consecrated by Ithamar alone Bishop of Rochester the first English Bishop consecrating the first English Arch-Bishop Let no Sophister cavill with his thread-bare Maxime Nihil dat quod non habet and therefore a single Bishop could not conferre Archiepiscopal Power but leave it to the Canon-Lawyers to decide what may be done in case of Extremity Mean time how causelesse is the Caption of the Papists c Sanders de Schism pag. 297 at the Consecration of Matthew Parker because no Arch-Bishop though four Bishops was present thereat Seeing though an Arch-Bishop be requisite ad Dignitatem Bishops will suffice ad Honestatem and a single Bishop as d Bede Hist lib. 3. p. 217. Ithamar here may be effectuall ad essentiam of an Archiepiscopal Consecration No wonder therefore if Evagrius was acknowledged a legitimate Bishop by the e Binnius Tom. 1. p. 579. in Notis in Epist 17. Innocentis primi Wolphere's murther of his two Sons Pope himself though contrary to the Rigour of the Canon consecrated by f Theodoret. lib. 5. cap. 23. Paulinus alone Deus-dedit answered his Name A good Arch-Bishop is Gods Gift and for nine yeares and more ruled the Church to his great Commendation 86. A barbarous Murther was committed by Wolphere 662 King of Mercia who understanding that his two Sons Wulfade and Rufine had embraced Christianity cruelly slew them with his own Hands But afterwards repenting of so soul a Fact he himself turned Christian and in Testimony thereof finished the fair Fabrick of the Monastery at Peterborough begun by Peada his Brother The whole Story thereof was till lately set forth in Painting and Poetry such as it was in the Glass-windows round about the Cloisters of Peterborough Wulfade pray'd Chad that ghostly Leach The Faith of Christ him for to teach 87. And now The making of Glasse brought first into England having fallen on the mention of Glasse be it seasonably remembred that just at this time one Benault a forrain Bishop but of what place I find not brought the Mystery of making Glasse into England to the great Beautifying of our Churches and Houses the Eyes being the Grace of the Body as Windows are of Buildings I conceive his Invention was White Glasse alone more ancient then Painted Glasse in this Island as Plain-song is much seniour to all Descanting and running of Division 88. The Paroxisme continued and encreased Scotish Bishops dissent from others in keeping Easter betwixt the Scotish Bishops headed after Aidan's Death by Finan Bishop of Holy-Island and such who celebrated Easter after the Roman Rite The later so bitterly detested the former Anno Dom. 662 that they would not receive Consecration of them or Imposition of Hands as if their very Fingers ends were infected with Schisme for dissenting from Rome Yea they would neither give the Sacrament of the Euacharist to them nor receive it from them and yet they never quarrelled at or questioned the validity of Baptisme conferred by them seeing Bishop Finan christened the King of the East-Saxons and all his Subjects Some what more moderate were the Scots or Quartadecimans in their Cariage to the other seeing S t. Chad Scotized in his Judgement refused not Consecration from Wyni Bishop of Winchester though one of the contrary Opinion 89. Nor was this Controversie consined to Cloisters and Colledges This controversy spreads into private families but derived it self from the Kings Court down into private Families Thus Oswy King of Northumberland was of the Scotish Perswasion whilest his Queen and eldest Son were of the Romish Opinion in Celebration of Easter One Board would not hold them whom one Bed did contain It fell out so sometimes that the Husband 's Palm-Sunday was the Wife's Easter-day and in other Families the Wife fasted and kept Lent still whilest her Husband feasted and observed Easter Say not that Wife deserved to fast alwayes who in so indifferent a Ceremony would not conform to her Husband's Judgement For Consciences in such kinds are to be led not drawn Great was the Disturbance in every great Family onely the Poor gained by the Difference causing a Duplicate of Festivalls two Easters being kept every year in the same House 90. To compose this Controversie if possible a Councill was called at Streanch-Hall now Whitby in Yorkshire by the procurement of S t. Hilda 663 Abbess therein A Councell is called to compose this controversie Here appeared amongst many others For the Romish Easter VVilfride an Abbot a zealous Champion Romanus a Priest very hot in the Quarrel And others Moderatours Hilda the Abbess of Streanch-Hall S. Cedd Bishop of London propending to the Scotish but not throughly perswaded For the Scotish Easter S t. Coleman Bishop of Holy-Island who succeeded Finan in that place But Baronius and Binnius will in no case allow this for a Councill though elsewhere extending that name to meaner Meetings onely they call it a Collation because forsooth it wanted some Council-Formalities all Bishops not being solemnly summoned but onely some Voluntiers appearing therein Besides as there was something too little so something too much for a Canonicall Councill Hilda a Woman being Moderatresse therein which seemed irregular 91. In this Councill Wilfride his prevailing argument or Collation call it which you please after much arguing pro and con VVilfride at last knockt all down with this Argument That the Romish Celebration of Easter was founded on the Practice of S t. Peter Prince of the Apostles and Porter of Heaven King Oswy hearing this was affrighted who had rather anger all the other eleven Apostles then offend S t. Peter one so high in Power and Place for fear as he said left coming to Heaven-gate S t. Peter should deny him a Cast of his Office and refuse to let him into Happinesse S t. Coleman being on the other side was angry that so slight an Argument had made so deep an Impression on the King's Credulity And to manifest his Distaste after the Councill was broken up carried all those of his own Opinion home with him into Scotland One Tuda succeeded him in his Bishoprick of Holy-Island the first of that See that conformed himself in this Controversie to the Romish Church and died in the same year of the Plague 92. As for VVilfride His intended but disappointed preferment he was well rewarded for his Paines in this Councill being presently promoted to be Bishop of York which since Paulinus his Death was no longer an Arch-Bishop's but a plain Bishop's See But though appointed for the place by King Oswy Anno Dom. 663 he refused Consecration from any English Bishops being all irregular as consecrated by the schismaticall Scots onely VVyni late Bishop of VVinchester now of London was ordained canonically but lately he had contracted just Shame for his Simony in buying his Bishoprick Over goes VVilfride therefore to Rome for Consecration and stayes there so long that in his Absence the King put S t.
very yeer these three were cited to appear before Edmuna Grindall BP Their judgements of the Queen of London one who did not run of himself yea would hardly answer the spur in pressing conformity the BP asked them this question Have we not a godly Prince a The Register of 〈◊〉 pag. 33. speak is she evill To which they made their severall answers in manner following William White What a question is that the fruits do shew Thomas Rowland No but the Servants of God are persecuted under her Robert Hawkins Why this question the Prophet answereth in the Psalms How can they have understanding that work iniquity spoyling my peoplâ— and that extoll vanity Wonder not therefore if the Queen proceeded severely against some of them commanding them to be put into Prison though still their Party daily increased 11. Nicholas Wotton died this year Dean at the same time of Canterbury and Yorke The death of Dr. Wotton so that these two Metropolitan Churches so often contesting about their Priviledges were reconciled in his preferment He was Doctour of both Laws and some will say of both Gospels who being Privie Councellour to King Henry the Eighth Edward the Sixth Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth never overstrained his conscience such his oylie compliance in all alterations However he was a most Prudent man and happily active in those many Embassies wherein he was employed 12. The Romanists were neither ignorant not to observe 9. 1568 Harding and Saunders Bishop it in England nor idle not to improve the advantage lately given them by the discords betwixt the Bishops and Nonconformists And now to strengthen their Party two most active fugitive Priests Thomas Harding and Nicholas Saunders return into England and that Episcopall power which they had lately received from the Pope they largely exercised on the Papists 1. Absolving all English in the Court of Conscience who returned to the bosome of their Church 2. Dispensing with them in cases of irregularity saving such which proceeded from wilfull murder 3. Even from irregularity of heresie b Camdens Eliz. in this year on condition that the Party to be absolved refrained three years from the Ministery of the Altar Very earnest they were in advancing the Catholick Cause and perverted very many to their own Erroneous opinions 13. Mary Queen of Scots 10. May 17. ill used at home by her own Subjects made an escape into England Q of Scots comes into England and landed at Wirkington in Cumberland the Statepart of whose sufferings we leave to Civill Historians confining our selves to the imprinted passages concerning Religion beginning with her letter to the Pope Most Holy Father Anno Dom. 1568. Anno Regin Eliza. 10. AFter the kissing of your most holy feet Her letter to Pope Pius Quintus hi herâ—o never printed the Copy whereof was as with many other rarities bestowed on me by James Arch-Bishop of Armagh I having been advertised that my Rebels and their Fautours that retain them in their Countries Nove 30. have wrought so effectually by their practises that it hath been related unto the King of Spain my Lord and good Brother that I am become variable in the Catholick Religion although I have within some dayes past written to your Holinesse devoutly to kiss your feet and recommending me unto you I do now again most humbly beseech you to hold me for a most devout and a most obedient Daughter of the Holy Catholick Roman Church and not to give faith unto those reports which may easily come or shall hereafter come to your ears by means of the false and calumnious speeches which the said Rebels and other of the same Sect have caused to be spread abroad that is to say that I have changed my Religion thereby to deprive me of your Holinesse grace and the favour of other Catholick Princes The same hath touched my heart so much that I could not fail to write again of new to your Holinesse to complain and bemoan my self of the wrongs and of the injuries which they do unto me I beseech the same most humbly to be pleased to write in my favour to the devout Christian Princes and obedient sons of your Holinesse exhorting them to interpose their credit and authority which they have with the Queen of England in whose power I am to obtain of her that she will let me go out of her country whither I came secured by her promises to demand aid of her against my Rebels and if neverthelesse she will retain me by all means yet that she will permit me to exercise my Religion which hath been forbidden to me for which I am grieved and vexed in this Kingdom insomuch as I will give you to understand what subtilties my Adversaries have used to colour these calumniations against me They so wrought that an English Minister was sometimes brought to the place where I am streightly kept which was wont to say certain prayers in the vulgar tongue and because I am not at my own liberty nor permitted to use any other Religion I have not refused to hear him thinking I had committed no errour Wherein neverthelesse most Holy Father if I have offended or failed in that or any thing else I ask misericordia of your Holinesse beseeching the same to pardon and to absolve me and to be sure and certain that I have never had any other will then constantly to live the most devout and most obedient Daughter of the Holy Catholick Roman Church in which I will live and die according to your Holinesse advises and precepts I offer to make such amends and pennance that all Catholick Princes especially your Holinesse as Monarch of the world shall have occasion to rest satisfied and contented with me In the mean time I will devoutly kiss your Holinesse feet praying God long to conserve the same for the benefit of his Holy Church Written from Castle a a The Lord Scroop his house in Yorke shire where Sr. Fra. Knowls was her keeper Boulton the last of November 1568. The most devout and obedient Daughter to your Holinesse the Q of Scotland Widdow of France MARIA I meet not with the answer which his Holinesse returned unto her and for the present leave this Lady in safe custody foreseeing that this her exchange of letters with Forraign Princes and the Pope especially will finally cause her destruction 14. Thomas Young Arch-Bishop of Yorke died at Sheffield June 26. Anno Regin 11. The death of T 〈◊〉 Arch 〈◊〉 of York and was buried in his own Cathedrall He plucked down the great Hall at Yorke built by Thomas his predecessour five hundred yeers before so far did plumâ—i sacra fames desire to gain by the leade prevail with him Yet one presumeth to avouch that all that lead in effect proved but dross unto him being a S. 〈◊〉 Harington in his addition to Bp. Godwins catalogue in fine defeated of the
and his judgement may according to the credit or reference of the Author alledged believe or abate from the reputation of the report Let me add that though it be a lie in the Clock it 's but a falsehood in the Hand of the Diall when pointing at a wrong hour if rightly following the direction of the wheele which moveth it And the fault is not mine if â—truly cite what is false on the credit of another The best certainty in this kinde we are capable of is what we finde in the confessions of the parties themselves The success of the solemn humiliation of the ministers at Northampton deposed on oath taken by publick notaries and recorded in court for such who herein will flie higher for true intelligence then the Starr-Chamber must fetch it from heaven himself 23. In that Court we finde confessed by one M r. b See Englands Scoâ—tizing for discipline 3. Cap. 6. pag. 88. Johnson formerly a great Presbyterian but afterwards it seems falling from that side he discovered many passages to their disadvantage how that when the Book of Discipline came to Northampton to be subscribed unto there was a generall censuring used amongst the brethren there as it were to sanctifie themselves partly by sustaining a kinde of pennance and reproof for their former conformity to the Orders of the Church and partly to prepare their mindes for the devout accepting of the aforesaid Book In which course of censuring used at that time there was such a ripping up one of anothers life even from their youth as that they came to bitterness and reviling tearms amongst themselves one growing thereby odious to another and some did thereupon utterly forsake those kinds of Assemblies O how wofull the 〈◊〉 of the English Church whilst her 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 her ministers and under-â—owers some tugged it one way and others towing it another enough almost to split her in pieces with the violence of their contrary Discipline 24. Leave we them for a while The Contents of the 〈◊〉 to the Catholicks of England to behold how the Popish Clergy were employed who in the beginning of this year were as busie as Bees newly ready to swarme A Book was set forth called the admonition dispersed amongst Catholicks and highly cried up consisting of severall Parts not unfit to be here recited 1. The Authors make their entrance into the discourse with a most odious and shamefull declamation against her Majesty stirring up her subjects hearts to contempt of her highness as being one odious to God and man They threaten the Nobility Gentry c. with loss of all their goods their Lands their Lives and with damnation besides except that presently upon the landing of the Spaniards they joyned themselves and all their forces men munition victuals and whatsoever else they could make with their Catholick Army forsooth for the words be these If you will avoid say they the Popes the Kings and other Princes high indignation let no man of what degree soever abet aid defend or acknowledge her c. adding that otherwise they should incurr the Angels Curse and Malediction and be as deeply excommunicated as any because that in taking her Majesties part they should fight against God against their lawfull King against their Countrey and that notwithstanding all they should do they should but defend her highness bootless to their own present destruction and eternall shame 2. After all those and many other such threats in a high and military stile to scarr fools with then they come to some more milde perswasions and promise the noble men that so they joyn with the duke of PARMA upon the receipt of their Admonition they will intreat that their whole houses shall not perish For Persons did instigate the English Cardinall to swear by his Honour and in the word of a Cardinall that in the fury of their intended Massacre their should as great care be taken of every Catholick and penitent person as possibly could be and that he was made a Cardinall of purpose to be sent then into England for the sweet managing of those Affairs 3. Other arguments they used drawn from the certainty of the victory as that all the Protestants would either turn their Coats Copies arms or fly away in fear and torment of the Angel of God prosecuting them that although none of her Majesties subjects should assist the Spaniards yet their own forces which they brought with them were strong enough their provision sufficient their appointment so surpassing that they had more expert Captains then her Majesty had good souldiers all resolute to be in the Cause which they had undertaken that the Blood of all the blessed Bishops shed in this Land and all the saints in heaven prayed for the Spaniards victory that all the vertuous Priests of our Country both at Home and Abroad had stretched forth their sacred hands to the same end that many priests were in the Camp to serve every spiritual mans necessity that their forces were guarded with all Gods Holy Angels with Christ himself in the soveraign Sacrament and with the daily most holy oblation of Christs own dear body and blood that the Spaniards being thus assisted with so many helps though they had been never so few they could not lose and that her Majesty and her Assistants wanting these helps although they were never so fierce never so proud never so many never so well appointed yet they could not prevail Fear you not say they to such as would take their part they cannot And thus far out of their said Jesuiticall Admonition The Book goes under the name of Cardinall Allen though the secular Priests say he was but the Cloak-father thereof and that a Watsons Quodlibets pag. 240. Parsons the Jesuite made it Others conceive it equivocally begotten as the result and extract of severall brains No doubt had the Spanish Invasion succeeded happy he who could have laid claim to so prophetical a piece and they would have fallen out as the two * 1 Kings 3. Harlots about the living Child who should have been Parent thereof Whereas now on the miscarriage of their great Navie all disclaimed the Book and Parsons procured the whole impression to be burnt save some b Watson ut prius few sent abroad before hand to his friends that it might not remain a monument of their falsehood And now the Popish Priests some lurk't here in holes other fled into forraign parts their confusion being the greater for their former confidence Thus * Judg. 5. 30. Sisera comes off the more coldly when stript out of the garment of divers colours wherewith his mother had arrayed him in her fancy running faster then the wheels of her sons Charriot to his imaginary conquest 25. This year died Edwin Sands Arch-Bishop of Yorke Aug. 8. born in Lancashire of worshipfull Parentage The death of Edw. Sands Arch-Bishop of York bred in Cambridge banished to Germany after
at London Robert Gilbert VVarden of Merton Colledge Doctor of Divinity in the behalf of Oxford and Thomas Kington Doctor of Law Advocate of the Arches in the behalf of d Ex Registro Cantuar. Hen. Chichely Cambridge made two eloquent Orations that the worth of Scholars in the Vniversity might be rewarded and preferment proportioned to their Deserts Hereupon it was ordered that the Patrons of vacant Benefices should bestow them hereafter on such as were Graduated in the Vniversity Gradus Professionis ratione juxta Beneficiorum census valores habita So that the best and most Livings should be collated on those of the best and highest Degrees 39. Doctor Kington returning to Cambridge Refused by their own folly instead of Thanks which he might justly have expected for his successfull industry found that the favour he procured was not accepted of The Regent-Masters in the Congregation out of their e Ant. Brit. pag. 278. Youthfull Rashnesse rejected the kindness merely out of Spleen and Spite because the Doctors would be served with the first and best Livings and the Refues onely fall to their share Iohn Riken d ale 1419 7 Chancellour g p 40. The Regent-Masters being grown older and wiser But on second thoughts accepted were perswaded to accept the profer sending their thanks by the Chancellour to another Synod now kept at London And now when the bestowing of Benefices on Vniversitymen was clearly concluded the f Ant. Brit. ut prius unlearned Friars whose interest herein was much concerned mainly stickled against it untill by the Kings interposing they were made to desist The same year it was ordered in Parliament that none should practise g Rob. Hare in Archivis Physick or Surgery except approved on by one of the Vniversities Hen. 6. 1 Thomas de Cobham 1422 1423 Chancellour Robert Fitzhugh Master of Kings Hall Chancellour afterward Bishop of London 2 Marmaduke Lumley Anno Regis Hen. 6. 7 8 9 Anno Dom. 1428 1429 1430 Chancellour afterwards Bishop of Lincoln VVilliam VVimble Chancellour Iohn Holebroke Chancellour 41. Difference arising betwixt the Vniversity Differences betwixt the Bishop of Ely and the University and Philip Morgan Bishop of Ely Pope Martine the fifth at the instance of the Vniversity appointed the Prior of Barnwell and Iohn Deeping Canon of Lincoln his Delegates to enquire of the Priviledges of the Vniversity 42. The Prior undertook the whole businesse Remitted by the Pope to the Prior of Baâ—nwell examined seven witnesses all Aged some past threescore and ten and perused all Papal Bulls Priviledges and Charters wherein he found that the Chancellours of Cambridge have all a Rob. Hare 〈◊〉 Archivis vol. 2. fol 103 Ecclesiasticall Iurisdiction viz. Excommunication and suspension over Scholars and their servants probates of VVills granting of Administration and taking their accounts the aged witnesses deposing it on their own sight and knowledge 43. This being returned by the Prior The Pope giveth his sentence for Cambridge it's exemtion Pope Martine pronounced his sentence wherein he declareth that the Vniversity time out of mind was in the Possession use and exercise of Ecclesiasticall and spirituall Iurisdiction without any disquieting of Arch-bishops Bishops or their Officers and for the time to come he confirmed their b Hare in Archivis vo 2. fol. 115. Immunities which his Successour Eugenius the fourth re-confirmed unto them This strengthens our former Conjecture that the Vniversity willingly receded from their own Priviledges in Arundel's visitation VVilliam Lassells 10 1431 Chancellour Richard Caudrey 11 1432 Chancellour Iohn de Langton 15 1436 Chancellour 44. Richard Duke of York was at this time Earle of Cambridge A constant Tenure of Princely Earles the last that ware that Honour for many years in whose death it was extinct And now let the Reader at one view behold the great Persons dignified with the Earledome of Cambridge Scotch Kings Germane Princes English Dukes 1. David 2. Henry 3. Malcolm 4. Iohn Earle of Henault 5. VVilliam Marques of Iuliers 6. Edmond of Langly fifth Son to Edward the third 7. Edward his Son 8. Richard Duke of York his Brother Father to King Edward the 4 th No City Town or place in England was ever honoured with so many and great persons as Cambridge was whose Earledome sleeping for almost two hundred yeares was at last conferred by King Iames on the royallyextracted Marques Hamilton whereof in due place 45. About this time the many Chests of Money formerly well filled The Universities money embezeled and worthily employed for the good of the University and eminent Scholars therein were squandered away and embezeled to private mens profit I cannot particularize in their names nor charge any single person but it appeared too plainly that of 14. or 15. Chests not four were left and the summes in them inconsiderable so that Cambridge never recovered her Bank nor recruited her Chests to the former proportion Anno Dom. 1436 Yet afterwards she met with two good Benefactours Anno Regis Henri ci 6. 15 the one Thomas Bourchier Never reâ—lored to the same degree Arch-bishop of Canterbury who bestowed on her an hundred pounds the other the Lady Elizabeth Cleere Dutchesse of Norfolk which put the Vniversity in stock again bestowing no lesse then a thousand Marks at severall times on the publick Treasury though within few yeares little was left thereof 46. I know it is pleaded Vehement suspition of corruption that the expensive Suites of the University against the Towns-men in the Reigns of King Henry the seventh and King Henry the eighth much exhausted their Coffers But when all is audited a strong suspition still remaines on some in publick employment of unjust dealing Sure it is in the Reign of King Edward the sixth the Treasury was so empty it wanted wherewith to defray necessary and ordinary Expences SECTION V. Anno Regis RADULPHO FREEMAN Anno Dom. in Comitatu Hertfordensi Armigero SOlon interrogatus à Croeso Regum opulentissimo Plutarch in vita Solon quem ille mortalium agnosceret Beatissimum Tellum quendam Atheniensem civem privatum nominavit Huic res nec augusta nec angusta cum inter Invidiam Inoptam pari fere distantia collocaretur Si Solon nunc in vivis Te faelicissimis hujus Seculi annumeraret cui Mens composita Corpus licet tenue integrum Domus elegans Supellex nitida Patrimonium satis amplum Soboles numerosa ac ingenua Nec nimiis Titulis tumescis necte Obscuritas premit cui talis obtigit Conditio qua melior haud facile fingi potest Quod si tibi suppetat hora succisiva quae non sit fraudi serioribus tuis Negociis perlegas quaeso hanc Historiae meae portiunculam cujus pars majuscula in Collegio Regali describendo consumitur in quo
Idolaters who from misapplying that undeniable Truth of Gods being in every thing made every thing to be their God Trees Rivers Hills and Mountains They worshipped Devils whose Pictures remained in the dayes of a Epist de Excid Brit. Gildas within and without the decayed Walls of their Cities drawn with deformed Faces no doubt done to the Life according to their Terrible Apparitions so that such ugly Shapes did not woe but fright people into Adoration of them Wherefore if any find in Tully that the Britans in his time had no Pictures understand him they were not Artists in that Mystery like the Greeks and Romans they had not pieces of Proportion being rather Dawbers then Drawers Stainers then Painters though called Picti from their self-discoloration 2. Three paramount Idols they worshipped above all the rest Their Principall Idols and ascribed divine honour unto them 1. Apollo by them styled Belinus the Great 2. Andnaste b Xiphil Epi. in Nerone or Andate the Goddesse of Victorie 3. Diana Goddesse of the Game This last was most especially reverenced Britain being then all a Forest where Hunting was not the Recreation but the Calling and Venison not the Dainties but the Diet of Common people There is a place near S. Pauls in London called in old Records DIANA'S CHAMBER where in the daies of K. c Camden Britann in Middlesex Edward the first thousands of the Heads of Oxen were digged up whereat the Ignorant wondred whilest the Learned well understood them to be the proper Sacrifices to Diana whose great Temple was built thereabout This rendereth their Conceit not altogether unlikely who will have LONDON so called from LLAN-DIAN which signifieth in British the Temple of DIANA And surely Conjectures if mannerly observing their Distance and not impudently intruding themselves for Certainties deserve if not to be received to be considered Besides these specified they had other Portenta Diabolica a Gildas ut prius pene numero Aegyptiaca vincentia as indeed they who erroneously conceive one God too little will find two too many and yet Millions not enough As for those learned b Druides unum esse Deum semper inculcarunt Camden and Bp. Godwin Pens which report that the Druides did instruct the Ancient Britans in the Knowledge and Worship of one onely God may their Mistake herein be as freely forgiven them as I hope and desire that the Charitable Reader will with his Pardon meet those unvoluntary Errours which in this Work by me shall be committed 3. Two sorts of People were most honoured amongst the Britans 1. Druides who were their Philosophers Divines Lawyers 2. Bards who were their Prophets Poets Historians The former were so called from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The office and employment of the Druides signifying generally a Tree and properly an Oak under which they used to perform their Rites and Ceremonies An Idolatrie whereof the Iews themselves had been guilty for which the Prophet threatneth them c Isai 1. 29. They shall be ashamed of the Oaks which they have desired But the signall Oak which the Druides made choice of was such a one on which d Pliny Natur Hist lib. 6. cap. 44. Misletoe did grow by which privie token they conceived God marked it out as of soveraigne vertue for his service Under this Tree on the sixth day of the Moon whereon they began their Year they invocated their Idols and offered two white Bulls filleted in the horns with many other Ceremonies These Pagan Priests never wrote anything so to procure the greater Veneration to their Mysteries men being bound to believe that it was some great Treasure which was locked up in such great Secresie 4. The Bards were next the Druides in Regard The powerfull practices of the Bards on the people and played excellently to their Songs on their Harps whereby they had great Operation on the Vulgar surprising them into Civility unawares they greedily swallowing whatsoever was sweetned with Musick These also to preserve their Ancestours from Corruption embalmed their Memories in Rhiming Verses which looked both backward in their Relations and forward in their Predictions so that their Confidence meeting with the Credulity of others advanced their wild Conjectures to the Reputation of Prophesies The Immortality of the Soul they did not flatly denie but salfely believe disguised under the opinion of Transanimation conceiving that dying mens Souls afterward passed into other Bodies either preferred to better or condemned to worse according to their former good or ill behaviour This made them contemn Death and alwayes maintain erected Resolutions counting a valiant Death the best of Bargains wherein they did not loose but lay out their Lives to Advantage Generally they were great Magicians insomuch that e Natur. Hist lib. 30. cap. 1. Plinie saith that the very Persians in some sort might seem to have learn't their Magick from the Britans 5. So pittifull for the present 37 and more fearfull for the future was the condition of the Heathen Britans The first preaching of the Gospell in Britain Causes which hastened the conversion of Britain before other kingdoms which lay nearer to Palestine when it pleased God with a strong hand and stretched-out Arme to reach the Gospel unto them who were afarre off both in locall and theologicall Distance This was performed in the later end of the Reigne of Tiberius some thirty seven years after Christ's Birth as Polydor Virgil collecteth out of the testimony of f Tempore ut scimus summo Tiberii Caesaris inp Epist de Ex. Brit. Gildas 6. If it seem incredible to any that this Island furthest from the Sunne should see Light with the first whil'st many Countries on the Continent interposed nearer in Situation to Iudaea the Fountain of the Gospell sate as yet and many years after in Darknesse and in the Shadow of Death Let such consider First That Britain being a by-Corner out of the Road of the World seemed the safest Sanctuarie from Persecution 37 which might invite Preachers to come the sooner into it Secondly it facilitated the Entrance of the Gospell hither that lately the Roman Conquest had in part civilized the South of this Island by transporting of Colonies thither and erecting of Cities there so that by the Intercourse of Traffick and Commerce with other Countries Christianity had the more speedy and convenient Wastage over Whereas on the other side this set the Conversion of Germany so backward because the in-land Parts thereof entertained no Trading with others and out of Defiance to the Romans hugged their own Barbarisme made lovely with Liberty bolting out all Civility from themselves as jealous that it would usher in Subjection Lastly and chiefly God in a more peculiar manner did alwayes favour the Islands as under his immediate Protection For as he daily walls them with his Providence against the scaling of the swelling Surges and constant Battery of the Tide so he made a
you may reign everlastingly with him whose Vicar you are which with the Father and the Sonne c. 7. Now we have done our Threshing A preparative for the examining the truth of this letter we must begin our Winnowing to examine the Epistle For the trade of counterfeiting the Letters of eminent men began very early in the Church Some were tampering with it in the Apostles time which occasioned S t. Paul's b 2 Thess 2. 2. Caution That ye be not soon shaken in minde or be troubled neither by spirit nor by word nor by letter as from us Since men then but Apprentices are now grown Maisters in this Mysterie wherefore it will be worth our examining whether this Epistle be genuine or no. Say not this doth betray a peevish if not malicious disposition and argues a vexatious spirit in him which will now call the title of this Letter in question which time out of minde hath been in the peaceable possession of an authentick reputation especially seeing it soundeth in honorem Ecclesiae Britannicae and grant it a Tale yet it is smoothly told to the credit of the British Church But let such know that our Church is sensible of no Honour but what resulteth from truth and if this Letter be false the longer it hath been received the more need there is of a speedy and present Confutation before it be so firmly rooted in mens belief past power to remove it See therefore the Arguments which shake the credit thereof 1. The date of this Letter differs in several Copies and yet none of them light right on the time of Eleutherius according to the Computation of the best-esteemed Authours 2. It relates to a former Letter of King Lucius wherein he seemeth to request of Eleutherius both what he himself had before and what the good Bishop was unable to grant For what need Lucius send for the Roman Laws to which Britain was already subjected and ruled by them At this very time wherein this Letter is pretended to be wrote the Roman Laws were here in force and therefore to send for them hither was even actum agere and to as much purpose as to fetch water from Tiber to Thames Besides Eleutherius of all men was most improper to have such a suit preferred to him Holy man he little medled with Secular matters or was acquainted with the Emperours Laws onely he knew how to suffer Martyrdome in passive obedience to his cruel Edicts 3. How high a Throne doth this Letter mount Lucius on making him a Monarch Who though Rex Britannicus was not Rex Britanniae except by a large Synecdoche neither sole nor supreme King here but partial and subordinate to the Romans 4. The Scripture quoted is out of S t. Hierom's Translation which came more then an hundred years after And the Age of Eleutherius could not understand the language of manu tenere for to maintain except it did ante-date some of our modern Lawyers to be their Interpreter In a word we know that the a Ioshua 9. 12. Gibeonites their mouldy Bread was baked in an Oven very near the Israelites and this Letter had its original of a later b See S â— Hen. Spelman in Councells p. 34. c. where there is another copy of this letter with some alterations and additions King Lucius baptized date which not appearing any where in the World till a thousand years after the death of Eleutherius probably crept out of some Monks Cell some four hundred years since the true answer of Eleutherius being not extant for many years before 8. But to proceed Eleutherius at the request of King Lucius sent unto him c Aliter Phaganus Duvianus Faganus and Derwianus or Dunianus two holy men and grave Divines to instruct him in the Christian Religion by whom the said King Lucius called by the Britans Lever-Maur or the Great Light was baptized with many of his Subjects For if when private d Act. 16. 15. 32. Persons were converted Cornelius Lydia c. their Housholds also were baptized with them it is easily credible that the example of a King embracing the Faith drew many Followers of Court and Country Soveraigns seldome wandring alone without their Retinue to attend them But whereas some report that most yea e Ita ut in brevi nullus infidelis remaneret Matth. Paris Westm all of the Natives of this Island then turned Christians it is very improbable and the weary Traveller may sooner climbe the steepest Mountains in Wales then the judicious Reader believe all the hyperbolical reports in the British Chronicles hereof 9. For Ieffery Monmouth tells us I. Monmouth his fiction of Flamens and Arch-Flamens that at this time there were in England twenty eight Cityes each of them having a f Monmouth de geâ—lis Britannor lib. 2. cap. 1. fol. 33. Flamen or Pagan Priest and there of them namely London York and Caer-lion in Wales had Arch-Flamens to which the rest were subjected and Lucius placed Bishops in the room of the Flamens and Arch-Bishops Metropolitans in the places of Arch-Flamens All which saith he solemnly received their Confirmation from the Pope But herein our Authour seems not well acquainted with the propriety of the word Flamen their Use and Office amongst the Romans who were not set severally but many together in the same City Nor were they subordinate one to another but all to the Priests Colledge and therein to the Pontifex Maximus Besides the British g Ja. Armach de Brit. Eccl. prim p. 17. Manuscript which Monmouth is conceived to have translated makes no mention of these Flamens Lastly these words Arch-Bishop and Metropolitan are so far from being current in the days of King Lucius that they were not coined till after-Ages So that in plain English his Flamens and Arch-Flamens seeme Flamms and Arch-Flamms even notorious Falshoods 10. Great also is the mistake of h Giraldus Cambrensis de Sedis Menevensis dignitate apud D. Joh. Prise pag. 75. another British Historian A gross mistake affirming how in the days of King Lucius this Island was divided into five Roman Provinces namely Britain the First Britain the Second Flavia Maximia and Valentia and that each of these were then divided into twelve Bishopricks sixtie in the whole a goodly company and more by halfe then ever this Land did behold Whereas these Provinces were so named from Valens Maximus and Flavius Theodosius Romane Emperors many years after the death of Lucius Thus as the Damosell convinced S t. Peter to be a Galilean for said she i Mark 14. 70. Thy speech agreeth thereunto so this five-â—old division of Britain by the very Novelty of the Names is concluded to be of far later date then what that Authour pretendeth 11. But it is generally agreed Pagan Temples in Britain converted to Christian Churches that about this time many Pagan Temples in Britain had their Property
the Burial of S t. Teliau second Bishop of Landaffe three Places did strive to have the Interring of his Body Pen-allum where his Ancestours were buried Lanfolio-vaur where he died and Landaffe his Episcopall See Now after Prayer to God to appease this Contention in the place where they had left him there appeared suddenly three g Godwin in the Bishops of Landaffe Hearses with three Bodies so like as no man could discern the right and so every one taking one they were all well pleased If by the like Miracle as there three Corpses of Teliau encoffined so here three Child-Constantines encradled might be represented the Controversie betwixt these three Cityes were easily arbitrated and all Parties fully satisfied But seriously to the matter That which gave Occasion to the Varieties of their Claims to Constantine's Birth may probably be this that he was Born in one place Nursed in another and perchance being young Bred in a third Thus we see our Saviour though born in Bethlehem yet was accounted a Nazarite of the City of Nazareth where he was brought up and this general Errour took so deep impression in the People it could not be removed out of the Minds and Mouths of the Vulgar 19. Constantine being now peaceably setled in the Imperial Throne 312 there followed a sudden and general Alteration in the World Peace and prosperity restored to the Church by Constantine Persecutors turning Patrons of Religion O the Efficacy of a Godly Emperours Example which did draw many to a conscientious love of Christianity and did drive more to a civil conformity thereunto The Gospel formerly a Forester now became a Citizen and leaving the Woods wherein it wandered Hils and Holes where it hid it self before dwelt quietly in Populous Places The stumps of ruined Churches lately destroyed by Diocletian grew up into beautifull Buildings Oratories were furnished with pious Ministers and they provided of plentifull Maintenance through the Liberality of Constantine And if it be true what one relates that about this time Anno Dom. 312 when the Church began to be inriched with Meanes there came a voice from Heaven I dare boldly say he that first wrote it never heard it being a modern a John Nauclerus president of Tubing University Anno 1500. Authour saying Now is Poison poured down into the Church yet is there no danger of Death thereby seeing lately so strong an Antidote hath been given against it Nor do we meet with any particular Bounty conferred by Constantine or Hellen his Mother on Britain their native Country otherwise then as it shared now in the general Happinesse of all Christendom The Reason might be this That her Devotion most moved Eastward towards Hierusalem and he was principally employed farre off at Constantinople whither he had removed the Seat of the Empire for the more Conveniency in the middest of his Dominions An Empire herein unhappy that as it was too vast for one to manage it intirely so it was too little for two to govern it jointly as in after-Ages did appear 20. And now just ten years after the Death of S t. Alban a Stately Church was erected there and dedicated to his Memory As also the History of Winchester reporteth that then their Church first founded by King Lucius and since destroyed was built anew and Monks as they say placed in it But the most avouchable Evidence of Christianity flourishing in this Island in this Age The Appearance of the British in forreign Councills is produced from the Bishops representing Britain in the Councill of 1 ARLES in France 314 called to take Cognizance of the Cause of the Donatists where appeared for the British 1 b See the severall subscriptions at the end of this Councill in Binnius Eborius Bishop of York 2 Restitutus Bishop of London 3 Adelfius Bishop of the City called the Colony of London which some count Colchester and others Maldon in Essex 4 Sacerdos a Priest both by his proper Name and Office 5 Arminius a Deacon both of the last place 2 NICE in Bithynia 325 summoned to suppresse Arrianisme and establishing an Uniformity of the Observation of Easter to which agreed those of the Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c Eusebius lib. 3. de vita Constant c. 18. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 3 SARDIS in Thracia 347 called by Constantius and Constans Sonnes to Constantine the Great where the Bishops of d Athanasius in the beginning of his second Apologie against the Arrians Britain concurred with the rest to condemn the Arrians and acquit Athanasius 4 ARIMINUM on the Adriatick Sea in Italy 359 a Synod convocated by Constantius the Emperour In this last Council it is remarkable that whereas the Emperour ordered that Provisions and those very plentifull of Diet should be bestowed on the Bishops there assembled yet those of Aquitain France and e Sulpitius Severus lib. 2. Historiae Sacrae Britain preferred rather to live on their Proper Cost then to be a Burden to the Publick Treasury Onely three British Bishops necessitated for want of Maintenance received the Emperours Allowance the Refusal of the former having enough of their own being an Act full of Praise as the laters accepting a Salary to relieve their Want a deed free from Censure Collect we hence 1. that there were many British Bishops in this Council though their Names and Number are not particularly recorded 2. That the generality of British Bishops had in this Age Plentifull Maintenance who could subsist of themselves so farre off in a fortain Country whereas lately in the Council of Trent many Italian Bishops though in a manner still at home could not live without Publick Contribution But there was good reason why the British were loath to accept the Emperours Allowance though otherwise it had been neither Manners nor Discretion for Prelats to refuse a Princes Profer because as f Dan. 1. 8. Daniel and the Children of the Captivity preferred their Pulse before the Fare of King Nebuchadnezzar Anno Dom. 359 for feare they should be defiled with his though Princely yet Pagan Diet so these Bishops did justly suspect that Constantius the Emperour being an Arrian had a Design to bribe their Iudgements by their Palats and by his Bounty to buy their Suffrages to favour his Opinions In very deed this a Episco◠Arrianus Dogma sirunt suba oppriment Constantio cundus cap. 30. Britain beginneth to be tainted with Arrianisme Synod is justly taxed not that it did bend but was bowed to Arrianisme and being over-born by the Emperour did countenance his Poisonous Positions 21. Hitherto the Church in Britain continued Sound and Orthodox in no degree tainted with Arrianisme 360 which gave the Occasion to S t. Hilary in his b Dedicating unto them his Book de Synodis Epistle to his Brethren and fellow Bishops of Germany and Britain c. though he himself was in Phrygia in Banishment to
is wanting The date of the year how wanting therein and that mainly materiall namely the Year when he died Strangely is that Watch contrived and is generally useless which shews the Minute of the Hour not the Hour of the Day As this Epitaph points at the Day of smaller consequence leaving out the Year of greater concernment This hath put mens Fanisies on various Conjectures Some make it a mere Omission of Bede which notwithstanding is very strange because otherwise he is most Criticall and Punctuall in the Notation of Time Others conceive it a fault of Commission in some of after-Ages who purposely expunged the Year beshrew their Fingers that thrust out the Eyes the Date of this Epitaph lest the same should make too clear Discoveries of Augustine's surviving after the Massacre of the Monks of Bangor which would increase the Suspicion of his having a Finger therein Others place the Neglect in the Monument maker and not in Bede seeing he was but the bare Relater of the Epitaph and therefore loath to add or alter any thing thereof Perchance the Tombe-maker registred the Day as a Nicity most likely to be forgotten omitting the Year as a thing generally universally and notoriously known all men keeping a Record thereof which in processe of time became wholly forgotten Thus those things are not long effectually kept by any which are equally to be kept by All Anno Dom. 610 and not charged on any One mans particular Account Sure I am the setting up of this Land-mark the nothing of the Year of his Death had given excellent Direction to such as travel in the Saxon Chronologie who now wander at Randome for the want of it 26. And now we take our Farewell of Augustine Farewell to S. Augustine of whom we give this Character He found here a plain Religion Simplicity is the Badge of Antiquity practised by the Britans living some of them in the Contempt and many moe in the Ignorance of Worldy Vanities in a barren Country And surely Piety is most healthful in those places where it can least surfeit of Earthly Pleasures He brought in a Religion spun with a Courser Threed though garded with a Finer Trimming made luscious to the Senses with pleasing Ceremonies so that many who could not judge of the Goodnesse were courted with the Gaudinesse thereof Indeed the Papists brag that he was the Apostle of the English but not one in the Stile of S t. Paul a Gal. 1. 1. neither from men nor by man but by Iesus Christ being onely a derivative Apostle sent by the second hand in which sense also he was not our sole Apostle though he first put in his Sickle others reaped down more of the English Harvest propagating the Gospel farther as shall appear hereafter But because the Beginnings of things are of greatest consequence we commend his Paines condemn his Pride allow his Life approve his Learning admire his Miracles admit the Foundation of his Doctrine Iesus Christ but refuse the Hay and Stubble he built thereupon We are indebted to God his Goodnesse in moving Gregory Gregorie's Carefulnesse in sending Augustine Augustine's Forwardnesse in preaching here but above all let us blesse God's exceeding great Favour that that Doctrine which Augustine planted here but impure and his Successours made worse with watering is since by the happy Reformation cleared and refined to the Purity of the Scriptures 27. After the death of Augustine Laurentius succeedeth Augustine Laurentius a Roman succeeded him whom Augustine in his Life-time not onely designed for but ordained b Bede Eccles Hist lib. 2. c. 4. in that Place out of his abundant Caution that the Infant-Church might not be Orphan an Hour lest Satan should assault the Breach of such a Vacancy to the Disadvantage of Religion Such a super-Ordination in such cases was Canonicall it being * Idem Ibidem a Tradition that S t. Peter in like manner consecrated Clement his Successour in the Church of Rome And sure it is the Prophet Elijah no doubt to his great Comfort whilest living c 1 Kings 19. 16. anointed Elishe to minister in his Room in his Propheticall Function In one respect Laurentius exceeded Augustine that he reduced the Recusant Britans and Scots probably demeaning himself more humbly then his Predecessour to some tolerable Conformity to the Romish Ceremonies especially in the Celebration of Easter Now seeing frequent Mention hath formerly been made of the Difference between the Romish and British Churches in Observation of that Festivall we will endeavour as truly as briefly to state the Controversie betwixt them with Arguments each side produceth in their own behalf 28. But The controversie about Easter betwixt Rome and the Britans stated because the Point in hand is so nice rather then necessary that a little Variation therein may be materiall I will carefully follow the truest Copy I can get in stating the Question taking it from a Learned d Iames Usher in the Religion of the ancient Irish cap. 9. pag. 63. Pen exactly skilled therein The Romans kept Easter upon that Sunday which fell betwixt the 15. 21. day of the * Hence is it that Beza tartly termeth the controversie Lunatica quaestio Moon both terms included next after the 21. day of March which they accounted to be the seat of the Vernall Equinoctiall And in reckoning the Age of the Moon they followed the Alexandrian Cycle of 19 yeares as it was explained unto them by Dionysius Exiguus The Britans kept Easter upon the Sunday that fell betwixt the 14. and 20. day of the Moon following in their Account thereof not the 19 yeares Computation of Anatolius but Sulpitius Severus his Circle of 84 yeares It is enough to prove the Practice of Rome was the right that it was the Practice of Rome yea did it not deserve the Stab of Excommunication for any dissenting from her practice tantamountingly to give her the Lie However it seems the Reputation of Rome's Infallibility was yet in the Nonage thereof that the British durst so boldly differ from them without danger of Damnation 29. Yea The Britans their plea. they pretended ancient Tradition on their side from the Primitive Times derived from S t. Iohn himself as by the ensuing Verses which we thought fit to translate may appear Nos seriem a Fridgodus in the life of Wilfrid patriam non frivola scriptatenemus Discipulo * i. e. Sancti â—el Beati eusebii Polycarpo dante Iohannis Ille etenim bis septene sub tempore Phaebae Sanctum praefixit nobis fore Pascha colendum Atque nefas dixit si quis contraria sentit No writings fond we follow but do hold Our Country Course which Polycarp of old Scholar to Blessed Iohn to us hath given For he when th' Moon had finish'd Dayes twice seven Bad us to keep the holy Paschal Time And count Dissenting for an hainous Crime Time was when once the
or Unlawfulnesse thereof 35. Thus Eadbald becomes a Christian all black and blew Laurentius repaireth to Eadbald King of Kent and presenteth himself unto him in that sad Condition The King much amazed thereat demands who durst offer such Violence to so Good a man Whereby it plainly appears that though Eadbald himself refused Christianity yet he afforded Civility and Protection to Laurentius and to all in Kent of his Religion He largely relates what had happened unto him and in fine so prevailed on Eadbald that he not onely put away his VVife-Mother-VVhore but also embraced Christianity and at his desire Iustus and Mellitus returned again into England 36. Rochester readily received Iustus their Bishop Iustus received at Rochester and Mellitus rejected at London being a little Place of few Persons and they therefore the easier all to be brought to be of one Mind But large London though then for Greatnesse but the Suburbs to the present City I say London then was even London then as wanton in the Infancy as now wayward in the Old-age thereof where generally the People long radicated in Wickednesse refused to entertain their good Pastour returning unto them But here my good a Mr. Wheelock on the place in Bede Friend in his Notes on this Passage makes an ingenious Reservation that though the major part must be confessed peevish in all populous places London in all Ages afforded eminent Favourers of Learned and Religious men And would I could being the meanest of Ministers as truly entitle my self to the foresaid Qualifications as I heartily concurre with him in my gratefull Confession that I have effectually found plenty of good Patrons in that Honourable Corporation Mellitus thus rejected was glad to lead a private life in London till that after the * 619 Feb. 3. Death of Laurentius he succeeded him in the Church of Canterbury 37. A grave Mellitus his character and good man but much afflicted with the Gout and highly meriting of his See of Canterbury especially if true what Bede * Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 7. reports that when a grievous Fire happened in that City Mellitus accosted the very Fury thereof with faithfull Prayer and his own bare Hands strange that no modern Monk hath since in his Relation put a Crucifix or Holy-Water-sprinkle into them and so presently quenched the Raging of the Flames Say not why could he not as easily have cured his own Gout as quenched this Fire seeing Miracles are done not for mens ordinary Ease but God's solemn Honour Yea the Apostles themselves were not at pleasure Masters of their miraculous Power for their personal use seeing S t. Paul could neither cure the b 1 Tim. 5. 23. often Infirmities of his dear Son Timothy nor remove the acute desperate Disease wherewith he himself in c 2 Cor. 1. 8. Asia was afflicted Five years sate Mellitus in Canterbury after whose * 624 April 24. Death Iustus Bishop of Rochester succeeded him and had his Pall solemnly sent him by Pope Boniface 38. By the way What a Pall is the Pall is a Pontificall Vestment considerable for the Matter Making and Mysteries thereof For the Matter it is made of Lambs Wooll and Superstition I say of Lambs VVooll d Flores Sanctorum Maii 26. pag. 506. as it comes from the Sheeps Back without any other artificiall Colour spun say some by a peculiar Order of Nunnes first cast into the Tombe of S t. Peter taken from his Body say e Latine Camden in Kent pag. 238 others surely most sacred if from both and superstitiously adorned with little black Crosses For the Form thereof the f Flores Sanctorum ut prius Breadth exceeded not three Fingers one of our Bachelours Lamb-skin Hoods in Cambridge would make three of them having two Labells hanging down before and behind which the Arch-Bishops onely when going to the Altar put about their Necks above their other Pontificall Ornaments Three Mysteries were couched therein First Humility which beautifies the Clergy above all their costly Copes Secondly Innocency to imitate Lamb-like Simplicitie And thirdly Industry to follow g Camden ut prius Luke 15. him who fetched his wandring Sheep home on his Shoulders But to speak plainly the Mystery of Mysteries in this Pall was that the Arch-Bishops receiving it shewed therein their Dependence on Rome and a Mote in this manner ceremoniously taken was a sufficient Acknowledgement of their Subjection And as it owned Rome's Power so in after-Ages it encreased their Profit For though now such Palls were freely given to Arch-Bishops whose Places in Britain for the present were rather cumbersome then commodious having little more then their Paines for their Labour Anno. Dom. 624 yet in after-Ages the Arch-Bishop of Canterburie's Pall was a Godwin's Cat. Episc pag. 225. sold for five thousand b A Florene is worth 4 s. 6 d. Florenes so that the Pope might well have the Golden Fleece if he could fell all his Lambs-Wooll at that rate Onely let me adde that the Authour of c A Manuscript in Trin. Hall Library in Cambridge Canterbury-Book stiles this Pall Tanquam grande Christi d Mr. Wheelock on Bede pag. 99. Sacramentum It is well tanquam came in to help it or else we should have had eight Sacraments But leaving these Husks to such Palats as are pleased to feed on them we come to the Kernell of Religion how the same was propagated in other Parts of England And first of the Preparative for the Purge of Paganisme out of the Kingdome of Northumberland 39. Edwine Edwine his preparatory promise to Christianity the King thereof was Monarch of all England with the Isles of Man and Anglesey more puissant then any of His Predecessours And this saith e Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 9. Bede was In auspicium suscipiendae Fidei in good Handsell of the Faith he was hereafter to receive God first made him Great and after Gracious that so by his Power he might be the more effectuall Instrument of his Glory Now he had married Edelburge daughter of Ethelbert King of Kent to whom he not onely permitted free Exercise of Religion to her self and her Servants 625 but also promised himself to embrace it if on Examination it appeared the most Holy and fittest for Divine Service In the Court of this Queen was one Paulinus a pious Bishop who with much Pains and little Profit long laboured in vain to convert the Pagans God hereby both humbling him and shewing that the Hour of his Mercy shall not be ante-dated one Minute by any humane Endeavours However Paulinus seeing he could not be happy to gain would be carefull to save and daily plyed the Word and Sacraments thereby to corroborate his owne People in Piety 40. Now it happened that one Eumere His condition performed and yet he demurres a Swash-buckler a Contemner of his own life 626 and thereby Master of
another man's sent from Guichelm King of the VVest-Saxons with an envenomed Dagger sought to kill King Edwine when Lilla one of his Guard foreseeing the Blow and interposing himself shielded his Sovereign with his own Body yea deaded the Stroak with his own Death Loyalty's Martyr in a Case which is likely to find moe to commend then imitate it on the like occasion Edwine notwithstanding slightly hurt was very sensible of the Deliverance and promised that if he might conquer the treacherous VVest-Saxon King with his Adherents he would become a Christian And though there be no indenting and conditional capitulating with God who is to be taken on any terms yet this in a Pagan was a good step to Heaven and Paulinus was glad he had got him thus far especially when in Earnest of the Sincerity of his Resolution he consigned over his infant-Daughter f Idem ibidem Eansled to be baptized whom Paulinus christened with twelve moe of the Queen's Family Well the VVest-Saxon King was quickly overcome and all his Complices either killed or conquered and yet King Edwine demurred to embrace Christianity But he communicated with the sagest of his Counsell with whom he had daily Debates being loth rashly to rush on a matter of such Moment And truly that Religion which is rather suddenly parched up then seasonably ripened doth commonly ungive afterwards Yea he would sit long alone making company to himself and silently arguing the Case in his own Heart being partly convinced in his Iudgement of the Goodnesse of the Christian Religion and yet he durst not entertain Truth a lawfull King for fear to displease Custome a cruell Tyrant 41. Amongst the many Debates he had with his Counsell about altering his Religion The speech of Coify the Priest two Passages must not be forgotten whereof one was the Speech of Coify the prime Pagan-Priest Surely said g Bede Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 13. he these Gods whom we worship are not of any Power or Efficacy in themselves for none hath served them more conscientiously then my self yet other men lesse meriting of them have received moe and greater Favours from their hand and prosper better in all things they undertake Now if these were Gods of any Activity they would have been more beneficiall to me Anno. Dom. 626 who have been so observant of them Here the Reader will smile at Coify his Solecisme wherein the Premisses are guilty of Pride as the Inference thereon of Errour and Mistake If he turn Christian on these termes he will be taught a new Lesson how not onely all outward things happen alike to good and bad to a Eccles 9. 2. him that sacrificeth as to him that sacrificeth not but also that b 1 Pet. 4. 17. Iudgement beginneth at the house of God and the best men meet with the worst Successe in Temporal matters However God was pleased to sanctifie this mans Errour as introductory to his Conversion and let none wonder if the first Glimmering of Grace in Pagans be scarce a degree above Blindnesse 42. Better The Courtier 's Comparison in my opinion was the plain Comparison which another namelesse Courtier made at the same time Mans life said c Idem ibid. he O King is like unto a little Sparrow which whilest your Majesty is feasting by the Fire in your Parlour with your royall Retinue flies in at one VVindow and out at another Indeed we see it that short time it remaineth in the House and then is it well sheltred from VVind and VVeather but presently it passeth from Cold to Cold and whence it came and whither it goes we are altogether ignorant Thus we can give some account of our Soul during it's abode in the Body whilest housed and harboured therein but where it was before and how it fareth after is to us altogether unknown If therefore Paulinus his Preaching will certainly inform us herein he deserveth in my opinion to be entertained 43. Long looked for comes at last 627 King Edwine almost three yeares a Candidate at large of Christianity Edwine converted and baptized cordially embraceth the same and with many of his Nobles and Multitudes of his Subjects is solemnly baptized by Paulinus in the little Church * Bede Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 14. of S t Peters in York hastily set up by the King for that purpose and afterward by him changed into a firmer and fairer Fabrick Thus as those Children which are backward of their Tongues when attaining to Speech pronounce their words the more plainly and distinctly so Edwine long yea tedious before his turning to Christianity more effectually at last embraced the same And when it was put to the Question what Person most proper to destroy the Heathen Altars Coify the chief Priest tendered his Service as fittest for the purpose solemnly to demolish what he had before so superstitiously adored Down go all the Pagan Altars and Images at God-mundingham now Godmanham a small d Camden's Britannia Village in the East-Riding of Yorkshire and those Idols with their Hands were so far from defending themselves that their mock-Mouths could not afford one word to bemoan their finall Destruction 44. VVhen thou art converted The East-Angles converted to Christianity strengthen thy Brethren was the personall Precept given to e Luk. 22. 32. Peter but ought generally to be the Practice of all good men as here it was of King Edwine restlesse untill he had also perswaded Earpwald King of the East-Angles to embrace the Christian Faith Indeed Redwald Earpwald's Father had formerly at Canterbury to ingratiate himself with King Ethelbert professed Christianity but returning home he revolted to Paganisme at the instance of His f Bede Hist Ecc. l. 2. c. 15. Wife So great is the Power of the Weaker Sex even in matters of Religion For as Bertha and Edelburge the Queens of Ethelbert and Edwine occasioned and expedited the Conversion of their Husbands Kingdomes so here a Female-instrument obstructed that holy Design Yea Redwald afterwards in the same Church set up a g 2 Kings 17. 41. Samaritane-mongrel-Religion having Altare h Bede ut prius Arulam a Communion-Table and an idolatrous Altar in the same Temple You cannot be partakers saith the i 1 Cor. 10. 21. Apostle of the Lords Table and of the table of Devils that is You cannot lawfully conscionably comfortably but de facto it may be done was done by Bedwald in this his miscellaneous Religion 45. But three yeares after 630 the Conversion of the East-Angles was more effectually advanced by King Sigebert The Religion and learning of King Sigebert Brother and after the death of Earpwald his Successour in the Kingdome This Sigebert had lived an Exile in France Anno. Dom. 630 and got the benefit of Learning by his Banishment For wanting accommodations to appear in Princely Equipage he applyed himself the more close to his Studies seeing that
some Purposes at the day of his Birth in which respect he may sue out his Liveries for the Dukedome of Cornwall and this perchance may somewhat mend the matter 59. But enough of this matter Conclusion with prayer which some will censure as an Impertinency to our Church-History and scarcely coming within the Church-yard thereof My Prayers shall be that each University may turn all Envy into generous yea gracious yea glorious Emulation contending by laudable means which shall surpasse other in their Serviceablenesse to God the Church and Common-wealth that so Commencing in Piety and Proceeding in Learning they may agree against their two generall Adversaries Ignorance and Profanenesse May it never be said of them what Naomi e Ruth 1. 12. said of her self that she was too old to bear Sons may they never be superannuated into Barrennesse but like the good Trees in Gods Garden They shall still bring forth Fruit in their old age they shall be fat and flourishing 60. Seasonably Sigebert erected an University at Cambridge 632 thereby in part to repair the late great Losse of Christianity in England when the year after Edwine Edwine King of Northumberland slain King of Northumberland was slain in f Beda Eccles Hist lib. 2. cap. 10. Battel by Cadwald King of VVales and Penda King of the Mercians After whose Death his whole Kingdome relapsed to Paganisme and Paulinus Arch-Bishop of York taking with him Queen Ethelburge returned into Kent and there became Bishop of the then vacant Church of Rochester Mortified man he minded not whether he went up or down hill whilest he went on strait in his Calling to glorifie God and edifie others sensible of no Disgrace when degrading himself from a great Arch-Bishop to become a poor Bishop Such betray much Pride and Peevishnesse who outed of eminent Places will rather be Nothing in the Church then any thing lesse then what they have been before 61. After the death of King Edwine The unhappy year his Kingdome of Northumberland was divided into two parts Anno Dom. 632 both petty Kingdomes 1. Bernicia reaching a Camden's Brit. pag. 797. from the River Tees to Edenburgh Frith whereof Eanfrith was King 2. Deira whence say some Deirham or Durham lay betwixt Tees and Humber whereof Osrick was King These both proved Apostates from the Christian Faith and God in his justice let in Cadwald King of the Britans upon them who slew them harassed their Countrey 633 and made a lamentable Desolation within the compasse of one year without respect to Age or Sex untill Oswald bred and brought up in Scotland next of the Bloud-Royall came to be King of Northumberland whom God sent to redeem that miserable Country from the hands of their Enemies and many eminent Victories he obtained 62. The fatall year A lost year well found wherein so many Outrages were committed on the Apostate Northumberlanders by Cadwald King of the Britans is detested by all Saxon Chronologers And therefore all the Annalists and writers of Histories in that Age by joynt-consent universally resolved to damn and drown the Memoriall of that Annus infaustus as they call it Vnlucky year but made so by Vngodly men Yea they unanimously b Bede Eccles Hist lib. 2. c. 1. agreed to allow those two Apostate Kings no yeares reign in their Chronicles adding the time subtracted from them to Oswald their Christian Successour accounting him to have reigned c Idem lib. 3. cap. 9. nine yeares which indeed were but eight of his own and one of these Historians their Adoption Yet is it no news even in Scripture it self to bury the reign of Tyrants under the Monument of a good Prince succeeding them Thus when Ehud is d Iudg. 3. 30. said to have judged the land fourscore year those eighteen e Vers 14. yeares are included wherein Eglon the Moabite oppressed Israel 63. Amongst the many Victories atchieved by this Oswald A victory given from heaven one most remarkable was gained by him near Hexam in Northumberland 635 against the Pagans against whom he erected the Standard of the Crosse in a place which time out of mind was called Heafen-feld Haledon at this day by a Prolepsis not answering the name thereof untill this time Hence a Poet writing the life of Oswald Tunc primum scivit causam cur nomen haberet Heafen-feld hoc est coelestis campus illi Nomen ab antiquo dedit appellatio Gentis Praeteritae tanquam belli praesaga futuri Then he began the reason first to know Of Heafen-feld why it was called so Nam'd by the Natives long since by foresight That in that field would hap an heavenly fight Thus it is generally reported that the place nigh Lipsick where the King of Sweden got one of his signal Victories was time out of mind termed by the Dutch f Swedish Intelligencer Gots Acre or Gods ground And thus as Onesimus and Eutychus were so called from their Infancy but never truely answered their Names till after the g Philem. v. 11 Conversion of the one and Reviving of the h Acts 20. 12. other so Places whether casually or prophetically have Names anciently imposed upon them which are sometimes verified many Ages after 64. About this time Honorius the Pope sent his Letter to the Scotch Nation Pope Honorius his ineffectual letter advising them to an Uniformity with the Church of Rome in the Celebration of Easter His main Reason is thought to have more of State then Strength humane Haughtinesse then holy Divinity in it Namely he counselleth them Ne paucitatem suam in extremis terrae finibus constitutam sapientiorem omnibus Christi Ecclesiis aestimarent This is that Honorius of whom Leo the second Anno Dom. 635 his Successour complaineth in his a Tom. 2. Decret Epist ed. Romae 1591. pag. 654. Epistle to the Bishops of Spain Flammam haertici dogmatis non ut decuit Apostolicam authoritatem incipientem extinxit sed negligendo confovit By his negligence he did countenance the heretical Opinions meaning of the Monothelites then beginning afresh to spring up again which he ought to have suppressed Thus he who could stickle about the Ceremony of keeping Easter could quietly connive at yea interpretatively consent to the depraving of the Doctrinall part of Religion But his Letter to the Scotch took little effect who kept their Easter not one Minute the sooner or later for all his writing unto them 65. In a better Work Birinus converts the VVest-Saxons to the faith and with better Successe was Birinus employed an Italian by Birth sent over by Pope Honorius for the Conversion of the remainder of England and to that purpose that his Preaching belike might be the more powerfull made a Bishop before his b Bede lib. 3. cap. 7. coming over by Asterius Bishop of Genoa Here I am at a losse Bishop of what Where was his Diocese or
Miracles which the Papists confidently report to be done by him after his Death in curing Sick people of their severall Maladies For such Souls which they fancy in Purgatory are so farre from healing others that they cannot help themselves Yea f Eccles Hist lib. 3. cap. 12. Bede calleth this Oswald jam cum Domino regnantem now reigning with the Lord. Yet the same g Lib. 3. cap. 2 Authour attesteth that even in his time it was the anniversary Custome of the Monks of Hexam to repair to Heofen-feld a place hard by where Oswald as aforesaid obtained his miraculous Victory and there to observe Vigils for the Salvation of his Soul plurimaque Psalmorum laude celebrata victimam pro eo mane sacrae oblationis offerre A Mongrel Action betwixt Good-will and VVill-worship though the eyes of their Souls in those Prayers looked not forward to the future petitioning for Oswald's Happinesse but backward to what was past gratulatory to the Blisse he had received Purgatory therefore cannot properly be founded on such Suffrages for the dead However such over-Officiousnesse though at first it was like the Herb in the Pot which doth neither good nor ill in after-Ages became like that wild a 2 King 4. 40 Gourd Anno Dom. poysoning mens Souls with Superstition 644 when they fell to down-right Praying for the departed 79. This year Paulinus The death of Paulinus late Arch-Bishop of York since Bishop of Rochester ended his Life and one Ithamar succeeded him born in Kent and the first English-man Bishop all being Forrainers before him As he was the first of his Nation I believe him the second of his Name meeting with no moe save onely b Exod. 6. 23. Ithamar the youngest Son of Aaron High-Priest of Israel 80. After King Oswald his Death 645 four Christian contemporary Kings flourished in England Most Christian King Oswy First Oswy King of Northumberland more commendable for the Managing then the Gaining of his Kingdome except any will say that no good Keeping can make amends for the ill Getting of a Crown seeing he defeated Ethelwald Oswald's Son and the true Heire thereof Bede c Lib. 3. c. 21. termeth him Regem Christianissimum The most Christian King a Stile wherewith the present Majesty of France will not be offended as which many years after was settled on his Ancestours Long had this Oswy endeavoured in vain by Presents to purchase Peace from Penda the Pagan King of Mercia who miserably harassed his Country and refused any Gifts though never so rich and great which were tendered unto him At last saith my d Idem Authour Oswy resolved VVe will offer our Presents to such a King who is higher in Command and humbler in his Courtesie as who will not disdain to accept them Whereupon he devoted his Daughter to God in her perpetuall Virginity and soon after obtained a memorable Conquest over his Enemies and cleared the Country from his Cruelty 81. Secondly Sigebert the too good Sigebert King of Essex and the Restorer of Religion in his Kingdome which formerly had apostatized after the Departure of Mellitus valiant and pious though taxed for his contumacious Company-keeping contrary to his Confessours command with an Excommunicated Count in whose House he was afterward murdered by two Villains Who being demanded the Cause of their Cruelty why they killed so harmlesse and innocent a Prince had nothing to say for themselves but they did it because his e Beda lib. 3. cap. 22. Goodnesse had done the Kingdome hurt such his pronenesse to pardon Offenders on their though but seeming Submission that his Meeknesse made many Malefactours But I hope and believe that the Heirs of Sigebert though the Story be silent herein finding his Fault amended it in themselves and exercised just Severity in the Execution of these two damnable Traitours 82. Anna may be accounted the third Successour to Sigebert 654 and happy in a numerous and holy Off-spring Anna happy in an holy issue Yea all his Children save Firminus the eldest slain with his Father in a Fight against Pagan Penda were either Mitred or Vailed when Living Sainted and Shrined when Dead as Erkenwald Bishop of London Ethelred or Audrey and Sexburga successively Foundresses and Abbesses of Elie VVithgith a Nun therein and Ethilburg Abbesse of Beorking nigh London 83. Peada 656 Prince of Mercia The conversion of the Mercians to Christianity under Prince Peada may make up the Quaternion who married Alfrede Daughter of Oswy King of Northumberland and thereupon renouncing Paganisme embraced Christianity and propagated it in his Dominions Indeed Penda his Father that Persecuter of Piety was still alive and survived two yeares after persisting an Heathen till Death but mollified to permit a Toleration of Christianity in his Subjects Yea Penda in his Old-age used an expression which might have beseemed the Mouth of a better man namely That he hated not Christians but onely such who f Beda lib. 3. cap. 21. professed Christ's Faith without his VVorks accounting them contemptible who pretended to Believe in God without Obeying him 84. A brace of Brethren St. Cedde and St. Chad. both Bishops both eminent for Learning and Religion now appeared in the Church so like in Name they are oft mistaken in Authours one for another Now though it be pleasant for Brethren to live together in Vnity Anno Dom. 656 yet it is not fit by Errour they should be jumbled together in Confusion Observe their Difference therefore S t. Cedde in Latine Ceddus I believe the elder born at a Flores Sanctorum pag. 35. London where afterward he was Bishop bred in Holy Island an active promoter in making the East-Saxons Converts or rather Reverts to the Faith He is remembred in the Romish Kalendar Ianuary the seventh S t. Chad in Latine Cedda born in b Idem p. 224. Northumberland bred likewise in Holy Island and Scholar to Aidanus He was Bishop of Lichfield a milde and modest man of whom more hereafter His death is celebrated in the Kalender March the second and the Dust of his Tombe is by Papists reported to cure all Diseases alike in Man and Beast I believe it might make the dumb to see and the lame to speak The later of these was as the Longest Liver so the most eminent in his Life who made many Christians and amongst the rest VVulfade and Rufine Sons to Wulphere King of Mercia succeeding Peada therein who was suddenly slain and his untimely Death was a great Loss to Religion 85. Look we now on the See of Canterbury Fridona first English Arch-bishop where to our comfort we have gotten one of our own Country-men into the place Fridona a Saxon. Yet for the more State of the businesse he assumed the name of Deus-dedit We know Arch-Bishops of his See are termed Alterius orbis Papae and such changing of Names was fashionable with the Popes He was
the Roman Rite To conclude let not the Reader expect the like exemplification of all Articles in following Synods so largely as here we have presented them For this Synod Stapleton b In his translation of Bede fol. 118. calls the first of the English Nation understand him whose Canons are completely extant and therefore more Patrimony is due to the Heir and Eldest Son then to the younger Brethren who shall be content to be confined to their Pensions I mean to have their Articles not exemplified but epitomized hereafter 97. Theodorus He envieth Wilfride Bishop of York Arch-Bishop of Canterbury beheld VVilfride Bishop of York one of great Parts and greater Passions with envious eyes and therefore to abate his Power he endeavoured that the Diocese of York might be divided VVilfride offended hereat goes over to Rome to impede the Project and by the way is tossed with a grievous Tempest It is an ill wind whicch bloweth no man Profit He is cast on the Shoar of Freezland in Belgia where the Inhabitants as yet Pagans were by his Preaching converted to Christianity This may be observed in this Wilfride his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were better then his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his casuall and occasionall were better then his intentionall Performances which shews plainly that Providence acted more vigourously in him then his own Prudence I mean when at Ease in Wealth at home he busied himself in Toyes and Trifles of Ceremonious Controversies but when as now and afterwards a Stranger and little better then an Exile he effectually promoted the Honour and Glory of God 98. And as it is observed of Nightingales The South-Saxons as formerly the Freezlanders converted by Wilfride that they sing the sweetest 679 when farthest from their Nests so this VVilfride was most diligent in God's Service when at the greatest distance from his own Home For though returning into England he returned not unto York but stayed in the Pagan Kingdome of the South-Saxons who also by God's Blessing on his Endeavours were perswaded to embrace the Christian Faith 99. These South-Saxons The first the last of all the seven Kingdomes were the last which submitted themselves to the perfect Freedome of God's Service and yet their Country was in Situation next to Kent where the Gospel was first planted Herein it was verified Many that are first shall be last and the last first Yea the Spirit which bloweth where it listeth observeth no visible Rules of Motion but sometimes taking no notice of those in the middle reacheth to them which are farthest off Indeed Edilwalch their King was a little before Christened by the perswasion of VVolphere King of Mercia who was his Godfather and at his baptizing gave him for a Gift the Isle of VVight provinciam a Bede lib. 4. cap. 13. Meanuarorum in gente Occidentalium Saxonum but his Country still remained in Paganisme And although Dicul a Scot with some six of his Brethren had a small Monastery at Bosenham in Sussex yet they rather enjoying themselves then medling with others were more carefull of their own Safety then their Neighbours Conversion And indeed the Pagans neither heeded their Life nor minded their Doctrine 100. However Pagan obstinacy punished with famine these South-Saxons paid for their Stubbornnesse in standing out so long against the Gospel for they alwayes were a miserable people and at this present afflicted with a great Famine caused by three years Drought so that fourty men in arow holding hand in hand used to throw themselves into the Sea to avoid the misery of a Lingering Death In this wofull Condition did VVilfride Bishop of York find them when he first preached the Gospel unto them and on that very day wherein he baptized them as if God from Heaven had powred water into the Font he obtained store of Rain which procured great Plenty Observe though I am not so ill-natured as to wrangle with all Miracles an Apish Imitation of Elijah who carried the Key of Heaven at his Girdle to lock or unlock it by his Prayer onely Elijah gave Rain after three yeares and six moneths VVilfride after bare three yeares it being good manners to come a little short of his Betters 101. South-Saxons first taught to fish Also saith my b Bede ibidem Authour he taught the people who till then knew not how to catch any Fishes but Eeles how to take all kind of Fish in the Sea and Rivers Strange that thus long they should live in Ignorance of so usefull a Trade being though Infidels no Idiots especially seeing mens Capacities come very soon to be of age to understand their own Profit and the Examples of their Neighbours might have been Tutours unto them But Wilfride afterward wanted no Hearers Anno Dom. 680 People flocking unto him as when Christ made his Auditours his Guests they followed after him because they ate of the Loaves and were filled The Priests Eappa Padda Bruchelin and Oidda assisted in baptizing the common people and King Edilwalch gave VVilfride a piece of Land containing eighty nine Families at Selsey where he erected a Bishops See since translated to Chichester 102. Amongst other good deeds A double good deed VVilfride freed two hundred and fifty men and maid-Servants both out of Soul-Slavery and Bodily Bondage For having baptized them he procured their Liberty of their Masters which they no doubt chearfully embraced according to S t. Paul's a 1 Cor. 7. 21. counsel Art thou called a Servant care not for it but if thou maist be made free use it rather And thus by God's Blessing in the space of eighty and two yeares from five hundred ninety seven to six hundred seventy nine was the whole Saxon Heptarchie converted to Christianity and did never again relapse to Paganisme 103. Godfathers used to men of nature Age. Mention being b Parag. 99. lately made of VVolphere the Mercian King his being Godfather unto Edilwalch King of the South-Saxons some will much admire that one arrived at yeares of Maturity able to render an Account of his Faith should have a Godfather which with Swadling-clouts they conceive belong to Infants alone Yet this was very fashionable in that Age not onely for the greater state in Kings Princes and Publick Persons but in majorem cautelam even amongst Private people For such Susceptors were thought to put an Obligation on the Credits and by reflection on the Consciences of new Christians whereof too many in those dayes were baptized out of civile Designes to walk worthy of their Profession were it but to save their Friends Reputation who had undertaken for their Sincerity therein 104. Cadwallader Cadwallader founds a VVelsh Hospital at Rome the last King of VVales wearied out with Warre Famine and Pestilence left his own Land and with some small Treasure fled to Alan King of Little Britain But Princes are welcome in forrain parts when Pleasure not Need brings them
