Church and upper galleries This was an art formerly unknown in Brittany and was taught the Brittains at this time being very commodious for lamps and other vessells usefull in the Church In a word whatsoever was convenient for the service of the Altar and adorning of the Church both vessels and Vestments which could not be found in Brittany he took order should be brought out of forrein countreys 11. And because he could not be furnished with all things out of France he undertook a fourth iourney to Rome from whence he came loaded with abundance of spirituall wares as Books Relicks Images c. Besides that he obtained oâ— Pope Agathon to send with him the fore-mentioned Iohn Abbot of S. Martins and Arch-Cantour of S. Peters Church in Rome to be a Master of Church-Musick and singing in his Monastery according to the Roman manner Which Office the said Iohn diligently performed not only in that but many other Churches in Brittany Lastly the devout Abbot Benedict brought with him from Rome another which was no mean present to wit a Bâ—eif of Pope Agathon by which the said Monastery was made free and exempted from all outward usurpations and oppressions Which Priviledge was dâ—manded by the advice and desire of King Egfrid 12. The said King being well satisfied and delighted with the zeale and industry of S. Benedict and perceiving that his former Gift had been well and proffitably employd he added a second Gift of a possession of forty families on which by command of the said King Egfrid he built another Monastery on the opposite side of the same River which he consecrated to the honour of S. Paul the Apostle sending thither seaventeen Monks under the government of Ceolfrid a Preist their Abbot Now a speciall care S. Benedict had in the constitution of these two Monasteries of S. Peter and Saint Paul the former seated at Wiremouth and the other at Girwy now called Iarrow that they were linked together in peace and unity as if they were but one body being governed by the same Rule and Institut 13. As for this Ceolfrid he had been a companion and assistant in all things to S. Benedict from the first foundation of the former Monastery He had also attended him in his last iourney to Rome which he willingly undertook both out of devotion and also a desire to encrease his knowledge in sacred and Ecclesiasticall matters Vpon occasion of which iourney Saint Benedict made choice of a certain Preist and Monk of the Monastery of S. Peter called Easterwin whom he constituted Abbot of the said Monastery to the end he might assist him in the labour of its government which by reason of his frequent iourneys and absence he could not sustain alone Neither ought it to seem absurd that two Abbots at the same time should ioyntly govern one Monastery For Ecclesiasticall History informs us that Saint Peter constituted two Bishops aâ— Rome under himself the necessity of affairs so requiring at that time And the great Patriark S. Benedict himself as the Blessed Pope S. Gregory writes of him appointed over his Disciples twelve Abbots subordinate to himself without any prejudice to Charity yea to the augmentation of it XII CHAP. 1.2 The Gests of the holy Abbot Easterwin his death 1. BEcause we will not interrupt this narration touching the foundation of those two Monasteries of S. Peter and Saint Paul with the discipline and government of them for severall years under the direction of S. Benedict and other Abbots subordinate to him we will proceed in setting down a summary of the Treatise of S. Beda touching that argument in which is contained an abstract of the lives and actions of the said Abbots beginning with him who dyed first which was the Venerable Abbot Easterwin 2.
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
the eyes of God and is with devotion celebrated by his Church being commemorated both in our English and also the Roman Martyrologe on the twentieth day of August But the Centuriators of Magdeburg reading all these things are moved to choler both against S. Beda Sebbe and all Monks in generall which choler suggested this profane censure to their pens A Monasticall course of life not having any ground in Gods word stood in need to be recommended by vain dreams and Visions And again In this seaventh age say they Kings began to relinquish their authority and to addict themselves to a Monasticall life Which impiety must be adorned with lying miracles Hence Beda writes concerning King Sebbe that in a Vision three men appeard to him as he lay sick in his bed and foretold to him both the day of his death and that it should be without pain So that to forsake all worldly pleasures and contentments purely for the Love of God is not only not warranted by Gods word but is an impiety excluding men from the enioying of God in the judgment of these new sensuall Evangelists 7. But how after this holy Kings death God was pleased to declare how far different a judgment he gave of his servant the same learned and devout Historian thus further relates A Coffin of Stone saith he was prepared for entombing the Body of this holy King But when they endeavoured to putt the Body into it they found that it was a hands-breadth too long for the Coffin Whereupon paring away as much of the stone at each end as they could they thereby lengthned it about the measure of two fingers breadth Yet after all it would not receive the body Whereupon finding so great a difficulty to enteire him they intended either to seek out a new Coffin or to endeavour by hewing the body to shorten it so much as to make it enter into the Coffin But by a wonderfull accident which could proceed from no lesse then a heavenly power both these designs of theirs were prevented for presently in the sight of the Bishop and Sighard son to the said King and Monk who together with his Brother Seofrid raignd after him a great multitude likewise of others being present the Coffin was found of a convenient length insomuch as there was room enough to place a cushion under his head and yet at the feet there remaind four fingers breadth beyond the body He was buried in the Church of Saint Paul the Doctour of the Gentiles by whose teaching he had learnt to aspire to heavenly things onely 8. To this day his Sepulcher is seen in the same Church adioyning to the Wall on the North side and encompassed with railes But the present Monument being of marble and not ordinary stone as at first shews that in ages following through some mens devotion it was changed and more honourably entombed So that a late malignant Historians skoffe does little prejudice S. Beda's narration saying that the Coffin which in the beginning was miraculously lengthned hath been since by a new Miracle again contracted 9. The Holy Bishop of Worcester Ostfor consecrated the year before by Saint Wilfrid this year dyed in whose place succeeded a Religious person named Egwin born of Princely blood but one who aspiring to a higher kingdom for Christs sake became poor Concerning whom we shall treat more largely hereafter for great examples of patience and equanimity in suffrings he will afford us insomuch as being tryed in the furnace of many tribulations his sanctity became illustrious not in Brittany onely but forrain regions also THE TWENTIETH BOOK OF THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITTANY I. CHAPTER 1.2 Of English Missioners sent to convert the Germans 3.4 c. S. Egbert the First Mover in that work He is desirous to goe himself but is hindred by God and employed to bring the Scotts to the Vnity of the Church 8.9 Wibert preaches without Successe to the Frisons 10.11 S Willebrord with eleaven others undertake the Mission 1. THE same year of Grace six hundred ninety three was made illustrious by the death and Martyrdom of two Apostolicall Brethren of the English Nation both of them called by the same name Ewald whose zeale for the enlarging of Christs kingdom compelled them to become strangers to their own countrey and in the company of severall other devout Preists to passe over into Germany exposing themselves to all incommodities and dangers yea death it selfe for the rescuing of a world of soules from ignorance and Idolatry in which hitherto the Devill had held them captive 2. But before we apply our selves to the relating of the particular Gests of these two Apostolick Martyrs it will be requisite that we return three years back to the year six hundred and ninety in which the Mission for the conversion of severall German nations began We deferd it to this year because now are seen the first fruits of the labours of those Apostolicall Missioners It will now therefore be seasonable to relate the occasion and first execution of this Mission the names of the devout persons who undertook it their first attempt and succeeding progresse hitherto Which having done we will in due place declare the wonderfull and happy successe of it 3. The First Mover in this holy Work and cheif Architect of so glorious a design was S. Egbert of the rudiments of whose Sanctity this our History has from S. Beda treated in the year six hundred sixty four where we declared how he together with his companion Edelhum in the time when Finan and Coleman were Bishops went out of this their native countrey into Ireland together with many other associats both of Noble and meane condition Not long after the great plague which had almost wasted Brittany passed over into Ireland and among many others seised on this S. Egbert then living in an Irish Monastery called Rathmelsige Who expecting death with great compunction examined his former life and with many teares besought almighty God not to take him out of the world till he had performed due pennance for his sins He adioynd to his Prayers a Vow never to return to his native countrey to recite the whole Psalter dayly to fast every seaventh day c. After which God restored him to his health and he lived many years in great perfection of humility meeknes continence and simplicity and both by his example and teaching was very beneficiall to the Irish. 4. After he had spent twenty six years thus devoutly in Ireland in the year of Grace six hundred ninety saith S. Beda and out of him Baronius he took a resolution to extend his charity to forrain Nations and for that purpose to undertake the Apostolicall Office of preaching the Gospell to such as had yet never heard of it Particularly he knew that in Germany there were many Nations as yet in darknes from whom the English and Saxons now inhabiting Brittany drew their Originall such were the