Audre professing at first to be afraid to adventure on so high a Subject disheartened in reading a Popish Authour to rant so in her Commendation Let b The Flowers of the Saints written by Hierome Porter the fabulous Greeks talk no more of theirchast Penelope who in the twenty yeares absence of her Husband Vlysses lived continently in despite of the tempting Importunity of many noble Woers and let the proud Romans cease to bragg of their fair Lucretia that chose rather to become the bloudy instrument of her own Death then to live after the violent Ravishment of her Honour and let all the world turn their Minds to admire and their Tongues and Pens to sound the Praises of the Christian Vertues and Chastity of our blessed Ethelreda c. But leaving the Bubbles of his Rhetorick to break of themselves on serious considerations we are so far from admiring 't is more then we can do to excuse this S t. Audre as her Story is reported 109. This Audre was Daughter to Anna King of the East-Angles Twice a Wife still a Maid and from her Infancy a great affecter of Virginity However she was over-perswaded to marry one Tombert Prince of the Fen-land with whom she lived three yeares in the Bands of unexperienced Wedlock both by mutuall Consent abstaining from Carnal Copulation After his Death so importunate were her Friends with her that she married with Egfride King of Northumberland 110. Strange Pretended chastity real injustice that being once free she would again entangle her self and stranger that being married she utterly refused to afford her Husband what the c 1. Cor. 7. 3. Apostle calls due Benevolence though he by importunate Intreaties requested the same Being Benevolence it was Uncharitable to deny it being Due it was Unjust to detain it being both she was uncharitable and unjust in the same action Was not this a Mockage of Marriage if in that Age counted a Sacrament solemnly to give her self unto her Husband whom formerly she had passed away by a previous Vow of Virginity At last she wrested leave from her Husband to live a Nun in the Monastery of Ely which she built and endowed After her entrance therein she ever wore Woollen and never d Bede Eccles Hist l. 4. c. 19. Linen about her which whether it made her more Holy or lesse Cleanly let others decide Our e Hierome Porter in his Flowers of the Saints and Harpsfield sec 7. cap. 24. Her miraculous Monument of Marble Authour tells us that in Memory of her out English Women are wont to wear about their Necks a certain Chain made of fine small Silk which they call Ethelred's Chain I must professe my self not so well acquainted with the Sex as either to confute or confirm the truth thereof At last she died of a Swelling in her Throat and was buried in Ely 111. Sixteen yeares her Corps slept in a private Grave near her own Convent when it came into the head of Bishop VVilfride and her Friends to bestow on her a more costly Buriall But alass the soft and fenny Ground of Ely Isle where scarce a stone bigg enough to bury a Worm under it afforded not a Tombe-stone for that purpose Being thus at a Losse their want f Beda Eccles Hist lib. 4. cap. 19. is said to be miraculously supplyed 696 for under the ruined Walls of Grantchester or Cambridge a Coffin was found with a Cover correspondent both of white Marble which did fit her Body so exactly as if which one may believe was true it was made for it Herein was Audre's Corps stately inshrined and for many yeares superstitiously adored 112. But Io. Cajus Confuted by a credible witnesse Fellow of Gonvile-Hall Anno Dom. 696 within ten Miles of Ely at the Dissolution of Abbyes being reputed no great Enemy to the Romish Religion doth on his own Knowledge report In his Histor Cantab. lib. 1. pag. 8. Quamquam illius aevi caecitas admirationem in eo paret quod regnante Hen. nuper 8. dirutum idem sepulchrum ex lapide communi fuit non ut Beda narrat ex albo marmore Although the blindnesse of that Age bred Admiration therein yet when the Tombe was pluckt down in the Reign of King Henry the eighth it was found made of common Stone not of white Marble as Bede reporteth Thus was her Tombe degraded debased one degree which makes the Truth of all the rest to be suspected And if all Popish Miracles were brought to the Test they would be found to shrink from Marble to Common Stone nay from Stone to Dirt and untempered Morter The Council at Berghamsteed 697 113. It is needlesse here to insert the Canons concluded on at Berghamsteed by VVithred King of Kent and Bertuald Arch-bishop of Canterbury First because Topicall confined to that small Kingdome Secondly hard to be understood as depending on some Saxon Law-terms whereon Conjectures are the best Comment Thirdly such as are understood are obsolete viz. If a Master gave his Servant Flesh to eat on a Fasting-day his Servant was on the Refusall and Complaint thereof to be made a S r. Henry Spelman 's Councils p. 1904. c. free Some punishments therein were very absurdly proportioned viz. Six shillings or a Whipping was to be paid by that Servant who ate flesh on Fasting-dayes and just the same Penalty was inflicted on him if convicted of offering Oblations to the Devil as if equall their Offences And be it remembred that this Council was kept cum viris quibusdam Militaribus some Souldiers being present thereat and yet the fifth Canon therein was made to punish Adultery in men of their Profession Wilfride restored to York and outed again 114. As for Bishop VVilfride whom lately we mentioned so active about the removall of S t. Audre's Corps he was about this time restored to his Bishoprick of York Whereupon he fairly quitted the Bishoprick of Selsey which Edilwalch and after Cedwall Kings of Sussex bestowed upon him and returned to York It is much this Rowling Stone should gather so much Mosse and get Wealth enough to sound two Monasteries who sometimes had three Bishopricks together York Lindisfern and Hagulsted sometimes none at all living many yeares together in Exile And indeed he continued not long in York but being expelled thence again was for a time made Bishop of Leicester Nor was the King of Northumberland content with his bare Expulsion but also he would have him confesse the same Legall and resign it according to the late Decrees which the Arch-bishop of Canterbury had made against him But more hereof God willing in the next Century THE EIGHTH CENTURY Anno Dom. Thomae Adamidi Senatori Londinensi Mecoenati meo IN hac tanta rerum Vicissitudine quis qui te novit Constantiam tuam non suspicit Vndique turbatur Tu interim tibimet ipsi tota Tranquillitas cum Deo
Bonis Studiis tuis vacas Perlegas quaeso hanc Centuriam vel eo nomine quod Funera Tui Mei Bedae exhibeat Tuum dico quia haud ita pridem sub auspiciis Patronatus tui typis Saxonicis pulcherrimus prodiit Meum quo Authore vel potius Authoribus in hoc Opere toties usus sum Pluribus Viro occupatissimo molestus esse nolo Vale. PAinfull VVilfride was no sooner out of one Trouble 701 but he was engaged in another Wilfride persecuted afresh by Alfride King of Northumberland Hereupon a Hist Eccles Angl. pag. 95. Harpsfield calls him the Athanasius of that Age onely saith he that Father was persecuted by Hereticks and this VVilfride by Catholicks He might have added that Athanasius was troubled for Essentiall and Doctrinall Truths whilest VVilfride was vexed about Ceremonious and Circumstantiall matters And now Alfride who succeeded Egfride King of Northumberland powerfully opposed him being the paramount Prince and in effect Monarch of the Saxon Heptarchie For as we have noted before amongst these seven Kings as amongst the Planets there was ever one Sun that out-shined all the rest This Alfride joyning with Bertuald Arch-bishop of Canterbury called a b Malmeâ—b de Gestis Pont. lib. 3. See Sr. Henry Spelman in Conciliis Anno 701. Council and summoned Wilfride who appeared there accordingly But being demanded whether he would obey the Decrees of Theodore late Archbishop of Canterbury he warily returned That he was willing to obey them so farre as they were consonant to the Holy Canons This Answer was not satisfactory to his Adversaries as having in it too little of a Grant to please them and yet not enough of a Deniall to give them a just Offence Then they sought by fair means to perswade him because much Trouble had arose in the Church about him voluntarily to resign under hand and seal his Possessions and Arch-Bishoprick affirming it would be a glorious act to preferre the Publick Good before his Private Profit But Wilfride persisted loyall to his own Innocence affirming such a Cession might be interpreted a Consession of his Guiltinesse and appealed from that Councill to his Holinesse and this tough old man being 70. yeares of age took a Journey to Rome there to tugg it out with his Adversaries 2. They accused him of Contumacy Wilfride appâ—aleth to Rome and is acquitted that he had contemptuously denied Canonicall Obedience to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury 705 He cleared himself and complained that he had been unjustly deprived and that two Monasteries of his own Founding Rippon and Hexham were violently detained from him No fewer then seventy severall a Septuaginta concilâ—abula coacta Malmsbury ut prius Councils understand them so many severall Meetings of the Conclave were assembled in four moneths and employed onely or chiefly about deciding of this Difference belike there were Intricacies therein more then are specified in Authours Knots to employ so many cunning Fingers to unty them or else the Court of Rome was well at Leasure The Sentence of Pope Iohn the seventh passed on his side and his Opposers were sent home with Blame and Shame whilest Wilfride returned with Honour managing his Successe with much Moderation equally commendable that his Innocence kept him from Drooping in Affliction and his Humility from Insulting in Prosperity 3. Bertuald He is at last restored and dyeth in peace Arch-bishop of Canterbury humbly entertained the Popes Letters in behalf of Wilfride and welcomed his Person at his Return But Alfride King of Northumberland refused to re-seat him in his Bishoprick stoutly maintaining b Contra rationem homini jam bis à toto Anglorâ—m consilio damnato propter quaelibet Apostolica Scripta communicare Malmesbury de Gestis Pontificum lib. 3. that 't was against reason to communicate with a man twice condemned by the Council of England notwithstanding all Apostolick Commands in favour of him But soon after he fell dangerously sick a consequent of and therefore caused by his former Stubbornnesse as those that construe all Events to the advantage of the Roman See interpret this a Punishment on his Obstinacy Suppled with Sicknesse he confessed his Fault and so Wilfride was restored to his Place whose Life was like an April-day and a Day thereof is a Moneth for Variety often interchangeably fair and foul and after many Alterations he set fair in full Lustre at last Being fourty five yeares a Bishop in the seventie-sixth year of his age he died and was buried in his Monastery at Rippon And as he had been a great Traveller when living so his Bones took one Journey after his death being translated by c Godwin in his catalogue of the Archbishops of York pag. 11. viri illi quos sanctissimos celebrat antiquitas Theodorus Bertualdus Iohannes Bosa Hilda Abbatisâ—a digladiabili odio impetierunt Wilfridum deo acceptissimum Sherborn taken out of Winchester Bishoprick Odo Arch-bishop of Canterbury from Rippon to Canterbury in Reparation perchance for those many Wrongs which the Predecessours of Odo had done to this Wilfride Let not therefore the Papists vaunt immoderately of the Unity of their Church neither let them uncharitablie insult on our unhappy Differences seeing by the confession of their own Authours there was Digladiabile Odium Hatred as one may say even to Daggers-drawing betwixt Wilfride and certain Principall Persons conceived signall for Sanctity in that Age and sithence put into the Calender of their Saints And it is as sure as sad a Truth that as long as Corruption resides in the bosomes of the Best there will be Dissensions inflamed by malicious Instruments betwixt Pious people which otherwise agree in main matters of Religion 4. The Bishoprick of Sherborn was taken out of the Bishoprick of Winchester by King Ina and Adelme his Kinsman made first Bishop thereof I find no Compensation given to the See of Winchester for this great Canton cut out of it as in after-Ages when Ely was taken out of Lincoln Diocese the Manour of Spaldwick in Huntingtonshire was given by King Henry the first to Lincolne in Reparation of it's Loss for so much of the Jurisdiction taken from it But at this time when Sherborn was parted from Winchester the Damage to Winchester accruing thereby was not considerable Episcopall Jurisdiction in that Age not being beneficiall but rather burthensome So that Winchester might turn her Complaints into Thankfulnesse being thus eased of her cumbersome Greatnesse This Adelme Bishop of Sherborn was the d Camden's Britannia in Wiltshire first of our English Nation who wrote in Latine and the first that taught English-men to make Latine Verse according to his Promise Primus ego in Patriam mecum modò vita supersit Aonio rediens deducam vertice Musas If life me last that I do see that Native Soile of mine From Aon top I 'll first with me bring down the Muses nine He wrote many Works one a Bede of
recentioribus authoribus Nauclero viz. Balaeo Binnius and Baronius sullen and why Authour was called at London to introduce into England the Doctrine of Image-worship not heard of before and now first beginning to appear in the publick practice thereof 10. Here we expected that Binnius and Baronius two of the Romish Champions should have been both joyfull at and thankfull for this London Synod in favour of Image-worship a point so beneficiall to the Popish Coffers But behold them contrary to our expectation sad and sullen insomuch as they cast away the Credit of this Synod as of no account and disdain to accept the same For say they long before by Augustine the Monk Worship of Images was introduced into England But let them shew us when and where the same was done We deny not but that Augustine brought in with him in a Banner the f See our second Book Cent. 6. paragr 10. Image of Christ on the Crosse very lively depictured but this makes nothing to the Worshipping thereof Vast the distance in their own nature betwixt the Historical Use and Adoration of Pictures though through humane Corruption Anno Dom. 709 the former in after-Ages hath proved introductory to the later Nor was it probable that Augustine would deliver Doctrine point-blank against Gregory that sent him who most zealously a In his epistle ad Serenum Massiliensem inveigheth against all Worshipping of Images Wherefore let Binnius and Baronius make much of this London-Synod for Image-worship or else they must be glad to accept of later Councils in England to prove the same seeing before this time none can be produced tending thereunto 11. Now also flourished another noble-born Saint The miracle-working of S t. Iohn of Beverley namely Iohn of Beverley Arch-bishop of York a Learned man and who gave the b Bede acknowledgeth that he received the order of Priesthood from him Education to one more learned then himself I mean Venerable Bede Now though Iohn Baptist did c Iohn 10. 41. none yet Iohn of Beverley is said to have done many Miracles But did not the Monk over-do who reports in his Relation that this Iohn of Beverley by making the Sign of the Crosse on a Dumb Youth with a scalled head not onely restored him to Speech and an Head of Haire but Eloquent Discourse and brave d Flowers of the lives of English Saints pag. 416. Curled Locks Some yeares before his Death he quitted his Arch-bishoprick 718 and retired himself to his Monastery at Beverley where he died and which afterwards King Athelstan made I will not call it a SANCTUARY because unhallowed with the largenesse of the Liberties allowed thereunto but a place of Refuge for Murderers and Malefactours so that the FREED-STOOL in Beverley became the Seat of the Scornfull and such hainous Offenders as could recover the same did therein securely desie all Legall Prosecution against them 12. About this time it grew fashionable with Kings and Queens in England Kings and Queens turn Monks and Nuns to renounce the World and turn Monks and Nuns commonly in Convents of their own Foundation Surely it is not onely lawfull but commendable for men to leave the World before it leaveth them by being e Gal. 6. 14. crucified thereunto and using it as if they used it not But let others dispute whether this properly be Renouncing the World for Christians to bury their Parts and Persons in a Cloister which put forth to the Bank would turn to good Account for Church and Common-wealth David I dare say as holy a man as any of these lived a King and died a King the swaying of his Sceptre did not hinder the tuning of his Harp his Dignity being no Impediment to his Devotion And whilest these Kings turning Monks pretended to go out of the World a world of spirituall Pride and Superstitution went into them if as it is too too supicious they had an high opinion to Merit Heaven thereby 13. Amongst the Saxon Princes who thus renounced the World King Ina his fine and rent to the Church in this and the next Century these nine following were the principall 1. Kinigilsus King of VVest-Saxons 2. Ina King of VVest-Saxons 3. Ceololfus King of Northumberland 4. Edbertus King of Northumberland 5. Ethelredus King of Mercia 6. Kenredus King of Mercia 7. Offa King of East-Saxons 8. Sebbi King of East-Saxons 9. Sigebertus King of East-Angles Of all whom King Ina was paramount for his reputed Piety who accounting himself to hold all that he had of God his Land-Lord in chief paid not onely a great Fine but settled a constant Rent on the Church then accounted the Receiver-general of the God of Heaven Great Fine for besides his Benefaction to other he bestowed on the Church of Glassenbury two thousand six hundred fourty pounds f Sir Henry Spelman in his Councils pag. 229. weight in the Utensills thereof of massie Gold and Silver So that whiles some admire at his Bounty why he gave so much others wonder more at his Wealth how he got so much being in that Age wherein such Dearth of Coin and he though perchance the honorary Monarch of England but the effectuall King of the VVest-Saxons The constant Rent he settled 726 where the g Antiq. Brit. sol 58. Peter-pences to the Pope of Rome to be paid out of every fire-house in England a small Summe in the single Drops Anno Dom. 726 but swelling great in the general Chanel which saith Polydore Virgil this King Ina began in England I say Polydore Virgil and let every Artificer be believed in his own Art seeing as he confesseth this place was his first Preferment in England which brought him over to be the Popes Publicane or Collectour of that Contribution Afterwards this King went to Rome there built a School for the English and a Church adjoyning unto it to bury their Dead 14. But Winnisride an Englishman converteth the Germans if my Judgement mistake not 730 Winnifride an English-man was better employed being busied about this time to convert to Christ the Provinces of Franconia and Hassia in Germany True it is the English were indebted to the Dutch from them formerly deriving their Originall by Naturall Generation and now none will censure them for Incest if the Son begate his Parents and this VVinnifride descended from the Dutch was an active Instrument of their Regeneration 15. Now Bede though sent for went not to Rome although many in this Age posted from England to Rome possessed with an high opinion of the Holinesse thereof yet sure I am one of the best Judgement namely Venerable Bede was often sent for by Pope Sergius himself to come to Rome yet for ought we can find never went thither which no doubt he would not have declined if sensible of any transcendent Sanctity in that Place to advantage the Dwellers therein the nearer to Heaven This Bede was
roundly told him of his notorious Incontinency proving both by Scripture and Reason the Hainousnesse of that Sin and heavy Iudgements of God upon it In fine Anno Dom. 735 this wrought so farre on the King 's good Nature that he not onely reformed himself but with Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury called a solemn Synod at Cloves-Ho or Clives-at-Ho for the Reformation of others 21. But where this Cloves-Ho should be Cliff in Kent probably the ancient Cloves Ho. Authours make much Inquiry It is generally conceived the same with Cliff near Gravesend in Kent Though a learned a Camden's Brit. in Kent Authour will hardly consent thereunto and his Intimations to the contrary are of no great Validity For whereas he alledgeth that this Cliff is in Kent whilest Ethelbald who called this Synod was King of Mercia He minded not mean time what no doubt he knew well that this Ethelbald is stiled in the b Extant in S t. Henry Spelman's Councils pag. 233. Letter of Boniface Arch-bishop of Ments unto him Inclyta Anglorum Imperii sceptra gubernans Ruling the famous Sceptre of the English Empire And whereas he objecteth the Site of that place inconvenient for such an Assembly It seems fit enough though confessed dirty in Winter and unhealthy at all times for the Vicinity thereof to London and Canterbury the residing places of the King and Arch-bishop the two Persons in this Synod most concerned Nor doth the modern Meanness of the place make any thing against it it might be a Gallant in that Age which is a Beggar now-a-dayes And though we confesse there be many Cliffs in the In-land Shires properly belonging to Mercia yet the addition of Ho or Haw speaketh the maritime positure thereof So that Clives-Ho c Plimmouth Haw See Speed his Survey of London the meaning of Haw The chief Canons of this Synod or Haw seems to be a Cliff near the Sea well agreeing to the Situation of Cliff in Kent aforesaid 22. But the Acts of this Synod are more certain then the Place thereof being generally accounted one and thirty Canons although some small Variation in their Number and Order all extant at large in d De Gestis Pont. lib. 1. in Cuthberto Malmesbury and of which we take notice of these four as of most Concernment 1. That the Priests e Discant doceant Malmesbury learn and teach to know the Creed Lords Prayer and words of Consecration in the Masse or Eucharist in the English tongue It seems Learning then ran low that the Priests themselves had need to learn them yet Ignorance was not then so high but that the people were permitted to be taught them 2. That the Lords Day be honourably observed We understand it not so as if the Sanctity of that Day depended onely upon Ecclesiasticall Constitutions or that the Command thereof in Scripture is so infirm in point of right to oblige mens Consciences that it needs the title of mans Power ad corroborandum Onely Humane Authority was here cast in as over-weight for the better Observation of the day Carnalmen being more affected and affrighted with Corporal Penalties of mans inflicting as nearer unto them then with Eternal Punishments which Divine Iustice at distance denounceth against them 3. That the sin of Drunkennesse be avoided especially in the Clergy Indeed it was high-time to suppresse that Sin which was grown so rife that as Boniface Arch-bishop of Ments doth observe in his Letter to f Extant in S t. Henry Spelman's Councils p. 241. Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury the English Bishops were so farre from punishing it that they were guilty of the same Moreover he addeth Ebrietas speciale malum nostrae Gentis hoc nec Franci nec Galli nec Longobardi nec Romani nec Graeci faciunt Drunkennesse is a speciall Evill of our Nation namely of the Saxons of which Country this Boniface was a Native for neither Franks nor Gauls nor Lombards nor Romans nor Greeks understand him anciently for we know the modern Proverb of a merry Greek are guilty thereof 4. That Prayers be publickly made for Kings and Princes An excellent Canon indeed because Canonicall Scripture and long before made by g 1 Tim. 2. 1. S t. Paul himself I exhort therefore that Supplications be made for all men for Kings c. This Synod being finished Anno Dom. 747 with the Royall Assent all the Bishops their Subscriptions thereunto Cuthbert Arch-bishop of Canterbury with wonderfull Celerity returned the Canons concluded therein by Rinebert his Deacon to Boniface Arch-bishop of Ments who was affected with great Joy at the sight thereof 23. At this time flourished Egbert Arch-bishop of York Egbert Arch-bishop of York famous in severall respects famous in his Generation for First his Royall Extraction being Brother to Eadbert King of Northumberland both of them lovingly lying buried together in the Porch of the Church of York For in that Age the greatest Princes and Prelates their Corpses came no nearer then the Church-Porch and as I may say onely knocked at the Church-Doors though in after-Ages the Bodies of Meaner persons were admitted into the Church and buried therein Secondly for his procuring the Archiepiscopal Pall to his See For after the Departure or rather the Banishment of Paulinus from York his Successours were content with the plain Title of Bishop untill this Egbert to do something extraordinary proportionable to his Princely Extraction procured the Restitution of his Pall which ipso facto re-advanced his Church into an Arch-bishoprick Thirdly for furnishing the same with a plentifull Library highly commended by Alcuinus in his Epistle to Charles the Great wishing France had the like which though exceeding England in Paper till of late years ever came short of it in Books Fourthly 750 for his Canons for the regulating of his Province Whereof one sort is called Egbert his a At large in S t. Henry Spelman's Councils pag. 258. The beastly Canons of Egbert Excerptions out of Fathers and is generally good the other intituled Canons for the remedie of Sin and are fraught with abundance of abominable Beastlinesse and Superstition 24. I will give the Reader onely a Taste or rather a Distasie of these Canons by which he may guesse the rest If a Lay-man hath carnal knowledge of a Nun let him doe Penance for two yeares c. she three If a Child be begotten betwixt them then four yeares if they kill it then seven yeares b See Sr. Hen. Spelman's Councils pag. 282. Penance Penance also is provided for Bestiality and Sodomie in the same Canons Thus where God in Scripture denounceth Death c Gen. 9. 6. Whoso sheddeth mans Bloud by man shall his bloud be shed they now changed it into Penance and in after-Ages commuted that Penance into Money so by degrees making the word of God of none effect by their paltry Canons See we here also how forced Virginity was the Mother
a Pope and a Prince over-match for a Prelate he would not strive to keep what must be taken away from him 4. The commodious Situation of Lichfield almost in the Navell of the Land and where should the highest Candlestick stand the Metropolitan Cathedrall but in the middest of the Table whereas Kent it self was but a Corner whence it taketh it's Name and Canterbury seated in the Corner of that Corner a remote Nook thereof 5. The Antiquity of Lichfield in Christianity Anno Dom. 790 where the British Church suffered a Massacre a Vide supra Cent. 4. par 8. from the Pagans three hundred yeares before S t. Augustine's coming to Canterbury witnesse the name of the place being another Helkath-hazzurim b 2 Sam. a. 16. or Field of strong men where so many VVorthies died for the Testimony of the Truth On these and other considerations Aldulph was made the first and last Arch-bishop of Lichfield though others make Humbert and Higbert his Successours in that Dignity and six Suffraganes viz. VVorcester Hereford Leicester Sidnacester Helmbam and Dunwich subjected to his Jurisdiction Yet was not the Archiepiscopall See removed as some seem to conceive but communicated to Lichfield Canterbury still retaining it's former Dignity and part of it's Province the Bishops of London Rochester VVinchester and Sarisbury continuing still subject unto him 35. King Offa having settled an Arch-bishoprick at Lichfield his next Design was to enshrine the Corps of S t. S t. Alban's body enshrined Alban five c Vita Offae secundi annexed to the new Edition of M. Paris p. 28. hundred and seven years had passed since his Death and plain Buriall For as Iohn Baptist the last Martyr before Christ and S t. Steven the first Martyr after him were fairly interred by their Friends and Followers without any more adoe so the Corps of S t. Alban were quietly committed to the Earth and there some Centuries of yeares peaceably reposed But now Offa they say was admonished in a Vision to bestow more publick Sepulture upon him A Starre we know directed to the place of Christ's Birth whereas a bright d Ibid. p. 26. Beam say the Monks discovered the place of S t. Alban's Buriall A Beam suspected by some shot by him who can turn himself into an Angell of Light because gaining so much by their Superstition Then was Alban's Body in pompous manner taken up enshrined and adored by the Beholders No wonder then if the Danes now invaded the Dominious of the English seeing the English invaded the Prerogative of God diverting the Worship due to him alone to the rotten Relicks of Dead men And henceforth the old Romans City of Verulam lost it's Name under the new Saxon Town of S t. Albans 36. King Offa went to Rome 794 and there confirmed and enlarged to Pope Adrian the Gift of Peter-pence Peter-pence re-confirmed to Rome what Ina King of the VVest-Saxons had formerly bestowed For this Favour the Pope granted him that no Englishman for Penance imposed should be banished out of his own Countrey 37 But bold Beggars are the Bane of the best Bounty Gift no debt when grown so impudent that what at first was given them for Almes in processe of time they challenge for Rent Some call this a Tribute Badge of Subjection of England to the See of Rome among whom is Polydore Virgil once Collectour of those Peter-pence in England But blame him not for magnifying his own Office who had be owned this Money as indeed it was given in frank-Almonage had then appeared no better then a gentle Beggar whereas now he hopes to advance his Employment to a nobler Notion 38. Offa having done all his work at Rome 795 namely procured the Canonization of S t. Alban The Royall foundation of S t. Albans Abbey the Absolution of his own Sins and many Murders and visited and endowed the English Colledge there returned home fell to found the Monastery of S t. Albans bestowing great Lands and Liberties upon it as freeing it from the Payment of Peter-pence Episcopall Iurisdiction and the like This is alleadged and urged by our Regians to prove the Kings Paramount Power in Ecclesiasticis seeing none can give save what they are formally or eminently possessed of And whereas Papists plead that Offa had fore-requested the granting of these Priviledges from the Pope no mention at all thereof appears in the Charter e Amongst S t. Tho. Cotton his Manuscripts and is exemplified in Weaver his Fun. Mon. p. 99. of his Foundation here too large to insert but that all was done by his own absolute Authority Next year Offa ended his Life buried at Bedford on that Token that the River Ouse swelling on a suddain swept his Corps clean away Canterbury recovereth it's former dignity 39. Offa being dead 799 down fell the best Pillar of Lichfield Church to support the Archiepiscopality thereof Anno Dom. 799 And now Canterbury had got Athelard a new Arch-bishop Anno Regis who had as mcuh Activity to spare as his Predecessour Iambert is said by some to want Wherefore he prevailed with Kenulph King of Mercia and both of them with Leo the new Pope to restore back the Archiepiscopall See to Canterbury as in the next Century was perfectly effected 40. We will conclude this Century with two eminent men to leave at last a good Rellish in the memory of the Reader now flourishing therein Learned Alcuinus confuteth Image-worship The one Alcuinus or Albinus it being questionable whether he were more famous for Venerable Bede who was his Master or Charles the Great who was his Scholar whilest it is out of doubt that he is most honoured for his own Learning and Religion And because English-men may be presumed partiall in the praise of an English-man hear what a Character a learned a Trithemius Abbas lib. de Script Ecclesiasticis fol. 61. Forreigner gives of him Vir in divinis scriptis eruditissimus in saecularium literarum peritia nulli suotempore secundus Carmine excellens Prosa But he got himself the greatest credit by opposing the Canons of the second Nicene Council b R. Hoved. Annal. part 1. p. 405. wherein the superstitious Adoration of Images was enjoyned These Canons some seven years since were sent by Charles the Great to King Offa to be received of the English who notwithstanding generally distasted and rejected them the aforesaid Alcuinus writing a learned Epistle against the same He was fetcht by Charles his Scholar calling him his Delicious Master where he first founded the Vniversity of Paris and died Abbot of S t. Martins in Tours 41. The other was Egbert Egbert the first fixed Monarch of England who in this very year made himself sole Monarch of England 800 True it is Egberti primi Monarche Anglie 1 in the Saxon Heptarchy there was generally one who out-powered all the rest But such
the Prior in the Vestiary Leth win the Sub-Prior in the Refectory Pauline in the Quire Herbert in the Quire VVolride the Torch-Bearer in the same place Grimketule and Agamund each of them an hundred yeares old in the Cloisters These faith my c Iugulphus pag. 866. Author were first examinati tortured to betrary their Treasure and then exanimati put to death for their Refusall The same VVriter seems to wonder that being killed in one place their Bodies were afterwards found in another Surely the Corse removed not themselves but no doubt the Danes dragged them from place to place when dead There was one ChildMonk therein but ten yeares old Turgar by name of most lovely Looks and Person Count Sidroke the younger pittying his tender yeares all Devills are not cruell alike cast a Danish d In Latine Collobium Peterbarough Monks killed Monastery burned Coat upon him and so saved him who onely survived to make the sad Relation of the Massacre 20. Hence the Danes marched to Medeshamsted since called Peterborough where finding the Abbey-gates locked against them Anno Regis Etheltedi 4 they resolved to force their Entrance Anno Dom. 870 in effecting whereof Tulba Brother to Count Hubba was dangerously wounded almost to Death with a Stone cast at him Hubba enraged hereat like another Doeg killed Abbot Hedda and all the Monks being fourscore and four with his own hand Count Sidroke gave an Item to young Monk Turgar who hitherto attended him in no wise to meet Count Hubba for fear that his Danish Livery should not be found of proof against his Fury Then was the Abbey set on Fire which burned fifteen dayes together wherein an excellent Library was consumed Having pillaged the Abbey and broke open the Tombes and Coffins of many Saints there interred these Pagans marched forwards into Cambridgeshire and passing the River Nine two of their VVagons fell into the Water wherein the Cattell which drew them were drowned much of their rich Plunder lost and more impaired 21. Some dayes after A heap of Martyrs the Monks of Medeshamsted were buried altogether in a great Grave and their Abbot in the middest of them a Crosse being erected over the same where one may have four yards square of Martyrs Dust which no place else in England doth afford Godric Successour to Theodore Abbot of Crowland used annually to repair hither and to say Masses two dayes together for the Souls of such as were entombed One would think that by Popish Principles these were rather to be prayed to then prayed for many maintaining that Martyrs go the nearest way to Heaven sine ambage Purgatorii so that surely Godric did it not to better their Condition but to expresse his own Affection out of the Redundancy of his Devotion which others will call the Superfluity of his Superstition 22. The Danes spared no Age The cruel Martyrdome of King Edmond Sex Condition of people such was the Cruelty of this Pagan unpartial Sword With a violent Inundation they brake into the Kingdome of the East-Angles wasted Cambridge and the Countrey thereabouts burnt the then City of Thetford forced Edmond King of that Countrey into his Castle of Framling ham who perceiving himself unable to resist their Power came forth and at the Village of Hoxon in Suffolk tendered his Person unto them hoping thereby to save the Effusion of his Subjects Blouds Where after many Indignities offered unto him they bound him to a Tree and because he would not renounce his Christianity shot him with Arrow after Arrow their Cruelty taking Deliberation that he might the better digest one Pain before another succeeded so distinctly to protract his Torture though Confusion be better then Method in matters of Cruelty till not Mercie but want of a Mark made them desist according to the a Camden's Britan in the description of Suffolk Poets Expression Iam loca Vulneribus desunt nec dum furiosis Tela sed hyberna grandine plura volant Room wants for Wounds but Arrows do not fail From Foes which thicker fly then winter Hail After-Ages desiring to make amends to his Memory so over-acted their part in shrining sainting and adoring his Relicks at Bury S t. Edmonds that if those in Heaven be sensible of the Transctions on Earth this good Kings Body did not feel more Pain from the Fury of the Pagan Danes then his Soul is filled with holy Indignation at the Superstition of the Christian Saxons 23. However the VVest-Saxon King Ethelbert behaved himself bravely fighting King Ethelbert his prayer-victory with various Successe nine b William Malmesbury De Gestis Regum Anglorum lib. 2. pag. 42. Battels against the Danes though ninety nine had not been sufficient against so numerous an Enemy But we leave these things to the Historians of the State to relate We read of an c Gen. 31. 52. Heap of Stones made between Iacob and Laban with a mutuall Contract that neither should passe the same for Harm Thus would I have Ecclesiasticall and civil Historians indent about the Bounds and Limits of their Subjects that neither injuriously incroach on the Right of the other And if I chance to make an Excursion into the matters of the Common-wealth it is not out of Curiosity or Busybodinesse to be medling in other mens Lines but onely in an amicable way to give a kind Visit and to clear the mutuall Dependence of the Church on the Common-wealth Yet let me say that this War against the Danes was of Church-concernment for it was as much pro aris as pro focis as much for Religion as civil Interest But one War must not be forgotten Importunate Messengers brought the Tidings that the English were dangerously ingaged with the Danes at Essendune haply Essenden now in surrey and likely to be worsted King Ethelhert was at his Devotions which he would not omit nor abbreviate for all their Clamour No suit would he hear on Earth till first he had finished his Requests to Heaven Then having performed the part of pious Moses in the a Exod. 17. 11 Mount he began to act valiant Ioshua in the Valley The Danes are vanquished leaving Posterity to learn that time spent in Prayer is laid out to the best Advantage 24. But alas King Ethelbert heart-broken with grief this Danish Invasion was a mortal VVound 871 Dedecus Saxonica fortitudinis 5 the Cure whereof was rather to be desired then hoped for Ease for the present was all Art could perform King Ethelbert saw that of these Pagans the more he slew the more they grew which went to his valiant Heart Grief is an heavy Burthen and generally the strongest Shoulders are able to bear the least proportion thereof The good king therefore withered away in the Flower of his Age willingly preferred to encounter rather Death then the Danes for he knew how to make a joyfull End with the one but endless was his Contest with the other according
Cruelty to himself if unwillingly was it Dunstan's Fire or his Faith that fail'd him that he could hold out against him no longer But away with all Suspicions and Queries none need to doubt of the truth thereof finding it in a Sign painted in Fleet-street near Temple-barre 16. During Dunstan's abode in his Cell Aelsgine Dunstan's bountifull friend he had to his great Comfort and Contentment the company of a good Lady Aelfgine by name living fast by No Preacher but Dunstan would please her being so ravisht with his Society that she would needs build a little Cell for her self hard by him In processe of time this Lady died and by her last Will left Christ to be the Heir and Dunstan the Executor of her Estate Enabled with the accession thereof joyned to his paternall Possessions which were very great and now fallen into his hands Dunstan erected the Abbey of Glassenbury and became himself first Abbot thereof a Title till his time unknown in England he built also and endowed many other Monasteries filling them with Benedictine Monks who began now to swarm in England more then Magots in a hot May so incredible was their Increase 17. After the death of King Athelstane 16 Dunstan was recalled to Court in the reign of King Edmund 939 Athelstan's Brother Recalled to Court and re-banished thence and flourished for a time in great Favour But who would build on the brittle Bottome of Princes Love Soon after he falls into the Kings Disfavour Edmundi 1 the old Crime 940 of being a Magician and a Wanton with Women to boot being laid to his charge Surely Dunstan by looking on his own Furnace might learn thence there was no Smoak but some Fire either he was dishonest or undiscreet which gave the Ground-work to their generall Suspicion Hereupon he is re-banisht the Court and returned to his desired Cell at Glassenbury but within three dayes was solemnly brought back again to Court if the ensuing Story may be believed 18. King Edmund was in an eager pursuit of a Buck King Edmund his miraculous deliverance on the top of a steep Rock whence no Descent but Destruction Down falls the Deer and Dogs after him and are dashed to pieces The King follows in full speed on an unruly Horse whom he could not rein is on the Brink of the Brink of the Precipice yet his Prayers prove swifter then his Horse he but ran whilst they did fly to Heaven He is sensible of his Sin in banishing Dunstan confesseth it with Sorrow vowes Amendment promiseth to restore preferre him Instantly the Horse stops in his full Career and his Rider is wonderfully preserved 19. Thus farre a strong Faith may believe of the Story Fy for shame lying Monk but it must be a wild one which gives credit to the remainder a Ross Histor Matt. West Iob. Capgr Osbernus Cervus Canes reviviscunt saith the impudent Monk The Deer Dogs revive again I remember not in Scripture that God ever revived a brute Beast partly because such mean subjects are beneath the Majesty of a Miracle and partly because as the Apostle faith brute Beasts b 2 Pet. â— 12. are made to be taken destroyed Well then might the Monk have knockt off when he had done well in saving the Man and Horse and might have left the Dogs Deer to have remained dead on the place the Deer especially were it but to make Venison Pasties to feast the Courtiers at the solemnizing of their Lord and Masters so miraculous Deliverance 20. Dunstan returning to Court was in higher Favour then ever before 6 Edredi 1 Nor was his Interest any whit abated by the untimely Death of King Edmund slain by one Leoff a Thief seeing his Brother Edred 946 succeeding to the Crown King Edred a high Patron of Dunstan continued and increased his Kindness to him Under him Dunstan was the Doe-all at Court Anno Dom. 946 being the Kings Treasurer Anno Regis Edredi 1 Chancellour Counsellour all things Bishopricks were bountifully profered him pick and chuse where he please but none were honoured with his Acceptance Whether because he accounted himself too high for the place and would not stoop to the Employment or because he esteemed the place too high for him unable conscientiously to discharge it in the midst of so many Avocations Mean time Monasteries were every where erected King Edred devoutly resigning all his Treasure to Dunstan's Disposall Secular Priests being thrust out of their Convents and Monks substituted in their rooms 21. But after Edred's Death But King Edwine his profest Enemy the Case was altered with Dunstan falling into Disgrace with King Edwin his Successour 954 This King on his Coronation-day was said to be incestuously imbracing both Mother Daughter 9 Edwini 1 when Dunstan boldly coming into his Bed-chamber after bitter Reproofs stoutly fetcht him thence and brought him forth into the company of his Noblemen An heroick act if true done with a Iohn Baptist spirit and no wonder if Herod and Herodias I mean this incestuous King and his Concubines were highly offended with Dunstan for the same 22. But good men Who though wronged by the Monks was a worthy Prince and grave Authours give no belief herein conceiving King Edwin how bad soever charactered by the Monks his malicious Enemies to have been a worthy Prince In witnesse whereof they produce the words of a Hist lib. 5. pag. 357. Henry Huntington a learned man but no Monk thus describing him Edwin non illaudabiliter regni insulam tenuit Et rursus Ed win rex anno regni sui quito cum in principio regnum ejus decentissime flor eret prospera laetabunda exordia mors immatura perrupit Edwin was not undeserving of praise in managing the Sceptre of this Land And again King Edwin in the fifth year of his Reign when his Kingdome began at first most decently to flourish had his prosperous and pleasant Beginnings broken off with untimely Death This Testimony considered makes many men think better of King Edwin and worse of Dunstan as guilty of some uncivil Intrusion into the Kings Chamber for which he justly incurred his royall Displeasure 23. Hereupon Dunstan is banished by King Edwin He banisheth Dunstan and dieth heart-broken with grief not as before from England to England from the Court to his Cell at Glassenbury but is utterly expelled the Kingdome and flieth into Flanders Where his Friends say that his Fame prepared his Welcome the Governour of Gaunt most solemnly entertained him 956 Mean time 3 all the Monks in England of Dunstan's Plantation were rooted up and Secular Priests set in their places But soon after happened many Commotions in England especially in Mercia and Northumberland The Monks which write the Story of these Rebellions conceive it unfit to impart to Posterity the Cause thereof which makes wise men to
setled them in London Norwich Cambridg Northampion c. In what capacity these Jews came over I finde not perchance as plunderers to buy such oppressed English mens goods which Christians would not meddle with Sufficeth it us to know that an invasion by Conquest such as King William then made is like an Inn entertaining all adventurers and it may be these Jewish bankers assisted the Conquerour with their coin These Jews though forbidden to buy land in England grew rich by usury their consciences being so wide that they were none at all so that in the barest pasture in which a Christian would starve a Jew would grow fat hee bites so close unto the ground And ever low down their backs is part of Gods curse upon the Jews And crook-back'd men as they eye the earth the center of wealth so they quickly see what straight persons pass by and easily stoop to take up that they finde thereon and therefore no wonder if the Jewish nation whose souls are bowed down with covetousness quickly wax wealthy therewith King William favoured them very much and Rusiu his Son much more especially if that speech reported of him be true that he should swear by S t Lake's face his common oath if b Slows Survey of London pag. 288. the Jews could overcome the Christians he himself would become one of their sect 25. Now was the time come of King Williams death 22. Sept. 9. ending his dayes in Normandy 1088 But see the unhappiness of all humane felicity The death of King Wilâ—â— with the difficulty of his burial for his breath and his servants forsook him both together the later leaving him as if his body should bury it self How many hundreds held land of him in Knights-service whereas now neither Knight nor Esquire to attend him At last with much ado his corps are brought in mean manner to be interred in Cane As they were prepared for the earth a private person forbids the burial till satisfaction was made unto him because the King had violently taken from him that ground on which that Church was erected Doth not Solomon say true A living dog is better then a dead lion when such a little curr durst snarle as the corps of a King and a Conqueror At last the Monks of Cane made a composition and the body was buried And as it was long before this Kings corps could get peaceable possession of a grave so since by a firm ejection he hath been outed of the fame When French souldiers c Stows Chron. at the death of King William Anno Domini 1562. amongst whom some English were mingled under Chattllion conducting the remnant of those which escaped in the battel of Dreux took the City of Cane in his way out of pretence forfooth to seek for some treasure supposed to be hid in his Tomb most baratously and cowardly brake up his coffin and cast his bones out of the same 26. William the Conquerour left three sons Sept. 9. Robert 1087 William The three sons of the Conqueror how denominated and Henry and because hereditary sir-names were not yet fixed in families they were thus denominated and distinguished 1. The eldest from his goods of fortune to which cloaths are reduced Robert Curthose from the short hose he wore not onely for fancy but sometime for need cutting his coat according to his cloath his means all his life long being scant and necessitous 2. The second from the goods of his body viz. a ruddy complexion William Rufus or Red. But whether a lovely and amiable or ireful and cholerick Red Anno Dom. 1087. the Reader on perusal of his life Anno Regis Ruf. 1. is best able to decide 3. The third from the goods of his minde and his rich abilities of learning Henry Beauclerke or the good scholar The middlemost of these William Rufus presuming on his brother Roberts absence in Normandy and pretending his Father got the Crown by Conquest which by will he bequeathed unto him his eldest brother being then under a cloud of his Fathers displeasure adventured to possess himself of the Kingdom 27. On the Twentie sixth of September King William Rufus crowned Arch-Bishop of Canterbury with good Wolstan Bishop of Worcester assisting him Crowned Rufus King of England though but his Fathers second son And indeed the known policy of the former and the reputed piety of the latter were the best supporters of his title Jacob we know acted with a prophetical spirit guiding his a Gen. 48. 14. hands wittingly laid his right on Ephraim the yonger and his left on Manasseth the elder brother but what warrant these Bishops had to invert and transpose natures method by preferring the yonger brother before the elder was best known to themselves Under Lanckfranck he had his education who b Mat. Paris pag. 14. made him a Knight though it had been more proper for his Tutors profession yea and more for his credit and his Pupils profit if he as the instrument had made him a good Christian 28. He began very bountifully His covetousness and inconstancy but on another mans cost 1088 not as a Donor Sept. 2. but a Dealer thereof and Executor of his Fathers Will. To some Churches he gave c Chronicon Johannis Brom. 〈◊〉 pag. 983. ten mark to others six to every country village five shillings besides an hundred pound to every County to be distributed among the poor But afterward he proved most parcimonious though no man more prodigal of never performed promises Indeed Rehoboam though simple was honest speaking to his Subjects though foolishly yet truly according to his intent that his d 1 King 12. 11. finger should be heavier then his fathers loins Whereas Rufus was false in his proceedings who on the imminence of any danger or distress principally to secure himself against the claim of his brother Robert instantly to oblige the English promised them the releasing of their taxes and the restoring of the English Laws but on the sinking of the present danger his performance sunk accordingly no letter of the English Laws restored or more mention thereof till the returning of the like Statestorme occasioned the reviving of his promise and alternately the clearing up of the one deaded the performance of the other 29. This year died Lanckfranck His enriching himself by Church livings Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1089. after whose death 3. the King seised the profits of that See into his own hand and kept the Church vacant for some years knowing the emptiness of Bishopricks caused the fulness of his coffers Thus Arch-Bishop Rufus Bishop Rufus Abbot Rufus for so may he be called as well as King Rufus keeping at the same time the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury the Bishopricks of Winchester and Durham and thirteen Abbies in his hand brought a mass of money into his Exchequer All places which he parted with was upon present payment
is a great deal when it must be taken from a new-shorne sheep so pilled and polled were all people before with constant exactions Such whom his hard usage forced beyond the seas were recalled by his Proclamation So that his heavy leavies would not suffer them to live here and his hard Laws would not permit them to depart hence And when the Clergy complain'd unto him to be eased of their burdens I beseech you said he have ye not coffins of gold and silver for dead mens bones intimating that the same treasure might otherwise be better imployed 36. The streams of discord began now to swell high variance between the King and Anselme betwixt the King and Arch-Bishop Anselme flowing principally from this occasion At this time there were two Popes together so that the Eagle with two heads the Arms of the Empire might now as properly have fitted the Papacy for the present Of these the one Guibertus I may call the Lay-Pope because made by Henry the Emperor the other Vrban the Clergy-Pope chosen by the Conclave of Cardinals Now because like unto like King William sided with the former whilest Anselme as earnestly adhered to Vrban in his affections desiring to receive his Pall from him which the King resused to permit Hereupon Anselme appealed to his Pope whereat King William was highly offended 37. But Their several pleadings and present reconcilement because none are able so emphatically to tell their stories and plead their causes as themselves take them in them in their own words The King Objected The custome from my Father's time hath been in England that no person should appeal to the Pope without the Kings license He that breaketh the customs of my Realm violateth the power and Crown of my Kingdom He that violateth and taketh away my Crown is a Traytor and enemy against me Anselme Answered The Lord hath discussed this question Give unto Cesar the things that are Cesars and unto God the things that are Gods In such things as belong to the terrene dignities of temporal Princes I will pay my obedience but Christ said Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church c. Whose Vicar he ought to obey in spiritual matters and the fetching of his Pall was of that nature At last an expedient was found out that Anselme should not want his Pall nor fetch it himself from Rome being by the King's consent brought to him by Gualter Pope Urban's Legate whom the King at last was fain to acknowledg and so all things for the present reconciled 38. But the wound betwixt them was rather skinned over They disagree again then perfectly healed and afterwards brake out again the King taking occasion of displeasure at Anselmes backwardness to assist him in his expedition into Wales Whereupon Anselme desired a second journey to Rome there to bemoan and probably to relieve himself by complaint to the Pope But the King stopt his voyage affirming that Anselme had led so pious a life he need crave no absolution at Rome and was so well stored with learning that he needed not to borrow any counsel there Yea said the King Vrban had rather give place to the wisdom of Anselme then Anselme have need of Urban In fine after much contesting Anselme secretly stole out of the Realm and the King seized all his goods and lands into his own coffers Three years was he in exile somtimes at Lions sometimes at Rome welcome wheresoever he came and very serviceable to the Church by his pious living painfull preaching learned writing and solid disputing especially in the general Councel of Bar where he was very useful in confuting and condemning the errours of the Greek-Church about the Procession of the Holy Spirit 39. King Rufus was a hunting in New-Forest 14. Aug. 2. which was made by King William 1100 his Father King Rufus his death not so much out of pleasure or love of the game as policy to clear and secure to himself a fair and large landing-place for his forces out of Normandy if occasion did require Here then was a great devastation of Towns and Temples the place being turned into a wilderness for Men to make a Paradise for Deer God seemed displeased hereat for amongst other Tragedies of the Conquerors family acted in this place Rufus was here slain by the glancing of an arrow shot by S r Walter Tirrel An unhappy name to the Kings of England this man casually and another wilfully S r James Tirrel employed in the murthering of King Edward the fifth having their hands in royal bloud Now it is seasonably remembred that some yeers since this King William had a desperate disease whereof he made but bad use after his recovery and therefore now Divine Justice would not the second time send him the summons of a solemn visitation by sickness but even surprized him by a sudden and unexpected death 40. Thus died King William Rufus His hurial and character leaving no issue and was buried faith my a John Bromton pag. 997. Author at Winchester multorum Procerum conventu paucorum verò planctu many Noble-men meeting but few mourning at his funerals Yet some who grieved not for his death grieved at the manner thereof and of all mourners Anselme though in exile in France expressed most cordial sorrow at the news of his death A valiant and prosperous Prince but condemn'd by Historians for covetousness cruelty and wantonness though no woman by name is mentioned for his Concubine probably because thrifty in his lust with mean and obscure persons But let it be taken into serious consideration that no pen hath originally written the life of this King but what was made by a Monkish pen-knife and no wonder if his picture seem bad which was drawn by his enemy And he may be supposed to fare the worse for his opposition to the Romish usurpation having this good quality to suffer none but himself to abuse his Subjects stoutly resisting all payments of the Popes imposing Yea as great an enemy as he was conceiv'd to the Church he gave to the Monks called De Charitate the great new Church of S t Saviours in Bermondsey with the Manor thereof as also of Charlton in Kent 41. Henry Beauclarke Henry the first succeedeth Rufus and is crowned his brother succeeded him in the Throne one that crossed the common Proverb The greatest Clerks are not the wisest men being one of the most profoundest Scholars and most politick Princes in his generation He was Crowned about four dayes after his brothers death Anno Dom. 1100. At that time Anno Regis Hen. 1. the present providing of good swords was accounted more essential to a Kings Coronation then the long preparing of gay clothes Such preparatory pomp as was used in after-ages at this Ceremony was now conceived not onely useless but dangerous speed being safest to supply the vacancy of the Throne To ingratiate himself to
of every plough-land in England betwixt Trent and Edenburgh-frith twenty four b Stow in the end of K. Stephens life Oat-sheaves for the Kings Hounds Stephen converted this rent-charge to his new-built Hospital in York A good deed no doubt for though it be unlawful to take the c Mark 7. 27. childrens bread and to cast it unto the dogs it is lawful to take the dogs bread and to give it unto the children 47. The King 16. being desirous to settle Soveraignty on his Son Eustace 1150. earnestly urged Theobald Arch-Bishop of Canterbury to Crown him The constancy of Theobald Arch-Bishop of Canterbury For Stephen saw that fealty barely sowrn to Maud in her Fathers life time was afterwards broken and therefore his own guilt making him the more suspicious for the better assurance of his Sons succession he would go one step farther endeavouring to make him actual King in his own life time But the Arch-Bishop stoutly refused though proscribed for the same and forced to flie the land till after some time he was reconciled to the King 48. Eustace the Kings Son died of a frenzie 19. as going to plunder the lands of Bury d Mat. Paris in this year Abby 1153. A death untimely in reference to his youthful years The seasonable death of Prince Eustace but timely and seasonably in relation to the good of the Land If conjecture may be made from his turbulent spirit coming to the Crown he would have added tyrannie to his usurpation His Father Stephen begins now to consider how he himself was old his Son deceased his Subjects wearied his Land wasted with War which considerations improved by the endeavours of Theobald Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and Gods blessing on both produced an agreement between King Stephen and Henry Duke of Normandy the former holding the Crown for his life and after his death settling the same on Henry his adopted Son and Successor 49. We have now gotten to our great credit An English-man Pope and comfort no doubt an English-man Pope namely Nicholas Breakspear alias Adrian the fourth Born saith my e Camden in Middlesex Author nigh Vxbridg in Middlesex of the ancient and Martial family of the Breakspears though f Bale in English Votaries fol. 85. others make him no better then a bastard of an Abbot of S t Albans The Abbot of which Covent he confirmed the first in place of all in England If I miscount not we never had but four Popes and a half I mean Cardinal Pool Pope elect of our Nation And yet of them one too many will the Papists say if Pope Jone as some esteem her were an English-woman Yea lately the Elected following the plurality of the Electors they have almost ingrossed the Papacy to the Italians Our Adrian had but bad success choaked to death with a flie in his throat Anno Dom. 1153. Thus any thing next nothing be it but advantagiously planted Anno Regis Hen. 1 19. is big enough to batter mans life down to the ground 50. Jeffery ap Arthur commonly called from his native place Jeffery Monmouth defended Jeffery of Monmouth was now Bishop of S t Asaph He is the Welsh Herodotus the father of ancient History and fables for he who will have the first must have the later Polydore Virgil accuseth him of many falshoods so hard it is to halt before a cripple who notwithstanding by others is defended because but a translator and not the original reporter For a translator tells a lie in telling no lie if wilfully varying from that copy which he promiseth faithfully to render And if he truly translates what he findes his duty is done and is to be charged no further Otherwise the credit of the best translator may be crack'd if himself become security for the truth of all that he takes on trust from the pens of others 51. King Stephen ended his troublesome life The death of K Stephen A Prince 1154 who if he had come in by the door 20. the best room in the house had not been too good to entertain him Whereas now the addition Usurper affixed generally to his name corrupts his valour into cruelty devotion into hypocrisie bounty into flattery and design Yet be it known to all though he lived an Usurper he died a lawful King for what formerly he held from the rightful heir by violence at his death he held under him by a mutual composition He was buried with his Son and Wife at Feversham in Kent in a Monastery of his own building At the demolishing whereof in the regin of King Henry the Eighth a Stow in the end of his life some to gain the lead wherein he was wrapp'd cast his corps into the Sea Thus Sacriledg will not onely feast on gold and silver but when sharp set will feed on meaner metals 52. Henry the Second succeeded him Sobriquets what they were known by a triple sir-name two personal and ending with himself Hen. 2 Fitz-Empress and Shortmantle the other hereditary fetch'd from Jeffery his Father and transmitted to his Posterity Plantagenet or * Aâ—ias Plantagenist Plantaganest This name was one of the Sobriquets or penitential nick-names which great persons about this time posting to the Holy War in Palestine either assumed to themselves or had by the Pope or their Confessors imposed upon them purposely to disguise and obscure their lustre therewith See moe of the same kinde 1. Berger a Shepheard 2. Gâ—ise-Conelle Gray-coat 3. Teste de Estoupe Head of towe 4. Arbust a Shrub 5. Martel an Hammer 6. Grand-Baeuse Ox-face 7. La-Zourch a Branch upon a stem 8. Houlet a Sheep-hook 9. Hapkin an Hatchet 10. Chapell an Hood 11. Sans-terr Lackland 12. Malduit III taught 13. Juvencas Geffard or Heifer 14. Fitz de flaw Son of a flail 15. Plantagenist Stalk of a Broom Thus these great persons accounted the penance of their pilgrimage with the merit thereof doubled when passing for poor inconsiderable fellows they denied their own places and persons But he it reported to others whether this be proper and kindly evangelical self-denial so often commended to the practice of Christians However some of these by-names assumed by their fanciful devotion remained many years after to them and theirs amongst which Plantagenist was entailed on the Royal bloud of England 53. This King Henry was wife K. Henry his character valiant and generally fortunate His faults were such as speak him Man rather then a vitious one Wisdom enough he had for his work and work enough for his wisdom being troubled in all his relations Anno Regis Hen 2 4. His wife Queen Elianor brought a great portion Anno Dom. 1154 fair Provinces in France and a great stomach with her so that is is questionable whether her froward spirit more drave her Husband away from her chast or Rosamunds fair face more drew him to her wanton embraces His
Sons having much of the Mother in them grew up as in Age in obstinacy against him His Subjects but especially the Bishops being the greatest Castle mongers in that Age very stubborn and not easily to be ordered 54. Mean time one may justly admire What became of Maud the Empress than no mention in Authors is made of nor provisions for Maud the Kings Mother surviving some years after her Son's Coronation in whom during her life 〈◊〉 lay the real right to the Crown 〈◊〉 Yet say not King Henries policy was little in preferring to take his Title from an Usurper by adoption rather then from his own Mother the rightful heir by succession and his piety less in not attending his Mothers death but snatching the Scepter out of her hand seeing no Writer ever chargeth him with the least degree of undutifulness unto her Which leadeth us to believe that this Maud worn out with age and afflictions willingly waved the Crown and reigned in her own contentment in seeing her Son reign before her 55. Those who were most able to advise themselves 1. are most willing to be advised by others 1155. as appeared by this politick Prince The body of the Common-Law compiled Presently he chuseth a Privy Councel of Clergie and Temporalty and refineth the Common Laws Yea towards the end of his Reign began the use of our Itiâ—erant Judges The platform hereof he fetch'd from France where he had his education and where Charles the Bald some hundred of years before had divided his Land into twelve parts assigning several Judges for administration of Justice therein Our Henry parcelled England into six Divisions and appointed three Judges to every Circuit annually to visit the same Succeeding Kings though changing the limits have kept the same number of Circuits and let the skilful in Arithmetick cast it up whether our Nation receiveth any loss by the change of three Judges every year according to Henry the second 's Institution into two Judges twice a year as long since hath been accustomed 56. The Laws thus setled King Henry cast his eye on the numerous Castles in England 2. As a good reason of State formerly perswaded the building 1156. so a better pleaded now for the demolishing of them Castles demolished William the Conqueror built most of them and then put them into the custody of his Norman Lords thereby to awe the English into obedience But these Norman Lords in the next generation by breathing in English ayre and wedding with English wives became so perfectly Anglized and lovers of Liberty that they would stand on their guard against the King on any petty discontentment If their Castles which were of proof against Bowes and Arrows the Artillery of that Age could but bear the brunt of a sudden assault they were priviledged from any solemn Siege by their meanness and multitude as whose several beleguerings would not compensate the cost thereof Thus as in foul bodies the Physick in process of time groweth so friendly and familiar with the disease that they at last side together and both take part against Nature in the Patient so here it came to pass that these Castles intended for the quenching in continuance of time occasioned the kindling of Rebellion To prevent farther mischief King Henry razed most of them to the ground and secured the rest of greater consequence into the hands of his Confidents if any ask how these Castles belong to our Church-History know that Bishops of all in that Age were the greatest Traders in such Fortifications 57. Thomas Becket Thomas Becket L. Chancellor of England born in London and though as yet but a Deacon Arch-Deacon of Canterbury Doctor of Canon-Law bred in the Universities of Oxford Paris Bononia was by the King made Lord Chancellor of England During which his office who braver then Becket None in the Court wore more costly clothes Anno Dom. 1158. mounted more stately steeds made more sumptuous feasts kept more jovial company brake more merry jests used more pleasant pastimes In a word he was so perfect a Lay-man that his Parsonages of Bromfield and S t Mary-hill in London with other Ecclesiastical Cures whereof he was Pastor might even look all to themselves he taking no care to discharge them This is that Becket whose mention is so much in English and miracles so many in Popish writers We will contract his acts in proportion to our History remitting the Reader to be satisfied in the rest from other Authors 58. Four years after His great reformation being made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury upon the death of Theobald 1162 Becket was made by the King 8. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury The first Englishman since the Conquest and he but a mongrel for his mother was a Syrian the intercourse of the Holy-War in that age making matches betwixt many strangers who was preferred to that place And now if the Monks their writing his life may be believed followed in him a great and strange Metamorphosis Instantly his cloaths were reformed to gravity his diet reduced to necessity his company confined to the Clergie his expences contracted to frugality his mirth retrenched to austerity all his pastimes so devoured by his piety that none could see the former Chancellor Becket in the present Arch-Bishop Becket Yea they report that his clothes were built three stories high next his skin he was a Hermite and wore sack-cloth in the midd he had the habit of a Monk and above all wore the garments of an Arch-Bishop Now that he might the more effectually attend his Archiepiscopal charge he resigned his Chancellors place whereat the King was not a little offended It added to his anger that his patience was daylie pressed with the importunate petitions of people complaining that Becket injured them Though generally he did but recover to his Church such possessions as by their covetousness and his predecessors connivence had formerly been detained from it 59. But A stubborn defender of the vicious Clergy against secular Magistrates the main matter incensing the King against him was his stubborn defending the Clergie from the secular power and particularly what a great fire doth a small spark kindle that a Clerk having killed and stolen a Deer ought not to be brought before the Civil Magistrate for his punishment Such impunities breeding impieties turned the house of God into a den of thieves many rapes riots robberies murders were then committed by the Clergie If it be rendered as a reason of the viciousness of Adonijah that his father never said unto him a 1 King 1. 6. Why doest thou so No wonder if the Clergy of this age were guilty of great crimes whom neither the King nor his Judges durst call to an account And seeing Ecclesiastical censures extend not to the taking away of life or lim such Clerks as were guilty of capital faults were either altogether acquitted or had onely penance inflicted upon
instantly were catch'd up in the ears of some Courtiers attending him He complained that never Soveraign kept such lazy Subjects and Servants neither concern'd in their Kings credit nor sensible of his favours conferred on them to suffer a proud Prelate so saucily to affront him Now a low hollow and a less clap with the hand will set fierce doggs on worrying their prey A quaternion of Courtiers being present namely 1. S r Richard Breton of which name as I take it a good family at this day is extant in Northampton-shire 2. S r Hugh Morvil of Kirk-Oswald in Cumberland where his b Cand. Brit. in Cumberland pag. 777. sword wherewith he slew Becket was kept a long time in memorial of his fact His family at this day extinct 3. S r William Tracey whose heirs at this day flourish in a worthy and worshipful equipage at Todington in Glocester-shire 4. S r Reginald Fitz-Urse c Others call him Walter or Beares-Sonne His posterity was afterwards men of great lands and Command in the County of Monaghan in Ireland being there called d Camd. Brit. in Ireland pag. 10. Mac-Mahon which in Irish signifieth the son of a bear These four Knights applying the Kings general reproof to themselves in their preproperous passions mis-interpreted his complaint not onely for Becket's legal condemnation but also for their warrant for his execution Presently they post to Canterbury where they finde Becket in a part of his Church since called the Martyrdom who though warned of their coming and advised to avoid them would not decline them so that he may seem to have more minde to be kill'd then they had to kill him Here happ'ned high expostulation they requiring restitution of the Excommunicated Bishops whose peremptory demands met with his pertinacious denials as then not willing to take notice of Solomon his counsel e Prov. 15. 1. A soft answer pacifieth wrath Brauls breed blows and all four falling upon him with the help of the fifth an officer of the Church called Hugh the ill-Clerk each gave him a wound though that with the sword dispatch'd him which cut off his crown from the rest of his head 67. A barbarous murder Various censures on his death and which none will go about to excuse Dece 28. but much heightned both by the Prose and Poetry good and bad of Popish Writers in that age Of the last and worst sort I account that Distick not worthy the translating one verse whereof Anno Regis Hen. 2 16. on each leaf of the door of Canterbury Quire Anno Dom. 1170 is yet legible in part Est sacer intra locus venerabilis atque beatus Praesul ubi sanctus Thomas est * William Somner in his Antiquities of Canterbury pag. 166. martyrizatus But if he were no truer a martyr then martyrizatus is true position his memory might be much suspected More did the Muses smile on the Author of the following verses Pro Christi Sponsa Christi sub tempore Christi In Templo Christi verus amator obit Quis moritur Praesul Cur Pro grege Qualiter Ense Quando Natali Quis locus Ara Dei. For Christ his Spouse in Christ's Church at the tide Of Christ his birth Christ his true lover dy'd Who dies A Priest Why For 's flock How By th' sword When At Christ's birth Where Altar of the Lord. Here I understand not how properly it can be said that Becket died Pro grege For his flock Hee did not die for feeding his flock for any fundamental point of Religion or for defending his flock against the wolfe of any dangerous doctrine but meerly he died for his flock namely that the sheep thereof though ever so scabb'd might not be dress'd with tarr and other proper but sharpe and smarting medicines I mean that the Clergie might not be punished by the secular power for their criminal enormities Sure I am a learned and moderate a Gulielmus Nubrigiensis writer of that age passeth this character upon him Quae ab ipso acta sunt laudanda nequaquam censuerim licet ex laudabili zelo processerint Such things as were done by him I conceive not at all to be praised though they proceeded from a laudable zeal But b In tribus Thomis Stapleton calls this his judgment Audacis Monachi censura non tam politica quà m planè ethnica The censure of a bold Monk not so much politick as heathenish Should another add of Stapleton that this his verdict is the unchristian censure of a proud and partial Jesuite railing would but beget railing and so it is better to remit all to the day c Rom. 2. 5. of the revelation of the righteous judgment of God 68. Now King Henry The heavy penance performed by King Henry though unable to revive Beacket shewed as much sorrow himself for his death as a living man could express and did the other as much honour as a dead man could receive First searching after all his kinred as most capable of his kindeness he found out his two sisters One Mary a virgin not inclinable to marry whom he preferred Abbess of the rich Nunnery of Berking His other nameless sister being married to one of the Le Botelers or Butlers He transplanted with her husband and children into d Camdens Brit. in Ireland pag. 83. Ireland conferring upon them high honours and rich revenues from whom the Earls of Ormond are at this day descended He founded also the magnificent Abbey called e Idem pag. 93. Thomas-Court in Dublia in memory of the said Thomas Becket 20. and expiation of his murther beautifying the same with fair buildings 1174. and enriching it with large possessions Nor did onely the purse but the person of King Henry do penance Who walking some miles bare-foot suffered himself to be whipped on the naked back by the Monks of Cantrbury As for the four Knights who murthered him the Pope pardoned them but conditionally to spend the rest of their lives in the Holy war where the King as part of his penance enjoyned by the Pope maintained two hundred men for one year on his proper charges to try whether they could be as couragious in killing of Turks as they had been cruel in murdering a Christian 69. And now Becket after fifty years inshrined being on this subject Anno Dom 1174. once to dispatch Becket out of out way Anno Regis Hen. ◠20. just a Jubilee of years after his death Stephen Langton his mediate successor removed his body from the Vnder-croft in Christ-Church where first he was buried and laid him at his own charge in a most sumptuous shrine at the East end of the Church Here the a Erasmus his Dialog in Religionis ergo rust of the sword that killed him was afterwards tendred to Pilgrims to kiss Here many miracles were pretended to be wrought by this saint in number b Fox