never attributed Divine honour but a Veneration infinitly inferiour thereto to Gods Saints 6 This veneration he probably obtained from a Miracle related by the Authour of his life in this manner Wee must not saith he leave buried in silence this prodigious wonder how when his head was cutt from his body the trunk raising it self up took the head which it caried from the place where he was slain to a spring not far off which flowed with a most Christallin water in which with the hands it washed the blood away Which spring in a reverent memory of the Saint is to this day called S. Decumanus his Spring Near to which place the body together with the head was honourably buried by the neighbouring inhabitants IV. CHAP. 1. 2. c. A fearfull iudgment on a Soldier who delayed Confession and Pennance to the last 1. AMong the Gests of the year of Grace seaven hundred and seaven Mathew of Westminster relates the sad accident of a Soldier of the family of Kenred King of the Mercians which deserves a place in this History to forewarn the Reader of the danger of delaying Confession and Pennance for sins The Narration he receives from S. Beda in whose words wee will deliver it though he names not the precise year as the other does 2. In the days of Coenred or Kenred who succeded Edilred in the kingdom of the Mercians there was a certain military Officer who as he was for his industry and courage acceptable to the King so on the contrary for the neglecting his soule he no lesse displeased him And therefore he on admonished him to confesse and amend his wicked life for fear a sudden death might prevent his repentance But the unhappy man though thus frequently admonished by the King little regarded his wholesom advice only he promised that he would take a time afterwards to doe pennance for his crimes Not long after it hapned that a sicknes surprising him he was forced to keep his bed where he lay in great tormeÌ„ts The King then who loved him much came to visit him and earnestly renewd his exhortations that at least then before he dyed he would goe to confession and demand Pennance but the man answered him That he would not confesse his sins till he were recovered of his present disease for fear his companions should upbraid him that the fear of death made him doe that which in the time of health he had refused to doe Now he thought this Answer argued a great courage in him but as afterward appeared he found that he had been miserably seduced by the Devill 3. His sicknes then growing more violent and dangerous the King once more came to visit and advise him but assoon as he was entred the chamber the sick man cryed out with alamentable voyce What would you have Sir Why come you hither It is not now in your power to give mee any comfort or assistance The King replied Doe not say so I fear your sicknes distracts you No Sir answerd he I am not mad but I have before mine eyes a foul and miserable conscience What means this said the King His reply was Awhile since there entred into this chamber two beautifull young men the one of which sate down at my head and the other at my feet And one of them brought forth a Book curiously garnished but extreme little which he gave mee to read and there I found written every good action which I had done in my life but alas the number was very small and the worth of them not at all considerable When I had read it they took it from mee without saying a word 4. Then there presently came toward this house a vast army of wicked Spirits horrible to be looked on which both surrounded it without and filled all the rooms within Assoon as they were sate down one of them who by the more horrid darknes of his face and preference in sitting seemed to be the principall among them brought forth likewise a Book of a dreadfull shape an enormous greatnes and insupportable weight This Book he gave to one of his attendants bidding him to bring it to mee that I might read it Assoon as I had looked into it I found there all the crimes which ever I had committed in deed word and even the slightest thoughts all this plainly described in hideous letters Then he said to the two young men in white garments who sate there why doe you stay here since you manifestly see that this man is ours They answered It is true take him and make him partaker of your damnation 5. Assoon as they had said this they presently disappeared and two of the most wicked among those Spirits of darknes arising with forkes in their hands smote mee one on the head and the other on the feet And now they are to my most horrible torment creeping through my inward parts and assoon as they shall meet together I shall dye and be hurried by them into Hell Thus â—pake this unhappy despairing man and presently after dyed and now being for all eternity tormented he practises repentance without any fruit which he neglected to doâ— in his life time when a short Pennance might have procured him pardon 6. Now as S. Gregory writing of the like case observes wee are to iudge that this man had these apparitions not for himself to whom they proffited nothing but for our good that wee knowing his unhappy end may fear to delay the time of Pennance now allowed us least being prevented by unlooked for death wee may dye impenitent And as touching the Bookâ— of a fashion so different which he saw presented to him by the good and by the evill Spirits this was done by Divine dispensation to putt us in mind that our deeds and even our thoughts doe not vanish into aire but are reserved to the examination of the Supreme Iudge and shall be presented to our view in the last day either by our good or evill Angells And whereas in this Vision the Angells brought forth a white Book and afterward the Devills a Black one the former a very small one and the latter one of an enormous bignes that signified that in his youth â—e had done some few good actions all which notwithstanding had been obscured by the sins of his riper age But on the contrary those who in their ripe age doe endeavour to hide from the eyes of God the sins committed in their childhood may be associated to those concerning whom the Psalmist saith Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven whose sins are covered This Story saith S. Beda as I received it from the Venerable Prelat Pecthelm I thought fitt simply to commit to writing for the spirituall benefit of those who shall read or heare it V. CHAP. 1. 2. c. S Egwin Bishop of Worcester is by calumny eiected goes in Pennance to Rome and is miraculously absolved 8 9. c At his return
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
extant in an Epistle written by Winfrid afterward called Boniface the glorious Apostle of the German Nation and happy Martyr of Christ. Which Epistle was directed to Eadburga Abbesse sister to S. Editha or Edgitha and daughter of Frewald a Prince among the East-Angles And probably it is the same Eadburga concerning whom we read in the life of Saint Guthlac that the sent to that holy Hermit a coffin of lead and in it a linnen sheet in which she desired that after his death he would permitt his body to be enclosed Her name is commemorated among the Saints in our Martyrologe on the eighteenth of Iuly 2. Concerning these two devout sisters we read thus in Camdens Description of the Province of the Catechleum or Buckinghamshire The Town of Ailsbury in that county saith he was anciently illustrious by the Memory of Editha born and brought up in it Who having obtained from her Father Frewald this Town for her portion by the perswasion of Preists presently quitted all pretentions to a husband or the world and taking the Sacred veryle of Religion was together with her Sister Eadburga illustrious for holines in that age wonderfully abounding with Saints From her name there remains to this day a village seated among the hills near adioyning called Eâ—burton Now the â—enour of S. Boniface his letter to S. Eadburga is as followeth 3. Most dear Sister Your request to mee is that I would carefully send you in writing an account of the Visions shewd of late to a certain man in the Monastery of the Abbesse Milbâ—rga who was restored from death to life according as I was particularly informed by the Venerable Abbesse Hildelida I thank God I can now more fully and clearly through his help fullfill your desire for I my self have discoursed with the revived person himself in these transmarine parts who perfectly informed mee of all those wonderfull visions which he in Spirit and separated from his body saw 4 For first of all he told mee that by a violent and mortall sicknes he was delivered from the weight of his lumpish body and presently became in a state resembling that of one whose eyes having been clowded with a thick veyle was on a sudden freed from that impedimeÌ„t for all things which formerly had been in darknes became clearly visible to him So himself having cast off the thick veyle of his body the whole world was at once represented to his sight so that with one glance he saw all creatures 