Acts and Monum pag. 493. two hundred and seventy They might well have been brought up to four hundred and made as many as Baals lying Prophets though even then one Propher of the Lord one Micaiah one true miracle were worth them all 70. It is almost incredible The blinde superstition of people what multitudes of people flock'd yearly to Canterbury which City lived by Beckets death especially on his Jubilee or each fifty years after his enshrining No fewer then an hundred c Wil. Somner ut priùs pag. 249. thousand we finde it in words at length and therefore a cipher is not mistaken of English and forrainers repaired hither And though great the odds in hardness between stones and flesh there remains at this day in the marble the prints of their superstition who crept and kneeled to his shrine The revenues whereof by peoples offerings amounted to more then six hundred pounds a year And the same accomptant when coming to set down what then and there was offered to Christ's or the High-Altar dispatcheth all with a blanke Summo Altari nil Yea whereas before Beckets death the Cathedral in Canterbury was called Christ's Church it passed afterwards for the Church of S t Thomas verifying therein the complaint of d John 12. 13. Mary Magdalen Sustuleruat Dominum They have taken away the Lord. Though since by the demolishing of Beckets shrine the Church and that justly hath recovered his true and ancient name SECT II. DOMINO JOANNI WYRLEY DE WYRLEY-HALL In Com. Stafford Equiti Aurato LEx Mahometica jubet ut Turcarum quisque mechanicae arti incumbat Hinc est quòd vel inter Ot tomanicos Imperatores hic faber ille Sartor hic totus est in baltheorum * * Edw. Sandys in suis peregrinationibus bullis ille in Sagittarum pennis concinnandis prout quisque suà indole trahatur Lex mihi partim placet partim displicet Placet industria nè animi otii rubigine obducti sensim torpescerent Displicet ingenuas mentes servili operi damnari cùm humile nimis sit abjectum At utinam vel lex vel legis aemula consuetudo inter Anglos obtineret nt nostrates nobiles ad unum omnes meliori literaturae litarent Hoc si fiat uberrimos fructus Respublica perceptura esset ab illis qui nunc absque Musarum cultu penitus sterilescunt Tu verò Doctissime Miles es perpaucorum hominum qui ingenium Tuum nobilitate premi non sinis sed artes ingenuas quas Oxonii didicisti juvenis vir assiduè colis Gestit itaque Liber noster Te Patrono quo non alter aut in not andis mendis oculatior aut in condonandis clementior 1. EVen amongst all the stripes given him since the death of Becket 20. none made deeper impression in King Henry's soul 1174. then the undutisulness of Henry The undutisulness of young King Henry his eldest Son whom he made the foolish act of a wise King joynt-King with himself in his life time And as the Father was indiscreet to put off so much of his apparel before he went to bed so the Son was more unnatural in endeavouring to rend the rest from his back and utterly to difrobe him of all Regal power The Clergie were not wahting in their plentiful censures to impute this mischance to the King as a Divine punishment on Beckets death that his natural Son should prove so undutiful to him who himself had been so unmerciful to his spiritual father Anno Dom. 1174. But this rebellious childe pass'd not unpunished Anno Regis Hen. 2. 20. For as he honoured not his Father so his dayes were sew in the land which the Lord gave him And as he made little account of his own father so English Authors make no reckoning of him in the Catalogue of Kings This Henry the third being wholly omitted because dying during the life of his Father 2. But Richard made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury before this Henries death Richard Prior of Dover who divided Kent into three Arch-Deaconries was made Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Indeed the place was first profered to Robert Abbot of Becco in Normandy Sequents of three if he had accepted it Anselme Theobald and this Robert who in the compass of seventy years out of the same Abby were made Arch-Bishops of Canterbury but he refused it as ominous to succeed Becket in his Chair lest he should succeed him in his Coffin and preferr'd a whole skin before an holy Pall. But Richard accepting the place is commended for a milde and moderate man being all for accommodation and his temper the best expedient betwixt the Pope and King pleasing the former with presents the latter with compliance This made him connive at Jeffery Plantaginet his holding the Bishoprick of Lincoln though uncanonicalâ—ess on uncanonicalness met in his person For first he was a bastard Secondly he was never in orders Thirdly he was under age all which irregularities were answered in three words The Kings Son This was that Jeffery who used to protest by the royaltie of the King his Father when a stander by minded him to remember the honesty of his Mother 3. A Synod was call'd at Westminster The controversy betwixt Canterbury York for precedency the Popes Legat being present thereat 1176. on whose right hand sat Richard 22. Arch-Bishop of Canterbury as in his proper place When in springs Roger of York and finding Canterbury so seated fairly sits him down on Canterburie's lap a baby too big to be danced thereon yea Canterbury his servants dandled this lap-childe with a witness who pluck'd him thence and buffeted him to purpose Hence began the brawl which often happened betwixt the two Sees for precedency though hitherto we have pass'd them over in silence not conceiving our selves bound to trouble the Reader every time those Arch-Bishops troubled themselves And though it matters as little to the Reader as to the Writer whether Roger beat Richard or Richard beat Roger yet once for all we will reckon up the arguments which each See alledged for its precedencie Canterburies Title 1. No Catholick person will deny but that the Pope is the fountain of spiritual honor to place and displace at pleasure He first gave the Primary to Canterbury Yea whereas the proper place of the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury in a general Councel was next the Bishop of S t Ruffinus Anselme and his successors were advanced by Pope Vrban to sit at the Popes right foot as alterius orbis Papa 2. The English Kings have ever allowed the Priority to Canterbury For a Duarchie in the Church viz. two Arch-Bishops equal in power being inconsistent with a Monarchy in the State Anno Regis Hen. 2. 22. they have ever countenanced the superiority of Canterbury Anno Dom. 1176. that the Church-government might be uniform with the Commonwealths 3. Custome hath been accounted a King in all
Now though the said Sir Reginald did modestly decline the Pope's Honour for want of Maintenance yet had he at that time no fewer then forty three Knights Fees held of his Castle of Dunstar I have nothing else to adde herein save that the ancient Armes of the Mohuns viz. a hand in a Maunch holding a Flower de luce in that Age more fashionable then a Rose in Heraldry seems to relate to this occasion which their Family afterward changed into a Sable Crosse in the Atchievements in the Holy land born at this day by the truely honourable the Lord Mohun Baron of Oakehampton as descended from this Family 28. This year died Robert Grouthead 38 Bishop of Lincoln 1254 born at Stodebrook in Suffolk The death of Bishop Grouthead Natalibus pudendis saith my c Bishop Godwin in Catalogue of Linc. Bish. Authour of Shamefull extraction intimating suspicion of Bastardy though the parents rather then the child have caused a blush thereat He got his Surname from the greatness of his head having large Stoage to receive and store of Braines to fill it bred for a time in Oxford then in France a great and generall Scholar Bale reckoning up no fewer then two hundred books of his making and a great opposer of the Popes oppression which now grew intolerable 29. For it appeared by inquisition made the last year The Popes fume against this good Bishop that the Ecclesiasticall Revenues of Italians in England whereof many were Boyes more Blockheads all Aliens amounted per annum unto threescore and ten thousand Marks whereas the Kings Income at the same time was hardly d Matthew Paris in Anno 1552. twenty thousand Bishop Grouthead offended thereat wrote Pope Innocent the fourth such a Iuniper Letter taxing him with extortion and other vitious practices that his Holiness brake out into this expression VVhat meaneth this doting old man surdus absurdus thus boldly to controll our actions By Peter and Paul did not our innate ingenuity restrain us I would confound him and make him a prodigie to the whole world Is not the King of England our Vassall yea our Slave to imprison and destroy what persons we please to appoint 30. The Pope being in this pelt quenched by a Spanish Cardinall Aegidius a Spanish Cardinall thus interposed his gravitie It is not expedient my Lord to use any harshness to this Bishop We must confesse the truths which he saith He is a holy man of a more Religious life then any of us yea Christendome hath not his equall a great Philosopher skilled in Latine and Greek a constant reader in the Schools Preacher in the Pulpit lover of Chastity and loather of Simony 31. Thus the Pope took wit in his anger Grouthead the peoples though not the Pope's Saint and Grouthead escaped for the present though Bale reporteth that he died excommunicate and deprived of his Bishoprick Popish e Iohn Burie Mat. Paris Mat. Westminster Mr. Fabian Authours confidently report a strange vision or rather a passion of Pope Innocent the fourth whom Grouthead appearing after his death so beat with many blows it seems he had a heavy hand as well as a great head that the Pope died thereof soon after No wonder therefore if his successours would not Canonize this Robert who notwithstanding was a Saint though not in the Popes yet in the peoples Calendar many miracles being ascribed unto him and particularly f Godwin in his Catalogue of Bishops Discontents begin in England that a sweet oyl after his death issued out of his monument which if false in the litterall may be true in a mysticall meaning Solomon observing that a good name is as oyntment poured out 32. England began now to â—urfet of more then thirty yeares Peace and Plenty which produced no better effects then ingratitude to God and murmuring at their King Many active spirits whose minds were above their means offended that others beneath them as they thought in Merit were above them in Employment Anno Dom. 1254 cavilled at many errours in the Kings Government Anno Regis Henrici 3. 38 being State-Donatists maintaining the perfection of a Commonwealth might and ought to be attained A thing easie in the Theory impossible in the Practice to conform the actions of mens corrupted natures to the exact Ideas in mens Imaginations 33. Indeed they had too much matter whereon justly to ground their Discontents Grounded on too much occasion partly because the King distrusting his Natives imployed so many French Forrainers in places of power and profit partly because he had used such indirect courses to recruit his Treasuries especially by annihilating all Patents granted in his Minority though indeed he was never more in his Full-age then when in his Non-age as guided then by the best counsell and forcing his Subjects to take out new ones on what Terms his Officers pleased In a word an a Roger Wendover Authour then living complaineth that Iustice was committed to men unjust the Laws to such who themselves were Out-laws and the keeping of the Peace to injurious people delighting in Discords 34. After many contests betwixt the King and his Subjects which the Reader may learn from the Historians of the State four and twenty prime persons were chosen by Parliament to have the supreme inspection of the Land A Title without power onely lest to the King which soon after to make them the more cordiall passed a decoction and were reduced to three and they three in effect contracted to one Simon Mountfort Earle of Leicester the Kings Brother in Law The King himself standing by as a Cypher yet signifying as much as his ambitious Subjects did desire These to make sure work bound him with his solemn Oath to submit himself to their new-modelled Government 35. Here the Pope charitable to relieve all distressed Princes interposed his power The Pope freely gives his curtesies for money absolving the King from that Oath as unreasonable in it self and forced upon him His Holinesse was well paid for this great favour the King hereafter conniving at his Horse-Leeches Legates and Nuncioes sucking the bloud of his Subjects with intolerable Taxations Thus was it not altogether the Flexibility of King Henry but partly the Flexion of his Condition I mean the altering of his occasions which made him sometimes withstand and otherwhiles comply with the Popes extortion Thus alwayes the Popes Curtesies are very dear and the Storm it self is a better Shelter then the Bramble fleecing such Sheep as fly under the shade thereof 36. Mean time the King having neither Coyn nor Credit Sad case when the Royall Root is no better then a sucker having pawn'd his Iewels mortgag'd all his Land in France and sold much of it in England wanting where withall to subsist lived on Abbeys and Prioreys till his often coming and long staying there made what was welcome at the first quickly to become
fight one with another whilest they have either Bull or Bear before them to bait the common foe imploying that fury which otherwise would be active against those of their own kinde This diversion of the English souldiery gave a vent to their animosities which otherwise would have been mutually mis-spent amongst themselves 5. Great at this present was the Popes power in England The Popes present power in England improving himself on the late tumuâ—tuous times and the easiness of King Henry his nature insomuch that within these last seven years ex plenitudine or rather ex abundantia superfluitate potestatis he had put in two Arch-Bishops of Canterbury Robert Kilwarby and John Peccam against the mindes of the Monks who had legally chosen others Probably the third time would have created a Right to the Pope and his Holiness hereafter prescribe it as his just due had not King Edward seasonably prevented his encroachment by moderating his power in England as hereafter shall appear Mean time we are called away on a welcome occasion to behold a grateful object namely the Foundation of one of the first and fairest Colledges in Christendom 6. For in this year Walter de Merton Merton Col. in Oxford founded Bishop of Rochester and Chancellour of England 1274. finished the Colledge of his own name in Oxford 3. This Walter was born at Merton in Surrey and at Maldon in that County had built a Colledg which on second thoughts by Gods counsel no doubt he removed to Oxford as it seems for the more security now if the Barons Wars then some fifteen years since in height Anno Regis Ed. 1. 3. and heat Anno Dom. 1274 were as it is probable any motive of this Vranslation it was one of the best effects which ever so bad a cause produced For otherwise if not removed to Oxford certainly this Colledg had been swept away as Rubbish of superstition at the Dissolution of Abbies 7. Amongst the many Manors which the first a Brian Twyn Ant. Acad. Ox. p. 319. Founder bestowed on this Colledge A Manor in Cambridg given thereunto one lay in the Parish of S t. Peters and West suburbe of Cambridge beyond the Bridg anciently called Pythagoras house since Merton Hall To this belongeth much good Land thereabout as also the Mills at Grantchester mentioned in Chaucer those of Merton Colledg keeping yearly a Court Baron here Afterwards King Henry the sixth took away for what default I finde not this Manor from them and bestowed it upon his own Foundation of Kings b Caius Hist Cant. Acad. p. 68. Colledg in Cambridge But his successor Edward the fourth restored it to Merton Colledg again It seemeth equally admirable to me that Holy King Henry the sixth should do any wrong or Harsh Edward the fourth do any Right to the Muses which maketh me to suspect that there is more in the matter then what is generally known or doth publickly appear 8. S t Henry Savill the most learned Warden of this Colledg Merton his Monument renewed three hundred and more years after Mertons death plucked down his old Tombe in Rochester Church near the North wall almost over against the Bishops Chair and built a neat new Monument of Touch and Alabaster whereon after a large inscription in Prose this Epitaph was engraven Magne senex titulis Musarum sede sacrata Major Mertonidum maxime progenie Haec tibi gratantes post saecula sera nepotes En votiva locant marmora sancte Parens And indeed malice it self cannot deny that this Colledg or little Vniversity rather doth equal if not exceed any one Foundation in Christendom for the Famous men bred therein as by the following Catalogue will appear Wardens 1. Pet. Abyngdon 2. Rich. Warbisdon 3. Jo. de la More 4. Jo. Wantinge 5. Rob. Trenge 6. Gul. Durant 7. Jo. Bloxham 8. Jo. Wendover 9. Ed. Beckingham 10. Tho. Rodburne 11. Rob. Gylbert 12. Hen. Abingdon 13. Elias Holcot 14. Hen. Sever. 15. Jo. Gygur 16. Ric. Fitz-James 17. Tho. Harper 18. Rich. Rawlins 19. Rowl Philips 20. Jo. Chamber 21. Hen. Tindal 22. Tho. Raynolds 23. Jac. Gervase 24. Jo. Man 25. Tho. Bickley 26. HEN. SAVILL 27. S t Nathaneel Brent 28. D r Goddard Bishops Rob. Winchelsey Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Ann. 1294. Simon Mepham Arch-Bishop of Cantebury Ann. 1327. Simon Isslip Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Anno 1349. John Kemp Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Anno 1462. Ralph Baldock Bishop of London Anno 1305. Henry Gower Bishop of S r Davids Ann. 1328. William Read Bishop of Chichester Ann. 1369. Robert Gilbert Bishop of London Anno 1435. Thomas Rodebrun Bishop of S t Davids Ann. 1440. John * He was prevost also of Kings Col. in Cambridg Chadworth Bishop of Lincoln Ann. 1452. John Marshal Bishop of Landast Anno 1478. Rich. Fitz-James Bishop of London Ann. 1500. William Siveyer Bishop of Durham Ann. 1502. Richard Raulins Bishop of S t Davids Ann. 1523. John Parkehurst Bishop of Norwich Ann. 1560. Thomas Bickley Bishop of Chichester Ann. 1585. George Carleton Bishop of Chichester 1626. Benefactors John Williot bred in this Col. D. D. Chancellour of Oxford founded the Portionists Hall and exhibitions Will. Read an excellent Mathematician built the Library Thomas Rudburne Warden built the Tower over the Gate Richard Fitz-James Warden built the Wardens Lodgings Henry Abingdon Warden gave Bells to the Church Richard Rawlins wainscoted the inside and covered the roof thereof with Lead Thomas Leach S r THO. BODLEY D r Wilson M r John Chambers sometime Fellow of Eaton Doctor Jervice Doctor Jesop S r HEN. SAVIL Learned Writers 1. ROGER BACON a famous Physitian 2. JOHN DUNCE Scotus 3. WALTER BURLEY 4. WILLIAM OCHAM 5. THO. BRADWARDINE Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 6. John Gatisden 7. Dumbleton 8. Nicholas Gorrham 9. William Grysant Father to Grimoald Grysant Pope by the name of Urbane the fift 11. Roger Switzet 12. JOHN WICLEP Henry Caffe an able Scholar but unfortunate S r THO. BODLEY who built Oxford Library S r HEN. SAVIE S r Isaac Wake University Orator and Embassadour to Venice Henry Mason who worthily wrote De Ministerio Anglicano John Greaves an excellent Mathematician D r Peter Turner active in composing the new Statutes of the University * The Living passed over in silence I purposely Omit such as still and may they long survive whereof some as D r Edward Reynolds D r John Earles D r Francis Cheynel M r Doughty M r Francis is Rowse c. have already given the world a Testimony of their great Learning and endowments Others may in due time as D r Higgs late Dean of Lichfield D r Corbet c. And surely M r John Hales formerly Greek Professor will not envy Christian man-kinde his Treasury of Learning nor can conceive that onely a Sermon owned under his name can satisfie the just expectation from him of the Church and Common-wealth * The Original of Postmasters There is
name And this in effect is confessed by the most learned and ingenious Orator b Sir Isaac Wake in his Rex Platonicus pag. 2â—9 210. of that University Indeed we finde one Robert Bacon who died Anno One thousand two hundred fourty eight a Learned Doctor and Trithemius stileth John Baconthorpe plain Bacon which addeth to the probability of the former assertion However this confounding so many Bacons in one hath caused Anticronismes in many Relations For how could this Bacon ever be a reader of Philosophy in Brasen-Nose Colledg Founded more then one Hundred years after his death so that his Brasen head so much spoken of to speak must make time past to be again or else these inconsistences will not be reconciled Except any will salve it with the Prolepsis of Brasen-Nose Hall formerly in the place where the Colledg is now erected I have done with the Oxford Bacons only let me add that those of Cambridg Father and Son Nicholas and Francis the one of Bennet and the other of Trinity Colledg do hold absit in vidia the Scales of desert even against all of their name in all the world besides 19. John Duns Scotus succeeds Duns Scotus why so called who some will have called Scotus ob c Sixtut Senensis profundi ssimam dicendi obscuritatem from his profound obscurity in writing Indeed there was one Heracletus to whom cognomen Scotinon d Seneca in Epist fecit orationis obscuritas but others conceive him so called either from Scotland his Country or John Scott his father Nor was he called Duns as some will have it contractedly from Dominus but from the place of his Nativity though three Kingdoms earnestly engage to claim him for their Country-man England It is thus written at the end of his Manuscript works in Merton Colledg in Oxford Three Kingdoms lay claim to his birth whereof he was Fellow Explicit a Camd. Brit. in Northumberland Lectura a Subtilis in Vniversitate Parisiensi Doctoris Joannis Duns nati in quadam villula parochiae de Emidon vocata Dunston in Comitatu Northumbriae pertinente Domui Scholarium de Merton-hall in Oxonia Scotland Although John Scott dissembled himself an English-man to finde the more favour in Merton Colledg living in an age wherein cruel Wars betwixt England and Scotland yet his Tomb erected at Colen is bold to tell the truth whereon this Epitaph b Arch-Bish Spotswood in his History of the Church of Scotland Scotia me genuit Anglia suscepit Gallia edocuit Germania tenet Besides the very name of Scotus a voweth him to be a Scotch-man Ireland He is called Joannes Duns by abbreviation for Dunensis that is born at * Hugh Cavel in vita Scoti Dounâ— an Episcopal See in Ireland where Patricius Dubricius and S t Columba lie interred And it is notoriously known to Criticks that Scotus signifieth an Irish-man in the most ancient exception therof I doubt not but the Reader will give his verdict that the very Scotiety of Scotus belongeth to England as his Native Country who being born in Northumberland which Kingdom in the Saxon Heptarchie extended from Humber to Edenburgh Frith it was a facile mistake for Foreiners to write him a Scotch-man on his Monument As for the name of Scotus it is of no validity to prove him that Country-man as a common-Sir-name amongst us as some four years since when the Scotch were injoyned to depart this Land one M r English in London was then the most considerable Merchant of the Scotch Nation The sad manner of Scotus his death is sufficiently known who being in a fit of a strong Apoplexie was by the cruel kindness of his over-officious friends buried whilest yet alive and recovering in the grave dashed out his brains against the Coffin affording a large field to such wanton wits in their Epigrams who could make sport to themselves on the sad accident of others 20. I had almost over-seen John Baconthorpe Low but learned Baconthorpe being so low in stature as but one remove from a Dwarfe of whom one saith Ingenio c Johannes Trissa Nemausensis in libro de viris illustribus magnus corpore parvus erat His wit was Tall in body small Insomuch that Corpus non tulisset quod ingenium protulit his body could not bear the Books which his brain had brought forth Coming to Rome being sent for by the Pope he was once hissed d Baleus in ejus vita at in a Publick Disputation for the badness forsooth of his Latin and pronunciation but indeed because he opposed the Popes power in dispencing with Marriages contrary to the Law of God whose e Jacobus Calcus Papiensis judgment was afterwards made use of by the defenders of the divorce of King Henry the eight 21. William Occam sided with Lewis of Bavaria against the Pope Occam a â—â—list 〈◊〉 maintaining the Temporal power above the Spiritual he was fain to flie to the Emperour for his safety saying unto him Defende me gladio ego te defendam verbo Defend me with thy sword and I will defend thee with my word This Occam was Luthers chief if not sole School-man who had his works at â— is fingers end loving him no doubt the better for his opposition to the Pope 22. Robert Holcot was not the meanest amongst them Holcots sudden death who died of the Plague at Northampton just as he was reading his Lectures on the seventh of Ecclesiasticus wherein as many Canonical truths as in any Apocrypha chapter and although as yet in his publick reading he was not come to the last verse thereof so proper for mortality wee may charitably believe he had seriously commented thereon Bale descript 〈◊〉 Cent. fift pag. 434. in his private meditations Whatsoever thou takest in hand remember the end and thou shalt never do amiss 23. Thomas Bradwardine bringeth up the rear The just praise of Tho. Bradwardine though in learning and piety if not superiour equal to any of the rest witness his worthy book against Pelagianisme to assert the freeness of Gods grace in mans conversion which he justly intituleth De causa Dei of Gods cause for as God is a Second in every good cause so he is a Principal in this wherein his own honour is so nearly concerned And though the Psalmist saith plead thine own cause O Lord yet in this age wherein Miracles are ceased God pleadeth his cause not in his Person but by the proxie of the tongues and pens hands and hearts of his Servants This Bradwardine was afterwards Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and how highly esteemed let Chaucer * In the Nuns Prieststale tell you But I ne cannot boult it to the bren As can the holy Doctour S t Austin Dr Boece or the Bishop Bradwardin This testimony of Chaucer by the exact computation of time written within forty years after Bradwardines death which addeth much to his honour
maintain that Dominion is so sounded in grace in the Pope that a King by him excommunicate may lawfully be deposed and murdered 24. William Courtney Arch-Bishop Courtney persecutes the Wicliffians Arch-Bishop of Canterbury 1382 in the place of Simon Sudbury lately slain made cruel Canons in a Synod at London 6. against the maintainers of Wicliffe his opinions And I wonder that in Linwoods Constitutions no mention at all of any Canons made by this Arch-Bishop who sate above ten years in the See As for the heavy persecution which soon after he raised against Robert Rug Thomas Britwell Nicholas Herford Philip Ripiagton c. nothing can be added to what M r Fox hath related 25. In my minde it amounteth to little less then a Miracle Wicliff his miraculous deliverance that during this storme on his Disciples Wicliffe their Master should live in quiet Strange that he was not drowned in so strong a stream as ran against him whose safety under Gods providence is not so much to be ascribed to his own strength in swimming as to such as held him up by the Chin the greatness of his Noble supporters About this time he ended his Translation of the Bible into English a fair Copy whereof in Queens Colledg in Oxford and two more in the University Library done no doubt in the most Expressive language of those dayes though sounding uncouth to our ears The Knabe of Jesus Christ for Servant Acts 8. And Philip Baptized the Gelding for Eunuch so much our tongue is improved in our age As for the report of Polydor Virgil making him to flye out of England in the time of Edward the third Et in magno pretio apud Bohemos fuisse and to have been of high esteem amongst the Bahemians It is true of Wicliffe's Writings but not of his Person who never departed his Native Countrey 26. Not long after His quiet death therein he ended his life 1384 at his cure at Lutterworth in Leicester-shire 8. of the Palsey a Leland excrenico tenerisis Monisteria Admirable that a Hare so often hunted with so many Packs of Doggs should die at last quietly sitting in his form Parsons the Jesuite snarles at M r Fox for counting Wicliffe a Martyr in his Calender as so far from suffering violent death that he was never so much as imprisoned for the opinion he maintained But the phrase may be justified in the large acception of the word for a witness of the truth Besides the body of Wicliffe was Martyred as to shame though not to pain as far as his adversaries cruelty could extend being taken up and burnt many years after his death as God willing we shall shew hereafter 27. William Wickam New Colledg built by Bish Wickam about this time b It was begun Anno 1375. finished his beautiful Colledg in Oxford 1386 some have raised a Scandal of him 10. that he was no scholar at all from which the very meanest scholar in his foundation can acquit him by that rule in Logick Quod efficit tale magis est tale what maketh the same is more the same Anno Regis Ric. 2 10. By which his learning must be inferred whose bounty caused so many learned men Anno Dom. 1386 Now because the maxim runneth with a limitation Si sit tale if it be the same the truth hereof also appears from the learned a Doct. Martin who wrote a book in vindication of his learning pen who writing Wickams life have proved him to have been a sufficient Scholar skilled in other Arts as well as in practical Mathematicks and Architecture 28. Now as Solomon Industry and judgment in Architecture the cause of his advancement when about to build his house at Millo b 1 Kings seeing Jeroboam to be an industrious man made him Master of his Fabrick So Edward the third discovering the like sufficiency in this great Clerk imployed him in all his stately structures witness this in Motto at Windsor Castle This made Wicham meaning that the building of that Castle gave occasion to his wealth and honour whereas on this Colledg he might write This wickam made The building and endowing thereof being the effect of his bounty alone hence it is that this Colledg giveth the Armes of Wickam viz. two Cheverons betwixt three Roses each Cheveron alluding c Rex Platonicus p. 144. to two beams fastned together called couples in building to speak his skill in Architecture 29. This Colledg he built very strong A Castle Colledg designed for defence out of a design d So say the Statutes of this Colledg that it should be able to hold out a Siege of it self if need so required it though may it never have a temptation in that kinde to trie the strength of the walls thereof Indeed this Colledg with Bourges in France may lay claim to the name of Bituris Turribus abinis inde vocor Bituris So called from two Towers therein as this hath the like one over the Gate the other over the Porch in the entrance into the Hall so that it may seem a Castle-Colledg and made as well for defence as habitation So that at this present is maintained therein a Warden Seventy Fellows and Scholars Ten Chaplains Three Clerks One Organist Sixteen Choristers besides Officers and servants of the Foundation with other Students being in all One Hundred Thirty Five 30. Pass we now from his Orchard of grown Trees 1392. to his Nursery of Grafts 16. the Colledge at Winchester A Colledg at Winchester built also by Bish Wickam which few years after the same Bishop finished not much inferiour to the former for building and endowments as wherein he established One Warden Ten Fellows Two School-masters and Seventy Scholars with Officers and Servants which are all maintained at his charge out of which School he ordained should be chosen the best Scholars alwayes to supply the vacant places of the Fellows of this Colledg 31. As his Charity His care for his kinred so his Faith he that provideth not for his house is worse then an Infidel appeared in this his Foundation ordering that his own Kinsmen should be preferred before others Let their parents therefore but provide for their Nursing when Infants their breeding when Children and he hath took order for their careful teaching at Winchester when youth liberal living at Oxford when men and comfortable subsistance in their reduced age in those many and good patronages he hath conferred on the Colledg And truly as these his Kindred have been happy in him so Wickam hath been happy in his Kindred many of them meriting the best preferment without any advantage of his relation And as this Wickam was the first in that kinde so provident for his Kindred his practice hath since been precedential to some other Colledges as the Statutes of this house are generally a direction to other later foundations To take
upon my power and meynten hem And alsoe I shall never more meynten ne tochen ne defenden errours conclusions ne techynges of the Lollardes ne swych conclusions and techynges that men clepyth Lollardes doctryn ne I shall her bokes Ne swych bokes ne hem or any suspeict or diffamede of Lolardery resceyve or company withall wyttyngly or defende in yo matters and yf I know ony swich I shall wyth all the haste that y may do yhowe or els your ner officers to wyten and of her bokes And also I shall excite and stirre all you to goode doctryn yat I have hindered wyth myn doctryn up my power and also I shall stonde to your declaracion wych es heresy or errour and do thereafter And also what penance yhe woll for yat I have don for meyntenyng of this false doctryn in mynd mee and I shall fulfill it and I submit me yer to up my power and also I shall make no othir glose of this my oth bot as ye wordes stonde and if it be so that I come againe or doe again this oath or eny party thereof I yhelde me here cowpable as an heretyk and to be punyshed be the lawe as an heretyk and to forfet all my godes to the Kynges will withowten any othir processe of Lawe and yerto I require ye notarie to make of all this ye whych is my will an instrument agayns me Et ex habundanti idem Will. Dynet eodem die voluit recognovit quod omnia bona Catalla sua mobilia nobis sint forisfca in casu quo ipse juramentum praedictum seu aliqua in eodem juramento contenta de cetero contravenerit ullo modo 41. We have here exemplified this Abjuration just according to the Originals Take it faults and all with all the faults and Pseudographie thereof For I remember in my time an under-Clerk at Court threatned to be called before the Green-Cloath for an Innovation from former Bills though onely writing Sinapi with an S. contrary to the common custom of the Clerks of the Kitchin formerly writing of it with a C. so wedded are some men to old orders and so dangerous in their judgment is the least deviation from them 42. The Arch-Bishop of York mentioned therein Some observations on this abjuration was Tho. Arundell then Chancellour of England and in all probability this Instrument was Dated at York For I finde that at this very time Tho. Arundell to humble the Londoners then reputed disaffected to the King removed the Termes and a Godwin in his Catalogue of the Arch-Bishops of York Courts to York where they continued for some short time and then returned to their ancient course Whereas he is enjoyned point-blank to worship Images it seemeth that the modern nice distinction of worshipping of Saints in Images was not yet in fashion It appeareth herein that Relaps after Abjuration was not as yet as afterwards punishable with death but onely with forfeiture of goods to the Crown 43. This year a Godly 23. Learned 1397 and Aged Servant of God ended his dayes The death of John de Trevisa viz. John de Trevisa a Gentleman of an ancient b Carews Survey of Cornwall p. 114. Family bearing Gules a Garbe OR born at Crocadon in Cornwall a Secular Priest and Vicar of Berkeley a painful and faithful Translator of many and great Books into English as Policronicon written by Ranulphus of Chester Bartholomeus de rerum proprictatibus c. But his master-piece was the Translating of the Old and New Testament justifying his act herein by the example of Bede who turned the Gospel of S t John in English 44. I know not which more to admire Who Translated the Bible into English his ability that he could his courage that he durst or his industry that he did perform so difficult and dangerous a task having no other commission then the c Balaeus de Script Angl. cent 7. numero 18. command of his Patron THOMAS Lord BERKELEY Which Lord as the said d Pelicronicon fol. 2. Trevisa observeth had the Apocalyps in Latin and French then generally understood by the better sort as well as English written on the roof and walls of his Chappel at Berkeley and which not long since viz. Anno 1622. so remained as not much defaced Whereby we may observe that midnight being past some early risers even then began to strike fire and enlighten themselves from the Scriptures 45. It may seem a Miracle Yet escaped persecution that the Bishops being thus busie in persecuting Gods servants and Trevisa so obnoxious to their fury for this Translation that he lived and died without any molestation Yet was he a known enemy to Monkery witness that among many other of his Speeches that he had read how Christ had e Balaeus ut prius sent Apostles and Priests into the world but never any Monks or begging Friers But whether it was out of reverence to his own aged gravity or respect to his Patrons greatness he died full of honour quiet and age little less then ninety years old For 1. He ended his Translation of Policronicon as appeareth by the conclusion thereof the 29 th of Edward the third when he cannot be presumed less then 30. years of age 2. He added to the end thereof fifty f Pitzeus de Scrip. Angla some say more years of his own historical observations Thus as he gave a Garbe or Wheat-sheaf for his Armes so to use the g Micah 4. 12. Prophets expression the Lord gathered him as a sheaf into the floor even full ripe and ready for the same 46. We may couple with him As did his contemporary Geoffery Chaucer his contemporary Geffery Chaucer born some say in Berke-shire others in Oxford-shire most and truest in London If the Grecian Homer had seven let out English haven three places contest for his Nativity Our Homer I say onely herein he differed Maeonides nullas ipse reliquit opes Homer himself did leave no pelf Whereas our Chaucer left behinde him a rich and worshipful estate 47. His Father was a Vintner in London His parentâ—ge and armes and I have heard his Armes quarell'd at Anno Dom. 1399. being Argent and Gules strangely contrived Anno Regis Ric. 2 23. and hard to be blazon'd Some more wits have made it the dashing of white and red wine the parents of our ordinary Claret as nicking his fathers profession But were Chaucer alive he would justifie his own Armes in the face of all his opposers being not so devoted to the Muses but he was also a son of Mars He was the Prince of English Poets married the daughter of Pain Roëc King of Armes in France and sister to the Wife of John of Gaunt King of Castile 48. He was a great Refiner He refined our English tongue and Illuminer of our English tongue and if he left it so bad how much
then a Cloak He never shrunk at a wound nor turned away his Nose for ill favour nor closed his eyes for smoak or dust in Diet none lesse dainty or more moderate his sleep very short but sound fortunate in fight and commendable in all his Actions verifying the Proverb that an ill Youth may make a good Man The Nunnery of Sion was built and endowed by him and a Colledge was by him intended in Oxford had not death prevented him 45. As for Katherine de Valois Q Katherine married again Daughter to Charles the sixth King of France Anno Dom. 1422. widdow of King Henry Anno Regis Hen. sexti 1. she was afterward married to and had issue by Owen ap Tudor a noble weâ—chman and her body lies at this day unburied in a loose Coffin at Westminster lately shew'd to such as desire it and there dependeth a story thereon 46. There was an old prophesie among the English observed by a Philip Commineus forrainers to be the greatest Prophecy-mongers But never buried and whilst the Devil knows their diet they shall never want a dish to please the Palate that an English Prince born at Winsor should be unfortunate in losing what his Father had acquired Whereupon King Henry forbad Queen Katherine big with Childe to be delivered there who out of the corrupt principle Nitimur in vetitum and affecting her Father before her Husband was there brought to bed of King Henry the sixt in whose Reign the fair victories woven by his Fathers valour were by Cowardise Carelesness and Contentions unraveled to nothing 47. Report By her own desire the greatest though not the truest Author avoucheth that sensible of her faultindisobeying her Husband it was her own b Speed Chron. p. 661. desire and pleasure that her body should never be buried If so it is pitty but that a Woman especially a Queen should have her will therein Whose dust doth preach a Sermon of duty to Feminine and of Mortality to all Beholders 48. But this story is told otherwise by other authors Alii aliter namely that she was c Stows survey of London p. 507. buried neer her Husband King Henry the fift under a fair Tombe where she hath a large Epitaph and continued in her grave some years untill King Henry the Seventh laying the foundation of a new Chappel caused her Corps to be taken up but why the said Henry being her Great Grand-Child did not order it to be re-interred is not recorded if done by casualty and neglect very strange and stranger if out of designe 49. In the minority of King Henry the sixt The Parliament appoint the Kings Councellors as his Vncle John Duke of Bedford managed martial matters beyond the seas so his other Uncle Humphery Duke of Glocester was chosen his Protector at home to whom the Parliament then sitting appointed a select number of privy Councellors wherein only such as were spiritual persons fall under our observation 1. Henry Chichley Archbishop of Canterbury 2. John Kempe Bishop of London 3. Henry Beauford Bishop of Winchest lately made Lord Cardinal 4. John Wackaring Bishop of Norwich privie seal 5. Philip Morgan Bishop of Worcester 6. Nic. Bubwith Bishop of Bath and Wels Lord Treasurer So strong a party had the Clergie in that Age in the privie Councel that they could carry all matters at their own pleasure 50. It was ordered in Parliament A strict law for the Irish Clergy that all Irishmen living in either Vniversity 1423. should procure their Testimonials 2. from the Lord Lievetenant or Justice of Ireland as also finde sureties for their good behaviour during their remaining therein They were also forbidden to take upon them the Principality of any Hall or House in either University but that they remain under the discipline of others 51. Hitherto the Corpse of John Wickliffe had quietly slept in his grave Wickliff quietly buried 41. years about one and fourty years after his death 1428. till his body was reduced to bones 6. and his bones almost to dust For though the Earth in the Chancel of Lutterworth in Leicester-shire where he was interred hath not so quick a digestion with the Earth of Acheldama to consume Flesh in twenty foure houres yet such the appetite thereof and all other English graves to leave small reversions of a body after so many years 52. But now such the Spleen of the Council of Constance Anno Regis Hen. sixt 6 as they not only cursed his Memorie Anno Dom. 1428. as dying an obstinate Heretick Ordered 〈◊〉 ungraved 〈◊〉 a Heretick but ordered that his bones with this charitable caution if it may be discerned from the bodies of other faithfull people to be taken out of the ground and thrown farre off from any Christian buriall 53. In obedience hereunto Richard Fleming Bishop of Lincolne His 〈◊〉 burnt and drowâ—â—d Diocesan of Lutterworth sent his Officers Vultures with a quick sight scent at a dead Carcase to ungrave him accordingly To Lutterworth they come Sumner Commissarie Official Chancellour Proctors Doctors and the Servants so that the Remnant of the body would not hold out a bone amongst so many hands take what was left out of the grave and burnt them to ashes and cast them into Swift a Neighbouring Brook running hard by Thus this Brook hath convey'd his ashes into Avon Avon into Severn Severn into the narrow Seas they into the main Ocean And thus the Ashes of Wickliff are the Emblem of his Doctrine which now is dispersed all the World over 54. I know not whether the Vulgar Tradition be worth Remembrance None can drive a nailâ— of wax that the Brook into which Wickliff his Ashes were powred never since overflowed the Banks Were this true as some deny it as silly is the inference of Papists attributing this to Divine Providence expressing it self pleased with such severity on a Heretick as simple the collection of some Protestants making it an effect of Wickliff his sanctity Such Topical accidents are good for Friend and Foe as they may be bowed to both but in effect good to neither seeing no solid Judgement will build where bare fancy hath laid Foundation 55. It is of more consequence to observe the differences betwixt Authors Difference betwixt Authors some making the Council of Constance to passe this sentence of condemnation as Master Fox doth inserting but by mistake the History thereof in the Reign of King Richard the second which happened many years after But more truly it is ascribed to the Council of Sienna except for surenesse both of them joyned in the same cruell edict 56. Here I cannot omit what I read in a * Hall in the life of 〈◊〉 Fisher p. 〈◊〉 Popish Manuscript but very lately printed about the subject of our present discourse Wickliffe traduced 57. The first unclean BEAST that ever passed thorow * O! th◠〈◊〉
Oxonford I mean Wickliff by Name afterwards chewed the Cud and was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman faith as appears by his Recantation Living and Dying conformable to the holy Catholick Church 58. It is strange that this Popish Priest alone should light on his Recantation which I believe no other eyes before or since did behold Besides if as he saith Wickliff was sufficiently reconciled to the Roman Faith why was not Rome sufficiently reconciled to him using such crueltie unto him so many years after his death Cold incouragement for any to become Romist's Converts if notwithstanding their reconciliation the bodies must be burnt so many years after their death 59. But though Wickliff had no Tombe A Monk's charity to Wickliffe he had an Epitaph such as it was which a Monk afforded him and that it was no worse thank his want not of malice but invention not finding out worse expressions The k Walsing Ypodig Neust p. 3â—2 Divels Instrument Churches Enemie Peoples confusion Hereticks Idol Hypocrites Mirror Schisms Broacher hatreds sower Anno Dom. 1430. lyes forger flatteries sinke who at his death despaired like Cain Anno Regis Hen. 6. 8. and stricken by the horrible Judgements of God breathed forth his wicked Soul to the dark mansion of the black Divell Surely He with whose Name this Epitaph beginneth and endeth was with the maker clean thorow the contrivance thereof 59. Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester A conditional privy Council Cardinal Sancti Eusebij but commonly called Cardinal of England was by consent of Parliament made one of the Kings Council with this condition that he should make a * Ex Archivis tur London Protestation to absent himself from the Council when any matters were to be treated betwixt the King and Pope being jealous belike that his Papal would prevaile over his Royall interest The Cardinal took the Protestation and promised to perform it 60. The Clergy complained in Parliament to the King Priviledge of Convocation that their Servants which came with them to Convocations were often arrested to their great damage and they prayed that they might have the same Priviledge which the Peeres and Commons of the Kingdom have which are called to Parliament which was granted accordingly 61. Great at this time was the want of Grammar Schools and the abuse of them that were even in London it self Want of Grammar Schools complained of for they were no better then Monopolize it being penall for any to prevent the growth of Wicklivism to put their Children to private Teachers hence was it that some hundreds were compelled to go to the same School where to use the words of the Records the Masters waxen rich in money and learners poor in cunning Whereupon this grievance was complained on in Parliament by four eminent Ministers in London viz. M r. William Lichfield Parson of All-Hallow's the More Gilbert Parson of St. Andrews Holbern John Cote Parson of St. Peter's Cornhill John Neele Master of the House of St. Thomas Acre 's and Parson of Colchrich To these it was granted by the Advice of the Ordinary or Archbishop of Canterbury to erect five Schools Neele the last named having a double licence for two places in their respective Parishes which are fitly called the five vowels of London which Mute in a manner before began now to speak and pronounce the Latine Tongue Know that the house St. Thomas Acres was where Mercers Chappel standeth at this day About this time the Lady Eleanor Cobham Elianour Dutchess of Glocester commended by M r. Fox for a Confessor so called from the Lord Cobham her Father 1433 otherwise Elianour Plantagenet by her Husband was married unto Humphrey the Kings Uncle Duke of Glocester 11. She was it seems a great Savourer and Favourer of VVickliffe his Opinions and for such Mr. Fox hath ever a Good word in store Insomuch that he maketh this Lady a Confessor Sr. Roger Only alias Bolignbroke her Chaplain a Martyr assigning in his Kalender the eleventh and twelfth of February for the dayes of their commemoration But Alanus Copus namely Harpsfield under his name falls foul on Mr. Fox for making Sr. Roger a Martyr Made Traitor by A. C. who was a Traitor and Elianour this Dutchess a Confessor who by the consent of our Croniclers Robert Fabian Edward Hall c. was condemned after solemn penance and carrying a Taper barefoot at Pauls Crosse to perpetuall banishment for plotting with Only his Chaplain an abominable Necromancer and three others by witchcraft to destroy the King Anno Regis Hen. sixt 11. so to derive the Crown to her Husband Anno Dom. 1433. as the next heir in the Line of Lancaster But Cope-Harpsfield pincheth the Fox the hardest for making Margaret Jourdman the witch of Eye a Martyr who was justly burnt for her witchcraft Other small errors we omit where of he accuseth him In answer hereunto Mr. Fox makes a threefold return ingeniously confessing part of the charge Mr. Fox His ingenious confession flatly denying part and fairly excusing the rest He confesseth and take it in his own words that the former Edition of his Acts and Monuments was a First Volum pag. 920. HASTILY RASHED up at the present in such shortnesse of time fourteen moneths as I remember too small a term for so great a Task that it betraied him to many mistakes as when he calleth Sir Roger Only a Knight who was a Priest by his profession Adding moreover that had he thought no b Pag. 921. imperfections had passed his former Edition he would have taken in hand a second recognition thereof He flatly denyeth that his Martyr-making of Margaret Jourdman the Witch of Eye His flat deniall I here saith professe confesse and ascertain both you Cope-Harpsfield He meaneth and all English men both present and all posterity hereafter to come that Margaret Jourdman I never spake of never thought of never dreamed of nor did ever hear of before you named her in your Book your self So farre it is off that I either with my will or against my will made any Martyr of Her He excuseth the aforesaid Dutchess Elianour His ten Coniectures in behalf of the Dutchess alledging ten Conjectures as he calleth them in her vindication 1. Sir Roger Only took it upon his death that He and the Lady were innocent of those things for which they were condemned 2. It was usuall for the Clergie in that Age to load those who were of Wickliffe his perswasion such this Dutchess with no lesse false then feule aspersions 3. Sir Roger Only wrote two Books mentioned by c As in his 8th Cent. cap. 4. Bale the one of his own innocency the other Contra Vulgi Superstitiones It is not therefore probable he should be so silly a Necromancer who had professedly confuted Popular Superstitions 4. The Accusation of this Dutches beganne not untill after the Grudges betwixt the
fall accordingly not by the death of those in Kings Colledg but their advancement to better preferment in the Church and Common-wealth 15. If we cast our eyes on the Civil estate All quickly lost in France we shall finde our Foraign Acquisitions in France 1447 which came to us on foot 25. running from us on horse-back Nulla dies sine Civitate fearce a day escaping wherein the French regained not some City or place of importance so that the English who under King Hen. 6. had almost a third of France besides the City of Paris another third in its self for Wealth and Populousness soon lost all on the Continent to the poor pittance of Calice and a little land or if you will some large suburbs round about it 16. Yet let not the French boast of their Valor Occasioned by the English discords but under Gods providence thank our sins and particularly our discords for their so speedy recoveries There were many Clefts and Chaps in our Councel-board factions betwixt the great Lords present thereat and these differences descended on their Attendants and Retainers who putting on their Coats wore the Badges as well of enmities as of the Armes of their Lords and Masters but behold them how coupled in their Antipathies Deadly feud betwixt Edmund Beaufort Anno Regis Hen 6 37. Duke of Somerset Anno Dom. 1459. Richard Plantagenet Duke of York Humbhrey Plantagenet Duke of Glocester Henry Beaufort Cardinal Bishop of Winchester Deadly feud betwixt William Delapole Duke of Suffolk John Holland Duke of Exeter Humphrey Stafford Duke of Buckingham Richard Nevill Earl of Warwick Humphrey Plantagenet Duke of Glocester William Delapole Duke of Suffolk Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick Betwixt the three last there was as it were a battel Royal in this Cockpit each of them hating and opposing another In all these contests their ambition was above their covetousness it being every ones endeavour not so much to raise and advance himself as ruine and depress his adversary 17. Two of the aforesaid principal persons left the world this year The death of Humphry Duke of Glocester and in the same moneth First Humphrey Duke of Glocester Son to King Henry the fifth Uncle and Gardian to King Henry the sixth A great House-keeper Hospitality being so common in that Age none were commended for the keeping but condemned for the neglecting thereof He was much opposed by Queen Margaret who would have none rule the King her husband save her self and accused of a treacherous design insomuch that at a packt Parliament at Bury he was condemned of high Treason and found dead in his bed not without rank suspicion of cruel practises upon his person 18. His death is suspended betwixt Legal execution and murder A fit work for a good pen. and his memory pendulous betwixt Malefactor and Martyr However the latter hath most prevailed in mens belief and the Good Duke of Glocester is commonly his character But it is proper for some Oxford man to write his just Vindication A Manuel in asserting his memory being but proportionable for him who gave to their Library so many and pretious voluminous Manuscripts As for those who chewing their meat with their feet whilest they walk in the body of S t Pauls are commonly said to Dine with Duke Humphrey the saying is as far from truth as they from dinner even twenty miles off seeing this Duke was buried in St Albans to which Church he was a great Benefactor 19. The same Moneth with the Duke of Glocester The death of the rich Cardinal died Henry Beaufort Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal One of high discent high spirit and high preferments hardly to be equalled by Cardinal Wolsey otherwise but a pigmy to him in birth for wealth and magnificence He lent King Henry the 5 th at once twenty thousand pounds who pawned his Crown unto him He built the fair Hospital of St Cross near Winchester and although Chancellor of the University of Oxford was no grand Banefactor thereunto in proportion to his own wealth commonly called the Rich Cardinal or the practises of his predecessours Wickham and Wainesleet 20. The Bishops * The Clergie move in vain against the Statute of Praemunite assembled in Parliament laboured the recalling of the Act of Praemunire and no wonder if gall'd horses would willingly cast off their saddles but belike they found that statute girt too close unto them The Lords and Commons stickling stoutly for the continuance thereof And because this is the last time we shall have occasion to mention this Statute and therefore must take our farewell thereof it will not be amiss to insert the ensuing passage as relating to the present subject though it happened many years after 21. One a Su Jo. Davies in his Caâ—â— of Praemunire fol. 83. Robert Lalor An eminent instance in Ireland of a priest indiâ—ted on the Statute of Praemunire Priest a Native of Ireland to whom the Pope had given the titulary Bishoprick of Kilmore Anno Dom. 1447 and made him Vicar-general of the See Apostolick Anno Regis Hen. 6 25. within the Arch-Bishoprick of Dublin c. boldly and securely executed his pretended jurisdiction for many years was indicted at Dublin in Hillary Terme Quarto Jacobi upon this Statute of Praemunire made two hundred years before being the sixteenth of Richard the second His Majesties learned Councel did wisely forbear to proceed against him upon any latter Law whereof plenty in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth because Recusants swarming in that Kingdome might have their judgments convinced That long before King Henry the eighth banished the Usurpation of the Pope The King Lords and Commons in England though for the most part of the Romish Religion made strict Laws for the maintenance of the Crown against any foraign Invasion Whereupon after the party indicted had pleaded at large for himself The Jury departed from the Bar and returning within half an hour found the prisoner guilty of the contempts whereof he was indicted whereupon the Sollicitor General moved the Court to proceed to judgement and b Idem fol 99. S r ' Dominick Sarsfield one of the Justices of his Majesties chief Pleas gave judgment according to the form of the Statute whereupon the Endictment was framed Hence it plainly appears that such Misdemeanours of Papists are punishable at this day by vertue of those Ancient Statutes without any relation to such as were enacted since the Reformation 22. About this time Jack Cade raised his Rebellion Cade Straw like and unlike like and unlike to the former commotion of Jack Straw 1450 Like 28. first because Jacks both I mean insolent impudent domineering Clowns Secondly Both of them were Kentish by their extractions Thirdly both of them pressed upon London and there principally plaied their pranks Fourthly both of them after they had troubled the Land for a short time were
the Pope to absolve people from Usury Symonie Theft Manslaughter Fornication Adultery and all crimes whatsoever saving Smiting of the Clergie and conspiring against the Pope and some few cases reserved alone to his Holiness This Gigies gat for himself the rich Bishoprick of Worcester yea we observe that in that See a Team of Four b Godwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Nor. p. 5â—0 Italians followed each other 1. John Giglis 2. Silvester Giglis 3. Julius Medices afterwards Clement the 7 th 4. Hieronymis de Negutiis Thus as weeds in a garden once got in hardly got out as sowing themselvess so these Italians having planted themselve in that rich place were never gotten out pleading as it were prescription of almost fourty years possession till the power of the Pope was partly banished England and then Hugh Latimer was placed in the Bishoprick 22. Arch-Bishop Morton 10. as one much meriting from the Pope 1494 was not noely honoured with a Cardinals Hat Rochester Bridg repaired by Pardons of the title of S t Anastatius but also privileged from his Holiness to visit all places formely exempt from Archiepiscopal jurisdiction Impowring him also to dispense his Pardons where he saw just cause Hereupon Rochester Bridge being broken down Morton to appear a Pontifex indeed bestowed remission from c Antiquit. Brit. p. 298. Purgatory for all sins whatsoever committed within the compass fourty dayes to such as should Bountifully contribute to the building thereof 23. The King had more then a moneths minde keeping seven years in that humour to procure the Pope to Canonize King Henry the sixth for a Saint The King desired King Henry then the sixth to be Sainted For English Saint-Kings so frequent before the Conquest were grown great dainties since that time France lately had her King Saint Lewis and why should not England receive the like favour being no less beneficial to the Church of Rome Nor could the unhappiness of our King Henry because Deposed from his Throne be any just bar to his Saintship seeing generally Gods best servants are most subject to the sharpest afflictions His Canonizing would add much Lustre of the Line of Lancaster which made his Kinsman and mediate successor King Henry the seventh so desirous thereof Besides well might he be made a Saint who had been a Prophet For when the Wars between Lancaster and York first began Henry the sixth beholding this Henry the seventh then but a Boy playing in the Court said to the standers by See this youth one day will quietly enjoy what we at this time so much fight about This made the king with much importunity to tender this his request unto the Pope A request the more reasonable because it was well nigh fourty years since the death of the Henry so that onely the skeletons of his virtues remained in mens memories the flesh and corruption as one may say of his faults being quite consumed and forgotten 24. Pope Alexander the sixth The requisiteâ— to a Canonization instead of granting his request acquainted him with the requisites belonging to the making of a Saint First that to confer that honour the greatest on earth was onely in the power of the Pope the proper judg of mens merits therein Secondly that Saints were not to be multiplied but on just motions Anno Dom. 1494 lest commonness should cause their contempt Anno Regis Hen. 7 10. Thirdly that his life must be exemplarily holy by the testimony of credible witnesses Fourthly that such must attest the truth of reall Miracles wrought by him after death Fifthly that very great was the cost thereof because all Chaunters Choristers * The Latin is Parafrenarii Bell-ringers not the least clapper in the steeple wagging except money was tied to the end of the rope with all the officers of the Church of Saint Peter together with the Commissaries and Notaries of the Court with all the officers of the Popes Bed-chamber to the very Lock-smiths ought to have their several fees of such cononization Adding that the total summe would amount to fifteen hundred Duckets a Antiq. Brit. pag. 229. of Gold Tantae Molis erat Romanum condere Sanctum Concluding with that which made the charges though not infinite indefinite that the costs were to be multiplied secundum Canonizati Potentiam according to the power or dignity of the person to be Canonized And certain it was the Court of Rome would not behold this Henry the sixth in the notion he died in as a poor prisoner but as he lived a King so long as he had this Henry his Kinsman to pay for the same 25. Most of these requisites met in King Henry sixth in a competent measure These applied to King Hen. 6. First the holiness of his life was confessed by all save that some sullen persons suggested that his simplicity was above his Sanctity and his life pious not so much out of hatred as ignorance of badness As for Miracles there was no want of them if credible persons might be believed two of whose Miracles it will not be amiss to recite 25. Thomas Fuller A brace of Miracles wrought by King Hen. 6. a very honest b Harpâ—field Hist Ecclesiastica saeculo decimo quinto pag. 646. man living at Hammersmith near London had a hard hap accidentally to light into the company of one who had stolen and driven away Cattle with whom though wholly innocent he was taken arraigned condemned and executed When on the Gallows blessed King Henry loving justice when alive and willing to preserve innocence after death appeared unto him so ordering the matter that the halter did not strangle him For having hung an whole hour and taken down to be buried he was found alive for which favour he repaired to the Tomb of King Henry at Chertsey as he was bound to do no less and there presented his humble and hearty thanks unto him for his deliverance The very same accident mutatis mutandis of place and persons with some addition about the apparition of the Virgin Mary hapned to Richard Boyes dwelling withing a mile of Bath the story so like all may believe them equally true 26. All the premisses required to a Saint appearing in some moderate proportion in Henry the sixth especially if charitably interpreted Saints themselves needs some favour to be afforded them it was the general expectation that he should be suddenly Canonized But Pope Alexander the sixth delayed and in effect denied King Henry's desire herein yea Julius his next successor of continuance not to mention the short liv'd Pius the third continued as sturdy in his denial 27. Men variously conjecture why the Pope in effect should deny to Canonize King Henry the sixth a witty Reasons why King Hen. 6. was not Sainted but tart reason is rendred by a Noble c The Lord Bacon pen because the Pope would put a difference betwixt a Saint and an
Catalogue of the Benefactors of S t. John's Colledg in Cambridg understand it by his Executors otherwise the first Brick of that House was laid nine years after the Arch-Bishops death Now as this was a sad year at Canterbury wherein their good Arch-Bishop departed so was it a joyful year at Rome for the coming in of that Jubilee which brought men and money there yet many went to Rome in effect which staied in England by commuting their journey into money which was equally meritorious the Popes Officers being come over to receive the same The End of the Fifteenth CENTURY THE Church-History OF BRITAINE The Fifth Book CONTAINING THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE EIGHTH SIC OMNI TEMPORE VERDO LONDON Printed in the Year M.DC.LV. To the Right Honourable LIONEL CRANFIELD EARL of MIDDLESEX Anno Regis BARON CRANFIELD OF CRANFIELD c. Anno Dom. SAint PAUL gave a great charge to * 2 Tim. 4. 13. Timothy to bring the Cloak which he left at Troas but especially the Parchments Here we have the Inventory of a Preachers estate consisting of a few Cloathes and Books what he wore and what he had written But the Apostles care was not so much concerned in his Cloathes which might be bought new as in his Writings where the damage could not be repaired I am sadly sensible though far be it from me to compare Scribling with Scripture what the loss of a Library especially of Manuscripts is to a Minister whose Books have passed such hands which made riddance of many but havock of more Was it not cruelty to torture a Library by maiming and mangling the Authors therein neither leaving nor taking them intire Would they had took less that so what they left might have been useful to others Whereas now mischievous Ignorance did a prejudice to me without a profit to its self or any body else But would to God all my fellow Brethren which with me bemoan the loss of their Books with me might also rejoyce for the recovery thereof though not the same numerical Volumes Thanks be to your Honour who have bestow'd on me the Treasure of a Lord-Treasurer what remained of your Fathers Library Your Father who was the greatest Honourer and Disgracer of Students bred in Learning Honourer giving due respect to all men of merit Disgracer who by his meer natural parts and experience acquired that perfection of invention expression and judgment to which those who make learning their sole study do never arive It was a Gift I confess better proportioned to your Dignity then my deserts too great not for your Honour to bestow but for me to receive And thus hath God by your bounty equivalently restored unto me what the Locusts and the Palmer worme c. have devoured so that now I envy not the Popes Vatican for the numerousness of Books variety of Editions therein enough for use being as good as store for state or superfluity for magnificence However hereafter I shall behold my self under no other notion then as your Lordsships Library-keeper and conceive it my duty not onely to see your Books dry'd and rubb'd to rout those moaths which would quarter therein but also to peruse study and digest them so that I may present your Honour with some choice Collections out of the same at this ensuing History is for the main extracted thence on which account I humbly request your acceptance thereof whereby you shall engage my daily prayers for your happiness and the happiness of your most Noble Consort I have read how a Roman Orator making a Speech at the Funeral of his deceased Mother in law affirmed that he had never been Reconciled unto her for many years Now whilest his ignorant auditors condemned their mutual vindicativeness the wiser sort admired and commended their peaceable dispositions because there never happened the least difference between them needing an agreement as that bone cannot be set which was never broken On which account that never any reconciliation may be between your self and other self is the desire of Your Honours most bounden Beadsman THOMAS FULLER THE CHVRCH-HISTORY OF BRITAINE BOOK V. 1. GOD hath always been ambitious to preserve and prefer little things Poor professours still preserved by Gods providence the Jews the least of all Nations Hen. 7. 17. DAVID their King 1501 least in his fathers family little Benjamin the Ruler little Hill of Herman the Virgin Mary the lowliness of thy handmaiden Gods children severally are stiled his little ones and collectively make up but a little flock And surely it renders the work of grace more visible and conspicuous when the object can claim nothing as due to it self A pregnant proof hereof we have in Divine Providence at this time preserving the inconsiderable pittance of faithful professors against most powerful opposition This handful of men were tied to very hard duty being constantly to stand Sentinels against an Army of enemies till God sent Luther to relieve them and the work was made lighter with more hands to do it as in the sequel of our story God willing will appear Mean time we must remember that Henry Dean succeeded in the place of Arch-Bishop Morton lately deceased and enjoyed his honour but two years then leaving it to William Warham one well qualified with learning and discretion 2. Now it is no small praise to Buckingham-shire 22. that being one of the lesser Counties of England 1506 it had more Martyrs and Confessors in it Some burnt some branded for the profession of the truth before the time of Luther then all the Kingdom besides where William Tylsworth was burnt at Amersham the Rendezvous of Gods children in those dayes and Joan his onely daughter Anno Dom. 1506 and a faithful woman Annos Regis Hen. 7 22. was compelled with her own hands to set fire to her dear a Fox his Acts and Monuments I. Volume p. 1010. father At the same time sixty professors and aboue did bear fagots for their penance and were enjoyned to wear on their right sleeves for some years after a square piece of cloath as a disgrace to themselves and a difference from others But what is most remarkable a new punishment was now found our of branding them in the cheek The b Fox 1011. manner thus Their necks were tied fast to a post with towels and their hands holden that they might not stir and so the hot Iron was put to their checks It is not certain whether branded with L for Lollard or H for Heretick or whether it was onely a formless print of Iron yet nevertheless painful this is sure that they c Gal. 6. 17. bare in their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus And no doubt they had so well learned our Saviours d Mat. 5. 39. precept that rather then they would have revenged themselves by unlawful means to them that smit them on the one cheek they would have turn'd the
dayes of their lives it being death to put on their cloaths without that cognizance And indeed to poor people it was true Put it off and be burned keep it on and be starved seeing none generally would set them on work that carried that badg about them 8. On this account William Sweeting and James Brewster were re-imprisoned Sweeting and Brewster burnt In vain did a Fox Volum 2. pag. 12. Brewster plead that he was commanded to leave off his badg by the Controller of the Earl of Oxfords house who was not to control the orders of the Bishops herein And as little did Sweetings plea prevail that the Parson of Mary Magdalene's in Colchester caused him to lay his saggot aside Anno Dom. 1511 These Anno Regis Hen. 8 4. Ohab 18. like Isaac first bare their fagots on their backs which soon after bare them being both burnt together in Smithfield The Papists report that they profered at their death again to abjure their opinions the truth whereof one day shall appear Mean time if true let the unpartial but judge which were most faulty these poor men for want of constancy in tendring or their Judges for want of charity in not accepting their abjuration 9. Richard Hunn a wealthy Citizen of London Richard Hunn murdered in Lallards-tower imprisoned in Lollards Tower for maintaining some of Wiclifss opinions had his neck therein secretly broken To cover their cruelty they gave it out that he hang'd himself but he Coroners inquest sitting on him by necessary presumptions found the impossibility thereof and gave in their verdict that the said Hunn was murdered Insomuch that a Exam of Fox his Mart. for the month of Decemb. pag. 279. and 282. Persons hath nothing to reply but that the Coroners Inquest were simple men and suspected to be infected with Wiclifsian heresies But we remit the Reader to M r. Fox for ssatisfaction in all these things whose commendable care is such that he will not leave an hoof of a martyr behinde him being very large in the reckoning up of all sufferers in this kinde 10. Cardinal Bainbrigg Arch-Bishop of York being then at Rome was so highly offended with Rivaldus de Modena an Italian his Steward Others say his Physicain and a Priest that he fairly cudgelled him This his passion was highly censured as inconsistent with Episcopal gravity who should be no b 1 Tim 3.3 striker But the Italian shewed a cast of his Countrey and with c Godwin in Câ—t of Bish of York pag. 72. poison sent the Cardinal to answer for his fact in another world whose body was buried in the English Hospital at Rome 11. Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester The Founding of Câ—rpusChristi-Colledg in Oxford Founded and endowed Corpus-Christi-Colledg in Oxford bestowing thereon Lands to the yearly value of four d Godwin in the Bishops of Winchester pag. 297 hundred and one pounds eight shillings and two pence And whereas this Foundation is charactred by an Oxford e Pitzaeus de Acad. Oxon. pag. 36 man to be Ex omnibus minimum vel certè ex minimis unum at this day it acquitteth it self in more then a middle equipage amongst other Foundations Erasmus is very large in the praise thereof highly affected with a Library and Study of tongues which according to the Founders Will flourished therein insomuch that for some time it was termed The Colledg of the three learned Languages f John White in libro diacosio c. Est locus Oxonii licet appellare trilingue Musaeum à Christi Corpore nomen habet Sure I am that for all kinde of Learning Divine and Humane this House is paramount for eminent persons bred therein Presidents Bishops Benefactors Learned writers John Claymond Robert Nerwent William Chedsey William Butcher Thomas Greeneway William Cole John Raynolds John Spencer D r. Anian D r. Holt. D r. Jackson D r. Stanton Cardinal Poole John Jewel Hugh Oldham Bishop of Exeter John Claymond first President M r Mordent William Frost M rs Moore D r. John Raynolds S t George Paul Knight George Etheridge * See more of him Anno 1584. Richard Hooker Brian Twine the industrious Antiquary of Oxford D r. Jackson So that a President Anno Regis Hen. 8 8. twenty Fellows Anno Dom. 1516 twenty Scholars two Chaplaines two Clerks and two Choristers besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation are therein maintained which with other Students Anno 1634. made up threescore and ten 12. This Hugh Oldham in the front of Benefactors Hugh Oldham his bounty because he was Bishop of Exeter for names-sake intended his bounty to Exeter Colledg But suffering a repulse from that Society refusing at his a Godwin in the Bishops of Exeter pag. 473. request to make one Atkin a Fellow diverted his liberality to Corpus-Christi-Colledg so bountifull thereunto that as Founder is too much so Benefactour is too little for him He was one of more piety then learning courteous in his deeds but very harsh and rugged in his speeches making himself but bad Orations yet good Orators so many eloquent men were bred by his bounty Nor let it be forgotten that as Fox the Founder of this House was Fellow and Master of Pembroke-Hall so Oldham also had his education in Queens b See Jo. Scot. his Tables Colledg in Cambridg so much hath Oxford been beholding to her Nephews or Sisters Children But as once Ephron c Gen. 23. 15. said to Abraham what is that betwixt me and thee so such their mutual affection it matters not what favour one Sister freely bestoweth on the other 13. John Collet Dean of Pauls died this year in the fifty third year of his age of a pestilential sweating The death of Dean Collet at Shene in Surry He was the eldest and sole surviving childe of S r Henry Collet Mercer twice Lord Major of London who with his ten Sons and as many Daughters are depicted in a glass window on the North-side of S t Anthonies corruptly S t. Antlins to which d Stows Survey p. 265. Church he was a great Benefactor His Son John Founded the FREE-SCHOOL of S t Pauls and it is hard to say whether he left better Laws for the government or Lands for maintenance thereof 14. A Free-School indeed to all Natives or Foraigners of what Country soever Founder of Pauls School here to have their education none being excluded by their Nativity which exclude not themselves by their unworthiness to the number of one hundred fifty and three so many e John 21. 11. fishes as were caught in the net by the Apostles whereof every year some appearing most pregnant by unpartial examination have salleries allowed them for seven years or untill they get better preferment in the Church or University 15. It may seem false Latin that this Collet being Dean of S t Pauls the School Dedicated to S t Paul and
pay and reward some of his poorest servants giving them money on this condition that hereafter they should serve no subject but onely the b Rex Platonicus pag. 43. King himself as if this had been suscipere gradum Simeonts for those who so long had attended on a Lord-Cardinal But this happened many years after we return to this proud Prelate while he flourished in the height of his Prosperity 36. Their heads will catch cold Wolsey turns his waiting into revenge which wait bare for a dead Popes Tiple-Crown Wolsey may be an instance hereof who on every avoidance of S t Peters Chaire was sitting down therein when suddenly some one or other clapt in before him Weary with waiting he now resolved to revenge himself on Charles the Emperour for not doing him right and not improving his power in preferring him to the Papacy according to his promioses and pretences He intends to smite Charles through the sides of his Aunt Katharine Queen of England endeavouring to alienate the Kings affections from her And this is affirmend by the generality of our Historians though some of late have endeavoured to acquit Wolsey as not the first perswader of the King divorce 37. Indeed he was beholding The scruple of the Kings marriage for the first hint thereof to the Spaniards themselves For when the Lady Mary was tendered in marriage to Philip Prince of Spain the Spanish Embassadours seemed to make some difficulty thereof and to doubt her extraction as begotten on a mother formerly married to her husbands elder brother Wolsey now put this scruple into the head of Bishop Longlands the Kings Confessour and he insinuated the same into the Kings conscience advising him hereafter to abstain from the company of his Queen to whom he was unlawfully married Adding moreover that after a divorce procured which the Pope in justice could not deny the King might dispose his affections where he pleased And here Wolsey had provided him a second Wife viz Margarite Countess of Alenzon sister to Francis King of France though heavens reserved that place not for the Mistress but her Maid I mean Anna Bollen who after the return of Mary the French Queen for England attended in France for some time on this Lady Margarite 38. Tunder needs no torch to light it The King willingly embraceth the motion the least spark will presently set it on flame No wonder if King Henry greedily resented the motion Male issue he much wanted and a young Female more on whom to beget it As for Queen Katharine he rather respected then affected rather honoured then loved her She had got an habit of miscarrying scarce curable in one of her age intimated in one of the Kings private papers as morbus incurabilis Yet publickly he never laid either fault or defect to her charge that not dislike of her person or conditions but onely principles of pure conseience might seem to put him upon endeavours of a Divorce 39. The business is brought into the Court of Rome The Pope a Captive there to be decided by Pope Clement the seventh Bnt the Pope at this time was not sui juris being a prisoner to the Emperour who constantly kept a guard about him 44. As for the Queens Councel Fishers short plea. which Anno Dom. 1529 though assigned to her Anno Regis Hen. 8 25. appear not dearly accepted by her as chosen rather by others for her then by her for her self I finde at this present little of moment pleaded or performed by them Onely Bishop Fisher affirmed that no more needed to be said for the validity of the marriage then Whom God hath joyned together let no man put asunder A most true position in it self if he could have cleared the application thereof to his Royal Client but Hoc restat probandum the contrary that God never joyned them together being vehemently urged by her adversaries 45. Notwithstanding the Queens absence The pleas of the Kings Councel the Court proceeded And first the Kings Proctors put in their exceptions against both Bull and Breve of Pope Julius the second dispensing with the Kings marriage with his brothers wife viz. 1. That they were not to be found amongst the Original Records in Rome 2. That they were not extant in Chartaphylacio amongst the King of Englands papers most concerned therein but found onely in Spain amongst the writings of a State-Officer there 3. That in them it was falsely suggested as if the same were procured at the instance of Henry Prince of Wales who then not being above thirteen years old was not capable of such intentions 4. That the Date thereof was somewhat discrepant from the form used in the Court of Rome 46. After this Secrets sub sigillo thalami many witnesses on the Kings side were deposed July 12. and though this favour is by custome indulged to the English Nobility to speak on their Honours yet the Canon-Law taking no notice of this their municipal priviledg and for the more legal validity of their restimonies required the same on oath though two Dukes one Dutchess one Marquess many Lords and Ladies gave in their depositions These attested 1. That both were of sufficient age Prince Arthur of fifteen years the Lady Katharine somewhat elder 2. That constant their cohabitation at board and in bed 3. That competent the time of the same as full five moneths 4. That entire their mutual affection no difference being ever observ'd betwixt them 5. That Henry after his Brothers death by an instrument produced in Court and attested by many witnesses refused to marry her though afterwards altered by the importunity of others 6. That by several expressions of Prince Arthur's it appeared he had carnal knowledg of the Lady Katharine The beds of private persons are compassed with curtaines of Princes vailed also with canopies to conceal the passages therein to which modesty admitteth no witnesses Pitty it is that any with Pharaoh should discover what is exchanged betwixt Isaac and Rebekah all which are best stifled in secrecy and silence However such the nature of the present cause that many privacies were therein discovered 47. Observe by the way A shrewd retortion that whereas it was generally alledged in favour of the Queen that Prince Arthur had not carnal Knowledg of her because soon after his marriage his consumptionish body seemed unfit for such performances this was retorted by testimonies on the Kings side his witnesses deposing that generally it was reported and believed the Prince impaired his health by his over liberal paiment of due benevolence 48. It was expected that the Cardinals should now proceed to a definitive sentence An end in vain expected according as matters were alledged and proved unto them The rather because it was generally reported that Campegius brought over with him a Bull Decretal to pronounce a nulsity of the match if he saw just cause for the same Which rumor like
Te Deum laudamus to the end and the Psalm In te Domine speravi Then came the Executioner and bound an handkerchief about his eyes and so the Bishop lifting up his hands and heart to heaven said a few prayers which were not long but fervent and devout Which being ended he laid his head down over the midst of a little block where the Executioner being ready with a sharp and heavy Ax cut asunder his slender Neck at one blow which bled so abundantly that many saith my Authour wondred to see so much blood issue out of so lean and slender a body Though in my judgement that might rather have translated the wonder from his leanesse to his age it being otherwise a received tradition That lean folk have the most blood in them 13. Thus died John Fisher in the seventy seventh year of his age His age and statuâ—e on the two and twentieth of June being S. Alban's day the Protomartyr of England and therefore with my Authour most remarkable But surely no day in the Romish Kalendar is such a Skeleton or so bare of sanctity but had his death hapned thereon a Priest would pick a mysterie out of it He had a lank long body full six foot high toward the end of his life very infirm insomuch that he used to sit in a chair when he taught the people in his Diocesse 14. His corpse if our Authour speaketh truth was barbarously abused His mean not to say if true barbarous buriall no winding-sheet being allowed it which will hardly enter into my belief For suppose his friends durst his foes would not afford him a shroud yet some neuters betwixt both no doubt would have done it out of common civility Besides seeing the King vouchsafed him the Tower a noble prison and beheading an honourable death it is improbable He would deny him a necessary equipage for a plain and private buriall Wherefore when Hall tells us That the Souldiers attending his execution could not get spadâ—s to make his grave therewith but were fain with halbards in the North-side of the Church yard of All-Hallows Barking to dig a hole wherein they cast his naked corpse I listen to the relation as inflamed by the Reporters passion Be it here remembred that Fisher in his life-time made himself a Tomb on the North-side of the Chappel in S. John's Colledge intending there to be buried but therein disappointed This Fisher was he who had a Cardinals Hat sent him which stopp'd at Callis never came on his head and a Monument made for him wherein his body was never deposited 15. Our Authour reporteth also An impudent improbable Lie how Queen Anna Bolen gave order his head should be brought unto Her before it was set up on London bridge that She might please Her self at the sight thereof and like another Herodias insult over the head of this John Her professed enemy Nor was she content alone to revile his ghost with taunting terms but out of spight or sport or both struck Her hand against the mouth of this dead head brought unto her and it hapned that one of Fisher's teeth more prominent than the rest struck into her hand and not onely pained Her for the present but made so deep an impression therein that She carried the mark thereof to Her grave It seems this was contrary to the proverb Mortui non mordent But enough yea too much of such damnable falshoods Passe we from Fisher to More his fellow prisoner whom Fisher's execution had not mollified into conformity to the King his pleasure as was expected 16. Son he was to Sir John More Sir Tho. More 's extraction and education one of the Judges of the Kings Bench who lived to see his Son preferred above himself Bred a Common-Lawyer but withall a general Schollar as well in polite as solid learning a terse Poet neat Oratour pure Latinist able Grecian He was chosen Speaker in the House of Commons made Chancellour first of Lancaster-Dutchie then of all England performing the place with great integrity and discretion Some ground we have in England neither so light and loose as sand nor so stiffe and binding as olay but a mixture of both conceived the surest soil for profit and pleasure to grow together on such the soil of this Sir Thomas More in which facetiousnesse and judiciousnesse were excellently tempered together 17. Yet some have taxed him Charged for his over-much jesting that he wore a feather in his cap and wagg'd it too often meaning he was over-free in his fancies and conceits Insomuch that on the Scaffold a place not to break jests but to break off all jesting he could not hold but bestowed his scoffs on the Executioner and standers-by Now though innocency may smile at death surely it is unfit to flout thereat 18. But the greatest fault we finde justly charged on his memory A great Anti-Procestant is his cruelty in persecuting poor Protestants to whom he bare an implacable hatred Insomuch much that in his life-time be caused to be inscribed as parcell of his Epitaph on his Monument at Chelsey that he ever was Furibus Homicidis Haereticisque molestus a passing good praise save after the way which he there calleth Heresie pious people worship the God of their fathers He suffered the next moneth after Fisher's execution in the same place July 6. for the same cause July 6. and was buried at Chelsey under his Tomb aforesaid which being become ruinous and the Epitaph scarce legible hath few years since been decently repaired at the cost as I am informed of one of his near Kinsmen 19. At this time Katharine Dowager The death and character of Qu. Katharine Dowager whom we will be bold still in courtesie to call a Queen notwithstanding King Henry's Proclamation to the contrary ended her wofull life at Kimbolton Jan. 8. A pious woman toward God according to Her devotion frequent in prayer which She alwaies performed on Her bare knees nothing else between Her and the earth interposed little curious in Her clothes being wont to say She accounted no time a Sanders de Schismate Anglicano lost but what was laid out in dressing of Her though Art might be more excusable in Her to whom Nature had not been over-bountifull She was rather staid than stately reserv'd than proud grave from Her cradle insomuch that She was a matrone before She was a mother This Her naturall gravity encreased with Her apprehended injuries setled in Her reduced age into an habit of melancholie and that terminated into a consumption of the spirits She was buried in the Abby-Church of Peterborough under an Herse of black Say probably by Her own appointment that She might be plain when dead who neglected bravery of clothes when living A noble b Lord Herbert in his Henry the eighth pen tells us that in intuition to Her corpse here interred King Henry at the destruction of Abbies not
his plain Prayer which he immediately after made His Prayer whereby his Speech may be interpreted too long here to insert but set down at large in Mr. Fox and which speaketh him a true Protestant And if negative Arguments avail ought in this matter no superstitious crossing of himself no praying to Saints no desiring of prayers for him after his death c. may evidence him no Papist in the close of his life Indeed Anti-Cromwellists count this controversie of the Religion he died in not worth the deciding no Papists conceiving the gain great to get him on their side and some Protestants accounting the losse as little to part with him However this right ought to be done to his Memory in fixing it on its own principles and not mis-representing the same to posterity 28. Remarkable is that passage in his Speech Heaven is just in Barths injustice wherein he confesseth himself by Law condemned to die because a story dependeth thereupon Not long agoe an Act had passed in Parliament That one might be attainted of Treason by Bill in Parliament and consequently lose his life without any other legal triall or being ever brought to answer in his own defence The Lord Cromwell was very active in procuring this Law to passe insomuch that it is generally believed that the Arme and Hammer of all King Henry's Power could never have driven on this Act thorough both Houses had not Cromwell first wimbled an hole for the entrance thereof and politickly prepared a major part of Lords and Commons to accept the same For indeed otherwise it was accounted a Law injurious to the liberty which reason alloweth to all persons accused and which might cut out the tongue of Innocency it self depriving her of pleading in her own behalf Now behold the hand of Heaven It hapned that this Lord first felt the smart of this rod which be made for others and was accordingly condemned before ever he was heard to speak for himself Nec lex est justior ulla Quam necis artifices arte perire suâ Most just it is that they bad Laws who make Should themselves first of their own Laws partake Thus those who break down the banks and let in the stream of Arbitrary power be it into the hands of Prince or People are commonly the first themselves which without pity are drowned in the deluge thereof 29. Thus farre I have swome along with the winde and tide of all our English Historians Yet the Lord Cromwell by a great person acquitted herein in charging of Cromwell herein But I finde one * Sir Edward Coke Part 4. of Institut in Jurisdiction of Courts p. 37. Authour of strong credit such he needs to be who swims against the stream acquitting the said Lord deriving his intelligence from Sir Thomas Gawdie a grave Judge then living who acquainted him as followeth King Henry commanded the L. Cromwell to attend the Chief Justices and to know whether a man that was forth-coming might be attainted of high Treason by Parliament and never called to his answer The Judges answered That it was a dangerous question and that the high Court of Parliament ought to give examples to inferiour Courts for proceeding according to justice and no inferiour Court could doe the like and they thought the high Court of Parliament would never doe it But being by the expresse commandement of the King and pressed by the said Earl to give a direct answer they said That if he be attainted by Parliament it could not come in question afterwards whether he was called or not called to answer and the Act of Attainder being passed by Parliament did binde as they resolved The party against whom this was intended was never called in question but the first man after the said resolution that was so attainted and never called to answer was the said Earl of Essex whereupon that erroneous and vulgar opinion amongst our Historians grew That he died by the same Law which he himself had made 30. But His exemplary gratitude grant this Lord Cromwell faulty in this and some other actions in the main he will appear a worthy person and a great instrument of God's glory in the reforming of Religion and remarkable for many personal eminencies Commonly when men are as in a moment mounted from meannesse to much wealth and honour first they forget them selves and then all their old friends and acquaintance Whereas on the contrary here gratitude grew with his greatnesse and the Lord Cromwell conferred many a courtesie on the Children from whose Fathers Master Cromwell had formerly received favours As he was a good Servant to his Master so was he a good Master to his Servants and fore-seeing his own full which he might have foretold without the Spirit of Prophesie some half a year before he furnished his Men which had no other lively-hood to subsist by with Leases Pensions and Annuities whereby after his death they had a comfortable maintenance 31. One so faithfull to his Servants His care for his Children cannot be suspected for an Infidel in not providing for his family of his own children It was not therefore his ambition but providence that on the same day wherein he was created Earle of Essex he procured Gregory his Son which otherwise had been then but a Lord by courtesie to be actually made Baron Cromwell of Oke-ham Which honour because inherent in the Son was not forfeited on his Father's attainture but descends at this day on his Posterity 32. We will conclude his story with this remarkable instance of his humility An eminent instance of his humility Formerly there flourished a notable family of the b Camdens Brit. in Lincoln-shire Cromwells at Tattershall in Lincoln-shire especially since Sir Ralph Cromwell married the younger Sister and Coheir of William the last Lord Deincourt Now there wanted not some flattering Heraults excellent Chemists in Pedegrees to extract any thing from any thing who would have entituled this Lord Cromwell to the Armes of that antient Family extinct in the issue male thereof about the end of King Henry the sixt His answer unto them was That he would not weare another mans coat for fear the right owner thereof should pluck it off over his ears and preferred rather to take a new coate viz. * See Vincent in the Earles of Essex AZure Or a Fess inter three Lyons rampant Or a Rose Gules betwixt two Chaughes proper being somewhat of the fullest the Epidemical dissease of all Armes given in the Reign of Henry the eighth 33. After the execution of the Lord Cromwell Men of different judgment meeting at their death the Parliament still sitting a motly execution happened in Smithfield three Papists hanged by the Statute for denying the King's supremacy and as many Protestants burnt at the same time and place by vertue of the six Articles dying with more pain and no lesse patience Papists Protestants Edward Powell
none should speak any thing of the King's death Which Act though onely intended to retrench the Predictions and mock-Prophesies of Southsayers yet now all the Courtiers glad of so legall a covert for their cowardise alledged it to excuse themselves to inform the King of Nis approaching end At last Sir Anthony Denny went boldly unto Him and plainly acquainted Him of His dying condition whereupon Archbishop Cranmer was by the King his desire sent for to give him some ghostly counsell and comfort 62. But before Cranmer then being at Croidon could come to Him His hope expressed by speechlesse gesture He was altogether speechlesse but not senslesse The Archbishop exhorted Him to place all His trust in Gods mercies thorough Christ and besought Him that if He could not in words He would by some signe or other testifie this His hope Who then wringed the Archbishops hand as hard as He could and shortly after expired having lived fifty five years and seven moneths Jan. 28. and thereof reigned thirty seven years nine moneths and six daies 63. As for the report of Sanders Lying Slanders that King Henry perceiving the pangs of approaching Death called for a great bowle of white wine and drinking it off should say to the company We have lost all it is enough to say it is a report of Sanders As loud a lie is it what he affirmeth that the last words heard from His mouth were The Monks the Monks and so gave up the ghost This may goe hand in hand with what another Gatholick * Rich. Hall in his Manuscript-Life of Bishop Fisher relates that a black Dog he might as truly have said a blew one lickt up His blood whilest the stench of His corps could be charmed with no embalming though indeed there was no other noysomnesse than what necessarily attendeth on any dead body of equall corpulency 64. Vices most commonly charged on His memory are His Vices and Virtues 1. Covetousness He was an eminent Instance to verifie the Observation Omnis prodigus est avarus vast His profusiveness coming a fork after a rake not only spending the great Treasure left Him by His Father but also vast wealth beside and yet ever in want and rapacious to supply the same Secondly Cruelty being scarce ever observed to pardon any Noble person whom He condemned to death I finde but two black swannes in all the currant of His Reign that tasted of His favour herein And therefore when Arthur * Godwin in Hen. 8. p. 181. Lord Lisle imprisoned and daily expecting death in the Tower was unexpectedly set free he instantly died of soddain joy so that it seems King Henry's pity proved as mortal as His cruelty Thirdly Wantonness which cannot be excused But these faults were if not over even poised with His virtues of Valour Bounty Wisdome Learning and love of Learned men scarce one Dunce wearing a Miter all His daies 65. The Monument mentioned in His Will Why K. Henry's Monument never perfected as almost made was never all made but left imperfect whereof many reasons are rendred Some impure it to the very want of workmen unable to finish it according to the exactnesse wherewith it was begun a conceit in my minde little better than scandalum seculi and very derogatory to the Art and Ingenuity of our Age. * Godwin in Hen. 8. p. 113. Others more truly ascribe it to the costlinesse thereof which deterred His Successours from finishing of it Indeed King Henry the seventh in erecting His own Monument in His Chappell at Westminster did therein set a Pattern of despair for all Posterity to imitate And yet Sanders * De schis Angl. pag. 216. tells us That Queen Mary had a great minde to make up His Tomb but durst not for fear a Catholick should seem to countenance the memory of one dying in open schism with the Church of Rome As for His imperfect Monument it was beheld like the barren Fig-tree bearing no fruit and cumbring the * Luke 13. 7. ground I mean the Chappell wherein it stood and therefore it was since these Civill Warres took down and sold by order of Parliament 66. In the Reign of Queen Mary Card. Poole his project it was reported that Cardinal Poole whose spleen generally vented it self against dead-mens bodies had a designe with the principall Clergie of England to take up and burn the body of King Henry the eighth This plot is said to be discovered by Doctor Weston * Fox Acts and Mon. p. 2102. Dean of Westminster But because Weston was justly obnoxious for his scandalous living for which at that time he stood committed to the Tower and bare a personal grudge to the Cardinal his report was the lesse credited as proceeding from revenge and desire to procure his own enlargement 67. Indeed when a Vault The bones of K. Hen. abused seven years since was pierced in the midst of the Quire at Windesor therein to interre the corps of King CHARLES they lighted on two Coffins therein Now though no memory alive could reach the same yet constant tradition seconded with a * See more hereof at the buriall of K. Charles coincidency of all signs and circumstances concluded these Coffins to contain the bones of King HENRY the eighth and His dear Queen JANE SEYMOUR And yet the bignesse of the Coffin though very great did not altogether answer that Giant-like proportion which posterity hath fancied of Him The end of the Fift Book THE Church-History OF BRITAIN THE SIXT BOOK BEING The History of Abbeys in ENGLAND Of their Originall Increase Greatnesse Decay and Dissolution To the Right Honourable WILLIAM COMPTON Sonne and Heire to the Right Honourable JAMES Baron COMPTON of COMPTON AND Earle of NORTHAMPTON HAving formerly proved at a In severall Dedicatory Epistles in my Pisgah Sight large That it is lawfull for any and expedient for me to have Infant-Patrons for my Books let me give an account why this parcell of my History was set apart for your Honour not being cast by chance but led by choice to this my Dedication First I resolved with my self to select such a Patron for this my History of Abbies whose Ancestour was not onely of credit and repute in the Reîgn but also of favour and esteem in the affection of King HENRY the Eighth Secondly he should be such if possible to be found who had no partage at all in Abbey-Lands at their dissolution that so his judgement might be unbiased in the reading hereof Both my Requisits have happily met in your Honour whose direct Ancestour Sir WILLIAM COMPTON was not onely chief Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to the aforesaid KING but also as a noble b The Lord Herbert in his History page 8. pen writing his Life informeth us the third man in His favour in the beginning of His Reign yet had he not a shooe-latchet of Abbey-Land though nothing surely debarred him save his
betwixt them Whether a Fryer may be said to be Owner of the Cloathes be weareth and it hath been for the most part over-ruled in the negative 11. It will be objected Objection to null the distinction that many Convents of Fryers had large and ample revenues as will appear by perusing the Catalogue in Speed's Tables amounting to some hundreds though never thousands by the year some Fryers barns well-nigh as wealthy as some Monks rather every pretended Lazarus a Dives holding though not severally to themselves joyntly amongst themselves most rich endowments Here also it will be in vain to flie to the distinction of Cresis and Chresis of using and owning seeing the Monks will lay a claim to that distinction and challenge as great an interest therein as the Fryers themselves 12. I have nothing to return in answer hereunto Answered save onely that Olim verò non fuit sic from the beginning of the Institution of Fryers it was not so these additions of Lands unto them are of later date and believe it not of their seeking but their Benefactors casting upon them 13. However Criticisme in this subject not materiall nothing more common than to make Monks and Fryers both Synonyma's and reciprocall and for my own part I passe not if in this my History I have committed the same and hereafter shall be guilty of greater mistakes Foresters laughed at the ignorance of that Gentleman who made this difference betwixt a Stag and a Hart that the one was a red the other a fallow deer being both of a kinde only different in age and some other circumstances in Venarie I may make the like sport to some Popish Reader and much good let it do him in differencing some Orders which are the same and identifying other Orders which are distinct but the matter is of no dangerous concernment May we be but carefull to order f Psal 50. 23. our conversations aright that God may shew us his salvation and it matters not much if we commit errours and discover ignorance in ordering Fryers not in their exact number and seniority These premised we begin with their four Elemental Orders 14. Wickliffe constantly inveigheth against Fryers What means by Wickliffe's CAIM. under the name of CAIM. Had it been Caine I should have suspected his allusion to the words of the Apostle They have gone in the * Jude ver 11. way of Cain but now am at a losse and had so continued had I not lighted on a railing Hexastick of an uncharitable Rythmer a base fellow may show an honest man the way who thus letteth flie at them Per decies binos Sathanas capiat Jacobinus Propter errores Jesu confunde Minores Augustienses Pater inclyte sterne per enses Et Carmelitas tanquam falsos Heremitas Sunt Confessores Dominorum seu Dominarum Et seductores ipsarum sunt animarum C. Carmelites A. Augustinians I. Jacobines M. Minorites or Dominicans Franciscans Fryers And thus at last we have the great mysterie unfolded whom Wickliffe therein did intend 15. Of these Dominicans were the first Fryers Dominican Fryers which came over into England Anno 1221 being but twelve an Apostolical number with Gilbert de Fraxineto their Prior first landed at Canterbury fixed at Oxford but richly endowed at London they were commonly called Black Fryers Preaching Fryers and Jacobine Fryers They took their name from S. Dominick born at Calogora in Spain and Hubert de Burg◠Earl of Kent was their prime Patrone bestowing his Palace in the Suburbs of London upon them which afterwards they sold to the Archbishop's of York residing therein till by some transactions betwixt King Henry the eighth and Cardinal Wolsey it became the Royal-Court now known by the name of White-hall Afterwards by the bounty of Gregory Rocksly Lord Major of London and Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury they were more conveniently lodged in two Lanes on the bank of Thames in a place enjoying great priviledges and still retaining the name of Black Fryers No fewer than g Pitzeus in Indice p. 981. fourscore famons English writers are accounted of this Order At this day as beyond the Seas they are much condemned for being the sole active managers of the cruell Spanish Inquisition so they deserve due commendation for their Orthodox judgements in maintaining some Controversies in Divinity of importance against the Jesuits 16. Franciscans follow Franciscan Fryers commonly called Grey Fryers and Minorites either in allusion to Jacob's words h Gen. 32. 10. Sum Minor omnibus beneficiis Tuis or from some other humble expressions in the New Testament They received their name from S. Francis born in the Dutchy of Spoletum in Italy Canonized by Pope Gregory the ninth about two years after whose death the Franciscans came over into England and one Diggs Ancestour of Sir Dudley Diggs bought for them their first seat in Canterbury who afterwards were diffused all over England For skill in School-Divinity they beat all other Orders quite out of distance and had a curious Library in London built by Richard Whittington in that Age costing five hundred and fifty pounds which quickly might be made up if as it is reported an i Reyn. in Ap. Benedict pag 162. hundred marks were expended in transcribing the Commentaries of Lyra. 17. We must not forget that one Bernard of Siena about the year 1400 Sub-reformations of Franciscans refined the Franciscans into Observants no distinct metall from the former but different from them as steel from iron K. Edward the fourth first brought them into England where they had six famous Cloysters since which time there have been a new Order of Minims begun beyond the Seas conceiving the comparative of Minor too high they have descended to Minimus according to our Saviour's own words He that is a minime or the least among you the same shall be greatest and I much admire that none have since begun an Order of Minor-Minimo's the rather because of the Apostles words of himself who am lesse than the least of all saints 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As I may say a subter-subterlative in his humility As for other Diminutives of Franciscans or Minorites beyond the Seas Recollects Penitentiaries Capuchins c. seeing they had their rise since the fall of Abbeys in England they belong not to our present enquiry Sufficeth it that this Order during the extent of our story afforded in England an hundred and ten learned Writers 18. Carmelites Carmelites their first coming into England or White Fryers come next so named from Mount Carmel in Syria brought over into England in the Reign of King Richard the first by Ralph Ereeborn and placed at Alnewicke in Northumberland in a wildernesse sic canibus catulos most like unto Carmel in Syria Whose Convent at their dissolution in the Reign of King Henry the eighth Speed Catalog pag. 795. was at low rates in that cheap County valued at
thirty years since Mistris Mary Ward Jesuitesses and Mistris Twitty being the first beginners of them They are not confined as other Nunns to a Clâ—yster but have liberty to go abroad where they please to convert people to the Catholick Faith They weare a Huke like other women and differ but little in their habit from common persons The aforesaid two Virgins or rather Viragins travelled to Rome with * Mistris Vaux Fortescus three the most beautifull of their society endevouring to procure from his Holiness an establishment of their order but no Confirmation onely a Toleration would be granted thereof Since I have * English-Spanish pilgrim P. 31. read that Anno 1629 Mistris Mary Ward went to Vienna where she prevailed so farre with the Emperesse that she procured a Monastery to be erected for those of her Order as formerly they had two Houses at Liege Since I have heard nothing of them which rendreth it suspitious that their Order is suppressed because otherwise such turbulent spirits would be known by their own violence it being all one with a storm not to be and not to bluster For although this may seem the speediest way to make their Order to propagate when Iesuita shall become hic haec of the common gender yet conscientious Catholicks conceived these Lady Errants so much to deviate from feminine not to say Virgin modesty what is but going in Men being accounted gadding in Maids that they zealously decried their practice probably to the present blasting thereof The forraign Covents of English Monks and Fryers WE will not so farre distrust the Readers memory as to repeat our premised distinction betwixt Monks and Fryers Jesuits gapeing for the Benedictines lands in England Onely know that the Papists themselves report that towards the end of Queen Elizabeth there was but one English Monk Mauro by name living in the whole world A thing not incredible to such who consider Monks generally grown men before admitted into their Order and that more than sixty years were passed from the dissolution of Abbeys to the end of Queen Elizabeth Hereupon several Catholicks of the Anti-Jesuiticall faction as Doctor Gifford Bagshaw Stevens Smith fearing the Jesuits on Father Mauro's death would for want of lawfull successours to the old English Benedictine Monks enter upon all the Abbey lands they had here solicited many English Students then living in their Colledges and Seminaries to become Monks of the Order of S. Bennet perswading them that hereby they should intitle themselves to a large Patrimony of land now likely to fall unto them 2. Here am I put to a double wonder First Defeated by Father Roberts and others whereon this Papisticall confidence was grounded of the speedy restitution of Abbey land at Queen Elizabeth her death finding no visible probability for the same Secondly I admire how Iesuits could pretend in default of Benedictine issue themselves Heires to these lapsed or vacant lands seeing other Orders farre more antient might lay a better claim thereto Except they conceive such English Abbey-lands held in Burrough English wherein the youngest according to the custome of some Manours is to inherit and so by the same advantage this last and newest of all Orders possessed themselves thereof 3. However to prevent them at the instance of the aforesaid secular Priests many English students got into forraign Covents of Benedictines and took on them the habit of S. Bennet John Roberts first a Lawyers Clerk in London then a student in the English Colledge at Vallydolid first led the dance running away to a neighbouring Covent of Spanish Benedictines More of the flock followed this Bell-weather thick and threefold leaving the Colledge of the Iesuits in despight of all the care and caution of their Father-Prefects Father Angustine if that his true and not assumed name was the second Monke of note at this time a name very active I am sure in propagating superstition in England and Roberts and Augustine the two revivers of the new Benedictines These obtained leave of Pope Pius quintus and the King of Spaine to build them a Covent at Doway And though Roberts coming over into England to procure the Catholicks contribution thereunto had the hard hap to meet with Tyburne in his way yet the designe proceeded and was perfected Doway Covent in Artois FOr the Lord Abbot of S. Vedastus anglieè S. Forsters in Arras Doway Covent a wealthy man and great favourer of the English yea generally good to all poor people built them a Cloyster and fine Church adjoyning on his own proper cost To whom and his successours the English Monks are bound to pay yearly on the first of February a wax-Candle weighing threescore pound by way of homage and acknowledgement of their Founder S. Mallowes Covent in Bretaigne DOctor Gifford Dean of the Collegiate Church of S. Peter's in Ritsell alià s Insula in Flanders erected a small Congregation of English Monks at S. Mallowes in France whereof he himself became Prior. Here he remained some years S. Mallowes Covent till at last resigning it to another Monke he removed unto Paris Covent Paris Covent WHich the aforesaid Doctor but now advanced and augmented with the honour and profit of the Archbishoprick of Rheams built and endowed on his own expences Paris Covent conferring thereon whatsoever he can get from his Archbishoprick on the profits whereof the Duke of Guise was suspected too heavily to quarter 2. Passe we now from our English Monks to the Fryers The Carthusians Covent at Macblin and begin with the Carthusiaus These being outed of Shoine in Surrey at the coming in of Queen Elizabeth wafted themselves over the Seas with so much wealth as bought them a Cloyster with lands to maintain it at Machlin These take themselves to be the most visible Church of English Fryers as continuing an uninterrupted succession and so puffed up with hopes of regaining their old lands that when Prince Charles went to Spaine they sent two of their Fryers into England to take possession both of Charter-House and Sheine Say not one of those places had been fair at first seeing to save double pains and charges they did well to claim them both together as likely to possess them both together as no doubt they had done long ago had not the rightfull Owners then and ever since detained the same Doway SOme report this erected by Count Gundamor others Doway more probably by the charity of English Catholicks for recollect Fryers of the Order of S. Francis They have a strong fancy that Christ-Church in London shall one day be theirs at the next return of times The best is being to goe bare foot by the rules of their Order they are well provided to wait for dead-mens shooes Here I omit the little Cloyster of Benedictine Monks in the Dukedome of Loraine near Ponto-Mouson as also some other Nunneries and Fryeries since erected at Paris and elsewhere for surely these
time in York shire which from a small pustle might have proved a painfull bile yea a fistulated ulcer if neglected it was quickly quelled on the execution of Omler and Dale the chief promoters thereof 22. By the favour of Sir Thomas Cotton 1550. having obtained to make use of his Library our English Vatican Abstracts of Church matters out of K. Edwards own Diary for Manuscripts I shall transcribe King Edwards Diurnall written with His own hand of the transactions in His Reigne True it is His Observations for his two first years are short and not exactly expressing the notation of time but His Notes as the Noter got perfection with His age They most belong to Secular affairs out of which we have selected such as respect Ecclesiasticall matters May the Reader be pleased to take notice that though my Observations as printed goe a-breast in parallel Columes with those of His Highnesse it is my intention they should observe their distance in their humble attendance thereupon Text Royall Observations thereon THe Lord Protectour by his own a a Thus the Pilot to save the Ship from sinking casts out the rich lading into the Sea agreement April 2. and submission lost his b b This lay void ever after whilst the Treasurership was presently conferred on Will Powlet Marquesse of Winchester and the Marshalship on John Dudley Earle of Warwick Protectourship Treasurership Marshalship all his Moveables and neer 2000 li. Land by Act of Parliament The Bp. of c c Namely George Day who notwithstanding this Sermon remained a zealous Papist and on that score was deprived of his Bishoprick Chichester before a vehement affirmer of Transubstantiation Ann. Dom. 1650. did Preach against it at Westminster in the Preaching-place April 4. My Lord Somerset taken into the Counsel 10. Order taken 13. that whosoever had d d Understand it not by Private Patrones but either presented by the King or Lord Chancellour Benefices given them should preach before the King in or out of Lent and every Sunday there should be a Sermon Masse for the Lady Mary denied to the Emperours e e These ingaged Archbishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridlye to presse the King with politick Reasons for the permission therof He unable to answer their Arguments fell a weeping Ambassadour 19. It is granted that my Lord of Somerset should have all his moveable Goods 27. and Leases except those that be already f f Courtiers keep what they catch and catch what ever they can come by given May 2. Joane g g An obstinate Heretick maintaining That Christ assumed nothing of the Virgin Mary but passed through Her as a Conduit-pipe She with one or two Arians were all who and that justly died in this Kings Reign for their Opinions Bocher otherwise called Joane of Kent was burnt for holding that Christ was not incarnate of the Virgin Mary being condemned the year before but kept in hope of conversion The Bishops of London and Ely were to perswade her but she withstood them and reviled the Preacher that preached at her death The Lord Cobham and Sir William Peter came home from their journy 20. delivering both the Oath and the Testimonial of the Oath witnessed by divers Noblemen of France and also the h h Advantageous enough for the French and dishonourable too much to the English whose covetousnesse was above their sense of Honor selling Bologne bought with blood for a summe of money Treaty sealed with the great Seal of France and in both was confessed that I was i i The Controversie about this Title lying not betwixt the Crowns of England and France but betwixt England and Rome no wonder if the French yeilded to any Style in a Treaty so gainfull to themselves supreme Head of the Church of England and Ireland Ann. Dom. 1550. The Duke of Somerset June 9. Marquesse of North-hampton Lord Treasurer Bedford and the Secretary Peter went to the Bishop of Winchester to know to what he would k k For as yet this subtile-Statist scarce knew his own mind often receding from his Resolves whose inconstancy in this kinde incensed the King and Councell against him stick He made Answer that he would obey and let forth all things set forth by Me and My Parliament and if he were troubled in conscience he would reveal it to the Councell and not reason openly against it The Books of My Proceedings were sent to the Bishop of Winchester to see whether hee would set his hand to it 10. or promise to set it forth to the people The Duke of Somerset 14. with five others of the Councell went to the Bp. of the Winchester to whom he made this Answer I having deliberately seen the Book of Common-Prayer although I would not have made it so my self yet I finde such things in it as satisfieth my conscience therefore both I will execute it my self and also see other my l l Parish in the Dialect of a Bishop is notoriously known to be his Diocese Yet I deny not but that the numerous Parishioners of Saint Mary Overies wherein Winchester-House are herein particularly intended Parishioners to doe it This was subscribed by the aforesaid Counsellours that they heard him say these words The Earl of Warwick July 9. the Lord Treasurer Sir William Herbert and Secretary Peter went to the Bishop of Winchester with certain Articles signed by Me and the Councel containing the Confessing of his Fault the Supremacy the establishing of Holy-daies the abolishing of the six Articles c. whereunto he put his hand saving to the Confession Sir William Herbert and the Secretary Peter July 10. were sent to him to tell him That I marvelled that he would not put his hand to the Confession To whom he made Answer That he would not doe it because he was m m If conscious of no crime he is not to be condemned for justifying his own integrity innocent 11. The Bishop of London Secretary Peter Mr. Cecil and Gooderich were commanded to make certain Articles according to the Laws and to put them in the Submission It was appointed that under the n n Such Umbrages of Simulation presumed lawful by all Politicians Quaere whether the Protestants in the Netherlands or France those of High Germany being beyond the line of probability were here intended shadow of preparing for Sea-matters 12. there should be sent 5000 lib. to the Protestants to get their good wills The Bishop of Winchester denied the o o They were drawn up in so punctual expressions the other had neither compasse for evasion nor covert for equivocation Articles 14. which the Bishop of London and others had made The Bishop of Winchester was p p A Rod formerly in fashion but never so soundly layd on as of late sequestred from his fruits for three months 19.
Reign wherein no Church-matter was medled with save that therein a Subsidie granted by the Clergy was confirmed Such moneys being the Legacie of course which all Parliaments fairly coming to a peaceable end bequeath to their Sovereign As for the Records of this Convocation they are but one degree above blanks scarce affording the names of the Clerks assembled therein Indeed they had no Commission from the King to meddle with Church-businesse and every Convocation in it self is born deaf and dumb so that it can neither hear complaints in Religion nor speak in the redresse thereof till first Ephata be thou opened be pronounced unto it by Commission from Royall Authority 9. Now The true reason thereof the true reason why the King would not intrust the diffusive body of the Convocation with a power to meddle with matters of Religion was a just jealousie which He had of the ill affection of the major part thereof Ann. Dom. 1553. who under the fair rinde of Protestant profession Ann. Reg. Ed. 6. 7. had the rotten core of Romish superstition It was therefore conceived safer for the King to relie on the ability and fidelity of some select Confidents cordiall to the cause of Religion than to adventure the same to be discussed and decided by a suspitious Convocation 10. However Forty two Articles of Religion and the Kings Catechisme this barren Convocation is intituled the parent of those Articles of Religion fourty two in number which are printed with this Preface Articuls de quibus in Synodo Londinensi Anno Domini 1552. inter Episcopos alios eruditos viros convenerat With these was bound a Catechisme younger in age as bearing date of the next year but of the same extraction relating to this Convocation as authour thereof Indeed it was first compiled as appears by the Kings Patent prefix'd by a single Divine * ◠pio quodam crudito viro conscipto in the Kings Patent Consented and not consented to by the Convocation charactred pious and learned bu◠afterwards perused and allowed by the Bishops and other learned men understand it the Convocation and by Royall Authority commended to all Subjects commanded to all School Masters to teach it their Scholars 11. Yet very few in the Convocation ever saw it much lesse explicitly consented thereunto but these had formerly it seems passed over their power I should be thankfull to him who would produce the originall instrument thereof to the select Divines appointed by the King in which sense they may be said to have done it themselves by their Delegates to whom they had deputed their authority A case not so clear but that it occasioned a cavill at the next Convocation in the first of * See more thereof in the next year Queen Mary when the Papists therein assembled renounced the legality of any such former transactions Pretious King Edward the sixt now changed his Crown of Gold for one of Glory July 6. we will something enlarge our selves The death of K. Edward the sixt who was not cut out of His Mothers belly as is commonly reported to give posterity His true Character never meeting more virtues in so few years For His Birth there goeth a constant tradition that Caesar-like He was cut out of the belly of His Mother Jane Seymour though a great person of Honour deriving her Intelligence mediately from such as were present at Her Labour assured me of the contrary Indeed such as shall read the calm and serene style of that Letter which I have seen written though not by for that Queen and signed with Her own Signet after Her delivery cannot conjecture thence that any such violence was offered unto Her But see the Letter RIght trusty and welbeloved Queen Ianes Letter after Her Delivery to the Lords of the Councell We greet you well and forasmuch as by the inestimable goodnesse and grace of Almighty God We be delivered and brought in Childe-bed of a PRINCE conceived in most lawfull Matrimony between my Lord the Kings Majestie and Vs. Doubting not but that for the love and affection which you bear unto Vs and to the Common-wealth of this Realm thi◠knowledge shall be joyous and glad tidings unto you We have thought good to certifie you of this Iame To the intent ye might not onely render unto God condigne thanks and praise for so great a benefice but also continually pray for the long continuance and preservation of the same here in this life to the honour of God joy and pleasure of my Lord the KING and Vs and the universall weal quiet and tranquility of this whole Realm a a Extant in Sir Tho. Cottons Library sub Ner. cap. 10. ¶ Given under our Signet at my Lords Manour of Hampton-Court the 22 day of October And although this Letter was soon after seconded with b Extant ibid. another of a sadder subject here inserted subscribed by all the Kings Physitians yet neither doth that so much as insinuate any impression of violence on Her person as hastening Her death but seems rather to cast the cause thereof on some other distemper THese shall be to advise your Lordships of the Queens estate Yesterday afternoon She had a natural Lax A sadder Letter of Her Physitians unto them by reason whereof She began to lighten and as it appeared to amend and so continued till towards night All this night She hath been very sick and doth rather appare than amend Her Confessour hath been with Her Grace this morning and hath done that to his office appertaineth and even now is preparing to minister to Her Grace the Sacrament of Unction ¶ At Hampton-Court this Wednesday morning at eight a clock Your Lordships at Commandement Thomas Cutland Robert Karhold Edward Bayntam John Chambers Priest William Butts George Owen Impute we here this Extreme Unction administred to Her partly to the over-officiousness of some superstitious Priest partly to the good Ladies inability perchance insensible what was done unto her in such extremity otherwise we are confident that Her judgment when in strength and health disliked such practices being a zealous Protestant Which Unction did her as little good as the twelve Masses said for Her soul in the City of London at the Commandement of the Duke of Norfolk whether he did it to credit their Religion with the countenance of so great a Convert or did it out of the Nimiety of his own Love and Loyaltie to the Queen expressing it according to his own judgment without the consent if not against the will of the Queens nearest kindred 12. But leaving the Mother Prince Edw. towardlinesse in learning let us come to the Son who as he saith of himself in the Manuscript of His Life was for the first six years bred and brought up amongst the Women and then consigned to masculine Tuition under Doctor Richard Cox and Sir John Cheekè who taught Him Latine and John Belmain who
to oppose and the flattery of the Courtiers most willing to comply matters were made as sure as mans policy can make that good which is bad in it self But the Commons of England who for many yeers together had conn'd loyalty by-heart out of the Statute of Succession were so perfect in their lesson that they would not be put out of it by this new started designe so that every one proclaimed Mary next Heir in their consciences and few daies after King Edwards death all the project miscarried of the plotters whereof some executed more imprisoned most pardoned all conquered and Queen Mary crowned Thus though the streame of Loyalty for a while was violently diverted to runne in a wrong channell yet with the speediest opportunitie it recovered the right course again 2. But now in what manner this Will of King Edwards was advanced The truth of the carriage of Sr. Edward Mountagu in his drawing up the Will of King Edw. the sixth that the greatest blame may be laid on them who had the deepest guilt the following answer of Sr. Edward Mountagu Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas accused for drawing up the Will and committed by Queen Mary to prison for the same will truly acquaint us The original whereof under his own hand was commnuicated unto me by his great grandchilde Edward Lord Mountagu of Boughton and here faithfully exemplified SR Edward Mountagu Knight late Chief-Justice of the Common Pleas received a letter from Greenwich dated the eleventh day of June last past signed with the hands of the Lord Treasurer the Duke of Northumberland John Earl of Bedford Francis Earl of Shrewsburie the Earl of Pembroke the Lord Clynton the Lord Darcie John Gate William Peter William Cecill John Cheke whereby he was commanded to be at the Court on the morrow by one of the clock at after-noon and to bring with him Sr. John Baker Justice Bromley the Attorney and Solicitour General and according to the same all they were there at the said hour of one of the clock And after they were brought to the presence of the King the Lord Treasurer the Marquesse of Northampton Sr. John Gate and one or two more of the Councill whose names he doth not now remember were present And then and there the King by His own mouth said that now in His sicknesse he had considered the state of this His Realm and Succession which if He should decease without Heir of His body should go to the Lady Mary who was unmarried and might marry a stranger-borne whereby the Lawâ— of this Realm might be altered and changed and His Highnesse proceedings in Religion might be altered Wherefore His pleasure was that the state of the Crown should go in such forme and to such persons as His Highnesse had appointed in a Bill of Articles not signed with the Kings hand which were read commanded them to make a Book thereof accordingly with speed And they finding divers faults not onely for the incertainty of the Articles but also declaring unto the King that it was directly against the Act of Succession which was an Act of Parliament which would not be taken away by no such devise Notwithstanding His Highnesse would not otherwise but that they should draw a Book according to the said Articles which he then took them and they required a reasonable time of His Highnesse for the doeing thereof and to consider the Laws and Statutes made for the Succession which indeed were and be more dangerous then and of them they did consider and remember and so they departed commanding them to make speed And on the morrow all the said persons met and perusing the said Statutes there grew this question amongst them whether it were presently treason by the words of the Statute of Anno primo Edvardi Sexti or no treason till it were put in execution after the Kings death because the words of the Statute are the King His Heirs and Successours because the King can have no Successours in His life but to be sure they were all agreed that it were the best and surer way to say to the Lords that the execution of this devise after the Kings decease was not onely treason but the making of this devise was also presently treason as well in the whole Councell as in them and so agreed to make their report without doing any thing for the execution thereof And after Sr. William Peter sent for the said Sr. Edward to Eely-place who shewed him that the Lords required great speed in the making of the said Book and he told him there were none like to be made for them for the danger aforesaid And after that the said S. Edward with the rest of his company went to the Court and before all the Council the Duke of Northumberland being not in the Council-chamber made report to the Lords that they had considered the Kings Articles and also the Statutes of Succession whereby it appeared manifestly that if they should make any Book according to the Kings commandment they should not onely be in danger of treason but also their Lordships all wherefore they thought it their bounden duties to declare the danger of the Laws unto them and for avoiding of the danger thereof they had nothing done therein nor intended to doe the Laws being so dangerous and standing in force The Duke of Northumberland having intelligence of their answer either by the Earle of Huntington or by the Lord Admiral cometh into the Council-Chamber before all the Council there benign in a great rage and fury trembling for anger and amongst his ragious talk called the said Sr. Edward Traitour and further said that he would fight in his shirt with any man in that quarrel as all the whole Council being there will report whereby the said Sr. Edward with the rest were in great fear and dread in special Mr. Bromley and the said Sr. Edward for Mr. Bromley told the said after that he dread then that the Duke would have striken one of them and after they were commanded to go home and so departed in great fear without doing any thing more at that time wishing of God they had stood to it as they did then unto this time And after the said Sr. Edward received another letter dated at Greenwich the 14 th of June last past signed with the hands â—f the Lord Treasurer the Earl of Bedford the Marquesse of Northampton the Earle of Shrewsburie the Lord Clynton the Lord Cobham the Lord Darcy William Peter John Gate John Cheeke whereby he was commanded to bring with him Sr. John Baker Justice Bromley and Mr. Gosnolde and to be at the Court on the morrow by one of the clock at after-noon where all they were at the same houre and conveyed into a chamber behinde the Dining-Chamber there and all the Lord looked upon them with earnest countenance as though they had not known them So that the said Sr. Edward with the other might perceive there
to his Sea This Bishop sensible of the consumptionous state of his body and finding physick out of the Kitchin more beneficiall for him then that out of the Apothecaries shop and speciall comfort from the Cordialls she provided him did not onely himself connive at her Heresie as he termed it but also protected her during his life from the fury of others Some will say this his curtesie to her was founded on his kindenesse to himself But however I am so far from detaining thanks from any deserved on just cause that I am ready to pay them where they are but pretended due on any colour 8. Sussex smarted more than all the forenamed Counties together In the Diocess of Chichester under John Christopherson Bishop of Chichester This man was well learned and had turned Eusebius his Ecclesiasticall History into latine Anno. Dom. 1553-1554 with all the persecutions of the Primitive Christians What he translated in his youth he practised in his age turning Tyrant himself and scarce was he warme in his Bishoprick when he fell a burning the poor Martyrs Ten in one fire at a Fox pag. 2003. pag. 2024. Lewis and seaventeen others at severall times in sundry places 9. In the Diocess of Canterbury In the Diocess of Canterbury Cardinal Poole appeared not personally active in the prosecution of any to death Whilest others impute this to his statelinesse not stooping to so small matters we more charitably ascribe it to his favouring of the Protestant party having formerly lost the Papacy under that imputation But seeing it is a true Maxime which an heathen man layeth down it is enough for a private man that he himself do no wrong but a publique person must provide that those under him do no injury to others I see not how the Cardinal can be excused from the guilt of that innocent blood which Thornton his Suffragan and Harpsfield his Arch-Deacon shed like water in and about the City of Canterbury 10. The Diocess of Rochester containing the remainder of Kent was of small extent In the Diocess of Rochester But that stock must be very little indeed out of which the ravenous Wolfe cannot fetch some prey for himself Morris the Bishop played the tyrant therein being the first in Queen Maries dayes that condemned a woman Margery Polley by name to be burnt for religion with many moe who at Dartford or Rochester sealed the truth with their lives 11. Crosse we the Thames to come into Middlesex In the Diocess of London under Bonner and Essex the Diocess of London under Bishop Bonner whom all generations shall call Bloody St. Paul b 1 Cor. 15. 32 mentioneth his fighting with beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men which some expound his encountering with people men for their shape and sex but beasts for their cruell mindes and manners In the same sense we may say that Lion Tiger Wolfe Bear yea a whole forest of wilde beasts met in Bonner killing two hundred in the compasse of three yeers And as if his cruelty had made him Metropolitan of all England he stood not on distinction of Diocesses but martyred all wheresoever he met them Thus Mr. Philpot belonged to Gardiners Jurisdiction and often pleaded in vain that Bonner was none of his Ordinary yet Bonner Ordinary or Extraordinary dispatch'd him who cared not whence men came but onely whither he sent them No sex quality or age escap'd him whose fury reached from John Fetty a lad of eight yeers old by him scourged to death even unto Hugh Laverock a Creeple sixty eight yeers old whom he caused to be burnt 12. * quer for he is not in B. Godwins catologue Dr. Story Dean of Pauls must not be forgotten Under Dr. Story being under Bonner a most cruell persecutour Was not this false Herauldry cruelty on cruelty Well So it seemed good to Divine Providence as conducing most to the peace of the Church that one place rather then two should be troubled with such damnable Tyrants Bonner persecuted by whole-sale Story by Retail the former enjoyned the later attended the execution What Bonner bade Story beheld to be performed Yea sometimes he made cruel additions of his own invention As when he caused a faggot to be tossed in the face of Mr. Denlie the Martyr when he was ready to be burnt How he was rewarded afterwards for his cruelty by Gods blessing in due place 13. Under the same Torrid Zone of persecution but a little more temperate lay Norfolke In the Diocess of Norwich and Suffolke in the Diocess of Norwich Bishop Hopton was unmercifull in his Visitations but Downing the Chancellour plai'd the Devill himself enough to make wood deare in those parts so many did he consume to ashes whose several examinations are at large set down in the Book of Martyrs 14. Elie Diocess Cambridge-Shire succeeds In the Diocess of Elie. whose Bishop Dr. Thyrlby was a learned discreet and moderate man witnesse his meek behaviour at the degrading of Arch-Bishop Cranmer shedding plentifull tears thereat But can water and fire weeping and burning come from the same person Surely so it did here for afterwards he singled out John Hullier as the Representative for all the Protestants in his Diocess whom he caused to be burnt at Cambridge The shedding his blood was as giving carnest of his zeal in the Popish cause though afterward he made no farther payment in this kinde justly offending the Protestants for doing so much yet scarcely pleasing the Papists because he did no more As for the execution of William Woolsey and Robert Pigot in this Diocess Thurlby was no whit interested therein but the guilt thereof must be shared betwixt Dr. Fuller the Chancellour and other Commissioners 15. In Peterborough Diocess consisting of North-hampton-shire In the Diocess of Peterborough and Rutland I finde but one John Kurde a Shooe-maker burnt at Northhampton But this his death I cannot charge on the account of David Poole the Bishop as consenting thereunto because William Binsley Batchelour of law and Chancellour of Peterborough was onely his active Prosecutor 16. Lincolne Diocess is next In the Diocess of Lincolne the largest of the whole Kingdome containing Lincolne Leicester Huntington Bedford and Buckingham besides parts of Hartford and Warwick-shires Now according to the rules of proportion who could expect otherwise but the moe men the moe Martyrs The greater the Province the more grievous the persecution But it fell out the clean countrary finding but one Martyr in all that space of ground a * Fox Volum 3. pag. 706. Merchants servant burnt at Leicester Frivolous is their reason who impute this to the disposition of White Bishop of this Diocess the first half of Queen Maries Reign whom they behold as poetically given of more phansie then fury which vented it self in verses more pleased to lash the Hereticks with a Satyr then suck their blood by destructive courses As little
upon his men playing at bowls was upon a sudden strook with a palsy had thence to his death-bed and being advised by some to remember God yea so I do saith he and my Lord Cardinal too D r. Gesserte the bloodie Chancellour of Sarisburie died suddenly on a Saturday the day before he had appointed moe than ninety persons to be examined by inquisition M r. Woodrosse that cruell Sheriffe of London being but a week out of his office was so striken by the hand of God that for seven yeers space till his dying-day he was not able to move himself in his bed Burton the cruell Bailie of Crowland was poisoned to death with the stinch of a crowes dung muting on his face What shall I speak of Dale the Promoter eaten up with lice Alexander the Keeper of Newgate consumed with offensive rottenness Robert Balding smitten with lightning at the taking of William Seaman Clarke who hang'd himself in the Tower with many moe So that we may conclude with the prophecie of a Deut. 32. 43. Moses Rejoyce O ye nations with his people for he will avenge the blood of his servants and will render vengeance to his adversaries and will be mercifull unto his land and to his people 38. And now What use to be made of the Martyrs sufferings to take our leaves of those Martyrs what remains but 1. That we glorifie God in and for their patience b Matth. 9. 8. who had given such power unto men 2. That we praise God that true doctrine at this day may be professed at an easier rate then in that age In Faires and Markets for the most part commodities are sold dearest in the morning which towards evening may be bought at a lower price Sure I am they paid most for the Protestant-Religion at the dawning of the day from Popery life or limbe was the lowest price thereof which since may be purchased at a cheaper pennie-worth 3. That we embrace and defend that doctrine which they sealed with their lives and as occasion shall be offered to vindicate and assert their memories from such scandalous tongues and penns as have or shall traduce them 39. It is inconsistent with our History Parsons his Cavill against the Martyrs calling answered here to enter the lists with that railing book which Parsons the Jesuite hath made against those good Martyrs Onely be it remembred that his Cavill-General is chiefly at their calling because they were most Mechanicks Weavers Shooe-makers c. An exception lying as well against just Joseph a Carpenter hospital Simon a Tanner zealous Aquila and Priscilla Tent-makers attentive Lydia a purple-seller And is it not injurious to inferr their piety to be less because their painfulness was more If it be farther objected that it is improbable that these fillie souls should be more illuminated with knowledge than the great Doctours of the Romish Church know that Christs birth was revealed to the c Luke 2. 1. shepherds in their calling watching their flocks by night and concealed from the Priests and Pharisees the pretended shepheards of Israel and God might give more light to these industrious artificers than to their idle Masters of Arts. 40. Behold your calling saith the Apostle how not manie wise men after the flesh c. Poverty and piety oft goe together But God hath chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise 1 Cor. 1. 26 27. And allwayes in time of persecution the Church is like a copse which hath in it more under-wood than oakes For great men consult with their safety and whilest the poorer sort as having little to lose boldly embrace religion with both armes the rich too often do only behold it at distance with a smiling countenance but dare not adventure to entertain it except with very great secrecie We conclude all with this observation that such Martyrs as were artificers by their vocation humbly continued in the station wherein Divine Providence had placed them none presuming as too many now adayes to invade the ministeriall function not adventuring to preach save onely that their real Sermon of patience at their death 41. So much for the first forme A Catalogue of Confessours with their places of refuge of Christians in those dayes which were martyr'd A second sort succeeds of such who being Confessours for the Faith fled into forrain parts from persecution This their removall is not onely defended from cowardize but warranted for Christian Policy by our Saviours a Mat. 10 23. precept But when they persecute you in this City flee into another Had all fled Religion had been at a losse for champions to defend her for the present had none fled Religion might have been at a loss for champions to maintain her for the future We will give in a particular both of such eminent persons and of the places wherein they were entertained Partly that such places may receive their deserved praise for their hospitality to exiles and partly that our harbouring the banished Dutch flying many yeers after from the cruelty of Duke d' Alva in London Norwich Canterbury Colchester and Sandwich may appear not so much the giving of a free and fair curtesie as the honest paying of a due debt and wiping off an old score runn on trust by our great-grand-fathers Som seated themselves at 1. Emden in East-Frizland a Staple-Town of English Merchants I finde neither the names nor number of those that harboured here only it appears that John Scorie late bishop of Chicester was here Superintendent of the English Congregation in Emden 2. Weasel then in the Dominions as I take it of the Duke of Cleve but bordering on the Low-Countries in the possession of the King of Spaine The English meeting here was rather a Chappel then a Church or rather a Tabernacle then a Chappel because soon set up and as suddenly taken down again For they who formerly had fled so farr from Mary were now loth to live too neer to Philip and for fear of so potent a neighbour quickly forsook this place and disposed themselves elsewhere in these four following Church Colonies 3. Arrow a Troubles of Franksord printed Anno. 1575. pag 185. a small city in Switzerland on the banks of the River Arrola belonging to the Republique of Berne The most noted men abiding here were Thomas Leaver Robert poumall Richard Laughorne Thomas Turpin Boys Willford Vpchaire 4. Strasburgh where they found most courteous entertainment The most eminent English abiding here as may be collected from their solemne b Tr. of Fr. pag. 23. joynt-subscription to a letter were James Haddon Edwin Sandys Edmond Grindal John Huntington Guido Eaten John Geoffrey John Peader Thomas Eaten Michael Reymuger Augustine Bradbridge Arthur Saule Thomas Steward Christopher Goodman Humsrey Alcocson Thomas Thomas Lakin Crafton 5. Zurich This was no formed Congregation of Pastours and people but rather a flock of Shepheards and therefore the letters unto them
Hereford As for the Bishoprick of Oxford as it was void at this time so it continued for some years after 32. We must not forget how the Bishoprick of Carlile was first profered to Bernard Gilpin Mr. Gilpin refuseth the Bishoprick of Carlile that Patriarchal Divine Rectour of Houghton in the North as may appear by the ensuing letter of Edwin a Found amongst Mr. Gilpins papers after his death Sandys Bishop of Worcester wrote unto him MY much and worthily respected Cozen having regard unto the good of the Church of Christ rather than to your ease I have by all the good means I could been carefull to have this charge imposed upon you which may be both an honour to your self and a benefit to the Church of Christ My true report concerning you hath so prevailed with the Queens Majesty that she hath nominated you Bishop of Carlile I am not ignorant that your inclination rather delighteth in the peaceable tranquillity of a private life But if you look upon the estate of the Church of England with a respective eye you cannot with a good conscience refuse this charge imposed upon you so much the less because it is in such a place as wherein no man is found fitter then your self to deserve well of the Church In which respect I charge you before God and as you shall answer to God herein that setting all excuses aside you refuse not to assist your Countrie and to do service to the Church of God to the uttermost of your power Anno Dom. 1557. In the meanwhile I give you to understand Anno Regin Eliza. 1. that the said Bishoprick is to be left untouched neither shall any thing of it be diminished as in some others it is a custom but you shall receive the Bishoprick entire as D r. Oglethorp hath left it Wherefore exhorting and charging you to be obedient to Gods call herein and not to neglect the duty of our own calling I commend both your self and the whole business to the Divine Providence Your Kinsman and Brother Edwin Worcester But M r. Gilpin desired to be excused continuing unmoveable in his resolution of refusall Not that he had any disaffection to the office as some do believe themselves and would willingly perswade others but because as he privately confess'd to his a B. Carleton in Gilpins life pag. 80. friends he had so much kindred about Carlile at whom he must either connive in many things not without hurt to himself or else deny them not without offence to them To avoid which difficulties he refused the Bishoprick It was afterward bestowed as in our Catalogue on D r. Iohn Best a grave and learned Divine But whether on the same terms without any diminution to the Church my b Idem pag. 81. authour knew not leaving us under a shrewd suspicion of the negative 33. If any demand of me Why Barlow and Scory were not restored to their former Bishopricks conjectured why Barlow formerly Bishop of Bath and Wells and Scory Bishop of Chicester were not rather restored to their own than translated to other Bishopricks As certainly I do not know so willingly I will not guess at the cause thereof though I have leasure to listen to the conjectures of others herein Some impute it to their own desires preferring faire paper before what was soiled with their ill successe rather to begin on a new account than to renew their reckoning with those Bishopricks where they had been interrupted with persecution Others ascribe it to the Queen herein shewing her absolute power of disposition and transposition of all Prelates at Her pleasure crossing Her hands and translating Scory from Chichester to Hereford Barlow from Bath and Wells to Chichester A third sort resolve it on a point of the Queens frugality a vertue needfull in a Princess coming to a Crown in Her condition to get new first-fruits by their new translations which otherwise would not accrue by their restitutions Sure I am none of these Conjecturers were either of the Bedehamber or Councâ—ll-Board to the Queen acquainted with Her intentions herein 34. As for Miles Coverdale Why Coverdale resumed not his Bishoprick of Exeter formerly Bishop of Exeter he never returned to his See but remained a private Minister to the day of his death Indeed it was true of him what is said of others c Amos 4. 11. He was as a fire-brand pluckt out of the burning being designed to death by Queen Mary had not the seasonable and importunate intercession of Frederick King of Denmarke redeemed him And although his dissenting in judgement from some ceremonies in our Discipline is generally alledged as the cause of his not returning to his Bishoprick yet more probable it is it was caused by his impotencie as may appear by his Epitaph which here we have thought fit to insert as I took it from the brass-inscription of his marble-stone under the Communion-Table in the Chancell of S t. Bartholomews behinde the Exchange Hic tandem requiemque ferens Anno Dom. 1558. finemque laborum Ossa Coverdalis mortua tumbus habet Exoniae qui Praesul crat dignissimus olim Insignis vitae vir probitate suae Octoginta annos grandaevus vixit unum Indignum passus saepius exilium Sic demum variis jactatum casibus ista Excepit gremio terra benigna suo Obiit 1568. Jan. 20. Now if Coverdale Anno 1568. was fourscore and one year of age then at this very time when he consecrated Parker was he seventy two years old passing with Iesse a 1 Sa. 26. 12. for an old man yea he had passed the b Psal 90. age of man and therefore henceforward finding himself fitter for devotion than action refused the resumption of his Bishoprick 35. So much for the Bishops Meane Ministers in this age as appears by Mr. Tavernours Sermon As for the inferiour Clergy under them the best that could be gotten were placed in pastoral charges Alas tolerability was eminency in that age A rush-candle seemed a torch where no brighter light was er'e seen before Surely preaching now ran very low if it be true what I read that M r. Tavernour of Water-Eaton in Oxford-shire High-Sheriffe of the County came in pure charity not ostentation and gave the Scholars a Sermon in S t. Maries with his gold chain about his neck and his sword by his side beginning with these words c In the preface to St. Iohn Cheeks book called the true Subject to the Rebell printed at Oxford 1641. Arriving at the mount of S t. Maries in the stony stage where I now stand I have brougt you some fine biskets baked in the oven of charity and carefully conserved for the chickens of the Church the sparrows of the Spirit and the sweet swallows of salvation If England in our memory hath been sensible of a perfective alteration in her Churches if since she hath seen more learning in
convenient time And of their doings in this behalf to certifie Her Majesties privie-Councell or the Councell in the Sarr-Chamber at Westminster that order may be taken herein Given at Windsor the 19 th of September the second year of Her Majesties raign Her Princely care took this desired effect that it stopped the main stream of Sacriledge herein though some by-rivolets thereof ran still in private Churches in defiance of all orders provided to the contrary 37. May the Reader take notice The death and character of Bp. Bale that henceforward God willing we will set down at the end of every year the deaths of such eminent Divines who deceased therein though we finde no funeralls of any prime Protestant in the two first yeers of the Queens raigne Her coming to the Crown inspirited the weakest and oldest with vigorousnesse and vivacity for a time and Divine Providence preserved them from blasting who were but newly replanted in their places Only we conjecture that John Bale Bishop of Ossorie died about this time we finding no future mention of his activity which if alive could not conceal it self Pity it is we cannot give the exact date of his death who was so accurate in noting the deeeases of others For this John Bale was he who besides many other books enlarged Leland and continued the Lives of the English Writers Borne at Covy near Dunwich in Suffolke bred in Cambridge afterwards a Carmelite in Norwich and ignorantly zealous in their superstitions He was first converted to the knowledge of the Gospel as himself a De Scriptor Britan Centur 8. confesseth by the care of that worthy Lord Thomas Lord Wentworth of Nettlested in Suffolke Whereupon to use his own expression he was transported from his barren mount Carmel to the fair and fruitfull vale of the Gospel 38. Presently comes persecution The persecutions which in his life he suffered For his preaching of the Gospell he is drag'd from the Pulpit to the Consistory before Lee Arch-Bishop of Yorke and for the same cause was afterwards convented before Stokesley Bishop of London but the Lord Cromwell much affected with the facetiousness of such Comedies as he had presented unto him rescued him from their paws by his power After eight yeers exile in Germany he was recalled by King Edward and made Bishop of Ossâ—rie in Ireland where he remained but a short time For after the Kings death he hardly escaped with his own life some of his servants being slain cast by tempest into Cornewall taken by pirates dearly redeemed with much difficulty he recovered London with more danger got over into Germany Whence returning in the first of Queen Elizabeth about this time he ended his life leaving a Scholars Inventory moe books many of his own making than mony behinde him 39. His friends say Bales passion endeavoured to be excused that Bale his pen doth zealously confute such as are strangers to him conceive it doth bitterly enveigh and his foes say it doth damnably raile on Papists and their opinions though something may be pleaded for his passion Old age and ill usage will make any man angry When young he had seen their superstition when old he felt their oppression Give losers therefore leave to speak and speakers to be cholerick in such cases The best is Bale railes not more on Patists then Pits employed on the same subject on Protestant Writers and even set me against the other whilest the discreet reader of both paring off the extravagances of passion on each side The Pope tampereth to reconcile the Queen to the Church of Rome may benefit himself in quietness from their loud and clamorous invectives 40. Pius the fourth 1560. being newly setled in the Papal chaire 3. May. 5. thought to do something no less honourable than profitable to his See in reducing Queen Elizabeth a wandring sheep worth a whole flock to the Church of Rome In order whereunto he not only was deaf to the importunity of the Count of Feria pressing him for a private grudge to excommunicate Her but also addressed Vincent Parpalia Abbot of S t. Saviours with courteous letters unto her The tenour whereof ensueth To our most dear Daughter in Christ Elizabeth Queen of England DEar daughter in Christ health and Apostolical benediction How greatly we desire our Pastoral charge requiring it to procure the salvation of your soule and to provide likewise for your honour and the establishment of your Kingdom withall God the searcher of all hearts knoweth and you may understand by what we have given in charge to this our beloved son Vincentius Parpalia Abbot of S t. Saviours a man well known to you and well approved by us Wherefore we do again and again exhort and admonish your Highnesse most dear daughter that rejecting evil Councellours which love not you but themselves and serve their own lusts Anno Dom. 1562. you would take the fear of God into Counsel with you Anno Regin Eliza. 4. and acknowledging the time of your visitation shew your selves obeâ—ient to our fatherly perswasions and wholsome Counsells and promise to your self from us all things that may make not only to the salvation of your soul but also whatsoever you shall desire from us for the establishing confirming of your Princely dignity according to the authority place and office committed unto us by God And if so be as we desire and hope you shall return into the bosome of the Church we shall be ready to receive you with the same love honour and rejoycing that the Father in the Gospel did his Son returning to him although our joy is like to be the greater in that he was joyfull for the salvation of one Son but you drawing along with you all the people of England shall hear us and the whole company of our brethren who are shortly God willing to be assembled in a generall Councell for the taking away of heresies and so for the salvation of your self and your whold nation fill the Vniversal Church with rejoycing and gladnesse Yea you shall make glad heaven it self with such a memorable fact and atchieve admirable renown to your name much more glorious than the Crown you wear But concerning this matter the same Vincentius shall deal with you more largely and shall declare our fatherly affection toward you and we intreate your Majesty to receive him lovingly to hear him diligently and to give the same credit to his speeches which you would to our self Given at Rome at S. Peters c. the fifth day of May 1560. in our first yeer What private proposals Parpalia made to her Majesty on condition she would be reconciled to Rome is unknown Some conceive the Pope might promise more then He meant to perform but would He perform more than He did promise nothing herein had been effected A Bargain can never be driven where a Buyer can on no terms be procured Her Majesty was resolute and unmoveable
Anthony his fire that it is mortall if it come once to clip and encompasse the whole body So had the North-East Rebels in Norfolke met and united with the South-East Rebels in Devonshire in humane apprehension desperate the consequence of that conjuncture 61. The second forme of Homilies As also those in Q Eliz. are those composed in the Raign of Queen Elizabeth amounting to one and twenty concluding with one against Rebellion For though formerly there had been one in King Edwards dayes for obedience yet this was conceived no superfluous tautologie but a necessary gemination of a duty in that seditious age wherein dull schollers needed to have the same lesson often taught unto them 62. They are penned in a plain stile The use of Homilies accommodated to the capacities of the Hearers being loth to say of the Readers the Ministers also being very simple in that age Yet if they did little good in this respect they did no harme that they preached not strange Doctrines to their people as too many vent new darknesses in our dayes For they had no power to broach Opinions who were only employed to deliver that liquor to them which they had received from the hands of others better skilled in Religion then themselves 63. However some behold these Homilies Their authenticall necessity questioned as not sufficiently legitimated by this Article to be for their Doctrine the undoubted issue of the Church of England alledging them composed by private men of unknown names who may probably be presumed at the best but the Chaplains of the Arch-Bishops under whom they were made Hence is it that some have tearmed them Homely Homilies others a popular * Mr. Mountuga in his appello Caesarem discourse or a Doctrine usefull for those times wherein they were set forth I confesse what is necessary in one age may be less needfull in another but what in one age is godly and wholsome Doctrine characters of commendation given by the aforesaid Article to the Homilies cannot in another age be ungodly and unhealthfull as if our faith did follow fashions and truth alter with the times * 2 Sam. 17. like Aâ—hitophell his Counsell though good in it self yet not at some seasons But some are concerned to decry their credits as much contrary to their judgement more to their practise especially seeing the second Homily in the second book stands with a spunge in one hand to wipe out all pictures and a hammer in the other to beat down all Images of God and Saints erected in Churches And therefore such use these Homilies as an upper garment girting them close unto or casting them from them at pleasure allowing and alledging them when consenting denying and disclaiming them when opposite to their practise or opinions 64. The Religion in England being setled according to these Articles which soon after were published Rastall writes against Bp. Jewel the first Papist that fell foule upon them was William Râ—stall Nephew to S r. Thomas More by Elizabeth his Sister and a great Lawyer Yet we beleeve not him * Pitzaeus de Ang. Scriptor pag. 764. that telleth us he was one of the two Chief justices as knowing the * See Sr. Henry Spelmâ—n his glâ—â—sary in Indic contrary However he was very knowing in our common law Witnesse his collections of statutes and comments thereon with other works in that faculty But this veteranus Jurisconsutus was vix Tyro Theologus shewing rather zeal to the cause then ability to defend it in those Books which he set forth against BP Jewell 65. No eminent English Protestant died this yeer The death of Dr. Smith but great grief among the Romanists for the loss of D r. Richard Smith Kings professour of Divinity in Oxford till outed by Peter Martyr Whereupon he forsook the land returned in the Raign of Queen Mary went back after her death into the Low-Countries where he was made Dean of S t. Peters in Doway and appointed by King Philip the second first Divinity professor in that new erectd Vniversity His * Pitzaeus de Ang. Script pag. 761. party much complain that his strong parts were disadvantaged with so weak sides and low voice Amo Regin Lliza 5. though indeed too loud his railing against the truth as appears by his Books 66. The English Bishops conceiving themselves impowered by their Canons The Original of Puritans began to shew their authority in urging the Clergy of their Diocess to subscribe to the Liturgie Ceremonies and Discipline of the Church and such as refused the same were branded with the odious name of Puritanes 67. A name which in this notion first began in this yeer The Homonymie of the tearm 1564 6. and the grief had not been great if it had ended in the same The Philosopher banisheth the term which is polysaemon that is subject to several senses out of the Predicaments as affording too much Covert for cavill by the latitude thereof On the same account could I wish that the word Puritan were banished common discourse because so various in the acceptions thereof We need not speak of the ancient Cathari or Primitive Puritans sufficiently known by their Hereticall opinions Puritan here was taken for the Opposers of the Hierarchie and Church-service as resenting of Superstition But prophane mouths quickly improved this Nick-name therewith on every occasion to abuse pious people some of them so far from opposing the Liturgie that they endeavoured according to the instructions thereof in the preparative to the Confession to accompany the Minister with a PURE heart and laboured as it is in the Absolution for a life PURE and holy We will therefore decline the word to prevent exceptions which if casually slipping from our pen the Reader knoweth that only Non-conformists are thereby intended 68. These in this age were divided into two ranks Mr. Fox a moderate Nonconformist Some milde and moderate contented only to enjoy their own conscience Others fierce and fiery to the disturbance of Church and State Amongst the former I recount the Principall Father John Fox for so Queeu Elizabeth termed him summoned as I take it by Arch-Bishop Parker to subscribe that the generall reputation of his piety might give the greater countenance to Conformity The old man produced the new-Testament in Greek to this saith he will I subscribe But when a subscription to the Canons was required of him he refused it saying I have nothing in the Church save a Prebenâ— a Salisbuâ—y and much good may it do you if you will take it away from me However such respect did the Bishops most formerly his Fellow-Exiles bear to his age parts and pains that he continued his place till the day of his death who though no friend to the Ceremonies was otherwise so devout in his carriage that as his nearest relation surviving hath informed me he never entred any Church without expressing solemn reverence therein 69.