5. Assoon as he was thus escaped from his body certain Angels so bright shining that they dazeled his sight received him and they with a melodious harmony sung these Words of the Psalm O Lord rebuke mee not in thine anger neither correct mee in thy fury They raised mee up aloft into the aire an◠〈◊〉 â—aw the whole earth compassed with fire 〈◊〉 whence issued a flame upwards vastly spread and most terrible to behold and it seemed as if the fire would have consumed all things had not the Angels asswaged it by the impression of the sign of the holy Crosse Which assoon as they had done the flame presently settled and the paine which my eyes had felt by the ardour of it became much qualified though by reason of the splendour of the Angels accompanying mee it was not wholly taken away till one of the principall among them with his hand covering my head protected mee from all danger and incommodity 6. Moreover he told mee that whilest he was out of his body he saw such an innumerable multitude of soules that he thought there had not been so many since the Creation A like troop of wicked Spirits likewise there was as also of glorified Angells these were in a continuall earnest dispute together about soules assoon as they were issued out of their bodies the devills accusing and aggravating each ones sins and the Angels qualifying and excusing them 7. Yea all his own sins and offences which from his infancy he had committed and not confessed either through negligence forgetfullnes or ignorance that they were indeed sins all these he heard with his own voyce earnestly crying out against him and accusing him every vice setting itself distinctly before him upbrading him severally one saying I am thy oÌ„cupiscence by which thou didst desire things unlawfull and contrary to Gods Law I am thy vain glory by which thou didst boast thy self before men I am Lying with which thou hast oft offended I am idle speech oftimes practised by thee I am vain and wanâ—on on Seeing I am contumacy and disobedience to thy Superiours I am Spirituall sloath in holy Exercises I am wandring and curâ—m cogitation to which thy mind almost every day yeilded in the Church or elsewhere I am Drowsines which hindred thee from rising to praise God I am an idle iourney which thou tookest for thy vain pleasure I am negligence and want of care in study about divine matters And many other vices like these which in the days of his flesh he had committed and neglected to confesse yea beside these many sins cryed out terribly against him of which he had no suspicion that they were sins In like manner the Wicked Spirits ioynd with his sins in such clamours and accusations fiercely testifying to him he times and places where he had committed all his sins 8. Particularly he sayd he saw there a certain man whom whilst he was as yet in a secular state he had wouÌ„ded who was yet alive this man was brought to ioyn in testimony against him by those Wicked Spirits and his bloody gaping wound seemd to have a tongue which loudly upbraided him with his cruelty Thus all his Sins in a great heap being counted his terribly malicious Enemies cryed out confidently that he belonged to them and therefore they had a â—ight to torment him 9. On the other side those few small virtues said he which I poor wretch had with great imperfection practised in my life time they likewise lifted up their voyces to excuse mee One sayd I am Obedience which he shewd to his Superiours Another I am Fasting with which he moâ—tyfied the unlawfull desires of his flesh A third I am Psalmody exercised by him in satisfaction for idle speeches And thus every vertue cryed out in my behalf to excuse mee against the clamours of the opposite Sins And with these vertues did those gloriously shining Angels ioyn themselves in my defence so exalting and magnifying them that they now seemed to mee far more excellent then before and much exceeding the strength I formerly had 10. Besides this he told mee that in the lower part of the world he saw a great number of pitts vomiting flames and that in some parts the earth would break asuÌ„der there would issue terrible flames Now among those pitts he saw many wretched soules like birds of a black colour weeping and howling in the flames bewayling their demerits which had brought them to such
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
hundred and fourteen days besides the Canonicall howers he recited the whole Psalter twice a day and this when he was so sick that he could not tide on horse-back but was forced to be caried in a Litter every day except that on which he passed the Sea and three days before his death he sung Masse and offred the Saving Sacrifice to God 16 He dyed on the five and twentieth day of September in the year after our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred and sixteen upon a Friday after three of the clock in the after noon in the feilds of the foresaid Citty of Langres and was buried the day following in the Monastery of the three Twin-Martyrs about a mile distant from the Citty toward the south there being present no small army partly of English who attended him as likewise inhabitants of the Monastery and Citty adioyning all which with loud voyces sung Psalmes at his enterrment Thus far writes S. Beda 7. It seems his body did not remain at Langres for in the Supplement of the Gallican Martyrologe on the six and twentieth of November we read celebrated the Translution of Saint Ceolfrid an English Abbot who at his return from his pilgrimage to Rome dyed at Langres in France and was buried in the Church of the three twinn Martyrs Afterward his countrey-men demanding his Sacred Body which had been glorified by many Miracles it was with great veneration caried back to his own Monastery The day of his deposition is celebrated in our Martyrologe on the five and twentieth of September II. CHAP. 1.2 c. The death Buriall and Miracles of S. Swibert 1. THE same year as hath been sayd Saint Swibert the glorious Apostle of the Germans and Frisons ended his mortality This was the third year after he had visited Prince Pipin and was returned to Werda saith Marcellin At last Almighty God who is himself the great reward of his faithfull servants and who by a temporall death of the flesh translates the living Stones of his Church from earth to his heavenly building was pleased to call the valiant Champion of his Faith Saint Swibert to receive his Crown in his eternall kingdom Therefore in the said year Saints Swibert replenished with all Divine Graces and inflamed with a cordiall desire to See God after he had celebrated the Divine Mysteries on the Feast of Saint Peters Chair in his Monastery a languishing sicknes took him so that he was forced to confine himself to his bed 2. And when he saw that his disease every moment grew more violent he called all his Brethren and Disciples togeâ—her to the number of twenty and in the first place admonished them to follow our Lords foot-steps and to be carefull to preserve peace and charity with one another and with all of the house-hold of Faith Likewise that with all care they should observe the Instituts of Regular Disciplin which he had taught them by Word and example Then he told them expressly that the day of his death was at hand whereupon they all began to weep bitterly But the Holy Bishop said to them My beloved Brethren doe not weep but rather reioyce in my behalf for now I shall receive the recompence of all my labours Extend your charity to mee at this time of my retiring out of the world and protect mee with your prayers After he had said this he much reioycing in our Lord exhorted them to a contempt of this present world and an earnest desire of heavenly rewards again putt them in mind by their watchings prayers and good works to prevent the hour of his death which was uncertain And having added other words to this effect and bestowed his Benediction on them by his command they went out to the Church with great sadnes 3. But he retained with him the Superiour of his Monastery Saint â—iâ—eic with whom he ioynd in most devout Prayer to God and meditation of Divine things And when the day of his departure and repose was come of which he had before been informed by an Angel causing his foresaid Brethren to be once more assembled he commanded that Masse should solemnly be celebrated in his presence Then arming himself with the Communion of our Lords Body and making the sign of the Crosse on all that stood about him he quietly slept in death and his blessed soule was caried by Quires of Angels to the eternall happy Society of the Saints And immediatly his face became of a shining brightnes his Cell likewise yeilded an odoriferous fragrancy which wonderfully refreshed all that were present Thus this most Holy Prelat Saint Swibert Bishop of Werda happily dyed in the sixty ninth year of his age on a friday being the first day of March on which day the Church every where celebrates his Memory 4. In the same hower that he dyed his soule with great glory and ioy appeared to Saint Willebrord his beloved companion Bishop of Vtrecht then in his way returning from Epternac to Verona requesting and admonishing him that he would be present at his Funeralls in Werda and commend his body to the Sepulcher This being declared to us by Saint Willebrord with much greif he presently took boat and made great hast to Werda There was then present with him his illustrious Spirituall daughter the Duchesse Plectrudis with certain Prelats who blessed God for the merits of his holy Confessour Saint Swibert All these the day following being Saturday as they were according to custom singing the Vigile of the Dead a young man was brought among them who had been made blind by lightning and with his clamours interrupting the Psalmody and calling to the Saint to have his sight restored assoon as he had touched the Coffin he immediatly recovered his sight to the astonishment of all Besides another who was raging mad being brought in and kissing the cover of the same Coffin was presently restored to his senses A third also who was possessed by the Devill by the same means was perfectly freed from the Wicked Spirit 5 At last on Sunday after all the solemnity of the funerals had been devoutly fullfilld the Sacred Body with hymns and Lauds was reverently committed to the ground by Saint Willebrord Arch-bishop of Vtrecht Saint Willeic a Preist the glorious Princesse Pâ—ectrudâ— Duchesse of the Austrasians and many others his Brethren and Disciples 6. And I Marcellin Preist who have written this History and had been formerly a Disciple and companion of the Holy Bishop S. Swibert I was also present at the Buriall with Saint Willebrord after which at the earnest request of my dear Brethren Willeic Gerard Theodoric and others we remained with them in the Monastery of Werda fifteen dayes for their consolation I will therefore here relate among many some few testimonies of Miracles which I saw with mine own eyes and many other with mee so that it not only deservedly may but ought to be beleived that the said Holy Bishop is great in