Queen to more severity and make Her gird Her government closer to their sides who thought to shake it off This was apparent by the wofull experience of the excommunication denounced against King Henry the eighth Yea Watson Bishop of Lincolne if his b Watsons Quodlibets pag. 260. namesake may be credited was exceedingly grieved at the Popes proceedings herein foreseeing the inconvenience would thence arise This same Watson was he who in the first of Queen Elizabeth would in all hast by his own bare Episcopal power have excommunicated Her but now older and wiser mollified with ten years durance he altered his opinion 6. Others were unsatisfied in the Authenticalness of the instrument who never did or durst see the original and were unresolved whether the copies were sufficiently attested 7. Others were perplexed in point of conscience how far they were bound to obey herein seeing the law of nature obligeth the wife in duty to her husband excommunicated and the same reason is of the servant to the Master Subject to the Prince 8. Lastly Others were troubled in point of policy having their persons and estates in the Queens power and Bannes the Schoolman pleadeth that Subjects are not bound to desert or resist their Prince when such actions necessarily inferr danger of death and loss of goods But leaving them to have their scruples satisfied by their Confessours this causelesse curse to Queen Elizabeth was turn'd into a blessing and as the Barbarians looked when S t. Paul having the viper upon a Acts 28. 6. his hand should have swoln and falne down dead whil'st he shooke it off into the fire without any hurt or harme so Papists expected when the Queen should have miserably expired stung to the heart with this excommunication when She nothing frighted thereat in silence slighted and neglected it without the least dammage to Her power or person and no whit the less loy'd of Her subjects or fear'd of Her enemies And most false it is which Sanders b De Schism Anglicano pag. 372. reports that She by the mediation of some great men secretly laboured in vain in the Court of Rome to procure a Revocation of the Popes sentence against Her as what another * An Italian in the life of Pius Quintus relateth how She was wont to say that the thing it self grieved Her not so much as because done by P. Pius whose Election and life she helâ— for miraculous 26. This year two eminent Bishops The death of Bp. Barlow and Bourn once of the same Cathedral but different Religions ended their lives William Barlow D r. of Divinity Canon of S t. Osith then Prior of Bisham successively Bishop of S t. Asaph S t. Davids and Bath and Wells in the dayes of King Edward the sixth Afterwards an exile in the reign of Queen Mary in Germany where he lived in great want and poverty and by Queen Elizabeth he was made Bishop of Chichester where he was buried The other Gilbert Bourne Bishop of Bath and Wells though a zealous Papist yet of a good nature well deserving of his Cathedral and who found also fair usage in his restraint living in free custody with the Dean of Exeter and lies buried in the Parish-Church of Silverton 27. Now was the twelfth year of the Queen fully past with her safety and Honour Popish expectation defeated In which the Credulous Papists trusting the predictions of Southsayers 1570 July 13. had promised to themselves a Golden c Camdens Eliz. in Anno 1570. day as they called it Instead whereof they are likely to finde many Leaden years hereafter And henceforward the seventeenth of November the day of the Queens Inauguration was celebrated with far greater Solemnity then ever before Saint Hugh being for fourty four years left out of our Calenders to make Room for Her Majesty And John Felton who fastned the Popes Bull to the Palace of London Aug. 8. being taken and refusing to fly was hanged on a Gibbet before the Popes Palace 28. Hugh Price D r. of the Civill Law The foundation of Jesus Col. in Oxford procured the foundation of a Colledge in Oxford on a Ground where White-hall had been formerly situated which with Edifices and Gardens thereto belonging being then in the Crown Queen Elizabeth gave to so pious a use and therefore is stiled the Foundress in this Mortmain However the said Doctor inscribed these following verses over the Gate when the Building of the Colledge was but begun Struxit Hugo Pricius tibi clara Palatia Jesu Vt Doctor Legum Pectora Docta daret Hugh Price this Palace did to Jesus Build That a Laws Doctor Learned men might yield But an Oxford a Pitz. de Ang. Ox. pag. 37. Author telleth us that a Satyrical Pen did under-write with Wit and Wagary enough these following verses Anno Dom. 1570 Nondum struxit Hugo vix fundamenta Locavit Det Deus ut possit dicere struxit Hugo Hugh hath not Built it yet may it be said He Built it who hath scarce the Ground-work Laid But no doubt the Scholars therein at their first admission know how to justifie their reputed Founders words by the Figure of Prolepsis and can tell you that what is well begun is half finished Principalls D r. David Lewis * This Coll. hath had ten Principals whereas Trin. Coll. in the same University founded 14. years before hath had but five Presidents D r. of Laws 1. D r. Lloyd D r. of Law and Dean of the Arches 2. D r. Griffin Lloyd Chanc. of Oxon 3. D r. Fra Bevans 4. D r. Jo. Williams Marg. Prof. 5. Griffith Powell Bac. of Law 6. Francis Mansell D. D. Fellow of All-Souls 7. He resigned his place to S r. Eubule Thelwel one of the Masters of the Chancery conceiving he might be more serviceable to the Colledge S r. Eubule Thelwel K. 8. D r. Francis Mansel rechosen 9. Michael Roberts D. D. 10. Bishops Morgan Owen Bishop of Landaffe Thomas Howel Bishop of Bristoll A most excellent Preacher Benefactors Herbert Westfalling BP of Hereford Hen. Rowland BP of Bangor Griffith Lloyd D r. of Law Griffith Powell John Williams D r. of Divinity S r Eubule Thelwell K. who made a Court in a manner four-square builded and wainscotted the Hall perfected the Chappel with a curious and costly Roof c. Mistres Jane Wood widdow of Owen Wood Dean of Armagh Learned-writers James Howel an elegant writer So that in the year 1634. It had one Principall sixteen Fellows sixteen Scholers most of the ancient British Nation besides officers and servants of the Foundation and other Students All which made up the Number of one hundred and nine 29. Hitherto Papists generally without regret The first beginning of Recusancie repaired to the publike places of Divine Service and were present at our Prayers Sermons and Sacraments What they thought in their hearts He knew who knoweth hearts but in outward conformity
attesting the same This S r. Francis was afterwards buried in the English Colledge at Valadolid in Spain having bountifully contributed to the erecting thereof 21. James Pilkinton BP of Durham ended his life formerly Master of S t. Johns Colledge in Cambridge The death of B. Pilkington He was as appeareth by many of his letters a great Conniver at Nonconformity and eminent for commencing a Suite against Queen Elizabeth for the lands and goods of the Earls of Northumberland and Westmerland after their attaindor as forfeited to him Prince Palatine within his Diocess But the Queen prevailed because on her charges she had defended Bishop and Bishoprick against that Rebellion when both his Infant-Daughters conveyed away in Beggars cloaths were sought for to be killed by the Papists These afterwards with foure thousand pounds apiece were married the one to S r. James Harrington the other to M r. Dunce of Bark-shire which portions the Courtiers of that age did behold with envious eyes for which the Bishoprick sped no whit the better 22. The same year concluded the life of Edward Deering an eminent Diviâ—e And of Mr. Deering born of a very ancient and worthy family in Kent bred Fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge a pious man and painfull Preacher but disaffected to Bishops and Ceremonies Once preaching before Queen Elizabeth he told her that when in persecution under her sister Queen Mary her Motto was Tanquam Ovis as a sheep but now it might be Tanquam indomita juvenca as an untamed Heifer But surely the Queen still retained much of her ancient Motto as a sheep in that she patiently endured so publick and conceiveed causeless reproof in inflicting no punishment upon him save commanding him to forbear further preaching at the Court. 23. Rowland Jenkes 20. July 4. 5. 6. a Popish Book-seller was indicted at the Summer Assiscs in Oxford 1577. for dispersing of scandalous Pamphlets defamatory to the Queen and State A strange mortality at Oxford Here on a suddain happened a strange mortality whereof died S r. Robert Bell Lord Chief Baron a great Lawyer S r. Robert De Oile S r. Will. Babington M r. De Oile High Sheriffe M r. Wenman M r. Danvers M r. Fettiplace M r. Hare-Court Justices M r. Kerle M r. Greenwood M r. Foster M r. Nash Gentlemen of good account Sergeant Bernham an excellent Pleader Almost all the Jurie-men and of other persons there present three a Camden his Eliz. in hoc an hundred died in the Town and two hundred more sickning there died in other places within a Moneth Amongst whom not b Stows Chro. pag. 681. either Woman or Child 24. Sanders calleth this Improved by Papists to their advantage ingens miraculum and ascribeth it as a just punishment on the cruelty of the Judge for sentencing the Stationer to lose his Ears Adding moreover that the Protestants whose Philosophers and Physitians could not finde the naturall cause thereof gave it out De schismate pag. 375. that the Papists by Magick arts had procured this infection Sr. Fra Bacon his judgement of infectious smells The best is his words are no slanders 25. But heare how a profound Scholler De schisinate pag. 375. no less happy in finding Anno Dom. 1577. then diligent in searching the mysteries of nature Anno Regin Eliza. 20. and utterly unconcerned in this quarrel Sr. Fra. Bacon his judgement of infectious smells delivereth his judgement in the like case a Naturall Hist Cent teath Num. 914. The most pernicious infection next to the Plague is the smell of the Jaile When Prisoners have been long and clese nastily kept Whereof we have had experience twice or thrice in our time When both the Judges that sate upon the jaile and numbers of those that attended the business or were present sickned upon it and died Therefore it were good wisdome that in such cases the Jaile were aired before they be brought forth Otherwise most dangerous are the smells of mans-flesh or sweat putrified For they are not those stincks which the Nostrills streight abhor and expell which are most pernicious But such aires as have some similitude with mans body And so insinuate themselves and betray the Spirits Of these Mortalities mentioned by this Author the first probably was this at Oxford happening within the verge of youthfull memory the other two at Hereford in the Reigns of King James and King Charls The like chanced some foure years since at Croydon in Surrey where a great depopulation happened at the Assises of Persons of quality and the two Judges Baron Yites and Baron Rigby getting their banes there died few dayes after Yet here no Papists were arraigned to amount it to a Popish miracle so that Saunders his observation is no whit conclusive naturall causes being afforded of such casualties 26. We may remember how in the year Many a Priest executed One thousand five hundred seuenty and one a severe Law was made against such who brought any superstitions Trinkets Badges of the Romish vassalage into England This Law lay Dormant for these last six years and was never put into execution that Papists might not pretend themselves surprised into punishment through the ignorance of the Law so long a time being allowed unto them that they might take serious cognizance of the said statute in this behalf And therefore let such Catholicks who complaine of cruelty herein produce a Precedent of the like lenity amongst them used to Offendors Nove. 30. But now one Cuthbert Maine a Priest was drawn hanged and quartered at Lanston in Cornewall for his obstinate maintaining of the Papall power and one Trugion a Gentleman of that County was condemned to loss of all his goods and perpetuall imprisonment for affording harbour unto him 27. Hitherto the English Bishops had been vivacious almost to wonder The vivacity of English Protestant Bishops For necessarily presumed of good years before entering on their office in the first of Queen Elizabeth it was much that but five died for the first twenty years of her reign * We account in this number not any Popish Bps. nor Scory and Barlow Protestants made in the reign of K Edward The death of P. Bullingham Whereas now seven deceased within the compasse of two years Thus when a generation of contemporary persons begins to crack it quickly falls and the leases of their clay cottage commencing it seems much from the same date at the same terme did expire We will severally reckon them up the rather because all the Remarks of Church-History for those two years is folded up in their characters 28. Nicholas Bullingham began the breach translated from Lincolne to Worcester whereat my b Sr. I. Haring. his addition to B. Godwin Author doth much admire conceiving belike such advancement a degradation and can only render this reason that for his own ease he changed a larger for a lesser Diocess
But what if Worcester were also the better Bishoprick and so the warmer seat for his old age 29. William Bradbridge bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford Bishop of Exeter was snatcht away with a sudden death And in the same year Edmond Guest BP of Salisbury bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge who wrote many books reckoned up by J. Bale bought and bestowed more on the library of Salisbury Anno Regin Eliza. 21. Anno Dom. 1578. the case whereof Bp. Cheyney a great Lu heran wrongfully accused to die a Papist was built by BP Jewell 30. Richard Cheyney Bishop of Bristol holding Glocester therewith in dispensation bred in Cambridge of whom M r. * Camd. in his Eliz. 1559. Camden giveth this character that he was Luthero addictissimus Most addicted to Luther Bishop * In his Catalogue of the Bishops of Glocester Godwin saith Jun. 27. Feb. 28. Luthero addictior fortasse quà m par erat Perchance more addicted to Luther then was meet Adding moreover that in the first convocation in the reign of Queen Mary he so earnestly opposed Popery that he wonde reth how he escaped with life But I wonder more how since his death the scandalous rumour is raised that he died a Papist suspended by Arch-Bishop Grindall from his Episcopall function and this one his successour in that See will perswade others to believe 31. However the words of Mrs. Goldsborrough widdow to BP Goldsborrough of Glocester a grave Matron prevail'd with me to the contrary His vindication Who at a publick entertainment in the presence of many and amongst * All my search cannot finde out such an Instrument in any office them of my judicious friend Mr. Langley the worthy Schoolmaster of St. Pauls gave a just check to this false report and avowed that to her knowledge he died a true and sincere Protestant Eliz. 22. June 1. 1579. 32. Robert Horne succeeded Borne in the Bishoprick of Durham bred in S t. Iohns in Cambridge * Camdens Eliz. in Anno 1559. one valido faecundo ingenio saith my Author Of a spritefull and fruit full wit One who would go thorough whatsoever he undertook be it against Papists or Nonconformists and his adversaries playing with his name as denoting his nature hard and inflexible nothing moved him to abate of his resolution 33. Thomas Bentham followed him Bishop of Coventry Followed by Bp. Bentham and Leichfield bred in Magdalen Colledge in Oxford Feb. 21. of whose christian valour in that Colledge against superstition in Queen Maries reign we have spoken before 34. Richard Cox Bishop of Ely The death of Bishop Cox concludes this Bill of Mortality Tutor to King Edw. the 6. of whom largely before in the troubles at Frankford I am sorry so much is charged on his memory and so little can be said in his vindication and would willingly impute it not to his want of innocence but ours of intelligence It moves me much his accusation of * Said to seed his servants with poudered venison shrewdly hurt to save other meat St. I. Harring. in his additions to B. G. covetousness dilapidating or rather delignating his Bishoprick cutting down the woods thereof for which he fell into the Queens displeasure But am more offended at his taking if true the many ancient manuscripts from Oxford under the pretence of a visitation He was an excellent poet though the verses written on his own tombe are none of the best and scarce worth our translating Vita caduca vale salveto vita perennis Corpus terra tegit spiritus alta petit In terra Christi Gallus Christum resonabam Da Christe in Coelis te sine fine sonem Frail life farewell welcome life without end Earth hides my corps my soule doth heaven ascend CHRISTS COCK on earth I chanted Christ his name Grant without end in Heaven I sound the same It seems some took exceptions at the Epitaph as parcell-Popish because though supposing his possession praying for the perpetuation of his happinesse and on that account twenty years after his death it was partly demolished 35. This year also S r. Thomas Gresham ended his life Gresham Col. founded by St. T. Gresham whose Royall-Exchange in London with all the Magnificence thereof could not properly intitle him to a mention in this our Church-History Anno Dom. 1580. had he not also by his will bequeathed maintenance Anno Regin Eliza. 23. for the erecting of a Colledge in Bishops-gate-street allowing an annuall Salary of fifty pound to severall Professors in Divinity Civill Law Physick Astronomie Geometry Musick and Rhetorick It is therefore no mistake in * In his Atlas pag 66. Mercator when counting three Universities in England Cambridge Oxford and London seeing the last may be so esteemed both in relation to the Inns-of-Court and this Colledge 36. The Family of love The obscure Original of the Familists began now to grow so numerous factious and dangerous that the Privy Councell thought fit to endeavour their suppression Being now to deduce the Originall of this Sect we desire that the Clock of Time on the margin of our Book may stand still intending not to discompose the method of years therein though we go backward for awhile in our History to fetch in the beginning of these Familists Most obscure was their Originall according to the Apostles a Jude 4. words There are certain men crept in unawaâ—es Crept in shewing the slownesse of their pace and the lownesse of their posture The later proceeding partly from their Guiltiness not daring to go upright to justifie avouch and maintain their doctrine partly out of Policy to worke themselves in the b Isa 30. 6. more invisibly But these Creepers at first turn'd Plyers afterwarde flying Serpents no contradiction so that the State accounted it necessary to cut down their arrogancy and increase whose beginning with the means thereof we come now to relate 37. One Henry Nicholas born in Amsterdam Hen. Nicholas their first founder first vented this doctrine about the year 1550. in his own country He was one who wanted learning in himself and hated it in others and yet was conceived which at first procured pitty unto him though of wilde and confused notions with absurd and improper expressions yet of honest and harmless intentions Men thought him unable both to manage his Apprehensions whole as to make sense of them and too weak by distinctions to parcel and divide them wanting Logick for that purpose and yet they charitably conceived his minde might be better then his mouth and that he did mean better then he could interpret his own meaning For meeting with many c John 17. 21 22 23. c. places in Scripture which speak the union and communion of Christians with Christ Christ with God how quickly are mysteries made blasphemies when unskilfull hands meddle with them he made of them a most carnall-spirituall
majesty aside determine with your self to obey his voice and with all humility say unto him non mea sed tua voluntas fiat God hath blessed you with great felicity in your reign now many years beware you do not impute this same to your own deserts or policy but give God the glory and as to instruments and means impute your said felicity first to the goodness of the cause which you set forth I mean Christs true religion And Secondly to the sighs and groans of the Godly in fervent prayer to God for you which have hitherto as it were tied and bound the hands of God that he could not pour out his plagues upon you and your people most justly deserved Take heed that you never think of declining from God lest it be verified of you which is written of Joash 2 Cron. 24. who continued a Prince of good and godly government for many years together and afterwards cum corroboratus esset elevatum est cor ejus in interitum suum neglexit Deum You have done many things well but unless you persevere to the end you cannot be blessed for if you turn from God then will be turn his mercifull countenance from you and what remaineth then to be looked for but only a horrible expectation of Gods judgement and an heaping up of Gods wrath against the day of wrath But I trust in God your Majesty will alwayes humble your self under his mighty hand and goe forward in the godly and zealous setting forth of Gods true religion alwayes yeilding true obedience and reverence to the word of God the only rule of faith and religion And if you so doe although God hath just cause many wayes to be angry with you and us for our unthankfulness Yet I doubt nothing but for his own names sake he will still hold his mercifull hand over us shield and protect us under the shadow of his wings as he hath hitherto done I beseech God our heavenly Father plentifully to pour his principall spirit upon you and alwayes direct your heart in his holy fear Amen Amen What could be written with more spirit and less animosity more humility and less dejection I see a Lambe in his own can be a Lion in God and his churches Cause Say not that orbitas and senectus the two things which made the man speak so boldly a Plutarch Morals to the Tyrant only encouraged Grindall in this his writing whose necessary boldness did arise partly from confidence in the goodness of the cause for which partly from the graciousnes of the Queen to whom he made his address But alas all in vain Leicester had so filled her Majesties eares with complaints against him there was no room to receive his petition 4. Indeed Leicester cast a covetous eye on Lambeth-House Lambeth house Grindals guilt alledging as good arguments for his obtaining thereof as ever were urged by Ahab for Naboths-Vineyard Now Grindall though generally condemned for remisness in this kinde parting with more from his See then ever his successors thanked him for stoutly opposed the alienating of this his principal Palace and made the Leicestrian Party to malice him but more hereof b In Grindals character at his death hereafter Mean time may the Reader take notice that a great Scholar and Statesman and no Enemy to the Hierarchie in his c Sâ— Francis Bacon worthy considerations abuut Church-Government tendred to King James conceiveth that such Prophesyings which Grindall did favour might be so discreetly cautioned and moderated as to make them without fear of faction profitable for advancing of learning and Religion But so jealous were some Bishops of that Age of these Prophecyings as having too much Presbyterian Analogie and classical Constitution therein they decried the motion of them as Schismatical 5. I finde no mortality of Protestant Worthies this year The death of Cope and Bullock But amongst the Catholicks much moan for the death of Allan Cope Harpsfields great correspondent and Agent for those of his Religion at Rome where he died and was buried in the English Colledge and George Bullock bred in S t. Johns in Cambridge and after lived in Antwerpe in the Monastery of S t. Michaels 6. Now began Priests and Jesuites to flock faster into England Pepish Iecusis swarme iuto England than ever before having exchange of cloaths and names and professions He who on Sunday was a Priest or Jesuite was on Monday a Merchant on Tuesday a Souldier on Wednesday a Courtier c. and with the sheers of equivocation constantly carried about him he could cut himself into any shape he pleased But under all their new shapes they retained their old nature being akinn in their turbulent spirits to the wind pent in the subterranean concavities which will never be quiet untill it hath vented it self with a State-quake of those countries wherein they abide These distilled traiterous principles into all people wheresoever they came and endeavoured to render them disaffected to Her Majesty maintaining that She neither had nor ought to have any dominion over Her Subjects whilest She persisted in an heretical distance from the Church of Rome 7. Hereupon the Parliament Necessary severity of the Parliament against them which now met at Westminster was enforced for the security of the State to enact severe laws against them First Jan. 16. that it should be treason to draw any from that faith established in England to the Romish religion Secondly that it should be treason to be reconciled to the Romish religion Thirdly that to maintain or conceal any such person longer then twenty days should be misprision of treason Fourthly that saying mass should be two hundred marks penalty and one years imprisonment Fiftly hearing Mass should be one hundred marks penalty and one years imprisonment Sixtly absence from the Church one moneth fineable at twenty pounds Seventhly all they shal be imprisoned who will not or cannot pay the forfeiture Eightly it was provided that such should pay ten pounds a moneth who kept a School-master in their house who repaireth not to Church Where by the way we may mention that some since conceive themselves to have discovered a defect in this law because no order is taken therein against Popish School-mistrisses And although School-master may seem of the Common-gender and inclusive of both sexes yet by the letter of the law all She-teachers which did mischief to little children evaded the punishment Thus when authority hath carefully shut all doores and windows imaginable some little offenders will creep through the cranies thereof 8. When Sovereigns have made laws Many against 〈◊〉 mâ—lcts for 〈◊〉 Subjects sometimes take the boldness to sit in judgement upon them to commend them for just or condemne them for cruel as here it came to pass Some and those far enough from all Popery misliked the imposing of monie-mâ—lcts on mens consciences If the Mass were lawfull let it freely be permitted if
so far as to disclaim the treacherous part and principles thereof This is most visible in the Secular Priests the Queens lenity so working on many of them that both in writing and preaching they have detested and confuted all such traiterous practices as against the laws of God 7. The rather Anno Dom. 1581. Anno Regin Eliza. 24. because no Jesuite is put to death for his religion but rebellion they are never examined on any article of their faith nor are their consciences burdened with any interrogatories touching their belief but only practices against the State are charged upon them 7. The death of Jesuits in such cases may fitly be stiled the childe of their rebellion but the grand-childe of their religion which is removed but a degree farther For their obedience to their superiours putteth them on the propagation of their religion and by all means to endeavour the same which causeth them out of an erroneous conscience to do that which rendereth them offenders to our State Now in all ages such as have suffered for their consciences not only immediately and in a direct line but also at the second hand and by implication receive pity from all such as behold their sufferings whether as a debt due or as an almes given unto them let others dispute and therefore such putting of Jesuits unto death will but procure unto them a general commiseration These and many other reasons too many and tedious to be here inserted were brought and bandied on both sides every one censuring as they stood affected 11. In the execution of these laws against Jesuits The execution of this law moderated Queen Elizabeth embraced a middle and moderate way Indeed when a new rod is made some must be whipped therewith though it be put in terrorem of others When these Statutes were first in the state or magisteriality thereof they were severely put in practice on such offendours as they first lighted on But some years after the Queen and Her Judges grew remiss in the execution thereof Witness the only confining of many of themto Wisbidge Castle where they fell out amongst themselves And in King James His dayes this dormant law against Jesuits only awakened some once in foure or five years to shew the world that it was not dead and then fairely fell asleep again being very sparingly put in execution against some notorious offenders 12. The worst was Worst of essenders scape best the punishment hap'ned heaviest on those which were the least offenders For whereas the greatest guilt was in the Senders all the penalty fell on the Messengers I mean on such novices which sent hither at their Superiours commands and who having lost their sight beyond the seas by blinde obedience came over to lose their lives in England Now Jesuitisme is a weed whose leaves spread into our land may be cut off but the root thereof is out of reach as fixed in Rome and other forrain parts For in the mean time their Superiours staying at Rome ate slept wrote rail'd complain'd of persecution making of faces and they themselves crying out oh whilest they thrust the hands of others of their own religion into the fire 13. A loud Parliament is alwayes attended with a silent Convocation Anno Regin Eliza. 23. as here it came to pass The activity of the former in Church-matters left the later nothing to do Anno Dom. 1580. Only this account I can give thereof out of our records First Arch-Bishop Grindal appeared not at all therein The acts of a silent Convocation age blindness and disgrace keeping the good father at home Jan. 17. Secondly John Elmer Bishop of London was appointed his locumtenens or Deputy Thirdly this Convocation began in S t. Pauls where it continued without any removal with reading the Letany vulgari sermone in the English tongue Fourthly the Bishops commended three namely D r. Humsries Dean of Winchester D r. * So called by mistake in Records otherwise his name was William George Day Dean of Windsor and D r. Goodman Dean of Westminster to the inferiour Clergy to chose one of them for their Referendary or Prolocutor Fiftly D r. Day was elected and presented for that office Sixtly motion was made of drawing up some articles against the dangerous opinions of the Family of love a sect then much encreasing but nothing was effected Seventhly Marc. 25. at several Sessions they met 1581 and prayed and confer'd and prorogued their meeting and departed Lastly the Clergy granted a Subsidie afterwards confirmed by the Parliament and so the convocation was dissolved 14. Now can I not satisfie my self on my strictest enquiry what Jesuite Quere on whom the law was first hanselled or Priest had the first hansell of that severe Statute made against them Indeed I finde a Priest 31. John Pain by name executed at Chelmsford March the 31. which was but thirteen dayes after the dissolution of the Parliament for certain speeches by him uttered but cannot avouch him for certainly tried on this Statute May 28. More probable it is that Thomas Ford John Shert and Robert Iohnson Priests executed at London were the first-fruits of the States severity 15. No eminent Clergy-man Protestant died this year The death of Bp. Berkelay save Gilbert Berkelay 25. May 8. Bishop of Bath and Wells 1582 who as his Armes do attest was alliXed to the ancient and honourable familie of the Berkelays 16. The Presbyterian party was not idle all this while A meeting of the Presbyterians at Cockfield but appointed a meeting at Cockfield M r. Knewstubs Cure in Suffolke where three-score Ministers of Norfolke Suffolke and Cambridge-shire met together to conâ—eâ—r of the Common-Prayer-Book what might be tolerated and what necessary to be refused in every point of it apparrel matter forme days fastings injuctions c. Matters herein were carried with such secrecy that we can see no light thereof but what only shineth thorough one crevise in a private letter a Mr. Pigg in his letter to Mr. Field dated May 16. of one thus expressing himself to his friend Concerning the meeting I hope all things were so proceeded in as your self would like of as well for reverence to other brethren as for other matters I suppose before this time some of the company have told you by word for that was permitted unto you 17. We are also at as great a loss Another at Cambridge what was the result of their meeting at the Commencement at Cambridge Iuly 2. this being all we finde thereof in a b Idem Ibidem letter of one to his private friend concerning the Commencement I like well the motion desiring it might so come to pass and that it be procured to be as generall as might be which may easily be brought to pass if you at London shall so think well of it and we here may understand your minde we will
assemblies are to be monished to make Collections for relief of the poor and of scholars but especially for relief of such Ministers here as are put out for not subscribing to the Articles tendered by the Bishops also for relief of Scottish Ministers and others and for other profitable and necessary uses All the Provinciall Synods must continually aforehand foresee in due time to appoint the keeping of their next Provinciall Synods and for the sending of Chosen Persons with certain instructions unto the nationall Synod to be holden whensoever the Parliament for the Kingdome shall be called at some certain set time every year See we here the embryo of the Presbyterian Discipline lying as yet as it were in the wombe of Episcopacy though soon after it swell'd so great that the mother must violently be cut before the child could be delivered into the world as to the publick practice thereof 2. Many observables in these Decrees offer themselves to our consideration Several observations on these Decrees First that they were written in latine whereof they had two elegant penners Cartwright and Travers shewing themselves no enemies to that tongue which some ignorant Sectaries afterward condemn'd for superstitious counting every thing Romish which was Romane and very Cordials to be poison if lapp'd up in latine 2. Probably as Artists hang a curtain before their works whilst yet imperfect so these Synodists thought fit in latine as yet to vail their Decrees from vulgar eyes seeing nothing can be projected and perfected together Yea the repetition of those words doth seem and it seemeth carrying something of uncertainty in them sheweth these Decrees as yet admitted but as Probationers expecting confirmation on their good behaviour 3. The election of the people is here made the essence of a call to a Pastoral Charge to which the presentation of the most undoubted Patrone is call'd in but ad corroborandum As for Institution from the Bishop it was superadded not to compleat his Ministeriall function in point of conscience but legally to enable the Minister to recover his maintenance from the detainers thereof 4. Partiall subscription is permitted to the Articles of Religion viz. only to the Doctrinal part thereof but none to those wherein Discipline is mentioned especially to the clause at the end of the twentieth Article The Church both power to decree Rites and Ceremonies c. accounted by the Brethren the very sting in the tail of the locusts 5. Those words If subscription shall be urged again Plainly intimate that the reins of Episcopal government were but loosly held and the rigour thereof remitted for the reasons by us fore-alledged 6. That Church-wardens and Collectors for the poor are so quickly convertible even in their opinion into Elders and Deacons only with a more solemn and publick election shows the difference betwixt those officers to be rather nominal then real 7. By Women-Deacons here mentioned we understand such widows which the Apostle appointeth in the primitive Church to attend strangers and sick people and which M r. a In his Admonitions pag 163. Section 2. Cartwright affirmeth ought still to be continued although he confesseth there be learned men think otherwise 8. Their Comitial Assemblies kept in the Universities at the commencements wisely they had an eye on the two eyes of the land were conveniently chosen as safely shadowed under a confluence of people See we here though the matter of their Discipline might be Jure Divino humane prudence concurred much in the making thereof as in ordering a National Synod alwayes to run parallel with the Parliament 9. Mention being made of relieving Scottish Ministers if any ask what northern tempest blew them hither know they quitted their own country about this time upon refusal of conformity and found benevolence in England a better livelihood than a Benefice in Scotland 10. The grand designe driven on in these Decrees was to set up a Discipline in a Discipline Presbytery in Episcopacy which as appears in the Preface they thought might well stand with the peace of the Church but this peace prov'd but a truce this truce but a short one before both parties brake into irreconcileable hostility Thus it is impossible to make a subordination in their practises who have an opposition in their principles For though such spheres and orbs which agree in one center may proportionably move one within another yet such as are excentricall can never observe equall distance in their motion but will sagg aside to grind and grate one the other But enough hereof at this time having jetted out a little already into the next year no offence we hope seeing it makes our History more entire in this subject 3. This year A blasphemous Hererick reclaimed Robert Dickons a Leicester shire youth but it seems Apprentice at Mansell in Nottingham-shire having parts and pregnancy above his Age and profession arrived at such a height of Prophanenesse as not only to pretend to visions but account himself Eliah sent from God to perfect some defects in the Prophesie of Malachy But by Gods blessing on the endeavours of M r. Henry Smith whom his Unkle M r. Briant Cave this year Sheriff of Leicester-shire employed therein this Heretick was a See Mr. Smiths Sermon of the lost sheep found reclamed renouncing his Blasphemies by Subscription under his own hand and for ought I finde to the contrary lived peacably and painfully the remainder of his life 4. This is that Henry Smith The Character of Mr. Henry Smith born at Withcock in Leicester-shire of a worshipfull family and elder Brother to S r. Roger smith still surviving bred in Oxford and afterwards became that famous Preacher at S t. Clements Danes in London commonly called the silver-tongu'd smith being but one mettall in Price and Purity beneath S t. Chrysostome himself Yea whereas generally the sermons of those dayes are now grown out of fashion such is our Ages Curiosity and Affectation of Noveltie Smiths Sermons keep up their constant Credit as appears by their daily Impressions calculated for all times places and persons so solid the learned may partly admire so plain the unlearned may perfectly understand them The wonder of his worth is increased by the consideration of his tender Age dying very young b About the year 1500 as I am inform'd by his brother about 50. years agoe 5. I finde three of such who seemed Pillars in the Romish Church The death of Rich. Bristow deceased this year First Richard Bristow born in Worcester-shire bred in Oxford in Exeter Colledge whence he fled beyond the Seas and by Cardinall Allen was made overseer of the English Colledge first at Doway then at Rhemes He wrote most in English humili quidem stilo faith one of his own * â—itzaeus de illustribus Argl. scriptor Opinion but very solidly for proof whereof let his Books against D r. Fulke be perused For the recovery of his health he was advised
to return into his native Land and died quietly neere the City of London 6. The second The death of Nicholas Harpsfield Nicholas Harpsfield bred first in Winchester School then New Colledge in Oxford where he proceeded Doctor of Law and afterward became Arch-Deacon of Canterbury Under King Edward the 6 th he banished himself under Queen Mary he returned and was advanced And under Queen Elizabeth imprisoned for denying Her Supremacy Yet such was his milde usage in restraint that he had the opportunity to write much therein and amongst the rest his Ecclesiastical History no less learnedly then painfully peformed and abating his Partiality to his own Interest well deserving of all posterity He wrote also six dialogues in favour of his Religion but because in durance he durst not set it forth in his own but under the Name of Alan Cope Yet lest truth should be conceal'd and friend defraud friend of his due praise he caused these Capitall Letters to be ingraved at the end of his Book A. H. L. N. H. E. V. E. A. C. Hereby mystically meaning Auctor Hujus Libri Nicholaus Harpesfeldus Edidit Verò Eum Aalnus Copus He died this year at London in prison after 20. years restraint leaving behind him the general reputation of a Religious man 7. The third The death of Gregory Martin Gregory Martin born at Macfield in Sussex bred with Campian in St. Iohns Colledge in Oxford Tutor to Philip Earl of Arundel eldest son to Thomas Duke of Norfolke Afterwards he went over beyond Sea and became Divinity Professor in the Colledge of Rhemes died there October 28. and is buried with a large Epitaph under a plain monument 8. I shall now withdraw my self Letter History best History or at leastwise stand by a silent spectator whilst I make room for far my betters to come forth and speak in the present controversie of Church Government Call it not Cowardize but count it Caution in me if desirous in this difference to lie at a close-guard and offer as little as may be on either side Whilst the Reader shall behold the Masters of Defence on both sides engaged therein in these following letters of State Baronius the great Roman Annalist was wont to say Epistolaris Historia est optima Historia that is the best History which is collected out of Letters How much of the Acts of the Apostles especially for the regulation of time is contained in the Epistles of S t. Paul Of the Primitive History the most Authenticall part is what is gathered out of the letters of the Fathers and in like manner the true estate of Ecclesiasticall affairs in the dayes of Queen Elizabeth may be extracted out of the following despatches and their returns exhibiting the inclinations of their Authors in pure Naturalls without any adulterated addition and therefore the surest for others instruction and safest for my own protection 9. But one thing I must clear in our entrance thereon Objection against Letter want of Date answered in excuse that these Letters are Dateless as to the day and moneth a great omission which I have seen in many Originalls whose Authors so minded the matter that they neglected the time the present dispatching of them being date enough to their purpose though now the want thereof leaves Posterity at a loss A Blew Coat without a Badge is but a white Coat in effect as nothing informing the Beholder to what Lord the Bearer thereof doth relate And as little instructive will some say are these Letters as to the point of Chronologie But be it known that no Readers stomack can be so sharp set on Criticalness of Chronologie Anno. Dom. 1583. but that being fed with the certainty of the year He will not be famisht with the uncertainty of the moneth or day Anno Regin Eliza. 26. Indeed as such whose names are casually omitted in the Register may recover the truth of their age by a Comparative Computation of their years who were born about the same time so by the mixture and comparing of these dateless Letters with those having date of secular affairs I could Competently have collected and inserted the time save that I loath to obtrude any thing conjecturall on the readers belief But we must begin with the ensuing Petition as the ground-work of all the rest The Ministers of Kent to the Privie Councel MAy it please your Honours of your great and wonted favour towards the distressed The petition of the Kentish Ministers to consider these following Whereas we have been called to subscribe in the County of Kent to certain Articles propounded by my Lords Grace of Canterbury unto the Ministers and Preachers The first concerning Her Majesties authority The second concerning no contrariety to the word of God in the Book of Common-Prayer and administration of the Sacraments the book of ordering Bishops Priests and Deacons And the third that we beleeve all things in the book of the Articles of Religion to be agreeable to the word of God Whereupon all have most willingly offered to subscribe unto the other two And being pronounced in the open Court Contumaces reservata poenâ and so refer'd to answer at Law the 11 and 13 of February Which we feared would be prosecuted with much trouble and no resolution to our consciences we amongst the rest repaired with that carefull avoiding that we could of offence to his Lordships Grace to whom when we had the first day made known some of our doubts concerning the first book only many moe in number and as great in weight concerning the first and second and some concerning the third remaining beside we have upon our refusall and record taken by publick notary of one point only from every particular refuser which moved him thereunto and one place of Scripture adjoyned without collection or the reason of the same been suspended from our Ministery by which occasion as we fear that that account which hath been made of the consequence of our cause both in publick sermons and pronouncing of sentence against us namely that in denying to subscribe to the two aforesaid Articles we separated our selves from the Church and condemned the right service of God in prayer and administration of the Sacraments in the Church of England and the Ministry of the same and disobeyed Her Majesties Authority hath been intimated to your Honours So we think it our bound duties most humbly on our knees to beseech your Honours to know and make manifest in our behalf to Her Majesty that which we before the Lord in simplicity protest we in all reverence judge of the authority which is established and the persons which were Authors of those books that they did not only speak but also did highly to the glory of God promote the true Religion of God and the Glorious Gospell of Jesus Christ and that we so esteem of those books and there is nothing in them to cause us to separate our selves
follow thereof such success as may be to your liking that then you would be content to permit him to repair hither to London to be further dealt with as I shall take order for upon his coming for which purpose I have written a letter to the Sheriff if your Lordship shall like thereof And so I bid your Lordship right heartily farewell From the Court at Westminster this 21. of April 1581. Your Lordships very loving friend W. B. Brown being thus brought up to London by the advice of his friends was wrought to some tolerable compliance and being discharged by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury was by the Lord Treasurer sent home to his father Anthony Brown at Tolethorp in Rutland Esquire One I assure you of ancient and right worshipfull extraction having my self seen a charter granted by King Henry the eighth the 16 th of July in the 18 th of his reign and confirmed by act of Parliament to Francis Brown father to the aforesaid Anthony giving him leave to put on his cap in the presence of the King or his heirs or any Lord Spirituall or Temporall in the land and not to put it off but for his own ease and pleasure But let us see and the Lord Treasurers letter in the behalf of Brown to his father AFter my very hearty commendations understanding that your son Robert Brown had been sent for up by my Lord Bishop of Canterbury to answer to such matters as he was to be charged withall conteined in a Book made by him and published in print as it was thought by his means I thought good considering he was your Son and of my blood to send unto my Lord of Canterbury in his behalf that he might finde what reasonable favour he could shew him before whom I perceive he hath answered in some good sort and although I think he will not deny the making of the Book yet by no means will he confess to be acquainted with the publishing or printing of it He hath besides yielded unto his Lordship such further contentment as he is contented the rather at my motion to discharge him and therefore for that he purposeth to repair to you I have thought good to accompany him with these my letters and to pray you for this cause or any his former dealings not to withdraw from him your fatherly love and affection not doubting but with time he will be fully recovered and withdrawn from the Reliques of some fond opinions of his which will be the better done if he be dealt withall in some kinde and temperate manner And so I bid you very heartily farewell From my house neer the Savoy this eighth of October 1585. Your loving friend and Cousin William Burghley But it seems Browns errours were so inlaid in him no conference with Divines could convince him to the contrary whose incorrigibleness made his own father weary of his company Men may wish God only can work children to be good The old gentleman would own him for his Son no longer then his Son owned the Church of England for his Mother desiring to rid his hands of him as by the insuing letter will appear AFter my very hearty Commendations I perceive by your letters that you have little or no hopes of your sons conformity as you had when you received him into your house and therefore you seem desirous that you might have liberty to remove him further off from you as either to Stamford or some other place which I know no cause but you may very well and lawfully do where I wish he might better be perswaded to conforme himself for his own good and yours and his friends comfort And so I very heartily bid you farewell From the Court this seventeeth of February 1585. Your very loving friend and cousin William Burghley Thus to make our Story of the troublesom man the more entire we have trespassed on the two following years yet without discomposing our Chronologie on the Margin 3. With his assistant Richard Harrisen Brown his opinions a petty Pedagogue they inveighed against Bishops Ecclesiasticall Courts Ceremonies Ordination of Ministers and what not fancying here on earth a platform of a perfect Church without any faults understand it thus save those that are made by themselves therein The Reader if desirous to know their opinions is referred to the large and learned Treatises written against them particularly to the pains of D r. Fulke proving that the Brownists so named from this Brown their ringleader were in effect the same with the ancient Donatists only newly reviv'd Thus there is a circulation as in fashion of clothes so of opinions the same after some years return Brownisme being no more than Donatisme vamped with some new additions The Queen and Her Councell seriously set themselves first by gentleness to reduce and that not succeeding by severity to suppress the increase of this faction Brown himself used to boast that he had been committed to thirty two prisons and in some of them be could not see his hand at noon day Yet for all this he came off at last both with saving his life and keeping his living and that none of the meanest Achurch in Northampton-shire untill the day of his death 4. One may justly wonder Extraordinary favour indulged unto him when many meaner Accessaries in this schism were arraigned condemned executed how this Brown the Principal made so fair an escape yea enjoyed such preferment I will never believe that he ever formally recanted his opinions either by word or writing as to the main of what he maintained More probable it is that the promise of his genéral compliance with the Church of England so far forth as not to make future disturbance therein met with the Arch-Bishops courteous acceptance thereof both which effectually improved by the countenance of Thomas Cecil Earl of Exeter Brown's near kinsman and patron procured this extraordinary favour to be indulged unto him His Parsonage he freely possess'd allowing a sufficient salary for one to discharge the cure and though against them in his judgement was contented and perchance pleased to take the tithes of his own parish 5. For my own part whose nativity Providence placed within a mile of this Brown his pastorall charge The authors observation on him I have when a youth often beheld him He was of an imperious nature offended if what he affirm'd but in common discourse were not instantly received as an oracle He was then so far from the Sabbatarian strictness to which some preciser Brownists did afterwards pretend that both in judgement and practise he seemed rather libertine therein In a word he had in my time a wife with whom for many years he never lived parted from her on some distaste and a Church wherein he never preached though he received the profits thereof 6. As for his death in the prison in Northampton The occasion of his late death many years after in the reign of King Charles
Anno 1630. it nothing related to those opinons he did or his followers do maintain For as I am credibly informed being by the Constable of the Parish who chanced also to be his God-son somewhat roughly and rudely required the payment of a rate he happ'ned in passion to strike him The Constable not taking it patiently as a castigation from a God-father but in anger as an affront to his office complained to S r. Rowland S r. John a neighbouring Justice of the peace and Brown is brought before him The Knight of himself was prone rather to pity and pardon than punish his passion but Browns behaviour was so stubborn that he appeared obstinately ambitious of a prison as desirous after long absence to renew his familiarity with his ancient acquaintance His Mittimus is made and a cart with a feather-bed provided to carry him he himself being so infirme above eighty to goe too unweldie to ride and no friend so favourable as to purchase for him a more comly conveyance To Northampton jayle he is sent where soon after he sickned died and was buried in a neighbouring Church-yard and it is no hurt to wish that his bad opinions had been interred with him 7. The Tenents of Brownists daily increasing June 4. 6. July 6. their books were prohibited by the Queens authority Two Brownists executed Notwithstanding which prohibition some presumed to disperse the same and paid dearly for their contempt therein For Elias a Stow Chronicle pag. 697. Thacker was hanged on the fourth and John Coping on the sixth of June at the same place St. Edmonds Burie and for the same offence the scattering such schismatical pamphlets 8. John Whitgift succeeding in the Arch-Bishoprick Sept. 24. found it much surcharged in the valuation Whitgift succeedeth him and empaired in the revenues through the negligence of his predecessour who would pay willingly what they asked of him and take contentedly what any tendered to him First therefore Whitgift b Sr. George Paul in his life pag. 28. procured an order out of the Exchequer for the abatement of an hundred pound for him and his successours in the payment of his first-fruits Afterwards he encountred no meaner man than that great Courtier Souldier and Privie-Councellour S r. James Crosts or rather he legally contested with the Queen in him and recovered from both long c Idem p. 29. Beachwood in Kent containing above a thousand acres of land detained from his predecessour under colour of a lease from Her Majesty 9. This d Camdens Eliz. in hoc Anno. year Nicholas Sanders more truly Slanders Death of Sanders had in Ireland a wofull end of his wretched life He was borne in Sâ—rrey bred first in Winchester then in New Colledge in Oxford where he was Kings-Professor of Canon-Law but afterwards banishing himself fled to Rome there made Priest and D r. of Divinity He accompanied Cardinal Hosius to the Councel of Trent and there is said by disputing and declaiming to have gained himself great reputation At last he was sent over Popes Nuncio into Ireland conceived then a desperate employment and therefore many Catholicks regreted thereat Yea some were overheard to say but it is e De scriptor Anglican aetate 16. pag. 773. Pitzaeus Sander's own sisters son who reports it Why does his Holiness send our Sanders into Ireland We value him more then all Ireland is worth There amongst the bogs and mountains was he starved to death justly famished for want of food who formerly had surfited on improbable lies by him first forged on the nativity of Queen Elizabeth 10. We must not forget Lewes burnt at Norwich how this year one John Lewes was burnt at Norwich for denying the Godhead of Christ and holding other detestable heresies He called himself f Stows Chron. pag. 697. Abdeit let him tell you what he meant thereby alluding therein to the promise of a new g Rev. 2. 17. name which no man knoweth but him that receiveth it having in it a little mock-Hebrew to make himself the more remarkable 11. Now 27. 1584. so great was the malice of the Jesuits against Her Majesty Popish libels that at this time they set forth many slanderous libels stirring up Her Subjects and Servants to do the same to Her as Judith did to h Camdens Eliz. in hoc Anno. Holofernes One of their principal pamphlets was intitled A Treatise of Schism The suspicion of making it fell on Gregory Martin one probable enough for such a prank as being Divinity Professor in Rhemes did not his Epitaph there i Pitzaeus Descript Anglic pag. 782. ensure me he was dead and buried two years before Though it is possible his posthume work might be born abroad after the death of the author thereof But whoever made it William Carter the Stationer paid dearly for publishing it being executed at Tiburn And in the next moneth five Seminaries John Fen George Haddock John Munden John Nutter and Thomas Hemmerford were hanged bowelled and quartered for treason at Tiburn and many others about the same time Anno Dom. 1584. Anno Regin Eliza. 27. executed in other places 12. Yet The Queen Her eminent mercy even in the midst of this necessarie severity Her Majesty was most mercifull unto many Popish malefactors whose lives stood forfeited to the Laws in the rigour thereof For no fewer then seventy Priests some of them actually condemned to die all legally deserving death were by one act of Grace pardoned and sent over beyond sea Amongst these were 1. Gaspar Heywood son to that eminent Epigrammatist the first a Camdens Eliz. 1584. Jesuite that ever set foot in England 2. James Bosgrave 3. John Hart a learned man zealous to dispute not dangerous to practice for his religion 4. Edward Rishton ungrateful wretch who afterwards railed in print on the Queen who gave him his life Her Majesties mercy herein was the more remarkable because done at a time when treasons against her person by Arden Summerfield Throgmorton c. did follow or rather tread one on another If hereafter the edge of justice fall sharper on Jesuits let them thank their own trechery which whetted it against themselves 13. This year two conferences or disputations were kept Two fruitless Conferences the last at Lambeth about the Discipline and Ceremonies of the Church 1. Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Sandys of York and Cooper of Winchester for the same 2. Unconforming Ministers whose names I cannot certainly attain against it 3. The Lords of Her Majesties Privie Councell and some other persons of Honour Auditors thereof This Conference effected nothing on the disputants as to the altering of their opinions little on the Auditors but as much on all as any judicious person ever expected What Eliah said passionately b 1 King 19. 4. I am no better then my Fathers may be soberly said of this conference It was no happier then
any of its Ancestors which went before it Let me add also and no unhappier than its successors that shall come after it It being observed that meetings of this nature before or after this time never produced any great matter on persons present thereat who generally carry away the same judgement they brought with them And yet the Lords were pleased to say their judgements were satisfied in the point on the Bishops behalf not conceving their adversaries arguments so slight and triviall as now they appeared This was in some of them but a Court-Complement who afterwards secretly acted against the Arch-Bishop in favour of the other party 14. Whitgift finding this first way unsuccessfull Subscription severely pressed fell from other reasoning to a flat argument from Authority enjoyning all admitted to the Ecclesiasticall Orders and Benefices the subscription of the following Articles 1. That the Queen had supream authority over all persons born within Her Dominions of what condition so ever they were and that no other Prince Prelate or potentate hath or ought to have any jurisdiction Civil or Ecclesiasticall within Her Realms or Dominions 2. That the Book of Common-Prayer and the Ordination of Bishops Priests and Deacons containeth nothing contrary to the Word of God but may lawfully be used and that they will use that and none other 3. That the Articles of Religion agreed in the Synod holden at London in the year of our Lord 1562. and published by the Queens authority they did allow of and beleeve them to be consonant to the Word of God The severe inforcing of subscription hereunto what great disturbance it occasioned in the Church shall hereafter by Gods assistance be made to appear leaving others to judge whether the offence was given or taken thereby 15. Now came forth the Rhemish Translation of the New Testament The Rhemish Translation comes forth A Translation which needeth to be translated neither good Greek Latine or English as every where bespeckled with hard words pretended not renderable in English without abatement of some expressiveness which transcend common capacities Besides it is taxed by our Divines as guilty of abominable errours therein It was printed in large paper with a fair letter and margent all which I have charity enough to impute to their desire to do it for the more dignity of Gods word whilest others interpret it that thereby purposely they inhaunced the price to put it past the power of poore mens purses to purchase it Another accident raised the dearness thereof because so many books being seized on by the Queens Searchers the whole price of the Edition fell the more heavie on the remainder But suppose a poor Lay-Catholick so rich through his industry as secretly to purchase one of these Rhemish Testaments he durst not avouch the reading thereof without the permission of his Superiors licensing him thereunto 16. Secretary Walsingham Cartwright invited to answer it by his letters solicited M r. Thomas Cartwright to undertake the refuting of this Rhemish Translation and the better to enable him for the work sent him an-hundred a See â—he preface to Cartwrights book pounds out of his own purse A bountifull gift for one who was though a great Statesman a man of small estate contracting honourable b Camdens Elizabeth Anno 1590. poverty on himself by his expence on the publick as dying not so engaged to his private creditors as the whole Church and State was indebted to his endeavours Walsingham his letters to Cartwright were seconded by another from the Doctours and Heads of Houses and D r Fulke amongst the rest at Cambridge besides the importunity of the ministers of London and Suffolk solliciting him to the same purpose Hereupon Cartwright buckled himself to the employment and was very forward in the pursuance thereof 17. No sooner had Whitgift gotten notice Whitgift stoppeth his book what Cartwright was a writing but presently he prohibited his farther proceeding therein It seems Walsingham was Secretary of State not of Religion wherein the Arch-Bishop overpowred him Many commended his care not to intrust the defence of the Doctrine of England to a pen so disaffected to the Discipline thereof Others blamed his jealousie to deprive the Church of so learned pains of him whose judgement would so solidly and affections so zealously confute the publick adversary Distastfull passages shooting at Rome but glancing at Canterburie if any such were found in his book might be expunged whilest it was pity so good fruit should be blasted in the bud for some bad leaves about it Dishartened hereat Cartwright desisted but some years after encouraged by a Honourable Lord resumed the work but prevented by death perfected no further then the fifteenth chapter of the Revelation Many years lay this worthy work neglected and the copy thereof mouse-eaten in part whence the Printer excused some defects therein in his edition which though late yet at last came forth Anno 1618. A book which notwithstanding the foresaid defects is so compleat Anno Dom. 1584. Anno Regin Eliza. 27. that the Rhemists durst never return the least answer thereunto 18. Mean time whilest Cartwright his refutation of the Rhemish was thus retarded D r. William Fulke Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge entered the list against them judiciously and learnedly performing his undertaking therein His daughter and as I take it the only surviver of his children lately set forth the fourth and fairest edition of this his Confutation and dedicated it to King Charls 19. The Rhemists profess in their preface to the New Testament that the Old Testament also lieth by them for lack of good means to publish the whole in such sort Dr. Fulke first effected it as a work of so great charge and importance requireth which seemeth strange to a judicious consideration For had a voluminous legend of Saints-lives with pictures as costly as superstitious been to be set forth a mass a mint a mine of mony could easily be advanced to defray the expences thereof Thus Papists can be poor or rich as they please themselves Some behold this their promise to set forth the Old Testament as not really intended A promise never performed but given out to raise mens expectations which in process of time would fall of it self and the profer by degrees be forgotten Others interpret their resolutions real but purposely revoked seeing the ill success of their New testament so canvassed and confuted by the Protestant Divines Perceiving that their small pinace which they first set forth met at sea with such boisterous weather wisely they would not adventure a greater vessel after it but rather left it to rot on the dock than they would lanch it forth in such danger A third sort behold this their promise as a modest and manerly alià s a crafty and cunning begging of a contribution of the Catholick party for setting forth of the same which never as yet came into publick view Yea the Old
Testament some said would be old indeed before the translation thereof in English were by them set forth insomuch that some conceived a lease of land till this their promise be performed almost as good as the fee-simple thereof 20. But now though men were so generally confident Confidence of many at last deceived that these long expected Rhemish notes on the Old Testament would not come forth till the Greek Calends they have since found themselves deceived seeing some twenty years after that long-lookt for work crept forth into the World little notice being taken thereof by the Protestants Partly because no great eminency therein to intitle it to their perusall Partly because that moity of the Bible is of least concernment in the controversies betwixt us and the Church of Rome 21. I finde not this year the death of any eminent English Protestant-Divine The death of George Etheredge Amongst the Papists George Etheredge departed this life much lamented by those of his own perswasion He was Bachelor of Physick in Corpus-Christi Colledge in Oxford and Kings-professor of Greek in that University which place he quitted at the coming in of Queen Elizabeth and betook himself there to a private life His house was an Hospital to relieve those of his own Religion on whom he expended his estate He was one of the primitive Catholicks saith my a Piâ—zeus de Anglic Script pag 785. author persecuted for his conscience As he started soon he ran long in the race of patience used to all the jayles in Oxford and London for thirty years together In so much that he professed that the variety of prisons was some pleasure and the custome of durance had made fetters to be freedom unto him 22. This year came forth the exposition of M r. Thomas Rogers Mr. Rogers writeth on our Articles on the Articles of the Church of England which at first met not with that wellcome entertainment which seemed due to his endeavours For besides the two extremes Papists and Schismaticks highly enraged many Protestants of a middle temper were much offended thereat Some conceiv'd it presumption for any private Minister to make himself the mouth of the Church Anno Regin Eliza. 28. Anno Dom. 1585. to render her sense in matters of so high concernment Others were offended that his interpretation confin'd the charitable latitude formerly allowed in those Articles The composers whereof providently foreseeing that doctrinal differences would inevitably arise in so large a Church as England was even betwixt Protestants agreeing in fundamentals of Religion purposely couched the Articles in general terms not that falsehood should take shelter under the covert thereof but to include all such dissenters within the comprehensiveness of the expressions Whereas now M r. Rogers his restrictive Comment shut out such from their concurrence with the Church of England which the discreet laxity of the Text admitted thereunto However the worth of the work in some years wrought it self into good esteem as dedicated to and countenanced by the Arch-Bishop though the author thereof never got any higher preferment 23. Three great Societies at this time in London were busily imployed Three great Corporations now on foot together the two former of them avouched by Law and the third avouching it self namely The Parliament The Convocation The assembly of Ministers Begun and holden at Westminster the twenty third day of November last and there continued till the twenty ninth of March following wherein the Statute against Jesuits and Priests their departing out and not coming into the Realm was made with penalty for the relieving them Kept in S t. Pauls in London beginning with a most learned Latin a Venâ—sta elequens Concio saith the Register of Canterbury out of which I transcribed it sermon preached by John Copcot D r. of Divinity afterwards Master of Bennet Colledge in Cambridge taking for his text 1 Tim. 6. 13. Praecipiotihi coram Deo c. Hence the Convocation was removed to the Collegiate Church of S t. Peters in Westminster where D r. Goodman Dean thereof made a solemn protestation with his fellow Prebends that the said meeting ought not to be prejudiciall to the priviledges of his Church his Protestation was accepted and assurance given that the said Convocation met not there in any manner to infringe their Immunities but only for the maturation of business with the more expedition through the conveniency of the place William Redman D r. of Divinity Arch-Deacon of Canterbury was chosen and presented Prolocutor The certain place of their convening not known being clandestine Arbitrary and changeable as advised by their conveniences they are better discovered by their moving then by their meeting and their practices more conspicuous then their places Some Agent for them were all day at the dore of the Parliament house and some part of the night in the Chambers of Parliament men effectually soliciting their business with them 24. Wonder not if Arch-Bishop Whitgift repaired seldome to The Arch-Bishop afraid of alteration in Church Discipline writes to the Queen and resided but a short time in the Convocation having other work to do in the Parliament where what impression was made by the Agents of the Ministers will appear by his ensuing Letter to her Majesty To the Queens most excellent Majesty MAy it please your Majesty to be advertised Out of Bp. Whitgifts manuscript of his own Letters afterwards in St. Peter Manwoods since in my own possession that notwithstanding the charge of late given by your Highness to the lower house of Parliament for dealing in causes of the Church Albeit also according to your Majesties good liking we have set down orders for the admitting of meet men into the Ministry hereafter yet have they passed a Bill in that house yesterday touching the matter which besides other great inconveniences as namely the trial of the Ministers sufficiency by twelve lay-men and such like hath this also that if it pass by Parliament it cannot hereafter but in Parliament be altered what necessity soever shall urge thereunto which I am perswaded in short time will appear considering the multitude of livings not fit for men so qualified by reason of the smallness thereof Whereas if it pass but as a Canon from us by your Majesties Authority it may be observed or altered at your pleasure They have also passed a Bill giving liberty to marry at all times of the year without restraint contrary to the old Canons continually observed amongst us and containing matter which tendeth to the slander of this Church as having hitherto maintained an errour There is likewise now in hand in the same house a Bill concerning Ecclesiasticall Courts and Visitations by Bishops which may reach to the overthrow of Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction and study of the Civill Laws The pretence of the Bill is against excessive fees and exactions in Ecclesiasticall Courts which fees are none other then have been of
M r. Cartwright whom I conjecture the President mentioned in the last assembly began to make by the mediation of the Earl of Leicester who now designed him master of his new-built hospital in Warwick compliance with Whitgift though the wary Arch-Bishop not over-fond of his friendship kept him at distance as these two Letters here inserted will sufficiently informe us My good Lord I Most heartily thank you Taken out of the manuscript of Bp. Whitgifts Letters belonging to Sir Peter Manwood and since in my possession for your favourable and courteous usage of M r. Cartwright who hath so exceeding kindly taken it also as I assure your Grace he cannot speak enough of it I trust it shall do a great deal of good and he protesteth and professeth to me to take no other course but to the drawing of all men to the unity of the Church and that your Grace hath so deals with him as no man shall so command him and dispose of him as you shall and doth mean to let his opinion publickly be known even in the Pulpit if your Grace so permit him what he himself will and would all others should do for obedience to the Lawes established and if any little scruple be it is not great and easie to be reformed by your Grace whom I do most heartily intreat to continue your favour and countenance towards him with such accesse sometimes as your leasure may permit For I perceive he doth much desire and crave it I am to thank your Grace also very heartily for Mr. Fenne albeit I understand he is something more opinionate then I wish him But I trust he will also yield to all reasons And I mean to deal with the Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield to make some triall of him for surely he is an honest man Thus my good Lord praying to God to bless his Church and to make his servants constant July 14. and faithfull I bid your Grace farewell At the Court this 14 th July Your Graces very assured friend R. Leicester My singular good Lord MAster Cartwright shall be welcome to me at all times and using himself quietly as becometh him and as I hope he will he shall finde me willing to do him any good But to grant unto him as yet my Licence to preach without longer triall I cannot especially seeing he protesteth himself to be of the same minde he was at the writing of his Book for the matter thereof though not for the manner My self also I thank God not altered in any point by me set down to the contrary and knowing many things to be very dangerous wherefore notwithstanding I am content and ready to be at peace with him so long as he liveth peaceably yet doth my conscience and duty forbid me to give unto him any further publick approbation untill I be better perswaded of his Conformity And so being bold to use my accustomed plainness with your Lordship 17. I commit you to the tuition of Almighty God this 17 th of July 1585. John Cantuar. 30. Seminaries and Priests to the number of thirty two Sept. 15. Anno. Regin 28. Dece 8. Seminaries enlarged and transported late prisoners in the Tower Marshalsy Kings-Bench and other places were pardoned enlarged and transported over into Normandie though occasionally they were forced to land at Bulloigne 31. The Earl of Leicester who hitherto had done but little good in England went now over to do less in the Low-Countries commanding a great Army and Name with the illustrious Title of Generall of the Auxiliaries of the Queen of England he was not so much pleased with his place there but that some of his Back-friends were as much delighted with his roome here Mean time the Ministers lost the best stake in their hedge in his Absence their Patron Paramount For though by Letters he might solicit their Cause yet the greatest strength is not so extensive but to have the vertue thereof abated at such a distance And afterwards it fared worse with the Ministers when Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury Feb. 2. 1585-86 was sworne of the Privy Councell an honour which his Predecessour Grindall never obtained yea never desired by the Procurement as it is believed of the Lord Burghley 32. Now for the present The Liturgâ— supported by its opposers I will trouble the Reader no longer with these brawls about discipline only one story must not be omitted Though it be fathered â—ather on publick report then fixed on any particular Author in those dayes avowing the same Some complained against the Liturgy to the Lord Burleigh of whom he demanded whether they desired the taking away thereof They answered No. But only the amendment of whâ—â— was offensive therein He required them to make a better such as they would have sâ—tled in the stead thereof Whereupon The first Classis framed a new one Somewhat according to the form of Genevah The second Classis disliking it altered it in six a 〈…〉 164â— hundred particulars The third quarrelled at these alterations and resolved on a new Modell The fourth Classis dissented from the former Thus because they could not agree amongst themselves That wise States-man put them off for the present untill they should present him a pattern with a perfect consent 33. Three Protestant Bishops this year exchanged this life for another Accusations not to be bebelieved in full latitude The first was Richard Curteys somtimes fellow of S t. Johns in Cambridge Bishop of Chichester The second Nicholas Robinson Bishop of Bangâ—r and John Scory Bishop of Hereford Of the two former we have not enough to furnish out their Character Of the later too much if all be true which I finde charged upon him Sure I am he began very well being an Exile and Confessour in the dayes of Queen Mary but is accused afterwards to be so guilty of Oppressions Extortions and Symonies that a Bill was put up against him in the Starr-Chamber conteyning matter enough not only to disgrace but degrade him if prosecuted But he bought out his innocence with his money Here know that our b Sr. John Harâ—â—gton iâ— his Character of Bp. p. 131. Author though a person of witt and worship deriveth his intelligence from a French writer disaffected in religion and therefore not to be believed in full latitude When calling him Scoria or Drosse in allusion to his name but as all is not Gold that Glisters all is not Drosss reputed so by our Popish Adversaries 34. The same year also John Fecknam late Abbot of Westminster ended his life The death of John Fecknam whereon we must enlarge our selves if not for His for History sake Seeing he was a land-mark therein His personall experience being a Chronicle who like the Axiltree stood firme and fixed in his own judgement whilst the times like the Wheels turn'd backwards and forwards round about him He was born in Worcestershire in the Forrest of
make out to the Kingdome of England However much mischief was done hereby many Papists paying their good wishes where they were not due and defrauding the Queen their true creditòr of the allegiance belonging unto her 43. Now did the Queen summon a Parliament Anno Regin Eliza. 30. Anno Dom. 1587. wherein her Majesty appeared not in person An Act without precedent But passed over the presidentship of that her great Councel unto John Whitgift Arch-Bishop of Canterbury William Cecill Lord treasurer and to the Earle of Darby A thing done without precedent when the King at home and in health But the pleasure of so powerful a Princess might create a leading case in things of this nature 44. Wonder not if the Nonconformists were very quiet in this Parliament Good reason why the Nonconformists were quiet Beholding the Arch-Bishop their great adversary in so great power and place However their activity in the next will make their party amends for their stilness in this Session 45. This year ended the doleful life of a distressed Lady The death of Mary Queen of Scotland Mary Queen of Scots whose Triall and Death belongeth to the State Historian She was aged fourty six years passing the last twenty in Imprisonment One of a sharp Wit undaunted Spirit comely person beautiful Face Majestick presence one Reason why Queen Elizabeth declined what the other so much desired a personal conference with Her as unwilling to be either out-shone or even-shone in her own Hemispheare For her morals the belief of moderate men embraceth as middle Courts betwixt Buchanan aspersing and Causinus his Hyperbolical Commending her because zealous in his own Religion 46. She was an excellent Poet Her Poetry both Latine and English of the former I have read a distick made and written by her own hand on a Pane of Glass at Buxton well Buxtona quae calidae celebraris nomine Lymphae * So it is in the Glass I had in my hand though it be celebrabere in Cand. Brit. in Derby-shire Forte mihi posthac non adeunda Vale. Buxton who dost with waters warme excell By me perchance never more seen Farewell And at Fotheringhay-Castle I have read written by Her in a window with a pointed Diamond From the Top of all my Trust Mishap hath lai'd me in the dust But her Adversaries conceive had she not been laid there the happiness of England had been prostrated in the same place She was buried in the Quire of Peterborough and Doctor Wickham Bishop of Lincolne preached her funeral sermon causelessly carped at by the Martin Mar-Prelate as too favourable concerning her final condition though he uttered nothing inconsistent with Charity and Christian discretion 47. Some twenty years after Her Body removed to Westminster King James caused her Corps to be solemnly removed from Peterborough to Westminster where in the south-side of the Chappel of King Henry the seventh he erected a stately monument to her memory and thereon this Epitaph wherein such cannot but commend the Piety of her Son who will not believe all the praises of his Mother D. O. M. MAriae Stuartae Scotorum Reginae Franciae Dotariae Jacobi V. Scotorum Regis Filiae Haeredis unicae Henrici VII Ang. Regis ex Margareta majori Natu Filia Jacobi IIII Regi Scotorum matrimonio copulata proneptis Edwardi IIII. Angliae Regis ex Elizabetha Filiarum natu maxima abneptis Francisci II. Gallorum Regis conjugis Coronae Angliae dum vixit certae indubitatae haeredis Jacobi magnae Brittanniae monarchae potentissimi matris Stirpe verè Regiâ antiquissima prognata erat Anno Dom. 1587. maximis Totius Europae Principibus Agnatione Cognatione conjuncta Anno Regin Eliza. 30. exquisitissimis Animi corporis dotibus ornamentis cumulatissima Verum ut sunt variae rerum humanarum vices postquam annos plus minus viginti in custodia detenta fortiter strenuè sed frustrà cum malevolorum obtreclationibus timidorum suspitionibus inimicorum capitalium insidijs conflictata esset tandem inaudito infesto Regibus exemplo securi percutitur Et contempto mundo devicta morte lassato Carnifice Christo Servatori animae salutem Jacobi Filio spem Regni posteritatis universis caedis infaustae spectatoribus exemplum patientiae commendans piè intrepidè Câ—rvicem Regiam securi maledictae subjecit vitae caducae sortem cum coelestis Regni perennitate commutavit Besides this there is a long inscription in verses one distich whereof I remember because it is the same in effect with what was made of Maud the Empress On Maud Magna Ortu majorque Viro sed maxima Partu Hic jacet Henrici Filia sponsa Parens On Queen Mary Magna Viro major Natu sed maxima Partu Conditor hic Regis Filia sponsa Parens So that it is no disgrace for a Queen to weare part of an Epitaph at the second hand with some little alteration 48. About this time it was A designe propounded that some Privie Councellors endeavoured to perswade Queen Elizabeth to raise and foment a difference betwixt the Pope and King of Spain and to assist the former not as Pope but temporal Prince by her shipping to regain Naples detained from him by the Spanish King They alledged the designe advantagious to work a diversion of Spanish forces and prevent an invasion of her own Land 49. But her Majesty would not listen to the motion to entertain Compliance in any capacity And blasted by the Queen on any Conditions with the Pope as dishonourable in her self distastful to the Protestant Princes nor would she touch Pitch in jest for fear of being defiled in earnest but crushed the designe in the birth thereof 50. A first onset was now made by the Nonconformists against the Hierarchie Conformity to the height though the more they opposed it the more the Queen did Countenance their persons and preserve their power In so much that she would not in Lent feed on any fish as forbidden by the Canons of the Church until she had first attained a solemn * Camdens Eliz. Manuscript shortly likely to be Printed Licence from the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury and every year of her life renew'd the same 51. The power of the high Commission began now to extend far and penalties to fall heavie on offenders Whereupon the favourers of the Nonconformists much opposed it in their printed books some questioning the Court as not warranted by Law others taxing their proceedings as exceeding their Commission but hear their Arguments on both sides Against the High Commission It is pretended founded on the Statute primo Elizabethae wherein the Parliament impowered the Queen by her Letters patents to appoint Commissioners to punish Offendors in Ecclesiastical Causes But no mention therein of Temporall penalties and therefore the Commissioners are to confine themselves to Church Censures by Excommunicating