Apostolick And withall commanded him that in case any thing were wanting to him in the succeeding discharge of his Office and Ministery that he would not faile to give intimation thereof to him 6. Saint Boniface after he had received these Letters from the Venerable Pope went from Rome to Luitprand King of the Lombards by whom he was honourably entertained and abode with him some space of time Then taking leave of him he passed the steep mountains of the Alpes and visiting the formerly unknown borders of the Bavarians and Germany from thence came into Thuringia where like a diligent and prudent Bee he searched all places where he might gather and carry the delicious Nectar of the Holy Faith 7. During his abode which was a considerable time in Thuringia he with lively and spiritually exhortations invited the Princes of that Province to embrace the Holy Faith and Religion of Christ. And certain Preists whom he found in those parts addicted to many vices and disorders he with effectuall reprehensions reduced to an orderly and Canonicall conversation VII CHAP. i. 2 c. The miserable death of King Radbode deluded by the Devill 1. WHilst S. Boniface abode in Thuriâ—gia the happy newes came to him of the death of the Tyrant Radbode King of the Frisons who had lately with great fury persecuted the Christians At which report he received great ioy and presently after sayled into Friseland where with great Zeale and diligence he disperâ—ed the precious seed of the Gospell and withdrew very many from their Superstitions and Idolatry 2. But before wee proceed in this Narration touching the Gests of this glorious Apostle it will be expedient to declare the circumstances of the miserable death of this Tyrant Radbode recorded by a devout Writer of the same age Ionas a Monk of Fontanell in France who in the life of S. Wulfran Archbishop of Sens a ioynt-labourer with S. Willebrord and S. Boniface in the Conversion of the Frisons professes that what he wrote he received from the testimony of a Venerable Preist called Ovo a Frison by Nation who himself had been miraculously delivered from death by the said Apostolick Bishop when he had been condemned and for the space of two howers actually hanged by the Tyrants command as a Sacrifice to his Idols 3. When by the sight of many Miracles saith he King Radbode had been convinced of the Verity of Christian Religion and was disposed to receive Baptism he by many earnest adiurations obliged the Apostolick Bishop to answer him to this Question In whether of the two places did remain his Predecessours Kings and Princes in that celestiall Region promised to him in case he would be baptised or in the other Region of darknes and torments Hereto the Bishop replied that without doubt since they all dyed without Faith in Christ and Baptism they were condemned to eternall torments When the barbarous King heard this He being ready to step into the fountain where he was to be baptised streight with-drew his foot and said That he could not be induced to want the society of so many gallant Princes and live for ever among a small company of beggars and vile people 4. Yet again after this he was perswaded once more to advise with the Holy Bishop Willebrord whom he sent for to see whether he taught the same Doctrine with S. Wulfran S. Willebrord answered the Messenger Since the King will not hearken to the counsell of my Holy Brother Wulfran it is not likely that he will be perswaded by mee For this last night I saw him bound fast with a fiery chain Yet he followed the Messenger but in the way was told that that the unhappy King was dead without Baptism 5. And indeed it appeard that the wicked King had filled up the measure of his sins and was given up by God to impenitency For in his last sicknes by the Divine permission the Devill appeard to him in his sleep transformed into an Angell of light with a crown of gold upoÌ„ his head glistering with inestimable iewells and garments gloriously shining and said to the astonished King Tell mee Noble Prince who has seduced you to a willingnes to forsake the Religion of your Predecessours Doe not hearken to them but continue constant in the worship of the ancient Gods of your Nation and you shall not fayle after death to be translated to golden Palaces and live there in all manner of pleasures and felicity And to shew you that I doe not seduce you To morrow send for the Christian Doctour Wulfran and command him to give you a sight of that happy eternall mansion which he promises you in case you will embrace the Christian Faith and be baptized This since I am assured he cannot doe Let there be Messengers chosen of his Beleif and yours I will undertake to be their Guide to shew them that gloriously happy Mansion which I have promised you 6. Assoon as the King awaked he sent for the Holy Bishop and recounted to him his Vision Who groaning in Spirit told him that it was an illusion of the Devill to bring him to eternall misery no way to be avoyded but by Faith in the Saviour of the world and purging of Sins by Baptism But the King replied that unlesse he would give him a sight of the Happines promised him he would not fayle according to the order prescribed in the Vision to send his Messengers Hereupon the Holy Bishop apprehending that in case he should refuse to send one Messenger likewise to detect the Devills fraud the Pagans would publish their own fictions therefore he thought good to send one of his Deacons to accompany the Kings Messenger These two therefore assoon as they were at an indifferent distance from the town mert with one who appeared in the shape of a man and told them saying Make hast for I will shew you the happy mansion which I promised the King Hereupon they following him travelled through many unknown pathes till at last they came to a large way paved with severall sorts of polished marble Then they saw afarr off a golden house and the street leading to it was covered with gold and precious Stones Assoon as they were entred into the house they saw a most glorious Throne of a wonderfull beauty and magnificence and their Guide told them This is the Palace and this the Seat which God has promised to give to King Radbode 7. When the Deacon with great astonishment saw these things he said If all these things be works of the Omnipotent God let them remain for ever But if they be illusions of the Devill let them presently vanish Having said this he immediatly armed himself with the sign of the Crosse and the Guide which seemed to have been a man vanished into a Devill and the whole Palace became durt So that the two companions the Deacon and the Frison found themselves entangled in the midst of reeds and briars in a great
Marish plain From whence they could not in lesse then three dayes space return to the Town But being thither arrived they found the King dead without Baptism and related to the Blessed Bishop how strangely they had been deluded by the Devill 8. As for the Frison he presently professed his beleif in Christ and was baptised his Name was Ingamar and afterward attended the Bishop to our Monastery of Fontanell But the unhappy King was not permitted to be undeceived because he did not pertain to Christs flock And this Miracle was spread through the countrey whereupon a great multitude was converted to our Lord. Now the death of the foresaid miserable King Radbode hapned in the year of our Saviour seaven hundred and nineteen which was the seaventh of the illustrious Prince Charles Martel VIII CHAP. 1.2 c. Severall Epistles of Saint Boniface 1. BVT to leave this not impertinent digression and return to S. Boniface He says Baronâ—us though he was by Apostolick delegation empowred to preach the Word of God independently yet even in this he shewd the marks of Apostleship in asmuch as embracing Christian humility he thought fist to exercise the apprentiship of his Apostolick Office under another For during the space of three years he adioynd himself a Coadiutour to S. Willebrord named by the Pope Clement in the conversion of the Frisons And being earnestly pressed by him to accept of his Arch-bishoprick of Vtrecht he constantly refused and begging licence departed from him to work alone in that heavenly Office 2. And moreover distrusting his own forces he humbly begged the Prayers of others for the Divine assistance in so sublime a work Among his Epistles there is still extant one to the same effect directed to Leodbata a kinswoman of his to Bedda Chunigildis and other Religious Virgins to continue their earnest Prayers to Almighty God that he might be delivered from many pressures which he suffred from importune and wicked men and that he might not be discouraged from defending Christs Faith and Church from many Hereticks Schismatiks and Hypocrites which used all their endeavours to make a prey of the new converted Lambs with their Mothers and did more encomber him then the professed enemies of our Faith the Pagan Idolaters 3. There is likewise found another Epistle to him from a Holy Virgin named Buggan an Abbesse then in Brittany of a Royall family as is witnessed in other Letters of a following date written to him by Hildebert King of Kent This devout Virgin he had found at Rome when he repaired thither to Pope Gregory and being returned into Brittany she in an Epistle congratulated with him the sublime Office imposed on him by that Holy Pope as likewise a vision which he had received from God who revealed to him the great successe of his preaching and moreover had cast down before him that great Enemy of his Holy Faith King Radbode Moreover she informed him that whereas he had desired her to send him the Passions of Martyrs she could not as then procure them but would use all her endeavours for his satisfaction Consequently she begged of him to send her certain Collections out of Holy Scriptures for her consolation as he had promised her and that he would offer to God the Sacrifices of his Holy Masses for the soule of a dear kinsman of hers lately dead In conclusion she told him that by the same messenger she had sent him for his present supply fifty shillings Solidos and a Pall for the Altar the smallnes of which presents she excused by her poverty and earnestly begged his Prayers in which she had great confidence 4. Another Epistle himself also about this time wrote to Tatwin and Wigbert Preists and to Bernard Hiedde Hunfrith and Stirme Monks of the Monastery of Nutscelle from whence he came earnestly exhorting them to conserve the Regular Discipline taught them by their late Venerable Father Wigbert He ordained likewise that they should observe the directions of the other Wigbert Preist and Mengingord Deacon touching the howers and order of the Ecclesiasticall Office That Hiedde should be the Superiour over the servants and Hunfrid his assistant that Stirme should be in the Kitchin and Bernard have care of building lastly that in all things they should be obedient to Tatwin their Abbot Now this Tatwin Abbot was a person of great esteem for after the death of Brithwald Arch-bishop of Canterbury he was chosen to succeed in that See Notwithstanding Bishop Parker affirms that Tatwin the Successour of Brithwald was taken out of a Monastery called Brinton and S. Beda calls it Bruidum which whether it was the same or a distinct Monastery from Nutscelle in the Province of the Mercians it is hard to determine IX CHAP. 1.2 c. Severall Bishops ordained c. 6. The Gests of Saint Pega sister to Saint Guthlac 1. BVT we must for some time leave Saint Boniface busy in his Apostolick Office in Germany and return into Brittany where according to our Ecclesiasticall Monuments Eadbert who eight years before had been consecrated Bishop of the South-Saxons by the Arch-bishop Brithwald dying there succeeded in his place Eolla Who governed that See a very short time for Saint Beda ending his History in the year seaven hundred thirty one there expressly affirms that the said Church of the South-Saxons having remained some years without a Bishop was obliged to have recourse to the Bishop of the West-Saxons for the performing of such rights as required an Episcopall iurisdiction 2. And the year following the See of Dumwich in the Kingdom of the East Angles becoming voyd by the death of Astwolf or Aesculf there succeeded in it Aldbert And likewise the other Episcopall See of Helmham being vacant by the death of Norbert Hadulac succeeded him which two Bishops are by the same S. Beda affirmed to be alive at the end of his History 3. The same year also Aedgar Bishop of the Lindesfart now called Lincoln dying his successour was Kinebert a man learned in the Ecclesiasticall History and from whom S. Beda professes that he received help in the writing of his Concerning all these Bishops little more besides their Names has been transmitted to posterity 4. In the Kingdom also of the East-Saxons at this time dyed King Beorna who left the throne to be possessed by Alfwald for so we shall find that he calls himself in Letters written by him to S. Boniface of which hereafter 5. But the person whose death gave the greatest loster to this year was Pega Sister to S. Guthlac mentioned before for so we read in our Martyrologe on the third of Iune And hereto agrees our Historian Ingulphus Abbot of Croyland who describing the state of that Island made famous by the Sanctity of Saint Guthlac records the names of severall holy Hermites which imitated the said Saint in a solitary life of Contemplation among the rest he makes expresse mention of
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
before this reduced the Monks of Hy in Scotland to conform themselves to the Catholick observation of the Paschall Soâ—lemnity 6. This Blessed Saint whom S. Beda calls a Venerable and not without honour to be named servant of Christ and Preist Egbert being ninety years old departed this world to a heavenly kingdom And for a proof that this his zeale whereby he united that Schismaticall Church to the Vniversall Church was acceptable to God the same Authour observes that as he had much laboured in establishing the true celebration of Faster he received his eternall recompence on the same Feast For thus he writes 7. The man of God Egbert remained thirteen years in the said Island of Hy which he by a new extraordinary illustration of Divine Grace of Ecclesiasticall Communion and peace had consecrated to our Lord. In the year therefore of our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred twenty nine in which the Paschall Solemnity was celebrated on the eighth day before the Calends of May when he had solemnly celebrated Masse in memory of our Lords Resurrection the very same day he himself likewise departed to our Lord and having begun the ioy of so great a Festivity with his Brethren on earth whom he had converted to the Grace of Ecclesiasticall Vnity he finished it with our Lord and his Apostles together with all the glorified Saints in heaven or rather he still celebrates it to all eternity Indeed the Divine dispensation was wonderfull that not only this Venerable man should passe to our Lord on this Feast of Easter but in such a day on which it had never before been celebrated in that place His Religious Brethren therefore reioyced for the certainly true Catholick knowledge of the Paschall time which they had learnt of him and they reioyced in the assured protection of their holy Father by whom they were taught and corrected And he himself likewise congratulates that he was continued alive in the flesh till he might enioy the happines to see his Brethren and Disciples admitt and together with him celebrate Easter on that day which in former times they had always avoyded Thus the most reverend Father being assured of their correction reioyced to see the day of our Lord he sâ— it and was glad He dyed therefore thus happily and both in the Roman and other Martyrologes his name is anniversarily recited among the Saints on the four and twentieth day of Aprill 8. To conclude the same year King Osric having raigned eleaven years over the Northumbers and appointed for his heyr in the kingdom Ceoluâ—f Brother to King Kenred dyed or as Ethelwerd writes was slain He was in nothing happy so much as leaving behind him so worthy a Successour for Ceolulf both for piety and learning was comparable with the best Princes and after he had happily governed his kingdom many years voluntarily quitted it to aspire to an immortall Crown 9. Concerning the beginning of his Raign William of Malmsbury writes in this manner Ceolulf saith he the eighth King from Ida ascended the trembling throne of the Northumbers this year A man he was of ability sufficient for any employment and besides that endued with learning in great perfection which with assiduous study and a sharp witt he attained to S. Beda will be my surety for this for presently after this in a time when Brittany most abounded with learned men he made choice of this Prince to whom he dedicated his History of English affaires as being a person who by his authority could add strength to whatsoever was well written therein and by his knowledge and skill could correct if any thing was written amisse Concerning him more shall be said hereafter XXI CHAP. 1.2 Death of the Venerable Abbot Cymbert 3.4 Death of Saint Brithwald Arch-bishop of Canterbury to whom succeeds Tatwin 1. IN the year of our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred and thirty according to our English Martyrologe dyed the holy Abbot Cymbert stiled there Bishop and Confessour and supposed by some to have had his See in the Isle of Wight But none of our Ancient Monuments doe signify that that Island was ever made the Seat of a Bishop for generally it hath been assigned to the See of Winchester neither is the name of Cymbert recorded among Bishops except only by Saint Beda who thereby understands the same person who by other Writers is called Kinebert and was Bishop of the Mercians and had his Seat at Lindesfare now called Lincoln Which Kinebert is at this time alive as S. Beda testifies in the conclusion of his History which ends the year following 2. This therefore may seem to have been the ground of the mistake of those who compiled our Martyrologe The Cymbert therefore commemorated