swearing were so great a grievance Nihil analogum nothing like unto it which may amount to as much shall hereafter be substituted in the room thereof 62. Let it not here be forgotten Nonconformists persecuted in the Star-Chamber that because many did question the legality and Authority of the High Commission Arch-Bishop Whitgiâ—t so contrived the matter that the most sturdy and refractory Non-conformists especially if they had any visible Estates were brought into the Star-Chamber the power whereof was above dispute Where some of them besides imprisonment had very heavie fines imposed upon them And because most of the Queens Councel were present at the Censures This took off the Odium from the Arch-Bishop which in the high Commission lighted chiefly if not only upon him and fell almost equally on all present therein 63. John Fox this year ended his life The death of Mr. Fox to whom in some respect our History of him may resemble it self For he in his lifetime was so large a reliever of poor people to and above his estate that no wonder if at his death with some Charitable Churles he bequeathed no Legacies unto them Thus have we been so bountifull in describing the life and transcribing the Letters of this worthy Confessor that the Reader will excuse us if at his death we give no farther Character of his piety and painfulness Only let me adde that whereas there passeth a Tradition grounded on good Authority that M r Fox fore-told the ruine and destruction of the Invincible so called Armado in the eighty eight The story is true in its selfe though he survived not to see the performance of his own prediction 64. Nor will it be amiss to insert his Epitaph as we finde it on his Monument in S. Giles nigh Cripple-Gate in London Christo S. S. Johanni Foxo Ecclesiae Anglicanae Martyrologo fidelissimo Antiquitatis Historicae Indagatori sagacissimo Evangelicae veritatis propugnatori acerrimo Thaumaturgo admirabili qui Martyres Marianos tanquam Phoenices ex cineribus redivivos praestitit 65. His dear friend D. Laurence Humfrey And of D. Humfrey may be said to die with him though his languishing life lasted a year longer so great his grief to be parted from his fellow-Collegue bred together in Oxford and banished together into Germany But see more of his character in the year 1596 where by mistake which here I freely confess his death is inserted 66. About this time M r William Lambert finished his Hospital at Greenvich The first Protestant Hospitall founded and endowed by him for poor people He was the first Protestant who erected a charitable House of that nature as our * Camd. Brit. in Kent Antiquary observeth though I cannot wholly concur with his observation seeing King Edward the sixt founded Christ-Church and S t. Thomas Hospital 67. Indeed now pardon a short digression began beautifull Buildings in England Beautifull Buildings begin in England as to the generality thereof whose Homes were but homely before as small and ill-contrived much Timber being needlesly lavished upon them But now many most regular Pieces of Architecture were erected so that as one saith they began to dwell latiùs and lautiùs but I suspect not Laetiùs Hospitallity daily much decaying 68. Amongst other Structures Wimbleton House in Surrey was this yeer begun and finished the next as appeareth by an inscription therein by S t. Thomas Cecil afterward Lord Burghley On the self same token that many years after Gondomar treated therein by the Lord with a plentiful feast was highly affected with his entertainment and much commended the uniformity of the fabrick till the DATE thereof shewed unto him dashed all as built when the Spanish Armado was defeated 69. Indeed at this time there was more uniformity in the Buildings Non-conformists stirr than conformity in the Church behaviour of men the sticklers against the Hierarchy appearing now more vigorous though for a time they had concealed themselves SECTION VII To M r. Hamond Ward and M r. Richard Fuller of London Merchants IT is usuall for the Plaintiffe to put two or three names upon the same Writ taken out of the Upper-Bench alwayes provided the persons dwell in the same County and this is done to save Charges My thanks doth here imbrace the same way of thrift That so the small stock of my History may hold out the better amongst my many Friends and Favourers And this my Ioynt-Dedication is the more proper because you live in the same City are of the same profession and if not formerly this may minister the welcome occasion of your future acquaintance BUt now a Session of Parliament was held at Westminster A Sixteen sold Pâ—â—â—â—ion presented by the Commons to the Lord in Parliament wherein the House of Commâ—ns presented to the Lords Spirituall and Temporall a Petition Complaining how many Parishes especially in the North of England and Wales were destitute of Preachers and no care taken to supply them Sixteen were the particulars whereof the six first were against insufficient Ministers very earnestly pressing their taking the same into their serious consideration for speedy redress of the grievances therein contained 7. That no oath or subscription might be tendered to any at their enterance into Ministry but such as is expressely prescribed by the statutes of this Realm except the oath against corrupt entring 8. That they may not be troubled for omission of some rites or portions prescribed in the Book of Common-Prayer 9. That they may not be called and urged to answer before the officials and Commissaries but before the Bishops themselves 10. That such as had been suspended or deprived for no other offence but only for not subscribing might be restored and that the Bishops would forbear their Excommunication ex officio mero of godly and learned Preachers not detected for open offence of life or apparent errour in doctrine 11. That they might not be called before the High-Commission or out of the Diocess where they lived except for some notable offence 12. That it might be permitted to them in every Arch-Deaconry to have some common exercises and conferences amongst themselves to be limited and prescribed by the Ordinaries 13. That the High censure of Excommunication may not be denounced or executed for small matters 14. Nor by Chancellours Commissaries or officials but by the Bishops themselves with assistance of grave persons 15. 16 That Non-residency may be quite removed out of the Church or at least that according to the Queens Injunctions Artic. 44. No Non-resident having already a licence or faculty may enjoy it unless he depute an able Curate that may weekly preach and catechize as is required in her Majesties injunctions Of all these particulars the house fell most fiercely on the Debate of Pluralities and the effect thereof Non-Residents 2. Arch-Bishop Whitgift pleaded The Arch-Bishops pleasâ—r Nonresidents that licences for Non-Residency were at the present but seldome granted
And yet in way of recovering health by changing of Aire of study for a time in thâ— Vniversity of mortall enmity borne by some in the parish of prosecution of Law or of being imployed in publick Affairs they cannot be wholy abrogated That there were in England foure thousand five hundred Benefices with Cure not above ten and most of them under eight pounds in the first fruits-book which cannot be furnished with able Pastors as the Petitioners desire because of the smallness of their livings Moreover he affirmed that what ever was pretended to the contrary England at that time flourished with able Ministers more then ever before yea had more then all Christendome besides 3. The Lord Grey rejoyned to this Assertion of more learned Ministers in the Church of England then ever heretofore The Lord Gray his rejoynder nay then in all the reformed Churches in Christendome this That it was not to he attributed to the Bishops or their actions but to God who now opened the hearts of many to see into the truth and that the Schools were better observed 4. The Lord Treasurer Burghley seeming to moderate betwixt them The Lord Treasurer his moderation after a long and learned oration concluded that he was not so scrupuleus as absolutely to like of the bill against Pluralities without any exception for he did favour both learning and wished a competent reward to it And therefore could like and allow a learned man to have two Benefices so they were both in ene parish that is to say in one Diocess and not one in the Diocess of Winchester and another in the North where the severall Diocesans would have no regard of them whereas being both in one Diocess the Bishop would look unto them 5. Here it was signified that her Majesty was acquainted with the matter Others interpret and that she was very forward to redress the faults and therefore required the Bishops not to binder her good and gracious purpose for that her Majesty would conferr with them 6. The Lord Gray again said The Lord Grays quere whether of Withen or what most probable of Ruthen afterwards Earl of Kent replyed he greatly wondred at her Majesty that she would make choice to conser with those who were all enemies to Reformation for that it meerly touched their freeholds and therefore he thought it good the house should make choice of some to be joyned with them Also he wished the Bishops might be served as they were in in King Henry the 8 th dayes when as in the case of praemunire they were all thrust out of doores 7. Then the Lord Treasurer said that the Bishops if they were wise would themselves be humble suiters to her Majesty to have some of the Temporall Lords joyned with them 8. The Lord Chamberlain utterly disliked the Lord Grayes motion alledging that it was not to be liked of that the Lords should appoint her Majesty any to confer withall but that it should be left to her own election 9. Matters flying thus high the Arch-Bishop with the rest of the Clergy The Bishops providently petition the Queen conceived it the safest way to apply themselves by Petition to the Queen which they presented as followeth To the Queens most excellent Majesty THe wofull and distressed state whereinto we are like to fall forceth us with griâ—f of heart in most humble maner to crave your Majesties most soveraign Protection For the pretence being made the maintenance and increase of a learned ministry when it is throughly weighed decryeth learning spoâ—leth their livings taketh away the sâ—t form of prayer in the Church and is the means to bring in confusion and Barbarisme How dangerous innovations are in a setled estate whosoever hath judgemeâ—t perceiveth Set dangers apart yet such great inconviniences may ensae as will make a state lamentable and miserable Our nâ—ighbours miseries might make us fearfull but that we know who tales the same All the reformed Churches in Europe cannot compare with England in the number of learned Ministers These benefits of your Majesties most sacred and are fall Government with hearty joy we feel and humbly acknowledge senceless are they that repâ—ne at it and careless wâ—o lightly regard it The respect hereof made the Prophet to say Dii estis All the faithfull and discreet Clergy say ô Dea certè Nothing is impossible with God Requests without grounded reasons are lightly to be rejected We therefore not as directors but as humble Remembrancers beseech your Highness favourable beholding of our present state And what it will be in time to come if the Bill against Pluralities should take any place To the Petition were annexed a catalogue of those inconveniences to the State present State to come Cathedrall Churches Universities to her Majesty to Religion in case pluralities were taken away here too large to be inserted So that in effect nothing was effected as in relation to this matter but things left in staâ—u quo prius at the dissolution of this Parliament 10. Amongst the mortalities of this year The death of Bp Barns most remarkable the death of Richard Barnes Bishop of Durham one commendable in himself but much suffering for the * See the life of Bernard Gilpin p. 190. corruption and viciousness of John Barnes his brother and Chancellour This Bishop was bred in Brasen-nose Colledge made Suffragan of Nottingham the last I beleeve who wore that title and behaved himself very gravely in his Diocess A great friend at last to Bernard Gilpin though at first by some ill instruments incensed against him and seeing they were loving in their lives their memories in my Book shall not be divided though I confess the later died some three years before 11. This Bernard Gilpin And of Bernard Gilpin born of a right worshipfull family at Kentmirâ— in Westmerland had Cuthbert Tonstali Bishop of Durham for his great Vncle he was bred first in Queens Colledgs then Christs-Church in Oxford and no doubt the prayers of Peter Martyr conduced to his conversion to be a Protestant For he hearing this Gilpin dispute cordially on the Popish party desired of God that so good affections might not be misguided and at last obtained his desire 12. He Weathered out the Raign of Queen Mary Hardly escaped in Queen Maries dayes partly with his travels beyond the seas Anno Dom. 1587. chiefly residing at Lovain Anno Regin Eliza. 30. and Paris partly after his return by the favour of his Uncle Tonstall Before whom he was often cited chiefly about the Eucharist but was discharged by confessing the reall presence and that the manner thereof transcended his apprehension Tonstall not inforcing him to the particularity of Transubstantiation as using himself to complain on Pope Innocent for defining de modo to be an article of faith However his foes so hardly beset him that once he ordered his servant to provide for him a long shroud not for his
9. S r Francis Shane a mere Irish man but good Protestant was a principal Benefactor and kept this infant-foundation from being strangled in the birth thereof 10. Robert D'eureaux Earl of Essex Lord Lievetenant of Ireland and second Chancellour of this University bestowed at the intreaty of the Students of this Colledge a Cannoneers pay and the pay of certain dead places of Souldiers to the value wellnigh of foure hundred pounds a year for the Scholars maintenance which continued for some years 11. King James that great Patrone of learning to compleat all confirmed the revenues of this Colledge in perpetuum endowing it with a great proportion of good land in the Province of Vlster Thus thorough many hands this good work at last was finished the first stone whereof was laid May 13. 1591. and in the year 1593. Schollars were first admitted and the first of them James Vsher since Arch-Bishop of Armagh that mirrour of learning and religion never to be named by me without thanks to him and to God for him Nor must it be forgotten that what Josephus a Antiq. Jud. lib. 15. cap. 20. reports of the Temple built by Herod 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 during the time of the building of the Temple it rained not in the day time but in the night that the showrs might not hinder the work I say what by him is reported hath been avouched to me by witnesses above exception that the same happ'ned here from the founding to the finishing of this Colledge the officious Heavens always smiling by day though often weeping by night till the work was completed 46. The whole Species of the University of Dublin The addition of two emissarie Hostells was for many years preserved in the Individuum of this one Colledge But since this instrument hath made better musick when what was but a monochord before hath got two other smaller strings unto it the addition of New-Colledge and Kildare-Hall What remaineth but that I wish that all those worthy Divines bred therein may have their a Deut. 32. 2. Doctrine drop as the rain and their speech distill as the dew as the small rain upon the tender herb and as the showers upon the grass 47. Let none censure this for a digression from our Church-History of England Dublin a Colonie of Cambridge His discourse that is resident on the Son doth not wholy wander from the Father seeing none will deny but that proles is pars parentis the childe is part of the parent Dublin University was a Colonia deducta from Cambridge and particularly from Trinity Colledg therein one motive perchance to the name of it as may appear by the ensuing Catalogue of the Provosts thereof 1. Adam Loftus Fellow of Trinity Colledge first Provost 2. Walter Travers Fellow of the same Colledge second Provost 3. Henry Alva Fellow of S t Johns Colledge in Cambridge third Provost 4. S r William Temple who wrote a learned Comment on Ramus Fellow of Kings Colledge fourth Provost 5. Joseph Mede Fellow of Christ-Colledge in Cambridge chosen Provost but refused to accept it 6. 7. William Chapel Fellow of the same Colledge seventh Provost Know also that this University did so Cantabrize that she imitated her in the successive choice of her Chancellours the daughter dutifully approving and following the judgement of her mother therein 48. This year was fatall to no eminent Protestant Divine The death of Arthur Faunt and I finde but one of the Romish perswasion dying therein Arthur shall I say or Laurence Faunt born of worshipfull parentage at Folston in Leicester-shire bred in Merton-Colledge in Oxford whence he fled with M r Pots his Tutor to Lovain and never more returned into England From Lovain he removed to Paris thence to Minchen an University in Bavaria where William the Duke exhibited unto him thence to Rome where he was admitted a Jesuite Hence Pope Gregory the thirteenth sent him to be governor of the Jesuits Colledge at Posna in Poland newly erected by Sigismund King thereof Yea so great was the fame of this Faunt that if his own letters may be beleeved three Princes courted him at once to come to them He altered his Christian name of Arthur because as his b Burton in Description of Leicester-shire pag. 10. kinsman tells us no Kalender-Saint was ever of that name and assumed the name of Laurence dying this year at Vilna in Lituania leaving books of his own making much prized by those of his own profession 49. Now began the heat The contest betwixt Hooker and Travers of the sad contest betwixt M r Richard Hooker Master and M r Walter Travers Lecturer of the Temple We will be the larger in the relating thereof because we behold their actions not as the deeds of private persons but the publick Champions of their Party Now as an Army is but a Champion diffused so a Champion may be said to be an Army contracted The Prelaticall Party wrought to the height in and for Hooker nor was the Presbyterian power less active in assisting M r Travers both sides being glad they had gotten two such eminent Leaders with whom they might engage with such credit to their cause 50. Hooker was born in Devon-shire Hooker his Character bred in Oxford Fellow of Corpus Christi Colledge one of a solid judgement and great reading Yea such the depth of his learning that his Pen was a better Bucket than his Tongue to draw it out A great defender both by preaching and writing of the Discipline of the Church of England yet never got nor cared to get any eminent dignity therein conscience not covetousness engaging him in the controversie Spotless was his conversation and though some dirt was cast none could stick on his reputation M r Travers was brought up in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and because much of Church matter depends upon him I give the Reader the larger account of his carriage 51. Travers meeting with some discontents in the Colledge after the death of D r Beomond in whose time he was elected fellow took occasion to travail beyond Seas Travers takes his â—â—ders beyond Seas and comming to Geneva contracted familiarity with M r Beza and other forraign divines with whom he by letters continued correspondency till the day of his death Then returned he and commenced Batchelor of Divinity in Cambridge and after that went beyond sea again and at Antwerp was ordained minister by the Presbytery there whose Testimoniall I have here faithfully transcribed out of the Originall QVam multis de causis sit aequum consultum unumquemque eorum qui ad verbi Dei ministerum asciscuntur vocationis suae testimonium habere Asserimus coacta Antuerpiae ad 8. Maij 1578. duodecim Ministrorum verbi cum totidem fere senioribus Synodo praest ntissimum pretate eruditione virum ac fratrem reverendum Doctorem Gualterum Traverseum omnium qui aderant suffragiis ardentissimisque votis
sued to him to shew favour for their sakes to Non-conformists his answer to them was rather respectfull to the requester then satisfactory to the request He would profess how glad he was to serve them and gratifie them in compliance with their desire assuring them for his part all possible kindness should be indulged unto them but in fine he would remit nothing of his rigour against them Thus he never denied any great mans desire and yet never granted it pleasing them for the present with generall promises and in them not dissembling but using discreet and right expressions still kept constant to his own resolution Hereupon afterwards the nobility surceased making more sutes unto him as ineffectuall and even left all things to his own disposall 62. Thus M r Travers 1592 notwithstanding the plenty of his potent friends 35. was overborn by the Arch-Bishop Travers goeth into Ireland and returneth and as he often complained could never obtain to be brought to a fair hearing But his grief hereat was something abated when Adam Loftus Arch-Bishop of Dublin and Chancellor of Ireland his ancient Collegue in Cambridge invited him over to be Provost of Trinity-Colledge in Dublin Embracing the motion over he went accepting the place and continued some years therein till discomposed with the fear of their civil wars he returned into England and lived here many years very obscurely though in himself a shining light as to the matter of outward maintenance 63. Yet had he Agurs wish His contented life and quiet death neither poverty nor riches though his enough seemed to be of shortest size It matters not whether mens means be mounted or their mindes descend so be it that both meet as here in him in a comfortable contentment Yea when the right Reverend and Religious James Vsher then Bishop of Meath since Arch-Bishop of Armagh brought up under him and with him agreeing in doctrine though discenting in Discipline profered mony unto him for his relief M r Travers returned a thankfull refusall thereof Sometimes he did preach rather when he durst than when he would debarred from all cure of souls by his non-conformity He lived and died unmarried and though leaving many nephews some eminent Schollars bequeathed all his books of Oriental languages wherein he was exquisite and plate worth fifty pounds to Ston-Colledge in London Oh! if this good man had had an hand to his heart or rather a purse to his hand what charitable works would he have left behinde him But in pursuance of his memory Anno Regis Eliza. 35. I have intrenched too much on the modern times Anno Dom. 1592. Only this I will adde perchance the Reader will be angry with me for saying thus much and I am almost angry with my self for saying no more of so worthy a Divine 64. Return we to the year 1592 The death of worthy Mr Greenham of the plague which we finde in London fill'd with funeralls so that within twelve moneths moe than ten thousand were swept away therein of the plague And amongst them reverend M r Richard Greenham the reason why we finde not the exact date of his death In contagious times the corpses of those who living were best beloved are rather hurried than carried to the grave and in such confusions those Parishes who have the best memories prove forgetfull their Registers being either carelessly kept or totally omitted Thus our Greenham was mortally visited with the plague whereof we finde Munster Franciscus Junius Chimidontius and other worthy Divines formerly deceased in Germany that patent of preservation against the pestilence a Psal 91. 7. A thousand shall fall at thy side and ten thousand at thy right hand but it shall not come nigh thee running as all other temporall promises with this secret clause of revocation if God in his wisdome were not pleased otherwise to countermand it 65. It may be said of some persons in reference to their history Fellow of Pembroke Hall in Cambridge that they were born men namely such of whose birth and youth we finde no particular account Greenham is one of these for for want of better intelligence we finde him full grown at the first when Anno Domini he was admitted into Pembroke Hall in Cambridge In which House some years after the youth of M r Lancelot b Some say he had an hand in making some of Mr Greenhams works Andrews afterwards Bishop of Winchester was well acquainted with M r Greenham and I dare boldly say if Greenham gained any learning by Andrews Andrews lost no religion by Greenham He afterwards left the University and became Minister three miles off at Drie-Draiton 66. Drie-Draiton indeed which though often watered with M r Greenhams tears and oftner with his prayers and preaching moistened the rich with his counsel the poor with his charity neither produced proportionable fruitfulness The generality of his Parish remained ignorant and obstinate to their Pastours great grief and their own greater damage and disgrace Hence the Verses Greenham had pastures green But sheep full lean Thus God alone is the good shepheard who doth feed and can fat his sheep and can make them to thrive under his keeping 67. He used often His dexterity in healing afflicted consciences at the intreaty of some Doctors to preach at S t Maries in Cambridge where sometimes so great his zeal in pressing important points that he hath lost himself in the driving home of some application even to the forgetting of his text as himself would confess till he recovered the same on some short recollection He alwayes bitterly inveighed against Non-Residents professing that he wondered how such men could take any comfort in their wealth For me thinks saith he they should see written on every thing which they have Pretium sanguinis this is the price of blood But his master-piece was in comforting wounded consciences For although Heavens hand can only set a broken heart yet God used him herein as an instrument of good to many who came to him with weeping eyes and went from him with chearefull souls The breath of his gracious counsel blew up much smoking flax into a blazing flame 68. Hereupon the importunity of his friends if herein they proved so perswaded him to leave his Parish He leaving his Cure cometh to London and remove to London where his publick parts might be better advantaged for the general good They pleaded the little profit of his long pains to so poore and peevish a Parish Pitie it was so good a fisher-man should cast his nets elsewhere than in that ocean of people What was Drie-Draiton but a bushel to hide London an high candle-stick to hold up the brightness of his parts Over-intreated by others even almost against his own judgement he resigned his Cure to a worthy successour and repaired to London Where after some years preaching up and down in no constant place he was resident on no Cure
in the Church-yard of S t George's in Southwark not far from Bishop Bonners grave So near may their bodies when dead in positure be together whose mindes when living in opinion were farr asunder Nor have I ought else to observe of him save that I am informed that he was father of Ephraim Vdal a solid and pious Divine dying in our dayes but in point of discipline of a different opinion from his father 6. H. B. I. G. I. P. executed And now the Sword of Justice being once drawn it was not put up again into the Sheath before others were executed For Henry Barrow Gentleman Marc. 31. and John Greenwood Clerk who some dayes before were indicted of felony at the Sessions Hall without Newgate before the L rd Major and the two chief Justices Stew his Chronicle pag. 265. for writing certain Seditious Pamphlets were hanged at Tyburn And not long after John Penry a Welchman was apprehanged at Stebunhith by the Vicar thereof arraigned and condemned of felony at the Kings-Bench at Westminster for being a principal penner and publisher of a libellous Book called Martin-mar-prelates and executed at S t Thomas Waterings Daniel Studely Girdler Saxio Billot Gentleman and Robert Bowley Fishmonger were also condemned for publishing scandalous Books but not finding their execution I beleeve them reprieved and pardoned 7. The Queens last coming to Oxford About this time if not somewhat sooner for my enquiry cannot arrive at the certain date Queen Elizabeth took her last farewell of Oxford where a Divinity Act was kept before her on this question Whether it be lawfull to dissemble in matters of Religion One of the opponents endeavoured to prove the affirmative by his own example who then did what was lawfull and yet he dissembled in disputing against the Truth Sr I. Harrington in his additional supply to Bp. Godwin p. 134. the Queen being well pleased at the wittines of the Argument D r Westphaling who had divers years been BP of Hereford coming then to Oxford closed all with a learned determination wherein no fault except somewhat too copious not to so say tedious at that time her Highness intending that night to make a Speech and thereby disappointed 8. 37. 1594. Next day her Highness made a Latin oration to the Heads of Houses Her Latin Oration on the same token she therein gave a check to D r Reynolds for his non-conformity in the midst whereof perceiving the old Lord Burileigh stand by with his lame legs she would not proceed till she saw him provided of a stool a Idem p. 136. and then fell to her speech again as sensible of no interruption having the Command as well of her Latin tongue as of her loyal Subjects 9. John Pierce Arch-Bishop of York ended his life Dean of Christ-Church in Oxford Bishop of Rochester Sarisbury and Arch-Bishop of York When newly beneficed a young man in Oxford-shire he had drowned his good parts in drunkenness conversing with his country parishioners but on the confession of his fault to a grave Divine reformed his conversation so applying himself to his studies that he deservedly gained great preferment and was highly esteemed by Queen Elizabeth whose Almoner he continued for many years and he must be a wise and good man whom that thrifty Princess would intrust with distributing her mony He was one of the most grave and reverent prelates of his age and after his reduced life so abstemious that his Physitian in his old age could not perswade him to drink wine So habited he was in sobriety in detestation of his former excess 10. The death of Bp. Elmar The same year died John Elmar Bishop of London bred in Cambridge well learned as appeareth by his Book titled the Harborough of Princes One of a low stature but stout spirit very valiant in his youth and witty all his life Once when his Auditory began at sermon to grow dull in their attentions he presently read unto them many verses out of the Hebrew Text whereat they all started admiring what use he meant to make thereof Then shewed he them their folly that whereas they neglected English whereby they might be edified they listened to Hebrew whereof they understood not a word Anno Dom. 1594. Anno Regin Eliza. 37. He was a stiff and stern champion of Church Discipline on which account none more mocked by Martin Mar-Prelate or hated by Non-conformists To his eldest son he left a plentiful estate and his second a D r of Divâ—nity was a worthy man of his profession 11. The death of Wâ—ll Reginald But of the Romanists two principal Pillars ended their lives beyond the Seas First William Reginald alias Rose born at a Pâ—â—zaeus de illustribus Angliae Scriptoribus in Anno 1594. Pinho in Devon-shire bred in Winchester School then in New-Colledge in Oxford Forsaking his Country he went to Rome and there solemnly abjur'd the Protestant Religion and thereupon was permitted to read a favour seldome or never bestowed on such novices any Protestant Books without the least restriction presuming on his zeal in their cause From Rome he removed to Rhemes in France where he became professor of Divinity and Hebrew in the English Colledge where saith my b Idem ibidem Author with studying writing and preaching against the Protestants perchance he exhausted himself with too much labour and breaking a vein almost lost his life with vomiting of blood Recovering his strength he vow'd to spend the rest of his life in writing against Protestants and death at Antwerp ceased on him the 24 th of August the 50 th year of his age as he was a making of a book called Calvino-Turcismus which after by his dear friend William Gifford was finished set forth and dedicated to Albert Duke of Austria 12. The death of Cardinal Allen. William Allen commonly called the Cardinall of England followed him into another world born of honest Parents and allied to noble Kindred in Lancashire Brought up at Oxford in Oriall Colledge where he was Proctor of the University in the dayes of Queen Mary and afterwards Head of S t Mary-Hall and Canon of Yorke But on the change of Religion he departed the land and became Professor of Divinity at Doway in Flanders then Canon of Cambray Master of the English Colledge at Rhemes made Cardinall 1587. August the 7 th by Pope Sixtus Quintus the King of Spain bestowing on him an c Camd. Eliz. in hoc Anno. Abby in the Kingdom of Naples and nominating him to be Arch-Bishop of Machlin But death arrested him to pay the debt to Nature d Pitzaeus de illust Aâ—g Script pag. 793 October 16 th and he was buried in the Church of the English Colledge at Rome This is that Allen whom we have so often mentioned conceived so great a Châ—mpion for their Cause that Pope Gregory the 13 th said to his Cardinalls e
to affirm that those Articles of Lambeth were afterwards forbidden by publick Authority but when where and by whom he is not pleased to impart unto us And strange it is that a publick prohibition should be whispered so softly that this Author alone should hear it and none other to my knowledge take notice thereof 27. How variously forraign Divines esteemed of them As for forrain Divines just as they were biased in judgement so on that side ran their Affections in raising or decrying the esteem of these Articles some a Thysias twice printed them at Hardâ—ovick Anno 1613. printed set forth and b Bogerman in his 107. 108. notes on the second part of Grotius cited them as the sence of the Church of England others as fast slighted them as the narrow positions of a few private and Partial persons As for Corvinus as we know not whence he had his intelligence so we finde no just ground for what he reporteth that Arch-Bishop Whitgift for his pains incurred the Queens displeasure and c In his answer to the notes of Bogerman 2 part pag. 566. and so forward to pag. 570. a Praemunire We presume this forrainer better acquainted with the Imperial Law and locall customes of Holland then with our municipal Statutes and the nature of a Praemunire Indeed there goes a tradition that the Queen should in merriment say jestingly to the Arch-BP My Lord I now shall want no mony for I am informed all your goods are forfeited unto me by your calling a Councel without my consent but how much of truth herein God knows And be it referred to our learned in the Law whether without danger of such a censure the two Arch-Bishops by vertue of their place had not any implicite leave from the Queen to assemble Divines for the clearing declaring and asserting of difficult Truths provided they innovate or alter nothing in matters of Religion 28. And now I perceive These Articles excellent witnesses of the general doctrine of England I must tread tenderly because I goe not as before on mens graves but am ready to touch the quick of some yet alive I know how dangerous it is to follow Truth too nere to the heels yet better it is that the teeth of an Historian be struck out of his head for writing the the Truth then that they remain still and rot in his Jaws by feeding too much on the sweet-meats of flattery All that I will say of the credit of these Articles is this That as Medalls of Gold and Silver though they will not pass in payment for currant coyne because not stamped with the Kings Inscription yet they will goe with Goldsmiths for as much as they are in weight So though these Articles want Authentick Reputation to pass for Provinciall Acts as lacking sufficient Authority yet will they be readily received of Orthodox Christians for as far as their own purity bears conformity to Gods word And though those learned Divines be not acknowledged as competent Judges to pass definitive Sentence in those Points yet they will be taken as witnesses beyond exception whose testimony is an infallible evidence what was the generall and received doctrine of England in that Age about the forenamed controversies 29. This year ended the life Bp. Wickham Dr Whitakers Dan. Halsworth and Râ—b Southwell end their lives First of Doctor William Wickam bred in Kings Colledge in Cambridge first Bishop of Lincoln after of Winchester whose namesake William Wickham in the Reign of King Edward the third sat in the same See more years then this did weeks Indeed we know little of his life but so much of his death as we must not mention it without some pitty to him whil'st in pain and praise to God for our own health such was his torture with the stone before his death that for d Bp Goodwin in his Catalogue of the Bishops of Winchester 14 days together he made not water Secondly Worthy Doctor William Whittakers whose larger character we reserve God-willing for our History of Cambridge And amongst the Romanists Daniel Halseworth who as e De Angliae scriptoribus Aetate â—6 pag. 794. Pitzaeus describes him Papists give no scant measure in praising those of their own Party was well skill'd in Latin Greek and Hebrew and Elegant Poet Eloquent Orator acute Philosopher expert Mathematician deep-studied Lawyer and excellent Divine flying from England he lived successively in Savoy Rome and Millain having too many professions to gather wealth and with all his Arts and Parts both lived in Poverty and died in Obscurity More eminent but more infamous was the death of Robert Southwell a Jesuite born in f Idem ibidem Suffolk bred beyond the Seas where he wrote abundance of Books who returning into England was executed March the third for a Traitor at London and honoured for a Martyr amongst men of his own Religion 30. The Secular Priests continued their complaints Anno Regin Eliza. 39. Anno Dom. 1596. The complaint of the Seculars against the Jesuits and principally against Parsons as against Jesuits in general so particularly against Robert Parsons This Parsons about 18 years since was in England where by his statizing and dangerous activity he had so incensed the Queens Councell that the Secular Priests made him a main occasion why such sharp laws were so suddenly made against a DeclaratioÌ„ motuum ad Clementein ecitaâ—um pag. 24. Catholicks in England But no sooner did danger begin to appear but away went Parsons beyond the Seas wherein some condemned his cowarliness and others commended his policy seeing such a commander in chief as he was in the Romish cause ought to repose his person in safety and might be never the less vertually present in the fight by the issuing out of his orders to meaner officers Nor did Parsons like a wheeling Cock turn aside with intent to return but ran quite out of the Cockpit and then crowed in triumph when he was got on his own dunghil safely resident in the City of Rome Here he compiled and hence he dispatched many letters and libels into England and amongst the rest that Book of the succession to the English entit'ling the Spaniard thereunto setting it forth under the false name of b Camdens Eliz. in Anno 1594. p. 72. Dolman an honest harmless Secular Priest and his professed Adversary And surely Parsons was a fit fellow to derive the pedigree of the Kings of England who might first have studied to deduce his own descent from a lawfull Father being himself otherwise called Cowback c Watsons Quâ—â—libets p. 109 236. filius populi et filius peccati as Catholicks have observed Many letters also he sent over full of threats and assuring his party that the land would be invaded by forrainers writing therein not what he knew or thought was but what he desired and endeavoured should be true Some of these letters being intercepted made the
Queens officers as they had just cause more strick in searching as her Judges more severe in punishing the Papists Hereupon the Seculars complained that such proceedings against them tearmed persecution by them and justice by our State was caused by the Jesuits and that Parsons especially though he had kindled the fire left others to bear the heat thereof Yea which was more he was not himself contented to sleep in a whole skinn at Rome but lashed others of his own Religion and having got his neck out of the collar accused others for not drawing weight enough taxing the Seculars as dull and remiss in the cause of Religion and to speak plainly they differed as hot and cold poison the Jesuits more active and pragmatical the Seculars more slow and heavie but both maintaining treacherous principles destructive to the common-Wealth 31. If we look now on the Non-Conformists A general calm we shall finde them all still and quiet After a storm comes a calm wearied with a former blustering they began now to repose themselves in a sad silence especially since the executions of Vdal and Penry had so terrified them that though they might have secret designes we meet not their open and publick motions so that this Century affordeth little more then the mortalities of some eminent men 32. We begin with Richard Fletcher Bishop of London The death of Bp Fletcher and Bishop Coldwell bred in Bennet Colledge in Cambridg one of a comly person and goodly presence qualities not to be cast away in a Bishop though a Bishop not to be chosen for them he lov'd to ride the great horse and had much skill in managing thereof condemned for very proud such his natural stately garb by such as knew him not and commended for humility by those acquainted with him he lost the Queens favour because of his second unhappy match and died suddainly more of grief then any other disease with him let me couple another heart-broken Bishop John Coldwell of Salisbury D r of Physick S t Luke we know was both an Evangelist and Physician who never enjoyed himself after he had consented though little better then surprised thereunto to the alienation of Sherborn Manor from the Bishoprick 33. Here I am at a loss for the date of the death of Laurence Humphry The death of Laurence Humfry but confident I hit the but though miss the mark as about this time He was a consciencious and moderate Non-conformist condemned for luke-warm by such as were scalding-hot Dean of Winchester and Master of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford to which he bequeathed a considerable Summ of Gold left in a chest not to be opened except some great necessity urged thereunto But lately whilst D r John Wilkinson was President of the Colledge this Gold was shar'd between him and the fellows And though one must charitably beleeve the matter not so bad as it is reported yet the most favourable relation thereof gave a general distast 34. Sure I am A great Antiquaries good intention discouraged a great Antiquarie lately deceased rich as well in his state as learning at the hearing hereof quitted all his intentions of benefaction to Oxford or any place else on suspition it would be diverted to other uses On the same token that he merrily said I think the bestway for a man to perpetuate his memory is to procure the Pope to Canâ—nize him for a Saint for then he shall be sure to be remembred in their Calender Whereas otherwise I see all Protestant charity subject to the covetousness of posterity to devour it and bury the donor thereof in oblivion 35. M r Baltazer Zanches a Spaniard The charity of a Spanish Protestant born in Sherez in Estremadura founded an alms-house at Totnam high-cross in Middlesex for eight single people allowing them competent maintenance Now seeing Protestant Founders are rare Spanish Protestants rarer Spanish Protestant Founders in England rarest I could not pass this over with silence nor must we forget that he was the first confectioner or comfit-maker in England bringing that mystery to London and as I am informed the exactness thereof continues still in his family in which respect they have successively been the Queens and Kings confectioners 36. A Parliament held at Westminster The acts in the Parliament 1597. 40. wherein the deprivation of Popish Bishops in the first of this Queens Reign was declared legall Some will wonder what need is of this Statute at so many years distance but the Preface intimates the necessity thereof The Legality also of our Bishops and their Officers were again by act of Parliament confirmed And whereas there was a pretended concealment of some lands of the Bishoprick of Norwich the same by act of Parliament were setled on that See and the Exchange of Lands ratified made in the Reign of King Henry the Eight The contemporary convocation did nothing of moment 37. Thomas Stapleton this year ended his life The death of Tho. Stapleton 1598. 41. and was buried at S t Peters Church in Lovain it is written in his Epitaph qui Cicestriae in Anglià nobili loco natus where Cicestriae is taken not for the City but Diocess of Chicester having otherwise good assurance that he was born at Hemfield in Sussex the same year and moneth wherein * See Pitzaeus in his life S r Thomas Moore was beheaded observed by the Catholicks as a grand providence he was a most learned assertor of the Romish Religion wanting nothing but a true cause to defend On one account I am beholding unto him viz. for disswading * Idemibidem Pitzaeus from being a Souldier to be a Scholler whose History of our English writers hath so often been usefull unto me 38. Richard Cosine D r of the Law and Dean of Archeys this year ended his life The death of Dr Cosine One of the greatest Civilians which our Age or Nation hath produced a most moderate man in his own nature but most earnest assertor of the Ecclesiastical discipline as by his printed works doth appear 39. Robert Turner his death was now much bemoaned by the Papists The death of Rob. Turner 1599. 42. he was born at Barstable in Devon bred for a while in Oxford whence flying beyond the Seas he became Canon of Breslaw in Silesia and at the same time Privie Councellor to the Duke of Bavaria falling afterward into his displeasure probably because more pragmatical then became a forrainer however Ferdinand of Gratz afterwards Emperor took him from the Duke to be his own Secretary for the Latine tongue wherein he excelled as by his printed Orations doth appear he lieth buried at Gratz under a handsom Monument 40. Great was the grief of Protestants for the decease of Richard Hooker Anno Regin Eliza. 42. Anno Dom. 1599. The death of Rich. Hooker Turners Country-man as born also in Devon-shire and bred in Corpus-Christi
not legally be conveyed to any Petitioner Ann. Dom. 1604 Ann Reg. Jac. 2 Thus his Majesty manifested his good will and affection to Religion and although this Law could not finally preserve Church-lands to make them immortall yet it prolonged their lives for many yeares together 12. Passe we now into the Convocation The Acts of this Convocation why as 〈…〉 recovered to see what was done there But here the History thereof as I may say is shot betwixt the joynts of the Armor in the intervall after Whitgift's death and before Bancroft's removall to Canterbury so that I can finde the Originall thereof neither in the Office of the Vicar-generall nor in the Registry of London not can I recover it as yet from the Office of the Dean and Chapter of Canterbury where most probably it is to be had the Jurisdiction belonging to them in the Vacancy 13. Take this as the result thereof Many Canon made therein Bishop Bancroft sitting President A Book of Canons was compiled not onely being the summe of the Queens Articles Orders of her Commissioners Advertisements Canons of 1571. and 1597. which were in use before but also many more were added the whole number amounting unto 141. Some wise and moderate men supposed so many Lawes were too heavy a burden to be long borne and that it had been enough for the Episcopall party to have triumphed not insulted over their adversaries in so numerous impositions However an Explanation was made in one of the Canons of the use of the Crosse in Baptisme to prevent Scandall and learned Thuanus in his History taketh an especiall notice thereof 14. Motion being made in this Convocation Bishop Rudd why opposing the oath against Simony about framing an Oath against Simony to be taken by all presented to Churchpreferment Bishop Rudde of St. Davids as conscientious as any of his order and free from that fault opposed it chiefly because he thought it unequall that the Patron should not be forced as well as the Clerk to take that Oath Whereupon it was demanded of him whether he would have the King to take that Oath when he presented a Bishop or Dean and hereat the Bishop sate downe in silence 15. About this time the Corporation of Rippon in York-shire The Petition of the Town of Rippon to Queen Anne presented their Petition to Queen Anne on this occasion They had a faire Collegiate Church stately for the structure thereof formerly erected by the Nobility and Gentry of the Vicenage the meanes whereof at the dissolution of Abbies were seized on by the King so that small maintenance was left to the Minister of that populous Parish Now although Edwin Sands Arch-bishop of York with the Earle of Huntinton Lord Burgley and Sheaffield successively Presidents of the North had recommended their Petition to Qu. Elizabeth they obtained nothing but faire unperformed Promises whereupon now the Ripponeers humbly addressed themselves to Queen Anne and hear her answer unto them ANNA R. ANNE by the grace of God Qu. of England Scotland France and Ireland c. To all to whom these presents shall come greeting Whereas there hath been lately exhibited and recommended unto us a frame and plat-forme of a Colledge Generall to be planted and established at Rippon in the County of Yorke for the manifold benefit of both the Borders of England and Scotland Upon the due perusing of the plot aforesaid hereunto annexed and upon signification given of the good liking and approbation of the chief points contained therein by sundry grave learned and religious parties and some other of honourable Place and Estate We have thought good for the ample and perpetuall advancement of Learning and Religion in both the borders of our aforesaid Realmes to condescend to yeild our favour and best furtherance thereunto And for the better encouraging of other honourable and worthy Personages to joyn with us in yeilding their bounty and benevolence thereunto We have and do signifie and assure and by the word of a sacred Princesse and Queen do expresly promise to procure with all convenient speed to and for the yearely better maintenance of the said Colledge All and every of the Requests specified and craved to that end in a small Schedule hereunto annexed In confirmation whereof we have signed these Presents by our hand and name above mentioned and have caused our privy Signet to be set unto the same July 4. Dated at our Honour at Greenwich July 4. An. Dom. 1604. and of our Reigne c. After the sealing thus subscribed Gulielmus Toulerius Secretarius de mandate serenissimae Annae Reginae Angliae Scotiae Franciae Hiberniae 16. Such need never fear successe King James his bountifull grant who have so potent a person to solicite their suite King James being forward of himselfe to advance Learning and Religion and knowing Christs precept Let your Light shine before Men knew also that Rippon was an advantagious place for the fixing thereof As which by its commodious position in the North there would reflect lustre almost equally into England and Scotland Whereupon he founded a Dean and Chapter of seven Prebends allowing them two hundred forty seven pounds a yeare out of his own Crowne-land for their maintenance 17. I am informed These Lands since twice sold that lately the Lands of this Church are by mistake twice sold to severall Purchasers viz. Once under the notion of Dean and Chapters Lands and againe under the property of Kings Lands I hope the Chapâ—men when all is right stated betwixt them will agree amongst themselves on their bargaine Mean time Rippon Church may the better comport with poverty because onely remitted to its former condition 18. The Family of Love or Lust rather at this time The Petition of the Family of Love to King James presented a tedious Petition to King James so that it is questionable whether His Majesty ever graced it with his perusall wherein they endeavoured to cleare themselves from some misrepresentations and by fawning expression to insinuate themselves into his Majesty's good opinion Which here we present To the King 's most excellent MAJESTY JAMES the first by the grace of God King of England Scotland France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. MOst gracious and Sveraigne Lord whereas there is published in a Book written by your Highnesse as an instruction to your most noble * * In his Basilicon Doron Sonne whom Almighty God blesse with much Honour Happinesse and Long life of a People that are of a vile Sect among the Anabaptists called the Family of Love who doe hold and maintaine many proud uncharitable unchristian and most absurd Opinions unto whom your Highnesse doth also give the name of Puritans assuming in the said Book that divers of them as Brown Penry and others doe accord with them in their foule Errours heady and phantasticall Opinions which are there set downe at large by Your Majesty
be accompted Puritans though these Familists could not be so desirous to leave them as the others were glad to be left by them For if their opinions were so senslesse and the lives of these Familists so sensuall as is reported no purity at all belonged unto them 20. b Sam. Ruthersurd in his Survey pag. 353. Some take exceptions at their Prayer for King JAMES Phrases in their Petition censured willing him and his Peace long life all honour and happinesse without mentioning of Life Eternall and the Blessings thereof whilst others are so much of the Family of Charity to this Family of Love as to excuse the omission as casual or else extend happinesse as comprehensive of the World to come Others are more justly offended to see God and Dung joyned together Gods Word and the words of H. Nicholas equally yeaked by them as infallible alike They confesse in this book some unusuall words which are Dark and Doubtfull which at this day is affected by many Sectarists whilst Truth is plain and easie amusing People with mysticall expressions which their Auditors understand not and perchance not they themselves So that as one saith very well of their high soring pretended spirituall language That it is a great deal too high for this world and a great deal too low for the world to come 21. I find one in his Confutation of this Petition inveighing against our Bishops Mr. Ruthorfurd causlesly asperseth the Bishops and Courtiers of Queen Eliz That they were friends unto Familisme c In his Notes on his Petition of Survey pag. 349. and favoured the Promoters thereof adding moreover That sew of the Prelaticall way refuted them Now though the best friends of Bishops yea and the Bishops themselves will confesse they had too many faults Yet I am confident this is a false and uncharitable aspersion upon them No better is that when he saith That divers of the Court of Queen Elizabeth and some Nobles were Familists wherein I am sure Plenty of Instances hath put him to such a Penury that he cannot insist upon any one But I am inclined the rather to Pardon his Errour herein because the Author reporting this is a Forreigner then living in Scotland And should I trear of the Character of the Court of King JAMES at Edinburgh at the same time possibly my Pen at so great a distance might commit farre worse mistakes 22. Some will say where are these Familists now adaies Familists turned into modern Ranters are they utterly extinct or are they lost in the heap of other Sects or are they concealed under a new name The last is most probable This Family which shut their Dores before keeps open house now Yea Family is too narrow a name for them they are grown so numerous Formerly by their own Confession in this Petition they had three Qualities Few Poor and Unlearned for the last Billa vera their Lack of Learning they still retain being otherwise many and some rich but all under the name of RANTERS and thus I fairly leave them on condition they will fairly leave me that I may hear no more of them for delivering Truth and my own Conscience in what I have written concerning their Opinions 23. I find no Protestant tears dropt on the grave of any eminent Divine this year but we light on two Romanists dying beyond Sea The death of Hall and Eli. much lamented one Richard Hall bred in Christs College in Cambridge whence he ran over to Rome whence he returned into the Low Countreys and died Canon and Official of the Cathedral of S. Omer The other Humphrey Eli an Herefordshire man by birth Fellow of St. John's in Oxford whence going beyond sea at Rome he commenced Doctour of Law and afterwards died Professour thereof in the University of Ponta * In the Duchy of Lorraine Mousan He is charactred to be Juris peritus doctus pauper pacificus A Lawyer learned poor and peaceable And thus much my charity can easily believe of him but the h Pitseui de illustrâ—buâ— Angliâ— scriptoribus pag. 804. Distich the Epitaph I take it on his Tomb is damnable hyperbolicall Albion haereseos velatur nocte viator Desine mirari sol suus hic latitat Wonder not Ann. Dom 1605. Ann. Reg. Jac. 4. England's dark with errours night For loe here buried lies her Sun so bright Or else the Poet lies who made the Verses But his ashes shall not be disturbed by me 24. The Romish Catholicks The plotrers in the Powder Treason now utterly despairing either by flattery to wooe or force to wrest any free and publick exercise of their Religion some of them entered into a damnable and devilish conspiracie to blow up the Parliament-House with gun-powder In this plot were engaged 1. Robert Catesbie 2. Thomas Percie 3. Sir Everard Dighie 4. Francis Tresham 5. Robert Winter 6. Thomas Winter 7. John Wright 8. Christopher Wright 9. Ambrose Rookwood 10. Robert Keys 11. John Grant 12. Thomas Bates Catesbie's man 13. Guido Faux Twelve besides their Foreman but how honest and true let their ensuing action declare Surely all of resolute spirits most of antient families some of plentifull fortunes and Percie though weak in purse himself pretended to command the wealthiest coffers of another 25. But Gaâ—net his deciding a case of conscience a treason without a Jesuit or one of Jesuited principles therein is like a drie wall without either lime or morter Gerard must be the cement with the Sacrament of Secrecie to joyn them together Garnet and Tismond whelps of the same litter commended and encouraged the designe But here an important scruple was injected How to part their friends from their foes in the Parliament they having many in the House of alliance yea of the same in conscience a nearer kinred Religion with themselves To slay the righteous with the a Gen. 18. 25. wicked be it farre from God and all good men And yet as such an unpartiall destruction was uncharitable so an exact Separation seemed as impossible Here Garnes instead of untying cut this knot asunder with this his sharp decision That in such a case as this it was lawfull to kill friend and foe together Indeed the good husbandman in the b Mat. 13. 29. Gospel permitted the tares to grow for the corne's sake whereas here by the contrary counsell of the Jesuit the corn so they reputed it was to be rooted up for the tares sake 26. This scruple in conscience Two other difficulties removed thus satisfied by Garnet two other difficulties in point of performance presented themselves For CHARLES Duke of York probably by reason of His minority would not be present and the Lady ELIZABETH would certainly be absent from the Parliament-House How then should these two the next Heires to the Crown be compassed within their power But for the first Percie profered his service promising to possesse himself by a
lurked under the carpets of the Counsel Table but even like fleas to have leaped into the pillows of Princes bed-chambers thence deriving their private knowledge of all things which were or were not ever done or thought of In defiance of whom I adde Give unto Cesar the things that are Cesars and unto God the things that are Gods The memory of this treason perpetuated by Act of Parl Let King JAMES by reading the Letter have the credit of discovering this Plot to the world and GOD the glory for discovering it unto King JAMES 40. A learned k Gamblen Brit. in Middlesex Author The memory of this treason â—e peâ—uâ—ted by Act of Parl Ann. Dom. 1605-06 Ann. Reg. Jac. 5 making mention of this Treason breaketh forth into the following rapture Excidat illa dies aevo ne postera credant Secula nos certè taceamus obruta multâ Nocte tegi propriae patiamar crimina gentis Oh let that day be quite dash'd out of time And not believ'd by the next generation In night of silence we ' ll conceal the crime Thereby to save the credit of our nation A wish which in my opinion hath more of Poetrie than of pietie therein and from which I must be forced to dissent For I conceive not the credit of our Countrey-men concerned in this Plot not beholding this as a nationall act whose actors were but a partie of a partie a desperate handfull of discontented persons of the Papisticall faction May the day indeed be ever forgotten as to the point of imitation but be ever remembred to the detestation thereof May it be solemnly transmitted to all posterity that they may know how bad man can be to destroy and how good God hath been to deliver That especially we English-men may take notice how wofull we might have been how happy we are and how thankfull we ought to be In order whereunto the Parliament first moved therein by Sir Edward Mountague afterward Baron of Boughton enacted an annuall and constant memoriall of that day to be observed 41. Certainly Iust complaint that the day is no better observed if this Plot had took effect the Papists would have celebrated this day with all solemnity and it should have taken the upper hand of all other Festivalls The more therefore the shame and pity that amongst Protestants the keeping of this day not as yet full fifty years old begins already to wax weak and decay So that the red letters wherein it is written seem daily to grow dimmer and paler in our English Kalender God forbid that our thankfulnesse for this great deliverance formerly so solemnly observed should hereafter be like the squibs which the Apprentices in London make on this day and which give a great flash and crack at the first but soon after go out in a stink 42. Matthew Hutton Archbishop of Yorke ended his religious life The death of Archbishop Hâ—tton descended from an antient Family of Hutton Haell as I take it in Lancashire Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge to the enlarging whereof he gave an hundred marks afterwards Master of Pembroke Hall and Margaret Professour then Bishop of Durham and Archbishop of Yorke One of the last times that ever he preached in his Cathedrall was on this occasion The Catholicks in Yorkeshire were commanded by the Queens Authority to be present at three Sermons and at the two first behaved themselves so obstreperously that some of them were forced to be gagged before they would be quiet The Archbishop preached the last Sermon most gravely and solidly taking for his Text Joh. 8. 47. He that is of God heareth Gods words ye therefore hear them not because ye are not of God 43. Here I must clear the memory of this worthy Prelate A foul mistake râ—ctified from a mistake committed surely not wilfully but through false intelligence by a pen otherwise more ingenuous and professing respect to him and some familiarity with him Sir John Harrington in his Additional to Bishop Godwin page 192. This Archbishop his eldest Sonne is a Knight lately Sheriffe of Yorkeshire and of good reputation One other Son he had Luke Hutton by name so valiant that he feared not men nor laws and for a robbery done on Saint Luke's day for names sake he died as sad a death though I hope with a better minde as the Thief of whom Saint Luke writes The Archbishop herein shewed that constancy and severity worthy of his place for he would not endeavour to save him as the world thought he easily might The Truth Ann. Reg. Jac. 4. Ann. Dom. 1606. This worthy Prelate had but three Sonnes 1. Marke who died young 2. Sir Timothy Hutton Knighted Anno 1605. and Sheriffe of Yorkeshire 3. Sir Thomas Hutton Knight who lived and died also respected in his own Countrey As for this Luke Hutton he was not his but Son to Doctor Hutton Prebendarie of Durham This Archbishop was a learned man excepted even by a Jesuit who wrote in disgrace of the English as neglecting the reading of Fathers and another Matthew more qui unus in paucis versare Patres dicitur He founded an Hospitall in the North and endowed it with the yearly revenue of thirty five pounds 44. Two other Bishops this year also ended their lives The death of the Bishops of Rochester and Chichester In March John l See Bishop Godwin in his Catalogue Young Doctour in Divinity once Master of Pembroke Hall in Cambridge Bishop of Rochester in which See he sate above twenty seven years And Anthony Watson Fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge first Dean of Bristol and afterwards Bishop of Chichester whom Queen Elizabeth made Her Almoner namely after Bishop Fletcher at whose indiscrâ—et second marriage the Queen took distaste Bishop Watson died in September and alwaies led a single life 45. Father Henry Garnet was now most solemnly Garnet's education early viciousnesse and ceremoniously brought to the scaffold who because he is cried up by the Papists for so pretious a piece of piety we will be the larger in the delivery of his true character For although we will not cast dirt on the foulest face it is fit we should wash off the paint of counterfeit holinesse from the hypocriticall pretenders thereunto Bred he was in Winchester School where with some other Scholars he conspired to cut off his School-Masters Bilson's m Attested by Bishop Bilson of Winchester alive at Garnet's death and many years after right hand early his enmitie against Authority retrenching his riot but that his designe was discovered Being Prepositour of the School whose frown or favour was considerable to those under his inspection he sodomitically abused five n Rob Abbot in his Antilogia Epistle to the Reader or six of the handsomest youths therein Hereupon his School-Master advised him yea he advised himself rather silently to slink away than to stand Candidate for a repulse in
his preferment to New Colledge Over he fled to Rome where after some years he so improved himself that from a Prepositour over boyes he was made Provincial over men even the whole Order of English Jesuits 46. Hence he returned into England Canvased in the Tower by the Protestant Divines and was not onely privie to but a principall plotter of the Gunpowder-Treason Being attached and imprisoned in the Tower the Earl of Sarisbury and Doctour Overall Dean of S. Paul's with other Divines repaired unto him charging it on his conscience for not revealing so dangerous a conspiracie Garnet pleaded for himself that it was concredited unto him under the solemn seal of Confession the violation whereof he accounted the highest impiety This they disproved because he had disccursed thereof frequently and publickly with Catesbie Gerard and Greenwood circumstances inconsistent with the essentiall secrecie of Confession Garnet sought to salve himself with a fine distinction so fine that it brake to pieces in the spinning that it was told him in viâ ad confessionem in order to confession which though wanting some formalities thereof did equally oblige his conscience to conceal it 47. Dean Overall rejoyned Confession only of antefacts that Confession was of antefacts not postfacts and that it is not confession but â—enacing to impart to a Priest intended villanies He farther urged that their most conscientious Casuists allowed yea injoyned Priests discovery in such case when a greater good accrued by revealing than concealing such secrecies I was minded quoth Garnet to discover the plot but not the persons therein 48. Here the Earl of Sarisbury interposed Earl of Sarisbury's question answered and who said he hindred you from discovering the Plot Even you your self answered Garnet for I knew full well should I have revealed the Plot and not the Plotters you would have racked this poor body of mine to pieces to make we confesse And now we have mentioned the rack Know that never any rack was used on Garnet Ann. Dom. 1606. Ann. Reg. Jac. 5 except a wit-rack wherewith he was worsted and this cunning archer outshot in his own bow For being in prison with Father Oldcorne alias Hall his Confessour they were put into an o Abbot in Antilogia cap. 1. fol. 5. equivocating room as I may terme it which pretended nothing but privacie yet had a reservation of some invisible persons within it ear-witnesses to all the passages be twixt them whereby many secrecies of Garnet's were discovered 49. In Guild hall he was arraigned before the Lord Major Garnet his arraignment condemnation and the Lords of the Privie Councell Sir Baptist Hicks afterwards Viscount Camden being foreman of the Jury consisting of Knights Esquires and the most substantiall Citizens whose integrities and abilities were above exception I see therefore no cause why the defender of Garnet after his death accuseth those men as incompetent or improper for their place as if he would have had him tried per pares by a Jury of Jesuits and would he have them all Provincials too which I believe though summoned would unwillingly have appeared in that place Garnet May 3 pleading little against pregnant proofs was condemned and some daies after publickly executed in S. Paul's Church-yard 50. The Secretary of the Spanish Ambassadour for we charitably believe his Master honester Popish false relations disproved and wiser writing into Spain and Italy what here he took upon hear-say filled forain Countreys with many falshoods concerning Garnet's death as namely 1. That he manifested much alacrity of minde in the cheerfulnesse of his looks at his death 2. His zealous and fervant prayers much moved the people 3. The people hindered the hangman from cutting the rope and quartering him while alive 4. The people so clawed the Executioner that he hardly escaped with life 5. When he held up Garnet's head to the people there was a Panick silence none saying God save the King Whereas 1. He betrayed much servile fear and consternation of spirit much beneath the erected resolution of a Martyr 2. His prayers were saint cold and perplexed oft interrupted with his listening to and answering of others 3. That favour by speciall order from His Majestie was mercifully indulged unto him 4. No violence was done unto him able many years after to give a cast of his office if need required 5. Acclamations in that kinde were as loud and generall as heretofore on the same occasion Thus suffered Father Garnet after whose death some subtile persons have impudently broached and other silly people senslesly believed a certain miracle of his working which we here relate as we finde it reported 51. John Wilkinson The solemn tale of Garnet's Straw-miracle a thorough-paced Catholick living at S. Omers posted over into England as having a great desire to get and keep some of Garnet's reliques Great was his diligence in coming early before others to the place of his execution which advantaged him neer to Garnet's person and greater his patience in staying till all was ended and the rest of the people departed When behold a straw be sprinkled with some drops of his blood and having an ear of corn at the end thereof leaped p Abbot lib. ut priùs cap. 14. sol 198. out of whom for the main all this storv is taken with the confutation thereof up on this Wilkinson not taking the rise of its leap from the ground he was sure but whether from the scaffold or from the basket wherein Garnet's head was he was uncertain Was not this Wilkinson made of Jeat that he drew this straw so wonderfully unto him Well however it came to passe joyfully he departs with this treasure and deposits the same with the Wife of Hugh Griffith Ann. Dom. 1607. a Tailor a Zealot of his own Religion who provided a Chrystall Case for the more chairie keeping thereof 52. Some weeks after Garnet's picture appears in a straw upon serious inspection of this straw the face of a man and we must believe it was Garnet's was perceived therein appearing on the outside of a leaf which covered a grain within it and where the convexitie thereof represented the prominencie of the face with good advantage Wilkinson Hugh Griffith and his wife Thomas Laithwaith and others beheld the same though there be some difference in their depositions whose eyes had the first happinesse to discover this portraicture Soon after all England was belittered with the news of this straw and Catholicks cried it up for no lesse than a miracle 53. There are two infallible touch-stones of a true miracle Not presently done which alwaies is done 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 presently and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perfectly Neither of these on examination appeared here For when this straw salient leaped first up into Wilkinson's lap it is to be presumed that he having it so long in his possession critically surveyed the same the volume whereof might
words which cannot without some circumlocution so briefly and fitly be expressed in the text 7. Such quotations of places to be marginally set down as shall serve for the fit reference of one Scripture to another 8. Every particular man of each company to take the same Chapter or Chapters and having translated or amended them severally by himself where he thinks good all to meet together conferre what they have done and agree for their part what shall stand 9. As any one company hath dispatched any one Book in this manner they shall send it to the rest to be considered of seriously and juditiously for His Majestie is very carefull in this point 10. If any company upon the review of the Book so sent shall doubt or differ upon any places to send them word thereof note the places and therewithall send their reasons to which if they consent not the difference to be compounded at the General Meeting which is to be of the chief persons of each company at the end of the work 11. When any place of speciall obscurity is doubted of Letters to be directed by Authority to send to any learned in the Land for his judgment in such a place 12. Letters to be sent from every Bishop to the rest of his Clergie admonishing them of this Translation in hand and to move and charge as many as being skilfull in the Tongues have taken pains in that kinde to send his particular observations to the Company either at Westminster Cambridge or Oxford 13. The directours in each Company to be the Deans of Westminster and Chester for that place and the Kings Professours in the Hebrew and Greek in each Universitie 14. These Translations to be used when they agree better with the Text than the Bishops-Bible viz Tindals Matthews Coverdals Whitchurch Geneva Besides the said directions before mentioned three or four of the most antient and grave Divines in either of the Universities not employed in translating to be assigned by the Vice-Chancellour upon conference with the rest of the Heads to be Overseers of the Translations as well Hebrew as Greek for the better observation of the fourth Rule above-specified 2. The untimely death of Mr. Edward Lively Mr. Lively his death much weight of the work lying on his skill in the Oriental Tongues happening about this time happy that servant whom his Master when he cometh findeth so doing not a little retarded their proceedings However the rest vigorously though slowly proceeded in this hard heavie and holy task nothing offended with the censures of impatient people condemning their delaies though indeed but due deliberation for lazinesse Our pen for the present taketh its leave of them not doubting but within two years to give a good account of them or rather that they will give a good account of themselves In the translating of the Bible one of the eminent persons employed therein The death of Dr. Reynolds was translated into a better life viz 3. Doctor John Reynolds May 21 Kings Professour in Oxford born in Devon shire with Bishop Iewell and Mr. Hooker and all three bred in Corpus-Christi Colledge in Oxford No one County in England bare three such men * He was Bachâ—lor of Arts before Bishop Jewels death contemporarie at large in what Colledge soever they were bred no Colledge in England bred such three men in what County soever they were born 4. This Iohn Reynolds at the first was a zealous Papist A strange encounter whilst William his Brother was as earnest a Protestant and afterwards Providence so ordered it that by their mutuall disputation Iohn Reynolds turned an eminent Protestant and William an inverterate Papist in which perswasion he died This gave the occasion to an excellent Copie of Verses Ann. Dom. 1607 Ann. Reg. Jac. 5 concluding with this Distich Quod genus hoc pugnae est ubi victus gaudet uterque Et simul alteruter se superâsse dolet What war is this when conquered both are glad And either to have conquered other sad Daniel saith Chap. 12. ver 4. Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased But here indeed was a strange transcursion and remarkable the effects thereof 5. His memory was little lesse than miraculous he himself being the truest Table to the multitude of voluminous Books he had read over His admirable parts and piety whereby he could readily turn to all materiall passages in every leaf page volume paragraph not to descend lower to lines and letters As his Memory was a faithfull Index so his Reason was a solid Judex of what he read his Humility set a lustre on all admirable that the whole should be so low whose severall parts were so high communicative of which he knew to any that desired information herein like a tree Joaden with fruit bowing down its branches to all that desired to ease it of the burden thereof deserving this Epitaph Incertum est utrum Doctior an Melior 6. His disaffection to the discipline established in England was not so great Most conformable in his practice to the Church of England as some Bishops did suspect or as more Non conformists did believe No doubt he desired the abolishing of some Ceremonies for the ease of the conscience of others to which in his own practice he did willingly submit constantly wearing Hood and Surplice and kneeling at the Sacrament On his death-bed he earnestly desired absolution Dr. Crackenthorp in his Defence of the English against Spalato according to the form of the Church of England and received it from Doctor Holland whose hand he * affectionately kissed in expression of the joy he received thereby Doctor Featly made his funerall Oration in the Colledge Sir Isaac Wake in the University 7. About this time Mr. John Molle Mr. Molle his birth and breeding Governour to the Lord Ross in his travails began his unhappy journey beyond the Seas This Mr. Molle was born in or neer South-Molton in Devon His youth was most spent in France where both by sea and land he gained much dangerous experience Once the ship he sailed in sprung a-leak wherein he and all his company had perished if an Hollander bound for Garnesay passing very neer had not speedily taken them in which done their ship sunk immediately Being Treasurer for Sir Thomas Shirley of the Englâ—sh Army in Britanie he was in the defeat of Cambray wounded taken prisoner and ransomed Providence designing him neither to be swallowed by the surges nor slain by the sword but in due time to remain a Land-mark of Christian patience to all posterity At last he was appointed by Thomas Earl of Exeter who formerly had made him Examiner in the Councell of the North to be Governour in Travail to his Grand-childe the Lord Ross undertaking the charge with much reluctancie as a presage of ill successe and with a profession and a resolution not to passe the Alpes 8.
But a Vagari took the Lord Ross to go to Rome His sad Dilemmâ— though some conceive this motion had its root in more mischievous brains In vain doth Mr. Molle disswade him grown now so wilfull he would in some sort govern his Governour What should this good man doe To leave him were to desert his trust to goe along with him was to endanger his own life At last his affections to his charge so prevailed against his judgment that unwillingly willing he went with him Now at what rate soever they rode to Rome the fame of their coming came thither before them so that no sooner had they entred their Inne but Officers asked for Mr. Molle took and carried him to the Inquisition-House where he remained a prisoner whilest the Lord Ross was daily feasted favoured entertained so that some will not stick to say That here he changed no Religion for a bad one 9. However His constancy in the 〈…〉 such Mr. Molle's glorious constancy that whilest he look'd forward on his cause and upwards to his crown neither frights nor flattery could make any impression on him It is questionable whether his friends did more pity his misery or admire his patience The pretence and allegation of his so long and strict imprisonment was because he had translated Du Plessis his Book of The Visibility of the Church out of French into English but besides there were other contrivances therein not so fit for a publick relation In vain did his friends in England though great and many endeavour his enlargement by exchange for one or moe Jesuits or Priests who were prisoners here Papists beholding this Molle as a man of a thousand who if discharged the Inquisition might give an account of Romish cruelty to their great disadvantage 10. In all the time of his durance His death in durance he never heard from any * So am I informed by a Letter from Mr. Hâ—n Molle his Son friend nor any from him by word or letter no English-man being ever permitted to see him save onely one viz Mr. Walter Strickland of Botnton-house in York shire With very much desire and industry he procured leave to visit him an Irish Frier being appointed to stand by and be a witnesse of their discourse Here he remained thirty years in restraint and in the eighty first year of his age died a Prisoner and constant Confessour of Christ his cause God be magnified in and for the sufferings of his Saints 11. In this year Richard Vaughan The death of Bishop Vaughan Doctor of Divinity bred in S. John's Colledge in Cambridge successively Bishop of Bangor Chester and London ended his life A corpulent man but spiritually minded such his integrity not to be bowed though force was not wanting to any base connivance to wrong the Church he was placed in His many virtues made his losse to be much bemoaned 12. Greater was the grief Mr. Brightmans birth and breeding which the death of Master Thomas Brightman caused to the disaffectors of the Church-discipline of England He was born in the Town of Nottingham bred in Queens-Colledge in Cambridge where a constant opposition in point of judgment about Ceremonies was maintained between him and Doctor Meryton afterwards Dean of Yorke Here he filled himselfe with abilities for the Ministerie waiting a call to vent himselfe in the Countrey 13. It happened this very time A Patron paramount that Sir John Son to Mr. Peter Osborne both lovers of learned and godly men not onely bought and restored the Rectorie of Haunes in Bedford shire formerly alienated to the Church but also built thereon from the ground a fair House which he furnished with fitting utenfils for the future Incumbent thereof This done at his desire of an able Minister Doctor Whitakers recommended Master Brightman unto him on whom Sir John not onely freely conferred the Living but also the profits of two-former years which the Knight inned at his own cost and kept in his possession 14. Here Mr. Brightman employed himself both by preaching Exceptions against Master Brightman's Book and writing to advance Gods glory and the good of the Church witnesse his learned Comments in most pure Latine on the Canticles and Revelation though for the latter greatly grudged at on severall accounts 1. For the Title thereof conceived too insolent for any creature to affix A Revelation of The Revelation except immediate Inspiration which made the lock had given the key unto it 2. For being over-positive in his interpretations The rather because the Reverend Mr. Calvin himself being demanded his opinion of some passages in the Revelation as a learned * Bodin in his Method of History cap. 7. man reporteth answered ingenuously That he knew not at all what so obscure a writer meant 3. For over-particularizing in personal expositions applying severall Angels mentioned therein Chap. 14. v. 18 He maketh Arch-bp Cranmer the Angel to have power over the fire and Ch. 16. v. 5. He makes Hillâ— Cecil Ld Treas of England the Angel of the waters if Lord Admirall it had been more proper justifying the pouring out of the third viall to the Lord Cromwell Archbishop Cranmer Cecill Lord Burley c. Such restrictiveness being unsuitable with the large concernment of Scripture as if England half an Island in the Western corner were more considerable than all the world besides and the theater whereon so much should be performed 4. In resembling the Church of England to luke-warm Laodicea praising and preferring the purity of forrain Protestant-Churches Indeed his daily discourse was against Episcopal Government which he declared would shortly be pulled down He spake also of great troubles which would come upon the Land of the destruction of Rome and the Universall calling of the Jewes affirming That some then alive should see all these things effected 15. However His angelical life his life was most angelicall by the confession of such who in judgment dissented from him His manner was alwaies to carry about him a Greek Testament which he read over every fortnight reading the Gospels and the Acts the first the Epistles and the Apocalyps the second week He was little of stature and though such commonly cholerick yet never known to be moved with anger and therefore when his pen falls foul on Romish superstition his friends account it zeal and no passion 16. His desire was to die a sudden death His sudden death if God so pleased surely not out of opposition to the English Liturgie praying against the same but for some reasons best known to himself God granted him his desire a death sudden in respect of the shortnesse of the time though premeditated on and prepared for by him who waited for his change and being a watchfull souldier might be assaulted not surprized For riding in a Coach with Sir Iohn Osborne and reading of a Book for he would lose no time he fainted and though instantly taken out
in a servants armes and set on his lap on an hillock all means affordable at that instant being used for his recovery Aug. 24. died on the place on the twenty fourth of August and is buried in the Chancell of Haunes Reverend Doctor Bulkley preaching his funerall Sermon after he had faithfully fed his flock therein for fifteen years 17. He was a constant Student Whence we derive our intelligence much troubled before his death with obstructions both of the liver and gall and is supposed by Physicians to have died of the later about the fiftieth one year of his age And now no doubt he is in the number of those * Revel 14. 4. Virgins who were not defiled with women and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth Who alwaies led a single life as preferring a bed unfilled before a bed undefiled This my intelligence I have received by Letter from my worthy friend lately gone to God Master William Buckly Bachelour of Divinity and once Fellow of Queens Colledge in Cambridge who living hard by Haunes at Clyfton at my request diligently inquired and returned this his character from aged credible persons familiar with Master Brightman 18. This year silently slipt away in peace 1608. plenty and prosperity being ended before effectually begun as to any memorable Church-matter therein Indeed all the Reigne of King JAMES was better for one to live under than to write of consisting of a Champian of constant tranquility without any tumours of trouble to entertain posterity with 19. In the Parliament now sitting at Westminster in whose parallel Convocation nothing of consequence the most remarkable thing Enacted was An Act for Chelsey-Colledge 1609. the Act made to enable the Provosts and Fellowes of Chelsey-Colledge to dig a trench out of the river Lee to erect Engines water-works c. to convey and carry water in close-pipes under ground unto the City of London and the Suburbs thereof for the perpetuall maintenance and sustentation of the Provost and Fellows of that Colledge and their successours by the rent to be made of the said waters so conveyed Where first lighting on the mention of this Colledge we will consider it in a fourfold capacity 1. As intended and designed 2. As growing and advanced 3. As hindred Ann. Reg. Jac. 7 Ann. Dom. 1609. and obstructed 4. As decaying and almost at the present ruined I shall crave the Reader pardon if herein I make excursions into many years but without discomposing of our Chronologie on the margin because it is my desire though the Colledge be left imperfect to finish and complete my description thereof so farre as my best intelligence will extend being herein beholding to Doctor Samuel Wilkinson the fourth and present Provost of that Colledge courteously communicating unto me the considerable Records thereof 20. It was intended for a Spirituall Garrison The glory of the designe with a Magazine of all Books for that purpose where learned Divines should study and write in maintenance of all Controversies against the Papists Indeed the Romanists herein may rise up and condemn those of the Protestant Confession For as a 2 Chron. 8. 9. Solomon used not his military men for any servile work in building the Temple whereof the Text assigneth this reason For they were men of warre so the Romish Church doth not burden their Professours with preaching or any parochiall incumbrances but reserves them onely for Polemical studies Whereas in England the same man reads preacheth catechizeth disputes delivers Sacraments c. So that were it not for Gods marvellous blessing on our studies and the infinite odds of truth on our side it were impossible in humane probability that we should hold up the bucklers against them Besides the study of Divinity at the least two able Historians were to be maintained in this Colledge faithfully and learnedly to record and publish to posterity all memorable passages in Church and Common-wealth 21. In pursuance of this designe K. James His Mortmain and personal benefaction His Majesty incorporated the said foundation by the name of King JAMES his Colledge in Chelsey and bestowed on the same by his Letters Patents the reversion of good land in Chelsey then in possession of Charles Earl of Nottingham the Lease thereof not expiring till about thirty years hence and also gave it a capacity to receive of His loving Subjects any lands not exceeding in the whole the yearly value of three thousand pounds 22. Next King JAMES Dr. Sutcliffe his bounty let me place Doctor Matthew Sutcliffe Dean of Exeter who though no Prince by birth seems little lesse by his bounty to this Colledge As Araunah but a private Subject gave things b 2 Sam. 24. 23. as a King to Gods service such the royall liberality of this Doctor bestowing on this Colledge The Farms of 1. Kingstone 2. Hazzard 3. Appleton 4. Kramerland in the Parish of 1. Staverton 2. Harberton 3. Churchton 4. Stoke-rivers All in the County of Devoâ— and put together richly worth three hundred pounds per annum Besides these by his Will dated November 1. 1628. he bequeathed unto Doctor John Prideaux and Doctor Clifford as Feoffees in trust to settle the same on the Colledge the benefit of the Extent on a Statute of four thousand pounds acknowledged by Sir Lewis Steuklie c. A bountifull benefaction and the greater because the said Doctour had a Daughter and she Children of her own And although this endowment would scarce make the Pot c 2 Kings 4. 38 39. of pottage seethe for the sons of the Prophets yet what feasts would it have made in his private family if continued therein Seeing therefore so publick a minde in so private a man the more the pity that this good Doctour was deserted Uriah d 2 Saâ— 11. 15. like ingaged in the forefront to fight alone against an army of difficulties which he encountred in this designe whilest such men basely retired from him which should have seasonably succoured and seconded him in this action 23. The fabrick of this Colledge was begun on a piece of ground called Thameshot The Structure containing about six acres and then in possession of Charles Earl of Nottingham who granted a Lease of his terme therein to the said Provost at the yearly rent of seven pounds ten shillings King JAMES laid the first stone thereof and gave all the timber requisite thereunto which was to be fetch'd out of Windsor-Forrest And yet that long range of building which alone is extant scarce finished at this day thus made though not of free-stone of free-timber as I am informed cost oh the dearnesse of Church and Colledge-work full three thousand pound But alas what is this piece not an eighth part to a double quadrant besides wings on each side which was intended If the aged fathers which remembred the magnificence of Solomon's wept at the meannesse of the e Ezra 3. 12.