there as dying this year is the same Holy Abbot of Redford in Hampshire who as hath been declared obtaind permission to instruct in the Christian Faith and baptize two young Princes Brethren oâ— Arwald King of the Isle of Wight before they were to be putt to death by the command of King Cedwalla who had subdued the said Island The Memory of this holy Abbot is celebrated among the Saints on the one and twentieth of February 3. The same year also dyed Saint Brithwald Arch-bishop of Canterbury successour to Saint Theodore after he had administred that See the space of almost thirty eight years saith Huntingdon Wee have before declared how he being Nephew to Ethelred King of the Mercians was the first of the Saxon race who was Abbot of Glastonbury which dignity in love to solitude he relinquished and retireâ— himself to a secret place called Reculver From whence he was even by force drawn to sitt in the Archiepiscopall See of Canterbury which he adorned with many actions of Pastorall zeale and piety assembling Synods and regulating disorders in severall Provinces of this Island And at last full of years and merits was this year translated to heaven He is commemorated in our Martyrologe on the ninth of Ianuary 4. In his place the year following was elected and consecrated Arch-bishop the Venerable Abbot Tatwin saith S. Beda a Preist and Abbot of a Monastery called Bruidun or Brenton He was consecrated in the Citty of Canterbury by the Venerable Bishops Daniel of Winchester Inguald of London Aldwin of Lichfeild and Aldwof of Rochester on the tenth of Iune in the year of our Lords Incarnation seaven hundred thirty one He was a man illustrious for his piety and prudence and eminently learned in Sacred Scriptures Of him more hereafter XXII CHAP. 1.2 c. The State of Brittany at this time in which Saint Beda ended his History 1. SINCE it was in this year of Grace seaven hundred thirty one that Saint Beda concluded his History and as some Authours affirm his Life also wee will here as he has done give a breif prospect in generall of the state of Brittany at this time as well touching the Church as State In the next
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
pretentions are not all together unprobable 5. Saint Pectelm being dead to him succeeded Frithwald in the See of Candida Casa So that the Illustrious Cardinall Baronius is evidently mistaken in the sence of a passage in S Beda in which after mentioning the death of Heddi he immediatly addes these words To conclude Pecthelm who a long time was Deacon and a Monk with his Successour Aldelm was wont to relate c. From which Passage the learned Cardinall affirms that Pecthelm had for his Successour Aldelm whereas S. Beda's meaning was that Aldelm was Successour to Heddi and that Pecthelm was S. Aldelms Deacon and Monk which from severall Authours we have verified before 6. As touching the Companions of S. Pecthelm the uncertainty of their native countrey is as great Saint Wiro as hath been declared is likewise challenged by the Irish and one particular mentioned in his Life argues strongly for it where it is sayd That it was the custom in the Island where he was born that when any Bishop was elected he was sent to Rome to receive Ordination from the hands of the Pope and so to return and take possession of his See 7. Saint Wiro therefore being thus ordaind was with great ioy received by his flock to whom he diligently gave wholesom instructions both by preaching and example Yet a desire long fixed in his mind to live in a forrain countrey known only to God still remained Whereupon privatly escaping away with S. Pecthelm and S. Otger he passed over into France where as hath been sayd he was with all respect and favour received by Prince Pipin who held him particularly in such Veneration for his eminent Sanctity that he chose him for his Spirituall Father and Guide of his soule to whom he usually confessed his sins and this with so great humility that his custom was to approach to him with bare feet 8. How long he remaind wiâ—h 〈◊〉 is â—ncertain But certain it is that thirsting after Solitude he retired himself to the place called the Mount of S. Peter of Odilia near the Citty of Ruremond in the Diocese of Liege where both by his preaching Sanctity and Miracles he became illustrious And being full of years and Sanctity a feaver not violent freed him from the prison of his flesh and sent his Spirit to heaven His commemoration among the Saints is placed in our Martyrologe on the eighth of May. His Body was buried in the Chappell dedicated to our Blessed Lady near Ruremond but afterward at least a great part of it was translated to Maestrick where it is held in great veneration 9. It remains that wee speak breifly of S. Oâ—ger who is generally acknowledged to have been born in Brittany For Surius in his Life declares that Saint Pecthelm and S. Wiro in their iourney to Rome passing through Brittany by a speciall Providence of God S. Otger a Deacon adioynd himself to their company who out of a fervent desire of heavenly good things contemning all commoditie and pleasures on earth became an inseparable Companion to S. Wiro whom from Rome he followed to the said Mount of Saint Peter where leading a heavenly life upon earth and inflaming the soules of many with a Love of Spirituall and Celestiall good things he there happily ended his Life on the tenth of September on which day his memory is celebrated The Centuriators of Magdeburg confounding him with S. Aldebert doe mistake in affirming that he was son to the King of the Deiri or Yorkshire V. CHAP. 1.2 c. Egbert Archbishop of York restores the Primitive dignity to his See 5. He consecrates Suffâ—agan Bishops 1. THE same year as hath been sayd not only the See of Canterbury but that of York also received a New Pastour For Wilfrid the younger either dying or which seems more probable voluntarily reliquishing that See there was chosen in his place Egbert Brother to Eadbert or as some also call him Egbert who shortly after was King of the Northumbers 2. The Church of York since the death of the founder of it and first Arch-bishop Saint Paulinus to this time continued in much depression By whose fault this hapned it does not appear perhaps it was by means of the contentions long continuing among the Bishops or the multiplication of Bishopricks But now Egbert being a man of great parts and courage restores it to its primitive Dignity as William of Malmsbury thus declares Egbert saith he by his prudence and assisted with his Brothers power reduced that See to its first State For as it is manifest to any one who reads the Ancient Gests of the English Nation Saint Paulinus the first Prelat of that Church was by open violence and hostility driven out of it So that he was forced to retire himself to Rochester in Kent where he died Bishop of that See and there left the Archiepiscopall Pall which he had received from Pope Honorius As for his Successours in that great Church of York they contented themselves with the simple Title of Bishops not aspiring higher But Egbert a man of a more haughty disposition considering with himself that as it is a mark of â—ride for a man to seek honours undue so is it a mark of basenes to neglect such as are due thereupon by severall Appeals to the See Apostolick he at last recovered the Archiepiscopall Pall so raising that Church once more to a Metropolitan Dignity 3. Not any of our Historians doe impute this action of Egbert to a culpable ambition on the contrary his memory is much celebrated by them Harpsfeild sayes that he was a Prelat in many regards worthy of high commendation And William of Malmsbury gives him this Character That he was a Treasury of all liberall sciences And of this says he I can produce a witnes of unquestioned authority the learned Alcuin who in an Epistle to the Emperour Charles the Great thus writes Let mee be furnished with Books of more exquisite learning such as whilst I lived in mine own countrey of Brittany by the favour and industry of my worthy Master Egbert Arch-bishop of York I had the use of And if such be your Excellencies pleasure I will send thither some of my Disciples to coppy out there bring with them into France the choycest flowers in their Libraries Probably this Alcuin who after Saint Aldelm and Saint Beda was the most learned man of the English Nation had a principall regard in this passage cited out of him to that most Noble Library which Egbert furnished at York 4. But nothing gives a greater luster to him and more setts forth his learning and erudition then that Saint Boniface iudged him a person capable to resolve his difficulties There is among his Epistles one written after the death of Saint Beda to him in which he desires him to send him some of that Holy Doctours Treatises and withall asks his advice whether he might lawfully permitt a
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
into the Church where having received the Body of our Lord he gave up his spirit to him looking towards the Altar His Memory is celebrated on the twenty fifth of August 5. As touching his Successour Albericus he was by birth an Englishman and is named in the Gallican Martyrologe with this elogy On the one and twentieth of August is celebrated at Vtrecht the deposiâ—ion of S Albertâ— Biâ—hop of the same Citty anâ— Confessour He was born in Brittany in the Diocese of York from whence he came into Germany to preach the Gospell and for his excellent endoâ—ments in piety and eminent learning he was made Canon of the Church of Vtrecht Afterward when S. Gregory through weaknes and old age was disabled to administer the same See S. Alberic was appointed a diâ—â—enser of the whole Diocese to govern both the Clergy and people and S. Gregory himself by inspiration of the Holy Ghost foretold that he should â—ucceeâ—â—im in the Bishoprick Therefore after the Holy Bishop was freed from the chains of his flesh S. Aâ—â—eric was according to the desires of all exalted to his Epiâ—â—copall throne After which not contentinâ— himself with the solicitudes of his particular Diocese and Province he extended his care to the adiacent regions and sent S. Ludger who was afterward Bishop of Munster into the countrey of the Frisons there to spread the Gospell aâ—d root out Idolatrous superstitions At lâ—nâ—th after he had governed the Church of Vtrecht many years with admirable Sanctity this blessed servant of God who was wholly celestiall forsook the earth to which his heart never had been fixed and departed to his heavenly countrey He was honourablâ— buâ—ied near to his holy Predecessour accompany 〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉 in his Tomb and reward whom he has always fâ—llowed in order and merit XX. CHAP. 1.2 Succession of Bishops in England 3.4 c. The unhappy death of Kenulphus King of the West Saxons 6. Brithric succeeds him 7. Of Rictritha a Holy Queen and Abbesse 1. AT the same time in Brittany the Episcopall See of London being vacant by the voluntary resignation of Kenwalch as it is sayd it was supplied by Eanbald or Eadberch And after the death of Edbert Bishop of Leicester Vnwona was ordaind in his place 2. The year next following the two Bishops of the East-Angles dye again together and to Eadred Bishop of Dumwich succeeded Alphun to Hunfert Bishop of Helmham Bibba And within two years both these agree to dye together and to leave their Sees to new Bishops 3. This was the last year of the Raign of Kenulf King of the West-Saxons a Prince who had given many examples of vertue and piety but yet ended his life unhappily The length of his raign and circumstances of his death are thus declared by William of Malmsbury Kenulf says he was a Prince illustrious both for his vertues and warlick exploits In one only battell which in the four and twentieth year of his raign he fought against Offa King of the Mercians he was overcome And after that he was afflicted with many calamities and in conclusion came to a dishonourable and unhappy end For after he had governed the kingdom of the West-Saxons the space of one and thirty years neither cowardly nor immodestly at last whether it was out of a proud confidence that none durst resist him or out of a provident care of the security of his Successour he commanded Kineard the Brother of the Tyrant Sigebert whom he saw to encrease dayly in power and wealth to depart his kingdom Kineard iudging it best to yeild to the tempest went away with a shew of willingnes But presently after by private meetings and unsinuations he assembled a body of men given to all manner of villany with which he watched an opportunity against the King And having been informed that he was for his recreation and lustfull pleasure retired with a small retinue into a certain countrey dwelling he came suddenly upon him with some light armed soldiers and encompassed the house where the King was securely attending to his unlawfull luxury Who perceiving the danger he was in advised with his servants what he should doe At first he barricadoed the dores hoping either by fair speches to winn or by threatnings to terrify the soldiers without But finding neither way to succeed in a furious rage he suddenly leaps forth upon Kineard and wanted very little of killing him But being compassed by the multitude and thinking it inglorious to fly after he had well avenged himself by the death of many of the Traytours he was slain And those few servants with attended him scorning to yeild and earnest to avenge their Lord were killd likewise 4. Presently the fame of so execrable a Tragedy was spread abroad and came to the knowledge of certain Noble men not far distant with the Kings Guards Among whom Osric who was most eminent both for age and prudence encouraged the rest not to suffer the death of their Prince to passe unrevenged to their perpetuall infamy Whereupon they all drew their swords and rushed upon the trayterous murderers Kineard at first endeavoured to iustify his cause to promise great matters and to challenge kinred But when all this proffited nothing then he inflam'd the minds of his companions and fellow soldiers to resist boldly A good while the combat was doubtfull one side fighting for their lives and the other for glory At last victory having a good space hovered uncertainly turned her self to the iuster cause So that wretched Traytour after a courageous but vain resistance left his life having enioyed the successe of his treachery a very short time The Kings body was caried to Winchester where it was buried in a Monastery in those times very magnificent but in this age almost desolate 5. Other Historians mention the name of the village where King Kenulf was thus unfortunatly slain Thus Florentius writes It hapned saith he that Kenulf at that time went to a certain village which in the English tongue is called Meretum for a certain wanton womans sake c. This village is in the Province of Surrey and is now called Merton of old saith Camden famous for the fatall end of the West-Saxons 6. There remaind in that Kingdom two Princes of the Royall family which might pretend to the succession Brithric and Egbert Brithric was preferred perhaps for his mild and modest disposition For he was a man more studious of peace then war he was skilfull in reconciling freinds when dissenting forraign Princes he civilly courted and was indulgent to his own servants yet so as not to prejudice the vigour of his government 7. As for Egbert he was to attend sixteen years before the scepter would fall to his lott Which having once gott he managed it gloriously for he it was who dissolved all the petty governments and reduced the whole kingdome into a Monarchy as it has ever since continued and moreover obliged all
Books of Scripture Adding that the distance between Brittany and Tours in France where Alcuin lived was in no comparison so great as between Betthleem and Rome More particularly they humbly requested of him an Explication of the Gospell of Saint Iohn the Mysteries of which they earnestly desired to understand And though they had already the Treatises of S. Augustin upon that Gospell they were too difficult to be understood by them 3. This request of theirs he charitably condescended to as appeares by a prolixe Epistle of his placed before his Explication of S. Iohns Gospell directed to them In which he informs them in the time and occasion of S Iohns writing his Gospell for the confutation of Marcion Cherinthus Ebion and other Hereticks who denyed the Divinity of our Saviour He further observes for their instruction the difference in the stile between S. Iohn and the other three Evangelists For they are most copious in relating the externall actions and speeches of our Saviour which serve to direct Christian manners in this life Whereas S. Iohn is very breif in relating the facts of our Lord and cheifly insists on such speeches of his as regard the Vnity of the Trinity the felicity of eternall Life and such Mysteries as are more proper for a Contemplative Life He addes that in explaining this Gospell he durst not rely on his own iudgment but followed therein the Expositions of Catholick Doctours S. Ambrose Saint Augustin Saint Gregory Saint Beda and others out of whom with an humble heart and profound submission he had gathered variety of flowâ—rs and like a good Physicion out of many ingredients had composed a spirituall Medecine which might be healthfull to their soules 4. There is extant moreover another shorter Epistle upon the same subject prefixed before the sixth Book of his Annotations on that Gospell importing that he had sent them for their present use and devotion during the time of Lent certain Extraits out of his explications on that Gospell proper for their present use by meditating whereon they might be disposed with more spirituall ioy to celebrate the ensuing Paschal Solemnity 5. This Latter Epistle is inscribed to his Sister in Christ Gisla and his devout daughter Columba And whereas therein he acquaints them that he directed to them the whole exposition of the said Gospell thereby it is evident that the same person was intended by the two names of Rictrudis and Columba Both these Holy Virgins are commemorated among the Saints in our Martyrologe on the ninth of Aprill XIV CHAP. 1. 