Church than themselves and haply might acquire priviledges prejudicial to their Episcopall Jurisdiction 6. The jealousie of the Universities beholding this designe with suspitious eyes as which in processe of time might prove detrimentall unto them Two breasts Cambridge and Oxford being counted sufficient for England to suckle all her children with 7. The suspition of some Patriots and Commoners in Parliament such as carried the keyes of Countrey-mens coffers under their girdles may I safely report what I have heard from no mean mouthes that this Colledge would be too much Courtier and that the Divinity but especially the History thereof would 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propend too much in favour of King JAMES and report all things to the disadvantage of the Subject Wherefore though the said Patriots in Parliament countenanced the act as counting it no policy publickly to crosse the project of King JAMES especially as it was made popular with so pious a plausibility yet when returned home by their suspitious Items and private instructions they beat off and retarded peoples charities thereunto The same conceived this foundation superfluous to keep men to confute Popish opinions by writings whilest the maintainers of them were every where connived at and countenanced and the penall Laws not put in any effectuall execution against them 8. It s being begun in a bad time when the world swarmed with proleing Projectours and necessitous Courtiers contriving all waies to get moneys We know that even honest persons if strangers and casually coming along with the company of those who are bad contract a suspition of guilt in the opinions of those to whom they are unknown And it was the unhappinesse of this innocent yea usefull good designe that it appeared in a time when so many Monopolies were on foot 9. Some great Church men who were the more backward because Doctor Sutcliffe was so forward therein Such as had not freeness enough to go before him had frowardness too much to come after him in so good a designe The rather because they distasted his person and opinions Doctor Sutcliffe being a known rigid Anti-Remonstrant and when old very morose and teastie in his writings against them An infirmity which all ingenuous people will pardon in him that hope and desire to attain to old age themselves Thus have I opened my wares with sundry sorts of commodities therein assigning those Reasons which I have either read or heard from prime men of severall interests and am confident that in the variety yea contrariety of judgments now adaies even those very Reasons which are cast away by some as weak and frivolous will be taken up yea preferred by others as most satisfactory and substantiall 27. At this present it hath but little of the case The presen◠sad condition of it and nothing of the jewell for which it was intended Almost rotten before ripe and ruinous before it was finished It stands bleak like a Lodge in a garden of cucumbers having plenty of pleasant water the Thames neer it and store of wholesome aire about it but very little of the necessary element of earth belonging unto it Yea since I am informed that seeing the Colledge taketh not effect according to the desire and intent of the first Founders it hath been decreed in Chancerie by the joynt consent of Doctor Daniel Featly the third Provost of this Colledge and Doctor John Prideaux the surviving Feoffee intrusted in Dr. Sutcliffe's Will that the foresaid Farms of Kingstone Hazzard and Appleton should return again to the possession of Mr. Halce as the Heir-generall to the said Dr. Sutcliffe On what consideration let others enquire it is enough to perswade me it was done in equity because done by the Lord Coventrie in the high Court of Chancerie So that now onely the Farm of Kramerland in Devonshire of Sutcliffe's donation remains to this Colledge All I will adde is this As this Colledge was intended for Controversies so now there is a controversie about the Colledge costly suits being lately commenced betwixt William Lord Mounston who married the Widow of the aforesaid Earl of Nottingham and the present Provost thereof about the title of the very ground whereon it is situated 28. Three Bishops The death of Bishop Overton Heton Ravis all Oxford-men ended their lives this year First William Overton about the beginning of April bred in Magdalene Colledge one sufficiently severe to suppresse such whom he suspected of Non-conformity The second Martin Heton first Dean of Winchester and then Bishop of Elie. I say of Elie which See had stood empty almost twenty years in the Reigne of Queen ELIZABETH after the death of Bishop Cox So long the lantern of that Church so g Camdeus Brit Cambridge-shire artificial for the workmanship thereof wanted a light to shine therein Some suspected this place so long empty would never be filled again seeing no Bishoprick so large in revenues was so little in jurisdiction not having the small County of Cambridge b Part is of the Diocesse of Norwich wholly belonging unto it Some cunning Courtiers observing this breach in Elie-Minster as fiercely assaulted it with hope to get gain to themselves During the vacancie it was offered to many Church-men or chapmen shall I say but either their consciences or coffers would not come up to the conditions thereof Amongst others Mr. Parker brought up in Peter-House in Cambridge and Arch-Deacon of Elie saith my i A Manuscript of the Bishops of Elie lent me by Mr. Wright Authour iniquis conditionibus Episcopatum oblatum respuit tantam opum usuram nisi salvâ Ecclesiâ negligens At last but with the revenues much altered and empaired it was conferred on Doctor Heton who after ten years possession thereof died July 14. and seems the more obscure because of the lustre and learning of Doctor Lancelot Andrewes who immediately succeeded him The third Bishop deceasing this year December 14 was Thomas Ravis sometime Dean of Christ-Church and successively Bishop of Glocester and London born at Malden in Surrey of worthy parentage Claris parentibus saith the Epitaph on his tomb in St. Pauls who left the memory of a grave and good man behinde him Nor must it be forgotten that as he first had his learning in Westminster-School so he alwaies continued both by his counsell and countenance a most especiall incourager of the studies of all deserving Scholars belonging to that Foundation 29. As Archb◠Nich Fuller ingages for his Clients Bancroft was driving on conformity very fiercely throughout all his Province He met with an unexpected rub which notwithstanding he quickly removed for about this time Nich Fuller a Bencher of Greyes-Inne eminent in his profession Ann. Dom. 1610. Ann. Reg. Jac. 8 pleaded so boldly for the enlargement of his Clients that he procured his own confinement the Case thus Tho Lad a Merchant of Yarmouth in Norfolke was imprisoned a long time by the High Commission and could not be
bayled because having formerly answered upon his oath twice before the Chancellour of Norwich to certain Articles touching a Conventicle he refused to answer upon a new oath without sight of his former answers Richard Mansell a Preacher charged to be a partaker in a Petition exhibited to the House of Commons in Parliament and refusing the Oath Ex Officio to answer to certain Articles to him propounded was long imprisoned by the Commissioners at Lambeth and could not be bayled 30. Both Prisonerâ— were brought to the Barre upon the Writ of Habeas corpus where Nich Fuller pleaded they ought to be discharged endeavouring by a large Argument lately printed to prove that the Ecclesiasticall Commissioners have no power by virtue of their Commission to imprison to put to the oath Ex Officio or to fine any of His Majesties subjects Archbishop Bancroft got some legall advantage against Mr. Fuller in the managing thereof To the losse of his own liberty and life and then let him alone to improve the same Fuller's friends complained that onely by the Colour of Right and the Rigour of Might he was cast into Prison Here this learned Counsellour could give himself no better nor other advice but onely pure patience Many were his Petitions to the King for his enlargement whom the Archbishop had pre-acquainted with the Case representing him to the King as the Champion of Non-conformists so that there he lied and died in prison However he left behinde him the reputation of an honest man and a plentifull estate to his Family besides his bountifull benefaction to Emmanuell Colledge and other pious uses at this day enjoyed by his Grandchilde a Gentleman k Master Douse Fuller of Berk. Esq deservedly beloved in his Countrey 31. On the 26 of October began the fifth Session of this long-lasting Parliament The lâ—st Sessi â—n of 〈◊〉 Pâ—râ—â—ament A Session which may be found in the Records though it be lost in our Statute-book because nothing therein was enacted as soon after dissolved by Proclamation 32. Cervas Babington The death of 〈◊〉 Babington Bishop of Worcester May 17. ended his pious life He was born in Nortiâ—gham-shire of worshipfull extraction Now although lately the chief of the Family abused by Papists otherwise in himself an accomplished l Anthony Babington of Dethiâ—k in Derbyshire Gentleman had tainted his blood with Treason against the Queen the learning loyalty and Religion of this worthy Prelate may serve to rectifie the Sirname and justly restore that Family to its former repute with all posterity He was bred Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge first Chaplain to Henry Earl of Pembroke whose Countesse made an exact Translation of the Psalmes and they first procured him to be preferred Treasurer of Landaffe 33. He was soon after made Bishop of Landaffe His parts and praise which in merriment he used to call Affe the land thereof long since being alienated thence was he translated to Exeter thence to Worcester thence to Heaven He was an excellent Pulpit-man happy in raising the affections of his Auditory which having got up he would keep up till the close of his Sermon An industrious Writer witnesse his large Comment on the five books of Moses the Lords Prayer Creed and Commandements with other portions of Scripture Nought else have I to observe of this Bishop save that as a Bahington's Armes were Argent ten Torteauxes four three two and one Gules the self same being the Armes of the Bishoprick of Worcester His paternall Coat being just the same with that of his Episcopall See with which it is impaled 34. The same year expired Bishop Bancroft The death of Archbishop 〈◊〉 Nov. 2. Archbishop of Canterbury He was brought up in Jesus Colledge in Cambridge preferred by degrees to the Bishoprick of London Sir Christopher Hatton was his Patron who made him his Examiner His Adversaries character him a greater States-man than Divine a better Divine than Preacher though his printed Sermon sufficiently attesteth his abilities therein Being a Cambridge-man he was made Chancellour of Oxford to hold the scales even with Cardinal Poole Ann. Reg. Jac. 9 Ann. Dom. 1611. an Oxford-man made Chancellour of Cambridge 44. I finde two faults charged on his memory Vindicated from cruelty Cruelty and Covetousness Un-Episcopall qualities seeing a Bishop ought to be godly and hospitable To the first it is confessed he was most stiffe and stern to presse Conformity And what more usuall than for Offenders to nick-name necessary severity to be cruelty Now though he was a most stout Champion to assert Church-Discipline let me passe this story to posterity from the mouth of a person therein concerned An honest and able Minister privately protested unto him That it went against his conscience to conform And the aspersion of Covetousness being then ready to be deprived Which way saith the Archbishop will you live if put out of your Benefice The other answered He had no way but to goe a begging and to put himselfe on Divine Providence Not that saith the Archbishop you shall not need to doe but come to me and I will take order for your maintenance What impression this made on the Ministers judgment I am not able to report 45. As for his Covetousness a witty Writer m Mâ— Arthur Wilson but more Satyrist than Historian of King JAMES his Life reports this Pasquin of him Here lies his Grace in cold clay clad Who dy'd for want of what he had True it is he maintained not the state of Officers like Predecessour or Successour in house-keeping having a Citizen-Tradesman more acquainted with thrift than bounty for his Domesticall Steward yet was he never observed in his own person to aim at the enriching of his Kindred but had intentions to make pious uses his publick Heire bequeathing his Library the confluence of his own collections with his Predecessours Whitgift Grindoll Parkers to Chelsey-Colledge and if that took not effect to the publick Library in Cambridge where at this day they remain his clear estate at his death exceeded not six thousand pound no summe to speak a single man covetous who had sate six years in the See of Canterbury and somewhat longer in London 46. It is needlesse to clean his memory from the aspersion of Popery Falsly traduced for Popish inclinations two eminent acts of his own being his sufficient Compurgatours One in setting the secular Priests against the Jesuits as S. Paul did the Pharisees against the Sadducees thereby so deriding their languages as scarce they can understand one another at this day The other his forwardnesse in founding Chelsey-Colledge which as a two-edged sword was to cut on both sides to suppresse Papists and Sectaries 47. One passage more of this Prelate A good Patron of Church-Revenues and I have done A company of young Courtiers appeared extraordinarily gallant at a Tilting farre above their fortunes and estates These gave
shine on Earth as long as the Sun that faithful Witness endureth in Heaven Being more confident that my desire herein will take effect considering the Honourable Governous of this Hospital are Persons so Good they will not abuse it themselves and so Great they will not suffer it to be abuâ—ed by others 22. England at this time enjoying abundance of Peace Nov. 6. The death and prayâ— of Pr. HENRY Plenty and Prosperity in full speed of her Happiness was checkt on a soddain with the sad News of the death of Prince HENRY in the rage of a malitious extraordinary burning-Feaver He was generally lamented of the whole Land both Universities publishing their Verses in print and give me leave to remember four made by Giles Fletcher of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge on this PRINCES plain Grave because wanting an Inscription and it will be Honour enough to me if I can make thereof a Translation Si sapis attonitus sacro decede Sepulchro Nec cineri quae sunt nomina quaere novo Prudens celavit Sculptor nam quisque rescivit Protinus in lachrymas solvitur moritur If wise amaz'd depart this holy Grave Nor these New-ashes ask what Names they have The Graver in concealing them was wise For who so knows strait melts in tears and dies Give me leave to adde one g Made by Mr. George Herbert more untranslatable for its Elegancy and Expressivenesse Vlteriora timens cum morte paciscitur Orbis And thus we take our leave of the Memory of so Worthy a PRINCE never heard by any alive to swear an Oath for which Archbishop Abbot commended Him in his Funerall Sermon the PRINCE being wont to say That He knew no Game or Value to be won or lost that could be worth an Oath 23. One generation goeth and another generation cometh Feb. 14. The Marriage of the Palatine but the earth remaineth for ever the Stage stands the Actors alter Prince HENRY's Funerals are followed with the Prince PALATINE's Nuptials solemnized with great State in hopes of happiness to both Persons though sad in the event thereof and occasioning great revolutions in Christendome 24. Expect not of me an account of the Divorce of the Lady Fra Howard from the Earl of Essex 11. 1613. Essex his Divorce discussed and of her re-marriage to Robert Carre Earl of Somerset which Divorce divided the Bishops of the Land in their judgments Against it George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury John King Bishop of London Alledging the common same of Incontinency betwixt Her and the Earl of Somerset For it Thomas Bilson Bishop of Winchester Lancelot Andrews Bishop of Elie. Rich Neale BP of Coventry and Litchfield These proceeded secundùm allegata probata of the Earls inability quoad hanc and the Ladies untainted Virginity 25. Onely I will insert one passage A memorable Speech of Bishop King Bishop Overall discoursing with Bishop King about the Divorce the later expressed himself to this effect I should never have been so earnest against the Divorce Ann. Dom. 1613. Ann. Reg. Jac. 11 save that because perswaded in my conscience of falshood in some of the depositions of the Witnesses on the Ladies behalf This sure I am from her second Marriage is extracted as chaste and virtuous * Anne Countess of Bedford a Lady as any of the English Nation 29. Nicholas Wadham Wadham-Colledge sounded Esquire of Merryfield in the County of Somerset did by his last Will bequeath Four hundred pounds per annum and Six thousand pounds in money to the building of a Colledge in Oxford leaving the care and trust of the whole to Dorothy his Wife One of no lesse learned and liberall than Noble extraction A Sister to John Lord Peters and Daughter to Sir William Peters Secretary to four Kings and a worthy Benefactour to All-Souls Colledge In her life-time she added almost double to what her Husband bequeathed whereby at this day it is become one of the most Uniform buildings in England as no additionall result at severall times of sundry fancies and Founders but the entire product all at once of the same Architect 30. This year the same was finished Where formerly a Monastery of Augustineâ—s built in a place where formerly stood a Monastery of the Augustine Friers who were so eminent for their abilities in disputing that the University did by a particular Statute impose it as an Exercise upon all those that were to proceed Masters of Art that they should first be disputed upon by the Augustine Fryers which old Statute is still in force produced at this day for an Equivalent exercise yet styled Answering Augustines The Colledge hath from its beginning still retained something of its old Genius having been continually eminent for some that were acute Philosophers and good Disputants Wardens Bishops Benefactors Learned Writers Doctor Wright admitted 1613. Dr. Flemming admitted 1613. Dr. Smith 1616. Dr. Escott 1635. Dr. Pitt 1644. Dr. Joh. Wilkins 1648. Robert Wright Bishop of Bristoll then Coventrie and Lichfield Philip Bisse Doctor of Divinity Canon of Wells and Arch-deacon of Taunton gave 1849 Books for their Librarie valued at 1200 pounds Humphrey Sydenham a very eloquent Preacher So that very lately r viz. An. 1634. there were in this Colledge one Warden fifteen Fellows fifteen Scholars two Chaplains two Clerks besides Officers and Servants of the Foundation with many other Students the whole number 120. As for Dr. John Wilkins the present Warden thereof my worthily respected friend he hath courteously furnished me with my best intelligence from that University 31. A Parliament was called A Parliament suddenly called soon dissolved wherein many things were transacted nothing concluded In this Parlament Dr. Harsenet Bishop of Chichester gave offence in a Sermon preacht at Court pressing the word Reddite Caesari quae sunt Caesaris as if all that was leavied by Subsidies or paid by Custome to the Crown was but a redditum of what was the Kings before Likewise Doctor Neale Bishop of Rochester uttered words in the House of the Lords interpreted to the disparagement of some reputed Zealous Patriot in the House of Commons both these Bishops were questioned upon it and to save them from the storm this was the occasion chiefly as was supposed of the abrupt breaking up of the Parliament 32. Anthony Rudde The death of Bishop Rudde Bishop of S. Davids ended his life He was born in Yorkshire bred in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge where he became Fellow A most excellent Preacher whose Sermons were very acceptable to Qu. ELIZABETH Hereon dependeth a memorable Story which because but defectively delivered by Sir John Harrington I request the Readers Patience and require his Belief to this large and true Relation thereof 33. Bishop Rudde preaching in his course before Queen ELIZABETH at White-hall Ann. Reg. Jac. 12 Ann. Dom. 1614. A remarkable 〈◊〉 Her Majesty was highly affected with his Sermon in so
much that She commanded Archbishop Whitgift to signifie unto him Mar. 12. That â—e should be his Successour in case the Archbishoprick ever fell in the Queens disposall 34. Not long after the Archbishop meeting Bishop Rudde The Bishop by â—lain preaching gains the Queens â—avour Brother said he I bring good tydings to you though bad to my self for they cannot take full effect till after my death Her Grace is so pleased with your last Sermon She enjoyned me to signifie to you Her pleasure That you shall be my Successour in Canterbury if surviving me The Bishop modestly declined his words desiring the long life of his Grace and in case of his advancement to Heaven confessed many other in England farre fitter for the Place than his own unworthinesse adding after some other exchange of words Good my Lord might I be my â—wn-Judge I conceive I have preached better Sermons at Court surely such as cost me more time and pains in composing them I tell you replied the Archbishop the truth is this the Queen now is grown weary of the vanities of wit and eloquence wherewith Her youth was formerly affected and plain Sermons which come home to Her heart please Her the best Surely his Grace was too mortified a man though none naturally love their Successours whilst themselves are alive intentionally to lay a train to blow up this Archbishop designed though by the others unadvised practise of his words it proved so in the event 35. For And by too personal preaching loseth it again next time when it came to the Bishop's Course to preach at Court then lying at Richmond Anno â—596 he took for his Text Psalm 90. 12. O teach us to number our daies that we may incline our hearts unto wisdome and in the close of his Sermon touched on the Infirmities of Age Ecclesiastes 12. When the grinders shall be few in number and they wax dark that look out at the windows personally applying it to the QUEEN how Age had furrowed Her face and besprinkled her hair with its meal Whereat Her MAJESTY to whom ingratissimum acroama to hear of death was highly displeased Thus he not onely lost his Reversion of the Archbishoprick of Canterbury which indeed never fell in the QUEENS daies but also the present possession of Her MAJESTIES favour 36. Yet he justly retained the repute of a Reverend and godly Prelate Yet did generally beloved and lamented and carried the same to the grave He wrought much on the Welsh by his wisdome and won their affections and by moderate thrift and long staying in the same See left to his Son Sir Rise-Rudde Baroner a fair estate at Aberglaseny in Carmarthenshire 37. Some three years since Causabon invited into England on the death of King HENRY the fourth Isaac Causabon that learned Critick was fetcht out of France by King JAMES and preferred Prebendary of Canterbury Thus desert will never be a drug but be vented at a good rate in one Countrey or another as long as the world affordeth any truly to value it King HENRY is not dead to Causabon as long as King JAMES is alive He who formerly flourished under the Bayes now thriveth altogether as well under the Olive Nor is Causabon sensible that England is the colder Climate whilst he findes the beams of His Majesty so bright and warm unto him to whom also the lesser lights of Prelates and Peers contributed their assistance 38. Presently he falls a writing Where he dyâ—th and is buried as naturall and almost as necessary as breathing unto him First to Fronto-Duraeus his learned Friend Then to Cardinal Peron in the just Vindication of our English Church After these he began his Exercitations on Baronius his Ecclesiastical Annals which more truly may be termed the Annals of the Church of Rome But alas Death here stopped him in his full speed and he lieth entombed in the South-Ile of Westminster-Abbey Not on the East or Poetical Side thereof where Chaucer Spencer Draiton are interred but on the West or Historical Side of the I le next the Monument of M r Camden Both whose plain Tombs made of white Marble shew the simplicity of their intentions the candidnesse of their natures and perpetuity of their memories Mr. Causabon's was erected at the cost of Thomas Moreton Bishop of Durham that great lover of Learned men dead or alive 39. The KING comes to Cambridge in a sharp Winter The supposed occasion of Mr. Selden's writing against the Divine Right of Tithes Mar. 7. when all the world was nothing but Aire and Snow Yet the Scholers Wits did not Freez with the Weather witness the pleasant Play of IGNORAMUS which they presented to His Majesty Yet whilst many laughed aloud at the mirth thereof some of the graver sort were sad to see the Common Lawyers made ridiculous therein If Gowns begin once to abase Gowns Cloaks will carry away all Besides of all wood the Pleaders Bar is the worst to make a Stage of For once in an Age all Professions must be beholding to their patronage Some a Authour of Dr. Preston's Life conceive that in revenge Master John Selden soon after set forth his Books of Titbes wherein he historically proveth That they were payable jure humano and not otherwise 40. I cannot suspect so high a Soul Many write in Answer to his Book 1615. 13. guilty of so low reflections that his Book related at all to this occasion but only that the latitude of his minde tracing all pathes of learning did casually light on the rode of this Subject His Book is divided into two parts whereof the first is a meer Jew of the practise of Tithing amongst the Hebrews the second a Christian and chiefly an English-man of their customes in the same And although many Divines undertook the Answer of this Book as Mr. Stephen Nettles Fellow of Queens-Coll in Cambridge applying himself to the Judaical part Dr. Tillesly and Mr. Montague all writing sharply if strongly enough yet sure it is never a fiercer storm fell on all Parsonage Barns since the Reformation than what this Treatise raised up 41. By this time Mr. Andrew Melvin Melvin freed from the Tower a Scotchman got to be enlarged out of the Tower whither he had been committed for writing some satyrical Verses against the Ornaments on the Altar or Communion-Table in the Kings Chappell When first brought into the Tower he found Sir William Seymour now the Right Honorable most truly Noble and religious Marquis of Hertford there imprisoned for marrying the Lady ARABELLA so nearly allyed to the Crown without the KING's consent To whom Melvin being an excellent Poet but inferiour to Buchanan his Master sent this Distick Causa mihi tecum communis Carceris ARA Regia BELLA tibi Regia SACRA mihî As for his invective Verses against the Chappel-Ornaments I conceive the following Copie most authentick though there be various Lections of them but all
in the main agreeing together Quod duo stent Libri clausi Anglis Regiâ in ARA Lumina caeca duo Pollubra sicca duo An clausum caecúmque Dei tenet Anglia cultum Lumine caeca suo sorde sepulta suâ Romano ritu dum Regalem instruit ARAM Purpuream pingit * aliâ—s Religiosa Luxuriosa Lupam 42. Mr. George Herbert of Trinity-Coll in Cambridge made a most ingenious retortion of this Hexastick which as yet all my industry cannot recover Yet it much contenteth me that I am certainly informed that the posthume Remains shavings of Gold are carefully to be kept of that not lesse pious than witty writer are shortly to be put forth into Print when this his Anti pelvi Melvi But now at last Melvin his liberty was procured by the intercession of the chief of the Reformed in France Ann. Reg. Jac. 13 Ann. Dom. 1615. and being released he afterwards became Professour at Sedan in the Duke of â—ovillion his Countrey Here he ceased not to traduce the Church of England against which he wrote a scroale of Saphicks entituled TAMICHAMI-CATEGERIA 43. This year Thomas Bilson The death of Bishop Bilson Bishop of Winchester who carried Prelature in his very aspect ended his life first School-Master then Warden of Winchester afterwards Bishop of Worcester and lastly of Winchester A deep and profound Scholar excellently well read in the Fathers principally shewed in his Defence of Christ his descent into Hell 44. By the way Campian his falshood it is a falshood what Campian writes confidently that Cheney Bishop of Gloucester had affirmed unto him Namely that concerning this Article it was moved in a Convocation at London Quemadâ—odum sine tumultu penitus eximatur de Symbole How it might without any noise be wholly taken out of the Creed For no such debate appeateth upon Record in our Convocations and as for Campian his single affirmation is of no validity 45. Marcus Antonius de Dominis 1616. Dec. 6. Archbishop of Spalato Archbishop of Spalato came over into England was here courteously welcomed and plentifully preferred of whose hypocrisie and ingratitude largely b viz anno 1622. hereafter 46. King JAMES went into Scotland to visit His native Countrey Mar. 14. The King goes into Scotland with a Princely train In his passage thither He was much affected with a Sermon which one of his Chaplains preached upon this Text c Gen. 13. 2 3. Gen. 13. 2 3. And Abraham was very rich in cattell in silver and in gold And he went on his journeys from the South even to Bethell to the place where his Tent had been at the beginning As for His entertainment in Scotland we leave it to their Historians to relate For may my pen be plindered by the Borderers or Mosse-Troopers if offering to crosse Tweed into another Countrey 47. This year died Doctor William James The death of Bishop James born in Cheshire Master first of the University-Colledge then Dâ—an of Christ-Church in Oxford Chaplain to Robert Dudley Earle of Leitester and Confessour to him at his death and at last made Bishop of Durham He expended much on the repairing of the Chappel of Durham-house in the Strand and in his younger daâ—es was much commended for his hospitality 48. Two other prime Prelates accompanied him to the other world Bishop Robinson and Bishop Bennet Dr. Henry Robinson Provest of Queen-Colledge in Oxford Bishop of Carlisle of great temperance milde in speech but weak in constitution The other Robert Bennet Fellow of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge Chaplain to the Lord Burleigh termed by a great Divine Eruditus Beneâ—ictus Bishop of Hereford well-deserving of his See whose Houses he repaired 49. Doctor Mocket Doctor Mocket his Translation of our English Liturgie Warden of All-Souls in Oxford Chaplain to George Abbot Archbishop of Canterbury set forth a Book in pure Latine containing The Apologie of the Church of England The greater and lesser Catechisme The nine and thirty Articles The Common Prayer The Ordination of Bishops Priests and Deacons The Politie or Government of the Church of England As for the Homilies too tedious to be translated at large he epitomized them into certain Propositions by him faithfully extracted 50. No sooner appeared this Book in print Cavilled at by many but many faults were found therein Indeed it fared the worse for the Authour the Authour for his Patron the Archbishop against whom many Bishops began then to combine Some accused him of presumption for undertaking such a task without d Yet â—um Privilegio is prefixt on the first page Commission from the KING it being almost as faâ—all for Private persons to tamper with such Publick matters Ann. Dom. 1617 Ann. Reg. Jac. 15 as for a Subject to match into the blood-Royal without leave of his Soveraigne Others complained that he enlarged the liberty of a Translatour into the licence of a Commenter and the Propositions out of the Homilies by him collected were made to lean to the judgment of the Collectour James Montague Bishop of Winchester a potent Courtier took exceptions that his Bishoprick in the marshalling of them was wronged in the method as put e In his Politica Ecclesiae Angl. cap 5. p. 314. The pinching accusation after any whose Bishop is a Privie Counsellour 50. But the main matter objected against it was That this Doctor was a better Chaplain than a Subject contracting the Power of his PRINCE to enlarge the Priviledge of his Patron allowing the Archbishop of Canterbury's power to confirm the Election of Bishops in his Provinces citing f ibid. pag. 309. for the same the 6â— Canon of the first Nicene Councell established by Imperiall authority If any be made a Bishop without the censent of his Metropolitan he ought not to be a Bishop 51. This was counted an high offence to attribute an obliging authority either to Canon or Civil Law Imperiall Decrees command not in England both which if crossing the Common Law of the Land are drowned in their passage as they saile over from Callis to Dover and K. JAMES justly jealous of his own Prerogative approved not such a confirming power in the Archbishop wich might imply a Negative Voice in case he disliked such Elects as the KING should recommend unto him 52. Hereupon On the burning of his Book Dr. Mocket dyeth Doctor Mocket his Book was ceasured to be burned which was done accordingly Now although the imperfections and indiscretions of this Translatour might be consumed as dross in the fire yet the undoubted truth of the Articles of the English Church therein contained as Flame-free and perfectly refined will endure to all eternity The Doctor took this censure so tenderly especially so much defeated in his expectation to finde punishment where he looked for preferment as if his life were bound up by sympathy in his Book he ended his daies soon after 53.
and nice-conscienced Elects scrupled to be consecrated by him He gave during his own life Twenty pounds a year to the Man's Widow which was not long a Widow as quickly re-maried He kept a Monethly-Fast on a Tuesday as the day whereon this casualty befell in a word this Keeper's death was the Archbishop's mortification 18. A project against the Clergy to get money At this time the KING's Exchequer grew very low though Lionel Cransield Lord Treasurer and Earl of Middlesex neglected no means for the improving thereof In order whereunto Reader let this Story passe into thy belief on my credit knowing my selfe sufficiently assured thereof a Projector such necessary evils then much countenanced informed His MAJESTY of a way whereby speedily to advance much Treasure And how for sooth was it Even that a new Valuation should be made of all Spiritual preferments which now in the King's Books passed at Under-tates to bring them up to or near the full value thereof This would promote both the casual fines as I may term them of First-fruits and the Annual rent of Tenths to the great advantage of the Crown The KING sent to the Lord Treasurer demanding his judgment thereof 19. Declined by the Lord Treasurer The Treasurer returned His MAJESTY an Answer to this effect so near as I can remember from the mouth of a Noble person then present Sir You have ever been beheld as a great Lover and Advancer of Learned men and You know Clergy-mens education is chargeable to them or their friends Long it is before they get any preferment which at last generally is but small in proportion to their pains and expences Let it not be said that You gained by grinding them other waies lesse obnoxious to just censure will be found out to furnish your occasions The KING commended Cranfield as doing it only for triall adding moreover I should have accounted thee a very knave if encouraging Me herein and so the project was blasted for the present as it was when it budded again propounded by some unworthy instrument in the Reign of King CHARLES 20. Who is truly excused I know some will suspect the Treasurer more likely to start than crush so gainful a design as who by all waies means sought to encrease the royal Revenue I know also that some accuse him as if making his Master's wings to molt thereby the better to feather his own nest Indeed he raised a fair estate and surely he will never be a good Steward for his Master who is a bad one for himself Yet on due and true enquiry it will appear that though an High power did afterwards prosecute him yet his innocence in the main preserved him to transmit a good estate to his posterity So that much of truth must be allowed in his * Frequent in his House at Copâ—hall Motto PERDIDIT FIDES he was lost at Court for his fidelity to K. JAMES in sparing His Treasure and not answering the expensivenesse of a great Favourite 21. The L. Bacon outed â—or Bâ—ibery A Parliament was call'd Jan. 20. wherein Francis Bacon L d Chancellor was outed his Office for Bribery the frequent receiving thereof by him or his was plainly proved Yet for all his taking just and unjust he was exceedingly poor and much indebted Wherefore when motion was made in the House of Commons of Fining him some thousand of pounds Sir Fr. S. a noble Member standing up desired that for two Reasons his Fine might be mitigated into fourty shillings First because that would be payed whereas a greater summe would onely make a noise and never be payed Secondly the shame would be the greater when such his prodigality that he who had been so large a taker in his Office was reduced to such penury that forty shillings should be conceived a sufficient Fine for his Estate But it was fine enough for him to lose his Office remitted to a mean and private condition 22. None can character him to the life An 〈…〉 his character save himself He was in parts more than a Man who in any Liberal profession might be whatsoever he would himself A great Honourer of antient Authors yet a great Deviser and Practiser of new waies in Learning Privy Counsellor as to King JAMES so to Nature it self diving into many of her abstruse Mysteries New conclusions he would dig out with mattocks of gold silver not caring what his experience cost him expending on the Trials of Nature all and more than he got by the Trials at the Barre Posterity being the better for his though he the worse for his own dear experiments He and his Servants had all in common the Men never wanting what their Master had and thus what came flowing in unto him was sent flying away from him who in giving of rewards knew no bounds but the bottome of his own purse Wherefore when King JAMES heard that he had given Ten pounds to an under-keeper by whom He had sent him a Buck the KING said merrily I and He shall both die Beggars which was condemnable Prodigality in a Subject He lived many years after and in his Books will ever survive in the reading whereof modest Men commend him in what they doe condemn themselves in what they doe not understand as believing the fault in their own eyes and not in the object 23. Bishop Williams made Lord Keeper All stood expecting who should be Bacon's Successour in the Chancery Sure he must be some man of great and high abilities otherwise it would seem a valley next a mountain to maintain a convenient and comely level in that eminent Place of Judicature Now whilst in common discourse some made this Judge others that Sergeant Lord Chancellor King JAMES made Dr. Williams lately and still Dean of Westminster soon after Bishop of Lincolne Though the KING was the principal July 10. the Duke of Buckingham was more than the instrumental advancer of him to the title of Lord Keeper in effect the same in Place and Power with the Lord Chancellor 24. Some causlesly offended The KING's choice produced not so much dislike as general wonder Yet some cavilled at Doctor Williams his Age as if it were preposterous for one to be able for that Office before antient and as if one old enough for a Bishop were too young for a Chancellor Others questioned his abilities for the Place Could any expect to reap Law where it was never sown who can apply the remedy whilst he is ignorant in the malady Being never bred to know the true grounds and reasons of the Common Law how could he mitigate the rigour thereof in difficult cases He would be prone to mistake the severity of the Common Law for cruelty and then unequal equity and unconscionable conscience must be expected from him Besides the Place was proper not for the plain but guarded Gown and the Common Lawyers prescribed for six * Yet Sir Ch.
in London or neer it 33. The Papists raised an aspersion A loud Lâ—e as false as foule upon him That at his death he was reconciled to the Church of Rome sufficiently confuted by those eyeâ— and ear-witnesses present at his pious departure These slanders are no news to such as have read how Luther is traduced by Popish pennes to have died blaspheming Caralostadius to have been carried quick by a Devil And Beza to have apostated before his death In all which truth hath triumphed over their malicious forgeries Something Bp. King endevoured in the repairing of S. Paul's but alas a private mans estate may be invisibly buried under the rubbish of the least Chappel therein Born at Thame in Oxford-shire By order in his Will he provided that nothing should be written on his plain Grave-stone save only RESURGAM and still he is alive both in his memory and happy posterity George Mountaine Bishop of Lincoln succeeded him in his See who when his great House-keeping and magnificent entertaining of King JAMES shall be forgotten will longer survive for his bountiful benefaction to Queens-Coll in Cambridge whereof he was Fellow and Proctor 34. Secondly Will. Cotton Bp. of Exeter dies whom Valentine Carew succeeds William Cotton Bishop of Exeter born in Cheshire formerly Archdeacon of Lewes one of a stout spirit and a great maintainer of Conformity against the opposers thereof in his Diocesse Valentine Carew Dean of S. Paul's and Master of Christ-Colledge in Cambridge of a courtlike carriage and stout spirit succeeded him in Exeter which place can give the best account of his behaviour therein 35. Thirdly Robert Townson Bishop of Salisbury dies whom John Davenant succeeds Robert Townson born in Cambridge Fellow of Queens-Colledge Dean of Westminster of a comely carriage courteous nature an excellent Preacher He left his Wife and many Children neither plentifully provided for nor destitute of maintenance which rather hastened than caused the advancement of John Davenant his Brother-in-law to succeed him in the Bishoprick of Sarisbury 36. Therein also expired Andrew Willet The death of Dr. And. Wâ—â—â—eâ— Doctor of Divinity God-son to Andrew Pearne Dean of Elie where he was born brought up in Christ-Colledge in Cambridge who ended his pious life being much bruised with a fall from his horse A man of no little judgment and greater industry not unhappy in Controversies but more happy in Comments and one that had a large soul in a narrow estate For his charge being great may his Children remember and practice their Father's precepts and means small as more proportioned to his desires than deserts he was bountifull above his ability and doubled what he gave by cheerful giving it He was buried in his Parish at Barlie in Hertford shire Happy Village which lost such a Light and yet was not left in darknesse onely exchanging blessings Reverend Doctor Brouâ—rigge succeeding him 37. Nor must we forget Richard Parry And of Dr. Richard Parry Doctor of Divinity Bishop of Asaph who this year exchanged this life for a better He was first bred in Christ-Church in Oxford where he made plentiful proceeding in Learning and Religion and thence was advanced to the Deanrie of Bangor on whom Bishop Godwin bestows this call it complement or character * Godwin in Episcopis Asâ—phenfibus Cui eruditione caeterisque Episcopalibus virtutibus utinam egomet tam illi essem aequalis quà m ille mihi aetate studiorúmque Academicorum tempore locóque 38. We conclude this year with the death of Master Francis Mason The death of Mr. Fr. Mason to whose worthy Book De Ministerio Anglicano we have been so much beholding Nor will it be amisse to insert his Epitaph Prima Deo cui cura fuit sacrare labores Cui studium Sacris invigilare Libris Ecce sub hôc tandem requievit marmore MASON Expectans Dominum spéque fidéque suum He was born in the Bishoprick of Duresme brought up in the University of Oxford Bachelour of Divinity Fellow of Merton-Colledge Chaplain to King JAMES Rectour of Orforde in Suffolke where he lies buried and where he built the Parsonage-House He had three Children by his loving Wife Elizabeth who erected a fair Monument to his Memory SECTION VI. Ann. Reg. Ann. Dom. TO SAMVEL MICO OF LONDON Alderman YOu have not spent but laid out much time in ITALY to the great improvement of your judgment and estate How cunning Chapmen those Countrey-men are in buying and selling is not to you unknown but this Section presents you with an Italian Cardinal a most crafty broker in matters of Religion till at last he deceived himself Peruse it I pray and if the reading thereof can add nothing to your knowledge the writing of it may serve as my acknowledgment of your favours received LAtely * â—ide supra pag. 71. sect 45. we made mention of the coming over of Marcus Antonius de Dominis the Archbishop of Spalato into England Ja. 20 1622. and now shall prosecute that subject at large The causes of Spalato's coming over For this year began happily because with the end of that arrant Apostata in this Land and his fair riddance out of the limits thereof He had 14 years been Archbishop of Spalato in Dalmatia under the State of Venice and some five years since to wit 1616 came over into England Conscience in shew and Covetousness in deed caused his coming hither He pretended to have discovered innumerable a In his Book called Confilium Proscotionis pag. 15 16 17. Novelties and pernicious Errors in the Court of Rome injuriously engrossing the right and honour of the Universal Church He complained many Points were obtruded on mens Consciences as Articles of Faith which CHRIST in the Scripture never instituted He accounted the Romish Church mystical b Ibid. pag. 34. Babylon and Sodome and the Pope Nimrod a Tyrant Schismatick Heretick yea even c Ibid. pag. 76. Antichrist himself But that which sharpned his pen against the Pope was a particular grudge against Pope Paul who had ordered him to pay a yearly Pension of Five hundred crownes out of his Bishoprick to one Andreutius a Suffragan Bishop which this Archbp. refused to doe complaining it was unjust and imposed without his knowledge and consent The matter is brought to the Rota or Court of Rome where the wheel went on the wrong side for our Spalato who angry that he was cast in his Cause posts out of Italy through Germany into the Low-Countreys Here he stayed a while and tampered for preferment till finding the roof of their Church too low for his lofty thoughts and their Presbyterian Government uncomplying with his Archiepiscopal spirit he left the Netherlands and came over into England 2. It is almost incredible His bâ—untifull entertainment what flocking of people there was to behold this old Archbishop now a new Convert Prelates and Peers presented him with Gifts of high
pained Him not no not when He was troubled with the gout this cunning Don being able to please Him in His greatest passion And although the Match was never effected yet Gondomar whilst negotiating the same in favour to the Catholick cause procured of His MAJESTY the enlargement of all Priests and Jesuits through the English Dominions 23. The actions of Princes are subject to be censured A malicious Comment on a mercifull Text. even of such people who reap the greatest benefit thereby as here it came to passe These Jesuits when at liberty did not gratefully ascribe their freedome to His MAJETIE's mercy but onely to His willingnesse to rid and clear His gaoles over-pestered with prisoners As if His Majestie if so minded could not have made the gallows the besome to sweep the gaole and as easily have sent these prisoners from Newgate up westward by land as over Southward by Sea What moved King JAMES to this lenity at this time I neither doe know nor will enquire Surely such as sit at the stern and hold the helm can render a reason why they steer to this or that point of the compasse though they give not to every mariner much lesse passenger in the ship an account thereof I being onely by my place 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a rower or minister in the vessel content my self in silence with the will of the Master thereof But let us exemplifie the Lord Keeper's Letter to this purpose To the Judges AFter my hearty commendations to you His Majesty having resolved out of deep Reasons of State and in expectation of the like correspondence from forraign Princes to the profession of our Religion to grant some grace and connivency to the imprisoned Papists of this Kingdome hath commanded me to passe some Writs under the Broad Seal to this purpose Requiring the Judges of every Circuit to enlarge the said Prisoners according to the tenour and effect of the same I am to give you to understand from His Majesty how His Majesties Royal pleasure is that upon receipt of these Writs you shall make no nicenesse or difficulty to extend that His Princely favour to all such Papists as you shall finde Prisoners in the Gaols of your Circuits for any Church Recusancy whatsoever or refusing the Oath of Supremacy or dispersing Popish Books or hearing saying of Masse or any other point of Recusancie which doth touch or concern Religion only and not matters of State And so I bid you farewell Westminster-Colledge August 2. 1622. Your loving friend John Lincolne Now although one will easily believe many Priests and Jesuits were set at liberty Yet surely that p Mr. Prâ—â— in loc Gentleman is no true accomptant if affirming to fewer than four thousand to be set free at this time Especially considering that q Jo Gee in his Foot out of the snare one who undertakes to give in a perfect list of all the Jesuits in England and is since conceived rather to asperse some Protestants than conceal any Papists cannot mount their number higher than two hundred twenty and five To which if such whom he detects for Popish Physicians with all those whom he accuses for Popish Books be cast in they will not make up the tithe of four thousand 24. However Bitter Complements betwixt Gondomar and the Earl of Oxford most distastful was Gondomar ' s greatnesse to the English antient Nobility who manifested the same as occasion was offered as by this one instance may appear Henry Vere Earle of Oxford chanced to meet with Count Gondomar at a great entertainment The Don accosted him with high Complements vowing That amongst all the Nobility of England there was none he had tendred his service with more sincerity than to his Lordship though hitherto such his unhappiness that his affections were not accepted according to his integrity who tendred them It seems replied the Earle of Oxford that your Lordship had good leisure when stooping in your thoughts to one so inconsiderable as my self whose whole life hath afforded but two things memorable therein It is your Lordships modesty returned Gondomar to undervalue your self whilst we the spectators of your Honours deserts make a true and unpartiall estimate therof Hundreds of Memorables have met in your Lordships life But good my Lord what are those Two signall things more conspicuous than all the rest They are these two said the Earl I was Born in the Eighty Eight and Christned on the Fift of November 25. Henry Copinger Dec. 21. The death of Master Henry Câ—pinger formerly Fellow of S. John's Coll in Cambridge Prebendary of Yorke once Chaplain to Ambrose Earl of Warwick whose funeral Sermon he preached made Master of Magdalene Colledge in Cambridge by Her MAJESTIES Mandate though afterwards Resigning his Right at the Queens shall I call it request to prevent trouble ended his religious life He was the sixth Son of Henry Copinger of Bucks-Hall in Suffolke Esquire by Agnes Daughter of Sir Thomas Jermyn His Father on his death-bed asking him what course of life be would embrace He answered he intended to be a Divine I like it well said the old Gentleman otherwise what shall I say to Martin Luther when I shall see him in heaven and he knows that GOD gave me eleven Sons and I made not one of them a Minister An expression proportionable enough to Luther's judgement who r Pantalcon de Illustribus Germaniae in Vitae Lutheri p. 82. maintained some houres before his death That the Saints in heaven shall knowingly converse one with another 26. Laneham Living fell void A free Patrone and faithfull Incumbent well met which both deserved a good Minister being a rich Parsonage and needed one it being more than suspicious that Dr. Reinolds late Incumbent who ran away to Rome had left some superstitious leaven behinde him The Earl of Oxford being Patrone presents Mr. Copinger to it but adding withall That he would pay no Tithes of his Park being almost half the land of the Parish Copinger desired to resigne it again to his Lordship rather than by such sinfull gratitude to betray the Rights of the Church Well! if you be of that minde then take the Tithes saith the Earl I scorn that my Estate should swell with Church-goods However it afterwards cost Master Copinger Sixteen hundred pounds in keeping his questioned and recovering his detained rights in suit with the Agent for the next minor E. of Oxford and others all which he left to his Churches quiet possession being zealous in Gods cause but remisse in his own 27. He lived forty and five years the painfull Parson of Laneham His long and good life in which Market-Town there were about nine hundred Communicants amongst whom all his time no difference did arise which he did not compound He had a bountiful hand plentiful purse his paternal inheritance by death of elder Brothers and others transactions descending upon him bequeathing Twenty pounds
Thirdly because in fine it proved nothing though kept on foot so long till K. James by endeavouring to gain a Daughter-in Law had in effect lost His own Daughter Her Husband and Children being reduced to great extremities 7. Truly K. James never affected his Son in Law 's acceptance of the Bobemian Crown A Crown not joyed in nor promised Himself any good successe thence though great the hope of the German Protestants therein Indeed some of them were too credulous of a blinde Prophesie commonly currant amongst them POST TER VIGINTI CESSABIT GLORIA QUINTI Expecting the ending of the Austrian Family sixty years being now expired since the death of Charles the fift but discreet persons slighted such vanities and the Quinti had like to have proved the extirpation of Frederick fift of that name Palatine of Rhyne had not God almost miraculously lately countermanded it 8. Yea K. Iames accused by some K. James privately foretold to some principal persons that this matter would prove the ruine of his Daughter There want not some who say That he went about to virefie his own Prediction by not sending seasonable succours for their assistance who had He turned His Embassies into Armies might probably have prevented much Protestant misery 9. Others excuse K. James Defended by others partly from the just hopes He had to accommodate all interests in a peaceable way partly from the difficulty of conveying effectual forces into so farre distant a Countrey 10. Mean time both the Palatinates were lost Both the Palatinates lost the Upper seized on by the Emperour the Neather but higher in value by the King of Spaine the City of Heidelberg taken and plunder'd and the inestimable Library of Books therein carried over the Alpes on Mules backs to Rome Each Mule laded with that learned burthen had a silver-plate on his forehead wherein was engraven FERO BIBLIOTHECAM PRINCIPIS PALATINI Now those Books are placed in the Popes Vatican entituling Protestants to visit the place who one day may have as good successe as now they have just right to recover them 11. As for the Palatinate Land of Promise Now Land of Performance Satyricall tongues commonly called it the Land of Promise so frequently and so solemnly was the restitution thereof promised to King James fed only with delayes which amounted to mannerly denials Since it hath pleased God to turn this Land of Promise into a * The nether Palatinate Land of Performance the present Palatine being peaceably possessed thereof 12. Prince Charles Prince Charles goes to Spain with the Duke of Buckingham lately went privately through France where He saw the Lady whom afterwards He married into Spain It is questionable whether then more blamed K. James for sending him or afterwards blessed God for his safe return Sumptuous his entertainment in the Spanish Court where it was not the Kings fault but Kingdomes defect that any thing was wanting He quickly discovered the coursness of fine-pretending wares at distance are easily confuted neer hand that the Spanish State had no minde or meaning of a Match as who demanded such unreasonable Liberty in education of the Royall Off-spring in case any were born betwixt them and other Priviledges for English Papists that the King neither could nor would in honour or conscience consent thereunto However Prince Charles whose person was in their power took his fair farewell with courteous compliance 12. Though He entred Spain like a private person His return * Sept. 12. He departed it like Himself and the Son of his Father * The Reader is requested to pardon our short setting back of time a stately Fleet attending Him home Foul weather forced them to put in at the Isse of Syllie the parings of England South-west of Cornwall where in two daies they fed on more and better flesh than they found in Spain for many moneths Octob. 5. 6. Soon after He arrived at Portesmouth and the next day came to London to the great rejoicing of all sorts of people signified by their bonefires ringing of bells with other externall expressions of joy 13. King James now despaired of any restitution The Palatinate beheld desperate especially since the Duke of Bavaria was invested in the upper Palatinate and so His Son-in-Laws Land cantoned betwixt a Duke a King and an Emperour Whose joynt consent being requisite to the restoring thereof One would be sure to dissent from the seeming-consenting of other two Whereupon King James not onely broke off all treaty with Spaine but also called the great Councill of his Kingdome together 14. Indeed An happy Parliament the Malecontents in England used to say That the King took Physick and called Parliaments both alike using both for meer need and not caring for either how little time they lasted But now there hapned as sweet a compliance betwixt the King and his Subjects as ever happen'd in mans memory the King not asking more than what was granted Both Houses in the Name of the whole Kingdome promising their assistance with their lives and fortunes for the recovery of the Palatinate A smart Petition was presented against the Papists and order promised for the education of their Children in true Religion 15. As for the Convocation contemporary with this Parliament The Convocation large Subsidies were granted by the Clergie otherwise no great matter of moment passed therein I am informed Doctor Joseph Hall preached the Latine Sermon and Doctor Donne was the Prolocutor 16. This is that Doctor Donne Doctor Donne Prolocutor born in London but extracted from Wales by his Mother-side great-great Grandchilde to Sir Thomas More whom he much resembled in his endowments a great Traveller first Secretary to the Lord Egerton and after by the perswasion of K. James and encouragement of Bishop Morton entred into Orders made Doctor of Divinity of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge and Dean of S. Pauls whose Life is no lesse truly than elegantly written by my worthily respected friend Mr. Isaac Walton whence the Reader may store himself with further information 17. A Book was translated out of the French Copie A Book falsly fathered on I. Casaubon by Abraham Darcye intituled The Originall of Idolatry pretended made by Dr. Isaac Casaubon dead ten years before dedicated to Prince Charles but presented to King James and all the Lords of the Councill A Book printed in French before the said Isaac Casaubon was born whose name was fraudulently inserted in the Title-page of the foregoing Copie 18. Merick Casaubon his Son then Student of Christs-Church The falshood detected by Letter informed King James of the wrong done to his Father by making him the Authour of such a Book contrary to his Genius and constant profession being full of impertinent allegations out of obscure and late Authors whom his Father never thought worthy the reading much lesse the using their Authority His Majestie was much incensed hereaâ— and Doctor
Mountaine Bishop of London had much adoe to make his Chaplains peace for licensing thereof the Printer and Translator being for some time kept in Prison 19. Yet after all this Yet still conâ—hued and after Merick Casaubon had written a Latine Vindication to give satisfaction to all Ann. Regis Ja. 22. Ann. Dom. 1624. the same Translation since is printed in Amsterdam with a Justificatory Preface of the former Edition So impudent are some falsly to father Books on worthy Authors to make them more vendible for their own profit though it discredit the memory of others 20. The businesse of the Palatinate being now debated by Martiallists None of the work counsel the Kings Councill of Warre disswading from regaining it in kinde advised Him rather to recover it in value where he could with the best conveniency out of the Spanish Dominions For the Palatinate was not worth the rewinning which grant recover'd by the English could not recover it self for many years such the havock and waste made therein Secondly it was hard to be gotten such the distance thereof and harder to be kept so ill-neighboured it was on all sides So that the King if so pleased might with as much honour and more ease carve out his own reparations nearer home 21. During these Agitations King Iames falleth sick K. James fell sick at Theobalds of a tertian Ague commonly called in Spring for a King rather Physicall than dangerous But soon after his Ague was heighten'd into a Fever four mischiefs meeting therein 22. First A confluence of four mischiefs the malignity of the Malady in it self hard to be cured Secondly an aged Person of sixty years current Thirdly a plethorick Body full of ill humours Fourthly the Kings aversness to Physick and impatience under it Yet the last was quickly removed above expectation The King contrary to His custome being very orderable in all His sicknesse Such sudden alterations some apprehend a certain prognostick of death as if when mens mindes acquire new qualities they begin to habit and cloath themselves for a new world 23. The Countesse of Buckingham contracted much suspition to her selfe A plaster applied to His wrists and her Son for applying a plaster to the Kings wrists without the consent of His Physicians And yet it plainly appeared that Dr. John Remington of Dunmoe in Essex made the same plaster one honest able and successful in his practice who had cured many Patients by the same a piece whereof applied to the King one eat down into His belly without the least hurt or disturbance of nature However after the applying thereof the King grew worse 24. The Physicians refused to administer physick unto Him till the plasters were taken off And Julip without the advice of His Physicians which being done accordingly His fift sixt and seventh fits were easier as Dr. Chambers said On the Monday after the plasters were laid on again without the advice of the Physicians and His Majestie grew worse and worse so that Mr. Hayes the Kings Chirurgeon was called out of his bed to take off the plasters Mr. Baker the Dukes servant made the King a Julip which the Duke brought to the King with his own hand of which the King drank twice but refused the third time After His death a Bill was brought to the Physicians to sign that the ingredients of the Julip and Plasters were safe but most refused it because they knew not whether the ingredients mentioned in the Bill were the same in the Julip and Plasters This is the naked truth delivered by oath from the Physicians to a select Committee two years after when the Parliament voted the Dukes act a transcendent presumption though most thought it done without any ill intention 25. Four daies before His death Catechized on His death-bed in His Faith and Charity He desired to receive the Sacrament and being demanded whether He was prepared in point of faith and charity for so great mysteries 〈◊〉 24. He said He was and gave humble thanks to God for the same Being desired to declare His faith and what He thought of those Books He had written in that kinde He repeated the Articles of the Creed one by one and said He believed them all as they were received and expounded by that part of the Catholick Church which was established here in England And said with a kinde of sprightfulnesse and vivacity that whatever He had written of this Faith in his life he was now ready to seal with his death Being questioned in point of charity He answered presently that He forgave all men that offended Him and desired to be forgiven by all Christians whom He in any wise had offended 26. Then after absolution read and pronounced His death He received the Sacrament and some hours after He professed to the standers by that they could not imagine what ease and comfort he found in himself since the receiving hereof And so quiedy resigned His soul to God having reigned twenty two years and three daies 27. He was of a peaceable disposition Of a peaceable nature Indeed when he first entred England at Barwick He himself gave fire to and shot off a * Stowes Chro. p. 819. piece of Ordnance and that with good judgment This was the onely military act personally performed by Him So that He may have seemed in that Cannon to have discharged Warre cut of England 28. Coming to Yorke Made Nobility lesse respected by the commonnesse thereof He was somewhat amazed with the equipage of the Northern Lords repairing unto Him especially with the Earl of Cumberland's admiring there should be in England so many Kings for less He could not conjecture them such the multitude and gallantry of their attendance But following the counsel of His English Secretary there present He soon found a way to abate the formidable greatness of the English Nobility by conferring Honour upon many persons whereby Nobility was spread so broad that it became very thin which much lessened the antient esteem thereof 29. He was very eloquent in speech His eloquence whose Latine had no fault but that it was too good for a King whom carelessness not curiosity becomes in that kinde His Scotch tone he rather affected than declin'd and though His speaking spoil'd His speech in some English ears yet the masculine worth of his set Orations commanded reverence if not admiration in all judicious hearers But in common speaking as in His hunting he stood not on the cleanest but nearest way He would never go about to make any expressions 30. His wit was passing-sharp and piercing And piercing wit equally pleased in making and taking a smart jest His Majestie so much stooping to His mirth that He never refused that coine which he paid to other folk This made Him please Himself so much in the company of Count Gondomer and some will say the King was contented for reasons best known
The Bishop of Lincoln fell now through the Dukes The Bishop of Lincoln loseth his Keepers place into the Kings displeasure and such who will read the late letters in the Cabala may conjecture the cause thereof but the certainty we leave to be reported by the Historians of the State belonging in his Episcopall capacity to my pen but as Lord Keeper properly to theirs 38. The Bishop finding his own tottering condition The Duke incensed against him addressed himself to all who had intimacie with the Duke to reingratiate himself But such After-games at Court seldome succeed All would not doe for as Amicus omnium optimus was part of the Dukes Epitaph * On his Tomb in Westminster Chappell so no fiercer foe when displeased and nothing under the Bishops removall from his office would give him satisfaction 39. Sir John Suckling was sent unto him from the King The Bishops wariness in resigning the Seale to demand the broad Seale of him which the cautious Bishop refused to surrender into his hands to prevent such uses as might be made thereof by him or others in the intervall betwixt this resigning it and the Kings conferring it on another but he charily locked it up in a Box and sent the Box by the Knight and Key thereof inclosed in a letter to his Majesty 40. However his bruise was the less But keeps his Bishoprick because he fell but from the first Loft and saved himself on the second Floere Outed his Lord Keepership but keeping his Bishoprick of Lincoln and Deanarie of Westminster though forced to part with the Kings Purse he held his owne and that well replenished And now he is retired to Bugden-great where whither greater his anger at his enemies for what he had lost or gratitude to God for what he had left though others may conjecture his owne Conscience only could decide Here we leave him at his hospitable Table where sometimes he talked so loud that his discourse at the second hand was heard to London by those who bare no good will unto him 41. An old Hall turned into a new Colledge A new Colledge of an old Hall in Oxford was this yeare finished at Oxford This formerly was called Broadegates Hall and had many Students therein amongst whom Edmund Bonner afterwards Bishop of London Scholar enough and Tyrant too much had his education But this place was not endowed with any Revenues till about this time for Thomas Tisdale of Glimpton in the County of Oxford Esquire bequeathed five thousand Pounds wherewith Lands were purchased to the value of two hundred and fiftie pounds per annum Anno Dom 16â—â— Anno Regis Caroli 1 for the maintenance of seven Fellowes and six Scholars Afterwards Richard Wightwick Bachelor of Divinity Rector of East-Isle in Barkshire gave Lands to the yearly value of one hundred pounds for the maintenance of three Fellowes and four Scholars whereupon petition being made to King James this new Colledge was erected and a Charter of Mortmain of seven hundred pounds per annum granted thereunto 42. It was called Pembrook Colledge Called Pembrook Colledge partly in respect to William Earle of Pembrook then Chancellor of the University partly in expectation to receive some favour from him And probably had not that noble Lord died suddenly soon after this Colledge might have received more than a bare Name from him The best where a Child hath rich parents it needeth the less any gifts from the Godfather Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers 1 Dr. Clayton 2 Dr. Langley King Charles who gave the Patronage of St. Aldates the Church adjoyning   So that this Colledge consisteth of a Master ten Fellowes and ten Scholars with other Students and Officers to the number of one hundred sixty nine 43. The Doctor and the Duke were both of them unwilling to an openbreach loved for to temporise and wait upon events Surely Temperise here is taken in the Apostle sense according to some * Dr. Prestons Life p 505. * Rom. 12. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ambiosius copies serving the Times And henceforwards the Duke resolved to shake off the Doctor who would not stick close unto him betaking himself to the opposite Interest Nor was the other surprized herein as expecting the alteration long before 44. By the late conferences at York-house it appeared Dr. Preston declines in the Dukes favour that by the Dukes cold carriage towards him and smiling on his Opponents Dr. Preston was now entring into the Autumn of the Dukes favour Indeed they were well met each observing neither trusting other as I read in the Doctors Life written by his judicious Pupil 45. This year concluded the life of Arthur Lakes The death of godly Bishop Lakes Warden of New-Colledge in Oxford Master of St. Crosses Dean of Worcester and at last promoted Bishop of Bath and Wells not so much by the power of his Brother Sir Thomas Secretarie to King James as his own desert as one whose piety may be justly exemplary to all of his Order He seldom if at all is said to have dreamt justly imputed not to the dulness of his fancie in which faculty he had no defect but to the staidness of his judgment wherein he did much excell as by his learned Sermons doth appear 46. About the sametime Lancelot Andrews ended his religious life The death and character of Bishop Andrews born at Alhollows-Barking in London Scholar Fellow and Master of Pembrook-Hall in Cambridge Then Deane of Westminster Bishop of Chicester Ely and at last of Winchester The world wanted learning to know how learned this Man was so skil'd in all especially oriental Languages that some conceive he might if then living almost have served as an INTERPRETER GENERALL at the confusion of Tongues Nor are the Fathers more faithfully cited in his books than lively copied out in his countenance and carriage his gravity in a manner awing King James who refrained from that mirth and liberty in the presence of this Prelate which otherwise he assumed to himself He lyeth buried in the Chappell of St. Mary Overees having on his Monument a large elegant a Stows Survay of London pag. and TRUE Epitaph 47. Since his death some have unjustly snarld at his memory accusing him for covetousness Anno Regis Car. 1. 2. Anno Dom 1626 Unjustly accused for Covetousness who was neither rapax to get by unjust courses as a profest enemy to usury simony and bribery nor tenax to hold money when just occasion called for it for in his life time he repaired all places he lived in and at his death left the main of his Estate to pious uses Indeed he was wont to say that Good Husbandry was good Divinity the truth whereof no wise man will deny 48. Another falls foully upon him for the ornaments of his Chappel as Popish and superstitious And Superstition in the b
Bishop Mountague that he caused his addresses to the King to procure a pardon which was granted unto him in forme like those given at the Coronation save that some particulars were inserted therein for the pardoning of all errors heretofore committed either in speaking writing or printing whereby he might hereafter be questioned The like at the same time was granted to Dr. Manwaring on whom the rich Parsonage of Stanford Rivers in Essex was conferred as voyd by Bishop Mountagues preferment 70. An intention there was for the Bishop and all the companie employed at his Confirmation Caution seasonably used to dine at a Tavern but Dr. Thomas Rives utterly refused it rendring this reason that he had heard that the dining at a Tavern gave all the colour to that far-spreading and long-lasting lie of Matthew Parker his being consecrated at the Nags-Head in Cheapside and for ought he knew captious people would be ready to raise the like report on the same occasion It being therefore Christian caution not onely to quench the fire of sin but also if possible to put out the smoak of scandal they removed their dining to another place 71. On the twentieth of January the Parliament was reassembled The Parliament dissolved January 20 which dyed issueless as I may say the March following leaving no Acts abortions are no Children completed behind it Let the Reader who desireth farther instructions of the passages herein consult the Historians of the State Indeed if the way were good and weather fair a travailer to please his curiosity in seeing the Countrey might adventure to ride a little out of the rode but he is none of the wisest who in a tempest and mirie way will lose time and leave his own journey If pleasant and generally acceptable were the transactions in this Parliament it might have tempted me to touch a little thereon out of the track of my Church-Storie but finding nothing but stirs and storms therein I will onely goe on fair and softly in my beaten path of Ecclesiastical affairs Bishop Land had no great cause to be a Mourner at the Funerals of this Parliament having entred it in his Diarie that it endevored his destruction 72. At this time Richard Smith distinct from Henrie Smith Proclamation against the Bishop of Chalcedon alià s Lloyd a Jesuite whom some confound as the same person being in title Bishop of Chalcedon in Greece in truth a dangerous English Priest acted and exercised Episcopal Jurisdiction over the Catholiques here by Commission from the Pope appearing in his Pontisicalibus in Lancashire with his Miter and Crosier to the wonder of poor People and conferring Orders and the like This was much offensive to the Regulars March 24 as intrenching on their Priviledges who countermined him as much as they might His Majestie having notice of this Romish Agent renewed his Proclamation one of a former date taking no effect for his apprehension promising an hundred pounds to be presently paid to him that dâ—d it besides all the profits which accrewed to the Crown as legally due from the person who entertained him 72. However such as hid and harbored him He flyeth into France were neither frighted with the penalty nor flattered with the profit to discover him But Smith conceiving his longer stay here to be dangerous conveyed himself over into France where he became a Confident of Cardinal Richelieu's The conveniencie and validity of his Episcopal power was made the subject of several Books which were written thereon In favor of him 1. N. de Maistre a Sorbon Priest in his book entituled De persecutione Episcoporum De illustrissimo Antistite Chalcedonensi 2. The Faculty of Paris which censured all such as opposed him In opposition to him 1. Daniel a Jesuite 2. Horucan 3. Lumley 4. Nicolas Smith This Chalcedon Smith wrote a book called The Prudential Ballance much commended by men of his own perswasion and for ought I know is still alive 74. Within the compass of this year dyed the Reverend Tobie Matthew The death and Character of Tobie Matthew Archbishop of York He was born in the Somersetshire-side of Bristol and in his childhood had a marvellous preservation when with a fall he brake his foot ancle and small of his leg which were so soon recovered to eye d Sr. John Harington in his continuation of Bishop Godwin's Catalogue of Bishops use sight service that not the least mark remained thereof Coming to Oxford he fixed at last in Christ-Church and became Dean thereof He was one of a proper person such People cateris paribus and sometimes cateris imparibus were preferred by the Queen and an excellent Preacher Campian himself confessing that he did dominari in Concionibus He was of a cheerfull spirit yet without any trespass on Episcopal gravity there lying a real distinction between facetiousness and nugacitie None could condemn him for his pleasant wit though often he would condemn himself as so habited therein he could as well not be as not be merrie and not take up an innocent jeast as it lay in the way of his discourse 75. One passage must not be forgotten His gratitude unto God After he had arrived at his greatness he made one journey into the West to visit his two Mothers her that bare him at Bristol and her that bred him in learning the University of Oxford Coming neer to the latter attended with a train suitable to his present condition he was met almost with an equall number who came out of Oxford to give him entertainment Thus augmented with another troop and remembring he had passed over a small water a poor Scholar when first coming to the University he kneeled down and took up the expression of Jacob With my staff came I over this Jordan and now I am become two Bands I am credibly informed that mutatis mutandis the same was performed by his Predecessor Archbishop Hutton at Sophisters Hills nigh Cambridge and am so far from distrusting either that I beleeve both 76. He dyed yeerly in report Died yeerly and I doubt not but that in the Apostles sense he dyed dayly in his mortifying meditations He went over the graves of many who looked for his Archbishoprick I will not say they catched a cold in waiting barefoot for a living mans shoes His wife the Daughter of Bishop Barlow a Confessor in Queen Maries dayes was a prudent and a provident matrone Anno Dom. 1528 Of this extraction came Sir Tobie Matthew having all his Fathers name many of his natural parts few of his moral vertues fewer of his spiritual graces as being an inveterate enemy to the Protestant Religion George Mountaine succeeded him scarce warm in his Church before cold in his Coffin as not continuing many moneths therein 77. I humbly crave the Readers Pardon for omitting due time of the death of reverend Dr. Nicholas Felton Bishop of Ely The death of Bishop Felton as buried before
resolution that he would not have this high point medled withall or debated either the one way or the other because it was too high for the peoples understanding and other points which concern Reformation and newness of life were more needfull and profitable I promised obedience herein and so kissing his Majesties hand departed I thought fit to acquaint you with the whole cariage of this business because I am afraid many false reports will be made of it and contrary one to another as men stand contrarily affected I shewed no letter or instructions neither have any but these geneâ—all instructions which King James gave us at our going to Dort which make little or nothing to this business I sought amongst my papers but could not finde them on the suddain and I suppose you have them already As for my Sermon the brief heads were these Text Rom 6. 23. Eternall life is the gift of god through Jesus Christ our Lord. As in the former part I had spoken of the threefold miserie of the wicked so here I expounded the threefold happiness of the godly to be considered 1. Happy in the Lord whom the serve God or Christ Jesus 2. Happy in the reward of their service Eternall life 3. Happy in the manner of their reward 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or gratnitum donurn in Christo The two former points were not excepted against In the third and last I considered eternall life in three divers instances in the eternall destination thereunto which we call Election Anno Regis Caroli Anno Dom. in our Conversion Regeneration or Justification which I termed the Embryo of Eternall life John 4. 14. And last of all in our Coronation when full possession of eternall fiâ—e is given us In all these I shewed it to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or the free gift of God through Christ not procured or premented by any speciall Acts depending upon the free will of Men. The last point wherein I opposed the Popish Doctrin of Merit wà s not disliked The second wherein I shewed the effectuall Vocation or Regeneration whereby we have Eternall life inchoated and begun in us is a free gift was not expresly taxed Only the first was it which bred the offence not in regard of the Doctrin it self but because as my Lords grace said the King had prohibited the debating thereof And thus having let you understand the carriage of this businesse I commit you to the protection or the Almighty 17. This yeer Thomas Dove Bishop of Peterborough ended his life The death of Bishop Dove He was bred in Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge chosen Tanquam therein which it seems is a Fellow in all things save the name thereof Afterwards Chaplain to Q. Elizâ—beth who made him Dean of Norwich being much affected with his Preaching as wont to say that The * Godwin in the Bishops of Peterborough and Sir john Havington in his continuation Holy Ghost was again come down in the Dove He was a constant Housekeeper and Reliever of the Poor so that such who in his life time condemned him for Covetousnesse have since justly praised his Hospitality Now though Doves are generally said to want gall yet the Non-conformists in his Diocesse will complain of his severity in asserting Ecclesiasticall Discipline when he silenced five of them in one morning on the same token that King James is said to say it might have served for five yeers He was an aged man being the only Queen Elizabeths Bishop of that Province which died in the Reign of King Charles living in a poor Bishoprick and leaving a plentifull estate to shew that it is not the moisture of the Place but the long lying of the stone which gathereth the great mosse therein In a word had he been more carefull in conferring of Orders too commonly bestowed by him few of his Order had exceeded him for the unblamablenesse of his behaviour 18. Now began great discontents to grow up in the University of Oxford on this occasion 7 1631 Troubles begin in Oxford Many conceived that Innovations defended by others for Renovations and now only reduced as used in the Primitive times were multiplied in Divine service Offended whereat they in their Sermons brake our into what was interpreted bitter invectives Yea their very Texts gave some offence one preaching on Numbers 14. 4. Let us make us a Captain and let us return into Egypt Another on 1 Kings 13. 2. And he cried against the Altar in the word of the Lord and said O Altar Altar c. In prosecution whereof they had not only tart reflexion on some eminent Persons in the Church but also were apprehended to violate the Kings Declaration for the sopiting of all Arminian controversies 19. Dr. An apreale from the Vice-chancellor to the Procters Smith Warden of Wadham convented the principal persons viz. Mr. Thorn of Bailiol Col. and Mr. Ford of Magdalen Hall as offenders against the Kings instructions and ordered them to bring in the Copies of their Sermons They suspecting partiality in the Vice-Chancellor appealed from him to the Procters two men of eminent integrity and ability Mr. Atherton Bruch and Mr. John Doughty who received their appeal presuming the same justifiable by the Statutes of the University But it seems the Procters were better Scholars than Lawyers except any will say both Law and Learning must submit when Power is pleased to interpose 20. Archbishop Laud did not like these retrograde appeals Severely punished but sensible that his own strength moved rather ascendendo than descendendo procured the cause to be heard before the King at Woodstock where it was so ordered that 1 The Preachers complained of were expelled the University 2 The Procters were deprived of their places for accepting their appeal Anno Dom. 1631 Anno Regis Caroli 7 3 Dr. Prideaux and Dr. Wilkinson were shrewdly checkt for engaging in their behalf The former of these two Doctors ingenuously confessing to the King Nemo mortalium omnibus horis saepit wrought more on his Majesties affections than if he had harangued it with a long oration in his own defence 21. The expulsion of these Preachers expelled not And il resâ—nted but increased the differences in Oxford which burnt the more for blaZing the lesse many complaining that the Sword of Justice did not cut indifferently on both sides but that it was more Penal for some to touch than others to break the Kings declaration 22. This yeare ended the dayes of Mr. Arthur Hildersham The death of Mr. Haldershâ—â— born at Stechworth in the County bred in Christ-Colledge in the University of Cambridge whose education was an experimentall Comment on the words of David * Psalm 27. 10 When my father and mother forsake me then the Lord taketh me up My Father Thomas Hildersham a Gentleman of an ancient Family And Mother Anne Poole daughter to Sir Jeffery neece to Cardinall Poole grandchild to
Sir Richard Poole and Margaret Countess of Sarisbury who was daughter to George Duke of Clarence Forsake me Quite casting him off because he would not be bred a Papist and goe to Rome THEN An emphatical Monosyllable just in that nick of time The Lord taketh me up Not immediately miracles being ceased but in and by the Hands of Henry Earl of Huntingdon his honorable kinsman providing plentifull maintenance for him 23. However Often silenced and restored after he was entred in the Ministery he met with many molestations as hereby doth appear 1 silenced by The High Commission 1590. in June 2 Bishop Chaderton 1605. April 24. 3 Bishop Neile 1611. in November 4 The Court at Lecest 1630. March 4. 1 restored by The High Commission 1591. in January 2 Bishop Barlow 1608. in January 3 Doctor * Vicar Gen. to Archbishop Abbots Ridley 1625. June 20. 4 The same Court 1631. August 2. And now me thinks I hear the Spirit speaking unto him as once to the Prophet * 24. 27. Ezechiel Thou shal speak and be no more dumb singing now with the Celestiall Quire of Saints and Angels Indeed though himself a Non-conformist he loved all honest men were they of a different judgment minded like Luther herein who gave for his Motto In quo aliquid CHRISTI video illum diligo 24. He was Minister of Ashby de la Zouch fourty and three yeers His long and assiduous preaching This putteth me in minde of Theodosiue and of Valentinian two worthy Christian Emperors their constitutions making those Readers of the Civil Law Counts of the first Order cùm * 〈…〉 lib. 6. tit aâ— adviginti annos observatione jugi Anno Regis Caroli Anno Dom. ac sedulo docendi labore pervenerint when with daâ—ly observation and diligent labor of teaching they shall arrive at twenty yeers Surely the Readers of Gods Law which double that time shal not lose their reward 25. The same yeer died Robert Bolton The death of Bolton born in Lancashire bred in Brasen-nose Colledge in Oxford beneficed at Broughton in Northamptonshire An authoritative Preacher who majestically became the Pulpiz and whose life is exactly * By my good friend Mr. Pagshaw written at large to which I refer such as desire farther satisfaction And here may the Reader be pleased to take notice that henceforward we shall on just grounds for bear the description of such Divines as yeerly deceased To say nothing of them save the dates of their deaths will add little to the readers information to say much in praise or dispraise of them wherein their relations are so nearly concerned may add too much to the Writers danger Except therefore they be persons so eminent for their learning or active for their lives as their omission may make a maâ—m in our History we shall passe them over in silence hereafter 26. Archbishop Laud began to look with a jealous eye on the Feoffees for Impropriations Impropriation Feoffees questioned as who in process of time would prove a thorne in the sides of Episcopacy and by their purchases become the prime Patrones for number and greatness of benefices This would multiply their dependents and give a secret growth to Non-conformity Whereupon by the Archbishops procurement a Bil was exhibited in the Eschequer Chamber by Mr. Noy the Atturny Generall against the Feoffees aforesaid and that great Lawyer endevoured to overthrow as one termed it their Apocrypha Incorporation 27. It was charged against them 8 1632 first Their first acculation that they diverted the charity wherewith they were intrusted to other uses * Being by their Feoffment to eâ—â—ct them where preaching was wanting when erecting a Lecture every morning at St. Antholines in London What was this but lighting candles to the Sun London being already the Land of Goshen and none of those dark and far distant corners where Soules were ready to famish for lack of the food of the word What was this but a bold breach of their trust even in the Eye of the Kingdome 28. They answered that London being the chief staple of charity and the place where the principall contributers to so pious a work did reside And answere thereunto it was but fit that it should share in the benefit of their bounty That they were not so confined to the uses in their Feoffment but that in their choice they might reflect as well on the Eminency as Necessity of the place that they expended much of their own as well as other mens money and good reason they should doe therewith as they pleased 29. It was pressed against them A second charge against them that they generally preferred Non conformists to the Lectures of their Erection To this it was answered that none were placed therein but such whose Sufficiency and Conformity were first examined and approved by the Ordinary to be to such a Degree as the Law required Yea it is said that Mr. White one of the Feoffees privately proffered Bishop Laud at his house in Fulham that if he disliked either the Persons who managed or Order which they took in this work they would willingly submit the alteration to his Lordships discretion 30. In conclusion the Court condemned their proceedings They are overthrown as dangerous to the Church and State pronouncing the Gifts Feoffments and Contrivances made to the Uses aforesaid to be illegall and so dissolved the same confiscating their money unto the Kings use Their criminall part was referred to but never prosecuted in the Star-chamber because the Design was generally approved and both discreet and devout men were as desirous of the Regulation so dolefull at the ruin of so pious a Project 31. Samuel Harsenet about this time ended his life The death of Archbishop Harsenâ—t born in Colchester bred Scholar Fellow Master of Pembroke-Hall in Cambridge afterwards Bishop of Chtchester and Norwich Anno Dom. 1633 Anno Regis Caroli 9 Archbishop of York and privy Counsellor He was a zealous asserter of ceremonies using to complain of the first I believe who used the expression of CONFORMABLE PURITANS who practised it out of policy yet dissented from it in their judgments He lieth buried in Chigwell Church in Essex where he built a School with this Epitâ—ph Indignus Eptscopus Clcestrensis indignior Norvicensis indignissimus Archiepiscopus Eboracensis 32. Now the Sabbatarian controversie begun to be revived Bradborn his etroneous opinion which brake forth into a long and hot contention Theophilus Bradborn a Minister of Suffolk founded the first trumpet to this fight who some five yeers since namely anno 1628. set forth a Book dedicated to his Majesty intituled A defence of the most ancient and sacred ordinance of God The Sabbath Day maintaining therein 1. The fourth Commandement simply and entirely moral 2. Christians as well as Jews obliged to the everlasting observation of that day 3. That the Lords-day