2. c. Alcuin sent for by Charles the Great into France 4.5 c. He disputes with convinces and converts Felix a Spanish Bishop an Arch-heretick who denyed the Divinity of our Saviour c. 1. CHarles King of France was deservedly stiled Great both for his victories in war and his zeale to advance Learning and Catholick Truth He not only willingly and liberally entertained all learned men who addressed themselves to him but invited them with great rewards to accept his bounty On a certain time saith Bromton two Scottish that is Irish Monks learned both in secular and Sacred knowledge came out of Ireland with certain Brittish Merchants into France These havâ—ng no wares to sell were wont to cry aloud among the people who came to the faire If any one be desirous of wisedom let him come to us for we have it to sell. This they did severall times Insomuch as many thought them out of their witts But the report of this coming to the King he sent for them and demanded whether they had wisedom to sell Their answer was Yes Sir we have it and in the name of God are ready to impart it to those who shall desire it He again asked them what they demanded in recompence They replyed We demand three things Commodious places to teach Schollars of towardly disposition and such necessary nourishment and cloathes as humane life requires Hereat the King was much ieyed and retaind them both with him Afterward when he went to war he left one of them named Clement at Paris in a convenient lodging and commended to his care certain Noble children with order that he should be furnished with all commodities The other he took with him into Italy and bestowed on him the Monastery of Saint Augustin at Pavia to the end he might there teach all that would apply themselves to him 2. But there was none so highly esteemed by him as our famous Alcuin whom about this time he earnestly invited into France upon two speciall Motives The former is thus expressed by Quercetan in his Preface to Alcuins Works The most glorious King Charles says he who by experience was acquainted with the learning and Wisedome of Alcuin both in France when he was sent thither to make a league of peace between the King of the Northumbers and King Charles as likewise at Pavia whilst he abode there He therefore in an honourable manner called him out of the remote parts of Brittany to assist his affectionat desire to promote the studies of true Wisedome and restore to light the Liberall Sciences which at that time were in a manner extinguished in France And the same is testified by Alcuin himself in an Epistle which he wrote to the same King Charles 2. But the other more important Motive of Alcuins coming into France was the same which his Master Egbert lately Arch-bishop of York had prophetically told him a little before his death That he should goe into France where he should produce much fruit beneficiall to Gods Church by opposing a new pestilent Heresy endeavouring to maintain that Christ was only the adoptive son of God 3. This Prediction was fullfilld when King Charles called Alcuin out of Brittany For then Elipandus Bishop of Toledo and Felix Bishop of Vrgel Vrgelitanus endeavoured to poyson the Church with their blasphemies iniurious to the Divinity of our Saviour This Alcuin testifies himself in a Book written against the former of these two Arch-hereticks I never entertained a servant to minister to mee saith he but I much rather affectionatly desire to doe service to all the servants of Christ And for this purpose by Divine ordination as I beleive I came out of Brittany to the most illustrious King of this Nation Charles For that it was Gods will I should doe so was foretold mee by a most holy man in my countrey who was endued with the Spirit of Prophecy Yea the same my most Venerable Master enioynd mee by his last command that wheresoever I heard of the rising of any new Sects contrary to Apostolick Doctrines I should addict my self entirely to the defence of the Catholick Faith 4. Presently after he was come into France the first thing he did was to write an Epistle to Felix exhorting him to return to the Vnity of the Church In answer whereto Felix returned not a Letter but large Book in which
a man of a red colour and a splendour inexpressible which marked the outward dore of the house with the Sign of the Crosse thereby happily prefiguring that the infant then ready to be born should constantly cary in his body the Crosse of Christ. A great multitude of neighbours there present being astonished with the strangenes of this Miracle concluded that some great unknown Mystery was represented by it when presently one of the Midwives issuing forth pâ—blished the birth of the infant When he was baptized he had the name Guthlac given him which in the Saxon language signifies A good gift And indeed he was given to his parents by God to the end he might courageously fight against their oppressours both carnall and spirituall and victoriously triumph over them He was of a countenance chearfull and mild so that he became gratefull and beloved by all 3. When he had attained to the four and twentieth year of his age seeing the Enemies of his countrey grow strong he began to aspire to military honours and raising soldiers he feircely invaded them broke into their Citties subverted their Castells and by many warlick exploits gaind to himself immortall fame Yet even in the midst of his fury he shewd mercy to his enemies and restored a third part of all the spoiles gotten by him 4. But at last calling to mind the sad and â—earfull deaths of many Princes from whom he had descended and considering how all secular pomp is but a smoke suddenly passing away that life is short death terrible a dreadfull Iudge and the pains to be suffred for sins incomprehensible endles Therefore calling his soldiers together he told them That having hitherto fought for vanities he would spend the remainder of his life in our Lords warfare That they should chuse themselves a Captain but for his part he would follow the Crosse of his Captain Christ. And when by no perswasions he could be drawn from this resolution quitting his arms he went to Rependon or rather Rippon where there was a famous Monasteâ—y in which receiving the Clericall Tensure he submitted himself to a strict Monasticall Discipline wholly abstaining from any drink which could inebriate He was very diligent in learning the Psalms and Church Hymnes and in the space of two years he with great facility advanced himself in the knowledge of Srcred Scriptures He had a pleasing aspect was humble in his gesture and gate religiously shewing great fear of in God his actions firm in Faith patient in hope profuse in Charity kind and mild to all provident in counsell and circumspect in his words 5. Having spent two years in a Coenobiticall conversation he aspired to greater austerities in a solitary Anachoreticall life Now there is in Brittany a vast fenny countrey which beginning from the River Gronâ—e extends itself Northward along the Sea coast for a very great space and it is variously divided by feâ—ns woods and serpentine rivers Thither did he repair having fiâ—st obtained leave of his Religious Brethren and was told by the inhabitants of the place that the Iâ—le was named Câ—oyland where severall persons having had a desire to dwell were forced to fly away by terrible apparitions of Devills This report not discouraging him he passed over into it in a fishers boat on the Feast day of S. Bantholmew the Apostle in whose intercession having a speciall confidence he resolved to make his abode there in that place of horrour and vast solitude having with him only two young men which had followed him 6. Whereupon he built himself a small cottages his cloathing was only raw skins of beasts and his nourishment barley-bread with muddey water and this never till Sunâ—ett and with great parsimony The Enemy of mankind therefore envying the Humility of this Man of God did suggest to his mind so vehement a tentation that he had falln into the pitt of despaire had not our Lord mercifully regarded him by the intercession of the Blessed Apostle S. Bartholmew For when he being in great disturbance of mind was upon the point to desert his Desart S. Bartholmew visibly appearing to him encouraged him to coÌ„stancy by discovering that such Tentations were permitted by our Lord for the tryall of his Faith and to the end that distrusting himself he might place all his confidence in God who would never forsake him After such like exhortations the Apostle vanished out of his sight and from that hower the Devill never had the boldnes to tempt him with the spirit of Despair 7. Consequently the devout Authour recounts severall other particular Tentations horrible apparitions of Devills in severall shapes sometimes perswading him to immoderate and indiscreet fasting thereby to destroy his health sometimes insulting upon him whipping binding and carrying him through those fenng places c. all which he despised and triumphed over 8. Now as hath been sayd there were attending him two younâ— men the name oâ— one of them was Bertelin he had received the Clericall Tonsure and served our Lord in Spiritual Exercises under the direction of the Holy man Now the Wicked Spirit perceiving that he could not by any tentation subvert the Saint raised in the heart of this young man so violent a passion against him that he took a firm resolution to murder his Master and Teacher that he being dispatched out of the way his house and furniture in it might descend as by right upon him But the pious servant of our Lord by revelation of the Holy Ghost was acquainted with all these malicious designs of Bertelin therefore on a certain day calling him to him he plainly and distinctly told him all his thoughts when and where and in what manner and with what intention he had designed his murder The young man perceiving that he was deprehended with great remorse cast himself at his feet begged and easily obtaind pardon And from that hower he shewed all fidelity to him and continued with him to his death after which he had the honour to assist at his buriall This is the same Bertelin who dictated all these particulars to Felix the Writer of his Life 9. Hereto the Authour addes severall miâ—aculous signs wrought upon severall occasions by the man of God which the Reader at leasure may have recourse to Moreover he relates how he was visited by a certain Bishop named Hedda who being a witnesse of his piety testified by his discerning the thoughts of a Preist called Wilfrid who attended the Bishop and promised to explore whether he was not an Hypocrite such as he had seen many in Scotland who pretending a solitary life gave themselves to idlenes and excesse Hereupon the Bishop forced the Holy man against his will to receive the degree and honour of Preist-hood 10. One particular more we will add breifly mentioned by the foresaid Authour of his life but more fully related by Ingulfus Abbot of Croyland who writes the History of his Abbey beginning it with this story of the Conversion of