himself how humble hospitable painfull in preaching and writing may better be reported hereafter when his memory green as yet shall be mellowed by time He sate Bishop about twenty yeers and died of a Consumption anno 1641. to which sensiblenesse of the sorrowfull times which he saw were bad and foresaw would be worse did contribute not a little I cannot omit how some few hours before his death having lyen for a long time though not speechlesse yet not speaking nor able to speak as we beholders thought though indeed he hid that little strength we thought he had lost and reserved himself for pupose he fell into a most emphaticall prayer for half a quarter of an hour Amongst many heavenly passages therein He thanked God for this his fatherly correction because in all his life time he never had one heavie affliction which made him often much suspect with himself whether he was a true Child of God or no untill this his last sicknesse Then he sweetly fell asleep in Christ and so we softly draw the Curtains about him 54. The whole Bodies of Cathedrall Churches Deans and Chapters first opposed by Parliament being of too great a bulk to be blown up by their adversaries at once they began with the Quires accusing the members thereof for uselesse and unprofitable The Prelaticall Court Clergy were not so active and diligent in defending these foundations as it was expected from their interest and relations Whether because they were disheartned at the imprisonment of their chief the Archbishop of Cant. or because some of them being otherwise obnoxious to the Parliament were loath therein to appear or because they vainly hoped that this heat once over all things would continue in their pristine condition or because they were loath to plead in that Suit wherein they despaired to prevaile as foreseeing those places destined to dissolution 55. Yet some of the same side causelesly complained of the backwardnesse of other moderate Cathedrall men An unjust charge that they improved not their power with their Parliament friends so zealously as they might in this cause as beginning too late and proceeding too lazily therein who should sooner have set their shoulders and backs to those tottering Quires so either to support them The Cathedrall men endeavour to preserve their foundations or to be buried under the ruines thereof Whereas they did whatsoever good men could or wise men would doe in their condition leaving no stone unturned which might advantage them herein 56. Indeed it was conceived inconsistent with their gravity to set themselves to fight against the shadow of common rumour and so to feign an enemy to themselves whilest as yet no certainty of the Parliaments intentions to destroy Deanes and Chapters What had this been but perchance to put that into their brains which otherwise they charitably beleeved would not enter therein But no sooner were they certified of the reality of their designe but they vigorously in their callings endeavoured the prevention thereof By Appointing one in each Cathedrall Church to sollicite their friends on this behalf Drawing up a Petition the same mutatis mutandis to House of Lords and Commons which because never formally presented I forbear to insert Retaining and instructing learned Councell to move for them in the House Untill they were informed that the Orders of the House would not bear any to plead for them but that they must personally appear and viva voce plead for themselves 57. Lest therefore their longer silence should by posterity be interpreted May 12. either Sullennesse Dr. Hacket his Speech in the defence of Deans and Chapters that they would not or guiltinesse that they durst not speak for themselves by their friends they obtained leave to be admitted into the House of Commons and to be heard what they could alledge in their own behalf They made choice of Dr. John Hacket Prebendary of Pauls and Archdeacon of to be the mouth in the behalf of the rest The brief heads of whose speech copied by his leave out of his own papers are here inserted 58. First he craved the favour of that Honourable House to whom he was to speak on a double disadvantage One caused from the shortnesse of time this employment being imposed on him but in the afternoon of the day before The other because he had not heard what crimes or offences were charged on Deanes and Chapters that so he might purge them from such imputations reports only flying abroad that they were accounted of some of no use and convenience the contrary whereof he should endeavour to prove reducing the same to two heads quoad res quoad Personas in regard of things of great moment and divers Persons concerned in such Foundations 59. To the first It is fit that to supply the defects of prayer committed by private men the publick duty thereof should be constantly performed in some principall place in imitation of the primitive practice and this is dayly done in Cathedrall Churches And whereas some complain that such service gives offence for the super-exquisitenesse of the Musick therein so that what was intended for Devotion vanished away into Quavers and Aire he with the rest of his Brethren there present wished the amendment thereof that it might be reduced to the form which Athanasius commends ut legentibus sint quà m cantantibus similiores And here he spake much in prayse of the Church-Musick when moderated to Edification 60. Hence he passed to what he tearmeth the other wing of the Cherubin which is Preaching first planted since the Reformation in Cathedrall Churches as appears by the learned Sermons which Dr. Allens afterwards Bishop of Excester preached in the Church of St. Pauls and since continued therein Where by the way he took occasion to refell that slaunder which some cast on Lecture-Preachers as an upstart-Corporation alledging that the locall Statutes of most or all Cathedrall Churches doe require Lectures on the week dayes And in the name of his Brethren he requested that Honourable House that the godly and profitable performance of preaching might be the more exacted 61. In the third place he insisted on the advancement of learning as the proper use and convenience of Cathedralls each of them being a small Academie for the Champions of Christ his cause against the Adversarie by their learned pens Here he proffered to prove by a catalogue of their names and works which he could produce that most excellent labours in this kinde excepting some few have proceeded from persons preferred in Cathedralls or the Universities Now what a disheartning would it be to young Students if such promotions were taken away witnesse the fewnesse of such admitted this last yeer into the Universities and the deadnesse of the sale of good Books in St. Pauls Church yard meerly upon a timorous imagination abroad that we are now shutting up learning in a case and laying it aside But if the bare threatening make such a stop
his own possession 24. And now Meruit sub Parliamento in Wallia is the wonder of all men Condemned by all Royalists I confess he told his kinsman who related it to me that if he might have the convenience to speak with his Majesty but one half-houre a small time for so great a task he doubted not but to give him full satisfaction for his behaviour Sure it is those of the Royall Party and his own Order which could not mine into his invisible motives but surveyed only the sad surface of his actions condemn the same as irreconcileable with the principles he professed And though hereby he escaped a Composition for his estate in Goldsmiths-Hall yet his memory is still to compound and at what rate know not with many mouths before a good word can be afforded unto it But these perchance have never read the well latined Apologie in his behalf And although some will say that they that need an Apologie come too near to fault the word as commonly taken sounding more of excuse then defence yet surely in its genuine notation it speaks not guilt but allwayes greatness of enemies and opposers 25. Of all English Divines since the Reformation Humane inconstancy he might make the most experimental Sermon on the Apostles words By honour and dishonour by ill report and good report though the method not so applyable as the matter unto him who did not close and conclude with the general good esteem losing by his last compliance his old friends at Oxford and in lieu of them finding few new ones at London 26. Envie it self cannot deny His acts of charity but that whithersoever he went he might be traced by the footsteps of his benefaction Much he expended on the repair of Westminster-Abby-Church and his answer is generally known when pressed by Bishop Land to a larger contribution to S. Pauls that he would not rob Peter to pay Paul The Library of Westminster was the effect of his bounty and so was a Chappel in Lincoln-Colledge in Oxford having no other relation thereunto than as the name-sake * I believe He also was Visitor thereof of his Bishoprick so small an invitation will serve to call a coming charity At S. Johns in Cambridge he founded two Fellowships built a fair Library and furnished it with books intending more had his bounty then met with proportionable entertainment But Benefactors may give money but not gratefull minds to such as receive it 27. He was very chast in his conversation Purged from unjust aspersion whatsoever a nameless author hath written on the contrary Whom his Confuter hath stiled Aulicus è Coquinariâ or The Courtier out of the kitchin and that deservedly for his unworthy writings out of what Dripping-pan soever he licked this his sluttish intelligence For most true it is as I am certainly informed from such who knew the privacies and casualties of his infancy this Arch-Bishop was but one degree removed from a Misogynist yet to palliate his infirmity to noble females he was most compleat in his courtly addresses 28. He hated Popery with a perfect hatred A perfect Anti-Papist and though oft declaring freedom and favour to imprisoned Papists as a Minister of state in obedience to his office yet he never procured them any courtesies out of his proper inclinations Yea when D r 〈…〉 the new Bishop of Calcedon at the end of King James His Reign first arrived in England he gave the Duke of Buckangham * Cabala part 1. pag. 81. advice in case other circumstances conveniently concurred that the Judges should presently proceed against him and hang him out of the way and the King cast the blame on Arch-Bishop Abbots or himself prepared it seemeth to undergo his Royal displeasure therein 29. Not out of Sympathy to Non-conformists Favour of some Nonconformists but Antipathy to Bishop Laud he was favourable to some select persons of that opinion Most sure it is that in his greatness he procured for M r Cotton of Boston a toleration under the Broad Seal for the free exercise of his Ministry not withstanding his dissenting in Ceremonies so long as done without disturbance to the Church But as for this Bishop himself he was so great an honourer of the English Liturgie that of his own cost he caused the same to be translated into Spanish and fairely printed to confute their false conceit of our * Cabala part 1. pag. 79. Church who would not beleeve that we used any Book of Common-Prayer amongst us 30. He was of a proper persons The character of his person comely countenance and amiable complexion having a stately garbe and gate by nature which suppose him prouder then he should be made him mistaken prouder then he was His head was a well filled Treasury and his tongue the faire key to unlock it He had as great a memory as could be reconciled with so good a judgement so quick his parts that his extempore-performances equalized the premeditations of others of his profession He was very open and too free in discourse disdaining to lie at a close guard so confident of the length and strength of his weapon 31. Thus take we our farewell of his memory His savoury speech concluding it with one of his speeches as savourie I beleeve as ever any he uttered wherein he expressed himself to a grave Minister coming to him for Institution in a living I have saith he passed thorough many places of honour and trust both in Church and State more then any of my Order in England this seaventy years before But were I but assured that by my preaching I had converted but one soule unto God I should take therein more spiritual joy and comfort than in all the honours and offices which have been bestowed upon me 32. He died as I take it His death on our Lady-day Anno 1649. Sure I am on the 25. of March leaving a leading case not as yet decided in our Law whether his halfe years rents due after Sunrise should goe with his Goods and Chattels unto his Executor or fall to his Heir The best was such the Providence of the Parties concerned therein that before it came to a Suite they seasonably compounded it amongst themselves 33. Come we now to present the Reader with a List of the principal Ordinances of the Lords and Commons A list of Parliament Ordinances touching Religion which respected Church-matters 1646. I say principal 22. otherwise to recite all which wear the Countenance of an Ecclesiastical Tendency some of them being mingled with civil affairs would be over-voluminous Yea I have heard that a great * Sr. Simons D'ewes Antiquary should say that the Orders and Ordinances of this Parliament in bulke and number did not only equall but exceed all the Laws and Statutes made since the Conquest it will be sufficient therefore to recite Titles of those most material going a little
this Col. John Whitgift Arch. of Canterbury Fellow Walter Curle Bishop of Winchester Fellow Matth. Wren Master of this Coll. Bishop of Ely Roger Marshal well skild in Mathematicks whereof saith Pitz in his Appendix he wrote many Books and collected more which he gave to the Library d Bale Cent. nonae p. 721. George Joye who flourished annò 1547 translated part of the Bible Edw. Simmons who wrote many good Treatises 1547 1 Cherry-Hinton Vicaridge in Ely Diocess valued in the Kings Books at 9 l. 14 s. 6 d. 2 Ellington in the Diocess of Lincoln a Vicatidge valued at 6 l. 9 s. 3 Triplow Vic. in Ely Diocess valued 9 l. 4s 2d 4 St. Maries the less in Cambridge valued 0l 0s 0d 5 Statberne Rec. in Lincoln Dioc. valued 16l 3s The Reader wil pardon the shortness of this out catalogue of Masters not touching the top of the foundation by fifty yeers which looks like the blunt Tower of a Steeple whose spire or shaft hath been burnt down with lightning or broken with thunder as indeed some such casualty hath caused this imperfection For in the year 1420 a sad fire consumed the muniments of this Colledge which caused Caius to begin his list of Masters but at Thomas de castro Bernardi and the six Seniors before him are recovered by the care of Mr. R. e In his Scelatos Cantabrigiensis M S. Parker out of Ely-Records Yet this catalogue stil remaineth incomplete O that it were as easy to rectify as reprove faults guilty I am afraid not onely of transposition in the order but omission in the number thereof For I have * Maâ—â—script in 10. read that John Botsham was admitted Master 14 yet he appears not in Caius or any other printed Author 29. Amongst the Benefactors many who onely gave plate smal summs A generall rule about our catalogue of Benefactors and books are for Brevity sake omitted and not any slighting of their bounty for the smalness thereof For if our Saviour beheld the Widow as the best benefactor to the Corban who endowed it only with two mites and if a cup of cold water warm comfort to a thirsty Soul shall receive its reward surely such as give the cup also deserve their due commendation and shall have a requiral thereof Anno Dom. 1282 I have ordered some blank lines at the end of that Catalogue Anno Regis Edw 1. 11 as a reserve to register the bounty of posterity which shall not complain that they are paper bound in my book where room on purpose is left to enter their names who shall be charitably disposed I hope also that those void intervals and spaces in the List of Learned Writers which as so many open mouths invoke the industry of the Reader wil have their emptiness filled by several mens observations whose pens may at their leasure supply what the Press hath left unperfect 30. Know also I could have more particularly specified the value and place of Founders and Benefactors bounty what land they gave Cautela non nocet how much worth where lying but thought better to forbear as ignorant in these dangerous dayes what ill use might be made of my well intended endeavours 31. Condemn not our Tautology if the same Bishop often recur in several Colledges Repetition of Bishops why necessary perchance Scholar of one Fellow of another Master of a third because rather than I would wrong any House with the omission I would right them all with the repetition of the same person Such Bishops as passed through many Seas successively are for shortness entitled only from the last and highest dignity 32. To return to Peter-house A commendable custome of this Colledge I cannot but commend one peculiar practise of this Colledge which in their Parlour preserveth the Pictures of all their principall Benefactors For although the bounty of the Judicious is grounded on more solid motives than to be flattered thereinto by the fancy that their Effigies shall be kept yet such an ingenuous Memoriall may be an encouragement to a Patrons Liberality Besides under such Pictures a Distich commonly is written and I will instance in one of the latest date Haeredem voluit SLADUS conscribere PETRUM Clauderet extremum ne sine prole diem SLADE PETER chose and for his Heir assign'd him Lest he should die and leave no Child behinde him At this day the Colledge maintaineth one Master nineteen Fellowes twenty nine Bible-clerks eight poor Scholars besides other officers and Students amounting lately viz. anno 1634 to an hundred and six 33. We Cambridge men behold this Colledge as the first foundation endowed in England The eldest English endowed Colledge which our corrivals at Oxford wil not allow For I finde it inscribed in Rotchester Church on the monument of Walter de Merton that the Colledge by him founded and named is the example of all in that kinde t Britannia page 381. M r Gamden in his description of Oxford affirmeth that Ballol and Merton Colledges therein are the two first endowed for Students in Christendome And some alledge that Merton Colledge must needs be the Mother and Peter house but the Daughter because Spâ—on de Montagu Bishop of Ely did prescribe the Statutes of Merton to be observed by the Students of Peter-house 34. All this scarce moveth Exception to the contrary answered nothing removeth us from our former Opinion being almost as confident of the Seniority of Peter-house before all other Colledges as Romanists are of the Priority of St. Peter before the rest of the Apostles And first as for the inscription in Rotchester both it and Mertons Monument are modern as set up by S t Henery Savil anno 1598. That passage of the great Antiquary is only extant in the English translation not Latin Britannia and so may justly seem to have more of Philemon Holland than William Caâ—den therein It is confest that Simon Montagu the 17 Bishop of Ely more then sixty yeares after Balshaâ—s death Anno Regis Edw. 1. enjoyned our Petreans the observation of Merton Colledge Statutes Anno Dom. finding them more convenient than such which their Founder had left them But this makes nothing to the matter of most antiquity the point in controversy In requitall of this eurresie if Cambridge hath ought the imitation whereof may be acceptable to Oxford she is right glad for the welcome occasion as lately Oxford in choise of her Procters hath conformed herself to Cambridge custome by way of a Circular Combination of Colledges as a Course most quiet and freest from faction 35. The Crisis of the Controversie depends p The truth unpartially slated if I mistake not on the clearing of the different dates of Peter-house its foundation and comparing it with others Peter-house first founded 1257. the 41 of Hen. the third by Sub prior Hugh Balsham Peter house first endowed 1282 the 11 of Edw. the first by Hughâ—â— Balsham
1332 in order whereunto K. Edward foundeth Kings Hall he had for some years maintained 32 Scholars in the University occasioning the mistake of John Rouse reporting he built a Colledge therein laid the foundation of KINGS HALL out of some remorse that he had consented to the death of so affectionate a Father As one so transported with the news of the birth of his son that he gave to one John Langer a Knight three hundred pounds pro primo rumore quem idem Johannes tulit Edvardo secundo de nativitate filii sui with a pension paid unto him many a Pat. 5 E. 3. Rot. 2. men 7. yeers after Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers Coll. Livings 1 Mr. Tho. Powis 2 Mr. Tho. Hetorset 3 Mr. Radulph Selbie 4 Mr. Ric. Dearham 5 Mr. Jo. Stone 6 Mr. Ric. Holmes 7 Mr. Rob. Fitz-bugh 8 Mr. Ric. Cawdrey 9 Mr. Rob. Ascough 10 Mr. Ric. Listrope 11 Mr. Hen. Booste 12 Mr. Rich. le Scroope 13 Mr. Galfr Blyth K. Rich. 2. gave 53 l. yearly out of the mannor of Chesterton c. in lieu of so much they formerly received out of the Exchequer with much trouble and over and above 70 yearly out of the pensions of severall Abbeys K. Henry the fourth gave them leave to pluck down the stately Hall in Cambridge Castle therewith to build their Chappell K. Hen. 6. gave them 120 volumes and freed them from all accounting in the Exchequer K. Edw. 4. gave them 8 marks to be payed by the Sheriff of Cambridge-shire yearly thereby to buy two Robes Robert Fitzhugh Bishop of London 1431.  Felmersham Vic. Linc. Dioc. valued at 13 l. 13 s. 4 d. Henclesham Norwich Dioc. Grindon Vic. Peterb Dioc. valued at 8 l. St. Mary Cant. Ely Dioc. Chesterton Vic. Ely Dioc. valued at 10 l. 12 s. 3. I had put Pope Eugenius the fourth in the catalogue of Benefactors to this Hall till I discovered his bounty resolved into a point of revenge For at the instance of King Henry the sixth he possessed on this Hall of the Rectory of Chesterton nigh Cambridge formerly ingrossed as many other English Benefices in that age by an Alien William Bishop of Millain from whom the Pope b R. Parker in Sceletos Cantab MS. extorted it because he sided against him with Amadeus Duke of Savoy aliàs Pope Felix the fift in the Councill of Basill 47. This Hall then surpassed any Colledge in the University Three eminencies of this Hall in a three-fold respect 1. For building being of such receipt that it could entertain the Kings Court without disturbance to the Students 2. For lands though not effectually endowed by King Edward till about the end of his reign for the maintenance of one Custos and thirty three Scholars under him 3. For learning Anno Dom. many grave Seniors residing therein Anno Regis Edw. 3. so that this house was accounted c Idem Ibid. Oraculum Academiae The greater therefore our grief that for want of intelligence all the Records of this Hall being lost our columne for learned Writers standeth so empty herein This Hall at this day is united with others in Trinity Colledge on the North-gate whereof standeth the stately statue of King Edward the third in Armor 48. We must not forget how the Master and Fellows of this House were complained of Tempora mutantur that they did Epicure it in daily exceedings as indeed where should men fare well if not in a Kings Hall Hereupon they of their own accord petitioned King Henry the fourth that they might be stinted not to exceed weekly d Caeius Hist Cant. Acad. lib. 1 pag. 66. eighteen or at the highest twenty pence in their commons the last two pence being allowed them onely in case of dearness of victuals and festival solemnities 49. This House had one peculiar happiness The happiness of this Hall being of Royall descent of both sides I mean founded by King Edward the third the founder of the two houses of York and Lancaster both deriving themselves from his body Hence it was that during the Civil warres it found favour from the Kings of both lines Whereas afterwards such Colledges which were as I may say but of the half blood built either by some Prince of Lancaster or York felt in process of time the anger of the one because of the love of the other Queens Colledge may be partly and Kings Colledge too plainly a pregnant instance thereof 50. Nor was King Edward bountifull to this Hall alone Priviledges granted by K Edward the third to the University but a great benefactor to the whole University on which he conferred priviledges whereof these the principal 1. The Maior of the Town should make essay of the bread whether the weight according to statute as oft as the Vice-Chancellor should require him 2. That the Chancellor should receive the oathes of the Maior Baylifs and Aldermen 3. The Licence should be given to the University to appropriate any Church thereunto of 40. l. yearly revenue 4. That the Chancellor should not be disquieted for the imprisoning of such offenders which he conceived deserving the same 5. That such who imprisoned by the Vice-Chancellor should not be set free by the Kings writ 6. That Masters of Arts should not be cited out of the University into the Court of Christianity 7. That the Chancellor should take cognizance of all causes wherein Scholars were concerned these of Maime and Felonies only excepted Many immunities of lesser consequence did this King bestow on Cambridge here too redious to be repeated largely exemplified and carefully preserved in the University Muniments Robert de Milden-Hall 1334 D r. of Divinitie Chancellor 9 Henrie de Herwarden 1335 D r. of Law Chancellor 10 Richard de Harling 1337 D r. of Law Chancellor 12 Robert de Lung 1339 Chancellor 14 51. William A German Marquess made Earl of Cambridge Marquess of Juliers 1340 is created by King Edward the third 15 the fourth Earle of Cambridge accounting this lesse honour no degradation but advancement unto him nor the motion retrogade from a Germane Marquesse to an English Earle whilest graced with the title of so famous an University And this stil justifies our former observation that the first Earle alone excepted none were dignified with the title of Cambridge but either forain free Princes or some neerly allied to the Royall blood of England 52. This yeer John Earl of Hanault brother to Queen Philippa Anno Regis Edw. 3. 17 wise to King Edward the third Anno Dom. 1342 was created the fifth Earl of Cambridge And here may the Reader take notice that I meet with a difference in Authors Some making this John first Earl of Cambridge On whose forfeiture thereof for his siding with the French King King Edward conferred the same on William the foresaid Marquess of Juliers And a Belgian Earle Others
born at Calis was a great Critick in the Latin and Greek Tongue very familiar with Drusius who wrote a Letter to him subscribed Manibus Johannis Copcot to the Ghost of John Capcot so much was the Doctor macerated with his constant studying 14. We must not forget how in the beginning of the reformation some took exceptions at the ancient Armes of this Colledge as Superstitious The Colledge Armes why altered and therefore at the desire of Matthew Parker the Heraulds did alter them and assigned new ones viz. azure a Pelican on her nest over her young ones Argent * I aime more at plainness than Terms of Heraldry pecking out her own blood Guttee proper Gules three Lilies argent and thus a Poet commented on them Signat Avis Christum qui sanguine pascit alumnos Lilia virgo parens intemerata refert So that still they innocently relate to the ancient Guildes of Corpus Christi and the Virgin Mary united in this foundation 15. So much of this Colledge 22 the ancient history out of the archives whereof 1347 my good friend M r. Crofts Fellow of the same Where I had my Instructions of this Colledge lately gone to God communicated unto me with the courteous consent of D r. Rich. Love the worthy Master of this Colledge Yea I must thankfully confesse my self once a Member at large of this House when they were pleased above twenty years since freely without my thoughts thereof to choose me Minister of S t. Benedicts Church the Parish adjoyning in their Patronage 16. Two years after was Trinitie Hall begun A Bank and a Lank of Charitie I confesse building of Colledges goeth not by Planets but by Providence yet it is observable that now we had FOUR founded within the compasse of SEVEN years Pembroke Hall Bennet Colledge already past Trinitie Hall Gonvill immediately following Thus as the Zeale of Achaia provoked many 2 Cor. 9. 2. so here when one once brake the Ice many followed the same beaten track of Charity Whereas on the other side when mens hands begin to be out of giving it is a long time before they recover the right stroke again After this feast followed a famine for it was almost a hundred yeers betwixt the founding of Gonvill Hall and the next which was Kings Colledge Though Charity in the interval may be presumed not to stand still but to move not in the generation of New but augmentation of Old foundations 17. Now Trinity Hall was built by WILLIAM BATEMAN William Bateman foundeth Trinitie Hall born in the City of Norwich and became to be Episcopus in patria afterwards Bishop in the place of his nativitie He was one of a very stout spirit and very well skilled in Civill and Canon Law and we may presume the Common Law too because a Norfolke man therefore imployed by the King to the Pope in which embassie he died in Avenion The place whereon he built this his Hall belonged formerly to the Monks of Ely John de Crawden their Prior purchasing and other Benefactors inlarging the same So that it was a house for Students before Bishop Bateman and by the exchange for the advowfances of certain Rectories procured it into his own possession He appointed by his foundation only one Master two Fellowes and three Scholars all of them to be Students of the Canon and Civill Law Allowing one Divine to be amongst them Whose number and maintenance have since been much increased by other Benefactors Anno Dom. 1347 Anno Regis Edw. 3. 20 Masters Benefactors Bishops Learn Writers Coll. Livings 1 Adam de Wichmere 2 Robert Braunch 3 Simon Dallinge 4 Simon Thornton 5 Will. Dallinge 6 Edw. Shuldham 7 John Wright 8 Walter Huke 9 Robert Larke 10 Steph. Gardiner 11 Willi. Mouse 12 Hen. Harvey 13 John Preston 14 John Cowell 15 Clemens Corbet 16 Tho. Eden 17 D r. Bonde 1 M r. Simon Dallinge 2 Walter Huke 3 Robert Goodnap 4 John Maptid 5 Gabriel Dun. 6 Richard Nix Bishop of Norwich 7 Steph. Gardiner 8 Mat. Parker 9 D r. Mouse 10. D r. Harvey 11 M r. Busbie 12 Mr. Hare Esquire 13 Dr. Cowell 14 Sr. George Newman Knight 1 Marmaduke Lumley Bish of Lincoln 2 Steph. Gardiner Bish of Winchester 3 Rich. Sampson Bish of Coventry and Leich 4 Willi. Barlow Bish of Lincoln 1 Steph. Gardiner Lord Chancellor of England 2 Walter Haddon Master of requests to Q. Eliz. 3 John Cowell famous for his Interpreter other Learned works Fenstanton V. in Linc. Dioc. valued at 11. l. 11 s. 4 d. q. Stoukley V. in Linc. Dioc. valued at 6 l. 14 s. 2 d. Hemingford V. in Lin. Dioc. valued at 9 l. 16 s. 10 d. Wetchetsfield V. in Lon. Dioc. valued at 12 l. Swanington R. in Nor. valued at 6 l 11 s. 5 d. ob Gaysley V. in Norvic Dioc. valued at 7 l. 3 s. 4 d. St. Ed. Cant. Elien Woodalling V. in Nor. Dioc. valued at 8 l. 8 s. 3 d. So there are at this present viz. anno 1634. one Master twelve Fellowes fourteen Scholars besides Officers and Servants of the foundation with other Students the whole number being threescore 18. I am loath to discompose the Catalogue of Masters warranted both by D r. Caius The Masters Catalogue might be amended and M r. Parker Otherwise might I insert my own observations After Robert Branch I would nominate Henry Wells M r. of Arts and next to him Marmaduke Lumley I would also after Stephen Gardiner place Walter Haddon for one year in the reign of King Edward the sixth and after him D r. Mouse in the same Kings reign then Gardiner again in the first of Queen Mary and Mouse again after Gardiners death submitting all to the censure of those in that foundation as best read in their own Records 19. Henry Harvey the twelvth Master of this Hall was he who out of a pious intent as we are bound to believe A pious designe because profitable to others with great expence did make a Cawsed-way on the South and other sides of Cambridge for the more convenience of passengers in those Dirty-wayes So that his bounty have made Summer unto them in the depth of Winter allowing a large annuall revenue for the maintenance thereof 20. Here I cannot forbear one passage which I may call a serious jest which happened on this occasion A noble Person but great Anti-Academick met D r. Harvey one morning overseeing his workmen A bitter retort and bitterly reflecting on his causlesly suspected inclinations to Popery Doctour said he you think that this Cawsed way is the high way to Heaven To whom the other as tartly replied Not so Sir For then I should not have met you in this place 21. We must not forget that when Thomas Arundell Archbishop of Canterbury made his metropoliticall visitation at Cambridge A dispensation for increase of Commons about sixty years after the first founding of the house on
prostibula nutriant earum loco bonae ponenda sunt 45. Their viciousness thus generally complained of The character of Bishop Alcock their house with all the land thereof was with King Henry the 7 th and Pope Julius the second bestowed on John Alcock Bishop of Ely to convert it into a Colledge dedicated to Jesus the Virgin Mary and St. Radegund A whole Volume may be written of this Bishop born at Beverly in York shire though his parents lie buried at Kingstone on Hull where he built a Chantery for them and a free School for the benefit of others John Bale though very sparing of praysing persons of that age charactereth him given from his Child-hood to learning and religion so growing from vertue to vertue that no one in England was more reputed for his holines He is reported to have fared very sparingly all his life long and to have conquered the baits of his wanton flesh by his fasting studying watching and such like christian discipline 46. This good Bishop established in the house Jesus Colledge the Bishop of Ely his house one Master six Fellowes and six Scholars commending them to the perpetuall tutelage of the Bishops of Ely Hence it is that when those Bishops lodge in this Colledge as they did anno 1556. 1557 their Register reporteth them lying in their own house And though Peter-house as founded by Balsham Bishop of Ely might claime the same title yet it seems those Bishops had a more particular affection to Jesus Colledge King James in his coming from New-market hither commended it for the situation thereof as most collegiate retired from the town and in a meditating posture alone by it self Masters Benefactors Bishops Learned Writers Col. Livings Anno Dom. Anno Regis Henr. 6. 1 Will. Chubbs 2 John Eccleston 3 Thomas Alcock 4 William Capon 5 John Royston 6 Edw. Pierpoint 7 John Fuller 8 Tho. Redman 9 Tho. Gascoigne 10 John Lakin 11 Thomas Ithell 12 John Bell. 13 John Duport 24 Rog. Aâ—drews 15 William Beale 16 Rich. Sterne 17 Worthington The Lady Willoughby The Lady Bray James Stanley Bishop of Ely Thomas Thirlbie Bishop of Ely who gave the Advouzinces of six Vicarages to this Colledge John Beauchampe Knight Sir Robert Read Knight John Andrews Doctor Royston Doctor Fuller John Batemanson Thomas Roberts Roger Thorney Richard Pigot Godfrey Fuliam William Marshal Jane Woods Thomas Sutton Esquire Thomas Crammer Archbishop of Cant. John Bale Bish of Ossery in Ireland Rich. Bancrost Archbishop of Cant. John Owen Bishop of St. Asaffe William Chubbs He wrote a Logick and a Comment on Scotus Geffrey Dounes Tutor to J. Bale Thomas Crammer Martyr John Bale Confessor John Dod Fellow of this house Sr. William Boswell Lieger in Holland CHRISTOPHER LORD HATTON All Saints Cant. Vic. in Elien Dioc. valued at 5 l. 6 s. 3 d. ob St. Sep. Cant. Vic. Elien Dioc. valued at 6 li. 11 s. Comberton Vic. Elien Dioc. valued 6 l. 18 s. 10 d. ob Harleton Rect. Elien Dioc. valued at 14 l. 19 s. 5 d. ob Graveley R. Elien Dioc. valued 13 l. 2 s. 6 d. Gildenmordon Vic. Elien Dioc. valued 3 l. 5 s. 6d St. Clem. Cant. V. Elien Dioc. valued So that lately viz. anno 1635. the foundation consisted of one Master sixteen Fellows twenty four Scholars besides officers and other Students in all 110. Guil. Milner 1497 13 and Guil. Tape Proctors Ric. Wyat 1498 14 and Jo. White Proctors Ric. Hutton 1499 15 and Brian Kidday Proctors Henceforward having gained more certainty from our Registers we will enlarge our selves to a greater proportion both of the names of University-Officers and numbers of the annual Commencers adding also the Maiors of the Town not as a foyle to the Diamond but because it may conduce something to the certaintie of Chronologie Rich. Fox 1500 B P. 16 of Winc. Can. Jo. Sickling Proc. Drs. Theol. 6. Hen. Babington Procan Tho. Patison Drs. Jur. Can. 1. Jur. Civ 1. Bac. Theol. 10. Mag. Art 23. Hen. Kele Maior of the Town Leg. 13. Art 29. Gram. 4. John Fisher 1501 17 Can. Rich. Balderton Proc. Drs. Theol. 7. John Fisher Procan Rich. Wyat Ju. Civ 2. Bacc. Theol. 14. Mag. Art 27. Bac. Leg. 18. John Bell Maior of the Town Gram. 3. Art 23. George Fitzhugh 1502 18 Can. Tho. Edman Proc. Drs. Theol. 2. Jur. Can. 4. Hum. Fitz-William Procan Jo. Huchinson Ju. Civ 2. Medic. 1. Bacc. Theol. 8. Bacâ— Leg. 29. Rob. Morehouse Maior of the Town Mag. Art 22. Gram. 1. Med. 1. Art 34. Tho. Routhold Anno Regis Hen. 7. Anno Dom. Can. John Gennings Proc. Drs. Theol. 3. Galfr. Knight 19 1503 Procan Guil. Woodroof Ju. Civ 1. Mus 1. Bac. Theol. 18. Bac. Leg. 18. Rob. Morehouse Maior of the Town Mag. Art 19. Bac. Art 26. John Fisher 20 1504 Bishop Roch. Can. Rob. Cutler Proc. Drs. Theol. 6. John Smith Procan John Watson Drs. Ju. Can. 2. Bacc. Theol. 11. Bac. Leg. 25. John Bell Maior of the Town Mag. Art 17. Bac. Art 24. 47. The University perceived it was troublesome every year to choose a new Chancellor First Chancellor for life Wherefore having now pitched on a person of much merit for the place so that they could not change but to loss this year they concluded his continuance therein for terme of life which act of the University was anno 1514. more solemnly confirmed Hereafter it will be superfluous to charge every year with the repeated name of the Chancellour as alwaies the same til another on his death be elected 48. Erasmus studieth in Queens Colledge About this time ERASMUS came first to Cambridge coming and going for seven years together having his abode in Queen a Vide the date of his first Epistle libro 8. Colledge where a Study on the top of the South-west Tower in the old Court stil retaineth his name Here his labour in mounting so many stairs done perchance on purpose to exercise his body and prevent corpulency was recompensed with a pleasant prospect round about him He often complained of the Colledge Ale Cervìsià hujus loci mihi nullo mode b Epistolae 16. libri 8. placet as raw smal and windy whereby it appears 1. Ale in that age was the constant beverage of all Colledges before the Innovation of beere the child of Hops was brought into England 2. Queens Colledge Cervisia was not vit Cereris but Ceres vitiata In my time when when I was a Member of that House scholars continued Erasmus his complaint whilest the Brewers having it seems prescription on their side for long time little amended it The best was Erasmus had his Lagena or flagon of Wine recruited weekly from his friends at London which he drank sometimes singly by it selfe and sometimes incouraged his faint Ale with the mixture thereof 49. He was publique Greek Professor Was first Greek then Divinity
seaven hundred ninety five pounds two shillings and a penny all bestowed by charitable people for that purpose Amongst whom Thomas Barow Dr. of Civil law Arch-deacon of Colchester formerly Fellow of Kings hall and Chancellor of his house to King Richard the third gave for his part two hundred and fourty pounds 55. One may probably conjecture The foundation of Christs-Colledge that a main motive which drew King Henry this year to Cambridge was with his presence to grace his mothers foundation of Christs-Colledge now newly laid without Barnwell-gate over against St. Andrews-Church in a place where Gods house formerly stood founded by King Henry the sixth This King had an intention had not deprivation a civil death prevented him to advance the Scholars of this foundation to the full number of sixty though a great fall never more than foure lived there for lack of maintenance Now the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond and Darby acounting her self as of the Lancaster-line heir to all King Henries godly intentions onely altered the name from Gods-house to Christs-Colledge and made up the number viz. One Master twelve Fellows fourty seaven Scholars in all sixty 56. Great and good were the lands The fair endowments thereof which this Lady by her last Will bestowed on this Colledge in severall Counties In Cambridge-shire the Manors of Malton Meldred and Beach with divers lands and rents elsewhere in that County Leicester-shire Aliàs Disworth the Manor of Ditesworth with lands and tenements in Ditesworth Kegworth Hathern and Wolton Northfolk All these I have transcribed out of her last Will. the Abbey of Creyke which was in the Kings hands as dissolved and extinct settled by the Popes authority and the Kings licence Essex the Manor of Royden Wales Manibire an Impropriation This Lady being of Welsh affinity a Teuther by marriage and having long lived in Wales where her Sonne King Henry the seaventh was born in Pembroke thought fitting in commemoration thereof to leave some Welsh land to this her foundation 5. Once the Lady Margaret came to Christs-Colledge A Lady of pity to be hold it when partly built This I heard in a Clerum from Dr. Collings and looking out of a window saw the Deane cal a faulty Scholar to correction to whom she said Lentè lentè gently gently as accounting it better to mitigate his punishment than procure his pardon mercy and justice making the best medley to offenders 6. John Maior a Scotishman John Maior a Student in Christs Colledge and a Scotish Historian of good account was onely for the terme of three moneths a Student in this Colledge as himself acknowledgeth He reporteth that the Scholars of Cambridge in his time Lib. de gest Scotorum c. 5. usually went armed with bowes and swords which our learne * Cain Hist Ac. Can. p. 74 Antiquary is very loth to beleeve except it was John Maior his chance to come to Cambridge in that very juncture of time when the Scholars in fend with the Townsmen stood on their posture of defence Thus Pallas her self may sometimes be put to it to secure her wit by her weapons But had Maior lived as many years as he did but moneths in this University he would have given a better account of their peaceable demeanour 7. John Leland John Leyland Fellow therein that learned Antiquary was a Fellow of this Foundation as he gratefully professeth Anno Regis Hen. 7. 21 I account it therefore in my self an excusable envie Anno Dom. 1505 if repining that the rare Manuscripts of his collections were since his death bestowed on Oxford Library In vita Regis Seberti fol. 70 and not here where he had his education But I remember a Maxime in our Common Law wherein the Lands such are Books to Scholars of a Sonne deceasing without heirs fall rather to his Uncle or Aunt than Father or Mother 7. Many yeers after the founding of this Colledge Reformation of augmentation complaint was made to King Edward the sixth of superstition therein the Master and twelve Fellowes of this Christ-Colledge superstitiously alluding to Christ and his twelve Apostles Probably the peevish informers would have added that the Discipuli or Scholars in this House were in imitation of Christs seventy Disciples save the number corresponds not as being but fourty seven by the originall foundation Hereupon King Edward altered this number of twelve not by Subtraction the most easie and profitable way of reformation but Addition founding a thirteenth Fellowship and three Scholarships out of the impropriation of Bourn which he bestowed on the Colledge and so real charity discomposed suspected superstition This good King also gave the Colledge in lieu of the Mannor of Royden which he took from it the entire revenues of Bromwell Abbey such was his bountifull disposition Nor can it be proved that in his own person he ever did to any an injurious action though too many under him if those may be termed under him who did what they pleased themselves were too free of their favours in that nature 9. It may without flattery be said of this house The worthies of this Colledge Many daughters have done vertuously but thou excellest them all if we consider the many Divines who in so short a time have here had their education Prov. 31. 29. Let Papists tell you of Richard Reignalds Doctor of Divinity a Monk of Zion of William Eximew a Carthusian both bred here and martyred say they for the Catholique cause Anno 1535. of Richard Hall who ran beyond the Seas Pitzeut in Cent. ult became Canon of Cambray and wrote the manuscript-life of Bishop Fisher we chiefly take notice of the Divines bred here since the Reformation Masters Bishops Benefactors 1 John Sickling Fellow of Gods-House first Master 2 Richard Wiat Dr. of Divinity 3 Thomas Tompson D. D. a good Benefactor 4 John Watsonne D. D. 5 Henry Lockwood D. D. 6 Richard Wilks D. D. chosen 1549. 7 Cuthbert Scot D. D. chosen 1553. 8 William Taylor D. D. chosen 1557. 9 Edward Hawford D. D. chosen 1559. he was a good Benefactor 10 Edmond Barwell D. D. chosen 1581. 11 Valentine Carey D. D. chosen 1610. 12 Thomas Bainbrigg D. D. chosen 1620. 13 Samuel Bolton 14 Ralph Cudworth 1 Hugh Latimer Bishop of Worcester 1535. and Martyr 2 Nicholas Heth * So saith Dr. Willet in his dedication of his Comment on Samuel to this Colledge Indeed I finde one Heth but not his Christian name fellow of this Colledge 1520 Archbishop of York 1553. 3 Cuthbert Scot Bishop of Chester 1556. 4 William Hughs Bishop of St Asaph 1573. 5 Anthonie Watson Bishop of Chichester 1596. 6 Valentine Carey Bishop of Exeter 1620. D. Johnson Arch-bishop of Dublin Brute Babington Bishop of Derrie in Ireland George Dounham Bishop of Derrie in Ireland William Chappel Bishop of in Ireland William Chappel Bishop of in Ireland 1 John Fisher Bishop of
Rochester 2 Sir Walter Mildmay Knight 3 Richard Risley 4 Dr. Patison 5 Philip Rawlins 6 Mr. Jennings 7 Nicolas Culverwell 8 Thomas Laughton 9 Mr. Wentworth 10 Robert Isham 11 Richard Bunting 12 Richard Car. Learn Writ Fellowes Learn Writ no Fel. Livings 1 Edward Dearing 2 John More Preacher in Norwich he made the excellent Map of the Land of Palestine 3 Hugh Broughton a learned Man especially in the Eastern languages but very opinionative 4 Andrew Willet one of admirable industry 5 Richard Clerk one of the Translators of the Bible and an eminent Preacher at Canterbury 6 William Perkins 7 Thomas Morton a melancholy Man but excellent Commentator on the Corinthians 8 Francis Dillingham a great Grecian and one of the Translators of the Bible 9 Thomas Taylor a painfull Preacher and profitable Writer 10 Paul Bains he succeeded Mr. Perkins at St. Andrews 11 Daniel Rogers one of vast parts lately deceased 12 William Ames Professor of Divinity in Holland 13 Joseph Mede most learned in mysticall Divinity 1 Anthonie Gilby he lived saith Bale in Queen Maries reign an exile in Geneva 2 Arthur Hildersham Haereticorum malleus 3 John Dounham lately deceased Author of the worthy work of The holy Warfare 4 Robert Hill D. D. he wrote on the Lords Prayer 5 Edward Topsell on Ruth 6 Thomas Draxe 7 Elton 8 Richard Bernard of Batcomb 9 Nathaniel Shute another Chrysostome for preaching 10 William Whately 11 Henry Scuddar Kegworth R. in Lincoln Dioc. valued at 25 l. 15s 8d Toft R. in Ely Dioc. 6l 16s 9d Cauldecot R. in Ely Dioc. valued at 3l 12s Bourn V. in Ely Dioc valued at 9l 15s 9d Clipston duarum partium R. in Peterb Dioc. valued at 11l 12s 8d Helpston V. in Peterb Dioc. valued at 8l 4d Nawmby R. in Lincoln valued at 17l 9s 10d Croxton V. in Norwic. valued at 6l 13s 4d Maverbyre V. in St. Davids Dioc. valued at 8l Ringsted V. in Norwic. Dioc. valued at Gately V. in Norwic. Dioc. valued at 3l 2s 8d Hopton V. in Norwic. Dioc. valued at With many moe Worthies still alive Anno Regis Hen. 7. amongst whom Anno Dom. Mr. Nicolas Estwich Parson of Warkton in Northamptonshire a solid Divine and a great advancer of my Church-History by me must not be forgotten I have done with Christ-Colledge when we have observed it placed in St. Andrews Parish the sole motive by Major * Lib. 1. fol. 8. Foâ— quod ipsum in St. Andrâ—ae Parochia sicum offendi his own confession making him to enter himself therein a Student St. Andrew being reputed the tutelar Saint of that Nation Had Emmanuel been extant in that age he would have been much divided to dispose of himself finding two so fair foundations in the same Parish 10. Be the following caution well observed Caution generall which here I place as in this mid'st of this our History that it may indifferently be extended to all the Colledges as equally concerned therein Let none expect from me an exact enumeration of all the Worthies in every Colledge seeing each one affordeth Some Writers from me concealed Let not therefore my want of knowledge be accounted their want of worth Many most able Scholars who never publiquely appeared in print nor can their less learning be inferred from their more modesty Many pious Men though not so eminently learned very painfull and profitable in Gods Vineyard Yea the generall weight of Gods work in the Church lieth on Men of middle and moderate parts That servant who improved his two * Math. 25. 22. talents into four did more than the other who encreased his five into ten Trades-men will tell you it 's harder to double a little than treble a great deale seeing great banks easily improve themselves by those advantages which smaller summs want And surely many honest though not so eminent Ministers who employ all their might in Gods service equal if not exceed both in his acceptance and the Churches profit the performances of such who farre excell them in abilities John Eccleston 22 Vice-Chan Edm. Natares Proc. Drs. of Divinity 12. Tho. Swayn 1506 of Canon-Law 2. of Civil-Law 2. Doc. of Physick 2. Mrs. of Arts 25. Bac. Law 18. John Brakingthorp Maior of Musick 1. Gram. 3. Arts 26. Bac. of Divinity 8. William Robson 23 Vice-Chan John Philips Proc. Drs. of Divinitie 1. Rich. Picard 1607 of Canon-Law 1. Bac. of Divin 1. Bac. Law 5. John Brakingthorp Maior  Mus 1. Mrs. of Arts 17. Arts 42. Will. Buckenham 24 Vice-Chan James Nicolson Proc. Drs. of Divinitie 3. Milles Bycardick 1508 Bac. of Divinitie 5. Mrs. of Arts 18. Bac. of Law 12. Hugh Chapman Maior of Arts 46.  William Buckenham Hen. 8. 1 Vice-Chan Will. Chapman Proc. Doc. of Divinitie 5. Will. Brighouse Bac. of Divinitie 8. Mrs. of Arts 14. Bac. of Law 11. Hugh Raukin Maior of Arts 31. 11. Last year began the foundation of St. Johns Colledge The death oâ— the Lady Margaret whose Foundrss Anno Dom. 1509. the Lady Margaret Anno Regis Hen. 8. 1. countess of Richmond and Derbie died before the finishing thereof This Lady was born at Bletsho in Bedford-shire where some of her own needle-work is still to be seen which was constantly called for by King James when passing thereby in his progress Her father was John * Camden in Bedfordshire Beaufort Duke of Somerset and mother Margaret Beauchamp a great inheritrix So that fairfort and fairfield met in this Lady who was fair-body and fair-soule being the exactest patterne of the best devotion those dayes afforded taxed for no personal faults but the errors of the age she lived in John Fisher Bishop of Rochester preached her funeral sermon wherein he resembled her to Martha in four respects * Rich. Hall in his manuscript life of John Fisher Bishop of Rochester first nobility of person secondly discipline of her body thirdly in ordering her soul to God fourthly in hospitality and charity He concluded she had thirty Kings and Queens let he himself count them within the foure degrees of mariage to her besides Dukes Marquesses Earles and other Princes She lieth buried in the Chappell at Westminster neer her Sonne in a fair Tombe of touch-stone whereon lieth her Image of gilded brass She died June the 29. * Stows Chron. pag 487. and was buried as appeareth by a note annexed to her Testament the July following 12. Her death The carefulness of her Executors though for a time retarding did not finally obstruct the ending of St. Johns Colledge which was effectually prosecuted by such as she appointed her Executors viz. 1. Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester 2. John Fisher Bishop of Rotchester 3. Charles Somerset Lord Herbert afterwards Earle of Worcester 4. Sir Thomas Lovel Treasurer of the Kings house 5. Sir Henry afterwards Lord Marny Chancellor of the Dutchie of Lancaster 6. Sir John St. John her Chamberlain and
else after it was found out was in the night time to keep him in in the day time if then seised on to send the sick a See Camdens Brit. in Shropshire man though in his clothes to bed there to lie still but not sleep for four and twenty hours Nothing else have I to observe of this sicknesse save that I find Forrainers call it the English sweating as first arising hence whilest diseases more sinfull though it may be not so mortall take their names from our neighbouring Countries Andrew Perne 1551 2 Vice-Chan 6 Edward Hauford Thomas Yade Nicolas Robinson Proct. VVilliam Gill Major Doct. Theol. 1 Iur. Civ 1 Medic. 2 Bac. Theol. 3 Mag. Art 22 Bac. Leg. 3 Bac. Art 42 37. Martin Bucer ended his life and was buried in St. Maries severall Authours assigning sundry dates of his death Several dates of Bucers death Martin Crusius part 3 a Which may probably intimate his death one the same Annal. Suev lib. 11. cap. 25 makes him to die 1551. on the second of February Pantaleon De Viris Illustribus Germaniae makes him expire about the end of April of the same year Mr. Fox in his Reformed Almanack appoints the 23. of December for Bucer his Confessourship A printed table of the Chancellours of Cambridge set forth by D r. Perne signeth March the tenth 1550. for the day of his death Nor will the distinction of old and new-style had it been then in use help to reconcile the difference It seems by all reports that Bucer was sufficiently dead in or about this time 38. b In his Examen of Iohn Fox his Saints Kalenoar for Decemb. pag. 330. Persons the Iesuite A loud lie of a lewd Iesuite tell us that some believed that he died a Iew meerly I conceive because he lived a great Hebrician citing Surius Genebrand and Lindan ask my fellow if I be a lier for this report Sure I am none of them were near him at his death as M r. Bradford and others were Who when they admonished him in his sicknesse that he should arme himself against the assaults of the Devil he answered that he had nothing to do with the Devil because he was wholy in CHRIST And when M r. Bradford came to him and told him that he must die he answered Ille ille regit moderatur omnia and so quietly yeelded up his soul What good man would not rather die like a Iew with Martin Bucer then like a Christian with Robert Persons He was a plain man in person and apparell and therefore at his own request privately created Doctour without any solemnity a skillfull Linguist whom a great c Vossius in Thesi de statu animae separatae Critick of a palate not to be pleased with a common gust stileth Ter Maximum Bucerum a commendation which he justly deserved Edwin Sands 1552 3 Vice-Chanc 7 Regin Mariae 1 Thomas Gardiner Henry Barely Proct. Thomas VVolf Major Doct. Theol. 4 Bac. Theol. 16 Mag. Art 19 Bac. Art 48 39. The Lady Mary after her Brothers death having Q. Iane was Proclaimed Queen Marie secretly passeth into Suffolk came 5. miles off to S r. Robert Huddlestons were she heard Masse Next day Sr. Robert waited on her into Suffolk though she for the more secresy rode on Horse-back behind his servant Iuly 11 12 which servant as I am most credibly Informed lived long after the Q. never bestowing any preferment upon him Whether because for getting him whose memory was employed on greater matters or because she conceived the man was rewarded in rewarding his Master Anno Regin Mariae 15 Indeed she bestowed great boons on S r. Robert and amongst the rest the Stones a Cajus Hist Acad. Camb. of Cambridge Castle to build his house at Salston Anno Dom. 155â—â—3 Hereby that stately structure anciently the ornament of Cambridge is at this day reduced next to nothing 40. Iohn Dudley Duke of Northumberland came to Cambridge with his Army and a Commission to apprehend the Lady Mary D r. Sandys preacheth before the Duke of Northumberland At night he sent for Doctor Sandys the Vice-Chancellour and some other Heads of Houses to sup with him he enjoyned the Vice-Chancellour to preach before him the next day The D r. late at night betake himself to his prayers and study desiring God to direct him to a fit Text for that time His Bible opens at the first of Ioshua and though he heard no voice with S t. Augustine Tolle lege a strong fancy enclined him to fix on the first words he beheld viz. Verse the sixteenth And they answered Ioshua saying All that thou commandest us we will doe and whithersoever thousendest us we will go A fit Text indeed for him as in the event it proved to whom it occasioned much sanctified affliction However so wisely and warily he handled the words that his enemies got not so full advantage against him as they expected 41. Next day the Duke advanced to Bury with his Army The Dukes retrograde motion whose feet marched forward Iulie 17 18 whilest their minds moved backward He hearing that the Country came in to the Lady Mary and proclaimed her Queen returned to Cambridge with moe sad thoughts within him then valiant Souldiers about him Then went he with if he sent not for the Major of the Town and in the Market place proclaimed Queen Mary The beholders whereof more believed the grief confessed in his eyes when they let down teares then the joy professed by his hands when he cast up his cap. The same night he was arrested of high Treason by Roger Slegge Sergeant at Armes even in Kings Colledge which is fenced with priviledges moe then any other Foundation in the University Here Oxford-men will tell us how their University would not surrender up b Brian Twine Antiq Acad. Oxon. 263. Robert Stillington Bishop of Bath and VVells when in the Reign of King Edward the fourth convict of high Treason but stood on their Academicall immunities But Cambridge is sensible of no priviledges inconsistent with allegiance accounting in the first place Gods service perfect freedome and next to it 19 Loyalty to her Sovereign the greatest Liberty As for the Duke though soon after he was set at liberty on the generall Proclamation of pardon yet the next day he was re-arrested of high Treason by the Earle of Arundel at whose feet the Duke fell down to crave his mercy a low posture in so high a person But what more poor and prostrate then pride it self when reduced to extremity 42. Behold we this Duke as the mirrour of humane unhappinesse Read and wonder at humane uncertainty As Nevill Earle of VVarwick was the Make-King so this Dudley Earle of Warwick his title before lately created Duke was the Make-Queen He was Chancellour of the University of Cambridge and also Senescallus High-Steward as I take it
magnificence 36. But it was the banquet Where the Doctors of Cambridge wait on His Majesty which made the feast so compleat Hither came the Heads of the University of Cambridge in their scarlet Gowns and corner Caps where Mr. Rob Naunton the Orator made a learned Latin Oration wherewith His Majesty was highly affected The very variety of Latin was welcome to His ears formerly almost surfeited with so many long English Speeches made to Him as He passed every Corporation The Heads in generall requested a Confirmation of their Priviledges otherwise uncourtlike at this present to petition for particulars which His Highnesse most willingly granted Here one might have seen the King passing over all other Doctors for His Seniours apply Himselfe much in His discourse to Dr. Montague Master of Sidney Colledge This was much observed by the Courtiers who can see the Beams of Royall favour shining in at a small cranny interpreting it a token of his great and speedy preferment as indeed it came to passe 37. Within the compasse of this last year The death of Mr. Perkins but in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth died that worthy and painfull servant of Jesus Christ Mr. William Perkins whose life I have f in my Holy State formerly written and therefore forbear any repetition He was buried in his own Parish-Church of S. Andrews in Cambridge Only I will adde it sadded me lately to see that Church wherein this Saint was interred ready to fall to the ground Iacob said of Bethel the house of God g Gen 28. 17. How dreadful is this place I am sorry it may in a farre different sense be said of this S. Andrews filling such as approach to it with fear of the ruins thereof I say no more but as David was glad to go up into the house of the Lord all good men may be sorrowfull to behold Gods ruinous House comming down to them Iohn Cowell Vicecan 1603-4 Iohn Andrews Major 2. Richard Claton Vicecan 1604-5 John Edmonds Robert Wallis Major It was enacted in Parliament Recusants Presentations given to the Universities That the Chancellour Anno. Reg. Jac. 3. and Scholars of the University of Cambridge shall have the Presentation Ann. Dom. 1604-05 Nomination Collation and Donation of and to every such Benefice Prebend or Ecclesiaticall Living School Hospital and Donative as shall happen to be void during such time as the Patrone thereof shall be and remain a Recusant convict in the Counties Of Essex Hartford Bedford Cambridge Huntington Suffolke Norfolke Rutland Leiceister Lincolne Derbie Nottingham Shrop shire Chesshire Lancaster Yorke Bish of Duresme Northumberland Cumberland Westmorland Radnor Denbigh Flint Carnarvon Merianith Glamorgan Anglesey The other moyety of Counties was bestowed on Oxford In this division the greater half of the Land fell to the share of Cambridge whether we reckon the number of Shires being more or measure the extent of Ground being greater or consider the main matter herein that Recusant-Patrones were most numerous in the Northern parts of the Kingdome 38. However The Statute how frequently frustrated by Recusants I have heard it oft complained of That this Statute took not effect according to the true intent thereof either because many Bishops were very backward in giving Institutions on the Presentations of the University wherein we are willing to believe the fault not in them but their Officers Or because it is so hard a thing to prove or convict the legal conviction of a Papist Or Recusant-Patrons before their conviction had such sleights by pre-conveyances to make over their Advowsances to others Hence it was that many Clerks presented by the University were wearned ou◠with vexatious suits overpoised with the weight of Popish-Patrons purses and forced at last either totally to relinquish their title or to make an hard not to say sometimes an unworthy composition 39. About this time also it was Burgesses granted the Universities that the two Universities were honoured by the King to have their respective Burgesses to represent them in Parliament Samuel Harsnet Vicecan 4 Mil Raven Edward Sent Proct. 1605-06 John Edmonds Major Roger Goad Vicecan 5. Will Barton Sam Tindall Proct. 1606-07 William Arthur Major 40. Thomas Playfer The death and high Epitaph of Dr. Playfer D. D. Fellow of S. Johns Coll and Margaret Professour died this year and was buried in the Chancell of S. Buttolfs Church where this is part of his Epitaph Minister ille Triados enthei logii Oraculum patronus artium parens Sciarum concionum Rex sacrae Cathedrae Imperator fulmen tonitru scholae Suadae maritus ac gemellus Ingenî Ardor eorum exterae gentis stupor c. Should this Epiteph come under the hands of those Grecian Officers deputed to proportion mens Monuments to their merits it is suspitious they would make bold to pare part therof though indeed the Doctor was one of excellent parts and a great commander of the Latine Tongue Ann. Dom. 1606-07 Doctor John Davenant succeeded in the Professours place Ann. Reg. Jac. 5. Robert Soame Thomas Iegon Vicecan George Dearing Thomas Cecill Proct. 1606-08 Jeremy Chase Major 6. John Duport Vicecan 1608-09 Richard Bridges Anth Disborough Proct. 7. Thomas French Major Fogg Newton Vicecan 1609-10 Abraham Bidle Leonard Mawe Proct. 8. Thomas French Major Barnab Gouge Vicecan 1610-11 John Aungier Will Adison Proct. 9. Thomas French Major 41. About this time William Amese Fellow of Christs Colledge in Cambridge Master Amese troubled about his Sermon in S. Maryes on S. Thomas his day had to use his own * in a Letter I have of his to his friend expression the place of a Watch-man for an hour in the Towre of the University and took occasion to inveigh against the liberty taken at that time especially in such Colledges who had Lords of misrule a Pagan relique which he said as * Lib. 5. cap. 2. Polidore Virgil obserueth remaineth onely in England 42. Hence he proceeded to condemn all playing at Cards and Dice Against all playing at Cards and Dice affirming that the later in all Ages was accounted the device of the Devil that as God invented the one and twenty letters whereof he made the Bible the Devil saith an * Antonius Author found out the one and twenty pricks of the Die that Canon Law forbad the use thereof seeing * Langecruchius inspeculo Inventio Diaboli nullâ consuetudine potest validari 43. His Sermon gave much offence to many of his Auditors He leaveth the Colledge the rather because in him there was a concurrence of much non-conformity insomuch that to prevent an expulsion from Doctor Cary the Master he fairly forsook the Colledge which proved unto him neither losse nor disgrace being not long after by the States of Freezland chosen Professour in their University Valentine Cary Vicecan 1611-12
appears in the whole Lordship In this sute Plaintiff Judges Defendant Peter Duke of Savoy the Kings dear Uncle first founder I take it of the Savoy in London on whom the King conferred many Lordships and Chesthunt amongst the rest Solicitor Adam de Alverton Ralph Fitz-Nicolas John of Lexington Paulin Peyner Seneschal Henry of Bath Jeremy of Caxton Henry de Bretton The Case Simon the Abbot and the Covent of Waltham The Plaintiff endeavoured to prove that the stream of Ley called the Kings-Stream dividing Hertford-shire from Essex ran thorow the Town of Waltham all the land West thereof belonging to the Manor of Chesthunt This was denied by the Defendant maintaining that Small-Ley-stream running welnigh half a mile West of Waltham parted the Counties all the interjacent meadows pertained to Waltham Perusing the names of these the Kings Justices at Westminster A like not the same who would not suspect but that this Henry of Bath was Bishop of that See considering how many Clergy-men in that age were imployed in places of Judicature But the suspicion is causless finding none of that name in the Episcopal Catalogue Others in like manner may apprehend that Bretton here mentioned was that Learned Lawyer afterwards Bishop of Hereford who wrote the * See Godwin in his Bishops of Hereâ—ord Book De Juribus Anglicanis and who flourished in the latter end of the Reign of this King Henry the third But his name being John not Henry discovereth him a different person Not long after this sute was finally determined and Peter Duke of Savoy remised and quit-claimed from him and his Heirs to the said Abbot and his Successors Anno Regis the right and claim he had to ask in the same Meadows and Marshes of the said Abbot Anno Dom. This is called in the Instrument finalis concordia though it proved neither final nor a concord For soon after this palliaâ—â— cure broke out again and the matter was in variance and undetermined betwixt Robert the last Abbot and the Lord of Chesthunt when the Abby was dissolved Many accessions besides those common prolongers of all sutes namely the heat of mens anger and the bellows of instruments gaining by Law did concur to lengthen this cause 1. The considerableness and concernment of the thing controverted being a large and rich portion of ground 2. The difficulty of the cause about the chanels of that River which Proteus-like in several Ages hath appeared in sundry formes disguised by derivations on different occasions 3. The greatness of the Clients Chesthunt Lordship being alwayes in the hand of some potent person and the Corporation of Waltham Covent able to wage Law with him Hence hath this sute been as long-lov'd as any in England not excepting that in * Cambden in Glocester-shire Glocester-shire betwixt the posterity of Vice-Count Lisle and the Lord Barkley seeing very lately if not at this day there were some sutes about our bounds Waltham Meadows being very rich in grass and hay but too fruitful in contentions For mine own part that wound which I cannot heal I will not widen and seeing I may say with the Poet Non nostrum inter vos tantas componere lites No power of mine so far extends As for to make both parties friends I will not turn of an unpartial Historian an engaged person who as a neighbour wish well to Chesthunt as a Parishioner better to Waltham as a Christian best to both And therefore so much for matter of fact in our Records and Leiger-books leaving all matters of right for others to decide Mean time whilest the Abbot and Monks of Waltham were vexed with the men of Chesthunt they found more favour if publick same belies them not from some loving women in that Parish I mean the Holy Sisters in Chesthunt-Nunnery whose House when ever Founded I finde some ten years since thus confirmed by Royal Authority Henricus Rex Anglie Chesthunt Nunnery Founded Dominus Hybernie Dux Normanie Aquitanie Comes Andegavie c. Shestrehunt Moniales totam terram Dom. teneant cum pertinentiis suisque Canonicis de Cathele c. quos amoveri fecimus Datum apud West xj Aug. Anno Regni nostri xxiiij But this subject begins to swell beyond the bounds intended unto it lest therefore what we intended but a Tract should swell to a Tome we will here descend to matters of later date Onely be it premised Copt-Hall past to King Hen. 8. that some years before the Dissolution Robert the last Abbot of Waltham passed over the fair seat of Copt-Hall unto King Henry the eighth Thus as the Castor when pursued by the Hunter to make his escape is reported to bite off his own stones as the main treasure sought after and so saves his life by losing a limb So this Abbot politickly parted with that stately Mansion in hope thereby to preserve the rest of his revenues However all would not do so impossible it is to save what is design'd to ruine and few years after the Abby with the large Lands thereof were seized on by the King and for some Moneths He alone stood possessed thereof The Extraction Charter Death and Issue of Sir Anthony Dennie on whom King Henry the Eighth bestowed WALTHAM-ABBY AT the Dissolution A Lease of Waltham Abby given to Sir Anthony Denny King Henry bestowed the Site of this Abby with many large and rich Lands belonging thereunto on S r Anthony Dennie for the terme of Thirty one years Let us a little enquire into his extraction and discent I finde the name very Ancient at a Speed or ratherâ—â— Rob. Cotton in Huntingdon-shire Chesterton in Huntington-shire where the Heir-general was long since married John Denny the great souâ—der in France to the worshipful and Ancient Family of the Bevils It seems a branch of the Male-line afterwards fixed in Hertford-shire Whereof John Denny Esquire valiantly served Henry the fifth in France where he was slain and buried with Thomas his second Son in S t Dionys his Chappel their interment in so noble a place speaking their worthy performances In the Reign of Queen Mary a Frier shewed their Tombes to S r Matthew Carew together with their Coates and differences Henry eldest son of this John Denny begat William Denny of Chesthunt in Hertford-shire which William was High Sheriff of the County in the year 1480. leaving Edmond Denny to inherit his estate Edmond Denny was one of the Barons of the Exchequer Edm. Denny Baron of the Exchequer in credit and favour with King Edward the Fourth and Henry the Seventh He Married Mary the Daughter and Heir of Robert Troutbeck Esquire on whom he begat Thomas Denny from whom the Dennies in Norfolk are descended Anthony Denny Anthony Denny his high commendations second Son to Baron Denny was Knighted by King Henry the Eighth made Gentleman of his Bed-chamber Privy-Councellour and one of his Executors I cannot say he was bred any great Scholar
other also Surely Ecclesiastical constitutions did not reach thus far as to impose any corporal torture and whether there be any Statute of the Land that enjoyns not to say permits such punishments let the learned in the Laws decide This I am sure if this was the first time that they fell into this supposed Heresie by the Law they were onely to abjure their errours and if it were the second time upon relaps into the same again their whole bodies were to be burnt Except any will say that such as by these bloudy Laws deserved death were branded onely by the favour of William Smith Bishop of Lincoln and one may have charity enough to encline him to this belief when considering the same William Founder of Brazen-nose Colledg in Oxford was generally a lover of learning and goodness and not cruelly disposed of himsself However some of Gods children though burnt did not dread the fire And Father e Fox p. 1011. Râ—ver alià s Reive though branded at the time did afterwards suffer at a stake so that the brand at the first did but take livery and seisin in his cheek in token that his whole body should afterwards be in the free and full possession of the fire 3. They who desire further information of the number and names of such as suffer'd about this time may repair to the Acts and Monuments of M r Fox onely Thomas Chase of Amersham must not be here omitted The cruel killing of Thomas Chase being barbarously butchered by bloudy hands in the Prison of Wooburne Who to cover their cruelty gave it out that he had hang'd himself and in colour thereof caused his body to be buried by the high ways side where a stake knock't into the grave is the monument generally erected for Felons de Se. Fear not those saith our Saviour who kill the body and afterwards have no more that they can do But these mens malice endeavoured to do more having kill'd his body to murder his memory with slanderous reports although all in vain For the Prison it self did plead for the innocence of the prisoner herein being a place so low and little that he could not stand upright Besides the woman that saw his dead hody a most competent witness in this case declared that he was so loaden with Maâ—icles and Irons that he could not well move either hand or foot But we leave the full discussing and finall deciding hereof to him who makes inquisition for bloud at that day when such things as have been done in secret shall be made manifest 4. By this time we may boldly say that all the arrears of money due to the Pope for Pardons in the year of Jubilee five years since were fully collected The Pope and King Hen 7. share the money for Pardones betwixt them and safely returned to Rome by the officers of his Holiness the lagging money which was last sent thither came soon enough to be received there We wish the sellers more honesty and the buyers more wisdom Yet we envy Rome this payment the less because it was the last in this kind she did generally receive out of England Mean time time King Henry the seventh did enter common with the f Antiq Brit. in Henriâ—â— Dâ—â—co Pope having part allowed to connive at the rest Thus whilest Pope and Prince shared the wooll betwixt them the people were finely fleeced Anno Regis Hen. 7 22. Indeed King Henry was so thristy Anno Dom. 1506. I durst call him covetous not to say fordid had he been a private man who knowing what ticklish termes he stood upon lov'd a referve of treasure as being besides his claims of Conquest match and discent at any time a good title ad Corroborandum And we may the less wonder that this money was so speedely spent by his successor a great part thereof being gotten by sin was spent on sin Was it then charity or remorse giving or resstoring that hereupon King Henry the seventh Founded the rich Holpital of the Savoy in the Strand 24. with the finishing whereof he ended his own life 1508 And it is questionable whether his body lies in more magnificence in that stately and costly Tomb and Chappel of his own erecting or whether his memory lives more lastingly in that learned and curious History which the Lord Bacon hath written of his Reign 5. Henry the eighth Hen. 8 1. his Son succeeded him one of a beautiful person and majestick presence insomuch that his picture in all places is known at the first sight Hen. 8. succeedeth his father As for the character of his minde all the vertues and vices of all his predecessors from the Conquest may seem in him fully represented both to their kinde and degree learning wisdom valour magnificence cruelty avarice fury and lust following his pleasures whilest he was young and making them come to him when he was old Many memorable alterations in Church and State happen'd in his age as God willing hereafter shall appear 6. On the third day of June he was solemnly Married to the Lady Katharine Dowager 1509 formerly wife to his brother Prince Arthur deceased He marrieth the relict of his brother Arthur Two Popes took the matter in hand to discuss and decide the lawfulness thereof Alexander the sixth and Pius the third but both died before the business was fully effected At last comes Pope Julius the second and by the omnipotency of his dispensation Sanders de schismate Anglicano lib. 1. pag. 2. removed all impediments and obstructions against the laws of God or man hindering or opposing the said marriage We leave them for the present wedded and bedded together and twenty years hence shall hear more of this matter onely know that this marriage was founded in covetous considerations merely to save money that the Kingdom might not be impoverished by restoring her Dowry back again into Spain though hereupon a greater mass of coyn was transported out of the Land though not into Spain into Italy Thus such who consult with covetousness in matters of conscience embracing finister courses to save charges will finde such thrist to prove expensive at the casting up of their audit howere Divine Providence over-ruling all actions to his own glory so ordered it that the breaking off the Popes power with the banishing of Superstition out of England is at this day the onely surviving issue of this marriage 7. The beginning of this Kings Reign was but barren as the latter part therof Abjured Lollards wear faggots some will say over-fruitful with eminent Church-passages And therefore we will spare when we may and be brief in his first that we may spend when we should in the larger description of his latter years Cruelty still continued and increased on the poor Lollards as they call them after abjuration forced to wear the fashion of a faggot wrought in thread or painted on their left sleeves all the
done Well because I would be loath to omit any thing whereby your Lordship might be satisfied I have sent unto you herein inclosed certain reasons to justifie the manner of my proceedings which I marvel should be so misliked in this cause having been so long practised in the same and never before this time found fault with Truly my Lord I must proceed this way or not at all the reasons I have set down in this paper And I heartily pray your Lordship not to be carried away either from the cause or from my self upon unjust surmises and clamours lest you be the occasion of that confusion which hereafter you would be sorry for For mine own part I desire no further defence in these occasions neither of your Lordship nor any other then Justice and Law will yield unto me In my own private affairs I know I shall stand in need of friends especially of your Lordship of whom I have made alwayes an assuâ—ed account but in these publick actions I see no cause why I should seek for friends seeing they to whom the care of the Commonwealth is committed ought of duty therein to joyne with me To conclude I am your Lordships assured neither will I ever be perswaded but you do all even of hearty good will towards me John Cantuar Now amongst all the favourers of the Presbyterians surely honesty Sr. Fra. Walsingham a good friend to nonconformists and wisdom never met more in any then in S r. Francis Walsingham of whom it may be said abate for the disproportion as of S t. Paul though poore yet making many rich Having but one only Daughter whole extraordinary handsomnesse with a moderate portion would considerably prefer her in marriage He neglected wealth in himself though I may say he enriched many not only his dependants but even the English Nation by his prudent steering of State affairs How he interceded to qualifie the Arch-Bishop for a Semi-non conformist we learn from his following Letter IT may please your Grace to understand St. Francis Walsinghams Letter to the Arch. Bishop in favour of non-conformists that this bearer M r. Leverwood of whom I wrote unto your Grace Anno Dom. 1583. Anno Regiâ— Eliza. 26. hath been here with me and finding him very conformable and willing to observe such orders as are appointed to be used in the Church as your Grace shall partly perceive by certain Articles subscribed with his own hand and herein inclosed I willed him to repair unto your Grace And in case these Articles may be allowed then I pray your Grace to be his good Lord and that with your good will and favour he may proceed in his suit upon knowledge whereof I do mean to deal further therein with her Majesty thereof for him as I have already begun to do upon the good report I heard of the man before your Graces message sent to M r. Nicasius for the stay thereof And so I humbly take my leave Your Graces at command Francis Walsingham What this Letter effected the next will informe us Right Honourable I thank you heartily for your letter The Arch-Bishops answer to secretary Walsingâ—aâ—s Letter written unto me in the behalf of Leverwood wherein I perceive the performance of your honorable speeches to my self in promising to joyne with me against such as shall be breakers of the orders of the Church established and movers of contentions therein upon that and other like speeches of yours with me at your last being at Lambeth I have forborn to suspend or deprive any man already placed in any cure or charge for not subscribing only if hereafter he would promise unto me in writing the observing of the Book of Common-Prayer and the orders of the Church by law setâ—down and I do now require subscription to the said Articles of such only as are to be admitted to the Ministry and to Ecclesiasticall livings wherein I finde my self something eased of my former troubles and as yet none or very few of the last named persons to refuse to subscribe to the said Articles though some of them have been accounted heretofore very precise I also very well remember that it was her own wish and desire that such as hereafter should be admitted to any living should in like manner be tied to the observing the orders which as it hath already wrought some quietness in the Church so I doubt not but that it will in time perfect the same And I cannot break that order in one but other will look for the like favour to the renewing and increasing of the former Atheisme not yet already extinguished Wherefore I heartily pray you to joyn with me herein Touching the Articles inclosed in your letter whereunto Leverwood hath subscribed they are of no moment but such as may easily be deluded For whereas he first saith that he will willingly subscribe as far as the law requireth at his hand his meaning is that the law requireth no such subscription for so I am informed that some Lawyers therein deceived have perswaded him and others and in saying that he will alwayes in the Ministry use the Book of Common-Prayer and none else his meaning is that he will use but so much of the Book as pleaseth him and not that he will use all things in the Book required of him I have dealt with him in some particularities which he denieth to use and therefore his subscription is to small purpose I would as neer as I can promise that none should hereafter come into the Church to breed new troubles I can be better occupied otherwise And God would bless our labours more amply and give better success to the word so commonly and diligently preached if we could be at peace and quietness among our selves which I most hartily wish and doubt not to bring to pass by Gods grace the rather through your good help and assistance whereof I assure my self and so with my hearty prayers c. John Cantuar. Thus have we presented to the Reader some select Letters out of many in my hand A transition to other matter passing betwixt the highest persons in Church matters I count it a blessing that providence hath preserved such a treasure unplundred esteem it a favour in such friends as imparted them unto me and conceive it no ungratefull act in our communicating the same to the Reader And now we who hitherto according to good manners have held our peace while such who were farr our betters by their pens spake one to another begin to resume our voice and express our selves as well as we may in the following History 10. By the changing of Edmond into John Cantuar. Good Grindal his death It plainly appears that as all these letters were written this year so they were indited after the sixth of July and probably about December when BP Grindal deceased Our English Eli for office highest in spirituall promotion age whereby both were blinde and
manner of his death thus far forth as heart-broken with sorrow Grindals grief proceeded from the Queens displeasure undeservedly procured by the practises of his malicious enemies There want not those who will strain the paralel betwixt Eli and Grindal in a fourth respect both being guilty of dangerous indulgence and lenity to offenders Indeed Grindal living and dying sole and single could not be cockering to his own children but as a Father of the Church he is accused for too much conniving at the factious disturbers thereof Sure I am he was an impartial correcter of mens vicious conversations witness his sharp reproving of Julio the Italian Physician for marrying another mans wife Which bitter but wholsome pill the Physician himself not being able to disgest incensed the Earl of Leicester and he the Queens Majesty against the good Arch-bishop But all was put on the account of Grindals non-conformity for favouring the factious meetings called Prophesyings Grindal sensible of the Queens displeasure desired to resigne his place and confine himself to a yearly pension not as some may pretend that it was against his conscience to keep it but because above his impotent age to mannage so great a charge The place was proffered to Whitgift but he in the presence of the Queen utterly refused it yet what he would not snatch soon after fell into his hands by Grindals death 11. Who so beholds the large revenues conser'd on Grindal 〈…〉 the long time he enjoyed them Bishop of London Arch-Bishop of York and Canterbury above eighteen years the little charge incumbring him dying a single man will admire at the mean estate he left behind him Yea perchance they will erroneously impute this to his prodigality which more truly is to be ascribed to his contempt of the world unwilling to die guilty of much wealth not to speak of fat Servants made under a lean Master The little he had as it was well gotten was well bestowed in pious uses on Cambridge and Oxford with the building and endowing of a School at S t. Bees in Cumberland where he was born Yea he may be beheld as a benefactour to the English nation for bringing TamarÃx first over into England As the inventers of evill things are justly taxed by the a â— Rom. 1. 13. Apostle so the first importers of good things deserve due commendation That plant being so soveraign to mollifie the hardness of the spleen a malady whereof Students betrayed thereunto by their sedentarie lives too generally do complain SECTION VI. To the Master Wardens and all the Members of the Honorable Company of Mercers of London As it would be a sin of omission in me so much obliged to your society should no share in my History be allowed unto you so I should commit a great incongruity if assigning it any where else then in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Whose great Grandfather Sr. Godfrey Bollen 1458. Major of London is generally believed one of your Company so that the Crowned Maidenhead in your Arms may in some sort seem Propheticall Presaging such a Queen-Virgin should be extracted from one of your Society as the Christian-World could not paralel in all particulars Indeed much of credit is imported in your very Name For seeing all Buyers and Sellers are Mercers à Mercando Custom hath confined and fixed the term Eminently on your Corporation as alwayes the prime Chapmen of our Nation in which respect you have the precedency of all other Companies I will detain you no longer from better Customers wishing you sound wares quick vent good prizes sure payment One Commodity alone excepted I mean the Truth it self * * Pro. 23. 23. this buy and sell it not Purchase it on any terms but part with it on no Conditions ABout four a clock in the afternoone on the Lords day Warning to Sabbath-breakers a sad accident hapâ—ned in Paris-gardâ—n on the south-side of Thames Jan. 13. 1583. over against London Whilest multitudes were beholding the baiting of the bear the old under-propped Scaffolds overladen with people suddenly fell down killed a Holinshed pag. 1â—53 eight outright hurt and bruised many moe to the shortning of their lives The b Dr. Bound assertors of the strict observation of the Sabbath vigorously improve this as well they may against them who prophane the Lords-day which afterwards the joyfull effect of a dolefull cause was generally kept with more carefulness 2. Robert Brown began at this time to broach his opinions Robert Brown first appears he was born in Rutland-shire of an ancient and worshipfull family one whereof founded a fair Hospital in a Camdens Brit. in Lincoln-shire Stamford nearly allied to the Lord Treasurer Cicel He was bred for a time in Cambridge I conceive in Corpus Christi Colledge but question whether ever a Graduate therein He used some time to preach at Bennet-Church where the vehemency of his utterance passed for zeal among the Common people and made the vulgar to admire the wise to suspect him D r. Still afterwards Master of Trinity out of curiosity or casually present at his preaching discovered in him something extraordinary which he presaged would prove the disturbance of the Church if not seasonaly prevented Some years after Brown went over into Zealand to purchase himself more reputation from forraign parts For a smack of travail gives an high taste to strange opinions making them better relished to the licourish lovers of novelty Home he returne with a full crie against the Church of England as having so much of Rome she had nothing of Christ in her discipline Norfolke was the first place whereon Brown new flown home out of the Low-Countries pearched himself and therein in the City of Norwich A place which then spake little more then medietatem linguae having almost as many dutch strangers as English natives inhabiting therein Brown beginning with the Dutch soon proceeded to infect his own Country-men for which he was confined as the following letter of the Lord Treasurer Burghly to BP 〈…〉 Phrcke of Norwich will informe us AFter my very hearty commendations to your Lordship whereas I understand that one Brown a Preacher is by your Lordship and others of the Ecclesiasticall Commission committed to the custody of the Sheriff of Norfolk where he remains a prisoner for some matters of offence uttered by him by way of preaching wherein I perceive by sight of some letters written by certain godly preachers in your Lordships Diocess he hath been dealt with and by them disswaded from that course he hath taken Forasmuch as he is my kinsman if he be son to him whom I take him to be and that his errour seemeth to proceed of zeal rather then of malice I do therefore wish he were charitably conferred with and reformed which course I pray your Lordship may be taken with him either by your Lordship or such as your Lordship shall assigne for that purpose And in case there shall not